Sangheili Zealot (Earth-5875)

"The true devotee honors our name with actions, not words."

- - Zealot's mantra

Zealots are a military order of high-ranking sangheili warriors, originally in the Covenant, but that has since its downfall served in other factions in multiple capacities. Formerly deployed by the Covenant High Council, Zealots were organized in numerous chapters, being some of the most devout worshipers of the forerunner, even after the Great Schism.

History
"The Path is strict, Jora... it brooks no deviation, no remorse. We are zealots. We serve the Path. These are our orders. We do not question them."

- - Thel 'Vadamee to Jora 'Konaree Zealots are warriors with unparalleled combat skill and experience in wars. Equipped with an advanced armor that mimics traditionalist sangheili designs, as well as powerful weapons, ranging from energy swords, they make incredibly dangerous foes. Despite all sangheili males being trained in martial arts when they reach puberty, it is widely believed that zealots are born with innate and natural devotion to the forerunner and martial prowess.

Unlike most of the Covenant armada, which fell under the control of the Covenant High Council, the Zealots answered directly to the Hierarchs, separated in chapters, such as the Devoted Sentries, and adhered different interpretations of ancient codes of honor. Some chapters date their origins longer before the formation of the Covenant, with their ranks, structure and equipment largely varying from chapter to chapter. Small zealot units were commonly deployed in secret locations to locate, analyze and study the enemy, digging sites, and relics, among many others. Through the First Contact War, some zealots were sent to the battlefield to directly combat human enemies, which they deemed heretical.

Zealots also served in commanding roles, such as Shipmaster and Fleetmasters, while Field Marshals were exclusively zealots, holding supreme authority over most Covenant ground forces. Following the end of the First Contact War and the dissolution of the Covenant, many zealots continued adhering to their faith on the Path and serve in the multiple Covenant splinter factions, mostly filling roles once belonging to the san'shyuum as political leaders.

Equipment
Zealots have a multitude of armors and equipment at their disposal, reflecting the individual strength and skill, as well as his chapter and fleet assignment. The most common armor is maroon/reddish, more expressive than that of lower-ranking sangheili.