One of the interesting and fascinating things about "Star War" -- and almost any far-reaching sci-fi franchise really -- is exploring its universe beyond the central story, learning more about the aliens and creatures and cultures that inhabit that world.

Although the "Expanded Universe" of the "Star Wars" franchise that existed prior to "The Force Awakens" is no longer consider canon, Disney is creating an all-new expanded universe that explores many of the background characters and aliens set to appear in the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in a series of short stories.

As reported by Entertainment Weekly, the first tale arrives as an eShort on November 24 and focuses on the character of Bazine, who first appeared in a photo spread in Vanity Fair way back in May. Titled "The Perfect Weapon," the short will be written by Delilah S. Dawson.

An eBook anthology by Landry Walker follows on December 1 titled "Star Wars: Tales from a Galaxy Far, Far Away: Aliens" and tells the story of four background characters from "The Force Awakens." The stories included are titled "High Noon on Jakku," "All Creatures Great and Small," "The Face of Evil" and "The Crimson Corsair and the Treasure of Count Dooku."

Also in December comes a story by Alan Dean Foster titled "Star Wars: Bait" that focuses on a character named Grumgarr.

However one of the most interestingly titled tales won't see release until March 29, 2016. Titled "Star Wars: New Republic: Bloodline," the story takes place six years before the events of "The Force Awakens," and with a title that includes the word "bloodline" and from the fan theories running rampant, there's a lot to assume about what exactly this book will focus on.

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" arrives in theaters December 18, 2015.