The Timelines relate a great deal of information about the methods used by the Sith Emperor and his slow, calculated plan to overthrow the Galactic Republic. This entry in the series shares many similarities with the fourth video, The Empire Changes Strategy, as it focuses on espionage and subtlety. Once again, Jedi Master Gnost Dural narrates as we learn about how the Sith Empire weaved its way into the Galactic Republic during what was thought to be a time of peace.
This stage of the Emperor's plan involved Sith agents moving into positions of power within the Galactic Republic. Gnost Dural specifically mentions that, "the Sith spent generations infiltrating Republic political circles and even the Jedi Order." These operatives worked in secret for a century, giving them plenty of time to penetrate deep into Republic society. This means that there could still be Republic characters who are loyal to the Empire in the time period of The Old Republic.
While talking about these agents, the video shows an image of two figures standing in an office on Coruscant. Their positioning in the image mirror the statements made by Gnost Dural, leading us to speculate that these two characters could each represent an aspect of the Galactic Republic: the Ortolan for the political circles, and the Human for the Jedi Order. These double agents could offer unique and interesting story lines for both Sith and Republic classes by offering a complex and surprising narrative.
While the Republic grew larger, the Sith spent the century leading up to the Great War preparing. When talking about the Sith's war preparations, Gnost states they "showed surprising cooperation and sacrifice." This is important because it reinforces the idea that the Sith are known for being ruthless and self serving while also reassuring players that there is more to it than that. This appears to be another reassurance by BioWare and LucasArts that the story of The Old Republic will be much more complex then simply "Republic is good and honorable; Sith is bad and chaotic."
Additionally, mentioning there wasn't any infighting at the time implies that previously there was, and perhaps it was the Emperor's influence that allowed the Sith to come together. If this is correct, then the Sith worked cohesively even though the Emperor wouldn't be physically present in galactic space for another century. This means that Sith forces took commands from the Emperor regardless of his presence, reinforcing how powerful and influential he is.
Moving away from the Emperor, we learn that Eison Gynt is a fourth generation Jedi. This not only states that Jedi offspring are common place, but that they are possibly accepted by the Jedi Order. This strongly goes against the idea that Jedi "can not love." Shortly after the video debuted, Daniel Erickson posted on the official forum to clear up some theories about Jedi offspring.
Eison Gynt and his master, Barel Ovair, traveled the galaxy searching for artifacts in relation to the Force. This story line could be hinting at possible missions that players will be able to perform. Ancient Sith temples would be a perfect setting for Flashpoints, and the Force artifacts contained within such tombs might serve as valuable rewards for players to seek.
Similar to Dromund Kaas, Yavin 4 is shown shrouded by dark clouds and lightning, and these two locations are noted as deeply connected to the dark side of the Force. It is possible that the environmental design of some locations might directly reflect their connection to the Force. However, we haven't observed these identifying storms on Korriban.
Gnost Dural notes that Eison Gynt and Barel Ovair grew more ambitious over time. Although we learn of Ovair's true intent in the video, this line could be implying that Gynt grew more corrupt or power hungry, making him easier to influence. Such corruption is mirrored in the Massassi and the twisted beasts they became after Naga Sadow's Sith alchemy experiments.
As we noted in the lore update for Yavin 4, the inclusion of the Massassi warriors in the timeline video may mean a great deal to TOR. If players are able to visit Yavin 4, then these creatures could represent anything from simple mobs to companion characters. As they are now "dark Force-wielding monsters," the Massassi could be in control of unique and unusual abilities, which could make them a formidable foe.
The dark side of the Force corrupts and changes people entirely. This theme is present throughout the video and could be hinting at possible Jedi, slaves, etc. that might have undergone such changes and are now a part of, or work for, the Sith. Such fallen comrades could present interesting story lines and difficult ethical choices for players on both sides.
Eison Gynt was "possessed by the dark spirit of Naga Sadow" when he returned to Coruscant, and we learn later that the real mission to Yavin was to seal Sadow's tomb so his powerful ghost wouldn't get in the Sith Emperor's way. These two statements not only clarify a great deal about Naga Sadow's relationship to TOR, but also refute the idea that his spirit was completely destroyed by Freedon Nadd.
There are quite a few visuals in Peace for the Republic? that may tell a great deal about gameplay features beyond the story. Eison Gynt is a Nautolan and this implies that we will at least encounter this species as NPCs. Gynt is also shown holding his lightsaber in a reverse style, much like the Jedi Knight seen in the most recent video documentary. Although there is not nearly enough information to accurately speculate on what this means, its inclusion in two recent updates is an interesting hint.
We repeatedly see throughout the Timeline that characters seem to visually change depending on their Force alignment. For example, their eyes turn a yellowish-orange color when they are revealed to be agents of the Sith Empire. This could imply that players who follow the path of the dark side will see their choices reflected in their character's appearance. With multiple precedence in other Star Wars media, from Episode III to BioWare's own KotOR, such an addition would not be surprising.
At the end of the video, we see an image of the Starforge while Jedi Master Gnost Dural talks about "dark subterfuge." Beyond teasing what we may see in the next entry, this could be implying we don't know the entire story about destruction of the Starforge. It could also be hinting that artifacts from these ancient Sith wonders were collected by Sith agents right out from under the Republic's nose.
The amount of possible relevant information contained within Peace for the Republic? is staggering, much like the rest of the marketing for Star Wars: The Old Republic. Moving forward, it will be interesting to see what parts of this video end up playing a roll in the overall story and gameplay in TOR. For now we will need to wait for those answers as we look forward to the next Timeline entry.
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Posted 4/29/2010 9:30:55 AMDidn't we already see dark circles under player eyes in at least the last combat video?
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