Editing Ussans
From Halopedia, the Halo wiki
The edit can be undone. Please check the comparison below to verify that this is what you want to do, and then publish the changes below to finish undoing the edit.
Latest revision | Your text | ||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Status|Canon}} | {{Status|Canon}} | ||
{{References}} | {{References}} | ||
{{Under | {{Under Construction}} | ||
{{Affiliation infobox | {{Affiliation infobox | ||
|name=Ussans | |name=Ussans | ||
Line 24: | Line 24: | ||
|formed=c. [[851 BCE]] | |formed=c. [[851 BCE]] | ||
|dissolved= | |dissolved= | ||
|affiliation= | |affiliation= | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{Quote|We are prepared to die fighting beside Ussa 'Xellus, in the struggle against the Covenant. This is honor, and honor is meaning.|The blood oath of Final Decision<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 35'' (Google Play edition)</ref>}} | {{Quote|We are prepared to die fighting beside Ussa 'Xellus, in the struggle against the Covenant. This is honor, and honor is meaning.|The blood oath of Final Decision<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 35'' (Google Play edition)</ref>}} | ||
Line 40: | Line 39: | ||
===Colonization of the Refuge=== | ===Colonization of the Refuge=== | ||
[[File:HBC | [[File:HBC-Refuge.jpg|thumb|250px|The Refuge, the home of the Ussans.]] | ||
{{Quote|Clanksfolk! You have trusted me thus far! I have taken you from one world to another! You must trust me here—we have crossed the [[Great Torrent]]! We cannot turn back! I believe we are safe here—the Covenant does not know of this world! It is an uncharted place and they are not likely to find it! If they approach, we will have ample warning. We will survive! We have food, water, air, and most of all, hope! Rejoice with me in this...and remember that true Sangheili are always prepared for self-sacrifice! This is our keep now! Our home! Yes—and it is Sanghelios! Because wherever we go...there also is Sanghelios!|Ussa delivering a speech to the Ussans{{Ref/Reuse|bc49}}}} | {{Quote|Clanksfolk! You have trusted me thus far! I have taken you from one world to another! You must trust me here—we have crossed the [[Great Torrent]]! We cannot turn back! I believe we are safe here—the Covenant does not know of this world! It is an uncharted place and they are not likely to find it! If they approach, we will have ample warning. We will survive! We have food, water, air, and most of all, hope! Rejoice with me in this...and remember that true Sangheili are always prepared for self-sacrifice! This is our keep now! Our home! Yes—and it is Sanghelios! Because wherever we go...there also is Sanghelios!|Ussa delivering a speech to the Ussans{{Ref/Reuse|bc49}}}} | ||
Upon arrival, the rebels started to establish a colony and their new home on the shield world, now called the "Refuge". Additionally, these Sangheili had begun to refer to themselves as "Ussans", a reference to their leader. A rough triumvirate of leaders was formed between Ussa, Sooln, and Ernicka. [[Enduring Bias]], the [[monitor]] of the shield world, chose to aid the Ussans and worked closely with the Ussan leadership, Sooln in particular. Several Sangheili were tasked with exploring the shield world and its functions; they intended to use the technologies found on the world to continue hiding from the Covenant, until the Ussans were able to combat the empire. Others were assigned to study the native fauna and to use analyzing technology to determine if the animals were safe for consumption. Meanwhile, [[Salus 'Crolon]] had begun to distrust Ussa. He openly expressed his doubts about Ussa's decision to relocate and his leadership capabilities to other Sangheili, especially to [[Tersa 'Gunok]]. 'Crolon formed a companionship with the like-minded [['Drem]], and the two began to plot against Ussa. At this time, Enduring Bias revealed the Refuge's Disassembler process to Ussa and Sooln; the shield world was capable of breaking apart and imitating an apparent [[self-destruct]]ing explosion, while remaining habitable. Not wishing to spread fear throughout the colony, Ussa decided to not inform his followers of the process. | Upon arrival, the rebels started to establish a colony and their new home on the shield world, now called the "Refuge". Additionally, these Sangheili had begun to refer to themselves as "Ussans", a reference to their leader. A rough triumvirate of leaders was formed between Ussa, Sooln, and Ernicka. [[Enduring Bias]], the [[monitor]] of the shield world, chose to aid the Ussans and worked closely with the Ussan leadership, Sooln in particular. Several Sangheili were tasked with exploring the shield world and its functions; they intended to use the technologies found on the world to continue hiding from the Covenant, until the Ussans were able to combat the empire. Others were assigned to study the native fauna and to use analyzing technology to determine if the animals were safe for consumption. Meanwhile, [[Salus 'Crolon]] had begun to distrust Ussa. He openly expressed his doubts about Ussa's decision to relocate and his leadership capabilities to other Sangheili, especially to [[Tersa 'Gunok]]. 'Crolon formed a companionship with the like-minded [['Drem]], and the two began to plot against Ussa. At this time, Enduring Bias revealed the Refuge's Disassembler process to Ussa and Sooln; the shield world was capable of breaking apart and imitating an apparent [[self-destruct]]ing explosion, while remaining habitable. Not wishing to spread fear throughout the colony, Ussa decided to not inform his followers of the process. | ||
Line 48: | Line 47: | ||
===The Rending=== | ===The Rending=== | ||
{{Quote|We will be safe here. The true Sangheili will grow in numbers and in strength. We will learn how to harness the power of the Forerunners. And those who follow us will one day take Sanghelios back.|Ussa 'Xellus, following the Rending<ref name="bc183">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 183'' (Google Play edition)</ref>}} | {{Quote|We will be safe here. The true Sangheili will grow in numbers and in strength. We will learn how to harness the power of the Forerunners. And those who follow us will one day take Sanghelios back.|Ussa 'Xellus, following the Rending<ref name="bc183">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 183'' (Google Play edition)</ref>}} | ||
Shortly after his arrest, 'Crolon managed to escape his prison cell and killed [['Kwari|the guard]]. Although Ussa, Sooln, and Bias attempted to stop him, the traitor fled [[Ussan system|the system]] aboard ''Clan's Blade''. Fearing that 'Crolon might give the shield world's coordinates to the Covenant, Ussa prepared the Ussans for war.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 155-158'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Ussa's predictions came true when ''Clan's Blade'' was intercepted by Covenant ships. Although the Covenant gained the world's coordinates from the vessel's records, 'Crolon was kept alive in hopes of using him to bargain with the Ussans in the inevitable conflict that would ensure.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 165'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Due to his failure to kill 'Xellus during [[ | Shortly after his arrest, 'Crolon managed to escape his prison cell and killed [['Kwari|the guard]]. Although Ussa, Sooln, and Bias attempted to stop him, the traitor fled [[Ussan system|the system]] aboard ''Clan's Blade''. Fearing that 'Crolon might give the shield world's coordinates to the Covenant, Ussa prepared the Ussans for war.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 155-158'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Ussa's predictions came true when ''Clan's Blade'' was intercepted by Covenant ships. Although the Covenant gained the world's coordinates from the vessel's records, 'Crolon was kept alive in hopes of using him to bargain with the Ussans in the inevitable conflict that would ensure.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 165'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Due to his failure to kill 'Xellus during [[Skirmish of the Planet of Blue and Red|a battle]] during the [[San'Shyuum-Sangheili War]], the Prophet of Inner Conviction was tasked by the [[Hierarchs]] with quelling the Ussan rebellion. The Prophet of Inner Conviction quickly assembled a [[Covenant fleet|fleet]] and departed for the Ussan system.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 164'' (Google Play edition)</ref> | ||
With the arrival of the fleet, Ussa contemplated activating the Disassembler process, but decided to speak with the Covenant first, hoping to possibly negotiate a deal. Wishing to do the same,<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 168-170'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Inner Conviction sent a transmission to the Refuge—from the [[Covenant carrier|carrier]] ''[[Pledge of Holiness]]''—that was picked up by Enduring Bias. Bias presented the transmission to Ussa, allowing the two to see and hear each other. The Prophet of Inner Conviction offered to allow the Ussans to live free on Sanghelios, if Ussa and Sooln turned themselves in to face trial and [[capital punishment]]. Ussa feared that his people would still be persecuted for their rebellion; he instead offered to hand over Forerunner relics to the Covenant each [[cycle|solar cycle]] if the fleet withdrew. Inner Conviction knew the Covenant would not agree—as it would seem that the empire was weak if they compromised with a small insurgent group—and insisted that he surrendered for the sake of the Ussans. Again, Ussa declined and told Enduring Bias to end the transmission. In response, the [[Covenant military]] invaded the shield world. Ussa sent one final transmission to the Prophet of Inner Conviction: he warned the San'Shyuum that he was about to destroy the shield world and suggested for the Covenant to extract their warriors off the world. Trusting Ussa, Inner Conviction heeded the advice and evacuated all Covenant soldiers. As the Covenant fleet retreated to the shield world's orbit, Ussa and Bias activated the Disassembler process.<ref name="bc178">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 178-181''</ref> | With the arrival of the fleet, Ussa contemplated activating the Disassembler process, but decided to speak with the Covenant first, hoping to possibly negotiate a deal. Wishing to do the same,<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 168-170'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Inner Conviction sent a transmission to the Refuge—from the [[Covenant carrier|carrier]] ''[[Pledge of Holiness]]''—that was picked up by Enduring Bias. Bias presented the transmission to Ussa, allowing the two to see and hear each other. The Prophet of Inner Conviction offered to allow the Ussans to live free on Sanghelios, if Ussa and Sooln turned themselves in to face trial and [[capital punishment]]. Ussa feared that his people would still be persecuted for their rebellion; he instead offered to hand over Forerunner relics to the Covenant each [[cycle|solar cycle]] if the fleet withdrew. Inner Conviction knew the Covenant would not agree—as it would seem that the empire was weak if they compromised with a small insurgent group—and insisted that he surrendered for the sake of the Ussans. Again, Ussa declined and told Enduring Bias to end the transmission. In response, the [[Covenant military]] invaded the shield world. Ussa sent one final transmission to the Prophet of Inner Conviction: he warned the San'Shyuum that he was about to destroy the shield world and suggested for the Covenant to extract their warriors off the world. Trusting Ussa, Inner Conviction heeded the advice and evacuated all Covenant soldiers. As the Covenant fleet retreated to the shield world's orbit, Ussa and Bias activated the Disassembler process.<ref name="bc178">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 178-181''</ref> | ||
The shield world was seemingly destroyed, along with all of its inhabitants. In truth, Ussa and his people survived aboard large freight movers. Though Inner Conviction spotted the [[freighter]]s within the debris of the Refuge, he chose to ignore as he knew Ussa would not present a threat to the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|bc178}} When the Covenant fleet left the system, Enduring Bias set the fragmented habitats within the Ussan system's [[asteroid]] belt. The Ussans continued to populate the habitable sections of the Refuge, and Ussa pledged to one day have his descendants take back Sanghelios.{{Ref/Reuse|bc183 | The shield world was seemingly destroyed, along with all of its inhabitants. In truth, Ussa and his people survived aboard large freight movers. Though Inner Conviction spotted the [[freighter]]s within the debris of the Refuge, he chose to ignore as he knew Ussa would not present a threat to the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|bc178}} When the Covenant fleet left the system, Enduring Bias set the fragmented habitats within the Ussan system's [[asteroid]] belt. The Ussans continued to populate the habitable sections of the Refuge, and Ussa pledged to one day have his descendants take back Sanghelios.{{Ref/Reuse|bc183}} | ||
===Colonial decline=== | ===Colonial decline=== | ||
Over the course of the following centuries, the Ussans continued to inhabit the Refuge. Shortly before Ussa's death, a rogue comet struck the [[Primary Section]] of the Refuge and Enduring Bias was deactivated in the incident. | Over the course of the following centuries, the Ussans continued to inhabit the Refuge. Shortly before Ussa's death, a rogue comet struck the [[Primary Section]] of the Refuge and Enduring Bias was deactivated in the incident. Overtime, the state of the Refuge began to deteriorate. The Ussans' nutrition systems in the colony had begun to falter and some life-support systems were beginning to fail. Some of the colony's protein synthesizers began to malfunction, which caused some Ussans to become infected with [[Blood Sickness]], a disease that caused violence or hallucinations in those that it afflicted. Some [[Sangheili]] believed that an apocalypse was inevitable. [['Insa 'Greftus]], a Blood Sick Sangheili, believed that the "Forgotten Gods" channeled themselves physically through him and they wanted the Sangheili to depart the Refuge. These gods had allegedly told 'Greftus the location of [[Sanghelios]], and they wanted the Sangheili to use the colony's ancient starships to return to the planet. 'Greftus initiated a rebellion in [[Section Five]] of the Refuge, and he established the "Way of 'Greftus" and the [['Greftus Faction]]. Kaidon [[N'Zursa 'Xellus]] claimed that 'Greftus' ramblings were the result of his Blood Sickness and sent guards for 'Greftus. The rebel was ejected out of the Refuge via [[airlock]] into space for his "Failure of Clan Integrity". All Ussans in the Refuge witnessed 'Greftus' death.<ref name="bc231">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''pages 231-233'' (Google Play edition)</ref> | ||
As the colony continued to deteriorate, N'Zursa 'Xellus suggested that all vital supplies should be moved to the Primary Section. However, section captains disagreed, citing that it left their sections vulnerable and discounted them.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 259''</ref> Following N'Zursa's death, his nephew—[[Bal'Tol 'Xellus]]—was titled kaidon.<ref name="bc203">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 203''</ref> After the failure of the irrigation systems of the eco level resulted in the die-off of many vegetation, as well as the simultaneous breakdown of the protein synthesizer, a savage group of Sangheili led by a Blood Sick marauder had begun feeding upon other Ussans that they deemed inferior. Known as the [[Blue Mandibles]], these Sangheili invaded parts of [[Section Two]]. Bal'Tol eventually led troops against the cannibals and slaughtered the faction.{{Ref/Reuse|bc225}} | As the colony continued to deteriorate, N'Zursa 'Xellus suggested that all vital supplies should be moved to the Primary Section. However, section captains disagreed, citing that it left their sections vulnerable and discounted them.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 259''</ref> Following N'Zursa's death, his nephew—[[Bal'Tol 'Xellus]]—was titled kaidon.<ref name="bc203">'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 203''</ref> After the failure of the irrigation systems of the eco level resulted in the die-off of many vegetation, as well as the simultaneous breakdown of the protein synthesizer, a savage group of Sangheili led by a Blood Sick marauder had begun feeding upon other Ussans that they deemed inferior. Known as the [[Blue Mandibles]], these Sangheili invaded parts of [[Section Two]]. Bal'Tol eventually led troops against the cannibals and slaughtered the faction.{{Ref/Reuse|bc225}} | ||
Line 68: | Line 67: | ||
===Reconnecting with the universe=== | ===Reconnecting with the universe=== | ||
In [[2553]], following the outbreak of the [[Great Schism]], the colony was found by the supply ship ''[[Journey's Sustenance]]''. Amongst the crew was a [[Huragok]] named [[Sluggish Drifter]] and [[San'Shyuum]] [[Zo Resken]], descendant of the [[Prophet of Inner Conviction]] who had chosen to leave the Ussans alone after the Refuge was disassembled. Sluggish Drifter was able to repair [[Enduring Bias]] who killed 'Kinsa and aided the Ussans in putting down his rebellion. Together, Enduring Bias and Sluggish Drifter discovered the source of the [[Blood Sickness]] and created a cure. Enduring Bias was able to reconnect the pieces of [[the Refuge]], but there were not enough left to form a whole sphere, instead creating a circular structure similar to a [[Halo ring]]. The Ussans who wished to return to [[Sanghelios]] were allowed to do so though many remained on the Refuge.<ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]'''</ref> | In [[2553]], following the outbreak of the [[Great Schism]], the colony was found by the supply ship ''[[Journey's Sustenance]]''. Amongst the crew was a [[Huragok]] named [[Sluggish Drifter]] and [[San'Shyuum]] [[Zo Resken]], descendant of the [[Prophet of Inner Conviction]] who had chosen to leave the Ussans alone after the Refuge was disassembled. Sluggish Drifter was able to repair [[Enduring Bias]] who killed 'Kinsa and aided the Ussans in putting down his rebellion. Together, Enduring Bias and Sluggish Drifter discovered the source of the [[Blood Sickness]] and created a cure. Enduring Bias was able to reconnect the pieces of [[the Refuge]], but there were not enough left to form a whole sphere, instead creating a circular structure similar to a [[Halo ring]]. The Ussans who wished to return to [[Sanghelios]] were allowed to do so though many remained on the Refuge.<ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]'''</ref> | ||
{{Expand-section}} | {{Expand-section}} | ||
Line 97: | Line 93: | ||
*The ''lower spirits'' were entities that were believed to be responsible for "animating" the machinery of the [[shield world]]. These spirits inspired the Refuge's repairers' guild.{{Ref/Reuse|bc225}} | *The ''lower spirits'' were entities that were believed to be responsible for "animating" the machinery of the [[shield world]]. These spirits inspired the Refuge's repairers' guild.{{Ref/Reuse|bc225}} | ||
*The ''Forerunner Sun'' and the ''Forerunner Moon''—with the latter serving as the former's consort—were thought to be responsible for governing the other gods of the colony. By [[2552]], these gods had become the primary focal point of the Ussan religion. [[Oska 'Meln]] later claimed to be the voice of the Forerunner Sun.{{Ref/Reuse|bc225}} | *The ''Forerunner Sun'' and the ''Forerunner Moon''—with the latter serving as the former's consort—were thought to be responsible for governing the other gods of the colony. By [[2552]], these gods had become the primary focal point of the Ussan religion. [[Oska 'Meln]] later claimed to be the voice of the Forerunner Sun.{{Ref/Reuse|bc225}} | ||
*Sanghelios itself had faded into myths and legends by 2553, and many Ussans were surprised that the planet actually exists. Despite the fact that returning to Sanghelios is one of their society's main goals, a considerable number of them opted to stay at the Refuge after it was repaired.{{ | *Sanghelios itself had faded into myths and legends by 2553, and many Ussans were surprised that the planet actually exists. Despite the fact that returning to Sanghelios is one of their society's main goals, a considerable number of them opted to stay at the Refuge after it was repaired.{{fact}} | ||
{{Expand-section}} | {{Expand-section}} | ||
Line 112: | Line 108: | ||
==Technology== | ==Technology== | ||
Due to their isolation and the limited resources of the Refuge, the Ussans' technological capability had regressed considerably over their history; they barely had the means to travel among the disparate sections of the Refuge and used less sophisticated types of weapons than the Covenant, such as [[burnblade]]s, [[rocket launcher]]s, [[fire-wand launcher]]s, and [[mec-missiler]]s. Some of the [[Refuge Security|patrollers]] were equipped with [[Type-25 plasma pistol|plasma pistols]] and [[ | Due to their isolation and the limited resources of the Refuge, the Ussans' technological capability had regressed considerably over their history; they barely had the means to travel among the disparate sections of the Refuge and used less sophisticated types of weapons than the Covenant, such as [[burnblade]]s, [[rocket launcher]]s, [[fire-wand launcher]]s, and [[mec-missiler]]s. Some of the [[Refuge Security|patrollers]] were equipped with [[Type-25 plasma pistol|plasma pistols]] and [[Type-25 plasma rifle|plasma rifles]], though they continued to deteriorate due to years of use without sufficient repairs.<ref>'''Halo: Broken Circle''', ''page 272'' (Google Play edition)</ref> [[Floatfight]]ers also used "quartermoon" blades, a successor of sorts to the ancient Sangheili [[curveblade]]. By [[2552]], most of the colony's medical supplies had been used up, and not enough was being created as the art had been partly lost. The elderly suffered due to this shortage, and infant mortality had risen.{{Ref/Reuse|bc225}} | ||
The starships that the Ussans had originally used to travel to the shield world had been scavenged for parts for centuries after the colonization.{{Ref/Reuse|bc225}} The Ussans relied on protein synthesizers for nutrition. Repellent fields protected each section of the Refuge from rogue debris found throughout the [[Ussan system]]. However, by 2552, the fields were beginning to fail on some sections. | The starships that the Ussans had originally used to travel to the shield world had been scavenged for parts for centuries after the colonization.{{Ref/Reuse|bc225}} The Ussans relied on protein synthesizers for nutrition. Repellent fields protected each section of the Refuge from rogue debris found throughout the [[Ussan system]]. However, by 2552, the fields were beginning to fail on some sections. | ||
Line 119: | Line 115: | ||
==List of appearances== | ==List of appearances== | ||
*''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]'' {{1st}} | *''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]'' {{1st}} | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== |