Lore

HoloNet offers new character biographies

SW:TOR HoloNet offers new character biographies. . Have you ever wondered who some of those characters in Star Wars: The Old Republic’s Deceived trailer or the Threat of Peace comics are? With the latest release from BioWare you can find out. The HoloNet has been updated with new biographies for several characters that will be expanded over time. For now, you can get a look at some of the biographical profiles of Grand Moff Kilran, Nem’Ro The Hutt, and Grand Master Satele Shan. Curious about some of the characters you’ve seen in Threat of Peace™, the Developer Walkthrough, or the “Deceived” cinematic trailer? Now you can find out all about them! We are thrilled to introduce a new expansion to our HoloNet archives: Biographies! Now you can view profiles of several of the galaxy’s most notable figures. Each entry highlights someone you may meet, travel with, or fight alongside or…

Read More

Daniel Erickson shares more insight on the Sith

Mondays story about Star Wars: The Old Republic writer Daniel Erickson’s explanation of how someone writes for the Sith Empire sparked a huge amount of discussion on the official forums. There was so much discussion in fact, that Daniel Erickson took to the official forums to further explain his reasoning and thought process behind writing from the Empire’s point of view. Of the conversation occurring across the official forums, Erickson had to say, “An interesting thread. I always like to see what responses the philosophical discussions provoke. Hopefully people noticed that there were no quotes from me saying the Sith were good — even the interviewer ended on it being an excuse to unleash ones hate.“” After that intro, Erickson goes on to deftly explain the complexities behind writing for ostensibly the “evil side” in a manner that makes them more than dastardly villains with cape and cane. It’s a…

Read More

Genocide and Jedi: why the Sith may be right in Old Republic

arstechnic has a great interview with Daniel Erickson about who the real bad guys are in Star Wars: “The one thing you’re never going to hear is ‘make the bad guys less interesting.’” I’m sitting in an out-of-the-way room of Lucasarts with Daniel Erickson, who keeps swinging back to one topic: why the people we’ve come to hate in the Star Wars universe act as they do. He’s given this some thought; as the lead writer on Star Wars: The Old Republic, the upcoming Star Wars MMO, it’s his job to help tell both sides of the story. In our time together we discuss the extended universe, he makes the case for Grand Admiral Thrawn, and explains how the Jedi attempted genocide… and why the Sith may just be right. While we’re on the topic of the extended universe, he brings up the Thrawn trilogy by Timothy Zahn. “Thrawn is…

Read More

Know your lore: Zaalbar

Know your lore: Zaalbar

Zaalbar, the towering and loyal Wookiee, is one of the most memorable characters from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR). Known for his strength, sense of honor, and unwavering loyalty, Zaalbar plays a significant role in the journey of Revan and his companions. This article will explore Zaalbar’s origins, his role in KOTOR, and his impact on the broader Star Wars lore, while also delving into how his character is remembered in modern Star Wars media. Chapter 1: The Origins of Zaalbar A Wookiee from Kashyyyk Zaalbar, or “Big Z” as his friends fondly call him, hails from the lush and wild planet of Kashyyyk, a world that’s as dangerous as it is beautiful. Imagine living in a place where the trees are so tall that the sunlight barely reaches the ground, and the wildlife isn’t just wild—it’s downright terrifying. But for Zaalbar, this dense, towering forest was…

Read More

Know your lore: Mission Vao

Mission Vao

Mission Vao is one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars universe, known for her spunky attitude, street smarts, and unwavering loyalty. As a central character in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR), Mission has captured the hearts of fans with her youthful exuberance and the depth of her character. This article delves into the life and legacy of Mission Vao, exploring her role in the Old Republic, her connection to Revan, and her enduring impact on the Star Wars galaxy. Chapter 1: The Origins of Mission Vao Growing Up on the Streets of Taris Mission Vao’s story begins in the grimy, neon-lit streets of Taris, a planet with a divide as stark as day and night. If you were lucky, you lived in the Upper City, where the rich and powerful enjoyed their luxuries. If you weren’t so lucky—like Mission—you called the Lower City home,…

Read More

Planets of Star Wars: The Old Republic – Taris

Planets of Star Wars: The Old Republic – Taris

Taris was an urban planet in the Outer Rim Territories. The term Tarisian was used to describe people and products from the planet. The planet’s ecumenopolis quickly developed over a century of prosperity, and as a result the planet suffered from massive overpopulation. Once a galactic nexus, Taris’ importance declined with the introduction of improved trade routes, and the planet rapidly fell into decay. The remainder of the planet’s history was wrought with civil disorder and social unrest. As it turned to industry as a means of compensation for its economic troubles, its oceans became polluted, eliminating the planet’s main food source. Famine spread among the lower classes while the rich hoarded what few supplies remained. The resulting strife led to the Tarisian Civil War, the start of lasting prejudices between the Humanocentric Tarisian nobles and the largely alien underclass. The city became segmented, and the lower classes were banned…

Read More

Know your lore: Darth Nihilus

Darth Nihilus is one of the most enigmatic and terrifying figures in the Star Wars universe. Known as the Lord of Hunger, Nihilus is a Sith Lord whose very existence is tied to an insatiable hunger for the Force, making him a formidable and tragic character. His story, from his origins to his role in the Old Republic and beyond, is a dark tale of power, corruption, and the consequences of unrestrained ambition. In this article, we’ll explore the life and legacy of Darth Nihilus, delving into his history, his influence on the Star Wars universe, and his enduring appeal. Chapter 1: The Origins of Darth Nihilus A Survivor in the Wreckage of War Darth Nihilus’s story begins not in the halls of power, but in the ashes of a devastating conflict. Picture this: you’re on the planet Malachor V, where the echoes of the Mandalorian Wars have left the…

Read More

Planets of Star Wars: The Old Republic – Dromund Kaas

Dromund Kaas was the third planet in the Dromund system, a colony then the capital of the Old Sith Empire and later the lasting base of the Prophets of the Dark Side, whose Dark Force Temple contained such power in the the dark side of the Force that most weapons, excluding lightsabers, malfunctioned on the planet’s surface. The site of a major battle during the New Sith Wars under Kaan’s Brotherhood of Darkness, for millennia the planet’s location was known only to a few, very select Sith Lords, falling almost completely out of the public eye. Description Dromund Kaas was located within the boundaries of Sith space, and the only planet in the entire Dromund system to support life. A wet, marshy world, the majority of the planet was either ocean or swamp, making it difficult for any pilots attempting to land to find a stable location to bring their…

Read More

Planets of Star Wars: The Old Republic – Coruscant

The Galactic Center of Coruscant (pronounced /’kʊɹəsɑnt/), originally called Notron, also known as Imperial Center or the Queen of the Core, was the political hub of the galaxy for millennia. It was generally agreed that Coruscant was, during most of Galactic history, the most politically important world in the galaxy. At various times, it was the capital of the Galactic Republic, the Galactic Empire, the New Republic, briefly the Empire Reborn, the New Republic again, the Yuuzhan Vong Empire occupation, the Galactic Alliance, the Fel Empire and Darth Krayt’s Galactic Empire. These governments, that all controlled Coruscant, controlled the galaxy in the process. A large number of the galaxy’s trade routes—including the Perlemian Trade Route, the Corellian Run, the Metellos Trade Route, the Koros Trunk Line, and the Leisure Corridor—went through Coruscant, making it one of the richest worlds in the galaxy. Tellingly, the planet’s hyperspace coordinates were (0,0,0), and…

Read More

Timeline 6: Onslaught of the Sith Empire

Today BioWare gives us a new Timeline update, in which Master Gnost-Dural talks about the surprise attack of the Empire on the Republic. Here’s the official news: A new holorecord in the Jedi Archive tells the story of the Sith Empire’s surprise attack at the start of the Great War over 28 years before the Sacking of Coruscant. Master Gnost-Dural notes the brilliance of the Imperial military’s carefully orchestrated assault which put the Republic at a disadvantage for the duration of the conflict. BTC 28 – Centuries after being driven into exile, the Sith Empire returned from deep space to launch the most calculated military assault in Republic history. Strategically revealing its attack in a menacing manner, the Sith struck fear into the hearts of the Republic’s defenders even while orchestrating surprise attacks at carefully targeted locations across the galaxy. When the Republic fleet rushed to respond, they discovered the…

Read More

Know your legends: Atton Rand

Atton Rand is one of those characters in the Star Wars universe who starts off as a simple scoundrel but gradually reveals layers of complexity that make him a fan favorite. First introduced in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords (KOTOR II), Atton plays a significant role as a companion to the Jedi Exile. His journey from a former Sith assassin to a reluctant hero is filled with humor, tragedy, and redemption. In this article, we’ll dive deep into Atton Rand’s character, exploring his origins, his connection to key events in the Star Wars universe, and his legacy. Chapter 1: The Origins of Atton Rand From the Streets to the Stars Atton Rand didn’t exactly have a fairytale start in life. Born in the rougher parts of the galaxy, Atton’s early years were shaped by a deep-seated distrust of authority and a knack for…

Read More

Know your legends: Darth Sion

Darth Sion, also known as the Lord of Pain, is one of the most intriguing and terrifying Sith Lords in the Star Wars universe. Known for his unique ability to sustain his life through sheer willpower and the dark side of the Force, Darth Sion’s story is a tragic tale of suffering, hatred, and the relentless pursuit of power. In this article, we will explore the life of Darth Sion, his role in the Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords (KOTOR II), and his enduring legacy in Star Wars lore. Chapter 1: The Origins of Darth Sion From a Warrior to the Lord of Pain Darth Sion’s story begins in a place of pain—literally. Before he became known as the Lord of Pain, Sion was a Sith warrior whose life was defined by suffering. Unlike the glamorous or powerful origins of other Sith Lords, Sion’s beginnings were…

Read More

Know your lore: Carth Onasi

Know your lore: Carth Onasi

Carth Onasi is a beloved character from the Star Wars universe, particularly known for his role in Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR). A skilled pilot, devoted soldier, and complex individual, Carth has captured the hearts of fans with his loyalty, tragic backstory, and deep sense of duty. In this article, we’ll explore Carth Onasi’s journey from his early days in the Republic Navy to his involvement in KOTOR, his legacy in The Old Republic, and his appearances in other Star Wars media. Chapter 1: The Origins of Carth Onasi Carth Onasi wasn’t born into a family of powerful Jedi or wealthy politicians. No, his story starts on Telos IV, a planet that would eventually become synonymous with tragedy for Carth. But back in his early days, Telos was just home—a place where he grew up with a strong sense of duty and a belief that it was the responsibility…

Read More

Know your lore: Darth Malak

Darth Malak is one of the most infamous Sith Lords in the Star Wars universe, known for his brutal tactics, imposing presence, and significant role in the fall of the Jedi during the Old Republic era. As the primary antagonist in Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR), Malak’s story is intertwined with the rise and fall of his former master, Revan. In this article, we’ll explore Darth Malak’s journey from Jedi Knight to Sith Lord, his role in KOTOR, and his enduring legacy in the Star Wars universe. Chapter 1: The Origins of Darth Malak Alek: The Jedi with Big Ambitions Before he was known as Darth Malak, one of the most feared Sith Lords in the galaxy, he was simply Alek. Born on the remote planet of Quelii, Alek’s early life was far from glamorous. But like many Force-sensitive children, he was discovered by the Jedi Order and whisked…

Read More

Know your lore: Bastila Shan

Bastila Shan is one of the most intriguing characters in the Star Wars universe, particularly for fans of the Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) series. With her powerful abilities, complex personality, and crucial role in some of the galaxy’s most pivotal moments, Bastila has cemented herself as a fan-favorite. In this article, we’ll dive into her origins, her connection to Revan, her journey through the events of KOTOR, and her lasting legacy in the Star Wars lore.  Chapter 1: The Origins of Bastila Shan A Force-Sensitive Beginning Every great Jedi has to start somewhere, and for Bastila Shan, that somewhere was the rather unassuming planet of Talravin. Born into a galaxy already steeped in conflict, Bastila didn’t have the most peaceful childhood. But, as with many Force-sensitive beings, her destiny was far from ordinary. Even as a young girl, it was clear that Bastila was something special. Imagine being…

Read More

Planets of Star Wars: The Old Republic – Nal Hutta

Nal Hutta (Glorious Jewel in Huttese) was the capital of Hutt Space and was located in the Y’Toub system. It was formerly known as Evocar and was the original home world of the Evocii, who were ousted by the Hutts in 15,000 BBY, who migrated from their original home world of Varl along with their servants the t’landa Til. It was sometimes referred to simply as Hutta at around 4000-3000 BBY. The planet was controlled by the ancient ruling Hutt families, who also ruled its moon Nar Shaddaa from Nal Hutta. Geography and Culture Nal Hutta, or as it was originally known, Evocar, was a very large planet, however it lacked natural heavy metals meaning its density was less than that of most worlds. The planet was originally a lush jungle world, though the Hutts eventually transformed it into a polluted and barren wasteland. Once it became known as Nal…

Read More

Know your lore: Kreia

Kreia is one of the most complex and fascinating characters in the Star Wars universe, standing out not just for her deep philosophical insights but also for her intricate ties to key events and characters across the galaxy. From her mysterious origins in the Old Republic era to her enduring influence in the Star Wars Expanded Universe, Kreia remains a character shrouded in both mystery and wisdom. In this article, we’ll explore the lore surrounding Kreia, her connections to Revan, her pivotal role in Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords (KOTOR II), and her lasting impact on the Star Wars universe, including more recent appearances in comics and books. Chapter 1: Kreia’s Origins and Early Life Let’s talk about Kreia—because when it comes to mysterious backstories in the Star Wars universe, she’s got one of the best (or most frustrating, depending on how you look at it)….

Read More

Know your lore: Canderous Ordo

Canderous Ordo is one of those characters in the Star Wars universe who embodies the warrior spirit of the Mandalorians, with a bit of grizzled wisdom and a no-nonsense attitude that makes him both formidable and oddly endearing. From his days as a battle-hardened warrior in the Mandalorian Wars to his pivotal role alongside Revan in Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR), Canderous has carved out a lasting legacy in the galaxy far, far away. In this article, we’ll explore the life and legacy of Canderous Ordo, tracing his journey from the chaos of war to his rise as Mandalore, the leader of the Mandalorian clans. Chapter 1: The Origins of Canderous Ordo – A Warrior’s Beginning Canderous Ordo is not your average Mandalorian. Imagine being raised in a culture where battle isn’t just a way of life—it’s practically a hobby. Forget knitting or stamp collecting; in Mandalorian society, if…

Read More

The Battle of Bothawui

A new holorecord in the Jedi Archive captures a poignant moment in the Republic’s recent history. Master Gnost-Dural recounts the story of the battle of Bothawui—a battle in which the courage and sacrifice of Jedi and Republic forces scored a major victory against the Sith Empire. BTC 18 – Nearly a decade after the return of the Sith Empire and the start of the Great War, the Empire had scored dozens of victories, establishing its dominance in the Outer Rim. As the Sith turned their forces toward the Mid Rim, however, the Republic prepared a bold surprise. When an Imperial squadron arrived to seize control of Bothawui, the entire Republic fleet was waiting. The fleet’s victory was celebrated across the galaxy, but the truly inspiring moment was yet to come. As the Republic fleet dispersed to defend other battlefronts, only a small force remained behind to face the Empire’s retribution….

Read More

The 7 Forms of Lightsaber Combat

Threat of Peace, Issue #16 Sucks this week! Bioware has said October should see some juicy updates. So I won’t really comment on Threat of Peace, Issue #16 Instead I will look at The 7 Forms of Lightsaber Combat. So the 7 forms are as fallows… “Form I: Shii-Cho “Way of the Sarlacc” or “Determination Form” to be used against more than one foe. Form II: Makashi “Way of the Ysalamir” or “Contention Form” Form III: Soresu “Way of the Mynock” or “Resilience Form” Form IV: Ataru “Way of the Hawk-Bat” or “Aggression Form” Form V: Shien / Djem So “Way of the Krayt Dragon” or “Perseverance Form” Form VI: Niman “Way of the Rancor” or “Moderation Form” Form VII: Juyo / Vaapad “Way of the Vornskr” or “Ferocity Form” “quoted from Wookiepedia.. ——————————— Finn, personally uses what we at Jen’Jidai call D-Form. It’s an official form. “D-form, first discovered…

Read More

Timeline trailer 4: The Empire Changes Strategy

Delving deeper into the past, Master Gnost-Dural uncovers evidence that the return of the Mandalorians was the result of the utterly ruthless machinations of Imperial Intelligence. Jedi Master Gnost-Dural has entered a new holorecord in the Jedi Archive. After a thorough analysis of the evidence, Master Gnost-Dural has discovered that the Mandalorians’ return to the galaxy and alliance with the Sith was no coincidence—it was the result of years of shadowy machinations by the sinister agents of Imperial Intelligence. BTC 14 – Frustrated by a series of Republic military victories, the Empire began exploring alternative strategies in its drive to conquer the galaxy. Despite the tantalizing offers of Imperial Diplomats, members of the galaxy’s notorious underworld refused to swear allegiance to the Sith Empire. Thus, Imperial Intelligence began laying the groundwork to win the underworld’s loyalty through other means. Infiltrating the gladiatorial arenas of Geonosis, Imperial agents fixed the fights…

Read More

A Tribiute to Knights of the old republic

This video will remember us why we played it. Why we keep playing it. Why this game will never be exceeded. Why this game is a Legend. After a week of long days behind my computer while combining videos from the game, it’s finally done. I’ve put parts of my best vids and others from the game and Youtube in one final vid which should remember us of this legendary game. Though I think it still surpasses any other KOTOR tribute on Youtube, I failt you guys, and myself. I tried to make a video worthy of the game’s glory, but that seems impossible. Still, I did my best. This should be my last KOTOR video. At least for some time. Until I have enough inspiration to overthrow this one. Please rate, and comment.

Read More

The Return of the Mandalorians

The Keeper of the Jedi Archives has entered a new holorecord. Continuing his investigation, Master Gnost-Dural delves deeper into the history of the galaxy after discovering that the blockade that Hylo Visz helped end was a result of the actions of the new Mandalore. BTC 8 – During a Republic resurgence in the Great War, a bold young warrior rose to fame in the Gladiatorial arenas on Geonosis. Adopting the ancient and infamous title of Mandalore, this young leader amassed an army of Mandalorian mercenaries and bounty hunters. The new Mandalore led his forces to form a blockade and challenge the Jedi Order, effectively turning the tide of the war back in the Sith Empire’s favor. Watch the third Timeline holorecord, The Return of the Mandalorians, narrated by actor Lance Henriksen.

Read More