GigasFist posted Sat at 8:00
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biology, Empire, Hoth, scientific, Tauntaun, Author: Doctor Jimas Vale, Author: GigasFist, BioWare, Codex Entry, EA, Electronic Arts, IC Report, IHN Report, LucasArts, role-play, Roleplay, RP, Star Wars, Star Wars The Old Republic, SWTOR, SWTOR-RP, The Old Republic, TOR
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 ValeImperial HoloComm News Special Analyst
Bill Tetley posted Feb 11, 12
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Author: Bill Tetley, BioWare, Codex Entry, EA, Electronic Arts, IC Report, LucasArts, RHS Report, role-play, Roleplay, RP, Star Wars, Star Wars The Old Republic, SWTOR, SWTOR-RP, The Old Republic, TOR
 Once noble and great beasts, the Orpali dragons of Hutta are now the chemical-infested monsters nicknamed "Chemilizards" by both the Evocii natives and immigrant workers to the adopted Hutt planet. In this day and age, the Chemilizards are one of the few, rare species that prefer the fetid, polluted swamps to the few places on Hutta where natural animals remain untainted. In the days before their forced mutation, Orpali dragons were a rare delicacy that were grown and farmed in their youth for consumption by Hutts partaking in their centennial feasts, traditionally served over a bed of glazed Chuba eyes. Due to poor handling by the cooks and servants of Bakuush the Hutt, several hatchlings were lost in the ventilation system of his palace, never to be seen or heard from again. Having eventually escaped through the sewer system of Bakuush's palace, the naturally resilient Orpali dragons evolved through the sludge and grime of Hutta, leaving many a Hutt irritated at the new, mutated lack of taste and rougher, more scaly skin. Now that they are unappetizing, the Hutt enforces for both Nem'ro and Fa'athra have taken the beast's hatchlings and raised them to act as a bigger, more unruly version of your standard guard dog, though their acidic spit and unruly nature leave something to be desired. As individual creatures in the galaxy at large, however, they are no more frightening than an Akk dog. From their solitary hunting methods to their dwelling in bog-like burrows in the marshes of Hutta, they are only a true danger to the Evocii and any bounty hunter or civilian stupid enough to venture off the roads into the knee-deep vomit hued industrial wasteland. Billian "Bill" Tetley,
RHN Reporter
Republic HoloNet Story Report
[Chemilizard]
Bill Tetley posted Feb 5, 12
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Author: Bill Tetley, BioWare, Codex Entry, Coruscant, EA, Electronic Arts, IC Report, LucasArts, RHN Report, role-play, Roleplay, RP, Star Wars, Star Wars The Old Republic, SWTOR, SWTOR-RP, The Old Republic, TOR
On a break from my galaxy spanning safari, my time off took me back to the heart of the galaxy and the birthplace of galactic law, government, and fairness to all who join in with us: Coruscant. On the surface she is a beautiful world, one with towering spires, clean streets, and regulated traffic grids that could make even the most mathematically able human babble incomprehensibly at the intricacies of the planet and it's obvious Gree influence.
Not all of Coruscant is beautiful, however. And on a trip to the lower levels I found my bodyguard and I accosted by strange, disgusting beasts with no regard for decency, law, or the fact that I wanted to keep my flesh attached to my body. Refugees and a savvy security patrol Captain informed me that these repulsive, slimy three-fingered creatures are known as "Cthon."
Intrigued, I asked if I could find an expert on these creatures so I could possibly try to understand why such gruesome looking humanoids stalked below the bustling planet-city hunting like wild pack animals. The good Captain directed me to a xenobiologist who made her living on the lower levels; an Ortolan who had been studying the beasts since the reconstruction efforts had begun.
Bill Tetley posted Jan 27, 12
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Gundark, Author: Bill Tetley, BioWare, Codex Entry, Dromund Kaas, EA, Electronic Arts, IC Report, LucasArts, RHN Report, role-play, Roleplay, RP, Star Wars, Star Wars The Old Republic, SWTOR, SWTOR-RP, The Old Republic, TOR
In the latest of my RHN sponsored safaris across the galaxy, I came across what many refer to as the most dangerous beast in the galaxy, except for a fully-grown Rancor: the Gundark. Resilient, strong, and extremely violent, the Gundark mostly hunt and wander in minimal numbers, much like fully grown Rancor do.
Unfortunately for us sentient beings, the Gundark has one trait that the Rancor sorely lacks: intelligence. Many Hutt Cartel animal trainers found that most Gundarks aside from fully grown males die in captivity after a small amount of time, and most males need to be put down as they're both smart enough to figure out when their tamers are the weakest and strong enough to ensure that the attack usually results in their freedom.
The only known form of successful captivity for the Gundarks are when the big-eared beasts are placed into gladiatorial arenas. When their bloodlust is sated, many 'champion' Gundarks on planets like Geonosis last months, if not years, as long as their needs are met.
In the wild, Mandalorians and big-game hunters see the solitary ape-like creatures as a test of mettle, often setting elaborate traps or engaging in heavy duty guerrilla warfare to gain the bragging rights of killing such a beast. With such treatment, it's not sure if the innate violence they exhibit is nature's way of striking back or simply verification of the rumor that these beasts were brought about by the dark side's sorcery.
Whatever the case may be, I was unlucky enough to see a Gundark in action. Five well-trained Republic mercenaries were thrown like toys and our safari skiff was all but scrap for the junk pile. Only after copious applications of cryoban grenades and concentrated fire-and-retreat tactics did the safari guards and the game master manage to take the vicious beast down. The game master of the safari – a scarred Chagrian – informed me that if it were a fully grown male then both I and the other survivors would not have had the time to run.
It is my humblest opinion, then, that the Galactic Republic never invade Dromund Kaas. Eventually the Sith will find that the wily, sharp-eared Gundarks are more willing and able than any Sith inquisitorial commando squad and just as effective!
Billian "Bill" Tetley,
RHN Reporter
Republic HoloNet Story Report
Kit Saren posted Jan 10, 12
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Author: Kit Saren, BioWare, CBNS Report, Codex Entry, EA, Electronic Arts, IC Report, LucasArts, role-play, Roleplay, RP, Star Wars, Star Wars The Old Republic, SWTOR, SWTOR-RP, Tatooine, The Old Republic, The Sarlacc, TOR
Have you ever wondered what living an eternal life would be like? Just ask a Sarlacc. Xenobiologists on Tatooine report that Sarlaccs are said to live between 20,000 to 50,000 standard galactic years. But I wouldn't be getting too close to these creatures, as they could quite easily sweep you up with their long tentacles and consume you as a snack, digesting you for over a decade. If you are taking a stroll through the sandy hills of Tatooine, you may just come across this living and breathing semi-sentient pit.
"Victims of the Sarlacc could quite possibly live for some weeks or months," Dr. Fern, a Xenobiologist currently studying Tatooine's sentient species, explains. "Their stomach acids preserve their victims and keep them fresh. However, eventually the victim will succumb to the Sarlacc's long digestive system, which will break down its food over a decade or so."
Research reveals that these creatures are very rare. They bury themselves underground with a pit-like opening on the surface. The creature's long tendrils allow it to snap up prey that linger around the pit's edges. Conventional weapons will not affect the Sarlacc. "It'll take some substantially heavy ordinance dropped directly into the pit to have even the slightest effect. Even then, such efforts may be wasteful," Dr. Fern states.
Keep your eyes peeled and watch your step; don't mistake this creature for a cave opening.
Kit Saren CBNS Reporter
Kit Saren posted Dec 27, 11
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Author: Kit Saren, BioWare, CBNS Report, Codex Entry, EA, Electronic Arts, IC Report, LucasArts, Quesh, role-play, Roleplay, RP, Star Wars, Star Wars The Old Republic, SWTOR, SWTOR-RP, The Old Republic, TOR
 My recent galactic travels saw me entering Hutt Space where I traversed the toxic-filled lands of Quesh. Upon landing in the spaceport, it wasn't long before I was approached by dock workers who screened my equipment to ensure I was carrying the appropriate protection against the planet's aggressive airborn venom. Donning my breath mask, I made my way out of the spaceport and into an industrial district which appeared to be doing no favours for the already unpleasant and unaccommodating atmosphere. Quesh is no place for a vacation, unless you've got a desire to explore the uninhabitable worlds in the known galaxy – unless of course you're a Hutt, as you'll have no problem living in the toxicity.
I spoke with a local doctor who provided some insight into the planet's atmosphere. It was about a millennia ago that a devastating quake rocked the core of Quesh which released venomous poison into its atmosphere. The air never dissolved, and it still continues to engulf the planet with a dense orange hue. "I never leave home without my mask," the Doctor said. "Alternatively, my practice houses adrenal countermeasures to the toxic air. I usually get quite a few visits a week of patients who have inhaled the air into their lungs which their bodies just cannot handle and circulate. With a powerful dosage of those countermeasures, my patients' lungs are back in working order and the toxic poison is as good as gone."
Not only is Quesh's air toxic to sentient and non-sentient species, mechanical equipment takes quite the beating as well. Droids and manufacturing equipment has been known to degrade at a much faster pace than equipment on other planets which provides clean and breathable air. If you're going to be travelling to Quesh, don't forget your breath masks, and note the nearest medical centre in case of an emergency. And don't be leaving your equipment behind. You might just find it to be nothing but a pile of rust and dust when you return.
Kit Saren CBNS Reporter
Bill Tetley posted Dec 23, 11
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Galactic Republic, IC Report, Ord Mantell, Author: Bill Tetley, BioWare, Codex Entry, EA, Electronic Arts, LucasArts, RHS Report, Roleplay, Star Wars, Star Wars The Old Republic, SWTOR, The Old Republic, TOR
Spending several minutes in any Ord Mantell town away from the major cities and capital and it becomes apparent that there is no law, only organized corruption and exploitative opportunists who seek to rob both honest civilians and the brave defenders of the Republic of their hard-earned credits and livelihood. What struck me the hardest is even whilst under direct Republic control almost every island off the mainland or capital is as dangerous and corrupt as the entirety of Nar Shaddaa. One sideways glance at a passing Mandalorian and you would never be heard from again. With Ord Mantell's depleted infrastructure it was no surprise to find that the source of the planet's toxic touch: the black market. Most worlds will only have minor problems with criminals and miscreants, the local defense forces keeping civilians safe and happy. Ord Mantell has no such system save for their easily bribed military. The majority of the political figures are often "sponsored" by black market privateers to pass seemingly harmless laws or allow diplomatic influence extend to covering up the activities of their criminal cohorts. The long-abandoned Mantellian spaceports and estates have all but paved the planet's path to such a fate. With so many barren settlements that dot the landscape it is a haven for the black market. With the Republic's armed forces engaged in the brutal civil war, these gangs of rampaging malcontents, Mandalorians, and greed driven criminal scum have all but kept the civilian population in controlled fear. Due to the Galactic Republic's oversight, refugees, supply ships, and valuable information to support the cause is lost each day to the politicians who placate and cover up the activities of the ill-intending black market minority that use the planet as a way-station for both slaves and illegal goods. Ships that no doubt carry overweight loads of spice and military grade adrenals escape the grasp of the local authorities. While it may seem that the war is almost closing to a conclusion with how hard the Republic Special Forces are pushing against the separatist movement, it will be a very long time before Ord Mantell is considered anything but a war zone outside of its major cities. With the delicate state of galactic economics it may be decades before the planet returns from the scorched and pock-marked landscape of terror and crime to the beautiful world of islands and serenity it once was. Billian "Bill" TetleyRepublic Holonet News reporter.
Kit Saren posted Dec 18, 11
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Author: Kit Saren, BioWare, Black Sun, CBNS Report, Codex Entry, Coruscant, EA, Electronic Arts, Galactic Republic, IC Report, LucasArts, role-play, Roleplay, RP, Sacking of Coruscant, Sith Empire, Star Wars, Star Wars The Old Republic, SWTOR, SWTOR-RP, The Old Republic, TOR
 I was there on Coruscant when the rubble began to fall. I watched the skies fill with clouds of smoke and the shapes of Imperial starships. It wasn't a pretty sight, and soon following the event dubbed as the Sacking of Coruscant, a peace treaty was signed between the Galactic Republic and Sith Empire. As days and months passed, the Republic began their planet-wide rejuvination efforts, but it wasn't without its fair share of obstacles. Riots began to fill the streets, and we soon saw the birth of a criminal organisation whose sole mission was to take advantage of the weak. The organisation I speak of is the Black Sun.
Led by an unknown gangster, the Black Sun has swarmed the lower-city neighbourhoods of Coruscant. Innocent beings are robbed and assaulted on a day-to-day basis, and when all their belongings have been taken from them, they are shot dead and left to rot on the streets. Their criminal behaviour extends to spice and weapon trafficking, and their business has begun stretching beyond the upper atmosphere of Coruscant. Reports indicate that the Black Sun is now selling illicit items to gangsters and Hutts on many different star systems.
The Justicar Brigade and Republic officials have attempted to intervene on the Black Sun's dealings, however their influence has stretched out far beyond the Brigade's reach and abilities. Will these criminals ever be stopped? Readers of this Central Broadcasting News Service, head the warnings in this column and stay clear of the lower-cities of Coruscant. You just never know when members of the Black Sun will pop around the corner with you as their next victim.
Kit Saren
CBNS Reporter
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