Willie (W1-LE)

Masking transponders, made by the Corellian Engineering Corporation, were used to transmit ship identification data; they were reprogrammable so that they could project false profiles for those who wished to not be seen. When the Ghost rebels needed to escape Lothal, they used Lando Calrissian’s transponders to send out the same signal throughout the planet. As a result, the Empire was confused, and their ships were forced to investigate each signal. This gave the rebels the opportunity they needed to jump into hyperspace.

Developed by Kuat Drive Yards, these military grade shield generators were a hot commodity on the black market. Thanks to hover capabilities, the Colicoid 49-v99 Deflector models were easily portable and could be moved from ship to ship. The Lothal rebels managed to steal an Imperial stockpile of the shield generators, and traded several to Lando Calrissian for passage off the planet.

Protocol droids are vital in smoothing differences encountered by the many farflung cultures interacting on a regular basis throughout the galaxy. Programmed in etiquette and equipped with formidable language skills, protocol droids assist diplomats and politicians and also serve as administrative aides and companions for high-ranking officials. They come in many shapes and sizes, but most are humanoid, like the company they keep.

C-3PO longs for more peaceful times, but his continued service to the Resistance — and his knowledge of more than seven million forms of communication — keeps the worry-prone droid in the frontlines of galactic conflict. Programmed for etiquette and protocol, Threepio was built by a young Anakin Skywalker, and has been a constant companion to astromech R2-D2. Over the years, he was involved in some of the galaxy’s most defining moments and thrilling battles. Since the Empire’s defeat, C-3PO has served Leia Organa, head of a Resistance spy ring aimed at undermining the First Order.

Lando Calrissian may have come late to the fight against the Empire, but his role in destroying the second Death Star cemented his reputation as a hero. In his youth, Lando was a sportsman seeking a fortune at the sabacc tables. After he lost his beloved ship to Han Solo, Lando spent years living the high life and pursuing get-rich-quick schemes, with uneven results. He went semi-respectable as the baron administrator of Cloud City, only to be drawn into the fight against the Empire. After a personal tragedy, Lando sought solace in isolation on Pasaana, unaware that the galaxy would need him again.

Lothal is a diverse planet, with both farmland and a city center. During the age of the Empire, it fell under Imperial occupation, as farmers were kicked off their land and enormous TIE fighter and weapons factories were built. While most of the population felt powerless in the face of Imperial rule, a select few dared to fight back.