Destiny 2players are calling attention to an easily missable line of dialogue that offers insight into why the Cloud Strider Nimbus might be so immature.Lightfall,Destiny 2’s latest expansion, has been heavily criticized for its story. That includes the introduction of the Cloud Striders, Nimbus and Ronan, and Nimbus' immature and unserious characterization especially. ButDestiny 2players think there may be some background information explaining why Nimbus acts the way they do.
For the most part, themainLightfallcampaign storyis thin on detail regarding the city of Neomuna and its Cloud Strider protectors. The basic idea is that the people of Neomuna escaped to Neptune to avoid The Collapse and that its Cloud Striders protect it from all foes – even Guardians, if needs be. Cloud Striders are modified and enhanced people who will only live 10 years past their “upgrade.” As such, only two Cloud Striders are made at a time.
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Given the responsibility of the position of Cloud Strider, as well as the gravity of the situation whenLightfallbegins, manyDestiny 2players were confused and unhappy with Nimbus. Throughout theLightfallcampaign,Nimbus would joke and make light of the situation, or otherwise would act recklessly and without thinking things through. They acted like a child, all things considered.Destiny 2players now think that may be because Nimbus is a child.
A line of dialogue from Quinn in Neomuna’s Hall of Heroes heard only while idling describes Nimbus before theybecame a Cloud Strider. Quinn describes them as a “scrawny kid, 155 centimeters, maybe 45 kilos after a big meal.” If Quinn’s line is taken literally and doesn’t assume Nimbus was just a very small and thin adult, a 100-pound child is probably around the age of 12-14 years old. If Nimbus was only 12-14 when they applied, they might still be a teenager during the events ofLightfall.
It’s bizarre to consider, but if a 12-year-old Nimbus applied to be a Cloud Strider and Rohan had only been training them for a couple of years beforeLightfallbegan then Nimbus could be as young as 14. They’re much more likely to be at least 18 if only so Bungie could say they’re not sending a child into war. Nevertheless, that would explain why Nimbus acts immaturely.
Nimbus still being a child fits narratively withDestiny 2: Lightfall’s lore, as well. There’s lore revolving around the past Cloud Strider Maelstrom, who trained a group of children to become their rookies. In fact, there are many stories implying the Cloud Strider program is deeply unethical. PerhapsDestiny 2players should lend more empathy to Nimbus, or further question why Bungie is unwilling to more openly share these bits of important story and lore players otherwise have to dig to find.
Destiny 2is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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