Headmaster (technology)



Headmasters are a type of symbiotic variation on the Transformer lifeform in which a smaller being, frequently but not exclusively organic, transforms into the head of a larger robot. Headmaster bonding typically occurs between two sentient beings, but there have been cases in which the head or the body (such as the Transtectors) is a non-sentient construct controlled entirely by the other partner.

When it occurs between two sentient beings, the benefits of the Headmaster procedure are many: The partner gains control of a larger, more powerful body, and the Transformer gains an extra perspective on the battlefield, the psychic binary bonding involved allowing him to draw on both his own ideas, tactics, and instincts as well as those of his partner as quickly as if they were coming from his own head (since they are). Agility, reaction speed, and targeting accuracy are often enhanced by the process.

The Headmaster process leaves its subject Transformers with one glaring disadvantage: when separated from their partners, they have no head. Most can continue to function as vehicles without their partners, but can do little in robot mode besides stand around.

In conversation, the term "Headmaster" can apply to both the small partner (the head) and the significant other (the body).

Sometimes a duo of Headmaster partners can jointly pilot a larger city-sized body. The resulting Titan is known as a double-Headmaster.

The Transformers cartoon
In this continuity, the Headmaster process is the brainchild of Brainstorm, who has advocated that using an organic partner would be a good strategy in combat with the Decepticons. It also would be much less invasive for the organic humanoid involved. No surgical alteration would be needed on their part, and the process would consist mainly of altering the Transformer's head to 1) have a control center for a partner to sit at inside and 2) transform around the partner into a fancy exosuit. While those who undergone it may feel a closer bond with their respective partners, there is no reason to believe there would be any true psychic connection between them. Before detaching his head, the Transformer would downloads their memory and personality into their auxiliary memory circuits in their chest.

Apocalypse World
After Mo Zarak got too old, his son Olin Zarak inherited Scorponok, becoming Scorponok's Headmaster controller.

Foreign names

 * Italian: Leaderbot
 * Mandarin: Tóulǐng Zhànshì (头领战士, "Headman Fighter")