Shipmaster

Ship Master is a title usually given to a Covenant Elite before the Civil War of the Covenant. As described by their title, Ship Masters often command a single Covenant starship. The size of the starship does not seem to matter, but Ship Masters usually only hold command over only a single starship. The title usually goes to a Zealot, an Alpha Jiralhanae, or a Minor Prophet.

Rank
A Ship Master 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 Ship Masters usually have bodyguards, such as a Hunter pair or a Lance. While Ship Masters hold their individual power to command, they still fall under the chain of command, taking orders from their fleet's Supreme Commander or Imperial Admiral. As with other Zealots ,except for Supreme Commanders, Ship Masters wear golden armor.

From what the UNSC has observed, the Ship Master of a particular ship commands from the command centre 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.

Before Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, it was assumed that only Zealots (Gold-armoured Elites) could hold the rank of Ship Master. However, after killing the previous Ship Master of their vessel, the Incorruptible, Major Domo Voro 'Mantakree was given the title of Ship Master, and then Fleet Master, in charge of a taskforce.

Likewise, higher ranks than Fleet Master may hold command positions. Supreme Commanders command a larger fleet, and a Supreme Commander wields authority over all fleets. There are also Brute equivalents to the Ship Master, called Alpha Jiralhanae - these may be equivalent to the entireZealot range.

Appearance
Ship Masters wear gold ceremonial armor, much like the rest of the Zealot class of Elites, and are otherwise similar physically to other Elites. They are usually seen wielding the Energy Sword, but are apparently skilled with all forms of weaponry, as any other Zealot.

Halo: Combat Evolved
Only one Ship Master is seen, the Ship Master 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 Domo or Major Domo.

Halo: Ghosts of Onyx
Two Ship Masters are mentioned in Ghosts of Onyx. The first is Tano 'Inanraree, and the second is his successor and murderer, Voro 'Mantakree. 'Mantakree later was given the rank of Fleet Master to pursue the Incorruptible.

Trivia

 * Ship Masters are equal to UNSC Navy Captains.
 * Thus far, only Zealots have been featured as Ship Masters, with the exception of Voro 'Mantakree, who was a Major Domo.

Known Ship Masters

 * Orna 'Fulsamee, alleged Ship Master of the Truth and Reconciliation
 * Tano 'Inanraree, former Ship Master of the Incorruptible
 * Voro 'Mantakree, Ship Master of the Incorruptible
 * 'Qunu, Ship Master of the Far Sight Lost

Related Links

 * The Arbiter
 * Councilor
 * Zealot
 * Major Domo
 * Elite