Mercenary/Legends: Difference between revisions

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==Characteristics==
==Characteristics==
[[File:Mercenary_trader.jpg|thumb|left|175px|A Human mercenary.]]
[[File:Mercenary_trader.jpg|thumb|left|175px|A Human mercenary.]]
{{Quote|You were a stormtrooper?''"<br />"''Yeah, but I couldn't stand taking orders, so I jumped ship first chance I got.''"<br />"''Smart move.|Mercenary talking with his ex-[[Stormtrooper/Legends|stormtrooper]] [[Rebellious mercenary|colleague]] about his past|<ref name="Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy">''[[Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy]]''</ref>}}
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 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.
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. Due to their strong military traditions, [[Gungan/Legends|gungans]] were also highly regarded as mercenaries.<ref name="Ultimate Alien Anthology">''[[Ultimate Alien Anthology]]</ref>
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==
==History==
[[File:Mercenary_contract-GAW.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A mercenary [[Captain/Legends|captain]] receives orders from a [[Confederacy of Independent Systems/Legends|Separatist]] [[Commander/Legends|commander]]]]
{{Quote|It's far better to be a freelance mercenary in a war than to be a soldier for a losing side.|Ergeron|<ref name="Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic">''[[Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic]]''</ref>}}
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.
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]].
The Rebel Alliance hired several [[Rebel privateer|privateers]] in the [[Galactic Civil War/Legends|Galactic Civil War]].
==Mercenary organizations==
Only few large mercenary organizations existed in the galaxy. The forces of the galaxy tended to pull such organizations into conflict too regularly for mercenaries to exist in organized companies. Instead, individual mercenaries formed brotherhoods, that often existed as loose networks of contacts and contract makers. These brotherhoods provided some measure of camaraderie amongst the members of this otherwise very lonely business. Occasionally, members of the brotherhoods found themselves employed by opposite sides of armed conflicts, forcing them to fight against each other. But when the contract was over, the brotherhood took precedence. The largest of these brotherhoods was the [[Brotherhood Mortalis]], founded during the final years of the Old Republic.<ref name="Special Ops: The Mercenary" />
===Mandalorian mercenaries===
{{Quote|So what's wrong with being a mercenary? Is your war worth fighting? If it is, then why does it matter who fights it for you? Aren't we imbued with the righteousness of your cause when we take up arms for you? Would you rather your own men and women died to make the point? And if your war is so noble, so necessary&mdash;why aren't you fighting it for yourself? Think of all that before you spit on us, ''aruetii''.|[[Jaster Mereel]]|<ref name="Order 66: A Republic Commando Novel">''[[Order 66: A Republic Commando Novel]]''</ref>}}
Mandalorian mercenaries, known informally as Mandalorian Mercs,<ref name="The New Essential Chronology">''[[The New Essential Chronology]]''</ref> were regarded as some of the finest soldiers-for-hire in the galaxy, greatly due to their warrior-based culture, providing the combat training to its members even when they are very young.
[[File:Mand-Group_small.jpg|thumb|left|200px|A small group of Mandalorian mercenaries]]
After the Mandalorians were defeated by the Galactic Republic during the [[Mandalorian Wars]] in the year [[3960 BBY]], the [[Jedi Knight/Legends|Jedi Knight]] Revan disarmed and disbanded the Mandalorian Clans, and allowed them to scatter in disheartened groups across the [[Outer Rim Territories/Legends|Outer Rim Territories]]. There, devoid of leadership and honor, they degenerated. A few [[Mandalorian Neo-Crusaders/Legends|Mandalorian Neo-Crusaders]] survivors returned to the [[Mandalore system/Legends|Mandalore system]], but many veterans, including [[Canderous Ordo]], humbled their pride and became mercenaries for hire.<ref name="The New Essential Chronology" /><ref name="Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic" />
The skilled Mandalorian Mercs became highly sought after in the aftermath of the Mandalorian Wars. During the [[Jedi Civil War]] and the [[Dark Wars]], they gathered on [[Kashyyyk/Legends|Kashyyyk]], [[Dantooine/Legends|Dantooine]], [[Nar Shaddaa/Legends|Nar Shaddaa]], [[Manaan/Legends|Manaan]], and many other worlds where they hired themselves out to the [[Darth Revan's Sith Empire|Sith]], the Republic, and various criminal organizations such as the [[Exchange]].<ref name="Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic" />
Canderous Ordo returned to the former Mandalorian [[Mandalorian Outpost (Dxun)|headquarters]] of [[Dxun/Legends|Dxun]] and began to rebuild [[Clan Ordo]]. Through skill in arms and sheer cunning, he rose to the rank of [[Mandalore (title)|Mandalore]] and began to gather the remaining Mandalorian Clans.<ref name="Chronicles of the Old Republic">''[[Chronicles of the Old Republic]]''</ref> While journeying with the [[Meetra Surik|Jedi Exile]] during the [[First Jedi Purge]], he was able to convince several groups of Mandalorian mercenaries to give up their independence and join themselves to his cause.<ref name="Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords">''[[Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords]]''</ref>
It is unknown how many Mandalorians Canderous eventually managed to recruit, but in any case, Mandalorian mercenaries became a traditional part of Mandalorian society and they continued to operate for millennia.
[[Jaster Mereel]], a later Mandalore, would later try to purge the dishonorable brigandage adopted into their society by superseding their [[Canons of Honor|old code]] with the [[Supercommando Codex]], bringing honor back to their society. The [[Death Watch/Legends|Death Watch]], a splinter group, opposed such change and fought the [[True Mandalorians]] in a [[Mandalorian Civil War (True Mandalorians)|civil war]] to determine their future.
A later group called the [[Mandalorian Protectors/Legends|Mandalorian Protectors]], formed by [[Spar|Mandalore the Resurrector]], would revive mercenary traditions and prior to the [[Yuuzhan Vong War]], Mandalorians were once again in high demand.<ref>''[[Boba Fett: A Practical Man]]''</ref>


===List of mercenary units===
===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" />}}
{{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:
Mercenaries worked either as freelancers or as members of some larger military unit or mercenary guild. Some of them included:
[[File:Churhee'sRiflemen-GAW.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A few Churhee's Riflemen.]]
[[File:ChurheesRiflemen-GAW.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A few Churhee's Riflemen.]]
*[[Ailon Nova Guard/Legends|Ailon Nova Guard]]
*[[Ailon Nova Guard/Legends|Ailon Nova Guard]]
*[[Aurodium Sword/Legends|Aurodium Sword]]
*[[Azkul's mercenaries]]
*[[Black Curs]]
*[[Black Curs]]
*[[Brommstaad Mercenaries]]
*[[Brommstaad Mercenaries]]
*[[Churhee's Riflemen]]
*[[Churhee's Riflemen]]
*[[Crimson Aces]]
*[[First Sun Mobile Regiment]]
*[[First Sun Mobile Regiment]]
*[[Freelance Mercenary Corps/Legends|Freelance Mercenary Corps]]
*[[Grrtok's Band]]
*[[Grrtok's Band]]
*[[Laramus Base Irregulars]]
*[[Laramus Base Irregulars]]
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*[[Rebel privateer]]s
*[[Rebel privateer]]s
*[[Red Moons]]
*[[Red Moons]]
*[[Sabaoth Squadron/Legends|Sabaoth Squadron]]


==Behind the scenes==
==Behind the scenes==
[[File:Mercenary.png|thumb|left|150px|A mercenary in the [[Cold War (Galactic Republic&ndash;Sith Empire)|Cold War]].]]
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.  
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. As with Aurodium Sword, PMCs often employ retired ex-Special Forces veterans.


"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 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>
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==Appearances==
==Appearances==
{{Scroll_box|content=
{{Scroll_box|content=
[[File:DarcaNyl-SWT24.jpg|right|thumb|[[Darca Nyl]], a Human mercenary]]
*''[[Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic]]''
*''[[The Old Republic: Revan]]''
*[[The Old Republic: Revan (audiobook)|''The Old Republic: Revan'' audiobook]]
*''[[Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords]]''
*[[Red Harvest (novel)|''Red Harvest'']]
*[[Red Harvest (audiobook)|''Red Harvest'' audiobook]]
*''[[Star Wars: The Old Republic]]''
*[[Cartel Market|''Star Wars: The Old Republic'' Cartel Market]]
*''[[Star Wars: The Old Republic: Rise of the Hutt Cartel]]''
*''[[Star Wars: The Old Republic: Galactic Strongholds]]''
*''[[Star Wars: The Old Republic: Shadow of Revan]]''
*''[[Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Fallen Empire]]''
*''[[Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Eternal Throne]]''
*''[[Star Wars: The Old Republic: Onslaught]]''
*[[Knight Errant (novel)|''Knight Errant'']]
*''[[Darth Bane: Dynasty of Evil]]'' {{Mo}}
*[[Darth Bane: Dynasty of Evil (audiobook)|''Darth Bane: Dynasty of Evil'' audiobook]] {{Mo}}
*[[Darth Plagueis (novel)|''Darth Plagueis'']] {{Mo}}
*[[Darth Plagueis (audiobook)|''Darth Plagueis'' audiobook]] {{Mo}}
*''[[Star Wars: Starfighter]]''
*''[[Star Wars: Episode I Jedi Power Battles]]''
*''[[Star Wars: Republic Commando]]''
*''[[Jedi Quest: The School of Fear]]''
*''[[Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter]]''
*[[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (video game)|''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' video game]]
*''[[The Clone Wars: Decide Your Destiny: The Way of the Jedi]]''
*''[[The Clone Wars: Decide Your Destiny: Crisis on Coruscant]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[The Clone Wars: Decide Your Destiny: Dooku's Secret Army]]'' {{Mo}}
*{{TCW|Clone Cadets}} {{Mo}}
*{{TCW|Holocron Heist}}
*{{TCW|Cargo of Doom}}
*{{TCW|Bounty Hunters (episode)|Bounty Hunters}} {{Mo}}
*''[[Boba Fett: Hunted]]'' {{Mo}}
*{{InsiderCite|83|MedStar: Intermezzo}}
*''[[MedStar II: Jedi Healer]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[The Order of Outcasts]]''
*''[[Coruscant Nights I: Jedi Twilight]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Coruscant Nights II: Street of Shadows]]'' {{Mo}}
*[[Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (video game)|''Star Wars: The Force Unleashed'' video game]]
*{{Journal|3|When the Domino Falls}}
*{{Journal|3|When the Domino Falls}}
*''[[Rebel Dawn]]''
*''[[Rebel Dawn]]''
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*{{WEGCite|story=The Bacta Heist|book=Tapani Sector Instant Adventures}}
*{{WEGCite|story=The Bacta Heist|book=Tapani Sector Instant Adventures}}
*{{WEGCite|book=The Far Orbit Project|story=Preparing for War}} {{Mo}}
*{{WEGCite|book=The Far Orbit Project|story=Preparing for War}} {{Mo}}
*''[[Under a Black Sun]]''
*{{FFG|book=Star Wars: Edge of the Empire Core Rulebook|text=''Star Wars: Edge of the Empire'' Core Rulebook|story=Trouble Brewing|stext=''Trouble Brewing''}}
*''[[Beyond the Rim]]''
*''[[The Jewel of Yavin]]'' {{Mo}}
*{{FFG|book=Star Wars: Age of Rebellion Beginner Game|text=''Star Wars: Age of Rebellion'' Beginner Game|story=Takeover at Whisper Base (Adventure Book)|stext=Takeover at Whisper Base}}
*''[[Operation: Shadowpoint]]''
*{{FFG|book=Star Wars: Age of Rebellion Game Master's Kit|text=''Star Wars: Age of Rebellion'' Game Master's Kit|story=Dead in the Water|stext=Dead in the Water}} {{Mo}}
*{{Journal|6|To Fight Another Day}} {{Mo}}
*{{Journal|6|To Fight Another Day}} {{Mo}}
*{{Journal|8|Uhl Eharl Khoehng (short story)|Uhl Eharl Khoehng}}
*{{Journal|8|Uhl Eharl Khoehng (short story)|Uhl Eharl Khoehng}}
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*''[[Side Trip]]''
*''[[Side Trip]]''
*[[Star Wars (1977) 42|''Star Wars'' (1977) 42]]
*[[Star Wars (1977) 42|''Star Wars'' (1977) 42]]
*''[[Gathering Shadows]]''
*{{Shortstory|story=Gathering Shadows|book=Tales from the New Republic}}
*[[Star Wars (1977) 11|''Star Wars'' (1977) 11]]
*[[Star Wars (1977) 11|''Star Wars'' (1977) 11]]
*{{Journal|2|Return to Taul}}
*{{Journal|2|Return to Taul}}
*[[Shadows of the Empire (comics)|''Shadows of the Empire'' comic]]
*[[Shadows of the Empire (comics)|''Shadows of the Empire'' comic]]
*{{FFG|book=Star Wars: Edge of the Empire Beginner Game|text=''Star Wars: Edge of the Empire'' Beginner Game|story=Escape from Mos Shuuta|stext=''Escape from Mos Shuuta''}}
*''[[The Long Arm of the Hutt]]''
*{{GalaxyCite|7|Assignment: Decoy}}
*{{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=Slave Raid|stext=''Slave Raid''}}
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*''[[Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II]]''
*''[[Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II]]''
*''[[Jedi Search]]''
*''[[Jedi Search]]''
*''[[Star Wars: Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast]]''
*''[[Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy]]''
*''[[Young Jedi Knights: Trouble on Cloud City]]''
*''[[Young Jedi Knights: Trouble on Cloud City]]''
*''[[Young Jedi Knights: Crisis at Crystal Reef]]''
*''[[Young Jedi Knights: Crisis at Crystal Reef]]''
*''[[Legacy of the Force: Sacrifice]]''
*[[Millennium Falcon (novel)|''Millennium Falcon'']] {{Mo}}
*[[Millennium Falcon (audiobook)|''Millennium Falcon'' audiobook]] {{Mo}}
*{{WizardsCite|url=default.asp?x=starwars/article/sw20011018a|text=Death, Dirt, and the Nerf Rancher's Daughter|int=Death, Dirt, and the Nerf Rancher's Daughter|archivedate=20100325035306}} {{Mo}}
}}
}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
{{Scroll_box|content=
{{Scroll_box|content=
[[File:Scum.jpg|thumb|200px|Mercenaries working for [[Galak Fyyar]] and [[Desann]]'s faction of the [[Empire Reborn]], around the time of the [[Battle of Bespin (Empire Reborn)|Battle of Cloud City]].]]
*''[[The Star Wars Sourcebook]]''
*''[[The Star Wars Sourcebook]]''
*[[Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game (first edition)|''Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game'']]
*[[Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game (first edition)|''Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game'']]
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*''[[Alien Encounters]]''
*''[[Alien Encounters]]''
*''[[Star Wars Roleplaying Game Revised Core Rulebook]]''
*''[[Star Wars Roleplaying Game Revised Core Rulebook]]''
*{{GamerCite|8|Special Ops: The Mercenary}}
*''[[Star Wars: Rebellion: Prima's Official Strategy Guide]]''
*''[[Star Wars: Rebellion: Prima's Official Strategy Guide]]''
*{{WizardsCite|url=default.asp?x=starwars/article/sw20011004aliens|text=Even More Aliens!|int=Even More Aliens!|archivedate=20091016024255}}
*<!-- 2003/01/09 -->{{WizardsCite|url=default.asp?x=starwars/article/sw20030109ralltiir2|text=A Traveler's Journals of Ralltiir Part 2|int=A Traveler's Journals of Ralltiir|archivedate=20050827172703}}
*''[[Chronicles of the Old Republic]]''
*{{WizardsCite|url=default.asp?x=starwars/article/sw20031211prax|text=Cydon Prax|int=Cydon Prax (article)|archivedate=20090603070205}}
*''[[Ultimate Adversaries]]''
*''[[Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords: Prima Official Game Guide]]''
*{{WizardsCite|url=default.asp?x=starwars/article/sw20050106a|text=Fringe Benefits|int=Fringe Benefits|archivedate=20090603070442}}
*{{WizardsCite|url=default.asp?x=starwars/article/sw20050303a|text=Soldiers of Fortune|int=Soldiers of Fortune|archivedate=20091016032904}}
*''[[The New Essential Chronology]]''
*''[[Star Wars: Empire at War: Prima Official Game Guide]]''
*''[[Star Wars: Empire at War: Forces of Corruption Expansion: Prima Official Game Guide]]''
*''[[The Force Unleashed Campaign Guide]]''
*''[[Threats of the Galaxy]]''
*''[[The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia]]''
*''[[Rebellion Era Campaign Guide]]''
*{{WizardsCite|url=default.asp?x=starwars/article/FringeStatPack|text=Fringe Stat Pack|int=Fringe Stat Pack|archivedate=20100228185551}}
*{{WizardsCite|url=default.asp?x=starwars/article/NewRepublicStatPack|text=New Republic Stat Pack|int=New Republic Stat Pack|nobackup=1}}
*''[[The Unknown Regions]]''
*{{WizardsCite|url=default.asp?x=starwars/article/Mesop10|text=Message to Spacers 10|int=Message to Spacers 10|archivedate=20100507180435}}
*{{Holonet|old=true|biographies|tanno-vik|Tanno Vik}}
*{{SideshowCite|set=Militaries of Star Wars|pack=Utapau Shadow Trooper|altlink=https://www.rebelscum.com/UtapauShadow.asp|archivedate=20180726005941}}
*''[[Star Wars: The Old Republic Explorer's Guide]]''
*{{InsiderCite|126|Writer's Republic}}
*''[[Book of Sith: Secrets from the Dark Side]]''
*''[[The Essential Guide to Warfare]]''
*''[[The Essential Reader's Companion]]''
*''[[Star Wars: The Old Republic Encyclopedia]]''
*[[Star Wars: Edge of the Empire Beginner Game|''Star Wars: Edge of the Empire'' Beginner Game]]
*{{FFGTCG|set=A Dark Time|cardname=Anzati Elite}}
*{{FFGTCG|set=Assault on Echo Base|cardname=Outer Rim Space Pirates}}
*[[Star Wars: Edge of the Empire Core Rulebook|''Star Wars: Edge of the Empire'' Core Rulebook]]
*{{FFGXW|Slave I Expansion Pack|cardname=Mercenary Copilot}}
*''[[Star Wars: Force Collection]]'' {{C|Card: Han Solo (★★)}}
*''[[Star Wars: Force Collection]]'' {{C|Card: Han Solo (★★★★)}}
*{{SW|url=news/so-uncivilized-great-gunslingers-in-star-wars-part-1|text=So Uncivilized: Great Gunslingers in ''Star Wars'', Part 1|int=So Uncivilized: Great Gunslingers in Star Wars}}
*''[[The Bounty Hunter Code: From the Files of Boba Fett]]''
*''[[Enter the Unknown]]''
*{{FFGTCG|set=Balance of the Force|cardname=Mercenary Support}}
*{{SW|url=news/slugthrowers-part-2|text=Slugthrowers: An Overview of Popular Music and Musicians in a Galaxy Far, Far Away, Part 2|int=Slugthrowers: An Overview of Popular Music and Musicians in a Galaxy Far, Far Away}}
*''[[Suns of Fortune]]''
*''[[Dangerous Covenants]]''
*{{SWE|groups|rebel-pilots|Rebel Pilots}}
*[[Star Wars: Age of Rebellion Core Rulebook|''Star Wars: Age of Rebellion'' Core Rulebook]]
*''[[Far Horizons]]''
*''[[Fly Casual]]''
*''[[Strongholds of Resistance]]''
*{{TORweb|url=info/news/news-article/20170531|text=Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ - Road Map 2017|archivedate=20191118090954}}
*{{TORweb|url=info/news/news-article/20170918|text=Cartel Market Specials: Week of September 19, 2017}}
*{{FFGXW2|Scum and Villainy Conversion Kit|link=https://xwing-miniatures-second-edition.fandom.com/wiki/Dace_Bonearm|cardname=Dace Bonearm}}
*{{FFGXW2|Scum and Villainy Conversion Kit|link=https://xwing-miniatures-second-edition.fandom.com/wiki/Torkil_Mux|cardname=Torkil Mux}}
*{{TORweb|url=info/news/article/20201020-0|text=Cartel Market Additions: Game Update 6.1.4}}
}}
}}


==Notes and references==
==Notes and references==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
*{{SWTOR Wiki|Mercenary}}
{{Interlang
|de=Söldner
|es=Mercenario
|ja=傭兵
|pl=Najemnik
|pt=Mercenário
|ru=Наёмник
}}


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

Latest revision as of 03:03, 15 February 2023

A Trandoshan mercenary.
"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, to Leia Organa, outlining the common views of mercenaries and their work[1]

A mercenary (merc for short), sometimes also called soldier of fortune, hired gun, or free lance, was a 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 credits over other things, such as ideals or kinship.[2]

Characteristics

A Human mercenary.

Mercenaries served mostly as troopers or pilots for hire, but also as bodyguards and enforcers. They worked in other military assignments[3] as well, for example in those involving testing the equipment,[4] liberating abducted people[5] or retrieving, transporting and protecting valuable goods or items.[6] Some even outfitted other beings with devices and equipment they may need. They appeared in all known eras, being especially active when conflicts erupted.[3] 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, who eventually joined the Rebel Alliance. Many mercenaries were also defectors from armies or ex-soldiers, often from special forces, thus having versatility and abilities very useful in their occupation.

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

Many civilizations were specialized in mercenary business. The 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, Gamorreans were often employed as mercenaries for less demanding. Many Rodians, Trandoshans, Ubese and Weequay were working throughout the galaxy as mercs.[7]

History

Mercenaries from several factions (like Echani, Iridonians and Mandalorians) were employed in the Jedi Civil War by both Sith and 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. During the Clone Wars, the 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, powerful mercenary organizations were either employed by the Empire or hunted down and wiped out,[8] although many mercs were defectors from the Imperial service. The Rebel Alliance hired several privateers in the Galactic Civil War.

List of mercenary units

"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[5]

Mercenaries worked either as freelancers or as members of some larger military unit or mercenary guild. Some of them included:

A few Churhee's Riflemen.

Behind the scenes

Most Star Wars mercenary units are interstellar versions of real-world 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 first edition rulebook.[9]

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 blasters, missile launchers, and dealing damage in battle as well as healing. The Republic counterpart for this archetype is the Commando.[10]

Appearances

Sources

Notes and references

  1. ↑ Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope
  2. ↑ Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Clone Wars Miniatures Preview 4" on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link)
  4. ↑ Star Wars: Starfighter
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Blaze of Glory" – Star Wars Adventure Journal 8
  6. ↑ Underworld: The Yavin Vassilika
  7. ↑ Ultimate Alien Anthology
  8. ↑ "Special Ops: The Mercenary"—Star Wars Gamer 8
  9. ↑ Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game
  10. ↑ File:SWTOR mini.png STAR WARS: The Old Republic Fan Friday (August 20 2010) on The Old Republic's official website (backup link)
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