Chapter Master
In Warhammer 40,000, a Chapter of Space Marines is led by its Chapter Master. Chapter Masters are among the most experienced Marines in the Imperium and supremely skilled in warfare. They often have many centuries under their belt, including many years of service as a Company Captain.
They're usually elected to the position by the other Captains or Veterans of their Chapter after the previous Chapter Master vacates the post, although, in practice, the First Captain usually ends up getting the job. If a Captain accomplishes something extremely noteworthy while his Chapter Master is still around, his name may be put forward to lead a new Chapter at the next Founding.
The Chapter Master's responsibilities do not end with his Marines; he is also in charge of the chapter's non-Marine personnel, known as Chapter Serfs, and the many organizations surrounding his Chapter, like the Planetary Defense Force and Navy fleets of his Chapter's homeworld (if they have one).
I Can't Believe It's Not Chapter Master
Non-Codex Astartes Chapters may use other terms for their senior officer, or may not have one senior officer at all, if they are ruled by a council. Some other titles used include:
- Lord Commander (Blood Angels and Silver Skulls)
- Lord High Commander (Red Scorpions)
- Great Khan (White Scars)
- Supreme Grand Master (Grey Knights and Dark Angels)
- Great Wolf (Space Wolves)
- High Marshall (Black Templars)
- The Chapter Master can also be the First Captain (such as in the Salamanders and Crimson Fists).
- The Iron Hands, meanwhile, are ruled by a Clan Council. Kardan Stronos is listed as Chapter Master only in name as he was elected to be the only one to do shit in the council between fighting nids and Farsight.
See Also
- Chapter Master: A Chapter Management Simulation is a game-in-development where you get to be the Chapter Master of your own Space Marine chapter and lead them to victory, or (much more likely) get wiped out hilariously.