Hi! I just looked at your tumblr, and i was wondering: Is there pictures when you reach Old Mate?
Hi! I do not have any pictures of the Solaris reveal upon reaching Old Mate. On the new website, orokinarchives.com, you can find all the Solaris dialogue under the "Character Dialogue" section, including their Old Mate-specific quotes.
If you're still looking for pictures, this video by iwoply shows the entire Old Mate reveal for every character in Fortuna, including the initial reveal line as well as all Old Mate greetings for each character (although it does look like they forgot the SU agent standing outside the gate on the Orb Vallis). Spoilers for anyone who has not reached rank Old Mate with Solaris United.
Don't forget that Little Duck also has a similar reveal upon reaching rank Shadow with Vox Solaris.
Obviously this blog has not been updated in almost two years. The reason for that is not quite so bad as you might think! During that time, I have been establishing the Orokin Archives on its own domain. You can find it at orokinarchives.com. I have been working on the new site for quite some time, so it is actually much more complete than this blog.
Tumblr was a great platform for the Orokin Archives, but I wanted to have the site be independent, more fully under my control, and free from any current or potential future tumblr features that would interfere with my vision for the site – ads, content algorithms, paywalls, or whatever.
Unfortunately that does come with some downsides, most notably the "social media" aspects like commenting, reblogging, et cetera (although there is a commenting feature on the new site).
I'm sorry for not saying anything here until now. If you've enjoyed this blog, hopefully you can continue to find everything you were looking for on the new site. My initial desire was to cross-post everything onto both the site and the blog, so that tumblr users could continue to engage on the same platform, but… I don't know if I have the energy to do that anymore, especially considering the massive amount of posts on the website that were never posted to this blog (seriously, the website has every quest, every event, and a good 85% of all the characters' dialogue, as well as a bunch of additional stuff like fragments and Codex entries). Maybe in the future, when I have a lot more free time, I'll go through and start cross-posting old posts until I'm all caught up, but for the time being I am deprecating this blog in favour of the new site. Of course, there is no functional change since I haven't updated this blog in so long, but now you know why.
Again, the new website is simply OrokinArchives.com. If you've enjoyed this blog in the past, head on over there and you'll see all the same stuff. Thanks for all the love you've shown this blog in the past, and I hope you continue to explore the world of Warframe in whatever way is best for you!
On Wednesday (29 January), the event began with the release of Update 11.9 and was set to run for a week. Upon logging in, Tenno would receive an inbox message from the Lotus:
Inbox message:
Operation: Oxium Espionage
Tenno,
Weeks ago, we received intel about a Corpus raid on a little-known independent research facility near Eris. The Corpus made off with a scientific jackpot: the formulation of a rediscovered experimental Orokin alloy called oxium. This lighter-than-air alloy has already been deployed in a new drone dubbed the Oxium Osprey, which forgoes its support role in favour of dynamic attacks.
With this new drone, the Corpus think they have gained the upper hand, but we will use this development to our own ends. Oxium could be the cornerstone of new warframe design, but first we need to research its properties. Go into the field, take out the new Ospreys, and bring back the oxium. You will be rewarded for your efforts.
—The Lotus
On the Starchart, there was a meter called "OXIUM ESPIONAGE" that counted the amount of oxium the Tenno had gathered, starting at 0/50. Hovering over it would produce a description that read "Destroy Oxium Ospreys to retrieve rare oxium alloy."
Mechanics and Missions
Corpus missions now featured a new enemy, the Oxium Osprey. When killed, they dropped 1-2 units of oxium, a new resource. Oxium was described as such: "Oxium is a rare, lighter-than-air alloy of Orokin origin, used in certain Corpus robotics." However, the Oxium Osprey had a tendency to charge at enemies and detonate. If it self-destructed, it would drop nothing; thus, Tenno had to destroy them quickly, before they charged – not an easy task, considering the Oxium Osprey's heavy armour. The meter on the Starchart tracked the oxium each individual Tenno gathered in the course of normal mission play.
Rewards
As soon as the Tenno achieved their goal, the meter disappeared from their Starchart and the 50 oxium was removed from their inventory and sent to the Lotus (any oxium gathered in excess of 50 stayed in the Tenno's inventory). An inbox message was sent from the Lotus with the Aviator mod and a 3-day Affinity booster.
With your contribution, we have already begun researching new warframe possibilities. The research is ongoing, but so far the efforts have been exciting. You will be updated further when concrete progress has been achieved.
In the meantime, take this reward which is active immediately and continue to maintain the balance.
—The Lotus
The affinity booster, as mentioned in the inbox message, activated immediately upon completion of the goal. The Oxium Ospreys remained as a standard component of the Corpus arsenal of robotics.
Note: this information is of dubious canonicity and may no longer apply as far as lore is concerned. For more up-to-date information on the planets of the Origin System, see the Cephalon fragments page.
Mercury
The only remaining Orokin Towers are hidden here. The Grineer patrol this area to prevent Tenno incursion.
Venus
The Corpus have focused their manufacturing facilities in this area.
Earth
A desolate, ruined world. Home of the oppressive Grineer Empire.
Mars
Corpus salvage ships pick through the fragments of Orokin derelicts here. [presumably retconned to Phobos since the Spectres of the Rail update]
Jupiter
Once overrun by the Infestation, the Corpus are now exploiting Jupiter for its vast deposits of rare gases.
Saturn
A Grineer stronghold with well-protected shipping lanes and training orbiters for their Elite troops.
Uranus
Remote Grineer bases focus on research and development of bio-modification and gene repair.
Neptune
Home of the Corpus and site of their indoctrination temples. Warframe and Robotics R&D are hidden here.
Pluto
The shattered Outer Terminus of the Solar Rail Network is located here. The Corpus work to rebuild it.
Ceres
The Grineer have expanded their empire into this region.
Eris
Rapid Corpus expansion has led them to build outposts in this far-flung sector of the System.
Sedna
The Grineer have expanded their empire into this region.
Europa
This deep space outpost is traditionally home to the Corpus.
Phobos
The Grineer have occupied the abandoned settlements here. [presumably retconned to Mars since the Spectres of the Rail update]
Ambulas underwent a substantial rework on date with the release of Update 20.4, as a part of Operation: Ambulas Reborn. The pre-rework dialogue from the Assassination mission is reproduced below.
Target background
Lotus: "The newest entry into the Corpus AI security arsenal is a deadly biped dubbed Ambulas. We have tracked the prototype to this location. Locate and eliminate it."
Lotus: "Ambulas likes to play with fire. Try not to get burned."
Lotus: "Ambulas possesses a devastating kick for those who get too close. Long range attacks are advisable."
Lotus: "Corpus robotics technology is reaching grave proportions. Destroying this archetype is imperative."
Lotus: "Obliterate the prototype. We need to be certain it does not make it to the manufacturing stage."
Lotus: "Destroying Ambulas will be a blow to Corpus robotics research. Stay the course."
"That [warframe] would look great hanging on my wall."
"This is your final warning, [name]. Leave this System at once."
"I grow tired of waiting, [name]. Will you face me?"
"Is this a gathering of the freaks?"
"I'm only just warming up."
"Fashion victims about to become murder victims!"
Outdated background
Before Update 16.4, the Sergeant was named Sergeant Nef Anyo and had character background narrated by the Lotus. His dialogue lines were identical.
Lotus: "Sergeant Nef Anyo oversees operations of the Solar Rails in this district. Intelligence reports indicate that Anyo has been using the rails to acquire recovered cryopods containing dormant warframes. Kill him and save your fellow Tenno."
Lotus: "Anyo's venture has afforded him the best in Corpus security robotics. Eliminate anything that moves."
Lotus: "We cannot allow the warframes to fall into the wrong hands. Taking Anyo out is imperative."
Lotus: "Anyo has too much at stake. He will fight to the death."
Lotus: "Anyo is aware of your presence. Get the jump on him."
On Friday (02 August), the alert became available and was present for the weekend. The Tenno received an inbox message from Kela de Thaym.
Inbox message:
BET LATHUUM… I MEAN… LET RATHUUM BEGIN!
Listen up, squirts!
Kela de Thaym (video message, voice slurred): "Tenno. Sneaky, underhanded, snakey little Tenno. A special Rathuum! Executioners and accused will fight with ACID THROWERS! Ret Lathuum beg… Bet Lath… [cough] Let Rathuum begin! [crowd cheers] Do you smell something? GAS LEAK? Gas lea… [laughs] G-gas leak? That's hilarious. Haha. Wait! Exec… Executioners! [heavily slurring] Iz such a nice day. Do we really wanna fight? Or… dooo weee wannaaa… PARTY?! WA-TER-RR FIIIGHT! I said WATER FIGHT! WADDAFITE! I want a drink with a pink umbrella in it. WATERFIGHT!"
Dog Days was a variant of Rathuum that took place on the Dog Days tile on Earth, a tropical zone on the beach with water fountains and large roller floofs. Both Tenno and Executioners had their normal mods, weapons, and armour removed. Health was capped at 100, with no shields. Tenno and Executioners were equipped with a Soaktron gun only. This gun had an ammo reserve of 100, with no magazine. Reloading was performed by standing in one of the many water fountains around the map. After a few shots, the Soaktron would lose potency (damage, projectile speed, and damage falloff) and would need to be "pumped" by pressing the alt-fire button. There were no melee weapons, warframe abilities, or other gear items. Enemies dropped nothing on death. Each round lasted 5 minutes, and the team with the most kills (termed "soaks" in Dog Days) won.
Kela de Thaym had special dialogue lines during Dog Days.
(upon round start, variant) Kela de Thaym (voice slurred): "Hosers and Squirts, fill your weapons. Ah, stop complaining, ya know ya love it."
(upon round start, variant) Kela de Thaym (voice slurred): "Alright! Now get out there and show me some H-2-WHOO-OA!"
(upon round start, variant) Kela de Thaym (voice slurred): "3-2-1 I order you to have fun! DING DING DING!"
(upon round start, variant) Kela de Thaym (voice slurred): "Ah, my Executioners are all dressed up and ready for fun. Dey look so cute."
(upon round start, variant) Kela de Thaym (voice slurred): "Are you ready ta GET WET?! Hmm? Sure, sure, fix the gas leak, whatever. Don't bother me with details."
(if the Executioners are winning, variant) Kela de Thaym (voice slurred): "HA ha! My Executioners have you hosed, Tenno! D… do you think we're gonna get in trouble for this?"
(if the Executioners are winning, variant) Kela de Thaym (voice slurred): "Hah! Drip drip, you Tenno squirts. Losing team mops up the arena."
(if the Executioners are winning, variant) Kela de Thaym (voice slurred): "You're all washed up, Tenno! (cheerfully) We should solve all our problems like this.
(if the Tenno are winning, variant) Kela de Thaym (voice slurred): "Executioners, if those were still acid cannons, you'd be in a world of hurt right now. HOSE THE TENNO! FOR SQUISHY HONOUR!"
(if the Tenno are winning, variant) Kela de Thaym (voice slurred): "It's all fun and games until WE START LOSING! Pick up your act, Executioners! Fix the gas leak? Pfft. Y'know, we never really talk."
(if the Tenno are winning, variant) Kela de Thaym (voice slurred): "My mighty Executioners, bowing out 'cause they're too wet? Are you even Grineer? Pfft."
(upon Tenno victory, variant) Kela de Thaym (voice slurred): "Bah! So you won this one. Best out of… out of… how many have… LET'S DO IT AGAIN, MEATSACKS!"
(upon Tenno victory, variant) Kela de Thaym (voice slurred): "Round over! Back in your corners and wring out your unmentionables! NEW ROUND!"
(upon Tenno victory, variant) Kela de Thaym (voice slurred): "The only fun to be had in Rathuum is by me, watching you, DIE. Why has nobody DIED? Oh. Right."
(upon Tenno defeat) Kela de Thaym (voice slurred): "Well, well, well. Even with all your underhanded Tenno gas leak trickery and slippery weapon-swappery and… and… stuff…. Still, mighty Grineer conditioning WINS THE DAY! KE-LA'S NUMBER ONE! KE-LA'S NUMBER ONE!"
The first mission rewarded 10 Nakak Pearls upon victory. These were a new currency that could be spent at Nakak's shop in Cetus. Talking to Nakak would bring up the option to buy "Beach toys". These included the Beach colour palette, Dog Days emblem, Dog Days sigil, the Executioner augment mods, 5 varieties of roller floofs for Orbiter decorations, and the Dog Days Captura scene. All these were purchasable only using Nakak Pearls.
After the first mission was complete, the Tenno received an inbox message from Kela de Thaym with the Abysso skin for the Redeemer.
Inbox message:
SO WHAT?
Alright, so you got lucky. Big deal. BIG HAIRY DEAL. Take this. See you on the beach, squirt.
After this, the second mission (identical but for higher enemy level) became available on Earth. This awarded 20 Nakak Pearls per mission. Upon completing it for the first time, the Tenno received the Hydroid's Relay Captura scene.
Inbox message:
DON'T PUSH IT, CHUMP
So, two for two. Okay. But third time won't be the charm, squirt. The next time you hit the beach, my Executioners are gonna hang you out to dry.
The third mission awarded the Hydroid Reprise noggle statue, as well as 30 Nakak Pearls per completion.
Inbox message:
THAT DOES IT
Okay, so I've been all friendly-like. Goin' easy on ya. But this has gone on long enough. Final round, squirt. FINAL ROUND. Come an' get it.
The fourth mission rewarded 50 Nakak Pearls per completion, and the inbox message from Kela de Thaym included an Orokin Reactor and a Stratos emblem.
Inbox message:
ENJOY IT WHILE IT LASTS
I guess I gotta hand it to ya. You really hosed my crew. Well done, I guess. But jus' remember: they're gonna fix this gas leak at some point and when they do… WHEN THEY DO… it's back to business, buddy. NO MORE MRS NICE ME. Carry on.
The fourth mission also (from 06 August onwards) awarded an additional Nakak Pearl per enemy the Tenno "soaked" (on an individual basis).
[Navigation: Hub → Events → Tactical Alerts → Dog Days]
Ticker sells secondhand wares – random tools and items that the Tenno can use to decorate their Orbiter. She shouts out advertisements for her shop if the Tenno is standing nearby, but she also hints to her real business: debt forgiveness.
Ticker collects Corpus debt dossiers and will sell them to any Tenno able to pay. By investing resources and credits, a Tenno can redeem a Solaris from their debt, freeing them from their servitude to the Corpus. In return, the Tenno receive the Solaris' debt-bonds, which are used as currency by some Fortuna merchants – allowing them to collectively repay the debt of the freed individual. Ticker stresses that the debt-trading operation is highly illegal and that the Corpus authorities will kill her (or, more likely, brain-shelve her) if she were ever exposed. This may explain why the other residents of Fortuna stay away from her shop and do not mention her.
After the Tenno has reached rank Old Mate with Solaris United and proven to Eudico that they are a true friend of Fortuna, the floor boss will reveal, among other things, that Ticker also smuggles families out of Fortuna (and perhaps also smuggles supplies into Fortuna – Eudico's wording is ambiguous). These are likely families that are targeted for full repo or brain-shelving due to severe delinquency on their debt. It is not known if Ticker takes the families off-world or simply to hidden sites on the Orb Vallis or elsewhere on Venus.
Personal
Ticker is flamboyant and self-confident, never hesitating to give out advice on how to live a fulfilling life. She speaks, like many other Solaris, as someone who has experienced too much pain in life, but she doesn't seem to dwell on it, instead emphasising personal growth in the wake of every tragedy. She is aware of the role she plays in alleviating, even slightly, the incredibly dehumanising system of debt-bondage the Corpus have instituted, and her outlook is a curious mixture of optimism and cynicism. Overall, Ticker demonstrates one of the more complex personalities among the Solaris.
Ticker's mother is dead, from an unstated cause. Her other family is not mentioned.
Ticker's debt-bond memory fragments portray a deep, long-lasting romance that was terminated when her significant other was brain-shelved. Although Ticker sold off almost her entire body to clear her partner's debt and buy a rig for him, he had apparently suffered damage from being shelved too long, both in functioning and memory, and Ticker was unable to resume the relationship. Although the story is deeply emotional for her, she does not seem bitter about either the romantic relationship or the loss of her original body, and will refer to both when talking with the Tenno.
Ticker seems to be good friends with Smokefinger and looks after him, as she mentions that she will often bring him food and remind him to eat when he gets engrossed in his work.
Ticker mentions The Business in passing, referencing his current occupation as an ecologist and wildlife expert, but it appears to be a segue to an unrelated thought on the importance of combating depressing and violent thoughts. Whether this is simply advice or a subtle commentary on The Business is unknown.
Ticker is sympathetic to Rude Zuud and her malfunctions, but in an interesting way. She mentions "all her invisible friends" – Chatter and perhaps other split personalities we have not yet seen – and then talks about a paranormal experience where Ticker's mother appeared to predict the time of her own death. This suggests an assumption that Chatter is a supernatural phenomenon, such as a spirit possessing or assisting Zuud. This is an odd assumption for Ticker to make, since we know objectively that Chatter and Rude Zuud's other issues originate from the Deck 12 incident and the loss of her sisters. There are multiple potential explanations – disassociation and hallucination due to the trauma of the event, residual copies or fragments of her sisters' consciousnesses due to the oneness of their minds and the abrupt nature of the disconnect, or even sensor and comms malfunctions as mentioned in her Corpus debt portfolio – and none of them necessitate a supernatural influence. It is possible that Ticker is not very close to Rude Zuud and is unaware (somehow) of the events in her past.
Interestingly, Ticker will sometimes mention the legend of Gara and the Sentient Eidolon, drawing inspiration from the battle.
Other
Every resident of Fortuna who the Tenno befriends will eventually open up and begin talking about the other Solaris, with a single exception in that none of them will talk about Ticker (Ticker will, of course, mention others, as noted above). In fact, the omission becomes conspicuous during Operation: Buried Debts. After the Exploiter Orb is killed and Rude Zuud gains closure, her mental trauma appears to be somewhat eased and she remembers her sisters, and the life they led in Deck 12 with the other Solaris. Eudico replies, "We've never forgotten. Me, Biz, Smokefinger… any of us." It's possible that Eudico was simply avoiding having to name every resident of Fortuna, but the fact is that she did name every resident we know, aside from Legs and the Ventkids (who were too young to have known Zuud before), Little Duck (who was possibly not present at Deck 12)… and Ticker. Coupled with the fact that she appears to be unfamiliar with the nature of Rude Zuud's trauma, it is a distinct possibility that Ticker was not present during the events of the Deck 12 crackdown. Since her accent points to her being a Fortuna native (unlike The Business), it is possible she was away at the time, working off her debt on a Corpus colony or ship elsewhere. Deck 12 holds such central importance in the histories all Fortuna residents that the fact that there are zero connections to Ticker is remarkable.
Another explanation, as noted earlier, is that the silence is a deliberate policy in place to protect Ticker from scrutiny, since she performs extremely dangerous work of great importance to the Solaris. Either way, a Tenno who never ventures into the upper level of Fortuna may never know she exists.
Lotus: "It was difficult to locate the source vector of this sector's infestation, but you are finally here."
Lotus: "Deep within this millennia-old Orokin-turned-Infested ship lurks a creature created to fight in the Old War. Make your way to its location and dispatch this monster."
Lotus: "Be wary. The creature has grown unfathomably strong through centuries of absorbing matter and self-replication."
Mission taunts
Like other Infested entities such as Phorid and Helminth, Lephantis communicates with low rumbles and groans whose meaning is telepathically conferred to the Tenno.
(Unburden yourself from this mortal coil, [name]. Join us.)
(Why do you destroy us? We are your flesh.)
(We were countless. Consume us. Be reborn.)
(We embrace you. Why do you defile us?)
The Hemocyte that spawns during Operation: Plague Star is a differently coloured version of Lephantis.
Lotus: "Recent innovations in Corpus robotics have lead to a surge in production. Their newest animal-like proxy is an unrelenting hunter. Codenamed "Hyena", this robot is designed to work in packs."
Lotus: "Our operatives have identified at least four different variations of the Hyena model, each with a different specialisation and arsenal of attacks."
Lotus: "Use caution; the Hyena Pack will work together to try and take you down."
Mission taunts
Hyena NG: "The Pack is watching you"
Hyena NG: "The Pack can smell you"
Hyena NG: "The Pack grows excited. We have been waiting for this."
Battle taunts
Hyena NG: "The Pack calls for your death."
Hyena NG: "The Pack says: 'Kill them off one by one.'"
Hyena NG: "The Pack says: 'Kill the weakest one first.'"
Hyena NG: "The Pack sings when you die."
Hyena NG: "The Pack is designed to enjoy this. It is in its circuits."
(if a Hyena is killed, variant) Hyena NG: "Hyena down: the Pack will intensify the hunt."
(if a Hyena is killed, variant) Hyena NG: "Hyena disabled: the Pack grows weak."
(if a Hyena is killed, variant) Hyena NG: "Hyena destroyed: our circuits demand revenge."
There are four Hyenas in the Pack on Neptune: Hyena NG, with fiery and explosive attacks; Hyena LN2, with icy and cold attacks; Hyena Th, with electric and magnetic attacks; and Hyena Pb, with heavy firepower. In addition, a Hyena Hg, nicknamed "Azoth", can be found as a Broker in the Index, and the Orb Vallis is home to four additional variants of Hyenas that can spawn at high alert levels: Cinderthresh, Icemire, Rabbleback, and Gyre Hyenas. These Vallis variants are visibly different, with additional modular dorsal components that differentiate them from one another.
The Assassination mission on Psamathe originally targeted a singular Hyena with no elemental abilities. However, with the release of Update 12 and the Ties That Bind special alert, the Hyena became the Hyena Pack. Ties That Bind had the Tenno fight against a Hyena NG and Hyena Th in order to save Darvo. The Hyena NG would resurface in the Hyena Facility Tactical Alert. The Divine Will Tactical Alert and subsequent Razorback Armadas feature numerous Hyena NG and Hyena LN2 proxies.
The Hyena NG appears to be the dominant model, as it speaks all lines that the Hyena Pack says.
Lotus: "In an attempt to exert power and authority, the Corpus recently introduced their most lethal security proxy yet. Determine its location aboard this vessel and destroy it."
Lotus: "Nicknamed "The Jackal," this is the same deadly quad-robot which has become extremely problematic for our cells in the field."
Lotus: "Do not dismiss the Jackal as just another Corpus proxy. This will be unlike any enemy you have faced yet."
Like many of the Corpus bosses, the Jackal is not a true character, but a robotic proxy that can be replaced. It does not seem to have much of a personality, and standard Corpus protocols would ensure that its AI capabilities are limited.
The Jackal is somewhat ubiquitous in Corpus locations. It can spawn as a field boss on the Orb Vallis at high alert levels, including as an Eximus version. The Orb Vallis is, of course, located on the same planet as its Assassination mission on Fossa. The Razorbacks, first appearing in the Divine Will Tactical Alert and now recurring sporadically, appear to be upgraded versions of the Jackal. The Lynx, a field boss that can appear in Void Sabotage missions and some Grineer data vaults, appears to be a variant of the Jackal as well. In addition, Jackals can be seen in production in the Gas City on Jupiter and on the Infested Corpus ships in the Eris sector. Lastly, a Jackal is the centrepiece of the Energy Lab in the Tenno Dojos, being dissected and studied.
Snowday Showdown was a Conclave Team Annihilation variant where each Tenno was equipped with a Solstice Spheres snowball throwing weapon, Solstice Scythe melee weapon, 100 health, and no shields. Tenno fought against other Tenno in teams of 4 on Conclave maps. The Tactical Alert was described on the World State Window as "A frosty skirmish of snowballs and minty melee mayhem."
Each day of the Tactical Alert, Tenno had to complete 3 rounds of Snowday Showdown (regardless of victory or defeat) in order to win a reward. On 16 December, the reward was a Wreath sigil; on the 17th, a Nistlebrush sigil; on the 18th, an Orokin Catalyst; and on the 19th, the Polar Glaxion skin. To receive all four rewards, Tenno had to complete 3 rounds on each of the four days (12 rounds total over the course of the Tactical Alert). At the end of the Tactical Alert, the Tenno received an inbox message from Ordis containing all the rewards they earned.
Inbox message:
There's Been an Intruder!
Operator, alert!
Ordis awoke from deep-diagnostic scans to find this item had been placed beside the central-heating exhaust vent. Surrounding it was a pile of melting snowballs and note that reads:
"Merry Solstice to all, and to all a good fight."
The notion that some shady individual is slinking through the exhaust system while we rest disturbs Ordis immensely. Shall I devise a way to vaporise this mysterious gifter should they return?
On Thursday (29 September), the alert became available and was present for the weekend. The Tenno received an inbox message from the Lotus.
Inbox message:
Tactical Alert: Long Shadow
Tenno,
The Nightwatch Corps are back. A lone survivor from a massacre near Ceres has revealed that they have set up base there. We need to know what they're up to.
Travel to Ceres and intercept their communications.
—The Lotus
The first mission was an Interception mission on Ceres, on the Shipyards map. The enemies consisted of the elite Nightwatch Corps. The Tenno had to hold out for two waves. Upon completion of the mission, the Tenno received an inbox message with 50.000 credits and 800 endo.
Inbox message:
Tactical Alert: Long Shadow – Mission 1 Success
Tenno,
We have recovered vital information from the messages you intercepted. Take this with my thanks.
—The Lotus
The next mission was described in the World State Window as follows: "The information you intercepted from Nightwatch communications shows they have acquired a warframe cryopod. Head to the target location and defend the cryopod until it can be safely extracted." It was a 10-wave Defence mission on Ceres, still against the Nightwatch Grineer. The ambient lightning strike hazards are greatly increased in this mission. Completing this mission rewarded the Tenno with an Exilus Adapter.
Inbox message:
Tactical Alert: Long Shadow – Mission 2 Success
Well done, Tenno. You sent the Nightwatch Corps a message they won't soon forget.
—The Lotus
The third mission had the description: "A Nightwatch-controlled Galleon has been spotted orbiting Mars. Provide cover while a lone Tenno operative raids the ship for intel and supplies." This was a 20-minute Survival mission on the Grineer Galleon tileset, with fire hazards active all over the map. This mission rewarded the Tenno with an Orokin Catalyst and Orokin Reactor.
Inbox message:
Tactical Alert: Long Shadow – Mission 3 Success
Well done, Tenno. You sent the Nightwatch Corps a message they won't soon forget.
—The Lotus
The last mission was described as follows: "Our last raid on the Nightwatch's Galleon revealed a vast storehouse of supplies. Proceed to the coordinates and weaken the Nightwatch by stealing as many of their supplies as possible." This was another 20-minute Survival mission on the Grineer Asteroid tileset, with cryogenic leakage hazards present. The reward was a Stratos emblem.
Inbox message:
Tactical Alert: Long Shadow – Mission 4 Success
Well done, Tenno. You sent the Nightwatch Corps a message they won't soon forget.
—The Lotus
This last mission was repeatable and had a 0.25% chance of rewarding a Rift Sigil as well.
[Navigation: Hub → Events → Tactical Alerts → Long Shadow]
On Thursday (10 March 2016), the alert became available and was present for the weekend. The Tenno received an inbox message from Teshin.
Inbox message:
ONE THOUSAND CUTS
Pupil,
I have been watching you fight. Your rifle aims true, your pistols shoot straight, but your blade, your blade has become dull. Like a plow that has turned a thousand fields, you are blind to the edge you have lost.
Perhaps you think I’m wrong? Well, if you have something to prove, gather only your melee weapon and fight the missions chosen for you. These battles will be the whetstone that makes you sharp again.
Succeed and you will be rewarded.
—Teshin
The first mission was a 10-minute Survival on Earth using the Grineer Galleon tileset, against normal Grineer enemies. Only melee weapons could be equipped. Energy was capped at 25, and could not be increased via any means. Only melee-wielding enemies such as Scorpions and Butchers were present, and they were all armed with Machetes instead of their normal weapons. After completing the mission, the Tenno received an inbox message from Teshin containing an Orokin Catalyst blueprint.
Inbox message:
ONE THOUSAND CUTS: A Good Start
You have only begun to scrape the rust from your sword.
Keep practicing.
—Teshin
The second mission was a Mobile Defence mission on Phobos, on the Grineer Settlement tileset (as was standard for Phobos at the time), against Arid Grineer enemies. As before, only the melee-wielding enemies were present, armed with Machetes, and the Tenno’s weapons and energy were restricted as before. Upon completion of the mission, the Tenno received an Orokin Reactor blueprint.
Inbox message:
ONE THOUSAND CUTS: Watch Your Enemy
A sharp blade that misses hasn’t cut a thing.
Stay focused.
—Teshin
The third mission was an Assassination mission on Saturn, on the Grineer Asteroid tileset, against Grineer melee enemies, including Scorpions, Powerfists, Bailiffs, and Manics, all armed with Machetes. The Tenno’s weapons and energy were restricted as before. The assassination target was a giant Manic. The reward for this mission was a Machete blueprint.
Inbox message:
ONE THOUSAND CUTS: Lesson Complete
Pupil,
Your blade is well-honed. Your strikes cut deep. Take these rewards and use them in your progression so that you may never lose your edge.
I have provided one more challenge. Accept it, if you wish to become the sharpest of all.
—Teshin
After the third mission, a fourth Endurance mission would be available, consisting of another 10-minute Survival on the Grineer Asteroid tileset, against Grineer melee units, including Bailiffs and Manics. Completing this mission granted the Tenno a Stratos emblem.
Inbox message:
ONE THOUSAND CUTS: Impressive
It is evident that you will never stop honing your skill. For you know that a dull blade threatens its owner most of all.
On Thursday (11 February 2016), the alert became available and was present for the weekend. The Tenno received an inbox message from Nef Anyo.
Inbox message:
DIVINE WILL
People of the Origin System,
With the blessing of your credits and the power of the Void's sacred energy, I have built a creature stronger than any other. Yes, my children, the Void has made my new Razorback prototype impervious to evil and I will prove it. I am calling on all Tenno, heathen Corpus and Grineer to come to my lab and try to defeat my Razorback.
And when you fail, the whole System will see the Void works its power through me. And then they will know that the only path to salvation is to Give Unto The Void.
The Void be the word, and the word be Profit,
—Nef Anyo
The Divine Will Tactical Alert was a mission on a Corpus Ship with an increased threat level. Hyena NG and LN2 units were present in high numbers. There were no Crewman or other human Corpus enemies, only proxies, but being spotted by a security camera would instantly lock down all doors and spawn a Bursa in the next room. The mission also had unique mission dialogue lines: the Lotus would give instructions, while the Razorback would taunt the Tenno, both before and during the actual fight.
Lotus: "If Nef Anyo's prototype survives our assault, he'll be able to draw in a mountain of new offerings. We must turn his scheme against him."
Lotus: "All previous strikes against the Razorback have failed. You need to find a way to punch through its shields."
Lotus: "Stay alert. Scans show this facility is also home to upgraded Bursa bipeds. You may have to deal with both at the same time."
(during mission, variant) Razorback: "[name] detected: May the Void take mercy upon you."
The Razorback was found in its own arena, very similar to the Jackal arena, with high ledges surrounding the arena where Bursas and Crewmen would spawn repeatedly. The Razorback was protected by shields that rendered it immune to all damage, but the Bursas could damage the shields. The Bursas had to be killed and hacked, whereupon they would turn against the Razorback. Once the Razorback's shields were depleted, it would be incapacitated, and could be damaged, before shortly recovering. As the Bursas died after a few seconds, they had to be constantly defeated and hacked as they spawned in to keep up pressure on the Razorback. There were laser barriers guarding the Bursas on their ledges, but they could be hacked by nearby security panels, which would temporarily deactivate the barriers and cause the Bursas to fall down into the arena; however, this was not strictly necessary.
Upon killing the Razorback and extracting, the Tenno received a message from the Lotus with an Orokin Reactor blueprint.
Inbox message:
DIVINE WILL: Charlatan Exposed
Mission accomplished, Tenno. You showed the whole System that Nef is a charlatan by turning his own technology against him.
I have just located a second prototype. You must destroy it before they can enter mass production. Take this reward and use it to bolster yourself for the next fight.
—The Lotus
A second mission with a higher difficulty opened on Neptune. Completing that mission would reward the Tenno with a Stratos emblem.
Inbox message:
Razorbacks Obliterated
The Razorbacks have been destroyed. Perhaps next time, Nef won't be quite so arrogant.
—The Lotus
Aftermath
After the Spectres of the Rail update, the Corpus turned their war efforts into building Razorback armadas to take down the Tenno Relays. Upon winning an invasion against the Grineer and occupying a node on the Starchart, the Corpus would make progress towards their next Razorback armada, as tracked in the World State Window. Every few months or so, the Corpus would complete an armada and send it towards one of the Relays, and the Tenno would be given a few days to defend the Relay by destroying the Razorbacks.
Upon the arrival of the Razorback armada, the Lotus would send an inbox message to every Tenno.
Inbox message:
All Hands: Incoming Razorback Armada
Nef Anyo is making his move. A fleet of transports carrying mammoth Razorbacks will soon converge on one of our Relays. If any of these Razorbacks board the Relay, the destruction will be total.
Early strikes have failed. Each Razorback is locked in a vault protected by a new cryptographic algorithm. I have designed a unique cipher to defeat this security, but it requires cryptographic ALU, a resource found only in Archwing missions near Jupiter and Neptune.
Hurry – build the cipher and destroy every last Razorback. We must never lose another Relay.
—The Lotus
This inbox message contained a reusable blueprint for a Razorback Cipher. The Cipher required 1.250 credits, 1.500 polymer bundle, 3 gallium, and 4 cryptographic ALU to build, and took 1 minute. Cryptographic ALU is a resource dropped by Corpus Archwing enemies on Galilea, Jupiter or Salacia, Neptune, but only when a Razorback armada was present. There is no limit to the amount of cryptographic ALU that can be farmed or Razorback Ciphers that can be built while the armada is present.
Once the Tenno has crafted at least one Razorback Cipher and equipped it in the gear wheel, they can enter the mission, which will appear as a new node near the Relay it is attacking. The mission proceeds as in the Tactical Alert, except that the door to the Razorback's arena will be locked, and can only be opened by expending a Razorback Cipher. Then the Tenno must destroy the Razorback as before.
The Tenno must destroy three Razorbacks, requiring three Ciphers to be created. After the third, they will receive an inbox message from the Lotus containing an Orokin Reactor and 200.000 credits.
Inbox message:
Good Work!
Tenno,
You have proven your valour in battle today, but the machines are countless and do not rest. Take this reward and use it to continue the fight!
The mission takes place on Earth, on the Grineer Forest tileset, though thick orange fog will limit visibility considerably. During the mission, shields and health are each set to 100, unmodifiable by any means. Weapons, companions, gear, and warframe abilities are all disabled or removed for the mission. The Tenno are limited to unarmed attacks and damage from parkour abilities such as bullet jump and jump kick. Aura and exilus mods (including bullet jump mods such as Firewalker) will still have their effect.
The mission will have Infested enemies, which will be difficult to kill while unarmed. There are no objectives or waypoints marked. The Tenno must make their way to a locked door. The door is opened by placing two power cores in the slots on either side. There are two consoles on the same tile which will produce a power core when hacked. After the door is opened, a Jack O'Naut will be found on a large open tile. This creature resembles an Infested Juggernaut with a large jack-o-lantern for a head. The only way of damaging the Jack O'Naut is with the explosive objects scattered around the tile, resembling three jack-o-lanterns stacked on top of each other. When destroyed, they will create a fire hazard on the ground that will deal damage to the Jack O'Naut and other Infested. The Jack O'Naut can be baited into charging the explosive barrels, which will cause maximal damage. After the Jack O'Naut is dead, the Tenno can head to extraction.
Inbox message:
Hallowed Nightmares: Sleeping?
We lost contact for a moment… were you sleeping? Nightmares? Perhaps this will help you overcome your fear.
—The Lotus
A second, slightly harder version of the Tactical Alert is available after completing the first. In 2015 this mission also contained 3 Grineer supply caches hidden around the map. These caches contained aura and nightmare mods. The caches did not reappear in later years.
Inbox message:
Hallowed Nightmares: Your Fear
Tenno,
This badge shows you faced your fear and conquered your nightmares.
—The Lotus
In 2016 and 2018, a third timed mission was available after the first two, During the timed missions, the Tenno's score started at 1000 at the start of the mission, and gradually decreased by 1 each second. The Tenno had to complete the mission with a score of at least 666 to receive the reward, which means completing the mission in less than 5 minutes 34 seconds.
During 2015, the first mission rewarded an Orokin Catalyst blueprint, while the second mission rewarded a Stratos emblem. In 2016, the first mission rewarded an Orokin Catalyst blueprint, while the second mission rewarded a Day of the Dead sigil, and the timed mission rewarded an Orokin Reactor. In 2018, the first mission rewarded the Day of the Dead sigil, the second mission rewarded the Dread Day of the Dead skin, and the timed mission rewarded an Orokin Reactor. Although not advertised, each mission, including the timed mission, rewarded a Stratos emblem in 2018.
Hallowed Nightmares did not run in 2017, due to the release of the Plains of Eidolon. Operation: Plague Star took the place of the Halloween event.
On Wednesday (18 December 2013), the event began with the release of Update 11.5 and was set to run for two and a half weeks. Upon logging in, the Tenno received an inbox message from Vay Hek.
Inbox message:
Glory Awaits
People of the Grineer,
Earth is the jewel in our crown, yet so much of it remains unexploited. Its forests have been invaded by overgrown Orokin-engineered super-weeds. When we cut them down, they grow back. When we build our bases, they overtake them. We have tried to work within the forests, we have tried to tame the forests. Our capitulation has become weakness.
The Cicero Toxin will break these forests and impose our will on the landscape. My scientists have pinpointed a chemical weakness that is common to 90% of the vegetation in the central region. Over the next several days, we will exploit that weakness, causing our enemy to wilt and decay. We will finally settle what is rightfully ours.
Your Greatness,
Councillor Vay Hek
This was followed by an inbox message from the Lotus.
Inbox message:
Crisis on Earth
Tenno,
We must hurry. Since the time of the Orokin, the engineered forests of Earth have repelled any attempt to cut them down. Now, the Grineer, led by Councillor Vay Hek, have developed something called the Cicero Toxin. With it, they plan to poison Earth's forests so they can exploit the land beneath it. We will not let this happen.
You need to find an antidote to this toxin. I believe the key ingredients lie within the very forests the Grineer want to destroy. Go to Earth and use your scanners and search out these ingredients. Then return to your Foundry to craft an antitoxin. When you have the antidote, take it back to Earth and neutralise as much Cicero Toxin as you can.
You will need to work together to find the most effective antidote. The best formulation for the antitoxin remains unclear.
Be careful; this is no nature walk. Vay Hek will do everything he can to stop us.
—The Lotus
On the Starchart, Tenno would see a new, special mission on Earth labelled "Cicero Injector". This mission was the location of the operation.
Mechanics and Missions
Tenno had to complete missions on the new Cicero Injector mission on Earth, which used the new Grineer Forest tileset. On the Grineer Forest tileset, there were three new plants that could spawn as part of the landscape: Threshcones, Dragonlilies, and Jadeleafs. Each plant had two varieties: a Sunlight version that appeared during the day, and a Moonlight version that appeared during the night. Every 6 hours, the tileset would change globally from day to night, or vice versa. The plants could be scanned using a Codex Scanner, which would give the Tenno an extract of that plant (eg Moonlight Threshcone extract). Threshcones are common plants, whereas Dragonlilies are uncommon, and Jadeleafs rare. If the player was still collecting plant extracts and did not have an Antitoxin equipped, the Cicero Injector mission was a standard Exterminate mission.
(upon mission start, variant) Lotus: "My research indicates everything we need to neutralise the toxin is located in this forest. Find the key ingredients, and wipe out any resistance you see along the way."
(upon mission start, variant) Lotus: "This is a recon mission. You are looking for key ingredients that can be used to build an antidote to the Grineer toxin. Destroy any resistance you encounter on your mission."
(upon mission start, variant) Lotus: "You are here to find anything that can be used to neutralise the toxin. Take out any Grineer you encounter along the way."
During the mission, a large machine could appear, labelled a Cicero Injector, but it could not be interacted with if the Tenno had no Antitoxins. The Cicero Injector had the description "This machine is poisoning the local habitat with the Cicero Toxin."
(upon finding the Toxin Injector, variant) Lotus: "See that? That's how the Grineer plan to inject the toxin into the biosphere. When we have the antitoxin, that is where it goes."
(upon finding the Toxin Injector, variant) Lotus: "Those Toxin Injectors are how the Grineer plan on delivering their payload. That is what we are here to neutralise."
(upon completing objective) Lotus: "I'm detecting no more Grineer in the area. When you are done searching for the ingredients, get to extraction."
After obtaining plant extracts from Earth, Tenno had to buy Antitoxin blueprints from the Market. There were six types of Antitoxins (Beryl, Amethyst, Citrine, Topaz, Lapis, and Vermillion), and all six blueprints could be purchased in a single pack for 7.500 credits, or individually for 1.000 credits. The Antitoxins were crafted using the plant extracts, with higher-tier Antitoxins using rarer ingredients.
Beryl: common (10 points), requires 4 Sunlight Threshcone extract
Amethyst: common (10 points), requires 4 Moonlight Threshcone extract
After the antitoxins were crafted, they could be equipped in the Gear Wheel, although only one antitoxin could be equipped at a time. Afterwards, the Tenno could enter into the Cicero Injector mission again. With Antitoxins equipped, the objective was Sabotage. Tenno were directed to the Toxin Injector, and interacting with it expended the antitoxin and started the process whereby the Injector delivered the antidote into the biosphere. The Tenno had to defend the Toxin Injector from the Grineer during this process. A meter in the HUD counted up from 0%, with the final percentage being the sum point total of all antitoxins. For example, if all four Tenno inserted a Beryl antitoxin, the process would go to 40% and then stop, whereas if four Lapis antitoxins were inserted, then the process would go to 100%, with a corresponding increase in the time needed to defend.
(upon mission start, variant) Lotus: "Tenno, I see you have an antidote with you. Find the Grineer's poison and deliver your antitoxin."
(upon mission start, variant) Lotus: "You brought an antitoxin. Find the injector and neutralise the poison."
(throughout the mission, variant) Vay Hek: "Tenno bones will be the foundation of Grineer homes!"
(throughout the mission, variant) Vay Hek: "No mercy for Tenno, no mercy for their Lotus!"
(throughout the mission, variant) Vay Hek: "The Tenno hate our superiority! We will put them out of their jealous misery!"
(throughout the mission, variant) Vay Hek: "Death! Death! Death! Death to the Tenno!"
(throughout the mission, variant) Vay Hek: "Our Queens demand justice for your trespasses, Tenno!"
(throughout the mission, variant) Vay Hek: "The Lotus is just another weed to be plucked and discarded."
(upon arriving at the toxin injector, variant) Lotus: "You found the poison. Place the antitoxin in the injector."
(upon arriving at the toxin injector, variant) Lotus: "You have reached the target. Administer the antitoxin."
(upon inserting the antitoxin into the injector, variant) Lotus: "It's in. Now defend the injector while the antitoxin works to neutralise the poison."
(upon inserting the antitoxin into the injector, variant) Lotus: "Ready? Keep the Grineer at bay while the antitoxin does its work."
(variant) Vay Hek: "Stop them! Defend the Cicero Toxin!"
(variant) Vay Hek: "The Tenno have come to destroy our way of life! Stop them at all costs!"
(variant) Vay Hek: "Tenno crimes require Grineer sacrifice! Protect the Cicero Toxin at all costs!"
(variant) Vay Hek: "Protect the Cicero Toxin! Stop the Tenno!"
(variant) Vay Hek: "Brothers! Do not let the Tenno threaten our destiny!"
(after defending with low-tier antitoxins) Lotus: "Good work; the Grineer toxin is losing strength. Get to extraction. This fight is far from over. Craft more potent antitoxins to have an even bigger impact."
(after defending with mid-tier antitoxins) Lotus: "That was a strong antitoxin. The Grineer will not last long at this rate. Get to extraction."
(after defending with high-tier antitoxins) Lotus: "Impressive. Your antidote has set back Grineer efforts considerably. Time to go home."
(variant) Vay Hek: "No. No, you will not stop this."
(variant) Vay Hek: "Tenno, you are only delaying the inevitable."
(variant) Vay Hek: "Only a small setback, insignificant against the tide of Grineer will!"
The new Grineer Forest tileset also featured new Frontier Regulators, which broadcast Vay Hek's propaganda. The dialogue lines are as follows:
Vay Hek: "Nothing can stop the Grineer! We are progress!"
Vay Hek: "Earth is for settlements! Settlements! Settlements!"
Vay Hek: "The Cicero Toxin will bring Grineer order to the land!"
Vay Hek: "Down with the Orokin weeds! Down with the Tenno!"
Vay Hek: "We clear this land, in the name of Grineer and our Queens!"
Vay Hek: "Mastery of Earth is Grineer destiny! Our Queens command it!"
Vay Hek: "Tenno are worse than weeds! We kill one, and three more show up!"
Vay Hek: "Grineer order will conquer the land! Grineer order will conquer Earth!"
Vay Hek: "Brothers! Don't trust any plant you can't rip apart with your bare hands!"
Vay Hek: "The Cicero Toxin will cleansethe land, leaving a glorious home for our Queens!"
Vay Hek: "Grineer brothers! It is us or the Orokin weeds, and we must choose… herbicide!"
Vay Hek: "These trees, these genetically modified, Orokin monstrosities, must wither and die!"
Vay Hek: "We deserve more than a cold, dark asteroid! Earth for the Grineer! Earth for our Queens!"
Vay Hek: "The garden of Earth is overgrown! Who will help me reap this victory from the land?"
Vay Hek: "Tenno hate Grineer strength! They want to tear down anything they are too weak to build for themselves!"
Vay Hek: "Just like these weeds, the Tenno are nothing more than a mistake, growing on the bottom of some dirty Orokin test tube!"
Rewards
A Tenno's individual point score was the best score they received in a single mission over the course of the event, with the maximum possible score being 400 (achievable by four squad members each using a Vermillion Antitoxin). Repeating the mission did not raise a Tenno's individual point score unless they were able to achieve a higher score than their previous record. Tenno who scored 10 points received a Cicero Crisis badge. Tenno who scored 50 points received a pack of four dual-stat Toxin damage/status chance mods (Malignant Force, Toxic Barrage, Pistol Pestilence, and Virulent Scourge). Tenno who scored 100 points received the Twin Vipers Wraith, with a weapon slot and pre-installed Orokin Catalyst.
After the event ended, Tenno who participated received an inbox message from the Lotus.
Inbox message:
Crisis Averted
It is done. Our mission has been accomplished. The Grineer have abandoned the last of Cicero Toxin, leaving the forests of central Earth relatively unscathed. You have all fought bravely and it is now time to celebrate our victory.
As recognition for your participation in this mission you have been awarded the Cicero Crisis badge.
Also, as a reward for your tireless effort, you will receive a collection of Toxin mods that have been developed by researching the Cicero Toxin.
Finally, for going above and beyond the call of duty, I am bestowing upon you these Twin Vipers Wraith. Take them and continue our fight.
—The Lotus
Clan scores were calculated by adding the individual point totals of all participating clan members, with Gold, Silver, and Bronze event statues being distributed to the three highest-scoring clans in each tier. The trophies were delivered by inbox message to the Warlord of each clan.
Inbox message:
In Recognition of Your Efforts
Tenno,
The efforts of [clan] during the Cicero Crisis went far beyond expectation. To celebrate your heroic achievements, I present [clan] with this trophy. May you continue to protect the balance.
