While I'm a huge fan of Star Wars and have read many a book to gain lore, I feel like I don't have a good grasp on what's going on in the galaxy at large between ANH and ESB. For instance, I know that the Mon Calamari join the rebellion, but have no idea how that works. (i.e. why didn't the Empire send a fleet of ISDs to subjugate a planet in open rebellion?)

Another example: from searching Wookieepedia, I came across the blockade around the Gordian Reach (Yavin IV) that apparently went on for six months ABY. Based on that, I'm looking at a blockade-running mission, which my crew may start not knowing they're working for the Rebels.

I realize I could just make stuff up, but I've found I'm much better riffing off a bit of lore than coming up with something from scratch. Any suggestions on major bits of history like that would be greatly appreciated.

From what I gather for the Mon Calamari issue, the shipyard defenses were strong enough that it would take a signifiant force to crack that nut - more than the fleet was able to spare. Plus you add in groups like the Hapes Consortium willing to press the advantage should the Empire pull ships off the line to invade Calamari. Plus perhaps the Empire didn't know the full extent of collusion with the Rebellion?

The blockade of Yavin was documented in the marvel comics - around issues 26-ish to about 35, if I remember correctly. Check there for your inspiration.

Not to mention, Mon Calimari is about the very definition of **** near wild space... so the empire being reluctant to project force that far, against an already highly developed fleet is quite understandable.

If you go to wookieepedia and click the rebellion era, it gives you all of the EU stuff that is supposed to take place in somewhat chronological order. The only story that sticks out in my mind is Luke and Leia's visit to the wheel and the administrator Greyshade grenade incident. Beyond the Rim makes a very subtle reference to these events.

On the Mon Calamari issue, they did a couple things at once:

- A primitive interdiction of major hyperlanes leading into the region, using asteroids and mass-mines.

- A rapid military buildup facilitated by purpose-built modular warships, similar to the Trade Federation pre-Clone Wars.

- A declaration of official "neutrality". An obvious lie, but it gave the Empire plausible deniability.

No one factor saved them, but the combination of all three (as well as the distance and the threat of rebellion in other sectors) made them a much less attractive target.

On a more general note, both the Alliance and Empire are scrambling for time, ships, and personnel. The Empire finds itself in need of the very starfleet that it thought the Death Star would render obsolete, while the Rebels are expanding into a galaxy-wide movement and openly waging war. Ultimately, they can only hold on to the most remote regions directly, but this is when the resistance movements on Sullust, Corellia, and others really get into gear.

Basically, the Empire is playing whack-a-mole with a sledgehammer, but has one hand tied behind its back. And the moles have sharp teeth.