Post by biggydx on Dec 14, 2020 18:20:31 GMT
So with the new trailer, there are some things that can either be implied or speculated upon. Much of these can be built on what we already know based on the final world state of the original trilogy. I'd figure I'd put this thread together so maybe we could collect our thoughts on what tones, concepts, plot points, and themes might be present in the next installment. I want to put my own input out there to get things rolling, and I'll try to touch on big/small picture items; but not the minutia (ex. Aria's gonna do 'X').
The Milky Way
While it isn't clear what the definitive world state is when it comes to the ending of ME3, based on the new trailer it seems as though BioWare has canonized the Destroy ending of ME3; a choice that was the most common one chosen by players. Regardless of this, there are major and minor plot points that we are aware of that could serve as significant gamechangers in the ongoing history of the Milky Way species; post-ME3.
Major Points
- The Reaper war has not only devastated inhabited planets of all intelligent species, but also their respective infrastructure, cultural artifacts, economies, and military forces. There's some good chance that a few species we used to see in MET may no longer be around. As an example, the Elcor ambassador in ME3 (assuming you did their sidequest) mentions that although Shepards actions helped save some of the populace on Dekuuna, the ambassador somberly replies that it was, "not enough". This suggests that the species is likely facing extinction at the end of ME3.
- The firing of the Crucible, and the ensuing destruction of the Mass Effect relays, has severally hampered interstellar travel. Given these relays could allow the crossing of the Milky Way (a celestial body hundreds of thousands of light years long) within the span of a few hours/days, losing this technology may have effectively cut off all contact and goods transport across the galaxy. Peoples and space-fairing ships are likely stranded, and planets with individuals in need of resources after the Reaper conflict are probably facing dire straits; or worse.
- The destruction of the relays means that there's likely a loss in information sharing. This could translate into stagnation of scientific advancement, if not outright regression - technologically - for certain species. With that said, I can see a major scientific initiative being undertaken in order to (1) rebuild the relays, (2) construct new relays, or (3) develop new FTL technology that makes it unnecessary for new relays. Based on concept art of Milky Way species developing what appeared to be a Mass Relay (in the 25 Years of BioWare book), option 2 seems to be the most likely action.
The Milky Way Races
Since we don't know how, or even if, our choices from the previous game will be imparted over, there's no real canon idea behind how each of the conflicts/dilemmas facing each species has been resolved. There could be some chance of BioWare canonizing aggregate player choices in this matter.
Major Points
- Based on the Mass Effect 3 infographic, 37% of players saved the Geth, with 36% of players saving both species.Given that the Crucible is supposed to destroy all synthetic life in the galaxy, the chances of the Geth returning in some fashion is in question. It may be that the Geth were able to impart some information to the Quarians (like how to improve their suits) before their destruction, but that's yet to be seen. The Quarians may even try to revive the Geth through some other means, though with more care being taken to treat them as equals.
- Should information be made public about The Citadel Council knowing about the Reaper Invasion, as well as them being informed about the threat by Shepard nearly three years in advance, there's a strong possibility of backlash across the entire Galaxy about their mishandling of this event. Species whom only had marginal - or no - political influence may seek to capitalize on this upheaval in order to supplant themselves in higher positions of power. At its worse, this could lead to significant racial tensions towards the Asari, Turians, and Salarians.
Minor Points
- Shepard's actions during the events prior, and leading up to, the final moments of the Reaper invasion will likely have reverberations across the Galaxy. Many will likely come to revere him, or - for those who are more spiritual - may come to worship him. His influence in uniting the galaxies species together to fight against the Reapers will be a testament of what it means to be both a soldier and a leader.
- Humanity is probably pretty in dire straits after the Reaper War. Given that our colonization efforts were still in their infancy since the activation of the Charon relay, on top of the Collector raids on Human settlements, there's some chance we'd be the ones receiving aid in the immediate. Humanities main resource hub, security force, and remaining foothold, has likely been reduced to Earth; with other remaining populations being on the Citadel. All that being said, other races are more likely to want to help us out in the onset given our leading role in turning the tide against the Reapers; especially with the action of Shepard at our back.
After what ensued on Earth, following the Reaper invasion, there's a pretty strong chance that Humanity will be the Asari's biggest competitor for leader of the Citadel Council, as well as leaders for the Galaxy as a whole. Shepard's actions will likely serve as a strong argument for Humanities forethought and judgement, as well as its ability to lead against major threats. This would probably be a pretty compelling argument for many species in the Milky Way to have Humanity supersede the Asari, if not stand as the sole leader of the Citadel Council. It might piss off some Turians, but I could see tensions between the two races lessening after the Reaper War. Overall, I think Humanity would see significantly more deference from other Milky Way races following ME3.
I don't think we'd solely be the good guys in this though. There's a pretty good chance Humanity will try to milk the legacy of Shepard at every turn they get; to gain an advantage. Most notably - in my mind - would be the bolstering of military servicemen in The Alliance. In addition, Humanity may try to have the N7 program serve as the face of a multi-racial military force, as by the end of ME3, multiple races were being recruited into the program. This program would act as a symbol of Humanities efforts in working with other species, and could further bolster their ability to leverage resources from other species (i.e. Give us 'X', and we'll provide security for you).
- With the revelation of the Asari not only knowing about the Protheans (being their own creations), but also having sole access to highly advanced technology they kept secret from all other races, there's likely to be calls for them to step down from the Citadel Council for a number of (speculative) reasons:
It should be noted that just because a hand-full of Asari knew about the Protheans and the VI, does not mean that all of them did. Given this information, as well as us knowing that the Protheans had a hand in shaping the Asari to be leaders of the galaxy, there's a good chance that a new religion will spring up from this. Delusions of Grandeur and calls of godhood are sure to lead to fanatical sects within the Asari populace, and could even be bolstered by small segments of other species revering them even more dearly. Given the Asari's knowledge of the Prothean VI, they may try to leverage its information for continued standing in The Council. Such information could help in the rebuilding efforts for the Milky Way galaxies Mass Relays, so it would serve as a pretty strong negotiating point in talks with other species.
- Turians are a pretty hardy race in their own right, and given their military prowess there's some chance they end up becoming the Galaxies primary police force. This could end up leading to situations of Martial Law being enacted in areas where they have a clear and dominate presence. Some species will tolerate it, as the efforts of the Turians might help in facilitating civil peace and lead to timely resource acquisition. Others, however, are sure to find it invasive and unwarranted. C-Sec could be the seed to which this Galactic force sprouts out of, as the Turians are largely its biggest managers.
- Salarians will likely be at the forefront of studying the remnants of the Reaper artifacts/ships, as well as leading technological efforts for rebuilding the Mass Relays. Apart from that, if its ever revealed that the Dalatrass wanted the Krogan to continue suffering from the genophage, that would serve as a huge pain-point in future interactions between the Krogan and Salarians. Still, there's a high likelihood that relations will improve if BioWare decides to canonize the curing of the genophage. The earlier mentioned infographic showed that a vast majority of players did not shoot Mordin (only 3%). Outside of that, I can't really speculate much else.
- Krogans will without a doubt get some degree of veneration for their help in the Reaper conflict. Though interstellar travel might be hampered, they may be called upon by The Council to serve as a insurgent police force for the Galaxy; maybe alongside Turians. This could pose as a problem for Turians with long-standing grudges against the group. Some Krogans might use this to their advantage, and argue that they deserve better standing as a Milky Way species (including resource-based privilege's). Others in the species may argue against such actions, and try to persuade their kind that now is a time for them to turn to a new path and gain the favor of the other Milky Way races through good deeds. The effort could be an effort led by Wrex or Grunt.
- Quarians being an already nomadic and salvage-heavy species may become more pivotal to rebuilding efforts in the Milky Way than any other species. They're ability to find various technology (a practice already common to their culture), as well as being able to extract alot from very little, means they'll likely serve as a more vocal species in matters related to resource gathering and transport. They could also have a greater say in scientific advancements/sustainment, as they may be able to provide less orthodox methods of achieving a more strenuous goal.
- There's not much I can speculate on when it comes to the other races. The Drell were already a species facing extinction, and its likely this situation has worsened due to Reaper War. The Volus might use their economic power to influence various trade deals in their favor, in order to gain preference in rebuilding their own planets and territories. Vorcha are Vorcha. The Hannar may not have suffered that much given their aquatic background and them leaving much of their fighting to VI's. Some Batarians will probably try to exploit the state of the Galaxy to their own benefit or to enact vengeance, especially after the destruction of one of their major systems.
These are some of the major themes and plot points I could come up with off the top of my head. I know I'm also leaving out the Andromeda galaxy in all this, which there's some chance (based on Mike Gambles twitter comment) there will still be an influence from. If any of you guys have any ideas of your own, feel free to share.
The Milky Way
While it isn't clear what the definitive world state is when it comes to the ending of ME3, based on the new trailer it seems as though BioWare has canonized the Destroy ending of ME3; a choice that was the most common one chosen by players. Regardless of this, there are major and minor plot points that we are aware of that could serve as significant gamechangers in the ongoing history of the Milky Way species; post-ME3.
Major Points
- The Reaper war has not only devastated inhabited planets of all intelligent species, but also their respective infrastructure, cultural artifacts, economies, and military forces. There's some good chance that a few species we used to see in MET may no longer be around. As an example, the Elcor ambassador in ME3 (assuming you did their sidequest) mentions that although Shepards actions helped save some of the populace on Dekuuna, the ambassador somberly replies that it was, "not enough". This suggests that the species is likely facing extinction at the end of ME3.
- The firing of the Crucible, and the ensuing destruction of the Mass Effect relays, has severally hampered interstellar travel. Given these relays could allow the crossing of the Milky Way (a celestial body hundreds of thousands of light years long) within the span of a few hours/days, losing this technology may have effectively cut off all contact and goods transport across the galaxy. Peoples and space-fairing ships are likely stranded, and planets with individuals in need of resources after the Reaper conflict are probably facing dire straits; or worse.
- The destruction of the relays means that there's likely a loss in information sharing. This could translate into stagnation of scientific advancement, if not outright regression - technologically - for certain species. With that said, I can see a major scientific initiative being undertaken in order to (1) rebuild the relays, (2) construct new relays, or (3) develop new FTL technology that makes it unnecessary for new relays. Based on concept art of Milky Way species developing what appeared to be a Mass Relay (in the 25 Years of BioWare book), option 2 seems to be the most likely action.
The Milky Way Races
Since we don't know how, or even if, our choices from the previous game will be imparted over, there's no real canon idea behind how each of the conflicts/dilemmas facing each species has been resolved. There could be some chance of BioWare canonizing aggregate player choices in this matter.
Major Points
- Based on the Mass Effect 3 infographic, 37% of players saved the Geth, with 36% of players saving both species.Given that the Crucible is supposed to destroy all synthetic life in the galaxy, the chances of the Geth returning in some fashion is in question. It may be that the Geth were able to impart some information to the Quarians (like how to improve their suits) before their destruction, but that's yet to be seen. The Quarians may even try to revive the Geth through some other means, though with more care being taken to treat them as equals.
- Should information be made public about The Citadel Council knowing about the Reaper Invasion, as well as them being informed about the threat by Shepard nearly three years in advance, there's a strong possibility of backlash across the entire Galaxy about their mishandling of this event. Species whom only had marginal - or no - political influence may seek to capitalize on this upheaval in order to supplant themselves in higher positions of power. At its worse, this could lead to significant racial tensions towards the Asari, Turians, and Salarians.
Minor Points
- Shepard's actions during the events prior, and leading up to, the final moments of the Reaper invasion will likely have reverberations across the Galaxy. Many will likely come to revere him, or - for those who are more spiritual - may come to worship him. His influence in uniting the galaxies species together to fight against the Reapers will be a testament of what it means to be both a soldier and a leader.
- Humanity is probably pretty in dire straits after the Reaper War. Given that our colonization efforts were still in their infancy since the activation of the Charon relay, on top of the Collector raids on Human settlements, there's some chance we'd be the ones receiving aid in the immediate. Humanities main resource hub, security force, and remaining foothold, has likely been reduced to Earth; with other remaining populations being on the Citadel. All that being said, other races are more likely to want to help us out in the onset given our leading role in turning the tide against the Reapers; especially with the action of Shepard at our back.
After what ensued on Earth, following the Reaper invasion, there's a pretty strong chance that Humanity will be the Asari's biggest competitor for leader of the Citadel Council, as well as leaders for the Galaxy as a whole. Shepard's actions will likely serve as a strong argument for Humanities forethought and judgement, as well as its ability to lead against major threats. This would probably be a pretty compelling argument for many species in the Milky Way to have Humanity supersede the Asari, if not stand as the sole leader of the Citadel Council. It might piss off some Turians, but I could see tensions between the two races lessening after the Reaper War. Overall, I think Humanity would see significantly more deference from other Milky Way races following ME3.
I don't think we'd solely be the good guys in this though. There's a pretty good chance Humanity will try to milk the legacy of Shepard at every turn they get; to gain an advantage. Most notably - in my mind - would be the bolstering of military servicemen in The Alliance. In addition, Humanity may try to have the N7 program serve as the face of a multi-racial military force, as by the end of ME3, multiple races were being recruited into the program. This program would act as a symbol of Humanities efforts in working with other species, and could further bolster their ability to leverage resources from other species (i.e. Give us 'X', and we'll provide security for you).
- With the revelation of the Asari not only knowing about the Protheans (being their own creations), but also having sole access to highly advanced technology they kept secret from all other races, there's likely to be calls for them to step down from the Citadel Council for a number of (speculative) reasons:
- Some species will interpret their "leadership" as merely being gifted to them by a more powerful species, and not one of their own doing.
- The hiding of technology may have led to the Milky Way species - as a whole - being less technologically prepared for the Reapers.
- The hiding of the Protheans interactions with their species may have prevented other species from potentially discovering evidence of the Reapers. The logic behind this is that a scientific community (at large) could have investigated the Prothean VI with unique methodologies unused by the Asari. This in turn could have led to the revelations about the Reapers.
It should be noted that just because a hand-full of Asari knew about the Protheans and the VI, does not mean that all of them did. Given this information, as well as us knowing that the Protheans had a hand in shaping the Asari to be leaders of the galaxy, there's a good chance that a new religion will spring up from this. Delusions of Grandeur and calls of godhood are sure to lead to fanatical sects within the Asari populace, and could even be bolstered by small segments of other species revering them even more dearly. Given the Asari's knowledge of the Prothean VI, they may try to leverage its information for continued standing in The Council. Such information could help in the rebuilding efforts for the Milky Way galaxies Mass Relays, so it would serve as a pretty strong negotiating point in talks with other species.
- Turians are a pretty hardy race in their own right, and given their military prowess there's some chance they end up becoming the Galaxies primary police force. This could end up leading to situations of Martial Law being enacted in areas where they have a clear and dominate presence. Some species will tolerate it, as the efforts of the Turians might help in facilitating civil peace and lead to timely resource acquisition. Others, however, are sure to find it invasive and unwarranted. C-Sec could be the seed to which this Galactic force sprouts out of, as the Turians are largely its biggest managers.
- Salarians will likely be at the forefront of studying the remnants of the Reaper artifacts/ships, as well as leading technological efforts for rebuilding the Mass Relays. Apart from that, if its ever revealed that the Dalatrass wanted the Krogan to continue suffering from the genophage, that would serve as a huge pain-point in future interactions between the Krogan and Salarians. Still, there's a high likelihood that relations will improve if BioWare decides to canonize the curing of the genophage. The earlier mentioned infographic showed that a vast majority of players did not shoot Mordin (only 3%). Outside of that, I can't really speculate much else.
- Krogans will without a doubt get some degree of veneration for their help in the Reaper conflict. Though interstellar travel might be hampered, they may be called upon by The Council to serve as a insurgent police force for the Galaxy; maybe alongside Turians. This could pose as a problem for Turians with long-standing grudges against the group. Some Krogans might use this to their advantage, and argue that they deserve better standing as a Milky Way species (including resource-based privilege's). Others in the species may argue against such actions, and try to persuade their kind that now is a time for them to turn to a new path and gain the favor of the other Milky Way races through good deeds. The effort could be an effort led by Wrex or Grunt.
- Quarians being an already nomadic and salvage-heavy species may become more pivotal to rebuilding efforts in the Milky Way than any other species. They're ability to find various technology (a practice already common to their culture), as well as being able to extract alot from very little, means they'll likely serve as a more vocal species in matters related to resource gathering and transport. They could also have a greater say in scientific advancements/sustainment, as they may be able to provide less orthodox methods of achieving a more strenuous goal.
- There's not much I can speculate on when it comes to the other races. The Drell were already a species facing extinction, and its likely this situation has worsened due to Reaper War. The Volus might use their economic power to influence various trade deals in their favor, in order to gain preference in rebuilding their own planets and territories. Vorcha are Vorcha. The Hannar may not have suffered that much given their aquatic background and them leaving much of their fighting to VI's. Some Batarians will probably try to exploit the state of the Galaxy to their own benefit or to enact vengeance, especially after the destruction of one of their major systems.
These are some of the major themes and plot points I could come up with off the top of my head. I know I'm also leaving out the Andromeda galaxy in all this, which there's some chance (based on Mike Gambles twitter comment) there will still be an influence from. If any of you guys have any ideas of your own, feel free to share.