THE JEDI ORDER

The Jedi Order was an ancient warrior priesthood dedicated to the preservation of the Republic and justice in the galaxy. Their influence in politics and galactic events lasted for well over a thousand years.

However, the reputed powers of the Jedi had fallen to almost negligible levels well before they were hunted down and destroyed - which took place some twenty years before our story begins.

Now the Jedis are the stuff of myths and legends, fodder for the imagination of children.

That is not to say Jedis still do not exist. They are just not as prominent as they once had been, nor as powerful.

Jedis are a rarity in the galaxy, and as such it is impossible to start the game with a character with Jedi powers. (But who knows what powers may manifest during the game....?)

THE REBEL ALLIANCE

The Alliance is made up of small cells scattered throughout the galaxy, working together to overthrow the Empire. Some cells are as strong as planetary governments - some are small, such as the Anti-Palpatine League on Coruscant.

The Alliance wants to reinstate the Senate and abolish the Emporer.

The Emporer has recently dissolved the Senate, and some of the Senators have joined the ranks of the rebels - or have begun to offer assistance. This gives the Alliance a credibility that it lacked before the destruction of the Death Star.

To join the Alliance is a hard decision to make. A rebel's life is filled with difficulties and every minor victory comes with heavy prices - but the rebels are tight-knit, and will rally to help one another at a moment's notice.

THE GALACTIC EMPIRE

The Galactic Empire is the official government, and is headed by Emporer Palpatine. The Emporer's whims are carried out by an impossibly large army of soldiers, officers, and henchmen of all sorts.

The Empire, while frowning upon illegal activities, are willing to turn a blind eye when it comes to working with certain criminals. This lack of conviction gives them the chance to work with bounty hunters and other unsavory characters when need be.

Those who serve the Empire tend to have the respect of those around them, and wearing the Imperial Crest is considered an honor.

THE WHILLS

The Whills are a group of scholars, a formal order that is dedicated to the preservation of the history of the galaxy. It central library is located on Corellia, but there are satellite offices located on many planets.

As a group, The Whills are objective. As individuals, they are colorful, opinionated, and very often serve to promote the propoganda of whatever government they sympathize with. The Whills are powerful writers and talented speakers, and as such many find their way into politics or on the staff of governments. It is even rumored that there is a Whill on Tatooine in Jabba's Court.

The Whills have never been attacked, and in fact most governments support them and encourage them to proceed with their work. Many government leaders and supporters hope that by helping the Whills do their work, they will be immortalized in the 'Journal of the Whills', the large diary that houses all of the writings of the Whills.

Curiosly enough, the Journal is also filled with the stories and diaries of persons not of the Order. This is due to the fact that the Whills not only write their own works, but look for the works of others to add to the journal to help round out the view of galactic events.

The Whills look for young children to train - much like the Jedi once did - who show an aptitude for writing, are intelligent, and charismatic.

While the Whills are an ancient group, the members are by no means stodgy or pretensious. In fact, as a whole, the Whills are considered some of the most entertaining people to have around. They tend to be phenomenal storytellers, and some even serve as interpreters when a colorful view of the facts may be neccessary.

The Whills are not merely observers of history, but partake in it. It is against the rules of the order to do anything to overly effect history, but most Whills ignore this and do whatever they please - and then write about it later.

THE JABBA DYNASTY

Jabba the Hutt has made his fortune through ruthless profiteering and fearlessness. Tatooine is his home, and the center of his operations. He controls the activities of much of the planet's population. He is not the official governor of Tatooine, but the Imperial Governer assigned to the planet defers to him on nearly all matters.

Jabba is known for having a hand in all sorts of activities, but his most profitable venture is the Jabba Dynasty, a criminal network of bounty hunters, smugglers, and other rogues and mercenaries all working together under Jabba's control.

To join the Jabba Dynasty is to welcome danger from the Imperials, rival gangs, and even one's comrades. But the pay is good, and the best man will certainly be the last one standing...