As much idea doodle in my head as anything else right now.
Had these bouncing thoughts of a Mass Effect/SWTOR crossover of sorts. A general 'Shepard is a newly arrived badass in the galaxy' sort of thing.
Backstory is thatlong, long ago in a galaxy far, far away...
ME3's reaper war is a near walkover by the Reapers. Total, utter, defeat. After Cerberus's betrayal of the galactic war effort (it was nominally on the right side) in a vague, failed act of opportunism, the Reapers win the battle for Earth and begin their steamroll.
During the long retreat, the galaxy takes it's chances at setting up the next war. General 'leave messages behind' efforts. But the key part is an Exodus effort to seed another galaxy: using experimental Relay tech and a prototype of the Conduit concept, the last (mostly Human) survivors begin a one-way exodus to seed another galaxy.
This is the origin of the Humans, and descendents/Human-alien hybrid species that make up the Star Wars universe. It was a very long trip in distance and time, effectively generation ships, and by the time of the the Exodus arrived in the Star Wars galaxy the reality of the Reapers had become forgotten myth and horror videos.Then rose history of force users and sith and civil wars, and the origin of civilization was lost.
Back in the ME galaxy, however, the fight wasn't quite over. Commander Shepard was captured by the Reapers. Studied, analyzed, ascended, Shepard was turned into the Avatar for the Human Reaper. Shepard was the Shepherd of Humanity, in the name-sense that Harbinger of your Ascension, or Sovereign.
All well and good. Wrap up of the cycle: Avatar Shepherd wipes out the last of resistance, the Reapers re-prime the Citadel trap with fixes. The Reaper slaves are left to rot and starve to death.Shepherd is the new Vanguard Reaper, and the Human Reaper (dreadnaught) watches over the next cycle, where the Commander's Reaper-integrated ability will insure success. Serving the role of the Collectors is Cerberus, who so helpfully implanted themselves with Collector technology, and in poetic irony the Illusive Man is the new Collector General. All's well that ends well, right?
Not quite. Turns out the Illusive Man had more treachery in mind, and backup plans if his first betrayal didn't pan out. The Cerberus indoctrination process made Cerberus troops loyal to the Illusive Man, not the Reapers... and the Illusive Man wasn't as indoctrinated as the Reapers believed him to be.
When the Reapers used Cerberus to serve the Collector role in building the Human reaper, and Shepard the Avatar, the Illusive Man was perfectly placed to subtly sabotage the creation with a result that only becomes apparent after the Reapers enter hibernation.
Rather than assimilate Shepard into the Reaper and bind the Avatar to the Human-Reaper's will, the Illusive Man pulled a reversal. Avatar Shepard retained it's free will and mind, the Human Reaper itself was not a slave to the Reaper consensus, and a 'Shepherd's override' on the Human Reaper's will give's the Avatar dominant control.
Instead of a Human-Reaper Vanguard with Shepard as it's Avatar and TIM/Cerberus as it's Collectors, Shepard the Avatar can override the Human Reaper, a gestalt AI freed of the Reaper consensus and housing the billions of minds of a species that hates the Reapers very much, which indirectly influences TIM.
Knowing that the Reapers won't be fooled for long after the Cerberus sabotage takes effect, and only having a headstart by virtue of being the Vanguard and the Citadel needing time to warm up, Shepard, TIM, and the Human-Reaper pack up all the still-alive Cerberus-Collectors they can and high-tale it out of the galaxy, chasing after the long-gone Exodus fleet.
The Reapers are hot on their heels, but ultimately don't pursue: the Reaper War was highly damaging to the Reapers, and they intend to use the next few cycles to pad their numbers to replace their numbers. More quantity (multiple reapers out of one species) over quality. Still, Shepard knows he has at least a 50,000 year head start on the Reapers before they begin their own expedition to wipe out the Star Wars galaxy.
Lacking the Conduit-slingshot that the organics destroyed, however, it will take long, long, long time for either Shepard or Reapers to arrive..
So the second departure from the ME galaxy is the Human-Reaper and effectively as much of the Collector Base/Cerberus as it could carry. Though rather than a cloning facility of increasingly weak generations, the Cerberus-troopers onboard are bred and ultimately free-will, non-indoctrinated generations live, albeit dependent on Cerberus-Collector-tech to survive on low resources and remain genetically viable. Through TIM and dependent on his abilities to keep them alive, 'Cerberus' continues to exist.
Generations come and go, but the three real constants are Shepard, TIM, and the Human-Reaper, who are effectively immortal from natural death.
Had these bouncing thoughts of a Mass Effect/SWTOR crossover of sorts. A general 'Shepard is a newly arrived badass in the galaxy' sort of thing.
Backstory is thatlong, long ago in a galaxy far, far away...
ME3's reaper war is a near walkover by the Reapers. Total, utter, defeat. After Cerberus's betrayal of the galactic war effort (it was nominally on the right side) in a vague, failed act of opportunism, the Reapers win the battle for Earth and begin their steamroll.
During the long retreat, the galaxy takes it's chances at setting up the next war. General 'leave messages behind' efforts. But the key part is an Exodus effort to seed another galaxy: using experimental Relay tech and a prototype of the Conduit concept, the last (mostly Human) survivors begin a one-way exodus to seed another galaxy.
This is the origin of the Humans, and descendents/Human-alien hybrid species that make up the Star Wars universe. It was a very long trip in distance and time, effectively generation ships, and by the time of the the Exodus arrived in the Star Wars galaxy the reality of the Reapers had become forgotten myth and horror videos.Then rose history of force users and sith and civil wars, and the origin of civilization was lost.
Back in the ME galaxy, however, the fight wasn't quite over. Commander Shepard was captured by the Reapers. Studied, analyzed, ascended, Shepard was turned into the Avatar for the Human Reaper. Shepard was the Shepherd of Humanity, in the name-sense that Harbinger of your Ascension, or Sovereign.
All well and good. Wrap up of the cycle: Avatar Shepherd wipes out the last of resistance, the Reapers re-prime the Citadel trap with fixes. The Reaper slaves are left to rot and starve to death.Shepherd is the new Vanguard Reaper, and the Human Reaper (dreadnaught) watches over the next cycle, where the Commander's Reaper-integrated ability will insure success. Serving the role of the Collectors is Cerberus, who so helpfully implanted themselves with Collector technology, and in poetic irony the Illusive Man is the new Collector General. All's well that ends well, right?
Not quite. Turns out the Illusive Man had more treachery in mind, and backup plans if his first betrayal didn't pan out. The Cerberus indoctrination process made Cerberus troops loyal to the Illusive Man, not the Reapers... and the Illusive Man wasn't as indoctrinated as the Reapers believed him to be.
When the Reapers used Cerberus to serve the Collector role in building the Human reaper, and Shepard the Avatar, the Illusive Man was perfectly placed to subtly sabotage the creation with a result that only becomes apparent after the Reapers enter hibernation.
Rather than assimilate Shepard into the Reaper and bind the Avatar to the Human-Reaper's will, the Illusive Man pulled a reversal. Avatar Shepard retained it's free will and mind, the Human Reaper itself was not a slave to the Reaper consensus, and a 'Shepherd's override' on the Human Reaper's will give's the Avatar dominant control.
Instead of a Human-Reaper Vanguard with Shepard as it's Avatar and TIM/Cerberus as it's Collectors, Shepard the Avatar can override the Human Reaper, a gestalt AI freed of the Reaper consensus and housing the billions of minds of a species that hates the Reapers very much, which indirectly influences TIM.
Knowing that the Reapers won't be fooled for long after the Cerberus sabotage takes effect, and only having a headstart by virtue of being the Vanguard and the Citadel needing time to warm up, Shepard, TIM, and the Human-Reaper pack up all the still-alive Cerberus-Collectors they can and high-tale it out of the galaxy, chasing after the long-gone Exodus fleet.
The Reapers are hot on their heels, but ultimately don't pursue: the Reaper War was highly damaging to the Reapers, and they intend to use the next few cycles to pad their numbers to replace their numbers. More quantity (multiple reapers out of one species) over quality. Still, Shepard knows he has at least a 50,000 year head start on the Reapers before they begin their own expedition to wipe out the Star Wars galaxy.
Lacking the Conduit-slingshot that the organics destroyed, however, it will take long, long, long time for either Shepard or Reapers to arrive..
So the second departure from the ME galaxy is the Human-Reaper and effectively as much of the Collector Base/Cerberus as it could carry. Though rather than a cloning facility of increasingly weak generations, the Cerberus-troopers onboard are bred and ultimately free-will, non-indoctrinated generations live, albeit dependent on Cerberus-Collector-tech to survive on low resources and remain genetically viable. Through TIM and dependent on his abilities to keep them alive, 'Cerberus' continues to exist.
Generations come and go, but the three real constants are Shepard, TIM, and the Human-Reaper, who are effectively immortal from natural death.
Posted at 11:50 AM on 2011-12-28
Shepard, Shepherd, TIM, and the Human Reaper have a weird dynamic that deserves elaboration. Especially Shepard and Shepherd.
Wait, two Shepards? You'll see...
In reverse order...
The Human Reaper
---
The Human Reaper is, well, the Human Reaper. A Reaper Vanguard dreadnaught, built to replace Sovereign's role. As a Vanguard Dreadnaught, it's meant to be more independent than a general Reaper dreadnaught: more durable, more versatile. A gestalt AI entity, pretty much all the minds of the people smoothied into making it were preserved. As far as the Reaper AI itself goes, I imagine it like a virtual world: the minds that started the Reaper's core live, multiply, are preserved and expand within the Reaper core, expanding into a virtual galaxy of their own creation. A realm of existence, of growth and preservation of identity, beyond our understanding.
Unlike most Reapers, however, which have the Reaper Consensus forced upon them in their creation (Reaper ideology good, organics pathetic, we are the best/salvation through destruction/inevitability), the Illusive Man's Cerberus sabotage during the creation process let the Human Reaper have free will. Or billions/trillions of free wills. Going by the Samara idea of 'three humans will have four opinions', the Human Reaper is a gestalt of individuality.
As far as gestalts go, it's terribly divided by it's nature. Consensus reaching like the Geth occurs, but lack of consensus is common. Divided ideologies (Paragons and Renegades in the same head), divided priorities, divided views towards everything. About the only thing that keeps internal wars from occurring is the nature and deliberate structure of its existence. The guiding consensus that unites gestalt, rather than the Reaper ideology, is the belief that the Reapers must be stopped... even if they already are one.
Giving unity of action to the multitude, however, is the hero Commander Shepard. Or Shepherd the Avatar. Or, to a lesser degree, the Illusive Man and Cerberus.
The Human-Reaper's inner problems were not unforseen by the Illusive Man. So he installed an override of sorts: while the Reaper is supposed to control the Avatar, TIM put it in reverse. When the Human-Reaper is not in consensus, the Avatar can override it. Because Shepard is, well, Shepard, the Human Reaper and Shepard are nearly always on the same page.
TIM also tried to do it in favor of himself as well, through the 'direct control' link the Reaper has on the Collector General, but the Human-Reaper doesn't really like TIM. Betrayal during the Reaper War and all that. TIM can influence and help shape the Human-Reaper's consensus, but can not override it like the Avatar. Of course, this goes both ways: the Human Reaper's feedback to TIM heavily influences him, and through him Cerberus. 'Cerberus is Humanity' indeed.
The Human Reaper is and is not a character. It's more of an intractable plot device. It exists, it has a nature, but it doesn't really have a mind. It has a lot of them, but consensus and direction are portrayed through other characters: either through Shepard, Shepherd, or TIM and Cerberus.
For the most part, the Human Reaper is a super-secret part of Shepard's arrival to the Star Wars universe, and plays a Sovereign-esque role. A super-warship of unrivaled caliber. It's true nature unknown. It is a secret mastermind of convoluted conspiracies to prepare the SW galaxy for wars against the Reapers.
To Shepard, the Avatar, the relationship is sort of permanent failure/devotion and hope and connection. The Human-Reaper exists because Shepard failed to stop the Reapers. Some of Shepard's friends/allies (Anderson) exist within the gestalt, and occassionally rise to provide Shepard survivor's angst. At the same time, the Human-Reaper is something Shepard is dedicated to saving and protecting, the last bit of Humanity there is, and pushes Shepard ever harder to beat the Reapers inevitable pursuit. The Reaper honors its Avatar in its own way, understanding the Reapers' interest in Shepard in a way that can not be expressed, plus their own view of Shepard as a symbol,
To TIM, the Human Reaper is sort of the crux of what he spent the last cycle working on. He wanted control, came close, but failed. While TIM is, of course, TIM in nature, that nature is now decided by the Human-Reaper. TIM is the best and worst of Humanity in one, Cerberus is Humanity, etc, only more literal. TIM is the Collector General to the Human-Reaper's Harbinger, only the link of influence goes both way. TIM is not liked by the Humanity within the Reaper, but his position as the Cerberus-General is irreplaceable.
===
Tech Comparison
===
For purposes of the story, Star Wars tech of KOTOR is to Reaper tech about what Mass Effect tech was: Reaper tech long-since understood laser-tech from the ME galaxy cycles and built defenses, and so the SW lasers are really just 'we will drain the energy you shoot at us to power our super-duper shields, until you overload them.' It's not so much that ME tech is better or worse than SW tech against the Reapers... it's just that the Reaper tech is so highly advanced, they might as well be equally futile except in overkill amounts.
ME tech and SW tech of KOTOR are by and large equivalent. Screw the SW ******-lore of Base Delta Zero making Deathstars obsolete, or turbolaser outputs, or attempts at numerically qualifying everything. Big guns are big. Shields are shields, albeit ME and SW shields don't defend well against small arms of the other side. Reaper tech is the best. The primary difference between the two is that physical-projectile weapons like ME guns are much harder for lightsabers to deflect... or impossible, when it comes to shotguns.
Along with the curiosity about the force, one of the real 'science' differences between the SW galaxy and ME galaxy is that e-zero is not naturally occurring in the SW universe, and naturally dissipates. Sort of like a galaxy-specific effect, a universal force like gravity. E-zero can be produced artificially, but only artificially, and it decays. The SW galaxy has moved to the energy-laser effects because ME tech was simply impractical and uneconomical to preserve.
Wait, two Shepards? You'll see...
In reverse order...
The Human Reaper
---
The Human Reaper is, well, the Human Reaper. A Reaper Vanguard dreadnaught, built to replace Sovereign's role. As a Vanguard Dreadnaught, it's meant to be more independent than a general Reaper dreadnaught: more durable, more versatile. A gestalt AI entity, pretty much all the minds of the people smoothied into making it were preserved. As far as the Reaper AI itself goes, I imagine it like a virtual world: the minds that started the Reaper's core live, multiply, are preserved and expand within the Reaper core, expanding into a virtual galaxy of their own creation. A realm of existence, of growth and preservation of identity, beyond our understanding.
Unlike most Reapers, however, which have the Reaper Consensus forced upon them in their creation (Reaper ideology good, organics pathetic, we are the best/salvation through destruction/inevitability), the Illusive Man's Cerberus sabotage during the creation process let the Human Reaper have free will. Or billions/trillions of free wills. Going by the Samara idea of 'three humans will have four opinions', the Human Reaper is a gestalt of individuality.
As far as gestalts go, it's terribly divided by it's nature. Consensus reaching like the Geth occurs, but lack of consensus is common. Divided ideologies (Paragons and Renegades in the same head), divided priorities, divided views towards everything. About the only thing that keeps internal wars from occurring is the nature and deliberate structure of its existence. The guiding consensus that unites gestalt, rather than the Reaper ideology, is the belief that the Reapers must be stopped... even if they already are one.
Giving unity of action to the multitude, however, is the hero Commander Shepard. Or Shepherd the Avatar. Or, to a lesser degree, the Illusive Man and Cerberus.
The Human-Reaper's inner problems were not unforseen by the Illusive Man. So he installed an override of sorts: while the Reaper is supposed to control the Avatar, TIM put it in reverse. When the Human-Reaper is not in consensus, the Avatar can override it. Because Shepard is, well, Shepard, the Human Reaper and Shepard are nearly always on the same page.
TIM also tried to do it in favor of himself as well, through the 'direct control' link the Reaper has on the Collector General, but the Human-Reaper doesn't really like TIM. Betrayal during the Reaper War and all that. TIM can influence and help shape the Human-Reaper's consensus, but can not override it like the Avatar. Of course, this goes both ways: the Human Reaper's feedback to TIM heavily influences him, and through him Cerberus. 'Cerberus is Humanity' indeed.
The Human Reaper is and is not a character. It's more of an intractable plot device. It exists, it has a nature, but it doesn't really have a mind. It has a lot of them, but consensus and direction are portrayed through other characters: either through Shepard, Shepherd, or TIM and Cerberus.
For the most part, the Human Reaper is a super-secret part of Shepard's arrival to the Star Wars universe, and plays a Sovereign-esque role. A super-warship of unrivaled caliber. It's true nature unknown. It is a secret mastermind of convoluted conspiracies to prepare the SW galaxy for wars against the Reapers.
To Shepard, the Avatar, the relationship is sort of permanent failure/devotion and hope and connection. The Human-Reaper exists because Shepard failed to stop the Reapers. Some of Shepard's friends/allies (Anderson) exist within the gestalt, and occassionally rise to provide Shepard survivor's angst. At the same time, the Human-Reaper is something Shepard is dedicated to saving and protecting, the last bit of Humanity there is, and pushes Shepard ever harder to beat the Reapers inevitable pursuit. The Reaper honors its Avatar in its own way, understanding the Reapers' interest in Shepard in a way that can not be expressed, plus their own view of Shepard as a symbol,
To TIM, the Human Reaper is sort of the crux of what he spent the last cycle working on. He wanted control, came close, but failed. While TIM is, of course, TIM in nature, that nature is now decided by the Human-Reaper. TIM is the best and worst of Humanity in one, Cerberus is Humanity, etc, only more literal. TIM is the Collector General to the Human-Reaper's Harbinger, only the link of influence goes both way. TIM is not liked by the Humanity within the Reaper, but his position as the Cerberus-General is irreplaceable.
===
Tech Comparison
===
For purposes of the story, Star Wars tech of KOTOR is to Reaper tech about what Mass Effect tech was: Reaper tech long-since understood laser-tech from the ME galaxy cycles and built defenses, and so the SW lasers are really just 'we will drain the energy you shoot at us to power our super-duper shields, until you overload them.' It's not so much that ME tech is better or worse than SW tech against the Reapers... it's just that the Reaper tech is so highly advanced, they might as well be equally futile except in overkill amounts.
ME tech and SW tech of KOTOR are by and large equivalent. Screw the SW ******-lore of Base Delta Zero making Deathstars obsolete, or turbolaser outputs, or attempts at numerically qualifying everything. Big guns are big. Shields are shields, albeit ME and SW shields don't defend well against small arms of the other side. Reaper tech is the best. The primary difference between the two is that physical-projectile weapons like ME guns are much harder for lightsabers to deflect... or impossible, when it comes to shotguns.
Along with the curiosity about the force, one of the real 'science' differences between the SW galaxy and ME galaxy is that e-zero is not naturally occurring in the SW universe, and naturally dissipates. Sort of like a galaxy-specific effect, a universal force like gravity. E-zero can be produced artificially, but only artificially, and it decays. The SW galaxy has moved to the energy-laser effects because ME tech was simply impractical and uneconomical to preserve.
Posted at 11:50 AM on 2011-12-28
The Illusive Man
===
TIM is the Cerberus General. Which is like the Collector General, except more independent and stuff.
In the ME galaxy, TIM's role was as the hated traitor. Cerberus presented itself as allies to the common cause, but at the cusp of victory backstabbed the galaxy in an attempt to seize total control of the post-Reaper world (ie, seize control of the Reapers)... but failed. And in the failure, and backstab, the Reapers won and went on to win the war, with Cerberus having much the same role of designated indoctrination puppet as in canon.
For his 'reward', TIM and Cerberus were selected not for Ascension into the Reaper, but to be the new Collectors, and in charge of making the new Human Reaper. TIM is actually able, via his First Contact reaper implants, able to subvert indoctrination by giving a 'false positive' to the Reapers, and in having all of indoctrinated Cerberus loyal to him rather than the Reapers, not!Indoctrinated TIM is able to sabotage the Human-Reaper's construction, giving it and Shepard free will and all the other things mentioned above.
Collector-General-TIM is both hated but too valuable to Shepard and the Human Reaper to simply do away with only for revenge. TIM is responsible not only for their freedom and escape from the Reapers, after all, but taking away the Cerberus-Collectors and managing their non-indoctrinated descendents during the long trek between galaxies. Meticulous planning and resource management has preserved a genetically viable human population on a 2km star ship, which is no mean feat.
TIM was responsible for the indoctrinated Cerberus-Collectors being on the Reaper during the escape, and played a big role in raising and managing the non-indoctrinated descendants and keeping them alive. A Reaper is meant to kill organics, not keep them alive and viable over the course of a galactic road trip, and it has been TIM, through genetic manipulation, cybernetic implants, and reconditioning, that turned indoctrinated near-husks back into 'natural' humans... bar the cybernetics needed to sustain their lives in the Human-Reaper.
As a nature of the technology involved, TIM has a direct link to all Cerberus personnel, which allows for him to both see and help direct everything they do. But the Collector General is only a conduit, not the controller, of the troops, and TIM can not assume direct control. That is reserved for the Human-Reaper itself, or its Avatar. TIM can plan, advise, and direct, but not control. Shepard and the Human-Reaper won't let him.
In short, TIM is in the same position during canon!ME3. In command of a cutting-edge group, but limited by what his masters dictate. In this case, the master is the Human-Reaper: the Human-Reaper directs the Illusive Man through the bond they share.
What TIM IS able and allowed to do, however, is enter shadow politics in the new galaxy, as well as control the new 'additions' to the Cerberus ranks. Though his goals are directed by the Human-Reaper and Shepard, TIM plays double-faced mastermind, taking advantage of all the sides for his own obscure intentions. Playing both Sith and Republic, and managing the rise and expansion of Cerberus, TIM remains a questionable ally. Whether he is truly faithful to Humanity, or just biding his time till he wins his independence or more control, is a mystery.
===
Cerberus
Cerberus plays a strange new role.
In the ME galaxy, it was much as the ME3 spoilers say. Cerberus mastered indoctrination-implant technology, and raised an army by implanting civilians with Reaper cybernetics. These implanted people had the skill of veteran soldiers, and were indoctrinated to limitless loyalty to the Illusive Man personally. They were a key to the Reaper's victory on the ground.
Following the Reaper victory, Cerberus was 'honored' by the Reapers by being selected to become the new Collectors for the next cycle, and the Illusive Man the Collector-General. The Reapers underestimated the Illusive Man's machinations, however, and his direct influence over Cerberus. Cerberus sabotaged the creation of the Human Reaper and the Shepard-Avatar, and the Illusive Man moved as much Collector technology and as many Cerberus personnel as he could onto the Human Reaper before the escape from the galaxy.
The indoctrinated Cerberus soldiers were still fertile, and their offspring viable. What followed was the first, possibly only, resurrection of a species wiped out and indoctrinated. Through genetic manipulation, careful breeding strategies, and Collector cybernetics, a viable population was not only reborn, but maintained throughout the inter-galactic trip. Managed by TIM, whose implants were necessary to sustain life, but watched over by the Shepard Avatar and the Human Reaper, a non-indoctrinated Human population survived the Reaping. For countless generations, as far as anyone knew Cerberus WAS humanity.
When they finally arrived at the new galaxy, they found new humans and new species, not none of the old history. Realizing that the rest of the galaxy had long since forgotten the Reapers, Cerberus was re-established. CHiding itself in asteroids or underneath backwater, inhospitable worlds, and beginning to reestablish itself, for centuries Cerberus has grown and spread... secretly.
The last bastion of Humanity in its purest form can not be so easily revealed and exposed, to enemies or friends. Barely a rumor to the most knowledgeable of Imperial Intelligence or the Republic SIS, Cerberus under the Illusive Man is barely known as a pro-Human movement... but it is also the most devoted base of the anti-Reaper effort.
---
As far as it's role, Cerberus is sort of the Enclave from Fallout. With themes of Human purity (identity-wise, if not genetic), high-technology (Reaper-tech), and both idealism and evil (the reclaimed survivors: the ruthless fighters against the Reapers).
'Cerberus' has two major divisions: civilian and paramilitary.
The civilian is the aspect of Cerberus as the reclaimed Humanity and it's soul. The 'Civilians' of Cerberus have free will from the Illusive Man and indoctrination... but a cultural fanaticism and dedication shaped by Human Reaper and Shepard. A Human migrant fleet of one ship now expanding, only instead of 'we hate the Geth' the emphasis is 'we hate the Reapers.' Directed by the ascendant abilities of the Human-Reaper, lead by the immortal-hero that is Shepard,, the civilians of Cerberus are the last survivors of a galaxy long since reaped. Every life is dedicated to preparing for the Reaper War. The Illusive Man is rarely allowed to be involved with the 'civilians': science projects are managed by the ascendant abilities of the Human Reaper.
Cerberus has been hiding in the SW galaxy for less than a century, similar to the Sith Empire's buildup but on a far smaller scale. The 'civilian' population of Cerberus, even with generous breeding allowed, a few hundred thousand. While only a few bars short of fanatical in their opposition to the Reapers, these are also the sheltered idealists of Humanity: the Human-Reaper likes them idealistic and paragon-ish, and a lot of the Cerberus-civilians are more likely to favor the Republic over the Sith... but all Cerberus Puts the Mission First, and is loyal to Cerberus.
The paramilitary aspect of Cerberus is the holdover from ME3: commandos, spies, and fronts. This is the Illusive Man's domain, though Shepard keeps close watch and is involved. Plenty of Reaper implants are involved... as is indoctrination. Indoctrination is Cerberus' biggest advantage, all the more because the implant-less form is a secret. Cerberus has indoctrinated agents across the galaxy. Very much the 'mission first' Renegade/Ruthless aspect of Humanity/Cerberus.
The Cerberus army, on the other hand, is made the old fashioned way... by which I mean Cerberus captures/kidnaps/solicits people, sticks them on spikes, and turns them into ME3 Cerberus commandos. Both the Republic and Sith would love to have this sort of thing for themselves, but the Reaper tech involved is too good, and all their attempts really just make more agents for Cerberus. Though the Republic and Sith don't necessarily know that when they start...
Long a rumor and a rather overlooked 'human' group, Cerberus quickly takes a more notable role when Shepard intervenes in the galactic stalemate.
===
TIM is the Cerberus General. Which is like the Collector General, except more independent and stuff.
In the ME galaxy, TIM's role was as the hated traitor. Cerberus presented itself as allies to the common cause, but at the cusp of victory backstabbed the galaxy in an attempt to seize total control of the post-Reaper world (ie, seize control of the Reapers)... but failed. And in the failure, and backstab, the Reapers won and went on to win the war, with Cerberus having much the same role of designated indoctrination puppet as in canon.
For his 'reward', TIM and Cerberus were selected not for Ascension into the Reaper, but to be the new Collectors, and in charge of making the new Human Reaper. TIM is actually able, via his First Contact reaper implants, able to subvert indoctrination by giving a 'false positive' to the Reapers, and in having all of indoctrinated Cerberus loyal to him rather than the Reapers, not!Indoctrinated TIM is able to sabotage the Human-Reaper's construction, giving it and Shepard free will and all the other things mentioned above.
Collector-General-TIM is both hated but too valuable to Shepard and the Human Reaper to simply do away with only for revenge. TIM is responsible not only for their freedom and escape from the Reapers, after all, but taking away the Cerberus-Collectors and managing their non-indoctrinated descendents during the long trek between galaxies. Meticulous planning and resource management has preserved a genetically viable human population on a 2km star ship, which is no mean feat.
TIM was responsible for the indoctrinated Cerberus-Collectors being on the Reaper during the escape, and played a big role in raising and managing the non-indoctrinated descendants and keeping them alive. A Reaper is meant to kill organics, not keep them alive and viable over the course of a galactic road trip, and it has been TIM, through genetic manipulation, cybernetic implants, and reconditioning, that turned indoctrinated near-husks back into 'natural' humans... bar the cybernetics needed to sustain their lives in the Human-Reaper.
As a nature of the technology involved, TIM has a direct link to all Cerberus personnel, which allows for him to both see and help direct everything they do. But the Collector General is only a conduit, not the controller, of the troops, and TIM can not assume direct control. That is reserved for the Human-Reaper itself, or its Avatar. TIM can plan, advise, and direct, but not control. Shepard and the Human-Reaper won't let him.
In short, TIM is in the same position during canon!ME3. In command of a cutting-edge group, but limited by what his masters dictate. In this case, the master is the Human-Reaper: the Human-Reaper directs the Illusive Man through the bond they share.
What TIM IS able and allowed to do, however, is enter shadow politics in the new galaxy, as well as control the new 'additions' to the Cerberus ranks. Though his goals are directed by the Human-Reaper and Shepard, TIM plays double-faced mastermind, taking advantage of all the sides for his own obscure intentions. Playing both Sith and Republic, and managing the rise and expansion of Cerberus, TIM remains a questionable ally. Whether he is truly faithful to Humanity, or just biding his time till he wins his independence or more control, is a mystery.
===
Cerberus
Cerberus plays a strange new role.
In the ME galaxy, it was much as the ME3 spoilers say. Cerberus mastered indoctrination-implant technology, and raised an army by implanting civilians with Reaper cybernetics. These implanted people had the skill of veteran soldiers, and were indoctrinated to limitless loyalty to the Illusive Man personally. They were a key to the Reaper's victory on the ground.
Following the Reaper victory, Cerberus was 'honored' by the Reapers by being selected to become the new Collectors for the next cycle, and the Illusive Man the Collector-General. The Reapers underestimated the Illusive Man's machinations, however, and his direct influence over Cerberus. Cerberus sabotaged the creation of the Human Reaper and the Shepard-Avatar, and the Illusive Man moved as much Collector technology and as many Cerberus personnel as he could onto the Human Reaper before the escape from the galaxy.
The indoctrinated Cerberus soldiers were still fertile, and their offspring viable. What followed was the first, possibly only, resurrection of a species wiped out and indoctrinated. Through genetic manipulation, careful breeding strategies, and Collector cybernetics, a viable population was not only reborn, but maintained throughout the inter-galactic trip. Managed by TIM, whose implants were necessary to sustain life, but watched over by the Shepard Avatar and the Human Reaper, a non-indoctrinated Human population survived the Reaping. For countless generations, as far as anyone knew Cerberus WAS humanity.
When they finally arrived at the new galaxy, they found new humans and new species, not none of the old history. Realizing that the rest of the galaxy had long since forgotten the Reapers, Cerberus was re-established. CHiding itself in asteroids or underneath backwater, inhospitable worlds, and beginning to reestablish itself, for centuries Cerberus has grown and spread... secretly.
The last bastion of Humanity in its purest form can not be so easily revealed and exposed, to enemies or friends. Barely a rumor to the most knowledgeable of Imperial Intelligence or the Republic SIS, Cerberus under the Illusive Man is barely known as a pro-Human movement... but it is also the most devoted base of the anti-Reaper effort.
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As far as it's role, Cerberus is sort of the Enclave from Fallout. With themes of Human purity (identity-wise, if not genetic), high-technology (Reaper-tech), and both idealism and evil (the reclaimed survivors: the ruthless fighters against the Reapers).
'Cerberus' has two major divisions: civilian and paramilitary.
The civilian is the aspect of Cerberus as the reclaimed Humanity and it's soul. The 'Civilians' of Cerberus have free will from the Illusive Man and indoctrination... but a cultural fanaticism and dedication shaped by Human Reaper and Shepard. A Human migrant fleet of one ship now expanding, only instead of 'we hate the Geth' the emphasis is 'we hate the Reapers.' Directed by the ascendant abilities of the Human-Reaper, lead by the immortal-hero that is Shepard,, the civilians of Cerberus are the last survivors of a galaxy long since reaped. Every life is dedicated to preparing for the Reaper War. The Illusive Man is rarely allowed to be involved with the 'civilians': science projects are managed by the ascendant abilities of the Human Reaper.
Cerberus has been hiding in the SW galaxy for less than a century, similar to the Sith Empire's buildup but on a far smaller scale. The 'civilian' population of Cerberus, even with generous breeding allowed, a few hundred thousand. While only a few bars short of fanatical in their opposition to the Reapers, these are also the sheltered idealists of Humanity: the Human-Reaper likes them idealistic and paragon-ish, and a lot of the Cerberus-civilians are more likely to favor the Republic over the Sith... but all Cerberus Puts the Mission First, and is loyal to Cerberus.
The paramilitary aspect of Cerberus is the holdover from ME3: commandos, spies, and fronts. This is the Illusive Man's domain, though Shepard keeps close watch and is involved. Plenty of Reaper implants are involved... as is indoctrination. Indoctrination is Cerberus' biggest advantage, all the more because the implant-less form is a secret. Cerberus has indoctrinated agents across the galaxy. Very much the 'mission first' Renegade/Ruthless aspect of Humanity/Cerberus.
The Cerberus army, on the other hand, is made the old fashioned way... by which I mean Cerberus captures/kidnaps/solicits people, sticks them on spikes, and turns them into ME3 Cerberus commandos. Both the Republic and Sith would love to have this sort of thing for themselves, but the Reaper tech involved is too good, and all their attempts really just make more agents for Cerberus. Though the Republic and Sith don't necessarily know that when they start...
Long a rumor and a rather overlooked 'human' group, Cerberus quickly takes a more notable role when Shepard intervenes in the galactic stalemate.
Posted at 11:51 AM on 2011-12-28
Last of the ME crossover element.
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Shepard or Shepherd? (Or both?)
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This comes from an inclination to have my cake and eat it. Part of it comes from the innate Shepard duality of things: male versus female Shep, as well as Paragon vs. Renegade. Part of it also comes from the duality of Star Wars: light side dark side, Republic and Sith.
But really, it comes to that while (unconventional/non-super-purist) Paragon Shepard makes an awesome match for a Republic/Jedi team up, you can't cross over Mass Effect and Star Wars without red-eyed Renegade Shepard in the same room, and side, as a Sith.
So, find a way to justify both.
---
The first Avatar is Shepard.
In this little crossover, Shepard is the original Shepard. The Hero of the Citadel, stomper of the Collectors, etc. Renegade, male, utter 'accomplish the mission at all costs.' Was sympathetic enough to Cerberus that he invited them into the galactic alliance... and so bears that eternal guilt for it as well. Every once in a while, a ghost from the Human-Reaper rises up to go 'We told you so.'
This is a Renegade Shepard who failed... and has doubled down all the more because of it. What might have once been a Renagon, even a Paragade, has had all mercy, all trust, and nearly all sympathy seared out by the Reaper War. It's not to say that he doesn't care about things: it's just that his mission to stop the Reapers comes before everything and everyone else. No more exceptions. He can have that Renegade charm and ease when the mission isn't conflicting... but he'll do anything to anyone when the time comes. Ruthless. Dedicated. Uncompromising. The warrior forged in the war against the Reapers, who gives no quarter and expects none.
Made into an Avatar by the Reapers, Shepard is a scary son-of-a-**** With Red eyes, reaper-implant scars, and a ruthless disposition to the extreme, he's lived for hundreds of thousands of years with only one goal driving him: to destroy the Reapers and enemies of mankind.
Shepard, the Renegade, is associated with the Empire. Leading the Cerberus Commandos, and commanding his mysterious dreadnaught, Shepard strikes an alliance with the Empire in the name of building up the strength to beat the Reapers. Believing that the Empire's militarism and Dark Discipline is power that's needed to beat the Reapers, Shepard wants the might of the Imperial Navy prepared against the Reapers... and is willing to throw the Republic on the funeral pyre of history to prepare the galaxy for war.
Renegade Shepard, backed by Reaper-tech and biotics, will carve his own place within the Sith hierarchy... and through force, willpower, and trickery, reforge the Sith Empire into a new sort of force.
---
The second Avatar is the Shepherd.
If Shepard was the Hero the galaxy had, Shepherd is the Hero Humanity wanted. Fearless, brave, determined... but also compassionate, redeeming, and guarding the soul of a species that might be lost to the Reapers. A guardian of life, rather than the destroyer of foes.
Shepherd was born out of the Human Reaper's gestalt consciousness to give balance to Shepard. An Avatar of equal caliber to Shepard, Shepherd was 'born' to not only defend Humanity against the Reapers, but to make sure there was a Humanity worth surviving when the war was over.
Shepherd is, of course, the Paragon. A dedicated idealist, so that others can believe, the ideal human to inspire more to follow. Not a zealot, but an idealist only, she is dedicated and capable. Despite being an artificial construct of the Human Reaper, she honors life as much as anyone.
Shepherd is associated with the Republic. Leading a number of the Cerberus civilians, she comes to warn the Republic of the greater danger... and to protect and guide the Republic as it prepares itself for the challenges to come. Though Shepherd's emotional beliefs clash with the emotional minimalism of the Jedi, together they might yet survive the sith and bring forth the full potential of the Republic and the alliance of all organic life.
Paragon Shepherd, they physical equal to Shepard, will be the bloody icon this new galaxy can rally behind, the enduring conscience of a species once killed, blocking her more brutal half.
===
Or so it seems. In truth, there's a bit of cheating.
The ME crossover elements are all conspiring together, working in a plan to unite the galaxy against the Reapers. Shepard takes the Empire, Shepherd takes the Republic, and TIM plays Cerberus to bring both teams together in the long run.
---
Renegade Shepard, bringing the Cerberus commandoes, offers himself as an Alliance with the Empire... not because he thinks it is strong, but because he thinks it is weaker and must be strengthened. If the Empire could not knock out the Republic when it had surprise, preparation, and the momentum, and all sorts of other advantages, then the Republic must truly be a sleeping giant that has yet to waken. The Imperial Military is perfect, in Shepard's vision... but the Sith leadership, it's power games and infighting and corruption, is the flaw. If the Sith could be changed, the Imperial Military would be an ideal force against the Reapers: meritocratic, efficient, disciplined, fearless.
Renegade Shepard joins the Empire, offering them victory in this war to prepare for the Reapers. Using Cerberus Commandos, biotics, and the Human Reaper as his flagship, he builds up a power base within the Empire. Combine that with tasteful indoctrination of Sith, and Shepard's own charismatic persuasion skills, and Renegade Shepard starts a Sith movement behind himself. Rather than passion ruling, however, Shepard's philosophy for them is 'the mission comes first', and tries to weed out the sith sociopathy.
As a non-force user, Shepard faces an uphill battle in his quest for influence in the Empire. Popular with the conventional military for his loyalty-goes-both-ways, the Sith see him as a threat. But with biotics, indoctrination capabilities of his own, and good-old Renegade ruthlessness, Renegade Shepard takes like a fish to water. Some Sith become enemies: others seek alliance.
Shepard's ultimate goal is to try and indoctrinate the Emperor and take control of the empire (and thus end the war/ally with the Republic)... but since so few ever meet the Emperor, that is a hard goal to reach. Shepard has a fondness for the super-normals, like the Bounty Hunter or Cypher 9. Sith are seen as mad dogs to be shot and re-made... possibly through indoctrination.
---
Paragade Shepherd brings tidings to the Republic. After Shepard makes his role known by leading a number of successful attacks against the Republic, Shepherd steps forward to 'thwart' him.
Shepherd presents herself to the Republic. She tells them about the Reapers, and why Shepard is doing what he's doing... but she offers her own help to them as well. The Cerberus scientists who are under her become top-priority research leads for the Republic, helping to bring back ME technology to the galaxy. Along with helping the Republic's technological/diplomatic efforts, Shepherd works to strengthen the Alliance, stabilizing it and giving it new hope.
In a case of good clashing with good, Paragon Shepherd's attempts to ally with the Jedi Knights doesn't get off well. The Jedi know she's not human, not really, and her Reaper origins have less than Light Side echoes. Her secrets, as well as her embracing of the emotions Jedi suppress, causes significant friction. It doesn't help that she's the sort who would try to stop Revan, or some of the more cynical/brutal/effective Republic leaders.
Shepherd's ultimate goal is to consolidate, stabilize, and upgrade the whole of the Republic without losing it's soul, using ME tech long since forgotten to help upgrade things. She likes idealists and the Jedi, but she's viewed with suspicion by cynical types and Jedi alike.
---
The Illusive Man plays middleman to this. Controlling the Cerberus intelligence network, he plays influence-monger and covert help for both Avatars. He helps Paragon Shepherd stay afloat in the Republic as he takes advantage of its corruption, while at the same time playing convoluted conspiracies in Sith politics to help further Renegade Shepard.
The Illusive Man's real areas of interest are the corruption-influences generally held by the Hutts: Cerberus Intelligence makes a play at the crime rackets to gather money and influence, which raises their profile from 'racist human group' to 'noticed threat.'
The Illusive Man retains his 'pro-Human' goal, which reflects in some approval towards the Human-dominated Sith Empire, as well as anti-alien influence machinations in the Republic.
---
Shepard or Shepherd? (Or both?)
---
This comes from an inclination to have my cake and eat it. Part of it comes from the innate Shepard duality of things: male versus female Shep, as well as Paragon vs. Renegade. Part of it also comes from the duality of Star Wars: light side dark side, Republic and Sith.
But really, it comes to that while (unconventional/non-super-purist) Paragon Shepard makes an awesome match for a Republic/Jedi team up, you can't cross over Mass Effect and Star Wars without red-eyed Renegade Shepard in the same room, and side, as a Sith.
So, find a way to justify both.
---
The first Avatar is Shepard.
In this little crossover, Shepard is the original Shepard. The Hero of the Citadel, stomper of the Collectors, etc. Renegade, male, utter 'accomplish the mission at all costs.' Was sympathetic enough to Cerberus that he invited them into the galactic alliance... and so bears that eternal guilt for it as well. Every once in a while, a ghost from the Human-Reaper rises up to go 'We told you so.'
This is a Renegade Shepard who failed... and has doubled down all the more because of it. What might have once been a Renagon, even a Paragade, has had all mercy, all trust, and nearly all sympathy seared out by the Reaper War. It's not to say that he doesn't care about things: it's just that his mission to stop the Reapers comes before everything and everyone else. No more exceptions. He can have that Renegade charm and ease when the mission isn't conflicting... but he'll do anything to anyone when the time comes. Ruthless. Dedicated. Uncompromising. The warrior forged in the war against the Reapers, who gives no quarter and expects none.
Made into an Avatar by the Reapers, Shepard is a scary son-of-a-**** With Red eyes, reaper-implant scars, and a ruthless disposition to the extreme, he's lived for hundreds of thousands of years with only one goal driving him: to destroy the Reapers and enemies of mankind.
Shepard, the Renegade, is associated with the Empire. Leading the Cerberus Commandos, and commanding his mysterious dreadnaught, Shepard strikes an alliance with the Empire in the name of building up the strength to beat the Reapers. Believing that the Empire's militarism and Dark Discipline is power that's needed to beat the Reapers, Shepard wants the might of the Imperial Navy prepared against the Reapers... and is willing to throw the Republic on the funeral pyre of history to prepare the galaxy for war.
Renegade Shepard, backed by Reaper-tech and biotics, will carve his own place within the Sith hierarchy... and through force, willpower, and trickery, reforge the Sith Empire into a new sort of force.
---
The second Avatar is the Shepherd.
If Shepard was the Hero the galaxy had, Shepherd is the Hero Humanity wanted. Fearless, brave, determined... but also compassionate, redeeming, and guarding the soul of a species that might be lost to the Reapers. A guardian of life, rather than the destroyer of foes.
Shepherd was born out of the Human Reaper's gestalt consciousness to give balance to Shepard. An Avatar of equal caliber to Shepard, Shepherd was 'born' to not only defend Humanity against the Reapers, but to make sure there was a Humanity worth surviving when the war was over.
Shepherd is, of course, the Paragon. A dedicated idealist, so that others can believe, the ideal human to inspire more to follow. Not a zealot, but an idealist only, she is dedicated and capable. Despite being an artificial construct of the Human Reaper, she honors life as much as anyone.
Shepherd is associated with the Republic. Leading a number of the Cerberus civilians, she comes to warn the Republic of the greater danger... and to protect and guide the Republic as it prepares itself for the challenges to come. Though Shepherd's emotional beliefs clash with the emotional minimalism of the Jedi, together they might yet survive the sith and bring forth the full potential of the Republic and the alliance of all organic life.
Paragon Shepherd, they physical equal to Shepard, will be the bloody icon this new galaxy can rally behind, the enduring conscience of a species once killed, blocking her more brutal half.
===
Or so it seems. In truth, there's a bit of cheating.
The ME crossover elements are all conspiring together, working in a plan to unite the galaxy against the Reapers. Shepard takes the Empire, Shepherd takes the Republic, and TIM plays Cerberus to bring both teams together in the long run.
---
Renegade Shepard, bringing the Cerberus commandoes, offers himself as an Alliance with the Empire... not because he thinks it is strong, but because he thinks it is weaker and must be strengthened. If the Empire could not knock out the Republic when it had surprise, preparation, and the momentum, and all sorts of other advantages, then the Republic must truly be a sleeping giant that has yet to waken. The Imperial Military is perfect, in Shepard's vision... but the Sith leadership, it's power games and infighting and corruption, is the flaw. If the Sith could be changed, the Imperial Military would be an ideal force against the Reapers: meritocratic, efficient, disciplined, fearless.
Renegade Shepard joins the Empire, offering them victory in this war to prepare for the Reapers. Using Cerberus Commandos, biotics, and the Human Reaper as his flagship, he builds up a power base within the Empire. Combine that with tasteful indoctrination of Sith, and Shepard's own charismatic persuasion skills, and Renegade Shepard starts a Sith movement behind himself. Rather than passion ruling, however, Shepard's philosophy for them is 'the mission comes first', and tries to weed out the sith sociopathy.
As a non-force user, Shepard faces an uphill battle in his quest for influence in the Empire. Popular with the conventional military for his loyalty-goes-both-ways, the Sith see him as a threat. But with biotics, indoctrination capabilities of his own, and good-old Renegade ruthlessness, Renegade Shepard takes like a fish to water. Some Sith become enemies: others seek alliance.
Shepard's ultimate goal is to try and indoctrinate the Emperor and take control of the empire (and thus end the war/ally with the Republic)... but since so few ever meet the Emperor, that is a hard goal to reach. Shepard has a fondness for the super-normals, like the Bounty Hunter or Cypher 9. Sith are seen as mad dogs to be shot and re-made... possibly through indoctrination.
---
Paragade Shepherd brings tidings to the Republic. After Shepard makes his role known by leading a number of successful attacks against the Republic, Shepherd steps forward to 'thwart' him.
Shepherd presents herself to the Republic. She tells them about the Reapers, and why Shepard is doing what he's doing... but she offers her own help to them as well. The Cerberus scientists who are under her become top-priority research leads for the Republic, helping to bring back ME technology to the galaxy. Along with helping the Republic's technological/diplomatic efforts, Shepherd works to strengthen the Alliance, stabilizing it and giving it new hope.
In a case of good clashing with good, Paragon Shepherd's attempts to ally with the Jedi Knights doesn't get off well. The Jedi know she's not human, not really, and her Reaper origins have less than Light Side echoes. Her secrets, as well as her embracing of the emotions Jedi suppress, causes significant friction. It doesn't help that she's the sort who would try to stop Revan, or some of the more cynical/brutal/effective Republic leaders.
Shepherd's ultimate goal is to consolidate, stabilize, and upgrade the whole of the Republic without losing it's soul, using ME tech long since forgotten to help upgrade things. She likes idealists and the Jedi, but she's viewed with suspicion by cynical types and Jedi alike.
---
The Illusive Man plays middleman to this. Controlling the Cerberus intelligence network, he plays influence-monger and covert help for both Avatars. He helps Paragon Shepherd stay afloat in the Republic as he takes advantage of its corruption, while at the same time playing convoluted conspiracies in Sith politics to help further Renegade Shepard.
The Illusive Man's real areas of interest are the corruption-influences generally held by the Hutts: Cerberus Intelligence makes a play at the crime rackets to gather money and influence, which raises their profile from 'racist human group' to 'noticed threat.'
The Illusive Man retains his 'pro-Human' goal, which reflects in some approval towards the Human-dominated Sith Empire, as well as anti-alien influence machinations in the Republic.
Posted at 11:51 AM on 2011-12-28
The SWTOR classes would each have a representative in this crossover. Their own distinct person of interest. The sort of people who, if Shepard/Shepherd weren't Reaper-tech Avatars, would be on Shepard's level.
The exact roles would depend on the stories, which I admit I don't know all of. Generally tie the Shepards in there, and each class would have their own role in revealing the story.
Republic Commando is a badass soldier who can give a pre-Avatar Shepard a hard time. Works well with Shepherd, fights Cerberus commandoes and Sith?
Jedi Knight, I know, has a plotline of taking down the Emperor. Tie into that Renegade Shepard... who surprises the Jedi Knight by standing aside and letting them take on the Emperor.
Jedi Counselor deals with finding the truth, and in this case finding the truth about Shepherd. The Counselor overcomes suspicion and dark mysteries and, through the force, uncovers the long-forgotten history that proves the flight from the Reapers.
Bounty Hunter has a plotline of fighting an especially capable/sly Republic politician. Bounty Hunter might find themselves helped by the idealistic Paragon Shepherd (who opposes the corrupt). Renegade Shepard is always impressed by a badass normal.
Imperial Agent has the plot of balancing 'Imperial Intelligence first' versus Jadus's 'make everyone a Sith.' Renegade Shepard thinks the Sith sociopathy is a source of weakness to be limited. Imperial Agent offers a good route to 'discover' the truth of the Human-Reaper. Good character to show off the insane Reaper-tech properties as well: an orbital strike that barely fazes an Avatar. Definite applications for Cerberus in an intel-fight.
The early Sith Warrior questline is about building a reputation as a warrior. Renegade Shepard's 'indoctrinate/remake the Sith' ideology could come here. Rather than 'let passions rule', a 'the mission always comes first' bent that puts loyalty over advancement. Indoctrination of Sith is a good place here.
Sith Sorcerer is about gaining power, mysteries of the darkside. Reaper tech implications, or even biotics (is Sorcerer both force-user AND biotic?).
The exact roles would depend on the stories, which I admit I don't know all of. Generally tie the Shepards in there, and each class would have their own role in revealing the story.
Republic Commando is a badass soldier who can give a pre-Avatar Shepard a hard time. Works well with Shepherd, fights Cerberus commandoes and Sith?
Jedi Knight, I know, has a plotline of taking down the Emperor. Tie into that Renegade Shepard... who surprises the Jedi Knight by standing aside and letting them take on the Emperor.
Jedi Counselor deals with finding the truth, and in this case finding the truth about Shepherd. The Counselor overcomes suspicion and dark mysteries and, through the force, uncovers the long-forgotten history that proves the flight from the Reapers.
Bounty Hunter has a plotline of fighting an especially capable/sly Republic politician. Bounty Hunter might find themselves helped by the idealistic Paragon Shepherd (who opposes the corrupt). Renegade Shepard is always impressed by a badass normal.
Imperial Agent has the plot of balancing 'Imperial Intelligence first' versus Jadus's 'make everyone a Sith.' Renegade Shepard thinks the Sith sociopathy is a source of weakness to be limited. Imperial Agent offers a good route to 'discover' the truth of the Human-Reaper. Good character to show off the insane Reaper-tech properties as well: an orbital strike that barely fazes an Avatar. Definite applications for Cerberus in an intel-fight.
The early Sith Warrior questline is about building a reputation as a warrior. Renegade Shepard's 'indoctrinate/remake the Sith' ideology could come here. Rather than 'let passions rule', a 'the mission always comes first' bent that puts loyalty over advancement. Indoctrination of Sith is a good place here.
Sith Sorcerer is about gaining power, mysteries of the darkside. Reaper tech implications, or even biotics (is Sorcerer both force-user AND biotic?).
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