Ophiuchus – Ghostly Companion to Ikora Rey, Warlock Vanguard
Ikora Rey‘s steadfast supernatural sidekick goes by the name Ophiuchus. As her loyal Ghost partner for many years, Ophiuchus plays an integral support role empowering the formidable Warlock‘s adventures. But who exactly is this mysterious machine, and what secrets might he still hold?
A Primer on Ghosts
Ghosts are incredible artificially intelligent drones created during humanity‘s Golden Age to seek out and revive fallen Guardians. These autonomous robots demonstrate personality, emotion, and free will despite their mechanical origins.
According to veteran RPG developer Bungie, Ghosts guide their Guardians by constructing powerful armor, hacking alien tech, and analyzing environments. They also connect their Guardian to the Traveler‘s Light – a metaphysical power source that fuels supernatural abilities.
Notably, most Ghosts adopt an individual name and backstory. For instance:
- Cayde-6‘s gregarious Ghost Sundance met his end at the hands of Prince Uldren‘s Scorn.
- The former Hunter Vanguard Andal Brask‘s Ghost was sadly destroyed by Taniks, the Scarred during an ill-fated strike against the mercenary.
- Uldren Sov‘s controversial rebirth as Crow is thanks to an earnest young Ghost called Glint.
Now let‘s probe deeper into the mystery of Ikora‘s own secretive spectral companion!
Ophiuchus – Timeline of Notable Achievements
While much of Ophiuchus‘ history remains unknown, this timeline catalogs some of his major confirmed accomplishments alongside Ikora Rey:
| Date | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| ??? | Ophiuchus discovers and revives Ikora Rey for the first time | The powerful Warlock Guardian is born! Her Hidden followers revere Ophiuchus‘s wisdom in selecting Ikora as a new Lightbearer. |
| ??? | Ikora and Ophiuchus eliminate Vex Gate Lord Zydron in the Black Garden | This tremendous feat earned Ikora the attention of Commander Zavala just as the Last City began building a Vanguard to face encroaching enemies |
| ??? | Ophiuchus guides Ikora to eliminate Skolas, Kell of Kells | The infiltration and assassination of this Fallen maverick dealt a major blow to the House of Wolves at a critical time for the Reef |
| After Red War | Ophiuchus aids Ikora pursuing Uldren Sov‘s Scorn across the Reef | Seeking vengeance for Cayde-6‘s death, Ikora‘s hatred threatens to consume her – until Ophiuchus helps reconcile her buried relationship issues with Osiris |
Based on this timeline, we can surmise Ophiuchus is at least six years old if not older. He was likely born shortly after the devastating Collapse, as many Ghosts were. Clearly, his partnership with Ikora Rey has already reshaped the destiny of entire alien species and arkologies! But what does their future hold?
Ophiuchus‘ Abilities & Upgrades for Ikora
As Ikora‘s ever-present Ghost companion, Ophiuchus plays a multifaceted support role:
Constructs Cutting-Edge Armor Sets
Ophiuchus manifests advanced armor from programmable matter to shield his Guardian during combat. Ikora‘s gilded vestments appear almost ceremonial thanks to this talented Ghost‘s custom embellishments.
Channels the Traveler‘s Light
By harnessing what some call "paracausal power" from the dormant Traveler sphere, Ophiuchus enables Ikora to wield formidable Darkness-fueled abilities against otherwise unbeatable foes.
Grants Data and Environmental Insights
Via advanced sensors and infiltration countermeasures, Ophiuchus feeds Ikora live data on environments and enemies. This grants an often life-saving tactical edge.
Forges Weaponry Enhancements
Specialized armaments like Ikora‘s Invective shotgun benefit from Ophiuchus‘ upgrades. These incorporate programmable matter and cybernetic skill extensions.
Revives Ikora From Fatal Blows
Ghosts like Ophiuchus can resurrect a slain Guardian from death itself. This explains how veterans like Ikora brave normally suicidal odds.
Facilitates Interplanetary Transmat
Via networked beacons, Ophiuchus instantly transports Ikora across planets and star systems through digitized matter transmission.
Of course, as her confidante for several decades, Ophiuchus‘ most vital role may be psychological…
How Ophiuchus Compares to Other Notable Ghosts
| Ghost | Guardian | Personality | Special Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ophiuchus | Ikora Rey | Reserved, meticulous, warm | Channeling darkness-fueled abilities, crafting armor |
| Sundance | Cayde-6 † | Gregarious, enthusiastic, motivating | Unlocking any lock |
| Pulled Pork | Uldren Sov/Crow | Earnest, empathetic, hopeful | Restoring lost memories |
| Immaru | Savathûn | Devious, manipulative ??? | Shrouding lies in truth |
Beyond his impressive slate of supernatural talents, Ophiuchus‘ restraint provides a compelling counterbalance to Ikora‘s infamous passion. While less colorful than Cayde‘s gregarious Sundance, for example, Ophiuchus‘ patient guidance unlocked Ikora‘s true potential after her early wayward days.
We can only speculate what the future has in store for Ikora Rey and her steadfast Ghost! Veteran players know all too well that Bungie‘s writers offer endless surprises…
So in summary: Ikora‘s formidable yet reserved Ghost companion is named Ophiuchus. He plays an integral multifaceted role empowering the legendary Warlock‘s adventures against otherwise impossible odds. While much remains shrouded in mystery, this piece illuminates some of the machine‘s history and notable feats.
What secrets might Ophiuchus still hold? Savvy fans await new Destiny lore reveals and plot twists! For now, Guardians must gain power however they can against gathering Darkness…
