Campaign of the Grand Marshal
From Jalassociatecomics
The Campaign of the Grand Marshal of the Galactic Empire is the primary focus of the Grand Marshal Trilogy. Though it was a brief campaign, lasting only from 6.25 ABY to 7.75 ABY, it left a deep impact on the fledgling New Republic, and unsettled them for the benefit, of the Marshal's military successor, Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Contents |
The map
This map will be helpful in understanding the campaign. It is advisable to have it open in another window or tab for easy reference.
- The beige line demarcates the Grand Marshal's territory prior to his campaign.
- The thick blue line demarcates the New Republic as it stood during the Grand Marshal Trilogy. The straight lines demonstrate hyperspace routes.
- The brown line shows the first campaign of the Grand Marshal. [Note: this only shows the attack, not the eventual retreat,]
- The green lines show the second campaign of the Grand Marshal. The straight lines are the hyperspace paths used by the Marshal's forces.
Spoiler warning: Plot AND ending details follow. If you're the type who LOVES revealing the ending ten seconds into a movie, and ruin the experience for all, read on. Read on, you selfish <insert insult directed at your mother here>.
Early preparation
As said on his character page, the Marshal had amassed a massive empire just north of Hutt Space, even penetrating into it at the planet Kintan (see map.) Though its northwestern limit bordered New Republic ground (Yavin), the Rebels did not suspect his presence until it was far too late. He made the capital Iego.
When he raided Palpatine's offices in 4 ABY, he also stumbled upon CIS plans for the "Ultimate Weapon", and thus built the Third Death Star, a battlestation roughly 120 km in diameter. Even though that was the main focus of the campaign, the Death Star was not a superweapon. The superlaser had been sabotaged to implode, thus forming a massive bait and trap.
First campaign
He then moved the Death Star to Yavin, while simultaneously invading the systems close to it, as a backup of sorts. The Marshal knew that the Republic would find it, and eventually capture it, especially when he had captured their leader, Luke Skywalker. The original plan was to let the Rebels steal the Death Star, then invade Yavin, forcing the New Republic to fire the Death Star, killing important Rebel generals and other officer, among many hundreds of troops.
However, he had reckoned without the New Jedi Order - or at least the band of Force-sensitives Luke has assembled. Imperial troops were massacred in the ensuing battle, forcing a mass retreat of the remaining Imperial forces. Hs double engaged with a battle between Luke, Leia and Han, ultimately losing.
Even though this could be considered a defeat, the Marshal realized that he had still rattled the Republic, fooled them into thinking he was dead, and captured key worlds near Yavin. It was only these consolations that prevented him from flying into an insane rage.
Second campaign
The Grand Marshal's second campaign would be far more sucessful.
