Report #8: Archives from the Church of the Force

<Note: This report is only available to those who have the highest security clearance.>

The defeat of Imperial leadership at the Battle of Endor has provided a new glimmer of hope for those beings who want to study the way of the Force, since the threat of persecution for doing so is lessened. Indeed, there have been rumblings of a group known as the Church of the Force, beings who revere such mysticism whether or not they have aptitude for wielding it. To that end, this report introduces a special agent, Chonta Veleb, who has studied these matters and will offer insight into the various ways in which this energy field manifests itself throughout the galaxy.

-Vor Sendalin, New Republic Intelligence Operative

Chonta Veleb Type: Young Jedi DEXTERITY 3D KNOWLEDGE 2D Languages 4D MECHANICAL 2D PERCEPTION 4D Investigation 6D STRENGTH 2D TECHNICAL 2D Special Abilities: Force skills: Control 2D, Sense 2D, Alter 2D. Force powers: Accelerate healing, control pain, hibernation trance, life detection, life sense, magnify senses, reduce injury, remain conscious, sense Force Force Points: 2 Character Points: 5 Move: 10 Equipment: 500 credits, blaster pistol (damage 4D), Astromech droid

Chonta Veleb Brawn 2 Agility 2 Intellect 2 Cunning 2 Willpower 2 Presence 2 Soak: 2 Wound Threshold: 12 Strain Threshold: 12 M/R Defense: 0 / 0 Skills: Athletics 1, Discipline 1, Lore 1, Perception 1, Survival 1, Vigilance 1 Talents: Enhance Basic Power, Foresee Basic Power, (Control Upgrade), Grit, Insight, Sense Danger, Touch of Fate, Toughened, Uncanny Reactions, Uncanny Senses Abilities: One free rank in two non-career skills, Force rating 1 Equipment: 500 credits, blaster pistol (Ranged—Light; Damage 6; Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun setting), Astromech droid.

Chonta Veleb was raised on an Outer Rim planet and grew up hearing stories about members of the Jedi Order and others who wielded the power of the Force. Although she had to keep her affinity for that subject a secret for much of her life, the defeat of the Galactic Empire at the Battle of Endor now allows her to investigate the Force more openly, and to share what she has learned with others with the same interests.

Report #7: The Akiva Incident

What follows is a brief summary of the recent events on Akiva, which mark a first major victory for the fledgling New Republic.

-Vor Sendalin, New Republic Intelligence Operative

Akiva—Overview

This planet lies in the region of space close to Tatooine and Geonosis. It is a relatively small world; its terrain consists chiefly of sprawling mountain ranges swathed in jungle, with rivers connecting the lakes that have formed around them, and some ocean. The weather tends toward hot and humid, and is known for powerful storms known as mausim that arise during the transition from dry season to rainy, and can last for days or even weeks.

Local Government

The capital city of Akiva, Myrra, was home to the palace of Satrap Isstra Dirus. While nominally a part of the Galactic Empire, it had for decades been more of a world for visiting officers who sought rest and (sometimes illicit) relaxation, rather than a world with a strong rank-and-file military presence. That all changed, however, when the Imperial Embassy took place there a few months ago (see below).

Criminal Underworld

Kingpin of illegal activities on the planet is a Sullustan named Surat Nuat. He is known to run a gambling den in Myrra, and to deal in the spice trade and slavery. What is more, Nuat was known to have possessed a considerable amount of secret information, which was acquired by the beings who would come to form Halo Team and subsequently turned over to New Republic Intelligence.

According to reports, there's also an abandoned C.I.S. droid factory in the tunnels beneath Myrra. It is not currently know what that facility might contain, but there were also claims that semi-sentient creatures known as Uugteen live in that area, donning old pieces of battle droids like clothing and attacking anyone who ventures into their territory.

Imperial Embassy

It was Captain Wedge Antilles who first discovered the gathering of Imperials on Akiva, and Lieutenant Norra Wexley who helped rescue him and expose what was happening there to the rest of the galaxy. Included among the Imperial visitors were the broker Arsin Crassus, General Jylia Shale, Moff Valco Pandion, Advisor Yupe Tashu, and Admiral Rae Sloane. In the aftermath, Pandion and Crassus were killed, Tashu and Shale captured, but Sloane escaped.

Using this Report in a Star Wars RPG Campaign

There are many ways in which the details from this report can be used in adventures and campaigns, including the following.

• The fact that Surat Nuat has been deposed provides an excellent opportunity to free former slaves from their captivity.
• Since Satrap Isstra has been deposed, and Akiva has joined the New Republic, agents of that government could help the locals elect new leaders. Such changes never go as smoothly as one might hope, however.
• While unlikely, it is possible that secrets from the Confederacy of Independent Systems back during the Clone Wars can still be found in the tunnels beneath the city.
• Since it is also known that members of the Jedi Order fought on Akiva, it's also possible that they could have left behind items of value.

Report #6: Planetary Updates

Due to recent upheaval, the powers that be have decided to provide updates regarding the situations developing on a number of notable planets around the galaxy.

-Vor Sendalin, New Republic Intelligence Operative

Bespin and Cloud City

Once a backwater mining colony known as a place to buy cybernetic enhancements without interference, this world and its aerial metropolis fell under Imperial sway after a visit from certain Rebel agents, when Darth Vader ordered that a garrison be established. Following the Battle of Endor, General Calrissian is working with various assets to take back control of the planet and the surrounding sector.

Chandrilla

This world is now the capital of the New Republic, with the reestablished Galactic Senate taking its seat in Hanna City. Those representatives of member worlds, in turn, have elected Mon Mothma—once the leader of the Rebel Alliance—to be the new Chancellor. While in this way it is a symbol of newfound hope for peace and prosperity throughout the galaxy, it is also a place where beings come to air their grievances. Given the difficulties that the New Republic military has experienced in enforcing the law on formerly Imperial-held worlds, those grievances are sometimes considerable. This is also where those ex-Imperials who've been captured and accused of war crimes are brought to trial, something that invites even more drama and conflict. Finally, the New Academy provides opportunities for promising young recruits to prove their value in serving the New Republic military.

Corellia

The home of the Corellian Engineering Corporation—and, the, major shipbuilding facilities that served the Galactic Empire—this world is a prime target for the New Order to establish its control. As such, a considerable portion of the fleet has been moved here, in order to take control of ground-based as well as orbital locations. Along with that, however, is a call for effort to aid the poor and downtrodden who survive in the underbelly of the planet's cities, especially those children who are known as “scrumrats.”

Coruscant

Once known as Imperial Center—the very heart of the New Order—this world has descended into a complex mix of rebellion and riot, unchecked crime, and efforts by the remaining Imperial forces to maintain order. Most notably, the planet is still home to Imperial Grand Vizier Mas Amedda, the Chagrian who once advised Emperor Palpatine. Given the lack of a clear order of succession, Amedda can make a claim to be in charge of the Imperial Remnant, although those military officers who command ground

Endor and the Sanctuary Moon

For the most part, agents of the New Republic are leaving the Forest Moon as pristine as possible, given the need to gather leftover materiel from the fighting on the ground, as well as debris falling into the atmosphere from space. A small flotilla remains in orbit to make sure that scavengers don't steal the remains of Rebel or Imperial warships. They are also providing support to the native Ewoks, especially those who were injured in the fighting. A previous report, however (#4), details how certain outsiders on the moon are suspected of collecting war materiel and smuggling it offplanet.

Naboo

This planet remains a staunch supporter of the New Republic. It suffered considerable damage during attacks that were part of Operation Cinder, especially the use of the Climate Disruption Array (see Report #3). As such, New Republic personnel have been assigned to assist the local Human and Gungan populations with food, shelter, medical attention and other emergency support.

Tatooine

Whatever was once normal in this planet's underworld has been upset by the death of crime boss Jabba the Hutt. The likelihood that another Hutt crime boss—such as Hunvar, detailed in Report #5—will try to take control of the planet's various illicit businesses is high. There's also a local player, a Whiphid boss named Lady Valarian—who is expected to horn in on some of that activity, too. What is more, an erstwhile legitimate mining interest, the Red Key Company, has been trying to make some inroads. Finally, a being who refers to himself as Sheriff Vance is working to establish his own brand of law and order on this desert planet. Sooner or later, these various influences are sure to make for an explosive situation.

Yavin IV

Once the home of the Rebellion's primary base of operations, it is now home to certain agents have retired to set up homesteads here. There's also the mystery of the Massassi temples that are located throughout the jungle, many of which have not been completely explored.

Using this Report in a Star Wars RPG Campaign

There are, of course, many potential plothooks in the summaries detailed above. Additionally, there are numerous RPG books that can provide more information about these worlds.

• Fantasy Flight Games: Suns of Fortune (Corellia); Strongholds of Resistance (Chandrilla and Yavin IV)
• From Wizards of the Coast: Secrets of Naboo; Secrets of Tatooine; Star Wars Gamer Magazine #9 (Endor)
• From West End Games: Galaxy Guide #2: Yavin and Bespin; Galaxy Guide #7: Mos Eisley (Tatooine)

Reviews of The Mandalorian Season 1

This post will be a series of reviews, episode by episode, of this show's first season. For now I will keep it spoiler-free.

Chapter 1

I loved a lot of things about this episode.

• The reliance on practical effects makes this feel a lot like the Original Trilogy.
• In the same way, there's a satisfying blend of recognizable species, technology and other elements from the films—Quarren, Kubaz, the reception droid, stormtroopers, Nikto—and new ones.
• The same goes for elements added in the books and comics, including beskar steel and other elements of Mandalorian culture.
• The attachment on the end of the rifle is a nice nod to the old Star Wars Holiday Special.
• Carl Weathers' appearance on the show also adds to that back-in-the-80s feeling.
• Others have already written about it, but I also really like the Ughnaut character Kuill, voiced by Nick Nolte.
• IG-11 gives us another interesting, and different, droid personality.
• There's a good mix of humor, action and story development.
• The music is good, too; I'm wondering if Disney will release the soundtrack.

I also had some questions and/or concerns.

• There are hints about the Mandalorian's background, including a certain f-word that is used to describe him.
• I want to know more about this Dr. Pershing.
• I feel sad for the caged Kowakian lizard-monkey.
• I also want to know more about the other Mandalorian character who has lines in this episode.
• Flashback scenes are also tantalizing, and I assume that we'll learn more about the story at which they hint.
• Some of the characters we've seen in the trailer are not in this first episode, hinting at developments in future episodes.
• The big reveal at the end of this episode raises many questions, of course, and only time will tell when, if or how they will be answered.

All in all, I'm quite satisfied with this episode. I loved the Ewok TV movies when I was a kid, and there's even a special place in my heart for the Holiday Special. Now I'm very pleased to see Star Wars make the transition to a live-action TV series.

I have spoken.

Chapter 2

I loved a lot of things about this episode.

• There is a lot of character development, both for the bounty hunter and his target.
• There's plenty of action, too—especially the battle that leads up to another important reveal.
• I'm happy to see the Ughnaut Kuiil in this episode, too.
• I also enjoyed a deep delve into Jawa culture, something that has been developed in expanded universe books but not in canon material.
• This episode gets down and dirty.
• I always enjoy a good montage, but I feel that Carl Weathers should have been a part of it.

I also had some questions and/or concerns.

• Why do these Jawas have red eyes?
• I still want to know what world this is, and how the Jawas have spread from planet to planet.
• The sometimes slapstick tone in my mind contrasted with the amount of violence.
• As an RPG player, the potency of the Mandalorian's rifle raises difficult questions about game balance.

Shuka! Shuka! (Transliterated from the Jawa)

Chapter 3

I loved a lot of things about this episode.

• I'm glad that this episode moved back to focusing on the main plot.
• While I don't love “grim and gritty” Star Wars, I did appreciate that, for much of this episode, I wasn't sure what the Mandalorian would do with his quarry.
• That's a whole lot of beskar.
• I enjoyed the deeper glimpse into Mandalorian culture, including conflict between members of that society.
• Also, Echuta!
• Similarly, it is fun to see familiar elements—such as the greeting droid—used in new ways.
• We see all of Mando's weapons put to work.
• At the same time, stormtroopers are being... well... stormtroopers.
• There's a moment akin to an Amber Alert that carries a lot of tension.
• The showdown is awesome.

I also had some questions and/or concerns.

• I still want to know on what world the Mandalorian meets Greef Karga and The Client.
• The little being in a spacesuit seemed to be making sounds like an Arakyd Viper probe droid.
• I find myself wanting to see the faces of all the Mandalorian characters.
• And I want to know more about the Twi'lek Healing Baths.
• What does it mean to “Extract the rest of the material?”
• I'm not sure that I want to see RPG stats for “whistling birds.”
• Well, now: Where is this series headed next?

This is the way.

Chapter 4

I loved a lot of things about this episode.

• This one feels like it sets the tone for a lot of the forthcoming episodes, and has kind of an old A-Team vibe to it.
• I really like this new character, Cara Dune, and hope that we see more of her in the future.
• I love a good training montage.

I also had some questions and/or concerns.

• I still have concerns about how some of the technology—namely the disintegration rifle and the tracking fobs—would be used in the RPG.
• Was I the only person who had flashbacks to Army of Darkness during the training scene?
• I can't help but wish that, in a future episode, we'll see the Mandalorian call all of his former allies together to fight some greater enemy.

Till our paths cross again.

Chapter 5

I liked a lot of things about this episode.

• I like the in media res opening.
• I also enjoyed revisiting some familiar territory, in the form of Mos Eisley Spaceport.

I also had some questions and/or concerns.

• We learn that this is where the stormtrooper helmets are posted on spears; I wonder how they got there.
• What is this sign language that the Mandalorian uses with the Tusken Raiders?
• Is that a Rebel Alliance/New Republic soldier being dragged by the dewback?
• I have mixed feelings about the pit droids in this episode.

Chapter 6

I liked a lot of things about this episode.

• I like the interesting cast of what in game terms could be called NPCs, especially the ones who accompanied Mando on the mission.
• There's plenty of impressive action, too.
• The end of the mission brings up an intriguing dilemma for Mando, and he handles the dilemma in a fun way.
• There are fun appearances by some familiar faces, too, along with some that weren't so familiar.

I also had some questions and/or concerns.

• I question why a New Republic prison ship would carry so many criminals with only one non-droid crew member.
• I am hoping that this series will continue for some time; it's building an interesting cast of characters, and I'd like to see them pop up again in the future.

Chapter 7

I liked a lot of things about this episode.

• It definitely advances the overall storyline of the series, and moves us toward what should be an important confrontation in Chapter 8.
• I really enjoyed seeing Mando reach out to some of his prior associates in order to prepare for this business.

I also had some questions and/or concerns.

• Given the cliffhanger nature of this episode's finish, there are many questions that I'm looking for Chapter 8 to answer.

Chapter 8

I liked a lot of things about this episode.

• This episode has really satisfying development for IG-11.
• Moff Gideon makes for a highly intriguing character, and I wonder if we'll learn more about his background next season.
• The same goes for Cara Dune, Greef Carga and Mando himself, given what Gideon mentions about them.
• E-WEB!
• The Armorer has a nice bit in this episode, too.
• There's an interesting variation on the familiar R2 unit.
• The fight at the end of the episode is a really fun one, as is the revelation that comes afterward.

I also had some questions and/or concerns.

• While the banter between the scout troopers made for a nice break from the serious action in the rest of the episode, I worry that too much of this could affect the overall tone of the series.
• I question why Gideon would give them so much time to make a decision, trapped as they were.
• The aforementioned revelation at the end of the episode raises some big questions, but I won't go into details so as not to spoil anything.

Come on, baby, do the magic hand thing!

Report #5: Developments in the Galactic Underworld

The recent deaths of Prince Xizor and Jabba the Hutt—leaders, respectively, of Black Sun and one of the Hutt cartels—have left a power vacuum in the galaxy's criminal underbelly. That, combined with a setback to law enforcement that comes from the defeat of Imperial leadership at the Battle of Endor, means there are plenty of opportunities for criminal organizations to make a grab for greater influence and profit. One of the individuals that New Republic Intelligence has identified as a likely key player is Hunvar the Hutt, who maintains a base of operations on Ryloth. Given the momentum created by the Free Ryloth movement, and the defeat of Imperial leadership, this could be a chance to score a major coup in the battle against slavery and other illicit trade.

Hunvar the Hutt Type: Hutt DEXTERITY 2D Brawling Parry 3D Melee Combat 3D Melee Parry 3D KNOWLEDGE 3D Skill XdX+X MECHANICAL 3D PERCEPTION 3D Bargain 6D Con 6D STRENGTH 4D Brawling 5D TECHNICAL 3D Special Abilities: Force Resistance: Hutts roll double their Perception dice to resist mental manipulation. Force Points: 1 Character Points: 10 Move: 2 Equipment: None

Hunvar the Hutt Brawn 3 Agility 1 Intellect 2 Cunning 2 Willpower 3 Presence 2 Soak: 3 Wound Threshold: 16 Strain Threshold: 15 M/R Defense: 0 / 0 Skills: Brawl 1, Coercion 2, Cool 1, Deception 3, Discipline 1, Melee 1, Negotiation 3, Perception 1, Resilience 3, Skulduggery 1, Underworld 3, Vigilance 2 Talents: Bought Info, Enduring, Greased Palms, Grit, Nobody's Fool, Plausible Deniability, Rapid Recovery x2, Sound Investments x2 Abilities: One rank in Enduring and Nobody's Fool talents; one rank in Coercion or Discipline; Ponderous—cannot spend more than one maneuver on movement per turn Equipment: None.

Hunvar the Hutt maintains his criminal operation on the planet Ryloth, in the underground city Kala'uun. Slavery is his biggest business, which speaks to his overall nature. He enjoys little more than exercising his will upon other beings, turning a profit from illegal transactions, eating and drinking well due to profit from his enterprises, and watching other beings fight in life-and-death battle at his own beck and call. The recent shakeup in the galaxy's underworld is likely to make him look at expanding his organization's activities.

Using this Report in a Star Wars RPG Campaign

There are many ways in which the details from this report can be used in adventures and campaigns, including the following.

• Since slavery is the source of Hunvar's primary income, taking down his organization could be a major coup for agents of the New Republic.
• To that end, the PCs would do well to coordinate with the Free Ryloth independence movement, which is preparing to cast off Imperial shackles on that planet once and for all.
• Hunvar's associates could possess valuable information about other criminal activities, especially as the Hutt is considering moving in on the lucrative but leaderless operations of Prince Xizor and Jabba.

Places of Interest

For more information about two of the locations mentioned in this report, please refer to the following Wookieepedia articles.

• Hunvar's spire: https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Hunvar%27s_Spire
• Kala'uun: https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Kala%27uun/Legends
• Starport: https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Kala%27uun_Starport

Report #4: Smuggling Materiel from the Battle of Endor

Recently certain New Republic Intelligence agents in the field have filed reports of non-Imperial groups possessing weapons, armor and other equipment of Imperial manufacture. One theory to explain this is that someone is smuggling scavenged materiel off of Endor's forest moon; it is corroborated, at least in part, by the fact that some of the Ewoks have been found in possession of questionable off-world goods, especially alcohol and even some spice. Whatever the source of those items is, it's probably the same being who is receiving and then reselling the materiel.

Guion Kladys Type: Smuggler DEXTERITY 3D+1 Blaster 5D+1 KNOWLEDGE 2D+1 MECHANICAL 3D+2 Space transports 5D+2 Starship gunnery 4D+2 PERCEPTION 3D Con 4D STRENGTH 3D TECHNICAL 2D+2 Special Abilities: None. Force Points: 1 Character Points: 5 Move: 10 Equipment: Blaster pistol (5D), comlink, datapad, YT-1300 transport, 2000 credits, 25,000 credits in debt to a crime boss

Guion Kladys Brawn 2 Agility 3 Intellect 2 Cunning 2 Willpower 2 Presence 2 Soak: 2 Wound Threshold: 12 Strain Threshold: 12 M/R Defense: 0 / 0 Skills: Deception 2, Gunnery 1, Perception 1, Piloting—Planetary, Piloting—Space 2, Ranged—Heavy, Ranged—Light 2, Vigilance 1 Talents: Black Market Contacts, Convincing Demeanor, Hidden Storage, Toughened Abilities: None Equipment: Comlink, datapad, Blaster (Ranged—Light; Damage 6; Critical 3; Range [Medium]; Stun Setting), 2000 credits, 25,000 credits in debt to a crime boss

The source of the illicit goods among the Ewoks, and the recipient of the scavenged materiel, is a cocky Human smuggler named Guion Kladys. He owes a debt to Hunvar the Hutt, and is working to repay it in this way. While the job is not glamorous—Endor's moon is, after all, the backwater of backwaters—it does offer a chance to make some quick credits without too much danger. Indeed, he thinks it could be just the thing to pay off what he owes for his ship, the Kathol Koel, and then pull up stakes and head to a less rustic location.

Using this Report in a Star Wars RPG Campaign

There are many ways in which the details from this report can be used in adventures and campaigns, including the following.

• The PCs could be NRI agents sent to find and apprehend the source of the smuggling.
• Those who are also in debt to Hunvar, on the other hand, could be sent to protect Captain Kladys from an investigation.
• It could be that a corrupt New Republic bureaucrat knows of and is even aiding this business, possibility because of one's own debt to the Hutt crimelord.

Places of Interest

For more information about two of the locations mentioned in this report, please refer to the following Wookieepedia articles.

• Salfur's Trading Post: https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Salfur%27s_Trading_Post
• Bright Tree Village: https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Bright_Tree_Village/Legends#cite_note-Ewok_Village_in_the_Databank-0

Let's Try This Again...

Two years ago I started a new series of articles for this blog, one that I entitled New Republic Intelligence Reports. After watching The Last Jedi, however, I went into something of a tailspin, and discontinued that series. Now that I'm excited for The Mandalorian, however, I've decided to continue in that direction, exploring the time period immediately following the Battle of Endor as seen in Return of the Jedi. To that end, here's a work in progress, a timeline of early New Republic history. I will add to it as I delver more deeply into the relevant texts.

-Nate

Timeline of New Republic History

Return of the Jedi

|-Remaining Imperial forces begin Operation: Cinder, including the scouring of Naboo (A).

|-The Alliance conducts missions on Sterdic IV, Naboo, the Wretch of Tayron and Vetine (A).

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-One Year

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-Two Years

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-Three Years

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-Four Years

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The Mandalorian

Sources Refer to the following sources for the events mentioned above. A. Star Wars: Shattered Empire comic