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Sangheili Zealot: Difference between revisions

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{{Quote|The true devotee honors our name with actions, not words.|Sangheili Zealot's mantra}}
{{Quote|The true devotee honors our name with actions, not words.|Sangheili Zealot's mantra}}
'''Zealot''' is 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="Waypoint">[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> More of a philosophy than a rank, Zealots are among the most devout worshipers of the [[Forerunner]]s,<ref name="enc zealot">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia|Halo Encyclopedia (2011)]]''', ''page 134''</ref> even after the dissolution of the Covenant.
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 name="Clarity"/><ref name="Fighting"/> Zealots are among the most devout worshipers of the [[Forerunner]]s,<ref name="enc zealot">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia|Halo Encyclopedia (2011)]]''', ''page 134''</ref> even after the dissolution of the Covenant and the abandonment of [[Covenant religion|its religion]].


==Background==
==Background==
{{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 'Vadam]]ee to [[Jora 'Konaree]]<ref name="tcp thel">'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 142''</ref>}}
{{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 infantry.<ref name="vis"/> Although all Sangheili males are trained in the arts of combat from a young age, Sangheili believe that future Zealots are born with an innate desire to kill.<ref name="enc zealot"/>
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 name="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 name="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. Zealots had their own internal structure and rankings that varied from fleet-to-fleet and chapter-to-chapter.<ref name="Waypoint"/> 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 name="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 name="vis"/>
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 name="Fighting"/> The Zealots' internal structure, rankings, and equipment varied from chapter to chapter and from fleet to fleet.<ref name="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 name="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 name="vis"/>


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 name="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|Halo Encyclopedia (2011)]]''', ''page 135''</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 name="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|Halo Encyclopedia (2011)]]''', ''page 135''</ref>


As late as [[2558]], Zealots continued to serve within certain factions of the [[Covenant remnants]], 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, filling all the 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>
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>


Zealots that follow Jul 'Mdama are not necessarily the highly skilled fighters of the original Covenant, since at least one individual, [[Sali 'Nyon]], is described as an unremarkable warrior and inept commander. Spartans have been known to overcome 'Mdama's Zealots quite easily.
Zealot Assassins are specialists who operate with teams of [[Stealth Sangheili|stealth troopers]].<ref>'''[[Halo 5: Guardians Official Game Guide]] (Collector's Edition)''', ''page 320''</ref>
 
Some powerful Sangheili of this rank are known as Zealot Assassins. They only operate within teams of [[Stealth Sangheili]].<ref>'''[[Halo 5: Guardians Official Game Guide]] (Collector's Edition)''', ''page 320''</ref>


==Armor==
==Armor==
Zealots have access to a variety of armor types and styles, reflecting the multiple roles encompassed by those who hold the title.<ref name="Waypoint"/> Zealots most commonly wear ornate maroon armor that, while intricate, is more subdued in design than the suits worn by Sangheili of lower ranks. Despite the availability of specialized armor styles, many Zealots wore [[Sangheili 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>
Zealots have access to a variety of 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 name="Clarity"/> Zealots most commonly wear ornate maroon armor that, while intricate, is more subdued in design than the suits worn by Sangheili of lower ranks. Despite the availability of specialized armor styles, many Zealots wore [[Sangheili 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>


===Ceremonial battle harness===
===Ceremonial battle harness===
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>[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.<ref name="Reach">'''Halo: Reach'''</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 name="Reach"/> Zealot Supreme Commanders may wear a similarly colored [[doarmir]] fur cloak with their armor.<ref name="Succor"/><ref name="H2At"/><ref group="note">''The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor'' depicts Supreme Commander Thel 'Vadamee (a Zealot) wearing maroon armor and a maroon cloak while in command of his fleet; this was in fact the first time maroon 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.</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.<ref name="Reach">'''Halo: Reach'''</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 name="Reach"/> Zealot Supreme Commanders may wear a similarly colored [[doarmir]] fur cloak with their armor.<ref name="Succor"/><ref name="H2At"/><ref group="note">''The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor'' depicts Supreme Commander Thel 'Vadamee (a Zealot) wearing maroon armor and a maroon cloak while in command of his fleet; this was in fact the first time maroon 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.</ref>


===Hesduros-inspired design===
===Hesduros-inspired design===
Another armor type is derived from traditional designs worn on [[Hesduros]].<ref name="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 faction|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 name="HE15"/>
Another armor type is derived from traditional designs worn on [[Hesduros]].<ref name="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 name="HE15"/>


This suit has a very organic, almost chitinous appearance, reflecting its origin on Hesduros.<ref name="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 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.<ref name="H4:EVG"/> Like the armor 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>
This suit has a very organic, almost chitinous appearance, reflecting its origin on Hesduros.<ref name="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 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.<ref name="H4:EVG"/> Like the armor 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>


==Known Zealots==
==Known Zealots==
*[[Thel 'Vadam]] - [[Supreme Commander]] of the ''[[Fleet of Particular Justice]]''; later became the [[Arbiter]] and leader of the [[Swords of Sanghelios]], who allied with the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] during the [[Great Schism]].<ref name="tcp thel"/>
*[[Thel 'Vadam]] - [[Supreme Commander]] of the ''[[Fleet of Particular Justice]]''; later became the [[Arbiter]] and leader of the [[Swords of Sanghelios]], who allied with the [[UNSC]] during the [[Great Schism]].<ref name="tcp thel"/>
*[[Jora 'Konaree]] - A Zealot who fought in Thel 'Vadamee's Zealot team in [[2535]].<ref name="tcp team"/>
*[[Jora 'Konaree]] - A Zealot who fought in Thel 'Vadamee's Zealot team in [[2535]].<ref name="tcp team"/>
*[[Saal]] - A Zealot in Thel 'Vadamee's team.<ref name="tcp team"/>
*[[Saal]] - A Zealot in Thel 'Vadamee's team.<ref name="tcp team"/>
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*[[Jul 'Mdama]] - Leader of a [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|Covenant faction]] allied with the [[Ur-Didact]] as of July [[2557]].
*[[Jul 'Mdama]] - Leader of a [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|Covenant faction]] allied with the [[Ur-Didact]] as of July [[2557]].
*[[Merg Vol]] - Leader of the [[Merg Vol's Covenant faction|Covenant faction]] that [[Battle of Draetheus V|attacked]] [[Draetheus V]] in [[2554]].
*[[Merg Vol]] - Leader of the [[Merg Vol's Covenant faction|Covenant faction]] that [[Battle of Draetheus V|attacked]] [[Draetheus V]] in [[2554]].
*[[Rho 'Barutamee]] - Supreme Commander of the [[Fleet of Valiant Prudence]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]'''</ref>
*[[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 faction|mutiny]] within Jul 'Mdama's faction in July 2558.
*[[Sali 'Nyon]] - Leader of a [[Sali 'Nyon's Covenant faction|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 (Circinius IV)]] - led the Covenant ground assault on [[Corbulo Academy]] in April 2526.
Line 84: Line 82:
==Trivia==
==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Zealots}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Zealots}}
*The plasma rifle-wielding Zealots of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' will not melee attack. This is because they are programmed to go berserk when they see the [[John-117|Master Chief]] and have no provisions for melee attacking while in berserk mode.
*The plasma rifle-wielding Zealots of ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' do not perform melee attacks. This is because they are programmed to go berserk when they see the [[Master Chief]] and have no provisions for melee attacking while in berserk mode.
*In ''Halo: Reach'', the Zealot armor is available as an [[Armor Permutations (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.
*In ''Halo: Reach'', the Zealot armor is available as an [[Armor Permutations (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.
*The real-time strategy game ''[[w:c:StarCraft:StarCraft|StarCraft]]'' features an iconic Protoss infantry unit known as the [[w:c:StarCraft:Zealot (StarCraft)|zealot]]; these warriors also wear golden armor and wield powerful energy blades.
*The real-time strategy game ''[[w:c:StarCraft:StarCraft|StarCraft]]'' features an iconic Protoss infantry unit known as the [[w:c:StarCraft:Zealot (StarCraft)|zealot]]; these warriors also wear golden armor and wield powerful energy blades.

Revision as of 11:36, March 6, 2016

Zealot redirects here. For the Halo: Reach multiplayer map, see Zealot (level).
Sangheili Zealot
Halo 2 Anniversary Zealot.png

Function:

Apostolic delivery and coercion, reliquary acquisition[1]

Species:

Sangheili

Affiliation:

Covenant
Swords of Sanghelios
Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction
Merg Vol's Covenant faction
Sali 'Nyon's Covenant faction

Ministry:

Ministry of Fervent Intercession (pre-Great Schism)[1]

Notable individuals:

See Known Zealots below

 

"The true devotee honors our name with actions, not words."
— Sangheili Zealot's mantra

The Zealots are a military order of high-ranking Sangheili warriors in the Covenant, as well as some of its splinter factions during the Blooding Years.[2] They were supervised and deployed by the Ministry of Fervent Intercession,[1] with their organization divided into multiple chapters.[2][3] Zealots are among the most devout worshipers of the Forerunners,[4] even after the dissolution of the Covenant and the abandonment of its religion.

Background

"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[5]

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.[1] 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.[4]

Unlike the majority of the Covenant's 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.[3] The Zealots' internal structure, rankings, and equipment varied from chapter to chapter and from fleet to fleet.[2] 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.[1][6] 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.[1]

In addition to artifact retrieval, Zealots may serve in a variety of command roles ranging from Shipmaster[7][5] to Supreme Commander.[8] The rank of 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.[9]

As late as 2558, Zealots continued to serve within various 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.[10][11]

Zealot Assassins are specialists who operate with teams of stealth troopers.[12]

Armor

Zealots have access to a variety of 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.[2] Zealots most commonly wear ornate maroon armor that, while intricate, is more subdued in design than the suits worn by Sangheili of lower ranks. Despite the availability of specialized armor styles, many Zealots wore combat harnesses during the war with humanity.[13] These suits were distinguished by their gold coloration (indicating a command role)[14][15] and the nearly peerless durability of their energy shields.[16][17]

Ceremonial battle harness

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.[3] The helmet and pauldrons feature decorative blue bands.[18] Zealots in command positions,[19] including those attached to regular Covenant military forces, wore the same armor, albeit colored gold like the suits worn by lower-ranking Generals.[20] The color scheme worn by Ultras (silver-white with black trim) is also used.[21] 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.[18] Zealot Supreme Commanders may wear a similarly colored doarmir fur cloak with their armor.[8][17][note 1]

Hesduros-inspired design

Another armor type is derived from traditional designs worn on Hesduros.[11] This style was in use by 2526,[22] though the prevalence of its issue relative to other wartime models is unclear. It is commonly worn by Zealots serving various remnant factions in the wake of the Covenant's collapse, most notably the body led by Jul 'Mdama, which was formed on Hesduros. In addition to the standard maroon coloration, this version is also produced in blue[23][24] and gold.[25][21]

This suit has a very organic, almost chitinous appearance, reflecting its origin on Hesduros.[11] 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 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 kaidons on Hesduros, is located on the inner toe of either boot.[11] Like the armor 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.[26]

Known Zealots

In-Game Information

Halo: Reach

Unlock: Achieve Captain.

  • Description: The true devotee honors our name with actions, not words.

Halo: Fleet Battles

Covenant Type-28 Boarding Craft (Elites)

  • Flight slots: 0
  • Movement: 12"
  • Damage track: 6
  • Security detail: 3
  • Systems loadout:
    • Assault specialist (1)
    • Heroic save (Zealot)

Trivia

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.
  • The plasma rifle-wielding Zealots of Halo: Combat Evolved do not perform melee attacks. This is because they are programmed to go berserk when they see the Master Chief and have no provisions for melee attacking while in berserk mode.
  • In Halo: Reach, the Zealot armor is available as an Armor Permutation once the player has reached the rank of 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.
  • The real-time strategy game StarCraft features an iconic Protoss infantry unit known as the zealot; these warriors also wear golden armor and wield powerful energy blades.
  • Seven Zealots are fought in Halo: Reach'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 Field Marshal) at the end of The Pillar of Autumn.

Gallery

List of appearances

Note

  1. ^ The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor depicts Supreme Commander Thel 'Vadamee (a Zealot) wearing maroon armor and a maroon cloak while in command of his fleet; this was in fact the first time maroon was associated with the Zealot class. Halo 2: Anniversary's terminals instead depict 'Vadamee wearing a gold combat harness during the same timeframe, though the cloak's color is unchanged.

Sources

  1. ^ a b c d e f Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 60
  2. ^ a b c d Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder - Clarity & Grace
  3. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint: Canon Fodder - Fighting Words
  4. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2011), page 134
  5. ^ a b c Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 142
  6. ^ a b c d e Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 138-139
  7. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level The Truth and Reconciliation
  8. ^ a b Halo Graphic Novel, The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor
  9. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2011), page 135
  10. ^ Halo 4 Interactive Guide
  11. ^ a b c d Halo 4: The Essential Visual Guide, page 49
  12. ^ Halo 5: Guardians Official Game Guide (Collector's Edition), page 320
  13. ^ Halo 2: Anniversary
  14. ^ Halo 2: The Official Strategy Guide, page 141
  15. ^ Halo: The Great Journey: The Art of Building Worlds, page 52
  16. ^ Halo 2
  17. ^ a b Halo 2: Anniversary terminals
  18. ^ a b Halo: Reach
  19. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved: Prima's Official Strategy Guide, page 16
  20. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
  21. ^ a b Halo: Escalation, Issue 15
  22. ^ Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn
  23. ^ Halo 4, Spartan Ops
  24. ^ Halo: Escalation, Issue 14
  25. ^ Halo: Spartan Assault
  26. ^ Halo: Nightfall, Episode 1
  27. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 197
  28. ^ Halo: Fleet Battles

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