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Lucasfilm surprised us all by doing something at New York Comic-Con that they’ve never done before. They brought a costumes and props exhibit for The Last Jedi to NYCC, and with any exhibit like that comes a few new reveals. In this case, we learned more about the Elite Praetorian Guards than anything else. Here, for your perusal, are the transcribed descriptions of the data cards that accompanied the costumes and props on display at NYCC.
Praetorian Long Axe
The Praetorians carry weapons that are high-tech versions of unpowered analogs found in primitive societies across the galaxy. The tempered blade of this long axe, or vibro-voulse, connects to a compact ultrasonic generator that creates a high frequency vibration across the cutting edge, increasing its deadliness.
Electro-Chain Whip
The Praetorian electro-chain whip is one of the most unique weapons in the Elite Praetorian Guard arsenal, able to function as a sword-like melee weapon or be shifted into a plasma laser whip depending on combat style.
Praetorian Single Blade Sword
This single blade sword belongs to the Elite Praetorian Guard, Supreme Leader Snoke’s personal guard force. The curved blade, paired with an electro-plasma energy filament running along the blade’s edge, creates a devastating ofensive attack.
Praetorian Double Blade Sword
Elite Praetorian Guards who wield the doubled blade sword were capable of adjusting fighting style mid-combat by splitting the two ends of their weapon to be dagger-like single blades. This makes Elite Praetorian Guards fearsomely unpredictable in battle, capable of adjusting to any scenario instantly.
Kylo’s TIE Fighter
Kylo Ren has inherited amazing piloting skills from his father, though he uses these abilities to pursue the First Order (? – probably they meant “Resistance” here) from the seat of his unique, angular TIE Silencer armed with laser cannons and warhead launchers.
Resistance Bomber
Now reinforced with new combat craft, the Resistance fleet dispatches Haroy (A new corporation? Or a mis-spelling of “heavy”?) bombers into battle with the First Order fleet. Escorted by swift starfighters, these munitions-laden carrier ships drop powerful proton bombs onto their capital ship targets.
First Order Flametrooper Helmet
Resistance fighters coined the terms “Roasters,” Hotheads,” or “Burnouts” to describe this specialized class of stormtrooper. Flametroopers, equipped with flamethrowers and fire-proof armor, are feared for their ability to lay waste to the battlefield and flush out Resistance entrenchments.
First Order Stormtrooper Helmet
The most dangerous fighting force in the galaxy, First Order stormtroopers are trained from birth to ruthlessly enforce the will of the First Order. “A real stormtrooper has no room for sympathy. A real stormtrooper is the extension of the First Order, of Supreme Leader Snoke’s will, nothing less.” Captain Phasma
Elite Praetorian Guard Helmet
The mysterious and fearsome figures known as the Praetorian Guard serve as Supreme Leader Snoke’s personal protectors. Eight in total, their features are completely hidden behind striking red armor meant to evoke memories of the Emperor’s Royal Guard.
Kylo Ren’s Lightsaber Hilt
This lightsaber hilt belonged to the master of the Knights of Ren, Kylo Ren. The distinctive cross-guard design, which results in two additional blades emerging form either side of the hilt, was engineered by Kylo Ren himself.
Kylo Ren’s Helmet
Kylo Ren is the son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, protege of Luke Skywalker, and eventual master of the Knights of Ren. He is known as the “Jedi Killer” among the rank and file of the First Order. His helmet was crafted to mask his visage and voice, concealing his identity as he delves further into the power of the Dark Side of the Force.
First Order Stormtrooper Blaster Rifle
This F-11D blaster rifle is the standard-issue weapon for First Order stormtroopers, here shown with attached butt stock. A potent ranged weapon, the F-11D is adaptable, durable, and reliable, enabling stormtroopers to act as relentless enforcers of the First Order’s will.
Resistance Cruiser Bridge Guard Blaster Rifle
Most commonly used in the days of the New Republic, this EL-16HFE rifle design is outdated by the time of the First Order-Resistance conflict. However, resourceful Resistance fighters are forced to use what was available to them, outmoded as it may be.
Resistance Quadnoculars
Also known as “quadnocs,” this device allowed for augmented vision and object tracking. Resistance fighters like X-wing pilot Poe Dameron were equipped with quadnocs like these to scout, scan, and reconnoiter risky terrain.
Finn’s Backpack With Resistance Blaster Rifle
“I’m not Resistance. I’m not a hero. I’m a stormtrooper. Like all of them, I was taken from a family I’ll never know, and raised to do one thing. But my first battle, I made a choice. I wasn’t gonna kill for them. So I ran… I’m never going back.” –Finn