Suggestion: Expanding Kavat/Kubrow uses on the plains

[Atra255]

Now that we've got a big open space to run around in, why not let our pets have some fun as well?
...And at the same time, gain some goodies while we're at it.
 

Part I: Kavat/Kubrow Exploration
Using this consumable releases your pet into the wilds where it can hunt to its heart's content. When you're ready to move on, or you require your pet by your side, use the item again and it'll launch a flare into the air.This will signal your pet to return with the loot.

For every minute your pet spends hunting, there's a chance to roll an item from its loot table.
Each pet has a different droptable too, just to make things a bit more random.

Hunting traits
Kavats are more likely to return with animal parts or fish.
Adarza Kavat's Cat's Eye ability enables it to get more valuable loot.
Smeeta Kavat's Charm may result in a few duplicate items.

Kubrows may come back with ores or loot from an unlucky Grineer Patrol that crossed its path.
Huras' with hunt favor hunting the local wildlife
Raksa's with Howl terrify Grineer, allowing it to pilfer their encampments.
Sahasa's with Dig find gems and ores more easily
Sunika's with Unleashed come back with more loot from Grineer drops

Helminth Charger... errr... I have no idea what I'd let it do.
Probably better to not let it frolick around the Plains of Eidolon and cause a new type of infestation.

Consumable variations
Because it wouldn't be warframe without some farming, there are different types of consumables.
Using these does not replace the hunting traits of your pet!

These items are there to direct your pet: Hunt, Explore, Scavenge or Attack.
Each type grants items in addition to their regular loot and a chance to find items they can't find otherwise.
Hunt: Loot from the local wildlife.
Explore: Gems, ores and plants.
Scavenge: Loot from chests and encampments.
Attack: Loot straight from Grineer.

ALTERNATIVE IDEA: These consumable 'types' may be very well be replaced with a Kubrow/Kavat mod that has to be equipped

 

Time Limits and Loot constraints.
Now... we can't have someone send out their pet and go AFK and let their pet return with more loot than it can carry.
So I suggest the following: Each pet has a limit amount of items it can carry. After reaching this limit, you will be informed via a status update on the HUD.
You can then decide to recall the pet, or let it hunt a bit longer.
Items that will drop will replace those in its inventory if the VALUE of the new item is higher.

Seeing there's a chance your pet finds an item, its inventory can be full in 15 minutes, but it could take an hour just as well.
Again, Eidolon mods for Kuvat/Kubrow may chance the odds in your favor.

Edited October 16, 2017 by Atra255

[Sennera]

I think you're on to something great here. It would expand on the pet gameplay in a relatively easy to develop manner, and it feels completely fitting for pets in my opinion. +1

[Atra255]

And instead of making a new topic, I'll just add a bit more to this one seeing it's still in the theme of the original suggestion.

Part II: The Great Hunt.

With the mini-feature above, you can have your pet hunt the plains of Eidolon... but what if you could hunt alongside it?
Now, I don't mean 'hunt' as in: obliterate every living thing and pick up the pieces, because that's what you're already doing ALL the time.

I mean: you accept a quest in Cetus that drops you in a random location on the plains, only equipped with:
- A powerless warframe
- A (Custom built) bow
- 2 of your pets

That's right, TWO. These pets are chosen at random from the ones you currently own.
From that point forward, you have to rely on your pets to track down a creature somewhere on the plains.
Once you found them, you'll have to take them out the old fashioned hunter way: with bow and arrow.

On to the good stuff then.

Skill changes
Upon entering this mission, your skills are replaced by a new set of Hunting Skills.
These skills depend on your equipment and companions.
Skill 1 and 2 are decided by your weapon.
Skill 3 and 4 are decided by your Companions
No skill 5. We're trying to hunt, not blast things into the void.

The Hunter's Bow
You start out with a basic bow and through the gathering of materials and rep, you can upgrade this with new parts, increasing effectiveness and adding new skills.
Each bow is made from:
- Handle (decides skill 1, Attack)
- String (decides skill 2, CC)
- Frame (decides the look of the bow)

This way you can rock whatever bow you prefer (fashionframe?) and still have free choice of which skill you take to the hunt.
Skills include, but are not limited to: Snares, poisons, sniper shot, etc...
 

The Hunter's Companions.
Your pets decide which skill you receive, and the more you have, the more random the results.
Skill 3 will always be an attack skill: Kubrows may favor the direct approach and go for the throat, where as a kavat may grant you invisiblity for that perfect ambush.
Skill 4 will be a skill to track your prey. A kubrow's tracking skill could add a point on the map where it last detected its scent.
A kavat on the other hand could highlight a path to its prey (similar to finding a synthesis target).

Either way, these abilities point you in the general direction and are on a timer.
 

With all the above in mind, there's just one thing to consider: is this still warframe we're playing?
From space ninja's with void infused powers to running on a wide open plain with a bow and a couple of genetically enhanced mammals...