Tenno Mercenaries: A Dynamic And Vibrant Endgame Solution

[Grailchaser]

Hello, 

 

I've been a player since the early days of Closed Beta Test, having been impressed with the story and aesthetic of the game and satisfied by its gameplay, in the earliest days of its development. Something about the story that struck me as particularly interesting was the suggestion that Tenno are able to work as mercenaries, for financial gain. The Fomorian event further added to our understanding of the relationship the Tenno are hinted to cultivate with the solar system's disparate factions, in 'our' alliance with the Corpus against the Grineer. Compound that with the existence of the Black Warframe and his seeming sympathy for the Grineer and Corpus VIPs we dispatch, and we have the makings of not only a remarkably multifaceted story, but a system that can reflect the unclear dichotomies of the Solar System.

 

I'd thus like to propose, as a long term goal, the implementation of what would essentially be an additional layer of narrative and structure onto the existing system, in the form of 'mercenary work', alongside the existing story-driven Lotus missions.

 

Main Story

 

We currently run missions that seem to be directed and overseen by the Lotus herself, the central authority to whom all Tenno owe their ultimate allegiance. Our cachet with her can be represented by two things; our Mastery Rank, which indicates our progression as Tenno, and our ability to progress through the 'story' missions we run, I.e. the Vor's revenge chapter that's to be implemented, which indirectly leads to our exploration of more chunks of the solar rail network (progress to more planets). This can and should remain the 'main quest' of a given tenno's story. We blossom under the guidance of the Lotus and become full-fledged space ninjas through taking out targets the Lotus deems detrimental to the Tenno cause, a factor already hinted at in the dialogue she provides prior to some boss fights, i.e. Vay Hek's.

 

Mercenary Work

 

At the same time, however, There can be implemented a similar form of less linear progression in the form of missions we run for the other factions of the Solar System. The Grineer may wish the reactor of a heavily defended ship destroyed to stall progress in Ceres, for example, or it may be the Corpus, not the Lotus, who wish Lieutenant Kril's one-billionth incarnation eliminated. You could even be creative and have the Corpus request you infiltrate their ships so that they can test their latest security measures on you, or have a particularly surly incarnation of Kril hire you as a stiff challenge to relieve his boredom. 

 

Upon initial implementation, these mercenary missions will be only aesthetically different, with a different announcer for Corpus and Grineer and perhaps slightly differing mission parameters (maybe combined parameters, like an extermination combined with a kill order at the same time, which could also be implemented with Lotus missions).

 

A deeper implementation of this system could very well have Tenno dropped into ongoing skirmishes to assist in the conquest of an outpost, with allied AI (perhaps just a variation of what Nyx's Chaos already does in terms of switching Friend-Foe programming about? Necro frame's upcoming raise the dead power can also provide a template for allied AI) and perhaps more units than would normally have been fielded. 

 

The possibilities are quite diverse, and may make endgame a far more organic state of being by at least covering up the grindy layer with this layer of narrative instead. 

 

Faction Affinity

 

Jobs you do for these factions can, in turn, feed into a faction affinity statistic, which is fuelled either by missions completed, enemies dispatched or credits earned, and which can result in higher financial rewards in the future, as more jobs are completed. Specialised mods, buffs or even blueprints could even be provided for particularly effective contractors of either faction. Progression could be structured as follows (a rough example);

 

Grineer affinity levels:

1: Reliable - 10% credit boost on Grineer Missions

2: Trusted - 25% credit boost on Grineer Missions

3: Discreet - 50% credit boost on Grineer Missions

4: Valued - special mod (+X% damage to Grineer weapons, i.e. Hind, etc.)

5: Respected - +25% maximum ammo cap on Grineer Missions

6: Honoured - +5% extra damage on Grineer Missions 

7: Venerated - Special Grineer Weapon skin BP

8: Lionized - Grineer Heavy Weapon BP

 

While negative repercussions to these affinities aren't necessary, they too could present an interesting way to introduce indirectly competitive PVP, which we'll also discuss briefly. Other rewards that could be designed may include mods for faction-aligned weapons (Acid bullets for the Vulkar! AOE electric stun on the Lanka! Implosion effect on the Ogris!) and Dojo ornaments.

 

Faction vs. Faction

 

Before I get lynched, I'd like to emphasize the fact that all Tenno are children of the Lotus, and that, if the community is deeply uncomfortable with direct conflict, that doesn't need to change.

 

What I'd like to propose instead is the ability of concerted efforts on the parts of a given faction's operatives, to perhaps change the landscape of the solar system slightly. Perhaps through standardized weekend events, we can have teams working for the grineer or corpus contest a given node (infested nodes function similarly, with infested as enemies as opposed to corpus/grineer), with the statistical victors of the week's festivities going on to claim that node for the forseeable future (manifesting in a different faction being encountered in that node from then on).

 

The Tenno that participated on the winning faction's side can earn double credits for a while, or get a discount at the shop, or even just get a giant shipment of rare materials (i.e. 10-20 rares or 10-15k commons or something). This will foster a friendly sort of competition that won't necessarily put Tenno directly at odds with each other.

 

In Conclusion

 

Please let me know what you think, and do feel free to add suggestions! Remember to upvote if you see merit to this idea, so that we can maybe get DE's attention!

 

Thank you for your time.

 

[EclecticDragon]

I doubt you will ever see the ability to assist the Grineer seeing as they are just as much a plague on the Solar system as the Infested are. Maybe we might get some contract work from the Corpus but that is also highly doubt full. What is morelikely we see factions that do not want to fight against the Tenno or the Lotus and would wish for help fighting against eneimes we already have.

 

But other then that I think a system like this would be good and add some depth to the story of Warframe.

[Malaheart]

I think this would go against the lore.

[Grailchaser]

Well, the great thing about Warframe is that the Lore's always in flux. DE hasn't actually finalized what's actually supposed to be what, and even what they have finalized, i.e. Captain Vor, are subject to interpretation and clarification. 

[Malaheart]

I don't know, the made a pretty grand stand in one of the live streams about how "they are doing the lore how they want to do it". Maybe it is possible for the mercenary rout. But it would require a tradition in the direction from where DE currently wants the game to go. Lore wise that is.

 

Anyway cool idea and I appreciate you sharing it.

Edited September 12, 2013 by Malaheart

[Farren]

The concept of having a system by where each planet has a starting faction across all nodes, then by which you can preform mercenary work with the other factions to take over and controll the area and change the enemies encountered there for other players would add a very interesting dynamic to the game and would also open room for new game types, like: "Lead a Grineer/Corpus strike team/Infested horde through the area, killing off the enemy faction and giving controll to your allied faction, rewarding faction Affinity". Then other players who go to that node are suprised with a new faction of enemies to deal with and can change it themselves, while you recieve more contract work for your faction at that node like "Capture discovered spy", "Eliminate infiltration team" That are more difficult, yet more rewarding.

 

I can see where people are concerned about you being a straight up mercenary would mean willingly helping the factions that would love to kill you beign a bit lore-breaking, but like the Lotus said inthe Fomorian Event. "This objective also assists in our efforts", which could give it the spin of "You both have equal goals, so working together for now is beneficial." It would also let the player rp a bit by helping one specific faction and doing work for that faction by their own will and choice, which goes with what DE would like the player to be able to do, and make an impact in their experience that isn't arbitrary or predetirmined.

 

Overall I really like this idea, and I'm glad you shared it.

Edited September 12, 2013 by Farren

[Eidolon_Slayer]

An interesting idea to add to mission varieties could include assassinating tenno from other factions. An example would be that before completing a mobile defence mission (i.e. Kappa) a Corpus crew member would appear on the screen (much like how the stalker does before he appears) and offers you an assassination mission against the Grineer, you can accept or deny the contract. If you accept the mission, you (only you in the party) will join somebody else’s game session to assassinate the enemy player, while the rest of the members that were in your group, receive the Mission Complete screen.

 

If you succeed in assassinating the target, you’ll get a bonus (can be item, exp, or credits) as well as a mission complete screen.

 

If you failed, then you just receive the mission complete with no bonus and a deduction in loyalty to your faction.

Edited September 12, 2013 by Mikovsky

[Archistopheles]

We do not work for the Grineer. They are Evil, and must be stopped.

 

The Corpus will not work with us, they rather see us eliminated.

 

The infested don't care about anything other than growing.

 

 

Unfortunately, the Lotus is the only one that will ever hire us.

 

Not to say there won't be new factions in the future, but we would never work with the Corpus or Grineer _Period_

[Grailchaser]

So I take it you really dislike nuance, then. Alrighty. 

 

In all seriousness, though, I'd agree that allying with the Infested might be taking it a bit far, so I didn't mention them at all, except as opponents.

Edited September 12, 2013 by Grailchaser

[gell]

I like the faction vs faction idea because we could use more indirect competition (as long as it's not solely based on raw kills or else it turns into a super grind fest). Strategic planning mixed with the usual killing would make WF more compelling to me.

 

I've said it before, but I think Lotus is a war profiteer and she's using the Tenno for her own gain, we just don't know it. Not even sure why we're fighting aside from taking back the universe in the name of the Lotus and Tenno. If we could talk, we could work this out in the Senate, but since all Tenno seem to be mute, I guess we'll cut Grineer in half.

[N7Arthur]

Hmm, I don't see working with Grineer or Infested, but I could see cooperating with Corpus working out, remember, all they care about is profit.

[Eidolon_Slayer]

We do not work for the Grineer. They are Evil, and must be stopped.

 

The Corpus will not work with us, they rather see us eliminated.

 

The infested don't care about anything other than growing.

 

 

Unfortunately, the Lotus is the only one that will ever hire us.

 

Not to say there won't be new factions in the future, but we would never work with the Corpus or Grineer _Period_

 

 

This is for endgame players. Which.... Means that at the end of the story, we could have an option to continue to work for the lotus, or end connections with her. We know the stalker did it.

Edited September 12, 2013 by Mikovsky

[MeteorKing]

An interesting idea to add to mission varieties could include assassinating tenno from other factions.

Would never happen, and I would not like to see it happen. Tenno may wind up assisting other factions, but they are still Tenno.

[Eidolon_Slayer]

Would never happen, and I would not like to see it happen. Tenno may wind up assisting other factions, but they are still Tenno.

 

Stalker.

[MeteorKing]

Stalker.

One rogue is not a good example of future mass operations.

Edit: he also doesn't work for anyone.

Edited September 12, 2013 by MeteorKing

[Eidolon_Slayer]

One rogue is not a good example of future mass operations.

Edit: he also doesn't work for anyone.

 

Stalker is a proven example that a Tenno can go rogue, also he has warframe powers from different warframes, which indicates that the Stalker had somebody modify his suit, but who?. As the Grineer are constantly searching for orokin technology, it is possible that they may hire rogue Tenno for services where the Grineer can't be seen. The corpus care about money and I doubt they wouldn't mind hiring a rogue Tenno for profit since they are powerful and are likely to get any job done.

Edited September 12, 2013 by Mikovsky

[Archistopheles]

This is for endgame players. Which.... Means that at the end of the story, we could have an option to continue to work for the lotus, or end connections with her. We know the stalker did it.

 

Endgame is an illusion crafted by MMORPGs to get you to keep playing. The story hasn't even started yet. Episode 1 is still "coming soon."

 

We actually don't know Stalker's origins or past decisions. He could still be working for Lotus for all we know.

[Eidolon_Slayer]

Endgame is an illusion crafted by MMORPGs to get you to keep playing. The story hasn't even started yet. Episode 1 is still "coming soon."

 

We actually don't know Stalker's origins or past decisions. He could still be working for Lotus for all we know.

 

We don't know his origins or past decisions but we can deduce from what we already know.

 

Stalker uses a warframe

That warframe has powers unique to Ash and Excalibur

How did his frame get powers from Ash and Excalibur?

It must be modified.

Edited September 12, 2013 by Mikovsky

[MeteorKing]

Stalker is a proven example that a Tenno can go rogue, also he has warframe powers from different warframes, which indicates that the Stalker had somebody modify his suit, but who?. As the Grineer are constantly searching for orokin technology, it is possible that they may hire rogue Tenno for services where the Grineer can't be seen. The corpus care about money and I doubt they wouldn't mind hiring a rogue Tenno for profit since they are powerful and are likely to get any job done.

Again, one outlier does not a point make.

 

OP is talking about mass operations, available to the general population of Tenno, to earn greater standing for the Tenno faction.  The minor allegiences temporarily formed for a quick profit would in no way be worth it enough to incite a civil war.  Tenno look out for each other, not stab each other in the back. Stalker is an exception, and as of the moment, the only exception. Do not focus on one guy when looking at a big picture.

 

I will not contribute to the speculation of who or what the stalker is beyond "rogue Tenno."  There is zero evidence to support any decision and I have no interest in starting an argument on such groundless assessments.

[Eidolon_Slayer]

Again, one outlier does not a point make.

 

OP is talking about mass operations, available to the general population of Tenno, to earn greater standing for the Tenno faction.  The minor allegiences temporarily formed for a quick profit would in no way be worth it enough to incite a civil war.  Tenno look out for each other, not stab each other in the back. Stalker is an exception, and as of the moment, the only exception. Do not focus on one guy when looking at a big picture.

 

I will not contribute to the speculation of who or what the stalker is beyond "rogue Tenno."  There is zero evidence to support any decision and I have no interest in starting an argument on such groundless assessments.

 

My point was that the stalker opens possible opportunities of working for other factions. 

[MeteorKing]

My point was that the stalker opens possible opportunities of working for other factions. 

Not a point I was arguing against.  

 

You gave the idea that Tenno would kill each other based on their new faction's whims, I stated that Tenno would not kill each other, you cited Stalker, I noted that Stalker was an outlier, now you have a different argument.  Perhaps that was the point you wanted to make, but it was not the one you stated.

 

With the possible exception of Stalker, Tenno will not kill each other because the guy who's paying them to wreck house all over another opposing faction decided that there should also be less Tenno.

[Eidolon_Slayer]

Not a point I was arguing against.  

 

You gave the idea that Tenno would kill each other based on their new faction's whims, I stated that Tenno would not kill each other, you cited Stalker, I noted that Stalker was an outlier, now you have a different argument.  Perhaps that was the point you wanted to make, but it was not the one you stated.

 

With the possible exception of Stalker, Tenno will not kill each other because the guy who's paying them to wreck house all over another opposing faction decided that there should also be less Tenno.

 

If I was a corpus manager, and a super elite Tenno from Grineer faction was constantly wrecking my bases. I'd want that "super elite Tenno from Grineer faction" dead. Since We have Tenno from the Corpus faction and are loyal to the Corpus faction, I'd hire them to kill a Tenno from the Grineer faction. Which they would glady do because they are loyal to Corpus.

Edited September 12, 2013 by Mikovsky

[MeteorKing]

If I was a corpus manager, and a super elite Tenno from Grinner faction was constantly wrecking my bases. I'd want that "super elite Tenno from Grinner faction" dead.

Then you would be S#&$ out of luck.

[Eidolon_Slayer]

Then you would be S#&$ out of luck.

 

I edited my post, read the rest.

[MeteorKing]

My point is that they would not hold the loyalty to Corpus over the loyalty to Tenno.  The point of getting involved in the other faction's operations in the first place was to bring benefit to the Tenno faction, not tear it apart.  Aside from the fact that I'm kind of into this game's lore, that is just an argument that doesn't make sense.

 

That would be like me deciding I need more money to fund my education, so I open a lemonade stand.  I then have a conflict of interests of work and study, so I decide to stop studying and work.  The entire purpose of the work was to fund the education that I am no longer prioritizing.  I have failed in my endeavor to better my education.  

 

You must keep the overarching goals in mind at all times, otherwise you step on your own toes.

Edited September 12, 2013 by MeteorKing