One of the more interesting problems with running games set in the Star Wars universe (and, in fact, in many "established" environments) is that of making sure that the players feel that their characters' presence and actions are relevant. This is particularly evident if the game is set during the period of the three movies.

This phenomenon, as many GMs and players have shared with me, stems from the fact that most of the truly important events of that time period are accounted for and occurred "on-screen" with the well-known heroes.

It seems as though anything the Player Characters might accomplish during that time is merely support for the actions of the "true" heroes; there's no way the PCs can attain true eminence, which can be very important in such an "epic" oriented environment as that of the Star Wars universe.

One of the altematives is to set the campaign in the aftermath of the movies, during which time the New Republic is established The "end" of this sort of campaign is not truly known, although there are quite a lot of sources out there that provide information about this period.

Most of these sources are the widely known novels, including those by Timothy Zahn and Kevin J. Anderson, as well as the popular Dark Horse Comics series, "Dark Empire." Again, the problem exists that the "real heroes" are already known, and it can be difficult to create a sense of preeminence for the player characters.

Additionally, the "good guys" are more or less on top during the periods when Luke, Leia, and Han aren't saving the Republic.

Set Up Prior to Movietime

Another possibility, however, is to set the campaign before the first movie. Not so far back as before the Clone Wars, because there is little to nothing known or published about that time (sources indicate that this is intentional, since much of the next series of movies are likely to focus on this era).

There is, however, a period of chaos and darkness fraught with adventure, that can serve as an exciting setting for a group of player characters. The period begins around the time that Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa are born (roughly eighteen years prior to the beginning of "A New Hope"), thus allowing for other heroes to shine and help drive the course of events without fear of being overshadowed.

This time frame falls in the period where Senator Palpatine is maneuvering to be elected President, and then declares himself Emperor. It is a time of intense political intrigue and dark destinies, when the Old Republic finds itself crumbling and the New Order is arising.

One might think that this makes for a very depressing period in which to be heroes. Remember, however, that this is the time that heroes are most needed. The Rebellion had to start somewhere, and it took people of exceptional courage and ability to fan the flames that would eventually lead to the Rebel Alliance.

Many individuals came together to oppose the newly-formed Empire at every turn; how else was it possible that the Empire didn't simply sweep through the galaxy and win without a fight?

The player characters can be one of those groups, brought together by circumstance and mutual need, struggling to survive and keep the New Order from destroying everything they cherish and believe in.

From Bad To Worse

Note that much of this information is gleaned from the STAR WARS' THE ROLE PLAYING GAME (Second Edition), THE STAR WARS IMPERIAL SOURCEBOOK, and THE STAR WARS REBEL ALLIANCE SOURCEBOOK, all published by West End Games. Also utilized is A GUIDE TO THE STAR WARS UNIVERSE (Second Edition written by Bill Slauicsek and published by Ballantine).

The story of the Old Republic is a classic one; a tale of absolute power corrupting absolutely. When one observes that something is too perfect, they are usually right.

The Old Republic had lasted for literally ages (the source materials that relate this are intentionally vague, mostly due to the need to keep this material open for future projects). It was brought into being over 25,000 years before the Battle of Yavin and the destruction of the first Death Star took place.

A mostly benevolent and effective government saw to the ruling of millions of inhabited worlds, but ultimately this bureaucracy grew too large and too unmanageable. Various Senators began to see opportunity for personal gain and to obtain power bases.

Shortly after the end of the Clone Wars, when the Old Republic and the Jedi Knights were at their weakest, the first major cracks in the structure appeared. Dozens of factions began to form, each struggling to attain its own goals at the expense of the others, as well as the very Republic itself. Entire systems fell into dark terror as their leaders betrayed the trust the people had placed in them, and the very fractured nature of the bureaucracy caused it to become more and more paralyzed, unable to act against these atrocities.

Various portions of the Republic military came under the sway of the extraordinarily powerful Senators. All that stood betwee the Republic and total chaos were the Jed Knights; unfortunately, they had been decimated by the Clone Wars and were unable effectively oppose the machinations of the various corrupt Senators.

Factions

Although there were many different factions, there came to be essentially two within the Senate and its bureaucracy; those who wanted to go on exploiting their weal and power, and those who desperately wished to repair the damage done to the Republic. Both camps realized, however, that the Republic was in danger of completely collapsing. That's when the mild- mannered, quietly intelligent and charismatic Senator Palantine stepped in.

Palpatine had done an admirable job presenting himself in a favorable light to almost everyone; the corrupt saw him as easy dupe, and the reformists saw him as their means to accomplish their agenda. When it was finally decided that a new Senatorial President needed to be elected (it is unclear whether or not there was one already in place; it is easy enough to assume that one existed but was deemed completely ineffectual), Palpatine was the candidate of choice. He was elected by a landslide.

More Star Wars:

Introduction
A Closer Look: Star Wars History of the Empire
Adventure Outline