View source for Mercenary/Legends

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[[File:TrandoMerc_rpg-secr.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A [[Trandoshan/Legends|Trandoshan]] mercenary.]]
{{Quote|Look, I ain't in this for your revolution, and I'm not in it for you, Princess. I expect to be well paid. I'm in it for the money.|[[Han Solo/Legends|Han Solo]], to [[Leia Organa Solo|Leia Organa]], outlining the common views of mercenaries and their work|<ref name="Episode 4">{{Film|IV}}</ref>}}
A '''mercenary''' ('''merc''' for short), sometimes also called '''soldier of fortune''', '''hired gun''', or '''free lance''', was a [[Soldier/Legends|soldier]] who fought or worked in other ways (mostly in those involving violence) for any faction in exchange for a desirable amount of money.

Sometimes, the word ''mercenary'' was used as a derogatory term for someone who valued [[Galactic Credit Standard|credits]] over other things, such as ideals or kinship.<ref>{{Film|IV}}</ref>

==Characteristics==
[[File:Mercenary_trader.jpg|thumb|left|175px|A Human mercenary.]]
Mercenaries served mostly as [[Trooper/Legends|troopers]] or [[Pilot/Legends|pilots]] for hire, but also as [[Bodyguard/Legends|bodyguards]] and enforcers. They worked in other military assignments<ref name="CWSP4">{{WizardsCite|url=default.asp?x=starwars/article/CloneWarspreview4|text=Clone Wars Miniatures Preview 4|archivedate=20081027134209}}</ref> as well, for example in those involving testing the equipment,<ref>''[[Star Wars: Starfighter]]''</ref> liberating abducted people<ref name="Blaze of Glory">{{Journal|8|Blaze of Glory (short story)|Blaze of Glory}}</ref> or retrieving, transporting and protecting valuable goods or items.<ref>''[[Underworld: The Yavin Vassilika]]''</ref> Some even [[Mercenary outfitter|outfitted]] other beings with devices and equipment they may need. They appeared in all known eras, being especially active when conflicts erupted.<ref name="CWSP4" /> Mercenaries were often said to be opportunistic and concerned only on profits and "survival to fight another day". Mostly they had "neutral" affiliation and were hired by many fighting forces without actually joining them. In some cases though, they grew sympathetic to their clients, such as [[Kyle Katarn]] or [[Han Solo/Legends|Han Solo]], who eventually joined the [[Alliance to Restore the Republic/Legends|Rebel Alliance]]. Many mercenaries were also defectors from armies or ex-soldiers, often from [[Special forces/Legends|special forces]], thus having versatility and abilities very useful in their occupation.

Mercenaries always were equipped with weapons, often they also carried personal [[Armor/Legends|armor]] and multiple devices allowing them to fulfill their employer's demands.

Many civilizations were specialized in mercenary business. The [[Mandalorian/Legends|Mandalorians]] have served the galaxy as mercenaries for thousands of years. Having complicated history behind them, [[Mistryl Shadow Guard]] dedicated themselves to serve as mercenaries to save their people. Due to their incredible brute strength and low intelligence, [[Gamorrean/Legends|Gamorreans]] were often employed as mercenaries for less demanding. Many [[Rodian/Legends|Rodians]], [[Trandoshan/Legends|Trandoshans]], [[Ubese/Legends|Ubese]] and [[Weequay/Legends|Weequay]] were working throughout [[The galaxy/Legends|the galaxy]] as mercs.<ref name="Ultimate Alien Anthology">''[[Ultimate Alien Anthology]]</ref>

==History==
Mercenaries from several factions (like [[Echani/Legends|Echani]], [[Iridonian/Legends|Iridonians]] and [[Mandalorian/Legends|Mandalorians]]) were employed in the [[Jedi Civil War]] by both [[Sith Empire/Legends|Sith]] and [[Galactic Republic/Legends|Galactic Republic]] forces. Prior to the splitting of the Mandalorians into two factions, they were among the most famous and skilled mercenaries in [[The galaxy/Legends|the galaxy]]. During the [[Clone Wars/Legends|Clone Wars]], the [[Confederacy of Independent Systems/Legends|Separatists]] often hired mercenaries to perform special operations and other services that required more finesse or creativity than could be found in their droid army. The Republic was not above hiring mercenaries for many of the same reasons. Under the rule of the [[Galactic Empire/Legends|Galactic Empire]], powerful mercenary organizations were either employed by the Empire or hunted down and wiped out,<ref name="Special Ops: The Mercenary">{{GamerCite|8|Special Ops: The Mercenary}}</ref> although many mercs were defectors from the Imperial service.
The Rebel Alliance hired several [[Rebel privateer|privateers]] in the [[Galactic Civil War/Legends|Galactic Civil War]].

===List of mercenary units===
{{Quote|We're soldiers. We don't ask questions. We supply answers. With an entire corporate world about to sway over to the New Republic, and the New Republic unable to openly confront the Pentastar Alignment, you need someone else to fight the battle. We are that someone else.|[[Sully Tigereye]]|<ref name="Blaze of Glory" />}}
Mercenaries worked either as freelancers or as members of some larger military unit or mercenary guild. Some of them included:
[[File:ChurheesRiflemen-GAW.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A few Churhee's Riflemen.]]
*[[Ailon Nova Guard/Legends|Ailon Nova Guard]]
*[[Black Curs]]
*[[Brommstaad Mercenaries]]
*[[Churhee's Riflemen]]
*[[First Sun Mobile Regiment]]
*[[Grrtok's Band]]
*[[Laramus Base Irregulars]]
*[[Mistryl Shadow Guard]]
*[[Nova Force]]
*[[Rebel privateer]]s
*[[Red Moons]]

==Behind the scenes==
Most Star Wars mercenary units are interstellar versions of real-world [[Wikipedia:Private military company|private military companies]], a mercenary-type, privately owned paramilitary organization that provides security detail and military support. 

"The Merc" was one of the original twenty-four character templates used by the ''[[Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game]]'', first published in the [[Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game (first edition)|first edition rulebook]].<ref name="RPG">[[Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game (first edition)|''Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game'']]</ref>

The mercenary is an advanced class for the bounty hunter class in the ''[[Star Wars: The Old Republic]]'' MMO video game. This advanced class specializes in dual-wielded [[Blaster/Legends|blasters]], missile launchers, and dealing damage in battle as well as healing. The Republic counterpart for this archetype is the [[Commando/Legends|Commando]].<ref name="FanFriday">{{TORweb|url=news/news-article/20100820-0|text=STAR WARS: The Old Republic Fan Friday (August 20 2010)}}</ref>

==Appearances==
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*{{Journal|3|When the Domino Falls}}
*''[[Rebel Dawn]]''
*''[[Han Solo at Stars' End]]''
*{{Journal|3|Changing the Odds: The Adventures of Dannen Lifehold}}
*''[[Domain of Evil]]'' {{Mo}}
*{{WEGCite|book=Classic Adventures: Volume Two|story=Domain of Evil}} {{Mo}}
*{{Film|IV}} {{1st}}
*{{Journal|11|Spare Parts (short story)|Spare Parts}} {{Mo}}
*[[Star Wars: Rebellion (video game)|''Star Wars: Rebellion'']] {{Mo}}
*{{WEGCite|book=Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game (first edition)|text=''Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game''|story=Shine On, Harvest Moon}}
*{{WEGCite|book=Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game (first edition)|text=''Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game''|story=The Silent Witness}}
*''[[Scoundrel's Luck]]''
*''[[Tatooine Manhunt]]''
*{{WEGCite|book=Classic Adventures: Volume Three|story=Tatooine Manhunt}}
*[[Riders of the Maelstrom (West End Games)|''Riders of the Maelstrom'']]
*{{WEGCite|book=Classic Adventures: Volume Three|story=Riders of the Maelstrom (West End Games)|stext=Riders of the Maelstrom}}
*''[[Crisis on Cloud City]]''
*''[[The Game Chambers of Questal]]''
*''[[Graveyard of Alderaan]]'' {{Mo}}
*{{WEGCite|book=Classic Adventures: Volume Two|story=Graveyard of Alderaan}} {{Mo}}
*''[[Planet of the Mists]]''
*''[[The Abduction]]''
*{{WEGCite|book=Classic Adventures|story=The Abduction|stext=The Abduction of Crying Dawn Singer}}
*{{WEGCite|book=Star Wars Gamemaster Screen|story=Chameleon}}
*{{WEGCite|book=Galaxy Guide 7: Mos Eisley|story=Scavengers' Race}}
*{{WEGCite|book=Star Wars Gamemaster Handbook|story=Tales of the Smoking Blaster}}
*{{WEGCite|book=Supernova (WEG)|text=''Supernova''|story=The Evacuation of Jatee}}
*{{WEGCite|book=Galaxy Guide 10: Bounty Hunters|story=Two for the Price of One}}
*{{Journal|4|Enemies for Life}}
*{{Journal|4|A Deal Gone Sour}}
*{{Journal|5|Wind Raiders of Taloraan}} {{Mo}}
*{{Journal|11|The Farrimmer Cafe}}
*{{WEGCite|book=Instant Adventures|story=Agent Nallok Is Missing}}
*{{WEGCite|book=Instant Adventures|story=Heavy Lifting}}
*{{WEGCite|book=Instant Adventures|story=Meltdown (adventure)|stext=Meltdown}}
*{{WEGCite|book=Instant Adventures|story=The Treasure of Celis Mott}}
*[[Operation: Elrood (book)|''Operation: Elrood'']]
*{{WEGCite|book=No Disintegrations (West End Games)|text=''No Disintegrations''|story=Gone To Ground}}
*{{WEGCite|book=No Disintegrations (West End Games)|text=''No Disintegrations''|story=Elusive (adventure)|stext=Elusive}}
*''[[Imperial Double-Cross]]'' {{Mo}}
*{{WEGCite|story=The Mecetti File|book=Tapani Sector Instant Adventures}} {{Mo}}
*{{WEGCite|story=The Bacta Heist|book=Tapani Sector Instant Adventures}}
*{{WEGCite|book=The Far Orbit Project|story=Preparing for War}} {{Mo}}
*{{Journal|6|To Fight Another Day}} {{Mo}}
*{{Journal|8|Uhl Eharl Khoehng (short story)|Uhl Eharl Khoehng}}
*{{Journal|13|The Last Hand (short story)|The Last Hand}}
*''[[Side Trip]]''
*[[Star Wars (1977) 42|''Star Wars'' (1977) 42]]
*{{Shortstory|story=Gathering Shadows|book=Tales from the New Republic}}
*[[Star Wars (1977) 11|''Star Wars'' (1977) 11]]
*{{Journal|2|Return to Taul}}
*[[Shadows of the Empire (comics)|''Shadows of the Empire'' comic]]
*{{GalaxyCite|7|Assignment: Decoy}}
*{{WEGCite|book=Shadows of the Empire Planets Guide|story=Slave Raid|stext=''Slave Raid''}}
*{{WEGCite|book=Shadows of the Empire Planets Guide|story=The Ganjuko Graveyard|stext=''The Ganjuko Graveyard''}}
*{{WEGCite|book=Shadows of the Empire Planets Guide|story=Operation: Recovery|stext=''Operation: Recovery''}} {{Mo}}
*{{WEGCite|book=Shadows of the Empire Planets Guide|story=Ion Cannon Parts|stext=''Ion Cannon Parts''}}
*{{WEGCite|book=Shadows of the Empire Planets Guide|story=Garbage Run|stext=''Garbage Run''}}
*{{WEGCite|book=Shadows of the Empire Planets Guide|story=Will the Last Person Leaving Vergesso Turn Off the Lights?|stext=''Will the Last Person Leaving Vergesso Turn Off the Lights?''}}
*''[[The Mandalorian Armor]]'' {{Flash}}
*''[[Hard Merchandise]]''
*[[Star Wars (1977) 83|''Star Wars'' (1977) 83]]
*{{WEGCite|book=Twin Stars of Kira (West End Games)|text=''Twin Stars of Kira''|story=Den of Spies}}
*{{Journal|12|Heroes Need Not Apply}} {{Mo}}
*{{Journal|4|It's a Gambler's Life}}
*{{Journal|1|Chessa's Doom}}
*{{Journal|2|Big Quince (short story)|Big Quince}} {{Mo}}
*{{Journal|3|Explosive Developments}} {{Mo}}
*{{Journal|5|Vengeance Strike}}
*{{Journal|8|Black Curs Blues}}
*{{Journal|8|Blaze of Glory (short story)|Blaze of Glory}}
*{{WEGCite|book=The Politics of Contraband|story=The Politics of Contraband (adventure)|stext=The Politics of Contraband}}
*{{WEGCite|book=Classic Adventures|story=The Politics of Contraband (adventure)|stext=The Politics of Contraband}}
*{{DarkStryder|Omens|The DarkStryder Campaign}}
*{{Journal|9|Droids Defiant}}
*''[[Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II]]''
*''[[Jedi Search]]''
*''[[Young Jedi Knights: Trouble on Cloud City]]''
*''[[Young Jedi Knights: Crisis at Crystal Reef]]''
}}

==Sources==
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*''[[The Star Wars Sourcebook]]''
*[[Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game (first edition)|''Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game'']]
*''[[Star Wars Campaign Pack]]''
*''[[Galaxy Guide 3: The Empire Strikes Back]]''
*''[[Galaxy Guide 4: Alien Races]]''
*''[[Galaxy Guide 5: Return of the Jedi]]''
*''[[Star Wars Gamemaster Kit]]''
*[[Star Wars Miniatures Battles (first edition)|''Star Wars Miniatures Battles'']]
*''[[Planets of the Galaxy, Volume Two]]''
*''[[Heir to the Empire Sourcebook]]''
*[[Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game, Second Edition|''Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game'', Second Edition]]
*''[[Dark Force Rising Sourcebook]]''
*[[Wanted by Cracken (sourcebook)|''Wanted by Cracken'']]
*''[[Star Wars Gamemaster Handbook]]''
*''[[Galaxy Guide 9: Fragments from the Rim]]''
*''[[Dark Empire Sourcebook]]''
*[[Twin Stars of Kira (West End Games)|''Twin Stars of Kira'']]
*''[[Planets of the Galaxy, Volume Three]]''
*''[[The Movie Trilogy Sourcebook]]''
*''[[Han Solo and the Corporate Sector Sourcebook]]''
*[[Star Wars Miniatures Battles (Second Edition)|''Star Wars Miniatures Battles'', Second Edition]]
*''[[Galaxy Guide 10: Bounty Hunters]]''
*[[Galaxy Guide 4: Alien Races (Second Edition)|''Galaxy Guide 4: Alien Races'', Second Edition]]
*''[[The Last Command Sourcebook]]''
*{{Journal|2|Rebel Privateers!}}
*{{Journal|2|Recon & Report: The Journey to Coruscant}}
*[[Star Wars Sourcebook (Second Edition)|''Star Wars Sourcebook'', Second Edition]]
*''[[Star Wars Miniatures Battles Companion]]''
*''[[TIE Fighter: The Official Strategy Guide]]''
*{{Journal|3|The Pentastar Alignment}}
*{{Journal|3|Blasters for Hire}}
*{{Journal|3|Wanted by Cracken (Star Wars Adventure Journal)|Wanted by Cracken}}
*{{Journal|3|Outlaw Battle Armor}}
*''[[The Star Wars Planets Collection]]''
*{{Journal|4|Wanted by Cracken (Star Wars Adventure Journal)|Wanted by Cracken}}
*''[[Classic Campaigns]]''
*{{Journal|5|Smugglers of the Outer Rim}}
*{{Journal|5|Zirtran's Anchor (article)|Zirtran's Anchor}}
*''[[Platt's Starport Guide]]''
*''[[Goroth: Slave of the Empire]]''
*''[[Galladinium's Fantastic Technology]]''
*''[[Flashpoint! Brak Sector]]''
*{{Journal|6|The Greel Wood Haven}}
*{{Journal|6|Scouts' Dispatch}}
*''[[Alliance Intelligence Reports]]''
*{{Journal|7|Smuggler's Log}}
*[[Galaxy Guide 2: Yavin and Bespin (Second Edition)|''Galaxy Guide 2: Yavin and Bespin'', Second Edition]]
*''[[Galaxy Guide 12: Aliens — Enemies and Allies]]''
*[[Galaxy Guide 1: A New Hope (Second Edition)|''Galaxy Guide 1: A New Hope'', Second Edition]]
*''[[The DarkStryder Campaign]]''
*[[Galaxy Guide 5: Return of the Jedi (Second Edition)|''Galaxy Guide 5: Return of the Jedi'', Second Edition]]
*{{Journal|8|The Yard of Opportunity}}
*''[[Heroes & Rogues]]''
*{{Journal|9|Repulsortank Battlefield}}
*{{WEGCite|book=The Best of the Star Wars Adventure Journal, Issues 1-4|story=Recon & Report: The Journey to Coruscant}}
*{{WEGCite|book=The Best of the Star Wars Adventure Journal, Issues 1-4|story=Rebel Privateers!}}
*''[[TIE Fighter Collector's CD-ROM: The Official Strategy Guide]]''
*{{Journal|10|Cracken's Rebel Operatives (article)|Cracken's Rebel Operatives}}
*{{Journal|10|A Free-Trader's Guide to the Planets}}
*{{Journal|10|Wanted by Cracken (Star Wars Adventure Journal)|Wanted by Cracken}}
*''[[Shadows of the Empire Sourcebook]]''
*''[[The Thrawn Trilogy Sourcebook]]''
*[[Galaxy Guide 3: The Empire Strikes Back (Second Edition)|''Galaxy Guide 3: The Empire Strikes Back'', Second Edition]]
*''[[Tales of the Jedi Companion]]''
*''[[Live-Action Adventures]]''
*''[[Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game, Second Edition, Revised and Expanded]]''
*{{Journal|11|Alien Encounters (article series)|Alien Encounters}}
*{{Journal|11|Smuggler's Log}}
*''[[Gamemaster Toolkit: Live-Action Adventures]]''
*''[[Star Wars Gamemaster Screen, Revised]]''
*''[[Wretched Hives of Scum & Villainy]]''
*''[[Introductory Adventure Game]]''
*''[[Mos Eisley Adventure Set]]''
*{{Journal|13|Scouts' Dispatch}}
*{{Journal|13|Cynabar's Droid Datalog (article series)|Cynabar's Droid Datalog}}
*''[[Pirates & Privateers]]''
*''[[Cynabar's Fantastic Technology: Droids]]''
*''[[The Black Sands of Socorro]]''
*''[[Rules of Engagement: The Rebel SpecForce Handbook]]''
*''[[Secrets of the Sisar Run]]''
*''[[Gundark's Fantastic Technology: Personal Gear]]''
*''[[Lords of the Expanse]]''
*{{Journal|14|From the Files of Corellia Antilles}}
*''[[Star Wars Trilogy Sourcebook, Special Edition]]''
*''[[Platt's Smugglers Guide]]''
*{{Journal|15|Special Military Unit Intelligence Update}}
*{{WEGCite|book=Classic Adventures: Volume Four - The Best of the Journal|story=The Pentastar Alignment}}
*''[[Hideouts & Strongholds]]''
*''[[The Secrets of Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire]]''
*{{SOTE|cardname=''Outrider''|link=https://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/sote/soteTC084.jpg|archiveurl=https://archive.is/0HWx}} {{Imo}}
*{{SOTE|cardname=4-LOM Tries His Luck Against Fett|link=https://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/sote/soteTC091.jpg|archiveurl=https://archive.is/zlgA}}
*{{SOTE|cardname=Dash Battles IG-88 on Ord Mantell|link=https://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=/sote/soteTC100.jpg|archivedate=20171117001143}}
*''[[Shadows of the Empire Planets Guide]]''
*{{KennerCite|set=Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (toy line)|text=''Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire''|pack=Dash Rendar|link=soteKdash.asp|archiveurl=https://archive.is/jxCYB}}
*{{KennerCite|set=Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (toy line)|text=''Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire''|pack=Dash Rendar's ''Outrider''|link=soteKoutrider.asp|archiveurl=https://archive.is/0e91c}}
*{{KennerCite|set=Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (toy line)|text-''Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire''|pack=Swoop|link=soteKswoop.asp|archivedate=20180214170538}}
*{{Galoob|set=Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire Micro Machines|text=''Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire'' Micro Machines|pack=Collection III|link=soteMM3.asp|archiveurl=https://archive.is/Xr04q}}
*{{Galoob|set=Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire Micro Machines|text=''Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire'' Micro Machines|pack=Action Fleet Battle Packs #5|link=soteMMAFbp5.asp|archivedate=20161010084316}}
*''[[Lords of the Expanse]]''
*''[[Player's Guide to Tapani]]''
*{{Journal|14|Murder in Slushtime}} {{C|"Fairs" capsule}}
*''[[The Far Orbit Project]]''
*''[[Alien Encounters]]''
*''[[Star Wars Roleplaying Game Revised Core Rulebook]]''
*''[[Star Wars: Rebellion: Prima's Official Strategy Guide]]''
}}

==Notes and references==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Mercenaries| ]]
[[Category:Service occupations]]