Star Wars Universe Roleplaying Game

Imperial Officer (Lieutenant–Commander)

Imperial officers serve as the backbone of the Empire's military command structure, overseeing garrisons, directing troop movements, enforcing loyalty, and coordinating battlefield strategy. Unlike stormtrooper captains, who lead from the front, officers often direct operations from command platforms, elevated positions, or mobile command vehicles. They are educated, politically vetted, and ruthlessly efficient, selected as much for loyalty as for tactical mindset.

In SWURPG campaigns, an Imperial officer represents a shift from basic combat encounters to more organized and dangerous military opposition. Their presence changes how stormtroopers behave, turning scattered gunfire into disciplined volleys, choreographed maneuvers, and expertly timed counterattacks. Officers make excellent mid-tier antagonists during planetary occupations, base infiltrations, convoy raids, or any mission where the party faces a coordinated Imperial response. They are also rich narrative tools—political climbers, brutal enforcers, reluctant bureaucrats, or cunning tacticians who may return as recurring villains.

In SWURPG, Imperial Officer (Lieutenant–Commander) units should be used in ways that highlight their role in the Imperial war machine. Consider how they enter the scene, what they are protecting, and how they react when the heroes disrupt their orders. They are most effective when placed in appropriate terrain, backed by officers or specialists, and used to create cinematic moments that feel true to the Star Wars universe.

Recommended Level Range: 4-8  |  Difficulty Rating (DR): 2

Imperial Officer (Lieutenant–Commander) Stat Block (SWURPG)

Imperial Officer (Lieutenant–Commander) in Play

Imperial officers avoid direct confrontation unless cornered. They position themselves behind squads of stormtroopers or security droids, using Tactical Orders to push allies into advantageous positions, reinforce firing lines, or focus fire on priority targets. Officers excel in encounters involving multiple units: their buffs, battlefield control, and command actions make ordinary troopers significantly more dangerous.

When the battle turns, an officer may order a withdrawal, attempt to escape with critical intel, or call in reinforcements. Use them to make Imperial squads feel intelligent and adaptive rather than static foes. A surviving officer may retreat to become a long-term adversary, returning later with increased resources, higher rank, or a personal vendetta against the heroes.

Adventure Hooks Featuring Imperial Officer (Lieutenant–Commander)

• Occupation Directive: An Imperial officer has been assigned to tighten security on a rebellious settlement. The heroes must undermine their authority by disrupting patrols, intercepting orders, and eventually confronting the officer at their fortified command post.
• Convoy Commander: A lieutenant–commander oversees an armored convoy transporting valuable supplies. The heroes can ambush the convoy, steal the cargo, or kidnap the officer for interrogation.
• The Loyalist: The heroes discover a loyal and ambitious officer who is rapidly rising through the Imperial ranks. Defeating or exposing them early may prevent a much larger threat later—before they become a general or regional governor.

To explore more Imperial enemies, return to the Imperial Forces index and expand your roster with additional troopers, specialists, and leaders.