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The Guild Sphere: Indignation

July 14, 2011August 7, 2020 Soeren Kamper

A week ago I had a chance to talk to some of the leadership of Indignation, some serious hardcore PvP Republicans. Check it out below. Where did your guilds name come from? Is there a better guild name than Indignation? I didn’t think so, either. Think of us as the resistance. Our name comes from our love of justice. But be warned, even justice can get carried away! Can you give me a quick 2-3 sentance description of your guild? We’re a slightly new PvP loving group of mature individuals who have come together to form a powerful community. We all have different strengths, and we aim to use each member’s talents to maximize our gaming potential. We want to have fun as we find the center between competitive, social, organized, and simple. How did your guild come about? As I was trolling the forums…. (Just kidding), I was with…

The Guild Sphere: Army of Light

July 11, 2011August 7, 2020 Soeren Kamper

A new week and a new guild. This time Teran from Army of Light took the time to answer a few question about his guild Army of Light . Enjoy! Where did your guilds name come from? As I (Teran) understand, the name Army of Light derives straight from the Star Wars lore. The Army of Light was a military branch of the Republic consisting of troopers and many jedi, who not so much rebelled but went against the council’s orders, who wanted to fight. The back story of the guild comes down to jedi joining the Republic’s Army of Light because they refused to follow the Order’s current leader. This is why we chose ‘Army of Light’ as our name. Can you give me a quick 2-3 sentence description of your guild? AoL is a well established guild with dedicated and very creative members. We are an ever growing guild…

Know your Lore: Yuthura Ban

June 12, 2011August 4, 2020 Soeren Kamper

Yuthura Ban was the Twi’lek apprentice of the Sith Master Uthar Wynn, the head of the Sith Academy on Korriban during the Jedi Civil War. Even though she herself was an apprentice, Yuthura was also a lead instructor and mentor at the Sith Academy. She respected initiative and cunning in her students and was not short of either herself. Like most of the Force-sensitives at the academy, she wore the uniform of a Sith officer as opposed to robes. Originally from Sleheyron, Yuthura was a slave to Omeesh the Hutt, a cruel Master who tortured his slaves regularly. Craving vengeance and determined not to simply be “nothing,” Yuthura maneuvered herself into a position to strike out at her master, slitting “the drunken worm”‘s throat while in his bedchamber. As she fled Sleheyron by stowing aboard a cargo ship, it was inevitable that she would be discovered by the crew. They…

The Guild Sphere: The Order of the Sith Lords

May 24, 2011June 7, 2024 Soeren Kamper

This week I sat down with some awesome people from The Order of the Sith Lords, a RPPvE guild that looks to be a lot of fun, hope you all enjoy. Where did your guilds name come from? Well Vandin and I as huge SW fans took the name from Bane’s Sith legacy. A lot of people started to make fun of when we first started but hey, we are still here haha. Can you give me a quick 2-3 sentance description of your guild? Our guild mainly wants to focus on the PVE aspect of the game, we have a lot of members with a past when it comes to raiding. On the other hand we are also HUGE nerds and we will be doing a lot of RP events with other guilds. How did your guild come about? Vandin and I had been following SWTOR…

The Guild Sphere – Prime Defense

April 26, 2011July 29, 2020 Soeren Kamper

This week I sat down with some of the leadership from Prime Defense, a PvE focused Republic guild with close ties to their guildies. Hope you enjoy the Interview. Where did your guilds name come from? Our guild name consists of two words. Prime as in top quality, best or perfection and defense as in defenders of the galaxy. Can you give me a quick 2-3 sentance description of your guild? Prime Defense is an active and tight knit community filled with members from around the world. We strive to provide a relaxed environment where members can hang out and get to know each other while still retaining a serious attitude in game while running PVE instances or participating in tactics based PVP. How did your guild come about? Our guild was born from another community that went under the name The Royal Echani. During the summer of 09, the…

How Stuff Works: Valley of the Dark Lords

April 4, 2011July 29, 2020 Soeren Kamper

The Valley of the Dark Lords, also known as Valley of the Sith Lords was a valley and burial ground of Korriban’s Sith Lords. The Sith Great Temple was located in the valley. A number of different layouts and appearances have been given to the valley in various publications. This is, in the case of video games, mostly due to memory restraints and practicality. For instance, its appearance in Knights of the Old Republic lends itself to being easily traversed and places less demand on hardware than a full scale valley. In Darth Bane: Path of Destruction it was found that the road from the Academy to the Tombs was actually quite long and the area that the actual Valley was barren and harsh, hard to travel through for even the Sith Lords. In Jedi Academy, on the other hand, the valley is designed similar to the appearance of the…

Holiday Sale on KOTOR

December 21, 2010August 26, 2024 Soeren Kamper

Hey Star Wars Fans, do I got great news for you. http://Store.steampowered.com/app/32370/ is selling Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic for 4.99 that’s 50% off. That is a great deal for all of you that spent 20 to 30 dollars on the X-Box version recently or if you had to spend 40 bucks on the Star Wars Pak. Except for the pak there is no hard copy of KOTOR for the PC anymore but I’m assuming it’s a holiday special price. ( It’s on Amazon though) I never really played the PC Version but I hear with the DC you get to were your old robes, probably not the best fighting wear but it is still awesome to run around the Jedi Academy looking like Darth Revan. I love the KOTOR games always making difficult decisions on what to slay next, well unless you liked being on the light…

Know your legends: Marka Ragnos

December 20, 2010July 28, 2020 Soeren Kamper

Marka Ragnos was a half-breed Dark Lord of the Sith who was immensely powerful, both physically and in the Force. He defeated Simus in combat, proving himself worthy of the mantle of Dark Lord. The tomb of Ragnos on Korriban appears in the games Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy. However, the tombs in each game are dissimilar to the other. This was likely for reasons of game structure, rather than a suggestion of the tombs being at different locations. The same phenomenon is seen with the Valley of the Dark Lords as a whole. Another theory is that his tomb underwent a renovation after being desecrated by Revan and his followers. While a figure of importance in Sith history, Marka Ragnos has actually never appeared in a story in which he was alive, much like another influential Sith Lord, Freedon Nadd….

Know your Lore: Atris

December 5, 2010July 27, 2020 Soeren Kamper

Atris was a female Jedi Master and Jedi historian who sat on the Jedi High Council during both the Mandalorian Wars and Jedi Civil War. She viewed the Jedi Order as a symbol of light, justice, and perfection. All this changed, however, when the Jedi Exile defied the council and participated in the Mandalorian Wars alongside Revan and Malak. Having one whom she cared about defy everything she believed in shook Atris to her very core. During the First Jedi Purge, Atris arranged a Jedi conclave on Katarr in the hope of drawing out the Sith. The plan failed, and many Jedi died. She went into seclusion, surrounding herself with those who could not feel the Force. Influenced by Sith holocrons she had been collecting, Atris gradually fell to the dark side. She was eventually confronted by the Jedi Exile, and after a heated lightsaber duel, Atris was defeated. The…

Know your Lore: Vandar Tokare

May 2, 2010July 28, 2020 Soeren Kamper

Vandar Tokare was a male Jedi Master who was the head of the Jedi Enclave on Dantooine during the Mandalorian Wars and Jedi Civil War, holding a seat on both the Jedi High Council and the Council of the Jedi academy during this time span. He was friends with fellow Council member Vrook Lamar, usually having the last word in their frequent disagreements, most notably on the choice to train Revan once again in the ways of the Jedi after his fall to the dark side of the Force. One of the attendees of the Conclave on Katarr, Tokare was killed during an attack from the Sith Lord Darth Nihilus in which the entire Miraluka colony and many of the survivors of the First Jedi Purge were lost. Biography Tokare took Derrica Praji and another person as Jedi Padawans and trained them on Ossus. In 4,225 BBY Tokare and his…

Know your lore: Brianna (The Last Handmaiden)

April 18, 2010July 28, 2020 Soeren Kamper

Brianna, also known as “The Last Handmaiden,” or simply “Handmaiden,” was a half-Echani fighter, and illegitimate daughter to the famous Echani General Yusanis and Jedi Master Arren Kae, who both fought in the Mandalorian Wars. She later served along with her five half-sisters as a handmaiden to Jedi Master Atris in the period following the Jedi Civil War. During her service to Atris at the Jedi Academy on Telos IV, Brianna met the Jedi Exile, and was subsequently tasked with accompanying her on her mission to seek out the Jedi Masters who survived the First Jedi Purge. As the Exile’s companion, Brianna helped battle against numerous adversaries, including the resurgent Sith. During the journey, Brianna trained the Exile in Echani techniques and eventually received Jedi training from the Exile in return, becoming one of first new members of the Jedi Order after the Purge. In accepting such training, however, she…

Know your lore: Kreia

November 15, 2009August 14, 2024 Soeren Kamper

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)….

Scenic digital artwork of Tython from Star Wars: The Old Republic, featuring ancient Jedi temples, lush valleys, and twin suns in the sky.

Patch 7.7 Shakes Things Up: Dynamic Encounters Get Ranked and Ruled

August 12, 2025August 12, 2025 Matt "ObiWaN" Hansen

If you’re returning to the galaxy of Star Wars: The Old Republic, patch 7.7 just added a galaxy of fresh content—and one fan dragged out a ruler to rank them all. A recent post at SWTOR Commando lays out a definitive list of the planets hosting 7.7’s dynamic encounters, splitting them into “capital worlds”, “starter planets”, and the icy realm of Ilum. Capital Worlds Take the Crown: Dromund Kaas and Coruscant Dromund KaasTopping the chart is Dromund Kaas. Why? It’s the variety champion. With over 20 unique dynamic encounters, this Sith capital pulls off themed chaos—from lightning-spired attacks to spaceport meltdowns. One cheeky NPC even shouts “What is Xarion hiding?”—a nice nod to timeline lore. And with encounters conveniently placed along travel routes, grinding out those conquest points becomes more a joy ride than a chore.Minor gripe: a few encounters—like “Shock and Awe”—feel over-tuned, and some voice lines play out…

SWG Legends Empire Day and Remembrance Day 2025 promotional banner with Galactic Empire and Rebel Alliance symbols

SWG Legends Empire Day & Remembrance Day 2025: Loyalty, Legacy, and Laser Blasts

June 28, 2025June 28, 2025 Matt "ObiWaN" Hansen

Empire Day. Remembrance Day. Two sides of one galaxy-sized coin. One celebrates the iron grip of the Galactic Empire and its glorious propaganda machine; the other remembers the billions lost to tyranny and the hope that rebellion still kindles in the dark. In the SWG Legends 2025 Empire/Remembrance Day Friday Feature source, the devs serve up a month-long spectacle full of badges, speeches, combat quests, and shiny new rewards for both Imperials and Rebels alike. Whether you’re raising a glass to the Emperor or throwing sabacc dice with Princess Leia, there’s something here for every alignment. Let’s dissect both halves of the event like a proper protocol droid. Empire Day: Glory to the Emperor 📍 Location: Theed, Naboo (-5469 4410) Celebrated across the galaxy, Empire Day marks the rise of Emperor Palpatine and the fall of the Jedi Council. It’s the Empire’s biggest PR moment—complete with propaganda posters, statues, and…

5 Star Wars Characters That Would Be Right at Home in Feudal Japan

April 15, 2025April 15, 2025 Soeren Kamper

Because some Jedi were already halfway to samurai. As we continue our 5-part series leading up to Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 (happening April 18–20 in Tokyo), we’re diving into the cultural and visual DNA that connects Star Wars to Japanese history. The connections run deeper than lightsabers and robes—at its core, the galaxy far, far away shares archetypes, values, and mythologies with the world of feudal Japan. The Jedi echo the discipline of the samurai. The Sith carry the tragic pride of fallen warlords. Even the Force itself resonates with Zen-like duality and cosmic harmony. This time, we’re going full speculative fiction: imagining iconic Star Wars characters reimagined as figures from feudal Japan. If George Lucas drew from Kurosawa’s lens, let’s step all the way through the torii gate and recast the galaxy as if it were ruled by shogun and shinobi. We’re not just swapping outfits—we’re reinterpreting these…

A dramatic panoramic scene blending the aesthetics of feudal Japan and Star Wars. In the foreground, a Jedi and a samurai stand side by side on a misty ridge at sunrise—one holding a lightsaber, the other a katana—both in contemplative poses. Behind them, a futuristic skyline merges with traditional Japanese architecture—Jedi temples rising next to pagodas, starships flying above tiled rooftops. Cherry blossoms drift through the air, while distant twin suns cast a soft glow. The atmosphere is reverent and epic, symbolizing the timeless bridge between samurai tradition and the Star Wars galaxy.

Top Star Wars Moments That Feel Straight Out of a Samurai Movie

April 13, 2025April 13, 2025 Soeren Kamper

From Kurosawa’s Shadow to the Edge of the Outer Rim As we gear up for Star Wars Celebration Japan (April 18–20, 2025), we continue our 5-part editorial series exploring the roots of Star Wars in Japanese culture. This installment is all about what you feel when watching a lightsaber duel unfold in silence, when a Jedi lowers their blade instead of striking, or when a warrior stands alone against impossible odds. These moments aren’t just cinematic choices—they’re spiritual, philosophical, and visual echoes of samurai storytelling. Drawing deeply from Akira Kurosawa’s films, Bushidō ethics, and Zen Buddhist principles, these scenes resonate with the ancient traditions of Japan. Let’s examine the most powerful Star Wars moments that feel straight out of a samurai movie—and why they still hit just as hard today. The Samurai Legacy That Reached Hollywood Before we dive in, it’s worth remembering that Star Wars didn’t emerge in a…

Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall to Be Honored at the Oscar Wilde Awards

February 3, 2025February 3, 2025 gingetattoo

When it comes to shaping blockbuster film history, few names command more attention than Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall. This powerhouse couple has had a career trajectory that feels like a Hollywood script—except in this case, it’s real life. Now, their immense contributions to the entertainment industry are being celebrated with an honor fit for legends: they’ll be receiving recognition at the prestigious Oscar Wilde Awards on March 1, 2025. Let’s talk about why this matters, especially for anyone who’s ever experienced that “galaxy far, far away.” Who Are Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall? You’ve probably seen Kennedy and Marshall’s names in movie credits even if you didn’t realize it at the time. Kennedy, as the current president of Lucasfilm, is responsible for leading the Star Wars universe into its latest chapters. Yes, that includes blockbuster films like The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker. She…

George Lucas and the Bantam Era: Shaping the Expanded Star Wars Universe

George Lucas and the Bantam Era (Part II)

January 16, 2025January 16, 2025 gingetattoo

he Bantam era of Star Wars publishing (1991–1999) wasn’t just about storytelling—it was an intricate balancing act between creativity and approval processes. George Lucas, the creator of this sprawling galaxy, maintained a curious relationship with this era. While Lucas wasn’t directly involved in every project, his shadow loomed large over the Expanded Universe (EU). As we continue this exploration into the Bantam era, Part II delves deeper into the creative processes behind some of the most notable works of this period. The Approval Gauntlet: Lucas at the Helm of Outlines For every novel published during the Bantam era, an outline had to go through rigorous scrutiny. As noted by Michael P. Kube-McDowell, author of The Black Fleet Crisis trilogy, no story could move forward without Lucas’s blessing. This process ensured that each book stayed aligned with Lucas’s vision of the galaxy, even if that vision sometimes seemed… opaque. “Lucas Says…

Star Wars Outlaws Hits a High Note: DICE Awards Nomination for Outstanding Music Composition

January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 Matt "ObiWaN" Hansen

The galaxy far, far away has delivered countless unforgettable moments, from epic space battles to deeply personal stories of redemption, rebellion, and revenge. Now, Star Wars Outlaws—a highly anticipated video game—has hit a high note in an entirely different way. It’s been nominated for Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition at the prestigious DICE Awards! Yes, the Force is strong with this one, especially in the music department. A Score Worthy of the Stars Creating a memorable soundtrack for the Star Wars universe is no easy task. With legendary compositions like John Williams’ iconic scores setting the gold standard, the pressure to craft something original yet familiar is immense. Star Wars Outlaws rises to the challenge with music that evokes a sense of adventure, tension, and grandeur while standing confidently on its own. The nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition at the DICE Awards isn’t just a nod…

How Did Biggs Darklighter Die? A Tale of Friendship, Sacrifice, and the Star Wars Tragedy

October 15, 2024October 15, 2024 gingetattoo

If you’re a Star Wars fan, chances are you’ve come across the name Biggs Darklighter—a beloved, though somewhat lesser-known, character in the original trilogy. He wasn’t the one to swing a lightsaber, rescue princesses, or change the course of the galaxy with mystical powers. No, Biggs was simply a friend—a loyal, courageous pilot whose life and death made a lasting impact on the story of Star Wars. But the burning question remains: How did Biggs Darklighter die? Let’s take a deep dive into the character, his journey, and ultimately, his tragic death that still stings fans today. Who Was Biggs Darklighter? Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of how Biggs Darklighter died, let’s rewind a bit. Biggs, portrayed by actor Garrick Hagon, was a native of Tatooine, much like his childhood buddy Luke Skywalker. The two friends dreamed of escaping their desolate, sand-filled homeworld to join the stars, but while…

Sabine Wren: The Mandalorian Rebel and Warrior Artist

Know your lore: Sabine Wren

September 25, 2024September 25, 2024 Soeren Kamper

Sabine Wren is one of the most complex and dynamic characters in Star Wars. First introduced in Star Wars: Rebels and later taking on a larger role in Ahsoka, she defies the traditional warrior archetype by blending Mandalorian combat skills with a rebellious flair for art. Throughout her journey, Sabine transitions from a young Mandalorian rebel to a leader who carries the weight of her people’s future. In Ahsoka, her story takes a new direction as she steps into the role of a Jedi-in-training, showing her willingness to constantly evolve and embrace new challenges. Sabine’s story is one of transformation—she goes from battling the Empire as part of the Ghost crew to confronting her Mandalorian past and ultimately taking up the mantle of leadership. Along the way, she faces tough choices, inner conflicts, and an ever-present desire to redeem herself for her past. Her journey reflects the deeper themes of…

Remembering James Earl Jones: The Iconic Voice of Darth Vader (1931–2024)

September 10, 2024September 10, 2024 Soeren Kamper

The world has lost a true legend with the passing of James Earl Jones, who died yesterday at the age of 93. Best known for his deep, resonant voice that gave life to one of cinema’s greatest villains, Darth Vader, Jones had an illustrious career that spanned over seven decades. His contributions to film, television, and theater are immeasurable, and his legacy as a performer will be remembered for generations to come. A Voice That Defined Generations Born in 1931 in Arkabutla, Mississippi, James Earl Jones developed an iconic voice that would go on to define his career. Yet, in his early years, he struggled with a debilitating stutter, a challenge that ironically pushed him toward the power of speech and communication. Over time, he overcame his speech impediment and discovered his extraordinary vocal talent—a gift that would take him from the theater stage to the silver screen and into…

Ahsoka: The Ultimate Star Wars Icon

September 4, 2024September 4, 2024 Soeren Kamper

When you think of Star Wars, certain names pop up immediately: Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Yoda… and then there’s Ahsoka Tano. For those who haven’t been keeping up with the galaxy far, far away, Ahsoka might just be the most important Star Wars character you’ve never heard of. Or, if you’re a die-hard fan, she’s probably your favorite. In either case, let’s break down the story of this fierce, independent, and incredibly resilient Togruta who has taken the Star Wars universe by storm. Chapter 1: The Unlikely Beginning of Ahsoka Tano Ahsoka Tano’s journey in the Star Wars universe started with one of the most unexpected and, frankly, rocky introductions. This young Togruta apprentice was supposed to be the Jedi that no one saw coming—especially since she wasn’t mentioned in the prequel trilogy. Yet, when she first graced the screen in Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008), fans didn’t quite…

Angela Morley: The Transgender Pioneer Behind Star Wars' Iconic Music

Angela Morley: The Transgender Pioneer Behind Star Wars’ Iconic Sound

June 17, 2024June 17, 2024 gingetattoo

Have you ever wondered about the creative minds behind the legendary Star Wars soundtrack? While John Williams is a household name, there’s another unsung hero who played a pivotal role in bringing the galaxy far, far away to life through music. Meet Angela Morley, a transgender pioneer who broke barriers and orchestrated some of the most iconic scores in cinematic history. Let’s dive into her remarkable journey and explore how she left an indelible mark on the world of music and film. Early Life and Career Angela Morley was born Walter Stott in Leeds, England, in 1924. From an early age, Morley showed a prodigious talent for music, quickly mastering the clarinet and saxophone. Her career began in the 1950s when she became known as Wally Stott. During this time, she made significant contributions to British radio and television, composing music for popular shows like “The Goon Show.” Morley’s early…