It’s our hope that this will serve as a good basic foundation of server lore, filling in gaps in knowledge that all characters/players should know while also giving us a common ground to work off of. Some of this may clash with your preconceptions of what certain factions/entities are or should be. Please understand that while SWLOR works off of Legends lore, it also borrows some notes from the official Canon and operates under its own twist on that lore. For more detailed notes on specific pieces of lore, see the Lore section of the forums. Always feel free to ask questions in Questions or Settings and Lore sections of the discord as well.
Do expect that as the server evolves, factions may rise and fall, new ones may emerge and old ones die. At any time, the DM team reserves the right to adjust or update server lore.
As a starting point, understand that this server takes place right at the start of KOTOR in the year 3957 BBY. Revan is dead, so far as anyone knows. Darth Malak’s empire is taking over the galaxy, leaving countless billions under their despotic rule. The Republic Navy is mounting a heroic defense, but is crumbling under several recent wars and the weight of their own decadence. Core worlds and sector capitals enjoy boundless luxury, while smaller fringe or independent worlds find themselves all too expendable, frequently left to defend themselves.
Your character begins their story on Viscara, a planet in the Mytaranor sector. You’ve arrived at a worn down, odorous space station, in a barely functional shuttlecraft. This is a place few would go willingly, even at the best of times, yet here you are. Perhaps you’re an adventurer, or a refugee, or a fresh recruit for one military or another transferred here. Regardless of the why of it, you find yourselves on Viscara, just another war torn world on the front lines.
Section 1: The Force
Part 1: The Force
The Force is the name currently given by most sentients in the galactic community to the background energy field that flows through all life and matter in the galaxy. No one can truly say to have full, complete and accurate knowledge of the Force. Even the wisest Jedi Sages and most experienced of Sith Alchemists would hesitate to claim full knowledge of its intricacies. Even the truth of if the Force is sentient or not is something not entirely clear.In the end the Force is many things to many different peoples and cultures. Some worship it as a god, others study it more scientifically. Some serve it as a feudal knight would their liege, others command it as any other weapon in their arsenal.
Due to the many wars and calamities brought by force sensitives’ great power, there is a widespread distrust of the major force traditions, especially the Sith and Jedi. Common people generally regard them as occasionally helpful but otherwise as scheming wizards wielding unnatural powers.
Part 2: The Light
The Light Side of the Force represents positive ideals such as selflessness, valor, kindness, and peace. Those strongly aligned with the Light typically leave aside their own desires, emotions and even needs in favor of taking an even-handed approach toward just solutions. Practitioners of Light, especially Jedi, are often seen as emotionless, and this view is not entirely unwarranted.Jedi in particular are taught to leave their emotions as secondary considerations, if even that, with some extremists among the Jedi teaching that emotions are dangerous things to be abandoned as much as possible, and others merely that one should be mindful of their feelings and ensure they do not affect one’s judgment.
To channel the light side of the force requires a clear head, balanced outlook and the ability to surrender your fate to the will of the force and the needs of others.
Part 3: The Dark
The Dark Side of the Force is a universally corrupting thing. It relies on strong negative emotions and ideals, such as rage, jealousy, pride, greed, pain and sometimes death. To give in to such emotions and use them as fuel can provide significant boosts in power early in a force user’s career, as it does not require the balance and control a light side practitioner spends their life perfecting. As such, it is often seen as a quick path to power, though the nature of the dark side is viciously competitive and most of its adherents die quick and young.It is important to note that immersion in the Dark is corrupting. A character who has spent significant periods of time channeling dark side powers will find their appearance warped to a twisted version of who they otherwise might have been. Humans in particular will often have yellow eyes and ashen skin, with further deterioration past that possible depending on their strength in the Force and their depravity.
Further, a true Dark Side practitioner will find their relationships with others colored by this same twisted force. Love turns to possessiveness, valor to rage, a watchful guardian to a brutal tyrant. They may show true positive ideals from time to time or toward certain individuals, but the pull of the Dark is constantly pulling them toward deeper, darker paths in life. The best intentions and the noblest ideals become warped into grotesque shadows stained by viciousness and darkness. It is a corrupting addiction, a cancer that will turn you into an agent to spread more darkness into the galaxy, nothing less.
To channel the Dark and its powers requires utilizing, spreading or channeling emotions such as those outlined above, without exception.
Section 2: Major NPC Factions
Part 1: The Republic Navy
The Navy is the brave protectors of the Galaxy, widely loved by the denizens of the Republic for their steadfast and selfless defense. The Navy however is reeling from the recent and massive betrayal of Darth Revan and vast swathes of their battlefleet, which led to the formation of Revan’s Sith Empire (which is now Malak’s Sith Empire).
Despite this massive loss of fleet- and man-power, the Republic is by far the dominant force in the galaxy, though it is spread thin across much territory, and has consolidated most of its resources at critical, high population worlds such as Taris, Coruscant and Mon Cal. Most Republic worlds see only frequent patrols by roving frigates and corvettes, in some cases (such as Viscara) being lucky enough to have the dedicated protection of a cruiser.
This has led to many mistakenly believing the Republic is weak and defenseless, but anyone visiting a sector capital, fortress world or other critical asset of the Republic would be greeted with a massive battlefleet capable of launching devastating attacks on anyone who would threaten it.
At present, the Republic is chiefly concerned with halting the Sith Empire’s unrelenting advance through the Outer and Mid Rim sectors before they can reach the Core Worlds, at which point they would have a clear shot at claiming control of the entire galaxy.
Part 2: The Jedi Order
The Jedi Order is waning in power, with only a few thousand Jedi left alive today, if that. Still, they are actively recruiting and fervently training new Jedi to fill their ranks and help restore balance to the galaxy. These warrior-monks are sworn defenders of the Republic and of life in the galaxy as a whole. Their reputation took two severe blows however, first with their initial reluctance to fight in the Mandalorian wars due to having so recently expended so much in the Great Sith War (among other reasons) and then when the most prominent of them, Revan, betrayed the Order and the Republic to form the Sith Empire and wage war on the Republic.
These two failures/betrayals (depending on who you ask) are the basis of a great deal of resentment toward the Jedi. However, the Jedi now form a critical part of the war effort against the Sith Empire, with several heroes starting to make a name for themselves. Still, with only a few thousand Jedi left, and a big galaxy out there, it remains to be seen whether or not the Jedi Order will be a deciding factor in the outcome of this war.
While Jedi do not always throw themselves onto the front lines, it is common to see them about whenever there are reports of Dark Side activity in the war, which is sadly all too common.
The Jedi are known to have small enclaves and temples across the galaxy, notably on Viscara, Dantooine and Coruscant, but more exist, both secret and publicly known.
Part 3: The Sith Empire
Malak’s Sith Empire is a behemoth entity, rapidly spreading through Republic space. Among their number are the most vile of murderers and sadists, and even former heroes of the Republic. In their bid to control the galaxy, they have shown no remorse at the enslavement and even destruction of whole colonies and settlements. Further, they seem to have an endless supply of ships, droids and other resources coming in from somewhere deep in their space.
The Sith Empire has a number of training grounds, most notably Korriban. In such academies, aspirants to the Sith Order are made to both war against each other and compete in vicious trials for the right to ascend as proper Acolytes of the Order. Even the rank and file soldiers are not exempt from such practices, as competition and the brutal tendencies of the Sith permeate through the ranks of the Empire.
Please note: NO ONE knows about the Star Forge. No one. Only Malak and his inner circle know of it. Nor do you know where it is or where it might be. You don’t even know it exists.
Section 3: Minor NPC Factions
Part 1: The Revanites
The Revanites are a splinter faction of Malak’s Sith Empire. After Revan’s fall, they are those who took issue with Malak’s new, more destructive war, and threw in with Lord Valerius, supporting his rebellion against the Darth and bid to claim the title of Dark Lord of the Sith. For some their loyalty is to Valerius, others to their idea of who Revan was and what he stood for, others simply take issue with Darth Malak, and some still seek out the Revanites for their less despicable tendencies as far as Sith go, seeing them more as the Jedi Crusaders of the late Mandalorian Wars than the monsters that compose the Sith Empire. Regardless, they are still followers of the Dark Side.
However, while they boast many of the finer members of Darth Revan’s Empire, including several Sith Lords and a number of elite honor guards, as well as a growing fleet, the Revanites are few in number. Numbering at less than 20,000, they lack the forces necessary to be more than a prominent local force in Mytaranor Sector.
The Revanites are known to have a small fleet in orbit of Viscara’s moon, Esria.
Part 2: Czerka Corporation
Czerka Corporation is a massive, galaxy spanning corporate entity which engages in all manner of business, especially anything to do with war. They are highly controversial, especially as many of their major holdings are in space now controlled by the Sith Empire. While this has received some attention by the Republic Senate, Czerka has not received sanctions for continued business there, assuring the galaxy they are careful to comply with all sanctions on Darth Malak’s empire and do not supply enemy forces.
Czerka has a sizable security force, the Czerka Ranger Corps. Private security, mercenaries and bounty hunters flock to it, eager for the generous pay Czerka employees are known to receive. It works well for them, so long as they remember - don’t cross Czerka, and “no questions asked” means “no questions asked.”
Part 3: The Hutts
The Hutt Empire is owned and controlled by the Hutt clans. Extravagantly wealthy and avaricious, these gangsters engage in everything from bribery and drug smuggling to piracy, assassination, slavery and even raiding and invasion of Republic space.
However, this Empire is not focused on expansion into the Republic or war against it, instead contenting themselves with conflicts between the clans, extracting as much wealth as possible from their citizenry, and pressuring independent systems near them for tribute or loyalty.
Their capital is at Nal Hutta, though the Hutts have major holdings throughout Hutt Space, including Tatooine.
Part 4: The Exchange
The primary rival of the Hutt Cartel in the criminal world, the Exchange are the only underworld syndicate that is currently known to be able to directly challenge the influence of the Hutts. They operate in the shadows, running in many of the same business circles as their rivals but particularly known for their focus on the spice and slave trade, along with weapons trafficking and bounty hunting.
Unlike the Hutt clans, the Exchange does not appear to have been as shy about involving itself in the war. Rumors abound that they have made deals with Malak’s Sith Empire to smuggle weapons and slaves for them, and they are unafraid to operate in Republic-controlled areas.
Their base of operations is uncertain, but it is known that they are the only criminal group to threaten the Hutts near the heart of their territory - on Nar Shaddaa.
Section 4: “Season 1” Event Knowledge
Things you CAN know from Season 1 with minimal research though news articles or common talk.
Part 1: Randon, Sector Capital
Randon is the sector capital of Mytaranor, the region of space Viscara is in, and as such is the main center of power in the system, followed by Kashyyyk.
It came under attack recently by Darth Revan’s forces, and eventually thanks to notables such as Carth Onasi, Baron Grayson (a local pirate lord who had since been pardoned and named an ally of the Republic for his heroics) and several brave adventurers was defended. However, the damage was severe, and the capital is still rebuilding.
Recently, Forn Dodonna sent out ships to investigate a disturbance near Randon. What little has leaked to the public indicates some sort of rift appeared, and that ancient vessels adorned with dark tendrils did battle with a Republic fleet. Force Sensitives throughout the sector felt a powerful dark presence during the fighting, which has since subsided. Aside from less than believable accounts from drunken spacers and madmen, no further rifts or ancient vessels have been seen, and Republic Intelligence refuses to release further information.
Part 2: Notable offensives by Darth Revan’s Empire
Prior to Darth Revan’s death early in the war, there were several notable events in and around the Mytaranor sector.
Charros IV: A planet within only a few parsecs of Kashyyyk.
The Planet of Charros IV was sieged by Revan and his crew in the early months of the War. Charros IV’s main cities were left in ruins. Republic agents prevented the stealing of Verpine Tech for the Sith to use. Tech becomes a bit more difficult to move around the immediate areas. Jedi and Republic made a rescue effort to save civilians and whatever of the populace they could gather.
Viscara:
Viscara and its moon Esria have been the victim of many attacks from the Sith Empire over the course of this war.
Notably, both Revan and Malak have made personal appearances on the world, perhaps related to the world being known as a Force Nexus. Additionally it finds itself situated near important hyperlanes, making it a valuable asset, enough that the Republic Navy has provided some limited fleet assets to the small world.
The Crystal Caves near Veles were in particular visited by Revan during a raid on the planet. This has led to it being an occasional site of pilgrimage by the more fanatical Revanites who stray closer to reverence rather than respect toward the dead Lord. It is not clear what Revan sought in the caves, or if he found it.
Kashyyyk:
Homeworld of the Wookies, and a vital Republic world.
It was sieged early in the war by Revan, and rumor had it his forces sought something. Not long into the siege they abruptly departed. It is not known what they sought or if it was found, only that the loss of life was tremendous.
Lannik:
Homeworld to a prominent species of the same name.
Not the most technologically advanced species, they rose to prominence only due to the circumstances of them being made into a space faring civilization. The Lannik were clumsily given the technology by human and Duros explorers, and since then efforts to normalize their development by the Republic and curtail their “growing pains” have only backfired and turned the planet into one of the more notorious underground markets for illegal tech.
Lannik itself was host to an invasion by the Sith Empire, though the Sith were drive away after a great struggle. Lannik scrapyards and shipbreakers are still raking in the credits from salvaging the advanced tech, and economists estimate the industry to be booming for several more years.
Daalang and Tatooine:
Tatooine, officially a part of the Hutt Empire, was briefly under the control of Darth Malak. This otherwise unimportant world did see some fighting, with the Republic offering some assistance to local “independent pilots and freedom fighters” (locals from the area would know these forces are those of Mon Gazza’s pirate fleet, though Arc of the Seven is also noted as being involved) in expelling Sith Forces, driving them back to Daalang. Daalang has become a war ravaged world and the site of significant and prolonged fighting. It’s not clear if the local space or planets will ever be the same again.
Republic Senate:
Coruscant, like most major worlds, sector capitals and other galactic hubs has long stood above the turmoil of the rest of the galaxy. Unassailable, with an indominable warfleet and myriad other defenses, it was a galaxy-spanning shock to discover that some entity had come close to destroying the Senate.
A group known as the Seven was recognized by the Senate as heroes who managed to subvert whatever plot was at hand. However, the exact nature of what happened has not been made widely known.
Speculation runs rampant, with some claiming the Republic made it up to garner sympathy votes for incumbents, to others saying it’s only kept secret because it’s deeply embarrassing for the seat of the Republic to be revealed as vulnerable. Some say the entity was Revan, others Malak, still others that it was an attempted coup. Perhaps the galaxy will never know.
REVAN’S DEFEAT
Several months ago, Revan was defeated. He is declared dead, and the Republic rejoiced at the turncoat’s defeat. While the Senate has refrained from officially celebrating the former war hero’s death, numerous local governments have declared the day a holiday.
In the aftermath, as Malak assumed power, the Sith Empire saw fractures spread across its organization. Many abandoned the war as Malak took control, leaving to wage their own wars or pursue knowledge of the Force independently.
Malak is rumored to have faced near constant assassination attempts and challenges to his authority in the early days, and yet he still reigns over the Empire, a testament to his skill and power.
It was during this upheaval that several splinter groups arose, notably Viscara’s Revanites, who defy Darth Malak’s claim and seek to wrest control of the Sith Empire for themselves. It’s not clear how many these groups are or as yet how impactful they are, as very few have the numbers to be more than a local concern.
There’s speculation that many of these “Revanites” are in fact spies and saboteurs, for they still call themselves Sith and few have renounced their war on the Republic or the countless lives taken by Revan during his brief reign. Suspicion and distrust is rampant toward these traitor sith, though they have at the same time, on Viscara and elsewhere where they exist, proven able defenders against Malak’s ongoing expansion.
The Seven
Arc:
Leader of the Seven, a group of associates who gained some renown for their interference in a plot to destroy the Senate, as well as roles they played during the Mandalorian Wars. Arc himself, like Gogen, are rarely seen, rarely heard individuals, and little is known of them by the public.Princess Saniele Alno He Dvatch Kira of the Onderon:
An Onderonian princess, daughter of Queen Talia. Those more familiar with her personal life, either through association or just media attention may remark she is somewhat tomboyish and assertive, and a strong leader.Ganz:
Ganz is known as a great advocate for the Wookiees and an even greater warrior. He’s the veteran of most of the recent wars, and now spends his time defending Kashyyyk which now finds itself on the front lines in the war against Malak’s forces.Shu:
A renowned bounty hunter, who has long found both legitimate employment with the Republic as well as with less savory groups like the Hutts. A penchant for stealth and a love of impossible odds, many high profile bounties have been brought in by him.Elk:
A philanthropist, magician and performer, who occasionally enjoys dazzling audiences with pyrotechnic displays.Leiza:
A noted humanitarian and animal rights advocate, champion of endangered species across the galaxy. She’s known to be the wife of Elk.Gogen:
A mysterious individual. Perhaps an alias, or simply an extremely reclusive individual, there are no records of them or public information on them.
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HISTORICAL NOTES YOU CAN LIKELY KNOW:
Common wars that were openly waged in the last 150 years.
Socio-Political notions by the Senate that were openly made in the last 70 years.
Publicly revealed notions of the Mandalorian War by the Republic, such as planets that were wiped out, the movements of the Mandos, and the various battles by the War Hero Revan at that time.
Any normally broad casted news of what the Sith under Revan has been doing, such as the fall of Corellia and so on.