Hierarchs (Earth-5875)

"Who would doubt the Hierarchs? What have they foretold that has not come to pass?"

- - The Prophet of Truth

The Hierarchs were the highest theocratic leaders of the Covenant and its High Council, ruling the hegemony and its races with near unlimited power and without question. The Prophets of Truth, Regret, and Mercy were the last Hierarchs of the Covenant, achieving their position and power in the 9th Age of Reclamation in 2925.

Powers
Even before the formation of the Covenant, the title of Hierarch existed in san'shyuum society, for those who ruled over the Reformists that escaped Janjur Qom in search of expanding in the galaxy, where they took over the political and religious authority. Their duty consisted of guiding the Covenant towards the Great Journey through the Path, the Covenant's faith and creed, leading the High Council which consisted of high-ranking san'shyuum and sangheili councilors. They had complete control over the manipulation and investigation of forerunner technology, relics and artifacts, and if someone failed at a holy mission assigned to them by a Hierarch, dire consequences awaited them. Some of their powers were the organization and composition of fleets, without the need of approval from the High Council, as well as the appointment of Arbiters which would serve as the "Will of the Hierarchs".

Hierarchs rarely left High Charity, the Covenant holy city, although, rarely, they embarked on missions to lead battles and personally oversee the glassing of a human planet. They would often occupy the High Council Chamber to lead the multiple sessions of the High Council, as well as court trials, alongside its High Councilors. Each of the three assigned Hierarchs wore long-sleeved robes with distinct coloring, as well as golden headdresses featuring a miniature holographic display of a Halo in their forehead. They sported luxurious gravity thrones, anti-gravity chairs with gold plating, and were always followed and protected by Honor Guardsmen, always focused on anyone and any possible threat to the Hierarch. Their thrones were equipped with powerful assault cannons they could use to defend themselves.