**Galaxy Guide 12: Aliens – Enemies and Allies**
**Definition**
*Galaxy Guide 12: Aliens – Enemies and Allies* is a sourcebook published for the *Star Wars Roleplaying Game* by West End Games. It provides detailed descriptions, statistics, and background information on a wide variety of alien species encountered in the *Star Wars* universe, serving as a resource for players and game masters to enrich their campaigns with diverse characters and creatures.
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## Galaxy Guide 12: Aliens – Enemies and Allies
### Introduction
*Galaxy Guide 12: Aliens – Enemies and Allies* is part of the *Galaxy Guide* series, a collection of supplements designed to expand the *Star Wars Roleplaying Game* (SWRPG) published by West End Games (WEG). Released in 1993, this guide focuses on the myriad alien species that populate the *Star Wars* galaxy, offering players and game masters (GMs) comprehensive information on their cultures, abilities, and roles within the broader narrative of the *Star Wars* universe.
The *Star Wars Roleplaying Game* itself is a tabletop role-playing game that allows participants to create characters and stories set in the iconic science fiction setting created by George Lucas. The *Galaxy Guide* series supplements the core rulebooks by providing detailed lore, character options, and campaign material. *Galaxy Guide 12* specifically addresses the diversity of alien species, categorizing them as potential enemies or allies, and thus enriching gameplay possibilities.
### Publication History
*Galaxy Guide 12: Aliens – Enemies and Allies* was published by West End Games in 1993 during the height of the *Star Wars* RPG’s popularity. The guide was authored by a team of writers and game designers who contributed to the expanding lore of the *Star Wars* universe in the early 1990s. The book is part of a larger effort by WEG to provide detailed source material that would allow players to explore the galaxy far, far away beyond the main characters and species featured in the films.
The guide was well-received for its depth and utility, becoming a staple reference for players and GMs who wished to incorporate a wide range of alien species into their campaigns. It also contributed to the development of the *Star Wars* Expanded Universe by fleshing out lesser-known species and introducing new ones.
### Content Overview
*Galaxy Guide 12* is structured to provide both narrative and mechanical information about alien species. It includes:
– **Species Descriptions:** Detailed profiles of numerous alien species, including their physical characteristics, cultural traits, societal structures, and typical behaviors.
– **Game Statistics:** Rules and statistics for each species, enabling players to create characters or NPCs (non-player characters) belonging to these species. This includes attributes, skills, special abilities, and equipment.
– **Roleplaying Tips:** Guidance on how to portray each species in gameplay, including typical motivations, social norms, and potential conflicts.
– **Illustrations:** Visual representations of many species to aid in visualization and immersion.
– **Campaign Integration:** Suggestions on how to incorporate these species into various campaign settings, whether as allies, enemies, or neutral parties.
### Species Featured
The guide covers a broad spectrum of species from the *Star Wars* galaxy, ranging from well-known races to obscure or newly introduced ones. Some notable species included are:
– **Twi’leks:** A humanoid species known for their distinctive head-tails called lekku, often portrayed as dancers, diplomats, or smugglers.
– **Rodians:** Recognizable by their green skin and multifaceted eyes, Rodians are often depicted as bounty hunters or mercenaries.
– **Wookiees:** The tall, hairy species from the planet Kashyyyk, known for their strength and loyalty.
– **Hutts:** Large slug-like creatures who often serve as crime lords and influential figures in the galaxy’s underworld.
– **Trandoshans:** Reptilian hunters with a culture centered on hunting and combat prowess.
– **Bothans:** Known for their espionage skills and involvement in intelligence gathering.
– **Gamorreans:** Pig-like warriors often employed as guards or enforcers.
– **Sullustans:** Species with large eyes and ears, known for their piloting skills.
In addition to these familiar species, the guide introduces lesser-known or original species created for the RPG, expanding the diversity of the *Star Wars* galaxy.
### Role in Gameplay
*Galaxy Guide 12* serves multiple functions within the *Star Wars Roleplaying Game*:
– **Character Creation:** Players can select from a wide array of species, each with unique traits and abilities, allowing for diverse character concepts.
– **Non-Player Characters:** GMs can populate their campaigns with alien NPCs that have rich backgrounds and believable motivations.
– **World-Building:** The guide provides cultural and societal details that help create immersive settings and storylines.
– **Conflict and Interaction:** By categorizing species as potential enemies or allies, the guide helps define relationships and tensions that drive narrative conflict.
The inclusion of detailed species information encourages players to explore the galaxy’s diversity and fosters creativity in storytelling.
### Impact and Legacy
*Galaxy Guide 12* contributed significantly to the *Star Wars* RPG community by broadening the scope of playable and encounterable species. Its detailed approach to alien cultures and mechanics influenced subsequent *Star Wars* roleplaying supplements and other media within the Expanded Universe.
The guide’s emphasis on both enemies and allies reflects the complex political and social landscape of the *Star Wars* galaxy, where alliances are fluid and species cannot be easily categorized as purely good or evil. This nuanced portrayal helped deepen the roleplaying experience.
Although West End Games lost the *Star Wars* license in the late 1990s, the material from *Galaxy Guide 12* remains a valuable resource for fans and players of classic *Star Wars* RPG editions. Many of the species and concepts introduced have been referenced or adapted in later *Star Wars* games, novels, and other media.
### Structure and Format
The book is organized into chapters that group species by their general alignment or role in the galaxy, such as:
– **Enemies:** Species commonly encountered as antagonists or adversaries.
– **Allies:** Species typically allied with the Rebel Alliance, the Galactic Republic, or other factions.
– **Neutral or Ambiguous:** Species whose loyalties and roles vary depending on context.
Each species entry typically includes:
– **Physical Description:** Size, appearance, and distinctive features.
– **Homeworld:** Information about the species’ planet of origin.
– **Society and Culture:** Social structure, customs, and typical occupations.
– **Game Statistics:** Attributes, skills, and special abilities.
– **Roleplaying Notes:** Suggestions for portraying the species in gameplay.
– **Notable Individuals:** Examples of famous characters from the species.
The guide also includes appendices with additional rules, equipment, and optional character creation guidelines.
### Illustrations and Artwork
*Galaxy Guide 12* features artwork that visually represents many of the species described. The illustrations help players and GMs visualize the aliens, enhancing immersion and aiding in character and NPC creation. The art style is consistent with the aesthetic of the *Star Wars* universe as depicted in the films and other licensed materials of the time.
### Reception
Upon release, *Galaxy Guide 12* was praised for its comprehensive coverage and utility in expanding the *Star Wars* RPG experience. Reviewers highlighted the depth of information and the balance between narrative detail and game mechanics. The guide was considered essential for players seeking to create diverse and interesting characters or to enrich their campaigns with authentic *Star Wars* alien species.
Some criticism was directed at the sheer volume of information, which could be overwhelming for new players, but this was generally seen as a strength for experienced GMs and players who desired detailed lore.
### Conclusion
*Galaxy Guide 12: Aliens – Enemies and Allies* remains a significant supplement in the history of the *Star Wars Roleplaying Game*. By providing extensive information on a wide range of alien species, it has helped shape the way players and GMs approach character creation, world-building, and storytelling within the *Star Wars* universe. Its legacy endures among fans of the classic West End Games RPG and continues to influence *Star Wars* roleplaying and lore.
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**Meta Description:**
*Galaxy Guide 12: Aliens – Enemies and Allies* is a 1993 sourcebook for the *Star Wars Roleplaying Game* that details numerous alien species, offering game statistics and cultural backgrounds to enrich gameplay. It serves as a key resource for players and game masters seeking to incorporate diverse characters and narratives into their campaigns.