Direct Combat Operations

"The true devotee honours our name with actions, not words"

- The Zealot's mantra

The, better known as the Zealots, is one of the most feared and respected Sangheili special forces units, being selected from the greatest warriors the Republic has to offer. The Zealots existed since the dawn of the Covenant, being a inner circle of warriors selected to serve the Prophets directly. The Zealots preform the most dangerous missions, usually at express order of the Prophets, and usually in protection of them, or the Covenant, and often preformed vital recovery missions, searching for Forerunner artefacts. With the dissolution of the Covenant, some Zealots chose to end their own life, but others refused to give up so easily. When they were lost, without purpose, the Arbiter gave them one, helping him to unite the warring factions on Sanghelios. Since then, they have directly served the Imperator, his inner circle of officers and the High Council, ensuring the safety and union of the republic.

Zealots are equipped with their own harness design, the Zealot Harness, providing enhanced armour and defence. Zealots are equipped with a variety of weapons for a variety of purposes. They'll often take swords, plasma repeaters, fuel rod guns, particle beam rifles and a variety of other arms, for the mission at hand, with each Zealot being a weapons master in his own right. They may utilise light armour, such as Revenants or Spectres for their missions, though may make use of heavier armour, maybe even Scarabs to complete their objectives. Zealots will often make use of small units of regular or special forces to bolster their ranks during operations, and may take command of large units, over the heads of their current officers.

Zealots are chosen from the most distinguished ranks of other forces, of the most brilliant strategists, steadfast warriors, skilled swordsmen and accurate marksmen. Those that are chosen are universally respected and feared, as the right hand of the High Council. The Zealots are exemplars of the ways of shadow, though infiltration, gathering of intelligence, and of the ways of the warrior, slaying whole armies who block their paths.