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Lore Update: Smuggler



In the Star Wars universe, the term "Smuggler" applies to any individual who engages in the clandestine shipment of goods. These goods are often highly illegal or rare (or both), though some Smugglers do traffic in legal goods, particularly in cases where buyers wanted to avoid taxes and other complications. With The Old Republic approaching release, we look at where this iconic class sits in the lore.

History


The origins of smuggling are unclear, though it is likely that the practice of smuggling dates back to the earliest days of the Galactic Republic. As long as there are laws and organizations preventing the exchange of goods and services, there will be those skilled few who offer a way around these restrictions to the highest bidder.

At the time of the Galactic Cold War, the practice of smuggling is already well established, and most Smugglers have allied with the Galactic Republic, rather than the Sith Empire. Though Smugglers are typically independent and work for private organizations or as freelancers, the rise of the Sith Empire has led many Smugglers to see the Republic as the lesser of two evils. The oppressive totalitarian nature of the Sith Empire offers even less freedom for unregulated activities than the Republic, so many former criminals now find themselves working for the lawful government.



One example of this alliance came during the Mandalorian blockade of the Hydian way. The blockade had crippled the Republic's military and economic power, and all attempts by the Republic and the Jedi to break the blockade had failed. A Mirialan Smuggler named Hylo Visz organized a fleet of Smugglers that scattered the Mandalorian fleet, clearing a path for the delivery of goods to the Core Worlds. In the aftermath of the battle, Visz gained recognition as a hero among the Republic, sowing the seeds of future trust between Smugglers and the Republic.


Skills


Due to the nature of their work and their ability to outrun and outmaneuver professionally trained security forces, Smugglers earned recognition as some of the best pilots in the galaxy. Many are also extremely talented gunslingers, and tend to favor the use of pistols due to their concealable nature. Those who choose to traffic in high-end technology often familiarize themselves with their cargo, which can range from prototype stealth generators to advanced medical technologies.


Smugglers in Star Wars: The Old Republic


Unlike the other classes of Star Wars: The Old Republic, Smugglers do not belong to any official organization. Smugglers come from all walks of life, with the only real qualification being a willingness to traffic in illegal goods. Some skills commonly possessed by successful Smugglers include a high level of proficiency in the use of blasters, a knack for piloting and a level of luck that borders on supernatural.



Notable Smugglers in the era of The Old Republic include Atton Rand, a former agent of Revan's empire, who turned to a life of crime after Revan left for the Unknown Regions. Rand traveled with the Jedi Exile, and would later go on to be instrumental in rebuilding the Jedi Order. Another well-known Smuggler is Hylo Visz, the Mirialan hero who broke the Mandalorian blockade. Former Havoc Squad veteran Zeerid Korr became a Smuggler later in life, fighting alongside the Jedi in the Battle of Balmorra.


Smugglers in other Eras


While Star Wars: The Old Republic takes place over 3,000 years before the events of the films, we see that the Smugglers of this era share many similarities with Smugglers during the era of the Galactic Empire. Like the Smugglers of the Old Republic, Smugglers during the time of the Empire possessed an impressive skillset in addition to their smuggling abilities - some were talented gunslingers, some relied on luck and charm to get by, and some even dealt in black market medicine and illegal operations.

Han Solo - It is impossible to mention Smugglers without mentioning Han Solo. After being kicked out of the Imperial Academy, Han Solo would go on to make a name for himself as the best Smuggler in the business before becoming a hero and a General of the Rebellion. He had a knack for overcoming impossible odds, and was one of the best pilots in the galaxy when behind the helm of the Millennium Falcon.


Lando Calrissian - Described as a "scoundrel" by Han Solo, Lando Calrissian was a man who tried to make a name for himself as a reputable businessperson. He was the Baron Administrator of Cloud City during the time of the Galactic Empire. However, as bowing to authority never sat well with him he would go on to join his friend Han as a General in the Rebellion. A talented pilot himself, he was instrumental in the destruction of the second Death Star.

Gallandro - Though more an outlaw than a Smuggler, Gallandro was arguably one of the greatest gunslingers the galaxy has ever seen. He single-handedly killed most of the ruling council of the Assassin's Guild, forcing them to call off the hunt for him. He had a long-standing rivalry with the young Han Solo, which ultimately culminated in a fateful duel. Though Gallandro was able to fire before the quick-drawing Solo could even grab his blaster, he was subsequently terminated by the area's automated defense grid.

Dr. Evazan - Cornelius Evazan, known simply as "The Doctor" during the height of his career, was a black market doctor who gained himself a death sentence on twelve systems. After receiving rejection from the Imperial Academy due to a diagnosis of insanity during the entrance interviews, he escaped custody and began his own medical practice, supporting himself through smuggling, assassination and slaving. He considered himself a talented surgeon, though many of his patients ended up dead or maimed.

Talon Karrde - Talon Karrde was the most well connected man in the galaxy during the time of the New Republic, with an intelligence network that rivaled Imperial Intelligence and the Bothan Spynet. He was the founder of the Smugglers' Alliance, and his forces would later fight for the Republic when the forces of Grand Admiral Thrawn threatened the galaxy. Much to his chagrin, he and the Smugglers' Alliance found themselves doing respectable work for the Republic in later years.

Sources:
http://www.swtor.com/info/holonet/classes/smuggler
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Smuggler
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Han_Solo
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Lando_Calrissian
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Talon_Karrde
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Evazan
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Gallandro

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