Hello all! First time poster to these forums and longtime fan. I own the Collectors Edition of ME3 but am having trouble registering so I'm posting here. Please move if appropriate.
I loved ME3 and would like to thank Bioware for providing not only an outstanding game, but an outstanding trilogy. Like many of you, I was a bit disappointed with the ending. I tried to fill in the gaps of what happened to the crew, etc in my head, but was having trouble connecting the dots. Instead, I've spent the past few days coming up with ideas for my own ending sequence. I wanted to see if I could come up with an ending that answers all of the questions in a coherent way. I'm not sure I succeeded, but I would appreciate any feedback. I had a lot of fun writing it.
Please note that this does not directly contain spoilers because I wrote it from scratch, but it does contain themes from the current ME3 endings. I would advise not reading until you have completed the game.
***WARNING: EXTREMELY LONG POST******
S: Shepard
IM: Illusive Man
A: Anderson
H: Harbinger
Enter conduit and arrive on Citadel, dialogue plays out the same as in the game currently until you enter the room with IM.
IM: Shepard… Good to see you. I was afraid… you wouldn’t make it.
S: I don’t have time for this right now. What are you doing here?
IM: The same thing as you are. Ending the reaper threat.
S: Then if that’s the case, why haven’t you finished the job?
IM: Its…. Not that simple. You no doubt have some questions for me. You have the right to ask.
Arrival on Citadel 1------- --------
\\ ____ /
--------- ---------4 Using the weapon (this choice advances the convo)
/ ------ \\
Plans 5--------- ----------
1. S: How did you get here in the first place?
IM: It was tricky, but Cerberus has more than enough resources to slip up here undetected. You should know that by now…
S: How can we be sure the Reapers didn’t just let you up here?
IM: Are you referring to the fact that I could be “indoctrinated”? While I can assure you that I am of sound mind – there have been some difficulties.
5. S: How are you planning on stopping the reaper threat?
IM: It’s quite simple. Cerberus has discovered a way to control the Reapers. You must have noticed that when visiting our facility on Horizon. Quite simply, we have modified the crucible to carry out this task. All that is waiting is the final command.
S: I don’t understand how it would be possible to control the reapers using the crucible.
IM: The Reaper’s indoctrination process involves the influence of our brains at a subconscious level. The crucible’s intended function is the destruction of all Reapers by targeting their mass effect fields, as you certainly are aware. However, we have modified the crucible to carry out a different purpose. When a user interfaces with the control panel, their consciousness will interface with the Reapers, using the crucible as the antenna. However, instead of the Reapers influencing us, we will influence the Reapers. Think of it as… reverse-indoctrination.
S: And what do you plan on doing once the Reapers are controlled?
IM: The answer is obvious. Use them to ensure that humans are the dominant race in the galaxy. Think about it Shepard…. The galactic Council has hindered us for the past 30 years, yet without humans, the Reapers win this war. With no one to dare to challenge us…. With no one to hold us back…. Think of what we could do for the galaxy.
S: I’m not so sure I like the sound of that.
IM: Then just look at the Protheans. Sure, they dominated the other species in the galaxy during their cycle, but look what they were able to accomplish… Discovering the Reaper threat. Developing stasis technology to preserve life. Creating a replica mass relay on Ilos – Creating a mass relay, Shepard! Humans have the potential to far surpass this if given the chance.
4. (This dialogue option advances conversation.)
S: If it’s so simple as to using the control panel, why haven’t you done so already?
IM: I didn’t want anyone else from Cerberus getting their hands on the controls – so I came alone. You could say… I didn’t trust anyone else but myself. And I stand by that, given what is at stake here. However, when I arrived… I realized that I am in no shape to use the controls at the present time. That is where you come in.
S: Me? I don’t understand.
IM: Shepard… I hear them.. Their voices echoing in my mind, screaming like Banshees. So far, I have been able to resist… But the more I try to resist… the greater their influence becomes.
S: So you’re afraid that if you become indoctrinated by the reapers while using the control function of the crucible, the Reapers will be able to retake control of themselves?
IM: Precisely. I was unaware of this potential problem until I arrived on the Citadel. Perhaps I was in denial about… my current state… Shepard – you have not yet been influenced by the Reapers. You can take command, force them back to Dark Space. Instruct them to lie in wait. Just the thought of our ability to command such an army… no race would dare challenge us. We could study the Reapers. Learn from them. Perhaps there is a power far greater than the ones they possess.
S: This is insane.
IM: Is it really? The Geth and Quarians at war. The Krogans and Turians squabbling. Without one dominant race… without a guiding light… the universe will never be able to have the peace it truly deserves.
A: Don’t listen to him, Commander… He’s a madman! We came to destroy the Reapers. Now let’s get to that panel and finish the job!
IM: Very well… but I think there’s one part of that option that you’ve… overlooked…
A: You’re out of your mind!
IM: Am I? Shepard – Cerberus’ analysis of the crucible’s original intended function yielded some intriguing results. The destroy function of the crucible targets the Reapers’ mass effect fields. However, the mass relays emit signals that are strikingly similar to the mass effect fields of a Reaper, suggesting that the mass relays, Citadel included, were created using Reaper tech.
S: That’s incredible.
IM: Indeed it is. Our analysis indicates that using the crucible to destroy the Reapers would not only destroy the reapers, but also result in a chain-reaction that would render the galaxy’s mass relays inactive.
S: You mean destroying the Reapers would shut down the mass relays?
IM: Exactly – creating a new galactic dark age. Imagine if all species became separated from one another, just as it was before we discovered the mass relays. Instead of taking a giant step forward, as we would if we controlled the reapers, we would be taking a massive step back. A step back that the galaxy may never be able to recover from.
A: Commander, it’s too dangerous. Even if the Reapers can be controlled, there’s no guarantee that we will be able to control them forever. The threat of a Reaper takeover will never cease unless they are completely destroyed.
IM: Time is running short. It appears the fate of the galaxy depends on you, Shepard. What are you going to do?
S: I don’t know.
(Blue) Destroy the Reapers 1------- --------
\\ ____ /
-------- ---------
/ ------ \\
(Red) Control the Reapers 5--------- ---------
Note: No matter which choice you make, the following occurs: Shepard walks up to the control panel. He gets ready to activate it, when he suddenly hears the voice of Harbinger. The yellow reaper hologram appears in the air above the controls.
H: Commander Shepard. The activation of the device known as the crucible cannot be allowed at this time.
S: Harbinger!
H: Regardless of your intentions, the activation of the crucible will not have its intended effect. We have determined that the activation of this device will result in the destruction of the entire galaxy. I assume that is not an outcome that you are willing to accept, Shepard. Further questioning at this point is permissible to us. We are certain that you will rethink your current position.
Destruction of the Galaxy 1------- --------2 Origin of the Reapers
\\ ____ /
Indoctrination 3-------- --------- 4 Plan (This choice advances the convo)
/ ------ \\
Human Reaper 5--------- --------- 6 Mass Relays
1 - S: You said that activating the crucible would result in the destruction of the galaxy. How would that happen?
H: Activating the crucible would prevent the Reapers from completing the current cycle. This would allow your civilizations to continue to progress. Your progress will result in discoveries that you will not be able to control. You will not be able to fully understand nor harness your power, and your unharnessed power will ultimately destroy not only you but the entire galaxy. This has nearly happened before. It is a mathematical certainty that this will occur again.
2 S: Where did the Reapers come from?
H: Long ago, civilizations were able to progress far beyond a cycle. One civilization became far more advanced than you could imagine. This civilization discovered a way to harness the phenomenon your kind has referred to as “Dark Energy.”
S: Dark Energy? One of my crew was studying this back on Haestrom.
H: Yes. Dark Energy was seen as a limitless power source, but also as a weapon of limitless power. Its creators were unable to fully harness that power, and it escaped. This resulted in the near-destruction of the entire galaxy.
S: Were the observations on Haestrom related to this?
H: Yes. What your crew observed were remnants of this event, after-effects so to speak. They bear witness to the power that must never be wielded.
S: So what happened then?
H: The same civilization also developed Artificial intelligence that is far more advanced than what yours currently possess. This Intelligence was tasked with finding a solution to this problem.
S: Problem?
H: Yes. The Intelligence determined that the universe would eventually be destroyed should populations be allowed to develop without a limit. Its calculations deemed this an absolute certainty given enough time.
S: So, what did the Intelligence decide to do?
H: It determined that species must not be allowed to develop beyond a calculated amount of time.
S: Let me guess, the Intelligence thought all advanced forms of life should be destroyed every 50,000 years to keep them in check.
H: Correct. The Intelligence calculated that it would be impossible for a civilization to develop to the point to where it could obtain a power that would endanger the galaxy if its development were halted at certain intervals. Cleansing the galaxy of advanced forms of life every 50,000 years was calculated to be sufficient for this task.
S: And the intelligence needed something to do this, didn’t it.
H: The Intelligence calculated that destruction of all species would result in error. Instead, a species genetic material was harvested and contained in synthetic form. The genetic material is archived, and that species is allowed to ascend.
S: You sound like you are describing a reaper.
H: Correct. That which you know as reapers carry out the cycle. We are your salvation through destruction.
S: So what happened to the civilization that tried to harness Dark Energy? And what happened to the Intelligence?
H: The intelligence created the synthetic shells with genetic information – then fused with them. The civilization as to which you inquire was then harvested, as were all others.
S: I see. So a reaper is a synthetic shell composed of genetic material fused with an advanced artificial intelligence.
H: In a manner of speaking, yes. Although, this is an oversimplification.
3 - S: Tell me more about the indoctrination process.
H: When an organic is in proximity with one of our own, its subconscious is able to sense our motivations. When it senses our motivations, it agrees with our motivations. When it agrees with our motivations, it carries out our motivations
S: I’m not sure I understand
H: A further explanation would be beyond your level of understanding. I do not fully expect you to comprehend.
5 - S: Why were the Collectors making a human reaper? Couldn’t they have just waited until the end of this cycle?
H: The genetic diversity of the human species far surpasses that of any other we have encountered.
S: So you were curious?
H: Your species was viewed as a worthy candidate for ascention. Shepard, your accomplishments alone are justification enough.
S: Were you attempting to use our genetic material against us in preparation for this cycle?
H: The answer to that question is irrelevant.
6 - S: The Illusive man mentioned that the Mass Relays and Citadel are related to the Reapers.
H: These were created by the Intelligence when we were created. They were created to ensure a predictable pattern of development and advancement for advanced civilizations. I believe the one you call Sovereign has alluded to this fact.
S: So you wanted to make sure we all developed in a similar pattern no matter which cycle was occurring?
H: Correct. This predictability ensures the most efficient path toward carrying out our goal.
4 - S: As far as I’m concerned, the Reapers are a threat to every living thing in the galaxy. If you’re trying to make a point, I suggest you do it now.
H: We would have you refrain from activating the console. We would instead have you activate the self-destruct function of the crucible, eliminating the threat that it poses to us.
S: You’re asking me to let you win this war?! That’s not an option!
H: It is a mathematical certainty that the galaxy will be destroyed if populations are left unchecked. The only method to preserve your species and to prevent the annihilation of the galaxy is to allow the cycle to continue.
S: Even it that were the case, how could you be sure that the Reapers wouldn’t eventually be stopped?
H: By succumbing to us, your knowledge and experience would be added to our own. This would prove invaluable in preventing further… attempts at resistance.
IM: Don’t listen to it, Shepard. Do the right thing!
A: Which is to destroy these abominations once and for all!
H: The blood of an entire galaxy will be on your hands, Shepard. We know that this is outcome is not acceptable to you. We sense that you detect logic in our methods. We sense that you agree.
IM: Shepard…
A: Commander. Please…
S: I’ve made my choice.
(Blue) Destroy the Reapers 1------- --------
\\ ____ /
-------- --------- 4 Activate crucible self-destruct
/ ------ \\
(Red) Control the Reapers 5--------- ---------
4. – Leads to ***ALLOW REAPERS TO WIN ENDING***
S: The crucible must be destroyed. It’s the only way.
(Shepard steps up to the control panel and attempts to activate the self destruct sequence to the crucible. His eyes are glowing, indicating that he has, in fact, become indoctrinated.)
A: I’m sorry, Commander. I can’t allow you to do this.
(Anderson pulls out his gun and aims at Shepard)
(A shot is fired, and screen pans to Illusive man, who is holding a gun and just shot Anderson. Illusive Man’s eyes are glowing, too, indicating that he has also been indoctrinated)
IM: It’s okay, Shepard. You know what needs to be done.
(Shepard nods, then activates the self-destruct sequence on the control panel. Screen shows Shepard standing with the Illusive man side-by-side at the control panel.)
Cutscene showing the ***ALLOW REAPERS TO WIN ENDING*** is shown.
The End.
5 Leads to ***TAKE CONTROL OF THE REAPERS ENDING***
S: Taking control of the Reapers is our best option. (Shepard looks at Illusive man) However, let me be clear that I, not you, decide what to do with them and what their purpose will be when we have command.
IM: (smiles) Noted. (Shepard begins to walk toward the control panel of the crucible.)
A: I’m sorry, Commander. I can’t allow you to do this. (Anderson pulls out gun, and points at Shepard. A shot is fired, and screen pans to Illusive man, who is holding a gun and just shot Anderson.)
IM: (Looks at Shepard) I’m sorry. Now please do what has to be done.
(Shepard continues to walk up to the crucible control panel, when he is interrupted by a scream.)
IM: Ahhhhhhhhhh! (Camera points to illusive man who is grabbing his head with both hands, appearing to be struggling with himself. He is fighting off indoctrination. Suddenly he stops struggling, looks up at Shepard, his eyes glowing, indicated that he has been fully indoctrinated by the Reapers. He pulls out his gun and points it at Shepard.)
IM: We cannot allow this outcome, Shepard. (He prepares to fire at Shepard)
(Shepard quickly draws his gun and shoots illusive man)
S: So, Harbinger, you succeeded with indoctrination of the Illusive Man after all. Now prepare to get a taste of your own medicine! (Shepard steps up to the control panel and activates the control function of the crucible)
H: It is done. The echoes of a thousand nations will haunt your dreams for eternity.
S: (smirks) I am assuming direct control…
(Screen shows Shepard standing alone at the crucible control panel. As Shepard activates the panel, he suddenly looks straight up, his eyes wide open. The screen then cuts to the ending)
Cutscene showing the ***TAKE CONTROL OF THE REAPERS ENDING*** is shown.
The End.
1. This leads to the ***DESTROY THE REAPERS*** ending.
S: I’m doing what I came here to do, and that’s to destroy the Reapers once and for all.
A: No time to waste, Commander. Get to the control panel.
(Shepard walks up to the control panel. He is interrupted by screaming.)
IM: Ahhhhhhhhhh! (Camera points to illusive man who is grabbing his head with both hands, appearing to be struggling with himself. He is fighting off indoctrination. Suddenly he stops struggling, looks up at Shepard, his eyes glowing, indicating that he is now indoctrinated. He pulls out his gun and points it at Shepard.)
IM: We cannot allow this outcome, Shepard. (He prepares to fire at Shepard)
(Gunshot sounds and Illusive man drops to the ground. Screen pans to Anderson, who has shot and killed the Illusive man.)
A: Come on, Shepard, lets go!
S: Right!
(Shepard steps up to the controls and activates the destroy function of the crucible)
H: It is done. The echoes of a thousand nations will haunt your dreams for eternity.
S: Perhaps you don’t believe in us, but I do. Our victory alone proves that when we work together, we can overcome any obstacle. We will continue to find a way to overcome our differences. We will develop new technologies, but we will make sure that we don’t misuse our power. Our responsibility will grow as we grow. We will make the galaxy a better place. We will prove you wrong. Our future is what we make of it, and it is just that --- ours.
H: We will see if your position proves to be correct.
S: I have faith (Shepard smiles).
(Screen shows Anderson and Shepard standing side by side at the control panel. Screen cuts to cutscene showing the ***DESTROY THE REAPERS ENDING***. In this ending, we also see the mass relays being shut down by the resulting crucible blast)
Next you either get a ***SHEPARD LIVES*** or ***SHEPARD DIES*** Ending based on your EMS rating.
Now, there would also be a ***SHEPARD DIES*** or a ***SHEPARD LIVES*** in addition to the above. These are ONLY available for the red (control) and blue (destroy) endings. Basically, after you hit the panel, the crucible overloads and the citadel explodes. Anderson is thrown to the side and is wounded. The explosion continues and the screen goes dark. If your EMS is too low, you get the Shepard Dies ending (see below) BUT if EMS is high enough, you get the Shepard Lives ending (See below). The ***Perfect Ending*** scene would be if your EMS is the highest of all. This occurs after the credits. The ***Perfect Ending*** ,since EMS is highest of all, has Shepard alive. The ending ends with a scene with your current LI (if they survived) ME2 LI’s included too (Miranda fan here). If no LI or LI dead, you get a satisfying scene of Shepard looking on as Earth as it is rebuilding (see below).
***SHEPARD LIVES*** Following explosion scene, we see the debris pile scene that is hinted at in the current “perfect ending”. Except screen pans all the way up to show Shepard’s face. He is badly wounded, breathing slowly but heavily. Music is playing in the background, probably no dialogue. Screen pans to a random alliance soldier who finds Shepard in the rubble. (Shepard is in the rubble on a fragment of the citadel that is floating in space that survived the brunt of the explosion.) Random Alliance soldier motions to his squad, who comes running (essentially they found him in the rubble alive and are working to save him). Screen goes black. Next scene is the streets of London where an Alliance shuttle lands in the middle of an open road. There are TONS of soldiers/civilians standing on each side of the road. Some cool music is playing appropriate for the scene. Shuttle door opens, and two soldiers are carrying Shepard (Shepard has one arm around each soldier’s neck and head is down). Essentially, Shepard looks like a cross in this picture because, he, after all is somewhat of a Jesus figure in the series (resurrected, saves the world, name is Shepard)). The crowd parts like a sea as the soldiers carry Shepard through the street. Random Alliance medical personnel are rushing from the crowd up to Shepard to lend assistance as Shepard is severely wounded. Further up the road, on the opposite side is Shepard’s squad, including Grunt, Jack, Miranda , or anyone else from ME2 who may have been alive and on Earth at this point. They see that it’s Shepard that the soldiers are carrying and start running toward him. If his LI is present, He/She pushes the other squadmates aside and sprints toward Shepard and hugs Shepard. The two of them are hugging, and the rest of your squadmates (and Joker) who made it catch up and are standing around the two of them, as the music continues to play. (If no LI, squad just stands around him). The screen zooms out until we see the curve of the earth (just like the beginning of the game, where the earth curve turns into the curve of the “Mass Effect” logo. The words Mass Effect 3 then appear. The End.
***SHEPARD DIES*** Following explosion scene, screen would cut to earth where you see your squad (whomever survived). They are beat up pretty badly, but are relishing in the fact that the reapers are gone. Squadmembers stare at the sky as the Citadel is exploding, knowing Shepard is on board. There are a few clips (flashbacks in brown color) of Shepard with each of them but only with the surviving ones. This is their way of remembering Shepard. For example, Screen shows Garrus, then flashback from ME1 when he meets him for the first time. For Miranda, it’s a scene of the Lazarus project, etc. Joker is included. Note the flashbacks are only pictures and not animated scenes. There is one for EVERY surviving squad member. Scene may change based on whether it’s your LI or not. Screen goes black, then we see a shuttle landing on the London road (same general set up as above with tons of people on either side of the road) (shuttle is assumed to be carrying dead shepard) As the shuttle lands, the screen zooms out until we see the curve of the earth (just like the beginning of the game, where the earth curve turns into the curve of the “Mass Effect” logo). The words Mass Effect 3 then appear. The End.
***PERFECT ENDING*** It is a short 30 second clip (with dialogue) of Shepard with his LI. This is the scene you get if your EMS is high enough (it could also be the New Game+ ending). For instance, if it’s Tali, they are outside their house on Tali’s homeworld. If it’s Liara, there is a blue kid they had. If it’s Miranda they are walking holding hands or something and her sister is somewhere nearby. Etc. You get the idea. If no LI or LI dead, there is a scene of him walking the streets of a rebuilding earth.
My ideas and script for a possible "new ending" -- Spoilers?
Débuté par
TheDarkKnightMD
, mars 18 2012 09:19
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