Star Wars is over thirty years old now though. Back in those dark ages, having Leia running around as a heroine at all was edgy, right? This is 2012 now but because Star Wars fans are mostly made up of cannon nazis, every aspect of the original movies must be somehow interpreted in roleplay. For instance, back in Star Wars Galaxies, the Empire was considered sexist, and to have a female Imperial character was considered taboo. That was just a year ago before it shut down. Are we, and BioWare in creating The Old Republic still beholden to the inhibitions of movie audiences thirty years ago? 

Join me in this week's The Darker Side of Life as we dig through examples members of the community have dug up about sexism in roleplay and the storylines created by BioWare for The Old Republic. Does sexism still exist in TOR roleplay? And more importantly, who is perpetuating it? Has BioWare created stories or female characters that could be considered demeaning, or are we doing it to ourselves through our roleplay? Read on to find out!

There have been many prestigious and dignified Generals who have served in the Republic Military over the years throughout Star Wars history. The Jedi Exile served as a General in the Republic Military – working under the infamous Revan – during the Mandalorian Crusade that took place during the era of Knights of the Old Republic. In the same era, General Vaklu served under Queen Talia on war-ridden Onderon, whilst Garm Bel Iblis served the New Republic as a General following the events of the Galactic Civil War. However, the most heroic of them all was – drum roll please – a character who fell into the role through clumsiness turned luck. His ears were as floppy as his form in combat, and his speech as incomprehensible as the reason for his existence. Yes, we're talking about Jar Jar Binks; the ultimate General!

All jokes aside, no General throughout history has been described as being more "ruthless and uncompromising" than General Garza. Her relentless nature earned her four of the most distinguished awards offered to members of the Republic Military, consisting of the Medal of Valor, Silver Crescent, Mark of Dedication, and Chancellor's Service Medal. Furthermore, to help combat the Sith's all-out assault on the Republic following the events depicted in the Return cinematic trailer, General Garza was behind the creation of the Republic Special Forces group, consisting of the army's most elite soldiers, including Harron Tavus who has been featured on the site. Eventually, the Treaty of Coruscant was signed by the Republic and the Sith Empire, however allegedly, that did not deter Garza from pressing the attack. She was said to have ordered a number of covert strikes on the Empire's garrisons and housings throughout known space. 

During her time in the military, Garza is said to have married and divorced three times. It appears as if her fierce and forceful personality wasn't just a feat that she reserved for the military. Despite what some people may describe as her "shortcomings," her military tactics and strategies were unmatched during her time. Watch out for Garza when The Old Republic launches, which we now know will release even earlier for early access candidates. Viva La Republic!

As the title image suggests, who would win in a fight; Darth Vader or Boba Fett? A few years ago everyone but the Mandalorian fanboys would have said Vader. The Old Republic however puts all of the classes on an equal footing. But can the force really be offset by kickass gear? We'll attempt to answer this as we dig through your responses.