The Death Star was the Empire’s ultimate weapon: a moon-sized space station with the ability to destroy an entire planet. But the Emperor and Imperial officers like Grand Moff Tarkin underestimated the tenacity of the Rebel Alliance, who refused to bow to this technological terror…

Stormtroopers are elite shock troops fanatically loyal to the Empire and impossible to sway from the Imperial cause. They wear imposing white armor, which offers a wide range of survival equipment and temperature controls to allow the soldiers to survive in almost any environment. Stormtroopers wield blaster rifles and pistols with great skill, and attack in hordes to overwhelm their enemies. Along with standard stormtroopers, the Empire has organized several specialized units, including snowtroopers and scout troopers.

During his long life Chewbacca has been many things: Wookiee warrior, ace smuggler and rebel hero. Chewie fought with the Republic on Kashyyyk during the Clone Wars, then befriended Han Solo while in Imperial captivity on Mimban. After adventures on Vandor and Kessel, he became Han’s co-pilot aboard the Millennium Falcon, and eventually helped the Alliance restore freedom to the galaxy. Known for his short temper and accuracy with a bowcaster, Chewie also had a big heart – and unflagging loyalty to his friends. He stuck with Han through years of turmoil, and flew the Falcon alongside Rey after the Corellian’s death.

The Galactic Empire ruled for years through fear, intimidation, and tyranny. With a mighty military force including stormtroopers, spy technology like probe droids, and the planet-destroying Death Star, Emperor Palpatine’s regime seemed unstoppable and permanent. But some dared to strike back…

Little more than walking batteries, GNK power droids trundle along as directed by their owners or their programming, recharging vehicles and machinery. They are often called “Gonk” droids in imitation of their simple vocalizations. There are many different models of power droid, most of them similar in appearance and habits as the well-known GNK. Power droids are common sights throughout the galaxy and little noticed despite their critical importance to both military and civilian life.

For over a thousand years, the Galactic Republic stood firm as a democratic union that governed the galaxy. The Republic was governed by the Galactic Senate, consisting of elected officials from each system and world, and Jedi Knights served as peacekeepers. With the rise of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, however, the Galactic Republic -- and democracy -- would crumble.