Zealot

‘Rejoice! As I scour your unclean flesh from bone, I deliver you from the tyranny of sinful existence.’

— Artos the Pyresinger

A Zealot is known not by what they do, but how they do it. Whatever approach a Zealot takes to a problem, they commit fully. A Zealot does not take half measures — if a job is worth doing, it is worth dying for.

Faith drives a Zealot. For many, it is faith in the God- Emperor of Mankind. Indeed, the Ecclesiarchy lauds zeal. However, a Zealot can be devoted to nearly any cause, so long as their devotion is total. A Zealot may be devoted to their Patron, to the Omnissiah, to their Faction, to their goal or cause, or to an ideal such as victory, warfare, or even faith itself.

Zealots pick up a variety of skills to help them conquer any obstacle fate sets in their path. A Drill Abbot is both a veteran and an exemplar of faith, one who believes there is no better means of serving the Emperor than by preparing future generations of soldiers. Others take to the pulpit and the streets, calling the common faithful to join a Frateris Militia and make war on the Emperor’s behalf. Others, such as adherants of the Red Redemption, turn their uncompromising gaze on the faithless and the weak within the Imperium itself.

For a true Zealot, success and service to the object of their devotion are more important than all other concerns. They do whatever it takes to succeed, counting on their physical and spiritual resilience to see them through. Zealots can achieve the seemingly impossible through their faith and devotion, even should it cripple or kill them.

Zealots may be unnerving to their allies. Even in the Imperium, where faith is a pillar of daily life, their single minded devotion can be difficult to comprehend. Yet having a Zealot at one’s side is far less frightening than to have one as an enemy. Most allies appreciate a Zealot’s commitment, and know that they can rely on them no matter the odds. A wise ally never forgets, however, that any connection or camaraderie they share means little should they find themselves in opposition to a Zealot’s deeper beliefs.

Zealots accomplish their goals and help the group by sacrificing their mind and body. They fear neither pain nor death. Allies look to the zealot when all seems lost, when a challenge seems insurmountable. When expertise or knowledge fails, pure faith can overcome.