How well known was Darth Vader?

scott2978 · Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 6:03 pm Post subject: How well known was Darth Vader?

I recall a thread about this in the past, but I thought I'd start a new one to see if opinions have changed any over time.

So, Darth Vader... known throughout the galaxy? Known only to those in certain circles? Icon of terror or military/politcal leader?

If people know of him, are opinions different between the coreward worlds and the outer ones?

Does the average citizen in the core know of Darth Vader? Does he know him as "Darth" or some other title? Does he know who Vader is, or has he just heard of him? Has he heard of Vader at all?

And the average Rebel, how much do they know about Vader?

The average Imperial?

I'm curious to see what the current prevalent thoughts and opinions are now.

Scott2978

PsiberDragon · Commander Joined: 31 Jul 2006 Posts: 260

Ray · Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 8:36 pm Post subject:

"So, Darth Vader... known throughout the galaxy? Known only to those in certain circles? Icon of terror or military/politcal leader?"

Likely spotted in the background at various events. Most likely people would think that's a really weird Enviromental Suit for a strange species.

In the Imperial Military, there's rumours about him, but he's not in "The Chain Of Command", so those that stick to "The Book" will treat him as just another REMF Politico.

"If people know of him, are opinions different between the coreward worlds and the outer ones?"

Most definetly. 'Bout the same opinion as the rest of the Empire.

Does the average citizen in the core know of Darth Vader? Does he know him as "Darth" or some other title? Does he know who Vader is, or has he just heard of him? Has he heard of Vader at all?

Most probably don't know. Those that do will likely know him as "Lord Vader". Lord of what, who knows.

And the average Rebel, how much do they know about Vader?

Pre-Yavin, not likely. Post-Yavin, yeah. And "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Sithspit!"

The average Imperial?

The Average Imperial wouldn't know about him, aside from the occasional shot of him standing behind The Emperor.

Those that do will probably see him as an example of the strength and security of the Empire.

Ankhanu · Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 11:27 pm Post subject:

So yeah, I would have to agree with the other two... pretty much anyone who pays ANY attention to galactic affairs knows who Vader is, that he's an important government/military official and that he's generally associated with important events and that he's, at the least, dangerous.
_________________
Hotaru no Hishou; a messageboard about games, friends and nothing at all.

Donate to Ankhanu Press

Ray · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 12:22 am Post subject:

vong · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 8:46 am Post subject:

Esoomian · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 2:00 pm Post subject:

I'd say that survivors of Vader encounters (like Luke who saw him kill Ben) would have made him quite well known after Yavin.
_________________
Don't waste money on expensive binoculars.

Simply stand closer to the object you wish to view.

Golbez · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 4:02 pm Post subject:

In the Rise of Darth Vader novel, which I admit has been a while since I've read it, Vader was a veil of mystery. Right after the end fo the clone wars a lot of the people questioned assumed he was a cyborg or droid akin to Grevious. Others thought a General or some other higher up Milatary leader, but the specifics we're not available.

He had to prove himself to the upper eshelons of the Imperial Army and Navy before they showed him the respect he wanted. Even 19 years later, at the beginning of ANH Vader's power was questioned by high ranking imperials.

Leia knew who Vader was, so it goes to assume that either the people of Alderan knew of him, or the Senate knew of him, or the Rebel Alliance knew of him. Did they know he was a Sith? *shrugs shoulders*

They did know that his presence meant bad times for those in his path.

He was known to the Bounty Hunter's guild, which probably means that he was known by a lot of the bad @$$'es around the galaxy.

Orgaloth · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 4:34 pm Post subject:

Also in Wedges Gamble, they visit the museum and there's a big display on the battle of Endor which is narrated by Vader. I'd say that on Coruscant, he was pretty well known, considering he had his own massive palace.
_________________
"I take orders from just one person: Me!"

"You know, sometimes I amaze even myself."
Du Cass' Dream

Golbez · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 4:57 pm Post subject:

The 501'st legion was nicknamed Vader's Fist

Orgaloth · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 5:09 pm Post subject:

Ray · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 5:57 pm Post subject:

vong · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 6:54 pm Post subject:

Ray · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 8:24 am Post subject:

Gry Sarth

Ok, here's my take on it. I remember writing on that other old thread, but lets see if anything's changed:

Vader, at the time of the Rebellion (which is what it seems you're asking about) must be one of the most important individuals in the whole galaxy. I mean, he's the Emperor's first man! Of course, since he's shrowded in darkness and mistery, information on him will be sparse and faulty. I think most everyone in the "civilized" galaxy have heard of him or have seen his visage somewhere on the news. Most would be able to point to a picture and say: "that's that Vader dude". But misinformation would surely run rampant. The farthest you got from the core, the more vague people's knowledge would be, and fact would be equally mixed with myth and spacer's tales. However, the closer to the core, the more fact would be mixed with propaganda as well. So in the end I don't believe anyone would know the real truths about the guy.

In the core he would be viewed more as a political/military leader, a bastion of Imperial rule, someone to be respected and obeyed. Further out, his attrocities would be more well known and he would be more the icon of imperial terror, a stormcrow, so to say.

As for the Darth title, I don't think many people would know that. And even if they did, nobody would know that's a Sith title. I think nobody but a few select individuals know the Emperor and Vader to be Sith. The title Darth might leak here and there, but to little effect, I would imagine. Most would know him as Lord Vader, as if it's some kind of noble/military title.

I think Rebels would be very aware of Vader. Since the Emperor is the political figure, and never out on the field of battle, to the Rebels Vader would be the real chief enemy. The guy leading the assaults and all that. Tales of Vader's doings would surely circulate among troops.

Same thing for the Imperials. Vader is the guy who appears suddenly and shakes the whole chain of command. Vader is the guy to respect, obbey and fear.

At least that's my take on it. I like Vader, I think he's supposed to be important, he's supposed to matter. I hate some of these new stories that diminuish his character.
_________________
"He's Gry Sarth, of course he has the stats for them."

	The Rancor Pit Forum Index -> Gamemasters	All times are GMT - 4 Hours Goto page 1, 2, 3 Next
Page 1 of 3