Shipmaster

Ship Master is a Covenant Elite rank. As described by their rank, Ship Masters 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. The title usually goes to a Zealot grade Elite, Brute Chieftain, or Minor Prophet. Most ship Masters usually have bodyguards, such as a Hunter pair or a Lance.

Rank
A Ship Master is a Covenant title for a high ranking Covenant Elite who is in command of a single starship. While Ship Masters hold their individual commands, they still fall under the chain of command, taking orders from their fleet's commanding Supreme Commander or Imperial Admiral. As with other Zealots beside 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's bridge. There they oversee and supervise the running of the ship, and give orders during battle. They command the ship fram a platform raised off the deck, surrounded 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 Incorruptable, 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.

Physical
Ship Masters wear the gold ceremonial armour of the Zealot class of Elites, and are otherwise similar physically to other Elites. However, in combat there are differences - as senior officers, their combat skills are honed, and they make far fewer tactical mistakes than, for example, Minor Domo's, and are usually seen to wield the Energy Sword.

Halo: Combat Evolved
Only one Ship Master is seen in any of the games, 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.

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
 * Tano 'Inanraree
 * Voro 'Mantakree
 * 'Qunu

Related Links

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