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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|H1|H2|H3|TF|FS|GOO|CH|TCP|UP}}
[[File:Lat 'Ravamee (Master Chief Collection).png|300px|thumb|[[Lat 'Ravamee]], the shipmaster of the ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]''.]]
{{Covenant Rank Infobox
|name=Shipmaster/Shipmistress
|image=[[Image:Golden_elite.jpg]]
|species=[[Sangheili]], [[Jiralhanae]], [[Kig-Yar]]
|weapons=*[[Energy Sword]]
*[[Plasma Rifle]]
*[[Covenant Carbine]]
*[[Plasma Grenade]]
|equipment=[[Elite Personal Energy Shield]]
|missions=Space Operations
|role=Ship Commanders
|notable=*[[Rtas 'Vadum]]
*[[Orna 'Fulsamee]]
*[[Tano 'Inanraree]]
*[[Voro 'Mantakree]]
*[['Qunu]]
*[[Chur'R-Yar]]
*[[Chur 'R-Mut]]
*[[Maccabeus]]
|affiliation=[[Covenant]], later [[Covenant Loyalists]] and [[Covenant Separatists]]
}}


<center>''Were you looking for [[Rtas 'Vadum]], the ''[[Halo 3]]'' character?''</center>
'''Shipmaster''' (feminine term: '''Shipmistress'''), occasionally rendered as '''Ship Master''',{{citation needed}} is a title the [[Covenant]] use to describe an individual in command of a [[Covenant starship|starship]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 4'' (2003)</ref> The size of the ship is not relevant, whether a [[Covenant frigate|frigate]] or a [[Covenant supercarrier|supercarrier]]. The Covenant also use the term to describe the [[commanding officer]]s of [[human]] vessels.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 41'' (2003) (''"'Nosolee felt certain that the man named "[[Jacob Keyes|Keezz]]" held the position of Ship Master"'')</ref>  


'''Shipmaster''' (feminine form '''Shipmistress'''), alternately spelled '''Ship Master''',<ref>''[[Halo: The Flood]]'', page 4</ref> is both a term the Covenant use to describe anyone or anything in charge of a single ship (including Humans) as well as an actual office in the Covenant navy.<ref>''[[Halo: The Flood]]'', page 41 "'Nosolee felt certain that the man named "Keez" held the position of Ship Master"</ref> As described by their title, [[Sangheili]] Shipmasters often command a single Covenant Starship. The size of the Starship does not seem to matter, whether a [[Covenant Frigate]] or a [[Reverence-class Cruiser|''Reverence''-class Cruiser]].
Shipmasters occasionally command small [[task force]]s or [[Covenant fleet|fleets]], although this does not afford them the superior rank of [[fleetmaster]].<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign levels ''[[Floodgate]]'' and ''[[The Ark]]''</ref><ref name="return">'''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''', "[[The Return]]"</ref> The equivalent term for an officer charged with commanding a [[space station]] is '''Stationmaster'''.{{Ref/Novel|Id=Anvil|Halo: Anvil Accord}}


==[[Rank]]==
==Overview==
When referring to a Sangheili, Shipmaster is a [[Covenant]] title for a high-ranking Covenant Elite who is in command of a single Starship. As per to denote their high-ranking status, most Shipmasters usually have bodyguards, such as a [[Hunter]] pair or a [[Lance]].
[[File:Reach 25806280 Full.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Shipmaster Ardo 'Moretumee commanding ''Ardent Prayer''.]]
While Shipmasters hold their individual power to command, they still fall under the chain of command, taking orders from their Fleet's [[Fleet Master]], [[Supreme Commander]] or [[Imperial Admiral]].  
Like many titles used by the Covenant, shipmaster is less of a formal rank and more of a role, not unlike that of a human ship captain. While most prominently held by [[Sangheili]], the title of shipmaster can be attained by individuals of different species and ranks. Shipmasters are subject to orders from their fleet's [[Fleet Master]], [[Supreme Commander]], or [[Imperial Admiral]].


From what the [[UNSC]] has observed, the Shipmaster of a particular ship gives orders from the command center of their vessel, the rough equivalent of a UNSC Starship's bridge. There they oversee and supervise the running of the ship, and give orders during battle. They command the ship from a platform raised off the deck, surrounded by holoscreens displaying relevant information.
The shipmaster of a particular ship gives orders from the command center of their vessel, the equivalent of a [[UNSC starship]]'s [[bridge]]. There they oversee and supervise the running of the ship, and give orders during battle. They command the ship from a platform raised off the deck, surrounded by [[holography|holographic]] screens displaying relevant information.<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved''' campaign level ''[[The Truth and Reconciliation]]''</ref> Each shipmaster has their own personal insignia which is used to identify them within holographic readouts of a fleet when acknowledging orders from their Fleet Master, for example.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 283''</ref> Most shipmasters have bodyguards assigned to them, such as a [[Mgalekgolo]] pair or a [[lance]] of special infantry. Mgalekgolo guards were responsible for protecting the shipmaster at all costs and, if they failed to do so, were expected to enact revenge on the shipmaster's killer.<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 190''</ref>


Before ''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'', it was assumed that only [[Zealots]] could hold the rank of Shipmaster. However, after killing the [[Tano 'Inanraree|previous Shipmaster]] of their vessel, the ''[[Incorruptible]]'', [[Major Domo]] [[Voro 'Mantakree]] was given the title of Shipmaster, and then promoted to Zealot so that he could become a Fleet Master, in charge of a task force sent to [[Onyx]]. Given the sheer size of the Covenant, the majority of Shipmasters are probably either Major Domos or [[Ultra Elite|Ultra]]s.
Sangheili of many different ranks may serve as shipmasters, though the position is often assumed by high-ranking individuals such as [[Special Operations Commander]]s, [[Sangheili Zealot|Zealots]], or [[Sangheili General|Generals]]. The lowest-ranked shipmaster known was [[Sangheili Major|Major]] [[Voro Nar 'Mantakree|Voro 'Mantakree]], who became the shipmaster of his vessel—''[[Incorruptible]]''—after killing the [[Tano 'Inanraree|previous shipmaster]]. 'Mantakree was later promoted to Fleet Master and placed in charge of a task force sent to [[Onyx]].<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 243''</ref> Shipmasters that command ships with a significant amount of firepower garner more respect among subordinates and other shipmasters.<ref>'''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''', ''page 174''</ref> Shipmasters often wear gold-colored armor as a symbol of their lofty status, though Special Operations personnel serving as shipmasters are known to retain their silver armor.{{Ref/Reuse|return}}<ref name="h3">'''Halo 3'''</ref> Some Sangheili shipmasters wear [[doarmir]] fur cloaks as a sign of status.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 159''</ref>


As such, higher ranks than Zealot may hold command positions over a Starship. [[The Arbiter]], should their role call for it, could be given command of the ship. [[Councilor]]s could also have the potential to be a Shipmaster, having even Zealots subordinate to them. These ranks could theoretically be considered the Shipmaster of a particular ship; most likely the flagship of the Fleet. There are also [[Brute]] equivalents to the Shipmaster, called [[Alpha Jiralhanae]] - these may be equivalent to the entire Zealot range.
[[File:Ritual Glassing.png|thumb|250px|[[Unidentified Sangheili Shipmaster (Righteous Vigilance)|A shipmaster]] glasses [[Kholo]]—the orders of [[Prophet of Conviction|a Prophet]].]]
The Sangheili place significant importance on the title of shipmaster, and it often supersedes an individual's rank when they are being addressed. Thus, Sangheili in command of [[battle group]]-sized units,{{Ref/Reuse|return}}{{Ref/Reuse|h3}} or in some cases entire fleets, have been referred to solely as shipmasters. Examples of this practice include [[Special Operations Commander]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]]ee, in command of the [[Fleet of Retribution]], and [[Jul 'Mdama]], addressed as shipmaster by his crew despite holding the rank of Supreme Commander in the [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction|revived Covenant]].<ref>'''Halo 4''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 4)|Terminals]]''</ref> Occasionally, a [[San'Shyuum]] [[San'Shyuum High Councilor|High Councilor]] from the Covenant [[High Council]] would witness the [[glassing]] of a world. If the Prophet declared that the glassing performance pleased the "[[Forerunners|gods]]", the shipmaster's status would be greatly increased within the Covenant military.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''', "The Return", ''page 314''</ref>


Also, as shown in ''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]'' and ''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]'', the title of Shipmaster could be held by other species than the Sangheili and Jiralhanae, specifically [[Jackal]]s, in both case female ones, hence the name Shipmistress. The only Shipmistresses so far are [[Chur'R-Yar]] and [[Chur 'R-Mut]].
[[Jiralhanae]], being the other leading military caste of the Covenant, also can hold the title of shipmaster. [[Kig-Yar]] can also serve as shipmasters, although they primarily command ships of the Kig-Yar's own design; the [[missionary ship]]s employed by the Covenant's [[Ministry of Tranquility]] are the most noted example.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 81''</ref> Despite this, some Kig-Yar shipmasters would be granted control of a [[Covenant frigate]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''', ''pages 50-51''</ref> As Kig-Yar society is matriarchal, their ship commanders are most commonly female and thus hold the title of shipmistress. However, male Kig-Yar shipmasters still exist.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 381''</ref>
{{Clear}}


=== Physical Appearance ===
== Known shipmasters ==
Elite Shipmasters featured thus far, don't appear to have any changes to their armor to distinguish themselves from other members of their rank (it is impossible to tell a Zealot Shipmaster apart from a Zealot [[Field Master]] based on their armor, for example). Other types of Shipmasters, such as [[Alpha Brute]]s or [[Minor Prophets]], are yet to be sighted. It is unknown if their armor would be different, to denote their individual rank. (Though it seems Lepidus, the Shipmaster who attacked Michigan, wore dark purple armor, and the design was that of a Captain.)
===Sangheili===
*[[Rtas 'Vadum]] – Shipmaster of the ''[[Shadow of Intent]]''.
*[[Thel 'Vadam]] – Former shipmaster of the ''[[Seeker of Truth]]''
*[[Lat 'Ravamee]] – Shipmaster of the ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]''.
*[[Let 'Volir]] - Shipmaster of the ''[[Enduring Conviction]]''.
*[[Orna 'Fulsam]]ee – Shipmaster of the ''[[Blameless Conceit]]'' and later the ''[[Ghost of Barolon]]''.
*[[Tano 'Inanraree]] – Former shipmaster of the ''[[Incorruptible]]''.
*[[Qunu]] – Shipmaster of the ''[[Far Sight Lost]]''.
*[[Voro Nar 'Mantakree]] – Shipmaster of the ''[[Incorruptible]].''
*[[Thon 'Talamee]] – Shipmaster of the ''[[Clarity of Faith]]''.
*[[Rho 'Barutamee]] – Shipmaster of the ''[[Long Night of Solace]]''.
*[[Rhul 'Salmutee]] – Shipmaster of the ''[[Solemn Penance]]''.
*[[Ardo 'Moretumee]] – Shipmaster of the ''[[Ardent Prayer]]''.
*[[Jul 'Mdama]] – Former shipmaster of ''[[Blight of the Profane]]'', later shipmaster of ''[[Song of Retribution]]''.
*[[Forze 'Mdama]] – Former shipmaster, lost command of his ship after the Human-Covenant War.
*[[Buran 'Utaral]] – Former shipmaster of the ''[[Unflinching Resolve]]'', current shipmaster of the ''[[Promised Revelation]]''.
*[[Galur]] – Shipmaster of the ''[[Cleansing Truth]]''.
*[[Vata 'Gajat]] – Shipmaster of an unknown corvette.
*[[D'ero 'S'bud]] – Shipmaster of the ''[[Journey's Sustenance]]''.
*[[Unidentified Sangheili Shipmaster (Righteous Vigilance)|Unidentified Sangheili shipmaster]] – Shipmaster and commander of the ''[[Fleet of Righteous Vigilance]]''.
*[[N'tho 'Sraom]] – Shipmaster of the ''[[Mayhem]]''.
*[[Kantar 'Utaralee]] – Shipmaster of an unknown ship.
*[[Ori 'Sumai]] – Shipmaster of an unknown ship.
*[[Mahkee 'Chava]] - Shipmistress of ''[[Scorrin's Blade]]''.
*[[Sali 'Nyon]] - Shipmaster of ''[[Breath of Annihilation]]''.
*[[Ryn 'Alun]] - Shipmaster of ''[[Panom's Canticle]]''.
*[[Inka 'Saham]] - Former shipmaster of ''[[Heresy's Sorrow]]''.
*[[Ob 'Nathisee]] - Shipmaster of ''[[Steadfast Strike]]''.
*[[Nizat 'Kvarosee]] - Former shipmaster of ''[[Pious Rampage]]''.
*[[Qoo 'Weyodosee]] - Shipmaster of ''[[Quiet Faith]]''.
*[[Yey 'Mootasee]] - Shipmaster of ''[[Divine Whisper]]''.
*[[Toda 'Murajai]] - Stationmaster for [[ANVIL Station]].{{Ref/Reuse|Anvil}}


== Appearances ==
===Jiralhanae===
=== ''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]'' ===
*[[Maccabeus]] – Shipmaster of the ''[[Rapid Conversion]]''.
A Jackal Shipmistress and a unknown Brute shipmaster appear in this novel.They plot against Thel 'Vadamee and his Zealot allies.
*[[Lepidus]] – Shipmaster of the ''[[Triumphant Declaration]]''.
*[[Gargantum]] – Shipmaster of the ''[[Twilight Compunction]]''.
*[[Parabum]] – Shipmaster of the ''[[Valorous Transgression]]''.


=== ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' ===
===Kig-Yar===
Only one Shipmaster is seen, the Shipmaster of the ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]''. He was killed by the [[Master Chief]] during his infiltration of the ship to find and rescue Captain Keyes. As a senior officer, his combat skills are honed, and he makes far fewer tactical mistakes than, for example, [[Minor Elites]], but he is still subdued by the [[Spartan]].
*[[Chol Von]] – Shipmistress of the ''[[Paragon]]'', formerly known as ''Joyous Discovery''.
*[[Chur'R-Yar]] – Shipmistress of the ''[[Minor Transgression]]''.
*[[Chur'R-Mut]] – Shipmistress of the ''[[A Psalm Every Day]]''.
*[[Chur'R-Zhal]] – Shipmistress of the ''[[Rampant Perdition]]''.
*[[Sav Fel]] – Shipmaster of the ''[[Pious Inquisitor]]''.
*[[Writh Kul]] – Shipmistress of the ''[[Dagger of Mercy]]''.


=== ''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'' ===
==Gallery==
Two Shipmasters are mentioned in ''Ghosts of Onyx''. The first is [[Tano 'Inanraree]], and the second is his successor and killer, Voro 'Mantakree. 'Mantakree later was given the office of Fleet Master to pursue the [[Human]] controlled Covenant Destroyer ''[[Bloodied Spirit]]''.
<gallery>
File:TARZealot.jpg|Shipmaster Lat 'Ravamee in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
File:Rtas 'Vadum.jpg|Shipmaster Rtas 'Vadum in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
File:Thon.png|Shipmaster Thon 'Talamee in ''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''.
File:HE24 battle.png|Shipmasters Sali 'Nyon and Jul 'Mdama battle it out with their ''CAS''-class assault carriers in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.
File:H2A Terminals - SupremeCommanderThel.png|Shipmaster Thel 'Vadamee in ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'''s [[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|terminals]].
File:HFB-Rho.jpg|Shipmaster Rho 'Barutamee in ''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''.
File:HM-Maccabeus.png|Shipmaster Maccabeus in ''[[Halo Mythos]]''.
File:HW2 - Let 'Volir.png|Shipmaster Let 'Volir in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:HINF InkaSaham.png|Shipmaster [[Inka 'Saham]] in ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
</gallery>


=== ''[[Halo 3]]'' ===
==List of appearances==
In ''Halo 3'', Rtas 'Vadum holds the position of Shipmaster. He is seen commanding the [[Assault Carrier]], ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'', as well as a small battle group that [[Glassing|glasses]] [[Voi]] and the surrounding areas.
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Stomping on the Heels of a Fuss]]''
**''[[The Return]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo: The Thursday War]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 4)|Terminals]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Mortal Dictata]]''
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]''
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo: Last Light]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
**''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition dossiers|Limited Edition dossiers]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
*''[[Halo: Battle for the Blood-Moon]]''
*''[[Halo: Anvil Accord]]''
{{Col-end}}


== Known Shipmasters ==
==Sources==
These, so far, are the only identified Shipmasters/Shipmistresses.
{{Ref/Sources}}


*[[Rtas 'Vadum]] - Shipmaster of the ''[[Shadow of Intent]]''.
{{Sangheili Ranks}}
*[[Orna 'Fulsamee]] - Shipmaster of the ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]''.
{{Jiralhanae Ranks}}
*[[Tano 'Inanraree]] - Shipmaster of the ''[[Incorruptible]]''.
{{Kig-Yar Ranks}}
*[[Qunu]] - Shipmaster of the ''[[Far Sight Lost]]''.
*[[Chur'R-Yar]] - [[Kig-yar]] Shipmistress of the ''[[Minor Transgression]]''.
*[[Maccabeus]] - [[Jiralhanae]] Shipmaster of the ''[[Rapid Conversion]]''.
*[[Chur 'R-Mut]] - [[Kig-yar]] Shipmistress of the ''[[A Psalm Every Day]]''.
 
*[[Lepidus]] - [[Jiralhanae]] Shipmaster of the ''[[Triumphant Declaration]]''.
*[[Gargantum]] - [[Jiralhanae]] Shipmaster of the ''[[Twilight Compunction]]''
 
== Trivia ==
*Though speculated to be the Covenant equivalents to [[UNSC]] Navy Captains, they may wield more influence than expected - Shipmasters have been seen in ''[[Halo: The Flood]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]'' directing relatively small battle groups, instead of single ships (though occasionally in 20th and 21st century fleets, the flagships' captain will command the fleet in the absence of an admiral. It's possible a similar system is used by the Sangheili, or the Covenant in general.)
*So far, the only Sangheili ranks confirmed holding the title of Shipmaster are [[Zealot]]s, [[Ultra Elite|Ultras]] and [[Major Domo]]s.
*Rtas 'Vadum and Voro Nar 'Mantakree (when firstly promoted) are the only known Shipmasters that were not zealots.
*In ''[[Halo 3]]'', after the memorial, Rtas 'Vadum hands the ''Shadow of Intent'' over to the [[Arbiter (Character)|Arbiter]]. This may technically give him the position of Shipmaster.
*Rtas 'Vadum is the most known Shipmaster. You see him in videos through out ''Halo 3''. He is also the only other Elite other than the Arbiter to call the [[Master Chief]] "[[SPARTAN]]" and not "[[Demon]]"."
*As seen in ''[[Halo 3]]'', the Shipmaster (Rtas 'Vadum) was in control of the entire [[Covenant Fleet]]. This would make Rtas 'Vadum a [[Fleet Master]].
* Voro Nar 'Mantakree was known for becoming a Shipmaster when he killed his CO aboard the Covenant Cruiser, the ''[[Incorruptible]]''.
* Sanghelli Shipmasters are known to wear [[Doarmir]] fur cloaks as a sign of status.
 
==Sources==
<references/>


{{Elite Ranks}}
[[Category:Kig-Yar ranks]]
[[Category:The Covenant]]

Latest revision as of 14:07, July 23, 2024

Lat 'Ravamee, the shipmaster of the Truth and Reconciliation.

Shipmaster (feminine term: Shipmistress), occasionally rendered as Ship Master,[citation needed] is a title the Covenant use to describe an individual in command of a starship.[1] The size of the ship is not relevant, whether a frigate or a supercarrier. The Covenant also use the term to describe the commanding officers of human vessels.[2]

Shipmasters occasionally command small task forces or fleets, although this does not afford them the superior rank of fleetmaster.[3][4] The equivalent term for an officer charged with commanding a space station is Stationmaster.[5]

Overview[edit]

Shipmaster Ardo 'Moretumee commanding Ardent Prayer.

Like many titles used by the Covenant, shipmaster is less of a formal rank and more of a role, not unlike that of a human ship captain. While most prominently held by Sangheili, the title of shipmaster can be attained by individuals of different species and ranks. Shipmasters are subject to orders from their fleet's Fleet Master, Supreme Commander, or Imperial Admiral.

The shipmaster of a particular ship gives orders from the command center of their vessel, the equivalent of a UNSC starship's bridge. There they oversee and supervise the running of the ship, and give orders during battle. They command the ship from a platform raised off the deck, surrounded by holographic screens displaying relevant information.[6] Each shipmaster has their own personal insignia which is used to identify them within holographic readouts of a fleet when acknowledging orders from their Fleet Master, for example.[7] Most shipmasters have bodyguards assigned to them, such as a Mgalekgolo pair or a lance of special infantry. Mgalekgolo guards were responsible for protecting the shipmaster at all costs and, if they failed to do so, were expected to enact revenge on the shipmaster's killer.[8]

Sangheili of many different ranks may serve as shipmasters, though the position is often assumed by high-ranking individuals such as Special Operations Commanders, Zealots, or Generals. The lowest-ranked shipmaster known was Major Voro 'Mantakree, who became the shipmaster of his vessel—Incorruptible—after killing the previous shipmaster. 'Mantakree was later promoted to Fleet Master and placed in charge of a task force sent to Onyx.[9] Shipmasters that command ships with a significant amount of firepower garner more respect among subordinates and other shipmasters.[10] Shipmasters often wear gold-colored armor as a symbol of their lofty status, though Special Operations personnel serving as shipmasters are known to retain their silver armor.[4][11] Some Sangheili shipmasters wear doarmir fur cloaks as a sign of status.[12]

The Prophet of Conviction watches as an unnamed shipmaster glasses Kholo.
A shipmaster glasses Kholo—the orders of a Prophet.

The Sangheili place significant importance on the title of shipmaster, and it often supersedes an individual's rank when they are being addressed. Thus, Sangheili in command of battle group-sized units,[4][11] or in some cases entire fleets, have been referred to solely as shipmasters. Examples of this practice include Special Operations Commander Rtas 'Vadumee, in command of the Fleet of Retribution, and Jul 'Mdama, addressed as shipmaster by his crew despite holding the rank of Supreme Commander in the revived Covenant.[13] Occasionally, a San'Shyuum High Councilor from the Covenant High Council would witness the glassing of a world. If the Prophet declared that the glassing performance pleased the "gods", the shipmaster's status would be greatly increased within the Covenant military.[14]

Jiralhanae, being the other leading military caste of the Covenant, also can hold the title of shipmaster. Kig-Yar can also serve as shipmasters, although they primarily command ships of the Kig-Yar's own design; the missionary ships employed by the Covenant's Ministry of Tranquility are the most noted example.[15] Despite this, some Kig-Yar shipmasters would be granted control of a Covenant frigate.[16] As Kig-Yar society is matriarchal, their ship commanders are most commonly female and thus hold the title of shipmistress. However, male Kig-Yar shipmasters still exist.[17]

Known shipmasters[edit]

Sangheili[edit]

Jiralhanae[edit]

Kig-Yar[edit]

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 4 (2003)
  2. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 41 (2003) ("'Nosolee felt certain that the man named "Keezz" held the position of Ship Master")
  3. ^ Halo 3, campaign levels Floodgate and The Ark
  4. ^ a b c Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, "The Return"
  5. ^ a b Halo: Anvil Accord
  6. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved campaign level The Truth and Reconciliation
  7. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 283
  8. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 190
  9. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, page 243
  10. ^ Halo: Glasslands, page 174
  11. ^ a b Halo 3
  12. ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 159
  13. ^ Halo 4, Terminals
  14. ^ Halo: Evolutions, "The Return", page 314
  15. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 81
  16. ^ Halo: Mortal Dictata, pages 50-51
  17. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 381