O'paal

O'paal was a vital Core world and Imperial planet along the crucial Tarkin Corridor. For most of galactic history, O'paal was largely ignored by space travellers of the Galactic Republic: its climate is harsh and merciless. However, in 11 BBY, the planet was chosen as the site of a new training center for the Imperial Army and Stormtrooper legions, its terrain and climate making it similiar to Carida.

O'paal's value rose, and O'paal Major, the capital city, was constructed and finished by 4 BBY. Trade to the planet increased, and in 1 ABY, Orbital Station Guardian was constructed in the orbit of the planet.

Guardian became one of the Empire's largest military academies and naval ports. After the Battle of Endor and during the Imperial Civil War, O'paal's Moff, Markal Cardul, pledged his loyalty to the Interim Ruling Council, securing the Council's - and thus the Empire's - position along the Tarkin Corridor, and in the Core Worlds.

Imperial High Command set up residence on Guardian, and the station's importance grew exponentially - a strategic military port for use against the largely New Republic-held Core Worlds. Many of the Empire's finest around this time graduated or attended Guardian and underwent training on the planet, as Carida had started to become far removed from the Interim Ruling Council's territory - which had been largely confined to the north-west quadrant of the galaxy.

However, by 10 ABY, O'paal's importance dwindled. Emperor Bacharan Valak had greatly increased the size of Imperial territory, thusly linking Carida back up to the main of the Empire. O'paal became a forgotten memory. No offensive was ever launched against the planet by the New Republic.

In 14 ABY, however, Moff Jorgen Sekirol, during the Moff Sekirol Crisis, led an invasion of the system. An attempt was made to destroy Guardian and ruin the planet in one fell swoop. However, the attack was foiled by the Empire, and O'paal remained safe.

Several months later, however, towards the end of the year, the Battle of O'paal erupted. Guardian was destroyed, taking with it Imperial High Command and one of the Empire's largest ports in the Core Worlds. No attempts have been made by the Empire to rebuild the station, and O'paal has once again been pushed to the background of galactic politics.