Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Sleen

Sleek and web-footed, the sleen is among the fastest creatures that crawl through the Dromund Kaas jungle. It feeds primarily on the eggs of other Dromund Kaas lizards, but it has been known to hunt small prey and can be vicious in protecting its territory against intruders.

The early Sith were known to keep sleens as guard animals and pets, but the practice went out of favor as Dromund Kaas became more densely populated and the sleens proved difficult to keep in close quarters. Hunting sleens are still kept among certain high-ranking Imperial military officers, bred and trained by generations of family servants. (Codex Text - Star Wars the Old Republic / SWTOR)



Skel

Despite their diminutive stature, the vicious and intelligent skels are a potential wild card in the three-way war for Hoth. Skels hunt in packs, are capable of wielding primitive weapons and are biologically adapted to survival on Hoth’s frozen plains. Their bony claws are capable of burrowing through even the thickest snow and ice, allowing them to spring devastating surprise attacks.

Imperial war strategists dismiss the skels as a threat, but Republic soldiers are encouraged to report any mass gatherings of skels immediately. Long before the Republic, the Empire or the White Maw came to Hoth, the planet belonged to the skels–and these well-organized natives may decide to eliminate the unwelcome invaders. (Codex Text - Star Wars the Old Republic / SWTOR)


Kath Hound


Native to Dantooine, kath hounds are sturdy, horned creatures with a ruff of fur. Although they can be aggressive if threatened or during mating season, they are normally docile, intelligent creatures who take well to training. Kath hounds are popular across the galaxy as guard dogs and pets (although the latter usually have their horns trimmed as a precaution).

Albino kath hounds are rare and highly prized by breeders. On Dantooine, seeing an albino kath hound is considered lucky; there are even stories of albino hounds protecting people lost in the hills. While these stories are unlikely to be more than legends, an albino kath hound is large and intimidating enough to frighten off Dantooine’s worst predators, kinraths, which certainly would prey on lost travelers. (Codex Text - Star Wars the Old Republic / SWTOR)




Shade Stalker

An excerpt of notes from Dr. Juvard Illip Oggurobb:

The creatures appear predatory in nature, exhibiting highly aggressive tendencies. In my studies, they do not consume the flesh of their kill. They simply enjoy the hunt. In fact, shade stalkers do not seem to eat at all. Can a living organism really survive without sustenance? It's almost beyond comprehension!

These magnificent beasts seem directly tied to the strong Force presence on Odessen. Whether they were born of the conditions or simply corrupted by them remains to be seen. Their scaly hides indicate a defense against aggressors, suggesting these creatures may not have always been so predatory. My conjecture is that their natural course of evolution was somehow rapidly thrust forward by an unknown process. Could the Force be responsible? And if so, could this mean the Force can similarly affect the evolution of other species? Can we harness such a process for our own gain?

I must study this further.

(Codex Text - Star Wars the Old Republic / SWTOR)


Thursday, July 11, 2019

Galactic History 02: Ancient Civilizations

This datacron holds unheard of power and knowledge collected by an ancient race. You access its power and discover writings which are clearly only one small piece of a massive galactic history:

In the period after the mysterious Architects vanished from the galaxy millennia ago, several great civilizations rose in their place. The intellectual Columi species created a vast but peaceful empire, focusing on academic pursuits while droids and elaborate machines labored for them. As a result, the Columi evolved enormous craniums and tiny bodies.

The strange, reptilian Kwa, who achieved interstellar travel through Infinity Gates that allowed them to effectively teleport between worlds, rose and mysteriously fell, eventually devolving into simple lizards. The cephalopod Gree also reached their apex in this time, creating technological marvels that have rarely been equaled. Eventually, on the backs of these civilizations would come the Rakata and their Infinite Empire. (Codex Text - Star Wars the Old Republic / SWTOR)


Location: Hutta


Galactic History 01: The Architects

This datacron holds unheard of power and knowledge collected by an ancient race. You access its power and discover writings which are clearly only one small piece of a massive galactic history:

Although the Republic has existed for millennia, there is evidence to suggest that long before its founding, a highly advanced race ruled the galaxy. Referred to as the “Architects” or “Celestials” by scholars, these beings possessed remarkable technology capable of constructing or realigning solar systems. The Corellia system, for example, appears to have been artificially constructed.

These claims would seem extraordinary, but many of the Architects’ machines survived the ages. The Vultar system was home to an immense “Cosmic Turbine” that could only have been Architect technology, before misuse destroyed both the turbine and the Vultar system itself. The fabled Centerpoint Station is thought to be an Architect installation, though many species have claimed it as the work of their own people.

In addition to their engineering marvels, it is believed that the Architects seeded the Core Worlds with life–particularly humans–though some attribute this to the Rakata’s Infinite Empire. Despite the proof of their achievements, however, there is little evidence to suggest where the Architects came from or what eventually became of them. (Codex Text - Star Wars the Old Republic / SWTOR)




Location: Hutta



Monday, July 8, 2019

Saturday, July 6, 2019

Lord Altaca Message


(Bounty Hunter class story)

Mother advised me against this, but my vision has mostly returned and I wanted to give my own thanks.

I shudder to think of what my life would have been like stuck on Dromund Kaas. I may have escaped the work camp, but I was still a slave to my--to Lady Dak-Ah. I know she's an Imperial, but she was so different back when our paths first crossed. She gave me a reason to respect the Imperials. Now all I can see is the sneering hag she turned into. I still can't believe that witch tried to kill me.

Home isn't how I remembered it, but Alderaan at war is still better than Dromund Kaas at the best of times. I wouldn't wish that dismal place upon anyone. Hopefully you've moved on to greener pastures.

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Overseer Tremel Message


Sith Warrior Class

Our ploy has worked, acolyte. I escaped Korriban in disguise without arousing Darth Baras's suspicion.

Though free, I mustn't stop moving. I instructed thousands of Sith. If even one recognizes me, Baras will hunt me down and punish your treachery. For this reason I have left Imperial space.

Remember my teachings, and watch yourself. Darth Baras is a master tactician who will not suffer defiance.

May we meet again one day.

Darth Baras Message

Sith Warrior Class



Your lenient ways have proven fruitful, my apprentice. But do not let this encourage further clemency.

To: Darth Baras
From: Commander Pritch
Subject: Slave Revolt

The slave captains have seen reason, my lord. Your apprentice preferred blackmail to bloodshed and secured proof that they're selling their own back into slavery.

Fear of exposure has ensured the slave captains' silence. All blackmail threats against you have ceased. Furthermore, they have generously donated the profits of their slave trade to you.

The slave revolt now rages without error. I will continue to monitor the situation.

Monday, July 1, 2019

Darmas Pollaran Message

Smuggler Class Story



Captain,

My network just gave me the good news that you're back in business. I hope Skavak left your ship in good condition. Sorry that rascal escaped justice, but something tells me you'll get another shot at him.

It was a pleasure assisting you, and I do hope we cross paths again someday. I've just received an intriguing job offer from a Senator, so I may be out of pocket for the next little while--but my sabacc table will always have a seat for you.

Best wishes,
Darmas Pollaran