**** Official Star Wars The Old Republic Thread ****

Permabanned
Joined
15 Sep 2006
Posts
4,642
Location
Somewhere in York
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/themes/swtor/assets/home_logo.png

Play Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ and forge your own Star Wars™ saga in a story-driven massively-multiplayer online game from BioWare and LucasArts. Explore an age thousands of years before the rise of Darth Vader when war between the Old Republic and the Sith Empire divides the galaxy.

Choose to be a Jedi, a Sith, or from a variety of other classic Star Wars roles, and make decisions which define your personal story and determine your path down the light or dark side of the Force. Along the way you will befriend courageous companions who will fight at your side or possibly betray you based on your actions. Together, you will battle enemies in dynamic Star Wars combat and team up with other players to overcome incredible challenges.

Join us. Your personal Star Wars saga begins in Star Wars: The Old Republic.


STORY BACKGROUND

The Galactic Republic stood for generations as a bastion of peace in a galaxy of warring star systems. Protected by its stalwart Jedi guardians, the Republic held the greatest hope for the progress of civilization and galactic unity.

Deep in unknown space, however, a mighty Sith Empire was forged, led by dark Sith Lords who dreamt of galactic domination and vengeance against their ancient Jedi enemies. After centuries of preparation, the time came for the Sith to make their return.
With a massive fleet and an awe-inspiring army of fearless troops, the Sith Emperor launched a surprise assault, quickly capturing dozens of worlds in the Outer Rim, and sparking a war unlike any other in the galaxy’s history.

From the frozen wastes of Ilum to the desert plains of Dathomir, violent battles killed untold millions. Despite its avowed neutrality, surface structures on the water-covered world of Manaan were completely destroyed, forcing the Selkath to retreat to their ocean underworld. Other star systems fared worse—some destroyed, others left uninhabitable. The carnage concluded with the Sith Empire sacking the Republic's capital planet of Coruscant and forcing the Republic Senate into the controversial Treaty of Coruscant.
In the years since the treaty, fear and uncertainty have gripped the galaxy, enabling the Sith Emperor to pursue his own mysterious purposes while the Republic has made efforts to rebuild its infrastructure and adjust military priorities to the new galactic landscape.

Now, tensions between the Republic and the Empire are running high, and a series of border skirmishes and proxy wars have broken out, even on planets as historically peaceful as Alderaan. The uneasy truce established by the Treaty of Coruscant is quickly tearing apart at the seams, and a return to all-out war has begun in all but official terms.

A new generation of heroes, both light and dark, emerges to face the difficulties of these chaotic times, and fight for the fate of the galaxy in this most desperate age.




FAQ


Q:What is Star Wars™: The Old Republic™?

A:Star Wars: The Old Republic represents a new approach to online entertainment, featuring immersive storytelling, dynamic combat, and groundbreaking companion characters. The game takes place in the Star Wars™ galaxy approximately three hundred years after the events of Star Wars™: Knights of the Old Republic™.

Q:When does Star Wars: The Old Republic take place in relation to the movies?

A:Star Wars: The Old Republic takes place more than 3,500 years before the rise of Darth Vader. The most powerful Sith Empire in history has emerged from deep space to attack the Republic and its legendary Jedi guardians. After decades of war, a tenuous truce has been established between the Sith Empire and the Republic, but events occurring in the game are leading the galaxy back to an all-out war.

Q:How does Star Wars: The Old Republic relate to Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic?

A:Star Wars: The Old Republic takes place approximately three hundred years after the events of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR). At the conclusion of the Jedi Civil War in KOTOR, Revan disappeared into unknown space in search of a great threat to the Republic, an expanding Sith Empire led by a mysterious Emperor who planned vengeance for his ancient Jedi enemies. Revan never returned from unknown space, but the Sith Empire did, kicking off a war with the Republic that lasted for decades. Now, despite the uneasy truce created by the Treaty of Coruscant, the tension among the divided star systems is threatening to once again tear the galaxy apart.

Q:How do I join the Star Wars: The Old Republic community?

A:All you have to do is use the register option above or click this link and fill in a few details such as your email address and date of birth. You’ll receive a verification link in your email which, once used, will activate your account.


CLASSES

Professional Classifications

In the decades since the Great War began, a careful study of professional classifications, or classes, has identified several archetypes of great interest. Individuals belonging to these classes gravitate towards key roles in history-making events. Because of the likelihood that representatives of these archetypes will shape the future of the galaxy, a closer analysis of each class is warranted and is posted here for further study and discussion.

TROOPER
- JEDI SIDE


Not all heroes carry Lightsabers. Some just have the will to fight.

For decades, the armed forces of the Galactic Republic defended their civilization against the seemingly unstoppable Sith Empire. Despite countless setbacks, the men and women of the Republic military never backed down until the Senate ordered them to do so. These brave souls remain ready and willing to lay their lives on the line today.

In the wake of the Treaty of Coruscant, the Republic military has begun recruiting from within its own ranks, creating cutting-edge Special Forces squads for the inevitable day when the war with the Sith Empire begins anew. These advanced strike teams are comprised of only the most talented and disciplined soldiers—a new breed of elite Republic Troopers.

These Troopers are the embodiment of the Republic military’s highest aspirations—the most advanced fighting force in the galaxy. They are equipped to face any foe in any environment, but it’s not their gear that makes them tough—it’s their guts. The Troopers’ greatest weapons are their indomitable spirit, their unwavering sense of duty and their undying loyalty to each other and to the ideals that the Republic represents. In this age, the stakes have never been higher. The Republic must win or face extinction. The fate of the galaxy rests upon ordinary men becoming extraordinary heroes. This is the path of the Republic Trooper.

The Knights of the Jedi Order have defended the Republic for generations, but they have not fought alone. A host of unsung heroes have marched at the Jedi’s side—common men courageous enough to enlist and face the same risks as their Jedi comrades despite not having access to the Jedi powers of protection. These heroes have not gone unappreciated by the Jedi. The men and women of the Republic military are accorded complete respect and admiration by the Order and by the Republic’s political leaders.

In the years since the Treaty of Coruscant, the Jedi have withdrawn in significant numbers to their homeworld of Tython. Their presence in the Republic military, though still significant, is not what it was during the war. In many ways, the Republic’s newly-trained elite Troopers have stepped up to take charge of the Republic’s defenses. When Troopers are partnered with the Jedi, they are a force to be reckoned with on any battlefield.

Deployed to the hairiest battlefields in the galaxy, Republic Troopers generally travel in small, specialized squads. It is not uncommon, however, to see a Trooper engaging enemies on his or her own. Whether operating solo or in groups, members of the Republic Special Forces have become intimidating opponents to their enemies.

http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/trooper/images/ss1_800x450.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/trooper/images/ss2_800x450.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/trooper/images/ss3_800x450.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/trooper/images/ss4_800x450.jpg

The Republic’s experiments with a new generation of heavy blaster rifles have proven successful, sparking a galaxy-wide trend towards larger, more powerful and more versatile armaments. It takes a great deal of strength and training, however, to wield these war machines, so they’re rarely used outside the military. Republic engineers have also worked overtime fashioning new defensive gear for the Republic’s most elite soldiers, armor suits that provide maximum protection and flexibility in multiple environments.

http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/trooper/images/ca1_800x515.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/trooper/images/ca2_800x515.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/trooper/images/ca3_800x515.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/trooper/images/ca4_800x257.jpg

Whether fighting as part of a small strike squad or at the forefront of a larger force, the Trooper can unleash unrivalled fire-power against his enemies. A Trooper’s rifle is his best friend, and the military is constantly challenged to design faster, more powerful and more reliable blaster rifles every year. Wielding such rifles and wearing protective battle armour designed by the Republic’s top engineers, the Trooper will not hesitate to step right into the crossfire. Whether storming a base or a battlefield, the Trooper charges into the fight, blaster-rifle blazing, to clear a path for freedom and justice.

Though the Trooper’s tactical strengths tend to rely on ranged technology and superior firepower, standard training involves lengthy exercises in close-quarters combat. A slam to the face from a cortosis-reinforced rifle stock is a very effective melee maneuver.

In addition to the arsenal of attacks available to the Trooper using his rifle, standard Trooper equipment often includes a number of sticky grenades. Nearly impossible to remove, these explosives unerringly dispose of the target and anyone standing nearby.

Taking full advantage of the modern rifle’s versatile attachments, the Trooper can launch a high-powered grenade that explodes on impact, incapacitating a single target.




BOUNTY HUNTER - SITH SIDE

Hunter, seeker, killer for hire

Countless enemies stand in the way of the Sith Empire’s drive for domination. The Empire spares no expense eliminating these threats, offering massive bounties to employ the galaxy’s most lethal hunters. Earning a death mark from the Empire means a life spent in fear, constantly looking over one’s shoulder. It’s never a question if a Bounty Hunter will find you… only when.

Both infamous and anonymous at the same time, Bounty Hunters are far more than mercenaries for hire—they’re heirs to a professional legacy—an ancient brotherhood with a glorious history. Tracking elusive targets across multiple star systems requires expertise, especially when the targets can be prominent, powerful, and often prepared for confrontation. Thrill seekers from all walks of life set out to become Bounty Hunters, but only the most hard-boiled survive in this competitive and deadly business.

The Bounty Hunter’s path lies along the edge—the stakes are always high—and the path only leads two places, to a life of infamous glory… or to a quick and ignominious death.

Though the Empire disapproves of the Bounty Hunters’ fierce independence, exceptions are made for those who get results. Few individuals in the galaxy have the gall and the stomach to deliver on the delicate and grim tasks in which Bounty Hunters excel. Nonetheless, no one is irreplaceable in the Empire, and even the most proficient must repeatedly prove their worth. In the bounty business, one’s name is everything, and with each mark a Bounty Hunter takes down, his reputation grows, as does his price.


Bounty Hunters are far from a homogeneous lot—they come from all races and affiliations and each pursues his quarry in his own unique way. Some Bounty Hunters adhere to the rugged Mandalorian code of honor while others answer only to their own moral compass. Some work only on behalf of organizations they agree with, while others have no sense of loyalty.

Despite being kindred spirits, fellow Bounty Hunters cannot always be trusted—among the profession’s most notorious members, competition turns colleagues into the most ruthless of enemies. Even the Bounty Hunters’ employers harbor hidden agendas; the tables are turned quickly when complications arise… and they always do. Shifting allegiances, unbeatable odds, and deadly showdowns are common in the occurrences in the life of a Bounty Hunter.

Bounty Hunters come and go as they wish across the galaxy, some working alone, others in groups. Though not uncommon for them to pursue targets in the core worlds, the majority of any Bounty Hunter’s work takes place in the Outer Rim where wary and elusive targets often seek places where they can ‘drop off the radar’.

http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/bountyhunter/screenshots/ss1.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/bountyhunter/screenshots/ss2.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/bountyhunter/screenshots/ss3.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/bountyhunter/screenshots/ss4.jpg

Preparation is the Bounty Hunter’s best defense, and cutting-edge protective gear is standard equipment for most Bounty Hunters. Artisans spend months and even years hand-crafting the Bounty Hunters’ heavy armor to ensure it offers superior resistance to all manner of weaponry, and that each suit will still allow maximum flexibility and versatility. Offense is just as critical as defense, however, and powerful weaponry is necessary for any Bounty Hunter who might have to shoot his way out of a messy situation. It’s not unheard of for a Bounty Hunter to spend as many credits on an advanced blaster as others might spend to purchase an entire starship.

http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/bountyhunter/screenshots/of1.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/bountyhunter/screenshots/of2.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/bountyhunter/screenshots/of3.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/bountyhunter/screenshots/of4.jpg

Whether working for credits or principle, the Bounty Hunter pursues his targets with dogged determination and methodical precision. Bounty Hunters are renowned for their versatility on the battlefield and their ability to go toe-to-toe with force-users. Their legendary abilities in this arena have earned them the nickname “Jedi Killers”. Whoever they must face, however, the Bounty Hunter comes armed with the most-advanced weaponry on the black market, packing heavy firepower but always keeping a variety of tricks and gadgets ready to go.

Always prepared to change tactics on the fly, the Bounty Hunter’s arsenal includes a powerful twitch-action jetpack, allowing the Bounty Hunter to shoot into the air and unleashing a hail of blaster-fire.

Bounty Hunters are “early adopters” for the most advanced weapons technologies. They have both the credits and the opportunities to experiment with all manner of gadgets. Though almost always handy with blasters, Bounty Hunters also keep tricks up their sleeve such as a wrist mounted missile launcher.

No matter how much planning and strategy is done before an assault, close-quarters combat is often unavoidable. Fortunately, Bounty Hunters are equipped with the gear to burn anyone or anything that decides to get too close.

 
PLANETS

The known galaxy is more than 100,000 light-years in diameter and consists of billions of star systems. Among these star systems, current estimates suggest there are more than one million inhabited worlds—many of them still unknown. At the current time, several planetary systems have been singled out for further study. It is on these worlds that analysts believe the future of the galaxy will be decided. Profiles of these planetary bodies are available here.

Tython

Mystical scholars gathered on the harsh and mysterious world of Tython millennia ago to begin the first studies of the Force, but controversy among the scholars’ ranks created a cataclysm which nearly destroyed the planet. A small group of survivors fled to another star system, put their dark past behind them, and founded the Jedi Order.

Thousands of years passed, and the true legacy of Tython was forgotten.
Rediscovering the planet early in the Great War, the modern Jedi began exploring the mysteries of Tython’s history, and learning much about the earliest Force users.

When the Empire sacked Coruscant and destroyed their long-standing Temple, the Jedi Council chose to rebuild the Temple on Tython and train a new generation of Jedi to battle the Sith menace. They soon discovered, however, that Tython’s mystical power carried its own dark legacy, a pervasive taint of unknown origins…


http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/planets/tython/screen04_800x450_holonet.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/planets/tython/screen01_800x450_holonet.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/planets/tython/screen03_800x450_holonet.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/planets/tython/screen02_800x450_holonet.jpg



Korriban

The earliest Sith lived on the red, dusty planet of Korriban, determined to grow strong despite the inhospitable climate. Their success culminated in a bold civilization, made stronger when dark Force-users arrived and interbred after being driven out of the early Jedi Order. This ancient Sith civilization eventually became a superpower and challenged the Republic during the Great Hyperspace war. Their defeat drove a handful of survivors into deep space where they regrouped and rebuilt, determined to return.

Over time, the new Sith Empire lost its way back to Korriban, until a visit a few centuries ago by two Jedi returning from the Mandalorian wars. Turned to the dark side, the two Jedi, Revan and Malak, attempted to reclaim the Sith’s legacy in the known galaxy, but turned on each other and self-destructed.

The true Sith Empire, governed by a thousand-year-old Dark Emperor, wisely waited, and returned to the known galaxy only when completely prepared to defeat the Jedi and the Republic.

Retaking the holy planet of Korriban as a top priority, the Sith re-established the glorious Sith Academy and began training a new generation of Sith to inherit their dark legacy and seize their birthright as the true rulers of the galaxy.

http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/planets/korriban/screen04_800x450_holonet.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/planets/korriban/screen01_800x450_holonet.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/planets/korriban/screen02_800x450_holonet.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/planets/korriban/screen03_800x450_holonet.jpg


Nal Hutta

In Huttese, the name translates into “Glorious Jewel”, and the planet more commonly called Nal Hutta is considered a paradise to the gluttonous tastes of the Hutts. To anyone else, though, the planet is a living nightmare—a disgusting and dangerous place to visit, and an unthinkable place to live. Current Underworld slang has shortened the name to a simple ‘Hutta’—a place where more civilized people threaten to send their children if they misbehave.

Before the creation of the Republic, Hutta was controlled by the native Evocii, a relatively primitive race who made the mistake of engaging in extensive business deals with the Hutts, ignoring rumors of their legendary greed. Centuries later, the Evocii realized their mistake too late—their entire civilization was mortgaged. When the Hutts’ home-world of Varl later became polluted and uninhabitable, the Hutts collected on the Evocii’s debts, becoming rulers of the planet.

In the thousands of years since, the Hutts have subjugated the Evocii—they live in slavery and squalor while the Hutts’ insatiable pursuit of wealth pollutes the planet. Hutta has become the breeding grounds for the powerful Hutt families who control competing crime cartels that operate across the galaxy. Though petty vendettas keep them in constant conflict with one another, the Hutts have remained neutral in the long-running war between the Republic and the Sith Empire, keeping their world exactly as they like it.

The Hutts are the lords of Hutta’s demented society, and all other races, even official foreign emissaries, are seen as expendable fodder in the Hutts’ bloated, wormlike eyes. Even the most infamous bounty hunters are hesitant to venture on the Hutts’ home-turf, and no sane person would ever come to Hutta willingly without the most crucial need.

http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/planets/hutta/screen03_800x450_holonet.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/planets/hutta/screen01_800x450_holonet.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/planets/hutta/screen04_800x450_holonet.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/planets/hutta/screen02_800x450_holonet.jpg


Ord Mantell

The mountainous plains and volcanic islands of Ord Mantell are littered with the ravages of a ruthless civil war. Republic forces are fighting elusive separatists who are conducting guerilla style strikes against both military and civilian targets. Adding questions to an already questionable situation, the planet’s government, though loyal to the Republic, is merely a puppet regime for underworld concerns.

Corellian colonists settled Ord Mantell nine thousand years ago, and the planet became a staging point for Republic military operations in the Outer Rim. Ord Mantell’s strategic value waned over the centuries, however, and after a corrupt admiral sold off the local fleet, the military all but abandoned the planet. Ord Mantell soon became a haven for smugglers, pirates, and bounty hunters, and the local government fell under the sway of the crime syndicates—a dynamic that remains in place to this day.

Though largely uncontested during the war between the Republic and the Sith Empire, things changed after the Treaty of Coruscant. Though many star systems withdrew from the Republic, Ord Mantell’s corrupt governors decided it was better business to stay loyal. Not all of the planet’s populace agreed, however, and a separatist movement began and quickly escalated into an armed conflict.

The marauders began a hit-and-run war to drive the military off the planet and achieve independence. Over the last two years, the separatist attacks have ravaged the landscape and de-stabilized the corrupted government. Despite the difficult situation, Ord Mantell’s defenses are being bolstered. Crime syndicates backing the local government are bringing in potent black-market technologies from Nar Shaddaa, and the Republic is deploying its most elite forces.

The battle for Ord Mantell is just beginning.

http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/planets/ordmantell/screen04_800x450_holonet.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/planets/ordmantell/screen02_800x450_holonet.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/planets/ordmantell/screen03_800x450_holonet.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/planets/ordmantell/screen01_800x450_holonet.jpg
 
Allegiances and Factions

As the most advanced civilization in the known galaxy, the Galactic Republic has stood united for more than 21,000 years. Protected by the legendary Jedi Order, the Republic has defeated all its enemies, including the original Sith Empire in the Great Hyperspace War. Rising from the ashes of that defeat, however, and led by an unnaturally long-lived Dark Emperor, the Sith rebuilt and returned to exact their vengeance. The Great War between Empire and Republic raged for years until a reprieve from constant conflict was defined in the Treaty of Coruscant. The tension between these two fundamentally opposed superpowers has not abated, though, and the return to war is widely considered to be inevitable. When that day comes, neutrality will not be an option. Everyone will be forced to choose which side they will give their allegiance to.

Across the galaxy, dozens of smaller alliances have come together. Interstellar crime syndicates, multi-planet economic coalitions, and fleets of spacefaring nomads are plentiful and varied. Whether through political machinations, underworld activities, or sheer military might, many of these factions have grown to have significant prominence and power.

Galactic Republic

  • Established 21,400 BTC
  • Hundreds of star systems represented in the galactic senate
  • Constitution based democracy, freedom and individual rights
  • Suffering from a massive economic depression since war began

A Bright Light In The Darkness...

For more than twenty thousand years, the Galactic Republic has been the most civilized and advanced power in the known galaxy. Governed by the Galactic Senate with representatives from hundreds of star systems and planets, the Republic has been the center of peace and progress, a bright beacon in the darkness of outer space.

The revered Jedi Order has sworn itself to defend the Republic, to battle the darkness, and to bring peace and balance to the greater galaxy. The Jedi have served for millennia in this capacity, and in that time they have earned themselves the admiration of their allies, and the hatred of their enemies.

Less than a century ago, the greatest of those enemies returned…

The onslaught of the Sith Empire caught the Republic and the Jedi completely by surprise, and during a long and arduous war, the Republic was broken. After the capital planet of Coruscant was ravaged by the Sith’s Imperial forces, the Supreme Chancellor and the Senate were forced to sign the painful Treaty of Coruscant, which required the Republic to withdraw its support of several long-standing allies, including the ever-loyal Bothans.

Struggling with a wave of withdrawing star systems, an insurmountable supply crisis, and chaos on the streets of Coruscant, the Senate has become paralyzed in the years since the treaty.

The bitter and divided nobility of the Core Worlds disputes every decision, damaging the morale of the Republic’s already discouraged citizens. Blaming the Jedi for the failures that led to Imperial domination, the Senate has distanced itself from the Republic’s legendary guardians.

The Jedi remain committed to protecting the Republic, but the Jedi Council has moved from Coruscant to the ancient Jedi homeworld of Tython.

The Republic has trained up new squads of Special Forces, disciplined teams capable of working together with near-perfect efficiency. These elite troopers still work often in conjunction with the Jedi, but in many places, the troopers have taken the prominent role in providing the Republic’s defense.

Despite a post-war economic depression and the continued expansion of its enemies, the spirit of the Republic remains independent, brave, and strong. New leaders are stepping forward even now to stand against the dark Sith Empire, liberate the galaxy, and restore the Republic to its former glory.

http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/...acticrepublic/galacticrepublic004_800x450.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/...acticrepublic/galacticrepublic001_800x450.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/...acticrepublic/galacticrepublic003_800x450.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/...acticrepublic/galacticrepublic005_800x450.jpg


Jedi Order
  • Origins can be tracked back to Tython
  • Sworn to defend the republic
  • Guided by a 12-Member Jedi Council
  • Believe the force is not for the pursuit of power


The Jedi have been the noble peacekeepers and diplomats for the Galactic Republic for 22,000 years. While law-abiding citizens look to the Jedi with respect and inspiration, the Galactic Republic’s enemies regard the Jedi with suspicion, fear, and anger.

The success of the Sith Empire’s military campaign during the Great War saw the deaths of thousands of Jedi. During the sacking of Coruscant, six Masters of the Jedi Council were killed, and in the time since, the Sith have started their own recruitment campaign to seek out Force-sensitive children around the galaxy.

These catastrophes have damaged the Galactic Republic’s faith in its legendary protectors, but they are far from defeated. Overwhelmed but fearless, the Jedi have returned to their ancient homeworld of Tython, recommitting to their timeless principles and looking to the future, hoping to restore balance to the Force and peace and justice to the galaxy.

Despite their intentions, the Jedi Order’s search for serenity on Tython has been strained. Among the ancient Tythonian ruins, mysterious Force energies abound, and the legacy of a long forgotten darkness has re-emerged. With the arrival of a Twi’lek pilgrim clan determined to settle on Tython in violation of Galactic Republic law, delicate and dangerous trials have arisen for Jedi Padawans in training and for the Order itself.

http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/allegiances/jediorder/jediorder001_800x450.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/allegiances/jediorder/jediorder002_800x450.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/allegiances/jediorder/jediorder003_800x450.jpg


The Sith Empire

  • Rebuilt by remnants of the original Sith Empire
  • Emperor has lived more then 1,300 years
  • Imperial population far less than Republic
  • Society divided between Sith and Non-Sith

The true origins of the Sith remain shrouded in mystery. The Sith race was, in fact, largely unimportant until three thousand years ago, when Dark Jedi exiles arrived on Korriban and subjugated the Sith beneath their rule and their philosophy.

As the years passed, the Dark Jedi intermarried with those they ruled, and within generations, the word “Sith” took on new meaning. This powerful new civilization began expanding rapidly, led by a growing population of ambitious dark Force-users. Fifteen hundred years ago, the Sith civilization’s boundaries reached the Republic, and the Great Hyperspace War began.

Dark Lord of the Sith Naga Sadow led his armies in an aggressive campaign to destroy the Galactic Republic. Though the Sith were successful at first, the Jedi Order rallied back to defeat their dark counterparts, systematically destroying the Sith civilization on Korriban.

Unbeknownst to the Jedi however, the last Emperor of the Sith managed to escape the carnage and fled into Deep Space with his most trusted Dark Lords.

These surviving Sith began rebuilding their society on a distant planet, hoping to one-day return for revenge.

Over the course of the next thousand years, the Sith Empire recovered its strength. The Emperor developed a massive Imperial military, a fleet of advanced warships, and undertook dark rituals which prolonged his life and his undisputed rule.

When the time for vengeance arrived, the Sith began infiltrating star systems in the Outer Rim, sowing seeds of discord and making secret deals with local criminals and warlords. With all the pieces perfectly in place, the Sith launched an enormous offensive which caught the Jedi completely off-guard. In the first wave alone, the Sith succeeded in seizing control of several star systems in the Outer Rim, destroying the Republic’s shipyards in the Sluis sector, and strangling the popular Rimma Trade Route.

After the initial crush, the Emperor’s brilliant strategies continued and the brutal force of the Imperial military slammed the Republic time and time again, from the deep sinkholes of Utapau to the tall forests of Agamar. Though it seemed the Empire was capable of waging war indefinitely, the Emperor surprised the Republic yet again.

While the Emperor’s Dark Council engaged Republic leaders in peace talks, several Sith Lords and an elite Imperial army sacked the Republic’s capital planet.

Destroying the Jedi Temple and holding the planet hostage, the Sith left Republic leaders no choice but to surrender several outlying star systems by signing the Treaty of Coruscant.

Since the treaty, the Emperor has withdrawn to pursue his own mysterious goals, deferring control to the Dark Council, and setting the stage for a brutal power struggle. In the political vacuum, the strongest and most cunning Sith and Imperial leaders are rising up to assume authority, consolidate the Empire’s dominion and crush its enemies.

http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/allegiances/sithempire/sithempire001_800x450.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/allegiances/sithempire/sithempire002_800x450.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/allegiances/sithempire/sithempire003_800x450.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/allegiances/sithempire/sithempire004_800x450.jpg


Sith Lords


  • Origins in second Jedi Schism, 3,347 BTC
  • Dark Jedi intermarried with Sith race on Korriban
  • Defeated by the Jedi in the Great Hyperspace War
  • Governed by the emperor and a 12-Member Dark Council



The true Sith have spent centuries building their strength in the depths of unknown space. The Sith Emperor patiently planned for the day when his Sith Empire would repay the Jedi for the humiliating defeats of the past. In that time, generations of Sith have come and gone, working hard and devoting their lives to the dream of vengeance.

With dark discipline and meticulous execution, the Sith’s first assault on their enemies succeeded to near-perfection. They sliced through the Jedi and their defenses as if they weren’t even there. Though their aggressive advances were eventually slowed, the Sacking of Coruscant settled any questions about whether the Sith were victorious.

In the years since the treaty, the twelve-member Sith Dark Council has overseen the consolidation of the Empire’s new domains and the restructuring to put practical matters in the hands of the Imperial military so the Sith Lords can plan for the future. The Sith Lords’ focus has now turned to recruiting and training new acolytes to increase the Empire’s power. When the final battle with the Jedi comes, the Sith Lords plan to be prepared. There will be no mercy.

In the vaulted halls of the Sith Academy on Korriban and in the deep tombs of the great Dark Lords of the past, potential Sith must face arduous tests to prove their worthiness. Even if they survive this deadly training, though, their greatest challenge lies in the cruel competition of their fellow acolytes, as each vies for the favor of their Masters. Ultimately, only the strongest will become Sith; the others will simply die trying.

http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/planets/korriban/concept04_800x450_holonet.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/allegiances/sithlords/sithlords001_580x325.jpg
http://cdn-www.swtor.com/sites/all/files/allegiances/sithlords/sithlords002_580x325.jpg
 
Last edited:
Screenshots and Videos

Videos

Video Documentary

Flash
Quicktime
Windows Media Player


The Story and Setting


Flash
Quicktime
Windows Media Player


Timeline Trailer

Flash
Quicktime
Windows Media Player


Timeline Trailer 2

Flash
Quicktime
Windows Media Player



Diverse Worlds


Flash
Quicktime
Windows Media Player


E3 09: Press Conference

Flash


Jedi vs Sith Cinematic


Flash
Quicktime
Windows Media Player



Screenshots

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.massively.com/media/2008/10/ss_20081021_droidswithblasters_full.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.massively.com/media/2008/10/ss_20081021_tomblightsaberduel_full.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.massively.com/media/2008/10/ss_20081021_trooperopensfire_full.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.massively.com/media/2008/10/ss_20081021_forcechoke_full.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.massively.com/media/2008/10/ss_20081021_platformlightsaberduel_full.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.massively.com/media/2008/11/akeldor-sms-1108.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.massively.com/media/2008/11/towerfight-sms-1108.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.massively.com/media/2008/12/ss_20081226_attackplans_1600x780-sms-1208.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.massively.com/media/2008/12/ss_20081226_droidfiring_1600x780-sms-1208.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.massively.com/media/2008/12/ss_20081226_droids_1600x780-sms-1208.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.massively.com/media/2009/01/swavoidance.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.massively.com/media/2009/01/swconfrontation.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.massively.com/media/2009/01/swharsh_elements.jpg
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.massively.com/media/2009/01/swprepared_to_defend.jpg


http://www.massively.com/gallery/star-wars-the-old-republic-1/1190902/full/
 
Last edited:
Rumour Mill, Additional Information and the comic


During this afternoon's EA press conference for E3, Bioware and LucasArts announced that the upcoming MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic will be the world's first fully voiced MMO featuring 'hundreds of thousands of lines of dialogue'. The announcement came during the concluding minutes of EA's event and featured numerous lightsaber-wielding Jedi mounting the stage, two of whom revealed themselves as representatives of Bioware and LucasArts.
Source

Edge Magazine's newest issue contains an interview with James Ohlem, director for Star Wars: The Old Republic, and within said interview he reveals the Smuggler classes' existence.

According to the Ohlem, via the scanned image, "Ord Mantell is a war-torn world and it's where the Smuggler starts off, when his ship gets stolen. He's pretty angry; imagine what Han Solo would've been like if the Millennium Falcon got taken." Sounds like a good place to start for the law-bending, blaster toting class.
Source

We found out when they let us touch the keyboard during our visit to LucasArt’s E3 booth. Playing as a Sith bounty hunter called Darthawesome (a name I sadly can’t take credit for), I went on a mission to kill the captain of a spaceship for disobeying a direct order to attack another ship. Using a similar circular-type conversation system as Mass Effect, I confronted the errant commander and, having decided to play as a real jerk, I showed him the error of his ways…with my lightsaber. And no, I’m not being euphemistic.

But before I had a chance to attack the ship he had been ordered to attack, it struck first, with soldiers from it boarding the ship I had just made leader-less.

In other words, now is the time on The Old Republic when we fight.

Control-wise, Republic works much like other MMOs, with you using the “W," "A,” “S,” and “D” or arrow buttons to move, and the number keys to initiate attacks that correspond to the numbered icons along the bottom of the screen. Except that when you play as a Sith, as I did, doing simple melee attacks with your lightsaber builds up your Action Points, which you can use to do special attacks. So, for example, after attacking some guys a couple times with some quick jabs of the “1” key, I was able to stun everyone around me with a “5.” Or maybe a “4.” It happened kind of fast. All I know is everyone stopped hitting me long enough for me to slice ’em up.

You can also, like our Lord And Vader, use the Force to choke someone. Though this being a special attack, you can’t just run around choking people whenever you want, like when the guy at Coffee Bean gets your order wrong. Again.

Then there's this leaping attack where, if you’re far enough from an enemy, and designate him as your intended target, you can hit “3” and leap across the room, hitting him with a devastating downstrike attack. It’s almost as cool as the leap move in Wolverine, so much so that I kept backing up just so I could leap attack people.

But being an MMO, which is supposed to be about more than just hacking and slashing guys, I couldn’t help but struggle with the combat. Maybe it’s the console gamer in me, or my virgin status when it comes to MMO, but I kept expecting my character to lock onto the nearest enemy and await my command to attack, and instead I often had to hit the “TAB” button to make him pick a target. I also had some trouble moving and fighting at the same time, even when using the arrow keys. But these, as I said, are issues more about my gaming experience, or lack thereof, than with this particular game, so anyone who’s played WoW or any other MMO for more than a week won’t have these problems.

Sadly, I soon ran out of enemies to pounce on. Thus endeth the demo. And, of course, this preview.


Source




The Comic

Act 1: Treaty of Coruscant

Issue 1

http://www.swtor.com/media/webcomic/act1?page=1

Issue 2

http://www.swtor.com/media/webcomic/act1?comicpage=4

Issue 3

http://www.swtor.com/media/webcomic/act1?comicpage=7

Issue 4

http://www.swtor.com/media/webcomic/act1?comicpage=10
 
Last edited:
Question:

Wont everyone just want to be Jedi, and we'll have millions of lightsaber wielding fools running about?

And surely anyone who's a Jedi would pee all over everyone else?
 
Question:

Wont everyone just want to be Jedi, and we'll have millions of lightsaber wielding fools running about?

And surely anyone who's a Jedi would pee all over everyone else?

You make it sound bad, its gonna be frikkin cool loads of lightsabers battles and as for jedi pftfft pansies:D
 
Wow, that looks awesome.

Hopefully it will be backed up with lots of substance too!
 
Hey skippi90 yep it will be sub based, would expect it to be the current rate 8.99 to 9.99 a month, cheaper if you buy a quarter or yearly sub. Same as the current mmorpgs really.

This is looking ace. is there a date being thrown around for possible release?


Teki187 excellent post mate, nice one!! :D
 
Nice work on the thread Teki.

It's along way from release, but hopefully the thread will continue to live on during the quieter periods.

Starwars + Bioware - Sony = Can't wait!:D
 
Hey skippi90 yep it will be sub based, would expect it to be the current rate 8.99 to 9.99 a month, cheaper if you buy a quarter or yearly sub. Same as the current mmorpgs really.

This is looking ace. is there a date being thrown around for possible release?


Teki187 excellent post mate, nice one!! :D

Wow, that's quite expensive to me. :(

Guess I'll have to let this one go.
 
Question:

Wont everyone just want to be Jedi, and we'll have millions of lightsaber wielding fools running about?

And surely anyone who's a Jedi would pee all over everyone else?

There'll be a lot of Jedi, yes, but I'm sure I won't be alone in opting for the Bounty hunter as they sound more dynamic & offer variety in play, lightsabres are cool but a bit samey after a while:

Bounty Hunters are renowned for their versatility on the battlefield and their ability to go toe-to-toe with force-users. Their legendary abilities in this arena have earned them the nickname “Jedi Killers”. Whoever they must face, however, the Bounty Hunter comes armed with the most-advanced weaponry on the black market, packing heavy firepower but always keeping a variety of tricks and gadgets ready to go...Bounty Hunters are “early adopters” for the most advanced weapons technologies. They have both the credits and the opportunities to experiment with all manner of gadgets.

I also expect there'll be a load of bots that are normal troopers etc...
 
Back
Top Bottom