GameSpy: When we released the first details on Mass Effect's Saren last month, we didn't know what to expect. Could you shed some light on the current universal climate, politically, militarily, or socially, and the player's role in the game's universe and their importance to the storyline?
Drew Karpyshyn, Mass Effect Principle Writer: The current universal climate, at least from the perspective of the human race, is one of caution and skepticism. Humanity is quite new to the galactic stage, and the various races of the Citadel (the central seat of civilization in the universe) are watching us to see what we do in these early stages of our emergence. Early in the game, the player is put into the position of being the only Human Spectre - as such, he is both an elite agent that operates outside the law to maintain peace, and the star representative of mankind in the eyes of other races and species.
GameSpy: Members of Saren's race are known as Turians. Could you describe the Turian homeworld and compare its history, climate, and populace to that of the other planets in Citadel space?
Drew Karpyshyn: Turians hail from the planet Palaven. Palaven is largely Earth-like in nature, being what is known as a Garden Planet. Lush greenery and oceans are the primary geographic features to be found there, and the planet is ideal for supporting life. Turians are a tough, raptor-like humanoid species. The turians are one of the three races with a seat on the Citadel Council. Their autocratic society values discipline, but is tempered by a strong personal and collective sense of honor. Turians fill the role of peacekeepers for the Council, using their large military to preserve peace and order in the face of piracy and external threats.GameSpy: Can you tell us more about Spectre? Saren is the youngest Turian Spectre, and Commander Shepard is the first human admitted. What is the significance of this, and is there a previous relationship between the characters?
Drew Karpyshyn: Known throughout the galaxy, the Spectres are elite military operatives comprising select individuals from all the civilized races. Spectres have freedoms and jurisdictions far exceeding those of normal citizens, giving them access to areas and information that is normally restricted. Spectres have the authority and ability to deal with enemies who threaten the stability of the galactic community and often operate outside the bounds of galactic law, using whatever means necessary to preserve order.
The history of Saren's involvement with the Spectre organization, and his relationship with other Spectre agents, is expanded upon in the prequel novel "Mass Effect: Revelation" which will be released later this year.
