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Liara T'Soni Character Discussion Thread *possible ME3 spoilers*


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#4126
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Wouldn't it be quite interesting if Shepard were to begin wearing the Shadow Broker paraphernalia just as Liara starts to impose her own influence on the network, and it becomes noticeable that she's attempting to transform the operation into something better?



In a certain way, Shepard could function as a symbol of the more benevolent Shadow Broker, with the saviour of the galaxy working for an organisation that is attempting to reform itself.

#4127
pacer90

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What would the story be? That Shepard had a "chat" with the old one and now it's a force of good? Or they deposed the evil one and put in a new person?



Both have very interesting story lines.

#4128
TheMarshal

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Maybe it's just me, but I think that my Shepard would want to draw as little attention as possible to the Shadow Broker. Call her overprotective of her girl, but like it or not, Liara's now in a very precarious position in the galaxy.

#4129
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I can understand that, TheMarshal.



As far as I can perceive it, the most immediate problem that exists is the fact that the current reputation of the Shadow Broker network is extremely poor, and it is regarded, to a certain extent, as something of a menace. If and when Liara is able to improve that reputation, and governments and the general public start to regard the organisation as something that is a benevolent force, her position will remain a little precarious.



As Liara begins to impose her own influence on the Shadow Broker network, I'm hopeful that the galaxy's inhabitants will start to view it as a force of good that needs to be protected from its enemies, and that the general public will actively use and serve the network as an aspect of galactic civilisation and society.



In a certain way, Liara's Shadow Broker network could become an independant intelligence agency, one that exists to protect the galaxy.

#4130
Mestesso

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scampermax wrote...

LesEnfantsTerribles wrote...

Awesome, scamper. I thank you for attempting this!


Jih Shepard and the new Shadow Broker having a discussion on appropriate attire in the workplace.

*snip*

---

If you'd prefer a color other than red just let me know. :)


Wow.  Looks great!  Thanks Scamper!  You and ELE08 are like the Lords of Modding.

#4131
scampermax

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Mestesso wrote...
Wow.  Looks great!  Thanks Scamper!  You and ELE08 are like the Lords of Modding.


Thanks Mestesso. You've made me blush. ELE is my Lord of Modding. Or Lady if she prefers. :lol:

#4132
TheMarshal

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LesEnfantsTerribles wrote...

I can understand that, TheMarshal.

As far as I can perceive it, the most immediate problem that exists is the fact that the current reputation of the Shadow Broker network is extremely poor, and it is regarded, to a certain extent, as something of a menace. If and when Liara is able to improve that reputation, and governments and the general public start to regard the organisation as something that is a benevolent force, her position will remain a little precarious.

As Liara begins to impose her own influence on the Shadow Broker network, I'm hopeful that the galaxy's inhabitants will start to view it as a force of good that needs to be protected from its enemies, and that the general public will actively use and serve the network as an aspect of galactic civilisation and society.

In a certain way, Liara's Shadow Broker network could become an independant intelligence agency, one that exists to protect the galaxy.


Definitely.  This is one of the reasons that I foresee Liara remaining in her Shadow Broker role for a long time.  Not only does it feed her nerdish hunger for data (:wub:), but it gives her the potential to have a positive effect on nearly the entire galaxy.  It's hard to believe that even after the reapers are dealt with, she'd give it up.  I know that my Shepard wouldn't want her to.  (Provided she's able to at least get away for some quality time every so often  ;))

#4133
AlexMBrennan

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My extremely controversial opinion is that the SB operatives (who joined the network not to do good but for pay and/or the chance to kill/torture people) might not go along with ceasing evil and well-paying actives rather than, say, joining the competition with SB inside information and established contacts or staging a coup.

#4134
Xilizhra

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One thing that I'm not sure about. The Shadow Broker's network is stated to be completely neutral. If Liara tries to improve its morality, that could lead to it favoring some sides over others; if that happens, then the reputation of the network's reliability could sink. I'm not positive that'd be a good thing.

#4135
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Xilizhra wrote...

One thing that I'm not sure about. The Shadow Broker's network is stated to be completely neutral. If Liara tries to improve its morality, that could lead to it favoring some sides over others; if that happens, then the reputation of the network's reliability could sink. I'm not positive that'd be a good thing.


Not necessarily. My belief is that this position of total and utter neutrality was the previous Shadow Broker's method of acquiring the greatest amount of power and wealth, and that he didn't care if his operations or decisions caused millions to suffer, as his ultimate goal and purpose was to increase his own power base. The yahg's methods were not the only means of effectively running the organisation, but rather the most efficient way of generating commerce.

On the contrary, I think the network's reputation would improve if and when Liara starts to deny terrorist organisations, mercenary groups, and criminal gangs the information that they expect. Governments will begin to take notice, and may begin to perceive the Shadow Broker as something more than a simple power hungry menace. I can't see many people complaining if the Shadow Broker were to start favouring governmental organisations, police forces and peacekeeping militaries over terrorists, pirates and slavers.

#4136
TheMarshal

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I think that trying to steer the Shadow Broker's role in any direction, even a benevolent one, would prove to be rather tricky. Direct actions always have unintended consequences. The krogans were given technology too early in their societal development, and it basically destroyed their civilization, turning Tuchanka into the wasteland that we see today. Then they were utilized to combat the rachni, only to have them begin to overpopulate and threaten the galaxy. The genophage was released to stabilize the population, which it did, but it still wreaked havoc on the stability of krogan society, making them even more war-like than before.



I think that after a short period of learning, Liara would come to realize that her position requires a gentle touch. Simply cutting off the merc groups would probably cause them to hunt her down in retribution. Funneling money and resources to a group that she wants to do well would likely just result in them depending on her (the whole 'teach a man to fish' problem).



I dunno... it's a position that I think it rich with potential for exploration. One could write an entire novel on her first few weeks in the role and I'd read the hell out of it.

#4137
Sable Phoenix

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Do you really think Liara can avoid being corrupted if she were to permanently remain Shadow Broker? I can't see her remaining Shadow Broker past the end of the Reaper War, personally. "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." That doesn't mean that there are degrees of corruption and that someone with absolute power is worse than someone with just regular power, it just means that the more power one has, the more certain their corruption becomes. I'd like to see Liara get out of the business in time to avoid that fate.

#4138
Tyrannosaurus Rex

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Sable Phoenix wrote...

Do you really think Liara can avoid being corrupted if she were to permanently remain Shadow Broker? I can't see her remaining Shadow Broker past the end of the Reaper War, personally. "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." That doesn't mean that there are degrees of corruption and that someone with absolute power is worse than someone with just regular power, it just means that the more power one has, the more certain their corruption becomes. I'd like to see Liara get out of the business in time to avoid that fate.


Careful. People often get responsive when you bring that up.

And I don't think she will be Evil!Liara, if that's what you mean. Even when the Reapers are gone, the network can easily be used for good (warning colonies about slaver attacks etc). Sure the system won't be as strong as it was, but Liara have never really craved power has she?

#4139
AlexMBrennan

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What are you afraid of? That the "responsive people" frequenting this thread will not be able to handle a reasonable argument? What exactly is the point of a discussion thread when any arguments that might conflict with people's existing believes are not allowed?



"Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."


That's common sense. Whether that's true is debatable, but so is your assumption that "the network can easily be used for good ".

#4140
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TheMarshal wrote...

I think that trying to steer the Shadow Broker's role in any direction, even a benevolent one, would prove to be rather tricky. Direct actions always have unintended consequences. The krogans were given technology too early in their societal development, and it basically destroyed their civilization, turning Tuchanka into the wasteland that we see today. Then they were utilized to combat the rachni, only to have them begin to overpopulate and threaten the galaxy. The genophage was released to stabilize the population, which it did, but it still wreaked havoc on the stability of krogan society, making them even more war-like than before.

I think that after a short period of learning, Liara would come to realize that her position requires a gentle touch. Simply cutting off the merc groups would probably cause them to hunt her down in retribution. Funneling money and resources to a group that she wants to do well would likely just result in them depending on her (the whole 'teach a man to fish' problem).

I dunno... it's a position that I think it rich with potential for exploration. One could write an entire novel on her first few weeks in the role and I'd read the hell out of it.


Of course. As the old idiom suggests, Rome wasn't built in a day. It's going to take an extended period of time to reform the Shadow Broker organisation. Its transformation into a benevolent institution that is utilised as a force of good will be a slow, delicate and gradual process, and is something that cannot happen overnight. However, one must remember that, in the two year interim period between the events of ME1&2, Liara has become a successful, talented and respected information broker, and is fully aware of how the field operates. Furthermore, she has been investigating and studying the Shadow Broker organisation for the entirety of that time, and is familiar with the manner in which it manages and maintains itself. Consequently, I trust her to successfully reform the operation with a minimum of bloodshed and upheaval, and to do so in a manner that benefits the greatest amount of people.

Regardless of the fact that she's only been active in the field for just over two years, Liara has become an experienced and skilled information broker, and one that is familiar with the Shadow Broker network. I think she'll know how to successfully transform the network into something more pure and virtuous.

#4141
jlb524

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Lizardviking wrote...

Sable Phoenix wrote...

Do you really think Liara can avoid being corrupted if she were to permanently remain Shadow Broker? I can't see her remaining Shadow Broker past the end of the Reaper War, personally. "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." That doesn't mean that there are degrees of corruption and that someone with absolute power is worse than someone with just regular power, it just means that the more power one has, the more certain their corruption becomes. I'd like to see Liara get out of the business in time to avoid that fate.


Careful. People often get responsive when you bring that up.

And I don't think she will be Evil!Liara, if that's what you mean. Even when the Reapers are gone, the network can easily be used for good (warning colonies about slaver attacks etc). Sure the system won't be as strong as it was, but Liara have never really craved power has she?


Yeah, I surely do.

It's a dumb and overused cliche, especially with females that gain power.

#4142
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jlb524 wrote...

Yeah, I surely do.

It's a dumb and overused cliche, especially with females that gain power.


I wholeheartedly agree. Especially when the male lead is then required to save the poor, weak-willed woman from herself. :sick:

#4143
Tyrannosaurus Rex

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AlexMBrennan wrote...

"Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."

That's common sense. Whether that's true is debatable, but so is your assumption that "the network can easily be used for good ".


It's true that the very nature of the SB network is unethical in a sense, considering that almost all the information seems to be gotten by non-legal means.

But all those people who sells and give away hidden information will be there no matter what, so why not make the best of the situation.

Take again my example with warning people against slaver attacks. LOTSB actuelly gives us something like this with one of the "missions" you can undertake on the SB base. It involves warning the alliance about a massing of Batarian slavers who undoubtly are gathering for a quick raid in humans colonies to gather more livestock.

If you undertake the mission, Fifth fleet manage to destroy the slavers. Now I don't know about you, but I think that such actions has a good chance of saving many innocent lives from living under inhuman conditions as a slave.

#4144
jlb524

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Lizardviking wrote...
It's true that the very nature of the SB network is unethical in a sense, considering that almost all the information seems to be gotten by non-legal means.


Information doesn't have to be obtained by 'non-legal' means, so this says nothing really about the nature of an information network.  If this was an intrinsic property of an info network, then info would always be obtained through non-legal means.  Also, 'non-legal' is a completely different concept from 'unethical' as tons of laws could be considered unethical.

Modifié par jlb524, 18 février 2011 - 07:08 .


#4145
Rusty Pabst

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Three of my favorite Liara images:



Posted Image

Posted Image

Posted Image



http://masseffectscr...tains-spoilers/ (WARNING: Link contains spoiler image from the DLC assignment Overlord.)

#4146
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Nice screenshots, Rusty. Thanks for sharing!

#4147
TMA LIVE

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Rusty Pabst wrote...

Posted Image


<3

#4148
TMA LIVE

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double post

Modifié par TMA LIVE, 18 février 2011 - 08:45 .


#4149
Cyberstrike nTo

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TMA LIVE wrote...

Rusty Pabst wrote...

Posted Image


<3



Winner! Posted ImagePosted Image

#4150
IndigoWolfe

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Rusty Pabst wrote...
Posted Image


I rarely say this. Heck; I never say this, but this totally made my heart melt. :wub:

Modifié par IndigoWolfe, 18 février 2011 - 11:14 .