The Vanu Sovereignty seems out of place.

[Memeotis]

I never played Planetside 1, but I don't think that disqualifies me from having an opinion on this matter. This is not a post to invoke rage in those loyal to VS, nor is it a post critizising the alternative game mechanics that the VS has.

To me, the Vanu just does not seem like a logical faction. Just based on lore, it does not make sense why the people who formed the VS did not join the NC, since they are clearly not interested in fighting in the first place. Why force yourselves to get an army, when you could safely continue your research behind NC frontlines? Seeing as that's all you really care about. (The lore is really vague on why the NC declared war on the Vanu)

It really doesn't make sense. You could also look at it from the perspective of technology. The Vanu is clearly way ahead of the other factions, but still finds itself evenly matched. This is hardly realistic, unless you assume that the Vanu does not really care about the war. To me they seem like a faction who does not have the same drive based on their fiery moral-standpoint like the other two factions. Instead they seem like a faction who would rather just be left alone, but needs to fight simply because they need to clear the land, so that they can excavate and do their research. A faction needs to have it drive for battle rooted in its belief system, but to the Vanu, the war just seems like an inconvenience.

I know this won't ever get changed, I just felt like saying it. That said, if I was to go back in time and change the Vanu's lore, I would make them religious fanatics instead. When the wormhole closed and people panicked, a part of the TR population began worshipping strange alien artifacts. This would explain why that inspite of having access to this technology, that they are clearly not using it as well as they could, and it would also give them a more convincing reason to fight. Why? They're religious fanatics who want to convert everyone.

[Figment]

They're purple. That's enough for me.

[Toppopia]

The Vanu declared war on the TR and NC at the same time because they can only see one way to end the war, if the VS wipe them both out themselves.

And also some lore says that scientists began 'listening' to artefacts and such, so they are being indoctrinated/mind controlled by aliens.

[Sledgecrushr]

Once the scientists, the so called Vanu turned away from humanity and delved into ancient alien technology they became depraved with blood lust. This urge to become a new dominant species has driven them to make war with the authoritative terran regime and the freedom loving new conglomerate. Since this is the truth then they need to be purged with fire and steel.

[Serotriptomine]

"We want to research alien tech"
"We do not believe in it, it's illegal to do that"

"Alright, we'll amass our army and fight for that right"

blah blah blah, you just have to word it correctly.

[Hmr85]

oops wrong topic :P

[Xaine]

As a PS1 Vanu player, i somewhat agree actually.

I feel the NC and TR were done pretty well in the lore, and captured the PS1 spirit well but the VS do seem a little out of place.

I always saw them as having an 'air of superiority', looking down on the other two as opposed to hating them. Like the NC and TR hate each other.

In the lore we have at the moment, it seems a little unlikely that they would start their own splinter group.

[cryosin]

The VS where originally TR, so they are hated by the NC already.

Then they broke away from the TR, making the TR hate them.

They also feel superior to the other two factions, so they think they can beat them.

The weapons are more advanced, but since its newer tech it has its trade offs.


Ie: The lasers don't have drop off but do less damage over distances.

This is actually very common in our real world. When new technology comes out, it provides benefits and drawbacks.

ie: Electric cars don't use gas but their batteries need charging and lose their charge after much use.

[basti]

Why we didnt team up with the NC to fight the TR? Itsnt it obvious? The NC are a even bigger thread to mankind than those who call themself TR.

THe TR goverment back on earth, under the rule of Connery and other great presidents, allowed Mankind to witness a era of peace. We explored our solar system and build colonys on Mars, the Jupiter Moons and other stellar bodys within our solar system, something that could not have been done without the TR. But since we went through the wormhole, thigns changed. Connery tried to keep freedom over everything, but it was the NC who destroyed this freedom. They came and blew connery himself up, the man who showed us the first step into a new era! They are mad! All of them! Stupid lunatics who dont believe in freedom, peace or their own race! All they care of is money, nothing else. They want to rule, they want to be the mighty ones.

It saddens me that those corporations who rule the NC fill their own people with lies about freedom. Those poor NC soilders doom themself.




Thats why we, the VS, did engage combat against the TR and the NC. Its the only way to free auraxis from war is by destroying those who want the war. We want peace, but the time for words is over.

[GreatMazinkaise]

My old PS manual was long ago consigned to the trash, but I believe the VS backstabbed the NC because they felt that their revolution (hint: old school NC were Bolsheviks) would misuse the alien technology. The end result is that the science hippies decided to make war on the other two factions to keep the alien tech out of unenlightened hands (as of Core Combat they failed).

[ringring]

Personally lore wasn't my thing and I'd advise that if you like the look of an empire then join. OR, if you already have friends playing join that one.

[Figment]

Why we didnt team up with the NC to fight the TR? Itsnt it obvious? The NC are a even bigger thread to mankind than those who call themself TR.

I'm sorry, but the VS clearly are clearly a bigger threat to mankind's sense of fashion than either NC and TR.

The purple must be stopped before it spreads.

[Xyntech]

Thats why we, the VS, did engage combat against the TR and the NC. Its the only way to free auraxis from war is by destroying those who want the war. We want peace, but the time for words is over.

And we tone down the damage on our weapons because we are too pro to stoop to using overpowered guns.

With the Lasher 2.0 we forgot tone it back all the way. Our bad.

[Envenom]

I agree with OP. They should be assimilated into the TR.

[Eyeklops]

The only thing that is going to seem out of place is my Lasher shoved up your....

[Kilmoran]

The VS where originally TR, so they are hated by the NC already.

Then they broke away from the TR, making the TR hate them.

They also feel superior to the other two factions, so they think they can beat them.

The weapons are more advanced, but since its newer tech it has its trade offs.


Ie: The lasers don't have drop off but do less damage over distances.

This is actually very common in our real world. When new technology comes out, it provides benefits and drawbacks.

ie: Electric cars don't use gas but their batteries need charging and lose their charge after much use.

Everyone was originally TR, technically.

[cBselfmonkey]

Why we didnt team up with the NC to fight the TR? Itsnt it obvious? The NC are a even bigger thread to mankind than those who call themself TR.

:evil::evil: Hehehehehe...:evil::evil:

-I mean, wait what? :angel:

THe TR goverment back on earth, under the rule of Connery and other great presidents, allowed Mankind to witness a era of peace. We explored our solar system and build colonys on Mars, the Jupiter Moons and other stellar bodys within our solar system, something that could not have been done without the TR. But since we went through the wormhole, thigns changed. Connery tried to keep freedom over everything, but it was the NC who destroyed this freedom. They came and blew connery himself up, the man who showed us the first step into a new era!

The Lieutenant Commander paused and stared into the mug as he swirled the coffee around. “Ideally, what Connery needs to do,” he continued, “is step down as the commander of this mission. Let someone with a pair run the show.”

“The man ran a government that took care of forty-three billion people; he can handle the forty thousand in the fleet. You’re insane to think he’s going to step down,” Miller said. “Even more so if you think the people would even consider voting the man out to allow some hard-ass to enact your neurotic, heavy handed restrictions.”

“These restrictions are the only things that are going to keep this fleet alive long enough to find a planet we can live on, Miller.”

“Lieutenant, I’m not certain what you’re expecting to accomplish by bringing this up to me alone. Hell, you could’ve saved your breath for next week’s council meeting when they shoot down your oppressive measures like any sane person would do. I’m done with this ridiculous meeting, Waterson,” Miller said. He shook his head and turned around, walking towards the closed door.

“I wouldn’t walk through that door if you value your family’s lives, Adam. You should sit down,” Waterson threatened.

The councilman froze mid-step. “Excuse me?”

“It’d be an awful shame your Jenny is at the wrong place at the wrong time. I can’t exactly promise that the local authorities could continue to keep your family safe, what with being spread so thin lately. I’ve spoken to far more than just you about this matter, Adam, and the final step before I can begin to put this plan into action is your cooperation. Everything else is already in place, and all we need now is another beloved figurehead. When the time comes, of course.”

Miller stood facing the door and turned around to the grinning Lieutenant Commander, knowing his hands were tied. “Another? You’re sickening, Brent. How do you call yourself T.R.?”

“Because no one will ever find out, Adam. Who would question us if we pinned it on some of Mattherson’s starving N.C. cronies? We’re calling the shots here, remember? I trust that you’ll comply, given the terms of our agreement, correct?” Waterson said, grinning at his victory.

http://www.planetside2.com/news/may102012story

The TR military killed their own president because they wanted more control. The NC were just convenient fall guys. Heck based on Connery's log entries that have been put up on the PS2 site the guy seemed to have more in common with the NC then what the Auraxian TR have become.

Thats why we, the VS, did engage combat against the TR and the NC. Its the only way to free auraxis from war is by destroying those who want the war. We want peace, but the time for words is over.

Cuz religious based organizations never fracture or divide over ideology. United forever under the watch of our new telepathic alien artifact overlords, eh?

[Santiak]

Personally, I don't consider them that much out of place, really.

Granted, they didn't actively take part in the war untill their hands were forced. Which speaks volumes about their sense of superiority, in my opinion. You can either look at is an attempt to maintain neutrality (if you ask VS), or a hope that the two heathen empires would obliterate each other (if you ask anyone else).

They didn't side with the NC, because that would draw them into the conflict - they wouldn't be able to hide behind them, they purposefully tried to maintain neutrality, or avoid casualties, by not doing this. But when it became obvious that the war would consume everything, they decided that "clearing up the problem", would be the best option, and thought this could be done easily.

This would also explain why their weaponry aren't above par; they simply haven't put that much research into weapons yet, instead focusing on what they percieve as technology that might improve the way of life for humanity.
After all, had they researched weaponry to any great extent, they couldn't claim they were actively trying to avoid war. The fact that they have done that to a certain extent, is part of their dichotomy. Is their intent truly just the betterment of humankind, or are they to a greater extent trying to manipulate everyone into their beliefs - after all, they do nigh worship the Vanu tech.

And given that they actually have put research into weaponry, they have tried to create weaponry that operate differently than what would be common, but seeing as they are already quite effective, it's no longer just a matter of creating new weapons, but also a case of trying to fix what isn't broken, meaning you won't necessarily get something that hurts more than a solid metal object, hurled through your body at 5km/s. Just something that makes the weapon easier to use, such as not having to worry about declining projectile paths or air resistance - but instead energy dissipation, and potential damage due to no mass to affect the target.

And as for NC and VS going at each other, consider it might be possible that the VS refused to share their technology with everyone - out of their former sense of superiority (if you ask everyone else), or because they were afraid the technology would be corrupted (if you ask VS). Now, you have a civilian populace that not only is downtrodden, but is also starving, and those that might be able to help, refuse to do so - what would you do, if you were of the NC mindset of protecting the people at all costs? ;)

In any case, that's part of the story in a short story i'm writing. ^^

[Shlomoshun]

I may be making this up, but I seem to remember that part of the Vanu Sovereignty was that they had a ruling class of scientists, sorta like a religious ruling class. This ruling class had 'seen the light' so to speak that only through the Vanu technology could mankind be free'd of it's suffering. In many ways, as a poster above had written, they are sort of like a religion. Think about the Vatican, they controls vast amounts of wealth and knowledge and they don't necessarily share that knowledge in a democratic way with mankind, instead they keep it to themselves and decide for themselves how to best provide their enlightenment to the public.
Just like the Pope and it's dealings with the public, the NC are a threat as they would allow the public full access to all that information, which might mean it is dispensed improperly, which could jeopardize it's ability to bring true peace to men. Think Martin Luthur and the Reformation as to why those two sides are fighting...
As for the TR, they are attempting to restrict the Vanu from their freedom to pursue this research. Which also could prevent them bringing peace and happiness.

[Kriegson]

I would have to say it probably comes from some of the more base human perceptions:

They consider the TR and NC as barriers to further perfecting their grasp of vanu.

Assuming they indeed consider that they are evolving humanity through genetic manipulation, some might consider the humans amongst the TR and NC a lesser species. One to be exterminated so that theirs can thrive.

Some might simply believe in a technocracy rather than a corporate funded democracy or a fascist republic.

Some leaders within the vanu simply indoctrinated their subordinates into believing that this is the only path that they can take.

[Antivide]

TR Represents the Government, or the "Oppressors"

NC Represents the Rebels, or the "Freedom fighters"

VS Represents the Religion, or "Religious Nut jobs"

There's an archetype for each faction.

Simply put:

TR - Oppression (Or Loyalty, if you prefer)
NC - Freedom, liberty
VS - Religion, Science

VS Is the most interesting, since they are a mashup of both religion and science. It's an interesting aesthetic it it does well to foil with the other two more "down to earth" factions.

[IMMentat]

The NC are redneck fools, caught up in the lies of large corporations. Big business wants free markets and expansion not a tightly structured social system, easy answer? round up and equip some idiot "freedom fighters" then rule over the ashes (Ben Nova: Colony, just read it and it suits the situation well).

The TR are a dictatorship that trample peoples freedoms and refuse to protect the people they are supposed to support.

Because we cant trust either faction with the tech we have rediscovered and modified, so we use it ourselves to fight for the chances for a future without humanity regulated to #cattle# that is rounded up by the powerful few.

[Fenrys]

The NC are greedy capitalist oppressors who want to stifle the free exchange of information, cover up new technologies to continue profiting from the old, and turn humanity in general into a slave race of debtors.

Gee, why would any free thinking scientist who values knowledge for its own sake not support those guys? :lol:

[basti]

:evil::evil: Hehehehehe...:evil::evil:

-I mean, wait what? :angel:





http://www.planetside2.com/news/may102012story

The TR military killed their own president because they wanted more control. The NC were just convenient fall guys. Heck based on Connery's log entries that have been put up on the PS2 site the guy seemed to have more in common with the NC then what the Auraxian TR have become.



Cuz religious based organizations never fracture or divide over ideology. United forever under the watch of our new telepathic alien artifact overlords, eh?


The VS is not a religion, Vanu is no god. We simply accepted the truth: There are alien beings out there, and they are more powerful than we are. We accepted this simple truth. Now we work torwards the the goal to enhance ourself and mankind as a whole, by using alien technology to boost our own evolution.

But being the NC you are, ignorant and foolish, you propably wont understand that at all.





(Keep in mind that this whole thread is a RolePlay Trash talk thread for me. If i insult you, then just because you are a scumback NC/TR! :D )

[IMMentat]

Supreme Commander: 2 (despite the smaller scale and accelerated pace) had a pretty similar 3 way dynamic and you didn't see people complaining that the Aeon Illuninate faction were not a logical faction
Basically we, the Vanu Soverignty, see the reality of the situation.
The other plebean factions just want control over everyone and everything.
Should the VS ever choose to turn their weapons off #defrost# and onto #chargrill or puree?# to just finish the war quickly, we promise to relinquish power as soon as we know some open minded citizens are willing to step up and help humanity accept that stagnation only leads to extinction and decline.

[Soothsayer]

I just wish there was more lore about the original Oshur bird fossil. I had all kinds of theories about that thing.

[Hmr85]

Supreme Commander: 2 (despite the smaller scale and accelerated pace) had a pretty similar 3 way dynamic and you didn't see people complaining that the Aeon Illuninate faction were not .

All I ever heard them complain about was me teleporting my troops right into the middle of their base taking their commander out.

[razor851]

I never played Planetside 1
I stopped reading there.

[SurgeonX]

To me, the Vanu just does not seem like a logical faction. Just based on lore, it does not make sense why the people who formed the VS did not join the NC, since they are clearly not interested in fighting in the first place...

You do realise that this is just a game?

[AshOck]

From the original manual:

"Vanu Sovereignty - The destiny of the human species tilts toward ruin. Thousands of years of shortsightedness and provincial thinking have hampered its proper evolution. We plunge towards oblivion. Those able to comprehend the promise and potential of humanity will advance. They will usher the less gifted through the gateway of understanding and cleanse the taint of blindness, ignorance and mulishness from the species. We are the shepherds of evolution, the harbingers of progress. We lead toward the light."

Good enough reasons to wage war in my book :)

[Synapse]

From the original manual:

"Vanu Sovereignty - The destiny of the human species tilts toward ruin. Thousands of years of shortsightedness and provincial thinking have hampered its proper evolution. We plunge towards oblivion. Those able to comprehend the promise and potential of humanity will advance. They will usher the less gifted through the gateway of understanding and cleanse the taint of blindness, ignorance and mulishness from the species. We are the shepherds of evolution, the harbingers of progress. We lead toward the light."

Good enough reasons to wage war in my book :)

Yessss. "I'm here to help you. My gun is here to help you. My Magrider is here to help you. Now come along quietly so we can help you, or do you need more convincing...?"

*points gun at face*

[Blackwolf]

I never played Planetside 1, but I don't think that disqualifies me from having an opinion on this matter. This is not a post to invoke rage in those loyal to VS, nor is it a post critizising the alternative game mechanics that the VS has.

To me, the Vanu just does not seem like a logical faction. Just based on lore, it does not make sense why the people who formed the VS did not join the NC, since they are clearly not interested in fighting in the first place. Why force yourselves to get an army, when you could safely continue your research behind NC frontlines? Seeing as that's all you really care about. (The lore is really vague on why the NC declared war on the Vanu)

It really doesn't make sense. You could also look at it from the perspective of technology. The Vanu is clearly way ahead of the other factions, but still finds itself evenly matched. This is hardly realistic, unless you assume that the Vanu does not really care about the war. To me they seem like a faction who does not have the same drive based on their fiery moral-standpoint like the other two factions. Instead they seem like a faction who would rather just be left alone, but needs to fight simply because they need to clear the land, so that they can excavate and do their research. A faction needs to have it drive for battle rooted in its belief system, but to the Vanu, the war just seems like an inconvenience.

I know this won't ever get changed, I just felt like saying it. That said, if I was to go back in time and change the Vanu's lore, I would make them religious fanatics instead. When the wormhole closed and people panicked, a part of the TR population began worshipping strange alien artifacts. This would explain why that inspite of having access to this technology, that they are clearly not using it as well as they could, and it would also give them a more convincing reason to fight. Why? They're religious fanatics who want to convert everyone.

The Vanu Sovereignty feels that Vanu Tech is the key to human evolution, we are radicals not pacifists. The Vanu feel that the NC are too reckless and rather optimistic about the odds of their democracy actually working this time, and the TR have been incredibly strict on vanu tech and denying it to the public. VS feel that the tech belongs to humanity, and will ram it down your throats if they have to.

As for being the most technological advanced. Look at the weapons, energy based. In PS1 we didn't carry multiple types of ammo for armor piercing against MAX suits, every pulsar could instantly switch to AP mode while the other factions had to swap ammo. This applied to their AI MAX suit as well. Hover tanks flew over water and out flanked enemies at bridge battles, and Threshers chewed infantry ranks apart. Our AV weapon was an AV sniper rifle and our HA... Ask the TR and NC how much they loved the Lasher...

Also why don't we hide behind the NC? Why don't you hide behind that piece of cardboard?

[SgtMAD]

I am not going to read all this.

didn't SOE have some Sci-Fi writer making this shit up?

whatever happened to all that backstory?

[Death2All]

I never played Planetside 1, but I don't think that disqualifies me from having an opinion on this matter.

Sorry, but it does. That would be like me never playing any Warcraft games then playing WoW and saying that Tauren seem out of place. I don't have any idea what I'm talking about and neither do you. Sorry to discredit everything you've said.....but yeah.

[Xenologer]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transhumanism

Same concept here, except that the Sovereignty are scientists who stumbled on a treasure trove of alien artifacts and technology. The TR and NC are old-fashioned factions using old-fashioned ideologies. They're a large, militaristic dictatorship fighting against an organized force with corporate backing.

From a Vanu point of view, the artifacts found on Auraxis are a catalyst to human evolution and ultimate progress into something new and transcendent. The TR government represents old, stale, and barbaric practices. Apes in red and black suits. Any government that the NC promises represents old, exploitative, capitalist ideals that seek to take advantage of the people and hold them in a different kind of servitude, albeit more subtly than the TR. Both lead to ruin and the same kind of suffering that's plagued mankind for thousands of years, and it is time for a change. That change is not something that can kowtow to archaic ideas of government and law or co-exist with their philosophies, and the time for diplomacy has long passed.

At least that's my take on things, and why I think the VS are not only a logical faction, but the -only- logical faction. ;)

[Blackwolf]

Sorry, but it does. That would be like me never playing any Warcraft games then playing WoW and saying that Tauren seem out of place. I don't have any idea what I'm talking about and neither do you. Sorry to discredit everything you've said.....but yeah.

And I have to agree with this statement.

[cBselfmonkey]

The VS is not a religion, Vanu is no god. We simply accepted the truth: There are alien beings out there, and they are more powerful than we are. We accepted this simple truth. Now we work torwards the the goal to enhance ourself and mankind as a whole, by using alien technology to boost our own evolution.

But being the NC you are, ignorant and foolish, you propably wont understand that at all.

Correction. We know that they existed on Auraxis for a while. Whether it was their homeworld or they were visitors too isn't know. Nor is why they apparently just upped and left. Leaving everything and the kitchen sink behind. Assuming they didn't just die out. And why was that? Sovereignty scientists seemed for focused on getting their ten minutes with the telepathic, brain altering artifacts then figuring out why.

Bottom line is we don't know what happened to the real Vanu other then they're clearly not here anymore. Trying to follow their 'path', heck trying to change humanity to be more like them when we don't even know who or what they were takes an enormous leap of faith to even consider. Especially when its coming from people that are supposed to base their decisions off of reason, logic and evidence.

(Keep in mind that this whole thread is a RolePlay Trash talk thread for me. If i insult you, then just because you are a scumback NC/TR! :D )

(;))

[Serpent]

Lol, you say that a faction that looks different does not necessarily seem in place, yet the whole reason people call rebels rebels is BECAUSE they technically should not exist...

COUGHNC(whatdidijustsay)NCCOUGH

I understand what you mean though. The VS' MAX is just ... in need of improvement, it looks silly. However, I don't think anything else of them are "too different."

Though I will still play as them ^^

[CuddlyChud]

Sorry, but it does. That would be like me never playing any Warcraft games then playing WoW and saying that Tauren seem out of place. I don't have any idea what I'm talking about and neither do you. Sorry to discredit everything you've said.....but yeah.

Well, this is a re-imagining of PS, so whatever the lore was in PS1 isn't really relevant to PS2.

[Antivide]

As for being the most technological advanced. Look at the weapons, energy based. In PS1 we didn't carry multiple types of ammo for armor piercing against MAX suits, every pulsar could instantly switch to AP mode while the other factions had to swap ammo. This applied to their AI MAX suit as well. Hover tanks flew over water and out flanked enemies at bridge battles, and Threshers chewed infantry ranks apart. Our AV weapon was an AV sniper rifle and our HA... Ask the TR and NC how much they loved the Lasher...


Speaking of which, do the Vanu weapons in PS2 have the same "Anti-Infantry/Anti-Armor" mode selections? Anyone ask Higby this?

[Brusi]

The Vanu aren't all Scientists. I would say that a lot of them are just regular people who have been indoctrinated to the cause of the Vanu Soverignty. The same way as there are a small percentage of Elite Mercenaries and Business leaders at the head of the New Conglomerate, and the large majority of their fighting force are in fact lumberjacks.

[PredatorFour]

Im sorry but .........

VANU TILL I DIE

[Vanir]

The VS reject there own humanity and embace the alien vanu.

[SpcFarlen]

I like the Vanu, but not in that way... Their technology is not all that different, just more progressed. Okay they can shoot lazers, we can do that even today though not as exciting. So i dont see why a group of people finding some alien tech couldnt reverse engineer it to then upgrade current system. Which is what we see the Vanu having.


You can look at all the experimental military gear thats designed today. When was the m16 made and why is the US still using it? Vanu are using this experimental gear where the TR and NC are more reserved because their gear works for them. If its not broke, why fix it? Or for the TR: If its not broke, slap another barrel onto it.

[cellinaire]

To the OP : yeah better late than never, and so you think VS doesn't make any sense.

So what? Should they remove one faction from the game entirely, or should they just fire Marv Wolfman?

;)

[IMMentat]

The Vanu Sovereignty feels that Vanu Tech is the key to human evolution, we are radicals not pacifists. The Vanu feel that the NC are too reckless and rather optimistic about the odds of their democracy actually working this time, and the TR have been incredibly strict on vanu tech and denying it to the public. VS feel that the tech belongs to humanity, and will ram it down your throats if they have to.

As for being the most technological advanced. Look at the weapons, energy based. In PS1 we didn't carry multiple types of ammo for armor piercing against MAX suits, every pulsar could instantly switch to AP mode while the other factions had to swap ammo. This applied to their AI MAX suit as well. Hover tanks flew over water and out flanked enemies at bridge battles, and Threshers chewed infantry ranks apart. Our AV weapon was an AV sniper rifle and our HA... Ask the TR and NC how much they loved the Lasher...

Also why don't we hide behind the NC? Why don't you hide behind that piece of cardboard?

This
:cheers:

[Cosmical]

I intend to play as VS and i can kindof see where youre coming from. Even not from a LORE or Plot hole stand point, the VS are abit weird.

And if anything is going to put off the COD and battlefieldiers, its the inclusion of lil purple alien type people for you to fight against.

Also from a balancing stand point, because theyre radically different they are opened up to a stream of nerfing and changes, because even something as simple as the Scythes boost in any direction ability (which is amazing if they keep it) may make them dominate the air entirely.

Generally though i think the VS is the strength of Planetside, i love a good bit of sci fi. And the whole threeway combat is what will keep the game feeling fresh for years to come.

[Blackwolf]

I like the Vanu, but not in that way... Their technology is not all that different, just more progressed. Okay they can shoot lazers, we can do that even today though not as exciting. So i dont see why a group of people finding some alien tech couldnt reverse engineer it to then upgrade current system. Which is what we see the Vanu having.


You can look at all the experimental military gear thats designed today. When was the m16 made and why is the US still using it? Vanu are using this experimental gear where the TR and NC are more reserved because their gear works for them. If its not broke, why fix it? Or for the TR: If its not broke, slap another barrel onto it.

Putting it that way makes sense for the question of why aren't they as advanced.

The toys the Vanu create are still based on human design with human imagination but utilizing vanu technology, thus instead of a gun that shoots bouncy balls of death, it fires energy in a strait line (though the real vanu had weapons like maelstroms that blasted pure energy in a continues stream or fired bouncy balls of death).

Think of the tech tree as the Vanu taking a giant step sideways instead of forward. And they are still experimenting with what they have, the Scythe being (IMO) the latest and greatest of the new toys.

[Xyntech]

Generally though i think the VS is the strength of Planetside, i love a good bit of sci fi. And the whole threeway combat is what will keep the game feeling fresh for years to come.

As much as some players may hate the VS, we all know deep down that they love shooting at us.

Just as much as we enjoy being outnumbered, and kicking their asses regardless.

Wait. Nobody likes being bitchslapped by a guy in purple. There may be a flaw in my hypothesis.

[DviddLeff]

The destiny of the human species tilts toward ruin. Thousands of years of shortsightedness and provincial thinking have hampered its proper evolution. We plunge toward oblivion. Those able to comprehend the promise and potential of humanity will advance. They will usher the less gifted through the gateway of understanding and cleanse the taint of blindness, ignorance and mulishness from the species. We are the shepherds of evolution, the harbingers of progress. We lead toward the light.

[DesertFox]

Sorry, but it does. That would be like me never playing any Warcraft games then playing WoW and saying that Tauren seem out of place. I don't have any idea what I'm talking about and neither do you. Sorry to discredit everything you've said.....but yeah.

How dare the OP form an opinion of his own from whatever information is currently available to him?! He must have experienced years of VOIP roleplay while dressed in scantily clad clothes before even considering to form an opinion! :mad: The nerve he has!

--------

Personally, I don't really think that the Vanu seem all that out of place. The NC are a bunch of greedy corporate scumbags who are only interested in making $$$ and partying all night :groovy:, at the cost of humanity's peace and progress, and being brainwashed by Cthulhu's cousin doesn't exactly make the VS compatible with the peace and order loving TR.

[Troscus]

I personally went VS because I wasn't going to help space-Nazis and a few lines of text I read on the NC.

the unpredictable and ruthless tactics employed by the insurgent N.C.

they're not willing to say no to anything that might give them an edge

Led by an unusual quorum of outcasts, industry titans, pirates and former military leaders

All that paints a picture of terrifying war-mongerers who hide behind the term "freedom fighter" to justify their actions. With industry titans and pirates pulling the NC's strings, what do you think will happen if they win?

They'll become tyrants themselves.

So, since the TR oppresses everything and the NC is a powder keg of shortsightedness, I went VS, the only ones who seemed like they actually cared about humanity as a whole, rather than politics.

[EVILoHOMER]

Does Planetside have lore? I never noticed any story when playing the first game, just loved the big battles.

[Hamma]

Yep it does:
http://www.planetside2.com/

You can find some of it on the official site :)

[EVILoHOMER]

I didn't find much story but I did find this...

http://www.planetside2.com/news/dev-spotlight-margaret-krohn-2012

See Vanu players are just so much better.

[cBselfmonkey]

I personally went VS because I wasn't going to help space-Nazis and a few lines of text I read on the NC.

All that paints a picture of terrifying war-mongerers who hide behind the term "freedom fighter" to justify their actions. With industry titans and pirates pulling the NC's strings, what do you think will happen if they win?

They'll become tyrants themselves.

So, since the TR oppresses everything and the NC is a powder keg of shortsightedness, I went VS, the only ones who seemed like they actually cared about humanity as a whole, rather than politics.

Never trust an organization with a superiority complex so big it can be seen from space. Or who enjoy getting the odd telepathic mind screw from alien artifacts.

[LegioX]

I'm leaning towards VS. Maybe i can find a specialized air clan, that does nothing but flying.

[Badjuju]

If you read lore from the original Planetside you will see that the NC actually declared war on VS as they didn't agree with their ways basically. This is why i don't agree with the notion that they are the good guys because they are hypocritically just as oppressive as the TR.

[Badjuju]

and if I remember correctly, the VS look like they would be the villains, however they are the only faction that never declared war on anyone. They separated from the TR as they felt an attack by them was imminent, which pissed the TR off, and the NC strait up said we don't like your alien and human homoginization so I think we will try to kill you too.

[Sirisian]

I mentioned this months ago, but it might be too late to do an empire reskin for the empire. Basically the problem I saw (playing as VS) was that the art design went too far. Basically you have the NC who look scrappy, but they aren't wearing tin. The TR are more professional, but they aren't overboard different. The VS on the other hand should have been just a little bit techy.

That is they needed a similar MAX to the TR design with bulky open overlapping armor with curves. Tank could have been a 2 tracked hover design (so jets instead of treads). The fighter could just had overlapping armor there also in a similar profile to the Reaver. The weapon designs could have stuck to the TR and NC theme with curved metal and energy magazines. Really just toning down the advanced tech would have gone a long way for making the 3 factions visually similar but distinct.

I posted now since my friend on IRC was like "I'm thinking TR or VS, but VS just looks so different". Not sure what he meant. He mentioned VS after I told him I was going to play VS so I'm not sure he was interested in VS until I mentioned it. :(

[Tatwi]

I never played Planetside 1, but I don't think that disqualifies me from having an opinion on this matter.

Yup, it is.

What's out of place is someone who thinks something that has been part of the lore of the game since its inception is out of place. Hell, the foundation of the entire lore for the game is based upon Vanu technology.

Sorry, but you're just wrong on this. Completely wrong.

The Vanu Sovereignty are what make Planetside, Planetside.

[Haro]

Honestly, if I were an art designer, I would have pushed the VS waaaaaaaaaay out their in terms of design. Even more alien than it is now, I've always liked to think of them as a really intense alien cult, so I'd try to make the design look as inhuman as possible. But if people think they went too far with the current stuff, I guess maybe it's a good thing my art career never was and never will be.

[Xyntech]

I like that we are the odd man out. Red vs blue... and combine them, purple! Refined and scrappy... and out of this world!

We are the official third wheel empire, and while TR vs VS fights are the best fights in the game, I think it's appropriate that we keep that odd man edge.

I'm kind of happy to see that it seems to be shaping up for VS to have slightly lower populations at the moment. It worked well for us in the first game and it will work well for us in Planetside 2. As long as general populations are high, having a few percentage points lower population just allows us to shine.

I foresee many years of calls for nerfing things like the Scythe, the Magrider, the Quasar MAX weapons, etc, even after things like the Scythe get properly balanced.

[Troscus]

Never trust an organization with a superiority complex so big it can be seen from space. Or who enjoy getting the odd telepathic mind screw from alien artifacts.

Where is everyone getting the cult stuff? I've looked around a bit, but have never seen hide nor hair of them being officially called a cult, or any mention of them believing in the Vanu (species) religiously.

[cBselfmonkey]

Where is everyone getting the cult stuff? I've looked around a bit, but have never seen hide nor hair of them being officially called a cult, or any mention of them believing in the Vanu (species) religiously.

I managed to convince Tom to let me keep the artifact for study, and to learn more about what I had felt that first time I had touched it. I studied the figurine for months while on the journey back to Earth. As time went on, I noticed more subtle changes about myself. Though the voices never returned despite all my attempts to conjure them, a purpose within me was crystallizing. A purpose that was stronger than any of my weaknesses. Maybe I should have questioned these changes more, but for the first time in my life I felt I belonged. I felt I knew why I was here.

Vanu. Vanu was my purpose; my reason for being.

I still wasn’t certain this was all real, and I hoped I wasn’t still crazy, but in an all-new and different way. I couldn’t tell my new friends any of this, of course, and in the mess that day I held nearly all of it back. Yet, they were still excited by what I did reveal. They were thrilled at the very concept of learning about a race that had no ties with humanity. As a xenobiologist, the thought of interacting with beings completely different from us is, I admit, intoxicating. Our little group is definitely filled with kindred spirits, less involved with the politics of the T.R. or the N.C. and far more aligned with Connery’s hopes for the future.

http://www.planetside2.com/news/nov282011backstory

This and I think maybe one or two other earlier backstory parts put up on the main site seem to lean towards the Sovereignty holding more then just scientific views towards the Vanu. Its not a confirmed thing, any more then inherent NC corporate corruption in the NC or absolute refusal to ever return even minor freedoms to the people in the TR. Its an inference the devs have made. Lotta wink, wink nudge, nudge.

[Dreamcast]

Who said the VS are or should be ahead of the other empires?


All they have is Alien Tech...

So sure they have higher forms of technology but it doesn't mean they could use the alien technology to full capabilities.


TR and NC are using technology that has build on for a long time....Like bullets,rockets,etc........Vanu are using new tech, they still havn't reach the full potential.



So no VS shouldn't be more powerful than TR or NC

[DOUBLEXBAUGH]

VS - Religion, Science

But to believe in one means you can't believe in the other ;)

[Troscus]

http://www.planetside2.com/news/nov282011backstory

This and I think maybe one or two other earlier backstory parts put up on the main site seem to lean towards the Sovereignty holding more then just scientific views towards the Vanu. Its not a confirmed thing, any more then inherent NC corporate corruption in the NC or absolute refusal to ever return even minor freedoms to the people in the TR. Its an inference the devs have made. Lotta wink, wink nudge, nudge.

Granted, corporate CORRUPTION may not be confirmed, but corporate funding is. And we all know how Wall Street is, never mind Space Wall Street. :rolleyes: But yeah, now I can kinda see it. Still doesn't mean I'm rerolling, or that I think it's true. I think that's just a clear cut example of obsession on this guy's part.

...

MAYBE a bit of schizophrenia.

[PrISM]

Just based on lore...
Planetside had lore? News to me.

[cBselfmonkey]

Granted, corporate CORRUPTION may not be confirmed, but corporate funding is. And we all know how Wall Street is, never mind Space Wall Street. :rolleyes: But yeah, now I can kinda see it. Still doesn't mean I'm rerolling, or that I think it's true. I think that's just a clear cut example of obsession on this guy's part.

...

MAYBE a bit of schizophrenia.

Obsession that seemed to come from direct contact with a Vanu artifact. Heck, earlier in the peace he talks about how his aspergers was cured, or at least helped, by it. So its clear these things have an effect on the human brain. Whether mostly positive or negative its a bit too earlier to tell but personally its reason enough to be wary of their vision of mankinds future. Especially when it so based on this tech.

And to be clear its not my goal to make anyone re-roll anything. Vanu don't look any less cool or fun the the other two Empires. Just reinforcing their not potentially any less grey then NC or TR.

[Zekeen]

Weren't Vanu in PS1, lorewise, originally greedy with technology and didn't want NC or TR to have it and wanted it all to themselves? Though I guess in PS2 lore, it's the same, they don't trust the others, only themselves.

In any case. Vanu are greedy technophile archeologists who found alien tech and doesn't want the other two factions to dig it up for themselves.

[Troscus]

Obsession that seemed to come from direct contact with a Vanu artifact. Heck, earlier in the peace he talks about how his aspergers was cured, or at least helped, by it. So its clear these things have an effect on the human brain. Whether mostly positive or negative its a bit too earlier to tell but personally its reason enough to be wary of their vision of mankinds future. Especially when it so based on this tech.

And to be clear its not my goal to make anyone re-roll anything. Vanu don't look any less cool or fun the the other two Empires. Just reinforcing their not potentially any less grey then NC or TR.

And I wasn't trying to say you were. I realize the Vanu, like all the empires, are deeply set in the morally grey area. But, the morally good side, to me, seems worth the morally bad side. Neither of the other two empires give me that feeling, so it's Vanu for me.

Also, thanks for having the common (or at least it should be) decency to have a civil discussion from two opposing viewpoints. Not every disagreement needs to be a debate.

[cBselfmonkey]

And I wasn't trying to say you were. I realize the Vanu, like all the empires, are deeply set in the morally grey area. But, the morally good side, to me, seems worth the morally bad side. Neither of the other two empires give me that feeling, so it's Vanu for me.

And that is probably one of the best things that Planetside does right. You pick your Empire and fight for it. Not because they're the good guys but because they're your good guys. :)

Also, thanks for having the common (or at least it should be) decency to have a civil discussion from two opposing viewpoints. Not every disagreement needs to be a debate.

;)

[Troscus]

You pick your Empire and fight for for. Not because they're the good guys but because they're your good guys. :)

I might just have to sig that.

[Zekeen]

And that is probably one of the best things that Planetside does right. You pick your Empire and fight for for. Not because they're the good guys but because they're your good guys. :)
;)

....................................... but we all know the New Conglomerate are the real good guys!

[cBselfmonkey]

....................................... but we all know the New Conglomerate are the real good guys!

Well duuuuh. But I'm trying to be P.C here man. Stop ruining it!

[Stew]

Vanu are Scientist but also Religious Fanatiks they beleive the Thecnologie of the ancients vanu aliens is the next step for humanity etc..

Nc do not beleive in that crap so VS are alone NC are agains tyranie Tr are the tyran and VS are Religious Fanatics theyre GODS is Vanu technologie and yes they are purple !

[Fenrys]

....................................... but we all know the New Conglomerate are the real good guys!

As written by Orwell maybe. :P~

[Blackwolf]

....................................... but we all know the New Conglomerate are the real good guys!

Are they? I've seen this logic before, but I had to question it then as well as now.

They fight for freedom, but who's freedom? Who is really free even in America? Sure in comparison to radically different government types like China or Africa we are far from enslaved peons. But if you think about it, the ideals supporting communism, socialism, and even monarchies are all based around very positive goals for the people. Or so they say (though in the case of communism and socialism, it's probably true one way or another).

In "roleplaying" terms. You guys are just capitalistic pigs ripe for slaughter.

[Ale]

Vanu are Scientist but also Religious Fanatiks they beleive the Thecnologie of the ancients vanu aliens is the next step for humanity etc..

VS are Religious Fanatics theyre GODS is Vanu technologie and yes they are purple !

Vanu Jesus abides.

[Redshift]

You'd have loved the lore of the first game. Which was "three armies stuck on planet. FIGHT"

[hawksteppa]

You who are not Vanu have no right to comment.....it matters not as we will crush you on the battlefield as we did before...

[Bags]

You'd have loved the lore of the first game. Which was "three armies stuck on planet. FIGHT"

That's the lore of this game too.

[Malorn]

VS have a different ideology from NC, that's why they didn't join them.

On one hand you have the NC perspective - and that is that the VS are no better than the TR. The NC see the VS technology as a quasi-religious cult that is brainwashing people with the technology, which can be used to enslave the populace, which explains their zealous devotion to alien technology. The NC see them as just as much a threat to liberty and capitalism as the TR.

The VS also see the NC differently, seeing them just as backwards as the TR in their inability to embrace the next step in human evolution, and their clinging to silly notions like Freedom when there is so much more.

The NC want freedom and individuality. The VS want the next step in human evolution without any regard to the individual. They are a collective which doesn't value freedom at all. They couldn't be more different.

[GhettoPrince]

I never read the backstory , I just tagged along into Vanu cause my friends wanted flying MAX's and laser guns, but even years later I already know without thinking about it that im picking Vanu again.

[Red Beard]

You guys are just capitalistic pigs ripe for slaughter.

Since when were communists technologically advanced? :rofl: :P

[ZeroOneZero]

TR= The super strict parents that control and dictate what their children can do or say.
NC=The Rebellious son who always gets into fights with his parents. Hangs out with the wrong people.
VS=The daughter who wants all the latest fashions and anything that not a lot of people can get or afford. The snobby selfish princess.

We all know what happens at the end. NC son OD's on drugs or ends up in jail. VS daughter maxes out her cards and ends up working as a stripper.
The TR parents hear the news about their children...think for a moment...shrug it off and go back to sipping their fine wine. The husband looks at the wife and says "We can always make more". :D

That's my take on the whole lore thing. Just one messed up family. And yes, this cycle will repeat in PS2.

[Red Beard]

^^Didn't have to look at the top right of your post to tell you were TR, lol.

[Zekeen]

Best way to put the actual lore back into what the factions are.

Terran Republic - The original faction from which all originate. Forced into using harsh tactics and capital punishment for small offenses in order to cope with a terrorist threat that arose from the colony being separated from the main world.

New Conglomerate - Corporations who gathered oppressed civilians and rebelled as a result of the senseless violence from the Terran Republic's new laws and restrictions.

Vanu Sovereignty - Science based groups that tried to stay neutral from the conflict until uncovering ancient alien artifacts and decided to fight in order to prevent the other two factions from using them for warfare and their own gains (ironic isn't it?)

TR Goal - To reunite the republic and defeat the outlaws and rebels.

NC Goal - To beat back the Republic and reaffirm their own government based on individual liberty.

VS Goal - To stop the other factions and take hold of the Vanu relics as a means to elevate mankind to the next level.

[Mechzz]

Since when were communists technologically advanced? :rofl: :P

America played catch-up for most of the space race in the 60s. And I think you'll find a lot of the US military electronics comes from China now.

jus' sayin'

[I SandRock]

VS makes perfect sense they just aren't doing it justice. Like that faction video, TR and NC motivation makes perfect sense. But the VS woman talking just babbles on about vague stuff that makes no sense to anyone. It should be more simple:

Scientists wish to research and delve into alien tech to the fullest extend with no regards to consequences or safety. The TR do not allow any independent faction to exist. And the NC don't deem the scientists' work ethics to be safe. So they wage war on both. Besides that, scientists get so obsessed with this alien species they start worshipping them like gods and perhaps even get 'indoctrinated' by artifacts.

Why do vanu not wipe out TR and NC with superior tech? Because really it's not superior, it's alternative. Plus, scientists with great guns are equal as trained soldiers with normal guns, i guess.


A better argument though would be that NC and TR have no sense for style or fashion so they need to be obliterated so that we can all live in a world where purple sexy suits are prevalent.

[Vetto]

I all way saw Vanu as the only real "enemy" per say. I agreed with both the TR and NC view points.

Absolute freedom Also means Absolute Chaos.

And

Absolute control, is Absolute slavery.

both have decent view point.

Then there the VS " We invited laser guns! Thus why we are right!"

Seems like a group of nut jobs to me.

[Sabot]

I all way saw Vanu as the only real "enemy" per say. I agreed with both the TR and NC view points.

Absolute freedom Also means Absolute Chaos.

And

Absolute control, is Absolute slavery.

both have decent view point.

Then there the VS " We invited laser guns! Thus why we are right!"

Seems like a group of nut jobs to me.

We also invented the spawntubes you pop out of everytime said laser wepons turn you into a heap of smoking ash on the ground. So don't go judging us as nut jobs... at least we aren't fascists ;)

[Canaris]

human nature ain't it, i think Cosmical picked up on it perfectly in his cartoon. Vanu gives his followers access to advanced tech for the betterment of humankind and what do they do with it, turn it into weapons and attack their rivals.

Also what they don't have in this time from the original lore is that the TR army battalion sent to overwatch all the dealings of the scientist and if necessary to eliminate them if they became a threat which they were instead mutiny against their high command and join the scientists to attack the TR they offer terms to the NC for a joint assault and instead receive the NC's disgust and disdain not to mention a lot of bullets and shells.

The VS weren't a peaceful bunch of geeks who wanted nothing but to be left alone, they went on the offensive.

So your opinion is kinda misplaced. :)


We also invented the spawntubes you pop out of everytime said laser wepons turn you into a heap of smoking ash on the ground. So don't go judging us as nut jobs... at least we aren't fascists ;)
I know it's most likey but this remains to be seen if the VS were responisble for rebirth tech or was it a joint effort before the split.

[HitbackTR]

Well I had a pathological hatred for VS on Markov, with their Purple People Eater outfits looking like they had been designed by someone on a crack bender but I wouldn't say that they are out of place. As long as they were in my sights they were where they were supposed to be, and this was often the case.

[Tamas]

Think of ME3 ending - the only difference is the color. The 3 factions are all insane, just choose your fav flavor - dictatorship ala North Korea, "freedom fighters" crossing the terrorism line and a crazed sect of tech lovers that wish to commit genocide.

[Dart]

This guy didn't play PS1 so he may not realise that VS were always the under popped Empire. But that's where the challenge was! The lore is a party of that. It isn't as compelling as the other two Empires and as a 9 year VS vet I'm fine with that and i hope VS are the least popular once again.... Otherwise Delta Triad might end up NC! :eek:

[Canaris]

This guy didn't play PS1 so he may not realise that VS were always the under popped Empire. But that's where the challenge was! The lore is a party of that. It isn't as compelling as the other two Empires and as a 9 year VS vet I'm fine with that and i hope VS are the least popular once again.... Otherwise Delta Triad might end up NC! :eek:

except for the whole Lasher v.2 debacle, one of the few times the VS out pop'd both the NC & TR combined..... ugh :sick:

[SixShooter]

I don't need the Vanu to make sense! "Technology Equals Might" Is all I need to know.

On a serious note - VS was always the underdog on Emerald and I always liked being stuck between a rock a hard place = more targets for me FTW. Having a faction based on alien technology on an alien planet never seemed even slightly out of place to me.

I do hate cults and religion, and the VS are definitly on the verge (or beyond) of being a fanatical religious cult. I happen to hate the govment (TR) and hippies (NC) much more so VS has always been the choice for me:)


As far as lore goes - It seems to me like the defectors from the TR would naturally gravitate to the VS instead of the TR because seriously, Duct tape weapons and armor will only take you so far. I really don't see how you could have a 3rd faction make sense if it were not the VS. It balances everything out IMO.

Plus the fact that lazers (in my mind) = Star Wars = Awesome!!!:groovy:

[SixShooter]

This guy didn't play PS1 so he may not realise that VS were always the under popped Empire. But that's where the challenge was! The lore is a party of that. It isn't as compelling as the other two Empires and as a 9 year VS vet I'm fine with that and i hope VS are the least popular once again.... Otherwise Delta Triad might end up NC! :eek:

Fo Sho - Delta Triad was pretty awesome. I really hope to see them again in PS2!

[Troscus]

Best way to put the actual lore back into what the factions are.

Terran Republic - The original faction from which all originate. Forced into using harsh tactics and capital punishment for small offenses in order to cope with a terrorist threat that arose from the colony being separated from the main world.

New Conglomerate - Corporations who gathered oppressed civilians and rebelled as a result of the senseless violence from the Terran Republic's new laws and restrictions.

Vanu Sovereignty - Science based groups that tried to stay neutral from the conflict until uncovering ancient alien artifacts and decided to fight in order to prevent the other two factions from using them for warfare and their own gains (ironic isn't it?)

TR Goal - To reunite the republic and defeat the outlaws and rebels.

NC Goal - To beat back the Republic and reaffirm their own government based on individual liberty.

VS Goal - To stop the other factions and take hold of the Vanu relics as a means to elevate mankind to the next level.

All very respectable and, if they could reunite the people, give liberty in a new government, and advance as a species, then that would be just great.

Unfortunately, while optimistic, that situation isn't likely. Or realistic, given the factions' hatred.

Which leads me to point to my sig, which I believe actually came from this thread.

[LegioX]

I always play the underdog team. Seems Vanu is the underdog in this game, since everybody plays NC/TR/. So i will go Vanu :)

[Kirotan]

Let me give this a shot:

Advancement of Human Evolution through Science

We are already at that point. Thanks to modern medicine, people with conditions such as leukemia, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, etc. etc. are living longer than they would naturally. Now, this is a good thing. Everyone deserves the right to a healthy life, so don't take what I say next out of context. However, humanity's evolution as a species is only going to degenerate from this point because people with all sorts of disorders are passing these defective genes down to their children. It used to be that people who suffered from these maladies didn't survive long enough to breed, in most cases. It was survival of the fittest, natural selection, and evolution with small variance of genetic mutation.

In the 21st century, there is only one way for man to evolve: Gene therapy and/or genetic engineering. Taking a medicine for your high blood pressure is all fine and dandy, but unless someone actually alters that defective genetic code, you're going to pass your crappy health condition down to your children. This is why modern science such as mapping the human genome, cloning, being able to alter genetic code is so important in the modern day; it's a race to master manipulating our own genes before we breed ourselves into a worse life where our grandchildren are taking 25 pills a day for 20 different illnesses.

Vanu Rationality

The TR/NC "gloomy side" theory: The Vanu artifact indoctrinated the Sovereignty's lead scientists and now they're unwittingly following the will of an alien mind.

The VS "bright side" theory:

http://www.planetside2.com/news/nov282011backstory

In the days after the event I noted a startling change to my thought processes. My rational mind seemed as robust as ever, but I was able to see things from other points of view like never before. It was obvious to me that I had previously been completely myopic in so many areas of thought, and now felt a vastness of new interests and understandings flooding my consciousness. It was overwhelming at first, but I was able to discuss it in detail with Tom, who was able to help me a lot. This was another completely new experience; human interaction that affected me positively.

And a Cracked article: http://www.cracked.com/article_19860_5-scientific-ways-internet-dividing-us.html (sorry no actual scientist here, so I'll have to use Cracked's very shallow and amateur article as an example).

Using an example of modern news media, it's easy to see humans are easily manipulated by pushing the right buttons based on our bias, personal experience, gender, ethnicity, and so forth. If someone believes something, all you have to do to reinforce their belief is repeat it over and over without bothering to conjure any new evidence to support it, and/or sit them down with like-minded people. It is very likely that the artifact simply "evolved" Henry Briggs brain past the point of normal human limits.

Being technologically advanced as the Vanu were, they probably had psychic/empathic links with each other. At that point, installing audio/video communicators and trying to explain through words and facial expressions was just...cumbersome. Link each other up mentally, and multiple Vanu understand instantly what each other thinks. Suddenly a class of 100 Vanu students knows what the Vanu professor means when talking about Gravity.

To summarize, the artifact is just a fancy Vanu piece of technology, and it did as its programming designed it to do; make contact with the living being and establish a psychic link to the collective. Henry Briggs only got a glimpse of it once, and will likely never again be "talked to" by the artifact because the artifact realized, "Wait, this sentient organism this isn't a Vanu. Ending psi-link."

So the real question at the end of the day is, "Who is right?" Is Vanu leadership indoctrinated, or were they "enlightened" by merely brushing up against a vast, intellectually superior alien mind? (We'd never know because that might stop the fighting!).

This links with the first section I posted, about overcoming natural human evolution hitting a wall by using science. In the 21st century, we are going to use it so everyone can live happy, healthy lives. By the time PS rolls around, I believe the Vanu artifact has instilled the idea of Human Evolution on the mental side. We all have our own blind spots formed by our opinions and bias, and by evolving humanity to be able to see the big picture objectively like Henry Briggs does is how I believe the Vanu Sovereignty intends to usher humanity forward. If we can all see the big picture and understand where each of us is coming from, all our reasons for fighting and discord would stop.

Vanu are not religious zealots(mostly)

Take yourself out of what you know about the game as a consumer. I'm pretty sure the Vanu leadership didn't say, "Hey we talked to a Vanu statue and that's where we're getting our orders from!" We only know that because of private journal entries.

Here's my transcript between 2 common VS soldiers:

Steve: "Hey did you hear about that presentation in Cairn Hall yesterday?"

John: "No, what was it about?"

Steve: "Some of the scientists we're guarding, one of them showed this old video from the 20th century, about some starship and its captain named Picard or something. Anyway, Captain Picard says, "Computer: Tea, Earl Grey, Hot" and holy crap, this cup of hot tea just appears in this niche in a wall!"

John: "Well yeah, it's fiction, you can't..."

Steve: "No man, listen, after the video, the scientist on stage is standing next to a device, right? And he says, "Tea, Earl Grey, hot" and a hot cup of tea appears, just like in the clip!"

John: "Well we can teleport through warpgates and maybe he just had it somewhere else..."

Steve: "No man, it gets better! They asked for a volunteer, and told the guy in the audience to ask for whatever dish he wanted, so he says, "Filet Mignon, medium rare, with a side of grilled asparagus and a baked potato topped with bacon, cheese, butter, and sour cream" and a plate materialized, just like he asked!"

John: "How the hell did these scientists come up with that?"

Steve: "He said they mastered a new aspect of nanites. Now they just don't rebirth us to get rid of alcohol poisoning after shore leave. They've programmed nanites to make food the way we want. No more of that slop in the mess hall!"

John: "Man, I can't wait. I would love some linguine with Andouille sausage in marinara sauce..."

Steve: "I gotta say being on security detail with these scientists is a lot more fun and interesting than I thought it was going to be. In fact, John, I wanted to talk to you about that..."

John: "I know what you're going to say. It's getting bad; between the TR and NC. I don't think these lab coats can stay neutral for much longer; they'll have to pick a side."

Steve: "So you've heard there's rumors they're picking their own side."

John: "I do. I heard most of the 336th and a large portion of the 118th Air division has gotten to test out new energy weapons and some secret flight craft, and that they really like what they see. And you know what? I think I'll stay here too. I want to get some of that nanite crafted food. In the last 2 years these scientists have made the quality of life better for all of us, enough that when I go back to Home base, I feel like something is wrong. It's like Command doesn't acknowledge any of their improvements. I can count on one hand all the improvements these scientists have made that have been implemented elsewhere."

Steve: "So if there's war, we're staying with the scientists."

John: "We're staying for the food. Okay, and the scientists."

Steve: "I'd like to add personally that I'm also staying with the scientists because one day they might make a ray gun that will make Linda less of a bitch when I zap her with it."

John: "Keep dreaming pal. One small step at a time."

That's your common VS soldier. He or she is someone that has seen with his own eyes what secrets science can unlock from the Vanu. A small portion of the VS are probably zealots still, but I'm just here for the food. :D

[Sifer2]

There is somewhat of a religious bent to it now. They believe by harnessing Alien tech they can evolve humanity to the next level. And the TR an NC wouldn't agree with this so they just stands in their way.

As for them being superior in battle because of the tech. Newer experimental weapons are not always practical or better. It's obvious the new stuff has some advantages but also some flaws that have not been corrected yet. Like the energy weapons losing power over distance. Vanu believe in their tech though so are going to use it anyway.

[willaguy]

Th VS believe that unless they do something about it, both NC and TR will destroy Auraxis with irresponsibility and oppression, respectively. If the VS were to be fanatics like you said, then why would any player fight for them. You would be making the VS out to be bad guy radicals who would do anything for their religion... I would not like the idea of playing as someone like that at all.

Edit: If you read the lore the VS want as much freedom as the NC, so that is why the VS declared war on the TR, and the TR would do the same to the VS if they knew the VS had broken off sooner, but the NC does not like the idea of altering mankind, so the NC declared war on the VS, and with the VS already not a fan of the NC's idea of "freedom", they were happy to join in!

[Xyntech]

It's pretty simple:

Terran Republic: NC and VS = Traitors to the Republic. Crucify them!

New Conglomerate: TR and VS = Enslavers of Humanity. Kill it with fire!

Vanu Sovereignty: TR and NC = Dangerous juveniles who have guns. Zap everyone who's not mature enough to know that wearing purple is awesome!

Of course the VS seem a little out of place. The TR and NC are still fighting over petty ideas like "Unity!" and "Freedom!" which are thousands of years out of date. The VS are fighting to protect humanities future transcendence. :cool:

[sylphaen]

We won't let them mess with our alien relics and artifacts ! They are OUR toys !
:nod:

[Magpie]

Vanu weapons and toys are not better, theres just handle capped.

nc and tr can kill just as good as vs

[Xyntech]

Vanu weapons and toys are not better, theres just handle capped.

nc and tr can kill just as good as vs

Isn't that nice of us? We like a fair fight.

I heard that some VS infiltrators actually snuck in and increased the power of some of the NC tech such as the ScatterMAX, just to make sure the NC could have a fair fight with us.

Our sportsmanship knows no bounds ;)

[HenchAnt]

The Vanu are that odd one out, that's true. But in a good way - they add the alien space element to this sci-fi game.

It's a tried and tested approach to sci-fi backgrounds, and it works (see Earth 2150 for example, or even better Battlestar Galactica).


The Lore:

There's a top-down faction, that believes in peace through control and organization (TR, or the military in Battlestar Galactica).

There`s a bottom-up faction, that believes in peace through diversity, freedom and empowering the individual (NC, or the civilian leadership and the workers unions in Battlestar Galactica).

And there's a third faction, that sees current humanity as ultimately flawed, and believes in peace through altering humanity by using an external factor, for example with (alien) technology. (VS, or the Cylons in Battlestar Galactica).


How the Lore is implemented with respect to the Vanu Sovereignty

The Planetside universe has something of a Cold War theme to it: Here the "bottom-up" liberal corporate-democracy faction, there the "top-down" centralist state faction, both busy making war with each other.
And now "the scientist" find something so powerful it makes nukes look like firecrackers. Instead of risking the threat of total annihilation, they decide to defend their findings and work towards a more enlightened humanity.

And this "Let the alien artifact get into your head and you'll find peace" part is where both TR and NC go "I won't let no alien mess with my mind. I'll rather die a human. For humanity!" :D


The Design

Of course, there's also the simpler answer: Without Vanu, Planetside 2 would just be a near future shooter. While this might appeal to the Battlefield/Modern Warfare crowd, it would totally leave out the Mass Effect fanboys and Sci-fi nerds. That's why everybody needs the Vanu. Without them, it wouldn't be a space game.

Or to sum VS up:
http://www.planetside-universe.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=610&stc=1&d=1339328832