Editing Sangheili Zealot

{{Era|Covenant|UNSC|HCW|Post}}

{{Center|'''''Zealot''' redirects here. For the Halo: Reach multiplayer map, see [[Zealot (map)]].''}}

{{Unit infobox

|variant=Cov

|image={{tabcontainer|title1=Hesduros-design harness|content1=[[File:H5G-Sangheili Zealot.png|250px]]|title2=Ceremonial battle harness|content2=[[File:Sangheili-Zealot CEA.png|250px]]|title3=Combat-based harness|content3=[[File:H2A Zealot HQ Transparent edited-1.png|250px]]}}

|species=[[Sangheili]]

|notable=[[Sangheili Zealot#Known Zealots|See Known Zealots below]]

**[[Sali 'Nyon's Covenant]]

{{Quote|The true devotee honors our name with actions, not words.|Sangheili Zealot's mantra.{{Ref/Reuse|Reach}}}}

The '''Zealots''' are a military order of high-ranking [[Sangheili]] warriors in the [[Covenant]], as well as some of its [[Covenant remnants|splinter factions]] during the [[Blooding Years]].<ref name="Clarity">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-clarity-grace '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Clarity & Grace'']</ref> They were supervised and deployed by the [[Ministry of Fervent Intercession]],<ref name="vis">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 60''</ref> with their organization divided into multiple chapters.{{Ref/Reuse|Clarity}}{{Ref/Reuse|Fighting}} Zealots are among the most devout worshipers of the [[Forerunner]]s,<ref name="enc zealot">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)|Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe (2011)]]''', ''page 134''</ref> even after the dissolution of the Covenant and the abandonment of [[Covenant religion|its religion]].

{{Quote|The Path is strict, Jora — it brooks no deviation, no remorse. We are zealots. We serve the Way. These are our orders. We do not question them.|[[Thel 'Vadamee]] to [[Jora 'Konaree]]<ref name="tcp thel">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 142''</ref>}}

Zealots are greatly experienced and unparalleled in combat skill. Equipped with advanced armor systems and equipment, they are also among the most resilient and powerful Sangheili fighters.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}} Although all Sangheili males are trained in the arts of combat from a young age, Sangheili believe future Zealots are born with an innate desire to kill.{{Ref/Reuse|enc zealot}}

Unlike the majority of the Covenant's [[Covenant military|conventional military forces]], which fell under the authority of the [[Ministry of Resolution]], the Zealots were a separate group that reported to the Ministry of Fervent Intercession. Within the Ministry existed a number of chapters (such as the [[Devoted Sentries]]), many of which adhered to particular interpretations of ancient codes of honor or debt-packs.{{Ref/Reuse|Fighting}} Some of these chapters traced their lineage back to long before the rise of the Covenant.<ref>[http://www.ultra-combo.com/arbiters-colors-accessories/ '''Ultra Combo''':''Arbiter’s Colors & Accessories'']</ref> The Zealots' internal structure, rankings, and equipment varied from chapter to chapter and from fleet to fleet.{{Ref/Reuse|Clarity}} The ministry deployed small teams of Zealots during all significant engagements to locate, analyze, and amass intelligence regarding [[reliquary]] sites, as well as to recover [[Forerunner]] artifacts or otherwise important data.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}<ref name="tcp team">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 138-139''</ref> During the [[Human-Covenant War]], many Zealots were assigned to battlefield duties in order to directly partake in the destruction of a species the Covenant viewed as heretical.{{Ref/Reuse|vis}}

[[Artisan-armorer]]s of the Covenant sometimes allied themselves particularly with the Zealot orders, and would produce specialty equipment such as the [[Suspa Al-pattern Individual Assault Carapace|''Suspa Al''-pattern drop pod]] specifically for only the most pious of commanders. When deploying into battle, only warriors from within the Zealot ranks, or those seeking to aspire to join them, would be permitted to employ these insertion pods.<ref name="WF66">''[[Halo: Warfleet – An Illustrated Guide to the Spacecraft of Halo|Halo: Warfleet]]'', Insertion Pods, p.66-67</ref>

In addition to artifact retrieval, Zealots may serve in a variety of command roles ranging from [[Shipmaster]]<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved''', campaign level ''[[The Truth and Reconciliation]]''</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|tcp thel}} to [[Supreme Commander]].<ref name="Succor">'''Halo Graphic Novel''', ''The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor''</ref> The rank of [[Sangheili Field Marshal|Field Marshal]] is exclusive to the Zealot class. Field Marshals hold supreme authority over Covenant land forces, effectively making them the groundside counterpart to a [[Fleet Master]] or Supreme Commander; Field Marshals are also occasionally tasked with leading Zealot strike teams.<ref name="enc field marshal">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)|Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe (2011)]]''', ''page 135''</ref>

[[Sangheili Zealot Assassin]]s are specialists who operate with teams of [[Stealth Sangheili|stealth troopers]].<ref>'''[[Halo 5: Guardians Official Game Guide]] (Collector's Edition)''', ''page 320''</ref>

As late as [[2558]], Zealots continued to serve within various [[Covenant remnants|Covenant remnant factions]], including those which remained religiously devoted to the Forerunners following the hegemony's collapse. Despite still having a combat niche, Zealots now serve in political and social leadership positions (at least within [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]), filling all roles previously occupied by the [[San'Shyuum]].<ref>[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-US/halo4guide '''Halo 4 Interactive Guide''']</ref><ref name="H4:EVG">'''[[Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 49''</ref> Zealot loyalties remain divided amongst the Covenant successor states, and now exercise less discretion in judging the worthy to join their ranks.{{Ref/Reuse|WF66}}

{{Quote|no=three|1=Catherine Halsey|q1=Zealots? You're certain?|2=Jorge-052|q2=Their armor configuration matched.|3=SPARTAN-B312|q3=Shield strength, too.|4=[[Catherine Halsey]], [[Jorge-052]], and [[SPARTAN-B312]] during the [[Fall of Reach]].<ref name="SB">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level [[ONI: Sword Base]]</ref>}}

Zealots have access to a variety of [[Sangheili harness|armor]] types and styles, reflecting the multiple roles encompassed by those who hold the title. The armor worn by a Zealot can be reflective of his chapter or fleet assignment.{{Ref/Reuse|Clarity}} Despite the availability of specialized armor styles, many Zealots wore [[Combat harness|combat harnesses]] during the war with humanity.<ref>'''Halo 2: Anniversary'''</ref> These suits were distinguished by their gold coloration (indicating a command role)<ref>'''[[Halo 2: The Official Strategy Guide]]''', ''page 141''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: The Great Journey: The Art of Building Worlds]]''', ''page 52''</ref> and the nearly peerless durability of their [[energy shields]].<ref>''Halo 2'' </ref><ref name="H2At">''Halo 2: Anniversary'' [[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|terminals]]</ref>

The ceremonial battle harness, most commonly utilized during the Human-Covenant War, features a smooth, organic thoracic cage harness; large, sloping shoulder pauldrons; and a long, back-swept helmet with mandible guards.<ref name="Fighting">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-fighting-words '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - Fighting Words'']</ref> The helmet and pauldrons feature decorative blue bands. This armour was most famously worn in maroon by the [[Devoted Sentries]].<ref name="Reach">'''[[Halo: Reach]]'''</ref> <ref name="WP">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/characters/rho-barutamee '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Rho 'Barutamee'']</ref> Zealots in command positions,<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved: Prima's Official Strategy Guide]]''', ''page 16''</ref> including those attached to regular Covenant military forces, wore the same armor, albeit colored gold like the suits worn by lower-ranking [[Sangheili General|Generals]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'''</ref> The color scheme worn by [[Sangheili Ultra|Ultras]] (silver-white with black trim) is also used.<ref name="HE15">'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 15|Issue 15]]''</ref> Field Marshals wear a modified version of the ceremonial Zealot harness; the front of the helmet has two horn-like prongs and the pauldrons are wider.{{Ref/Reuse|Reach}} Zealot Supreme Commanders may wear a similarly colored [[doarmir]] fur cloak with their armor.{{Ref/Reuse|Succor}}{{Ref/Reuse|H2At}}{{Ref/Note|''The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor'' depicts Supreme Commander Thel 'Vadamee (a Zealot) wearing purple armor and a purple cloak while in command of his fleet; this was in fact the first time purple was associated with the Zealot class. ''Halo 2: Anniversary''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s terminals instead depict 'Vadamee wearing a gold combat harness during the same timeframe, though the cloak's color is unchanged.}}

===Hesduros-inspired design===

Another armor type is derived from traditional designs worn on [[Hesduros]].{{Ref/Reuse|H4:EVG}} This style was in use by [[2526]],<ref>''Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn''</ref> though the prevalence of its issue relative to other wartime models is unclear. It is commonly worn by Zealots serving various [[Covenant remnants|remnant factions]] in the wake of the Covenant's collapse, most notably the [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|body]] led by [[Jul 'Mdama]], which was formed on Hesduros. In addition to the standard maroon coloration, this version is also produced in blue<ref>'''Halo 4''', ''Spartan Ops''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Escalation''', ''[[Halo: Escalation Issue 14|Issue 14]]''</ref> and gold.<ref>''Halo: Spartan Assault''</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|HE15}}

This suit has a very organic, almost chitinous appearance, reflecting its origin on Hesduros.{{Ref/Reuse|H4:EVG}} The helmet, which encompasses most of the wearer's face, vaguely resembles those worn by the [[Ascetics]] and Covenant Special Operations forces. A cross-shaped pattern of purple, or blue, insets faces outward from a central point on the helmet; the helmets worn by [[Merg Vol]] and Jul 'Mdama emit distinctive holograms, perhaps produced by the aforementioned insets. A blade-like "talon", derived from the armor worn by [[kaidon]]s on Hesduros, is located on the inner toe of either boot. The harness also has protective hand-armor, and raised foil-arcs on its back.{{Ref/Reuse|H4:EVG}} Like the [[Infiltration harness]] worn by Special Operations and Stealth Sangheili, this armor is equipped with active camouflage. Zealots who wear this armor type are colloquially known as "Roaches" by UNSC personnel.<ref>''Halo: Nightfall'', Episode 1</ref>

*[[Jora 'Konaree]] - A Zealot who fought in Thel 'Vadamee's Zealot team in [[2535]].{{Ref/Reuse|tcp team}}

*[[Saal]] - A Zealot in Thel 'Vadamee's team.{{Ref/Reuse|tcp team}}

*[[Veer]] - One of the Zealots in 'Vadamee's team.{{Ref/Reuse|tcp team}}

*[[Zhar (Sangheili)|Zhar]] - One of the Zealots in 'Vadamee's team.{{Ref/Reuse|tcp team}}

*[[Lat 'Ravamee]] - Shipmaster of the ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]'', part of  the Fleet of Particular Justice.<ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 197''</ref>

*[[Jul 'Mdama]] - Leader of a [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant faction]] allied with the [[Ur-Didact]] as of July [[2557]].

*[[Merg Vol]] - Leader of the [[Merg Vol's Covenant|Covenant faction]] that [[Battle of Draetheus V|attacked]] [[Draetheus V]] in [[2554]].

*[[Rho 'Barutamee]] - Supreme Commander of the [[Fleet of Valiant Prudence]] and leader of the [[Devoted Sentries]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]'''</ref>

*[[Sali 'Nyon]] - Leader of a [[Sali 'Nyon's Covenant|mutiny]] within Jul 'Mdama's faction in July 2558.

*[[Unidentified Sangheili Zealot (Circinius IV)]] - led the Covenant ground assault on [[Corbulo Academy]] in April 2526.

*[[Unidentified Sangheili Zealot (Sedra)]] - responsible for a terrorist attack on Sedra City in February 2556.

==In-Game Information==

*In ''Halo: Reach'', the Zealot armor is available as an [[Armor customization (Halo: Reach)|Armor Permutation]] once the player has reached the rank of [[Rank (Halo: Reach)|Captain]]. The game features a loadout called "Zealot" which gives the player a [[Type-31 needle rifle]], a plasma pistol, and two plasma grenades. There is another loadout available only in the third phase of Invasion called "Royal Zealot". This loadout is an improved version of the standard Zealot loadout. It provides a needle rifle, a [[Type-33 Needler]], and three plasma grenades, although once the player uses the third grenade, they will be able to carry only two.

*[[Seven]] Zealots are fought in ''Halo: Reach''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s campaign: two on ''[[Winter Contingency]]'', one on ''[[Tip of the Spear]]'', (who can be killed to unlock the ''[[Your Heresy Will Stay Your Feet]]'' achievement), and four (including the [[Sangheili Field Marshal|Field Marshal]]) at the end of ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Reach level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]''.

File:Halo4-SangheiliZealot-Unarmed.png|A Hesduros Sangheili Zealot, unarmed, in ''Halo 4''.

File:Nightfall - Sangheili attack.png|A Hesduros Sangheili Zealot in ''[[Halo: Nightfall]]''.

File:Halo 2 Anniversary Zealot.png|A Sangheili Zealot in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.

File:H2AZealot.jpg|A Zealot participating in the [[Battle of Installation 05]].

File:HFB-Rho.jpg|Rho 'Barutamee, a Zealot in ''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''.

File:H5G - Zealot Assassin 2.png|A Zealot Assassin firing a [[Type-55 storm rifle]].

**''[[Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''

*''[[Halo: Initiation]]

*''[[Halo Mythos]]''

*''[[Halo Infinite]]''{{fact}}