Atrivis sector

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The Atrivis sector was a small sector in the Outer Rim Territories. Its inhabitants, including at least three native sentient species, were fiercely independent as was common throughout the Outer Rim. During the Clone Wars, this independence manifested as support for the Confederacy of Independent Systems, which was active in the sector, employing the Pirates of Iridium as privateers as well as running a research factory on Fest. With the rise of the Galactic Empire, the sector populace actively resisted the new government from early on. As such, the sector was the site of numerous battles during the Galactic Civil War, including the Battle of Mantooine, the Battle of Fest, and Operation Cobolt. Despite the strong Rebel presence in the sector, it was home to a number of Imperial research projects. Most notable of these was the construction of the first Death Star, built in orbit over Despayre. The battlestation ultimately destroyed the planet before leaving the sector.

The sector was again contested during the Thrawn campaign in 9 ABY, during which Grand Admiral Mitth'raw'nuruodo captured the vital Outer Rim Communications Center at Generis. Generis was again conquered during the Yuuzhan Vong War.

Contents 1 Description 2 History 2.1 Galactic Republic 2.2 Galactic Empire 2.3 New Republic 3 Inhabitants 3.1 Ho'Din 3.2 Makurth 3.3 Zeffliffl 3.4 Immigrated species 4 Behind the scenes 4.1 Cartography 5 Appearances 6 Sources 7 Notes and references 8 External links

[edit] Description

The Atrivis sector was a relatively small sector of space in the Outer Rim Territories, located next to the Oplovis sector^[2] and proximate to the Unknown Regions.^[14] One hyperspace route that connected the sector with the galaxy was the Relgim Run. It ran from Mantooine, through the Maelstrom, and the Albarrio and Relgim sectors, before ending at Endoraan.^[7][15]

Of the many systems within the sector, the Fest system was prominent; Fest was an urbanized and densely populated world, equipped with spaceports, spy satellites, and an orbital Imperial base.^[2] It was frequently covered in snow.^[10] Often bracketed alongside Fest was the planet Mantooine. Located in the Mantooine system, it was of less strategic importance, being only lightly populated with farmers, yet it achieved infamy due to an early Imperial massacre on the planet.^[2] The Atrivis system contained Atrivis 7, a world torn by range wars,^[16] and Generis. Generis was a world of striking natural beauty, covered in lush jungles. The planet had no major settlements, and contained a large supply of hiridiui crystals.^[8] Other jungle planets in the sector included Moltok and Despayre. Moltok was one of the inner planets of the Dartibek system, and the entire planet was covered in huge trees. Although close to its sun, the planet was kept temperate by ash from volcanoes that blocked out radiation and heat.^[17] Despayre was located in the Horuz system, along with two gas giants and an asteroid belt. Its one large continent was covered in dense jungle filled with diverse poisonous species. Because of these attributes, the planet was turned into a prison for many of the worst criminal offenders in the galaxy.^[4] Other worlds in the sector included forested Fedje,—home of the rare folded ear boosqueak—the gas giant Nam'ta, barren Spefik, the water world Zeffliffl,^[3] Iridium, and Vuchelle.^[6]

[edit] History

[edit] Galactic Republic

Despite its apparent isolation in the Outer Rim Territories, some of the planets that came to make up the sector interacted with the wider galaxy for many thousands of years. As early as 3,964 BBY, the native Ho'Din of Moltok traveled offworld; the Ho'Din Oojoh was a Jedi Padawan on Taris,^[18] while Lieutenant Rutu served in the Republic Navy during the Mandalorian Wars.^[19] The Makurth, the second sentient species of that planet, were found off-world by at least 1,000 BBY; during the New Sith Wars, the Makurth Fohargh underwent training as part of the Brotherhood of Darkness.^[20] In 300 BBY, the Ho'Din almost destroyed the ecosystem of their planet, leading them to embrace botanical sciences and other less invasive disciplines in restoring their world. By 280 BBY, they had developed organic medicines that came to be exported around the galaxy.^[21]

During the later years of the Galactic Republic, when the Clone Wars embroiled the galaxy in conflict, the Confederacy of Independent Systems gained some early support in the Atrivis sector. They established a research factory on Fest in which they were developing a super-metal known as phrik. The facility was discovered by Null-class Advanced Recon Commandos, and ten months into the war, the Republic dispatched the elite Omega Squad to destroy the factory. Encountering heavy resistance from battle droids, they nevertheless successfully completed the mission.^[9]

Elsewhere in the Atrivis sector, the Separatists hired the Pirates of Iridium as privateers. The pirates had been active in the sector for a number of years, raiding its trade routes.^[6] They were distinguished by their use of power gems. These unusual jewels radiated an aura that disrupted starships' magnetic-shields, an ability the pirates used to great advantage during their raids.^[22] During the Clone Wars, the pirates worked as privateers for the Confederacy of Independent Systems, raiding Republic grain and spice convoys. They were destroyed in 22 BBY by a Jedi-led Republic strike force at the Skirmish over Vuchelle.^[6]

[edit] Galactic Empire

With the declaration of the New Order in 19 BBY, the Atrivis sector came under control of the Galactic Empire. The sector fell under the jurisdiction, in one form or another, of Moffs Rebus, Seerdon, and Grand Moff Tarkin; all had control over projects within the sector.^[10][11][4] Despite this Imperial presence, the Atrivis sector was at the forefront of opposition to the New Order, due to in large part to the stubborn independence common throughout much of the Outer Rim Territories. However, in its early years, the sector's resistance was fractured and lacking unity, with resistance groups scattered across many systems and divided by regional and historic rivalries. Nonetheless, this continued annoyance prompted the Empire to establish a garrison post on Mantooine to keep order in the sector. In 2 BBY,^[23] the Mantooine Liberators resistance group overthrew this under-defended garrison and boldly occupied the premises. The Liberators were unaware of a large Imperial strike force in the neighboring Fest system, and had no contact with the Fest resistance group that could have warned them of this danger. As such, the Mantooine resistance was caught by surprise by the arriving Imperial forces and decimated. This massacre drove home the necessity of communication to the other resistance groups in the sector, and the Fest Resistance Group responded by forming a wider Atrivis Resistance Group (ARG) to coordinate resources within the sector.^[2]

They established a hidden base on an abandoned space station in the barren Generis system, where their leadership was fed information from an extensive network across the sector. This centralization made the resistance a significantly more potent force, although their continuing success also brought concerns; given their isolation from the wider resistance movement, they would have no warning if the Empire launched a massive offensive from a neighboring sector. At this time, Senator Mon Mothma, one of the signatories of the Corellian Treaty that established the Alliance to Restore the Republic, visited the Atrivis leadership. She proposed linking the ARG into the wider Rebellion. After some deliberation, the ARG signed the Treaty of Generis, officially joining the Rebel Alliance. As part of this deal, an Outer Rim Communications Center was established on Generis, with a starfighter outpost to protect it. The Alliance also sent several dozen SpecForce officers to train up the Atrivis resistance. The Treaty also meant a flow of new weapons and equipment to the sector, in return for becoming a prime supplier of foodstuffs to the wider Rebellion. Within six months, the ARG transformed into a fully operational Atrivis Sector Force.^[2]

During this period, a crucial Imperial project was under construction in the Atrivis sector: the Death Star. This immense battlestation, designed with the capacity to destroy planets, was to be the foundation of the Tarkin Doctrine whereby the Empire would rule through fear of force. After an initial construction phase, the project was moved to the Horuz system for completion. In orbit over the prison world Despayre for two years, the construction utilized convict labor, in particular, that of Wookiees. The construction of the station was kept top secret; however, its existence and location eventually leaked out, providing opportunities on a number of occasions for the Rebellion to sabotage and attack the station. The most significant of these was an attack on the station by the Fortressa, a Lucrehulk-class starfighter carrier. Launching at least 500 starfighters, the assault was a failure, with the Fortressa destroyed early by a low powered beam from the Death Star and its fighters soon picked off. Despite these attempts by the resistance to stop construction of the Death Star, the battlestation was finished soon after. Before departing the sector for the Core Worlds, the station's superlaser was tested on Despayre; in three successive blasts, the prison world was destroyed, eliminating all inhabitants.^[4] Following this destruction, the battlestation left the sector; however, the Empire left some forces in the system in case any members of the Alliance came to investigate. Shortly after, two Corellian Corvettes compromising Ethar was dispatched to the system and captured by the Imperial forces.^[24]

As part of another Imperial project in the Atrivis sector, the Empire re-established phrik processing on Fest. The alloy was then used in the Dark Trooper Project, producing extremely strong, lightweight droid armor. Shortly after the Battle of Yavin, in which the Death Star was destroyed, the Dark troopers were tested against a Rebel base on Talay. Upon investigating, Rebel operative Kyle Katarn tracked the source of the attack to Moff Rebus, in charge of the project. Rebus revealed the phrik was being processed at the Imperial Weapons Research Facility on Fest. Traveling to the planet, Katarn infiltrated the Imperial operation, stealing a sample of phrik. The sample led Katarn to the source of phrikite on Gromas 16, and eventually led to the derailing of the Dark Trooper Project.^[10]

Further action occurred on Fest in 1 ABY, when Rebel resistance again raided the Weapons Research Facility in order to steal three All Terrain Personal Transports. With cover provided by Rogue Squadron, the raid was successful, upsetting Imperial Moff Kohl Seerdon, who was in charge of the research.^[11] While these successes were significant for the Alliance, they also suffered various defeats at the hands of the Empire. Their base on the planet Spefik was attacked by an Imperial force of at least two TIE fighter wings. According to reports, elite pilot Ranulf Trommer singlehandedly destroyed the Rebel's anti-orbital ion cannons defending the base.^[12] The elite Storm Commandos were also deployed in the sector on Atrivis where the rebel X-wing pilot Homack was shot down.^[25] Other Imperial counter-measures included spraying toxic defoliants across many worlds of the sector in an effort to cripple the agricultural capacity of the sectors' resistance.^[2]

Sometime after 1 ABY,^[26] the Alliance launched "Operation Cobolt," a hit-and-run assault on an Imperial orbital base over Mantooine. Its twin objectives were to steal an Imperial Intelligence scandoc, and then to destroy the base, covering the theft in the process. The core of the mission involved a commando team led by Colonels Anna Seertay and Toombs. These troops were supported by starfighter forces striped from Tierfon, Homon, Farstey and the survivors of the Tocan system defeat. The mission was a success although the resistance forces sustained some losses. Shortly after this operation, the Atrivis resistance received a warning from a monitoring station in the neighboring Oplovis sector. Analyzing Imperial requisition records, Commander Zgorth'sth was able to predict an attack by Fleet Admiral Tzenkens on Mantooine. With this intelligence, the Rebels sprung their own trap en route, attacking the Imperial forces as they left hyperspace in the Atrivis system with three Alliance cruisers, defeating the Imperial forces with minimal casualties.^[2] Other Rebel forces in Atrivis sector inclued the 132nd Forward Division.^[27]

In honor of the sector's contribution to the resistance, the Rebel Alliance named a Vangaard Pathfinder the Atrivis Advancer,^[28] as well as labeling a freighter group the Atrivis Day.^[29] Additionally, to honor the specific sacrifices on Mantooine, they cast the Mantooine Medallion, awarded for "exceptionally meritorious service."^[30] Later, a Corellian Corvette was named the Mantooine in honor of the planet.^[31]

[edit] New Republic

When the Rebel Alliance transitioned into the New Republic, it maintained control of the Outer Rim Communications Center on Generis. However, in 9 ABY, the system was conquered by the resurgent Imperial forces commanded by Grand Admiral Thrawn, despite an elite Republic squadron commanded by Pash Cracken stationed to defend the Center. The Imperial plan had been devised by Thrawn himself, and it saw his forces capture the Communications Center intact, along with most of the sector fleet supply depots. The Republic forces were able to sneak out most of the command staff, and deny the Imperials any working ships, but nevertheless suffered an important defeat.^[13]

After the defeat of Thrawn's forces at Bilbringi, the New Republic regained control of Generis and the Communications Center there. It was a major center servicing the Outer Rim Territories, and the only relay center servicing the Unknown Regions until the start of the Yuuzhan Vong War, when a second center was established at Esfandia. However, in 28 ABY, Generis was attacked and destroyed by the Yuuzhan Vong who were called to the base by an infiltrator armed with a communications villip. The Yuuzhan Vong then proceeded to attack the station at Esfandia. There, the Yuuzhan Vong task force was defeated by Imperial Remnant Grand Admiral Pellaeon. Subsequently, the center at Generis was restored to operational capacity.^[14]

[edit] Inhabitants

The Atrivis sector was home to a number of indigenous sentient species, as well as many immigrated species. Ruins on Generis also indicated there was once an indigenous species on the planet.^[8]

[edit] Ho'Din

The Ho'Din were one of two sentient species native to Moltok, and were the most prominent of the species indigenous to the Atrivis sector. They were a tall reptilian species, with dark eyes, lipless mouths and distinctive snake-like hair. After industrialization almost ruined their world, the Ho'Din focused on organic technology, living in tree villages and structures literally grown from plants. This approach was inspired by their religion, [Dinante Fli'R], whose tenets required them to be respectful to plants. Ho'Din were widely regarded throughout the galaxy as master botanists and healers. Notable Ho'Din healers included Baji^[32] and Ism Oolos.^[33]

[edit] Makurth

The Makurth were the second sentient species on Moltok. They were saurians covered in green scales with four horns on their heads.^[20] They were nocturnal carnivores, known for their terrifying scream. A number of Makurth found employment as bodyguards with the criminal organization Black Sun.^[34] One notable Makurth was Fohargh, who trained with the Brotherhood of Darkness during the Light and Darkness War.^[20]

[edit] Zeffliffl

The Zeffliffl were a species from the world Zeffliffl, the fourth planet of Markbee's Star, and appeared to be multi-humped stacks of dark green seaweed. The leaf-like beings lived in shallow seas, and when traveling offworld, they periodically sprayed themselves with salt water to keep themselves hydrated. Their language sounded like leaves swirled through water. A group of the species traveled to Crseih Station to seek healing from the Waru. There, he successfully healed their ailing member.^[35]

[edit] Immigrated species

Beyond its indigenous inhabitants, many exotic species called the Atrivis sector home. Many of its planets were occupied by Humans, such as Mantooine, Fest, Iridium and Atrivis 7. Some notable Human inhabitants of the Atrivis sector included Travia Chan, the Alliance Commander-in-Chief for the sector. One of the original founders of the Fest Resistance Group,^[2] she continued working at the Generis base until its conquest in 9 ABY.^[13] Chan's Chief of Staff was Loom Carplin, a survivor of the original Mantooine cell.^[2] Also from Mantooine was the Human Brandei. Rather than joining the resistance movement, he rose to a high rank in the Empire, commanding the Imperial I-class Star Destroyer Judicator.^[13]

A diverse group of species passed through the sector as tourists aboard the Kuari Princess, a luxury liner that traveled the Reglim Run through The Maelstrom.^[7] Many aliens were also brought to the sector and imprisoned on the planet Despayre, and later used as slave labor in constructing the first Death Star. These included Brigians, Cereans, Givin, Gungans, Pho Ph'eahians, Mirialans, Wookiees, Ugnaughts, Zelosians,^[4] and Ithorians.^[36]

[edit] Behind the scenes

The Atrivis sector was created for the Rebel Alliance Sourcebook, in which it was used to illustrate the possible structure of a sector resistance group. It placed three planets, Fest, Generis and Mantooine, in the sector and provided a number of anecdotal stories relating its struggles against the Galactic Empire.

In A Certain Point of View, the "Generis sector" was mentioned. This has been treated as an alternative name to the Atrivis sector. In Children of the Jedi, Imperial Warlord Harrsk was said to move on Atravis sector. While it is possible this began as a spelling mistake, it has since been treated as a separate sector: for instance, the Star Wars Encyclopedia gave them separate entries.^[1]

[edit] Cartography

Atrivis sector was one of the many sectors included in Star Wars: Rebellion, which placed ten planets in the sector; however, Rebellion made numerous errors in its cartographic placement. As such, when its placements conflict with existing canon placements, they are overridden.^[37] In the case of the Atrivis sector, that applies to Tibrin, Togoria, and Trammis III. Tibrin and Togoria have been placed in the Mid Rim,^[38] while Trammis III has been placed in the Centrality.^[39] Star Wars: Rebellion also misspelled the sector name on a couple of occasion within its internal encyclopedia, spelling it both "Artivis" and "Artivas." Star Wars: Rebellion also provided hyperspace travel times between each of the planets in the sector, and between them and Coruscant. These are reproduced in the table below, although it is unclear whether they are to be treated solely as game mechanics or may have some canonical value.^[3]

A number of other planets could plausibly be within the Atrivis sector. Anemcoro has been identified as a Ho'Din colony world, potentially placing it near Moltok.^[40] Another option is the planet Ketaris; it was bracketed with Fedje as a possible planet to retreat to from Generis.^[13] Finally, Raskar, the sole survivor of the Iridium pirates, settled on an Outer Rim world where he ran a gladiator competition for the one surviving power gem. This world may be within the Atrivis sector, also linking Junkfort Station with the sector.^[22]

Travel times[41]	Despayre	Generis	Moltok	Spefik	Fedje	Zeffliffl	To Coruscant
Nam'ta	4 days	4 days	6 days	8 days	12 days	12 days	20 days
Despayre	—————	4 days	4 days	4 days	8 days	9 days	22 days
Generis	—————	—————	3 days	4 days	7 days	9 days	24 days
Moltok	—————	—————	—————	4 days	8 days	4 days	27 days
Spefik	—————	—————	—————	—————	3 days	6 days	27 days
Fedje	—————	—————	—————	—————	—————	7 days	29 days
Zeffliffl	—————	—————	—————	—————	—————	—————	32 days

[edit] Appearances

•  Jedi Smash Iridium Pirates; 3 Knights Killed—HoloNet News Vol. 531 49
•  Senator Moe Killed in Blast—HoloNet News Vol. 531 50 (Mentioned only)
• Republic Commando: Triple Zero
• Rebel Dawn
• Star Wars: Rogue Squadron (Mentioned in the game manual)
•  "A Certain Point of View" - Star Wars Adventure Journal 8 (As Generis sector)
• Star Wars: Rebellion
• Death Star
• The Last Command

[edit] Sources

• Rebel Alliance Sourcebook (First mentioned)
• Dark Empire Sourcebook
• The Farlander Papers
• The Thrawn Trilogy Sourcebook
• Star Wars Trilogy Sourcebook - Special Edition
• Star Wars Encyclopedia
• Ultimate Adversaries (Mentioned only)
•  Kyle Katarn's Tale, Mission 3 on Wizards.com (article)
•  Pash Cracken in the Databank
•  Kit Fisto in the Databank

[edit] Notes and references

[edit] External links

•  Atrivis Sector in the Completely Unofficial Star Wars Encyclopedia