The Most Impressive Non-Force Users in 'Star Wars' Legends
The world of the Star Wars Legends is massive, spanning from the earliest recorded history of the galaxy to over a century after the Battle of Endor and the destruction of the second Death Star. As mentioned before, the story of Star Wars is mainly centered around the Force and those who use it. The heroes use the light side of the Force while the villains use the dark side. Filling in among the Force users, and essentially making the galaxy go round are non-Force users. These are the notable ones in Legends, formerly known as the Star Wars Expanded Universe.
Talon Karrde
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Talon Karrde was first introduced in Timothy Zahn’s original Thrawn Trilogy as the employer of Mara Jade. His talents reach beyond a simple leader of a smuggling ring. His greatest strengths lie in words and information. He holds no allegiance during the Galactic Civil War, often playing both sides off each other, and making a profit at the same time. While most underworld figures surround themselves with great displays of wealth and power, he prefers to keep a low profile despite the extensive reach of his information network. He is amiable to friends and foes alike, realizing that enemies could become allies if profitable. Despite his shadowy business, Kaarde has a reputation for being an honorable man, always keeping his words even at a heavy personal cost to himself. He refuses to deal in slavery and kidnapping, profitable they might be. He is fiercely protective of his people, inspiring loyalty and respect in his subordinates. Others know not to cross him or his organization for fear of his fierce retribution.
Soontir Fel
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While most fans associate ace pilots with the Rogue Squadron of the Rebel Alliance, the title for best starfighter pilot in the galaxy at the time belongs to Soontir Fel, an Imperial hero who spends many years flying and commanding TIE Fighters and training Imperial pilots. Before the Battle of Yavin, his two proteges Biggs Darklighter and Derek “Hobbie” Klivian mutiny on their first posting and defected to the Rebel Alliance. This reflects poorly on Fel, and he is transferred to the 181st Imperial Fighter Wing, nicknamed the “One-eighty-worst.” In a punitive posting where most people’s careers waste away, he reforms the squadron. Fel leads the 181st in many spectacular victories against the Rebel Alliance. The 181st would be feared by the Rebel pilots as Rogue Squadron is feared by their Imperial counterparts. Attached to Darth Vader’s Death Squadron, the squadron serves at the Battle of Hoth, and later the Battle of Endor. For his stellar service, he is granted the title Baron of the Empire by Emperor Palpatine.
Winter
The daughter of Bail Organa’s aide Sheltay Retrac, Winter is raised as a sister and companion to Princess Leia on Alderaan. Due to her ladylike grace in contrast with Leia’s tomboy nature, many often mistake her for the princess. The two employ their similar looks with Winter (distinguished by her white hair) disguising herself as Leia so that the latter can sneak out of the palace. As Leia becomes more involved with the Rebel Alliance, Winter’s talent is perfect for a career in Rebel intelligence. Her stoic demeanor allows her to complete her covert missions as a spy. Her holographic and audiographic memory allow her to remember everything perfectly. However, while other Alderaanians’ memory of the planet’s destruction fades over time, Winter remembers the painful experience in complete detail forever.
Nom Anor
Many years after the Battle of Endor, the Imperial remnants are finally stamped out. The New Republic is no longer at war. In this fleeting period of peace, an alien species arrives from beyond the known regions of the galaxy. The Yuuzhan Vong are an alien species that view machines as religious blasphemy. Their technology is made up of genetically engineered living organisms. They appeared to exist beyond the Force, which confounds the Jedi, who are unable to sense the new enemy. Nom Anor is the face of the invasion. In the guise of a peaceful ambassador to the New Republic, he works to destabilize the New Republic in preparation for the Yuuzhan Vong invasion. His words stir up resentment against the New Jedi Order and incite native populations on numerous planets against the New Republic.
Honorable Mention: Prince Xizor
Prince Xizor entered the Star Wars canon as the namesake of Xizor Salad in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: The Official Black Spire Outpost Cookbook. However, his story is deeply entrenched in Legends is worth mentioning. The Falleen crime lord has risen through the ranks to become the leader of the Black Sun criminal organization by the time the Clone Wars conclude. He is quick to develop a relationship with the new Empire, offering the wealth and influence of his organization. He works to build concurrent legitimate and criminal empires. The legitimate Xizor Transport Systems would fund the activities and launder millions of credits for the Black Sun. His wealth and criminal reach are as extensive as the Galactic Empire itself.
Xizor prides himself on his emotional control, content on playing the long game. In his vengeance against Darth Vader (who has destroyed his family), he strives to discredit the Sith Lord from the Emperor’s favor. Many times, Vader is forced to cooperate with the crime lord. When Xizor learns of Vader’s quest for Luke Skywalker, he schemes to have the young Jedi killed, knowing that Vader’s reaction would not bode well for the Emperor.