Smuggler Archive
Thread: Question for Imperial Smugglers...
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CorellianCowboy
Mon Nov 15, 2004 10:28 am
#1
How can you be a smuggler AND an Imperial officer? The two just don't seem compatible to me. I realize that game mechanics currently actually make this easier than just being a smuggler (stupid scan immunity) but from a logical standpoint, I just don't see how an Imperial officer would ever get away with being a smuggler. The Empire doesn't have need of smugglers, they're the ones running the customs patrols! So why would they allow a smuggler into their forces, much less promote him to the rank of Colonel?
I just don't get it.
I just don't get it.
Korrack
Mon Nov 15, 2004 10:31 am
#2
Not everyone is a role player or cares about "reality" of the game mechanics. I'm not a roleplayer either, but it just seemed more sense for me to be a neutral smuggler. Altho I get to miss out selling faction.
DrevenStrobe
Mon Nov 15, 2004 10:40 am
#3
I look at it like this...
Every organization needs people with influence who can get things, or can expedite things for you.
Been passed over for that promotion? (read: "I'm too lazy to earn the amount of FP required.")
Need some help getting that AT-ST out of the motor pool?
How about that Stormtrooper armor you've had your eye on?
Well...I'm the guy with easy access to all of that. All you need to do is slip me a few creds, and I'll talk to the right people and see what I can do.
It may not be "Smuggling" per-say...*shrug*...but it's as good an explanation as any...
WTS
Mon Nov 15, 2004 10:41 am
#4
CorellianCowboy wrote:
How can you be a smuggler AND an Imperial officer? The two just don't seem compatible to me. I realize that game mechanics currently actually make this easier than just being a smuggler (stupid scan immunity) but from a logical standpoint, I just don't see how an Imperial officer would ever get away with being a smuggler. The Empire doesn't have need of smugglers, they're the ones running the customs patrols! So why would they allow a smuggler into their forces, much less promote him to the rank of Colonel?
I just don't get it.
if you think of an imperial officer as being "corrupt" it works. imperial smugglers are abusing their position of power for their own gain. they are able to pull strings and work their way around the system. for a fee, they can wipe clean the slates of known criminals (rebels). they are free to use and sell substances banned by their own government. these sorts of things all fit with the master smuggler/imperial colonel character.
Thochkored
Mon Nov 15, 2004 10:42 am
#5
The Empire doesn't know I'm a Smuggler. They hire me because I'm good with a pistol and can do odd jobs for them. If on occasion I have to use my rank to getpast a Squad of Stormtroopers, then so be it. Frankly, the only reason why we need smugglers is because of the Empire, so why shouldn't I help keep them in charge of things. It means more money for me.
IndySWG
Mon Nov 15, 2004 10:51 am
#6
from an upcoming episode of a short story I've been writing:
Drenl shook his head in amused disbelief. "Since when does it serve a smuggler to serve the Empire?"
The two walked past the merchant square, Drenl following as Korin waded through the crowds. "The Empire isn't all rules and regulations, Drenl. It's got it's own under handed, off-the-record, fix-the-books, underworld. And that's where I come in. Besides a good smuggler lives for rules and regulation and even those who enforce them ... otherwise... well nobody would need a smuggler would they? Imperial officers - stuck in and surrounded by their own rules - they need smugglers more than anyone I think."
Jaim_Darkstryder
Mon Nov 15, 2004 11:03 am
#7
CorellianCowboy wrote:
How can you be a smuggler AND an Imperial officer? The two just don't seem compatible to me. I realize that game mechanics currently actually make this easier than just being a smuggler (stupid scan immunity) but from a logical standpoint, I just don't see how an Imperial officer would ever get away with being a smuggler. The Empire doesn't have need of smugglers, they're the ones running the customs patrols! So why would they allow a smuggler into their forces, much less promote him to the rank of Colonel?
I just don't get it.
Yeah I agree, but then when I see Imperial Wookiees, Mon Cal... heck, any non humans aside from Zabraks as Imperial Officers (as Imperials at all really) it just makes me realize that SOE wasn't paying as much attention to immersion or continuity as they should have.
The same could be said about Bounty Hunters...
"Bounty Hunters? we don't need those scum"
/shrug
MorphineOne
Mon Nov 15, 2004 11:28 am
#8
/well written
DrevenStrobe wrote:
I look at it like this...
Every organization needs people with influence who can get things, or can expedite things for you.
Been passed over for that promotion? (read: "I'm too lazy to earn the amount of FP required.")
Need some help getting that AT-ST out of the motor pool?
How about that Stormtrooper armor you've had your eye on?
Well...I'm the guy with easy access to all of that. All you need to do is slip me a few creds, and I'll talk to the right people and see what I can do.
It may not be "Smuggling" per-say...*shrug*...but it's as good an explanation as any...
IndySWG
Mon Nov 15, 2004 11:55 am
#9
Exactly Dreven -
I'm sure that somewhere on the Death Star the Empire employeed a spice addict ... and he ad a friend stationed somewhere nearby who knew how to get spice on and off the station ... presto! Imperial Smuggler.
The rebels don't care about Imperial rules ... the Imps however would be in trouble for moving contraband ... they'd need smuggler friendsquite badly.
DarkPoet
Mon Nov 15, 2004 12:13 pm
#10
in my minds eye im not so much an imperial more that i forged or sliced my data file,a false identity as it were
i use and abuse the system and by being part of the system i dont attact as much attention as those not in the system
its more easy to do that on the imp side than on the reb side since they are idealists, and well there arnt realy any perks for being an outlaw in an outlawed organization
Shjobaho
Mon Nov 15, 2004 12:18 pm
#11
Good question, and one I generally ask myself every day. The way I see it, with Smuggler currently being a group of interesting skills that don't really fit into any otherprofession, theclass can be interpreted in many ways, factional officer (corrupt or otherwise) being one of them. A master smuggler can provide their fellow faction members withpowerful stimulants for use on the battlefeild, weapon enhancements, and factional perks; as well as having acess to several powerful pistol moves (pistolstraditionally, in this world at least being the preferred sidearm of a military officer).Backed up with a few pistol skillsSmugglermakes a much moreconvincing template for an Imperial colonel characterthan an *insert melee prof*/Rifleman.
At least that's what I try to tell myself as I try to trick my brain into thinking the game isn't broken... 
EnderUK
Mon Nov 15, 2004 7:28 pm
#12
Think Ray Elwood in the film buffalo soliders (GREAT GREAT FILM), a street-smart soldier who deals drugs, steals supplies, and has a thriving black-market business with his GI pals. :smileyvery-happy
My story is that I'm a man for hire and the Imperial army pays more than the rebels. The Empire turns a blind eye to my past (and present) dealings with drug lords and gun-runners because I'm a man that can get things done for the glory of the Empire. I've earned (not baught) the rank of colonel which I now use to help with bribes to get others a leg up into the imperial ranks.
So Imperial works out for me.
SpinningCloud
Tue Nov 16, 2004 12:45 am
#13
Yeah, I often wondered about this myself.
A smuggler is someone that imports or exports goods bypassing any restrictions or duties. It would seem that the Imperials wouldn't need that particular service since it is their restrictions and duties.
But then again we don't smuggle squat so it really doesn't matter. Our profession name should me Masochist, not Smuggler.
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