12/10/2017
The "Sands of Inaros" quest in Warframe is a pivotal experience, delving into the origins of the powerful Warframe, Inaros, and revealing a deeply personal story for the enigmatic merchant, Baro Ki'Teer. This quest, introduced in Update 18.5, transports players to the desolate sands of Mars, where they are tasked by Baro to unearth ancient treasures. However, what begins as a treasure hunt quickly evolves into a journey through a forgotten past, uncovering the legend of a protector and the tragic history of a lost colony.
Baro Ki'Teer's Mysterious Proposition
The quest commences with a message from Baro Ki'Teer, a character known for his rare and often peculiar wares. In his characteristic style, Baro extends a "rare opportunity" to the Tenno, hinting at the presence of a tomb on a "forsaken place." He expresses frustration with his usual "relic hunters," who are too superstitious to disturb what they consider sacred ground. Baro, ever the pragmatist, appeals to the Tenno's known affinity for Ducats and treasure, believing they will be more amenable to his request. Initially, his interest seems purely mercenary, focused on the potential riches hidden within the tomb.
Unearthing the Legend of Inaros
The journey takes the Tenno to a desert temple on Mars, the supposed tomb of Inaros. As players navigate the temple, battling through remnants of the Infested, a mysterious disembodied female voice begins to narrate a story. This voice tells of a time when the Mars colony lived in fear of the "Golden Skymen," who would abduct their children. The narrative introduces Inaros, a warrior who initially served these Golden Skymen but eventually defected, unable to condone their actions. He became a protector, a "Fear-eater" and "skykiller," who defended the colony against the Skymen's armies and later, against an Infested plague. Though his physical body was broken in his final act of defense, his spirit was believed to have ascended, and his remains were entombed in "Sacred Vessels," awaiting his return.
This unfolding legend deeply unnerves Baro Ki'Teer, who can also hear the voice. He expresses distress, urging the Tenno to stop the narration, suggesting a personal connection to the tale that is yet to be revealed. The primary objective within the tomb is to retrieve a "Sacred Vessel," a relic from Inaros's tomb. Baro justifies taking this artifact as a means to create riches, rather than defiling a sacred site, and instructs the Tenno to extract.
The Vessel's Trials: Echoes of the Past
Upon returning to their Orbiter, the Tenno discover that the Sacred Vessel contains inscriptions that act as a blueprint. Baro speculates that a Warframe might have been entombed within. The quest then tasks the players with fulfilling the vessel's inscription by engaging in combat. This involves carrying the Sacred Vessel and defeating a specified number of a particular enemy type, indicated by a glyph on the vessel. Each kill fills a portion of the glyph, signifying progress. The enemy type varies among players, encompassing Corpus, Grineer, or Infested units.
After completing the first challenge, the Tenno are directed back to the Mars temple to return the vessel. Here, the narrative continues, revealing more about Inaros's past. He was a warrior who turned against his masters to protect a child. The story details his ascension as the colony's King and protector. The encounter is punctuated by an attack from Feral Kavats, which the Tenno must eliminate. Baro, increasingly agitated, urges the player to return to their ship after this encounter.
The Grineer Intervention and a Mother's Voice
The second vessel's challenge mirrors the first, requiring the Tenno to defeat another specified enemy type while carrying the vessel. Upon completion, they are again instructed to return to Mars. This time, however, the Grineer are present, adding a layer of urgency and fear to the proceedings. Baro expresses panic, concerned for his own safety and that of Inaros. The narrative progresses further, recounting how Inaros saved the colony from the Infested with a massive sandstorm, though it cost him dearly. His broken body was then hidden within four Sacred Vessels to protect it.
The mission culminates in a battle against a "Tomb Guardian," a large, stone-like enemy that spawns smaller versions of itself. Following this, the Tenno are rewarded with the Inaros Chassis blueprint. Baro, visibly distressed, implores the Tenno to continue, eager to uncover the full truth.
The Final Revelation and Baro's Truth
The third vessel's challenge requires the Tenno to defeat the third and final enemy type. Baro, now fully convinced of the story's veracity, pleads with the Tenno to "save Inaros," admitting he is no longer motivated by profit but by a deeper, personal reason. Returning to Mars, the Tenno face the Grineer presence once more. The sacred door opens, revealing the final vessel. Upon collecting it, a "Tomb Protector" appears, a formidable foe resembling Inaros himself, armed with potent weapons and abilities. This boss fight involves defeating "Tomb Protector Effigies" that emerge from statues, with the Tomb Protector periodically retreating to its sarcophagus.
The true emotional core of the quest is revealed during the final interactions. It is disclosed that the child the narrator was speaking to is none other than a young Baro Ki'Teer, and the voice belonged to his deceased mother. In her final moments, she hid young Baro and urged him to pray to Inaros for protection as the Grineer attacked and ultimately killed her and the rest of the colony. Baro confesses that he had suppressed these memories for years, and the quest has forced him to confront his past and understand his true motivation for seeking Inaros's treasure: a desperate hope for the return of a protector who could have saved his people.
Quest Summary and Rewards
The "Sands of Inaros" quest is a masterclass in storytelling within Warframe, blending action-packed gameplay with a poignant narrative. It not only allows players to acquire the Inaros Warframe but also provides significant insight into Baro Ki'Teer's character and a tragic piece of Martian history.
Quest Unlocking and Progression:
To unlock the quest, players must reach Mastery Rank 5 and obtain the quest blueprint. This can be acquired by trading with other players or purchasing it from Baro Ki'Teer during his visits. The blueprint is then crafted in the Foundry. Upon crafting, the quest appears in the Codex and World State Window, initiating contact with Baro.
Key Stages and Challenges:
- Stage 1: Explore the tomb on Mars, retrieve the first Sacred Vessel, and listen to the initial narration. Fulfill the first vessel's challenge by killing a specified enemy type.
- Stage 2: Return to Mars, retrieve the second Sacred Vessel, fend off Kavats, and fulfill the second vessel's challenge.
- Stage 3: Return to Mars amidst Grineer presence, retrieve the third Sacred Vessel, defeat the Tomb Guardian, and fulfill the third vessel's challenge.
- Stage 4: Final return to Mars, retrieve the last Sacred Vessel, confront the Tomb Protector and its Effigies, and uncover the truth about Baro's past.
Rewards:
Upon completion, players receive the blueprints for the Inaros Warframe components: Neuroptics, Chassis, and Systems. Additionally, the Sacred Vessel is awarded as an Orbiter decoration, serving as a memento of this deeply personal quest.
Baro Ki'Teer's Dialogue Highlights:
Throughout the quest, Baro's dialogue evolves from a mercenary tone to one of increasing distress and eventual emotional vulnerability. His initial lines, such as "I have a rare opportunity for you. It seems there may be a tomb hidden on that forsaken place. Tombs mean treasure..." contrast sharply with his later pleas, "Please, Tenno, you must save Inaros! The Grineer are here! I'm not in it for the money anymore!" This shift underscores the profound impact the quest's revelations have on him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the main objective of the Sands of Inaros quest?
A1: The main objective is to uncover the tomb of the Warframe Inaros, retrieve Sacred Vessels, and piece together his legend, while also revealing Baro Ki'Teer's personal connection to the story.
Q2: How do I unlock the Sands of Inaros quest?
A2: You need to reach Mastery Rank 5 and acquire the quest blueprint, either through trading or from Baro Ki'Teer himself.
Q3: What are the rewards for completing the quest?
A3: Players receive the blueprints for the Inaros Warframe (Neuroptics, Chassis, Systems) and the Sacred Vessel as an Orbiter decoration.
Q4: What is Baro Ki'Teer's role in the quest?
A4: Baro Ki'Teer initiates the quest, hires the Tenno for excavation, and eventually reveals his tragic past, which is intertwined with the legend of Inaros.
Q5: Who is the disembodied voice in the quest?
A5: The disembodied voice belongs to Baro Ki'Teer's late mother, who is narrating her memories of Inaros and the fate of their colony to a young Baro.
The Sands of Inaros quest offers a compelling narrative that enriches the lore of Warframe and provides players with a powerful Warframe, making it a must-play experience for all Tenno.
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