Player Handout 1: The Galaxy Today

Cularin has been gone from the galaxy for nearlyl 0 years. In that time, much has happened. Below are items of interest concerning current events in the galaxy outside of Cularin.

• A faction, composed of individuals, organizations, planets and system, has come in to existence. Known as the Separatists, they feel the Republic government has become too efficient to function properly. Led by an ex -Jedi Master, Count Dooku, the Separatists have managed to sow chaos in the Republic. The Techno Union, Trade Federation, I ntergalactic Banking Clan, Commerce Guild and Corporate Alliance are all major players among the Separatists. A number of planets have joined as well, officially pulling their delegations from the Republic Senate and withdrawing from the Republic. The Aqualish home world of Ando Prime and its senator, Po Nudo, is but one example.

• Gathered around Supreme Chancellor Palpatine is a group of senators who fully support the Republic and who are fighting to keep it intact. Senator Padme Amidala of Naboo, Senator B ail Organa of Alderaan, Senator Ask Aak of Malastare, Senator Onaconda Farr of Rodia, Senator Lexi Dio of Uyter, Senator Ronet Coorr of Iseno, Senator Ister Paddie of Sermeria, and Senator Tundra Dowmeia of Mon Calamari, are all members of the "Loyalists."

• Corellia withdrew her senatorial delegation from the Republic Senate, and then withdrew from the Republic. They have elected to remain neutral, joining neither the Separatists nor the Republic. Their borders are currently sealed except for a small amount of trading.

• An assassination attempt on Senator Amidala began a chain of events that ultimately led to the first battle of the Clone Wars, on Geonosis. Republic forces, led by members of the Jedi Council including Masters Yoda and Mace Windu, defeated the droid armies of the Separatists and sent them retreating from the planet.

• The Jedi Council has called many of the Jedi to serve with, and lead, the Army of the Republic. A number of systems have lost their resident Jedi Masters and Knights to the army. Cu larin has seen most of her "Masters" be called away to service.