A Universe of Scoundrels and Villains: How the Star Wars Underworld Works

Contents:

• Crime Syndicates
• Main Types of Criminal Activity
• Main Hotbeds of Criminal Life in the Galaxy

Star Wars Outlaws, the first video game in the Star Wars universe, will be released on August 30. Star Wars Outlaws is an open-world game. Set between Episodes V and VI, players take on the role of Kay Vess, a charismatic criminal and adventurer who plans to pull off "the biggest heist in the history of the Outer Rim." Explore expansive locations, interact with a diverse cast of characters, and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Star Wars universe. The criminal underworld has always been an integral part of the galaxy far, far away, ever since Luke Skywalker and Ben Kenobi arrived at the Mos Eisley spaceport, known for its diverse rogues. The owner of the fastest starship in the universe awaited them in the cantina. Since the events of Star Wars began nearly fifty years ago, the criminal underworld has grown and changed significantly. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how criminal organizations and their leaders influence the events of Star Wars Outlaws. We explore key characters, their motivations, and the role they play in the expanded Star Wars universe.

Crime Syndicates

The criminal underworld of a distant galaxy is shaped by powerful syndicates that play a key role in its functioning. These influential organizations with extensive networks of agents and informants have existed since the dawn of civilization and will likely continue to exist until its end. In the context of the events of Star Wars Outlaws, the criminal underworld is divided between five major syndicates, as well as a number of lesser organizations. These syndicates not only control illegal operations, but also influence political and economic processes in the galaxy, creating a complex web of intrigue and conflict.

The Pyke Syndicate, a ruthless organization, has controlled virtually all aspects of spice production and trade in the galaxy since the Clone Wars. Their influence extends to the Outer Rim, Coruscant, and other core planets. The Pykes also own the infamous mines on Kessel, which use prisoner and slave labor. Control over such resources allows the syndicate to maintain a powerful position in the market, making them one of the most dangerous players in the galactic underground.

The Pykes are not above fulfilling other orders. About ten years before the start of the Clone Wars, they assassinated Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas by shooting down his ship over the moon of Oba Diah, the Pyke homeworld. This act assisted Count Dooku in concealing the existence of the clone army.

After the end of the Clone Wars, the syndicates significantly strengthened their position. They survived the Dark Times and the Galactic Civil War without significant losses, maintaining their influence even during the New Republic era. Several years after the Battle of Endor, the syndicates became bold enough to attempt to occupy territory formerly held by Jabba the Hutt. In this context, the famous bounty hunter Cad Bane, whose story was told in The Clone Wars and The Book of Boba Fett, deserves mention. Cad Bane is one of the most effective, daring, and highly paid bounty hunters, causing considerable trouble for the Republic and the Jedi throughout the Clone Wars. His skills and reputation made him a key player in the criminal underworld, and he remains a significant figure in galactic history.

Pyke will be featured in the Star Wars Outlaws video game. According to trailers and gameplay videos, the main character, Kay Vess, will encounter representatives of the syndicate on the planet Toshara. This promises to add exciting interaction elements and plot twists to the gameplay, making Star Wars Outlaws an interesting project for fans of the Star Wars universe.

The powerful organization Crimson Dawn arose at the end of the Clone Wars. Former apprentice of Darth Sidious, the Zabrak Maul abandoned the idea of ​​​​revenge against his master. After losing control of the captured planet Mandalore for the second time, he decided to focus on criminal activity. The organization began to form as a powerful criminal structure, seeking to establish influence over various planets and groups through manipulation and violence. Crimson Dawn became a symbol of new threats in the galaxy, attracting the attention of both criminal groups and authorities.

Under Maul's leadership, the Crimson Dawn gang of marauders transformed into one of the five main crime syndicates in the galaxy. The organization successfully survived the Dark Times and survived until the Battle of Yavin, becoming an active player in the Galactic Civil War. However, Maul himself did not live to see this significant moment. His thirst for vengeance led him to Tatooine, where he met his death at the hands of the experienced Jedi Ben Kenobi. Events involving Maul and his gang continue to influence the criminal underworld, underscoring their importance in galactic history. After Maul's death, control of the organization passed to Lady Qi'ra. She was Han Solo's first love and a former protégé of Dryden Vos. Qi'ra began working for Maul even before her patron's fall and played a key role in his demise. Under her leadership, the syndicate continued to grow in power, but it was her actions, ambition, and desire for revenge that ultimately led to the collapse of the organization.

Between Episodes V and VI, when the events of Star Wars Outlaws take place, Qi'ra decides to purge the galaxy of the Sith and destroy the Empire. She intends to pit all the syndicates against each other and take advantage of the resulting chaos to eliminate the Emperor and Darth Vader. This plan demonstrates her desire for power and willingness to take risks to achieve her goals.

Although many criminal organizations suffered greatly during the Syndicate War, the Emperor eventually addressed the situation, and Crimson Dawn was destroyed by Imperial forces. Qi'ra managed to survive the chaos, but she realized that she had lost everything and voluntarily went into exile. However, Crimson Dawn did have an impact on the outcome of the war: it was thanks to syndicate agents that the rebels learned of the existence of the second Death Star. This information became key in the fight against the Empire, emphasizing the importance of the Crimson Dawn actions in historical context.

The Hutts are more than just gangsters; they are powerful rulers who control large swaths of space known as Hutt Space. Their influence extends far beyond their claimed territory, as the Hutts engage in racketeering, extortion, smuggling, and other illegal activities on numerous worlds in the Outer Rim. They control key hyperspace routes, allowing them to effectively manage their operations and expand their sphere of influence in the region.

Of all the Hutts, Jabba the Hutt stands out, having built his criminal empire on the desert planet of Tatooine. Jabba's influence was so significant that he dealt directly with the Emperor and Darth Vader. Even the most famous bounty hunters, such as Boba Fett, were willing to work for him. The Hutts, renowned for their longevity and capable of living up to a thousand years, allowed Jabba to accumulate experience and connections. He once collaborated with Jango Fett, Boba Fett's father, who helped Jabba eliminate his main rival, Gardulla, and consolidate his position on Tatooine. Jabba the Hutt became a symbol of the criminal underworld, demonstrating how influence and cunning could ensure long-term success in a complex and dangerous environment.

The Hutts wielded considerable power, and during the Clone Wars, both sides sought their support. Later, the Hutts entered into exclusive agreements with the Empire, confirming their influence in the galaxy. However, during the Syndicate War, unleashed by Lady Qi'ra, the Hutts became among the main victims. In retaliation for an attack on the Imperial fleet, Darth Vader destroyed the entire Hutt ruling council, leaving only Jabba alive. This event demonstrated not only the power of Vader, but also the vulnerability of the Hutts, who, despite their strength, found themselves under threat.

In the Expanded Universe, Black Sun was one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the galaxy. Members of this syndicate operated on nearly every inhabited planet, and their leader, the Falleen prince Xizor, considered himself the equal of the Emperor. However, this arrogant approach became his downfall, and he lost his life as a result of his ambitions - this occurred between the events of Episodes V and VI.

In the new canon, Black Sun has lost some of its omnipotence, but remains one of the five largest crime syndicates in the galaxy. This organization is involved in virtually all forms of illegal activity, with a particular emphasis on the slave trade. The Clone Wars proved to be a boon for the cartel, as the Jedi, who had traditionally opposed the syndicate's criminal activities, were forced to take a break from their duties of maintaining peace and order. They assumed the roles of generals in the Grand Army of the Republic, allowing Black Sun to continue its operations without proper oversight.

The Crymora is the most mysterious of the five major syndicates. This organization was originally created for George Lucas's canceled television series "Crimeworld." Since then, the name Crymora has appeared in various sources, but information about the cartel itself remains extremely limited. The intrigue surrounding Crymora continues to attract the attention of researchers and fans of crime stories, making it a subject of study for those interested in the dark side of the criminal underworld.

The Crymora is an association of five families, among which the most prominent are the Rang Clan, the Wandering Star, the Gotra Droids, consisting of droids who defend the rights of their kind, the Baldamiro family, and the Hutt Ambassadors, who are apparently renegade Hutts expelled from the cartels. Each of these families plays a vital role in the dynamics of the criminal underworld, contributing to the complex relationships and conflicts that develop in this dangerous environment.

The peak of the Crimora organization's power came during the final years of the Galactic Republic. During the reign of the Empire, members of the syndicate sought to secure the Emperor's support by selling information to local Moffs and warlords and assisting in the hunt for Rebel cells. However, these efforts failed to impress the Emperor. After the destruction of the first Death Star, the Empire declared war on organized crime in the Outer Rim, and Crimora bore the brunt of the blow. By the end of the Galactic Civil War, the syndicate had virtually ceased to exist, marking a significant event in the history of crime fighting in the galaxy.

The Son-Tuul Pack may be less well-known than other criminal organizations, but at one time it enjoyed a reputation as the sixth-largest crime syndicate. Members of this group became serious rivals to the Hutts and primarily engaged in smuggling. Their hallmark was ruthlessness: they tolerated no excuses and were unforgiving of mistakes, even among their own comrades. This made the Son-Tuul Pack a formidable player in the criminal arena, giving them significant influence and control over certain areas of illegal activity.

Following the destruction of the first Death Star, the Empire declared war on crime in the Outer Rim. As a result of this conflict, the Son-Tuul Pack and the Crymora suffered significant losses. Imperial forces destroyed several of these organizations' bases and seized all assets located there, including large sums of cash. These actions seriously undermined the groups' positions in the Outer Rim, leaving them vulnerable and strengthening the Empire's control in the region. Unlike the Crymora, the Son-Tuul Pack was able to recover from the blow. Members of the organization received an invitation from Lady Qi'ra to an auction, where the only item up for grabs was Han Solo, frozen in carbonite. This event became the starting point for the Syndicate Wars, which changed the balance of power in the galaxy and led to new conflicts between criminal organizations.

The Ashiga crime family is a new and mysterious organization created for the Star Wars Outlaws game. This group is composed of members of the Melitto, an insectoid race with a hierarchical hierarchical structure. Members of the clan are involved in smuggling, extortion, weapons manufacturing, and sabotage. Unlike other criminal groups, the Ashiga adhere to a strict code of honor, but they also display cruelty towards their enemies and competitors, making them dangerous opponents in the Star Wars world.

The syndicate's main base is located on the frigid mountain planet of Kijimi, which was first introduced in the film The Rise of Skywalker. This planet has become an important location in the star saga, attracting audiences with its harsh climate and unique landscape. Kijimi serves as a strategic hub for the syndicate's operations, thanks to its remote location and stealth.

Zerek Besh will play a significant role for the first time in Star Wars Outlaws, although this organization was introduced into canon earlier than the Ashiga. Its emergence occurred during the Syndicate Wars, when the Emperor, interacting with the heads of the largest criminal cartels, turned to Zerek Besh. This organization represents a significant element of the Star Wars underworld, which continues to develop in new media.

In Star Wars Outlaws, the Zerek Besh cartel plays a significant role in the plot, serving as the main antagonists. Their homeworld is the casino planet Cantonica, suggesting that the organization is involved in racketeering, extortion, smuggling, and gambling. The game's protagonist, Kay Vess, is also from Cantonica. Trailers indicate that she previously stole from Zerek Besh, which led to a personal vendetta from their leader, Slyro. In search of Kay Vess, he hired Vail, one of the most experienced bounty hunters, which makes the game's story even more exciting.

Vess has no intention of remaining in the shadows. Apparently, Cantonica is where the "largest heist in the history of the Outer Rim" mentioned in the game's descriptions will take place. This event promises to be the center of attention and attract many players eager to participate in an exciting adventure.

Main Types of Criminal Activity

The criminal underworld of a distant galaxy abounds with diversity and unique characters. Here you can meet smugglers, bounty hunters, hackers, burglars, pirates, slave traders, car thieves, mercenaries, and illegal technicians who operate outside the law. In this text, we will consider the most common and profitable activities in this exciting, but dangerous environment.

In a galaxy far, far away, slavery was widespread. Powerful empires like the Sith and the Zygerrian Empire built their foundations on the exploitation of slave labor. By the start of the Clone Wars, slavery had been outlawed throughout virtually the entire Galactic Republic. However, on planets in the Outer Rim Territories and Hutt Space, Republic law was not enforced, and worlds like Tatooine continued to practice institutionalized slavery. It remained a part of everyday life on these planets, highlighting the darker sides of galactic culture and economics.

During the Clone Wars, illegal slavery became widespread again. Entire species, such as the Zygerrians and Trandoshans, as well as criminal organizations like Black Sun, took advantage of the chaos of the war to raid undefended settlements and planets to kidnap civilians. Despite the efforts of the Jedi, who rescued some of the abductees, many remained missing.

During the Empire, slavery was re-legalized, facilitating widespread suppression. Imperial forces conquered entire planets and enslaved entire species, often non-humanoids, who were considered inferior. The mighty giants of the Wookiees, who were brutally oppressed, are a case in point. After the Empire was defeated, the New Republic reinstated slavery. However, this phenomenon once again became hidden in the remote corners of the Outer Rim, where the laws had no force. Slavery continues to be a hot topic, raising questions about morality, justice, and humanity in galactic society.

Spice has remained the most sought-after contraband commodity for centuries, with many amassing significant fortunes through its trade. However, the smuggling market is not limited to spice alone. The galaxy is vast, and laws vary from world to world, creating diverse needs for contraband. Each inhabited space has its own unique demands, making smuggling a lucrative business encompassing a wide range of illegal goods.

Planets with authoritarian regimes often experience uprisings that require advanced weaponry. In places like Jakku and Tatooine, even a drop of water is of immense value. On many desert worlds, the water trade is strictly controlled by monopolies, leading smugglers to secretly transport huge tankers of pure mineral water past customs. Once, Han Solo had to illegally transport passengers: an elderly man, a young man, a couple of droids, and no questions asked - but that's a different story.

Space pirates became active after the invention of the hyperdrive, which opened up new horizons for interstellar travel. Since ships are virtually inaccessible in hyperspace, pirates often targeted vulnerable star systems at hyperspace exit points. These unsafe zones became arenas for the seizure of cargo and ships, necessitating increased security and the development of new defense technologies for interstellar travel.

Piracy has always been a hot topic, especially in the Outer Systems, even during the Republic's heyday. During the Republic's reign, a band of galactic marauders known as the Nihils nearly brought the galaxy to ruin. They caused the Great Hyperspace Disaster, looted the Republic Exposition on Valo, and destroyed the Starlight space station, which served as an outpost of Republic influence in the Outer Rim. These events highlight how piracy can threaten stability and security on a galactic scale, causing serious consequences for the entire Republic.

In the final years of the Old Republic, pirates in the Outer Rim became a real threat. They were especially active in sectors from which the Jedi had withdrawn. Pirates regularly attack cargo and passenger ships, raid settlements, extort money from locals, and demand ransom for kidnapped hostages, especially wealthy ones. This situation creates serious problems for trade and security on the edges of known space, undermining stability and peace in the region.

Some pirates were confident in their abilities and ambitious in their intentions. Pirate leader Zilastra, having learned of the Jedi Council's visit to the planet Quenn, decided to unite all the pirate groups in the sector. Her goal was to strike the planet, overthrow the Order's leadership, and, taking advantage of the chaos, seize control of the sector. However, these plans were not realized. Meanwhile, another criminal gang took advantage of the planet-wide catastrophe on the remote world of Metagos, effectively enslaving the remaining population. However, this gang was also stopped when Mace Windu learned of the tragedy. Thus, the pirates' actions did not lead to the desired results, and their ambitions were destroyed by the intervention of the Jedi.

During the Clone Wars, piracy reached massive proportions. One of the most notorious pirates of that period was Hondo Ohnaka, the leader of a gang of Weequays. Under his command, the pirates engaged in a variety of activities: extorting food from farmers on remote planets, supplying rebels with weapons, and hijacking starships. Hondo Ohnaka became a symbol of piracy, personifying the chaos and lawlessness that reigned in the galaxy during this turbulent time.

Ohnaka disdained authority and seized every opportunity to enrich himself. On one occasion, his henchmen attempted to take kyber crystals from a group of young Jedi, and on another, they kidnapped Count Dooku, intending to arrange an auction between the Republic and the Separatists. Despite crossing paths with many powerful figures of his time, Ohnaka managed to survive until the outbreak of war with the First Order. His ability to navigate dangerous situations and navigate difficult circumstances makes him a compelling character in the Star Wars universe.

After the Civil War, the New Republic sought to establish peace and order in the galaxy, but lawlessness resurfaced in the Outer Rim Territories. A band of pirates led by Gorian Shard terrorized the inhabitants of Nevarro for months and even attempted to take it over. However, their actions were stopped by Mandalorian mercenaries, who came to the rescue and destroyed the pirates.

Bounty hunting in the galaxy far, far away was a legitimate activity, and both the Old and New Republics, as well as the Galactic Empire, frequently employed bounty hunting guilds and individual contractors. However, many contracts were illegal. Bounty hunters such as Jango Fett, Cad Bane, and Zam Wesell were successful assassins, not hesitating to eliminate targets ranging from Naboo senators to Tatooine law enforcement officers. These characters became emblematic of the dangerous and ruthless world of bounty hunting, where legality and morality often intersected with criminality.

In the galaxy far, far away, many types of crime exist, and while some are more common, they do not exhaust all possible violations of the law. The Star Wars underworld is home to such thriving services as document forgery and the trafficking of stolen goods. A black market for stolen artifacts also finds its customers, offering rare and valuable items. A lesser-known, but no less important, industry is illegal genetic engineering, which attracts the attention of both criminals and researchers. These aspects of criminal activity highlight the diversity and complexity of the Star Wars universe, where illegal operations continue to thrive. Black-hat bioengineers install various prosthetics and enhancements on those in need, but their activities often involve illegal practices. Among them are those like Dr. Evazan, who perform brutal and excruciating surgeries on their victims, taking pleasure in their suffering. This dark side of bioengineering raises important ethical questions about the boundaries of science and morality, and how technology can be used for evil.

The Galaxy's Top Crime Hotbeds

A harsh desert planet is home to hardy farmers who struggle to find water on small farms scattered across the sands. This planet is inhabited by two native races. The first are the Jawas, small and enterprising creatures known for their skill at trade and theft. They can easily steal your valuables if you're momentarily distracted, then offer them back for an inflated price. Unlike the Jawas, an encounter with the Tusken Raiders poses a serious threat. These brutal invaders hate everyone with whom they share their planet, and their aggressive behavior can lead to tragic consequences. Understanding the local culture and characteristics of these races may be the key to survival on this dangerous planet.

Large cities, especially those housing spaceports, have a unique atmosphere. Various characters congregate here: smugglers, spice dealers, bounty hunters, illegal technicians, and other shady operators all somehow connected to the Hutts. In the center of the desert, in his heavily fortified palace, surrounded by devoted sycophants and guards, resides Jabba the Hutt—the most influential and powerful slug in the galaxy. His influence and authority extend far beyond his palace, making him a key figure in the criminal underworld.

The Hutt homeworld, Nal Hutt, is a filthy, fetid swamp where few Hutts willingly inhabit. Despite the unfavorable conditions, the proximity to the Hutts attracts many people seeking to profit. Nal Hutta and its moon, Nar Shaddaa, are home to those who work for or dream of collaborating with the Hutts, hoping for the prospects it might bring.

Takodana has been home to Maz Kanata, a renowned smuggler, pirate, and adventurer, for a thousand years. Her castle, once a haven for the Jedi, is now a haven for smugglers, bounty hunters, and those who do not adhere to the law. It also provides shelter for weary travelers seeking rest and protection. Maz Kanata's castle has become a symbol of freedom and adventure, attracting many fortune seekers and daredevils.

Maz Kanata's castle offers a unique opportunity to catch up on the latest news, relax for a few days, and establish valuable business contacts. The atmosphere is friendly, but one important rule is strictly enforced: "No violence." Violation of this rule will result in a meeting with the castle's disgruntled mistress and a lifetime ban from the castle. This makes the castle a safe haven even for fugitives, who can avoid bounty hunters and count on temporary shelter. However, it's worth remembering that free stays are limited to one night, and further shelter in the castle will require a significant fee. Maz Kanata's castle isn't just a place to relax, it's also the perfect place to network and exchange information in a safe environment.

Canto Bight is the capital of the planet Cantonica and one of the most vibrant and luxurious cities in the galaxy. It is home to the most elite casinos, attracting gamblers from all corners of the universe. Every night, enormous sums of money are wagered in these gambling establishments: some win fortunes, while many others lose their funds. Canto Bight is famous not only for its gambling, but also for its atmosphere of luxury, making it a favorite destination for tourists and gamblers.

Crime in this area is significant. The problem is not only those visitors who have amassed wealth through shady deals, smuggling, and armed conflicts, providing both sides with weapons. There are also individuals operating here who profit from this environment through prostitution, racketeering, kidnapping, gambling, and simple theft. The current situation creates an atmosphere of danger and instability, making this area one of the most criminal in the region.

Coronet is the capital of Corellia, a renowned industrial world renowned for producing the finest ships in the galaxy, according to Corellians. However, the neighborhoods surrounding the shipyards are mired in poverty, plagued by beggars and pickpockets. Street gangs like the White Worms control these areas, creating an atmosphere of fear and despair. Despite the wealth concentrated in the center, social inequality and crime are becoming an integral part of life in this city.

Kijimi is a cold and inhospitable planet, mostly covered in snow-capped mountains. Once a popular destination for pilgrims seeking spiritual enlightenment, its heyday is long gone. Today, Kijimi is associated with harsh conditions and the absence of life, making it less appealing to visitors. Despite this, its unique natural features and history continue to attract explorers and adventurers.

Declination would come after the fall of the Empire, when the New Republic proved insufficient to maintain peace and order in the Outer Rim Territories. This would lead to spice and other illegal traders becoming active on the planet. In the final years of the Empire, Kijimi was also not known for its peace and order—it was here that the mysterious Ashiga faction established itself. The situation will become even more complex when the shadow economy and criminal elements begin to fill the power vacuum, creating instability and threatening the security of the region.

Toshara is a desolate moon battered by relentless, fierce winds. Despite the presence of an Imperial garrison, Toshara has become a haven for the criminal underworld. Corrupt officials, led by the governor, are willing to turn a blind eye to any illegal activity for a price. The planet's picturesque landscapes conceal numerous natural hideouts and secluded areas, ideal for pirates, smugglers, and other criminals. Toshara attracts the attention of both those seeking easy money and those seeking to evade justice, making it a hub of criminal activity in the galaxy.

Coruscant is the jewel of the Republic and the center of the Empire, home to the most powerful, influential, and wealthy beings in the galaxy. However, this description only covers the upper levels of this ecumenopolis. Here, law and order reign, crime is almost completely eradicated, and the weather is controlled according to a schedule. Coruscant is not only a political but also a cultural center, home to the most important institutions and organizations shaping the future of the galaxy.

In the lower levels of the city-planet, where sunlight does not penetrate and eternal twilight reigns, an entirely different world opens up. Here, in the dark corners, brutal gangs rule, and life can end at any moment—all it takes is walking through the wrong door or turning down the wrong alley. This dangerous environment is home to bandits, counterfeiters, arms dealers, smugglers, assassins, and bounty hunters. It's important to know where to look: here you can find a bounty hunter, buy almost any illegal item, or sell something you just stole. This is a place full of risk and opportunity, where every step can be decisive.