dmc1001
N7
Biotic Booty
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Post by dmc1001 on Sept 13, 2022 17:55:28 GMT
I feel like this was discussed in the past but I don't remember when. Probably years ago.
What's the explanation that an Engineer or Infiltrator Shepard has biotics? I've just headcanoned that Shepard was essentially an untagged biotic whose powers didn't manifest until joining the Alliance. I also assume he/she lacks an implant and is sufficiently powerful to use minimal biotic power. This is in line with a biotic Shepard being able to take down absolutely any other biotic he/she comes across.
Thoughts?
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Post by RedCaesar97 on Sept 13, 2022 20:56:23 GMT
I feel like there are two separate questions here. What's the explanation that an Engineer or Infiltrator Shepard has biotics? Whatever explanation you want. Engineer/Infiltrator with a biotic power is essentially a Sentinel that specialized in tech. But you can headcannon whatever you want. It is more about gameplay options at that point. While this is not technically a question, it does come across as "How can a non-biotic Shepard take down any biotic enemy? Answer: because anyone can take down a biotic if you have the tech or guns to do it. Lore-wise, trained biotics can do something like 2-3 big displays of biotics before they are too tired to perform a biotic feat. What does that actually mean? I guess it depends on your definition of "big display" as gameplay-wise Shepard and allies can perform all sorts of biotic feats without much trouble. And in reality, it does not matter how good of a biotic you are, enough bullets will penetrate any shields, armor, and/or barrier you have, or good tech can disable or debuff you as well. |
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dmc1001
N7
Biotic Booty
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Post by dmc1001 on Sept 13, 2022 21:53:43 GMT
Whatever explanation you want. Engineer/Infiltrator with a biotic power is essentially a Sentinel that specialized in tech. But you can headcannon whatever you want. It is more about gameplay options at that point. I was discussing this all from an in-story perspective. As you say, we can make it whatever we want, just as our Shepards are whatever we want. I was just curious if their was any kind of explanation. Yours about the Sentinel who specializes in tech sounds like a good one. |
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Post by sageoflife on Sept 15, 2022 5:40:19 GMT
Word of God explanation for Shepard's biotic powers is that they were exposed in-utero but did not initially manifest, which is why they were not at BAaT, then was exposed a second time during their teen years.
While we can probably assume that Shepard with a biotic bonus power has an implant, since that is required for non-asari to use their powers at a practical level, they do not use a biotic amplifier like a specialist does.
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dmc1001
N7
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Post by dmc1001 on Sept 15, 2022 14:52:25 GMT
Word of God explanation for Shepard's biotic powers is that they were exposed in-utero but did not initially manifest, which is why they were not at BAaT, then was exposed a second time during their teen years. While we can probably assume that Shepard with a biotic bonus power has an implant, since that is required for non-asari to use their powers at a practical level, they do not use a biotic amplifier like a specialist does. I knew about the secondary exposure for Shepard, but that assumption only pertained to the biotic classes rather than soldier/engineer/infiltrator. It's also worth noting that we know Kaidan's implant was at least partially visible, which was why he used his hair to hide it. However, the memory about it is vague so I can't confirm it.
I always assumed that a biotic Shepard was "special" in some way. He/she was more powerful than most biotics they come across. Shepard is even potentially immune to the mind control of someone like Morinth. Special. Shepard is the best of the best. Special. Shepard is better than any Spectre he/she has encountered. Special. So my assumption was just that engineer/infiltrator/soldier can do more than the average biotic without training, and maybe even an implant because...Special.
But this is just my thoughts. I was wondering if there was in-game or other ME media to support. I guess I can headcanon whatever I want, as RedCaesar97 said. I've written some post-war ME fanfic (like one about Clone Shep with Original Shep as a supporting character) but never delved into this aspect.
But thanks for your input. Had to look up Word of God trope. Since BioWare apparently never touched on the subject I guess it's better to go with the likely scenario rather than Shepard is unique.
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Post by sageoflife on Sept 15, 2022 21:58:08 GMT
All that's really said about Shepard's biotics in-game is that they are stronger than usual for an L3. Notable, but not unique or lorebreaking. I'm pretty sure that bonus powers are pure Gameplay and Story Segregation anyway.
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dmc1001
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Post by dmc1001 on Sept 16, 2022 1:28:48 GMT
All that's really said about Shepard's biotics in-game is that they are stronger than usual for an L3. Notable, but not unique or lorebreaking. I'm pretty sure that bonus powers are pure Gameplay and Story Segregation anyway. True. I'm just not a fan of Gameplay as an explanation. But it's me and I know I seem to be peculiar on that front.
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Post by winterking on Sept 19, 2022 14:44:35 GMT
Never an issue with the way I play Shepard.
Infiltrator, Engineer and Soldier never receive biotic bonus powers.
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Noxluxe
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Post by Noxluxe on Sept 22, 2022 15:04:38 GMT
I'd like to add that Shepard owning the best of the best in their own fields is consistent across the entire class spectrum without anyone ever explicitly calling them, say, the greatest hacker or sharpshooter in the galaxy either.
My own headcanon is that Shepard's effectiveness hinges less on raw talent or power, and more on just being trained to the absolute limit in using their various skills in conjunction with each other while leading a squad in tactical combat scenarios. Giving them an edge over individuals who may outclass them in one or two disciplines but lack the sheer training and combat experience to use their abilities efficiently in battle compared to Shep.
Just finished ME1 with my first biotically focused Shepard who wasn't just Vanguard-ing around with an assault rifle, and gotta say that I'm enjoying it a lot. And the vibe I get from Throw/Lift/Warp/Pull and Singularity is definitely that there'd be a difference between someone used to coordinating their powers with a team to systematically take down an opposing force, and one who just so happens to be a strong and ruthless biotic.
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