A Look at Tython

Jacob — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:51:20 +0000

As we continue our journey to look at every planet, we move from Balmorra to Tython. Tython is a planet rich in history and has an immense amount of enjoyment and intrigue to add to the game. It was here that everyone who had experienced the forced converged with the hopes of learning a thing or two more about what it was. It was also here that a great war was fought over how the Force should be used. This war was the very first attempt at a light side and dark side of the force. Without further ado…A look at Tython.

History of Tython

In 36,453 BBY, scientists, philosophers, warriors and others came together to discuss what they had found out about the mystical Ashla. Ashla was and still is the force as seen through a Jedi’s eyes. It was here that they developed their ideas and really worked on what sorts of things one could do with this power. Around 25,793 BBY, those who subscribed to a different version of Ashla, known as Bogan, began to pop up. This resulted in serious issues because both groups were developing, but there was really only room for one.

Soon, there was a war. This was a war between those that believed in Ashla and those that believed in Bogan. The Ashla were successful in defeating the Bogan and, from this came the appearance of the Jedi Order. The first Jedi appeared after this with the belief of protecting the galaxy. At first, they believed that only Tython had force sensitive individuals, but soon enough, they realized that was not the case. So, warriors went off to liberate planets and they became known as the Jedi Knights.

While the Jedi left Tython to form more important temples on other planets such as Ossus. However, after the destruction of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, it became necessary for them to disappear and rebuild their ranks. Their way of doing that was to go back to Tython, the original place, in the deep core, where they had first learned about the force.

Tython in the Old Republic

When looking at Tython, I see the perfect place for the Jedi classes in SWTOR to develop. It is a beautiful planet (see holonet for images) and is something that the Jedi would like. When I think about Sith, I think dry and hot. But, when I think about Jedi, I see warm and very luscious. That’s what I gather when I look at Tython. In one hand, I see it being one of those mainly Jedi planets and not having much other interaction there but with other Jedi.

However, then I look at images (such as this one) and I get the feeling that, while it is going to be heavily focused on the Jedi of the game because they are the ones that would use the planet the most, we can expect to see Sith there. They might be there for the same reason the Jedi are there: all force users can trace their roots back to Tython. Therefore, there might be information there would be beneficial to the Sith and their quest for power.

Tython is going to be that planet that is very much a “learn the ropes of the game” type of scenario to it. However, I don’t think that means it’ll be easy. I can see BioWare creating a few beginner missions that try the player, but still give them the advantage because they are learning. Once they get past those first few quest missions, though, expect to see the missions suddenly get harder. They are going to have to create the game to increase in difficulty or there won’t be a reason for us to feel as if we’re “epic and amazing.”

While Tython was released a long time ago, here is a little video on how the developers went about developing the game. It might provide a little more insight on how Tython is going to fit into the whole realm of things. It might be very useful information. What do you think about Tython, though? Leave a comment and let us know.

A Look at Tython

A Look at Balmorra

Jacob — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 07:35:32 +0000

When trying to win a war, the most important thing necessary to have victory is a consistent flow of weapons and armaments.Without this continuous flow of weaponry, the soldiers on your side will be unable to continue fighting and the advancements made by the opposing side will prove to be your downfall. With this in mind, it was incredibly important for the Republic to keep hold of Balmorra against the Empire’s consistent attempts at taking it over.

History of Balmorra

Balmorra was settled during the infancy of the Republic. While it spoke Galactic Basic as its language, it was determined and headstrong about keeping its independence from the Republic. They did not want to become a part of it. However, they ensured that they continued to sell their weapons and battle droids to the Republic as well as other systems in the galaxy. They wanted to ally with the Republic, but not be a part of it.

Because of this, when the Sith Empire invaded the Republic, they targeted Balmorra. If they were able to take Balmorra, they’d be taking a heavy weapons manufacturing planet away from the Republic, they’d gain access to all the weapons being produced, and finally, they’d be much closer to the core worlds.

After tons of fighting, the Republic was forced to pull their forces off Balmorra which led the people of Balmorra to feel betrayed by the Republic. Even though there was a contingency of Republic forces underground helping the people fight against the Empire, they still felt that they were betrayed. As the treaty went on and the Republic recovered, they began to send soldiers back to Balmorra; however, while the people were receptive to it, they still felt and voiced their anger at being abandoned.

Balmorra in The Old Republic

Balmorra is going to be an incredibly interesting planet to be on when playing Star Wars: The Old Republic. Looking at the Holonet and all of the pictures, one of the big things that we see is that the planet is heavily industrialized. There are laser turrets all over the place, probably with the intentions of defending the areas from attack. Since these factories produce incredibly advanced weapons, it would be bad for them to fall into someone’s hands.

I can imagine each class having a significant impact on Balmorra. For example, a Sith Warrior could come and try to “convince” a leader of one of the Balmorran cities to give in to the Empire’s demand. And by convince, I mean force choke the heck out of the person. Or, a Republic Trooper could be one of those that are returning to Balmorra to help them get their planet back from the Empire. Each class is bound to have an impact on Balmorra which adds to BioWare’s intention of creating a game that is epic to all players.

Balmorra might have the capability of becoming a strong PvP battlefield; however, looking at all the screen shots, I don’t see how it would work out with the terrain of the planet. In the end, though, I could be horribly wrong and it might be one of those contested planets that is going to be fought on both PvE and PvP.

What do you think, though? What sort of a role is Balmorra going to play in the overall story of the game? Is it one of those very pivotal planets or is one of the smaller, lesser needed planets that provides a little more Extended Universe for the Star Wars gamer that is addicted to the story? Leave a comment and let us know.

TOR Universe » A Look At

A Look at Tython

History of Tython

Tython in the Old Republic

A Look at Balmorra

History of Balmorra

Balmorra in The Old Republic