To be clear, nothing of any remote importance happened today. We were bussed over to a movie theatre and got to watch Episode I in 3-D which was surprisingly decent. I guess Lucas's policy of more SFX and less story is working out to a degree. We did have people yelling "Spacebar!" when Jar Jar Binks was talking though, and yelling "Darkside Choice!" when Qui-Gon Jinn was being denied the parts by Watto. One guy had his friends from the 501st Legion storm the place and surprise arrest his fiancée so he could propose to her in the nerdiest way possible. She said yes, and it was awesome. Shame I didn't get a picture in time!

Seriously though, that's about it for today. Most of the cool stuff including the RP panel happens tomorrow, so look for my coverage then about upcoming RP features, and a hands on report on Game Update 1.2. I did get to talk to some RPers and get a feel for their expectation as well though. Theubliet from Rubat Crystal's Scarlet Vornskyrs is here looking for RP features like chat bubbles, and near human races like Zeltrons, as well as ways to energize people to get into RP more. I spoke to Jita of Lord Ieldis's Purple Parallel as well; she's expressing concerns over the community on some of the less active RP servers, as well as the people running around with obvious non-RP names, and accents in names causing problems.

That's all for now. I'll have more for you all tomorrow, and until then, just picture hundreds of nerds drinking as much as possible in a small bar, and you've pretty much got the convention covered in your mind. Tomorrow will sure be interesting as everything begins bright and early. Follow my wall and I'll try to update news as fast as possible.

There are several levels of canon. G(eorge Lucas)-canon is the highest level. This includes the two trilogies and anything he writes or says. If Lucas declares Luke Skywalker to be a Gungan tomorrow, everything else must be re-written to suit that, or be expunged. T(elevision)-canon covers the Clone Wars movie and TV series, as well as the live-action TV series if Lucas ever finishes it. C(ontinuity)-canon covers the bulk of Star Wars lore, including the Expanded Universe, the Knights of the Old Republic series, and The Old Republic itself. Anything in this category is considered canon unless it is contradicted by something higher up. Below that is S(econdary)-canon, consisting of things that are not canon themselves, but whose parts can be. Star Wars Galaxies is a good example of this. Finally we have N(on)-canon which includes the Infinities series, and anything else not considered canon, or that has been contradicted, including all your fan-fiction and roleplay. In this week's The Darker Side of Life, we'll dive in and discuss how it affects roleplay.

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!

"I'm on the right track baby, I was born this way," as the woman herself, Lady GaGa, likes to say. However, it raises the question, is it decided at birth that we're to become the people we now are? Surely our life experiences have a major influence on our personalities, morals, philosophies, and beliefs? Was Anakin Skywalker set to become the masked menace from the moment he was brought into the galaxy? For all we know, Jar Jar Binks could have been a hero if it wasn't for, well, who knows really? Bad example. One factor, though, that definitely has an influence on who we become is where we were born. 

The release of The Old Republic draws nearer with each Force Reflection. Slowly, as roleplayers, who should be coming close to getting some of the finer details of our characters set in concrete. We've covered topics such as your character's strengths, weaknesses, family background, age, and physical features. Today, we'd like to know where your character was born. Tell us which planet you've chosen as your character's place of birth, and why you chose that particular planet. Give birth to your answers within the comments section.