Sangheili Zealot: Difference between revisions

'''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'']</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.

Zealots have access to a variety of armor types and styles, reflecting the multiple roles encompassed by those who hold the title. 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. These suits were distinguished by their gold coloration (indicating a command role)<ref name="TGJ"/> 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 armor type 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. The helmet and pauldrons feature decorative blue bands.<ref name="Reach">'''Halo: Reach'''</ref> Zealots in command positions,<ref name="TGJ">'''[[Halo: The Great Journey: The Art of Building Worlds]]''', ''page 52''</ref> including those who 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><ref group="note">In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' and ''Halo 2'', Zealots wear a standard combat harness distinguished by its gold coloration. This led to the long-held misconception that gold armor reflects a Sangheili's status as a Zealot. It was first implied in ''Halo: Reach'' and later confirmed in ''Halo: The Great Journey: The Art of Building Worlds'' that gold armor merely indicates the wearer's position as a field commander. However, ''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide'' states that the gold-armored Elites seen in the first two games are indeed Zealots.</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 standard 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>