#the essential guide to warfare

[vorbarrsultana]

SO MUCH TO UNPACK HERE, AS IF MAIN NJO NOVELS NEED MORE NIGHTMARE FUEL.

vergere, VERGERE. this is twisted, and cold, and horrifying, and brilliant, and malevolently benevolent at the same time.

on paper, her goal is good — to overthrow the oppressive religion, to destroy the caste system that keeps many beings enslaved, to save the entire species being devoured by senseless, self-inflicted torment, — but there is this persistent undercurrent of the-ends-justify-the-means mentality to vergere's thinking, that she will teach jacen later on. the aim of her "save the yuuzhan vong from themselves" project is the greater good of all sentient species, and the torment of two teenage jedi feels like a small price to pay for saving the galaxy.

and the difference between the roles vergere has envisioned for tahiri and jacen is heartbreaking.

tahiri was meant to be the agonizing symbol of the yuuzhan vong cruelty; a rallying banner for those who call for the complete dismantling of their way of life, of their religion, of their horrible practices that feed the never ending cycle of mutilation and death. a horribly crude example of brainwashing with no real place in the vong society, her only real value being mezhan kwaad's personal experiment in bioengineering of sentient psyche. tahiri was meant to be the vong's ultimate victim.

jacen, on the other hand, was meant to be their salvation and vergere's masterpiece. he was subjected to many similar things, but there was a consistent difference in method. where tahiri had an artificial yuuzhan vong personality slapped on top of her own, — she was a tool for them, and not even a sophisticated one, — jacen was taught. he learned about their way of life, the tenets of their religion, the nature of their connection to the force, the ecology in the heart of their vongforming projects, and how all of that makes the yuuzhan vong who they are, because in order to destroy them in a way that will save them, jacen had to understand them first.

tahiri was robbed of agency. jacen gaining agency was the point. but both of them were made half yuuzhan vong in the end. and their agency doesn't matter all that much.

she swims in pain, not drowning in it. he burns in its fire without being consumed.

and this pain is something that stays with them forever.

[haaaaaaaaaaaave-you-met-ted]

Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Warfare - Yuuzhan Vong by Chris Scalf

[mavihuzun]

TOTAL BATTLE LOGİN - PRO+

Welcome to the ultimate gaming experience with Total Battle, a strategic online war game that challenges your tactical skills while immersing you in a captivating medieval world. In this article, we’ll explore the essentials that every player needs to know, including how to navigate the Total Battle login process, maximize your gameplay, and delve into comprehensive guides that will elevate your strategies. Whether you're a seasoned general or just starting your journey, you’ll find valuable insights and tips to help you conquer your foes and build a formidable empire.

Total Battle Login

Accessing your gaming experience has never been easier with the total battle login. This streamlined process allows players to quickly enter the highly immersive world of Total Battle, ensuring that your journey toward strategy and conquest begins without delay.

Once you reach the total battle login page, you'll find an intuitive interface designed to facilitate your entrance. Whether you're a seasoned commander or a new recruit, you can swiftly log in using your credentials and pick up right where you left off in your quest for dominance.

In addition to great accessibility, the total battle login ensures your data protection and provides a seamless connection across devices. This means you can enjoy your favorite strategies on-the-go, enhancing your gaming flexibility and freedom.

Don't let obstacles stand in your way! Experience the thrill of Total Battle with a fast, reliable login process. Explore the possibilities at your fingertips – dive into engaging gameplay today with the total battle login!

Total Battle

Total Battle offers an immersive gaming experience that combines strategic warfare with resource management, making it a go-to choice for gamers looking for depth and excitement. The focal point of the game revolves around building your empire, forming alliances, and engaging in epic battles. Players can expect to dive into various gameplay modes designed to enhance their strategic skills and test their tactical abilities.

One of the significant advantages of total battle is its comprehensive total battle guide that aids both new and experienced players. This guide provides players with vital information on unit formations, resource allocation, and battle tactics, ensuring that you always stay one step ahead of your opponents. With regular updates and community contributions, this guide evolves alongside the game, maintaining its relevance and usefulness.

When you visit totalbattle, you are welcomed with a user-friendly interface that simplifies the login process, allowing you to jump straight into action. The platform is designed to be intuitive, making it easy for players of all skill levels to navigate and find helpful tools and resources that enhance their gameplay experience.

Join a thriving community of players who engage in strategic discussions, share their experiences, and dominate the battlefield. With Total Battle's dynamic gameplay and community-driven atmosphere, you will not just be a player— you will become part of a unified force aimed at conquering new territories and achieving glorious victories.

Total Battle Guide

Welcome to your ultimate total battle guide, designed to help you navigate through the exciting world of Total Battle efficiently. Whether you are a newcomer seeking to understand the basics or a seasoned player looking for advanced strategies, this comprehensive guide is here to enhance your gameplay experience.

Understanding Game Mechanics

Total Battle combines elements of strategy, city-building, and warfare. Familiarize yourself with the core mechanics to maximize your success:

Resource Management: Balance your resources like gold, wood, and food to ensure steady growth of your empire.

Unit Types: Learn about the various units available, including infantry, cavalry, and siege equipment, and understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Buildings: Upgrade your city by constructing essential buildings that boost your economic and military might.

Strategic Gameplay Tips

To gain an edge over your opponents, implement these tips into your strategy:

Scout Before Attacking: Always scout enemy positions to make informed decisions before launching an attack.

Join an Alliance: Collaborating with other players provides support and enhances your strategic options.

Daily Login Rewards: Make sure to log in daily to claim valuable rewards that will assist you in your quest.

Explore Tactical Features

The game offers various tactical features to gain dominance over your rivals. Mastering these can lead to significant advantages:

Hero Development: Develop your heroes by equipping them with powerful gear and leveling them up for enhanced abilities.

Battle Tactics: Experiment with different formations and tactics to find the best approach during battles.

Event Participation: Engage in special events that often yield unique rewards and opportunities for bonuses.

Utilizing this total battle guide will empower you as you embark on your journey in Total Battle. For further assistance or in-depth lore, don’t forget to check out TotalBattleLogin.com. Start your adventure today and conquer your foes with confidence!

Totalbattle

Discover the captivating world of Totalbattle, where strategy and action collide! Immerse yourself in the exhilarating gameplay designed to challenge even the most seasoned gamers. From building your powerful empire to forging alliances with other players, the Total Battle experience is ever-evolving and engaging.

The game seamlessly blends elements of classic strategy with modern features, ensuring that every session is unique. Whether you are a newbie or a veteran, the Total Battle guide is your essential tool for mastering gameplay tactics and optimizing your journey.

Accessing the game through the Total Battle login portal opens doors to exclusive events, rewards, and updates that keep the excitement alive. Enhance your gameplay experience by diving into rich lore and strategic warfare mechanics that Total Battle has to offer.

Join a vibrant community of players who share tips, strategies, and camaraderie in their quest for dominance. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your skills and achieve greatness. Take the first step by visiting Total Battle and preparing yourself for an epic adventure!

[inky-duchess]

Fantasy Guide to Wards and Fostering

I get a lot of asks about wards and recently it's been a FAQ. So here's a quick guide to warding.

What is Warding?

Warding was a tradition in which a noble or royal family would take in a child from another family to their home for the purpose of educating them and preparing them for adulthood or to protect their interests. Warding was seen as a big compliment to the family of the foster child, especially if the family that fosters their child is much higher ranking. However, warding could also be in response to the family's misbehavior and insubordination or in some cases their death. Warding isn't adoption. Warding does not entitle the child to inherit anything. They cannot inherit a place in the succession, they cannot inherit lands or money or titles.

The Ward

The ward was usually a child of a lower ranking family, between the ages of seven to maturity at 16 or so. Wards usually had parents in which case the foster family was charged with the child's physical and educational welfare. The ward could return to their parents at any time either at their insistence or with the blessing of their foster family. Wards were raised alongside the host family's children as well as other wards. They were fed, clothed and educated by their foster family as essentially treated as part of the family. However, wards that come from unfriendly or rebellious families were essentially used as chips for good behaviour. If their parents or kin act up, they could be killed. Wards could also be orphaned. In this case, their foster father would have control their lands and money which is why an overlord would seek to claim warship over a vassal heir to ensure peace. Wards could also be adopted by family. Royal children are not warded to other royal families due to their value and succession rights.

The Foster Family

The family were nearly always higher ranking and usually had another motive other than charity for taking in the ward. Sometimes the child could be used as collateral against an untrustworthy family or sometimes they were prospective spouses for the family's heirs. It was the responsibility of the foster family to discipline, educate and protect the ward. They would be charged with teaching the ward all the trappings of their position from warfare to statecraft to etiquette.

Wards to Royal families

In some cases, a ward might strike gold and be warded at court by the monarch. Wards would live at court but would be unlikely to be taught the skills by the monarch or Consort personally but would be provided with the best tutors. Wards could be brought in to be companions to the Royal children or in order to ensure their inheritances were not subjected to disputes if they were orphans or again, if their family were likely to commit trouble. Royal wards were always nobility but in some rare and extreme cases they could also be royal themselves, usually of displaced and exiled families or as prospective matches to royal children.

Wardship & Women

In some cases, an unmarried woman or a widow could be placed in the protection of an overlord or male relative in order to protective her interests. If a woman was the heir to a grand title or vast fortune and had no father or brother, the monarch or overlord would insist that a male relative or her overlord would take her in lest her claim put her in danger. Usually, it would be up to their host to arrange a match or aid her in brokering one herself.

[glitchyrobo]

Ceres-class Missile Battleship

spaceship =>

(description & fiction under the break!)

Video Description

Several views of a large, long, and slightly bulky Terran warship in space. The ship has repeating triangle motifs in with various paneled textures throughout. Near the pointed front the nameplate of the ship is visible, reading 'CNS Temeraire'. The long front hull has a flat section on the top, covered in massive missile launch bays. Amidships, several armor plates, painted bright red with the Jovian Eagle in gold, protect the armored hab rings and a series of tubes. Aft, the radiators glow brightly as the engine burns hot. Embedded heat pipes run from the tip of the engine to the radiators

The first view is of the ship from above and in front, showing a dramatic angle. Several 'running lights' blink down the length as navigation lights flash

The second view is located to the side, looking forward, again showing the various lights

The third view is focused on the engine, showing it powering on to 100% thrust, then beyond. As it powers on the heat pipes glow in sequence

The fourth and final view repeats the engine power on sequence but from further, allowing the viewer to also see the coolant vents venting coolant

Excerpt from History of Pre-Domestication Terran Warships (3rd Revision), §685.8: Late Terran Accord & Pacification Program Era Battleships (Guided Projectile), Eltrin Yne, Forty-Seventh Bloom, xe/xem, Elly Yne, Twenty-Sixth Floret, et al.

Designed in 2521 CE (33 BT) by a consortium of Jovian shipbuilding corporations and first commissioned in 2526, the Ceres-class missile battleship was envisioned as a platform to launch massed missile strikes against enemy fleets while providing enhanced point defense and electronic warfare. At 750 meters in length and nearly 100 meters at its widest extent, this class represented one of the largest mass-produced spaceframes fielded by the Cosmic Navy.

Over the course of its service history, the class had numerous revisions. Most notably, the type-3 revision in 2539 (2521-CERES-III) which added coolant vents ahead of the hab rings, reducing their size in the process. The vents were positioned forward of the hab rings to expel hot coolant from over-driven point defense domes and electronic warfare equipment rather than the main engines, though they had a limited ability to expel engine coolant in extreme emergencies. These coolant vents essentially functioned as expendable liquid droplet radiators, which may have led to the development of more practical liquid radiators, had domestication been delayed. (See also §359, Speculation on Terran Shipcraft Development)

While there were no major engagements which featured a Ceres functioning in this intended role, classified TCN documents obtained after the fall of Terra stated that one of the primary goals of the class was to counter contemporary corporate navies, which largely consisted of small anti-piracy vessels, should a coalition of corporations ever come into direct conflict with the Accord.

However, the most significant hostile force that the Accord encountered prior to pacification were various pirate flotillas, which would generally consist of smaller, older, and less militarized vessels. While in a direct engagement a Ceres-class or other contemporary Accord capital ships would easily destroy such vessels, smaller ships were quite capable of outmaneuvering and escaping their would-be-predators.

At the start of the Terran Pacification program, there were 157 Ceres-class vessels active. After the signing of the treaty, only a handful of these ships refused armistice, as the amount of logistical support that the Ceres required to function effectively and the implausibility of that support without the Terran core sectors dissuaded overt feralism. Several dozen of the surviving vessels now serve as museum ships across Terran Protectorate space.

[insipid-drivel]

Warhorses: Which horses are actually good candidates, anyway?

This post is in honor of @warrioreowynofrohan, who asked the question in the comments under my guide, "Horses: Since There Seems To Be A Knowledge Gap". Their question, "Given what you said about too much weight breaking a horse’s spine, how did that work with knights in plate armour?" is one I'm going to try to answer here, since the answer can be very nuanced depending on where and when you're talking about.

Also, while I was a stable hand for years as well as a rider, I never had the opportunity to directly learn more ancient styles of tacking, horse training, and combat, so I don't have any direct experience to draw from with regard to horses used for military purposes. I'm still gonna do my best here with what I know, and research what I don't.

As I've covered in the past, large horses (draft horses) make less-than-ideal warhorses, and so do carriage horses like the elegant and dramatic Friesians.

Let's begin by addressing this from the perspective of creative writing. For you writers and content creators out there, an essential part to the continuity of any historically-themed work you do involving horses will be depicting breeds of horses that didn't exist before a certain time in history. I'm going to approach this question from the stance of, "Medieval-type era warhorses". Horses were used in warfare as late was World War II, but actual horses you ride into battle with knights and archers and bannermen? We actually have to drop the subject of specific modern breeds altogether aside from using them for comparisons.

When discussing warhorses, various cultures have approached them differently. Some cultures will value a specific type of horse above all others, such as the Mongolian Steppe Horse or the American Mustang. Other cultures, which may be from biomes and territories where multiple types of horses are needed for different forms of warfare and tactics, value whichever horses can get their jobs done without their riders getting killed.

Carrying vs. Pulling:

Horses have been used in warfare since as far back as 4000 BC, but their first applications were more as chariot horses. Humans have been riding and working with horses since before we even had stirrups to more easily ride them with! As archaeologists and anthropologists make more discoveries, the more we learn that we humans have been working closely with horses since before we had specialized tools to ride them with. The very first warhorses pulled chariots or carts, which is much easier for a horse's anatomy to handle compared to carrying a heavy weight like an armored rider on their backs, which puts stress directly on their spines where they have very little supporting muscle for supporting a lot of heavy downward weight.

Warhorse Size Categories:

Really, any breed of horse can apply to a niche in warfare if it's needed enough. Even very small, delicate horses have had their place in the history of human combat! Before I continue, it's important to know that there's a unique unit of measuring a horse's height. Rather than measuring a horse's height in centimeters or inches, they're measured in units called "hands". A single "hand" = ~4 inches/10.16cm, and a horse's height is measured based upon the distance between the bottom of their hoof to the tallest part of their shoulders, just at the base of the back of their necks. We don't actually include neck length/head height in a horse's measurements with traditional measuring.

Another rule of thumb: The average horse cannot safely carry anything heavier than about 30% of their total body weight. This is a serious factor to take into mind when deciding on a type of or breed of horse for a mounted warrior of any kind: You need to factor in the OC's starting body weight, and then add on the weight of armor, weapons, and any armor the horse itself may wear along with the weight of its tack.

Light-Weight Horses:

A few examples of lightweight horse breeds whose ancestors have historically been used in combat are Arabians, Barber Horses, and the magnificent Akhal-Teke. Lightweight and delicately-boned horses like those are best applied for military maneuvers that require precision, speed, and endurance, and the rider themselves should specialize in some form of combat or reconnaissance that doesn't require them to wear heavy metal or laminated armors. Archers are good candidates for riding smaller horses, or lightly-armored swordsmen like an Ottoman Janissary.

Central-Asian and North African horses also benefit from having a higher tolerance for hot climates. They can absolutely suffer from heatstroke and cardiac arrest from being forced to run and work in extreme temperatures and should always be provided with the same protective measures in a heatwave as any other horse, but they have a little bit of an edge over horses descended from freezing and temperate climates.

Medium-Weight Horses:

Medium-weight horses started showing up in the archaeological record around about the Iron Age, where chariot warfare was becoming an increasingly utilized form of mobile combat, and people needed bigger, stronger horses capable of pulling heavier loads - such as a chariot with two passengers rather than just one. As cultures began to develop heavier-duty armors made of metals and laminated materials, it also became important to breed horses that were tall and stocky (muscular and with relatively short spines compared to their height), and therefore more capable of carrying riders in increasingly heavy armor. Medium-weight horses were also essential at the dawn of the gunpowder age when the cannon came into use in siege warfare for pulling the heavy, iron cannons into position.

Medium-weight horses are really where we see the beginnings of knights and other warrior classes on horseback come into the forefront of warfare. When you have a horse that's big and strong enough to carry heavier armor and heavier weapons along with a rider wielding them, you have a much deadlier force at your disposal. Strikes from a sword or spear from the back of a galloping horse basically results in a sword capable of cutting through enemy soldiers like a hot knife through butter.

Important Note: Traditionally, cavalrymen wield blunt swords when attacking from a charging horse's back. When a horse is charging at full speed, the sharpness of a blade becomes less important than the blade's ability to stay in one piece when it impacts hard armor and bone. A blunted edge basically turns a cavalryman's sword into a thin club that's better at holding up against smashing through multiple layers of armor and bone compared to a thinner, more delicate sharpened edge that can shatter from a high-speed impact.

Heavy-Weight Horses:

The direct ancestors of modern draft horses, such as the Shire Horse, only began to appear around about the beginning of the European Medieval Era, and were far and away not even close to the enormous sizes of the draft horses we have today. Any horse counts as a "Heavy-weight" classed horse if its weight exceeds 1500lbs/680kgs.

Heavy-weight horses were really more bred for pulling enormous weights rather than carrying knights. While yeah, there is some evidence that suggests that heavy-weight horses were used by heavily-armored knights, historians argue a lot about whether it was a rule or an exception (such as with Henry VIII, who continued to ride well after he had begun to weigh more than 350lbs/158kgs, and even went to war in France in his final years on horseback). Generally speaking, medium-weight horses tend to be the right balance of agile and strong for carrying someone that's going to actively be fighting. Heavy-weight horses were bred to be a lot more tolerant to the chaos and frightening stimulation of the sounds of battle, but medium-weighted horses generally tended to be more suited to moving efficiently through dense packs of soldiers and weaving around other horses.

Ponies:

While actually being the smallest class of warhorse, ponies were essential when it came to carrying cargo and working as pack-horses. In certain forms of terrain, such as mountains, large horses pulling big carts full of supplies or soldiers could often be extremely impractical. In situations where an army needed to move on foot and form a narrow line in order to travel, ponies were able to traverse much narrower and rougher terrain while carrying smaller loads to their destination, when heavier horses would struggle more under their own weight and dexterity.

Europe-Specific Terminologies:

If you're a writer reading this and writing a piece set in the European Medieval age, there are specific terms used for the different classes I listed of warhorses above that I'm gonna list:

Destriers: The Destrier was a universal term for the iconic knight-carrying, jousting horse. They were also sometimes referred to as "Great Horses" due to their reputations in combat settings. Destriers could have just about any appearance, but were rarely taller than 15.2 hands, or 62inches/157cm. They were capable of carrying heavily-armored knights (although knights in full plate mail rarely rode into battle and stayed on the horse the entire time - they tended to specialize at grouping up and killing a lot of footsoldiers swarming them at once and preventing breaks in defenses from being overwhelmed by an oncoming army; in the case of Edward the Black Prince, we have substantial evidence in the form of his surviving brigandine that a mounted soldier or knight was more likely to wear chainmail and brigandine with a tabard on their body with their arms, feet, and heads the most heavily armored in plate when they intended to fight on horseback, making them a little lighter and more maneuverable, but I may be waaay off base there because I'm thinking of more of Italian soldiers who used full plate and how they applied it in battle more than any other example) and wearing armor themselves.

Interestingly, the sex of a destrier was often chosen strategically. Stallions (horses that haven't been neutered) are more aggressive, and could both act as combatants on their own if their knight was dismounted or killed, but could give away an army's location if they were attempting to move stealthily. Stallions whinny and shriek a lot when they're horny or arguing with each other, which is most of the time.

Mares were often chosen by Muslim armies for being much less vocal, and therefore much more capable of stealth. Geldings (neutered males) were the preferred mounts of the Teutonic Knights, a Catholic military group, since they couldn't be stolen and used to breed more horses for the enemy army.

Coursers:

Coursers were the most common Medieval European warhorse. It's important to remember that in Medieval Europe, most armies were almost entirely comprised of common men - serfs subject to the will of their landlords, not far removed from slaves in many ways - who couldn't afford the highly-prized and expensive Destriers. Coursers were usually a bit lighter than Destriers, but were still strong enough to carry someone wearing armor. Coursers were also a little more utilitarian, because they were also sometimes used in hunting as well as warfare, so they had a valuable use outside of warfare that the owner could benefit from.

Rouncey:

A rouncey was an all-purpose horse that could be used for leisure and travel-riding as well as be trained for war. They were a lot more likely to be found on the farm of a serf or independent farmer of some kind, as they could fill a lot of different roles depending on what they were needed for. Their sizes weren't really important as much as their ability to get the job done.

It's also critical to remember that, when talking about warhorses, we're usually talking about eras long past. In general, thanks to resource availability and incredible advances in medicine, modern humans are significantly taller, and therefore heavier, than people from the European Medieval era and prior. While fatness was valued in many cultures for its suggestion of wealth, most working-class and serf-class people worked intensely physically-demanding daily lives just to maintain their own homes. They were a few inches shorter on average than we are today, had greater fluctuations in body fat distribution depending on how harsh or bountiful the harvest season had been and the season in which a war was taking place (the average person's weight would swing by 30lbs or more on average every year prior to the industrial era), and cavalry were usually chosen based upon skill in the saddle as well as physical size when considering the application of medium or heavy armor being placed on the horse's back and body.

[hayatheauthor]

Hello! 😊 Do you have any advice on word-building? I can imagine multiple scenarios in my head, but I can't seem to put them into words. 🥹

First off hi sorry I took forever to write this blog! I hope it helps you get your ideas onto paper <3

Worldbuilding is the backbone of any compelling story, especially in genres like fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction. Crafting a believable, immersive world can captivate your readers and provide a solid foundation for your narrative. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential steps to create a vivid and engaging world for your story.

Understanding Worldbuilding

Worldbuilding involves creating a complete, fictional universe that serves as the setting for your story. This process includes developing geography, cultures, history, politics, and even the rules of nature and magic (if applicable). The goal is to make your world feel as real and intricate as the characters who inhabit it.

Starting with the Basics

Define the Genre and Tone

Consider the genre of your story. A high-fantasy world will have different requirements than a dystopian future or a historical setting. The tone—whether it's dark and gritty or light and whimsical—will also influence your worldbuilding decisions.

Establish the Setting

Start with the physical world. Sketch out maps, outline the geography, and decide on key locations where your story will unfold. Think about the climate, natural resources, and the flora and fauna that inhabit this world.

Develop a History

Create a backstory for your world. Major events, wars, discoveries, and cultural shifts shape the present-day setting. A rich history can add depth and realism, influencing characters’ beliefs and motivations.

Building Cultures and Societies

Craft Unique Cultures

Think about the various cultures in your world. What are their customs, traditions, and social norms? How do they dress, what languages do they speak, and what religions do they follow? Diverse and well-thought-out cultures can add layers to your narrative.

Political Systems and Power Structures

Define the political landscape. Who holds power, and how is it distributed? Are there monarchies, democracies, or tribal councils? Consider the relationships between different nations or groups and the potential for conflict.

Economics and Resources

Understand the economy of your world. What resources are abundant or scarce? How do people trade, and what currencies do they use? The distribution of resources can drive plot points and character motivations.

Crafting Magic and Technology

Magic Systems

If your world includes magic, establish clear rules and limitations. What are the sources of magic? Who can use it, and how? Consistent magic systems prevent plot holes and maintain suspension of disbelief.

Technology Levels

Consider the technological advancements in your world. Are they using medieval weapons, steampunk machinery, or advanced futuristic gadgets? The level of technology can influence daily life, warfare, and exploration.

Time and Place

Historical Context

Establish the timeline of your world. Is it set in the past, present, or future? Consider historical events that have shaped the current state of the world. How have these events influenced societal development and cultural evolution?

Daily Life and Schedules

Describe the daily routines of your characters. What does a typical day look like for different social classes or cultures? Consider work hours, leisure activities, and societal expectations. The pace of life can vary greatly depending on technological advancements and cultural norms.

Timekeeping and Calendars

Develop a system of timekeeping and calendars. Are there specific seasons, festivals, or holidays that are significant? How do people measure time—by the sun, moon, or a mechanical clock? Unique timekeeping methods can add depth and authenticity to your world.

Clothing and Fashion

Cultural Significance

Explore how clothing reflects cultural identity, status, and occupation. Different regions and social groups might have distinct styles, fabrics, and accessories. What materials are commonly used, and how are garments crafted?

Fashion Trends

Consider the evolution of fashion in your world. What are the current trends, and how do they vary across different societies? Fashion can be influenced by historical events, climate, and interactions with other cultures.

Practicality and Symbolism

Think about the practicality of clothing in your world’s environment. How does the climate affect what people wear? Additionally, consider any symbolic meanings attached to certain garments or accessories. For instance, specific colors or patterns might denote rank or allegiance.

Religion and Beliefs

Pantheon and Deities

Create a pantheon of gods or a single deity, depending on your world’s religious structure. What are their characteristics, domains, and myths? How do they interact with mortals, if at all?

Rituals and Practices

Detail the religious rituals and daily practices of your world’s inhabitants. Consider ceremonies, festivals, and rites of passage. How do these practices influence daily life and societal norms?

Religious Institutions

Define the structure and influence of religious institutions. Are there temples, churches, or shrines? What roles do priests, shamans, or other religious figures play in society? The power dynamics between religious and secular authorities can add layers to your worldbuilding.

Languages and Communication

Linguistic Diversity

Develop the languages spoken in your world. Are there multiple languages or dialects? Consider the history of these languages and how they evolved. Language can be a powerful tool to convey cultural diversity and conflict.

Writing Systems

Design writing systems and scripts used for communication. Are there ancient texts or runes with special significance? How do literacy rates vary among different social classes and regions?

Non-Verbal Communication

Explore other forms of communication, such as body language, sign language, or symbolic gestures. How do people convey messages in situations where spoken language is impractical? These non-verbal methods can add depth and realism to your interactions.

Integrating Worldbuilding into Your Story

Show, Don’t Tell

Instead of dumping information on your readers, reveal your world organically through the narrative. Use dialogue, actions, and descriptions to weave worldbuilding details seamlessly into the story.

Character Perspectives

Different characters will experience and interpret your world in unique ways. Use their perspectives to highlight various aspects of your world, making it richer and more complex.

Consistency and Continuity

Maintain consistency in your world’s rules and details. Keep track of your worldbuilding elements to avoid contradictions and ensure a cohesive narrative.

Worldbuilding Tools and Resources

Maps and Diagrams

Create visual aids like maps, family trees, and diagrams to help you keep track of your world’s layout and relationships. Tools like Inkarnate or Wonderdraft can be helpful for map-making.

Worldbuilding Bibles

Maintain a worldbuilding bible—a document where you compile all your world’s details. This can include notes on geography, history, cultures, and more. It’s a valuable reference as you write and develop your story.

Inspiration from Real World and Fiction

Draw inspiration from real-world cultures, histories, and landscapes. Similarly, reading widely in your genre can provide insights into effective worldbuilding techniques.

Final Thoughts

Worldbuilding is a rewarding yet challenging aspect of storytelling. It requires imagination, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of your narrative’s needs. By following this comprehensive guide, you can create a vibrant, believable world that will captivate your readers and enhance your storytelling.

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

Are you an author looking for writing tips and tricks to better your manuscript? Or do you want to learn about how to get a literary agent, get published and properly market your book? Consider checking out the rest of Haya’s book blog where I post writing and publishing tips for authors every Monday and Thursday! And don’t forget to head over to my TikTok and Instagram profiles @hayatheauthor to learn more about my WIP and writing journey! 

[jewishcissiekj]

full context: the first picture is of Tarkin in Revenge of the Sith (that's not CGI, it's makeup). second is that picture edited to have Quarsh Panaka's skin and face, and thanks to a french booklets series it's canonically Quarsh Panaka as a moff. I'm still not sure of the exact origin of the second image, while it was published in the booklet it has legends vibes and might be from a prior reference book I can't find for the life of me

this is driving me nuts. what the fuck. I'm probably not quite there with the placing but bro... what the fuck made them do this

(last one is tarkin overlaid on panaka)

[blackstarlineage]

Why Fathers Are Crucial for the Black Community: A Garveyite Perspective on Leadership, Nation-Building, and Black Empowerment

From a Garveyite perspective, the role of the Black father is essential for the survival, stability, and success of the Black community. Marcus Garvey emphasized discipline, self-reliance, economic independence, and leadership—all of which are deeply tied to strong Black fatherhood.

In today’s world, the system has worked to weaken, remove, and demonize Black fathers, leaving many Black families and communities without proper leadership, economic foundation, or protection. This is no accident—it is a direct attack on Black power.

Throughout history, strong Black men led revolutions, built civilizations, and protected their families and communities. When Black Fathers are absent, the Black family unit weakens, and the community suffers.

This analysis will explore:

Why fatherhood is the backbone of strong Black families and communities.

How colonialism, slavery, and systemic racism targeted Black fathers to weaken the Black race.

The consequences of fatherlessness in the Black community.

Why does the modern system work to remove Black fathers from the household.

How Garveyism provides the only real solution to restoring Black fatherhood and rebuilding the Black community.

1. Why Fatherhood Is the Backbone of Strong Black Families and Communities

A strong father is not just a provider—he is a leader, teacher, protector, and example. In Garvey’s vision for Black empowerment, the Black man is responsible for building and defending the family and community.

A. Fathers Provide Leadership and Stability

A strong father guides his children and household, ensuring discipline, structure, and vision.

He teaches self-reliance and independence, ensuring his children do not grow up dependent on white-controlled systems.

A father’s presence in the home provides emotional stability, reducing the chances of children growing up angry, insecure, or lost.

Example: African cultures traditionally had strong father figures who led the family and the village, ensuring generational success.

B. Fathers Instill Discipline and Self-Determination

Marcus Garvey believed that Black men must be strong, self-disciplined, and responsible—traits passed down from father to son.

When fathers are absent, many young Black boys lack discipline and direction, making them more likely to fall into crime, gang culture, or the prison system.

A father teaches his children to be warriors, leaders, and thinkers, preparing them to defend their family and their people.

Example: In traditional African societies, fathers trained their sons in warfare, leadership, and economics, preparing them to lead their communities.

Key Takeaway: Without strong fathers, young Black men grow up without guidance, making them more vulnerable to the traps of white supremacy.

2. How Slavery, Colonialism, and Systemic Racism Targeted Black Fathers to Weaken the Race

The attack on Black fatherhood is not new—it was strategically designed by white supremacy to weaken the Black family structure and make Black people easier to control.

A. Enslavement of Black Men and the Destruction of the Family Unit

During slavery, Black men were separated from their families, preventing them from fulfilling their role as fathers.

Enslaved Black men were forced to watch their wives and children be abused, stripping them of their ability to protect their families.

The psychological impact of slavery created a long-lasting trauma, making many Black men feel powerless in the face of systemic oppression.

Example: Enslaved African fathers who tried to defend their families were often beaten, sold away, or executed, ensuring the next generation grew up without father figures.

B. Mass Incarceration and Economic Sabotage After Slavery

After slavery, white governments used segregation, mass incarceration, and economic oppression to keep Black men from leading their families.

The War on Drugs (1970 - 1990) disproportionately targeted Black men, sending millions of fathers to prison, leaving children without male role models.

Black men were systematically denied jobs and economic opportunities, making it harder for them to provide for their families.

Example: The prison-industrial complex profits from locking up Black men, ensuring that Black children grow up without fathers while white corporations make money from prison labour.

Key Takeaway: The system fears strong Black fathers because they create strong Black families, which lead to strong Black communities.

3. The Consequences of Fatherlessness in the Black Community

When Black fathers are absent, the Black community suffers in every possible way—from crime rates to poverty to mental health struggles.

A. Increased Crime and Gang Activity

Young Black men without fathers are more likely to turn to gangs, crime, and violence as a replacement for the guidance and leadership they lack at home.

The absence of discipline and mentorship leads many young Black men to seek validation from street culture.

Example: Cities with high rates of fatherlessness (like Chicago and Baltimore) also have some of the highest rates of Black-on-Black violence.

B. Higher Poverty Rates and Economic Instability

When fathers are absent, single mothers are often forced to struggle financially, leading to higher poverty rates in Black communities.

Children raised in single-parent households are more likely to lack financial stability and educational opportunities.

Example: Studies show that Black children from two-parent households have higher incomes and better educational outcomes than those from single-parent households.

C. Psychological and Emotional Damage

Young Black men without fathers struggle with identity, confidence, and emotional stability.

Many seek father figures in destructive ways—whether through gang leaders, rappers, or athletes who do not actually care about them.

Young Black women without fathers often struggle with self-worth, leading to unhealthy relationships.

Example: Many Black boys grow up angry or lost, leading them to act out in destructive ways—while young Black girls often struggle with trust and self-esteem issues due to the absence of their fathers.

Key Takeaway: The destruction of the Black family begins with the removal of Black Fathers.

4. Why the Modern System Works to Remove Black Fathers from the Household

White supremacy has created incentives for Black fathers to be absent—because they know that a strong Black family means a strong Black nation.

A. The Welfare System and Government Dependency

Government policies reward single-mother households by providing welfare benefits ONLY if the father is absent.

Many Black families are forced to choose between financial assistance and keeping the father in the home.

Example: The 1965 “Great Society” welfare policies encouraged Black women to raise children alone, leading to a rise in single-mother households.

Key Takeaway: When Black families depend on the government instead of Black men, the Black community loses its independence.

5. How Garveyism Provides the Only Real Solution to Restoring Black Fatherhood and Rebuilding the Black Community

Marcus Garvey’s teachings offer the blueprint for rebuilding strong Black families and restoring fatherhood as the foundation of the community.

A. Black Men Must Take Responsibility for Leadership

Garveyism teaches that Black men must embrace leadership, discipline, and responsibility.

Instead of waiting for the system to change, Black fathers must reclaim their families and set the standard for future generations.

Example: Garvey’s UNIA trained Black men to be warriors, providers, and protectors, ensuring that the Black community had strong male leadership.

B. Black Families Must Reject Government Dependency

Black households must reject welfare policies that discourage fatherhood and focus on economic independence.

Building Black businesses, Black schools, and Black-owned communities ensures that Black fathers can provide for their families.

Example: Instead of depending on welfare, Black men must create businesses and industries that sustain their families and communities.

Key Takeaway: A race without strong fathers is a race that will always be controlled by outsiders.

Conclusion: Black Fatherhood Is the Foundation of Black Liberation

Without strong Black fathers, the Black community will continue to struggle.

Without leadership, discipline, and guidance, Black youth will remain lost.

Without Black families, there is no Black nation.

Strong fathers create strong families.

Strong families create strong communities.

Strong communities create a strong Black world.

It's time to build.

[nativesofthenorthpole]

So I love a good Obi-Wan was traumatised by his year on Melida/Dan fic, I have no critique on those.

But, the more legends books I consume, the more I feel that while that year and Cercei's death were painful, what actually scarred Obi-Wan and affected him throughout his time as a jedi was how he was ostracised.

First, the children he had stayed to join and save turned their backs on him. Then, the Order initially refusef to take him back. He had to beg, and then be on probation, not knowing if he could stay for who knows how many months, or if Qui-Gon would take him back. The Council treated him at 13 as an adult who had made an adult choice and had to stand by it. His peers treated him like he was contaminated (excluding his friends, though they also judged him). Essentially he was put through a communal shaming.

After this, we slowly see Obi-Wan becoming more dogmatic and rule following. Later, he may disagree with the Council, he may even voice his opinion, but he will not push his pov. We saw that in RotS for example, especially the novelisation where he knows the choices being made about Anakin will not turn out how the council thinks. But he doesn't speak up. In Rouge Planet Obi-Wan invents an imaginary Qui-Gon to guide him (one that's way more helpful than living Qui-Gon ever was lol) because he lacks trust in himself. In Jedi Quest he is very decisive on missions, but indecisive and chronically avoidant as Anakin's master.

We also know Obi-Wan's start to being a padawan was through abandonment/being sent to the Agri-corps, and then essentially begging to become Qui-Gon's apprentice.

I guess my thesis here is, I think the trauma of Melida/Dan was not the violence or warfare, or being left on the planet. It was him leaving the Order for community and loosing that (meaning, the outside world is cruel), then being shown at 13 how utterly conditional his place in the Order is.

[alphamecha-mkii]

Star Wars: Essential Guide to Warfare - The Tarkin takes shape in the Patriim system by Stephan Martiniere

[haaaaaaaaaaaave-you-met-ted]

Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Warfare - The One Sith by Jason Palmer

[cienie-isengardu]

Cienie's take on Mandalorian culture: original Mandalorians and Gai bal manda ritual

I’m currently reading Magia Wojny i Wojna Magii w świecie dawnych Słowian (War Magic and War of Magic in the world of ancient Slavs) by Kamil Kajkowski. In one of chapters, the author mentioned how children were not seen as part of a community until reaching a certain age and undergo appropriate rituals that allowed them officially be seen as a person in legal, cultural and social context. 

This made me think about Taung and Mandalorian culture, specifically in the regard to the Gai bal manda ritual of adoption. Or rather of its origins, as sources imply Taungs did not start adopting outsiders until the few decades before Mandalorian Wars. 

From the History of the Mandalorians:

This mentality led the Crusaders to eradicate entire species like the Fenelar, Tlönians, and Kuarans. Thousands of years later, the Ithullans too would suffer the same fate. In fact, the only species to survive a full-fledged Mandalorian onslaught were neighboring Mandallian Giants. These fierce combatants not only repelled Mandalorian attacks but earned enough respect to later fight beside them.

and mind you, fighting beside Mandalorians does not necessarily mean being adopted into a clan or community; “Industry. Honor. Savagery: Shaping the Mandalorian Soul” specifically noted that Mandalorians and Mandallian Giants agreed to co-exist and assimilation of Giants happened with passing time. Or:

But that didn’t stop the Mandalorians. On the contrary, the temporary defeat precipitated a frenzied conviction that the “Great Last Battle” was at hand. For 20 years, the Mandalorians zealously invaded small non-Republic worlds on the fringe of Known Space, raiding their resources and building up a powerful army. Anticipating an apocalyptic war, the Neo-Crusaders began accepting members of other species into their midst, treating these “converts” as equals.

Furthermore, Knights of the Old Republic Campaign added that in period of time between Sith War and Mandalorian Wars:

[...] many of the conquered peoples are efficiently transformed into Mandalorians, undergoing speedy indoctrination by Neo-Crusader “rally masters” and receiving Neo-Crusader armor 

while

The traditional Crusaders do not proselytize; rather, they attract others to their cause through the examples they set. Veterans see the later Neo-Crusaders movement, which actively converts outsiders in its hurry to conquer the galaxy, as a perversion.

The in-universe text like Death Watch Manifesto and mentioned before “Industry. Honor. Savagery: Shaping the Mandalorian Soul” specifically said that humans were first treated like vassals in the Taung-Mandalorian society and gained the full “civil right” during Mandalore the Ultimate’s regime who opened Mandalorian ranks to anyone who proved their worth and dedicated life to warrior’s ways.

The age of the Taung was ending, but their great work was unfinished. To survive, the Mando'ade must be transformed. It was a terrible burden, but Mandalore the Ultimate bore it with honor. He opened the clans to all who proved themselves in battle and followed the warrior codes. Non-Taungs were no longer confined to vassalship, but could be full-fledged Mandalorian warriors. Our forefathers were among these new Mando'ade, and soon proved they were ready to lead the clans (Death Watch Manifesto).

[...] The Jakelians, for one, welcomed their new Mandalorian overlords, as did knots of worlds populated by humans centered on Concord Dawn and Gargon. Those worlds - along with the likes of Hrthging, Breshig, Shogun, and Ordo - became part of Mandalorian Space (“Industry. Honor. Savagery: Shaping the Mandalorian Soul” from The Essential Guide to Warfare).

There was a better way, and Mandalore the Ultimate was determined to find it. The defeated Crusaders returned to Mandalore Space to learn that their leader had received a new vision on Shogun: From now on, non-Taungs who proved themselves in battle and upheld the Mandalorian warrior code were full members of the clans (“Industry. Honor. Savagery: Shaping the Mandalorian Soul” from The Essential Guide to Warfare).

Thus we may assume that if adoption happened in Taung-ancient Mandalorian culture before the Sith War, it was aimed most likely at the members of the same culture, not really at outsiders. Which implies that before Mandalore the Ultimate’s regime, Taung warriors weren’t that open community and definitely not as open as their human descendants became. However, considering how little we know about Taung as a species - especially from a biological and psychological standpoint, I think we should be wary of attributing to them a human approach to the family in the context of parenthood and adopting children. For example, Galaxy at War sourcebook presented the general personality for Taung characters as:

Personality: Warlike by nature, Taungs are pragmatic and ruthless. But by the same token, they are also extraordinarily loyal to their clan, which serves the same function that a biological family serves for other species.

Which gives room for interpretations, especially as we have no idea how big the average Taung-Mandalorian clan was, nor what kind - if even at all - of biological connections there were between members. Because again, we have no idea how Taungs reproduced while author of Death Watch Manifesto made a point to highlight the difference between human and the original Mandalorians:

We call the Shadow Warriors our Progenitors, though we do not share their blood, and their bodies were those of beasts, not humans.

and so there is a possibility that original Mandalorian culture - due to Taung non-human reproduction - did not have a use of adoption of foundling or orphaned children because the bond between parent and child did not correspond to human norms. For all we know, original Mandalorians could lay eggs or inbreed to the point the distinction between parent, siblings and offspring was a blurred line or more than two individuals must have been involved in the conception of a new child. There are plenty of possibilities for alien species to develop and understand conception of “family” that won’t correspond with human’s biological and emotional needs (i.e. having a child, being a parent), especially as even some humans do not feel the need to have their own biological or whatsoever offspring. There is no need for Taungs to act as humans in that regard or be exactly the same as their modern counterparts. As source imply, for Taungs, adoption was a pragmatic means to pass their culture when they - as a species - were doomed to extinction. For humans though, Mandalore the Ultimate’s law allowed them to rise in the social hierarchy from vassals (subordinates) to the warriors (full-fledged “citizens”) so it makes sense they passed the tradition of adoption to future generations, giving a ground for the modern mandalorian culture.

Coming back to the “perpetrator” of the whole above essay, more precisely the aforementioned belief how children were not seen as part of a community until reaching a certain age and undergo appropriate rituals from Magia Wojny i Wojna Magii, let me present my personal “reconstruction” of Gai bal manda ritual.

In mando’a Gai bal manda means name and soul. If we agree that original Mandalorians

did not adopt outsiders but hold in special regard their community as a whole (specifically the clan, not necessary biological blood-ties) 

were religious and their culture was based on the will of the gods, magical thinking and rituals regulating their life

to officially become part of said community a child at a certain age needed to undergo appropriate rituals (similarly how in The Mandalorians a young Ragnar Vizsla recited the Creed in the presence of the whole community while Grogu, due to being too young could not perform similar rite of passage)

then Gai bal manda could be originally a ritual allowing ancient Mandalorians to officially accept a child into their warrior community.

In modern times, to adopt Mandalorian must recite the phrase ni kyr'tayl gai sa'ad—"I know your name as my child" with adding the adopted person’s name. But back in the old times, predating the Sith War and Mandalorian Wars, the clan as a whole could say something similar to acknowledge the new member of their community. 

Going further with this idea, Gai bal manda could be performed by Mandalore the Ultimate during the Great Adoption, as a symbolic way to acknowledge non-Taung warriors as legal sons and daughters (and any children of whatever gender) of Mandalore. Which frankly would add some interesting implication to Death Watch Manifesto’s description of Mandalore the Ultimate as the Great Shadow Father.

On one hand, this officially recorded symbolic adoption could explain how the phrase ni kyr'tayl gai sa'ad became part of non-Taung mandalorian culture and survived millenia after the original warriors died out. On the other hand, as non-Taung people were “undergoing speedy indoctrination” to become Neo-Crusaders, they did not have time to absorb and understand all the complexity of original Mandalorian culture. And so with passing time, something that once was a ritual to welcome a new (blood related or not) member into a clan became specifically used only for adoption. Partially because the knowledge about religion and all rituals of Taung has been forgotten and/or lost, in part because modern humans have moved away from magical thinking of their progenitors. 

[sithfox]

Quora Thread (x) // Star Wars Tales #18: Way of the Warrior // The Essential Guide to Warfare: Author's Cut Part 7 // Star Wars: Attack of the Clones via Boba Fett Fan Club // Jamaica Kincaid, The Autobiography of My Mother

[mostlysignssomeportents]

This day in history

I'll be in TUCSON, AZ from November 8-10: I'm the GUEST OF HONOR at the TUSCON SCIENCE FICTION CONVENTION.

#20yrsago Audio/transcript from BBC Creative Archive talk https://web.archive.org/web/20060306155902/http://digital-lifestyles.info/media/audio/2004.10.28-BBC-Creative-Archive-Q&A.mp3

#15yrsago Heavy illegal downloaders buy more music https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/illegal-downloaders-spend-the-most-on-music-says-poll-1812776.html

#15yrsago Scenting the Dark: outstanding debut short story collection from Mary Robinette Kowal, exploring our relationship to technology and each other https://memex.craphound.com/2009/11/01/scenting-the-dark-outstanding-debut-short-story-collection-from-mary-robinette-kowal-exploring-our-relationship-to-technology-and-each-other/

#10yrsago Surveillance and stalkers: how the Internet supercharges gendered violence https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahjeong/2014/10/28/surveillance-begins-at-home/

#10yrsago Secret recording of corporate lobbyist is a dirty-tricks playbook https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/31/us/politics/pr-executives-western-energy-alliance-speech-taped.html

#10yrsago NZ Trade Minister: we keep TPP a secret to prevent “public debate” https://www.techdirt.com/2014/10/31/new-zealands-trade-minister-admits-they-keep-tpp-documents-secret-to-avoid-public-debate/

#5yrsago Blizzard’s corporate president publicly apologizes for bungling players’ Hong Kong protests, never mentions Hong Kong https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/1/20944022/blizzard-blizzcon-hearthstone-china-hong-kong-response-j-allen-brack

#5yrsago My review of Sandworm: an essential guide to the new, reckless world of “cyberwarfare” https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/books/story/2019-11-01/sandworm-andy-greenberg-cybersecurity

#5yrsago Report from a massive Chinese surveillance tech expo, where junk-science “emotion recognition” rules https://twitter.com/suelinwong/status/1190194625572569093

#5yrsago Toronto approves Google’s surveillance city, despite leaks revealing Orwellian plans https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/sidewalk-labs-waterfront-toronto-quayside-vote-1.5342294

#5yrsago Chicago teachers declare victory after 11-day strike https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/10/31/chicago-teachers-strike-union-tentative-agreement-makeup-days/4106271002/

#5yrsago Airbnb’s easily gamed reputation system and poor customer service allow scammers to thrive https://www.vice.com/en/article/nationwide-fake-host-scam-on-airbnb/

#5yrsago Suppressed internal emails reveal that the IRS actively helped tax-prep giants suppress Free File https://www.propublica.org/article/the-irs-tried-to-hide-emails-that-show-tax-industry-influence-over-free-file-program

#5yrsago Massive spike in young people registering to vote in the UK https://memex.craphound.com/2019/11/01/massive-spike-in-young-people-registering-to-vote-in-the-uk/

#1yrsago Social Security is class war, not intergenerational conflict https://pluralistic.net/2023/11/01/intergenerational-warfare/#five-pound-blocks-of-cheese

[intermundia]

what order is best for the books/movies of star wars? should i watch the movies first? is it needed to read all the books, not skipping any?

so here is my extremely biased personal opinion the order of priority for diving deep into star wars!!

important to note first: i'm not making this long list to be intimidating or prohibitive, but to show how far it's possible to dive in and some promising directions if you choose to do so. you do NOT have to read and watch everything, the movies are the most important part of star wars, everything else is footnotes to them and of lesser importance!

the movies first (originals, prequels, clone wars, rogue one, solo and sequels after if you want)

the tv shows (2008 clone wars, rebels, kenobi show, andor, 2003 clone wars, other disney+ shows like the mandalorian)

revenge of the sith novelization my beloved

some comics (esp. the marvel darth vader comics (2015, 2017, 2020), star wars (2015 and 2020), obi-wan and anakin, dark horse star wars: republic (jabiim arc esp), star wars from the journals of obi-wan kenobi, age of republic heroes and villains, dr aphra)

more favorite novels: darth plagueis, rogue planet, master and apprentice, thrawn trilogies, shatterpoint, wild space, dark lord: rise of the sith, lords of the sith

the other movie novelizations

the YA jedi apprentice and jedi quest series, the rise and fall of darth vader, the life and legend of obi-wan kenobi

other books like kenobi, padawan, dark disciple, approaching storm, ahsoka, brotherhood, the audio drama dooku: jedi lost, tarkin, clone wars gambit, etc.

the shakespeare versions of the movies, the odyssey of star wars

then nonfiction books like the star wars archives if you can get them, the essential reader's guide (very helpful), propaganda, essential guide to warfare, etc.

fans of the original trilogy, the sequel trilogy, and the high republic, the video games.. they will all have different lists, but those are my favorites. and again to stress: the movies (and tv shows to a lesser extent) are the only ones that set up the knowledge base and larger story structure, and the comics and novels play around in that space! have fun and go nuts (i certainly have lol)