Zealot

Zealots are a class of Sangheili nobility. Originally a singular order of monastic warrior-priests, the roles and societal functions of Zealots diversified considerably over time. While some chapters continue to observe an exclusively cloistered lifestyle, the majority of the Zealots active today engage actively in non-martial matters such as the society and politics of their respective communities. Outside the battlefield, many Zealots assume roles as kaidons and other leaders, while others serve as priests and even missionaries to parts of the Holy Ecumene that have strayed from the Path, both peacefully and by the sword, depending on what is deemed necessary. Most Zealot chapters are exceedingly wealthy, and represent one of the higher classes of the Sangheili aristocracy. As such, entry into the Zealot chapters remains highly exclusive. The bonds among the members of a chapter form cohorts that are reflected off the field in the form of powerful political and economic alliances between clans. The Zealots are well-known for their rigid discipline and uncompromising traditions, though not all individuals observe these as diligently as is commonly assumed.

The Ministry of Fervent Intercession had oversight over the entire Zealot order by tradition, though by the later years of the Covenant, their direct authority in the field was largely limited to Zealot teams tasked with special missions such as relic hunting. Outside such missions, Zealots frequently occupied command offices within other ministries, most notably those of Tranquility, Preservation, Conversion and Resolution, and largely reported to those ministries' command hierarchies during their service. By the Human-Covenant War, most of the Zealots encountered by the UNSC were those assigned to the Ministries of Resolution and Preservation.