Alien races the Galactic Empire would likely recurit

[Korgeta]

Looking in-depth on Star Wars we know the Empire is highly xenophobic, yet now and then the Empire will make 'exceptions' recruiting the Thrawn who served as perhaps arguably their best admiral, and even vader in the expanded race saw potential in Noghri, even seeking to create a private army consisting of them.

So when it suits the empire, and if let's say for convenient sake that the majority of book, TV, game and film sci-fi races were located within the galaxy that galactic empires occupies would they turn to? make alliance with, make use of or even be wary of?

One race I think could suit the empire's need (or maybe palpatine's) is the Dilgar from babylon 5. No way near the advance level of technology the empire is at but though xenophobic they do admire strong leadership and in respect the Dilgar are efficient and relentless in their pursuit of their nazi-like research as the knowledge their home system was to be destroyed by their own sun severed their pretence of ethics and morality. On the surface the empire could see benefits assimilating a race like the Dilgar that the character and ethics that the empire sometimes seeks. The most known of the Dilgar was Jha'dur, if one of palpatine's aim is to still obtain immortality (as somewhat implied in the movies) then who better to turn to than the one who literally invents a serum for it?

Any race or alien character anyone thinks would make a good addition to the empire’s ranks? (or at least would make a good crossover story)

[Eleventh Century Remnant]

The Affronters from Iain M. Banks' Culture series, maybe- although given the affronters are at least marginally competitive with Culture craft, that might be more of a meeting of equals.

Lots of the Boskonian races- I considered doing a story in which Thrawn was a renegade Kalonian-although not the upper end, anything past about Delgonian and Eich is just too nasty to deal with- although Gharlane of Eddore against Palpatine himself would be entertaining.

I can see why Gharlane would want to do it, actually. Unlike eat-the-galaxy Palpatine from Dark Empire, he(?) isn't a solipsist or nihilist. Control, power, domination is his thing. The exercise of mastery is the supreme occupation, pastime and joy. To start devouring all your minions is to throw the board away in a fit of pique- it is simply extremely poor practise for an evil overlord.

Ghrlane would probably attempt to undermine and destroy him on those grounds alone, that he is inefficient, wasteful, and generally a poor excuse for a force of darkness- there is such a thing as "the good of Boskone", even he acknowledges it- and good gods. How the hell did the second in command of the Eddorian grand council turn into something vaguely approximating the good guy?

Actually, this might be worth writing. (Edited in; probably under the title of "Evil Is As Evil Does"= this could be quite funny really.)

[Korgeta]

The Affronters from Iain M. Banks' Culture series, maybe- although given the affronters are at least marginally competitive with Culture craft, that might be more of a meeting of equals.

Lots of the Boskonian races- I considered doing a story in which Thrawn was a renegade Kalonian-although not the upper end, anything past about Delgonian and Eich is just too nasty to deal with- although Gharlane of Eddore against Palpatine himself would be entertaining.

I can see why Gharlane would want to do it, actually. Unlike eat-the-galaxy Palpatine from Dark Empire, he(?) isn't a solipsist or nihilist. Control, power, domination is his thing. The exercise of mastery is the supreme occupation, pastime and joy. To start devouring all your minions is to throw the board away in a fit of pique- it is simply extremely poor practise for an evil overlord.

Ghrlane would probably attempt to undermine and destroy him on those grounds alone, that he is inefficient, wasteful, and generally a poor excuse for a force of darkness- there is such a thing as "the good of Boskone", even he acknowledges it- and good gods. How the hell did the second in command of the Eddorian grand council turn into something vaguely approximating the good guy?

Actually, this might be worth writing. (Edited in; probably under the title of "Evil Is As Evil Does"= this could be quite funny really.)

I can see Gharlane contesting to run the empire, he would know how to deal with the rebellion but at the same time, those in the empire may rally to him as the best next replacement for palpatine. (Palpatine agreeing to this or not is something Gharlane would not care about!)

Am a bit skeptical with the galactic empire selecting star trek villains or characters sympathic to their cause, simply because there isn't a great deal of complexity or achivement from the genre. I think gul dukat is a great character but he's had more setbacks and shown enough delusions that in my eyes won't make him selectable. Lore or nero could make good puppets, Lore would make a good agent, he's smart and if you give him something he wants he'll do it. And nero has been turning planets to black holes does make a good terror weapon in terms of terror.

Though I regard the two the better of star trek villains or more workable with the empire, keeping an eye on Lore would be the only issue but with Nero, he may just not be convinced, he is pretty much hell bent on his own path to be mainpulated.

[NecronLord]

The Affronters from Iain M. Banks' Culture series, maybe- although given the affronters are at least marginally competitive with Culture craft, that might be more of a meeting of equals.

However briefly, they were able to occupy a Culture Orbital. There's nothing the Empire can do to stop them violating them precisely how they pleased except run away and hide.

Am a bit skeptical with the galactic empire selecting star trek villains or characters sympathic to their cause, simply because there isn't a great deal of complexity or achivement from the genre. I think gul dukat is a great character but he's had more setbacks and shown enough delusions that in my eyes won't make him selectable.

The Galactic Empire's personnel departments are not exactly known for selecting the ultra-competent. The EU is groaning with crazed lunatics that like making big speeches, and proclaiming the Empire reborn when they take five planets. He'd fit right in.

[Lord of the Abyss]

The Pitar of the Humanx universe. They look like extremely attractive humans, the only difference being exotic hair and eye colors. They are good at acting likable. And, they are totally barbaric and xenophobic underneath the facade. They'd do what they did in their own universe; join up, play on their good looks by human standards, and try to steal all the technology they can and work for their eventual goal of exterminating all non-Pitarian life. They'll probably act all loyal to the Empire on one hand, and secretly kill off human planets that aren't being watched too closely. They'll go for human planets first because humans are so close to them that they are useful for the Pitarian's project to increase their population (they remove the reproductive systems of human women for use as "artificial" wombs; they don't need the whole woman and enjoy killing people far too much not to do so if they can get away with it). Unless they manage to steal the Death Star somehow though I expect the result to be much like what happened in their own universe; they get found out, and genocided.

[Serafina]

The Pitar of the Humanx universe. They look like extremely attractive humans, the only difference being exotic hair and eye colors. They are good at acting likable. And, they are totally barbaric and xenophobic underneath the facade. They'd do what they did in their own universe; join up, play on their good looks by human standards, and try to steal all the technology they can and work for their eventual goal of exterminating all non-Pitarian life. They'll probably act all loyal to the Empire on one hand, and secretly kill off human planets that aren't being watched too closely. They'll go for human planets first because humans are so close to them that they are useful for the Pitarian's project to increase their population (they remove the reproductive systems of human women for use as "artificial" wombs; they don't need the whole woman and enjoy killing people far too much not to do so if they can get away with it). Unless they manage to steal the Death Star somehow though I expect the result to be much like what happened in their own universe; they get found out, and genocided.

Extremely unlikely - the Pitar are extremely reluctant to mingling with anyone - well, Spoiler

except when they needed breeding stock in the form of unfertilisedf human eggcells harvested from human women

They would try to get Imperial technology, but would not join them.

[Commander Xillian]

One word:

Sardukar

Technically still human, but hey, they're so strange they might as well fit in.

Any thoughts? I mean, these guys were fiercly loyal to the Emperor... House whatsit? Karino? Korino? Something like that.

[Night_stalker]

The Orks.

Let's face it, they need expendable shocktroopers to charge the line, and everyone knows how da Orks love fighin'!

Alternatively, the Empire might use Dark Eldar, but strictly as "Interrogation Specialists".

[Ghost Rider]

One word:

Sardukar

Technically still human, but hey, they're so strange they might as well fit in.

Any thoughts? I mean, these guys were fiercly loyal to the Emperor... House whatsit? Karino? Korino? Something like that.

So aside from just throwing name out there, why the fuck would they give a shit about the Sardukar? At all?

[Commander Xillian]

Penal troopers that have a kill-ratio approaching hundred to one, unquestioningly loyal to their benefactor house, and so proud they won't ever surrender?

Yeah, not something you'd give a shit about, especially if you're looking for a good army.

[Ghost Rider]

Penal troopers that have a kill-ratio approaching hundred to one

Where the fuck in the entire motherfucking DUNE saga was that ever said. Really, go ahead...get your book out. Page and paragraph bitch.

unquestioningly loyal to their benefactor house

Wow, So the universe of Dune understand PSYCHOLOGY. Hold the presses, the Empire needs to learn this technique!!!

Oh wait, they do. They literally implant it into the troopers they want this to be.

and so proud they won't ever surrender?

...LMAO...good lie fucker, but the Sardukar have surrendered. Read the book again, or did you think the Fremen killed every single Sardukar in the battle of Arrakeen.

Yeah, not something you'd give a shit about, especially if you're looking for a good army.

Most dumbfucks try not to outright lie.

[Commander Xillian]

Hmm... Seems I do need to re-read. Looks like I mis-read somethings. My bad!

[Aaron]

No, you are right; in a sense. They where pretty bad-ass in their own setting but their use of hand-to-hand combat (almost exclusively) won't help them much in the GE.

[Commander Xillian]

Moving on, the Empire might be interested in the Necrontyr. A bunch of grim, mad, scientists who creat super-fast spaceships who accelerate beyond light-speed without ever having to start up or charge a seperate drive? Cool.

And don't forget the Gauss technology! I think the Empire might try to have some negotiation or trades with them.

[Night_stalker]

Yeah, that could work

[Commander Xillian]

Just for clarification, NOT Necrons, Necrontyr. Just so we all know what I intended.

[Night_stalker]

I kinda figured that is what you meant. Well, that alliance would mean no more rebels! For the Empire!

[Commander Xillian]

Night_stalker knows.

[Grabs a stuffed AT-AT and heads to bed]

[Sinewmire]

IMPS episode one hilariously featured the alien from Predator working as a Bounty Hunter on an Imperial world. That's pretty believeable to me.

The Orks.

Let's face it, they need expendable shocktroopers to charge the line, and everyone knows how da Orks love fighin'!

Alternatively, the Empire might use Dark Eldar, but strictly as "Interrogation Specialists".

Whilst the Orks would be good as expendable shock troops, they're wild and undisciplined and don't take orders terribly well. I wouldn't want them were I an Imperial commander.

Dark Eldar are a definate yes. They're unpleasantly wierd, but they're not powerful enough to threaten the Empire's military stability and they do have a great deal of expertise in this area.

Tau would probably make good Imperial Auxiliaries, but what's the point?

One word:

Sardukar
Technically still human, but hey, they're so strange they might as well fit in.

You mean well trained, fiercely loyal penal legion humans? Woo, crazy talk. The Empire could make their own Sardaukar if it was worth it.

[Grabs a stuffed AT-AT and heads to bed]

I know I'm being pointlessley pendantic, but I have a mental image of an actual full-scale AT-AT filled with loft insulation fluff!

[Teleros]

Lots of the Boskonian races- I considered doing a story in which Thrawn was a renegade Kalonian-although not the upper end, anything past about Delgonian and Eich is just too nasty to deal with

The Delgonians would be a useful terror weapon and would probably be very useful against the Rebel Alliance - they could telepathically convince people who fit a certain profile (say that of Mon Mothma) to come to them, and would probably be happy to work with the GE (although they'd see it as "with", not "for", given their mentalities) in exchange for lots of sentients to suck the life force out of.
Valerian humans would also be a good choice for elite soldiers too, given how strong, fast & tough they are (and what a martial culture they come from). As far as Civilisations' races go... I'm sure you could get Rigellians working for you (they're pretty passive most of the time it seems), and maybe Palainians so long as you watched them the whole time. The Vegians in MotV were supposed to be very reliable bankers once mature (ie, you'd invest your imperial civil service pension funds through them, because they wouldn't invest in dodgy schemes)... perhaps also the Medonians as they were pretty good scientists.
Looking at the Skylark books, the Norlaminians could be easily used given how pacifist & scientifically advanced they are - tuck them away somewhere quiet & "borrow" all their research. The Kondalians are a lot of psychopaths but physically weak and if given GE tech would probably blow themselves up sooner or later, so it's probably best to leave them alone .

although Gharlane of Eddore against Palpatine himself would be entertaining.

But short .

I can see why Gharlane would want to do it, actually. Unlike eat-the-galaxy Palpatine from Dark Empire, he(?) isn't a solipsist or nihilist. Control, power, domination is his thing. The exercise of mastery is the supreme occupation, pastime and joy. To start devouring all your minions is to throw the board away in a fit of pique- it is simply extremely poor practise for an evil overlord.

In this sense, I think the movie Palpatine is more in line with Gharlane's methods. Movie Palpatine wanted to rule the galaxy and for a mere mortal his plan was pretty good (and he recovered well from the screw-ups in TPM). Perhaps he just needs some guidance from a certain Prime Minister Fossten .

How the hell did the second in command of the Eddorian grand council turn into something vaguely approximating the good guy?

Because the other guy is a cartoon villain .

I'd love to see DuQuesne square off against Palpatine though - that match-up would be a lot more interesting than "lol I just effectorised your entire government's brains from a million LYs away" Eddorian mental powers .

Whilst the Orks would be good as expendable shock troops, they're wild and undisciplined and don't take orders terribly well. I wouldn't want them were I an Imperial commander.

Keep 'em for when the Vong show up, or use them as a terror weapon. The thought of the Vong getting "stomped ded gud" makes me feel all warm inside for some reason .

[Commander Xillian]

... What about Zombies? Most retarded question ever, but would anyone consider Zombies as a possible weapon (not so much an ally, seeing as they just want brains. Old brains new brains it's all the same.)

[Samuel]

... What about Zombies? Most retarded question ever, but would anyone consider Zombies as a possible weapon (not so much an ally, seeing as they just want brains. Old brains new brains it's all the same.)

The Empire has a zombie program.
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Death_Troopers

[Commander Xillian]

Well now, that's.. news.

Moot point then hu?

[Night_stalker]

Yeah, plus zombies are totally uncontrollable. At least with Orks, you can aim them at enemies, then clear out of the area.

[Teleros]

Yeah, plus zombies are totally uncontrollable. At least with Orks, you can aim them at enemies, then clear out of the area.

Well... I think if I was in charge of the GE's ork divisions I'd make sure to sterilise any planet they'd been deployed on once the work is done. Putting down ork incursions ad infinitum - or having them get loose & build space hulks built of SSDs and sporting superlasers - would be something of a PR disaster.