Background

The adventure begins in the Outer Rim—specifically Elrood sector.

Elrood was once a backwater sector. Developing hyperspace routes mapped through the Degan Gas Clouds transformed it into a hub for exploration, mining, and commerce. The Exchange crime syndicate guided the development of the lucrative Elrood–Derilyn trade route (aka “Elder [ELrood–DERilyn] Run”) that spans the sector.

The old Republic paid little attention to the area, busy as it was with Trade Federation conflicts and Clone Wars. The rise of the Galactic Empire changed all that.

Wilhuff Tarkin (yes, that’s his first name) has been appointed Moff of Elrood sector. Under his direction, the Empire has made a strong impression. Most notably, Tarkin replaced the top levels of government on both ends of the Elder Run—Elrood and Derilyn—with Imperial governors and instituted a series of restrictive laws (e.g., requiring travel documents, implementing identichips for all citizens, outlawing weapons). The rest of the previous government infrastructure remains, reporting up to key individuals who, in turn, report directly to Tarkin.

The populace views these changes with a mix of grumbling, unease, and "what are you going to do?" shrugs. Things are more strict and prices are higher, sure, but crime is down.

None of this sits well with the Exchange, however. The Empire is applying pressure to key criminal pursuits—smuggling, contraband, corruption, slave trade, numbers games. Everything is getting hit. Not enough to cripple the Exchange (we are talking about a crime syndicate with influence over a dozen systems), but it’s a problem. Worst of all, it’s clear that Tarkin is planning these hits based on inside information. It all distracts from the main goal—making money—and the Exchange is not happy about it.

Those in this sector who defy the Empire aren't thrilled, either. Tarkin is one of the most accomplished Moffs and has proven brutally effective at clearing out rebel cells.