Let's face it, numerous independent (or neutral, whichever you prefer) characters in Star Wars have been of the smuggler, criminal or mercenary persuasion. There were two major characters of this mold in the original trilogy: the scoundrel Han Solo and the somewhat more reputable Lando Calrissian. No doubt about it, The Old Republic will still enjoy that touch of roguish personae. In fact, there are several major characters like this already established: the smuggler-turned-unlikely-hero Hylo Visz, the bounty hunter Shae Vizla, and Mandalore the Lesser himself. But most importantly, not all of our characters will be Jedi defending peace, justice and the Republic, or Imperial Agents seeking to undermine the Republic through subterfuge; many have already shown that their characters will fall into the Independents category.

Mercenary work can be a rather dirty and, oftentimes, violent thing. Many Independent characters have shown that they are rather unscrupulous or indifferent about the jobs offered to them. These jobs can run from being rather straightforward and simple, such as being a bodyguard for a merchant or politician, to being fairly complicated and, in some cases, of questionable moral activity -- like arms dealing, drug smuggling and assassination for personal gain.  When such a task is offered, the question most asked is usually: "How much will I be paid?"

This is not to say that all Independent or neutral characters are amoral guns for hire. Han Solo himself  turned over a new leaf once he became caught up in the Rebellion. What about your character? Will he or she be indifferent about the jobs that might be offered? Or perhaps your character has a moral code, to which you adhere strictly to? Would your character be up for any type of job, regardless of the impact it might have or who is hiring, should the pay be good?

Without a doubt, the Sith Empire is the most secretive of the two galactic powers present in The Old Republic, certainly more so than its counterpart, the Galactic Republic. This is most evident with the establishment of the Imperial Intelligence agency and the deployment of its various agents around the galaxy, keeping tabs on its enemies and allies alike. While the Imperial Intelligence is shrouded in secrets and shadow, there is one man known to be a prevalent figure within Intelligence. But even still, the man known as Keeper is still a mystery. 

The only things known about Keeper is his codename and his secrecy. Most of his past and his true identity are unknown. But it is known that Keeper is the ultimate spymaster within the Empire, and the head of the Operations Division within Imperial Intelligence. He had knowledge of, and approved of, every infiltration into enemy territory, every agent deployed by Intelligence, and every execution of any enemies to the state. Keeper was reputed to be merciless as well as ruthless, easily approving executions of both enemies of the state and Intelligence agents he deemed weak or inefficient. Knowing he could be easily replaced if he failed, Keeper knew when to obey orders and when to seize the initiative for himself. 

  

The Galactic Republic, ever since its inception, has always been at odds against those that disagree with its policies or aim, or with those who just seek to destroy it. Pirates, Mandalorians, Separatists and the Sith, the Republic has fared against threats of almost every conceivable size, shape and intent. And more often than not, due to the might and collective will of its military, the Republic emerged on top.

Like real world governments, the Republic relies on diplomacy and politics to settle most problems. But there are times when diplomacy fails with people or powers that diplomacy will never work against. To protect its citizens from such threats, the Republic relies on its army and navy. The soldiers and pilots that belonged to the Republic's armed forces were the first line of defense, to most, the only true line of defense. But too often are the Republic and the Jedi Order lumped together. While indeed that the Jedi are almost instantly thought of as "Guardians of the Republic" and contrary to their rather prominent and common roles as generals, they aren't the only ones charged with the Republic's defense. There are ordinary men and women, trained as soldiers, giving their all and risking life and limb, regardless of threat, to protect their Republic. To combat those that would destroy them, soldiers utilized numerous weaponry, all in the name of defense.

But an army, as it is within the Star Wars universe, needs more than just soldiers to maintain itself. What about engineers or scouts? What about those that would give orders and serve as officers – symbols of leadership? As the previous weeks of Force Reflections focused upon the Jedi or the Sith, this week the Republic has the spotlight. Would your character even care about the Republic to join one of its armed forces? If so, why? And what role would your character fill? Do you, as players, think that it'll be impossible to represent other military roles when it comes to game mechanics and class?

                           

Darth Baras is perhaps one of the most prolific Sith Lords during The Old Republic's timeline. While Baras has suffered the same lack of appearances within game trailers alongside Jadus, he was first featured in the web comic series Star Wars: The Old Republic, Threat of Peace, and then again later in the novel Deceived. Baras is also confirmed to play an integral role within Star Wars: The Old Republic as the master of those who choose the Sith Warrior class.

Baras is a curious figure. He is quite a stark contrast to several other Sith in history and his fellow Sith of his time, notably being Darth Angral. He was shown to be particularly unambitious and rather humble, declining the offer of more power from the Dark Council. Most peculiar, however, was that Baras was demonstrated to have more inner peace than a Jedi Master! But beyond these peculiarities, Baras was shown to be quite self assured and manipulative – all traits demonstrated by most (if not all) Sith.

As we all know, when the Jedi come to mind, we almost immediately simultaneously think of the iconic lightsaber. The lightsaber is a unique thing within Star Wars; only the Jedi, along with their Sith counterparts, are capable of mastering the weapon and using it without risk of injury. And despite the Jedi Order being an order that promotes peace, harmony and understanding, there are many Jedi who were skilled with the weapon and capable of using it with lethal efficiency.

Historically, the most skilled lightsaber instructor within the Order was titled a Jedi Battlemaster, the criteria of which is excellent skill and in depth knowledge of all the classical forms of lightsaber combat. In the waning days of the Galactic Republic, Cin Drallig was the reigning Battlemaster. The Jedi Skarch Vaunk preceded Drallig and he was the predecessor for future Battlemasters Kam Solusar and Kyle Katarn. Other Jedi of tremendous skill included Mace Windu, who created the dangerous form of Vaapad, and Kavar, despite never being Battlemasters themselves.

This article is aimed at all of you playing Jedi or Force Sensitive characters. Will your character place great emphasis on his or her lightsaber? If so, is there a reason? Or perhaps they have forsaken the blade, just like Master Fay?