The Old Republic

[Ordo]

This thread is hereby dedicated to all news, thoughts, character concepts and discussions concerning BiowareÆs first MMO, The Old Republic.

Why am I dedicating an entire thread to one game?

The answer is, because itÆs more than a game. This rather ambitious game deals with a very fertile time period in the Star Wars Universe. We have a beaten and bloodied Republic engage in a cold war with a Sith Empire. The Jedi are trying to reconnect with their ancient roots while the Sith are rebuilding their forces and consolidating the territory and power theyÆve gained. Smugglers, Soldiers, Bounty Hunters and more all have parts to play in this exciting time period. There are a vast number of story possibilities with just the relatively small amount of information we have now.

This thread is meant to discuss those possibilities, to aid my fellow writers in any future endeavors involving this dark period in the galaxyÆs history. TOR is a fascinating time and a great place to set stories based solely in the star wars universe, or perhaps cross over elements from other creations.

First up, a series of links to the available information

The Timeline

The Galactic Republic

The Jedi Order

The Sith Empire

The Sith Lords

Known Planets

Ord Mantell

My Thoughts: This place is a disgrace to the Republic and an opportunity for the Sith Empire. A government run by the criminals, paying service to the Republic, merely because itÆs a good business move. The smuggler in me is just fine with things staying as they are, but the Trooper in me is appalled by the idea of fighting (and maybe dying) to defend a corrupt, mob run, local government

Hutta

My Thoughts: ItÆs a bloated, festering pustule on the backside of the universe, populated by waste eating worms and flies. This is the one thing my Jedi & Sith sides agree on, the planet should be cleansed of Hutts. Though, obviously, each side has a different method in mind.

Tython

My Thoughts: It feels like the home of Jedi Knights. Peaceful serene, and yet there is something dark still living here. A shadow that lies just beyond sight, a mystery that should be brought into the light

Korriban

My Thoughts: Brutally beautiful. There is something oddly compelling about this world in perpetual twilight. There is knowledge here, and knowledge is my favorite path to power. I wish to plumb the secrets of the ancient Sith, learn their knowledge and avoid their mistakes.

Known Classes

Bounty Hunter

My Thoughts: A tad too Mandalorian for my tastes but I respect their abilities and combat prowess. A dangerous group of individuals not to be taken lightly

Trooper

My Thoughts: Everything I love about clone troopers without the whole, made-to-serve thing looming over them. I respect the Jedi a great deal, but to me these are the major heroes of our tale. Men and Women working to stem the tide of the Sith onslaught with noting more than a blaster rifle, some training, skill and good old fashioned guts.

Smuggler

My Thoughts: The class I am mostly likely to play. Hey I like the Republic, and respect every person who fights for itÆs continuation. But IÆm more interested in retiring comfortably than fighting for the RepublicÆs glory. Hey! I donÆt work for Sith or Slavers, and I only transport recreational drugs like glitterstim. Yeah IÆll run weapons, but with the Sith bearing down on system after system, a man has a right to protect his family with whatever firearms he can afford. I provide him the gun, and make a little cash for myself, everyone wins.

Would I transport Republic agents into Sith space?

ààHow big a reward are we talking about here?

 

[sith2886]

So how much do you think your bounty is going to be worth? 'cause it's going to be me that hunts runts like you across the galaxy. better start running.

 

[Ordo]

So how much do you think your bounty is going to be worth? 'cause it's going to be me that hunts runts like you across the galaxy. better start running.

1. My bounty will be high, as thumbing my nose at the sith empire is rather high on my list of things to do.

2.Hunter, I never stop running, and I'm way to fast for an, over armored, tin man to catch.

You'd better get used to hearing a lot of "Better luck next time." from me.

 

[Watashiwa]

Honestly, I'm not interested. MMOs aren't my thing, and LucasArts has already failed at one, to boot.

Then there's the fact that this is going to cause damage to Bioware's ability to make interesting games. MMOs require constant updating of content, rebalancing, customer support, event planning, bug servicing, etc.

All of that requires programmers and developers, who won't be working on Bioware's other stuff.

Considering my abover aversion to MMOs on principle, I think that the best protest is to not buy the game.

 

[Ordo]

As I said, I'm more interested in the addition to Star Wars lore than anything else. I'll play the MMO, for awhile at least, just to see. Though it's unlikely I'll play too long. Longest I ever played an MMO was WOW, and that was for about 4 months.

edit: Also, Bioware brought in another studio to help with the game. The way I see it, these will be the guys responsible for updating of content, rebalancing, customer support, event planning, bug servicing, etc. The Bioware boys will likely have a team devoted to new content, but otherwise the majority of their resources will go to crafting the great games we know and love.

 

[ttestagr]

Hey Ordo, do you know if this is before or after that Sith with the Borg ripoff technobeasts made her fortress on Tython?

 

[SotF]

If it's mechanics are similar to Saga, which the KotOR games pretty much guided then we've got a Jedi/Sith and a Noble. Its possible that all classes can be force sensitive to some degree by character option at some point.

As it is

Bounty Hunter is close to Scout
Trooper is basically Soldier
Smuggler is the scoundrel.

I'd also guess that the classes might also change as you act, possibly with skills crisscrossing to allow different play styles.

 

[sith2886]

Hey Ordo, do you know if this is before or after that Sith with the Borg ripoff technobeasts made her fortress on Tython?

if you are talking about Lumiya then your a few thousand years off.( i think i spelled her name wrong)

 

[SotF]

Hey Ordo, do you know if this is before or after that Sith with the Borg ripoff technobeasts made her fortress on Tython?

if you are talking about Lumiya then your a few thousand years off.( i think i spelled her name wrong)

Lumiya didn't use Tython as her base.

However, TOR is set before Belia used it as a base.

As a side note, this is my six-thousandth post...

 

[Ordo]

First off, Congrats SotF.

Also, ttestagr, I assume you mean Belia Darzu, pictured here

and here

She was a member of the New Sith Empire which was established some 2,000 Before the Battle of Yavin.

The Sith Empire in TOR assaulted the Republic some 3,681 years BBY and sacked Coruscant some 3,653 years BBY. Which is about the point the Jedi traveled to Tython to reconnect with their roots.

 

[ttestagr]

Yep, thats her. I was unsure of exactly where in the timeline she fell.

 

[Ordo]

Admittedly, this has a bit more to do with the game itself, rather than lore...but I'll add it so those bounty hunting tin men know what there in for, as fair warning.

Oh, and some music to read this post to

Try this hypothetical scenarioà youÆre relaxing at the local cantina when three trigger-happy Rodian mercenaries pick a fight with the most attractive Jedi Knight youÆve ever seen. After the smoke clears, the Rodians are carried outside and the Jedi apologizes to everyone for making a scene. Do you:

a.Crack a joke to relieve the tension;
b.Demand the Jedi buy you a drink to replace the one that got spilled during the fight;
c.Smoothly invite your new friend back to a private booth to get better acquainted.
The answer, of course, is (d) All of the above. WhatÆs that, you say? ôAll of the aboveö wasnÆt among your options? Consider that your first taste of the Smuggler lifestyle. ItÆs time to make your own options and never limit yourself to just one. Strict adherence to rules and regulations is something other people do. Smugglers make things up as they go.

Now wait a minute, I can hear you say. Nobody successfully flirts with Jedi Knights. ThereÆs no point even trying. The Jedi Code forbids romance, they wield the most lethal conversation stoppers in the galaxyà and theyÆre kind of stuck-up. A Jedi would never accept an invitation from a scruffy-looking free trader, right? Wrong! Smugglers have remarkable track records for romancing people way out of their leagues. Just ask them.

Of all the stories in our game, the Smuggler ones are specifically written with an emphasis on humor and romance. If youÆre playing this class, you get to say the funniest things (usually at the least appropriate times), and are always on the lookout for people who find charming rogues irresistible. YouÆll be flirting with or laughing at the most exciting personalities in the galaxy: crime lords, gamblers, Bounty Hunters, senators, nobles, spies, Jedi and even Sith.

ItÆs not all witty one-liners and romantic conquests, either. Smugglers lead lives of high adventure, taking on jobs no one else is crazy enough to do and answering to no authority but their own. They also donÆt have to risk their necks for free. Unlike pious Jedi or duty-bound Troopers, Smugglers are never out of line demanding a fee for their services. The Republic needs rogues to hit Imperial convoys? Sounds like fun, if thereÆs profit in it. The Hutts want illegal technology slipped past military blockades? No problem, as long as they pay in advance.

Are there Smugglers working for the Empire? Not really. In the Empire, the payÆs lousy, the hours stink and the clients are creeps. The Empire is all about controlling people. If Smugglers wanted to be told what to do, theyÆd get real jobs.

Not all of these spirited adventurers are mercenaries, of course. Some have hearts of gold and donÆt worry about retiring to their own private moon. These heroes of the hyperlanes use their special talents to help the poor and downtrodden. It may not pay as well, but ôhonestö Smugglers make lots of friends. And when gangsters with informative names like Rogun the Butcher try to kill you, itÆs nice having a few people you can rely on.

The most successful Smugglers surround themselves with trusty companions who are handy with a blaster when deals go sour. Han Solo had Chewbacca as backup, and Smugglers in our game will have their pick of several memorable sidekicks.

ThatÆs not to say you canÆt handle yourself. Smugglers are notorious for outwitting and outmaneuvering more powerful opponents. In a galaxy full of Lightsaber-wielding demigods who can lift starfighters with the power of their minds, most people underestimate ôordinaryö folks armed only with blasters. ThatÆs a big mistake. Smugglers are the best shots in the galaxy, and they can avoid being noticed until itÆs time to make a big entrance. When they finally show themselves they have a variety of, shall we say, unorthodox combat moves that leave their enemies reeling. Jedi may see things before they happen, but Smugglers always shoot first.

The Old RepublicÖ is the first Star WarsÖ video game to let players truly live the dream of being Han Solo or Lando Calrissian. Other games have let you engage in a bit of smuggling for profit or simulate ôscoundrelsö as a collection of stat bonuses, but none come close to delivering the humor, romance and just plain fun of being a wisecracking Smuggler who triumphs against all odds. Every member of The Old Republic team is committed to crafting the defining rendition of the Smuggler archetype.

Our combat designers have outdone themselves inventing powers to leave your fellow players laughing out loud and asking how you pulled off that stunt. The animation team is creating custom movements that perfectly evoke the sheer bravado and lightning reflexes Han Solo displayed when he took three (three!) shots at Darth Vader on Bespin. World builders tirelessly create dens of scum and villainy, populating them with the galaxyÆs most notorious criminals. Artists craft all the small details that tie everything together, from sweet-looking blaster pistols to flashy outfits that put LandoÆs wardrobe to shame.

Last but not least, the writing team has invested its tremendous love for snappy dialogue, outrageous characters and insane story twists into every aspect of playing a Smuggler. If youÆre teamed-up with a Jedi or Trooper and chat with a NPC, youÆll always get to rattle off the best one-liners. If those other classes are looking to earn a few extra credits on the side, theyÆd be fools not to let you do the negotiating.

Well, looks like closing time at the cantina. Your new Jedi friend mentioned some high-risk, high-reward work in the Outer Rim. Those new Corellian engines everyoneÆs raving about are expensive, and credits donÆt grow on trees. Besides, the job sounds simple enough. What could possibly go wrong?

Strap yourself in, Smuggler ù youÆre in for another exciting ride.

Hall Hood
Senior Writer

 

[David Alan Abramczyk]

Man though, Revan's gonna be helluva pissed that his beautiful schemes have all gone up the Swannee

 

[SotF]

Man though, Revan's gonna be helluva pissed that his beautiful schemes have all gone up the Swannee

Revan is most likely long dead by this point. These may be the True Sith or even off shoots of Revans Sith or from the Triumverate. Hell, these ones could even originate from other things

 

[Pirazy]

Had a look at the cinematic again and noted that the Sith's masks bears a striking resemblance to the one Revan used..

 

[Ordo]

Had a look at the cinematic again and noted that the Sith's masks bears a striking resemblance to the one Revan used..

Which could suggest that Revan had a hand in crafting this new sith Empire, or that the Sith are using the mask as a form of psychological warfare.

 

[Pirazy]

Had a look at the cinematic again and noted that the Sith's masks bears a striking resemblance to the one Revan used..

Which could suggest that Revan had a hand in crafting this new sith Empire, or that the Sith are using the mask as a form of psychological warfare.

Well in that case it'd have to be a very recent addition, Revan's mask is a Mandalorian one after all, and if the True Sith have been isolated for thousands of years then they'd never have any contact with the Mandalorians, which had pretty much disappeared in KotoR2 with only a few scattered clans spread out over the galaxy.

I hope Revan wasted the Emperor, took over the empire and had a change of mind about the fate of the republic, there's one line in particular during the cinematic that jumps out at me "you were trusted to lead the republic", because that's pretty much what Revan did after KotoR, he left the republic in their hands hoping he'd taught them a lesson.

And now the Emperor has disappeared for no discernable reason and left the empire in the hands of others, sounds like something Revan would do..

EDIT: Then again, a Revan that's continued to grow and amass power during the course of 300 years while tapping into the vast resources and knowledge of the True Sith would pretty much be an unstoppable force of nature, not very game-balancing..

 

[Ordo]

Well, a new Timeline video came out with some rather interesting revelations about the former Mandalore, and some hints at another aspect of the Imperial War machine, Imperial Intelligence.

I knew something was off about that Mandalore when he set up that blockade. I mean if he was looking for a good fight, the Sith were just as valid a target as the Jedi. He could've invaded any number of Sith held planets if he wanted a fight, why blockade a trade route and wait for the Jedi to attack? Ah well seems heÆs been replaced by someone else, whether this is good or bad remains to be seen.

Also, considering all the talk about Imperial Intelligence agents, IÆm guessing weÆre going to be hearing about an Agent class sometime in the near future.

 

[Mercsenary]

Man though, Revan's gonna be helluva pissed that his beautiful schemes have all gone up the Swannee

Revan is most likely long dead by this point. These may be the True Sith or even off shoots of Revans Sith or from the Triumverate. Hell, these ones could even originate from other things

Could be a Force Ghost...

 

[Ordo]

The writers take on the Sith Warrior and The Jedi Knight. These might prove useful for anyone seeking to write about unique individuals in these opposing orders

Sith Warrior

Think back to when you first watched Star WarsÖ: A New HopeÖ ù to the moment when Darth Vader enters the besieged Republic ship, surveying the carnage, single-mindedly hunting his target, Princess Leia. If you were like me, your eyes bulged and you thought, ôI wanna be that guy.ö

Now, maybe I was alone in that visceral response. Maybe it reveals something disturbing about me, I donÆt know. On subsequent screenings, I seem to recall hearing a chorus of hisses and boos when Vader emerges. So maybe most of the Star WarsÖ fan community are Luke lovers, or Solo sycophants . But something tells me there are more of me out there. And all these years, like me, youÆve been waiting for the opportunity to express your inner Vader.

Well, IÆm here to tell you, our time has come.

Get ready, my friends, Star WarsÖ: The Old RepublicÖ is going to be our coming out party. ItÆs time to ignite your red lightsaber and grind the galaxy under your steel platform boot.

The Sith Warrior is about domination and control, as he seeks to utterly annihilate his enemies. He or she wields a lightsaber with more devastating effect as the warrior brings ferocity and rage to bear on every strike. The warrior is feared, is a melee master, and can choke you to death without even touching you.

You begin the Sith Warrior story as the apprentice of one of the most powerful Sith Lords in the Empire. Yes, you serve him, as Vader served the Emperor, but he knows that you are at your best and most powerful the more you can flex your muscles. As long as your masterÆs ultimate directives are met, you are encouraged to entertain your every impulse and do as you please.

Unbound and unleashed on the galaxy, you wage war against the Jedi, relentlessly hunting and neutralizing their most powerful and important players. You can leave an indelible darkness on every planet you visit or find less wanton routes to your goals, as you eliminate rivals, acquire your own minions and build your personal power base.

The enemies of the Sith quickly realize that you are the real threat that cannot be ignored. Other Sith you encounter and confront come to revere and revile you, as much asùif not more thanùyour master. And eventually, the Emperor himself may take notice of your exploits.

Where is this all leading? ThatÆs up to you. You can serve dutifully and pound away by the letter of your masterÆs law, or you can risk plotting to someday destroy him and grab his power (as Vader reveals in his plea for Luke to join him). You can even have secret designs to redeem yourself, embrace the light and destabilize the Empire from within.

If this excites you, if youÆre like me and already have Darth VaderÆs theme music playing in the background of your mind 24-7, then crank up the volume to 11 and point those internal speakers out the window. DonÆt get caught up in the debate over who shot first. DonÆt be tied down by the Jedi Code. Embrace the darkness within you! Revel in your emotions, grab for glory and bend the galaxy to your will.

Neil Pollner
Writer



Jedi Knight

LetÆs start this blog off with an introduction. My name is Drew Karpyshyn. I was the lead writer on the original Star WarsÖ: Knights of the Old RepublicÖ game, as well as the author of several Star WarsÖ novels. And IÆm here to tell you about the Jedi Knight character class.

Now, anyone whoÆs familiar with my novels Darth Bane: Path of Destruction, Darth Bane: Rule of Two and the upcoming Darth Bane: Dynasty of Evil might be surprised to hear IÆm working on the Jedi Knight class. But I was excited to step away from the dark side so I could embrace the challenge of writing the ôgood guyö. (Or ôgirl,ö of course.)

And letÆs be honest: the Jedi Knight is *the* iconic character in this universe. Nothing says Star Wars like a brown-robed figure brandishing a shimmering energy blade of righteous destruction. The Jedi Knight is the classic take-charge, smite-evil, save-the-girl action hero. WeÆre all familiar with Luke Skywalker, of course. But he wasnÆt the only lightsaber wielding champion of virtue to flip, spin and somersault his way across the big screen. Young Obi-Wan Kenobi and Mace Windu both proved you can kick ass and take names while still valiantly battling to uphold the ideals of the Jedi Code.

Ah, the Jedi Code. ThatÆs where things get interesting, isnÆt it? Because the Jedi are more than just unstoppable Force warriors. TheyÆre symbols; they embody an ideal. The Code dictates that a JediÆs actions must be driven by logic and reason. There is no emotion, there is peace.

Nice theory. In practice, however, itÆs never that simple. Jedi Knights strive for mental, physical and spiritual perfection, but theyÆre still human. (Well, not just human, but you know what I mean.) TheyÆre not infallible, and meting out justice in a dangerous galaxy sometimes means getting your hands dirty.

You see, combat is never a problem for the Jedi Knight. Acrobatic lightsaber moves, unleashing devastating Force attacks and back-round kicking opponents in the face are second nature. But what happens when a sworn enemy surrenders and begs you for mercy? You *know* letting him live is going to come back and bite you. Unfortunately, slicing an unarmed opponent in half sort of violates everything the Jedi stand for. So, do you let him live? Or do you bend the rules û just this once û for the greater good?

Suppose you donÆt kill him. What if he offers you power in exchange for letting him go free? You can use that power for good. Make the galaxy a better place. The Jedi Council might disapprove, but theyÆre not out here on the front lines fighting for their lives day in and day out, are they?

Maybe thatÆs what the Jedi need. Someone with a bit more of an edge. Someone willing to push the limits. Someone willing to cross the lines and battle the Sith on their own terms.

Only once you start down that path, itÆs sometimes hard to turn back. Maybe the true heroes are the ones who resist the easy way out. Maybe the Code is what gives the Jedi their enduring strength. Maybe honoring its tenets under all circumstances is the only way to achieve ultimate victory over the dark side.

But the path of uncompromising virtue is a hard road. Take the whole ôJedi must avoid emotional attachmentsö thing. Love, romance û the Council has decreed these feelings must be denied. Yet after the heat of battle, is it so wrong to seek comfort in the arms of another? Is it better to live a life of solitude and loneliness, or to admit your true feelings and keep your secret affair hidden from those who would pass unfair judgment?

These are the kinds of questions you will face when you play the Jedi Knight. The galaxy needs a savior. The light side needs a champion. What kind will you be? Are you a paragon of virtue; the shining example the Council holds up to show the rest of the galaxy? Or are you a renegade, defying both Code and the Council as you purge Sith from the galaxy?

Whichever path you choose, just be sure to keep your lightsaber handy. I have a feeling youÆre going to need it.

Drew Karpyshyn
Senior Writer

 

[Bill Felix]

Drew Karpyshyn
Senior Writer

Guy's a good writer. I actually read his EU book about Darth Bane.

 

[The Eromancer]

Drew Karpyshyn
Senior Writer

Guy's a good writer. I actually read his EU book about Darth Bane.

Which was fuckin badass, I always wanted an intimate look about how the darkside worked and how the Sith came to be the way they are once to movies came around in those books I got both!

And speaking of the game, Bounty Hunter all the way baby.

 

[Ordo]

Imperial Agent


Assassin, Saboteur, the EmpireÆs Secret WeaponThe Empire dominates scores of star systems across the galaxy, but not through the power of the dark side alone. Behind the scenes, the cunning Agents of Imperial Intelligence track down and eliminate the EmpireÆs enemiesùfrom intractable Republic senators to traitorous Imperial Moffs to bloodthirsty rebels with Republic ties. Imperial Agents must master the arts of infiltration, seduction, and assassination to advance the EmpireÆs causes; they face the opposition of a terrified galaxy and the capriciousness of their own Sith overlords.

Imperial Intelligence cultivates a notoriously vast and efficient network of informants, enabling the Agent to navigate the galaxyÆs political landscape with effortless suave. Naturally, the AgentÆs allegiance to the Empire is without question, but great latitude exists for those so closely attuned to the EmpireÆs secret agendasùAgents often harbor their own mysterious motivations as well. Having pierced countless layers of intrigue, these spies know of conspiracies within conspiracies. Even close contacts find it hard to predict what an Imperial Agent will do until itÆs done.

The most elite operative within Imperial Intelligence is the æCipherÆ Agentùrecruited and trained to carry out the most dangerous and sensitive assignments the Empire has to offer. Whether working undercover or carrying out assignments in broad daylight, the Cipher races along the razorÆs edge of disaster, using carefully orchestrated tactics that leave little room for errorùthe smallest slip-up can be catastrophic. Each successful mission, however, shifts the galactic landscape in the EmpireÆs favor, and the Agent plays a supremely critical role in securing Imperial domination.


Relations with the SithThe upper echelons of Imperial society are reserved for the Force-sensitive Sith alone, but theirs is a world apart. The heart of the Empire consists of millions of subjects, descendants of the original exiles who settled Dromund Kaas. For these loyal citizens, the Imperial Agent is the exemplar of the highest level of achievement one might aspire to. These are the people the Agent risks everything to protect. Though there are few idealists in Imperial Intelligence, the art of professional perfection is held in deep reverence, and the Agent embodies the Imperial ideal in this respect.

http://www.swtor.com/info/holonet/classes/imperial-agent

Oddly enough, I could actually see playing/writing about this class, and normally I avoid anything to do with the Empire. I could easily see a talented agent, really just working to promote the stability of the Empire. After all if it falls into chaos, a lot of good soldiers, and civilains are going to suffer.

 

[Ordo]

Who is the Imperial Agent?

The Imperial Agent is the ghost inside the Empire who ensures the peopleÆs loyalty. She could be your neighbor, your lover or your superior officer. When rebellion stirs, she silences or discredits those who commit treason. SheÆs always alert, always watching for signs of dissent, and with a word, she can consign you to a dark cell for the rest of your life.

The Imperial Agent is the undercover spy whoÆs earned the trust of powerful individuals inside the Republic. She attends all the best parties, steals the plans of Senators and generals, and knows just what to sabotage and just who to kill to bring whole fleets crashing down around her. When sheÆs discovered, sheÆll disappear with a smile.

The Imperial Agent is the special operative who cleans up the messes made by Sith Lords who canÆt see the big pictureùor who further their own agenda at the expense of the greater good. Without anyone realizing it, the Imperial Agent keeps the Empire from falling apart by arranging backroom deals and undertaking secret missions into the underbelly of the Empire.

The Imperial Agent is the Intelligence officer who hunts down enemies no one else ever hears aboutùconspiracies, rogue Jedi, ascendancy malcontents, black ops groups inside the Strategic Information Service, and worse. No one will ever know about her victories, but the secrets she collects make her powerfulà and thatÆs the way she likes it.

Long story short? The Imperial Agent is an expert at infiltration, seduction and assassination. SheÆs part of Imperial Intelligence. And sheÆs whoever she needs to be to get the job done.

Creating a New Class

One of our goals for the Imperial Agent was to take a fresh look at the Star WarsÖ universe. We know what life is like for Jedi and Sith, smugglers and bounty huntersùbut what does it mean to be a citizen of the Empire, charged with protecting its people and bringing glory to its Sith rulers? What does it take to be part of a military machineùnot as a soldier on the front lines or a scheming Grand Moff, but as a player in politics and espionage? What sort of person navigates a galaxy of superweapons and superhumans with only his training and his wits, knowing that one wrong word could mean secrets exposed and wars lost? WhatÆs the ultimate goal for such an individual? Power? Thrills? Or simply an Empire safe from its enemies?

The Imperial Agent is an unusual class in that it doesnÆt neatly fit a specific Star Wars movie archetype. Oh, espionage clearly has a role in the settingùin the original trilogy alone, we see stolen Death Star plans, mysterious cloaked informants, good-hearted businessmen blackmailed into betraying old friends, infiltration teams flying salvaged enemy ships, and moreùbut the operatives themselves are rarely front-and-center. In a game with the scope of Star WarsÖ: The Old RepublicÖ, however, creating a class to deal directly with this setting element seemed natural.

That addresses the ôagentö part of the class. But why ôImperialö? We see a lot of loyal officers of the Empire in the films without getting inside their heads. Grand Moff Tarkin is the only character Darth Vader ever treats as an equalùhe can stare Darth Vader down even as Vader violently chokes people around him. But why? How does an ordinary man like Tarkin come to ôhold VaderÆs leash,ö and how would a lower-ranking officer ever survive a SithÆs wrath? Is it by proving yourself invaluable, or by having a secret edge your superiors canÆt beat?

ThereÆs also a lot to be explored in the role of the defender of a despotic nation. The Sith Empire has done terrible things, yesùbut trillions of ordinary Imperial citizens believe in its cause. The Empire isnÆt mired in the chaos and mediocrity of the democratic Republic. The Empire promises that great men will rise to the top, and lesser men can be proud to serve. Many Imperial Intelligence officers are genuinely patriotic, believers in the systemà and others are jaded, self-serving or idealistic reformers. If we were going to create a game where half our stories take place from the Imperial perspective, we needed a class that dived deep into the Imperial story

Secrets of the Imperial Agent

ThatÆs enough background and context. LetÆs talk specifically about what youÆre going to see and do in the Imperial Agent class story.

It all starts on Hutta, where XXX XXXXXX is trying to XXXX the XXXXXXXXXX of XXXXXX the Hutt. After XXX XXXXX XXXXXXX, the Imperial Agent XX XXXX XX XXXXXXXXXXX X XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXX on behalf of Darth XXXXX. HeÆll work alongside a genetically enhanced XXXXXXX, encounter double-agents and triple-agents, betray XXX XXX XXXXXX or perform atrocities in the name of the Empire. The Imperial Agent will need to determine his own loyalties and the loyalties of those around him, and survive the attentions of XXXXXXX successor, the Sith Lord XXXXX XXXXXXX.

The Republic military, the SIS and the Jedi will all have a part to play as well, and thatÆs just the beginningùenough to give you a taste without spoiling whatÆs to come.

Conclusion

Playing the Imperial Agent isnÆt for everyone. HeÆll never be out front with a Lightsaber or torching Droids with a flamethrower, and heÆll never receive fame and recognition for his successes. The Imperial Agent lives in the shadows and, when he does his job right, no one ever realizes he was there. His best weapons are a sniper rifle, his gadgets and his ability to charm or lie his way through any situation. He works for an Empire that places little value on an individual operativeÆs life.

ItÆs going to be rough. ItÆs going to be fun.

For those of you giving it a try, one last word of advice: Whatever you do? DonÆt trust XXXXXX.

Alexander Freed
Senior Writer

 

[Ordo]

I really hope this works...

<a href='http://www.swtor.com/media/trailers/taral-v-developer-walkthrough' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>Taral V walkthrough</a>