Sith (species)

## Sith

A family of Sith

The **Sith**, colloquially referred to as the **Red Sith** or **Sith Purebloods**, constitute a distinctive species characterized by their red-hued skin and humanoid physiology. Originating from the planet Korriban, the Sith eventually resettled on the icy world of Ziost. Noteworthy for their bone spurs, facial tentacles, and inherent inclinations toward both left-handedness and the dark side of the Force, the Sith species coalesced into a formidable empire, initially governed by monarchs and subsequently by Dark Lords. The arrival of Human Exiles on Korriban in 6900 BBY precipitated interbreeding and genetic manipulation, leading to the transformation of the original Sith species into a hybrid race with both Sith and Human lineage.

The concept of original Sith blood evolved into a source of pride among the Sith, with the designation “Sith Pureblood” denoting individuals possessing an above-average concentration of Sith ancestry.

Despite a society marked by barbaric practices and internal strife, Sith civilization experienced a pinnacle during a Golden Age, following which the species dispersed throughout the galaxy. A dark side tradition, bearing the Sith name, emerged and persisted across epochs, drawing inspiration from the ancient Sith species' customs, scientific knowledge, and magical practices.

## Biology and appearance

The Sith, a humanoid species originating on the planet Korriban in the Stygian Caldera, are marked by distinctive crimson-hued skin. Adult Sith possess sharp features, including bone spurs at various locations, such as the elbows. They exhibit facial characteristics like cheek tendrils, cranial horns, pointed teeth, simian mouths, and glowing yellow eyes covered by cartilaginous eyebrow-stalks. While typically dark red, some individuals maintain pink shades in adulthood.

Most Sith have three clawed digits on each hand and foot, with a left-handed tendency. This preference is reflected in their signature weapon, the lanvarok, designed exclusively for left-handed use. Some exceptions, like Sek'nos Rath, have five digits on their hands and feet. The cheek tendrils on Sith convey different expressions through twitching and movements, indicating emotions like rejuvenation, thoughtfulness, anger, or questioning. The Massassi subspecies of the Sith possess keen senses, particularly in hearing, despite their relatively small ears.

### Hybrids

Following their ingress into Sith space after the Hundred-Year Darkness (7000 – 6900 BBY), Human Dark Jedi engaged in interbreeding with the Sith species. Over nearly two millennia, a process of interbreeding shaped Sith society, gradually diminishing the presence of pure-blooded Sith in the Sith Empire, particularly evident by the time of the Great Hyperspace War (5000 BBY). By 44 ABY, it was widely believed that the true Sith species had become extinct due to extensive interbreeding.

The characteristics exhibited by individuals were contingent upon the extent of Dark Jedi or Sith blood resulting from interbreeding. In the era of the Great Hyperspace War, most Sith within the Empire displayed predominantly Sith traits, with the majority having four digits on each hand. Notable figures like Ludo Kressh and Marka Ragnos, identified as half-breeds, exemplified this trend. However, outliers like Naga Sadow, with a purer Jedi lineage and minimal Sith blood, displayed distinct Human features. These included five digits on hands and feet, absence of bone spurs and eyebrow-stalks, yet retained Sith traits such as cheek tendrils and red skin.

Hybrid Sith Purebloods in the Great Galactic War exhibited even more diluted Sith characteristics than individuals like Sadow. For instance, Exal Kressh displayed only essential Sith traits, such as red skin, glowing yellow eyes, and Force-sensitivity, without other distinctive features. Some members expressed more features than the original Sith species, including extra pairs of cheek tendrils, emphasizing the considerable divergence of Sith Purebloods from the ancestral Sith species. Elderly Purebloods displayed signs of ageing, including deep wrinkles and withered tendrils.

Notably, Sith Purebloods did not constitute an entirely Force-sensitive race, though manipulation of the Force remained rare. Extreme hybridization was exemplified by Ebya T'dell of the Lost Tribe of Sith, considered Human but exhibiting signs of Sith ancestry. The Lost Tribe, after 2000 years, maintained deformities associated with the Red Sith, and by 44 ABY, it was speculated that descendants might still carry traces of Sith DNA.

By 3642 BBY, approximately 97.8 percent of the Sith Empire's population possessed some degree of Sith ancestry, albeit often insufficient to manifest noticeable traits. The selection of certain Dark Jedi traits from the Dark Jedi-Sith interbreeding post-Hundred-Year Darkness became a point of contention among individuals. Some claimed superiority due to these traits, while others proudly embraced their Sith lineage and despised the inclusion of other species in the Sith Empire. The Red Sith staunchly asserted that only individuals of their kind should be considered true Sith.

## History

### Early Civilization

The genesis of Sith civilization unfolded on the planet Korriban, where its inhabitants led lives marked by barbarism and hedonism while harnessing the dark side of the Force. This symbiotic relationship with the dark side permeated every aspect of Sith existence—they fed on its power, developed advanced techniques like sorcery, and considered war and peace as interchangeable states. The Sith lived in tribal “circles,” each led by one or more Sith sorcerers responsible for the well-being of their people. The state of perpetual war between Sith nations on Korriban was not perceived as antagonistic but rather as integral to their way of life.

The origins of Sith civilization, dating back to approximately 100,000 BBY, were chronicled in the Dark Holocron, containing lore and forgotten histories reaching even further into the past. Monuments in the Valley of Golg, recorded by Jen'jidai Sorzus Syn in her 6900 BBY chronicle, predated the Zhell civilization on Coruscant by around 200,000 BBY.

Speculations among historians suggested that certain Sith practices, such as the consumption of bloodsoup, might have resulted from interactions between Sith and Anzati cultures in pre-history. While Jedi Volfe Karkko claimed the Anzati “remember the very first Sith,” no concrete evidence supported this theory.

During this era, the Sith recorded their knowledge in scrolls, tomes, and tablets containing dark knowledge encompassing dark side powers, alchemy, Sith weaponry, and the domination and destruction of others. However, many of these ancient writings were infused with the madness of their authors, capable of driving unprepared seekers to insanity. The Sith demonstrated their profound understanding of the dark side by repelling an invasion by the Killiks around 30,000 BBY.

Around 36,453 BBY, Tho Yor pyramid ships gathered Force-sensitive individuals, including some Sith, to Tython. Studying a balance between light and dark sides for ten millennia, descendants of these founders persisted as Je'daii in the Tython system. Before the Force Wars, an event caused the polarization of the light and dark sides, leading to the eventual formation of the Jedi Order.

### Sith'ari

#### Unification

Amidst the enduring civil war between Sith nations on Korriban, a pivotal moment unfolded when Adas, distinguished by his charcoal-colored skin, rose as a chosen being. Demonstrating remarkable prowess in both combat and Sith magic, Adas became an unparalleled leader, crafting a massive battleaxe through Sith alchemy. His ascendancy marked the unification of Korriban's disparate nations, establishing a single Sith kingdom around 28,000 BBY.

Through relentless bloodshed, Adas solidified his rule as an inflexible and undisputed leader, earning titles such as King, God of the Sith, and the Sith'ari—the perfect being. As the first Sith Lord, Adas's reign became synonymous with eternal authority, immortalized in the beliefs of his people.

Three hundred years into Adas's rule, the Rakatan Infinite Empire, practitioners of the dark side, arrived at Korriban. Concealing their ultimate agenda, the Rakata initially imparted new technologies to the Sith, including the creation of Holocrons. However, their true intentions unfolded as they attempted to conquer the Sith. Undeterred, the Sith'ari rose with the unwavering support of his people, wielding his battleaxe against the Rakatan invaders.

In a war of wit and indomitable will, Adas outsmarted the immensely powerful Infinite Empire, eventually defeating the conquerors. Seizing control of Rakatan hyperspace-capable craft, Adas expanded the Sith civilization to neighbouring worlds, including Ziost. Yet, in a sacrifice to ensure the freedom of his people, Adas relinquished his life, securing total victory for the Sith against the Rakatan threat.

#### Disintegration

Following the demise of Adas, the Sith descended once again into a state of internal strife, with ambitious contenders proclaiming themselves as the new Sith'ari in the absence of unifying leadership. The continuous war on the devastated planet of Korriban compelled the Sith to relocate their capital to Ziost, utilizing newfound Rakatan Force-based technology obtained during the conflict.

In Ziost, the priestly Kissai caste took charge of the reconstruction efforts, and the Sith Empire thrived, expanding its dominion to nearby planets like Jaguada, as well as venturing further to worlds such as Malachor V and Arbra. The Rakatans provided technological advancements and introduced the concept of the dark side of the Force, conflicting with the Sith's traditional practices of warring, sentient sacrifices, and sorcery dedicated to their gods.

The death of Adas prompted a faction of Sith priests to reject the established Sith concept of life, interpreting it as a sign to embrace a new belief system. Declared heretics, they were banished and, guided by the Force, discovered the world of Tund using Rakatan hyperdrive technology. Here, they formed a society of pure-blooded Sith sorcerers, emphasizing harmony in their lives through the practice of magic, ontology, and science via the Force.

As the Sith largely abandoned Korriban, it transformed into a ceremonial tombworld, with populations persisting in the form of religious cultists. Over the ensuing millennia, the Sith Empire expanded its influence, establishing libraries and temples on worlds like Krayiss II. Sith sorcerers congregated in these places to meditate and refine their experiments, evolving Sith techniques and manipulating the dark side.

Around 8000 years before the battle of Yavin, Humans and other Republic species fled to Sith space during the Tapani Dynastic Era, interacting with the Sith. The challenging navigation of the Stygian Caldera kept the Sith Empire secluded from the rest of the galaxy.

Approximately 7000 years before the battle of Yavin, Dathka Graush, a Sith conqueror, initiated and triumphed in one of the cyclical wars on Korriban, leaving the planet's cities in ruins. Graush ruled with cruelty and terror until his assassination, ultimately entombed in the Valley of Golg after controlling two-thirds of Korriban at the time of his demise.

### Jen'ari

#### Exile

Around the same period in Republic space, a group of ambitious Jedi within the Order succumbed to the allure of the dark side of the Force. These individuals delved into dark studies, discovering the power to manipulate life itself, bending and transforming creatures to their whims. Termed “fallen” or “dark” Jedi, they initially conducted their experiments clandestinely, facing persecution for their divergence from the Jedi Council's teachings.

As the numbers of these Dark Jedi grew, they openly defied the Jedi Council, sparking the Second Great Schism. Three years later, a full-scale rebellion unfolded against the entire Jedi Order, plunging both factions into a prolonged war. The Jedi vehemently opposed the dark experiments and forbidden knowledge practised by the Dark Jedi, who, in turn, sought to convert more Jedi to their cause.

The conflict endured for a century, culminating in the decisive Battle of Corbos. The Jedi, being more numerous, overwhelmed the Dark Jedi forces, compelling the survivors to surrender. Instead of executing them, the Jedi opted for a symbolic erasure of their names and any evidence of their existence from galactic records. The defeated Dark Jedi were then transported onto a defenseless drone ship lacking weapons and navigational devices, banished to an uncharted region of the Outer Rim beyond the Republic's boundaries.

Guided by the dark side of the Force, the ship drifted through hyperspace until it emerged on the planet Korriban, marking the unexpected destination for the banished Dark Jedi.

#### Conquest

On Korriban, the arrival of the Dark Jedi sparked astonishment among the native Sith, who were naturally Force-sensitive. Organized in tribal “circles” led by ruling sorcerers, the Sith greeted the newcomers with primitive yet impressive Sith swords, employing Sith magics to create crude illusions. The Dark Jedi, intrigued by the Sith's dark knowledge, sought to subjugate them and extract their dark side techniques.

In response, the Sith resisted, attempting to defend their secrets, but the Dark Jedi proved more intelligent and powerful. Despite their defeat, the Sith demonstrated honour and unexpectedly accepted the Dark Jedi as their masters, bestowing upon them King Adas's Holocron. The Dark Jedi declared themselves living gods and kings, with Ajunta Pall earning the title of Jen'ari, or Dark Lord of the Sith.

Under the rule of the Dark Jedi, now overlords, the Sith embraced their new masters, who further developed Sith knowledge and expanded their influence from Korriban to neighboring worlds. Ziost became the capital world, adorned with towering spires and Sith Lords ruling from fortresses. Sith Lords, particularly the Massassi warrior caste, sought revenge against the Republic.

However, some Sith Lords, against the Dark Lord's wishes, attempted to return to the Republic using reprogrammed navigational computers. Their failed conquest revealed the survival of the Dark Jedi exiles in Sith space. Those who remained in Sith space, having Sith offspring through alchemical means, continued to expand the magocratic Sith Empire. Led by a council of Sith Lords and a ruling Dark Lord, the Empire rapidly grew, rivalling the Republic and encompassing hundreds of worlds.

The Sith Empire encountered various cultures, influencing planets like Myke, Arkanian, and Kruskan. Tund saw the settlement of Sith-Human hybrids alongside pure-blooded Sith sorcerers. Sith society evolved within their ordered Empire, marked by militarism, reverence for the dead, and a state of continual conflict. Sith Lords raised private armies, vied for the position of Dark Lord, and engaged in wars within the Empire. Xenophobic and focused on internal conflicts, the Sith seldom expanded into the Republic, and travel between the two was rare. Immigrants who stumbled into the Empire became slaves, with successive rulers forgetting their origins and adopting the Sith identity.

#### End of a Golden Age

Around 5100 BBY, the half-breed Sith Lord Marka Ragnos ascended to the position of Dark Lord of the Sith after a series of brutal wars, establishing a century-long rule known as the Golden Age of the Sith. The Sith Empire, ruled by the Red Sith, had interbred for nearly two millennia, resulting in many hybrid Sith. Powerful Sith Lords Ludo Kressh and Naga Sadow, both half-breeds like Ragnos, emerged as rivals to become the next Dark Lord.

Kressh, following traditional Sith ways, aimed to maintain the Empire's current wealth and believed in internal strengthening before expansion. On the other hand, Sadow, a progressive Sith Lord of 'Jedi' blood, sought to expand and conquer new worlds, challenging Kressh's conservative views. Sadow's unique approach allowed non-Red Sith to rise in prestige under his command, contributing to science and medicine.

When Ragnos died, a power vacuum led to a confrontation between Kressh and Sadow. Kressh had the support of most Sith for the position of Dark Lord, while Sadow controlled the majority of military forces. The two engaged in a battle during Ragnos's funeral, and it ended in a stalemate. The spirit of Ragnos intervened, sharing the history of the Sith Empire and cautioning them to choose wisely.

Hyperspace explorers Gav and Jori Daragon arrived from the Republic, seized by the Sith and imprisoned on Ziost. Kressh and the Sith Council decided on their execution, but Sadow saw an opportunity to expand the Empire and secretly rescued the prisoners. He manipulated events to make it appear like a Republic attack, leading the Sith Council to vote him as the new Dark Lord.

Kressh, outraged by Sadow's deceit, declared himself the true Dark Lord, sparking a civil war within the Empire. Kressh discovered Sadow's trickery and attacked Sadow's fortress on Khar Delba. However, Sadow's decoy fortress lured Kressh into a trap, and Sadow's forces emerged victorious. Sadow then prepared to invade the Republic, using the tracking device on Gav Daragon's ship to guide his fleet.

As Sadow gathered his forces for the invasion, Kressh, thought to be dead, resurfaced to warn the Sith Lords of Sadow's deceit and the impending doom he believed Sadow would bring to the Empire. Sadow, desperate to silence Kressh, had Gav Daragon activate automated systems, destroying Kressh's ship and supposedly killing him. With Kressh out of the way, Sadow continued organizing the invasion forces.

### The Great Hyperspace War

Sadow's invasion forces, armed with Massassi ground troops and starships, gathered and jumped into hyperspace along the Daragon Trail towards the Republic. They homed in on the locator aboard Starbreaker 12, arriving at Primus Goluud, where Sadow assigned a mining flotilla to gather Lignan crystals for the upcoming battle of Kirrek. Using Sith illusions and surprise, the Sith overwhelmed the Republic, taking planets like Coruscant, Foerost, and more.

However, Gav Daragon, betraying the Sith after the death of Aarrba the Hutt, fired on Sadow's meditation sphere from Primus Goluud, breaking Sadow's concentration and revealing the true extent of the Sith armies. Republic forces launched a counterstrike, pushing the Sith into a retreat. On Kirrek, the Sith continued to break through defences, and despite Jedi efforts, victory seemed slim. However, the tide turned, and Republic forces, reinforced by allies, emerged victorious.

As Republic forces pushed the retreating Sith back to Koros Major, Jori Daragon called on Empress Teta's fleet for assistance. Republic and Sith forces clashed at Primus Goluud, where Sadow caused the red-supergiant star to go supernova, killing Gav Daragon. Sadow escaped to the Sith Empire.

In Sith space, Ludo Kressh survived and became the Dark Lord of the Sith, exiling Sadow. When Sadow returned to Korriban, Kressh revealed himself and defeated Sadow's fleet, forcing Sadow's exile from Sith space. Republic forces, following the Daragon Trail, defeated Sadow's remaining fleet. Believing Sadow dead, Empress Teta recalled the Republic fleet.

Supreme Chancellor Pultimo ordered an invasion of Sith space to annihilate Sith civilization. The Republic, alongside the Jedi Order, destroyed Sith Lords, artefacts, and strongholds, driving the Sith to surrender. Jedi Urr used a unique technique to strip Sith of their dark side power. The Sith retaliated with suicide attacks, forcing the Republic into a temporary retreat. Eventually, the Sith were defeated, and the Republic emerged victorious, although at a significant cost. The Sith Empire crumbled, and remnants of the Sith surrendered within a few years.

#### Dissolution

The Sith, despite suffering severe losses during the Great Hyperspace War, managed to survive in various hidden enclaves and secret locations. Some fled to the Unknown Regions of the galaxy to recover and plan revenge on the Jedi and the Republic. Explorers in these regions might come across Sith settlements during different eras, although the chances decreased over time.

A group of Sith, predominantly of Human descent, survived aboard the ship Omen, commanded by Sadow. Knocked off course in hyperspace due to an attack, they found an unknown planet called Kesh. The survivors, considered god-like Skyborn by the native Keshiri, established a presence and ruled over the native population.

Other Sith sought refuge on planets like Thule, building up forces and preparing for revenge against the Jedi and the Republic. Sadow, exiled from Sith space, settled on the jungle moon of Yavin 4, planning to build a new base and expand from there.

Tund became a refuge for pure-blooded Sith magicians, evolving into the Sorcerers of Tund. Ambria, another Sith refuge, saw a sorceress conducting a ritual that transformed the planet into a desolate desert, trapping the spirits of the Sith within.

A small armada of Sith survivors, carrying prisoners condemned to slavery, fled towards the unknown regions. For twenty years, they drifted through deep space before encountering the Chiss Ascendancy. The Chiss surprised the Sith by seeking non-forceful means to resolve the conflict, eventually becoming the first official allies of the renewed Sith Empire.

Twenty years after their escape, the Sith settled on the long-forgotten Sith world of Dromund Kaas, where the newly proclaimed Sith Emperor manipulated his followers to conquer the Republic. The Lost Tribe of Sith, which landed on Kesh, faced internal conflict, resulting in the destruction of the Red Sith portion by a Human Sith.

Meanwhile, Sadow on Yavin 4 used Sith alchemy to transform Massassi into violent mutants, and eventually entombed himself in suspended animation. The Massassi mutants guarded Sadow's legacy and temples, even facing threats from Dark Jedi Freedon Nadd.

Over time, dark side devotees discovered Sith caches on remote worlds, where survivors of the Great Hyperspace War sought to preserve their knowledge. These sanctuaries, housing ancient Sith lore and talismans, remained elusive to the Jedi's sight, becoming a concern for the Jedi Order.

### The Great Sith War

Exar Kun's journey to Yavin IV marked a dark chapter in Sith history. The Massassi, initially defending their temples against Kun, eventually accepted him as their foretold Dark Lord after he defeated their dark god—a Sith wyrm created through Sadow's Sith alchemy.

Kun, having embraced the dark side and armed with a Sith amulet, destroyed the spirit of Nadd, claiming his position. He ruled over the Massassi, convincing them he was the prophesied Dark Lord. Kun had the Massassi build temples as dark side focal points, using ancient texts brought by Sadow's followers to experiment on them with Sith alchemy, aiming to transform them into a powerful army of servants.

Seeking fellow students of Nadd, Kun confronted Aleema Keto and Ulic Qel-Droma on Empress Teta. Kun defeated Keto, engaged in a lightsaber duel with Qel-Droma, and drew the attention of Marka Ragnos' spirit. Ragnos proclaimed Kun the new Dark Lord, with Qel-Droma as his apprentice.

Kun and Qel-Droma aimed to conquer the galaxy, recruiting Jedi as their students by manipulating the spirits of Sith exiles. A conflict arose between Kun, the Jedi, and the Massassi when Qel-Droma was captured during an attack on Coruscant. Kun unleashed a chain reaction of supernovas using Sadow's ancient ship, leading to the destruction of the Republic and Sith fleets.

As the Jedi tried to evacuate Ossus, Kun arrived to claim the artefacts. Qel-Droma betrayed Kun, revealing the Sith forces on Yavin IV to the Jedi. Kun, realizing he couldn't defeat all the Jedi alone, turned to ancient Sith knowledge to preserve his life. Before the ritual, he sent some Massassi off world, mutated one further, and initiated the ritual to free his spirit from his physical body.

The ritual drained the life of the Massassi, causing a clash between dark and light sides that resulted in a massive fire across Yavin IV. Kun's spirit was sealed to his temple, unable to escape. The Jedi, victorious, departed the moon, leaving Yavin IV as a barren wasteland, the aftermath of Exar Kun's ambitious and destructive quest for Sith power.

#### Aftermath

The aftermath of the Great Sith War left the Massassi in varied circumstances. Some, taken off Yavin IV before its decimation, lived isolated lives, while others sought revenge against the Sith or joined the new Sith Empire. On Yavin IV itself, the moon recovered, becoming a lush jungle once more, with surviving Massassi dwelling around ancient temples and Sadow's tomb.

The Sorcerers of Tund, presenting themselves as powerful wizards, practised the Force in their own way. Initially approached by the Jedi, they demonstrated formidable abilities and declined Jedi offers, leading to a coexistence marked by occasional Jedi visits to ensure they didn't succumb to the dark side. However, during the Dark Wars, the reign of the sorcerer Karnak Tetsu caused tension, with the Jedi viewing their beliefs as prohibited unorthodoxy.

Korriban, home to the Sith, saw descendants of those who remained on the planet after the Great Hyperspace War. Sith settlements scattered across the planet, and xenophobic Sith coexisted with various species in limited interactions. The Sith maintained an academy to train their numbers in the dark side.

Despite their presence, Sith adventurers exploring Republic space were rare, drawing attention if they did. Sith species, such as the Kissai and Massassi, did not join the Jedi ranks during this time, and formal training of their species by Sith masters was prohibited in the new Sith Empire, though exceptions might occur. The galaxy held a delicate balance between the remnants of ancient Sith civilizations, their unique cultures, and the broader galactic community.

### Resurgence

The Sith Emperor, who escaped the Great Hyperspace War, continued building his Empire on Dromund Kaas. Focusing on arcane rituals to lengthen his lifespan, he wrecked Dromund Kaas's ionosphere, creating an electric storm. The Dark Council handled the Empire's logistics, and Odile Vaiken formed the Imperial military and Navy. The Sith's efforts aimed at re-establishing Imperial Sith society, constructing Kaas City and a citadel as the Emperor's symbol.

In preparation for their return to the galaxy, the Sith produced armies and advanced warships, dedicating over a thousand years to the Emperor's vengeance. Sith Purebloods, descendants of the elite ruling class, were marked by red skin and a claim to superiority. The Emperor surrounded himself with Purebloods, and his apprentice, Exal Kressh, became the first “Emperor's Child.”

Centuries leading to the invasion saw Sith cooperation and infiltration into Republic structures. The Ovair family operated as infiltrators within the Jedi Order, eliminating spirits of ancient Sith Lords to clear the path for the Emperor's reveal. The Emperor established puppet governments and secret alliances in the Outer Rim, initiating an offensive that overwhelmed the Republic.

The Sith's initial victories were followed by a strategic retreat by the Republic, but the Sith focused on infiltrating and weakening their enemies. The Emperor forged alliances with criminal networks and Hutt cartels, using Mandalorians to blockade the Hydian Way. After years of war, the Emperor, growing impatient, orchestrated a ceasefire with the Treaty of Coruscant, using deception to capture Coruscant and force the Republic into signing an unfavourable treaty.

The galaxy stood on the brink of a new era as the Sith Empire gained a foothold, and the Republic struggled to recover from internal conflicts and external threats.

### Cold War

The aftermath of the Treaty of Coruscant left the galaxy in a state of fear and uncertainty. The Emperor, pursuing secret goals, deferred control of the Sith Empire to the Dark Council, which consisted mostly of non-Purebloods at this time. This power vacuum led to a struggle among the most powerful and cunning Imperial leaders to assume authority over the Empire.

With the Dark Council consolidating the Empire's dominion, the Imperial military dealt with practical matters, while the Sith Lords planned for the Empire's future. Sith Lords focused on recruiting and training new acolytes to increase the Empire's power and prepare for a final confrontation with the Jedi. Due to the dwindling Sith ranks after decades of war, the Sith academy's entry requirements were relaxed. Those born Force-sensitive, as well as individuals from the slave caste, were allowed to train to become Sith. This led to the training of Sith Inquisitors, observed by their Sith Pureblood overseers, who preferred not to work with alien species like Humans.

Sith Purebloods were born into privileged positions within the Empire, prepared from childhood to train at the Sith academy on Korriban. Purebloods became members of the class known as Sith Warriors during this era, using the rage of their fallen ancestors to dominate and intimidate on the battlefield.

### Isolation and Withdrawal

The Sith race seemingly disappeared, vanishing into history. While physically absent, their ancient teachings continued to affect the galaxy. The term “Sith” evolved to refer to an arcane cult of devotees who dedicated themselves to studying the dark side lore and ways of the original Sith, adopting the species' name as their own. The Sith language and relics endured, especially on planets and among species with writing systems influenced by the Sith, such as Myke, Arkanian, and Kruskan languages.

Approximately 1,000 years before the Battle of Yavin, the Jedi Order focused on the New Sith Wars, and after the Seventh Battle of Ruusan, they considered the Sith species extinct. Even Darth Bane, the Dark Lord of the Sith after the battle, believed the Sith species to be long gone. Jedi like Mace Windu shared this impression.

In 45 BBY, Toong refugees settled on Tund, joining the small population of pure Sith Sorcerers. The Sorcerers persecuted the Toong, drawing attention from the Republic Senate. Emperor Palpatine used this to portray the Sorcerers as charlatans, though he secretly sought knowledge about the pure Sith.

Around 5 BBY, a Force-sensitive Croke named Rokur Gepta infiltrated the Sorcerers of Tund, learning their dark side lore. Gepta wiped out the Sorcerers and all life on Tund using “green fire” from an electromagnetic torpedo, seeing them as competition to his goals.

In 41 ABY, a ship called the Harbinger, carrying Massassi warriors and Sith, emerged 5,000 years after entering hyperspace due to a time shift caused by Jedi Master Relin Druur. Druur, sent forward in time, encountered Jedi Knight Jaden Korr. They devised a plan to destroy the Harbinger and its dangerous cargo. Druur used the Lignan ore to engulf the ship, sacrificing himself and everyone aboard.

### Return of the Sith

In 1001 ABY, the dormant Sith Pureblood population of approximately 7500 was uncovered in stasis aboard an ancient Harrower-class dreadnought. Triggered by the destruction of two HK-51 droids, the emergency protocols reawakened the Sith. Following the strike team's expulsion from their ship, the Sith asserted control over Iol and 244Core. This resurgence led to the establishment of the Sith Dominion, with subsequent dominance asserted over Tangan Industries. The Sith, under the leadership of Darth Magice, then turned their attention to resettlement on the planet Zakuul where they also took control of the Knights of Zakuul and Zakuul Systems.

In the aftermath of their expulsion of the Jedi, Imperial Knights, and Revanites, the Sith, now led by Darth Magice, restructured the Sith Council as the governing body of the Sith Dominion in 1002 ABY. Guided by Magice's leadership, the Sith Council became the authoritative force shaping the policies and actions of the Sith Dominion, marking a pivotal chapter in the ongoing narrative of Sith history and culture.

Darth Magice implemented a contentious decree known as the “Sith Pureblood Preservation Edict”, aimed at safeguarding the Sith species. This decree stipulates that only individuals of Sith Pureblood lineage are permitted to engage in romantic relationships with fellow purebloods.

## Society and Culture

### Culture

Despite their persistent state of warfare, the civilization of the Sith exhibited a remarkable level of sophistication, wherein acts of conflict were viewed not as cruel or barbaric, but rather as fundamental aspects of existence. Noteworthy for their engagement in seemingly primitive practices, such as sentient sacrifices in reverence to their deities. The Sith's continuous warfare not only resulted in a diminishing population on their original homeworld of Korriban, but also fostered an intensely xenophobic society.

The indigenous Sith culture encompassed various distinctive elements, including the ritualistic consumption of bloodsoup, the establishment of a rigid and stratified caste-based society. The enactment of live sentient sacrifices dedicated to Sith deities, and the utilization of ancient and arcane alchemy and magic. For the Sith, war and violence were perceived as inherent components of the natural order, coexisting with peace and serenity. Their societal structure exhibited a pronounced rigidity, with the title of Sith Lord being attainable by many, yet only King Adas ascended to the esteemed position of monarch. Additionally, the creation of Sith holocrons for recording knowledge originated from the Sith's initial encounter with the Rakata of the Infinite Empire.

A notable aspect originating from Korriban was the establishment of the position known as the Shadow Hand, a title analogous to that of a Jedi Padawan. The Sith's enduring and profound mastery of sorcery stood as one of their oldest and greatest strengths. This formidable power enabled them to achieve remarkable feats, such as inducing stars to undergo supernova events.

### Castes

Sith society operated within a highly hierarchical framework, employing a dual system comprising a rigid caste structure and a stratified rank hierarchy to meticulously assign individuals to their respective positions. Over the course of approximately 100,000 years of separation within Sith society, each caste, defined by its distinct social role, is often colloquially referred to as a subspecies of Sith. Notably, all Sith castes shared the common characteristic of being red-skinned humanoids adorned with sharp, predatory features and distinctive tentacle beards.

Among the Sith, the gesture of stroking the right cheek tendril held significant meaning, symbolizing thoughtfulness within their complex social interactions. Following the interbreeding with Dark Jedi exiles, the original members of the species became known as Red Sith, marking a pivotal evolution in Sith society.

The Sith caste system featured distinct segments, including the skilled and intelligent Zuguruk caste, the priestly Kissai caste, and the war-like Massassi caste. Each caste played a crucial role in shaping the societal dynamics and functioning of the Sith, contributing to the multifaceted structure of this hierarchical society.

Distinct castes played pivotal roles within the intricate societal structure of the Sith:

* **Zuguruk Caste**: The Zuguruk caste comprised notably loyal engineers specializing in the construction and maintenance of Sith technology. This encompassed the creation and upkeep of droids, starships, and tombs, showcasing their essential role in advancing Sith technological prowess.
* **Massassi Caste**: The Massassi, the warrior caste of the Sith, distinguished themselves through their towering stature and formidable strength. Their natural aggression and physical prowess made them highly efficient and fierce soldiers within the Sith military. Although not known for their intelligence, Massassi could be trained to execute intricate battle plans and maintain equipment, starships, and weaponry. Loyalty among the Massassi was earned through service to the Dark Lord of the Sith, and they exhibited unwavering obedience to both the Dark Lord and the individual Sith Lord they served. The Massassi also possessed a unique language, possibly related to Sith.
* **Kissai Caste**: The Kissai constituted the priest class within the Sith caste system, focusing on the study of the Dark side of the Force. Renowned practitioners of ancient Sith magic and alchemy, the Kissai were equally ruthless as the Massassi but distinguished by their heightened intelligence, cynicism, and observational skills. While lacking the physical advantages of the Massassi, the Kissai played a crucial role in delving into the mystical aspects of Sith culture.
* **Slaves**: While not a formal caste, slaves held a significant position in the Sith social order. Sith slaves, encompassing various species such as Herglic, Human, Mrlssi, and their kind, were derogatorily referred to as “Grotthu.” Meek and servile, Sith slaves occupied the lowest rung of the Sith hierarchy. Pure-blooded slaves had only three digits on each hand, a distinct feature that changed to four digits following the fusion of bloodlines with the Dark Jedi Exiles. These slaves revered Sith Lords as gods and were often subjected to sacrificial practices. Furthermore, Sith Lords utilized them for slave labour, and upon a Sith Lord's demise, slaves were interred alive with their master's body in the tomb on Korriban, underscoring the severity of Sith rituals and practices.

## Language and names

Sith served as the indigenous language spoken by the inhabitants of Ziost and Korriban. Following the enslavement of the Sith species by the Dark Jedi Exiles, it was adopted as the mystical language of the Sith Order. Operating as an agglutinative language, Sith constructed words and phrases through linear sequences of distinct meaningful units. Despite the prevalence of the Galactic Basic Standard, the use of the Sith language persisted until the post-Imperial era. Referred to as the Old Tongue by the Lost Tribe of Sith, an order established on the secluded planet Kesh, the Sith language retained significance within their cultural and linguistic heritage.

Even as the Sith population diversified beyond Sith Purebloods, the Sith language endured within holocrons, temples, and tomes. However, few scholars outside dark side circles possessed the knowledge to decipher this language, and even fewer could articulate its intricate word structures. In the eleventh century before the Battle of Yavin, the Human Darth Bane distinguished himself by acquiring familiarity with the ancient Sith tongue during his studies at the Academy of Korriban, setting him apart from his peers. Bane sought the wisdom of long-deceased Masters preserved in leather-bound volumes inked with blood-red script.

Centuries after the Sith Order's inception, individuals as contemporary as the fallen Jedi Vergere, Jerec, or the Sullustan naturalist Dr'uun Unnh, demonstrated proficiency in the Sith language. The Lost Tribe of Sith successfully preserved the knowledge of the Old Tongue, with all members, from apprentices onward, possessing the ability to communicate in Sith. For instance, Vestara Khai used the language to interact with a pack of Tuk'ata on Korriban. The final members of the Order of the Sith Lords, founded by Bane, including Darth Sidious and his successive apprentices—Darth Maul, Darth Tyranus, and Darth Vader—all exhibited fluency in the Sith language.

The Master of the Order of Revan, Reekai Lyndtur, can speak the Sith language as a child would. A skill she gained by unlocking the Telos Holocron and, later, Darth Magice's Holocron.

The language remained in common use among the Sith Dominion as the predominant language among the Sith Purebloods and their apprentices and acolytes.

## Technology

The Sith, adept in the art of alchemy, leveraged their profound understanding of the dark side to imbue objects and living beings with its malevolent energies. This expertise extended to the crafting of Talismans, utilized during intricate rituals to focus concentration and harness substantial amounts of dark side power. These artefacts, taking diverse forms from crystals to amulets, temporarily enhanced the abilities of sorcerers. In response to Jedi attempts to employ similar talismans for the light side, the Sith developed ensnarement talismans, compelling users toward the dark side and leading to the subsequent outlawing of Sith artefacts post their destruction.

In addition to Talismans, Sith mastered the creation of Force masks to conceal emanations generated by Force usage. They also excelled in crafting potent toxins, such as Sith poisons, weakening targets under the influence of the dark side. Unique relics, including the Gauntlet of Kressh the Younger, Muur Talisman, Dreypas Oubliette, Eye of Horak-mul, Helm of Dathka Graush, Scepter of Ragnos, Sword of Ieldis and the Heart of Graush. As well as the Yoke of Seeming, bespoke the individual craftsmanship of Sith Lords.

Sith alchemy found expression in the creation of weapons, such as Sith swords, resistant to lightsabers and enduring for millennia. Sith Tremor Swords, vibroblade melee weapons, showcased the ancient Sith Lords' use of Cortosis-weave from Ziost. Their alchemy further extended to the development of biological weapons, allowing genetic engineering of creatures like the Tuk'ata and Chrysalis beasts for guardianship and siege warfare, respectively.

The Sith considered the construction of structures an art form, viewing them as extensions of their creators' personalities. This approach not only thwarted enemies from accurately mapping the internal structure of Sith sanctuaries but also afforded tactical advantages. The Sith also excelled in creating focusing chambers, amplifying a Sith Lord's power and facilitating the creation of sentient vessels like the Sith Meditation Sphere. On a grander scale, their technological prowess culminated in the development of Force-empowered superweapons, exemplified by the Dark Reaper constructed during the era of the Great Hyperspace War.

## Trivia

* The Sith Purebloods were pushed to extinction by interbreeding with humans over several generations, Kyrenaz had them brought back because he saw them as a race more unique than many other species in Star Wars.
	+ Also, he thinks they are really cool.