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[CJ1145]

I've heard great things about TIE fighter, but unless it has one I always really enjoyed X-Wing Alliance because it had a scenario editor, which let you set up some wicked dogfights. You could even get Mon Calamari ships and Star Destroyers involved.

[Acanthus117]

Yay! Updates!

So... we're off to Dantooine.

Cooool.

[Dragooble]

So is Tat-I mean Dantooine a desert planet?

[Akura]

Nope. Perpetual rain with canyons caused by erosion, according to Wikipedia.

[inteuniso]

So is Tat-I mean Dantooine a desert planet?

Quite a pretty grasslands planet.

[CJ1145]

So is Tat-I mean Dantooine a desert planet?

Nope, grassland. We'll get to Tatooine later.

[Judas Maccabeus]

Quite a pretty grasslands planet.

Yep, that would be it.  Too remote to make an effective demonstration.  And it truly is pretty... and the music is just as good.  I'll show you when we get to that point. 

[Judas Maccabeus]

His Word Speaks Only Truth, From a Certain Point of View

Spoiler: Jedi Enclave (click to show/hide)

Music: The Jedi Academy



Alright, we've arrived in the Dantooine system.  Looks like we're already back to arguing, though.

"I agree with Bastila.  We should be safe here."

"We can get supplies here and recuperate.  The Academy is a place of mental and spiritual healing; something we could all use after what we've been through."

"Maybe you're right.  It isn't easy to witness the annihilation of an entire planet.  I know Mission must be taking it pretty hard."

"She will find a way to come to terms with her grief.  She is stronger than she appears.  We just need to give her time.  Now I must go speak with the Council.  I need their advice on... recent developments.  After I have met with them I will meet you outside the ship."

I think that conversation was supposed to occur after you land on the planet; as it is, Bastila sounds like she's going to grab an escape pod and fly down to the surface right away.



Welcome to Dantooine.  It is, as said by Grand Moff Wilhuff (yes, that's his first name.  Seriously.) Tarkin, "remote".  The main terrain of the planet is dry grassland with a few thorny Blba trees (you can see a couple in that last screenshot).



After a short time, Bastila returns.

"An audience with the Jedi Council?  That's pretty unusual for someone who isn't even a Jedi.  What's this about, Bastila?"

"I'm sorry, Carth, but I cannot tell you.  All I ask is that you trust in the Force and the wisdom of the Council."

"Well, I don't like being left out of the loop, but I'm not looking to get you in any trouble with the Jedi Masters.  We'll do things your way for a while."

"Come, they are expecting us.  I will lead you to the Council chambers."

Before we do that, however, let's see how the rest of the group is holding up after that whole blowing up the main city of Taris thing.



Mission, of course, was impacted the hardest.

"Yeah... I know.  The Jedi got rid of Revan, so I figure Malak's days are numbered, too.  But that doesn't make the pain go away, you know?  Look, I'm not saying I can't go on or anything like that.  It's just... it's a shock, you know?  I mean, I knew the Sith were evil and all, but the reality of it kind of slaps you in the face.  But I suppose that's why we need to stop Malak, right?  The more time I spend dwelling on Taris the more chance some other planet will get wiped out.  I guess that's what it comes down to.  So don't worry about me; I'll be okay.  And if you need my help against Malak or the Sith, I'll be there for you!"



T3 has nothing to say himself; neither does Zaalbar.



Oh, hey, the ship comes with a free swoop bike.  There's no prototype accelerator, but that still could come in handy once we reach a planet with a swoop track.



You may have noticed that you can ask party members for certain things.  I'll get to that soon enough, but for now, let's stick with conversation.

"You want to hear tales of my exploits?  Of the wars I've seen and fought, the enemies I've seen die by my hand?  Heh, sure, I'll humor you.  My name's Canderous of the Mandalorian clan Ordo.  I've been fighting across the galaxy for 40 of your years.  For my people it's the honor and glory of battle that rules us.  It's through combat that we prove our worth, gain renown and make our fortune."

"Is that why the Mandalorians attacked the Republic?"

"The Sith came to us with an offer: to fight a worthy enemy in a battle that would be remembered forever.  Win or lose, as long as the fight is worthy, then honor is gained.  The glory at having triumphed over impossible odds is what drives us.  If there's nothing at stake - your possessions, your life, your world - then the battle's meaningless.  We Mandalore take everything we are and throw it into battle.  It's the true test of yourself - the battle against death... against oblivion."

"Is that why you work as a mercenary?"

"Times have changed now.  The Mandalore clans have been scattered across the Outer Rim, the Republic is in decline and the Sith Empire rises to take its place.  The clans as they were aren't a threat, but the galaxy still fears us.  Ha!  People think we war out of spite, or bloodlust.  They don't understand, and fear that.  We only wanted the challenge of the battle, and glory from it - win or lose.  And we lost.  But now I have no real challenges.  Crushing Davik's enemies and the pathetic gangs of the Lower City of Taris could not be considered the most glorious of tasks.  When I think of the battles I've fought... the thousands I've killed... the worlds I've burned... I weep for my past.  We'll never speak of this again.  We've got work to do, so let's get to it."

Alright, now to go outside and chat with the residents of this little settlement.  Don't worry, we'll be working our way towards the council chambers.



"Sorry, I have no idea who you're talking about."

Lur Arka: "Ah, that is too bad.  I shall have to continue my search."

"Are problems with Mandalorians common on Dantooine?"

Lur Arka: "I understand they are, though I know little of the history behind this conflict.  Someone native to this planet could tell you more."

"I'll keep my eye out for your girl."

Lur Arka: "I would appreciate that, sentient."



Now we'll talk with... another Twi'lek.

"I came here with Bastila."

Deesra: "Yes, of course.  I should have known.  I have only heard a little of how she escaped the destruction of Taris.  Tell me, did she save you from that planet as well?"

"She didn't save me.  We worked together to escape Taris."

Deesra: "Oh, I see.  Well, I meant no offense of course.  In any case, it is good to have her back here on Dantooine again.  We were afraid Malak had captured her.  I hope you enjoy your time on Dantooine.  May the Force be with you."

And also with you.

...Stupid habits built up over a lifetime of Catholicism.



Here's a woman we'll be seeing a decent amount of the next couple updates.

Belaya: "Bastila?  I have heard of her.  They say she has already mastered the art of Battle Meditation, remarkable in one so young.  Though I have heard she has a foolish pride in her own talents.  But as for you... you claim you are not a Padawan?  I find this hard to believe.  The Force is strong within you.  I can feel its presence.  If this is some type of jest, it is in very poor taste.  The Jedi Order is not a subject for jokes."

"I am telling the truth."

Belaya: "Please forgive the abruptness with which I first greeted you.  It was harsh, and perhaps unfair.  My Master often warns me I must learn to control my emotions.  I see I have much left to learn.  I wish you a pleasant stay here on Dantooine.  May the Force be with you."

And al- *whaps self* Stop it!



We're here.



A quick guide to the council here on Dantooine.  Vandar is fairly easy to spot.  Vrook is more easily recognised by his voice - he's played by none other than the great Ed Asner!

(Oddly enough, this wasn't Mr. Asner's first time playing a Star Wars character - he also played Jabba the Hutt in the radio drama of Return of the Jedi.)



Zhar: "Yes, the High Council of the Jedi Order is on Coruscant, but we are the Council in charge of the training facility here on Dantooine."

"I've got some questions for all of you."

Zhar: "Indeed, I am sure that you do.  I assure you that we will have answers for you."

"Why am I here?"

Zhar: "Bastila tells us you are strong in the Force.  We are considering you for Jedi training."

"I don't know if I'm ready for this."

Zhar: "Do not worry.  I am confident in your ability to learn."



"Perhaps it was simple luck."

Zhar: "We both know there is no luck.  There is only the Force.  We all feel the power in Bastila's companion, though it is wild and untamed.  Now that this power has begun to manifest itself, can we safely ignore it?"

"The Jedi training is long and difficult, even when working with a young and open mind.  Teaching a child is hard.  How much harder will it be for an adult to learn the ways of the Jedi?"

"I am willing to try my best."

Dorak: "Traditionally the Jedi do not accept adults for training, though there are rare exceptions in the history of our Order.  But you are a special case."

"I agree with Master Dorak.  Many of our own pupils are leaving the Jedi order to follow the Sith teachings, we need recruits to stand against Malak!  With Revan dead..."

"Are you certain Revan is truly dead?  What if we undertake to traing this one, and the Dark Lord should return?"

"We should discuss this matter more fully in private.  Bastila, you and your companion must go.  This is a matter for the Council alone."



Alright.  We could use a bit more rest after that mess on Taris, anyway.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Another dream...



That's... Malak, before losing his jaw, and beside him is Revan.  I don't see Bastila in this one, though...



Hmm... Malak and Revan - or, I should say, Alek and the Revanchist - before they left the Jedi Order.  But where are they?



That... that looks interesting... Star Forge?  Apparently we're getting a vision of what caused them to fall to the Dark Side.  But why?


Next morning...



"Did she say anything else?"

"No, she didn't.  She didn't seem well, as I recall... and for that matter neither do you.  Are you alright?"

"I had a rough night... let's go."

"You got it."

Alright, we can bring others along now.  Let's take Carth and Mission.



Mission seems to be doing better, at least.  Maybe we can get her thinking about something other than Taris.

"I'm sorry for the way I acted before.  It's just that when it comes to Lena I tend to get a little worked up."

Well, yeah.  If your brother ran off with one of the Vong, I'd be put off as well.

Okay, she's not, really (we even meet her later), but I can't let that "intergalactic" bit go.

"What did she do to you?"

"My brother and me had a good thing going.  Sure, Griff had his run-ins with the law on Taris.  But we got by okay.  Until Lena came and ruined everything.  She was a dancer at the cantina where my brother used to go to play Pazaak.  Griff could be a real smooth talker, and it wasn't long before the two of them were dating.  But Lena was used to dating rich Tarisian nobles - guys with mountains of credits.  Griff could never give her the kind of lifestyle she was used to, no matter how hard he worked."

"Did Lena dump him?"

"I thought Lena would brush Griff off when she saw how poor he was, but for some reason she stuck around.  I guess she saw the potential for a big payday down the road."

"So what happened?"

"After they'd been together for a few months, Griff told me he was leaving Taris.  He and Lena were going to try and make their fortune off-world.  He promised as soon as he made enough credits he'd come back and get me and we'd all live like royalty.  That was two years ago - I haven't seen him since!  I don't even know where he went!"

Not going to say this out loud to Mission, of course, but at least that means he wasn't there when Malak showed up... maybe meeting Lena was a stroke of luck.

"Maybe something happened to him."

"Oh, I know what happened!  As soon as she got him off Taris Lena sunk her claws into Griff but good!  She twisted him around her little finger and made him forget all about me!  I know I'll probably never see Griff again.  But part of the reason I came with you was the hope that I could find out what happened to my brother.  Don't worry - I won't let my search for Griff get in the way of what we're doing.  Let's just get back to the task at hand."

Alright.  Off to the council chambers!



Dorak: "These ruins have long been known to us, but we believed them to be merely burial mounds.  Perhaps they are more than we first suspected, if Revan and Malak found something there."

"What??  How would Bastila know if we shared a dream?"

"She says that she felt your presence within the dream, the presence she has felt within you ever since..."

"Master Vandar!"

"...ever since Taris.  It is not unknown for this to happen between two people strong in the Force.  Bastila has described this shared dream to the Council in great detail.  We feel it is more than a dream.  It is a vision.  The Force is acting through you as it acts through Bastila."

"I am having visions now?"

Zhar: "You and Bastila share a powerful connection to the Force... and each other.  This is not unheard of.  Connections often form between Master and student, but rarely does a bond develop so quickly."

"Whatever dangers may lie ahead, we cannot ignore the destiny that has brought you and Bastila here to us.  Together."

"Are you saying I'm... joined with her?"

"You and she are linked, as is your fate to hers.  Together, you two may be able to stop Darth Malak and the Sith."

"But do not let your head be filled with visions of glory and power!  Such thoughts are the path to the dark side.  The way of the light is long and difficult, as you must learn.  Are you ready for such hardship?"

"I will try my best."

"Understand that there is little choice in this matter, for you or us.  Across the galaxy the numbers of our Order dwindle.  We have sent many Jedi in quest of a way to thwart Malak's advance... many have not returned.  The Sith hunt the Jedi down like animals, ambushing and assassinating our brothers wherever they are found.  We fear it is only a matter of time until they discover even this hidden refuge."

"Other Jedi have fallen from the light and embraced the dark side, giving their allegiance to the Sith and Malak, their dark lord."

Vrook, as you can see, is the one most concerned with people falling to the dark side.  He's actually also a member of the High Council, which means he was there for Revan and Malak's attempts to bring the Jedi order along for the Mandalorian Wars; he was also present for the trial of one of the most important members of the order to follow them, but that's a matter for the next game entirely.  In any case, he's seen what rash action can lead to, and it's not pretty.



"I don't know if I want to do this... it sounds dangerous."

"You have a strong affinity with the Force.  With such power comes great responsibility... and danger.  You may wish to deny what you are, but the Council cannot turn a blind eye."

Zhar: "Neither will Darth Malak.  Your strength is a threat to him.  In time he will learn of you and the Sith will hunt you down.  It is inevitable.  Defeating the Sith is the only way to save yourself."

"Very well, I will help you."

"Before we send you to investigate the ruins, you mut be trained in the ways of the Jedi so that you can resist the darkness within yourself... within all of us.  Otherwise you are doomed to fail."

"As you wish, Master Vandar."

Zhar: "We must begin your training at once.  You have a destiny upon you that you must be prepared to face.  The entire fate of the galaxy is upon you."

"I can only hope you will prove up to the task."

[Judas Maccabeus]

Spoiler: Jedi Training (click to show/hide)

Training montage time!  This section is narrated by Zhar.













Zhar: "You have done in weeks what many cannot do in years.  I am honored to welcome you fully into the Jedi Order."

Hurrah!



"What must I do to prove myself?"

Zhar: "In the traditions and customs of our Order, as handed down from Master to pupil for a thousand generations, you must successfully complete three tests before you earn your place among the Jedi."

"What kind of tests are these?"

Zhar: "These tests will see if you have truly mastered the training you have been given, both mental and physical.  Upon completing these tests you will pass from apprentice to Padawan, and join in the ranks of the Jedi.  First I will test your knowledge of the Jedi Code.  These tenets must always guide your actions, in everything you do you must always be conscious of their wisdom.  You must prove you have a Jedi's understanding of the Code.  Return when you feel you are ready for this challenge."



Alright, let's go bug Lou Grant- erm, Master Vrook to see if he knows.

"You do not know the Jedi Code?  Without knowledge of those doctrines all your training will be for naught!  All Jedi must know the code, its tenets are the fundamental teachings of our Order!

There is no emotion; there is peace.
There is no ignorance; there is knowledge.
There is no passion; there is serenity.
There is no chaos; there is harmony.
There is no death; there is the Force.

Learn these truths, apprentice... or we shall all regret the decision to accept you into the Order."



"I am ready for the tests, Master Zhar."

Zhar: "First I will test your knowledge of the Jedi Code.  These tenets must always guide your actions, in everything you do you must always be conscious of their wisdom.  You must now prove you have a Jedi's understanding of the Code by completing these fundamental precepts of our Order:  There is no emotion..."

"There is peace."

Zhar: "There is no ignorance..."

"There is knowledge."

Zhar: "There is no passion..."

"There is serenity."

Zhar: "There is no chaos..."

"There is harmony."

Zhar: "There is no death..."

"There is the Force."

Zhar: "You have learned your studies well, apprentice.  It will not be long before you are a full member of our Order.  But first you must pass the second test, and learn about the most prized possession of a Jedi, the very symbol of our Order: the lightsaber."



Alright!  Lightsaber time!  No reason to delay this.



Dorak:
"Blue is the color of the Jedi Guardian.  This Jedi battles against the forces of evil and the dark side.  They focus more on combat training and use of the lightsaber.

"Yellow is the color of the Jedi Sentinel.  This Jedi ferrets out deceit and injustice, bringing it to light.  They focus less on combat and more on other skills and abilities.

"Green is the color of the Jedi Consular.  This Jedi seeks to bring balance to the universe.  They mediate between other groups, using their powers to end conflict and preserve peace."

Alright, the choice is before us.  What Jedi class shall we be?:

Guardian:  Good combat ability, low skills.
Sentinel:  Plenty of skills, moderate at combat.
Consular:  Not much of either skills or combat, but plenty of force points.

We can change the colour easily, so don't let that affect your choice.

Spoiler: My preference, but I don't want to affect voting (click to show/hide)

I'd go with Sentinel, mostly because I like skill points.

[CJ1145]

I prefer Guardian, because the melee animations in this game are awesome, and in the endgame you'll be fighting some very powerful enemies.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

I don't know how you do, but against Malak the Force seems very useless beyond resisting his stun attacks.

[Judas Maccabeus]

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

I don't know how you do, but against Malak the Force seems very useless beyond resisting his stun attacks.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

I managed to whittle him down with a Consular (in my first playthrough, at that) first using Force Heal and then a #*&%ing lot of medpacks, so it can certainly be done.  Trying to hit him with direct Force powers, however, is very useless, agreed.

[CJ1145]

Oh, and also,

Spoiler: Favorite way to win at the end (click to show/hide)

Make sure we get Lightsaber Throw at some point. It's the only non-dark side power I know of that can kill the Jedi in the pods, so Malak can't heal.

[rickvoid]

Yay updates!!

As for our Jedi Class, I usually go with Guardian, but my last run as a Sentinel was fun. I'd love to see a Consular run, though.

If combat gets to hard, there's always the magic of Let's Play to consider, since we do have an in-game console.

[Phantom]

Oh, and also,

Spoiler: Favorite way to win at the end (click to show/hide)

Make sure we get Lightsaber Throw at some point. It's the only non-dark side power I know of that can kill the Jedi in the pods, so Malak can't heal.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Ain't there the disable droids and stuff that work?

[Spartan 117]

Sentinel!