Dune: Awakening Timeline: Where Does It Fit? Explained
Dune: Awakening Timeline: Understanding Its Place in Dune Lore
Understanding the Dune: Awakening timeline is crucial for fans diving into this new open-world survival MMO, especially considering its deviation from the established Dune novels and films. This article explores where the game fits within the broader Dune universe and how it presents an alternate reality.
Fans might have initial reservations about how Awakening alters established canon; however, these changes don't impact the core Dune lore. Instead, the game explores a "what if" scenario centered on a pivotal decision made by Lady Jessica.
The central divergence in the Dune: Awakening timeline stems from the non-existence of Paul Atreides. The game's narrative is built upon the premise that Lady Jessica, instead of defying the Bene Gesserit order, adheres to it and gives birth to a daughter. Additionally, Duke Leto Atreides survives the attack on Arrakeen, significantly altering the course of events.
How Dune: Awakening Differs From Established Dune Lore
The key difference in the Dune: Awakening timeline lies in Lady Jessica's choice. In the canonical Dune narrative, she disobeys the Bene Gesserit and births Paul Atreides. In Awakening, she obeys, resulting in a daughter and Paul's absence from this timeline.
Furthermore, the fate of Duke Leto Atreides is drastically different. In the novels and films, he is betrayed by Dr. Wellington Yueh and assassinated. However, in Dune: Awakening, the Bene Gesserit intervene, preventing Yueh's betrayal and allowing Duke Leto to survive. This survival fundamentally changes the power dynamics on Arrakis.
As a consequence of Duke Leto's survival, a "War of Assassins" erupts between House Atreides and House Harkonnen. This conflict intensifies the struggle for control of the spice, creating a volatile environment. What role will you play in this conflict?
The Fremen, crucial allies to House Atreides in the original story, have largely disappeared from Arrakis in this altered timeline. Players in Dune: Awakening begin their journey as prisoners crash-landing on Arrakis, tasked with unraveling the mystery of the Fremen's disappearance.
Key Elements That Carry Over to the Alternate Dune History
Despite the alternate Dune: Awakening timeline, many familiar elements persist. Key characters like Duke Leto, Baron Harkonnen, and Lady Jessica remain central figures. The intense rivalry between House Harkonnen and House Atreides is even more pronounced, driving much of the game's narrative.
New characters also emerge, such as Ariste Atreides, Lady Jessica's daughter, and Zantara, a Fremen warrior who rescues the player character. These characters add fresh dynamics to the established Dune universe, offering new perspectives on familiar conflicts.
Beloved characters like Gurney Halleck, Duncan Idaho, and Thufir Hawat also appear in the Dune: Awakening timeline, mentoring Ariste in ways similar to their roles with Paul in the original canon. Their presence provides a sense of familiarity within the altered landscape.
The Bene Gesserit's overarching goal of creating the Kwisatz Haderach remains intact. They seek to unite the Atreides and Harkonnen bloodlines through Ariste's marriage to a Harkonnen heir, aiming to produce a being with ultimate prescience. Will they succeed in this new timeline?
The Emperor's involvement also mirrors the established lore. He permits the "War of Assassins" between the two houses, provided it remains confined to Arrakis and the spice flow remains uninterrupted. To enforce this, he deploys Sardaukar troops to police the planet and safeguard spice production.
Exploring Familiar Faces in a Different Context
Dune: Awakening offers a fresh perspective on established characters and plots within the Dune universe. While the core trajectories and motivations remain similar, the absence of Paul Atreides leads to significantly different outcomes, placing the player at the center of the action.
Being immersed in the politics of Arrakis and the intricacies of spice production is a compelling aspect of Awakening. Players have the opportunity to shape the fate of the planet and uncover the mysteries surrounding the Fremen's disappearance in this unique "what if" scenario.
In conclusion, the Dune: Awakening timeline exists as an alternate reality, preserving the established Dune lore preceding Paul Atreides' birth. The events within the game do not alter the existing canon but provide a fascinating exploration of a world where Lady Jessica made a different choice. Ultimately, Dune: Awakening lets you forge your own destiny on Arrakis and discover the fate of the Fremen in Paul's absence, offering a unique and engaging experience for Dune enthusiasts.