StarCraft Script Commentary - 2 - Zerg Campaign: Overmind
Comment: I have to confess that the zerg campaign is for the majority of the time straight forward and there’s not as much to comment on as in the Terran campaign. Still, that’s not to say it’s uninteresting and bland.
The zerg campaign seems much like the undead campaign of WarCraft 3 – the player has been introduced to the game and the first race (Terran \ Human Alliance) and fought the main antagonist race (Zerg \ Undead Scourge) and then afterwards plays as said race, with a familiar character that is aligned with them now (Kerrigan \ Arthas) as they now commit heinous deeds, confront other familiar characters and destroy several locations in a build up to the event that will lead to their ultimate victory (Assimilate the Protoss and Aiur \ call forth the Burning Legion).
PROLOGUE :
The Swarms have crushed the meagre human
resistance and laid waste to nine of the
thirteen Terran worlds. Shortly after the fall
of the Terran capitol world of Tarsonis, the
main Protoss fleet abandoned the Terran
Sector. Now, efforts continue on Tarsonis to
weed out the remaining Protoss forces.
Comment: This is a simple set up of the zerg that shows their current dominance. It may seem obvious, but the zerg have been incinerated by the Protoss on several Koprulu worlds (Chau Sara, Mar Sara and Antiga Prime) and slaughtered in their hundreds by the player during the Terran campaign so it’s a fair reminder of their ultimate ‘game plan’.
Z-01. "AMONG THE RUINS"
Confederate Capitol World Tarsonis
Mission Briefing
Objectives :
- Create a Spawning Pool
- Create a Hydralisk Den
- Protect the Chrysalis
Overmind :
Awaken my child, and embrace the
glory that is your birthright. Know
that I am the Overmind; the eternal
will of the Swarm, and that you
have been created to serve me.
Behold that I shall set you amongst
the greatest of my Cerebrates,
that you might benefit from their
wisdom and experience. Yet your
purpose is unique. While they carry
forth my will to the innumerable
Broods, you have but one charge
entrusted to your care.
For I have found a creature that
may yet become the greatest of
my agents. Even now it resides
within a protective Chrysalis,
awaiting its rebirth into the Swarm.
You must watch over the Chrysalis,
and ensure that no harm comes to
the creature within it. Go now and
keep safe my prize.
Comment: An introductory speech by the Overmind, primarily to establish it as leader of the zerg (Since the campaign is named after and based on it) and because being a normal cerebrate that perfectly followed orders would be boring. The player is immediately informed of the chrysalis as part of the lead up to Kerrigan’s rebirth, this becomes their immediate objective which is more personal than simply destroying enemies over and over again as you’d expect in a standard RTS.
(In-game)
*** Beginning of the mission ***
DAGGOTH
The Hatchery is the heart of any Zerg
colony. It spontaneously generates larva,
which in turn are used to spawn your
various warriors and minions.
DAGGOTH
Now, create a Drone and start gathering
resources.
TIP
Using the Select Larva button on the
Hatchery can make it easier to select
the larvae.
*** After food limit reach 9 (max) ***
DAGGOTH
Overlords provide control for your minions.
As your forces grow in number, you must
hatch more Overlords to control them.
*** Accumulate at least 100 ore (and current food limit is 9) ***
DAGGOTH
You have enough minerals. Select a larva
and mutate it into an Overlord.
*** After creating more Overlords ***
DAGGOTH
To create new warrior strains, you must
generate the various hive structures.
DAGGOTH
The Drones themselves mutate into these
structures. Yet be careful. Never use
your last Drone to make a building.
Comment: Who the hell has ever done that anyway?
*** Accumulate at least 200 ore ***
DAGGOTH
Now, order your Drone to become a
Spawning Pool.
DAGGOTH
You'll notice that structures can only implant
themselves upon the creep.
DAGGOTH
You can make Creep Colonies to extend
the creep, but only a Hatchery can be
built upon open ground.
*** After building a Spawning Pool ***
ZASZ
Greetings, I am Zasz. I too am a Cerebrate
of the Overmind. I have located a small
band of terrans who could threaten the
chrysalis and the hive cluster. You must
not allow them to leave here alive.
NEW MISSION OBJECTIVE
-Destroy the Terran encampment.
Z-02. "EGRESSION"
Confederate Capitol World Tarsonis
Comment: I actually once thought the level title was a juxtaposition of ‘evolution’ and ‘aggression’ but to egress actually means ’a path or opening for going out; an exit.’ This naturally matches up to the zerg leaving Tarsonis.
Mission Briefing
Objectives :
- Bring the Chrysalis to the
beacon
Overmind :
I am well pleased young Cerebrate,
and so long as my prize remains
intact, I shall remain pleased. Thus,
its life and yours shall be made as
one. As it prospers, so shall you. For
you are part of the Swarm. If ever
your flesh should fail, that flesh shall
be made anew. That is my covenant
with all Cerebrates.
Comment: The set up of how the Overmind and Cerebrates function in death is important later in the campaign, so it’s mentioned here (Foreshadowing!). Specifically, Zeratul’s slaying of Zasz and the subsequent stunning of the Overmind brings forth major consequences.
Now you have grown strong enough
to bear the rigors of warp travel
with the Swarm. Thus we shall
make our exit from this blasted
world and secure the Chrysalis
within the Hive cluster, upon the
planet Char.
Zasz :
Remnants of the Protoss fleet still
linger within this planet's orbit. They
will attempt to block our exodus at
every turn.
Daggoth :
My Brood shall aid you, Cerebrate,
should you require assistance.
(In-game)
*** Bring unit to the Hunter Killer ***
DAGGOTH
Do with my minions as you will Cerebrate.
They will serve you unquestioningly. Go and
bring swift wrath to all who would oppose
the Swarm.
*** Bring the Chrysalis to the beacon ***
ZASZ
Prepare yourself, Cerebrate. Your first jump
through warp space could be... unsettling.
Comment: As demonstrated here, Daggoth and Zasz, despite having very straight forward personalities, are helpful to the player throughout the campaign. If the Overmind is the father-like authority figure, they are the player’s “brothers” of sorts, in zerg terms anyway. Any more cerebrates in briefings would be too many, least of all due to the limited appearances that can be made with brain-like creatuers.
INTERLUDE:
With the Protoss forces beaten and
scattered, the Overmind has withdrawn the
Swarms to the remote ash world of Char.
Comment: It may not be obvious, but the prize of the zerg, Kerrigan, was the Swarm’s objective in the Terran sector all along. It seems that almost as soon as they acquired her then they left and now the Overmind has brought them to Char so that she can be reborn. Is her assimilation into the Swarm really that important? It’s meant to lead to ‘diversity’ among the zerg, as the Overmind later explains to Zasz, which will only strengthen them – likely for the purpose of defeating the Protoss.
Z-03. "THE NEW DOMINION"
Primary Hive Cluster
Planet Char
Mission Briefing
Objectives :
- Protect the Chrysalis
- Eliminate the Terran presence
Overmind :
Behold the power of that which is
yet unborn! For the swirling images
that flow forth from the Chrysalis
are only a shadow of the sleeper's
true power.
Zasz :
The psionic emanations of the
Chrysalis have reached out into the
depths of space and lured our
enemies to us! Even now, we are
aware of their plans:
Comment: We later find out that Kerrigan reached out psychically while unconscious within the chrysalis, both to Mengsk and Raynor (And even to Tassadar and Zeratul, both highly powerful Protoss psychics). It must have had a very powerful effect as both men realised where she was and attempted to find her – Raynor’s motivation was likely out of hope she was alive and his love for her (Perhaps he even felt delusional) while Mengsk is perhaps paranoid that she’s still alive or, very less likely, guilty.
That explanation is also a good way of bringing other races and characters to the zerg on Char.
Duke :
All right. All squadrons close
formation and scan for hostiles.
Emperor Arcturus believes that
there's Zerg out here, so it's our
job to flush 'em out! I don't want
any slip-ups this time! We'll show
these critters that they can't run
from the Terran Dominion!
Comment: Here’s Duke being a good boy and following orders...
Perhaps I’m looking too much into this, as it’s a message from Duke that is probably meant to infer that he and the Dominion are present on Char, but ’Emperor Arcturus believes that there's Zerg out here’. This means two things: that the Dominion doesn’t know for certain that there is zerg on Char and that Mengsk believes they are there. In other words, he has a reason to suspect so. We find out that he has had psychic-induced dreams from Kerrigan (Probably what we see in the next cinematic) so it must have been more than just images of her, which was enough to make him believe the zerg have her, hence he has sent Duke to Char.
Daggoth :
Engage the Terran forces with
care. Your priority is to protect
the Chrysalis at all costs.
(In-game)
*** After destroying most of the Terran buildings ***
DUKE
All right you sorry bastards! Fall Back!
Fall Back!
Comment: This is part of a consistent series of defeats for Duke – next his armada on Char is destroyed by Tassadar. Maybe it’s because the Dominion forces aren’t truly adequate or, more likely, that the character is practically an antagonist whenever the player is involved, which is at least satisfying for them.
DAGGOTH
Hold, Cerebrate. Do not pursue them.
ZASZ
Cerebrate you must stay and relocate the
Chrysalis to a more secure location.
Daggoth shall deal with the remaining
Terran Forces.
Z-04. "AGENT OF THE SWARM"
Primary Hive Cluster
Planet Char
Mission Briefing
Objectives :
- Protect the Chrysalis until it is
ready to hatch
Zasz :
Cerebrate, be warned. While
Daggoth is occupied with the forces
of the Dominion, the emanations of
the Chrysalis have called even more
of our enemies to Char!
Comment: Now it’s Raynor’s turn... I like that the briefing doesn’t mention _which_ enemies have come, it makes it much more of a surprise to find Raynor, even if it’s merely seconds later.
Overmind :
These too shall be eradicated by
your hand, Cerebrate, for you grow
more cunning with each passing
battle. Indeed, you are a testament
to my will and the fury of the
Swarm.
Yet first must you stay your wrath,
and watch over the Chrysalis a
while longer. For the very hour of
the sleeper's rebirth is at hand, and
soon my greatest creation shall be
loosed.
Comment: The Overmind was nurtured by the Xel’naga, he lead the zerg from their beginning and assimilated their own creators, spread across the galaxy, absorbed dozens of other species and grew to billions of creatures ... and Kerrigan is his ‘greatest creation’? Hmm. The build up to Kerrigan is very big and I suppose it’s all for the purposes of heightening the drama and morphing her character.
(In-game)
*** Beginning of the mission ***
RAYNOR
All right. All crews, stay frosty, and keep
your eyes peeled for our target. Remember,
not only are we up against the Zerg here,
but our old pal General Duke may be
creepin' around too. Let's hope this trip
wasn't a big mistake...
Comment: Raynor’s last words in the Terran campaign involved regret for letting Kerrigan go and it’s clear that he still has them. He has taken the few men he has left in the loose hope of finding her (How do you even convince people to do that? “Guys, I’ve got a hunch my ex-flame is not dead after being abandoned on a space platform of zerg but is alive on a volcanic world now inhabited by the zerg – want to come with me?”). Maybe he doesn’t believe that he has much left in life.
The possibility that the player may have to kill him is another neat dramatic moment – he is probably their favourite character after all! There is only one other moment in the series where this happens, the zerg level “True Colors” in Brood War.
*** 30 seconds to Chrysalis hatching ***
Zasz: Cerebrate! The chrysalis is opening! Do not allow any Terrans near it!
*** Chrysalis hatching ***
OVERMIND
Arise, my daughter. Arise... Kerrigan.
KERRIGAN
By your will, father, I live to serve... Let all
who oppose the Overmind feel the wrath of
the Swarm.
Comment: Given the eventual ascension of Kerrigan, it’s important to quickly establish that she is one of the zerg. Her appearance is quite horrific and her comment shows that she’s completely dedicated to the Overmind. This really adds to the shock value – when myself and a friend both individually played through SC, we had no idea it would be Kerrigan, while my brother (apparently) knew it all along. He was older than us and was maybe wiser or more experienced in plot twists...
OVERMIND
Well done, Cerebrate! What I have wrought
this day shall be the undoing of my enemies!
Let not a Terran survive...
Comment: Reward dialog from the authoritarian figure!
The ‘the undoing of my enemies’ – how will Kerrigan really destroy the Protoss?
It’s also interesting that the Overmind asks for all of the Terrans to be killed, yet Kerrigan lets Jim escape. That’s never mentioned again so I doubt it was intentional.
RAYNOR
Mother of God... Kerrigan what have they
done to you?
Comment: The player might actually hate themselves at this point. It’s just like a level in Brood War (“True Colors”) and other ones in Blizzard campaigns where a player has the opportunity to murder familiar characters. Perhaps it’s meant to help them understand how the characters feel.
NEW MISSION OBJECTIVES:
- Infest or destroy Raynor's Command
center
- Kerrigan must Survive
*** Destroy or infest Raynor's Command Center ***
RAYNOR
Sarah... Is that really you?
Comment: Maybe he’s just echoing the player’s disbelief at how Kerrigan looks, but if Raynor came all the way to Char based on a dream that she was alive, why is he so shocked?
KERRIGAN
To an extent... I'm far more than I once
was, Jim. You shouldn't have come here.
Comment: Kerrigan isn’t just her old self dipped in zerg goo, she’s something more powerful than before.
RAYNOR
But the dreams... I dreamed you were still
alive... that somehow... you were calling to
me.
KERRIGAN
I was. While I was in the Chrysalis, I
instinctively reached out to you and
Arcturus telepathically. Apparently, Arcturus
sent Duke here to reclaim me. But that was
then, Jim. I'm one of the Zerg, now. And I
like what I am. You can't imagine how this feels...
Comment: I’m not sure why Kerrigan did this, but I believe the use of the word ‘instinctively’ suggests that she did it without thinking. So when she was absorbed into the zerg she thought about the most important people in her life – her treacherous former commander and her, for lack of better term, ‘love interest’ – and inadvertently sent them visions of herself and what was around her (Zerg and the planet Char).
RAYNOR
So what? Are you goin' to kill me now,
darlin'?
Comment: Maybe it’s a habit (rather than flattery) but that single word of “darlin’” shows that perhaps Jim still thinks of her as her former self, no matter how she looks or acts. I’m not sure if it’s actually intended by the writers, but he’s quickly gone from near disbelief that it’s Kerrigan to accepting that she is and slightly treating her like he used to.
KERRIGAN
It is certainly within my power. But you're not
a threat to me, Jim. Be smart. Leave here
now, and never seek to confront the Zerg
again.
Comment: There are several times in the game and expansion where Kerrigan either shows mercy (Like here) or she’s almost bloodthirsty, like when she ruthlessly hunts down the Dark Templar and chides Tassadar and Zeratul. I think that’s part of her conflicted nature. When she turns on her allies in Brood War, Raynor does comment that she’ll eventually realise how many people she’s murdered.
RAYNOR
Doesn't look like I have much choice.
INTERLUDE:
Kerrigan, the newest and most powerful
agent of the Overmind, has arisen from her
embryonic Chrysalis, but her formidable powers
are still not fully functional.
Kerrigan must now seek to unravel the Ghost
conditioning that keeps her powers in check.
Once done, she will lead the Overmind's
minions to complete domination over the
unsuspecting Protoss.
Comment: This reinforces the importance of Kerrigan, that her assimilation is the last component for the Overmind to utterly destroy the Protoss. Perhaps it’s that the drone-like zerg can’t effectively fight the Protoss, or her psychic powers will be of great use in the eventual invasion of Aiur ... but in a force composed of billions of creatures, what difference can that be?
Again, maybe it’s not intended, but that last line is slightly untrue – Kerrigan doesn’t lead the Overmind’s minions to victory over the Protoss, at least on Aiur as she misses the invasion completely. It is true that the Protoss aren’t expecting a highly powerful psychic individual, but that still doesn’t seem like she’s as important as characters state.
Z-05. "THE AMERIGO"
Comment: Named after Amerigo Vespucci, the Italian explorer and cartographer of whom the continent of America is named after.
Primary Hive Cluster
Planet Char
Mission Briefing
Objectives :
- Bring Kerrigan to the
Supercomputer
- Kerrigan must survive
Kerrigan :
Cerebrate, you watched over me
during my incubation, and I am
grateful to you. It is my wish that
you continue your vigil, so that I
might strengthen my powers to
better aid the Swarm.
I have been unable to access the
totality of my latent powers, and as
such, I would like to infiltrate a
Terran science vessel and uncover
the secrets of their abandoned
Ghost projects. If I can learn more
about their mental conditioning, I can
undo the damage their tinkering
scientists have done to my mind.
Comment: In the Terran worlds of the Koprulu sector, scientists have been able to unlock the powers of the human brain and also restrict them. For example, criminals have neural inhibitors applied to them which makes them subservient and thus useful for military service, so it’s likely that the Confederacy did similar things to Ghosts, they are lethal assassins after all. Or perhaps this was significantly applied to Kerrigan as her psychic powers were unstable?
Zasz :
Though you be the favored servant
of the Overmind, you would do well
to remember that you are just a
servant. You know of our grand
mission, Kerrigan. Would you put
your personal whims before the will
of the Overmind?
Kerrigan :
Do not cross me, Zasz. I will do as I
see fit, and not you or any other
Cerebrate shall stand in my way.
Comment: Perhaps this drama is done for the sake of it, but it also highlights the difference between Kerrigan and a cerebrate, namely free will away from that of the Overmind, at least to an extent. ‘Personal whims’ means nothing to a servant such as Zasz which is possibly why it’s offensive to him – or maybe he’s even jealous of Kerrigan’s freedom and approval of the Overmind.
Overmind :
Let her go, Zasz. The greatness of
her spirit has been left to her; that
the Swarms might benefit from her
fierce example. Fear not her
designs, for she is bound to me as
intimately as any Cerebrate. Truly,
no Zerg can stray from my will, for
all that you are lies wholly within
me. Kerrigan is free to do as she
desires.
Zasz :
By your will, Overmind. Cerebrate,
you must see that she comes to no
harm.
Comment: “That the Swarms might benefit from her fierce example.” – I believe that this is the Overmind’s singular belief in Kerrigan and reason for having her assimilated.
The explanation that Kerrigan is still bound to the Overmind is certainly foreshadowing – it’s part of the set up for later events, namely Brood War.
(In-game)
*** Beginning of the mission ***
DAGGOTH
Cerebrate, take these, the deadliest of my
minions. They shall aid you in your search.
*** Bring unit to entry door ***
ADVISOR
Unauthorized entry detected.
*** Entering the facility ***
MARINE
We got company!
CIVILIAN
Call for Help!
*** Bring unit to Security Camera Computer ***
ADVISOR
Security cameras activated.
SUPERCOMPUTER LOCATED IN SECTOR 6!
*** Entering the lab ***
CIVILIAN
She's infested, stay away from her.
*** Bring unit near trapped Zerglings ***
MARINE
See, they ain't so tough. These critters
bleed just like anybody else.
*** Bring unit to Prison Door Computer ***
PRISON DOORS OPENED.
*** Bring unit near groups of marines ***
MARINE
All right, let's wax these critters.
*** Bring unit to door to Supercomputer but still locked ***
DOOR IS LOCKED!
*** Bring unit near Computer that open all doors ***
MARINE
You'll never make it out of here alive, bitch!
*** Bring unit to Security Camera Computer ***
ADVISOR
Security cameras activated.
A TELEPORTER LOCATED IN SECTOR 5!
*** Bring unit to Computer that unlock all doors ***
YOU HAVE UNLOCKED ALL DOORS!
*** Bring unit to Sector 5 Teleporter ***
TELEPORTATION FIELD ACTIVATED.
YOU HAVE TELEPORTED TO SECTOR 6.
*** Bring unit to Sector 6 Teleporter ***
TELEPORTATION FIELD ACTIVATED.
YOU HAVE TELEPORTED TO SECTOR 5.
*** Bring Kerrigan to Supercomputer ***
Accessing Dominion Network>...
Downloading files>...
...
...
...
File Transfer Complete>...
KERRIGAN
Cerebrate, I've located the records I sought.
We have everything we need here.
Comment: In the following cutscene, which is similar to scenes in the Alien movies, the Amerigo is destroyed by a demolition crew. Kerrigan has already escaped, though this isn’t revealed to the player until later, so it’s presumed that the zerg the crew fight are Daggoth’s Hunter Killers.
Z-06. "THE DARK TEMPLAR"
Primary Hive Cluster
Planet Char
Comment: Though the player likely has little knowledge of the Protoss known as the dark templar (Unless they’ve read the manual), this level title immediately introduces them which is obviously necessary since they end up being crucially important in the storyline, both the short and long term due to their ability to kill Overminds and cerebrates.
Mission Briefing
Objectives :
- Exterminate the Protoss
intruders
- Kerrigan must survive
Kerrigan :
Do you feel that, Cerebrate? The
Protoss are here. On Char. They
have been for some time...
Hiding.
Protoss commander, it was folly of
you to come here. For I am
Kerrigan, and I am Queen of the
Zerg!
Comment: I’ve never known why the Protoss have been on Char for so long. Coincidence? A hiding place of the Dark Templar? Or did they know the zerg would come to the world?
We actually later gain confirmation from Tassadar in the second Protoss level that there was a powerful psionic call on Char – the same that reached Raynor and Mengsk – so he travelled there (After the zerg had ‘vanished’ from Tarsonis) to discover it. He then met Zeratul and they must have been watching events unfold.
Tassadar :
I know of you well, O Queen of the
Zerg, for we have met before. I am
Tassadar, of the Templar. I
remember your selfless exploits,
defending humanity from the Zerg.
Unfortunate it is, to see that one
who was once so honorable and full
of life would succumb to the twisted
wiles of the Overmind.
Comment: Tassadar is actually referring to the ‘cancelled’ Terran levels, where the Sons of Korhal and Protoss Expeditionary Fleet join forces to combat the zerg. The two ‘secret’ levels were left in the game files and included dialog between Tassadar and the others. I can understand the reason for removing the level with this in, it always felt that it was a bit too ideal for ‘good guys’ to band together and it introduced the Protoss far too soon in the game.
Kerrigan :
Do not presume to judge me,
Templar. You'll find my powers to be
more than a match for yours. In
fact, I sense that your vaunted
power has diminished since last we
met.
Comment: Again, we learn that Kerrigan (A notable human psychic) is possibly greater than a fully trained and veteran Protoss templar. The Protoss often look down on humans, which seems easy to do given their age and abilities, but it proves to be their downfall when they underestimate Kerrigan herself.
Tassadar :
Mayhap, O Queen. Or it is only that
I need not flaunt my power in such
an infantile test of will?
Kerrigan :
Foolish Templar. Prepare your
defences! I will come for you soon.
Comment: Kerrigan is very quick to anger, which is very different to her cool and relaxed demeanour in the Terran campaign.
(In-game)
*** Beginning of the mission ***
ZASZ
Kerrigan, I sense something strange about
this Templar. Perhaps you should
reconsider your attack.
KERRIGAN
For the last time Zasz, you question my
motives and authority at your own peril.
ZASZ
You dare threaten a Cerebrate? You will be
the doom of us all!
Comment: Again, on hindsight, it is very strange for a cerebrate to feel threatened by one of their own (Even one such as Kerrigan) so it’s not really surprising that Zasz is outraged.
*** After destroying the Protoss base ***
KERRIGAN
Where are you Tassadar? Do your
underlings always do your fighting for you?
TASSADAR
This shall be our battleground, O Queen.
Face me here, and I will defeat you myself.
NEW MISSION OBJECTIVES:
- Bring Kerrigan to Tassadar's challenge,
alone
*** Bring Kerrigan to the battleground and defeat him ***
KERRIGAN
An illusion? Are you afraid to face me,
Templar?
TASSADAR
So long as you continue to be so
predictable, O Queen, I need not face
you at all. You are your own worst enemy.
Comment: Tassadar’s dialog is a very sharp jab at Kerrigan (Indeed, she remembers it for a long time as we see in Brood War). It doesn’t matter how powerful you are; you can still make mistakes and you’re the one that will suffer from them.
Perhaps Tassadar is ultimately commenting on Kerrigan’s status in the zerg – that she has been assimilated to promote free will, yet she is still a slave to the Overmind. Whenever a creature has free will, they are responsible for their own actions – after all, THEY decide what to do with their existence. On the contrary, the controller of its will is responsible (e.g. the Overmind), so they’re practically slaves all the same. Maybe the Overmind is trying to find a balance that doesn’t exist!
Z-07. "THE CULLING"
Primary Hive Cluster
Planet Char
One hour later
Mission Briefing
Objectives :
- Eradicate every last remnant
of the Garm Brood
Kerrigan :
Insufferable Protoss coward!
Tassadar cannot evade my wrath
forever! I shall find him and-
Daggoth :
Kerrigan, Zasz is dead!
Infested Kerrigan :
Oh? It is a pity that Cerebrates
cannot truly be killed. I expect that
the Overmind will reincarnate him
soon.
Comment: A reminder of how the zerg Cerebrates function in death.
Daggoth :
No. He will not! The Protoss have
devised some new attack. An attack
powerful enough to nullify our
reincarnation and give pause to the
Overmind itself!
Comment: Daggoth has always been cool and in control of a situation, but his dialog here shows him to be panicking. Maybe he’s realised that he’s not actually immortal and that his ‘father’ has been physically stunned by the dark templar.
Kerrigan :
So. Tassadar's plan was merely a
diversion. I should not have
underestimated him so.
Daggoth :
Without its master, Zasz's Brood
has run amok and even now
threatens the Hive cluster.
Cerebrate, you must eradicate the
rampaging Brood and stem any
further damage it might cause. I
shall deal with the Protoss myself.
(In-game)
(Nothing)
Comment: On replaying this level, it was very boring – it is a zerg civil war level which is different (And the circumstances are probably the only possible way it could happen while the Overmind lives) and the ultralisk is introduced for the first time, but the lack of dialog or anything else interesting makes it ultimately dull.
Z-08. "EYE FOR AN EYE"
Primary Hive Cluster
Planet Char
Mission Briefing
Objectives :
- Destroy the Protoss bases
- Let no Dark Templar escape
- Kerrigan must survive
Overmind :
Behold, my long silence is now
broken, and I am made whole once
more. The cunning Protoss have
dared strike down that which was
immortal. For the Protoss who
murdered Zasz are unlike anything
we have faced before. These Dark
Templar radiate energies that are
much like my own, and it is by
these energies that they have
caused me harm.
Yet shall their overwhelming pride
be their downfall. For when the
assassin Zeratul murdered Zasz, his
mind touched with mine, and all his
secrets were made known to me. I
have taken from his mind the
secret location of Aiur, the Protoss
Homeworld.
At long last, my children, our
searching is done. Soon we shall
assault Aiur directly.
Comment: The Overmind hints at the penultimate destiny of the zerg, which focuses on Aiur.
Daggoth :
For now we must ensure that the
Dark Templar can cause no more
harm. Cerebrate, you shall set a
trap for our foes. Kerrigan will lead
them to you.
(In-game)
*** Beginning of the mission ***
TIP
You can move ground forces between
colonies quickly using the Nydus Canal.
*** Destroying one Protoss base ***
KERRIGAN
Once again, I grow tired of slaughtering
your servants. Have the mighty Templar
lost their infallible courage?
ZERATUL
Well spoken, concubine of the Zerg. But
though we strike at you from the shadows,
do not think that we lack the courage to
stand in the light. You would do well to
abandon this attack.
Comment: ‘Concubine’ is no doubt used as a derogatory term here (A woman used by a man for sex and breeding, though dictionaries will put it more politely than that).
KERRIGAN
You seem overconfident of your abilities,
dark one. I am no helpless Cerebrate to be
assailed under cover of darkness. I am the
Queen of Blades, and my stare alone would
reduce you to ashes. You and your ilk
cease to amuse me. Prepare yourself for
oblivion's embrace.
Comment: “My stare alone would reduce you to ashes” is what I believe is part of an analogy of Kerrigan to Medusa, queen of the gorgons. In Greek mythology, Medusa was a gorgon, a horrific serpentine woman with snakes for hair, and who could petrify whomever they looked at, turning them to stone.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorgon
Or it’s simply that Kerrigan is implying that her furious gaze would kill whoever she looks at. I think there’s some inspiration from gorgons for the appearance of her hair at least.
*** Destroying all Protoss base ***
KERRIGAN
Now, Protoss, you shall know my wrath.
Now you will know the fury of the Queen of
Blades!
INTERLUDE:
Tassadar and the Dark Templar Zeratul
survived Kerrigan's vicious attacks, but their
Templar armies have been decimated.
Kerrigan, left behind to hunt down and
eradicate the remaining Protoss warriors,
begins to scour the burning wastelands of
Char for her elusive prey.
Meanwhile, the entirety of the extended Zerg
Swarm teleported through space-time and
began its long awaited invasion of the hated
Protoss homeworld of Aiur.
Comment: The word ‘hated’ stands out here for me – least of all because the zerg don’t really have feelings, which suggests that it’s the Overmind and cerebrates that do instead. This in turn means that they despise the Protoss home world, perhaps out of jealousy, which is almost a more impulsive decision to harm the race instead of a strategic one.
Z-09. "THE INVASION OF AIUR"
Zerg Swarm
High orbit over
Protoss Homeworld of Aiur
Mission Briefing
Objectives :
- Bring a Drone to the
Khaydarin Crystal Formation
Overmind :
My children, the hour of our victory
is at hand. For upon this world of
Aiur shall we incorporate the
strongest known species into our
fold. Then shall we be the greatest
of creation's children. We shall be...
Perfect.
Yet before I can be made manifest
upon this world, the way must be
prepared. You must seize the
Khaydarin Crystals. For within them
lies power undreamed of by the
Protoss.
Go now, my Cerebrate. Secure the
crystals, and bring swift wrath to
all who oppose the Swarm!
Comment: The Overmind has truly declared the ultimate goal of the zerg: to assimilate the Protoss and make themselves ‘perfect’. This doesn’t eventually happen for some reason, possibly due to the eventual destruction of the Overmind – or simply to prolong the story.
(In-game)
*** Bring Drone to Khaydarin Crystal Formation ***
DAGGOTH
The Crystal is being harvested.
- 10 minutes until harvesting is complete.
MISSION OBJECTIVES:
- Hold off the protoss forces while the drone
harvests the Khaydarin Crystals.
*** Khaydarin Crystal harvesting is done ***
Harvesting Complete.
MISSION OBJECTIVES
- Bring Khaydarin Crystal to the Beacon.
*** Bring harvested Khaydarin Crystal back to base ***
DAGGOTH
Cerebrate, the Khaydarin Crystals are now
in our possession. Now, all shall tremble
before the might of the swarms.
Z-10. "FULL CIRCLE"
Zerg Swarm
High orbit over
Protoss Homeworld of Aiur
Mission Briefing
Objectives :
- Destroy the Protoss Temple
Overmind :
You have done well, my Cerebrate.
The Protoss can do nothing but flee
before the onslaught of the Swarm.
But now you must assault one final
site before our conquest is assured.
Behold, there is a temple, not far
from here, that lies upon ground
most hallowed. Though I have born
witness to the passing of countless
millenia, the temple which you must
assault is older by far. For it was
constructed by my creators, the
Xel'Naga, and it marks the site
where the Xel'Naga first set foot
upon Aiur.
The temple must be cleared, and
the Khaydarin Crystal set in its
place. Only then shall the way be
made ready. For it is upon that
ground alone that I may be manifest.
Comment: The khaydarin crystals do have immense powers as used by the Xel’naga for their psionic potency but it’s never expanded upon why the Overmind needs them. Presumably it’s to increase its influence and strength, related to the intended assimilation of the Protoss.
(In-game)
*** Destroying the Protoss Temple ***
DAGGOTH
Cerebrate, the Protoss have launched a
final offensive to keep us from the ruins.
You must hold them at bay for awhile
longer!
NEW MISSION OBJECTIVE :
Bring Khaydarin Crystal to the remains
of the Protoss Temple
*** Bring the crystal to the beacon ***
OVERMIND
Now shall the events set into motion so long ago be made
complete. For the Protoss too, were created by the Xel'Naga. They
were the first creation, gifted with a purity of form. And we were the
second creation, blessed with a purity of essence. Indeed, our two
species are but opposite facets of a greater whole. Soon shall our
two races be made as one. Thenceforth shall all feel the wrath of
the eternal Swarm... For the hour of judgement is come!
Comment: This is a heck of a reward for the player – the knowledge that the end of the Protoss is at hand. The ‘hour of judgement’ is known in Milton’s “Paradise Lost” as the ‘final hour’, or commonly as the end of something – in StarCraft it will not just be a species but all creation as the zerg will be truly unstoppable.
Apparently. The assimilation is never final – we never see ‘Infested Protoss’ or the zerg becoming truly dominant, though I’m sure that would make for a lame campaign, which I don’t feel the Protoss campaign is whatsoever, as we’ll see soon enough.
CINEMATIC - THE INVASION OF AIUR
Comment: Throughout a score of ominous and daunting music, we see scenes of an asteroid falling from space and burning a huge area of Aiur, followed by the Swarm flying and rampaging over large areas. Whole Protoss cities are burning and there are other scenes of utter destruction.
It ends with the Overmind itself appearing, embedding its colossal form in the surface of Aiur, showing that it’s highly confident of victory. Despite an absence of any dialog, this is a great cinematic that shows just what the zerg have accomplished and sets the scene perfectly for the next campaign.
Part 3 - Protoss Campaign: The Fall
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