Act 1- Priority: Palaven — Mass Effect 3 eGuide

The Citadel Council has called a war summit that presents an opportunity for the Alliance to request help building the Crucible. Unfortunately, Primarch Fedorian is caught in the Reaper attack on Palaven. Rescue the turian Primarch from Palaven’s moon.

MISSION BRIEFING

Battlegrounds: The majority of this mission takes place on the surface of Menae, Palaven’s moon. The surface of Menae is nothing more than jagged rock.

The turian forces have been spread thin across the moon, forcing them to set up makeshift command stations wherever they can.

The wide-open areas of the moon’s surface allow all military classes to do well here. Everyone from the Sentinel to the Engineer can find creative ways to complete this mission with minimal fuss.

The toughest mission segment will be dispatching two Brutes at once, while fending off Marauders and Cannibals. Use the wide-open area to your advantage and sprint away if you need to create some distance from the enemies.

Consequence Overview: Nearly all integral conversation during this mission results in Paragon/Renegade points. Most importantly, however, are the conversations you have before the mission on the Normandy.

Take this time to begin developing relationships and even inviting key members of the crew up to your quarters for conversations.

During the mission, you’ll interact with several high-ranking turian figures. Your conversations with them will carry weight, so keep your responses in line with your desired outcome.

If you want to lean toward Paragon, then keep the conversations positive and cooperative. Renegade players should get straight to the point and leave all tact out on the battlefield.

ITEMS REQUISITION RUNDOWN

Armax Arsenal Shoulder Guard	Normandy SR-1
Assault Rifle Magazine Upgrade I	Pistol Magazine Upgrade I
Assault Rifle Piercing Mod I	Pistol Piercing Mod I
Datapad	Salvage
Destiny Ascension Model	Sniper Rifle Enhanced Scope II
Hahne-Kedar Greaves	Sniper Rifle Spare Ammo I
M-27 Scimitar	Sovereign Model Ship
M-97 Viper Sniper Rifle	Turian Cruiser
Med Kit

WAR ASSETS

ASSET	BECOMES AVAILABLE	CONDITION NEEDED
Alliance Engineering Corps	Prologue—Priority: Citadel	None. Automatically unlocks.
103rd Marine Division	Prologue—Priority: Citadel	None. Automatically unlocks.
Admiral Mikhailovich	Prologue—Priority: Citadel	None. Automatically unlocks.
Alliance First Fleet	Prologue—Priority: Citadel	None. Automatically unlocks.
Alliance Third Fleet	Prologue—Priority: Citadel	None. Automatically unlocks.
Alliance Fifth Fleet	Prologue—Priority: Citadel	None. Automatically unlocks.
Alliance Frigate Normandy SR-2	Prologue—Priority: Citadel	None. Automatically unlocks.
Upgraded Thanix	Prologue—Priority: Citadel	Import Mass Effect 2 save with an upgraded cannon for the Normandy
Upgraded Heavy Ship Armor	Prologue—Priority: Citadel	Import Mass Effect 2 save with upgraded armor for the Normandy
Upgraded Shield	Prologue—Priority: Citadel	Import Mass Effect 2 save with upgraded shields for the Normandy
Mineral Resources	Prologue—Priority: Citadel	Import Mass Effect 2 save with low level resources
Mineral Resources	Prologue—Priority: Citadel	Import Mass Effect 2 save with mid level resources

PRIVATE TERMINAL

Stop by your private terminal to read some e-mail. Everyone from Liara to Admiral Hackett will send you messages here that can trigger private conversation opportunities (where you can develop relationships) and briefings on new missions.

At the moment, Liara has something she’d like to talk to you about. There are also other e-mails available. Check them out.

SPEAK WITH SPECIALIST TRAYNOR

If you want to start developing a relationship with Specialist Traynor, now is a good time to get started.

Speak with her about her background, show interest in her past, and keep the conversation friendly and casual, as opposed to speaking to her like her commanding officer.

SPEAK WITH ENGINEER ADAMS

Go down to Engineering and speak with an old familiar face. Engineer Adams is back aboard the Normandy and more than willing to catch up and share his thoughts on the current ship design.

More importantly, he’s not shy about sharing his thoughts on your dealings with Cerberus.

Try keeping the conversation friendly and understanding. If you understand his point of view on the Cerberus events, you’ll gain Reputation points.

SPEAK WITH LIARA

Head to the crew deck to speak with Liara. In her office you’ll find a quirky VI, Glyph, manning the intel terminal. When you’re done speaking with Glyph, turn to Liara and speak with her.

Liara’s office on the Normandy also has the Shadow Terminal where you can access Shadow Broker information. Since she’s currently the Shadow Broker, Liara has access to a wealth of information that can help you along your adventure.

You can also call Liara to your private quarters to begin developing a relationship. She’ll share with you a project she’s working on and asks for your advice.

If you want to encourage romantic feelings, allow her to decide how you are depicted in her project.

SPEAK WITH THE NORMANDY’S DOCTOR

Stop by the medical office on the crew deck to speak with your doctor. The Normandy’s doctor has essentially the same interactions available whether you chose Dr. Chakwas or Dr. Michel, so take a minute to speak with the doctor to get a checkup.

The doctor will give you a basic update on how you’ve progressed so far. If you’ve leaned toward Paragon, then she’ll mention that your scars will continue to heal as long as you stay positive.

However, she’ll advise you to lighten up and not be so serious if you’ve been answering options with Renegade responses. Either way, you’ll gain Reputation points.

SPEAK WITH LIEUTENANT CORTEZ

Down in the shuttle bay is Lieutenant Steve Cortez. He’s in charge of the requisition consoles in the shuttle bay. Stop by for a minute and speak with him to learn more about how the supply consoles work.

You can also speak with him about his background and his feelings toward current events. If you want to begin developing a relationship with him, ask him about his personal life.

SPEAK WITH JAMES

Also in the shuttle bay is James Vega. He likes to keep a low profile in the lower deck of the ship. This is also the best place for him to work out constantly without any interruptions. Approach and engage him in a conversation.

When he asks you to continue the conversation while you “dance” (spar), take him up on his offer.

This sparring session will allow you to gain either some Paragon or Renegade points, but you’ll have to react quickly since the Paragon/Renegade decisions occur as sparring moves.

Attack him for Renegade points or carefully defend for Paragon.

End this conversation on a positive note and you’ll be able to invite him up to your private quarters for another conversation. He’s not interested in you romantically, but he respects you and asks for your professional advice on making career moves.

UPGRADE YOUR EQUIPMENT

Before embarking on your next mission, we highly suggest that you upgrade your arsenal. Not only do you have several mods available to you, but you can also purchase upgraded versions of your current weapons.

Rather than purchase several upgraded weapons, consider spending credits on upgrading one go-to weapon. If you’re a sniper-friendly class, then upgrade your M-92 Mantis up to Level 5.

Soldiers may want to consider investing their credits in a Level 5 M-15 Vindicator.

The choice is yours, but having one fully upgraded weapon early in the game is a benefit, even if you change your mind down the line.

Steve also has the distinction of being the Normandy’s shuttle pilot. If you keep things friendly with the lieutenant, you can also accrue some Paragon points.