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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|TF}}
{{Unit infobox
{{Covenant Rank Infobox
|variant=Cov
|name=Ossoona
|image=[[File:HTMCC H3 OssoonaHarness Crop.png|x500px]]<br/>An example of a Sangheili wearing the [[Ossoona harness]]; one of many types favoured by the Ossoonas.{{Ref/Reuse|CFAoW}}
|image=
|species=[[Sangheili]]
|species=[[Sangheili]]
|weapons=
|affiliation=*[[Covenant]]{{Ref/Reuse|TF1}}
|equipment=*[[Active Camouflage]]
*[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]{{Ref/Reuse|H5G}}
*Recording device
|branch=[[Special Warfare Group]]/[[Fleet Security]]{{Ref/Reuse|CEALibrary}}
|vehicles=[[Covenant Boarding Craft]]
|mission=Espionage, spywork and infiltration{{Ref/Reuse|TF1}}
|missions=Spying, Infiltration
|notable=*[[Isna 'Nosolee]]
|role=Military Spy
*[[Ahta 'Ozoni]]
|notable=[[Isna 'Nosolee]]
|affiliation=[[Covenant]]
}}
}}
'''Ossoona''' was a temporary title within the [[Covenant military]] granted to select [[Sangheili]] [[Stealth Sangheili|Stealth]] warriors within [[Fleet Security]].{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=112}}{{Ref/Reuse|CEALibrary}} They were given [[active camouflage]] and sent on espionage missions. The term "Ossoona" translates to "Eye of the Prophet" in the [[Sangheili (language)|Covenant language]].{{Ref/Reuse|TF1}}


{{quote|Eye of the Prophets|Translated Covenant Definition of "{{PAGENAME}}"}}
==Overview==
===Roles and responsibilities===
Ossoona translates to "Eye of the Prophet"; a temporary role granted directly to a given [[Sangheili]] warrior to act directly as the [[Prophet]]'s intelligence-gathering source within the battlefield, similar to an [[Eye]]. The concept dictates inserting experienced Sangheili officers into situations where intelligence can be gleaned, and early enough that high-quality information can be obtained. The role is assigned due to the Prophets' feelings that typical Sangheili deployments have a tendency to cause massive destruction - leaving little behind for intelligence-gathering operations.{{Ref/Novel|Id=TF1|HTF|Chapter=1}}


'''Ossoona''' is a [[Covenant]] [[Sangheili]] (Elite) title and [[rank]] granted to certain Elites that are given Active Camouflage and sent on espionage missions.  
Ossoona was considered a temporary assignment within the Covenant, with an experienced [[Major (Covenant)|Major]]{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}} lifted out of his regular infantry unit to serve in the role as needed before being returned to normal duty. However, the often non-combat nature of the deployments left the personnel fulfilling them little honor to gain.{{Ref/Reuse|TF1}} The role was typically only granted for the duration of a single mission, though select circumstances did allow for the title to be retained should it be necessary.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}


== Rank ==
===Organisation===
Ossoonas are grouped under the wider grouping of [[Stealth Sangheili]], under the [[Special Warfare Group]], though report directly through [[Fleet Security]].{{Ref/Game|Id=CEALibrary|HCEA|[[Library (feature)|Library]] - Stealth Elite}} Ossoonas are typically lifted from personnel holding the rank of [[Major (Covenant)|Major]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc11}}


Unlike most other Covenant rankings, an "Ossoona" is a temporary one bestowed by the [[Prophets|Prophets of the Covenant]] upon specially selected [[Elite]] warriors, making it comparable to the atypical rank of the [[Arbiter]].
Given their mission, it is likely that Ossoonas are lifted specifically from Stealth Sangheili personnel holding this rank, rather than regular infantry as a whole.


Due to a lack of intelligence on the [[United Nations Space Command]], the Prophets have begun to pull a handful of Elites from active duty into temporary service as Ossoonas. Mostly, these Elites are Minors or Majors, as the higher ranking [[Elite]]s are "worth" more in active duty. The mission of an Ossoona is to collect information on the enemy while avoiding combat. As such, they are equipped with [[Active Camouflage]] generators. Many of these Elites feel that there is little honor in such an assignment, but they do as they are told due to their reverence of the Prophets. Covenant leaders also feel, though zeal is a quality to be admired, this job would help tame young Elites and help teach them the finer arts of stealth in battle.
===History===
Ossoonas were employed late during the [[Human-Covenant War]]. During the [[Battle of Installation 04]], the Sangheili [[Isna 'Nosolee]] was granted the title of Ossoona by the [[Minister of Etiology]] during the [[Battle over Installation 04|boarding actions]] of the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}. 'Nosolee was deployed onto the ship to attempt to capture the [[Cortana|ship's AI]] and other critical command personnel, though was ultimately killed by [[Jacob Keyes]] after boarding the command lifeboat.  


The title of Ossoona is usually bestowed for a single mission, though a series of missions are sometimes given. Unlike most Elites but similar to [[Stealth Elite]]s, they do not have a personal energy shield. Instead they have to rely on their Active Camouflage and stealth skills for defense, if they run into a fight and their cover is blown, they are armed with a [[Plasma pistol]] and [[Plasma Grenades]] just in case. In fitting with their vulnerability, they are normally slated for non-combat intelligence gathering such as capturing high ranking enemy personnel or equipment such as AI's, weapons, etc. Ossoonas usually are armed with a [[plasma rifle]] and [[plasma grenade|plasma grenades]], in case they are seen at an inopportune time.
Despite the [[High Prophet of Truth]] expelling the entire Sangheili species during [[Great Schism]], some Ossoona had committed actions that were deemed "traitorous" to other Sangheili [[Covenant separatists|rebelling forces]]. Because of this, many Ossoona were collectively branded as traitors of the [[keep]] and hunted down in the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|post-war]] era.{{Ref/Reuse|CFAoW}}{{Ref/Game|Id=H3Desc|H3|Armor customization (Halo 3)|Armory|Detail=[[Ossoona harness]] - Armor Description|Quote=One of the harness patterns favored by the "Eyes of the Prophets," many who once held this title are now considered enemies of the keep for traitorous actions during the Great Schism.}} While the reputation of the role had been tarnished, it continued to see usage in the post-Covenant era. [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]] faction notably made use of the Ossoona role during the [[Battle of Nuusra]]; during the conflict at least one Ossoona was employed to scout out [[Thel 'Vadam]]'s camp, wherein he recommended that the Arbiter be assassinated.{{Ref/Game|Id=H5G|H5G|What=Mission Intel|Detail=Covenant Attack Plan}}


==Equipment==
The Ossoonas favoured several designs of [[Sangheili harness]], including one [[Ossoona harness|eponymous variant]].{{Ref/Site|Id=CFAoW|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/art-of-wort|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Art of Wort|D=21|M=5|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Reuse|H3Desc}} Ossoonas are equipped with [[active camouflage]] systems and [[energy shielding]], though only minimal weaponry as befitting their role as intelligence-gathering scouts rather than assault infantry. One Ossoona, [[Isna 'Nosolee]], deployed into battle armed only with a [[Type-25 plasma pistol|plasma pistol]] and half a dozen [[Anskum-pattern plasma grenade|plasma grenades]]. Additionally, Ossoonas are equipped with [[Helmet recorder]] attached to their helmets.{{Ref/Reuse|TF1}} Other Ossoona may be deployed with no weapons at all.{{Ref/Reuse|CEALibrary}}


== Role ==
==Known personnel==
During the Covenant attack on [[Pillar of Autumn]] over [[Installation 04]] in [[2552]], [[Isna 'Nosolee]] (the only known Ossoona) was made an Ossoona and charged with three missions:
 
*Record footage of the human ship on his helmet recorder
*Capture the human [[Artificial Intelligence]]
*Capture senior personnel.
 
Because many Elites were reckless and destroyed everything in their path, the [[Prophet|Prophets]] hoped to learn more about the humans, including the location of [[Earth]]. Even though he was killed (Captain Keyes shot him in the head with a [[pistol]]), the attendance of the Ossoona in the lifepod [[Captain Keyes]] had fled aboard alerted the Covenant to his importance and ensured that they captured him instead of killing him along with his party.
 
== Known Ossoonas ==
 
*[[Isna 'Nosolee]]
*[[Isna 'Nosolee]]
*[[Ahta 'Ozoni]]


== Trivia ==
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
*The name is likely inspired by the Mayan Ossoona Codex, a particular method of writing that to this day is still little understood.
File:HTMCC H3 Ossoona Multiplayer.png|A Sangheili employing the Ossoona harness in ''[[Halo 3]]'' multiplayer.
 
File:H3 Orbital Ossoona Screenshot 1.png|A Sangheili employing the Ossoona harness and active camouflage in ''Halo 3''.
*Ossoona means "Eye of the [[Prophet]]s" in the Covenant language. <ref>[[Halo: The Flood]]</ref>
</gallery>
 
*In [[Halo: Combat Evolved]], Stealth Elites have no shields, but rather sturdy Active Camouflage. It could be possible that these designated Elites were assigned Ossoonas.
 
*Stealth Elites differ from Ossoonas in the fact that they are used for combat/confrontations with the enemy. Ossoonas are designed to gather information about the enemy.
 
*Though Stealth Elites have Brute counterparts ( Brute Stalkers), there is no known Brute "Ossoona" presently.
 
*It is shown in [[Halo: The Flood]] that many [[Elite|Elites]] prefer to be fighting with their comrades rather than be an ossoona and sneak around which they see as a cowardly act.
 
*Ossoonas can be seen in [[Halo 2]] on [[Heroic]] or [[Legendary]] difficulty in the level [[Metropolis]] in the highway tunnel after a marine offers you a shotgun. They are nearby the closest jackal sniper. There is one on Heroic and two on Legendary. They will not attack you unless their position is revealed or you attack them first.


== Sources ==
==List of appearances==
<references/>
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 3]]'' {{Mo|MCC}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
**''[[Library (feature)|Library]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''


{{Elite Ranks}}
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}


[[Category:The Covenant]]
{{Sangheili Ranks}}
[[Category:Elites]]
[[Category:Ranks]]

Revision as of 14:58, September 10, 2023

Ossoona
HTMCC H3 OssoonaHarness Crop.png
An example of a Sangheili wearing the Ossoona harness; one of many types favoured by the Ossoonas.[1]

Function:

Espionage, spywork and infiltration[2]

Species:

Sangheili

Affiliation:

Group:

Special Warfare Group/Fleet Security[4]

Notable individuals:

 

Ossoona was a temporary title within the Covenant military granted to select Sangheili Stealth warriors within Fleet Security.[5][4] They were given active camouflage and sent on espionage missions. The term "Ossoona" translates to "Eye of the Prophet" in the Covenant language.[2]

Overview

Roles and responsibilities

Ossoona translates to "Eye of the Prophet"; a temporary role granted directly to a given Sangheili warrior to act directly as the Prophet's intelligence-gathering source within the battlefield, similar to an Eye. The concept dictates inserting experienced Sangheili officers into situations where intelligence can be gleaned, and early enough that high-quality information can be obtained. The role is assigned due to the Prophets' feelings that typical Sangheili deployments have a tendency to cause massive destruction - leaving little behind for intelligence-gathering operations.[2]

Ossoona was considered a temporary assignment within the Covenant, with an experienced Major[5] lifted out of his regular infantry unit to serve in the role as needed before being returned to normal duty. However, the often non-combat nature of the deployments left the personnel fulfilling them little honor to gain.[2] The role was typically only granted for the duration of a single mission, though select circumstances did allow for the title to be retained should it be necessary.[5]

Organisation

Ossoonas are grouped under the wider grouping of Stealth Sangheili, under the Special Warfare Group, though report directly through Fleet Security.[4] Ossoonas are typically lifted from personnel holding the rank of Major.[5]

Given their mission, it is likely that Ossoonas are lifted specifically from Stealth Sangheili personnel holding this rank, rather than regular infantry as a whole.

History

Ossoonas were employed late during the Human-Covenant War. During the Battle of Installation 04, the Sangheili Isna 'Nosolee was granted the title of Ossoona by the Minister of Etiology during the boarding actions of the UNSC Pillar of Autumn. 'Nosolee was deployed onto the ship to attempt to capture the ship's AI and other critical command personnel, though was ultimately killed by Jacob Keyes after boarding the command lifeboat.

Despite the High Prophet of Truth expelling the entire Sangheili species during Great Schism, some Ossoona had committed actions that were deemed "traitorous" to other Sangheili rebelling forces. Because of this, many Ossoona were collectively branded as traitors of the keep and hunted down in the post-war era.[1][6] While the reputation of the role had been tarnished, it continued to see usage in the post-Covenant era. Jul 'Mdama's Covenant faction notably made use of the Ossoona role during the Battle of Nuusra; during the conflict at least one Ossoona was employed to scout out Thel 'Vadam's camp, wherein he recommended that the Arbiter be assassinated.[3]

Equipment

The Ossoonas favoured several designs of Sangheili harness, including one eponymous variant.[1][6] Ossoonas are equipped with active camouflage systems and energy shielding, though only minimal weaponry as befitting their role as intelligence-gathering scouts rather than assault infantry. One Ossoona, Isna 'Nosolee, deployed into battle armed only with a plasma pistol and half a dozen plasma grenades. Additionally, Ossoonas are equipped with Helmet recorder attached to their helmets.[2] Other Ossoona may be deployed with no weapons at all.[4]

Known personnel

Gallery

  • A Sangheili employing the Ossoona harness in Halo 3 multiplayer.

    A Sangheili employing the Ossoona harness in Halo 3 multiplayer.

  • A Sangheili employing the Ossoona harness and active camouflage in Halo 3.

    A Sangheili employing the Ossoona harness and active camouflage in Halo 3.

List of appearances

Sources

  1. ^ a b c Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Art of Wort (Retrieved on May 21, 2021) [archive]
  2. ^ a b c d e f Halo: The Flood, chapter 1
  3. ^ a b Halo 5: Guardians, Mission Intel: Covenant Attack Plan
  4. ^ a b c d Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Library - Stealth Elite
  5. ^ a b c d Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 112
  6. ^ a b Halo 3, Armory: Ossoona harness - Armor Description "One of the harness patterns favored by the "Eyes of the Prophets," many who once held this title are now considered enemies of the keep for traitorous actions during the Great Schism."

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