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Coq au Nandos
Nov 7, 2006

I think I would say to my daughters if they were to ask me this question... A shitpost is the greatest gift that you can give someone, the ultimate gift of giving and don't give it to someone lightly, that's what I would say.

PoptartsNinja posted:

Vaylin makes more sense if you think of her less as Valkorion's daughter and more as his pet cat.

'Pet' implies some level of affection.

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Siegkrow
Oct 11, 2013

Arguing about Lore for 5 years and counting



Coq au Nandos posted:

'Pet' implies some level of affection.

Harsh but true.

So true. Wait like 100 updates before you know why tho.

Glazius
Jul 22, 2007

Hail all those who are able,
any mouse can,
any mouse will,
but the Guard prevail.

Clapping Larry
I do love the shot of your character having become a background extra.

Sankara
Jul 18, 2008


Hk-55, sure. Neat.

Synthbuttrange
May 6, 2007

Ugh more HK droids.

M_Sinistrari
Sep 5, 2008

Do you like scary movies?



Doctor Reynolds posted:

Hk-55, sure. Neat.

Since I finally did the HK-51 quest, so far only difference I've seen in the assorted HKs is 55 is more personable, 51's a bit more serious about his killing business and they both trashtalk the 47 as a crazy.

kaosdrachen
Aug 15, 2011

M_Sinistrari posted:

Since I finally did the HK-51 quest, so far only difference I've seen in the assorted HKs is 55 is more personable, 51's a bit more serious about his killing business and they both trashtalk the 47 as a crazy.

IIRC encountering HK-47 in either flashpoint he's in with HK-51 as companion (now that that's an option in story mode FPs) triggers some extra smacktalk dialogue.

Dolash
Oct 23, 2008

aNYWAY,
tHAT'S REALLY ALL THERE IS,
tO REPORT ON THE SUBJECT,
oF ME GETTING HURT,




Trooper Update 47 Part One – We Have Met The Enemy

Havoc Squad, this is your Captain speaking. We're just coming up on Coruscant now.



Feel free to stretch your legs once we land, but don't start the party just yet. General Garza's gonna want a debrief and we're not officially on-leave until she gives the word.



How's the patient?
Stable, but I have Jorgan on sedatives until we touch down. The navy's infirmary at the starport should be ready to receive him.
Good... good. Once you've signed Jorgan over I'll need you to fill in when I go to Garza for the debrief. Probably just wants to pin some medals on us before we take off, but...
Sir, I understand if this is difficult for you. Your file listed no casualties under your command before. It's perfectly natural to be somewhat disoriented.
My Republic file. I lost my whole training squad during my defection.
R-really? Sir, I'm sorry, I didn't-
Of course you didn't, the details are classified. Don't sweat it, Dorne, I've dealt with worse, and Jorgan'll be walking around good as new in a couple days.



Now c'mon, wash up before we land. We're big drat heroes today, need to look the part.



If the Imperials are busy fighting over blame, this is the perfect time for more strikes.
A good thought, actually – I'll have the SIS work up a priority listing of targets of opportunity right away.
what, nobody thought of "kick 'em while they're down"?
Your leadership and skill in conducting this ongoing operation have been exemplary. I'm promoting you to the rank of Major, effective immediately.
Commensurate promotions will be issued to your squad members as well. Congratulations – Major.
Serving in Havoc has its benefits.
You've earned it. When presented with extraordinary circumstances, you have delivered extraordinary results.



In recognition of injuries sustained in the line of duty, I've recommended Aric Jorgan for the Mark of Dedication. Assuming you approve.
I can't think of anyone more deserving.
Excellent. I'll submit the necessary paperwork right away.
Now – I'm afraid not all our news is positive. We received the following holotransmission not long after the Gauntlet was destroyed.



You have made a grave error. By destroying the Gauntlet, you have destroyed a weapon of peace – and the final hope your people had.
Great, nobody dumb enough to believe that can be much of a threat.
This is serious, Major.
I had hoped a device that removed the possibility of resistance would allow the Empire to achieve its great works without further bloodshed.



Your soldiers will be slaughtered. Your planets will burn. And your people will embrace the light of the Emperor's will at last.
I'm not scared of Rakton or any other Imperial scum. Havoc can handle him.
Don't underestimate this man.
For years, General Rakton has outwitted and outmaneuvered every Republic force that has stood in his way – including mine.




A FEW DAYS OF R&R LATER




Ah Sithspit, there goes the comm. Should've known they wouldn't let us sit for long.
Well, at least it means we can pick Jorgan back up. Doing your own inventory's for scrubs.



General Rakton has made his move – the Imperials have invaded dozens of Republic planets. Havoc Squad is needed – immediately.
Is there a plan for dealing with this invasion, General?





Reports on Jorgan's recovery are encouraging, sir, but if Garza has another operation planned I doubt he'll be released in time to join us.
Well no point in rushing it, he's earned a few more days. Looks like you'll have to keep filling in, Lieutenant.



After we destroyed the Gauntlet, General Rakton called a “diplomatic summit” with the heads of state of several Republic-allied planets along our borders.
The summit was held aboard a neutral space station, where Rakton's troops seized the heads of state by force. They are now hostages of the Empire.
Who could've seen that coming? How does this tie into Rakton's invasion plans?
This is Rakton's invasion plan.



Our forces are at their limit. The Imperials will overwhelm us unless we rescue these heads of state and block Rakton's invasion routes.
Can we count on our allies to fight once their leaders are safe?
Once their leaders are back to guide them, I'm confident our allies will fight harder for our cause than ever before.
The station where the heads of state are being held is called Outpost 256. Imperial security is tight, but we've developed an entry plan.



How can we minimize the risk to the hostages when we storm the station? Because I've got this underslung mortar attachment, and well...
I am aware of your very particular combat style. Lieutenant Yuun will be responsible for that part of the plan.
Your ship will ride alongside Helik's, detaching at the last second and landing in an unused maintenance hangar aboard the station.
Lieutenant Yuun will slice into the station's security and stop any alarms from sounding while you storm the crew area and secure the hostages. Understood?
I'll bet I won't even break a sweat.
Fighting through the elite commandos that have seized the station should give you plenty of exercise.
Helik will rendezvous with you at these coordinates. The Imperials are expecting him to deliver his security codes very soon, so move quickly.





Gear up, Havoc! Looks like we're back in action.


ONE RUSHED HYPERJOURNEY LATER




We're here, Helik. Feeling a bit nervous?
Yes, yes, you could say that. I'm not exactly trained for situations like this.
You've done this sort of thing before, right? Rescuing hostages? I really don't know anything about you.
You're not supposed to know anything about us: we're Special Forces.
Oh, yes, yes of course. My apologies.



You're risking your life for leaders you've never met. Thank you.
Let's not dress this up. We're not a charity, I need those leaders alive because it makes the Republic safer.
Even so, you're doing our citizens an incredible favor. We won't forget it.



Better check in with Yuun if he's going to be playing mission-specialist.



The terminal Yuun requires lies just outside of our ship. It will grant Yuun preliminary access to the station's security systems.
However, to gain full control, other terminals nearby must be destroyed, so that their functions will be routed here. For this, Yuun relies on you.
Find terminals, blow them up. Got it.
Yuun will ensure that the terminals' destruction goes unnoticed. Do not fear alerting the Imperials.



Sir! We're touching down in the target hangar bay, ready to disembark on your order.
Then grab your blaster and follow me, Lieutenant. We're taking point while Forex and Vik hold the ship.



Okay, step one – clear a terminal for Yuun.



Aaaand...



Check. Step two, waste the control terminals.



That stuff over there looks important enough.



I'll call that one checked too.
Sir, was punching the terminal strictly necessary.
No. But it was fun.



Now to grab those hostages before the Imps figure out what's going on. Double-time, Dorne!





You will be the only one able to pass from each room to the next. All Imperials will experience... technical difficulties.
Life-sign scanners show many, many guards within the crew area. The battle to reach the hostages we seek is sure to be fierce, Major – please journey cautiously.
Time to do some damage.



Sir, hostages up ahead! It appear to be Helik and the other minor diplomats.
Not the heads of state, though. Guess we should still try not to frag 'em anyway, no mortar rounds this time.









The station's systems are in our control. I'm heading for the hostages now.
That's fantastic!
Why didn't you tell us there was a rescue mission going on, Helik? We could pitch in! I'm ready to get some payback!
That doesn't seem wise. We would probably just get in the way. Let's leave this to the professionals.
Anyone who wants to help, find yourself a weapon and start cleaning house! More hostages need that kinda can-do attitude.
You got it! Come on, let's go give those Imps a piece of our mind!





Think they've figured out something's up yet?
Even without reinforcement, that is a sizeable guard complement.





I mean... for somebody else, sure.





Indeed. It is unfortunate your colleagues couldn't be persuaded to – guards! Security breach! Engage protocol two-seven, immediately!
I'm taking the hostages. Get in my way, and you're a corpse.
Who are you? You're going to get us all killed!





Gonna have to do better than that!



Sir! From behind!

I see 'em, Dorne.



And from the-
I – ngh! - see them, Dorne! They're making this interesting.



...'Interesting' doesn't help against grav-rounds, though.



What, you slept through your briefing or something? I'm the one that blew up that big, expensive toy of yours.
I should've known. Who else would storm in but the one responsible for this unfortunate situation?
You will face justice for what you've done. My men's sacrifice will be avenged – and the Emperor's justice will be served.
We're saved! The Republic has saved us! Thank you, thank you!
Shut your mouth, traitor. You don't even deserve to breathe the same air as the rest of us.



Betrayed the Republic, huh? That's kind of a 'thing' with me.
We... we had to! We must be loyal to our people first and foremost. Their lives are our responsibility!
Don't hide behind your people. You gave up. You betrayed everything that we've fought for – alliances we've all held for generations.
We are at war – we don't have room for cowards or traitors. You deserve to be executed.
Agreed. Give these traitors what they deserve. If anyone asks, we'll say the Imperials murdered them.







Major! This is unthinkable! You had no right to do what you've done – none at all.
We are at war with the Sith Empire. We cannot waste time on cowards or traitors.
Can we get off this miserable station now? Where's my man Helik, did he ever turn up?
I sent Helik and the rest of your crews to hold out with my squad.



Affirmative, Major. Yuun will also bring the ship to the crew area to facilitate a quicker return to General Garza.
We owe you our lives, soldier. The Republic has proven how much it values us as allies. It's time we returned the favor.
Tell your leaders that starting now, no Imperial will set foot on our worlds without paying in blood. Long live the Republic!





Well, three out of five ain't bad. Probably not pinning a medal on us this time, and my acting XO thinks I'm a war criminal, but uh, yeah. That went okay.


ONE AWKWARD AND UNCOMFORTABLE JUMP THROUGH HYPERSPACE LATER




Yeah. That was fine.



Still mad at me about the whole field execution thing, huh?
My emotional and moral judgement do not enter into it, sir. Regardless of the opinion of our allies, it is my duty to give an honest account to Command and allow them to take the appropriate measures.
Say whatever you need to, Lieutenant, but fair warning, listen first. I know Command pretty well at this point, and Garza in particular. They might not be as surprised as you think.



We were reviewing the results of your mission – you did an excellent job on Outpost 256. Congratulations.
Rakton was on the holo when I rescued the heads of state.
Good. Let him see what you're capable of – let it wonder when it will be his office that you're blasting your way through.
It's unfortunate that the Imperials executed Premier Vonn and Archduke Kailur. They were both very popular with their people.
“Unfortunate?”



Sir! That is...
Lieutenant? You have something to add, for the record?
...No. I beg your pardon, General.
Good. As soon as they heard what happened on Outpost 256, our allies began full-scale strikes against the Imperials in their territories.
We've won a major victory, but the war is just beginning. Your squad will be playing a vital role in the campaign against Rakton.
Havoc Squad is going to win this war, General. No matter what.
We're counting on it.
Right now, we need every advantage we can get – every available force must be put to work to counter the Empire's moves.



Havoc Squad is going to get our top forces where they need to be, starting with a group of elite pilots trapped on Belsavis. Understood?
Not exactly as glamorous as I'd hoped. Still, can you give me any intel on Belsavis, General?
We'll discuss the details once you arrive in orbit.
Our forces are spread thin. Saving our allies has relieved some pressure, but to turn the tide, we need every advantage we can get.







Running around the backline freeing up other units isn't exactly the sort of war-winning work I was expecting. Guess it gets us out of the spotlight for a bit, maybe let the rest of Specforce pull their weight for a change.
Yes sir.



Jorgan's transfer from the Navy's rehabilitation center came through. We can pick him up on the way out, so he can cover XO again.
Very good, sir.



I told you they wouldn't be surprised.





I'll be glad to have you backing me up again.
Let's get to it! But first, if you've got a minute, there's something we should talk about over in the armory.



He'd heard about the Gauntlet operation, seems getting shot on a high profile op helped my reputation. Said he'd talked it over with the brass and finagled a way to get me back on Ord Mantell.
Offered me my old post, a promotion and command of their operations there. Pretty sweet deal, overall.
Did you accept?
Of course not.
Fact is, I've been hitting the Empire harder than ever since I joined Havoc Squad.
I didn't enlist to win medals or promotions. I enlisted to protect the Republic, to prove my people have a place here.
Glad you're finally warming up to your assignment.
It's growing on me.







Those were from my second buyer. The first guy I lined up wasn't offering as much as I liked, so I bailed on him.
Cheap jerk is all worked up that I sold 'em to someone else – he's trying to put a scare in me.
I don't have time for this, Vik.
Too late, I'm getting him on the line now.
Guy's name is “Red Hand” Magaran. He runs a few guns, thinks he's a real tough guy.
Damnt Vik, I said I'm not interested in your side bus-





Sithspit.
Well, I was having a little chat with my new boss – the commander of Havok Squad – and we decided to go with another buyer.
If that's the commander of Havoc Squad, I'm the King of Alderaan. I want those guns, Vik.
Okay, now you're pushing your luck, pal. I'm the real deal.
When you back out of a deal with me, there are consequences, Vik. I'll be seeing you.
Uh oh, “consequences.” Hope I don't lose any sleep.
We've got bigger things to worry about than some arms dealer. How can I assign you latrine duty while we're in space, for example.





As we both know, Havoc Squad is the finest military team ever assembled. Our triumphs prove to the public that victory is near!
Unfortunately, as a team, even we can only accomplish so many victories in a given amount of time. Therefore, I would like to undertake additional assignments on my own time.
What do you mean, 'your own time'? Do droids get time off? You expect me to authorize you for solo ops?
Yes, sir! And not just normal operations, either.



Havoc has enough work to do as it is, Forex.
But sir, I could make a real difference!
My calculations suggest the Republic's forces' morale would increase more than eighteen percent for each “impossible” target I neutralize.
Such incredible victories would demoralize the putrid citizens of the Empire as much as they would encourage our heroic comrades.
All right, Forex. If it'll get you to settle down.







The twist of these patterns back upon themselves leads Yuun into a state of reflection on what is past.
Would you share in this reflection? Would you hear how Yuun earned this name?
Well I'm trying to put off smoothing things over with Dorne as long as possible, so I can spare a few minutes, sure.
As Yuun explained, the Gand give names as recognition for achievements. Yuun's achievement was completion of Findsman training.



How does being a Findsman work exactly?
You have to see it first hand, sir. Findsmen embrace the knowledge present in all things to locate whatever they might seek.
On Gand and elsewhere, Findsmen are employed to hunt criminals, recover missing persons, and find objects lost due to hardship or disasters.
Yuun proved proficient in these tasks, and the teachers found Yuun's proclivity for technology innovative. The reward was the title of Findsman, and the name of Yuun.
What led you to join the army?
The signs guide Yuun in all things.
Was it more twisted wires that time? Maybe the tune of a nerf fart?
It was not, in fact, a nerf fart.



Might as well get this over with...



Not quite the angle I figured you'd take.
Forgive me for being circumspect about our... earlier disagreement. What was it like to have your commander and comrades join the enemy? How did you feel?
I would've torn them apart with my bare hands if I could have.
An understandable reaction. I can see it left a lasting impression.
I've always wondered how my family took the news of my defection. It must've been difficult for them to understand.
Take it from someone who knows, you don't want to dwell on that.
That's easier said than done.



It isn't easy to reach prominence in the Empire with no aptitude for the Force, but my family did it. I hope they're all still well.
Your family got by before you came along. They'll be alright.



I'm sorry about revisiting memories of the Empire, sir. I don't mean to open old wounds.
Family wasn't one of my problems when I switched sides, Lieutenant. Doesn't bother me to talk about.
Still, to lose your whole squad in the process... do you think some of their families might resent their decision, or yours?



Probably. I'm the one that killed them.


Tune in tomorrow for Part Two of this, A Big Trooper Update, which covers all of Belsavis!

Dolash fucked around with this message at 11:03 on Feb 6, 2017

Inferior
Oct 19, 2012

I am amazed they didn't go full-Thrawn and make General Rakton a Chiss.

Also, Trooper Act 3 is such crap. The war's in full swing! Everyone's been called to arms! And the galaxy's greatest spec ops team is farting around doing trivial bullshit. But everyone has to visit the same planets in the same order, so off you go to Belsavis to understudy a prison guard.

Bruceski
Aug 21, 2007

The tools of a hero mean nothing without a solid core.

Inferior posted:

I am amazed they didn't go full-Thrawn and make General Rakton a Chiss.

Also, Trooper Act 3 is such crap. The war's in full swing! Everyone's been called to arms! And the galaxy's greatest spec ops team is farting around doing trivial bullshit. But everyone has to visit the same planets in the same order, so off you go to Belsavis to understudy a prison guard.

"We've got forces everywhere dealing with their own issues, go shake em loose so we can all strike at one point" is a pretty sound tactical strategy. But they don't sell it too well.

Dolash
Oct 23, 2008

aNYWAY,
tHAT'S REALLY ALL THERE IS,
tO REPORT ON THE SUBJECT,
oF ME GETTING HURT,


I like to imagine (and tried to hint at) Garza is deliberately sidelining you a bit after two relatively high-profile back to back operations, and you may have noticed the ongoing trend of cleaning up the Republic Military's messes that almost seems like Havoc's real purpose. Sometimes I have to wonder at the writers' intent because you really don't have to dig very deep into the Trooper's story to find evidence that the Republic's leadership aren't quite the clean-cut Good Guys you might expect.

You'll see plenty more evidence of this shortly with the Belsavis update, every class who visited uncovered something awful the Republic was up to and the Trooper will be no exception.

Sankara
Jul 18, 2008


The trooper isn't the spearhead of the invasion, it's the quartermaster.

PoptartsNinja
May 9, 2008

He is still almost definitely not a spy


Soiled Meat

Doctor Reynolds posted:

The trooper isn't the spearhead of the invasion, it's the quartermaster.

Janitor. Every Republic class exists to sweep the Republic's messes under the rug, but the Trooper's got it the worst. Custodians of the Old Republic.

The Trooper could've been 50 levels of painting General Garza's picket fence and it would've felt like less busywork.

Dolash
Oct 23, 2008

aNYWAY,
tHAT'S REALLY ALL THERE IS,
tO REPORT ON THE SUBJECT,
oF ME GETTING HURT,


Trooper Update 47 Part Two – A Lead Role In A Cage

Belsavis, dead ahead.



Never seen a planet with mold spots before.
General Garza on the comm, Major.
Like clockwork. Right, let's get this operation rolling.



Belsavis houses a top secret prison colony for the worst offenders in the Republic – Sith Lords, war criminals and mass murderers.
That prison is under heavy assault – the Imperials are attempting to free their captured comrades. While you're in the field, do whatever you can to impede them.
How did the Imperials hear about our top secret prison?
Unknown. The Empire has its spies, just as we have ours.
If they were just like ours, they wouldn't be able to find their rear end with both hands.



Were these pilots shot down? Will they need medical attention?
They weren't sent to Belsavis on a mission. They're inmates.
So it's gonna be one of those missions, huh?
The pilots of Dagger Wing are serving life sentences on Belsavis for participating in an unauthorized bombing mission that killed thousands of Imperial civilians.
The attack was so brutal that High Command had no choice but to disavow the incident and sweep away the pilots responsible – permanently.
Is there ever a mistake you people don't try to hide?
Decisions from high command are not open to debate.
The Republic needs Dagger Wing back in the fight, regardless of their past crimes. Starfighter pilots of their caliber are in very short supply.



ONE SHUTTLE RIDE TO THE SURFACE LATER



Good to have you along, Forex. I figured an illegal prison planet's probably not the best place to bring Dorne right now, and Jorgan's still a little wobbly.
This wretched hive of scum and villainy will know the uplifting light of the Republic's mercy as well as the swift punishment of its justice!
See? I knew you'd like it.



Throttle back on the rhetoric for a bit, let's see about getting some directions from the guards. If we're lucky, the Daggers'll be an easy pickup.



Excuse me, Captain. I was told you could help me locate Dagger Wing's CO.
Hm? Ah, Major, glad you caught me. Was just heading out to round up another wave of runners.
The Imps are springing everyone they can. The Daggers volunteered to help get things under control – so they're spread out across the prison.
So much for 'easy pickup'. What do you know about these pilots, Captain?
I know they got a raw deal. Those pilots were just doing their job, and they got locked up for it. Shameful.
Their leader, Gall, is in a high-security zone, so I can't raise him on the holo for you. The XO isn't far, though – here.
Harlan? Harlan, come in, this is Zess, over.



Are they insane? We'll get you backup, Harlan, just hang in there!
Give me the coordinates and I'll double-time it to your position.
Who is that? Forget it, I'll take anyone you've got.



Help is on the way, Harlan. Zess out.
We're out of medpacs, but there are some caches you can raid on your way to Harlan. Here are the coordinates.
Now you'll see how Havoc Squad gets things done.
I'm sure Harlan will be impressed at the backup he's getting.





Whew, Zess wasn't kidding. Not many prison riots have military-grade firepower.



Think I can see some of the caches Zess mentioned down there. C'mon Forex, help me clear the field.
Switching to bombardment posture!



Hm... yeah, this should do. Pretty second-rate criminals if they couldn't bust open a footlocker.



Major, my sensors are detecting the entrance to the complex containing our allies! Victory is near!
Now we'll see if these Dagger Wing flyboys are worth all the trouble...











Best news I've heard all day. So did the army finally send reinforcements, or are – Havoc Squad!
It's our lucky day, ladies and gents. Dig in and patch yourselves up – the army has sent their best.
I want the Imperials' positions, their armament – everything.



There may be even worse things in here, too. I've heard there's scary stuff locked in these vaults – nobody opens them, ever.
Can you tell me anything about these vaults? Also, can we vary our sentence structure – so not everything we say has an em dash?
Sure, but the vaults? Not really. I heard they were already here when the Republic built the prison, and I believe it. They look old.





Run! Run for your lives!
Not that I'm not flattered but, uh, people screaming that ususally run away from me.



They're coming out of the walls! They're coming out of the goddamn walls!
Let me help you with that.



Whoops.







You know what? I think we're done here.



Sounded like some serious fighting – you alright there, ground-pounder?
Don't know what that was down there, but I killed them. Well, some of 'em.
I don't even want to know.
Look, maybe I was a little short with you. It's good to hear that command wants us back, but they burned us pretty bad.
Yeah, join the club.
We must show no hesitation or reservation in our war against the Empire, friend – our enemy certainly won't!



Tell you the truth, I don't care whether you're murderers or not, my mission is to bring you back.
Up until Fest, it was nothing but the mission for us, too.
Our target was a Sith Lord, Ondurru. A real sadistic bit of scum. He's razed dozens of Republic colonies and left no survivors.
Intel put Ondurru on Fest with nothing but soldiers and factories for company. We launched at full burn, dropped everything we had – and now we're here.
The guys upstairs are more worried about saving their images than saving the Republic.
Don't get me started. Just gotta remember it's the Imps we're fighting, not the – ah, hold on.



Great. Hang tight, Kal, we'll get you some backup on the double.
What do you say, Major? You need all of Dagger Wing, right? Care to go two-for-two on rescue ops today?
I can do this in my sleep – maybe I will.
Whatever you say, ground-pounder.





Why am I not surprised to find out Garza's dropped us in another one of her messes?



Sir! The General would never compromise the integrity of the Republic's defense. Whatever the situation may be with these penitent pilots, I have absolute faith in the purity of Republic High Command's intent!
I think I forgot the downside of brining PatriotBot 2.0 along. Let's just hurry this up.



I didn't come here to play rescue team, but that's what I'm doing.
Yeah, well I'd say we're all doing a bit of improvising here, so you'll fit in fine.
With all the commotion going on, we started seeing breakouts from one of the labor camps. Some real bad characters in there, believe me.
The worst is a guy named Gouge. You don't even wanna know what that freak was up to before they locked him up.
If there's a chance I'll run into the guy, I should know about him.



Watch out for his thumbs, got it.
one of the guard officers, Brok, wanted to storm the labor camp and make sure Gouge didn't escape. Bit obsessed, that guy.
Three of our people volunteered to back Brok up. But things went bad at the labor camp, and now they're all trapped.
Can your pilots confirm their current situation?
Can't get through to them. Last I heard, they were holed up pretty good.



Oh! One other thing. Somebody's shut off all our surveillance cameras in the area. If you could switch them back on, it'd help a lot.
The Dagger Wing pilots are my first priority. Everything else is secondary.
Woah, nice! I've never been a priority before.





Labor camps, huh? The Imperials must be getting a kick out of this place, seeing the Republic trying to cop its style.



But Major, the difference between edifying and corrective labor for-
Why don't we check in on some of the inmates and see how edified they feel?



Yeah, that's what I thought.







Take it easy, Symo. They're Republic soldiers – they must be here to help.
You've got the best in the Republic to get you out of here.
Sounds good to me! Let's go!
We're not going anywhere. I swore an oath to keep the prisoners on Belsavis locked up. I'm not gonna leave and let this scum escape.



Nobody asked you anything! *Whap*
Aggressive captive identified – pacification protocols on standby!
This is moronic. Who cares about one prisoner? There are hundreds of them running loose!
You volunteered to help me guard my post. You don't want to stay, fine – but I keep my word.
Brok's right. Dagger Wing agreed to help hold this ground. If we die, we die – that's the job.
If this scumbag weren't breathing, you'd have no reason to stay, right?
Are... are you serious? You want to kill him in cold blood?
Our mission is priority one. Any obstacles to completing that mission should be removed.
Well at least we still agree on something.
Your mission – not mine. I'm a guard, not an executioner.





We've wasted enough time and resources here – can we move out, Major?
You just shot him... just like that.
Damage is done. Let's just get out of here before things get any worse.







That should do. Forex, signal the pilots.





Major, I detect an unusual amount of anxiety in our allies, considering they have just been heroically rescued. Did we do something wrong?
We're not here to make friends, Forex. Fighter jocks just aren't used to getting their hands dirty.







They're ready to get behind a stick again. But it doesn't sit right, sir, them just showing up and pulling us back in.
Commander Conrad Gall, I take it?
Correct. You must be the major that Harlan's been talking about.
I understand you've been busy saving my men from one deathtrap after another. I appreciate it.
I'm good – what can I say?
We can discuss your accomplishments later. Right now, let's address your mission.
As Harlan told you, I volunteered Dagger Wing to help the guards when the Imperials attacked on Belsavis. They accepted.



Sure, I can appreciate that. So what'll it take for 'your part'?
I've been tracking a large contingent of Imperial personnel across the prison zones. I could use your help once we catch them.
The Imperials are headed straight for the maximum security area. If they release any of the prisoners there, it could be catastrophic.
What's so bad about the prisoners in the maximum security area?
That part of the prison was built by aliens older than the Republic itself. The creatures locked inside are a threat to the entire galaxy – they can't be set loose.
You're a prisoner here, how can you know so much?
Honestly, I wish I knew more. The guards told me what they could when we started working together.



The commandos are positioned to ambush any Republic reinforcements that cross the area. You should take them out if you can.
I'll hit the commandos on my way to the rendezvous.
Good – then I'll see you at the meeting coordinates. Gall out.
You heard the man, Major. Better get moving, or you might miss all the fun.
I want to know more about your commander.
He's the best there is. Wouldn't be Dagger Wing without Commander Gall.
After Fest, he held this unit together; made sure we all remembered who the real enemy is.





Sir, shouldn't we be on the lookout for nefarious Imperial ambushers, as Commander Gall suggested?
Eh, sounds like a secondary objective to me. If you see something call it out, but otherwise let's keep moving.



Okay, I have no idea who those guys attacking that prison are. This planet just keeps getting weirder.















They don't make Imperial commando attacks like they used to. You guys doing okay back there?



Ah hell.





Wait, seriously?

That wasn't just a bonus quest?

Goddamnit.





Sir, shouldn't we be on the lookout for nefarious Imperial ambushers, as Commander Gall suggested?
Yes of course Forex I am looking forward to hunting down ambushes all over the map.













Ondurru was with them! Lord Ondurru, the Sith we were trying to take out on Fest! He's here, now, on Belsavis!
How do you know it was Ondurru?
It was him. We all recognized him – after Fest, we memorized everything about him.
You've got to understand... Ondurru is the reason we're all here. Commander Gall couldn't let that filth escape.



Can you tell me where this tunnel leads?
The tunnel leads out in the maximum security area – or at least, it used to.
The only other way in is the main entrance. There's a lot of fighting over there, but it's the only option left to reach Commander Gall.
I'll bring Gall back alive no matter what.





Looks like without the tunnel, the only way through to that part of the prison is... that can't be right. A teleporter?



Yup. An alien teleporter. These Dagger guys better be worth me getting replaced by an exact duplicate.
What a horrible thought!



Hey, this is... uh, safe, right?

Republic Guard: I mean, safe enough for Command to send infantry through.

So that's a no. Okay Forex, you're up first.
To glory!



Wureragdh! *Hrugl* Feels like my stomache... stayed behind.
My sensors indicate that you are 99.8% the same Major you were one minute ago! Congratulations on the statistically negligible deviation, sir!
I hate this planet.





Uh, assuming we're still on the same one?
My sensors predict with 95% certainty that we are in fact still on Belsavis. Exempting the possibility that our consciousnesses are currently only inhabiting a simulation of Belsavis, of course.
On second thought, never tell me the odds.





Oh come on, really?



We only came to this drat planet to pick up a squadron of war criminals Garza dropped down the memory hole and now we're fighting Deep Ones in a drat lost temple to alien Gods. Is the Republic really this hard-up for pilots?



Finally, something normal.

Recommended for a dramatic rescue
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnf44ycOZ7c










What, you never seen a Sith before or something? Lightning from the fingers is like how they say hello.
I can't... I can't move. You have to capture him. You can't let Ondurru escape – only he can prove that Dagger Wing is innocent!
Ondurru won't get away from me, Commander.
Thank you. Please, hurry.

*DRAMATIC MONSTER ROAR*

Major! Sensors detect a large creature incoming!
It doesn't matter – go! Forget about me, just get Ondurru!



We may never get another shot at that Sith scum!
Uh, I mean the other type of Sith.
No, I got it.
Harlan can take over Dagger Wing, and Ondurru can clear their record. I'll gladly die to make that happen.
That's exactly why Dagger Wing needs you to live. C'mon Forex, let's do a little monster hunting.





Okay, here's the plan. You let that thing treat you like a metal chew-toy, I'll stay back and unload rail-shot into its back until it dies.
I'm excited at the opportunity to contribute!



You're doing great, Forex! Roll up into a ball if you need to! You'll be harder to crush that way!



Aaaaand... done.



Conrad, I'm literally here to retrieve your squad so Command can pardon you. They didn't care about the truth when they shuffled your squad out here to cover their asses, and they don't care about it now that they need you again. Your people need a decent officer more than they need a Sith's testimony.
I appreciate the sentiment, but now my men's reputation may never be saved. Being pardoned still makes you guilty.



Zess? What are you doing here?
We came to help, but it looks like we missed the show.
Since you're here, you can help me get Gall back to base.
Sounds good. Let me give you a hand, Commander.
Thanks. I took a shot at a Sith. I'll stick to starfighters from now on.



Have the guards managed to get Belsavis under control?
Yeah, things are turning around. But who knows what the Imps might throw at us tomorrow.
Anyway, time to get out of this place before anything big and mean finds us. Good luck to you.



ONE SHUTTLE RIDE BACK TO THE ORBITAL STATION LATER



Little sooner than I expected, to be honest.



It's not easy being the best in the Republic. Thankfully, they keep jailing my competition.
Well, from now on, anyime Havoc and Dagger are in the same cantina, your drinks are taken care of.
I never forget a debt, Major. If you ever need air support for one of your operations, Dagger Wing will make it happen.
It's always good to have friends with starfighters.
Any target, anytime, anywhere. That's the Dagger Wing motto.
I think we all have important work to get to. Thanks again, Major – and good luck in your next mission.







Both Conrad Gall and Tobin Harlan recommended you be given a medal for your actions while rescuing Dagger Wing's pilots. Well done.
The bombing of Fest wasn't Dagger Wing's fault. Will the charges be cleared?
Time will tell. The situation is out of our hands.
Guess it was worth a shot...
Increased space superiority marks one more step in our counteroffensive against General Rakton. Your operations are giving our forces a decisive advantage.



Am I after a captured general or something?
You will be rescuing three hundred and fourteen men and women of various ranks.
The prisoners are being held on A-77, an Imperial detention center built into the remains of an asteroid mining facilitiy.
A Special Forces operator was recently captured and taken there – because of her, we learned A-77's location. You've worked with her before: Sergeant Jaxo.
Oh, right, the snarky one. Jaxo and I did two ops together.
Correct. Here is her message from A-77:



I've slipped out of my cell and hidden on the system deck, but there are more than three hundred other soldiers being held here.
Just forward the coordinates and I'll move out, General.





And that's Belsavis down! Just Voss and Corellia left to go. I'll try to knock each of them out in similar sizeable updates, and be perhaps a little more timely about it.

koolkevz666
Aug 22, 2015
Say what you want about how boring the Trooper Act 3 is, it does help to make you feel like you are contributing to the Republic War Effort without having to through some super powered enemy or doomsday threat that will end the Republic as you know it. The Trooper is doing what a Republic spec ops soldier should be doing, going into the most dangerous and vital areas and carrying out orders that regular soldiers can't do.

wedgekree
Feb 20, 2013
Yeah, the Trooper is seeming like a soldier - cleaning up peripheral battlefields to free up Republic tropos for more important ones and allowing the Republic to concentrate greater firepower on importnat battlefields and secure secondary sectors, and bring more elite units to bear. From a meta-strategic point of view it theoretically makes sense in a big war - whether it's done well and conceived and made fun as far as story goes is up in the air, particularly for the Trooper.

Glazius
Jul 22, 2007

Hail all those who are able,
any mouse can,
any mouse will,
but the Guard prevail.

Clapping Larry
Yeah, now that you mention it, going in and performing these kinds of en masse rescues that the Empire can't dedicate superpower to guard every one of (you'll note that this batch went chasing a Sith) is a pretty good role for somebody who's supposed to be rank and file.

PoptartsNinja
May 9, 2008

He is still almost definitely not a spy


Soiled Meat
I freely admit I hate the trooper (and the bounty hunter).

The Trooper I hate because the end of every mission needs you to travel back to Coruscant to talk to General Garza in person because she's too cheap to spring for an encrypted space phone. They don't fly Delta Force or the Navy Seals back to the Pentagon after every sortie, and I'm convinced it's just done so they can pan the camera over Garza's rear end a bit more.

The Bounty Hunter I hate because there're virtually no stakes. They just kinda mill about offing people for money until they attract the attention of someone powerful and get made into a minion. :shrug:

Dolash
Oct 23, 2008

aNYWAY,
tHAT'S REALLY ALL THERE IS,
tO REPORT ON THE SUBJECT,
oF ME GETTING HURT,


Honestly? From a game design standpoint the backtracking to Coruscant might be a bad choice, but I kind of like it anyway for giving at least some sense that you're connected to a military hierarchy and accountable to the brass and senate. If the Smuggler returned more regularly to Port Nowhere between missions to get into shenanigans it might've better grounded that they're a galactic criminal building a reputation, for example, and I'm half-convinced they originally meant the place to be some kind of base with more functionality before mostly scrapping the idea. The Trooper's trips to Coruscant could be miles better executed, like having actually interesting things take place there, maybe a regular cast and locations apart from Garza and her office, but well, :swtor:.

If I were doing Trooper from the start and had the fresh energy of someone starting an LP instead of wrapping one up, I'd have probably used Coruscant more as a set for meetings and character moments, maybe do more of the companion conversations in the Senate cantina. It's the capital of the Republic and the most visible symbol of what your character's fighting for as a soldier, it'd make sense to try and get players a little invested in it as a place worth defending as most MMOs try to do with their faction towns, but since basically every player function is attached to their faction's space station instead the actual planets are deserted. Sort of shot themselves in the foot with those, I think.

PoptartsNinja
May 9, 2008

He is still almost definitely not a spy


Soiled Meat
I despise the 'usual suspect' MMO timesinks like backtracking, waiting around for timed boats or elevators, and excessive travel time because they exist almost exclusively to pad play time for the sake of putting a slightly bigger "hours of gameplay" number on the box. That's not to say I want to be fighting or having story time constantly (I'm not a fan of trash mobs or the "three minions = 1 player" rule either), I just believe that timesinks are no substitute for actual gameplay. You can have meaningful exploration in an MMO, and if exploring is fun people will waste their own time doing it. Coruscant should have been a really neat planet to visit, and using it sparingly could have made it feel more important.

Instead it felt like you were stopping in after every single planet you visited, and Garza's office is practically the farthest one from the senate's front door (Why does she even have an office in the senate building? Convenience? Doesn't the Republic have a military HQ? No wonder the Sith attack on Coruscant was so devastating last time). Visiting Coruscant over and over doesn't add a sense of scale, it makes the galaxy seem smaller. You're on Tattoine one minute, and two minutes after that you're on the Republic capitol only to be sent back to Tattooine immediately because Garza forgot the keys to her defecting Imperial spy there. Everything about the way TOR handles Coruscant just emphasizes how empty and lifeless Coruscant is. It would have been better not to either not include Coruscant at all or to use it once in a really important scene and have everything else happen at a dirty and worn-down field HQ / onboard Garza's personal weird Republic battleship, or somewhere else where you can land, talk to Garza by the landing pad / in the hangar, and leave.

Coruscant is an irritating, badly designed, empty, and surprisingly small zone designed to waste the maximum amount of player time whenever you visit. All a trip to Coruscant does is add roughly four minutes (not counting loading screens (I've timed it because it mildly irritated me just enough to make me do so out of spite)) of pointless travel time running from your landing pad to Garza's office and back. The Trooper visits Coruscant something like six or seven times over the course of the main story, which amounts to a little less than half-an-hour of running from your ship, past the speeder bike hub, to and through the senate building, and back.

I don't like the Republic classes in general (there's too much backtracking across the board) but the Trooper basically turns everything I hate about TOR's MMO mechanics and cranks them up to 11.


End rant. It's OK to like the Trooper, it's OK to like the Trooper's story, my hatred of them isn't story related.

TL;DR MMOs are bad games with few redeeming features. I have probably been playing this one for too long (expect a KotFE update tomorrow).

LifeofaGuardian
Oct 26, 2013

Every part of every human being-even their ugly sides-is beautiful. There is no limit to beauty.

PoptartsNinja posted:

Coruscant is an irritating, badly designed, empty, and surprisingly small zone designed to waste the maximum amount of player time whenever you visit. All a trip to Coruscant does is add roughly four minutes (not counting loading screens (I've timed it because it mildly irritated me just enough to make me do so out of spite) of pointless travel time running from your landing pad to Garza's office the senate and back.

I agree that this is a massive problem, and it's honestly turned Coruscant in my least favorite planet in the game. Well, this and the fact that every area is basically the exact same. The only thing I feel that changes are the names above the enemies, for the rest it's just "generic city". Nar Shaddaa has a similar problem but at least it had colours other than "grey and greyish blue".
The only areas that are memorable are the Works, which is just plain annoying, and the Jedi Temple which half of the classes don't even have an incentive to visit. There's also the part where it's the second planet in the story, which means newcoming Republic players have this as the first impression that isn't a tutorial level. And it's followed by Taris, another awful planet. It's almost like they're trying to discourage Republic players from playing.
At least Alderaan and Voss had an appealing aesthetic and Voss was fairly inoffensive if you just ignored the latter half of the planetary quest (and have no strong feelings about the Voss themselves).
Hell, I'll go further and say that I consider Taris less infuriating than Coruscant because once you're done with it you rarely have to come back to it, and if you do you generally either have to be somewhere close to the landing pod or go through the swamp, which at least has some combat if you get bored. All you do when returning to Coruscant is travel from Spaceport to cutscene, which is about 5 minutes of driving your speeder if you Quicktravel to get to the senate tower itself.

M_Sinistrari
Sep 5, 2008

Do you like scary movies?



Dolash posted:


Wait, seriously?

That wasn't just a bonus quest?

Goddamnit.


Wait...there was actually a difference whether something was done or not? Though, now that does explain why there's a reset button.

koolkevz666
Aug 22, 2015
This is probably because of the fact I love the Star wars setting and because my only other MMO games were Guild wars and WoW but fighting groups of three or more soldiers and sometimes elite or slightly less than elite enemies was amazing and then continued to be cool.

To put things in perspective:

SWTOR - A usual fight is three normal goons plus or minus one silver or elite, sometimes a mix of the later or one single.

WoW/Guild wars - A usual fight was a one on one fight with a single mob maybe one or two more if you aggroed them by mistake.

SWTOR at least makes me feel like I am more powerful than the usual NPC and that I am something more than a lone soldier/hero whatever. The later two would quite often make you feel like a regular guy/girl with some abilities and who would be nothing special without their armour/equipment.

And as easy as the fights can be/are in this game at least you aren't having to spend twenty to thirty seconds after EVERY fight to sit on the floor and munch on a leg of chicken to recover your health. Said food which you had to buy and keep in your bags using inventory space.

Admittedly the systems have got better and many classes have healing abilities now or have healing built into their attacks but these honestly didn't appear until SWTOR came out.

Dolash
Oct 23, 2008

aNYWAY,
tHAT'S REALLY ALL THERE IS,
tO REPORT ON THE SUBJECT,
oF ME GETTING HURT,


M_Sinistrari posted:

Wait...there was actually a difference whether something was done or not? Though, now that does explain why there's a reset button.

Yeah, one of just a tiny handful of times in the whole game I can recall that being the case. Usually in those rare cases they make an effort to signal that yes, this is a real side-objective and not just a quick XP boost for killing ten wandering enemies, but as you can see sometimes it doesn't work out that way. Turning the cameras in the prison back on for Kal didn't matter, for example.

PoptartsNinja
May 9, 2008

He is still almost definitely not a spy


Soiled Meat
The three mobs = 1 player rule was also done by City of Heroes, so this is not a unique thing TOR has done. City of Heroes also did it better, where TOR has never been shy about copying what other games have done without any real thought into making their fights or content fun or challenging.

In the end City of Heroes gave the players an option that let them crank things up so that a single person counted as an eight man team in terms of how many minions and etc. spawned, allowing players to control how difficult their fights were based on their own tastes and how tough they actually were. It was a good mechanic that other MMOs should have emulated but none ever have.

TOR does the opposite. Those three man packs of trash minions will always be three-man packs of trash minions even if you're on a four man team.

koolkevz666
Aug 22, 2015

PoptartsNinja posted:

The three mobs = 1 player rule was also done by City of Heroes, so this is not a unique thing TOR has done. City of Heroes also did it better, where TOR has never been shy about copying what other games have done without any real thought into making their fights or content fun or challenging.

In the end City of Heroes gave the players an option that let them crank things up so that a single person counted as an eight man team in terms of how many minions and etc. spawned, allowing players to control how difficult their fights were based on their own tastes and how tough they actually were. It was a good mechanic that other MMOs should have emulated but none ever have.

TOR does the opposite. Those three man packs of trash minions will always be three-man packs of trash minions even if you're on a four man team.

Ah that is a cool mechanic for City of Heroes and it makes me even more sad that it closed before I ever got a chance to play on it.

PoptartsNinja
May 9, 2008

He is still almost definitely not a spy


Soiled Meat


Knights of the Fallen Empire Update 8: The Swamp is a Metaphor



Click for Video





Couldn’t, by order of Emperor Arcann, fire extinguishers are contraband.
Let me guess, they’re a “Robusting hazard?”


Great idea, Koth! Put the injured man at the controls of--






You didn’t even own this one. It really shouldn’t count.
It was mine when it crashed, it counts.
Do we know anything about this swamp?
Not much to it. Barely populated, some old ruins scattered around, the usual grumpy wildlife you’d expect. People call it the Endless Swamp.
Endless?
It’s an old name. People were more dramatic back then.


Whatever it is, it’s got better chances of flying than this thing. Engine’s fried to a crisp.
Skytroopers won’t be far behind us. We need to hide the evidence of our landing.
I’ll scavenge, you bury?
Just like Arron Prime.

Not a bad thought--I’ll see what I can do.
I know you have more questions than answers, but we should really keep moving. I promise, I’ll tell you everything I can as soon as we’re safe.
Safety is an illusion.
Enthusiasm: Shall we investigate the technological object? I believe I can guide us to its location.
Very well.






Click for Video




“Master”?
Clarification: Master Beniko altered my programming before we secured your release.
I am to serve you with the same unexcelled loyalty with which I serve her; in fact, your survival is now my highest priority.
Escaping that prison was only my latest misadventure. You’ll have your work cut out for you.
Flattery: The skills you have demonstrated thus far, coupled with the stories told by Master Beniko, suggest you are quite adept at ensuring your own survival.
I know how to switch my companions to healing spec, yes.
Enthusiasm: I look forward to eliminating any opponent foolish enough to attempt your murder regardless!

Is this the object you picked up on your sensors?
Confirmation: Yes, master. A closer scan suggests that this object has been here for several centuries.




Where did you idiots come from?
Observation: Visible design elements do not match any from Zakuulan culture, antique or modern.
Not from Zakuul… could it be?

He doesn’t overthink things.
Haha! Do you have any idea what this is?
Observation: This is an excellent opportunity for a “Your Female Parental Unit” joke.

This is the Gravestone!
Yours or mine?
This was the only ship that ever went up against the Eternal Fleet and won. Do you have any idea how long people have been looking for this thing?
Ever since it crashed unceremoniously in the Eternal Swamp?
And we just happened to stumble upon it?
You said this ship went against the Eternal Fleet and won. But it’s rusting in a swamp while the Fleet is still around.
The fleet is even older than Valkorion, maybe even older than Zakuul. The battles happened centuries ago, nobody knows the details of the whole war.
But every story talks about the Gravestone: one ship with the firepower to take on the Eternal Fleet… this is fate.

It’s certainly no coincidence… but destiny? I think there’s something else going on here.
I’m with Lana. Destiny is a bedtime story.
Believe what you want; I’ll take what fate sends my way.
Let’s have a look inside, huh?
Assessment: Nearby signs of animal activity suggest local predators may be using this wreck as a nesting ground. Caution is advised.
We’ll split up, deal with any wildlife, then regroup to plan our next move.
I’ve worked with everyone but Koth, so I guess that means you’re up.




PTN’s note: How does Arcann put his shirt on under his robot shoulder pad?

And if they didn’t make a safe landing?
We’ll know soon enough. Skytroopers: sweep the area. Focus on regions with high metallic sensor readings.














Right. It’s amazing that it’s in such good condition, considering.
Judging by the damage I’ve seen, the stories are true: whoever built the Gravestone scuttled it themselves after the Eternal Fleet was defeated. It wasn’t shot down.
The Fleet was defeated, but not destroyed--Valkorion brought it back, under his own control, more than a century ago.
Exactly. The Eternal Fleet is totally automated--nobody knows who first built it, and every theory is crazier than the last.
The Katana Fleet?
The what?
Nevermind, I think I know how this story goes. I’ve stopped paying attention.



If Valkorion has had this unstoppable fleet for more than a century, why didn’t he use it to help the Sith Empire defeat the Republic?
We can only theorize. If the war was just part of a ritual to make the Emperor truly immortal, perhaps using the Fleet would have interfered somehow.
The writers hadn’t thought of it yet, got it.
Regardless, we have many other things to discuss. I owe you five years’ worth of explanations.
And I’m going to need some parts to get this thing moving again.
Locating supplies and fresh water would also be wise.
Walk and talk. I’ll help you find what we need, Lana.
Very well.
Assertion: I will begin a patrol pattern to ensure that no enemy forces report our position.

MightyPretenders
Feb 21, 2014

Finding an ancient supership would be more impressive if ship-to-ship combat wasn't relegated to minigame modes. Still cool, though.

Dolash
Oct 23, 2008

aNYWAY,
tHAT'S REALLY ALL THERE IS,
tO REPORT ON THE SUBJECT,
oF ME GETTING HURT,


Nothing does more to undermine the threat the Knights of Zakuul are supposed to represent than by constantly making them the sympathetic random victims of the Royal Idiot Twins. How many Force sensitives can one planet have to staff an entire Order able to go toe to toe with Jedi and Sith if their leaders keep throwing them off bridges for fun?

EponymousMrYar
Jan 4, 2015

The enemy of my enemy is my enemy.

PoptartsNinja posted:

The Katana Fleet?

:allears:

I knew this sounded familiar!

Siegkrow
Oct 11, 2013

Arguing about Lore for 5 years and counting



PoptartsNinja posted:

I freely admit I hate the trooper (and the bounty hunter).

The Trooper I hate because the end of every mission needs you to travel back to Coruscant to talk to General Garza in person because she's too cheap to spring for an encrypted space phone. They don't fly Delta Force or the Navy Seals back to the Pentagon after every sortie, and I'm convinced it's just done so they can pan the camera over Garza's rear end a bit more.

The Bounty Hunter I hate because there're virtually no stakes. They just kinda mill about offing people for money until they attract the attention of someone powerful and get made into a minion. :shrug:

Ahh yes, that old classic, the camera slowly panning over garza's rear end like she was Miranda from ME2.

:shepicide:

Cythereal
Nov 8, 2009

I love the potoo,
and the potoo loves you.

PoptartsNinja posted:

The Bounty Hunter I hate because there're virtually no stakes. They just kinda mill about offing people for money until they attract the attention of someone powerful and get made into a minion. :shrug:

Personally, this is one of the things I enjoy most about the Bounty Hunter. For the most part it tries to tell a different kind of story, and I appreciate it. Stories don't need to be galaxy-changing events all the time or enormous dire threats, and I find Act 1 for the Bounty Hunter to be one of my favorite story arcs in the entire game. It's a simple, personal story about you and Mako, the Great Hunt, and Tarro Blood as the smarmy villain you love to hate who gets an extremely cathartic comeuppance. You don't affect the state of the galaxy, no, but I think the story is better for it.

I feel that the quality of writing in general in TOR declines the further into the game you get, between class story arcs, planetary stories, and especially DLC/expansions, but the Bounty Hunter has in my opinion the steepest decline.

GuyUpNorth
Apr 29, 2014

Witty phrases on random basis

Cythereal posted:

Personally, this is one of the things I enjoy most about the Bounty Hunter Smuggler. For the most part it tries to tell a different kind of story, and I appreciate it. Stories don't need to be galaxy-changing events all the time or enormous dire threats, and I find Act 1 for the Bounty Hunter to be one of my favorite story arcs in the entire game. It's a simple, personal story about you and Mako Risha, the Great Hunt treasure hunt, and Tarro Blood Skavak as the smarmy villain you love to hate who gets an extremely cathartic comeuppance. You don't affect the state of the galaxy, no, but I think the story is better for it.

I feel that the quality of writing in general in TOR declines the further into the game you get, between class story arcs, planetary stories, and especially DLC/expansions, but the Bounty Hunter has in my opinion the steepest decline.

Quote of truth, though Smuggler doesn't decline at the same rate and Act 3 captures some of the charm when it comes to personal motivations. Sadly expansions happen and Port Nowhere goes from "let's fix this up" to "what were you talking about".

M_Sinistrari
Sep 5, 2008

Do you like scary movies?



I have to agree with the different tone for the Bounty Hunter story working well for the class. It starts off simple/low key, ramps up to the Hunter stomping with the big dogs, then it gets Personal. The Smuggler story, Chapter 2 felt awkward. Maybe it would be different if I played a rah-rah type patriot like Quinine did in the Let's Play, but as an up and coming crime boss it felt too "But Thou Must". It would've flowed better for my playthroughs to have told the Republic to stick it and gone after the assorted goals on the planets on my own for crime organization building.

Cythereal
Nov 8, 2009

I love the potoo,
and the potoo loves you.
Part of the issue, I think, is that a lot of TOR players including myself have and do play other Bioware games, like the Mass Effect and Dragon Age series. The further you get in TOR, the more every story becomes Epic and High Stakes. In my opinion, at least, Bioware's never been particularly good at writing that kind of feeling and tension for more than short arcs, and between seemingly every story arc from Act 3 onwards being about The Fate Of The Planet/Galaxy/Order and sheer overexposure to Bioware writing, it all becomes very trite and ho-hum. Character-based personal stories fall by the wayside because of the need to accommodate all the different classes and alignments, and only on Rishi does Bioware make any effort to dial things back down and take a breather.

On a different note, if you romanced a companion in the base game, around this point in KOTFE you receive a letter that they sent sometime in the interim, and some of them are interesting. Here's one the LP won't see, Mako's:

quote:

Subject: Closing Shop

People in our line of work never seem to retire. We all talk about it. Everyone plans to get so rich they can afford to buy themselves a nice little tropical planetoid in some remote system way off the main hyperlanes. That's the dream, right? Sit around drinking on a beach and enjoying old age? But I keep noticing how nobody actually does it.

Braden? Dead. Crysta? Dead. Most of the Great Hunt contestants from the last ten years? Three guesses what happebed to them, and the first two don't count. Now you're on that same terrible list because you couldn't resist going after the scariest boogeyman the galaxy's ever seen. Who could've predicted that would turn out badly? Oh, wait--it was ME.

Not sure why I'm even writing this. Closure? Just to say "I told you so"? It dosen't matter. The Galaxy's falling apart, and I don't need a front-row seat. I'm done with the buisness. All it's ever done is take away the people I cared about

Cythereal fucked around with this message at 02:12 on Feb 9, 2017

Alavaria
Apr 3, 2009
And after all that work getting paid too.

Perhaps a ticket on that yacht 10-year cruise out to nowhere.

M_Sinistrari
Sep 5, 2008

Do you like scary movies?



Cythereal posted:


On a different note, if you romanced a companion in the base game, around this point in KOTFE you receive a letter that they sent sometime in the interim, and some of them are interesting. Here's one the LP won't see, Mako's:

Some of the romanced letters are particularly well done. Perhaps with permission or after we hit that point in the Let's Play we can post the rest?

PoptartsNinja
May 9, 2008

He is still almost definitely not a spy


Soiled Meat

M_Sinistrari posted:

Some of the romanced letters are particularly well done. Perhaps with permission or after we hit that point in the Let's Play we can post the rest?

I'd be ok with that, I'm not exactly in a position to show most of them off.

Glazius
Jul 22, 2007

Hail all those who are able,
any mouse can,
any mouse will,
but the Guard prevail.

Clapping Larry
The "pet cat" theory is gaining more and more traction.

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TheGreatEvilKing
Mar 28, 2016





Am I the only one who finds the idea of one supership that can blow up an entire fleet but crash-landed on a planet super stupid? What exactly is this thing going to do?

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