Noble/Legends

"Noble" was a term often used as a category for those individuals that served as the dignitaries of the galaxy.

Nobles were typically members of the upper parts of galactic society. Sometimes, they were born into the upper classes and were from families of noble or similar status on their home planets. Privileges associated with their social state could constitute substantial advantages over or relative to non-nobles, or could be largely honorary, but were apparently maintained, or officially acknowledged, by law or governments. Others worked their way up the social ladder via their political, diplomatic, military, commercial, artistic, media, and sometimes even criminal careers.

Nobles would often use intelligence or charisma rather than brute force and direct confrontation. They were typically well-versed in the arts of rhetoric and negotiation and were highly socially skilled. Some nobles were truly honest and honorable people, while others were sly and treacherous.

Nobles were, due to their status as dignities and their social skills, typically influential people who were well-suited for leadership. Popular conception of nobles would see them as staying as far as possible from warfare, but many nobles steeled themselves for battles, coordinating tactics and sometimes leading the charges from the front lines. In fact, many noble families had a proud history of military service, and more than a few of those houses had laid the foundations of their business empires by working as part of mercenary units.

Jedi Civil War
Nobles were more likely to be drawn to leadership and action, due to the fewer opportunities for peaceful negotiation and rhetoric in this area. Many of them served as inspiring officers were required to bolster the spirit of the war-weary galactic citizens in their fight against the ruthless Mandalorians and the dreadful Sith. Many nobles decided to create succesful careers by serving major interstellar corporations, either to keep themselves from the war, or to preserve a high degree of autonomy.

The Clone Wars
The Clone Wars were a difficult period for nobles too, as their resources were liley to be drained either by the Republic or the Separatists ; some of them even saw their homes completely destroyed and pillaged when the conflict reached their home planet. Some fled their homeworlds with nothing left to lose, hoping to find safety, others decided to play their part in the war on either side.

The Dark Times
Members of the "true" nobility were urged to decide their allegiance quite quickly. Those who were close to the imperial power would either support the New Order wholeheartedly or work in secret as rebels. For the nobles of the the fringe, the Dark Times offered many new possibilities, as governemental confusion allowed more discretion for less than legal activities.

Rebellion era
In the Rebellion era, most nobles were tempted to embrace the philosophy of the Galactic Empire, especially Human nobles, as it could be a fast track to wealth and increased power (due to the Human High Culture). Privilieged noble youth were expected to enroll in the New Order's programs, such as the Sub-Adult Group of the COMPNOR, in order to become the future imperial elite. However, some young idealistic nobles just couldn't follow the edicts of the Empire and decided to support the Rebels – often in secret, but sometimes overtly. The ones who chose the latter option would be socially disgraced, sometimes exiled or murdered.

Titles within the "true" nobility

 * Archduke
 * Baron
 * Count
 * Earl
 * Viscount

Examples of nobles

 * Leia Organa Solo
 * Padmé Amidala
 * Jabba the Hutt
 * Palpatine
 * Talon Karrde
 * Arani Korden

Behind the scenes
Noble is a heroic class in the Star Wars Roleplaying Game.