The rancid and the enchanting tauntaun is one of the signature pieces in the Hoth ecosystem. A hardy reptomammal, the tauntaun is perfectly adapted for its glacial and harsh climate. Thick fur and oil secreting skin help shield the creature from the biting winds of Hoth. Equipped with four sets of nostrils – two for when awake and two for when it's asleep – and webbed feet for walking upon ice; it is the epitome of evolutionary success and resilience. This beast is worth examination, which is exactly why the Empire has sent me to do so.

Tauntauns are more than just specimens to be studied, though. Despite their stubbornness and difficulty to domesticate, they are indispensable as transport and pack animals across the ice of Hoth. Where repulsorcrafts are at best questionable and at worst totally impractical, the sure feet of a giant tauntaun is the perfect remedy. They pose no threat other than nipping teeth and spitting, compared to the indigenous Wampa, they are a kind and reasonable beast.

Different species of tauntaun exist on Hoth – most notably are the scaly tauntaun, climbing tauntaun, and the giant tauntaun (also referred to as the common tauntaun). Common tauntaun are most apt to be mounts due to their size and stronger legs, whereas the other varieties are much smaller and usually are too weak to support the average Imperial.

Once you get past their scent and general ill-temper, the tauntaun is an invaluable asset to be used by our Empire.

Doctor Jimas Vale
Imperial HoloComm News Special Analyst

Glitterstim, giggledust, gunjack... sounds harmless enough? But what is it? A sort of sweet or edible? Far from it. These are all names of various spices that are found in the seedy underbellies across the Empire, traded illegally and smuggled by the vicious and vile. Addictive and deadly, this drug may prove to be one of the Empire's greatest enemies.

But where does it come from? It is mined like ore from the ground, then processed and treated to increase the mind-altering effects it produces. Anything from perceived psychic abilities to horrible and psychosis inducing hallucinations.

In The Old Republic, many of the choices presented to Republic players are those pertaining to doing your job to the letter or skimping on it for the sake of a greater good. From refusing to shoot a defenseless and dirty Imperial to letting an enemy mastermind go to disarm a bomb threatening to kill a Senator, every BioWare game with a government and her agents has involved tough moral choices involving the concept of sacrifice for immediate benefit.

From the war-ravaged hillsides of Ord Mantell to the frozen plains of Hoth, many choices will be presented to your character during each adventure, often dealing with giving bad people mercy or good people the sharp end of a knife. Every world and every commanding officer will have their own views on what is right, wrong, and an acceptable loss. Will your character be flexible, holding the callous viewpoints of an Imperial Intelligence agent, or will they be stubborn and hold by their viewpoints under threat of death or detriment to the mission at large?

What factors will decide the lengths your character will go to in performing their duty? Will pressure from command, associates, or companions influence the boundaries you've put forward? Tell us in the comments!