Empire Day

[Q'in]

Empire Day is a galaxy-wide celebration that marks the Emperor's rise to power and founding of the Galactic Empire. This year's event, beginning on June 26, also commemorates an amazing five years of Star Wars Galaxies with in-game events for everyone to support their faction and join in the celebration!

Honoring the Empire
Empire Day is celebrated throughout Imperial-controlled space to commemorate the creation of the Galactic Empire.

The actual "day" of this holiday is marked according to Imperial Center time, but celebrations can last days or weeks depending on culture and location.

Due to the vast and varied worlds controlled by the Empire, beings on many worlds celebrate in different ways. Some just wish to be near the Emperor himself, though they don't expect to see him. Others simply gather with friends and kin and have private celebrations or other contests, marking the day with festivities and fun.

This year loyal citizens of the Empire can choose to pay homage to an imposing statue of the Emperor in the city of Theed . This commanding figure rests near the steps of the royal palace and at its base a small army of stormtroopers stands at attention.

The Imperial Celebration Organizer, who can also be found in the shadow of the statue, offers Imperial-issued rations for sale to mark the occasion. Order 66 Cookies increase movement and grant an experience bonus; these crunchy cookies have a delightful aftertaste. Imperials also enjoy the Gracious Government Mix during Empire Day celebrations. These delicious chocolates increase damage and reduce action cost.

The Organizer is highly trained to sniff out Rebels in disguise and does not sell his wares to any Rebellion sympathizers. These treats will disappear fifty minutes after purchase, so consume them quickly.

Darth Vader and a legion of Dark Troopers are also descending on Theed during the celebration. Citizens of the Empire can catch a glimpse of the Dark Lord once an hour as he addresses the citizens congregating at the steps.

Each hour, Darth Vader recognizes one lucky Imperial citizen for his or her contribution to the Empire. Pay your respects if you are called upon and the Empire will recognize your deeds in front of the gathered crowd!

Supporting the Rebellion
Those who oppose the Empire mark the day with protests, counter-propaganda efforts and, sometimes, outright attacks on Imperial facilities. Fighting the massive propaganda machine of the Empire is a daunting task, but each gain is a step closer to success.

Each year the Rebellion works hard to fight the tide of Imperial public relations in the hopes of turning loyal Imperial citizens to their side of the Galactic Civil War. Showing the gap between the propaganda and the Rebellion's vision of the truth is often a good way to accomplish that goal.

This year the Rebellion is countering the Empire Day celebrations by making a bold statement by celebrating Remembrance Day, once known as Republic Day, in Coronet. A fountain has been built in the north end of the city to honor Jedi Master Yoda, who served valiantly during the Clone Wars but has not been seen since the dissolution of the Jedi Council.

The Rebel Event Organizer also offers unique items for sale to support the Rebels. Favorites of the Force are a Rebel treat created by secretive confectioners; these sour candies reduce action cost and increase damage. The Organizer also offers the energy drink Death Star Destruction, sure to boost the movement speed and experience gain of any tired Rebel sympathizers. Any Imperials who attempt to purchase these items are turned away. These treats will disappear fifty minutes after purchase, so consume them quickly.

Princess Leia is taking a calculated risk each hour, visiting Coronet to attempt to spread the word about the Empire's propaganda and misdeeds. The princess is also taking the opportunity to commemorate Remembrance Day by calling out the heroic deeds of Rebel supporters in the crowd. Pay your respects properly and you will be recognized for your support of the Rebellion.

Cautious of being caught by the Imperials, she can only visit for a short period of time before Han Solo and Chewbacca whisk her back into hiding.

Neutral Civilians
Those who do not support either faction in the Galactic Civil War still mark Empire Day because of the great changes the formation of the Empire caused throughout the galaxy -- changes that they use to their own benefit.

Neutral citizens of the galaxy can take advantage of the celebration by visiting either the Imperial or Rebel event organizer and statue to receive the commemorative items without restraint.

Other Anniversary Gifts
Citizens across the galaxy, whether they support the Rebellion, Empire, or neither also receive two gifts when they log in during the anniversary celebration! Use the radial menu on the Emperor's Statue or Yoda's Fountain to receive two anniversary gifts.

The Novaless Soni-Optics Goggles Mark V are one-of-a-kind. Originally created to assist with aiming long range rifles, the goggles were not widely manufactured due to problems that prevented any real combat use. These goggles are considered a novelty item as a result and are showed off for looks. Characters over 10 days old who log in during the events and visits the statue or fountain also receives an in-game replica of The Empire Strikes Back movie poster. The gifts don't stop there! Be sure to vote in the Create a Painting contest poll beginning on June 23 to choose the best Rebel and Imperial painting created by

your fellow players. These two paintings are also anniversary gifts that everyone will receive, so make your vote count!

[Q'in]

Happy Fifth Anniversary to Star Wars Galaxies!

It's been an amazing five years since gamers across the world began jumping online to adventure in a galaxy far, far away… and now it's time to celebrate!

To commemorate Star Wars Galaxies' fifth year anniversary, there will be events, parties, in-game gifts, and your chance to vote in the Create a Painting Contest!


Five Year Anniversary Gifts
The Empire Strikes Back in-game painting and Novaless Soni-Optics Goggles

Citizens across the galaxy can receive two gifts when they log in during the anniversary celebration! Use the radial menu on the Emperor's Statue or Yoda's Fountain during the Empire Day event to receive two anniversary gifts.

The Five Year Painting is a replica of The Empire Strikes Back movie poster, sure to add a cool style to anyone's decor!

The Novaless Soni-Optics Goggles Mark V are one-of-a-kind. Originally created to assist with aiming long range rifles, the goggles were not widely manufactured due to problems that prevented any real combat use. These goggles are considered a novelty item as a result and are showed off for looks.

To receive your anniversary gifts, your character must be at least 10 days old.

Five Year Anniversary Event: Empire Day
Hear Darth Vader and Princess Leia address the crowd!

Starting Tuesday, June 24, visit Theed and Coronet to see Darth Vader and Princess Leia descend upon the gathered crowd! Once an hour, Darth Vader and Princess Leia land in Theed and Coronet respectively to recognize members of the Empire and Rebellion for their dedicatation.

If you are chosen, show the proper respect to earn a unique badge and title.

Vendors offer special Empire and Rebel themed goodies to mark the occasion. Read this Friday Feature for more details on the Empire Day festivities.

Five Year Anniversary Event at a Glance

• When: Starting Tuesday, June 24
  
• Where: Theed, Naboo (-5469 4410) and Coronet, Corellia (-214 -4093)
  
• What: The Empire Strikes Back in-game painting, Novaless Soni-Optics Goggles Mark V, snacks offered by Event Organizers, hourly visits from Darth Vader and Princess Leia

Five Year Anniversary Parties
Party with other players!

Celebrate the fifth anniversary of Star Wars Galaxies and Empire Day with player events across the galaxies. The list below will be updated as new events are scheduled.

Starsider:

• Arrath and Shigeko are throwing a party at the Thirsty Twi'lek! Visit this cantina northeast of Keren, Naboo on June 27 at 9:00 PM EST for beverages, a petting zoo, and more.

Bloodfin:

• Moolyssa is hosting a PvP tour each night from June 26 to June 29, beginning at 7:30 PM EST. Be sure to sign up to participate!

Naritus:

• Saralynne is hosting the Fall of Empire Day event on July 5 at 10:00 PM EST. Rebels, Imperials, and Neutrals are invited.

Europe-FarStar:

• Ziso is hosting a stand up comedy event on June 26! Visit the city of Prometheus, Lok, at 8:00 PM BST (UK) to take part in the fun.

Meet new friends or catch up with old ones. Don't miss the social events of the year! See you there!

Create a Painting Contest
YOU choose the winners!

Vote in an official poll from June 23 to June 30 to select the two winners of the Create a Painting contest! Many players sent in their artwork and screenshots to be considered for the top Rebel and Imperial themed paintings, and it's up to you to choose the best of the best. Place your votes and the Rebel painting and Imperial painting with the most votes will be added to the game sometime after the poll closes.

Happy Anniversary, and thanks to everyone for your dedication and support!