Guide to Culture and Society

Written and edited by Evan Hansen and John Sordyl.

Cover artwork by Richard Spake.

Other contributions by Kevin Perrine, Dan Lorentz, and S. W. Esser.

This guide is intended for use with the Star Wars Role Playing Game, but is not considered official material, nor is it sanctioned by West End Games or LucasFilm, Ltd. We all thank both those companies for their creations. Please do not distribute this as your own work, nor post it on the Internet as such. Please do use it for all your role-playing adventures in the Star Wars universe, and may the Force be with you.

Table of Contents

• Preface
• Chapter 1 - Introduction to Culture and Society
• Chapter 2 - Famous People
• Chapter 3 - Lodgings and Attractions
• Chapter 4 - Restaurants, Bars, and Lounges
• Chapter 5 - Casinos and Resorts
• Chapter 6 - Cultural Attractions
• Chapter 7 - Creating Your Own Places
• Chapter 8 - Creating "High Class" Characters

Preface

In the Star Wars universe, there exist great class distinctions. The galaxy is inhabited by bounty hunters like Boba Fett, crime lords like Jabba the Hutt, Jedi such as Obi-Wan Kenobi, peasants from Corellia, all the way up to wealthy individuals who control entire systems. Each of these people has their own ways of relaxing. What this guide will do is help a Star Wars Role Playing Game master create some untraditional settings in which role-playing adventures can occur. Wealthy Imperials are not going to be found in Mos Eisley, and conversely, no one at Mos Eisley will be seen on the Mulako Corporation Primordial Quarry, where the rich gather to drink overpriced water. The fact is that some people in the Star Wars universe are better off than others, or have different tastes than others. For these reasons, the Guide to Culture and Society can be a great asset to any game master struggling to come up with a setting for an adventure. Do you need a high-class resort isolated in the middle of space but cannot get the details just right? Do you need a fancy restaurant that a bounty hunter can tear to pieces in the hunt for a wealthy target? Do you need a place where millions of people gather to see the sights? Read the Guide to Culture and Society. Enjoy, and may the Force be with you.

Chapter One - Introduction

"Come on Tiranda, there has to be something interesting to do on this planet!"

The galaxy contains billions of intelligent beings, inhabiting countless planets. Most of these beings need recreation from time to time. What better way to kick back and relax than to visit the local lounge for a drink with some friends? Or perhaps a tour of the planetary museum? What about watching the famous singer who is performing in the capital? If you are looking for something to do on your night off, you have found the right place. Detailed within are many of the galaxy's foremost attractions. From bars to museums, from famous performers to the casinos where you too can make a fortune, the Guide to Culture and Society will answer all your questions.

Some attractions are universal. Nearly every town and city has a bar, lounge, or cantina. Many others have a museum. Some planets have casinos or resorts, and others have amphitheaters where you can catch a regional show. Almost every planet has its own renowned areas of beauty, and a trip out into nature can provide a day full of fun. If you are interested in sports, Uglaball is a professional sport that is taking the galaxy by storm; chances are there is a professional team in your area that you can get tickets to see. Wrestling is a proven attraction, and many areas have traditional games to watch or play.

While the galaxy is full of bounty hunters, seedy cantinas, run-down spaceports, and rogues, it is also home to the greatest entertainers, luxurious planets, welcoming resorts, and pleasant sights imaginable. Certainly, the galaxy can be a hectic place, but it can just as easily be a place to relax and enjoy the finer things in life. Now, take a tour of just some of these places, and meet just some of these people in The Guide to Culture and Society.

Chapter 2 - Famous People

Entertainers

Where would the galaxy be without entertainment? The boredom of everyday work gets to everyone from time to time. These people of exceptional talent lighten the lives of their billions of fans. They are the stars of the galaxy.

Frank Mackie

• Age: 25
• Sex: Male
• Height: 5'11"
• Weight: 185

Personal Description: Frank is an outgoing and charming man, loved by his millions of adoring fans. He enjoys flirting with the ladies and singing above all else. He is a fine card player and loves games of chance. He is amazingly calm in all situations, and also knows how to keep his mouth shut, a talent he learned through his close contact with the high-class organized crime on Coruscant. Frank is a born showman, and will grab center stage every chance he gets. Whether in a hot situation or a cool evening at a club, he is renowned for his spur-of-the-moment renditions of his favorite songs, further endearing himself to his public. He also likes exotic ground cars.

Physical Description: Tall, with dark hair. Frank has stunning blue eyes, so noted that his most popular nickname is "old blue eyes." He is charmingly handsome, with chiseled features and a speaking voice that makes ladies melt. He is in good physical condition, as he finds relaxation in running. Very cool-looking, he epitomizes a swinger. Equally at ease in a piano bar, a trendy billiards hall, or the classiest joint on the planet.

Personal History: Frank's father was the biggest mob boss on Coruscant, running the most lucrative illegal gambling ring in the system, and found a fine arrangement with the Republic government, staying out of trouble for a minor 15% of profits. In this environment, Frank quickly learned to be an honorable man who was not above turning his back on those illegal things that benefit him. He started singing at the tender age of 14, and was singing in clubs underage when he was 16. By the time he had turned 21, he was the hottest star in the galaxy, and his popularity has continued to grow exponentially. It has been said that "no one can touch Frank Mackie." He is, almost undisputedly, one of the most famous entertainers of all time. A recent holonews article written about him reads, "Unlike most celebrities who need no introduction, Mackie rarely gets one anymore. Without even orchestral fanfare, he strolls onstage. The audience rises and applause billows through this manifest edifice to the top of the last balcony." Yet his life is not perfect. One year ago, his fiancee Barbara was supposedly killed by a bomb meant for him. It was in his favorite classic roadster; she went back to get the purse she forgot while he waited in line at the restaurant. He heard the explosion, came running, and found the car a pillar of flame. It was never determined if there was a body or not; if so, it was destroyed beyond recognition. Frank has held out hope that somehow Barbara is alive. His father died two years ago, of natural causes, and Frank turned down the chance to run his empire of crime, turning it over instead to his father's right-hand man, Georginio Corleonne. He still has tight connections with the family, although he is not directly involved. He has an outstanding favor to the Corleonnes for helping him out of a situation with a crazed fan that turned into a firefight, saved by Corleonne's personal bodyguard. His longtime manager is Roj Farov, who worked his way up to a co-lieutenant in the family while managing Frank's early career, then gave up his position to go full-time on the road with Frank. He respects the determination of Roj as much as any trait he has ever witnessed, and considers him a very close friend. They are the best of drinking buddies and make a lethal card team. Frank is an incredible wingman, even though Roj rarely needs one.

Personal Objectives: Entertaining, adventure, and finding the truth about Barbara's death.

Personal Quotes:

• "We're going to knock them off their feet tonight."
• "Are you looking at me?"
• "You've never seen an act like this one, baby."
• "You're so money, baby, you don't even know it."

Stat Block:

Special Attributes: +1D to perception, because of a natural awareness learned at an early age in his father's house. He was exposed to every scam imaginable, and was taught to carefully observe his situation when active in his father's business.

Vitals:

• Move: 10
• Character Points: 9
• Money: 12,000 credits

Weapons:

• Tirandium-plated 9mm Beretta (5D+2 damage), a unique gun that shines a deep metallic blue. It was a birthday gift on his 24th from Georginio Corleonne, as a sign that he was on his own now and could protect himself. It is also a symbol of his family's two mottoes: first, a gift of defense is a symbol of trust; second, a trust broken is a promise of death.
• Bottle caps (STR+1 damage): A favorite party trick of Frank's is hitting people across the room with bottle caps, a trick learned in the back rooms of countless clubs while waiting to perform.

Equipment:

• Bullet cigar cutter/flameless cigar lighter
• Life supply of cigars
• Fifth of Jack Daniels
• Fifth of sweet vermouth
• Sabacc deck
• Military com link
• Miniature microphone

Roj Farov / Loki the God of Mischief

• Race: Human / Unknown
• Sex: Male
• Age: 26 / unknown (believed to be in his tens of thousands)
• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 180 lbs.

Physical Description:

Loki: Not many have actually seen Loki's true appearance; none but Roj have lived to talk about it. He only appears when his host body dies, at which time he must immediately find another host body to inhabit.

Roj: He is a human standing six feet tall with short brown hair and dark eyes. He wears the trendiest, most fashionable clothing in addition to precious metal necklaces and bracelets. He has a mischievous look he uses on women. He has an aura of light-heartedness surrounding him.

Personality:

Loki: He is the God of Mischief, who loves to create a little bit of chaos and a lot of laughs. Loki likes to hang around individuals that show a lot of emotion, but takes special interest in those who show no emotion. He takes upon himself the burden of loosening them up. However, he tries to keep his existence a mystery.

Roj: Roj is light-hearted and easygoing. He always enjoys a party and is extremely friendly. He cannot say no to liquor or gambling, and especially loves the ladies. He likes to joke around. Both he and Loki enjoy the idea of causing mischief. There is a constant struggle for dominance within Roj and, for the most part, the human host remains stronger than Loki. However, when Roj tires or comes under too much stress, Loki can gain complete control.

Background:

Loki: Not much is known about Loki except old Jedi legends. The most well-known story is that of a Corellian salvaging operation on an ancient spacecraft that entered their system after hundreds of years of blind lightspeed travel. The ship was thought to be abandoned, but odd occurrences began happening. Finally, the crew became so frightened that they abandoned the ancient craft and destroyed it. A few days later, a series of inexplicable and highly comical events happened, concluding with the bizarre disappearance of the crew. Over the past two thousand years, the legend of Loki has grown throughout the galaxy.

Roj: He grew up on Rylos. His early life consisted of gangs, beer, and women, but he still managed to squeeze school into his busy schedule. He graduated from the Rylos Institute with a Masters Degree in Business at the age of twenty-four. Roj then turned to the lucrative entertainment industry, becoming an agent to the stars. His biggest client is Frank Mackie, with whom he is currently traveling. A shrewd businessman, he hopes to work his way up to the top of the ladder and has enlisted certain less-than-desirable sources to assist him. These sources allowed him to become Frank Mackie's manager; their long-term friendship did not hurt, either. As for his acquaintance with Loki, Roj first encountered him at the age of 22 in one of Rylos's many bars. An elderly man was Loki's host. He seemed vibrant with energy but empowered by some external force. The old man took a liking to Roj and later said he needed to show him something that would help Roj's climb to the top. In a back alley, Roj was introduced to his newest client and lifetime mate, Loki. The old man promised that Roj's personality was perfect to blend with Loki's, and that he would learn to use Loki as much as Loki used him. Suddenly, the last of the Force energy sustaining the old man faded, and he crumpled to the ground as his breathing slowly stopped. Roj has continued to refine his control over Loki over the past four years, but Loki is a very powerful being and Roj cannot maintain constant control. More recently, Roj founded the Galactic Wrestling Federation. The GWF has become the premiere legal bloodsport entertainment in the galaxy, featuring the barbaric escapades of Galactic Wrestling Champion Mr. Johnson.

Quotes:

• "A great man once told me..."
• "Man, all I need is a woman/drink/cigarette/party to top off this night!"

Stat Block:

Vitals:

• Character Points: 38
• Force Points: More than can be counted
• Dark Side Points: More than can be counted
• Move: 10
• Force Sensitive: Yes, but cannot be detected
• Sense: 20D
• Control: 18D
• Alter: 14D

Equipment:

• Zirkonium cigarette lighter
• Zirkonium cigarette case
• Precious metal necklaces and bracelets
• Likes collecting decks of cards from the planets he travels to
• Business cards

Special and Unique Attributes:

• Force Invisibility: Loki/Roj Force abilities cannot be detected by Force users lower in strength than him, or by other apparatuses.
• Special Note: Loki is more of an essence than a physical thing within Roj. He travels from host to host, and his original body has long since died.
• Drinking Problem: Can never seem to pass up alcohol, especially free alcohol. On important missions, however, he will restrict his drinking to one, two, or maybe three drinks... heck, he will try to restrict his drinking. It depends on his wallet.
• Gambling Problem: He has always enjoyed gambling and has a really hard time saying no. One effective way to deter him is to place a very beautiful woman in front of him. The only other way is to provide him with free liquor.
• Business: Roj is constantly looking for new clients. He will try to come up with wild ways of winning them over. It is also important to note that since he has several clients, he uses his monthly income to pay for his alcohol and gambling problems.

Mr. Johnson

• Type: Psychotic Killer / Wrestler
• Sex: M
• Age: 33
• Height: 5'10"
• Weight: 140

Physical Description: Mr. Johnson is a tall, thin man with thinning white hair and a crooked smile of yellowing teeth. He is marked by a refusal to speak any language other than broken Basic, usually taking the form of a random insertion of the word "bloop," usually accompanied by a violent twirling motion. Mr. Johnson is only seen wearing a tuxedo, even when engaged in a heated wrestling match.

Background: Mr. Johnson was raised in a normal family in a middle-class suburb on Corellia. He was clearly a genius from birth. However, late in his college years, he began dabbling in the martial arts. He soon dropped out of school due to the lack of challenge. Gradually, Mr. Johnson attained the highest rank possible in many martial arts. One of his final exercises while earning his black belt for Alsi Shato was to spend one year in isolation, speaking to no person, in a constant state of meditation.

During this exercise, Mr. Johnson snapped.

He was soon seen slaying his master with a mop, "blooping" furiously. He went on a system-wide killing spree, evading or slaughtering police as they attempted to capture and kill him. He eventually got tired and took a nap in the middle of the street. When he awoke, he was in a high-security detention cell, strapped in 25 different restraints. At one point, he bit through all of the restraints, dislocated several body parts, and roamed half naked into town. After dismembering several police officers, and being chased to another system, he was recaptured. From that point on, he was kept in metal restraints.

Two days before his date on Death Row, Mr. Johnson was freed from his cell by a seemingly insane military officer during a planetary riot. Mr. Johnson slew several officers in an attempt to escape. He took their clubs (which have become his signature weapons). He was soon seen by entrepreneur and entertainment guru Roj Farov, who quickly signed Mr. Johnson to a wrestling contract with the Galactic Wrestling Federation. Since then, Mr. Johnson has become one of the most popular entertainers throughout the entire history of the galaxy.

Gamemaster Note: No one should know anything about Mr. Johnson's past other than officials who were instrumental in his capture. He is usually non-communicative and non-violent except when provoked in any way. Also, he certainly does not appear to be evil or intimidating.

Personality: Clinically insane.

Quotes: "Bloop."

Stat Block:

Vitals:

• Move: 10
• Character Points: 12
• Force Points: 1
• Dark Side Points: 0 (note: insanity prevents gaining Dark Side Points)
• Credits: 500 + GWF salary

Equipment:

• Tuxedo
• 2 billy clubs (damage = STR + 1D)

Galactic Heroes

Duke Haven

• Type: Rebel / Republic Officer
• Age: 45
• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 200 lbs.

Physical Description: He is a middle-aged, balding man with extremely broad shoulders, but a surprisingly soft, smiling face.

Background: Duke was born into the legendary Haven family, known throughout much of the galaxy as the distributor of transports. However, he bucked family authority, chose not to work for the company, and instead joined the army at 18. He later got married and had three children. After several promotions, he retired and joined an exploration branch of the Republic. He heroically rescued several explorers from certain doom and was awarded a medal of honor. During his career, Duke Haven became one of the most honored explorers in history. A new sector was named after him, and his life was quite good.

However, on one of his most recent missions, tragedy struck. As usual, his family had accompanied him on the second visit to the planet. While setting up a new base camp, his family was attacked by savages. He managed to survive, but his wife and children were killed. Now, at 45, Haven is back in the military looking for some action to fill the void left in his life.

Stat Block:

Vitals:

• Move: 10
• Character Points: 5
• Force Points: 4
• Dark Side Points: 0

Special Abilities: Ambidextrous; can shoot two people at once with no penalty.

Equipment:

• 2 pistols
• Military backpack of survival gear
• Shovel
• Axe
• Hammock
• Thermos
• Corellian strings
• Permits for guns
• Bottle of Corellian whiskey
• Flares
• Grappling hook
• Sunglasses
• Lantern

Athletes

Lionel Forest

• Type: Professional Golfer
• Species: Human
• Planet: Mantooine
• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 185 lbs.
• Age: 22

Physical Description: He is a toned, dark-skinned individual. Lionel is never seen without his Ekin Sports Apparel. He is often dressed in a red Ekin shirt with black Ekin pants, a black Ekin hat, and his black Ekin golf shoes.

Background: Lionel was able to hit a golf ball at age 4. At age 5, he was shooting a score of 90 for 18 holes, and shortly after he was winning tournaments across the planet. After winning 12 consecutive championships in his age bracket, Lionel became a professional golfer at age 21. Those pre-professional championships include many amateur championships as well as college championships during his stay at the Planetary University of Mantooine.

His rise to fame is not without consequence, however. He has come under scrutiny because he has not won any major tournaments, or even any moderately popular tournaments, in over a year due to his overly intense self-scrutiny. His father drives him very hard to be the best that he can be, and Lionel tries not to disappoint. Lionel was recently listed as having the longest drive on the Galactic Golf Tour with a whopping 315 yards. However, this has not gotten him anywhere because he has not won a notable match since his Sullust Virtuoso Tournament approximately a year and a half ago. Still, Lionel is one of the most beloved athletes of any time, and certainly should still have a bright future.

Personality: Lionel is extremely intense and motivated. While this has allowed him to succeed for many years, he has now hit a bit of a wall in his career as he is unable to score any major victories. He gets so intense at times that one poorly struck shot will destroy his whole round at the golf course. Some attribute this to his lack of a normal young adult's life. He is far too busy training to visit with friends, or go out on a relaxing vacation. It is also important to note that he is often quite temperamental and impatient with other people.

Quotes:

• "%#*@(!"
• "Well, I guess I just didn't hit the ball that well today."

Stat Block:

Golf Note: Halve this skill when his previous golf roll did not beat the needed roll.

Vitals:

• Move: 11
• Character Points: 19
• Force Points: 1
• Dark Side Points: 0
• Credits: 900 + Ekin endorsements and tournament winnings

Uglaball Overview: Uglaball is a fairly non-contact sport. The object is to strike a ball, pitched by an opposing player, with a bat, then run around bases that are 100 meters apart. The ball is made of high-bounce plastic elastomers (allowing it to travel 300 meters with ease, and 500 on a pretty good shot), and the diamond-shaped field is approximately 400 meters. The playing field is a concrete court on which the ball bounces quite easily, allowing for high-scoring games. At random times throughout the game, air jets appear at random points throughout the field, capable of tossing a player several meters into the air, thus taking that player out of the play.

Davis Parker

• Character Type: Professional Uglaball Player
• Sex: Male
• Age: 27
• Height: 5'10"
• Weight: 190 lbs.

Physical Description: Davis is an average-height, stocky man with massive forearms and lightning-quick reflexes. He is considered moderately attractive, with craggy features, a small goatee, and short blonde hair.

Background: Davis had an average childhood, raised in a middle-class suburb on his home planet of Antike. He took up playing little-league Uglaball at the age of 6, and excelled at it immediately. He earned All Galaxy Honors his last year of preparatory school, and forwent college for the majors. After 3 years in the farm system of the Tatooine Krayt Dragons, he was promoted to the majors, where he hit a record 420 home runs in his rookie season. He has continued to improve, and holds virtually every record in Major League Uglaball, commanding the league's highest salary and an unprecedented 6 straight championships.

Personal Description: Davis is a cocky, spoiled professional athlete. He has no tolerance for the media or his fans, often charging absurd sums of money for his autograph. If he does not get his way, he is very ill-tempered and easily provoked. The only time his behavior is perfect is when the camera is on him. He is also a womanizer, and can never pass up a drink.

Quotes:

• "Don't you know who you are talking to?"
• "Another round, barkeep."
• "This one's going out of the park."

Stat Block:

Vitals:

• Move: 12
• Character Points: 12
• Force Points: 1
• Dark Side Points: 1
• Credits: 1,000 + MLU salary

Equipment:

• Uglaball gear
• Sunglasses
• Gold chains
• Mercat repulsor chariot

Other Famous People

Lucifer

• Type: Hairstylist
• Species: Half human / half unknown alien
• Height: 4'6"
• Weight: 90 lbs.
• Skin: Blue
• Eyes: Red
• Hair: Black

Physical Description: Lucifer is a midget. He has a third arm that he hides from view under his clothes.

Background: Lucifer (or Lucy, as his friends call him) was born in the middle of nowhere. He grew up learning the skills of a businessman and a smuggler. But he soon realized that lifestyle was not his. He took his third arm and applied it to becoming the best hairstylist ever. He became very good, having a natural talent for the profession. He began a salon with his business skills. He also became fond of eating crickets.

At first, he was ridiculed quite often, and felt he needed personal protection. So he found a gun that suited his personality: The Pink Lady. Of course, he prefers to avoid violence.

However, he soon became known by many of the galaxy's most important stars, and was taken into the entertainment community as the galaxy's premiere hairstylist.

Personality: He is a hairstylist. He likes fashion and eating crickets. He is very effeminate, and likes to look good. Lucifer has a personal training computer in his specialized ship, which his father bought him on his twenty-first birthday. His father is a very wealthy businessman. Thus, Lucifer learned business tactics, both legal and not. His brother took this knowledge to the Rim and became a smuggler, and Lucifer followed for a while. This led to his learning how to pilot and command a small crew. He likes to learn things, especially things that fit into his profession: hairstyling.

Objectives: To eliminate bad hair days and poor fashion sense, and to get taller.

Quotes:

• "Baby, that is not your color!"
• "Maybe some blond streaks... yes, definitely. I love it!"

Stat Block:

Vitals:

• Character Points: 5
• Force Points: 2
• Dark Side Points: 0
• Credits: 1,000 + salary from the stars
• Move: 12

Equipment:

• YT-1300 transport with onboard hair salon, cricket snack stores, and a lavishly decorated interior in purple, gray, black, and silver
• Cockpit with plush seating and adjustable specialty lighting (regular, soft, black, neon, or combinations)
• Front-mounted gun
• Modified shields 4D, maneuverability 2D, hull 4D, space move 6, hyperdrive x2 (backup x5)
• Hairstylist equipment
• An enormous wardrobe
• The Pink Lady: custom small blaster pistol made from a rare pink metallic substance (3D damage)

Jesus H. Christ

• Type: Businessman
• Planet: Unknown
• Species: Human
• Age: 35
• Height: 5'5"
• Weight: 140 lbs.

Physical Description: Jesus is a businessman, and dresses as such. He is most often seen in a nice three-piece suit. However, he does let his brown hair grow rather scraggly from time to time, and he has a beard. He is fairly small, but his mind is one of the finest.

Background: For quite some time, Jesus was a simple agent for entertainers. However, he soon grew into one of the premiere agents in the business. He then branched out into several more areas, purchasing an entire Uglaball franchise, building the Coruscant Opera House, and creating several other new venues for his growing entertainment empire. He then bought out a small shipping company which has now become a major player in the shipping business, running freight routes across much of the known galaxy.

Jesus is one of the most influential and important businessmen in the entire galaxy, and easily one of the smartest. His story is a simple one: he obtained some money and turned it into an empire of his own.

Personality: Jesus is certainly a cocky individual in that he knows what he has, however he also knows that money is not everything. He has given a great deal to some charities, and is one of the few businessmen that is widely known to care more about his clients' contracts than his own. He does not have nearly as many clients as he used to, preferring instead to defer many of them to others inside his agent corporation, Christ Agents, Inc. On a personal level, Jesus is a very kind and nice individual.

Stat Block:

Vitals:

• Move: 9
• Character Points: 32
• Force Points: 2
• Dark Side Points: 0
• Credits: unknown amounts

Chapter Three - Lodgings and Attractions

Everyone needs to take a short vacation to someplace where they can see the sights, and share in something famous. For some in the Outer Rim, that may involve a trip to Coruscant to see the capital, but for most galactic inhabitants, it means going to a famous planet, the birthplace of a historic leader, or the beautiful mountains of a remote world. Places like these are common for short family vacations and for tourists.

Tatrava Wine Country

The wine country on the planet Tatrava is generally regarded as having the finest winery tours in the galaxy. There are ample hotels and attractions to keep even the most whimsical traveler occupied. Yet choosing from the 400 or so wineries can be difficult, but the experience is sure to pay off. Listed below are some of our personal favorite domains.

The town of Apan is the gateway into the famous wine country, highlighted by serene architecture dating back to the early Republic. It is home to the majority of the finest wineries on Tatrava. Montasoa County is another renowned region, seated in a valley in the high eastern mountains.

At the Domain Rotan Monte', producer of the finest merlot in the galaxy, visitors are encouraged to take a tour of the estate, ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours in length. You will see the state-of-the-art wine facilities, along with the beautiful vineyards. Highlighted on the site is the place where the mysterious "Force Deaths" of 100 years ago occurred, one of the great unsolved mysteries of the galaxy. Apparently, workers began mysteriously dying of burns, and when a group of Jedi came to investigate, they were unable to get near the area because of pain caused through the Force. The problem suddenly stopped after two weeks, and nothing has happened since. Visitors are then encouraged to take a wine tasting, with over two dozen vintages offered for sampling. For those taking the wine tasting, at a minor five credits per person, a 10% discount is offered on all wine purchases.

The Sterling Vineyards boasts a breathtaking view of Lake Hortanji, and the best selection of fine white wines in the galaxy. The rolling vineyards make for a gorgeous backdrop against the pristine white buildings set on top of an emerald hill. This is certainly the ideal vacation spot for lovers of natural beauty. Vintages offered for sale or sampling are a rose, pinot grigio, chardonnay, and five different types of rieslings. Overnight travelers will find the on-site hotel, The Sterling Inn, a welcome break from a hard day of touring. The steep price is more than justified by the availability of every luxury imaginable, including state-of-the-art sonic massage booths in every room and a built-in movie palace running the top 1,000 movies of all time every hour on the hour, plus new releases on demand.

Gamemaster Notes: Tatrava is a perfect setting when the PCs are chasing a high-class villain, or when a place with numerous hiding spots is needed. It also provides a nice backdrop for illegal activity such as money laundering.

The Oracle at Chandrila

This rock formation, created an estimated 20,000 years ago by one of the oldest known primitive societies, has captivated the imagination of people across the galaxy for millennia.

The Oracle is more than meets the eye. It is located on a large, uninhabited island in the middle of Chandrila's largest ocean. There are a few randomly placed trees on the island, and no animals whatsoever live on it. Even birds and other aviary life stay away from this island. Near the center of the island, located among an intricate series of small hills, is an altar made of a unique metal and a series of columns made of the same metal. No one knows how such a primitive society made the altar, since they did not have the technology to raise it, nor the metal, which is seemingly indestructible. The metal is not found on the planet, and has not been found anywhere else in the galaxy.

When looked at more closely, the island is found to be on a spot of unusual magnetic properties. Because of the positioning of the moon, this particular spot has an unbelievably high level of magnetic radiation around it (generally regarded as the reason aviary life stays away). The altar is positioned precisely on the spot where this radiation is strongest, and the entire island serves as a sort of focusing mechanism to further increase this energy field. This is attributed to the fact that the entire island was landscaped to precise dimensions to create this effect. Legend has it that this island is on the exact spot where the first life in the galaxy was created; the altar and landscape were designed in worship of the god who created life. Whether one believes in a deity is not important, as this unique phenomenon stands as one of the truly great wonders of the galaxy.

There are many tour companies that provide daily service to The Oracle. Our favorite is Skeedo's Guided Tours. For a nominal cost, you get passage to the island, a full tour with a knowledgeable guide, and lunch included. Discounted lodging is also provided at the Chandrila Spacer's Lodge, a fine establishment in itself. Skeedo is a prominent Rodian businessman, and one of the most honest Rodians in the galaxy. If you have an opportunity to have him as your tour guide, we sincerely suggest you take his offer.

The Clone Wars Memorial

Located on the planet Ehapah, at the site of the bloodiest single battle in the Clone Wars, this memorial is a 1,000-foot white tower with the name of every non-clone soldier who lost life in the battle. Inside is a museum with relics from the Clone Wars, and a new holofilm every month about a different aspect of the war. This memorial provides a perspective on the horrors of cloning, and serves as a memory of those who honorably gave their lives defending against the evils of the clone masters.

Gamemaster Note: This memorial is best used similarly to a holocaust museum, and is especially effective in a campaign where the players are fighting against clones, to give them a background and reason to persevere.

The Galactic Mall on Mindoro

What would a vacation be without shopping? The Galactic Mall is the galaxy's premier shopping facility. Located on the temperate world of Mindoro, the Galactic Mall is the size of a large city, filled with every type of store imaginable, grouped into distinct courts.

The outdoor market, located on the north grounds of the mall, is an open-air bazaar with local merchants. Haggling is a must here; in fact, merchants will be greatly offended if you do not try to talk the price down. This is the place for the best deals in the mall, but you will have to work for them; three- and four-hour haggling sessions are not uncommon. This is also the easiest place to find the famed Mindoro daggers, handcrafted and of exceptional quality, renowned among the best swordsmen in the galaxy for their fine cutting edge and strength.

Mindoro Dagger: This weapon is crafted from a single Mindoro gem. Carried by all Mindoro warriors, this blade was carefully guarded for millennia, until the advent of blaster technology reduced its importance. Shortly after, the Mindoro allowed the sale of daggers to offworlders. They are still rare, however, due to the difficulty involved in making one. The color of the blade is brilliant, and also symbolizes rank in the Mindoro warrior ranks, with white the lowest, followed by blue, green, red, and finally the rarest color, black. This blade is legal on almost all worlds in the galaxy, as it is generally regarded as a ceremonial weapon, though it can be used in combat.

Difficulty: Easy

The Regal Wing is in the eastern portion of the mall, noted for high price tags and exceptional service. If you are looking for a rare or valuable item, there is no better place to look. From artwork to clothing, from fine jewelry to home decor, if it is merchandise fit for a king, you can find it in the Regal Wing.

Royal Alderaanian Dining Room Set: Complete with 8 chairs and an intricately engraved table made of rare balfta wood, with plush royal purple padding, this set is a beautiful small-scale replica of the royal dining room in the Palace of Alderaan. It also comes with a chandelier of purple varomium in the shape of the crest of Alderaan. A must-have for any who wish to live in royal opulence. Price: 20,000 credits

Every person gets hungry at some time. Catering to this inevitable demand, the Food Court is located in the center of the mall, and is comprised of 15 levels of every kind of eatery imaginable. From the 5-star Corellian restaurant Che' Solar to Melk's Diner, a greasy spoon on the 11th floor, there is something for everyone in the Food Court.

Hunger Rules

A stamina roll is required to resist hunger. Time below is elapsed time since the character has eaten. Eating completely negates penalties.

What would shopping be without an easy means of payment? Credit cards provide this means for many people. Listed below are some of the major cards.

Galactic Express: The first credit card in the galaxy, the Galactic Express is still popular, although acceptance is somewhat limited. There is a small annual fee of 15 credits, but the interest rate is unbeatable at 2.2%. Membership is generally limited to those with proven good credit. It is also available as a Platinum card, for 1,000 credits per year, in which case it offers a 6-month, no-questions-asked warranty on all purchases and 24-hour customer assistance in most places in the galaxy. If you find yourself in jail, or stranded on a desert planet, this assistance can be invaluable.

King Card: This card is the average person's credit card. There is no annual fee, and the interest rate runs at about 21%. Almost anyone can get this card, and it is widely accepted. Be careful about not paying bills, though: if payment is refused after one year, the feared King Collectors will find the truant and confiscate whatever goods they can find to pay off the bill.

Frequent Traveler's Card: This card carries a 16% interest rate, and is of most value to those who travel often by space liner. It allows you to collect frequent flier klicks for charges: 1 klick for each credit purchased. These klicks can be redeemed for discounts on future space-liner transport. No annual fee.

Annoying Tour Guide

Gamemaster Note: This character can be used as shown, or for a sudden change in gameplay, have this seemingly normal guide turn out to be a psychotic individual, criminal, or something similar.

Bain Maxenderm

• Type: Tour Guide
• Species: Human
• Age: 22
• Height: 5'10"
• Weight: 180 lbs.

Physical Description: Bain is a quivering, wimpy-looking individual, with unkempt blond hair and an overabundance of freckles. He wears a red uniform from his place of employment. However, he wears it with the shirt tails hanging out, and the coat does not look like it has been ironed since he owned it.

Background: Leading a very nondescript life, Bain Maxenderm decided that college was a waste of time, so he took his diploma and went job hunting. He landed several low-paying manual-labor jobs, painting starships, attaching wheels onto astromech droids, and other such meaningless tasks. However, Bain thought he was smarter than that, so he applied for his current job: tour guide. Every day now, he takes hundreds of people through his attraction and lets them ogle its wonders. Then he recites a pre-written speech about the attraction to the group, looking completely apathetic.

Personality: Bain is the consummate slacker, with no real objective in life. He floats around the galaxy and really is simply content. He is never upset about his condition because he does not care enough, but at the same time he is devoid of all extreme happiness. He has never loved, never had a single original thought, and certainly has never had a complete life.

Stat Block:

Vitals:

• Move: 10*
• Character Points: 2
• Force Points: 0
• Dark Side Points: 0
• Credits: 75 + weekly salary

Movement Note: A tour guide is one of the few characters that can move backward at the same rate as forward. Thus, while running backward, Bain also gets a move of 10.

Equipment:

• Laser pointer
• Red uniform with cap
• Used tissues

Hotels and Inns

The Wayside Inn: In the heart of the capital of Corellia, the Wayside Inn is within easy walking distance of many local restaurants and shops. This inn is noted for hospitality and ambiance; if you allow them to, tuxedoed bellhops will gladly carry you to your room. The Wayside Inn is on the more expensive side, but well worth every penny. From cathedral ceilings at the entrance, to spacious suites, to the giant Princess Ballroom that features nightly dancing and has hosted the most prominent figures in the galaxy, you too can mingle with the upper class and be treated like a king. Price: $$$$$ Service: *****

Galaxy's Best: If this is the best in the galaxy, you are better off not traveling at all. The largest hotel chain in the galaxy, there are an average of 10 per planet across the known galaxy. If you are looking for a bed at the cheapest price possible, and nothing more, this is the place for you, since that is all you will get. From discourteous staff to maids who never show up, from the bellboy who cannot find your room to the refresher booth that only operates on cold, Galaxy's Best fails to live up to its own billing. Price: $ Service: "They offer service?"

Return from Nowhere Hotel: This hotel is one of the worst we reviewed, but the owners have told us it is supposed to feel like a horrible place. The reason: Return from Nowhere is the name of their own murder mystery, which they host in the hotel. This mystery puts normal citizens in the shoes of criminals, bounty hunters, and the like. Gamemaster Note: An interesting plot twist is that one participant in the mystery is not pretending, but is actually a murderer. Price: $$$ Service: ***

Chapter Four - Restaurants, Bars, and Lounges

One common feature shared by most, if not all, beings is the need to consume food. There are many kinds of establishments that provide a customer with a decent meal or a tasty beverage. However, one has to be cautious where they settle down for their dining experiences. There are great restaurants and bars, and then there are no-star dives that do not serve anything recognizable as food. For this reason, before one ventures into an unknown dining experience, one should learn more about restaurants, bars, and lounges.

Restaurants

A gamemaster can use any well-detailed restaurant to provide atmosphere in an adventure. Or, the gamemaster can have an illegal operation taking place in a high-class establishment away from the watchful eyes of authorities. Restaurants can provide an interesting situation or a bit of humor to any adventure, as well as be the staging area for unique campaign plot twists. An example might be having a mob boss control a restaurant as a front, and the characters in the adventure have to sort through the mess and get to the heart of a crime. Each restaurant has a different setting so that the gamemaster can tailor each place to their own needs.

Prices are done out of 5 dollar signs, with $$$$$ being the highest-priced meals. Service is done out of 5 stars, with ***** being the best service.

Malaga: For a "quick trip to Kashyyyk's jungles," come to Malaga. This superb four-star restaurant is home to some of the only Wookiee cuisine known off the Wookiees' home planet. The atmosphere of this Wookiee restaurant is similar to Kashyyyk itself, meaning you should expect lots of furry animals running around while you dine. We recommend any of the raw meat dishes, as that is a Wookiee delicacy. Also, the waiters may be more concerned with killing their own food than serving yours. The language barrier also provides a bit of a problem. Do not expect to get your order on the first try. And whatever you do, do not criticize the chefs. Price: $ Service: *

Lenge: Expect to pay a lot of money for very little food. However, the food you get will be the best the galaxy has to offer. They offer tasty dishes from Tatooine including bantha tenderloin, krayt dragon stew, and "Jawa chops" (these are not actual Jawa parts, but steaks prepared in traditional Jawa style). The atmosphere is intentionally desert-like, emulating Tatooine while maintaining a comfortable room temperature. The food is excellent and so is the service. Price: $$$$ Service: *****

Judson's Grille: The ceilings are high and so are the prices at this gigantic "super restaurant." Nom Judson is the owner, and describes the atmosphere as "big." The restaurant is designed in an old temple style, with voluminous ceilings reaching four stories above patrons' heads. Portions match the building, as the smallest cut of meat is a large 16 ounces. The largest, called "Judson's Giant," is a ridiculous 72 ounces; if one person can devour this monstrosity, the whole group's bill is covered. Prices are reasonable, and service is good. Judson says rumors that his restaurant is currently under government surveillance are false; he claims to have a flawless record. Price: $$$ Service: ****

Fewtur: This is simply one of the worst restaurants in terms of safety. There are daily bar fights. At least once a week, the restaurant is shut down due to a shooting, or some other blaster "accident." Owner Kir Fewtur states that "the best bounty hunters in the galaxy come here to eat; tensions are bound to rise." If you can get past the flying blaster bolts and actually eat your meal, the food is superb. Prices are good as well. Price: $ Service: non-existent

Halcyon: Spacious and elegant, Halcyon offers some of the most original cuisine in the galaxy. Their food is presented beautifully and with a great deal of style. The waiters are courteous and friendly, and the atmosphere is near perfect. Halcyon has excellent food from a variety of cultures, plus Chef Ro Gern's own creations. There is not a restaurant in the galaxy that can compare with Halcyon in any category. Price: $$$$ Service: *****

Bars and Taverns

Whether you are looking for a nightcap, a companion, the solace of a bottle of Corellian whiskey, or even a place to pick up on a bounty, bars can offer some of the best opportunities. Bars have been settings of life-changing events for many heroes and villains. Gamemasters can use a good bar to set an important killing, drug deal, and more.

The Faaress Wheel: A bar on Bespin, perfect for the thirsty traveler who likes local culture. Shaped as a giant wheel, with a circular bar in the middle and tables along the outside, its main allure is its unique setup. There is often live entertainment; the house band is The Minors, playing a unique and sometimes annoying mix of top 40 and jazz selections. The atmosphere is highlighted by a game room in the back, featuring three billiards tables and a variety of pinball and holovid games. Price: $ Ambiance: **

The Red Moon Saloon: A saloon on Antike, well known for exotic drinks, friendly wait staff, and 24-hour karaoke. The house specialty is the Red Moon Surprise, a scarlet red drink that is amazingly tasty. The karaoke is entertaining to watch, and even more fun to participate in. Offering over 300,000 of the most loved melodies in the galaxy, there is something for every species. Price: $$$ Ambiance: ****

The Anteater: One of the trendiest bars on Coruscant, The Anteater caters to the "swingers" of society who demand strong drinks and sweet music. A fine cigar is a must, and a Manhattan or martini is the drink of choice. The music is phenomenal, a traditional blues repertoire performed by a different band every week. Bring your Galactic Express card, because it is a night you and your checkbook will remember. Price: $$$$$ Ambiance: *****

The Mynoc's Nest: A run-down bar on the outskirts of the main megalopolis on Vykyr VI. Home of the roughest and seediest figures in the Vykyr system, this is not a bar for the weak of heart. For those wishing to witness a live blaster fight, this is the place. The food is average, and the air reeks of illegal misgivings. For travelers wishing to meet a real pirate or criminal, this is the place. Price: $ Ambiance: *

Grand Design: A classy bar in the Minos Cluster. The Grand Design is known for its famed piano player Steven Charles, known by his stage name Ray Wonder. Before he took up playing with galactic singing sensation Frank Mackie, Ray established the Grand Design as the premiere piano bar in the galaxy. His successor is Dalt Hinford, who has continued the excellence behind the keyboard. The drinks are excellent, the waitresses are pleasant, and the setting is unbeatable. You are sure to hear your favorite songs, and will probably be singing along by the end of the night. Price: $$ Ambiance: ****

Bantha Burger: This galaxy-wide chain serves a great burger fast. While it appears some burgers remain under heat lamps for as long as ten days, the meat is still edible. If you are looking for a nice dining room, you are not going to find it here, but the price is right and the food is quick. Motto: "We serve the best bantha in the galaxy or your credits back." Price: $ Ambiance: *

Food and Drink

What would any bar or restaurant be without its fare? This collection of foods and drinks allows a gamemaster to add surprising detail, and often humor, to an otherwise normal bar or cantina.

Drinking Rules

These provide a standard way for the GM to gauge the effects of alcohol.

Alcoholic Drinks

(A drink is roughly a large shot unless noted.)

Beers and Lagers

(A drink is a 12 oz glass unless noted.)

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

• Horstberry Cider: a delightful berry taste
• Lerothek Milk: tastes like sour milk
• Spidervine Tea: a tasty tea with a spicy bite
• Yartigan Well Water: well-known mineral water
• Quarren Sea Dew: honey-like in taste, watery in body
• PassionFruit Syrup: a very thick, sweet, red syrupy drink
• Snig: a highly effervescent tea that "clears the sinuses"
• Boiled Snig: for when your sinuses have a blast door in there
• Tatooine Yagbitter: the standard, bland drink of Tatooine
• Galactic Cola: in a unique approach to marketing, it comes flat
• Imperial Cola: the choice of the Stormie Generation
• Mineral Shake: gritty texture, fair taste
• Vitamin Shake: tastes horrible, but provides a lot of energy

Gamemaster Note: Having a small, high-strung character drink a Vitamin Shake or PassionFruit Syrup should produce extreme hyperactivity and restlessness.

Foods

• Tenbah squid pie with roosha toppings
• Quekkk (a Wookiee vine)
• Kril meat (Elrood)
• Adang (a vegetable from Elrood)
• Wecliu nuts
• Driblis fruit
• Bantha burgers
• Dewback ribs
• Bruallki (a salty meat)
• Kizar sticks (like pretzels)
• Range squab
• Pirki nuts
• Chak-root (Erysthes, CSA)
• Fromirian roast queg (a gourmet food)
• Sweet cakes
• Honey sticks
• Bhillen sandwich
• Bhillen stew
• Bestinnian tang-root (smells bad)
• Custard
• Yagai spiced dindra (spicy like the sun is hot)
• Ukian spring-fruit pod delight
• Svivreni treat
• Seasoned Enyak bobs over Teerlop-zikady
• Stuffed Uln bird glazed with a light mist of Zsajhira berry juice
• Deep-fried Issori blowfish snouts sauteed in spices and pepper fettles
• Junobian soft-shell sand fliers served in a small black kettle of Corellian wine, still boiling, topped with genuine Corellian seed poppers
• Rishi honeystix dipped in sweet powder
• Shirrlo (succulent salmon-pink pomegranate-like treat from Felin)
• Tekka nuts
• Tekka chips
• Kyanin Krunch (breakfast cereal for carnivores; comes with a "Master Axin" figure)
• Chooca nuts
• L'an Claf'rok chicken platter
• Blatberry pie
• Charbote roots
• Marbleberry fritters
• Spiced aric tongue
• Runyip stew
• Dioche stew
• Chantilly cream
• Caramelized Pkneb
• Fire stew
• Besnian sausage
• Largess cakes
• Nerf sausage
• Candied rennet
• Grilled womp rat
• Bantha kabob
• Bantha steak
• Gamwidge
• Grazer roulade
• Dewback offal
• Broiled dewback
• Goatgrass
• Spiced Parwan nutricake
• Chocolate ladybabies
• Ploth
• Klatooine paddy-frogs
• Fricasseed sand maggot kidneys
• Lipana berries and honey
• Puptons of dried magicots and psibara
• Fillet of baby dewback
• Beignet
• Fleik liver pate
• Belsavian bowvine fruit
• Romorean capanta
• Nerf medallions and sweet fungi
• Grazer fillets and tart sauce
• Baked felbar and savory cream
• Ediorungan poached ice-fish
• Spiced woolamander
• Moonglow

Chapter Five - Casinos and Resorts

While restaurants, traditional lodgings, and common tourist sites are all very nice, some people require a different lifestyle. For this reason, casinos and resorts are among the most profitable and popular places in the galaxy. Some are simply for wealthy people to gather and share in the glory of their credits, while others are prime locations for mob activity, high-stakes cheating, and illegal money deals. Gamemasters should realize that traditional cantinas and back-alley gambling establishments can be replaced not only with a high-class restaurant or bar, but also with outwardly serene resorts and high-class casinos.

The Volcano Ridge Resort: Located on the volcanic planet of Sullust, in an environment not suitable for most life, lies the exotic paradise that is Volcano Ridge. Surrounded by clear walls on all sides, this resort stands alone on the fiery surface, with a breathtaking view of natural firestorms and eruptions on all sides. The atmosphere is generated internally, and the temperature kept at a perfect 20 degrees Celsius. The Volcano Ridge Resort is ideal for the cost-conscious adventurer; prices are respectable and service is good.

The resort was founded by Sievus Gand, perhaps the best Sullustan entrepreneur of all time. Building costs were extraordinary, and many lives were lost during construction, but the final jewel stands as one of the great wonders of the galaxy. Gand has drawn a sizeable profit, and has managed to defend the resort from all potential raiders, although no one is sure how.

A full five-level casino is featured, with games ranging from dice games to sabacc. There is also a house game named after the owner, called simply "Gand." This game involves a large square board with several dozen squares and a short fence around it, plus a flat rail running around the board with all corresponding squares. Two small predatory creatures called Marfs are let onto the board to battle to the death. Players can bet on which Marf will win, or on the square in which the dead Marf will fall. Picking the winner yields a 2:1 profit; picking the winning square pays 10:1.

The hotel at Volcano Ridge is second to none. Every room has a full panoramic view of surrounding volcanic action, one or two king-sized beds, a separate kitchenette, a separate living room, full holovid access (with parental screening), a complimentary wet bar, and round-the-clock service.

Mulako Corporation Primordial Water Quarry (adapted from Kevin J. Anderson's "Darksaber"): This quarry is based on a comet that swings around the Core every century or so. The comet is mined for much of its trip through space, with ice chips and water sold to gourmets and wealthy people who wish to show they are among the elite. While this water is chemically the same as any other water, it is still a status symbol to drink primordial water due to the fact that it is one of the few surviving, usable things left from the creation of the galaxy.

The comet is occupied by tourists for much of its orbit, but all must leave as it passes by the sun. This near-sun trip causes the comet to become too unstable for tourism. However, when the comet clears the sun, it is picked back up by the Mulako Corporation, who mines it for water. About 100 years later, it will get close enough again to allow tourists onboard.

Ask Mulako when the next tourist season is, and hopefully you can enjoy this lavish comet resort, complete with primordial springs, water, and fine living.

The Bespin Grand Hotel and Casino: The name may say hotel, but do not let that fool you. The Grand is definitely a resort, home to the best repulsor ski hills in the galaxy. Taking full advantage of mountainous surroundings, the Bespin Grand has the unique feature of being at the top of the highest mountain on Bespin. The Tibanna gas springs provide a gorgeous backdrop to the serene beauty of the crystal-white mountain, and the resort offers all the most luxurious features possible. The casino is state-of-the-art, with four lavish levels. No dice games are allowed, and the only high-stakes tables are in sabacc, but there are lower-stakes tables in most popular games.

Urisuh Gaming Association Resorts and Casinos: This chain has a location on every gambling planet throughout much of the galaxy. Low-stakes gambling occurs here, as it is a very phony atmosphere. People who come to one of these casinos are usually ruffians trying to look upper class. Since owner Debfleb Urisuh is a renowned miser, security is lax at any of the resorts. Accommodations are second to everything else, and you cannot win that much because dealers have a tendency to cheat. Still, it is a casino, and people still flock there. About the only thing this place has going for it is its selection of cheap prostitutes, which is among the "best."

Chapter Six - Cultural Attractions

One of the most common aspects of any culture is religion. Some planets have one religion, which keeps them separated from the rest of the galaxy. Others have a faith that places them far above other races in terms of importance. Conflict can be a nasty result on planets unfortunate enough to have many popular religions, with none dominant over the other. These planets are hotbeds of cultural diversity, but sometimes they are also highly troubled planets with definite problems. In any case, planets with highly religious backgrounds can be of interest to the intellectual traveler.

Planet: Dancobar

• Terrain Type: Temperate, with small polar caps and very limited arctic regions
• Year Length: 263 standard days

Planet Description: Dancobar is a temperate planet with several major cities and two major spaceports. One is in the capital, Parathor, which services the western hemisphere of the planet. This spaceport is in close proximity to the beautiful salt cliffs and the famous Salt Palace Resort, featuring 2,000 suites and 10 championship golf courses, full recreational facilities, and five-star entertainment. Be sure not to miss the Yellow Ravine Club, noted for innovative and cutting-edge musicians.

The second spaceport is in the city of Paratay, a smaller city known for its quaint, intimate facade. The main lure is the essence of village life, with the spaceport and Travelers Inn the only sign of an advanced city. The rest of the populace lives in numerous spread-out villages that exhibit sincere devotion to the Hibanaai religion. This port services the eastern hemisphere, the premier spot for travelers looking for a quaint bed and breakfast in a frontier setting.

Dancobar is inhabited by three different species: the Yorthu, the Hibanaai, and the Bigartal. The most unique aspect of Dancobar is that it is the home of three of the galaxy's most widely followed religions.

Yorthuism: The third most-followed religion in the galaxy, with approximately 20 billion followers. It centers around a messiah, Harium Getyiac. Harium lived 4,000 years ago, and began preaching a new way of life involving kindness toward everyone. Travelers can make a pilgrimage or scholarly visit to his home in Parathor, or visit his temple at the rock cluster in the jungle of Daoth. There are regular tour groups organized by the Lenamark tour group, and many locals provide more personal and adventurous individual tours.

Reyanism: Founded by the ancient Hibanaai, this religion focuses around reincarnation. It is thought that all life is sacred, and all followers abhor violence. Reyanism worships life itself as a god named Reya, the spirit within all living things. Through this belief, Reyanists find themselves at one with nature, which reflects in their worship. They have no temples, but rather holy places, usually natural formations of exceptional creation, where Reyan's spirit is especially strong. The Reyan council has put together an official list of such places, and the adventuring tourist or religious devotee can buy a guide for 20 credits. There are also daily masses organized by each temple's high priest; for schedules and holidays, contact the individual temple or the intergalactic Reyan hotline at http://reyanism.rel on the holonet.

Bigartalism: This religion prizes the individual as his own god, and therefore advocates the purity of the individual. Since each being is a temple in itself, that temple must be honored. Therefore, Bigartalists are usually health fanatics. They also believe in pleasing the god within the temple, so they find nothing wrong with worldly goods and possessions. This is the most widely followed religion in the galaxy, since it is acceptable to a wide range of people who find no interest in a religion that denies pleasures. To be an official member of the Church of Bigartalism, one must pay a membership fee of 1,000 credits per year, which entitles the member to visiting privileges of the Bigartal pleasure palaces. Visitor passes can also be bought at 100 credits per day for those considering joining.

Another sought-after lifestyle in the galaxy, at least for many of the lazy folk, is the lifestyle of drug users, especially famous ones. While most people know that drugs tend to be bad for the body long-term, and that all of them can be severely impairing, many do not care. They simply want to have fun and live their lives to the "fullest." These people often become obsessed. Thus, this drug culture has become a major culture in the galaxy, with some places becoming major hubs for this activity.

Planet: Quell-Itor

• Terrain Type: Very hot, with little water (the few bodies of water are fresh)
• Year Length: 121 standard days

Planet Description: Quell-Itor is not a planet most normal people would travel to. It is extremely hot due to close proximity to its star. The sand, however, is a beautiful light blue color that makes the planet look like a giant water planet, or gas giant, from orbit.

Quell-Itor is inhabited by three types of people: those who were born there and will die there, those who sell drugs there, and those who use drugs there. Those born there are typically desert farmers with the ability to raise many crops, spices, and similar products. They are human, perhaps descendants of an ancient colony. The people are hyperdrive-capable, and they have heavy trade that sustains a rich economy. In fact, most inhabitants live in luxurious accommodations rivaling those anywhere else in the galaxy.

What makes this trade so great? The answer lies in legal and illegal trade of drugs, spices, and other products of questionable health value. Residents know these items are valuable, so they farm them and run giant plantations. Many people, primarily offworlders looking for a piece of the action, are needed to sell these drugs locally and to transports taking product off-planet. Essentially, the drug culture sustains the planet and provides for some interesting tourism.

Tourism is huge on Quell-Itor because of the drugs. Wealthy people with no jobs and little future come to Quell-Itor to buy or rent a small townhouse and do drugs all day, then flirt with local women all night. Prince Uriah Kenfold is the most famous visitor, living on the planet all but one week per year, when he travels back to his planet to deliver his State of the Planet address in a drugged-out stupor.

The most popular drug, both domestically and for export, is Drethullium, an extreme hallucinogenic. It is only mildly addictive physiologically, but mentally every user wants it again. It does no lasting harm to the body after use is complete, but while in the body the user experiences the "negative effect": eyes perceive every color as its opposite. Thus, a red object seems green, and a blue ocean appears bright orange. In addition, the user cannot feel pain. While this is fun for a while, users often get into trouble when they burn themselves and do not realize it. When they do see the flame, it appears bright blue, which often causes hysterical laughter.

When used in a controlled way, this drug is a big, fairly safe hit. It is swallowed in liquid form. It comes as a powder, which must be melted into a liquid. It is easy to overcook and vaporize it, making it useless. Once heated to melting point, it can be mixed with an equal part of water and taken. Adventurous souls are often seen taking it with no water. In this case, the effect lasts 10 times as long. Since the original effect lasts about 12 hours, that can be a problem.

Essentially, this planet is the epitome of drug culture. There are seedy bars where you can buy low-class drugs that provide basic effects and probably harm your organs too. Or, you can go to a penthouse suite at the Quell-Ithor Planetary Resort, where you can find Junta Wizzboe. He can provide some of the best drugs in the galaxy, plus a suite to enjoy them in alongside other luxuries. Anyone can come, for any price range, and any drug-oriented lifestyle. Quell-Ithor has it all.

Other Drugs and Spices

• Drethill (untested crystallized powder spice; hallucinogen)
• Duble'helis (aggressive biological drug; feeds on organics)
• Ryll Spice (dangerous/addictive drug)
• Glitterstim Spice (mined on Kessel)
• m'e (highly addictive drug)
• M'owpohe (drug that impairs mental and physical state, sex, and hunger; derived from milky juice of unripe seedpods; smoked or injected)

Chapter 7 - Creating Your Own Places

Every gamemaster feels the occasional need to create a special place specific to a campaign. Some are naturally great at it, and others need a little help.

Planets, cities, bars, and similar locations can be created effectively by emulating the real world, as well as Star Wars movies, books, and related media. For example, if you have ever seen a bar in a movie, you may portray it in-game by telling your players about it in great detail. While anyone can improvise random details, a gamemaster may wish to provide pre-planned details. For example, when a PC orders a drink at a bar, maybe the PC notices a large blood stain on the bar top next to them and wonders why that is there in a high-class bar.

Let us step through an example lounge description. Some gamemasters have a tendency to give only needed details: "You are in a lounge, with a bar in the right corner, and a woman singing in front of you." Here is how to make this stronger.

Atmosphere

This is by far the most important. Players need a feel for a place. They need to know what kind of establishment they are in. So, in keeping with our example, instead of looking solely at basics, add detail.

"You walk into Yoset's Lounge. The room is dimly lit, except for a single light focused on a gorgeous woman singing on a barely raised stage. There is an aura of class in this place that is not quite describable. You are mesmerized by her beauty until a member of the waitstaff, dressed nicely in a tuxedo, asks if you would like a seat. Once seated, you take in the place. The bar has an original painting by Gerasto hanging above it. The bartender has a well-trimmed mustache, and his buttons catch your eye as you note they at least appear to be gold."

As you can see, this is far more descriptive than giving just the required details. In some ways, this is an asset for the GM in that you can give PCs false leads to follow in figuring something out. If the objective here was to look for a gold earring containing microfilm, the PC would need more thinking and information before doing anything else. For players up for a mental challenge, atmosphere can be a GM's best ally.

Main People

In the previous example, we began describing the bartender with gold buttons and similar details. It is not uncommon for criminals to wear gold, so simply seeing someone wearing gold may not be enough to establish a place as high class. If the PC eventually talks to the bartender, the GM could construct a conversation where the bartender speaks like an English gentleman, or similar. Having a well-spoken character, especially with an accent, can make a strong impression on a PC.

Surrounding People

If the PC hears snippets of conversations, they can pick up valuable hints, as well as non-vital information that both throws them off track and provides richer context. Hearing no conversation does little. Hearing someone discuss "young Porthos' new luxury yacht with a wet bar" builds a clear image in the PC's head.

Cultural Significance

It is possible to either build adventures around cultures, or use culture to throw people off and make an adventure more interesting. Take examples from real life and create planets with religious wars, racial/species tensions, high tourist counts, and similar dynamics.

Imagine if the Mos Eisley cantina had never been shown visually, but only described as a "wretched hive of scum and villainy." We would never have imagined the band, the tables, the dirt, the light levels, the bartender with the huge nose, or the dozens of aliens in the bar. But if it had been described exactly as we see it, including details like "the bartender has a nose the size of an Imperial cruiser and a belly that rivals the moons of Yavin," we would form a far better picture. Keep those principles in mind when designing bars, lounges, planets, and other locations.

Chapter 8 - Creating Your Own High Class People

People in the Star Wars universe can be very important, especially as NPCs go. From villains to victors, people influence decisions, outcomes, and other story factors in any Star Wars campaign. One group often overlooked is "high class" people (except in campaigns like Lords of the Expanse). Opulence is part of any society, so it needs to be addressed.

Most Star Wars characters of note are bounty hunters, smugglers, rebels, or military officers. Very few are what could be defined as rich. NPCs like Frank Mackie are rich people in the public eye. These characters might be under personal threat from a psychotic individual and need defense. Or perhaps your PCs need to assassinate them. In any case, there is a need to have wealthy, high-class characters from time to time.

Occupation

Does this character have an occupation, or just money? If they do have an occupation, what is it? Singer, real-estate mogul, athlete, film star, erotic film star, and so on. Whatever the occupation, make it public enough that it can become an effective storyline.

Money

For practical purposes, these characters can do whatever they please with their money. Ground cars to space vessels, gold to jewels, they can buy what they please when they want it. Often, people will give them things for free to get in with whoever the famous person is.

There is always the uncommon rich person who does not care about money. This person looks average in every way, except for one or two things they like to have. Perhaps it is a watch, a car, or shoes. Whatever it is, that one thing is the giveaway to wealth.

Attitudes

These characters can have a few common attitudes: arrogance, privacy, denial, or combinations thereof. Athletes obviously tend to be arrogant, other stars tend to be private, and those who simply have money may ignore the money and avoid personality changes.

This can be a device to give a lot to a PC. They might encounter a rich person; if they are nice, the rich person gives the PC tons of wealth. If the PC is a jerk, the rich person might wreak havoc upon them.

This concludes the first edition of the Guide to Culture and Society. Any questions should be directed to hansene@umich.edu or slavianredd@yahoo.com. There may be an updated version in the future, depending on how this version is received.