Star Wars

Star Wars, one of the most successful science fiction franchises of all time, is an expansive universe filled with a wide variety of aliens, technologies, mysterious forces, and of course, epic interstellar wars.

Star Wars is set 'a long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.' The details of this cryptic statement are unknown, but most estimates place the size of the Star Wars galaxy at 120,000 light-years across - considerably larger than the 90,000 light-years of the Milky Way.

This galaxy is filled with millions of alien species. Humans appear to be largely dominant, but many other notable species exist, such as Wookiees, Hutts, Mon Calamari, Sullustans, Twi'leks, Kaminoans, and Ewoks. Most such aliens are roughly humanoid.

The known history of the SW galaxy extends across 25,000 years, beginning with the ancient founding of the interstellar civilization known as the Galactic Republic. Most of this history is relatively unknown, however, and the the most complete available sources focus primarily on the very last portion of the timeline, detailing the fall of the Republic, the rise and fall of the Galactic Empire, and the founding of the New Republic. The other major event for which we have significant data is the Sith War, which took place some 4,000 years prior to the establishment of the Empire.

While Star Wars lacks an in-universe system of dates, major events are commonly organized (within the fan community) by years Before or After the Battle of Yavin (BBY and ABY, respectively), referring to an event which took place during the original film, 'A New Hope.'

Galactic civilization is rather stagnant, and most technologies are ancient, well-known, and widespread. Travel between stars is achieved by moving through the alternate dimension known as hyperspace, through the use of hyperdrive devices. Shields are a common defense on starships, and the most important weaponry consists of energy weapons such as blasters (small plasma weapons) and lasers/turbolasers (much larger, more powerful energy weapons). Faster-than-light sensors and communications are also common.

Most of the SW galaxy participates in a single massive economic system, and whole planets are often dedicated to a single purpose, such as agriculture or manufacturing. Approximately three-fourths of the galaxy is/was held by the Republic and Empire; the rest consists of either small local sovereignties within Republic/Imperial territory, or of several poorly known civilizations inhabiting an area of space called the Unknown Regions.

Finally, a mysterious and unusual power known only as 'the Force' permeates most living beings within the SW galaxy. The exact nature of this phenonmenon is not understood, but those who are 'in tune' with it can use it to achieve impressive physical feats, telekinesis, telepathy, and even limited prognostication (seeing the future.) The Force and those who use it figure prominently in Star Wars history.

Record 218 - universe - Last update 28 Mar 2007, 23:15:40

Entry written by: Torvus

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