Summary
- Paul Atreides is absent, replaced by Ariste, shifting the focus from a prophesied savior to a new protagonist.
- Duke Leto survives, sparking a prolonged conflict between Houses Atreides and Harkonnen on Arrakis.
- The Fremen are missing, adding a new mystery to the narrative and altering the dynamic of the game world.
As a dedicated Dune fan, I can tell you that playing Dune: Awakening feels like stepping into a whole new chapter of the epic saga. It’s not the first time we’ve delved into unexplored territories within this sprawling IP, expanding the story beyond what Frank Herbert initially penned. The intricate nature of the Dune universe lends itself perfectly to the idea of parallel timelines, and over the years, numerous authors and creators have ventured into exploring alternative outcomes if the original narrative had unfolded differently.
In essence, the narrative of “Dune: Awakening” sticks close to the source material, introducing the grand houses, the ruling Emperor, and prominent figures like Jessica, Leto Atreides, Doctor Yue, and Duncan Idaho. The universe operates under the authoritative rule of House Harkonnen, while the Bene Gesserit carry on their enigmatic manipulations. Nevertheless, these elements are primarily surface-level aspects, as the game creators had a distinct vision for this fresh journey.
1. Paul Atredies Was Never Born
Ariste Is the Heir Of House Atreides
- There is no “Chosen One” coming to save you.
As a gamer diving into this epic virtual world, it’s clear that I’m the star of the show – the main character! What sets this MMO and RPG apart is the absence of Paul Atreides, creating a unique opportunity for me to step into his shoes (or sandals, rather). While I may not be the Chosen One in the traditional sense, the prophecy seems to suggest that my character carries an equal destiny. It’s exciting to imagine the impact I could have on this vast and mystical universe!
Jessica, in accordance with Bene Gesserit tradition, gives birth to a daughter named Ariste instead of Paul, who was destined to become part of House Harkonnen through marriage. Although she is the heir to House Atreides, her role involves giving birth to the Kwisatch Haderek (Kwisach Hadderach in some versions), not being the child herself who fulfills the prophecy.
2. Trained As A Truthsayer
Jessica Discovers Yue’s Betrayal
- The Bene Gesserit rewards her loyalty.
In this particular reality, Jessica doesn’t oppose the Bene Gesserit, instead, they acknowledge her devotion and service by educating her as a Truthsayer. Her enhanced abilities expose Yue’s deceit, preventing him from poisoning the Duke and weakening the House to allow for the Harkonnen attack.
One reason the Bene Gesserit granted Jessica’s defensive powers to the Atreides was their desire for both families (Atreides and Harkonnens) to endure. Meanwhile, the Emperor aims to manipulate both houses by fostering conflict, placing the Sadukar on Arrakis as part of his strategic play.
3. Duke Leto Survives
The War Of Assassins Begins
- Two Houses in a state of perpetual vendetta
In the reimagined tale I adore, Duke Leto Atreides miraculously endures, along with the majority of House Atreides. However, what was once a single-night battle in the original narrative transforms into a prolonged, multi-year struggle, with Arrakis serving as the battleground. Both Houses Atreides and Harkonnen are equally formidable, and this time around, the Emperor remains neutral, leading to an unresolved conflict that forms a crucial aspect of the backdrop in Dune: Awakening.
At the outset of the game, it’s important to note that Arrakis has been a battleground for several years, evident by the junk and unused batteries strewn about. This also means that scavengers and marauders are a persistent threat, not only rummaging through the desert but now also picking over the remains of fallen soldiers.
4. The Sadukar Police Arrakis
The Emperor Ensures The Flow Of Spice
- House Corrino acts as mediators.
The Emperor and his family aren’t concerned in the least about the conflict between Houses Atreides and Harkonnen, as long as they keep receiving the spice. Rather than choosing sides with the Sadukar, the Emperor’s guards serve as a universal peacekeeping force, ensuring the safety of traders and corporate agreements that revolve around the precious resource known as melange.
Instead of the initial tale where the Emperor supported House Harkonnen against the rising influence of House Atreides, here we find a different narrative. Duke Leto is accompanied by a Truthsayer in this rendition, while House Corrino chooses to remain neutral and observe from the sidelines.
5. Surface Vegetation
“Not A Drop Of Rain On Arrakis”
- A small change for the survivalist MMO
In contrast to typical expectations, Arrakis – once thought to be an unforgiving desert with nothing capable of survival except for the sandworms – now seems to support life forms beyond just these creatures. This is surprising because the sandworms don’t require moisture at all and can subsist on resources that other beings cannot, such as rocks, minerals, or even machinery.
1. Several possibilities exist for altering the planet’s characteristics to account for this phenomenon. For instance, we could imagine plants that absorb water from porous rocks or rely on a natural condensation process like the desert mouse. Even minimal moisture can be detrimental or even lethal to a worm, making water essential for drowning young worms during the Water of Life extraction process.
2. A number of methods could be employed to modify the planet’s traits to address this issue. One example might involve plants that extract water from porous rocks or utilize a natural condensation method such as the desert mouse. Even a trace amount of moisture can be hazardous or even fatal to worms, necessitating the use of water for drowning young worms during the Water of Life collection phase.
3. There are various strategies that could be implemented to change the planet’s characteristics to suit this scenario. For example, we could envision plants that draw water from porous rocks or utilize a natural condensation process similar to the desert mouse. Even the tiniest bit of moisture can pose a threat or even kill worms, which is why water is essential for submerging young worms during the Water of Life harvesting process.
4. To explain this phenomenon, we could consider various ways to adjust the planet’s attributes. For instance, we might think about plants that absorb water from porous rocks or employ a natural condensation method like the desert mouse. Even a small amount of moisture can be harmful or even lethal to worms, making water crucial for drowning young worms during the Water of Life extraction process.
As a gamer, I’ve noticed that rivers and lakes in this virtual world serve as traps for worm-like creatures or to restrict their movement. In my gameplay, the flora used for Crafting and Research doesn’t seem native to the planet’s original surface. On the arid, rocky landscapes, such plants don’t grow naturally. Moreover, in regions plagued by massive sandstorms in the south, it’s hard to imagine these plants thriving at all.
6. The Fremen Have Disappeared
Are They Hidden Or Extinct?
- A similar plot twist, but taken to a higher extreme.
In the original tale, the Fremen were undeniably secluded, yet their existence and location on the planet were always clear. The House Harkonnen misjudged their population, while House Atreides aimed to harness their desert might.
In the story Dune: Awakening, it is implied at the start that the Fremen are entirely absent, either having abandoned the desert or becoming extinct. This significantly raises the tension in the narrative, as Dune loses its essence without the native inhabitants present.
One of the initial discoveries the main character makes is that things are not as they seem. The Bene Gesserit matriarch encountered during character creation, who gives players a mission, requires them to locate the Fremen. This implies that the Fremen are still around; they’ve become even more adept at concealing their presence by utilizing their survival skills more effectively.
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2025-06-07 22:09