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Lore Update: Trooper



Continuing our lore updates for Star Wars: The Old Republic, we'll be taking a look at the Trooper, one of the four classes available to the Republic. At first glance, this class may seem like cannon fodder, similar to the Stormtroopers and Clones seen in the films, but Troopers actually play a pivotal role in the Old Republic era. They happen to have better accuracy as well.
Troopers are the front line soldiers for the Republic. Depending on their Advanced Class, they can either be a force to reckon with, or conversely, a force to be reckoned with. Commandos prefer firepower over everything else. They can wield some of the heaviest weapons available, including rocket launchers, miniguns and concussion rifles. Vanguards, on the other hand, are primarily concerned with protection. They outfit themselves with the thickest armor available, allowing them to survive even the deadliest encounter.



The Trooper class available to players in Star Wars: The Old Republic is not your run of the mill soldier. They are part of Havoc Squad, a group of elite special forces units in the Republic army. Havoc Squad was created as part of the Republic's defense force when the Jedi left Coruscant for Tython. They have taken part in many battles, including the civil war between the Ord Mantell government and the Mantellian Separatist Movement, as well as the Battle of Alderaan. After the Treaty of Coruscant was signed, they still battled many Sith advances during the period known as the Cold War - The period in which SW:TOR takes place. Havoc Squad's insignia consists of a small reddish-orange arrow surrounded by a circle. It adorns their typically white battle armor.



As opposed to their Republic counterpart's white armor, Sith Trooper armor is colored with reflective silver or black, usually with a visor covering the face. Sith Troopers carry no visual insignia on their armor denoting rank or division, though elite troops often wear red or copper-colored armor for distinction. Sith Trooper armor offers the same level of protection that most other armors do, but is also designed to incite fear in the enemy. Their foreboding appearance and one-way visor create the illusion of a faceless opponent.

During the Old Republic era, there were a few stand-out Troopers who fought each battle to its bitter end. Though he remains unnamed, a commanding officer of Havoc Squad served the Republic through countless struggles. He was present aboard the Jedi-run space station near Korriban when the Sith Empire returned to take back their world. He was able to escape with, at the time, Padawan Satele Shan and an unnamed smuggler. The commander also participated in the Battle of Alderaan. He again fought alongside Satele Shan -- now a Jedi Knight -- against Sith forces led by Darth Malgus.

Tanno Vik, another notable Trooper, was born on the moon Nar Shaddaa. He later joined the Republic army as a demolitions expert, though he did not become a part of Havoc Squad. After it was discovered he was extorting citizens of Talay for protection money, he was discharged. He has since made his way in the galaxy working as a mercenary and has been confirmed as a companion available to the Trooper class.



Troopers may seem to be based on the concept of the Stormtrooper made famous by the original Star Wars films -- they are numerous, wear white armor and use rifles and blasters -- but the more we learn about the Old Republic Troopers, the more they seem to be based on the Republic Commandos of Delta Squad during the Clone Wars.

Delta Squad consisted of four clones: RC-1138, RC-1140, RC-1207 and RC-1262; nicknamed Boss, Fixer, Sev and Scorch, respectively. They were first dispatched to Geonosis at the beginning of the Clone Wars. They were commissioned to eliminate Separatist terrorist cells operating on Coruscant, and to search for a Kaminoan traitor. Delta Squad played a crucial role leading up to the Battle of Kashyyyk, where they rescued Wookiee chieftain Tarfful from slavers, defended Wookiee villages from Separatist battle droids and destroyed a CIS warship. However, during the battle the squad was ordered to pull out, forcing them to leave Sev, who was pinned down by enemy fire. Delta Squad went on to serve the Galactic Empire as part of the 501st Legion, where they hunted escaped Jedi along with traitorous clones and members of the Rebel Alliance.

The similarities between Havoc and Delta Squad are striking, more so than Stormtroopers. As we near release, we are sure to learn more about the Troopers of Havoc Squad and their role in Star Wars: The Old Republic.

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