Queen Amidala of Naboo

 

Amidala was born to simple mountian villagers. She was scouted out and identified early as one of Naboos most intelligent children. She was taken to Theed City and was groomed for a career in politics. At the age of twelve, she was crowned Princess (or Governorness) of Theed.

 

Just before her fourteenth birthday, the present monarch of Naboo, King Veruna was forced to abdicated the throne after a reign of thirteen years. An election was held, and Amidala decided to run. Many mocked her age, saying she could not rule.(Even though it is said she is not the youngest monarch Naboo has ever had.) But soon her quick intellect and compasionate heart won them over. She won in a eletronic gloabal election that lasted less than four minutes. Six months later, she was faced with a most perilous of circumstances. The Trade Federations blockade. For the first time in 500 years, Naboo was thrown into a deadlock. Neither their oppressers or the people would back down. Only the most wise of rulers could bring their planet through this situation. Though the people believed she was ready to rule, and tried to ammend the constitution so she could remain queen, Amidala later doubted her readiness for ruling, saying she was really to young. 

Her make-up is very symbolic. The two red dots on her face symbolize symetry. The lower lip is split with the 'Scar of Remembrance'. This is to remind both people and ruler of the time of war on Naboo before the 'Great Peace'. Her thumbnails are painted dead white. The only tradition she has retained from her native mountian village.

     Amidala's handmaidens are an elite group. (See "The Handmaidens" for detailed bios on each one!) They are five educated and accomplished young ladies. Sabe, Rabe, Eirtae, Yane, and Sache. They were handpicked by Captain Panaka and Amidala for their courage, loyalty, wit, and likeness to the Queen.

 

Besides helping Queen Amidala with menial tasks such as her hair and her gowns, the handmaidens are also bodyguards. The handmaidens abilities in the martial arts are for the most part, kept secret, so to retain the element of surprise. Concealed under each of their robes is the 'Royal Pistol'.

 This is a special pistol designed by Captain Panaka for use by the queen and the handmaidens. It is very light and easy to handle, making it a natural extension of the arm. While Amidala can rely on her handmaidens for protection, Captain Panaka has trained her in the use of the pistol so if worse came to worse she can defend herself.

    Whenever the queen or Captain Panaka feels her life is in danger, Amidala takes on another identity. She becomes Padme Naberrie. A simple and unassuming, but intelligent farmgirl. When this is necessary, Sabe takes on the role of queen.

 

 Disguised as Padme, the queen often wanders the streets of Theed City. For as a peasant, things are revealed to her that might not be told to the queen. The only people who know of the switch are Queen Amidala, Captain Panaka, and the handmaidens, but the tradition of a monarch trading places with a servant for safety is a common custom on Naboo.