Faarl

Biography

Early years

It is said that Faarl was born as the eldest offspring of a distinguished family residing in the Korlings system. In some way, at a tender age, he managed to amass a small band of pirates, numbering only a few dozen, under his command. Initially, his group engaged in the simple act of looting vulnerable systems and seizing lightly-armed freighters. However, his fortunes changed when he stumbled upon the Parthovian Cluster, a region within Wild Space that contained several inhabited worlds abundant in resources but lacking in advanced technology. Even more fortuitous for Faarl, this particular star cluster lay beyond the reach of the Galactic Empire.

Within a matter of months, his frequent raids resulted in the acquisition of three Corellian corvettes, six Corellian gunships, and approximately twenty starfighters, all of which significantly bolstered his fleet. Simultaneously, his notoriety grew, attracting numerous pirates who eagerly joined his ranks. Once his forces had reached a sufficient level of strength, he unveiled his grand scheme and led his troops to a planet situated within the Parthovian Cluster. The planet's steam-based technology proved to be no match for Faarl's contemporary weaponry, enabling him to swiftly conquer the planet and enslave its inhabitants within a mere two months. Subsequently, he forged alliances with the planet's native population, granting them positions of authority in exchange for a regular supply of slaves and other valuable items.

This established pattern of conquest became a recurring theme in Faarl's subsequent military campaigns, allowing him to augment his forces through the incorporation of mercenaries and enslaved soldiers from each newly conquered territory. Every unit in his army, consisting of twelve individuals, was placed under the command of a pirate who had served alongside him since the outset of his conquests. Mercenaries constituted half of each unit's composition, with the remaining members comprising low-ranking enslaved soldiers. While these slaves were theoretically granted the opportunity to earn their freedom through combat, the presence of free mercenaries and pirate officers ensured that such instances remained exceedingly rare, as they consistently assigned slaves to the most perilous and life-threatening situations. Although Faarl's mercenary troops were not entirely reliable, the power they wielded over the enslaved soldiers, the threat of lethal force from the soldiers who remained loyal in the event of a potential uprising, and, most importantly, the allure of plunder, effectively suppressed any inclination towards mutiny.

His subsequent conquest involved the planet Pochi, another primitive world orbiting an unnamed and uncharted sun. In an act of self-aggrandizement, Faarl christened the sun and the surrounding system as Faarlsun. Upon discovering the ancient Fortress Baarlos on the planet's surface, he resolved to establish it as his permanent base of operations. Furthermore, he recognized the potential of the native semi-sentient Tulvarees as formidable soldiers, leading him to enlist a significant number of them into his army.

Empire building

Faarl designated Pochi as the capital of his burgeoning empire. His forces undertook extensive expansion efforts at Fortress Baarlos, excavating catacombs beneath the tower's foundation and incorporating planetary shield generators and an ion cannon for defensive purposes. In addition to constructing dungeons for the confinement of slaves and prisoners, as well as living quarters for his soldiers and aides, he established an extensive library of holovids and a grand assembly chamber where he presided over court proceedings, received tributes, and enjoyed various forms of entertainment. As a patron of literature and art, Faarl employed over one hundred artists and entertainers within his court, including writers, musicians, and a company of Tetranni body-sculptors. Furthermore, he commissioned the construction of a spaceport on Pochi, which played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the city of Vindru.

Faarl's actions drew the attention of General Airen Cracken, the director of New Republic Intelligence, who placed a bounty of 50,000 credits on Faarl's head in 7 ABY. However, the New Republic was preoccupied with its ongoing conflict against the Galactic Empire at the time and was unable to launch a direct assault against his remote conquests. Ultimately, Faarl was captured by Boba Fett, who successfully overcame his Tulvaree guards, infiltrated Fortress Baarlos, and apprehended the youthful warlord.

Personality and traits

General Cracken characterized "The Child Conqueror" as a "cunning warrior." Despite his preference for directing his forces from the safety of his concealed base, Faarl would often don a suit of battle armor and wield a powerstaff.

Sources

• Wanted by Cracken (First mentioned)
• Pirates & Privateers
• " The History of the Mandalorians " — Star Wars Insider 80
• The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia
• Xim Week: The Despotica (Part I) on Hyperspace (article) (content obsolete and backup link not available)

Notes and references