Here's an album from Celebration Anaheim showing TFA costumes and props, such as new Stormtrooper armor varieties and Kylo Ren's lightsaber.

As you can see, the remnants of, or the successor to, the Galactic Empire is known as the First Order.
I'm getting an almost theocratic feel from the "First Order", which is further amplified by it's name. Take this screenshot for example:

The number of robed figures in the background. The red banner with the First Order's insignia. I'm getting a sort of Sith theocracy vibe from all of this. It's difficult to explain.

The presence of Vader's helmet, and Kylo Ren's rather clumsily made/more improvised looking lightsaber are what really makes me think the First Order is very much centered around the Sith. I think this Kylo Ren guy may have reunited the various factions the Empire might split into in the upcoming Shattered Empire comics and the Star Wars: Aftermath novel. Kylo Ren reunites these factions under the banner of the First Order.

However, this First Order is quite different from the old Empire in some aspects, being more focused on reconnecting with the Sith legacy and reestablishing them and their rule. As a result, what was once the Galactic Empire has become somewhat theocratic; and Kylo Ren's, and by extension the Order's, goal is to recover Sith artifacts, such as Vader's helmet, and in their eyes reclaim the Sith legacy.

Also, seeing as the Sith were destroyed at the end of ROTJ, it's likely that Ren isn't a true Sith. This is evidenced by his more clumsily made looking lightsaber hilt as seen in the album, and thus it's more unstable-looking energy blade. Kylo Ren isn't a Sith, he's a wanna-be, a fake. I'd really like to see Kylo Ren misinterpret the events of ROTJ, thinking that Vader did in fact attempt to carry out his overthrow of Palpatine, but was somehow thwarted. Kylo Ren would idolize Vader, but would be overcome with rage when Luke reveals that Vader died Anakin Skywalker, and in fact destroyed the Sith.

Also, one last thing of interest:


So yeah, speculate as to the nature of this "First Order", and post-ROTJ events.

I'm wondering if that's Hoth in the first picture...but then you'd have to ask why they'd want to go to that frozen wasteland. Unless the leader of the First Order just wants to visit places Vader has in the past.

But didn't the Super Star Destroyer crash into the Death Star? Or is that another one?

In the old EU there was more than one Executor class Super Star Destroyer. Perhaps they've brought that idea into canon.

Personally I always liked the idea that each Super Star Destroyer was unique, and that because they were more limited in number they weren't as standardized. But, it doesn't matter.

Unless the leader of the First Order just wants to visit places Vader has in the past.

This is what really makes me think the First Order is very much centered around the Sith. I think this Kylo Ren guy may have reunited the various factions the Empire might split into in material set post-ROTJ, but is more focused on reconnecting with the Sith legacy and reestablishing them and their rule. As a result, the Empire has become somewhat theocratic, and Kylo Ren's, and by extension the Order's, goal is to recover Sith artifacts, such as Vader's helmet, and in their eyes reclaim their legacy.

Also, seeing as the Sith were destroyed at the end of ROTJ, it's likely that Ren isn't a true Sith. This is evidenced by his more clumsily made looking lightsaber hilt as seen in the album, and thus it's more unstable-looking energy blade. Kylo Ren isn't a Sith, he's a wanna-be, a fake. I'd really like to see Kylo Ren misinterpret the events of ROTJ, thinking that Vader did in fact attempt to carry out his overthrow of Palpatine, but was somehow thwarted. Kylo Ren would idolize Vader, but would be overcome with rage when Luke reveals that Vader died Anakin Skywalker, and in fact destroyed the Sith.

I just can't take the stormtroopers seriously when they're all making that ridiculous anime cat smile face.

No one else sees this. Even when you post a cat for comparison no-one really sees it.

Quote from: Mmmmm Napalm on April 16, 2015, 09:08:16 PM

Quote from: the boat ECKS two on April 16, 2015, 08:58:14 PM

I just can't take the stormtroopers seriously when they're all making that ridiculous anime cat smile face.

No one else sees this. Even when you post a cat for comparison no-one really sees it.

Maybe it is just me, but there's just way to much W where my mind expects juat a Λ

I definitely see where you're coming from, what with a slightly less menacing appearance, but I don't see  the anime cat thing. I don't want to come off as rude, please don't misunderstand; I just don't see it.

So I was right, perhaps we will see splinter groups of imperials?

I meam, in one of the artworks it shows the new Cape Stormtrooper leading First Order Stormtroopers, while Kylo is leading older looking Stormtrooper units.

So I was right, perhaps we will see splinter groups of imperials?

I meam, in one of the artworks it shows the new Cape Stormtrooper leading First Order Stormtroopers, while Kylo is leading older looking Stormtrooper units.

Maybe one group idolizes the Emperor, the other Vader.

Hopefully a competent imperial remnant faction comes in and steam rolls their asses.

You misunderstand. Again, all speculation, but my idea is there is no Imperial remnant; what was the Galactic Empire, but then split up into factions, has since been reunited under this banner of the First Order, but it's focus is now more centered on the Sith/Dark Side.

A big problem is that the rebels are apparently still a resistance group according to one of the plaques at the convention.

It's been like 40 years since the fall of the empire and they sti haven't formed a new republic.

We don't know that, perhaps they did, and the Galactic Civil War continued for a short while, but eventually ended when the weakened Empire splits up into factions. There is a period of tension-filled peace within the New Republic, who stand by as the Empire disintegrates and turns on itself. However, then Kylo Ren comes along, reunites it under the banner of the First Order, and overtakes the New Republic, which is then forced underground, becoming a resistance movement.

I guess we'll know when the novel Star Wars: Aftermath and Marvel's Shattered Empire release.

Finn's got a lightsaber >.>

Is that the underside of a super star destroyer? I thought there was only one that was unique to Vader?

Quote from: Val 'Ketam on April 16, 2015, 10:06:06 PM

Finn's got a lightsaber >.>

If minor script leak rumors are correct, Finn finds Luke's lightsaber (either on Tatooine or the aftermath of that Imperial assault in Luke's location)  and returns it to Leia.

Apparently the desert planet's not Tatooine, it's "Jakku".