The Men in Black
One of the most striking images from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is Director Krennic (SR3), flanked by his personal squad of Death Troopers (SR1). Star Wars fans are used to seeing Imperial troops decked out in white uniforms, so the sight of the new class of trooper was very impactful.
Imperial power
The origins of the Death Trooper come partially from Emperor Palpatine’s (SR11) belief in symbols of Imperial power. The armour serves a dual purpose. Firstly, the black image serves to strike fear and uncertainty in all who see these specialist troops. Secondly, the armour serves to protect the troops as the polymer coating disrupts sensory equipment, which gives the Death Trooper an advantage in stealth missions. The name itself also has more sinister connotations, believed to have derived from a secretive project within the Advanced Weapons Research division which looked at reviving necrotic flesh.
Dressed to Kill
The Death Trooper gear is a step up from the regular Stormtrooper. The helmet features target acquisition sensors, giving the trooper a distinct advantage in combat thanks to the constant situational awareness. As mentioned previously, the armour also gives them an advantage in covert ops. The troopers can also carry additional ammunition and grenades, as well as bring more advanced weaponry, like the Blastech E-11D rifle to bear.
Enhanced troopers
The soldiers selected to the Death Trooper ranks are chosen from the very best the Empire has to offer. Those that excel in Stormtrooper training are taken to Scarif for advanced Death Trooper training. All recruits exceed the average Stormtrooper in almost every category. No chance of being too short in this unit. The troopers are also enhanced with unspecified “classified” procedures designed to give them another advantage in service of the Empire.
To Serve and Protect
On screen, the Death Troopers are, first and foremost, seen in the role of protectors. Arguably two of the highest ranking Imperials have had squads to protect them. Director Krennic and Grand Admiral Thrawn have found themselves in combat with Death Troooers at their backs. Whether they will see further film or television appearances remains to be seen, but it’s certainly exciting seeing them come to Star Wars: Destiny.
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