Editing Targetmaster (technology)

''Targetmasters are one of several specialised Transformer warriors that were developed during the war on [[Nebulos]]. See also [[Headmasters]] and [[Powermasters]]''

[[Image:Targetmasters.jpg|thumb|250px|'''Targetmasters:''' the small one on the right turns into a gun]]

'Targetmaster' is a term used to describe any of the [[Autobot|Autobots]] or [[Decepticons]] who were involved in the wars on [[Nebulos]] and have had their sidearms or other primary weapons binary-bonded to a living being. Created shortly after their more drastic [[Headmasters|Headmaster]] cousins, the Targetmasters benefit from being able to go into battle without losing their heads. 

A Targetmaster, unlike a normal Transformer, is able to possess a living weapon, one that is capable of making its own tactical decisions and target priorities. As most Targetmasters follow the practice of carrying an extra "backup" weapon in addition to their Targetmaster partner, this allows them the luxury of having a gun that they can leave to its its own devices: the ultimate "fire and forget" weapon. 

The benefit to the [[Nebulos|Nebulans]] who participate in this bonding is fairly obvious: they gain the power to transform themselves into a gun, and if that was good enough for [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], then who are they to argue with the results? Targetmaster partners tend to be more aggressive and warlike than their fellow Headmasters and [[Powermasters]], which tends to come with the territory when someone volunteers to be a walking cannon. 

Historically, the Targetmasters were created from the second generation of Transformers to come to Nebulos: those who had not agreed to the Headmaster bonding (and were not willing to go quite that far), but still wanted to reap the benefits of binary bonding. At various points in their careers, such stalwart warriors as [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] have been counted amongst the [[Autobot]] Targetmasters, while notable Decepticons like [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]] and [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] also accepted the process in order to reap the benefits of such added power. 

''In Japanese continuities Headmasters hail from the planet Master, but unlike the [[Headmasters]] they are partnered with a regular Transformer as opposed to a [[Transecter]]. This fusion came about in a blast wich Binary-Bonded a group of refugies from Master to the arms of the new Autobot recruits, (Pointblank, Sureshot, and Crosshairs(who were friends of [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]), as well as the Decepticon marauders(Slugslinger, Triggerhappy, and Missfire), who were terrorizing the refugies in the first place. Unlike in the US continuity and toys, when the Master's Transform into gun mode, they take the place of the hand instead of being held by it, like Megaman, or Samus' blasters.

''It is unknown at this time why [[Stepper (G1)|Stepper]], [[Artfire (G1)|Artfire]], Hot Rod, and Kup have targetmasters, as they were not present for the explosion. It is also uknown why the Japanese Targetmasters speak in a series of beeps instead of normaly(like the mini-cons, or R2-D2), unlike thier Headmaster brethern.''

==Terminology==

In conversation, both the primary Transformer and their Nebulan partner are referred to by the title "Targetmaster". Unlike other factions of the Autobot/Decepticon war, like the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] or the [[Constructicons (G1)|Constructicons]], Targetmasters are not considered to form their own unit: Targetmasters can regularly deploy alone or with other, non-bonded Transformers. 

The term "Targetmaster" is a description for the unique bonding shared between Transformer and Nebulan. If an Autobot or Decepticon loses their Nebulan partner (such as was the case with [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], when his partner [[Firebolt]] died), then they cease to be referred to as a Targetmaster. Unlike their fellow bonded Transformers, it is possible for a Targetmaster to leave, abandon, or otherwise seperate from his partner with no ill effects - a Headmaster who splits up his binary bond will have a hard time getting much done without his head, and a Powermaster does not last long without his engine, but a Targetmaster can always pick up a new gun. 

Where this is opportunity for confusion, this article refers to the smaller transforming partner as a ''Targetmaster partner.''

==Defining Characteristics==

Not all Transformers that turn into guns are Targetmasters. [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] and [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]] change into powerful weapons, but they are not bonded to a specific partner or share any of the traits usually associated with the "Targetmaster" title.  

===Partnering===
[[Image:Targetmaster-nomore.jpg|thumb|'''Targetmaster No More:''' Hot Rod is no longer a Targetmaster as he mourns Firebolt's death.]]
Targetmasters are [[Binary Bond|binary bonded]] to a specific Targetmaster partner or partners.  Unlike non-Targetmaster gun-Transformers, their systems interface, resulting in vastly increased accuracy while leaving the larger Transformer's attention free for other tasks.

In order to be considered a Targetmaster, a Transformer must have a specifically chosen  partner. Most examples are Nebulans, but this is not necessarily required. The partner wears a specially designed exoskeleton (not unlike the [[Exo-Suit]] worn by [[Daniel Witwicky|Daniel]] and [[Spike Witwicky]]) that allows him to change himself into a weapon. Both of the partners undergo a procedure known as "Binary Bonding". Although each of the pair is still an individual being (unlike the [[gestalt (G1)|gestalts]] formed when some Transformers combine), they will be able to share thoughts and sensations, not unlike a psychic connection. One of the many advantages to this is that a Targetmaster can send commands to his weapon without needing to actually touch it, or even be in the same room. 

In vehicle mode, the Transformer usually has some kind of port or area where his partner can rest in weapon mode, functioning as a sort of self-guided turret and protecting their larger comrade while he focuses on other tasks. Since the partner is the one who controls their weapon mode, they are self-aiming and capable of tracking their own targets independant of any other weapon systems that the Transformer may have available. 

Also, it should be noted that in some rare cases, Autobots or Decepticons have been known to bond themselves to multiple Targetmaster partners. These elite warriors are sometimes called "Double Targetmasters", to emphasize their extra abilities. In addition to forming into individual weapons, the partners of most Double Targetmasters can often combine to form a single, even more powerful weapon for their Transformer ally. 

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