Post by Spartan 970 Field Marshal 'Mil on Apr 9, 2016 18:42:32 GMT
Swords of Sanghelios
Zealot Specialization
"The true devotee honors our name with actions, not words."
-Sangheili Zealot's mantra
During the Human-Covenant War, Zealot was a rank held by Sangheili with a great amount of skill and experience. They operated under the Ministry of Fervent Intercession, and were deployed to secure and attain Forerunner artifacts. However, being a Zealot did not just entitle a Sangheili to a rank, but it included them as part of an entire religious and devout order. Zealots took a vast number of command positions within the Covenant, allowing them to be Field Masters, Ship Masters, Fleet Masters, and even Supreme Commanders. The rank of Field Marshal was limited to particular Zealots in the Ministry of Fervent Intercession.
Post-war, Zealots still serve a similar function which they did within the Covenant. With the Swords of Sanghelios specifically, they continue to embody the religious and cultural principles that the Sangheili have held dear to them for the past thousands of years. This is especially true for the ideals the Sangheili species considered significant to them before the Sangheili-San 'Shyuum War, also known as the War of the Beginnings. With the Swords abandonment of the Forerunners as their deities after the Great Schism, they are undergoing a gradual return to the ancient mythological theology of the Sangheili. So far, it is known that the chief deity in the pantheon of ancient Sangheili gods is Urs, which is also the name of the primary star in the triple star system which Sanghelios is a part of. A particular narrative poem from this theism is The Ballad of Kel 'Darsam, which has held great prominence within Sangheili culture since well before the signing of the Writ of Union. Despite this, Zealots are still required to take charge in situations concerning the Forerunners, as they have more expertise on handling such occurrences than any other Sangheili besides Ascetics.
"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
Besides being skillful in many different forms of combat, Zealots are selected due to their sense of duty and commitment to the cause which they serve. They make up some of the most loyal and devoted warriors in the military forces which they serve in, whether that be in the Covenant Remnant or the Swords of Sanghelios. They serve with near undying fealty to the Field Marshal which they function under. However, when such a leader is not available, they render their loyalty to the Zealot who has the highest rank outside their order. There is a strong presence of kinship and obligation between Zealots, the reasoning for which refers back to the fact that they are within an exclusive order of like-minded warriors. Of course, while such feelings of brotherhood are also reflected among the standard ranks of Sangheili, this sentiment is especially true within the Zealot's ranks.
"With this sacrament of blood we journey into the Divine Beyond."
—Sangheili Field Marshal's mantra.
Zealots are expected to act in the best interest of Sanghelios and the Field Marshal. They represent him in his absence, however, the leaders of the infantry and special operations still have more authority than standard Zealots in situations concerning their respected branches. To clarify, the General of the infantry and the Officer of special operations have more say in matters regarding their ranks than normal Zealots do, however, the Field Marshal exerts absolute command over both of these leaders. Should any instance with the Swords involve religious, cultural, judicial or diplomatic affairs, then Zealots may take over all Swords of Sanghelios operations, including those of the infantry and special operations.
Though one may express interest in joining the Zealots, no favors may be gained by doing such. Just like younglings who must prove themselves with only the aid of their uncle's training and own determination, low-ranking Swords must establish themselves as competent and ideal warriors for a position as a Zealot. Most Sangheili will be offered the position of Zealot if they meet these standards and once they attain the rank of Ultra, though Majors are not excluded from such an offer either. There will not be many Zealots within our own detachment , but those who deserve and are offered such a privileged and unique position will find themselves not regretting the decision to join.