I just recently read the Battlefront novel and the plotline followed the systematic retreat of Rebel forces from multiple planets and systems they occupied, ultimately leading to some counter-attacks on Imperial-held worlds. Does anyone have more info on this timeline, specifically for planets that were openly held, at least temporarily, by the Rebellion? It seems to conflict with a general impression in the films that the Rebels were always striking from hidden bases, not from fortified "rebel-held territory".

The impression I got from the novel was that in the wake of the victory of blowing up the Death Star (and killing all the high ranking Imperials on it), the Rebels put on a campaign, and made advances, driving Imperials from planets & systems. Then the Empire got its act together and, uh, struck back, driving the Rebels back to the Outer Rim. That culminated in the attack on Echo Base on Hoth.

IIRC, Kieron Gillen is taking over the Star Wars comic, and the book is going to involve that time period, so I suspect there might be more info appearing there. Here's an interview .

Coincidentally, today I was actually reading the wookipedia page on exactly what @coyote6 is describing.

http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Mid_Rim_Retreat

*Edit: On the wiki page, In the right hand sidebar there are a few links to some of the battles/offensives.

On 8/16/2017 at 10:41 AM, blackbird10 said:

It seems to conflict with a general impression in the films that the Rebels were always striking from hidden bases, not from fortified "rebel-held territory".

I always had the feeling that it was Rebel-aligned planets, not some grand empire of Rebels planets with bases everywhere and troops all over the place. More like organized rebels fighting the Empire throughout the galaxy striking from hidden bases with planets that are sympathetic to their cause. Rebels being supplied from those sympathetic planets and not some grand military organization fighting a war. Volunteer army. Supplies short. Planets openly supporting the Rebels were in danger of Imperial bombardment. They lived in fear and did so secretly.

Yeah, Battlefront and the films conflict (along with many other things). Some just like the idea of two military machines running against each other. One side's cruisers against the other side's cruisers. One capital ship against another. Hordes of TIE's against hordes of X-wings. It makes for good war novels, good video games, and sells more toys. For me? I don't take any of that as gospel. How are the Rebels going to "hold territory" against the Empire unless they have a similarly-strong fighting force with giant battleships??? At that point, they're no longer rebels and are more like a competing empire. It makes no sense. Rebels struggling to survive against all odds is what I go with.

Of course, depends on what you want the info for. If it is for "accuracy", then go with the original films, IMO. None of this Rebel planets vs Imperial planets. More than likely, you're not going to get "accuracy" among products, novels, and the films. If you want a campaign to RPG, then see what your players want to do. Some of that Alliance Army stuff is no fun when it's all militarized. I want a rebel fighting force where a moisture farmer and a scoundrel are welcome additions to the ragtag band of freedom fighters.

1 hour ago, DurosSpacer said:

I always had the feeling that it was Rebel-aligned planets, not some grand empire of Rebels planets with bases everywhere and troops all over the place. More like organized rebels fighting the Empire throughout the galaxy striking from hidden bases with planets that are sympathetic to their cause. Rebels being supplied from those sympathetic planets and not some grand military organization fighting a war. Volunteer army. Supplies short. Planets openly supporting the Rebels were in danger of Imperial bombardment. They lived in fear and did so secretly.

In the films the biggest Alliance supporter was Alderaan which had no military or weapons, and for that "lack of involvment" the empire...uh, well lets just say they did not take it well.

Dac (Mon Calami) was openly opposed to the Empire and they kick them from their sector. They built battleship for the Alliance and the Empire tried but never managed to take the system back. Finally they gave up as it was too expensive and time consummîng. Except Mon Calamari there is no other Alliance system I guess, at least not in Canon