Before embarking on any arduous quest, it's vitally important to ensure you are in peak condition, with the best training and skills you can get. The best way to do that, obviously, is to go on totally unrelated and dangerous side adventures, to gain experience. And loot. And information. And loot.

All the great people in history knew this.

• Julius Caesar: Hmmm. As preparation for the difficult task of taking control of Rome, I'll just go conquer Gaul.
• Washington: It's going to be tough work leading a new country. I better tone up by fighting the French and British armies first.
• Napoleon: Before I invade Russia I should spend a few years conquering Italy and Egypt. (unfortunately not quite enough experience points there)

Transcript

Panaka: Tatooine is ruled by the Hutts! You can't take Her Royal Highness there!
Obi-Wan: Hutts?
Qui-Gon: Big scary cottages.
Qui-Gon: {sotto voce} With giant chicken feet.
R2-D2: You know, I can fix the shields. And build some weapons from scrap metal.
Obi-Wan: We should also gather information about Coruscant before we go there. It could be dangerous.
Panaka: Coruscant is the capital of the Galactic Republic! It's the most civilised planet in the Galaxy. Tatooine is a lawless backwater.
Qui-Gon: Sounds perfect. Weapons. Rumours. XP. Everything we need.
GM: Except, you know, anything relevant to your quest.