Vjun

**Vjun**, alternatively known as Vijjun, occupied a desolate existence as a dark and nearly lifeless celestial body within the Vjun system, in grid square Q-6 on the Standard Galactic Grid within the Outer Rim Territories of the galaxy.

## Description

Notorious for its relentless acidic rainfalls, the planet gained recognition for more than just its inhospitable climate. Vjun held a reputation as the location of Bast Castle—a formidable fortress utilized by Count Dooku. Later in its history, the same castle served as a pivotal site where Darth Vader delved into the secrets of the dark side of the Force.

## History

### Refuge

Following the collapse of the Sith Empire, Vjun emerged as a sanctuary for the Sith, becoming a pivotal location in the post-Sith era

In the approximately 4000 BBY timeframe, a significant event unfolded as Viscountess Mireya of Vjun entered into matrimony with High Lord Tritum XI of House Mecetti within the Tapani nobility. Mireya's union with House Mecetti proved transformative, as her introduction of Sith teachings instigated a corruption within the House's protective institution—the Mecrosa Order—ultimately morphing it into a Sith cult.

Notably, Vjun served as the ancestral home of the esteemed Malreaux family, a lineage renowned for both its age and affluence on the planetary scale. The actions of Viscount Malreaux left an indelible mark on Vjun's history, as he conducted experiments on midi-chlorians that plunged the local populace into madness. This descent into insanity resulted in a tragic episode in 29 BBY, wherein the inhabitants of Vjun turned on each other, committing acts of mutual murder. Amidst the chaos, Viscountess Whirry Malreaux emerged as one of the few survivors. In a bid to secure a better future for her son, Whie Malreaux, she entrusted him to the Jedi Order, allowing him to escape the horrors of his birthworld. Meanwhile, Whirry chose to remain on Vjun, accompanied by her Force-sensitive companion, the Vjun fox named Miss Vix.

The everyday life on Vjun was sustained by the utilization of various droids, including the FIII Footman droid and the R2-series astromech droid. These resilient machines played crucial roles in supporting the local population, particularly in light of Vjun's challenging and highly acidic climate.

### Clone Wars

Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the Clone Wars, Vjun found itself situated within the confines of Separatist-controlled territory. The year 20 BBY marked a significant episode in the planet's history when Château Malreaux became a clandestine refuge for none other than Count Dooku, a central figure in the galactic conflict.

Seizing control of Château Malreaux, Dooku orchestrated a cunning plan to manipulate the Force and confront his former mentor, Jedi Master Yoda. Under the guise of seeking redemption from the clutches of the dark side, Dooku extended an invitation to Yoda, urging him to come and rescue him from the shadows that threatened to consume him.

However, the true nature of Dooku's intentions came to light as the encounter unfolded. Rather than a sincere desire for redemption, Dooku harbored aspirations of exploiting the potent energies of the dark side to vanquish his once-revered master. Upon Yoda's arrival, the Sith Lord endeavoured to sway the Jedi Master towards the dark path, extolling the perceived wonders and power it held.

Despite Dooku's persuasive efforts, Yoda's steadfast commitment to the light side remained unshaken. In a bold move, Yoda attempted to reverse the tide by urging Dooku to forsake the darkness and return to the path of light. However, this noble endeavour faced a formidable obstacle when Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker materialized on the scene, arousing Dooku's suspicions of treachery.

The ensuing events unfolded in the crucible of conflict, marking a pivotal moment in the Clone Wars on the atmospheric world of Vjun.

### Galactic Civil War

In subsequent periods, Vjun underwent a transformative role, emerging as the strategic headquarters for the dark-side Executor Sedriss QL and Emperor Palpatine's formidable cadre of elite Dark Jedi forces. Before this ominous occupation, the planet hosted the imposing Bast Castle, Darth Vader's personal fortress, notorious for its impervious defenses against the corrosive acid rain that plagued Vjun. Guarded by some of Vader's most formidable troops, including the renowned Dark troopers, Bast Castle stood as a formidable bastion of the Sith.

During the later stages of the Galactic Civil War, the Battle of Vjun unfolded, spearheaded by the clone trooper-turned Jedi X2. Leading New Republic forces, X2 sought to locate his estranged brother, X1, who had succumbed to the allure of the dark side and become a Sith Lord. This clash on Vjun's tumultuous terrain marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict.

Vjun also served as a training ground for individuals on the path to darkness, exemplified by the tutelage of Kam Solusar as a Dark Side Elite. However, the intervention of Luke Skywalker later redirected Solusar towards the light, highlighting the perpetual struggle between the forces of good and evil.

In a sinister turn of events, three Ysanna prisoners from Ossus were transported to Vjun, destined to become raw material for the creation of new clone bodies for Emperor Palpatine. Encased in carbonite within Bast Castle, these prisoners awaited a grim fate, signaling the Emperor's relentless pursuit of immortality through cloning.

Luke Skywalker, along with his Jedi trainees, embarked on a daring assault against Bast Castle, aiming to thwart the nefarious plans of the Emperor's minions. This heroic endeavor unfolded in a climactic confrontation against the Disciples of Ragnos, a cult seeking to drain the Force energy from Vjun. Notably, Kyle Katarn and Jaden Korr played pivotal roles in this conflict, with the revelation of Katarn's former pupil, Rosh Penin, succumbing to the dark side and aligning with the Disciples of Ragnos.

As the battle reached its zenith, Tavion Axmis, former apprentice to Desann, emerged as the enigmatic leader of the cult, orchestrating a dramatic escape with Rosh. The events on Vjun underscored the enduring struggle between the forces of light and darkness in the expansive galaxy.

### Post-Imperial period

In the galactic landscape of 22 ABY, the enigmatic Bast Castle on Vjun became the focal point of a gripping adventure involving the renowned Jedi historian Tionne Solusar. Uncovering a startling revelation that Darth Vader had recovered Obi-Wan Kenobi's lightsaber and safeguarded it within Bast Castle, Tionne embarked on a journey to retrieve this artifact of historical significance. Fearing that other interested parties might have received the same information, Tionne enlisted the assistance of a group comprising Anakin Solo, Tahiri Veila, Uldir Lochett, and Ikrit, setting the stage for an expedition of unforeseen challenges.

Their vessel, the Jemlaat-class yacht Lore Seeker, ferried the Jedi to Vjun, where the foreboding presence of another ship heightened their apprehensions of a rival group having reached Bast Castle ahead of them. Adding to the intrigue, Tionne stumbled upon hssiss creatures on Vjun, akin to those found on Ambria—an unsettling revelation hinting at a shared origin rooted in the ancient Sith practices of creature breeding.

Navigating through the fortress's automated defences and treacherous traps, the Jedi eventually discovered Kenobi's lightsaber nestled within a protected alcove. However, their triumph was short-lived as a faction of mercenaries and pirates, led by the cloaked and formidable figure Orloc, intervened. Orloc, wielding a lightsaber and purporting to be a mage of unparalleled power, orchestrated a clash that saw Kenobi's lightsaber pilfered by his henchmen.

In a bid to reclaim the prized artefact, the Jedi engaged in a pursuit through the labyrinthine corridors of Bast Castle. During a pivotal confrontation, Orloc demonstrated his prowess by easily besting Ikrit in lightsaber combat, exploiting the Kushiban's lack of a lightsaber. Furthermore, he cunningly deceived Uldir by offering to train him in the full spectrum of Force skills.

Despite these setbacks, the Jedi managed a daring rescue mission, liberating Uldir and escaping Bast Castle with both Kenobi's lightsaber and the holocron of the ancient Jedi Master Asli Krimsan. A testament to their resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

Vjun would later fall under the ominous control of the Yuuzhan Vong during their galaxy-spanning invasion, marking yet another chapter in the planet's tumultuous history.