Star Wars_ Edge of the Empire Rule Book

The Corporate Sector

T

he Corporate Sector lies on the outer edge of the

Outer Rim Territories. The northeastern end of the

Hydian Way ends at the major industrial port world of

Bonadan, after passing through the heart of Corporate

Sector space. The sector is bounded by Wild Space on

its western edge. Politically, it is the result of experi-

ments with total corporate control of a major region

of space. The sector is administered by the Corporate

Sector Authority, controlled by companies participat-

ing in the conglomerate. Though the area administered

has changed over its history, the CSA currently oversees

about 30,000 worlds divided into twenty-nine territo-

ries. The CSA controls everything about the sector, serv-

ing as government, security, and the sole employer.

The Corporate Sector was home to human and oth-

er colonies since before the formation of the Repub-

lic. Though accessible at an early stage of Republic

exploration, the region's remote location hampered

development. The extension of the Hydian Way into

the area improved trade and communications with

the galaxy's core, but it did not attract attention like

the inner regions. Most major galactic events, wars,

and invasions failed to reach much more than the out-

skirts of the modern Corporate Sector boundaries.

The original experiments in corporate-controlled

space failed in areas of what became the Expansion

Region (see page 339). When the corporations tried

again, years later, they negotiated a deal to take over

several hundred systems, far out in the Outer Rim.

While the Republic initially provided security and

safeguards for workers, it was not long until the cor-

porations obtained practical control of the sector.

CORPORATE CONTROL

Over the years, the Corporate Sector developed at a

moderate rate, but never truly met corporate expecta-

tions. Member companies presented various solutions

to this problem to the Senate, which usually included

expansion proposals. As economic and political con-

ditions within the Republic worsened, most member

companies joined the Separatists when the Clone Wars

erupted. Loyalist companies were pushed out.

After the war, however, the loyalist companies grasped

the opportunity they had received for backing the vic-

tors. During the rise of the Empire, the young industri-

alist Baron Orman Tagge approached Emperor Palpa-

tine with a proposal. If the Empire dissolved the traitor

megacorporations and gave their assets to loyal corpo-

rate entities, as well as dramatically expanding the size

of the Corporate Sector and giving it autonomy within its

borders, the new CSA would provide the Empire with a

massive annual tithe of profits and materials.

The new Corporate Sector was an instant success—

at least for the megacorporations who owned a stake

in it. The CSA could use and exploit the resources

of tens of thousands of star systems, and soon con-

trolled vast amounts of wealth. Under CSA guidance,

opportunities within the sector expanded greatly and

large numbers of workers moved into the region, hop-

ing to share in the profits.

However, they quickly learned the realities of living

under a corporate master. The CSA controls virtually

everything, including paychecks, the cost of goods

and services, and access to anything they need or

want. Even the small independent companies and

merchants allowed to operate feel the heavy hand

of the CSA in their dealings. The corporate sponsors'

drive for profits controls everything else. Abuses of

power, while more subdued than in earlier eras, have

returned nevertheless. Conditions are poor and often

hazardous, meeting the barest minimum needed to

keep operations running at minimal cost. One of the

worst crimes in the Corporate Sector is conspiring to

form a union.

NOTABLE LOCATIONS

The following are areas of interest within the Corpo-

rate Sector, at or before the rise of the Empire.

Bonadan: Bonadan is a heavily populated industrial

world, central to Corporate Sector travel and distri-

bution services. Environmental conditions are dismal,

with overwhelming pollution. Security is tight. Weap-

ons are prohibited, and automated scanners con-

stantly enforce this policy.

Craci: Craci is the origin world of the popular Cracian

Thumper, used as steeds by scouts and others. Agri-

culture and industry across the five worlds powers its

enormously active starports.

Davirien: Davirien is a research jungle world owned

by a single corporation, Chiewab Amalgamated Phar-

maceuticals. Imperial training operations are allowed

on Davirien, which is highly unusual within Corporate

Sector borders.

Etti: Etti IV is a favored planet of the CSA's wealthier

executives, with resorts, estates and leisure attrac-

tions. The native sentient species, the Etti, were relo-

cated to Etti V, which is off limits to outsiders.

Farana: Farana is the homeworld of the Ocsin,

which are near-human merchants and explorers.

Farana is also the name of a region of Wild Space

to the west of the Corporate Sector. Part of tra-

ditional Farana Space now lies within the Corpo-

rate Sector, thanks to the annexation of the Ocsin

3d

THE GALAXY

EDGE OF THE EMPIRE