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[Teneb]

Spoiler: Update Detected (click to show/hide)

PART 7 - I forgot to name this part

Javyar’s Cantina



Continuing our pub crawl quest, we meet yet another unique face.



: Who you calling a little girl, Chuba-face?
Rodian 1: Little girl needs lesson in manners!
: Just a sec, boys. Zaalbar… a little help here? I need you to rip the legs off some insects.

: Quit complaining… you can finish eating later. Besides, you need the exercise so get over here.

Rodian 1: We no want trouble with Wookie. Our problem with you, little girl!
: You got a problem with me, then you got a problem with Big Z. So unless you want to take on my furry friend, I suggest you greenies hop on out of here.
Rodian 2: Little girl lucky she has big friend.

They go away and we can finally get our conversation quota up to speed.


: Hey – we speak the same language!

Yes. Unlike every single other not-Yoda alien ever in Star Wars, Mission speaks English Basic.

: It’s not that strange. Most aliens can speak Basic, they just prefer to use their own language. But I grew up here on Taris so I just sort of got used to speaking the native tongue.
: You showed a lot of guts dealing with those Vulkars, kid. You got a name?
: My name’s Mission Vao and this big Wookie is my best friend, Zaalbar. I’d offer to give you a tour, but the streets down here aren’t safe. But if there’s anything you need…
: How do a Wookie and a Twi’lek street urchin end up as best friends?
: We just kind of fell in together. It ain’t easy on your own herein the Lower City – everyone’s always looking to push you around.
: So we noticed. Still, you seem like an odd pair.
: When I met up with Zaalbar it seemed like a good match. I knew we could look out for each other. With my street smarts and his muscle, we make a great team.
: I want to ask you some questions.
: Well, you came to the right person! If you want info on Lower Taris I’m the one to talk to! Davik, the Lower City gangs… I’ve even got the scoop on that bounty hunter Calo Nord.
: Tell me about Davik.
: Davik’s part of the intergalactic crime syndicate, but I guess everyone knows that. But I hear he’s got a new ship for his smuggling operations – the Ebon Hawk. I don’t know much about space travel, but I hear that ship’s fast enough to break the Sith blockade. Of course, this is all just second hand rumor.
: Where would he keep it? Do you know?
: If Davik does have a ship, he’s got it locked up in his estate. Nobody gets in there, except the people working for Davik and the Exchange.
: Tell me about the Lower City gangs.
: There’s only two gangs worth worrying about here in the Lower City: the Black Vulkars and the Hidden Beks. Sometimes Zaalbar and I hang out at the Bek base. The Beks are led by Gadon Thek – he’s a good guy. Lost his sight in a swoop bike accident a few years ago, but even blind he’s a great leader. Not like that traitor Brejik! Before he took over the Vulkars he was a Hidden Bek. Gadon considered that ungrateful space slug his adopted son.
: Why did Brejik leave the Hidden Beks?
: When Gadon went blind everyone figured he’d step down and appoint Brejik in his place. But Gadon figured Brejik wasn’t ready yet. He wanted him to wait a few years. But Brejik was too impatient. He left to join the Vulkars, and ever since he’s been waging a war to wipe Gadon and his Beks from the face of Taris! This gang war in the Lower City is totally the Vulkar’s fault. They’re the ones killing everything that moves out on the street. It’s like they’ve gone insane.
: Tell me about Calo Nord.
: Calo Nord’s one of the most famous bounty hunters in the galaxy. He’s killed more people than the Iridian Plague! I’ve seen him kill people for just trying to talk to him! He hangs around Zax’s bounty office, but I don’t think he’s looking for work there. All the postings there are small time – way beneath a bounty hunter of his caliber. I figure Calo’s been hired by Davik to do a special job for the Exchange. I’d wager a thousand credits that as soon as the quarantine ends, he’ll be getting off this rock.
: I ‘ll be going now.
: You going? Yeah, this dive is pretty boring. No action around here. Come on, Big Z, let’s go.
: But I haven’t finished eating!
: Can’t you think about something besides your stomach for five minutes? Come on – we’ll go see if there’s anything good to eat at the Bek base.

As may be evidenced by the presence of portraits, they are Important People. We’ll be seeing them later, but for now we need to meet something… unusual.



: Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you.
Ja’Gatcha: Okay, you’re not here to offend we. What do you want, then?
: I want to ask you some questions.
Ja’Gatcha: Questions? What kind of questions?
: What planet are you from?
Ja’Gatcha: You couldn’t say it, and don’t have the ears for it. Two voices create the name, and four ears hear the true sound. But your kind would call our home Sorjus, a small world far off the Perlemian trade route.
: What kind of creature are you?
Ja’Gatcha: In your one-voiced tongue you would call our kind Paaerduag.
: Can you tell me about your home world?
Ja’Gatcha: Talking about our home only makes the quarantine more difficult to bear. Forgive us, human, but we do not wish to be reminded of it.
: I noticed you other head doesn’t say much.
Ja’Gatcha: Nothing that you would hear, at least.
: What do you know about Taris?
Ja’Gatcha: Nothing. We were only stopping here to get supplies when the Sith attacked. They imposed a quarantine on all ships that had landed on Taris. Now we are stuck here on a world that hates non-humans… not a good place to be.
: I’ll be going now.
Ja’Gatcha: Good. Leave us alone. We just want the quarantine to end so we can go back home.

There were a lot of small punctuation mistakes in the in-game dialogue, which I took the liberty of correcting.

Finally, there’s Holdan. If I was going full light side, he could be convinced to lift Dia’s bounty.


Holdan: I don’t normally go for these alien girls, but I’ve had some bad experiences with my own species lately. Maybe it’s time for a change, know what I mean?
: You’re the guy who put the bounty on Dia’s head, right?
Holdan: You’re here about that? I guess Zax must have mentioned me to you at the bounty office. Fair enough – I don’t care who takes her out, just so long as the job gets done. I can’t let her get away with what she did – that wench tried to cut me with her vibroblade.
: Dia’s dead. I killed her myself.
Holdan: Really? Huh… I guess that’s it then. A real shame it had to come to this. She was a good looking gal despite her temper. Ah, well. Plenty more ladies out there for me.
: So what happens now?
Holdan: If you want to collect the bounty, go talk to Zax. I gave him the credits for safe keeping. As far as I’m aware my part in this is over.
: I’ll be going now.
Holdan: Fine by me. That means I get to go back to enjoying the dancing girls.

Taris Lower City


A few steps from Javyar’s is the Bek base. We’ll be ignoring it right now. There is still more to see before we advance the plot.


After killing some more Vulkars, we see something going on.


Vulkar 1: I don’t see Davik doing anything for his share. We do all the work. Davik claims he’s part of the Exchange, so let’s see him prove it.
Vulkar 2: Yeah, let’s see the big crime lord come and get his money from the Black Vulkars!
Davik’s Agent: Ah, so you want to play this the hard way? Haha. OK. *sharp whistle*

Vulkar 1: Oh, hey… Canderous. We didn’t know you was working for Davik now.
Vulkar 2: Yeah, we were just goofin’ around here. We don’t want no trouble with a Mandalorian. Here’s Davik’s cut.
Davik’s Agent: I knew you boys would see reason. Now get out of here.
: Too bad. I was looking forward to cracking some heads.
Davik’s Agent: Maybe next time, Canderous. I better get this over to Davik. I’ll call you if anyone else gets behind on their payments.

Unique voice? Unique face? Wow, who could all these unique NPCs be!?



: Gadon keeps his Beks in line, but Brejik’s getting dreams of grandeur. If Davik’s smart, he’ll slap that young punk back down.
: Who are you?
: I’m someone you don’t want to get on the bad side of, and I’m not one for small talk. I don’t have time to stick around here, anyway. Davik’s got me working on a special assignment.


Walking into a new sub-area, we get to see another small scene.


Yellow Rodian: Quit, Luugro! That’s Calo Nord, the infamous bounty hunter!
Calo Nord: There’s a bounty on your little green heads. I’m here to collect.
Luugro : The only way you’ll collect that bounty is over our cold, dead bodies!
Calo Nord: That’s the plan.



He then just walks past our party and out into the Lower City. This is obviously not the last we see of him.

Proceeding forward we meet more Vulkars…

…and the first (I think) mine in the game.

Mines can range from annoying to dangerous. The really dangerous ones will often be between you and enemies, so that when your companions enter combat, they will heedlessly rush through the mines, often to their deaths.

I also level up.



And we get to another little puzzle.

It is straightforward, you need to read a message and answer the questions accordingly.

Hey, Elam! How’s life on Taris? I heard your brother left for Tatooine to become a miner. Did he at least leave Hyperdrive behind to keep you company? I hope you’re still practicing with that blaster I gave you. Remember what I taught you, because you might need it. Taris isn’t like Alderaan: it can be dangerous there. Stay away from those swoop gangs, and keep everything locked up in that old strongbox. Nobody's going to be busting into that thing! Hope to hear from you soon.
Uncle Louie

[Because this box is an older, off-planet model there is no interface for you to try and slice the system. You’ll have to figure out the password if you want to get inside.]
: [Try to enter the password.]

It’s a matter of just using the info from the message to answer the questions. The answers are, in order: Hyperdrive, my uncle, Alderaan. Maybe this guy should’ve deleted that message. The only notable loot in the chest is 100 credits.


Well now, what have we here?

: I’m here to collect the bounty on your head, Selven!
Selven: You’re a fool if you think you can collect the price on my head! Now you’ll see why I’m the most dangerous assassin on Taris!

I think the following image should be enough to explain everything:


She has a belt and some headgear. We could’ve bought some belts from a merchant in the Upper City, but this is our first bit of headgear.

That was the last thing in our little expedition through the apartments. Here’s what Zax has to say about Selven’s death.
Zax: So Selven’s dead. All the other bounty hunters who went after her ended up death themselves, you know. You did well, human.

There is only one last thing to see in the Lower City before we go on with the plot. But first, more Vulkars.

Once the Vulkars are dead, it seems it’s time for more Carth time.

: [Speak to Carth.]
: Yes? What’s on your mind?
: I want to discuss something with you.
: You do? Fair enough. What do you want to discuss?
: I want to talk about these issues you seem to have with me.
: *sigh* I knew you wouldn’t understand where I was coming from. Let me try to explain. You’ve got the skills of an elite commando, and you’ve saved my butt more than once. Between that and your facility with languages, I’m lucky you’re here. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop watching you or being wary. I’m just not built that way. Period.
: Not built that way? That sounds like an excuse.
: Maybe so. But I’ve been betrayed before by people I… well, it won’t happen again, that’s all.
: So you want some guarantee that I won’t betray you?!
: I don’t know that you’ll betray me. But there are no gurantees… not for you, not for me. You don’t have to take it personally.
: I’m beginning to wonder if you’re even capable of trusting anyone.
: Well, you can stop wondering. I’m not.
: You sure you don’t want to talk about it?
: No, I don’t want to talk about it. What I want is to save the galaxy… if that’s even possible. Why is wheter or not I trust you or anyone so damn important to you? Why… why do you even care? We don’t have time for this, so can we please just… drop it. For now? Can we pick it up later if you really must, I… want to get underway.


Sith Guard: Unless you’ve got the proper security papers you better just turn around and go back the way you came.
: I’ll be going now.
Sith Guard: Good… I don’t have time for this foolishness. Down here we run a tight ship – not like that slipshod operation in the Upper City.

This guy is flanked by tons of turrets, and the uniform won’t fool him either. Looks like we need to face Plot in order to go further down.



: I need Gadon’s help. I was told to speak to him.
Bek: A lot of people want to go inside and speak to Gadon. He’s a hero of the common folk. But the days of the Hidden Bek’s open door policy are gone. Between the Sith conquest and the Vulkar gang war Gadon has more enemies than he used to. We’re being careful about who we let in now.
: Maybe I could be an ally against all those enemies.
Bek: Well,  we do need all the help we can get. And you don’t look like you’re with the Vulkars or the SIth. Besides, it’s not like you can do anything to harm Gadon in the heart of his own base. Not with Zaerdra watching his back.
: So you’re going to let me in?
Bek: Go in and speak to Gadon if you want. Just remember to be on your best behavior… the Hidden Beks are watching you.

But.. what if we flaunted our uniform one last time?

: Let me in or I come back with a hundred Sith troopers!
Bek: The swoop gangs rule down here, not you! You may have conquered Upper Taris, but you don’t have enough troops to sweep the whole Lower City. You come down here in force and we’ll pick you off in hit and run battles, then vanish like smoke into the back alleys and hidden tunnels where you’ll never find us! Stick to the Upper City where people are actually scared of you; your threats don’t count for much down here.

Time to meet with the Bek leaders.


Gadon Thek: Calm down, Zaedra. Nobody is going to try anything here in the middle of our own base. It would be a suicide mission.
Zaerdra: You’re too trusting, Gadon. Brejik and his Vulkars want you dead. Anyone we don’t know is a potential threat, and it’s my job to make sure you’re safe!
Gadon Thek: Do you want us to start attacking strangers on sight, Zaerdra – like the Vulkars do? I will never let it come to that! Now step aside and let them pass.
Zaerdra: As you wish. You can speak to Gadon if you want, but I’ve got my eye on you! You try anything and you’ll be vaporized before you can say “Vulkar spy”!

That sounds promising.


: You have problems with the Sith?
Gadon Thek: A foreign army invades Taris, declares martial law and locks down all travel to and from the planet? You damn well bet I have a problem with that! If the Sith ever moved in down here all the swoop gangs would unite against them. We’d use hit and run guerrilla tactics to pick them off… their casualties would be enourmous!
: Don’t fool yourself. The Sith would never commit to that kind of operation. They’d… they’d probably do something much more grand and deadly.

Carth is right, as we’ll eventually see.

Gadon Thek: But so far the Sith have stayed out of the Lower City and our strength is wasted on this stupid gang war! I tried to explain this to Brejik, but he and his Vulkars won’t listen.
: I want to ask you some questions.
Gadon Thek: I don’t see any harm in that. What did you want to know?
: What’s up with your freaky eyes, old man?
: Uh, very tactful. Are you itching for a fight or something?
Zaerdra: How dare you?! I should kill you where you stand!
Gadon Thek: Calm down, Zaerdra… I’m not ashamed of what I have become. As you can see, I lost my eyes in a swoop racing crash. I rely on these artificial replacements to see now. But my blindness was not the worst consequence of my accident. My affliction was what eventually led to this war between my Beks and the Vulkars.
: What do you mean?
Gadon Thek: When I lost my sight in the swoop bike accident everyone assumed I would step down as the leader of the Hidden Beks and let Brejik – my most trusted follower – take over. But with my ocular implants I can still see well enough to lead this gang, and I knew Brejik wasn’t ready to take over yet. Unfortunately, Brejik didn’t agree with me. In a rage he left to join our arch rivals, the Black Vulkars. A lot of the younger gang members followed him, and soon he and his followers had taken control of the Vulkar gang.
: But why start a gang war with the Beks?
Gadon Thek: Brejik is a proud man. My decision was a public humiliation for him. Maybe if I had stepped down this gang war could have been avoided.
Zaerdra: :Don’t fool yourself, Gadon. Brejik wants to control the Lower City gangs. If you’d stepped down, he’d have led the Beks against the Vulkars. He wanted this war, one way or another.
Gadon Thek: *sigh* I know you’re right, Zaerdra. Brejik won’t rest until I am dead and the Beks are no more, but it’s hard to accept the truth of his betrayal.
: I want to ask you about something else.
Gadon Thek: I don’t see any harm in that. What did you want to know?
: [i[Is there any way off this planet?[/i]
Gadon Thek: Not while the Sith quarantine is in place. Even the fastest smugglers’ ships can’t break the blockade of the fleet surrounding the planet without the proper launch codes. Any ship leaving the Taris atmosphere without the proper codes would be instantly disintegrated by blaster cannons fired by the Sith fleet’s automated targeting systems.
: I need information on those Republic escape pods that crashed in the Undercity.
Gadon Thek: The escape pods? You know, the Sith have been asking around the Upper City about them as well… but you don’t look like you’re with the Sith.
Zaerdra: They might be spies, Gadon! They might be working for the Sith!
Gadon Thek: Calm down, Zaerdra. If the Sith thought we knew anything useful they’d have a battalion of troops kicking down our door. No, I think this offworlder has his own agenda.
: Don’t worry… I’m not working for the Sith.
Gadon Thek: I suppose I could tell you what I know. It’s not like it could do any harm to me or my gang… but it might cause problems for the Vulkars, and that’s okay in my book. The Vulkars stripped those pods clean within hours after they landed. It’s too bad we didn’t get there first, considering what my spies reported the Vulkars found. A female Republic officer named Bastila survived the crash. We Beks don’t believe in intergalactic slavery, but the Vulkars aren’t so picky They took her prisoner.
: Bastila’s a slave? What will happen to her now?
Gadon Thek: Normally the Vulkars would take a captured slave and sell them for a nice profit to Davik or an off-world slaver. But a Republic officer is no ordinary catch.
: They still think Bastila is just a Republic Officer. That could work to our advantage. Maybe she’ll even figure out a way to escape from the Vulkar base on her own.
Gadon Thek: She’s too valuable to leave with the Vulkar scum at the base. Brejik’s probably got your Republic friend hidden away somewhere safe until the big swoop race. You’ll never find her.
: Swoop race? What does that have to do with it?
Gadon Thek: I’m afraid your friend has become a pawn in Brejik’s game to take over the Lower City. He’s offered her up as the Vulkar’s share of the prize in the annual swoop gang race. By putting up such a valuable prize Brejik hopes to win the loyalty of some of the smaller gangs. Their numbers will allow him to finally destroy me and my followers.
: So how do you propose we go about rescuing Bastila, then? We can’t fight all the gangs.
Gadon Thek: The only hope you have of rescuing Bastila is to somehow win the big season opener of the swoop race.
: How do I enter this swoop race?
Gadon Thek: I might be able to help with you this, if you’d be willing to help us. We both have something to gain here – and much to lose.
: What are you proposing?
Gadon Thek: The swoop race is for Lower City gangs only. I could sponsor you as a rider for the Hidden Beks this year. If you win the race, you’ll win your friend’s freedom. But first you have to do something for me. My mechanics have developed an accelerator for a swoop engine. A bike with the accelerator installed can beat any other swoop out there! But the Vulkars stole the prototype from us. They plan to use it to guarantee a victory in this year’s swoop race. I need you to break into their base and steal it back.
: How am I supposed to get inside the Vulkar base?
Gadon Thek: Getting into the Vulkar base won’t be easy – the front doors are locked tight. But I know someone who might be able to get you in the back way – Mission Vao.
Zaerdra: Mission? Gadon, you can’t be serious! She’s just a kid – how is she supposed to help them with this?
Gadon Thek: Mission’s explored every step of every back alley in the Lower City. Plus she knows the Undercity sewers better than anyone. If anyone can get inside the Vulkar base, it’s her.
: Isn’t there someone else who can help me?
Gadon Thek: Don’t underestimate Mission or her Wookie friend Zaalbar. They’re a formidable pair; tough enough to go exploring the Undercity by themselves! Your best bet is to look for her in the Undercity. But you’ll need some way past the Sith guard post at the elevator.
: I’ve got some Sith uniforms to disguise myself.
Gadon Thek: A disguise might have worked on the Upper City guard, but the security down here is much tougher. You’ll need the proper papers to get past him. Luckily my gang ambushed one of the Sith patrols headed down to the Undercity. They never made it, and their security papers fell into my hands. Since we’re working together new I suppose I could give them to you in exchange for your uniforms. With the security papers you won’t need a disguise anyay.
: Okay – I’ll trade the uniforms for the papers.
Gadon Thek: Good choice. Thanks for the uniforms. You won’t need them with these security papers anyway. Now, is there anything else I can do for you?
: I’ll be back when I get the prototype accelerator.
Gadon Thek: I suggest you hurry. The swoop race is coming up, and we want you to have time to practice before the race.

Wow, that was a lot of dialogue. One last thing to do before I wrap this one up: exit the Lower City.


Sith Guard: Unless you’ve got the proper security papers you better just turn around and go back the way you came.
: I’ve got my security papers right here.
Sith Guard: Let me see… hmmm, these look to be in order. Okay, you can go down if you want. Can’t say I envy you, though. The Undercity is crawling with mutants. Rakghouls, they call ‘em. If you see anything moving down there, shoot first and ask questions later.

[ATHATH]

Er... Teneb?

[Teneb]

Er... Teneb?

Just busy.

[Teneb]

Spoiler: Teneb, Professional Transcriber (click to show/hide)

PART 8 - Dialogue Overload

Rakghoul Attack


You may notice it here already, a problem we’ll be seeing a lot this update: due to a graphical glitch, grass makes people’s legs disappear. Get used it.



: I don’t believe this planet! Even the beggars are trying to shake us down.
Outcast 1: Five credits! That’s what it costs to use our elevator! Five credits!
: Who are you? What are you doing in the Undercity?
Outcast 1: We are the Outcasts, banished and reviled by those who dwell above!
Outcast 2: Here in the filth and darkness we claw out a wretched existence, scavenging and begging just to survive long enough to see another wretched day.
Outcast 1: This is our village. We live here in the Undercity. You have to pay us five credits for using our elevator.
: Okay, here’s five credits.
Outcast 1: Credits, my brother! We have credits! Now we can buy food and medicine!
Outcast 2: Hush, or the others will hear us! They’ll want our credits! We have to hide them!

: I’m sure you are, miss. It’s just too bad your little welcoming committee is there to give people a bad first impression.
: My name’s Deth Sord. Who are you?
Shaleena: My name is Shaleena… you’re from the up-world, aren’t you? I’ve… I’ve never seen it. I was born here in the Undercity. Is it as nice as they say up there?
: It’s nothing special
Shaleena: Not to you, I suppose. But you’re probably used to its beauty by now. I’ve never seen the surface, but sometimes I think I can see it in my dreams. The sun, the sky, the stars… it all sounds so… so… so wonderful. Gendar, the leader of our village, tells me I should spend more time trying to improve things down here and less time dreaming about something I can never have. Maybe he’s right. You probably think I’m a fool, having dreams of a place I’ve never even seen. But when I was little, Rukil used to tell me stories of what it was like up there.
: Rukil? Who’s that?
Shaleena: Rukil’s the oldest man in the village. The kids call him Rukil Wrinkle-Skin, but he’s a kind man. He used to tell me the greatest stories when I was a little girl. I still like to listen to his tales about the Promised Land, even though I know they’re just legends. But it helps to make the Undercity seem less… less dark, somehow.
: The Promised Land? What’s that?

“Person/Thing? Who’s/What’s that?”

Shaleena: It’s… it’s just a story to make the little children smile. Rukil believes in it, though. Sometimes I can almost believe it myself, but then I look around and I see the ugly truth. *sigh* I guess we have to make the best of what we have though. If you really want to learn more about the promised land you should speak to Rukil.
: Where can I find Gendar?
Shaleena: He’ll be somewhere in the village. I couldn’t say for sure. He’s always busy, doing whatever he can to make the lives of the other villagers easier.
: Do you know anything about the escape pods that crashed into the Undercity?
Shaleena: I don’t know anything about that, but maybe Gendar could help you. Sorry… is there anything else you need?
: Have any other up-worlders come through here recently?
Shaleena: There were quite a few people from the surface marching through the village, but none of them bothered to talk to me. Gendar might know more about them.
: Tell me about this village.
Shaleena: Well, I was born here for starters. My parents were Outcasts, banished to the Undercity for some crime or other… they never really liked to talk about it. Everyone here is an Outcast… or the descendant of one. It’s tough down here, but we survive. I guess it’s easier for me, since I’ve never known anything different. Some of the people have given up all hope; they’ve become bitter and depressed. But most of us are good people… despite what our ancestors may have done. Gendar could probably tell you more. Or maybe Rukil. You could talk to them if you want.
: I’ll be going now.
Shaleena: Oh… okay. Well, if you ever need anything, or if you just feel like talking, come back and see me. I hardly ever get a chance to speak to someone from the up-world.


Here is the graphical glitch again, in all its glory.

But let’s finally explore this village. First stop, the healer.

: Who are you?
Esala: I am Esala, healer of this village. I use my knowledge and what little resources we have to care for the Outcasts who are sick or injured. But despite my medical training, there is nothing I can do to help the poor souls locked on the other side of this gate.
: What are you talking about?
Esala: The village infected with the rakghoul disease are quarantined beyond this gate. It’s only a matter of time until they transform into horrible creatures that would destroy us all.
: So you just lock them away in a cage.
Esala: For the sake of the village, we have to keep the infected ones locked away. And when they finally do transform into rakghouls we’ll let them destroy each other.
: There must be something someone can do!
Esala: Nothing can be done for the infected villagers. Even the serum to counteract rakghoul disease wouldn't be any use, now. Nobody would be foolish enough to risk going into the pens to give them the cure: the infected ones could transform into rakghouls and attack them at any moment.

We could go in there, but we’ll be getting a lot of light side points already, so no.


Rukil: Are you the herald of prophecy? The beacon to guide us through the darkness? Or are you merely another harbinger of shattered dreams and unfulfilled promises?
: Be careful… this one might be crazy enough to be dangerous.
Rukil: Speak to me, up-worlder! Tell me what fate you unleash upon us – salvation or damnation! Speak up, up-worlder – I beg you!
: What are you talking about, old man?
Rukil: A question. You are uncertain. Bewildered. Perplexed. Understandable, I suppose. Even after a hundred years of life I myself still become confused at times. Perhaps I can make things more clear. Some things, at least. My name is Rukil, the oldest Oucast here in the village. Rukil Wrinke-Skin, the children call me sometimes.
: I’m Deth Sord. What do you want from me, Rukil?
Rukil: Once, I was honored for my wisdom, but over time the villagers fell away from the true path. Eventually there was only a single apprentice who followed me – and now she is gone, too.
: The true path? What does that mean?
Rukil: No, no, no. Not yet. I must be wary. Careful. You may be a false savior. Dare I share my secrets with you? No… not until you prove yourself.
: Prove myself? How can I do that?
Rukil: My apprentice is… lost. I sent her out into the Undercity to find… well, I cannot tell you. Sadly, my apprentice has not returned. Please up-worlder – will you help an old man? Will you seek out my apprentice in the Undercity? Her name is Malya. I must know of her fate, whatever it may be. I must know what she… found.
: I will help you with this, Rukil.
Rukil: Finding her may be difficult; Malya could be anywhere in the Undercity… but if you find her I will know you to be our true savior! Only then can I reveal my secret knowledge to you.
: I’ll be back if I find anything out.
Rukil: I wish you luck, up-worlder. Come speak to me again once you have discovered the fate of my apprentice.

Now, finally, Gendar. Maybe we’ll still explore the Undercity in this update.

: No offense, but I can see why people normally avoid this place.
Gendar: Why have you come into this dark and sunless place? Is there something you need of me or my village? I will help you however I can.

I love how most NPCs tend to just keep talking regardless of what companions have to say. I will also skip most Outcast exposition because we just had a ton of NPCs tell us who the Outcasts are. Only thing Gendar says the others don’t is that he is the chief, like his father and grandfather.

: Tell me about the rakghouls that live down here.
Gendar: The rakghouls are monsters, hideous mutations who feast on the flesh of our villagers. Their diseased jaws can infect those they attack, transforming the victim into one of those abominations. We know of no cure for the disease, and for the good of the village we must banish any who become infected, lest they transform and turn on us.
: I want to ask you some questions.
Gendar: Ask your questions, up-worlder. I will answer to the best of my knowledge, though I know little beyond the borders of the Undercity.
: I’m looking for a Twi’lek named Mission Vao.
Gendar: Yes, I have seen this Twi’lek many times, though I have never spoken to her. She and her Wookie companion often pass through our village on their way to explore the sewers.
: How can I get to the sewers?
Gendar: There are two entrances into the sewers from the Undercity: one to the north-east of our village, the other to the south-east. But the sewers are dangerous, up-worlder. If you dare to travel those dark tunnels you would be wise to go heavily armed, unless you wish to become a meal for the rakghouls and other foul creatures.
: You said something about other up-worlders who came by here recently?
Gendar: Our village has seen many visitors from the surface recently: armored troops, swoop gang members, mercenaries. They come to search our sunless world. They are even searching the sewers.
: I think I’ll be going now.
Gendar: As you wish, up-worlder. Should you have need of anything else, come speak to me. I represent the entire village and I will do my best to help you however I can.


: Watch yourself. There’s something slimy about this guy. I wouldn’t trust him as far as I could throw him.
Igear: My name’s Igear. I run a little salvage shop here. You want to buy something from my store? I got some good deals.
: How do you manage to run a store here in the Undercity?
Igear: If a villager comes across any useful salvage in the Undercity they bring it to me. Every so often members from the Lower City gangs come down to trade for the salvage. They’ll exchange food and medicine for engine parts, old blaster and the like. Sometimes they even give me credits if I have some really good stuff.
: I want to ask you some questions.
Igear: Oh, you better ask Gendar – he’s the spokesman for the village. I just run the store. I don’t want to make him mad by answering any questions. Gendar already doesn’t like me.
: Why doesn’t Gendar like you?
Igear: Gendar seems to think I should share the profits of my store with the whole village. He figures we’re all in this together so it should be share and share alike. But I’m the one who runs the store! I’m the one who makes the deals! The others just bring me salvage to trade with the up-worlders – why should they ger anything?
: That’s why Gendar’s mad at you? There has to be more to it than that!
Igear: He caught me hoarding supplies a while back. I figured I’d wait until food was scarce and then I could offer it to people who’d follow me instead of Gendar. Then I’d be the leader! But Gendar made me share my hoard. Ever since then he hasn’t trusted me. He keeps me around because of my store, though. Without it this village wouldn’t stand a chance.

His store is pretty crap though. I don’t actually buy anything.


Trewin: He’ll never make it. He’s doomed. Argh! Told him he was a fool to leave the village.
Hester: He WILL make it! Run, Hendar! Run!

Trewin : Ugh… I… I can’t… the rakghouls are too close!
Hester: The mutants will kill him if you don’t open the gate!
Trewin : And if I open the gate they will kill us all!
Hester: No! you can’t do this! It isn’t fair! (to our party) Please, make him open the gate. Hendar will die if he doesn’t!
Trewin : I can’t open the gate… not while the rakghouls are so near.
: Open the gate… I will kill the rakghouls.
Trewin : You would risk your life for a stranger? Heh. You are brave, up-worlder. I will open the gate for you, but you got to be quick. In a few seconds I must close and lock it again.


That is a rakghoul. They hit like a truck and can poison. It’s pretty hard to save Hendar, it actually took me two tries since the rakghoul will one-shot him if it lands a hit.


Hester: I still have you, Hendar. That’s all I need. Let’s go back to the village.
Trewin : Than you for saving Hendar. You are braver than I, up-worlder. Maybe we Outcasts have lived too long in selfish fear. Perhaps we can learn a lesson from your brave actions. Hmph. But enough of my ramblings… is there something you need, up-worlder?
: Who are you?
Trewin: I am Trewin, from the Outcast village. It’s my job to guard the gates and see they are locked to protect us from the rakghouls.
: Goodbye.
Trewin: Goodbye, up-worlder.

Finally, we leave the village… and are intercepted by yet another conversation. Damn, transcribing is tiring.

: Whoa, slow down, Mission. What’s wrong?
: It’s Zaalbar. He’s in trouble – big trouble! We have to help him. If we don’t they’ll sell him into slavery!
: Zaalbar? You mean your Wookie friend? What happened?
: Me… me and Zaalbar were just wandering around here in the Undercity. You  know, looking for stuff we could find, just kind of exploring. We do it all the time.
: I guess with a Wookie at your side you’ve got to figure you can handle the odd rakghoul attack.
: Only this time they were waiting for us. Gamorrean slave hunters. We didn’t even have a chance to run. Big Z threw himself at them, and roared for me to run! I... I took off; I figured Zaalbar would be right behind me. But there were too many of them – he couldn’t get away. They’re going to sell him to a slaver – I just know it!
: Why don’t you ask Gadon and the Beks to help you?
: I can’t ask Gadon – he’s always telling me not to go into the Undercity. He says it’s too dangerous with the rakghouls and Gamorreans and all. He’ll never send his Beks down here.
: If I help you get Zaalbar back you have to get me inside the Vulkar base.
: It’s a deal – as soon as we get Big Z back, I’ll show you a way into that Vulkar base! Now, come on – We have to find Zaalbar before they sell him to slavers – or worse!
: Do you know where he’s being kept?
: The Gamorreans make their camps in the sewers. I bet that’s where we’ll find Zaalbar – and that’s where I’ll show you the secret entrance into the Vulkar compound.



Mission has now joined our party, so let’s talk about her, stat-wise, as well as Carth. In fact, let’s start with Carth, since he’s been around the longest: Carth is a pretty solid companion. In fact, he’s one of the best companions. Give him a pair of late-game pistols and he can and will demolish anything in your way. Being a soldier means his high health will keep him going when everyone else is down.

Now, Mission is a different story. She’s a scoundrel, which means she can stealth and do stealth attacks. However, due to the way things work in this game, which is to say nearly every big fight will have a conversation beforehand, means that you really can only do stealth attacks on random mooks. Stealth attacks do a lot of damage, but require too much micromanagement to work, so I end up benching Mission as soon as better companions present themselves. As a side note, both Mission and Carth are tied for the highest light-side score in the game, more than even a few Jedi we will pick up (look, this game is called Knights of the Old Republic for a reason).

This update is getting long, but I’ll try to get stuff up to Zaalbar joining us (because, come on, it’s pretty obvious that’s going to happen) in anyway. Since we’ve now been joined by a 14-year-old, let’s get her companion talk with out of the way.


: I want to know a little more about you, Mission.
: Really? You want to know about me? Nobody’s ever really been interested in me before. What did you want to know?
: How did you and Zaalbar hook up?
: Big Z’s my family, you know? My parents… well, I guess they’re dead. It was just me on my own until the day I saw Zaalbar in the Lower City. I could tell right away he was in trouble. This was before the gang wars were out of hand, bet even then the Vulkars were scum. A few of them were hassling Big Z, trying to pick a fight – but he wasn’t looking for trouble.
: Who’d want to pick a fight with a Wookie?
: Hey, nobody said the Vulkars was (sic) smart. But there were three of them, so maybe they figured they could handle him, I don’t know. Anyway, I don’t like Vulkars at the best of times. And when I saw them picking on this poor Wookie – all alone on a strange planet, overwhelmed by the big city – I just lost it. I screamed out ‘Leave him alone, you core-slimes’ and just charged right at them. One of them saw me coming and slapped me so hard he just about knocked me out cold.
: Smacking a kid? Those Vulkars have no class!
: Hey – don’t treat me like I’m a little girl! I ain’t no kid – I’m fourteen years old! Those Vulkars didn’t scare me. They’re nothing but cowards. I knew how to deal with them. Of course, I never got the chance. I guess Zaalbar didn’t like seeing me get smacked around. He let out this howl and yanked that Vulkar a meter up off the ground and held him there by his throat.
: What did the other two Vulkars do?
: The other two screamed and ran off. Can’t say I blame them. The first time you see an angry Wookie up close it isn’t a pretty sight. I thought Zaalbar was going to rip that punk’s arms off and beat him to death with his own fists. The Vulkar was so scared he fainted. Or maybe Big Z’s breath just knocked him out. I keep telling Zaalbar to brush those choppers of his, but he never listens. Just stay upwind when he’s speaking you’ll be fine. Anyway, I knew those Vulkars would be back with friends, so I grabbed Zaalbar and we took off. Ever since then we’ve been a team. We look out for each other, you know?
: How did Zaalbar end up on Taris?
: He was fleeing  some kind of trouble back on Kashyyyk. That’s all I know, really. Big Z doesn’t like to talk about it. In case you didn’t notice he’s the strong, silent type. Doesn’t matter much to me, though. I accept him for what he is, not what he was. Me and Zaalbar like to live in the present.
: How did you survive before you met Zaalbar?
: What’s that supposed to mean? You think I can’t take care of myself? I’ve got street smarts! I know how to get by on my own! In fact, I look out for Zaalbar more than he looks out for me, you know? Big Z’s just a little too gullible to make it alone on the mean streets of the Lower City.
: We should get back to the task at hand.
: Yeah, I suppose you’re right. Like I used to tell my brother, fast talk and slick words don’t get the job done.
: I didn’t know you had a brother.
: My brother’s a touchy subject, you know? It just so happens I don’t really feel like talking about him right now. Nothing personal. Let’s just get back to the business at hand, okay?

After yet another text dump, you’d think we’d face action right? Ha ha, no.


It’s Canderous Ordo and his legless men!



: Hm… by the looks of you I’d say you’re down here for the same reason we are: to salvage something from those downed Republic space pods. Let me give you some advice: forget about it. Do yourself a favor and just head back the way you came.
: Why – is there some danger down here?
: This isn’t a good place to stand around chatting. The Undercity is crawling with rakghouls. I’ve already lost half a dozen men to those monsters.
Thug: Canderous, I heard something! Over there, in the shadows! Sounded like a rakghoul!

About six rakghouls pass, but it’s hard to take pictures of them when they disappear into the buggy grass.

There’s a fight, which I forgot to screenshot. Oh well.

: Okay, boys… we’re getting out of here before I lose anyone else. I can’t carry all this salvage back by myself! You’d be smart to get out of here as well. Even if you can handle the rakghouls I doubt there’s anything worth finding anymore.
: What do you mean by that?
: Davik sent me down here with this motley crew to scavenge whatever we could from the Republic escape pods that crashed during the recent battle overhead. But the Lower City gangs got here first. Anything worthwhile in those Republic pods is probably in their hands now. Davik won’t like that.
: What can you tell me about Davik?
: What are you, an off-worlder? Everybody knows Davik. He’s a member of the Exchange. You know – the interstellar crime syndicate. Smuggling, gambling, extortion – Davik controls it all here on Taris. That’s why I’m working for him. But lately the Lower City gangs have been giving my boss some trouble.
Hero: What do you know about the Lower City gangs?
: This isn’t really the place to have these kind of conversations. But I guess I could spare a couple seconds for you – after all, you did help us out with those rakghouls. The Lower City is overrun with gangs, but the two most important ones are the Hidden Beks and the Black Vulkars. Used to be the Beks were the big dog and kept the others in line. But lately the Black Vulkars are moving in on Bek turf and challenging them for control. The Vulkars are even starting to defy Davik! Take these escape pods, for example. Everyone knew Davik would want first crack at them, but I know for a fact those damn Vulkars have already sent their own salvage party down here.
: I better get going now.
: Come on boys… let’s move out!

Moving on, we fight more rakghouls and find the corpse of an outcast.

This journal details the search for the Promised Land carried out by Rukil’s Apprentice. Most of the entries are mundane; however, the last entry is quite interesting.

“I have uncovered evidence that others have been seeking out the fabled land, and that their treks have led them into the sewers. I have decided that I must go there as well.”

With that in mind, we head into the sewers. We’ll still be doing a last trip back into the Undercity, but I might as well get stuff out of the way first.



The sewers have a pretty basic layout: a series of big circular rooms, often filled with rakghouls, with various corridors running between them. Eventually we find Gamorreans.



We finally find a locked door, which is what will lead us to Zaalbar and the end of this update.

: You can’t use conventional security spikes on these old locks, but don’t worry. I’ve come across them before. I’ve rigged up a little device that should do the trick.


: Glad to see you too, Big Z! You didn’t think I’d forget about you – Mission and Zaalbar, together forever!
: Who’s that with you?
: These are my new friends, Big Z. Without them I never could have got you out.
: Don’t mention it. I was happy to help.
: You know the language of my people? That is rare among your species; I am impressed.

There really is no way for anyone to tell, but we did speak to Zaalbar in his native language.

: You have saved me from a life of servitude and slavery. There is only one way I can ever repay such an act: I will sewar a lifedebt to you.
: A lifedebt? Are you sure about that, Big Z? Think about it carefully. You better be sure about this.
: I am sure, Mission. This is an issue of great importance to me. Because of our great physical strength, Wookies are being used as slave labor on our own homeworld. They see us as brutes and animals to be exploited. Over the years slavers have taken many of my people; we must always be on guard against raids against our villages. When the Gamorreans captured me, I thought I was doomed to a life of servitude. I have been saved from such a fate, and the only way I can repay that is through a lifedebt.
: Big Z swearing a Wookie lifedebt to you. Wow – this is major. Do you realize what this means?
: It’s some kind of loyalty vow, isn’t it?
: A lifedebt is the most solemn vow a Wookie can make. It means he’ll stay by your side for the rest of your life – wherever you go, whatever you do, Zaalbar will be with you.
: In the presence of you all I swear my lifedebt. Forever after I will be by your side, Deth Sord. May my vow be as strong as the roots of the great Wroshyr trees of Kashyyyk.
: I’m honored to accept his vow.
: I guess this means you’re stuck with me too. Wherever Big Z goes, I’m going. I almost lost him once – it’s not going to happen again.
: I’m glad to have you aboard, Mission.
: So… I guess I still owe you one secret path into the Vulkar base. That was the deal, wasn’t it? Don’t worry, I know a backdoor into that scum den!
: Good. The sooner we get there the better.
: I better come with you – the Vulkars put up a force shield to keep the sewer dwellers out. I’m one of the only non-Vulkars on Taris who can get you past it. I can’t remember exactly where to get there, but I know it was somewhere here in the sewers. Over to the northeast, if I remember right. I just hope the rancor monster isn’t still there.
: Rancor? Are you serious!
: There used to be rancor monster that made its nest in that part of the sewers. Pretty much eats anything it can get its claws on. That thing is huge! Luckily rancors aren’t too bright. I was able to sneak past it before, so I’m sure we’ll figure something out. That is, unless you want to change your mind.
: That’s not really an option. Let’s go.
: Okay then, off we go. Like I said, somewhere to the south-east. Just look for the force shield and we’ll know we’re there.

South-east? You said north-east first. Fortunately it’s easy to find it, since only this section of the sewers exists in-game. Zaalbar also joined our party. He’s easily the strongest melee fighter you’ll get. Unfortunately, he cannot wear armour of any kind. He’ll be benched for most of the game thanks to the main character already filling the melee powerhouse role.



And this is where I stop this update before it gets any bigger. I swear, this was only about 10 to 15 minutes in-game, but transcribing all this dialogue made it huge.

[ATHATH]

Bump?

[Teneb]

Bump?

I'm actually typing out the update right now. I had to deal with some stuff up to now.

[Teneb]

Time to continue an LP with a respectable number of views yet woefully low comment number.

Spoiler: The Adventure Continues (click to show/hide)

PART 9 - Jolly Rakghoul

Rakghoul Attack

Let’s kick this off with the inevitable: Zaalbar conversation time.


: Do you know anything about the planet we’re on?
: I know that it isn’t my homeworld. That is all I care about. There is nothing here to interest me.
: I want to know a little more about you, Zaalbar
: I will honor my life debt, but I don’t feel we share more than that. Mission may say more, but I will not.
: Then I will leave you be.
: Thank you.

Isn’t he perfect? No great expanses of dialogue, no huge tracts of exposition.  Zaalbar will hit things in the face until they stop moving and just look somewhat depressed the rest of the time. Maybe we can actually get the LP moving this time.

The main character also levels up, but it seems I didn’t take screenshots of that.

While exploring the tunnels with a very brief Zaalbar/Mission team I get this scene.

: In fact, now that I think about it, your breath has been pretty rancid since we rescued you from those Gamorrean slavers. What did they feed you, buddy?
: They didn’t . I wasn’t their guest, Mission.  I was a prisoner. I don’t think they cared much what happened to me.
: Oh, Zaalbar, that’s terrible! I know how grouchy you get if you don’t get your eight square meals a day. I’m amazed you didn’t pass out from hunger.
: I did manage to take a chunk out of the arm of a guard that wandered too close to my cage. But it taste awful, so I spit it out.
: Ewww! No wonder your breath is so bad, Big Z. Gammoreans smell like bantha poo-doo! We’ll have to pick you a toothbrush to clean that stench out of your choppers.
: Wookies don’t brush their teeth, Mission! It… it just isn’t done! What humiliation will you use on me next? A comb?
: Oh, relax. No toothbrush. Sheesh. Just try to eat something else to cover up that smell, okay? Stay away from anything that’s smart enough to lock you in a cage this time.
: *sigh* I’ll take care of it as soon as I can, Mission. For now, let’s stay focused on the task at hand.

With that out of the way, I go about looting.

That is one of the journals we were tasked to find.

This journal is a record of the long and difficult search to find the Promised Land. It contains many half completed maps and cryptic notes, all attempting to decipher whether the legend is true or simply a child’s fable. By itself this journal does not contain enough information to solve the mystery, however it could be a valuable piece of the puzzle.

All journals are have this exact same text.


I find and reactivate a droid for extra experience.

We reach what would be our goal if I didn’t care to do side-stuff.


: I picked them out of the pocket of a Black Vulkar who had a little too much to drink in the cantina one night. Here, let me get that energy field down for you.

Not doing that just yet though, more to explore.




In the above picture is a ladder leading back to the Undercity. You can use it to go back for supplies and healing. I use it to get some stuff I forgot the first time around.




The fabled rakghoul serum that was totally not foreshadowed in any way before. This is going to be critical to keep neutral.

And finally I found one of the last things I missed.


: I’ll help you, but I need some information first.
Republic Soldier: No… no!!! I can feel… ARGH!


I could have actually tried to give him the serum. I forgot what actually happens if I try (I think he transforms before you can give it over). As I said, the serum is critical to the challenge. And besides, look at him, he looks so happy now that he is a monster.

Anyway, I dispatch him (no loot) and go back to the Outcasts.

(That’s Rukil I’m talking to, Mission decided to get in the way)
: Your apprentice is dead. I have her journal.
Rukil: It is as I feared, then. She joins the list of those who have given their lives in the service of our cause. But though I am saddened by these news, there is yet hope. By finding my apprentice you have proven yourself worthy, up-worlder. You are to be the beacon on our path to salvation. You will guide us to the Promised Land!
: I think you have me confused with someone else.
Rukil: You are marked, up-worlder – even my dim old eyes can see the mantle of destiny that cloaks you. Perhaps old Rukil knows you better than you know yourself. I am old – I have lived a hundred years in the Undercity, cast down into the darkness. I know the legends and history of our people – and now you must learn it, too.
: Very well, tell me the history of your people.
Rukil: The great city of Taris covers the entire surface of this planet. There is no land to grow food. Kelp harvests and the creatures of the sea are our only food source. A century ago rising levels of toxic pollutions poisoned the oceans and famine swept the planet. The rich hoarded food for their own use, and the poor were left to starve and die.
: From what I’ve seen of Taris, it doesn’t look like much has changed. Except for the Upper City, people here are just as bad off as the poor in your little history.
Rukil: But the poor rose up against the tyranny and civil war engulfed the planet. Millions died in the fighting and huge sections of Taris were destroyed or abandoned. The rebellion was crushed in the end, thousands were taken prisoner. The jails could not hold them all, and so the practice of banishing all prisoners to the Undercity was born.
: Is that how you came to be down here?
Rukil: Many brave men and women were banished here to the Undercity for their part in the rebellion. People like my father and grandfather were cast down, along with their families.
: What did you expect? If they could get away with it, the Tarisian nobles would stuff their own mothers down here to make more room in the Upper City.
Rukil: Now we live a dark existence beneath the streets of Taris, a life devoid of all hope but one: the Promised Land. And you will be the one to show us the way to get there.
: The Promised Land? What’s that?
Rukil: Legends tell of a self-sufficient colony founded just before the famine and lost during the civil war; a paradise beneath the Undercity where droids servants tend to every need. For many years have I searched for the Promised Land, just as my grandfather and father did before me. When I became old and gray my apprentice continued the search on my behalf.
: Sounds like a myth to me. Something to give the people here some false hope to cling so they don’t go mad with despair.
Rukil: I have collected many clues hinting at its location; the journal of my apprentice provides yet more information. But still there are too many pieces missing from this puzzle. But I know my father and grandfather each had journals where they recorded their own discoveries. Perhaps with their journals I could at last uncover its hidden location.
: I have all three journals. Here- take them.
Rukil: Can it be true? Is it possible that at long last the dream of my father and grandfather before him will be fulfilled? I… I can hardly bear to look. Hmmm… yes. Yes! Of course! Now I understand – it all makes sense! Now I see why the Promised Land has been so hard to find! It is so obvious! You have done a great thing, up-worlder – a selfless act that will bring great joy to all the people of this village! I must take this to Gendar right away!

Rukil: You may not think these are fables after you see what I have brought you, Gendar! Look at these journals!
Gendar: What… no. It can’t be! Are these real, Rukil? Is this information accurate?
Rukil: I swear to you everything in these journals is true, Gendar. The Promised Land – I told you I would find it!
Gendar: The entrance is far from here, Rukil. It will take us weeks to get there… perhaps even months. And we will have to cross many rakghoul infested areas.
Rukil: I do not deny the journey will be hard, Gendar. But surely it is better than the miserable life we have here!
Gendar: Wise words, Rukil. Our supplies are high right now – we could leave by nightfall! I will tell the others to prepare for the journey.
Rukil: Thank you once again up-worlder. I will say a final goodbye, for where we are going I fear you cannot come. The journey to the Promised Land is long and arduous.
: Goodbye, Rukil – and good luck.
Rukil: We must part ways here, up-worlder. I sense your destiny is yet to be chosen, but the destiny of my people is at the end of the long journey ahead of us.


They are gone. Forever. Need to shop? Heal? Enjoy going to other areas for all and any services! As for rewards? Nothing but a boatload of Light Points. Too many, in fact. I’ll have to do some nasty things like loitering and such. I barely broke even in the alignment scale by the time I finished Taris.

The Dark Side option is to give the maps over to the merchant, who fears he will lose importance without any need for a merchant.

But who cares about that? You know what people care about? Carth.

: [Speak to Carth.]
: Yes? What’s on your mind?
: I just want to talk to you.
: Oh? You want to argue some more, is that it?
: I’m always up for a good fight.
: So I’ve seen. If I were Malak I’d be a bit nervous to have you on my tail. I just don’t trust easily, and for good reasons… which are my own.
: But we have to work together, Carth, so it has plenty to do with me.
: Ahhh, damn it. I suppose I won’t get any rest until I talk, will I? You want to know why I don’t trust anyone? Fine, here goes. Five years ago the Jedi had just finished the war with the Mandalorians. Revan and Malak were heroes. I was damn proud to have served in their fleet. It was completely unexpected when they turned on us, invading the Republic while we were still weak. Nobody knew what to thin, least of all me. Our heroes had become brutal conquering Sith… and we were all but helpless before them. Think about it… if you can’t even trust the best of the Jedi, who can you trust?
: I suppose you can’t. That must have been hard to take.
: I… it wasn’t even that. There were others: good, solid men. Trusted men who turned on us, as well, and joined their cause. Malak and Revan and the Sith deserve to die for what they’ve done… but the ones who fled the Republic and joined them are even worse. The dark side has nothing to do with why they joined with the Sith. They deserve no mercy!
: I haven’t joined the Sith, Carth.
: I know. I… should apologize to you. I’ve become so accustomed to expecting the worst in others, and you’ve done nothing to deserve that. It’s just… never mind. Let’s just continue with what we were doing. I’d rather not talk about it.

And so we learn more of the backstory of our faithful companion who will most certainly not be replaced. I do intend to complete his whole dialogue chain, even if it means taking him into the party and then walking back and forth until he talks. I think the dialogues are tied to either levels or time, or both, since you can be a massive dick to people and still have them tell their life stories to you.


Back to the sewers. Not too much to do there, time to Advance the Plot… but first, random dialogue. There are quite a few of these between companions, but I am not sure of what triggers them. I’ll see if I can find them online once I have all companions, but we’ll see.


: I’ll be honest, Mission, Taris would rate pretty low. The prejudice, the rich spoiling themselves while the poor are crushed beneath them – it’s not a pretty picture.
: Yeah, but that’s only since the Sith occupation. Before that… well, I guess it wasn’t all that different, really. Hmmm… maybe Taris ain’t as great as I thought, you know?
: Trust me, Mission. There are a lot of worlds better than Taris. There are worse, too. But Taris is no place for a kid to live on her own – even a kid who’s got a Wookie to look out for her.
: Hey, I ain’t no kid! And I look out for Zaalbar as much as he looks out for me. Big Z’s my friend, not my babysitter! Geez, I come ask you a question and you give me a lecture!
: Don’t you snap at me, missy! You want a lecture? How’s this: only bratty little children fly off the handle because of a comment.
: Settle down right now – both of you!
: I don’t have to listen to you, Carth! You ain’t my father – though you’re sure old enough to be! So keep your lectures inside your withered old head, ‘cause I don’t need ‘em!
: And I sure as hell don’t need this. Let’s just drop it and get back to what we were doing.

Back to exploration




The arm contains a datapad.

This datapad seems to detail plans the Hidden Bek had to get into the Black Vulkar base. Of note is the following:
“We have synthetized a substance with an odor that resembles a favorite prey of rancors. If we place the bait properly, we can lure the rancor into a eating something lethal enough to eat it.”

And… I’ll leave it at that because it’s a pretty big update already.

[ATHATH]

I dunno how I was supposed to kill the rancor, but I just placed a butt-ton of mines and led him into them, without even using the bait.

[Teneb]

I dunno how I was supposed to kill the rancor, but I just placed a butt-ton of mines and led him into them, without even using the bait.

I did it the way the game intended, which requires a single frag mine.

[ATHATH]

I dunno how I was supposed to kill the rancor, but I just placed a butt-ton of mines and led him into them, without even using the bait.

I did it the way the game intended, which requires a single frag mine.

Put the bait on the mine?

[Teneb]

I dunno how I was supposed to kill the rancor, but I just placed a butt-ton of mines and led him into them, without even using the bait.

I did it the way the game intended, which requires a single frag mine.

Put the bait on the mine?

Put both mine and bait inside the corpse pile.

[ATHATH]

I dunno how I was supposed to kill the rancor, but I just placed a butt-ton of mines and led him into them, without even using the bait.

I did it the way the game intended, which requires a single frag mine.

Put the bait on the mine?

Put both mine and bait inside the corpse pile.

Oh.

[Teneb]

One of these days I’ll manage to update regularly. But that day is not today.

Spoiler: Something Witty (click to show/hide)

PART 10 - Thug Life

The Black Vulkars

The following section requires that either the player character be a scoundrel with points in sneak, or having Mission in your party. See, this area requires stealth. It also is the very first (and maybe last) area in the game where you MUST use solo mode. Otherwise party members will follow your stealthed character around.

So, as you can see, there is a pile of corpses in sight.

Due to the game being old, I got another graphical glitch. Stealthed characters are supposed to become semi-invisible silhouettes that shimmer. It is not that big of a deal for this game, but I hope the sequel won’t have that since stealthed enemies are a thing there.

I forgot to screenshot the rancor before killing it. But the way to kill it is pretty simple. There is a frag mine laying around and the food pheromones. Go to the corpse pile and place both inside. Then a cutscene will trigger.




And just like that, it’s dead. Like ATHATH said, you could also plant a ton of mines between the Rancor and the pile. If you are a dirty cheater, you could, in theory, defeat the rancor in combat. I highly doubt you could do that without cheats since it is probably the toughest (or second toughest) enemy in the game.


You can also attack the corpse for some reasons. It just vanishes when its hitpoints reach zero. No loot either.



And now, finally, after all this time… we’re at the Black Vulkar base.


I obviously reactivate this droid for extra xp.

The Vulkar base is filled with, quite naturally, thugs. And I do mean filled. They also got some droids, which are some of the most dangerous enemies about (though not that much dangerous).



This panel allows us to save ourselves some trouble.

Or it would, if it could be hacked at the moment.


The panel would disable those turrets. They are more than capable of killing the whole party.


So let’s mess with this one instead.





Using cameras to see into rooms and then mess around with stuff in them (usually just overloading circuits) happens fairly often in this series. I can’t remember, nor be bothered to check, if I did that on the Endar Spire or not, but it was available there for the very last room. I am pretty sure dealing with enemies this way also gives experience as if you had fought them.






There, turrets out of the way. I can only imagine why they decided you need to go to the adjacent room to hack them when there is a terminal right next to them. Maybe it’s to trick players into attacking them and getting wrecked? Either way, that’s where the objective is. Which, of course, means I’ll clear everything else out first. Sadly, not much to comment on in the Vulkar base, despite the place being huge.

I also level up.


Since, as mentioned, the base is pretty unremarkable, I’ll just show the highlights. Like this:

: What are you talking about? You’re a Vulkar, aren’t you?
Vulkar: I’m a Vulkar, but I was here long before Brejik took over. I was a Vulkar back when it meant something. Back when we had honor. Then Brejik and his followers took over and turned our gang into a bunch of violent thugs and bloodthirsty punks. Now they treat all us original Vulkars like second class citizens. Take me, for example. I used to be one of the highest ranking Vulkars in the gang. Now I’m stuck on guard duty here in the back, all thanks to Brejik!

So, to sum it up: Brejik is Disney Evil, which I guess it’s appropriate since Star Wars now belongs to Disney. Makes me wonder how exactly the Vulkars even let Brejik get to the top of their gang, if it was clear from the start he was going to overthrow them. Plot! Also extra appropriate is that this game is no longer “canon”, because someone had the bright idea that, instead of doing such silly things as incorporating elements of the expanded universe into the books, it would be easier better to just scrap years of work by various people. Yes, I am somewhat bitter about all this.

: If you hate Brejik so much, why don’t you leave the gang?
Vulkar: I’ve been trying to work up the courage to leave, but it’s not that easy. Brejik’s followers will try to hunt down anyone who leaves the Vulkar gang. He says he won’t let traitors live. Ha! Brejik and his followers are the real traitors. They turned on Gadon and now slaughter the Beks in the streets… and anyone else they happen to run across. Brejik knows anyone with character will never willingly follow a leader like him, so he uses brutality and violence to stay in power.
: I’m going to let you live. Go on, get out of here!
Vulkar: Thanks. Thanks a lot. And don’t worry, I won’t cause any trouble for you on the way out. In fact, I hope you take Brejik and his Vulkars down!

In short, the whole purpose of this guy is to hammer in that the Black Vulkars: New Coke is Evil. And since you are a good person, you will never side with him. Right...?

Take a guess what is going to happen next.



We loot a pass needed to proceed and get to an indoor pool… that is also empty. It should be obvious by this point that if there is a non-hostile droid in a combat area, it’s because it can be repaired to help you and for experience. This droid is extra special in that it can be programmed into going into the pool and self-destructing (and no, this is not considered evil despite the fact that it’s pretty much established that droids are intelligent and self-aware. Yay, morality.) so it triggers the traps inside while leaving the loot intact.



Finally for this level, there is a waitress at the bar Vulkar cantina.


: How did you end up here in the Vulkar base?
Ada: My name is Ada. My father owed Davik some money, but he couldn’t pay. Davik killed my father and sold me into slavery here at the Vulkar compound to pay off the debt.
: Don’t worry, I just want to ask you a few questions.
Ada: But I don’t know anything! I’m just a prisoner here – a slave! The Vulkars don’t tell me anything, they treat me like dirt, they beat me if I screw up their orders.
: You may know more than you think, miss. Help us and we’ll help you, okay?
Ada: Well… alright. I still don’t know how much help I can be. But I sure hope you get rid of all the Vulkars. I hate them!
: I’m looking for a prisoner. A woman named Bastila.
Ada: Is she that Republic soldier? I heard one of those Vulkar mention her, but she’s not here. He said Brejik didn’t trust his men around her. I guess she’s too important to be a slave here in the kitchens, getting pawed and groped and kicked and spit on like me. Brejik must have taken her somewhere safe.
: Where can I find the prototype swoop engine accelerator?
I missed a screenshot here. She basically says she’s got no idea what that is, but if it’s something swoop-related that it’s probably at the garage on the lower level.
: If I let you go can you find your way out of here?
Ada: Now that you killed the guards who were supposed to watch me I think I could find my way out of here.
: Hurry, then – get out of here.
Ada: I… I’m free to go? You’re not going to kill me? I… I don’t know how I can ever repay you. Thank you! Thank you! I... I have to get out of here before any of the Vulkars see me.



Finally, to our destination: the garage.



Take a guess.


They got their own metal men, though, and some of these can apply the most annoying and rage-inducing status effect you’ll see in this game: carbonite freezing. It freezes you for a significant amount of time and deals respectable damage.

On the other hand, this place is full of good loot.

Yes, that is two thousand credits. That is the biggest number I’ve looted up to this point.







Screenshots cannot convey how satisfying this is in-game.



Humorously, you can overload the very terminal you are using. I obviously don’t do that.

And that is what we really needed with this terminal.

Let’s break the monotony a bit with some banter.

: Are you ready to have a civil chat? Or are is[sic] this going to be another childish tantrum?
: Tantrum? I’m trying to apologize, you nerf-herder! Uh… I mean… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get mad at you. It’s just that I’m sick of everyone treating me like I’m a helpless kid.
: Yeah, I know. And I’m sorry about what I said, too. I’m just a little on edge lately. Not surprising considering all we’ve been through. But I shouldn’t take it out on you.
: It’s about time you two made up.
: Mission, you have to know that we don’t think you’re helpless. Look where we are, look at what we’re doing. You’re not just along for the ride. We need you.

Sorry Carth, but we only needed her to get past the Rancor. No, really.

: You really mean it, don’t you? Nobody’s ever said anything like that to me before, not even Big Z. He might think it, but he’s not really one for words, you know. Thanks, Carth.
: Ah, it’s no big deal. I know how it is. Sometimes you just need to hear a few words of encouragement. Kids are like that.
: Kids are like that?? Listen you… oh, I get it. Okay, you got me. You’re pretty funny, Carth. For an old guy. Come on, you geezer – let’s get back to what we were doing.

Now, finally what we are here for. Maybe I’ll finish this update some day.

: Brejik stole that engine from Gadon! It was never yours to begin with!
Kandon Ark: Well I didn’t to all the trouble of acquiring this prototype just so you could steal it back for that old fool!
Bodyguard: Would you like me to dispose of these Bek spies, Kandon?
Kandon Ark: No – hold on a second. I see you aren’t wearing the Hidden Bek colors, so I’m guessing you aren’t part of that feeble old man’s gang. You must be a freelance mercenary.
: You’re right, I’m not one of the Beks. My name’s Deth Sord.
Kandon Ark: Instead of stealing the prototype for the Beks, why don’t you come work for us? The Black Vulkars could use someone like you.
: You’ve got my attention. What’s your offer?
: What? You can’t betray Gadon! I won’t let you!
Kandon Ark: Ah, Mission – the Hidden Bek’s unofficial mascot! Your loyalty is admirable, but misplaced. Gadon only kept you around so they could laugh at you and your furry friend.
: No, that’s not true! You’re lying!
Kandon Ark: Am I? How long have you known Gadon? How long have you worked for him? But they never offered to make you a Hidden Bek, did they?
: They… they said I was too young!
Kandon Ark: And you believed them? Come on, Mission. You’re smarter than that. To Gadon and his crew you were nothing but a running joke. Weren’t they always teasing you?
: Well, yeah. Some of them were. But you Vuklars have tried to kill me more than once!
Kandon Ark: That’s only because you were with the Hidden Beks – and because we respected you. Brejik knows you’re not a joke, Mission. He made sure the Vulkars took you very, very seriously.
: But… but Gadon said Brejik…
Kandon Ark: Gadon had to poison your mind against Brejik! It was the only way to keep you from seeing the truth. The Beks were mocking you, Mission. You don’t need friends like that.

Damn, this guy is smooth.

: You’re right! I don’t need anyone but Zaalbar! If Gadon dies, he’s only getting what’s coming to him!
: You were about to tell me your offer, Kandon.
Kandon Ark: Brejik has grown tired of this petty war with Gadon and his pathetic followers. He needs someone to get rid of Gadon… permanently. If you do this task for him Brejik is willing to offer a very substantial reward. How does 500 credits sound? Oh, and we’ll throw in that young Republic soldier we captured, too.
: I thought she was being offered up as the prize in the swoop race.
Kandon Ark: Well… we can’t just give the girl to you. Not after Brejik’s publicly offered her up as a prize in the big swoop race. But we can do the next best thing. Whoever wins the swoop race gets the girl. Kill Gadon and we’ll give you 500 credits, sponsor you as a Vulkar rider and equip your swoop with the accelerator. You can’t lose!
: Okay, we have a deal. I’ll kill Gadon for you.
: Are you sure about this? I mean, I want to get Bastila back… but taking contracts to kill people is a bit much. Even if it is just more biker scum.

Carth, you had zero complains for the government bounties. None. Starkiller aside, you shot those people.

Kandon Ark: Excellent. Here – you might need these for this mission. They’re access codes to Gadon’s private chambers in the Bek base. Without them you won’t be able to get at the old man. My guards will escort you to the main doors of our base. After you have killed Gadon return to the main doors and I will arrange for you to ride for the Vulkars in the swoop race. I’d suggest you don’t come back until the job is done, or we might think you’ve decided to renegotiate on our offer. The Vulkars won’t consider you a friend until Gadon is dead

[Teneb]

Time for another update.

Spoiler: Swoopin’ (click to show/hide)

PART 11 - Jedi Sue

The Black Vulkars

After the last conversation, we are dumped right outside the Vulkar base. If you changed your mind, you just have to go in again to side with the Beks. Before we go on with our little assassination mission, we got someone to visit.



: Gurney said I should speak to you about the Rakghoul serum.
Zax: You have the Rakghoul serum? It’s worth 1000 credits to Davik.
: Here’s the serum. Give me the 1000 credits.
Zax: Here’s the credits. Davik will be very pleased when he sees this. Very pleased, indeed. Now, what else do you need?

Doing that is one of the two actions I need to do in order to end Taris neutral. The other being siding with the Vulkars.

: I’ve got a bounty I want to collect on.
Zax: A bounty? Very well, human, that is what I’m here for. Which bounty you want to collect on?
: [Tell him about Selven.]
Zax: So Selven’s dead. All the other bounty hunters who went after her ended up dead themselves, you know. You did well, human. Here – 300 credits. That’s the price for all bounties.
: Thanks. Pleasure doing business with you.
Zax: You do good work, human. There’s lots of bounty hunters on Taris, but most are lazy. Maybe if you keep cashing in on bounties they’ll work harder.

And that’s the last bounty one of the last sidequests on Taris, with the one missing not available yet. There is a little something I’ve yet to show, but it’s all plot from now on.




: If I see anything suspicious, I’ll let you know.
Zaerdra: Yes. Good. The more people who keep an eye out, the better we’ll catch this assassin in time.


: Where is Gadon now?
Bek: He’s in his private chambers. He won’t be coming out until we find that Vulkar assassin!
: I’ll be going now.
Bek: If you see anything suspicious, report it to one of the guards.


Zaerdra: I knew we couldn’t trust you!

There isn’t much way to get to Gadon without starting a fight.


It’s really not hard at all. Zaerdra is the biggest threat and when she is down it might as well be over.


As soon as you go through the elevator, a scene will start.



Kaeira: You are too trusting, Gadon. These must be the assassins Brejik sent! How else did  they get in here?
: [Persuade] The guards recognized me and let me in.
Kaeira: [Failure]Liar! The guards would have announced you! Gadon – we’ve been betrayed again! We’re under attack! Guards! Guards!

No guards actually come. This fight is just slightly harder than Zaerdra and the Beks. With Gadon dead, we can loot their bodies. They actually got some nice stuff.



All that is left is going back to the Vulkar base.


: I’ve done my part, now you better live up to your end of the bargain!
Kandon Ark: Here are the 500 credits for eliminating Gadon and, as promised, we will let you ride for the Black Vulkars in the big swoop race. We’ll provide you with a swoop bike that has the prototype accelerator installed. Your modified bike will be fast enough to beat every other racer on the track.
: And when we win the race, we get Bastila, right?
Kandon Ark: When you win Brejik will turn the girl over to you. You get Bastila, a Vulkar rider wins the race, and Brejik doesn’t lose face for withdrawing his prize. Everybody wins.
: Why do I get this feeling you’re not telling me something?
Kandon Ark: There is one small thing you should be aware of before you race tomorrow: the prototype accelerator isn’t exactly stable yet – there’s a chance it might explode during the race.
: Explode? Are you crazy? Why would we risk riding that thing then?

Kandon, you bastard.

Kandon Ark: That’s part of the reason Brejik installed it on your bike – none of our other Vulkar riders are willing to risk their lives to win the prize. They’re afraid of getting blown to bits.
: Why do you think I’m willing to risk my life?
Kandon Ark: You’ve already gone to a great deal of trouble to get your hands on this Bastila. You want this Republic soldier in your possession for a reason.  I don’t know why – I don’t really care. But I get the feeling you’re willing to risk dying on the swoop bike if that’s what it take to get her.
: I guess I don’t have any choice. I’ll race for the Vulkars.
Kandon Ark: I’m glad to see you’re being reasonable. The race is tomorrow, so I’m afraid you won’t have time to practice. But nobody will be able to keep up with your modified swoop. All you have to do is hold on tight, try not to smash into anything, and hope the accelerator doesn’t explode. Simple. Get some rest and I’ll come for you in the morning to take you to the swoop track. Good luck… you’re going to need it.



Mechanic: Kandon mentioned you’ve never done this before. You want me to run over the basics of handling a swoop bike for you?
: Forget it. Let’s just get to the racing.
Mechanic: Hold on…  I better explain the rules to you. Each rider goes out on the track alone. At the end of the day, whoever posted the fastest time is the winner. Normally, a rider can run as many heats as they want, but I don’t know how long the prototype accelerator on your swoop will hold up. No more than four or five races, I’d guess. So make your runs count. Remember, the Vulkars are counting on you. If we win this race, half of Gadon’s crew will join us and the Beks will be finished!
: I won’t let you down.
Mechanic: Sounds like you’re ready. Go talk to the race announcer over by the corner. He’ll give you the time to beat and get you out on the course. I’ll be waiting for you here after the run so I can make any tweaks or repairs to your swoop in case you want to go out for another heat. Good luck. And don’t worry about the prototype overheating and exploding while you’re out on the track. That *probably* won’t happen.

So, let’s talk to the other racers first.





Anglu: You don’t stand a chance against the more experienced riders. But if the Vulkars want to throw away one of their entries on you, that’s fine by me.




Doba: Your[sic] might have an edge because of that prototype accelerator Kandon gave you, but it won’t help if it blows up while you’re out on the track.

Redros: But the only reason you’re here is because I passed on that prototype accelerator. It’s too unstable, and you can’t collect the champion’s prize if you’re dead!



Can you feel it? The sensation of being finally near the objective?


Announcer: Ah, you’re riding for the Black Vulkars I see. Used to be nobody could challenge the Hidden Beks at this race, but now you Vulkars are the team to beat. Okay, you’re registered now. Good luck, and try not to get yourself killed. We’ve only lost one rider today and we want to keep it that way. Whenever you’re ready you can hit the track.
: What happened to the rider you lost?
Announcer: Same as usual – he was pushing himself beyond his limits and he hit some debris on the track. The deflectors kept him from crashing, but the force of the impact jarred him from his swoop. Don’t worry… they scraped what was left of him off the track already. Just remember to hang on and you should be okay. You can hit the track whenever you’re ready.
: What’s the time to beat?
Announcer: Well, Anglu has the best time so far: 0:38:43. Good, but not the best I’ve seen. I don’t know if it will stand up.
: I want to race one of my heats.
Announcer: Okay, let’s get you to the track.


So, here’s how swoop racing works. Aside from starting the bike, the swoop will just go forward on its own. Instead, you get to move sideways. Hit boosters to go faster and avoid obstacles and mines. You hit something, you go slower. You hit too much, you blow up. The bar at the bottom will fill up as you race without hitting anything. When it fills up, you hit a button and you’ll go even faster. Not much to it.

As the announcer mentioned, we need to beat 0:38:43. It’s pretty easy, but there is a catch: you want to get as close to that time as possible, rather than doing a really low number.


Mechanic: Someone who’s never ridden a swoop before today comes in here and… wait a minute. I don’t believe this – look at the board!



That’s why. As far as I know, she’ll always beat your time. Set it too low, and you’ll be in trouble.

Time to talk some more.

Anglu: When will the Vulkars learn that I’m the best swoop rider on Taris? None of you has a chance against me.


Phirk: But Anglu’s better than any of you Vulkar riders. That last time she posted is going to win this race for the Beks!


Doba: But Anglu’s knocked you off the leaderboard. The Beks are going to win this thing unless you get out there and beat their time with that souped up swoop of yours.


Redros: Anglu’s already got you beat. It takes more than a souped up swoop bike to make a champion, so I guess I’m going to have to win this for the Vulkars!


I didn’t take any screenshots of the racing itself because I wanted to get it over with. So let’s just cut to the aftermath.

Mechanic: I guess Kandon knew what he was doing when he picked you to ride for us. Now the only thing is to wait for the time to become official and go collect your prize.




Brejik: Well done – through all your skill and courage you have proven yourself the premier swoop rider and brought great glory to the Black Vulkars! That’s why it is with the greatest sadness that I have to inform you of a slight change in the prize I am offering for your victory.

Yup. Brejik is not going to give us Bastila. Also, water is wet.

: What are you talking about?
Brejik: When you hear what I have to say you’ll understand. It seems the woman I offered up as a prize is more than just a Republic officer –she’s actually a Jedi!


Brejik: Obviously, I can’t turn her over to you – it would be far too dangerous to have a Jedi as a slave. But rest assured, I’ll find some other way to compensate you for your victory.











And now we get to fight Brejik. Bastila will be aiding us, but she’s dead weight at this point. Also, you don’t get to bring any companions to the race, so if your character is too weak it might be a problem. Brejik is actually fairly threatening if you’ve done nothing but story missions so far. You also can’t kite him around because he used ranged weapons and you are alone. Anyway, I take him down… and we’ll never ever have to go to the Lower City again. Isn’t that great?

I also level up



As you can see, I am now very much neutral. Fortunately, there isn’t much left in Taris that will give us any significant quantity of points either way.


Brejik has some nice loot. And Bastila’s lightsabre.


: Wait… I don’t believe this! You’re… you’re one of the soldiers with the Republic fleet, aren’t you? Yes, I’m sure of it. How did you end up racing for these swoop gangs?
: Winning the swoop race was the only way I could save you.
: Save me? Is that what you were trying to accomplish by riding in that swoop race? Well, as far as rescues go this is a pretty poor example. In case you hadn’t noticed, I managed to free myself from that neural restraint collar without your help. In fact, it’s more accurate to say I’ve saved you! Brejik and his Vulkars would’ve left you for dead if I hadn’t stepped into that fight. You’re lucky I was here to get you out of this mess!
: We don’t have time to this. Carth is waiting for us.
: Carth Onasi is alive? Finally, some good news! Carth is one of the Republic’s best soldiers. He’s proved himself a hero a dozen times over! And he sent you here to save me? Maybe I misjudged you. Carth wouldn’t have snet you if he wans’t confident in your… abilities. Forgive me – despite my Jedi training, I still tend to act a bit rashly sometimes. Please, take me to Carth right away.  Between the three of us I’m sure we can figure out some way to get off this planet before the Sith realize we’re here.

So… Bastila. I’ve come to believe she’s grossly overrated. Not only in terms of personality, in that this is the least arrogant she’ll get, but in terms of stats. She comes at level 3. Yes, 3. Carth started at 4. She’s also lower on the light side scale than either Carth or Mission. This actually matters as the closer to either end you are, the powers of that side become cheaper to use. Unlike the second game, NPC alignment won’t ever shift. She has only two advantages: her lightsabre and force powers. The two other Jedi you can recruit are better than her in both close combat and force use respectively. Add that to the fact that she can’t wear armour, and you get a rather poor companion with a personality that borders on Mary Sue territory. Oh, and the Battle Meditation power the story went on and on about? You won’t ever see it outside cutscenes much, much later on.

I think I’ll end this here so I can do a bonus update on the Bek side of things next.

I’d like to note that KotOR 2 got an update in the time between my postings of parts 9 and 10, I think. It includes bugfixing, widescreen resolutions and steam workshop including the restored content modification. That’s great news.

[ATHATH]

Ooh, did it fix the dialogue skipping bug?

Also, dead weight? Bastila carried me through that fight. In fact, I had to save-scum several times so that I could run around the arena dodging bullets while she killed everyone, due to my feats being spent on non-combat bonuses (I also ran out of medpacks). She could easily destroy everyone in that room. She's only level three, but jedi levels are incredibly powerful.