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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|TF|H2}}
{{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= [[Plasma Pistol]], [[Plasma Grenades]]
|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, Reconnaissance
|notable=*[[Isna 'Nosolee]]
|role=Military Spy
*[[Ahta 'Ozoni]]
|notable=[[Isna 'Nosolee]] (temporary)
|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 "Ossoona"}}
==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''' was a [[Covenant]] [[Sangheili]] (Elite) title and [[rank]] granted to certain Elites that were 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===
Unlike most other [[Covenant]] rankings, "Ossoona" was a temporary rank bestowed by the [[Prophets|Prophets of the Covenant]] upon specially selected [[Elite]] warriors, making it comparable to the typical rank of the [[Arbiter (Rank)|Arbiter]].
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}}


Due to a lack of intelligence on the [[United Nations Space Command]], the [[Prophets]] had begun to pull a handful of [[Elites]] from active duty into temporary service as Ossoonas. To be chosen, an Elite must have already had the rank of [[Elite Major]]. This is because the higher ranking [[Elite]]s are "worth" more in active duty, whereas the lower ranking [[Elite Minor]]s were considered too untested and liable to either become easily compromised; or abandon their mission in pursuit of their own personal glory.
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.


The mission of an Ossoona was to collect information on the enemy while avoiding any type of combat. Many of those Elites felt that there was little honor in such an assignment, but they would do as they were told, due to their reverence of the Prophets. Covenant leaders felt that zeal was a quality to be admired, but an espionage job would help tame young Elites and 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 was usually bestowed for a single mission, though a series of missions were sometimes given. An Ossoona would always be equipped with [[Active Camouflage]] generators and devices similar to UNSC [[Helmet Recorder]]s.<ref>''[[Halo: The Flood]]'', page 28</ref> They were usually equipped with a [[Plasma Pistol]] and [[Plasma Grenades]] as well as energy shielding just in case an Ossona was discovered. Ossoona missions would tend to include non-combat intelligence gathering, such as capturing high ranking enemy personnel, equipment, [[AI]]s, weapons, etc.
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}}


== Role ==
==Equipment==
During the Covenant attack on the [[UNSC]] ship ''[[UNSC Pillar of Autumn|Pillar of Autumn]]'' during the [[Battle of Installation 04|Battle]] of [[Installation 04]] in [[2552]], [[Isna 'Nosolee]] was made an Ossoona and charged with three missions:
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}}
*Record footage of the [[Human]] ship on his helmet recorder.
*Capture the Human [[Artificial Intelligence]].
*Capture senior personnel.


Because many Elites were reckless and tended to destroy everything in their path, the [[Prophet|Prophets]] (Hoping to learn more about the Humans, including the location of [[Earth]]) sent 'Nosolee on a special mission to gather intelligence. Even though he was killed when [[Captain Keyes]] shot him in the head with a [[M6D Pistol]], the attendance of the Ossoona in the life pod 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 personnel==
*[[Isna 'Nosolee]]
*[[Ahta 'Ozoni]]


== Known Ossoonas ==
==Gallery==
*[[Isna 'Nosolee]]
<gallery>
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''.
</gallery>


== Trivia ==
==List of appearances==
*The Aztec-Tlaltelolcan Ossoona Codex, a writing system that to this day cannot be translated, likely inspired the name of this rank.
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]'' {{1st}}
*Ossoona means "Eye of the [[Prophet]]s" in the Covenant language. <ref>''[[Halo: The Flood]]''</ref>
*''[[Halo 3]]'' {{Mo|MCC}}
*[[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.
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*Though Stealth Elites have [[Brute]] counterparts, [[Brute Stalkers]], there is presently no known Brute "Ossoona". This may be because the Covenant had already captured enough data on the Humans, or because Brutes are simply&nbsp;not able to be stealthy. This may be due to their lack of self control and their large, bulky figures.
**''[[Library (feature)|Library]]'' {{Mo}}
*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 -- something that they see as a cowardly act.
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''


== Sources ==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}


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

Latest revision as of 09:13, November 9, 2024

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[edit]

Roles and responsibilities[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

Gallery[edit]

  • 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[edit]

Sources[edit]

  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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