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{{Covenant Character Infobox
{{Status|Canon}}
|name={{PAGENAME}}
{{Unit infobox
|image=[[Image:H2Elite.jpg|200px]]
|variant=Cov
|homeworld=
|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}}
|birth=
|death=
|species=[[Sangheili]]
|species=[[Sangheili]]
|gender=
|affiliation=*[[Covenant]]{{Ref/Reuse|TF1}}
|height=8'6<nowiki>''</nowiki>
*[[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant]]{{Ref/Reuse|H5G}}
|weapons=
|branch=[[Special Warfare Group]]/[[Fleet Security]]{{Ref/Reuse|CEALibrary}}
|equipment=[[Active Camouflage]]
|mission=Espionage, spywork and infiltration{{Ref/Reuse|TF1}}
|vehicles=
|notable=*[[Isna 'Nosolee]]
|hair=
*[[Ahta 'Ozoni]]
|eyes=
|cyber=
|era=
|types=
|notable=
|affiliation=[[Covenant]]
|hideb=true
}}
}}
'''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==
The '''Ossoona''' is a [[Covenant]] [[Sangheili]] (Elite) rank.
===Roles and responsibilities===
==Rank==
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}}
Unlike most other Covenant rankings, "Ossoona" is a temporary one bestowed by the [[Prophets|Prophets of the Covenant]] upon certain [[Elite]] warriors.  


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. The mission of an Ossoona is to collect information on the enemy while avoiding combat. As such, they are equipped with [[Active Camouflage]] generators. The Elites feel that there is little honor in this assignment, but they do as they are told.
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}}


The title of Ossoona is usually bestowed for a single mission, and it is only known to be given to [[Major Elite]]s. The rationale here is that Major Elites are more experienced than [[Minor Elites]] and less likely to abandon their mission for personal glory. At the same time, Majors are less important that [[Ultra|Ultra Elites]] and are, to a degree, more expendable. they are adorned with brown armor, that desanates the rank of a ossoona.
===Organisation===
==Combat==
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}}  
The Ossoona, unlike most Elites but similar to [[Stealth Elite]]s, do not have a personal energy shield. Insted they have to rely on their Active Camouflage and stealth skills for defense. In fitting with their vulnerability, they are normally slated for noncombat intelligence gathering.
==Role==
During the Covenant attack on {{UNSCShip|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
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.
*capture the Human [[Artificial Intelligence]]
*capture senior Personnel.  


Even though he was killed, the presence of Ossoona in the lifepod [[Captain Keyes]] had fled, alerted the Covenant to his importance, and allowed them to capture Keyes.
===History===
==Known Ossoonas==
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.
*[[Isna 'Nosolee]]  
==Trivia==


*The name is likely inspired by the mayan Ossoona Codex, a particular method of writing that to this day is still little understood.
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}}


{{Elite Ranks}}
==Equipment==
[[Category: The Covenant]][[Category: Ranks]]
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}}
 
==Known personnel==
*[[Isna 'Nosolee]]
*[[Ahta 'Ozoni]]
 
==Gallery==
<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>
 
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo 3]]'' {{Mo|MCC}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
**''[[Library (feature)|Library]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
 
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
{{Sangheili Ranks}}

Latest revision as of 15:58, 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[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]

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."