Canon

Blademaster

From Halopedia, the Halo wiki

Bero 'Kusovai training with Rtas 'Vadumee.
Bero 'Kusovai (right) was a skilled blademaster

Blademaster is a title used by Sangheili to indicate a Sangheili-ai, a master swordsman.[1] The "-ai" suffix is applied to the surnames of blademasters, an honorific bestowed upon the Sangheili in a ceremony after they choose to dedicate their life to the perfection of their swordsmanship[2]. Variations of suffix exist; for example, the "-dai" suffix specifically denotes a swordmaster in the short-path method of combat[3]. Blademasters are entitled to wear gilded armor, denoting their master rank[1].

Toha 'Sumai was one of the preeminent swordfighters of his time, though the aristocratic 'Sumai clan appears to bear the "-ai" suffix in perpetuity; the family's keep and all known members of the clan both hold the honorific[4]. However, some Blademasters, such as Vul 'Soran and Okro 'Vagaduun, lack the "-ai" suffix[1][5].

Known Blademasters

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b c Halo: Shadow of Intent, p. 15 (Google Play edition)
  2. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 131
  3. ^ Halo: Outcasts, chapter 7: "She had the same surname as her kaidon—Varo—because she was of the same clan, and the same suffix—dai—because she was also a swordmaster in the short-path method of combat."
  4. ^ Halo Waypoint, Usze 'Taham (Retrieved on May 14, 2021) [archive]
  5. ^ Halo: Shadows of Reach: Adjunct - Sacrifice
  6. ^ Halo: Shadows of Reach, chapter 3
  7. ^ Halo: Shadow of Intent, p. 18 (Google Play edition)
  8. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Despite Distance (Retrieved on Oct 29, 2021) [archive]
  9. ^ Halo: Silent Storm, chapter 18: ""This is madness, Blademaster." His voice was booming and certain, even through the transceiver in 'Szatulai's helmet."