Where The Hell Am I? #3: Ord Mantell

After a long hiatus since the last 'Where The Hell Am I?', I'm back to explore our favourite galaxy, far, far away. This time we explore the starter planet for the Trooper and Smuggler classes in The Old Republic, Ord Mantell.

Earth-like features of Ord Mantell

This Earth looking planet resides in the Mid Rim within the Blue Jewel System. This is how it got its nickname, The Heart of the Blue Jewel since it orbits the bright blue star called the Blue Jewel. The planet became famous and somewhat of a tourist attraction because of its thick pink cometary cloud which could be seen from space and along with other natural wonders. The main native species called the Mantellian Savrips were largely ignored. The planet's surface was dominated by many mountain chains and volcanic islands. The continent of Worlport was home to many cities and famous for its casinos which garnered about a billion tourists annually.

The streets of Worlport

Discovered by the Corellians, it began as a Rebublic outpost in 12,000 BBY but as time went on better hyperspace routes were created and Ord Mantell's importance diminished which made it a free port for many cargo ships. When the Old Republic era began, most of the Republic forces were gone which lead to large amounts of crime on the planet but after the Treaty of Coruscant the corrupt local government stayed loyal to the Republic. Some Separatist citizens were not happy which started a samll civil war on the planet, which will be the setting for The Old Repulic game.

A Republic military base on Ord Mantell

Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi Wan Kenobi also had some history on this planet as partners. They solved an investigation of a missing cargo ship which led them to Ord Mantell where they found the crime lord Taxer Sundown. During the Clone Wars, the planet was used for storage, fleet and barracks facilities. In the Empire era Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Chewbacca found Imperial outposts on the planet even though the planet claimed to be free of Imperial interests.

A dusty spaceport in Ord Mantell, including the Millenium Falcon

Eventually Ord Mantell was accepted in the New Republic but was also the center of Separatist interests for years to come. For all the Republic players who visit Ord Mantell I hope to see you in game.