What am I missing?

[Veis_Alveare]

Instead of coming here, you could just, you know, read up on it? Just my 2 cents.

You do Fates and Skirmishes to gain mettle, which you trade in for rank, correct. With each couple of ranks, you get more story.

Yeah, exactly. Why attempt to discuss something you don't understand with other players on a forum designed to facilitate that very thing.

Glad you got a legit answer, OP.