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Lore Update: Voss

Voss was recently announced as the 12th planet in Star Wars: The Old Republic. This planet is a unique addition as next to nothing was known about it prior to last weeks Friday Update. BioWare appears to be using that void to weave a new story and display their willingness to add to the IP. The information supplied on the Holonet reveals much more than just an interesting story; it also hints at the possible gameplay elements that Voss could offer.


History

Due to the fact that nothing was known about Voss prior to its discovery shortly after the Treaty of Coruscant, there is little to say beyond the information supplied on the Holonet. Voss was originally thought to be inhabited only by the Gormak, a surprisingly advanced pre-flight race. Eventually it was discovered that an additional sentient species, simply called the Voss, also call this unique world home.

Outnumbered and isolated on one tall peak, the Voss struggled to survive for centuries. Believing them to be an affront to the natural order, the Gormak attempted to eradicate their less populous neighbors. However the Voss persevered through the disciplined training of their Commandos, the fortifications of their mountain city, and the guidance of the Voss Mystics.

The Voss Mystics are Force users of incredible power. Although the Sith and Jedi agree on this point, the Voss Mystics don't accept the Force as real and seemingly want no part in it. Through visions the Mystics see the infallible truth of the future and they follow their visions in order to survive. When the Sith Empire sought the conquer Voss and the Republic sent a fleet to defend it, the Mystics knew and their actions caused an entire fleet to disappear. Now both the Sith and Republic seek to win favor with the Voss Mystics, desiring their allegiance and assistance.

Speculation

The obvious setup to Voss is that both sides want the Mystics as allies. As such, both Sith and Republic players could be able to perform missions to win favor for their side or to hinder the efforts of the opposing faction. These missions might include attempting to convince the Gormak to stop their attacks, convincing the Voss Mystics of the power of the Force, or even convincing either race the opposing faction is corrupt or evil and therefore aren't worthy of an alliance.



While all this attention is being paid to the Voss, what of the Gormak? One concept art piece says: "With little more than scavenged parts, the technologically-inclined Gormak are able to craft complex weapons and machinery." Such a race would be perfect for crafting useful items from otherwise worthless junk. This could potentially allow players to give the Gormak supplies in an attempt to get them to craft weapons, advanced parts, or nearly anything technological. Although we do not know yet how crafting is handled in TOR, a resourceful race like the Gormak would also be well suited to teaching others how to make the best out of what they have. Perhaps players will be able to learn certain professions from the Gormak after earning their trust.

With the ongoing struggle between the two native species, Voss could be a prime target for developing reputation with neutral parties, allowing players to choose between allying with the Voss or with the Gormak. If this is true then we may even see certain bonuses depending on whether you side with the technological Gormak or the spiritual Voss. However, there is also the possibility that the Voss will be the primary friendly NPCs on the planet with the warlike Gormak simply being the aggressive force predominantly encountered by player.



Another concept art states: "The ruins of Voss have entrances that lead to some of the many forgotten dangers." This strongly suggests that Voss will contain multiple flashpoints. The description of Voss, and the interaction of players with the native species, seems to lead to the conclusion that Voss will be a higher level planet. With no previous or future history to consider, it would be the perfect location for high end raids or instances with planet altering conclusions.

The announcement of Voss proves that BioWare is willing to take risks and add new and inventive ways to explore the galaxy of TOR. Voss is a world of both incredible beauty and absolute desolation, as seen paralleled in the descriptions of the indigenous species. It appears that only through our time as players can the true nature of both be discovered. No matter how the story for Voss pans out, it looks to offer a uniquely BioWare take on the story and creatures of Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Sources
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Voss_%28planet%29
http://swtor.com/info/holonet/planets/voss

Comments

  • JimtheJedi's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #15 JimtheJedi Posted 4/22/2010 6:13:37 AM
    They really are taking a totally clean slate approach here eh? I googled Voss and I got :
    "Voss (helpinfo) is a municipality in Hordaland county, Norway. It is part of the traditional district of Voss. The administrative center of the municipality is the village of Vossevangen."

    Whatever it is, I can't wait to delve into this brand new world, my money's on this planet being full of PvE oppurtunities
  • JimtheJedi's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #14 JimtheJedi Posted 4/22/2010 6:13:36 AM
    They really are taking a totally clean slate approach here eh? I googled Voss and I got :
    "Voss (helpinfo) is a municipality in Hordaland county, Norway. It is part of the traditional district of Voss. The administrative center of the municipality is the village of Vossevangen."

    Whatever it is, I can't wait to delve into this brand new world, my money's on this planet being full of PvE oppurtunities
  • Raul's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #13 Raul Posted 4/20/2010 9:13:09 AM
    Since the Voss can look into the future and are already being mentioned with prophecies I wonder if they will make the Prophecy about the Chosen One. Even though it seems to be mentioned as being made before the Jedi took an active role in the Galaxy. But with the Naga Sadow twist it seems the current 'canon' might get a few twists to fit this as well.
  • traejin's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #12 traejin Posted 4/17/2010 4:36:40 PM
    I think this planet may be the ideal place to have and explain PVP zones. This is the perfect place for both factions to be congregating.
  • homestar's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #11 homestar Posted 4/15/2010 1:58:37 AM
    man, you guys are really good at all this speculation. I never would have thought of any of that, but it does sound very likely.
  • Drenarb's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #8 Drenarb Posted 4/14/2010 5:56:44 PM
    What about the possibility of having Gormak or Voss as companion characters to help them with their own unique quest? This planet, along with all of the other ones released, seems like an excellent place to meet new NPC characters, have them join your party, and aid them in their quests.
  • Granados's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #9 Granados Posted 4/14/2010 8:36:37 PM
    interesting, a gormak or voss companion sounds great, depending on the faction you choose you can have either of them, maybe that is why they said companions could leave you, say a Voss wants you to help him kill a gormak general who slayed his family, only to find out he is an old respected man in his tribe or community, you spare his life and lose your companion... wow, I think i have great expectations for this game :P
  • Drenarb's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #10 Drenarb Posted 4/15/2010 1:56:07 AM
    Exactly. The possibilities for companion characters screams at me from nearly every planet they've released. From Ord Mantell and Alderaan where there are factional wars going on, to Nal Hutta and the underbelly of Coruscant where you may have to work for (or against) crime lords and choose sides there. The companion characters themselves, and the stories they have, adds a new dynamic to the game that I don't think we've ever seen before.
  • r2d2arm's avatar
    Jawa Trader
    • Posts: 440
    #6 r2d2arm Posted 4/13/2010 11:50:57 PM
    Good article Zenkei, well written! You hit on most of the main points of discussion. When I read about this planet, I thought immediately of the Consular and Inquisitor. The Consular, from the dev blog and class page, could very well be involved with the diplomatic side of things. In addition, ancient ruins on Voss seem like something the Consular would take a great interest in. As for the Inquisitor, I could see him/her manipulating both sides and also taking an interest in the ancient ruins, gaining power from possible ancient Force techniques or those that the Voss currently use.
  • Darth Ouranos's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #4 Darth Ouranos Posted 4/13/2010 10:55:04 PM
    Great article as always Zenkei. It makes you wonder if, by some chance, you can gain the favor of the Gormak, get their crafting recipes, then convince them to halt their attacks on the Voss through diplomatic means.

    Also, would this mean that if I get reputation "gear" from either faction, then betray them, how could I (concept-wise) not be able to use those items? That's always bothered me in MMOs. Are there people from that faction going around saying "You can't wear that, you betrayed us!" or "Hey! Your reputation isn't high enough."? Makes no damn sense.
  • Zenkei's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #5 Zenkei Posted 4/13/2010 11:07:09 PM
    First, thanks for the compliment. Second, yeah, I understand what you mean. It would make more sense for the gear to lose its reputation requirement once you purchased or obtained it.
  • Matukai's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #3 Matukai Posted 4/13/2010 10:48:01 PM
    Great article guys, very nicely written
  • The BBP's avatar
    Jawa Trader
    • Posts: 172
    #1 The BBP Posted 4/13/2010 10:32:15 PM
    They build spaceships there. That is exciting for me.
  • JediCosmin's avatar
    • Posts: 0
    #7 JediCosmin Posted 4/14/2010 2:41:52 PM
    For some reason, Zonama Sekot pops into my mind. :P We'll see :P
  • sado's avatar
    Jawa Trader
    • Posts: 1623
    #2 sado Posted 4/13/2010 10:39:05 PM
    I still remember seeing the ship concept art being drawn in one of the developer videos. Always thought that one stood out but we never connected it to the planet.
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