Superhero Warframe Concept - Nephilim (2.0 Rework!)

[risel56]

Quote

"This is Nephilim, the renowned, the hero of old.

Strong, fast, and fresh from the fight, Nephilim stands as a beacon of hope when circumstances are at their bleakest."

~ Lotus

 

SUMMARY & STATS

Nephilim is a versatile, melee-oriented Warframe that specializes in protecting his teammates through sheer presence alone. His Syandana "wings" grant him the unique ability to instantaneously travel to points of conflict.

Health: Above Average
Shields: Average
Armor: High
Energy Capacity: Average
Sprint Speed: Below Average

ABILITIES

Passive: Nephilim is invulnerable to all incoming attacks while reviving allies.
A fairly simple defense/support passive that synergizes well with his 4th ability.

Haymaker:
Unleash a devastating punch powerful enough to send foes flying. Enemies immune to knockback receive double damage.
Cost: 25 Energy
An Ability that scales with Nephilim's equipped melee weapon, Haymaker ragdolls targets it hits. Emblazoning Haymaker turns the attack into a wide, close range cone. Using Haymaker consecutively reduces the energy cost.

Emblazon:
(TAP) Abilities and melee attacks are Emblazoned, dealing additional Radiation damage. Using an Emblazoned ability grants additional effects, consuming the buff.
(HOLD) Fire a powerful chest beam, continuously dealing Radiation damage to enemies in a line.
Cost: (TAP) 25 Energy (HOLD) +10/sec
A multipurpose augment/ranged ability, Emblazon is the core of Nephilim's kit. Holding Emblazon prevents movement while in use, but halts gravity while airborne. Tapping then holding Emblazon grants a small amount of shields per kill.

Resurgence:
Inspire nearby allies, restoring a portion of their Health and Shields. In return, Nephilim's own Health and Shields are also restored for the total amount.
Cost: 75 Energy
A supportive Ability, Unity works better the more teammates and companions there are within range. Health and Shield totals across all affected allies are added up and restored to Nephilim. Emblazoning Unity also restores Energy to allies and greatly increases Nephilim's Armor for a short time, and applies a stack of Radiation to nearby enemies. Also works on objectives with health bars. Tennovengers, assemble!

Omnipresence:
Travel to an ally or point of interest elsewhere in the mission. Upon landing, damage nearby enemies and draw enemy attention to Nephilim. Emblazon's effect lingers for a few seconds after landing.
Cost: 100 Energy
Similar to blinkpads in open world missions, using the ability brings up a map with clickable player/objective icons. After a delay, Nephilim teleports to the selected target. Ascension can also be used on objectives during both solo and group play (assuming they have been discovered and are selectable on the map). Travel time is instantaneous when selecting a downed ally. Emblazoning Ascension fully heals nearby allies and objectives upon landing.

 

NAME AND DESIGN ORIGINS

Themes: Superhero, Muscular, Angelic

Nephilim's name comes directly from the Hebrew word נְפִילִים nephilim, a group of angel-human hybrids in the Old Testament. They were often described as giants, fallen angels, renowned warriors, or "heroes of old," depending on the translation.

Despite my artistic abilities, I don't have much experience designing around Warframe's unique, bio-organic aesthetic. 😅 However, I still wanted to incorporate the different translations of his biblical namesake into various aspects of the design, albeit with a superhero twist. The halo around his head partially evokes the stylized hairdos of heroes like Superman and various anime protagonists, while the built-in Syandana (think of them like Gara's glassy back bits) doubles as both the outline of a cape and angelic wings at rest, folding out and revealing energy "feathers" during Ascension. (I'll probably draw that up in the future.) The face — if you can even call it that — takes inspiration from various heroic masks, cowls and head accessories. The human muscular system also served as a major basis for the design, fitting in line with both the techno-organic nature of Warframes and the often exaggerated musculature seen in comic books. (Plus, as a little easter egg, the first letter of his abilities spell H-E-R-O ^^)

Nephilim's abilities also mirror many superhero powers and tropes: Super strength, flight, heat "vision", and even stopping bullets. Damage types were taken into consideration when coming up with his abilities. I ultimately decided to go with Radiation, one of the less represented types in the game, given its common association with superhero origins and/or weaknesses. Radiation is also commonly associated with light-based attacks and abilities, most evident with the orbs on Orokin tilesets.

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Questions? Comments? Concerns? Criticisms? Please let me know what you guys think of this concept! I finally had some free time to finish the concept art, and I'm happy with the results. I hope this post serves as an inspiration for others looking to design their own concepts in the future, just as Nephilim has inspired - and may continue to inspire - those around him in the future. (Seriously, I wasn't expecting someone to get inspired by my doodles. Shoutout to Vindi213 on Discord!)

Until then, take care and happy hunting, Tenno!

[risel56]

UPDATE: In light of becoming far more experienced with the gameplay and story, I've decided to give this Warframe concept an overhaul! Experience Nephilim in all his colorful, spoiler-free, semi-gritty-quality glory! Let me know whatcha think! :D

[(PSN)OptimumEnergy]

ALL MIGHT!