Covenant Ship Classifications

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Attack Ships
Made up of the very smallest starships that are recognised as warships, Attack Ships occupy an odd step between strikecraft and true warships, and fulfil the Covenant's need for cheap escorts and cannon fodder in fleet engagements. Weighing up to 10 million metric tonnes and reach a maximum length of just over one kilometre, Attack Ships are the smallest vessels that are classified as warships. They are expected to operate independently or in small groups within the Covenant's borders, and perform menial tasks such as manifest checks, delivering personnel and supplies to ships and naval bases, and respond to civil unrest on their worlds. That said, their wide range of shapes and capabilities makes them a versatile classification. During fleet engagements, their small size restricts the power of their weapons and shields, which means that they must use their speed and strength of numbers to win or offer support to larger starships.

Attack Ships are viewed with disdain by anyone wishing to climb the ranks of the Covenant, and their crews are given additional restrictions not seen on any other ship. They are forbidden from contacting their Fleetmaster directly, as such an act is widely seen as wasting their time, and getting recognition for their battle honours is a harder process to accomplish. Because of this, and the fact that comparatively few see service in the Covenant's expeditionary fleets, Sangheili treat them as disposable tools unworthy of their time. Instead, command of these ships falling to experienced Kig-Yar and Jiralhanae officers, who often tweak and brand these ships with their own markings to make them their own.

Quaestors
Quaestors are workhorse ships-of-the-line, larger than Attack Ships, but rarely exceeds the size of esteemed Examiner-type vessels. They are the single-most numerous 'true' warship classification, with reliable weapons and shields, but lack the efficiency or lethality expected by other Covenant ships of their size. This is because they are designed to be suitable for a wide range of roles, such as scouting, occupation, and unearthing Forerunner structures where needed. Their well-roundedness sees them often becoming flagships for smaller fleets.