Arcann romance appreciation thread! Haters keep out please!❤

[Eshvara]

No, we are crazies. But the good kind.

Yush!

According to ourselves:rak_03:

Edited April 11, 2018 by Eshvara

[Paulsutherland]

No, we are crazies. But the good kind.

 

We worship the true god of Zakuul, Zildrog! ... and somehow resurrect Nathema in the process.

[Cawyden]

I had a feeling that the developers themselves did not know what they would do with Arсann. At first he was a common villain-antagonist, whom we had to kill. In the KOTFE he was so written, by the way.

 

Then Arcann decided to make a companion and given the opportunity to take him to the team. But there was no resources for writing his story, and we did not receive any disclosure of the character, nor his story of redemption, nor the Alliance's relationship to the former tyrant.

Besides, he could be dead, so they did not invest resources in his.

 

And then the developers decided to make romance. And they gave romance for absolutely raw and undisclosed companion, which made it not logical and forced the players to come up with their headcanons that would justify the holes in the story.

 

That's how I see the whole situation with Arcann.

 

We don't really know when they decided to make him a LI - I know Charles said in a stream sometime ago when he saw people asking for a Arcann romance (and I think it was after kotet came out and it was clear that Arcann was recruitable) that they were thinking about if he has "kissable lips". So they had to think about him being a possible LI even before we saw Arcann without his mask in kotet.

 

And no one is forced to romance Arcann. If people feel there is not enough to justify having him as LI or simply don't want him then they don't have to romance him - others may be fine with what they got or use head canon.

 

He is the only companion LI with the least romance amount but I have little hope to get more for him. Maybe a letter if we are lucky. But again - I am glad we got at least our romance cutscene.

[RandomName_Ru]

It's comforting at least to have affirmed that I'm not the only one around with a touch of the old crazies.

 

“Sanity is the prison! Let the madness release you!”

 

I don't think you are the only lurker who visits our humble thread for entertaining purposes. No matter how crazy and chatty “3 Arcann fans” (and Paul) are, we could not get so many ratings and views alone .

 

We worship the true god of Zakuul, Zildrog! ... and somehow resurrect Nathema in the process.

 

"We"?

 

And Vaylin hated Nathema... I am not sure she will approve of your plans to ressurect it. Even if you will destroy it then your grand plan will fail again .

Edited April 11, 2018 by RandomName_Ru

[Iheaca]

We don't really know when they decided to make him a LI - I know Charles said in a stream sometime ago when he saw people asking for a Arcann romance (and I think it was after kotet came out and it was clear that Arcann was recruitable) that they were thinking about if he has "kissable lips". So they had to think about him being a possible LI even before we saw Arcann without his mask in kotet.

 

And no one is forced to romance Arcann. If people feel there is not enough to justify having him as LI or simply don't want him then they don't have to romance him - others may be fine with what they got or use head canon.

 

He is the only companion LI with the least romance amount but I have little hope to get more for him. Maybe a letter if we are lucky. But again - I am glad we got at least our romance cutscene.

My understanding is that Arcann was not initially supposed to be a LI, while a character like Theron probably was from the start. But it is not the first time I hear about these "kissable lips". What do they mean by that?

[revkashepard]

Probably a reddit title which you could look up. I remember that dimly.

 

Although, I may have spend the past few years shipping on twitter that Erik Dellums knew all about it and I might have said something about not wasting the sexual tension in KOTFE to Charles Boyd. No regrets though.

 

And yes, Arcann was never meant to be LI. I was prepared for it not to ever happen but its fun to ship. Honestly, I'm not a fan of fanservice romance myself and I'm glad that most of Arcann's arc happen in main story rather than subplot. I mean, its good that Bioware listen (and likely lurked here) and noticed that a lot of us do want more. But it take time, we are patient lot.

Edited April 11, 2018 by revkashepard

[Cawyden]

Probably a reddit title which you could look up. I remember that dimly.

 

Although, I may have spend the past few years shipping on twitter that Erik Dellums knew all about it and I might have said something about not wasting the sexual tension in KOTFE to Charles Boyd. No regrets though.

 

And yes, Arcann was never meant to be LI. I was prepared for it not to ever happen but its fun to ship. Honestly, I'm not a fan of fanservice romance myself and I'm glad that most of Arcann's arc happen in main story rather than subplot. I mean, its good that Bioware listen (and likely lurked here) and noticed that a lot of us do want more. But it take time, we are patient lot.

 

Arcann might not have been meant to be a LI right from the start of kotfe but as I said - I watched the stream but I have to look for it because right now I don't know which one it was - they obviously thought about it before we even knew Arcann would be a companion.

 

They do plan some time ahead - they had to think about how Arcann would look under the mask hence the remark regarding "kissable lips" - they thought about how bad his injuries are and if he would still be attractive to people. They would probably not done it however if people hadn't shown interest in him being a LI. But even his writer was very interested in having him as LI - it was surely not her decision - something like that has to be approved by Charles and other higher people because it takes resources and therefore money, but it was surely discussed before.

 

So I wouldn't say he was never meant to be a LI - sometime during production they discussed and thought about him being a potential LI. Doesn't mean they really planned to do it in any case.

[revkashepard]

Arcann might not have been meant to be a LI right from the start of kotfe but as I said - I watched the stream but I have to look for it because right now I don't know which one it was - they obviously thought about it before we even knew Arcann would be a companion.

 

They do plan some time ahead - they had to think about how Arcann would look under the mask hence the remark regarding "kissable lips" - they thought about how bad his injuries are and if he would still be attractive to people. They would probably not done it however if people hadn't shown interest in him being a LI. But even his writer was very interested in having him as LI - it was surely not her decision - something like that has to be approved by Charles and other higher people because it takes resources and therefore money, but it was surely discussed before.

 

So I wouldn't say he was never meant to be a LI - sometime during production they discussed and thought about him being a potential LI. Doesn't mean they really planned to do it in any case.

 

I think it depends on the initial reception of his character.

is still the most popular trailer that even general Star Wars fans sometimes knew about it. But I don't think they're ever serious about Arcann being romanceable but KOTET reception certainly help with their decision. That said, any existing content in SWTOR usually in development six months prior to its release. 5.9's Arcann romance should developed long after KOTET was done.... (also, yes Bioware, we're happy but please we do want more)

 

After ruminating on this, I'm still glad that they never put Arcann in the "Bioware Love Interest" template from the start. I don't want his entire characterization in KOTFE and KOTET to be altered just so he 'fit' to be romanced by everyone. That would be so boring.

 

Btw, Arcann isn't solely written by Sam, its still a collaboration by a lot of writers including Hall Hood. Arcann is still mainly written to be an antagonist for KOTFE.

Edited April 11, 2018 by revkashepard

[Cawyden]

I think it depends on the initial reception of his character.

is still the most popular trailer that even general Star Wars fans sometimes knew about it. But I don't think they're ever serious about Arcann being romanceable but KOTET reception certainly help with their decision. That said, any existing content in SWTOR usually in development six months prior to its release. 5.9's Arcann romance happened long after KOTET was done.

 

After ruminating on this, I'm still glad that they never put Arcann in the "Bioware Love Interest" template from the start. I don't want his entire characterization in KOTFE and KOTET to be altered just so he 'fit' to be romanced by everyone. That would be so boring.

 

Btw, Arcann isn't solely written by Sam, its still a collaboration by a lot of writers including Hall Hood. Arcann is mainly written to be an antagonist for KOTFE.

 

Ah thank you, I only knew about Sam but I don't really know which other writers (except Charles) have been writing kotfe/kotet and if they are still around (Sam isn't but do we know about the others?).

 

I think Charles said in a stream they are normally even 1 year ahead of released content. But maybe that changed during time.

 

Anyway, I don't think he was planned to be a LI from the start - he is clearly the antagonist. I just wanted to say that based on Charles comment in the stream (and I think it was during kotet) and comments from Sam it sounds to me that they had at least thought about that sometime before and not just got the idea when people reacted positively on Arcann becoming a companion.

Edited April 11, 2018 by Cawyden

[Iheaca]

Even outside of any romance, it would have been nice to have some more about his way to redeem. Or his thoughts on the subject as most of the things are learnt through dialogues.

 

Yes yes yes, he is an interesting character for those who do not look at him only as a plain simple villain (this description would be closer to Valky).

 

But I still think that they did a good job on the romance cutscene because it integrates many elements about him, the way he is evolving and what he thinks of the others (or the PC at least).

[revkashepard]

From the reports Lana gave about him on Tython, Dantooine and Nar Shadda gaining loyal supporters, I do think Arcann gain a lot of popularity and influence regardless. Anyone with an ounce of force sensitivity would notice the visible change from his dark galactic conqueror self. He might face a lot of abuses or attempts on his life even on Odessen but he's probably handling it on his own with no problem.

 

Knowing my Wrath... she probably send him on a lot of physical work with the common folks. Reconstructing the base after Vaylin's attack, expansion plans, walls, dams, settlements... higher chance for sweaty shirtless Arcann... and more nighttime 'redemption' activities.

 

[Iheaca]

Knowing my Wrath... she probably send him on a lot of physical work with the common folks. Reconstructing the base after Vaylin's attack, expansion plans, walls, dams, settlements... higher chance for sweaty shirtless Arcann... and more nighttime 'redemption' activities.

 

 

Such a kinky girl Just be careful, too much physical work might compromise long ever-hungry nights.

Edited April 11, 2018 by Iheaca

[revkashepard]

He's a demigod. Besides, poor performances is grounds for punishments.

 

Sexy kind. Of course.

[revkashepard]

http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/GregBuchanan/20180411/316142/How_do_you_approach_writing_romance_in_games.php

 

Samantha Wallschlaeger (Guild Wars 2, Mass Effect: Andromeda, Star Wars: The Old Republic)

 

I grew up on older Japanese visual novels, which used romance solely as a form of fantasy fulfillment for the player. Audiences expected each romance arc to follow an existing trope, and the games of that era were happy to oblige. And there’s nothing particularly wrong with that, but it frustrated the hell out of me, because it was fantasy fulfillment at the expense of character development. A romance should reveal character depth, not hinder it. So when I began writing romances for games, I made a conscious decision to approach the process differently.

 

An NPC-player romance arc is always going to be a form of escapism, but I don’t think it has to give players absolutely everything they want. It’s important for me to follow a character’s truth, and really dig into the unique way he or she feels and expresses love. When I wrote Avela Kjar’s romance for Mass Effect: Andromeda, I knew that despite being kind and expressive, she would never allow herself to fully fall for anyone. And I stuck to that, even though it would mean letting the player down in the end. And that’s just it—it’s okay to break the player’s heart a little, if it makes for a better character experience. Injecting that kind of nuance into a relationship makes it feel more real, and lets the player become more immersed in the experience.

 

That’s not to say I don’t use tropes when I write romances. I think they’re an excellent starting point—people like them for a reason, after all (enemies-to-lovers is my particular weakness). And in order to provide a new spin on classic tropes, you need to be a practiced study. I make a point to grill my friends and colleagues on why they enjoy particular kinds of romance arcs, and what they’d like to see done differently.

 

Even if a certain kind of romance isn’t my personal preference, it’s important for me to understand why it’s appealing to other people. It’s my job to provide every type of player with the experience they’ve come to love—injected with a little freshness to surprise and delight them, of course. Because being committed to realism in game romance also means being committed to inclusivity, and celebrating the myriad types of relationships that exist.

[Paulsutherland]

Isn't Arcann related but do you think Senya might go with us to Nathema?

[Eshvara]

Isn't Arcann related but do you think Senya might go with us to Nathema?

 

Hmmmm, I don't really think either Senya or Arcann will be involved. But if it's in a "what if" situation, then maybe.

[Paulsutherland]

Hmmmm, I don't really think either Senya or Arcann will be involved. But if it's in a "what if" situation, then maybe.

 

No, you're right, It'll be another Lana and Theron mission.

[Eshvara]

I think it'll start with Lana doing the debriefing, then we'll get sent there, she'll be around a bit, Theron eventually we'll get Theron, maybe fight some mobs, hugs and kisses/kicks in the buttocks depending on choices, we all go home happy!

[Paulsutherland]

I think it'll start with Lana doing the debriefing, then we'll get sent there, she'll be around a bit, Theron eventually we'll get Theron, maybe fight some mobs, hugs and kisses/kicks in the buttocks depending on choices, we all go home happy!

 

If Nathema is pooping out life ... I think we need to collect some valuable data before we leave!

[LamiaKan]

http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/GregBuchanan/20180411/316142/How_do_you_approach_writing_romance_in_games.php

 

Samantha Wallschlaeger (Guild Wars 2, Mass Effect: Andromeda, Star Wars: The Old Republic)

 

I grew up on older Japanese visual novels, which used romance solely as a form of fantasy fulfillment for the player. Audiences expected each romance arc to follow an existing trope, and the games of that era were happy to oblige. And there’s nothing particularly wrong with that, but it frustrated the hell out of me, because it was fantasy fulfillment at the expense of character development. A romance should reveal character depth, not hinder it. So when I began writing romances for games, I made a conscious decision to approach the process differently.

 

An NPC-player romance arc is always going to be a form of escapism, but I don’t think it has to give players absolutely everything they want. It’s important for me to follow a character’s truth, and really dig into the unique way he or she feels and expresses love. When I wrote Avela Kjar’s romance for Mass Effect: Andromeda, I knew that despite being kind and expressive, she would never allow herself to fully fall for anyone. And I stuck to that, even though it would mean letting the player down in the end. And that’s just it—it’s okay to break the player’s heart a little, if it makes for a better character experience. Injecting that kind of nuance into a relationship makes it feel more real, and lets the player become more immersed in the experience.

 

That’s not to say I don’t use tropes when I write romances. I think they’re an excellent starting point—people like them for a reason, after all (enemies-to-lovers is my particular weakness). And in order to provide a new spin on classic tropes, you need to be a practiced study. I make a point to grill my friends and colleagues on why they enjoy particular kinds of romance arcs, and what they’d like to see done differently.

 

Even if a certain kind of romance isn’t my personal preference, it’s important for me to understand why it’s appealing to other people. It’s my job to provide every type of player with the experience they’ve come to love—injected with a little freshness to surprise and delight them, of course. Because being committed to realism in game romance also means being committed to inclusivity, and celebrating the myriad types of relationships that exist.

Interesting read! Despite being a side romance and don't have much content, I think Avela's romance is quite well done when playing ME:A.

 

Isn't Arcann related but do you think Senya might go with us to Nathema?

It's possible but if either of them can actually come I think Arcann is more likely than Senya.

I think it'll start with Lana doing the debriefing, then we'll get sent there, she'll be around a bit, Theron eventually we'll get Theron, maybe fight some mobs, hugs and kisses/kicks in the buttocks depending on choices, we all go home happy!

That sounds boring (to me). Maybe that's why I like Copero much more than Umbara, Aside from the beautiful scenery, there're other people around.

[Asmodesu]

I think it'll start with Lana doing the debriefing, then we'll get sent there, she'll be around a bit, Theron eventually we'll get Theron, maybe fight some mobs, hugs and kisses/kicks in the buttocks depending on choices, we all go home happy!

 

And all that in 4 short cutscenes! no wait, they said more. 5 then!

I hope the rumour I heard is true, that there is 2 or so other characters on the orbital station or something that we also talk with, maybe in the same cutscenes as Lana but still.

[Paulsutherland]

And all that in 4 short cutscenes! no wait, they said more. 5 then!

I hope the rumour I heard is true, that there is 2 or so other characters on the orbital station or something that we also talk with, maybe in the same cutscenes as Lana but still.

 

Assuming you're referencing the two companions who should have been with us because of their connections to 'Him' ... I thought they were going to be Alliance Alerts?

[kodrac]

Isn't Arcann related but do you think Senya might go with us to Nathema?

 

Nah, that place is like Kryptonite, bro.

 

If Nathema is pooping out life ... I think we need to collect some valuable data before we leave!

 

I read that in the voice from the DK mission in the Temple. The one where he thinks he's a Sith Lord then remembers he's not. "Day Tah"

 

/lurk

Edited April 12, 2018 by kodrac

[Asmodesu]

Assuming you're referencing the two companions who should have been with us because of their connections to 'Him' ... I thought they were going to be Alliance Alerts?

 

Indo and some Vinn guy, I think.

[Asmodesu]

Nah, that place is like Kryptonite, bro.

 

I read that in the voice from the DK mission in the Temple. The one where he thinks he's a Sith Lord then remembers he's not. "Day Tah"

 

/lurk

 

Our favourite lurker!