Revealing Darth Malgus

This Friday was a day where we got to know more about those living in the universe of Star Wars: The Old Republic. Next to a trio of new biographies, we also got a new section to the HoloNet. But let's start with the biographies, as per the official news:

We’ve expanded the Biographies section of the HoloNet to include more of the exciting figures you will meet in Star Wars™: The Old Republic™!

This update includes profiles of three of the most influential people in The Old Republic era: Galactic Republic Special Forces commander, General Garza; the fierce warrior and sole ruler of the Mandalorians, Mandalore; and the star of the “Deceived” cinematic trailer, the ruthless Darth Malgus!

This is just the second in a series of regular updates to the Biographies section so be sure to check back regularly!

For this "star of the “Deceived” cinematic trailer" they've got a bit more though. Because it seems that Darth Malgus is getting his own novel:

You first experienced the devastating might of Darth Malgus on the day that changed the galaxy forever during the Sacking of Coruscant. Now you can learn more about the man behind the mask in the latest novel set in the same time period as Star Wars™: The Old Republic™!

We’re pleased to announce a remarkable new novel entitled Deceived, which tells the story of Darth Malgus and gives fascinating insight into his rise to fame and glory as the Sith Lord who destroyed the Jedi Temple. This stunning narrative finds our dark hero battling a veteran Jedi Master, setting the stage for the affairs and betrayals surrounding the last battle of the Great War before the signing of the Treaty of Coruscant.

Deceived is being written by Paul S. Kemp with the BioWare and LucasArts teams’ full cooperation and creative consultation to bring you an accurate account of the explosive incident and the ruthless man behind it.

• Deceived at Amazon.com
• Deceived at Barnes & Noble
• Deceived at Borders

Published by Del Rey, this 256-page hardcover book will be priced at $27.00. Mark your calendar to pick up your copy of Deceived going on sale December 28th, 2010. It’s a gripping read and and a terrific opportunity to become further immersed in the stories of Star Wars: The Old Republic.

And while we understand there is thirst for knowledge of the dark lord’s past, many are curious about what has happened to Darth Malgus since the Sacking of Coruscant. Learn more about this enigmatic character as he appears in The Old Republic by accessing the latest Biography update of Darth Malgus!

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About the Author: Paul S. Kemp is a speculative fiction writer in Grosse Point, Michigan. He has written nine Forgotten Realms fantasy novels, and recently expanded into the Star Wars™ expanded universe with Crosscurrent, a standalone Star Wars novel featuring Jedi Knight Jaden Korr and a shipload of ancient Sith out of time and place.

When he's not writing, Paul practices corporate law in Michigan, which has inspired him to create some believably corrupt villains. But whether he’s writing sword and sorcery, science fiction, or space opera, his work is always dark, gritty, and character driven. For more information on Paul S. Kemp or to read a sample of his writing, visit www.paulskemp.com.

For those looking for the book on Amazon.co.uk, unless I miss my guess, it should be this one. Interesting how they don't have the title or the cover yet.

And finally there's the new section to the HoloNet: "Inhabitants". Here you can see creatures and humanoids and droids and such that the players might encounter. Here's the official news:

If you’ve been waiting for information about the colorful creatures, species, and droids that populate the galaxy, make sure to check out our new HoloNet expansion - Inhabitants! In this section you can find new information and media about the galactic inhabitants that will entertain – and challenge – you in Star Wars™: The Old Republic™.

Inhabitants will be updated regularly, so be sure to check back often to get the latest updates and information!

Two things of interesting note I found there. First is the Salky Hound for which the screenshots show them almost as pet (or perhaps as a sort of companion). Of course those could just be NPCs with the hounds. Another thing I found interesting is getting a look at the Gormak, one of the two species living on the new planet Voss.

And if you're interested, The Holonet Project has translations up for the Aurebesh on the biographies pages as well as the inhabitants pages.

Oh, and a quick note; I've changed the old "biographies" label on this blog to "npcs" so as to include the (future) inhabitants updates as well. Though I fear that sooner or later they'll come with some equipment section to the HoloNet in which case I might have to change it again.