Galaxy Guide 14: The Dark Side

Publisher: Eric

Senior Editor: (none listed)

Editors / Art Director: (none listed)

Graphic Artists: Eric

Published by West End Games, RR 3 Box 2345, Honesdale PA 18431 (stock #40063).

®, ©, & ™ 1993 Lucasfilm, Ltd. (LFL). All Rights Reserved. Trademarks of LFL used by West End Games under authorization.

Credits

Artists: Chris Gossett, Jordi Ensign, Pamela Rambo

Stat Helpers: George Aranda, Stewart Warley

Story Writers: Eric "Mod Sithson"

Design: Design work by Eric "Mod Sithson"

Editors: George Aranda

Additional Information by: Jedi Web handbook by David Barnhart; The Emperors Tenants, author unknown; Master Uxi Holocrons, http://web.access.net.au/~garanda/jedi/buildhol.html

Special thanks to: George Aranda @ tarc_say@yahoo.com.au — http://www.access.net.au/~garanda/

Disclaimer & Copyrights

The following disclaimer/copyright information applies to all content of the "Dark Side Galaxy Guide" being any and all text, art, characters, stats, pictures. Free distribution, reproduction, or display other than where it is presented is forbidden - permission granted upon request and contingent on the author's approval. Reproduction with the intent of sale, or actual sale is, according to United States Copyright Law, an infringement on George Lucas et al, being a challenge to the commercial viability of Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game. The text, art, characters and stats contained within this book are not for sale, and are designed and presented for the private use of parties using Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game. Use of material releases author of any and all liability concerning any challenge to Lucasfilms, Ltd., and their copyrights where concerned, as a result of any action of a viewer/user of the material. STAR WARS ® or ™ and © 2000Lucasfilm Ltd. Title, character, and place names protected by all applicable trademark laws. All Rights Reserved. The material contained herein is unofficial, and is not intended for sale. It in no way can be deemed a contest of the rights and ownership of Lucasfilm Ltd., or licensees thereof, including West End Games and/or Wizards of the Coast and/or Dark Horse Comics. "Dark Side Galaxy Guide" and all text, images, characters, or stats found within this book are not endorsed by Lucasfilms, Ltd., West End Games, Dark Horse Comics, or Wizards of the Coast - THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL BOOK. - THIS IS A FAN FICTION BOOK Any logos, titles, art, drawings, and other iconography associated with Star Wars used are for identification purposes only, and are copyright ultimately by Lucasfilms, Ltd. or the owner of the logo in question. All material written by the author's are presented under the auspices of the Fair Use law of the United States Copyright Law, as the only thing non-original to the author(s) is the very concept of the Star Wars "universe," thus this additional creative work does not pose any threat or challenge to the commercial viability of Lucasfilms, Ltd., or licensees thereof, including West End Games and/or Wizards of the Coast or Dark Horse Comics. In accordance with Fair Use, the author(s) do(es) indeed claim sole copyright, thus removing all material contained in this book from "public domain."

Introduction

"The Powers of control and destruction weren't the only things I found in the Dark Side… I also found great isolation and sadness… I found fear. These are the feelings my father felt… The feelings even you feel, in your moments of darkest triumph."

— Luke Skywalker to Emperor Palpatine

Galaxy Guide 14: The Dark Side is a tomb for players and game masters alike. Contained within the pages of this guide is a compendium of information from a variety of different sources, including extracts drawn from novels, information from ancient Sith holocrons, and classified data scripts from the Emperor himself. Dark Jedi, and their mysterious counter parts the Sith, have been the topic of speculation and myth for centuries. This book will provide the answers to the myths and many other questions about the most dangerous and possibly unexplored part of the Star Wars galaxy: The Dark Side.

This latest reference guide is for use with the Star Wars: Roleplaying Game, Second Edition. Its purpose is to provide detailed information for player characters and game masters to create and play Dark Jedi characters, as well as providing necessary information on how these characters should interact with the rest of the galaxy. In a variety of roleplaying adventures, dark side characters can be seen lurking in the shadows, watching every move the PCs make, or manipulating certain aspects behind the scenes without the characters ever knowing about it. Many dark side characters are subjects of the Emperor — his pawns in his quest to rid the galaxy of the Jedi. While others are independent, wanting to overthrow the Emperor and erect their own dark and grim design of how they want to shape the galaxy. Either fighting the forces of light, or plotting against their enemies, Dark Jedi characters are an important and fundamental part of the Star Wars Galaxy.

A Mandate of The Dark Side

Control The Power

The universe is full of power; to release it, you must harness the emotions of hate, anger, fear, and aggression. Release your own anger and the anger of infinity is released. By itself, the Dark Side is a thing of chaos and irrationality. It has no control, no conscience, no restraint. But domination is its goal. There is a bargain to be made with it. It gives you power and exacts its price. In order to let the power flow through you, you must let the destructive emotions flow through you. But that is not all. It is a great danger to those who cannot control their emotions. Only with a strong will can you control your rage and make the power your servant. When anger is controlled intelligently, there is nothing you can not do.

— Extracted from the Emperors Tenants

Nature of the Dark Side

Does the Force use the Jedi, or the Jedi the Force?

The Universe is an angry morass of power. To release that power, one must harness one's primal emotions: hate, anger, fear, aggression. By releasing one's own anger, one releases the anger of eternity. Only when filled with hate can one perform the most hateful of acts. The will and the Force are as one.

That is the choice of the Jedi: serenity or hatred; peace or war; calm or anger; freedom or tyranny; learning or power; the Light or the Darkness.

Because the use of the Force and the way the Force uses its user are one, the choice is inescapable. A Jedi who starts down the path of the Dark Side will forever be dominated by it.

Time Frames

Much of the information contained within this book is easily adaptable to most periods in the Star Wars universe (seeing that the Sith have been around for countless generations, even dating back before the Old Republic). This supplement is focused more towards after The Empire Strikes Back, even though certain parts of this book could even be used during the Tales of the Jedi Companion era. During the time after The Empire Strikes Back, the Dark Jedi are in full force in a time called the "great Jedi purge," where the Emperor has sent his followers of Dark Jedi to kill the last remaining Jedi that lie in seclusion.

Challenges

The day-to-day challenge of the Dark Jedi is one of isolation. Even then, a Dark Jedi must battle to control his position and power, for there is always another — more hungry, more blood-thirsty, more willing to strike you down. You must constantly fight against the darkness as it rips your very soul from you, slipping you farther down into madness. Can you escape the dark side? Or will you control it?

Misconceptions

Despite that these characters are indeed dark, evil, cold-blooded killers, readers of this guide will soon see another side that typically is not shown by these characters. Although evil or malicious by the influence of the dark side, many of these characters have long, deep backgrounds, and deep hidden secrets that the dark side uses against them to make them do its bidding. Sure, the dark side offers power, but past that, readers will soon realize that these individuals are sad, or unhappy, that they are so helpless against the power of the dark side. Indeed, even Vader had his dark secrets and felt guilty, but in the end he realized how wrong he was and was able to break the grasp of the dark side.

Power of The Dark Side

Indeed, the grip of the dark side is strong. So strong is it, few if any manage to control it for long. Many of the great Dark Jedi have at one time learned to control it. Otherwise, it is a long, slow, and deadly slip into oblivion. Even if you do manage to somehow keep the control and will to keep the dark side at bay, it exacts its cost. There is always a price to pay for power, and the dark side always collects in one form or the other. Even the Emperor, who claimed that he had mastered the dark side, was subject to its wrath. In a matter of years it sapped him of his age and strength, but in return unlocked the galaxy. King Ommin, too, suffered the same fate, and was stricken with a strange illness that robbed him of all movement, unless he was in a special exo-skeleton. That is how the dark side works — it lives off the corruption and decay of living things, while the opposite is true for users of the light side.

When playing a dark side character, one must realize its consequences. The glamour of having an all-powerful Dark Jedi soon wears off when the cost starts to come into play. Who wants to look like 300 years plus at 40? The following table below is a small sample of what game masters should actively impose upon the players as they progress down the dark side. However, they are not the only price that the dark side demands — some can be far worse…

Dark Side Costs

Note: this table is merely a small sample of various penalties that the dark side enacts for a player who has fallen to the dark side.

• Advanced age: The character starts to age rapidly by the dark side's influence on the character. At first it is not noticeable, but in a few short months after the character falls to the dark side, he/she begins to look far older as the corruption of the dark side fills their being. Soon the character finds that they are far older as rapidly their body begins to fall apart. This can only be combated one of two ways: the first of which is to gain more and more dark side points, while the second involves using transfer life power on a clone or an un-willing host. (The Emperor)

• Crippling illness or injury: Suddenly the character is struck with a rare illness or injury that forces the character to have extensive life support systems attached to them as the dark side corrupts the body. There is no cure for the sudden illness or injury. Characters may become stronger, for a while only by getting multiple dark side points. (Vader, King Ommin)

• Memory loss: The character suddenly forgets many things. Only by concentrating on the task at hand is he able to function. Moments of clarity and memory only exist when the character gets dark side points. The character skills are reduced by -2D due to memory loss. Skill advancement costs three times the normal amount. This penalty goes away for short times (usually one adventure) if the character gains at least two dark side points the previous adventure.

• Blindness: corruption of the dark side makes the character go blind! It is a sudden occurrence, and cannot be fixed. Moments of vision only exist if the character gains dark side points. (Jerec)

• Blood thirsty: Soon after falling to the dark side the character is overwhelmed at wanting to kill anyone or thing in his way. The hunger for death comes so great that only feasting upon the victim's blood satisfies the urge. Obtaining dark side points for these acts makes the hunger go away, for a short time that is… Game notes: Once an adventure the character must make an opposed difficulty roll against wanting to kill. It becomes harder and harder for them to not want to shed blood. (Very easy skill rolls plus amount of dark side points the character has: i.e. 3 (difficulty) + 6 (dark side points).) If the character fails and does kill, they need not spill blood for at least one adventure.

• Suicidal: Somehow, the dark side begins to infect the character's thinking, judgment, and actions, making the character begin to think about nothing but killing themself and others with them. (Extremely Rare) Game notes: The character is filled with sadness and guilt as the dark side infects his/her thinking. The character is only happy when gaining dark side points, but very sad and feels alone when not. He/she must make an opposed willpower roll at the end of an adventure at a difficulty matching their number of dark side points. If the character fails the roll, they decide to kill themselves, and others with them if they can. The character does not have to roll for this if they gain a dark side point during the adventure.

• Possession: Influenced by the dark side, the character is forced to have his body periodically possessed by the dark side spirits that make him do their bidding. (This is rare.) Game notes: The GM rolls a die at the beginning of an adventure if the character did not gain any dark side points the last adventure. If it turns up a one, sometime during the adventure a dark side spirit possesses the character for a number of rounds equal to the character's dark side points.

• Tremors: Soon after falling to the dark side, the character develops nasty, painful tremors on the face, and small twitches, making it seem that the character is on the verge of breaking at any moment. The twitching can be stopped for the adventure by gaining a DSP.

• Corruption of the flesh: Suddenly, without warning, the character begins to grow a new arm… or is it an arm? It could be anything the game master desires. Even small pus nodules growing on the character's body. There is no cure for the illness and soon the character is being hunted down for being a strange mutation. However only by gaining dark side points does the strange mutation of the flesh go away.

• Parasites: The character picks up some nasty parasites. They live within the character's body, and cannot be removed. Any attempts at removal cause death. The parasites make the character hungry, or tired. Only gaining dark side points makes the pain or hunger go away.

• Mute: Corruption of the dark side makes the character no longer able to speak. Speech can only exist if the character gains dark side points.

• Paralyzed: Horribly, small nerves in the character's body get infected and break, making the character paralyzed, from the waist down usually. Gaining dark side points allows the character to move for a short time.

• Third eye: Soon after going to the dark side, he/she is able to "see" apparitions of dark side ghosts, or other phantasmic forces. They haunt/tease the character. Gaining dark side points stops the ghosts from coming for a short while. (usually one adventure)

• Turrets syndrome: After the dark side has embraced the character, he/she suddenly comes down with turrets syndrome. This makes the character yell or curse at the most un-opportune time. Gaining dark side points allows the character to act normally for a short period of time. The character must make an opposed willpower roll at an easy difficulty plus the number of dark side points once an adventure to combat the effects of the syndrome.

• Insane: In a few cases the Jedi go mad after falling to the dark side. They are no longer controllable, and act insane. Gaining dark side points allows the character to act normal for a short time. Game notes: The character must make an opposed willpower roll at a moderate difficulty plus the number of dark side points once an adventure to combat the effects of the dark side corrupting them. If the character fails the roll, the character acts insane for the duration of the adventure. Gaining dark side points allows the character to act in a normal manner, usually for about one adventure.

Of course, there are other possible costs, and the game master is free to explore any that he deems would be appropriate to the character.

Over Six DSP

Normally, whenever a character gets over six dark side points, that character is usually then made into an NPC. However, using the following optional rules, one may continue to play that character, but it soon becomes apparent that it will be harder and harder to continue on the dark path.

After falling to the dark side, the character no longer gains character points for normal play. Instead they only gain a character point by committing horrible acts, and gaining dark side points. This is usually very easy at first, but becomes harder and harder as the character is forced to do more and more evil acts to simply keep alive as the dark side demands more and more… until at last it tears the character apart.

Game notes: The character must continue to gain dark side points in order to get character points. He or she only gets Force points when committing extremely horrible acts or by gaining dark side points in a particularly dramatic fashion (such as the Emperor using Force lightning on Luke). To represent this, every time a character uses a power that will get him or her a dark side point, or for any action that results in a dark side point, the game master secretly rolls two dice. If the result is equal or higher than the amount of evil acts done in the adventure, then the character gets the dark side point deserved. (However, if the game master deems it a particularly evil act, the character still gets the appropriate amount of DSP and the game master does not need to roll.) Otherwise, the character does not receive a dark side point. Of course, if enough evil actions are made within an adventure the character still gets some amount of dark side points. If the character fails to get a single dark side point in an adventure (unless they are repenting), then he or she loses a Force point. If their amount of Force points is 0, then 1D of skills from their Force powers are taken away permanently. If all three attributes drop to zero, then the character dies, as the dark side rips them apart.

A Dark Blade

It was mid-day, and still Korvak had not found anything to amuse him yet. Sitting backwards in a half-broken, abused chair, he casually looked about the room at the mangled bodies strewn across the floor. Many had their limbs cut off or were sliced in two. Still Korvak let out a deep sigh. None of them were worthy enough to face him, even the pitiful police men who came to try to stop him.

Getting up, Korvak walked over broken glass, spilt blood and broken chairs towards the door. Pushing aside the half-broken door, Korvak winced at the noon day's sun burning his eyes. Squinting his eyes, he looked around. Laying upside down, on top of several people was a police car, and strewn across the road several pox marks of blaster fire. Smoke filled the air, and Korvak could still hear moans from those unfortunate enough to be still living. "Boring," he mumbled half to himself.

Taking out a long cylindrical shaft, with a pop-hiss Korvak ignited his blood-red lightsaber, swinging it and hacking at a half-destroyed police cruiser.

Thinking upon the situation, Korvak laughed. Had not the man in the brown robes mocked him as a failure and a drunk, none of this would have happened. The rage kept in check for so long had finally been unleashed, and he struck out at the people who glared at him.

What happened to that man? Korvak wondered. In the heat of things, the man had slipped by. Korvak tried to remember. Turning off his lightsaber, he walked back into the dark bar. Scanning the room he saw no sign of the man. Cursing, Korvak turned, and started to walk. Soon the local authorities would come in force, and even Korvak knew not to stick around for too long.

Korvak paused one last moment to finish a drink that someone had left during the commotion.

"Looking for someone?" called a voice in the shadows, just as Korvak downed the hot-tasting liquid.

Throwing the glass against the wall, and shattering it, Korvak turned, and ignited his saber, the red glow penetrating the darkness.

There, in a corner, was the hooded man. "You're a shame to the way things work, Korvak," spoke the man in the robes, moving forward.

Korvak squinted his eyes, and attempted to concentrate. "Who — how do you know my name?" Korvak spat at the hooded man.

The hooded man just shook his head and spoke. "I'm your worst nightmare, Korvak." With that said, the hooded man pulled back his robes to reveal himself to Korvak.

"Yullen! Come back for more, boy?" laughed Korvak at the young man that now stood before him.

Yullen scowled at the foolish drunk Jedi. Yullen could almost feel the deep lightsaber scar burn upon his chest from the last time Korvak nearly killed him during one of his fits of rage.

"Yes, and now I will teach you what I've learned." Yullen pulled back his cloak to retrieve a long black sword from his belt.

"What? You expect to beat me with that toy?" Korvak snickered. "Going to teach me a lesson, eh? Be the first time, boy." Korvak grinned slightly.

"No, I expect you to die." With that, Yullen raced forward with unnatural speed, sword ready for Korvak's lightsaber.

"Good, finally some entertainment," laughed Korvak as he rushed to meet Yullen's dark blade.

Spark! Clash! Zzzzaap! The two men faced off. Amazingly, instead of cleaving through the sword, Korvak found that his lightsaber was unable to cut the black obsidian metal. "What trickery is this, Yullen?" said Korvak as he pushed forward with more strength at Yullen's dark blade.

"Ha! You should have killed me when you had the chance, Korvak, you drunkard. Now I come back to rid you of your pain that you hide yourself from by drinking." With that said, Yullen jumped back in a triple somersault, his sword ready. "See how useless your lightsaber is now against my Sith sword." Yullen laughed and reached out with the Force. With unseen hands with grips of steel, he crushed the small adegan crystal within Korvak's blade.

With a smirk on his face, Yullen walked up to Korvak. "Now, where is your power? You're a useless old man now." Yullen continued to grin as he again reached out with the Force, this time squeezing the air out of Korvak, who desperately tried to stop him.

"Little… <gasp> bastard… <gack>" Korvak spoke as he fell to the floor gasping for air.

Yullen looked down and with a smile across his face spoke to the fallen Jedi.

Yullen moved forward, his sword scraping across the ground. Korvak could only look up to Yullen, as he could hardly breathe.

"Disgrace. Now you die by my hands." Yullen pulled back the Sith sword, and brought it forward, cleaving the dying man in half. "Now that's entertainment." Yullen mocked the lifeless body on the ground, wiping the red ichor off the blade.

Returning to the Light

In the Star Wars stories, we have seen three examples where someone who had succumbed to the Dark Side was redeemed to the light: Darth Vader at the end of Return of the Jedi, Luke in the Dark Empire series, and Ulic in the Tales of the Jedi series by Dark Horse Comics. The Star Wars RPG rules have a contingency for returning characters to the light, but in my experience it has left many people confused. The rule states:

"When a Jedi of the Light Side confronts a character of the Dark Side, mention of the fact that the Light Side is more powerful than the Dark Side will cause the Dark Side character to have a Moment of Doubt. The character loses a number of Dark Side Points equal to the number of dice that the Light Side character has in his control skill plus 1D. If the character is reduced to zero Dark Side Points, the character has been redeemed to the Light Side of the Force."

— pg. 58 (Rulebook, 2nd Edition)

This rule is a good one, but it needs some clarification; otherwise, most adventures would end with the following exchange:

Jedi: "Hey, did you know that the Light Side is stronger than the Dark Side?"

Dark Sider: "Really? Wow! I guess you are right… I feel much better now."

The following changes should be made to this rule: that the character only needs to drop below 6 Dark Side Points to be redeemed, and must atone for the rest in the usual manner, and that a Jedi of the Light Side cannot just say to the Dark Side character that the Light Side is stronger — they must prove it. If the Jedi can show the Dark Sider that the Light Side offers more strength, the situation forces the Dark Sider to have their moment of doubt. Luke's strength in the Force, and his convictions to remain in the Light, caused Vader to have his "Moment of Doubt" several times during The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Although he did talk to his father, and try to convince him to return to the Light, he made no mention of the Light Side being the stronger side of the Force.

Force users who have been Seduced to the Dark Side lose a number of Dark Side Points as per the rulebook. Those who have been Consumed by the Dark Side are much easier to turn back. Since their guilt is what caused them to turn in the first place, helping them to resolve their guilt or to set things right, in an acceptable, justifiable manner, will reduce the character's number of Dark Side Points to 6. He may not return to the Light until he spends a Force Point in a selfless manner at the dramatically appropriate moment, which he probably had to do to resolve his guilt. Those who have Embraced the Dark Side are the hardest to turn back to the Light. The number of Dark Side Points they lose, for each "Moment of Doubt", is reduced by a number equal to twice the number of Dark Side Points they received through Calling Upon the Dark Side (which would be either 4, 5, or 6 — for Palpatine it would most likely be 6). Returning to the Light Side of the Force is not an easy task though; once the Dark Side user drops below 6 Dark Side Points, the Dark Side enacts its revenge by taking all of the character's Force Points and character points.

Regardless of how a character was turned, he may not drop below 6 Dark Side Points and re-enter the Light until he proves his commitment to the Light by spending a Force Point in a selfless manner at the dramatically appropriate time (and does not gain the usual two Force Points at the end of the adventure). If a character turns to the Dark Side a second time, he loses 1D from the attribute or Force Skill of the player's choosing.

The entire purpose of this system is to give the player a sense of what the Dark Side is going to do to his or her character. Just rolling the d6 and taking the character away isn't entirely fair. We don't believe in dictating to a player what they can and cannot do, and telling a player that what they are going to do will earn them a Dark Side Point seems, well… pointless. Players are usually very aware of what their character is doing, and what the consequences will be. Luke did not have some voice-out-of-nowhere tell him that what he was doing was wrong, so the characters really shouldn't be afforded that luxury. This system gives a player ample warning of what is to come for their character, and allows them the opportunity to redeem the character before it is too late. It also makes for wonderful role-playing possibilities.

Atonement: When you have 1-5 DSP you may begin to atone. The cleansing of the corrupting influence of the DS is a long and difficult process, and you must be of serious mind while attempting to atone (GM discretion). You must choose your way of atoning based on spiritual belief. (The Jedi usually fast, reflect through ritual and meditation, and renew their commitment to live by the Jedi Code and the ways of the Light.) When atoning, you must actively work against evil from occurring, and follow a base code in creating your personal spiritual atonement process, with the following guidelines — reaching each through non-violent solutions when possible:

1. Preserve the existence of Life.
2. Preserve the right to gain knowledge and enlightenment.
3. Preserve the right of peace and harmony.
4. Defend the defenseless.

Time required of approximate atonement (all atonement must begin again if a DSP is received during atonement):

Taken from the Jedi Web handbook by David Barnhart.

Gaining Dark Side Points

There are three ways a Force-Sensitive character may gain Dark Side Points: through Action, Inaction, and Calling Upon the Dark Side.

Action: Anytime a Jedi knowingly and willfully breaks the Jedi Code he gains a Dark Side Point. This includes any use of unjustified violence and justifiable violence fueled by hate or anger. It is the GM's duty to decide what is and is not "justifiable violence." A good guideline: any act that makes you say, "Damn, that's cold!" is unjustifiable.

Example: A Jedi uses Telekinesis to suspend a target off the ground (thus taking away its chance to dodge) while other PCs gun him down. This is unjustifiable… cool, but still unjustifiable. A Jedi receives a Dark Side Point this way through using "Dark Side" powers (Inflict Pain, Telekinetic Kill, Force Lightning, etc.). Any character who uses a Force Point for evil also gains a Dark Side Point in this manner. (See additional rules.)

Inaction: Also known as "Evil by Association," this is when a Jedi sits idly by while an act of evil is committed, or passes on an opportunity to bring justice to an evil doer. When a Force-Sensitive character is around those who choose to do evil, he must intervene or gain a Dark Side Point. Failure to do so allows the Dark Side to strengthen its grip on the character through his feelings of guilt and doubt.

Calling Upon the Dark Side: When a Jedi's back is in the corner he may attempt to gain a Force Point by opening himself to the influences of the Dark Side. Through selling his soul the Jedi gains a Force Point (which must be spent that round) and an accompanying Dark Side Point (whether the attempt is successful or not). It is easy to call upon the Dark Side, especially when angry, at first. The first time a character calls upon the Dark Side, the difficulty is Easy. If the actions are not intended to bring harm or pain to other beings, increase the difficulty by two levels. The difficulty raises by 3 points each additional time the character calls upon the Dark Side. The character rolls his Control versus the difficulty number to determine whether or not he is successful. Luke Skywalker gains a Dark Side Point in this manner during the climactic battle scene in RotJ.

The Effect of Dark Side Points

The consequences of gaining a Dark Side Point differ according to how a Jedi obtained them. If a Force user gets a Dark Side Point from his actions it is due to the temptations to commit further violence. This also opens up new, easier ways of contacting the Force, so the character receives a +1D bonus to all Force Skills.

Example: A Jedi uses Lightsaber Combat and strikes out in anger. He gains a Dark Side Point for the action but realizes he is a better combatant when angry. He now receives a +1D bonus until he A) wishes to atone, or B) realizes that his actions are leading him down the dark path and refuses the bonuses.

If a Dark Side Point is due to his inaction, it is due to his fear and guilt. Since these emotions weaken, instead of strengthen, the character does not receive any bonuses to his Force Skills; instead he loses 1D from his skills. Once Dark Side Points have been atoned for, and even if the Jedi does not atone, the bonuses last only for as long as the Jedi is in the Light. The moment the Jedi turns to the Dark Side, the bonuses are lost — the Dark Side, having snared the Jedi in its power, takes back its favors.

Lure of the Dark Side

If the bonuses granted for having Dark Side Points are used for anything but the purest intent, you receive a DSP for accepting the bonus. The DS may also try to influence your actions… If you refuse the bonus, your difficulties for Force skills increase one difficulty level per DSP to remain focused and drive the temptations of the dark side out.

Chapter One — The Empire: An Empire Ruled by the Dark Side

"For over a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times, before the Empire."

— Obi-Wan Kenobi

Rulers of the Galaxy

Far long ago, the great Old Republic once controlled most of known space. It was a golden time for the galaxy, and technology and culture grew by leaps and bounds. New planets discovered, enemies destroyed. But then, like all creatures, the Old Republic grew too big; it outlived itself, and began to decay within, causing strife and conflict. True, they were at one time rulers of the galaxy, but soon their world would come crashing down upon them, as agents of the dark side brought in a new, terrible era that none could have ever imagined: The Empire.

Clearly from the start, it was evident that the imperial war machine was ruled and manipulated by the dark side. Its influence could be seen as it manifested itself into the Emperor, as he used its powers to subjugate and conquer the known galaxy using fear, death, and domination. It was no secret that the imperial war machine had immense help with the aid of the dark side as the Emperor sought out to wipe out and destroy the light Jedi or turn them to the dark side.

This would eventually be called the "Great Purge" as the Emperor sent his dark side servants to find and crush whatever was left of the light side.

Far more sinister, however, was the Emperor's vision of what the galaxy should become. Using fear as his starting point, the Emperor began building his creations of war — things that would produce the emotions that would strengthen the dark side at every turn. He would put threats to survival such as slavery and imprisonment. There would be the loss of culture, government, rights, and identity, an ever-present whisper of atrocity and injustice. The populace of the galaxy would be filled with fear. The Emperor knew that the new technology of destruction would be an extremely useful tool for furthering the aims of the dark side. Star Destroyers and Death Stars were meant to be a tool to strike fear into the galaxy. This was the premise of the Emperor's ideals.

Along with that, the Emperor started a new order. He would create his own sick perversion of Jedi. He would plan to replace the legendary protectors of the Old Republic with his own legion of Force users. These new "Jedi" would be powerful warriors who would crush the enemies of the Empire using the power of the dark side of the Force. By giving in to emotions and passions shunned by the Jedi Knights, these Dark Jedi would be nearly unstoppable — Jedi skill and knowledge without the boundaries of codes and laws.

Branches Of the Dark Jedi

The Dark Jedi are the ultimate enforcers of law and order. Just like the ancient Dark Lords of the Sith that came before them, their goal is to unite the galaxy under one authority, under one power — so that order can be restored. When the Emperor formed the Dark Jedi branches he made sure that there would be checks and balances, unlike the Jedi Knights of the Old Republic. He separated them into branches, each functioning within different parts of the Empire, and each possessing certain advantages and disadvantages in terms of how they operate. These different branches are:

• Order of Execution
• Order of Inquisitor
• Order of Justice*

*Note that the Order of Justice was created during the second coming of the Emperor, nearly 7 years after Return of the Jedi.

Order of Execution

The Order of Execution is the largest and most influential arm of the Dark Jedi. Members of the Order, known as "Executors," serve directly in the Imperial military. Executors are present in all three branches of the Imperial military at all levels of command. Rumor has it that even the royal guards have been trained as Executors.

Executors pose as typical officers until they are summoned by either the Grand Executor or the Emperor for special purposes. When called, executors are used to "get the job done" as they use and possess a large variety of weapons and Force powers to destroy the enemies of the Empire. Although not as powerful in the Force as the inquisitors, the executor branch makes up for it by using what powers they do have in a more terrifying public manner. Many horrible stories are told about these Jedi as they come out of the shadows to dispatch their enemies, hacking them apart with lightsabers, or using their powers of lightning and fire. This makes the branch particularly terrifying, and the mere mention of an Executor can cause panic by the general populace.

At the moment they are scattered across Imperial territory in no particular pattern or strategy. The Emperor hopes to one day replace all Imperial officers with highly skilled dark side warriors, but the process, at the time being, is still experimental.

The Order of Execution holds more influence over Imperial affairs than the Order of Inquisition or the Order of Justice due to its ties to the military. Because the military forms the backbone of the Empire's bureaucracy, Executors have more access to the four primary command groups: Military Command, Sector Command, COMPNOR, and Imperial High Command itself. This extra "edge," however, comes with a price. Despite the Emperor's calls for order and conformity, there is a considerable degree of competition between the three Dark Jedi orders. The Order of Execution's current position has made them a target for jealous members of the other orders.

Order of Inquisitor

Inquisitors — often referred to as "Jedi Killers" by anti-Imperial forces — make up the second largest order of the Dark Jedi in the Empire. The first Inquisitors were trained personally by the Emperor or Darth Vader and helped track down remaining Jedi Knights after most of the renegade Jedi Masters were executed by Vader for treason — hence their nickname. Today, Inquisitors serve in the ranks of Imperial Intelligence. They are the Empire's "men (and women) in black" and they use their powers to help keep the Empire safe from its enemies from the shadows. The Empire's Inquisitors and High Inquisitors serve directly under the Grand Inquisitor.

Usually the day-to-day activities of inquisitors are to gather intelligence, as well as actively searching for renegade Jedi. All inquisitors are highly trained in aspects of the Force, as well as black ops. This makes them perfect hunters of Jedi, or covert saboteurs that strike from the shadows.

The Order of Inquisition, however, remains a closed group. The members of the order prefer to remain in the shadows, and unlike the Executors, they do not normally show off their powers. Admission into the inquisition sect is also a feat in itself. Stringent tests, loyalty checks, and not to mention that most if not all members have been memory wiped, or brainwashed to ensure total loyalty to the Emperor in keeping the Empire's secrets, make entry into the order extremely hard. Only about 10 to 20 percent of total applicants ever reach the title of Inquisitor.

Although not as numerous as the Executors, the inquisitors are able to gain access into far more areas of the Empire than the executors, and commonly hold a higher rank than the executors as well. Some members of the Inquisitors also serve in high positions in COMPNOR as well as the ISB, making the order a very powerful one.

It is even said that there is a darker, more secretive group than the inquisitors, what is commonly referred to as the "Hand" — often referring to the Dark Jedi that the Emperor trains as his personal hands. Much is not known about this group, but it is said that the Emperor hand-picks them, and rumor has it that a member or two has been picked from the inquisitor branch.

Order of Justice

Probably the most secret and powerful of the three groups is the Order of Justice. So secret is this order that the members of the order are called only by number, for no name exists for them. All records of their previous existence are erased, and gone. Only the Emperor knows who they really are. They are a new addition to the other two groups in respect to the fact that the Emperor created them to maintain order if he was ever disposed of again.

The justice order is the "long arm of the law" for the Empire. The members are constantly on the move, always checking — making sure that all imperial citizens, even those who are in high military positions, are following the laws of the Empire. This includes the other two groups of Dark Jedi. Members of the order have an almost unparalleled amount of power, and almost always are under direct orders from the Emperor himself, and as such are able to gain access into any imperial facility, and can give orders that supersede any save from the Emperor himself.

However, with great power, there is also great responsibility. Members of the order are fanatically loyal to the Emperor through brainwashing techniques, and other forms of mind control, as well as the prime requisite for being a member: Dead. Surprising as it is, many of the order were former military command or Dark Jedi who were perceived as dead. It is said that the Emperor offers these fallen men and women a second chance as their fate rests in the balance. They are usually mortally wounded, and cannot possibly live without immediate surgery or life support attached to them for life. No one even dares to whisper the horrible truth that these fallen warriors might even be transferred into clone host bodies as they are literally pulled from the battlefield to make the transformation.

Typical Inquisitor: Captain Les' Desmond

Type: Inquisitor
DEXTERITY 3D+2
Blaster 4D, Dodge 5D+2, Lightsaber 5D+2
KNOWLEDGE 3D
Planetary Systems 4D, Tactics: Fleets 5D
MECHANICAL 2D+1
PERCEPTION 3D
Command 5D
STRENGTH 2D
TECHNICAL 2D
Special Abilities:
Force Skills: Control 3D, Sense 3D, Alter 3D+2
Control: absorb/dissipate energy, accelerate healing, control pain, reduce injury, reduce stun
Sense: combat sense, life sense, danger sense, life detection, receptive telepathy
Alter: injure/kill
Control and Alter: inflict pain
Control and Sense: lightsaber combat, projective telepathy
Control, Sense and Alter: affect mind
This character is Force-sensitive.
Force Points: 3
Dark Side Points: 7
Character Points: 9
Move: 10
Equipment: Lightsaber (5D damage), imperial uniform, datapad, blaster pistol (4D damage), comlink, Imperial ID, 100 credits.

Captain Les' Desmond is a big, balding man of middle age, as well as a typical inquisitor — quiet, mindful and always looking for suspicious activity. As a cover, he also captains the Far-seer, an old Victory-class star destroyer. He is currently on assignment in the Elrood sector.

Raised from childhood in a family of strict discipline and military tradition, Les has always devoted himself to the Empire and all it stands for. On occasion Les can be quite obstinate and narrow-minded, as well as being overly suspicious of those around him. A cold heartless disciplinarian, Les is a fanatic for order. To him the Empire and the Order of Inquisitors represent order at its best. He therefore has complete, unquestioning loyalty to the Empire, and demands nothing less from his subordinates. This is one of the key traits that the Emperor looks for when picking out an inquisitor.

Typical Executor: SLT Rath Dareborn

Type: Executor
DEXTERITY 4D
Blaster 5D, Dodge 5D+2, Lightsaber 6D
KNOWLEDGE 2D
MECHANICAL 3D+1
Starship Piloting 5D+1 (SP) TIE Fighter 7D+1, Starship Gunnery 5D+1
PERCEPTION 2D+1
Con 3D+1
STRENGTH 3D+2
Brawling 5D+2
TECHNICAL 2D
Special Abilities:
Force Skills: Control 3D+1, Sense 2D+1, Alter 4D
Control: rage, accelerate healing, control pain, enhance attribute
Sense: combat sense, life sense, danger sense, life detection, receptive telepathy
Alter: injure/kill, bolt of hatred
Control and Alter: inflict pain; Force lightning
Control and Sense: lightsaber combat, projective telepathy
This character is Force-sensitive.
Force Points: 2
Dark Side Points: 12
Character Points: 18
Move: 10
Equipment: Lightsaber (5D damage), imperial uniform, datapad, blaster pistol (4D damage), comlink, Imperial ID, 100 credits.

While not on flight duty for the Fury, an Imperial Star Destroyer, second lieutenant Rath Dareborn is a variable-Rage alcoholic. Picked purposely for his inner "fire," Rath is one of the stronger and more trained executors of the Order. Smart, fast, and always willing for a fight, Rath grew up in the slums of Coruscant. His lucky break came when an SAgroup member picked him up off the street.

There he quickly fell in line with the Empire's propaganda and became an unquestioning follower. He even tested for placement within the Empire as soon as he was old enough. As soon as he was tested, Rath was immediately picked out of a group of 1,000 candidates for the Imperial Navy. His test scores for admittance are still one of the highest in the Imperial Navy.

There he spent another 4 years of training and eventually was assigned to the Fury, where he commands a wing of TIE Advanced fighters.

There are even darker rumors that these individuals, although able to give orders and gain access to datafiles, are walking time bombs. For if any of these "Shadows" as they are called, fail to serve the Emperor, or step over a boundary, a time bomb in their head can be activated to kill the individual wherever they are in the known galaxy. This is the Emperor's ultimate form of security, because the Order of Justice is able to hold so much power.

Yes, My Master

"Step forward, Inquisitor Iltor."

"Thank you, my master. What is thy bidding?"

"As a member of the Order of Inquisitors, I have picked you to solve a problem which requires your special talents. Just two days ago an underground cell of rebel agents infiltrated a military base with the aid of a man on the inside — one whose past actions have proven his treason a hundred times over, but one, until now, I have been unable to identify. I want you, Inquisitor Iltor, to go out and bring me the head of this man. I also want you to personally hunt down and kill the rebel cell. You are also instructed to destroy all data files and execute all ranking members of the military base. New personnel will arrive when this is done. Any questions?"

"Just one, my lord. I'll need to know the age of this man."

"Yes, let's see… your son is 28 standard years of age… any other questions, Inquisitor Iltor?"

"No. I will begin immediately."

"See that you do, inquisitor, otherwise it will be difficult for me to fill your position."

"Yes, my master."

Dark Jedi Creed

When creating his Dark Jedi Knights, the Emperor made sure to also set about a side of rules that his Dark Jedi should follow to keep from the problems that plagued the Light Jedi. By defining these rules, he set about the way of organizing his dark followers so that they could be more efficient, and reliable. It proved extremely effective, for they enabled the different branches to work together for a common purpose.

No Dark Jedi Shall Slay Another Dark Jedi. Simply put, whatever their origin, Dark Jedi see themselves as a special breed. One may agree with another Dark Jedi's motives, or damn them for the manner in which they act, but no Dark Jedi may ever take up arms against a fellow hunter. This law applies only to those who follow the creed, for many Dark Jedi constantly fight each other to move up in position, or power. The Emperor does not punish those who break this creed if it is found that the dead Dark Jedi was indeed not following imperial law. Indeed, the Emperor set nearly unattainable goals to watch his men struggle to achieve them — by doing so he can keep them under better control. By creating higher and higher circles of elite status it motivates them to push themselves constantly.

No Dark Jedi Shall Refuse to Aid Another. Sometimes, there comes a time when another Dark Jedi requires help from another. Traditionally, Dark Jedi rarely work with one another, but when another does ask for help, it is the creed that the other Dark Jedi does help the other. Whatever personal grievances or animosities may be involved between the two parties, it is known and understood that Dark Jedi take care of their own, even if on a temporary basis. Of course, such assistance is not without its price tag, and the arbitration of payment after the fact can be substantial.

No Dark Jedi Shall Use His Lightsaber or Powers in Direct View of Imperial Citizens. Many Dark Jedi, especially those in the Order of Executor, have little regard for following this creed, but it is almost a way of life for those in the Inquisition sect. Simply put, no Dark Jedi should use his or her powers while in the company of the general populace. This would cause undue attention to the Order, and stir up far more trouble. The Empire cannot afford to have its citizens come up in arms and joining the rebels because of a foolish Dark Jedi using his powers on the streets. Although mind control, and other simple tricks that are not as visible as Force lightning or a lightsaber, are perfectly acceptable — as long as no one notices.

While these simple creeds are "commonly accepted," there continues to exist more than a few Dark Jedi who have little regard for the creed. The Dark Jedi creed remains an attempt at regulating an often nasty business, one far removed from the eyes of "civilized beings." It also remains a loose set of principles that can be, and often is, violated when no one is looking.

Training

When President Palpatine announced that he was now appointed Emperor and that the Republic was to be transformed into an Empire, he defended his position by bringing up the success of the glorious empires of the past. One of the empires he spoke of was the ancient empire of the Sith, which ruled several sectors of the galaxy before the Republic even came into being. Before the expansionist Republic destroyed the Sith empire, it was the most prosperous of civilizations.

Nothing remains of this long-dead society — nothing outside the Emperor's personal collections anyway. However, one world still stands preserved despite centuries of desolation: the planet Korriban. This planet stands silent because it is a Sith tomb world, not the site of a major city or starport. Because it is the final resting place of many Sith nobles, it was left alone for millions of years and its location was never given out. As a result, it remains to this day a preserved monument of a society that made the Dark Side of the Force the cornerstone of its existence.

Emperor Palpatine, in his personal journals, often stated how he desired his Empire to eventually become a dark side theocracy like the Sith empire used to be. Such admiration for the past must be looked at closer. Hence the reason why the world of Korriban is one of the two worlds chosen to serve as training grounds for the Dark Jedi of the Empire.

Training to become a Dark Jedi is both time-consuming and dangerous. Applicants are pushed to the edge of their limits, and beyond. Of the estimated 15% that are considered for application, less than 2 percent ever make it to final training. That is why the majority of Dark Jedi are military personnel, and hardly any are picked out from the general population of possible candidates.

Training is a five-step process:

1. The first part is a standard aptitude test consisting of physical and mental capabilities.
2. Step two goes further, and tests the candidate's ability with the Force. (Note that only Force-sensitive candidates are picked out.)
3. Step three is probably the hardest. Teachers instruct the students to carry out a task, often going along with other Dark Jedi on a typical mission to observe and participate. Many candidates drop out at this point, unable to keep up with the experienced Dark Jedi.
4. Step four includes basic Force and tactics training for Dark Jedi, now that the applicants have shown their worth with an actual mission.
5. Step five pits the candidate on his own, having him do a mission by himself. No help is given during this final test, and if the candidate returns successfully, he or she is then admitted into the Dark Jedi order and placed where the Emperor or his advisors deem fit.

Advanced Training

After being accepted into the ranks of the Dark Jedi, official training actually begins. The first part of training merely weeds out those less fit to become one of the feared members of the Dark Jedi. Normally, after the celebration ceremonies that occur when a Dark Jedi candidate finally passes their final exam, they are immediately thrown into a pit with other Dark Jedi hopefuls. This is the actual final exam, and where the Dark Jedi will get his new rank within the order. It is called the Trial of Possession. The last standing jedi within the pit is promoted to become dark apprentice, and answers directly to the current trainer beneath the dark lord. In turn, the dark apprentice will now command whoever lived through the Trial of Possession and will eventually teach them what his trainer teaches the dark apprentice. In the unfortunate occurrence of the dark apprentice dying, another Trial of Possession occurs. In some classes, there will be only about 2 or 3 total students. This form of weeding out ensures that only the best will become Dark Jedi, and that only a select few actually control. This allows the Emperor to easily control his subjects by having the most experienced and powerful.

As for training, Dark Jedi face a rigorous five-week course that hones all their physical and natural powers. Within this time frame, the current trainer trains the dark apprentice with "key" powers that are fundamental to other powers. These powers — such as life sense, danger sense, concentration, enhance attributes, and injure/kill — give the dark apprentice a good base of skills to teach the others in the class. From there, the trainer allows the dark apprentice to learn whatever suits his fancy. There are several higher classes to learn from, and further hone the dark apprentice's skills. Of these higher classes the dark apprentice can learn the following:

1. Mind: This higher class focuses on concentration, rage, and alter mind skills. By the end of the class, the dark apprentice will be able to fully use his mind to subdue his victims to do his will. It is the second most popular class.
2. Power: This higher class hones the dark apprentice's skills, allowing him to manipulate the Force to do his bidding. It includes such powers as Force lightning and injure/kill. It is the most popular class.
3. Sense: This class is all about magnifying the apprentice's senses, making him a better tracker, fighter, and able to predict his target's next move. It includes skills such as sense path, sense force, and other sense skills.
4. Fighting: This all-around class is a general class that trains the apprentice in the area of fighting; it has bits and pieces from the other classes. Skills taught include lightsaber combat, shift senses, rage, Force lightning and affect mind.

Once the apprentice finishes his higher classes he may opt to stay to learn a second higher class, or advance to a specific area, at which point more skills of that type are taught to the apprentice. During this time, the dark apprentice trains the others in what skills he has learned from the higher classes. At the end of the total course, the dark apprentice may stay, to learn all of the higher classes and become a trainer, or he/she may opt to progress to the Dark Jedi sects, to become an executor, or inquisitor.

After the candidate is placed in a branch of the Dark Jedi, there he or she continues to train and go out on missions when needed. Any previous records of this individual are then kept in a secret vault, that few have access to, in order to retain the trainee's identity as they are placed back into the field. Executors are normally trained on the planet Korriban, while Inquisitors are trained on the planet of Centurios, which lies in a lone star system surrounded by several space drifts and nebulae deep in the Galactic core. It is also rumored that Centurios also holds a huge library of Sith and Dark Jedi artifacts, for Dark Jedi to learn more about the dark side, as well as serving as a research and development site of dark side technology.

The Imperial War Machine

For countless years the Imperial war machine has been the conqueror of star systems, crushing any and all that stand in its way. It is also common knowledge that the Emperor shaped and molded this force to his own will, like a master sword maker. Therefore it is no surprise that many of the Emperor's creations of weapons of mass destruction were only to further the cause of the dark side. He followed what is commonly referred to as the Tarkin Doctrine of "Rule by fear." Along these lines, Emperor Palpatine summoned forth an army of technological nightmares, with one of the most famous being the Death Star. However, he did not stop there — in a quest for control, fear, and power, the Emperor made sure to create and dream up far more horrible monsters and creations that would be able to consume planets in the future. For now, Palpatine was pleased enough to test out his new "toys" as he brought life to them.

These "toys" served the Empire well, as the research into the dark arts and imperial development came up with plans of mass destruction. Many of these included developments like the infamous LV-0DI assassin droid series that singlehandedly wiped out an entire outlying colony, and cloning and genetic research to create better, faster soldiers like stormtroopers, or deadly viruses like the KL-NRVS-3. These too are aspects of the dark side, as these items of destruction create fear and hatred.

Holopicture of an LV-0DI Model 3

Model: Imperial Model LV-0DI
Type: Assassin Droid
Cost: Not for sale
DEXTERITY 4D+2
Blaster 7D, Dodge 6D, Melee Combat 5D, Melee Parry 4D, Missile Weapons 5D
KNOWLEDGE 2D
Intimidation 5D
MECHANICAL 2D
PERCEPTION 2D
Search 3D+2
STRENGTH 3D
Brawling 5D
Equipped With: Humanoid body; broad-band antenna; flame thrower 5D/3D, cone firing 0-2/4, damage 5D first round, 3D each round after, until flames put out; movement sensor (+2D to search for moving objects); repulsor lift engine (move 3, ceiling height 10 meters); internal blaster/missile weapons pod (6D+2, 3-35/125/300; missile 6D/3D/2D, blast radius 0-2/4/6, range 10-25/50/100); retractable vibroblade (STR 3D+2).
Move: 13 (walking, 3 hover)
Size: 2 meters tall

A Sector overseer wanting to eliminate the rebel presence once and for all from an outlying colony developed and built 100 of these units to eliminate all rebel presence within the Narvese colony. He let all of them loose upon the colony and waited. Unfortunately these droids decided that the entire colony were rebels and systematically killed and destroyed all in their path. From there, they expanded their original programming and went out to find other "rebels" to destroy. Only 30 of the original 100 have been destroyed or accounted for.

Cloning Technology

Cloning: the mere mention of the word in the Imperial era brings to mind terrible images of death and destruction by huge armies of unstoppable clones. For centuries it was known that cloning was possible. Once, cloning of animals and creatures was not uncommon, and there were stories of wealthy individuals using clone bodies and organs to greatly extend their lifespan. However, as with all technology, cloning has its own terrible dark side. Many would use it to bring forth armies of darkness to terrorize and despoil the galaxy.

Extremely hard to find now, the parts and components used in the cloning process are carefully controlled by the Empire's military and intelligence sectors. The vats require huge and constant amounts of power, requiring the use of surge controllers and back-up generators, not to mention the extremely controlled environment which the clones-to-be are grown in. Temperature must remain at a constant 50 degrees, no more and no less, while the clones are kept suspended in a nutrient-rich bath — a sort of artificial amniotic fluid — until ready.

Gravity was also an important factor in the growth of the clones. Lighter gravity grew thinner, more fragile clones, that were more suited to piloting a starcraft, while heavier gravity was required to grow a clone of exceptional strength. Powerful computers and a small army of droid attendants were used to ensure that all the clones grew within the rigidly defined parameters required. Entire complexes were built by the Clone Masters specifically for the purpose of growing clones, while other complexes would provide the power, chemicals and parts needed.

Modern technology allows clones to be grown to physical adulthood in just a few weeks. However, producing clones that are mentally stable requires years: usually three to five, and one at the very minimum. There were several incidents in the last days of the Clone Wars when clone batches that were not yet "ripe" were pressed into service by their desperate masters. These insane clones ran amok, destroying friend and foe indiscriminately.

Admiral Thrawn recognized that the stability issue was actually due to how the clone mind interacted with the Force. If the body was grown too fast, the mind didn't have time to "adjust" (like a normal mind does) and went crazy. Thrawn's breakthrough was to use ysalamiri around the vats, removing the interaction between the mind and the Force — and thus the instability associated with quick growth.

Spaarti Cylinder

Type: Cloning vat
Availability: 4, X
Scale: Character
Cost: Not for sale
Game Notes: Each cylinder can hold one clone. Clones can be grown at regular rates (taking a full 20-30 years to mature, just like a normal person) or faster. Speeding up the process can be dangerous without close supervision, leading to deformed or insane clones.

Spaarti cylinders have "growth" dice of 5D. Growing a clone is normally a very easy task, producing an adult body that is stable and ready for training, skill-imprinting or the occasional soul transfer. However, would-be Clone Masters often do not want to wait a lifetime. Clones may be grown in less time by subtracting 1D for every six years and increasing the difficulty to moderate. The absolute minimum time is one day for every two years of physical age. Extra growth dice may be added by using extra-rich nutrient solutions (which increase the cost still further) or by adding dice from an attending person or droid with the (A) medicine skill, up to a maximum of 3D. Ysalamiri add another 3D for purposes of stability.

Example: Bob the Clone Master needs an adult clone and he needs one fast. He decides to risk growing the clone as fast as possible. He has a ysalamiri set up around the cylinder, increasing its growth dice to 8D. He subtracts 5D for thirty years and has 3D left to roll against a moderate difficulty. The roll is a success, and the clone is ready in a mere two weeks.

The nutrient bath required to grow one clone costs 2,000 credits; an extra-rich solution can run as high as 10,000 credits. However, this is usually the easiest part to find compared with a ysalamiri, a scientist who knows how to grow clones, or the cylinders themselves.

Persistent rumor has it that the Empire uses cloning to make stormtroopers. It is said that up to 80% of stormtroopers are clones, with the remainder being recruited from SAGroup.

The Dark One

Jedi Master Gre-Yan-Ollba sat quietly in his room in the Lotus position, attuning himself to the Force. The room shook and the lights flickered ominously; still, through it all he remained motionless. The door opened and a young man in brown and white robes of Jedi of Light came rushing in. It was Gre-Yan's apprentice, Tobias Rynus.

Tobias shook his master roughly. "Wake up, Master! Wake up! The Empire has found us! We must evacuate along with the others!"

Gre-Yan arose slowly. "No, my pupil. He has come for me. I can feel him."

"Who, Master?" Tobias said, fear welling up in his blue eyes.

"The Dark One." Gre-Yan looked at his pupil, realizing his devoted student would not willingly leave his side. "Come then, we must hurry."

Gre-Yan and Tobias walked down the underground passageways toward the asteroid's hidden escape pods. They were met up with several armed Republic soldiers who also were headed for evacuation.

Four meters ahead of them, the metal door to the right blew open! Imperial stormtroopers emerged from the gaping hole. Red bolts of raw energy flew by the two Jedi. Gre-Yan ignited his lightsaber, as did his apprentice, in an attempt to deflect the fire. However, they quickly noticed the troopers were not aiming at them but at the Republic soldiers around them. Before they could even contemplate why, the soldiers around them lay dead. The stormtroopers then formed a skirmishing line blocking the route to the awaiting escape pods.

From the still-smoking doorway emerged an ominous figure. The figure was armored head to boot in shiny metallic armor. Atop his helmet lay a Black Sun encased in a circle of purple, as was the trim of his black loin cloth. From his belt he removed a lightsaber and ignited it. The glowing red beam hummed in his hand.

"So at last the image from my mind has shown its worldly form. You and all Dark Jedi like you shall never prevail," Gre-Yan said.

The figure's voice echoed darkly from behind his faceplate. "Spoken like a true follower of the Light Side. I have heard that from many a Jedi, all of which fell at my hand. It is your turn."

The Dark Jedi moved forward. Gre-Yan moved forward. Tobias attempted to follow his master into battle, but Gre-Yan entered his mind and forbade it, ordering him to run through the blown doorway and escape. Tobias merely stood by and watched in confusion as Gre-Yan's blue blade crashed defensively against the down-swinging red blade.

The blades clashed for several minutes, but after an upswing blow that knocked loose Gre-Yan's saber, followed by a forward thrust from the Dark Jedi, the battle was over. Tobias watched his master crumble to the floor, and his youth and emotion overwhelmed his Jedi Control. With a scream of rage he charged forth with his saber, swinging wildly at the Dark Jedi. Though his rage gave him a temporarily good offense, his inexperience proved to be his downfall.

Tobias fell to his knees, his eyes swollen from tears of rage. The red blade hovered over his head.

"You have much anger in you, young one. Perhaps you can be useful after all. You will soon learn the TRUE nature of the Force and why your Jedi fail time and time again." Having said that, the blade retracted into the shaft.

Tobias looked at the expressionless faceplate, seeing only his reflection in the metal. "I will kill you someday."

"Perhaps. But first you will join us… or die like your master." The Dark Jedi looked at the troopers. "Take him away!"

The Dark Jedi walked over to the fallen Jedi's saber and looked at it momentarily before his black-clad boot fell upon it and smashed the saber casing, destroying it.

— By GRD Darrion Sulco (Krath), Marka Ragnos of Naga Sadow, DC

Chapter Two — The Sith

"Across the reaches of the galaxy, through seas of dark stars, rivers of whispering black shadows from the Republic's ancient past. Evil history we had thought forgotten. The Republic has grown and expanded for many generations, encountering no worse than a few interplanetary squabbles and civil wars… but if we should confront the fabled Sith Empire, we will experience a war so great, so devastating… it can cross the fabric of Hyperspace, a conflagration spanning the galaxy."

— Jedi Master Ooroo

History of the Sith

The Sith were once mighty Jedi of the Republic, brothers in the Force… but the great schism between the Dark Side and the Light turned Jedi against Jedi. The Sith ancestors were defeated, driven off into the far reaches of wildspace — cast out of the Republic forever. But the Jedi were extremely capable and resourceful. They began anew, turning their exile into victory on the far side of the galaxy. The Jedi found virgin territory, unblemished by the ways of the Republic, unknown to the ways of the Force. It was here the Jedi found the Sith people, and were treated as GODS. Centuries passed and the Jedi interbred with the Sith people, while others kept the Jedi bloodline pure — but the rift between the purebloods and the halfbreeds would eventually be the downfall of the Sith.

The Sith Empire

The Sith controlled much of the Wildspace beyond the furthest of the furthest hyperspace beacons. They controlled their empire from the planet Ziost, on the far side of the galaxy. This planet, like all in the Sith Empire, was unmarked on any map to be found in the Old Republic. However, we start the story of the Sith Empire on Korriban. It was on Korriban that the greatest treasure of the entire Sith Empire was to be found: the Sith Lord burial chambers. The burial chambers were hidden in a sheltered canyon full of the Sith tombs and riches, and were guarded by vicious creatures. The Valley of the Dark Lords, as it was known, was the site of the first contact between the Sith Empire and the Old Republic.

The reign of Marka Ragnos had just come to an end, and the great Sith Lord was going to be buried where his spirit could join the other Sith Lords to help guide the followers of the Dark Side who seek him out and forever join the battle between the Light and Dark. Ludo Kressh, a powerful Sith Lord, had the honor of leading the funeral procession. Kressh was of halfbreed lineage. His forefathers, exiled Jedi, had intermingled with the ancient Sith people, producing a dominant Sith race strong in the Force.

The Sith Empire, at this time, was a corrupt entity. It was stagnating, wasting its resources reliving the conquests of old. Ludo Kressh was a philosophical predecessor to Ragnos' ways. Kressh deeply believed that the PAST glory of the Sith should be cherished. He did not wish to change the old ways, or try to reclaim this heritage.

However, just after Ragnos joined his other unliving Sith brethren, a second Sith Lord joined the funeral — Naga Sadow, a rebellious Lord who also claimed the title of the new Dark Lord of the Sith. Naga Sadow believed that the Sith Empire had become stagnant, full of corruption. He wished to expand the boundaries of the Sith Empire, and was at odds with Ludo Kressh. Naga Sadow believed deeply in the ways of his ancestors — the ancient Dark Jedi who were banished from the Old Republic for their belief in the Dark Side. Sadow likened the persecution of the Dark Jedi to his beliefs: the beliefs that the Sith Empire should regain its former glory.

Sadow was also a pureblood Jedi. His ancestors had never interbred with the ancient Sith people. Sadow was strong in the Force. In the ways of the Sith, however, there can be only ONE Dark Lord…

The funeral procession was broken up by the unexpected arrival of two wayward Republic travellers, Gav and Jori Daragon and their ship, Starbreaker 12. Kressh wished to have the "invaders" killed at once. Sadow, however, saw a grand opportunity — a whole new Empire ripe for the conquering.

The Sith council convened on Ziost to decide what to do with the "invaders." Ziost was the central world of the Sith Lords — a neutral planet where the descendants of the powerful, exiled Jedi conducted the business of the Empire. It was on Ziost where the reigning Dark Lord of the Sith reigns.

It was here where the Council of Ten determined the fate of the new arrivals and who should become the new Dark Lord of the Sith. It was Kressh who had the most favor with the Dark Lord, Marka Ragnos, and it was Kressh who held the most respect within the Council. This did not stop Sadow from his plans. He returned to his private stronghold on the dark side of the Ziost moon, Khar Shian. Khar Shian was a place where sunlight never touched, a place as dark as Sadow's heart. A place where Sadow summoned all of his fleet to attack the Council on Ziost. Sadow controlled an entire Massassi army, enough to destroy even Kressh's might.

Naga Sadow

Type: Sith Master
DEXTERITY 3D+2
Archaic Guns 5D+2, Brawling Parry 6D+1, Dodge 9D, Lightsaber 10D, Melee Combat 8D+1, Melee Combat: Sith Swords 12D+2, Melee Parry 7D+1, Missile Weapons 5D+1, Throwing Weapons 4D+2
KNOWLEDGE 3D+1
Alien Species 6D, Bureaucracy 4D, Cultures 5D, Cultures: Sith 14D+1, Intimidation 10D+2, Languages 6D, Planetary Systems 5D, Scholar: Sith Lore 17D, Willpower 7D
MECHANICAL 2D+2
Archaic Starship Piloting 5D, Astrogation 5D+1, Beast Riding 6D, Ground Vehicle Operation 4D, Repulsorlift Operation 6D, Capital Ship Piloting 6D, Capital Ship Gunnery 6D, Capital Ship Shields 3D
PERCEPTION 3D+1
Bargain 5D, Command 10D+2, Command: Massassi 12D+2, Con 8D, Hide 9D, Persuasion 11D+1
STRENGTH 3D
Brawling 6D+2, Climbing/Jumping 7D, Lifting 3D+2, Stamina 9D
TECHNICAL 2D
Armor Repair 5D+2, First Aid 8D, Lightsaber Repair 13D
Special Abilities:
Force Skills: Control 18D+2, Sense 17D, Alter 20D
Naga Sadow has knowledge of all Jedi and Sith Force powers presented within ToTJ as well as those abilities still hidden in ancient Holocrons and tomes.
This character is Force-sensitive.
Force Points: 28
Dark Side Points: 67
Character Points: 51
Move: 10
Equipment: Sith sword (STR+3D+1 damage), Sith amulets for protection & power (+2D to all Force-related skills, and +2D to resist Force powers), robes, Sith jewelry.

Naga Sadow's Meditation Sphere

Craft: Modified Meditation Sphere
Type: Modified Sith Meditation Sphere
Scale: Capital
Length: 250 meters
Skill: Capital ship piloting: meditation sphere
Crew: 25, gunners: 10, skeleton: 25/+20
Crew Skill: Astrogation 3D+1, capital ship gunnery 5D, capital ship piloting 4D+1, capital ship shields 4D, sensors 2D
Passengers: 10
Cargo Capacity: 500 metric tons
Consumables: 3 weeks
Cost: Not for sale
Hyperdrive Multiplier: x6
Hyperdrive Backup: x22
Maneuverability: 2D+2
Hull: 3D
Space: 6
Shields: 3D, backup 2D
Sensors: Passive 20/1D, Scan 45/2D
Weapons:
— 2 Heavy Turbolasers: Fire Arc Forward; Crew 3; Skill Capital Scale Gunnery; Fire Control 2D; Space Range 1-9/17/35; Atmosphere Range 100-350/1.3/2.7 km; Damage 9D.
— Sith Self-Destruct Device: Space Range 1-2/5/10; Damage special. Due to the immense dark powers contained within the sphere that aid the user with illusions, when the sphere is self-destructed, it releases enough energy to set a sun supernova.
Note: This meditation sphere aids with the conjuring of dark illusions. It adds +3D to all Force skills as long as the user remains in concentration.

Sith Battle Cruiser

Craft: Sith Battle Cruiser
Type: Sith cruiser
Scale: Capital
Length: 1,250 meters
Skill: Capital ship piloting: cruiser
Crew: 50, gunners: 30, skeleton: 30/+20
Crew Skill: Astrogation 3D+1, capital ship gunnery 5D, capital ship piloting 4D+1, capital ship shields 4D, sensors 2D
Passengers: 50
Cargo Capacity: 3,000 metric tons
Consumables: 3 weeks
Cost: Not for sale
Hyperdrive Multiplier: x8
Hyperdrive Backup: x22
Maneuverability: 1D+1
Hull: 5D
Space: 5
Shields: 3D
Sensors: Passive 20/1D, Scan 45/2D
Weapons:
— 2 Heavy Turbolasers: Fire Arc Forward; Crew 3; Skill Capital Scale Gunnery; Fire Control 2D; Space Range 1-9/17/35; Atmosphere Range 100-350/1.3/2.7 km; Damage 9D.
— 18 Laser Cannons: Fire Arc 6 front, 4 back, 4 left, 4 right; Crew 1; Scale Starfighter; Skill Starship Gunnery; Fire Control 2D+2; Space Range 1-3/7/10; Atmosphere Range 50-100/250/400 m; Damage 2D+2.
— 3 Tractor Beams: Fire Arc 1 front, 1 left, 1 right; Crew 2; Skill Capital Ship Gunnery; Fire Control 3D; Space Range 1-3/12/20; Atmosphere Range 2-6/15/40 km; Damage 4D+2.
— 6 Drop Ship Pods: Scale Capital; Crew 5; Cargo Space 250 metric tons; Hull 2D+2. Game Notes: Holds up to 1,500 men and equipment or its equivalent. Used for planetary raids.

Sith Attack Fighter

Craft: Sith Attack Fighter
Type: Sith Fighter
Scale: Starfighter
Length: 18 meters
Skill: Starfighter piloting
Crew: 1, gunners 1
Crew Skill: Astrogation 3D, starfighter gunnery 4D, starfighter piloting 4D, sensors 2D
Passengers: None
Cargo Capacity: 300 kilograms
Consumables: 1 week
Cost: Not for sale
Hyperdrive Multiplier: None
Hyperdrive Backup: —
Maneuverability: 2D+2
Hull: 3D
Space: 4
Sensors: Passive 10/0D, Scan 30/1D
Weapons:
— 2 Heavy Laser Cannons: Fire Arc Forward; Crew 1; Skill Starfighter Gunnery; Fire Control 1D+2; Space Range 1-3/7/10; Atmosphere Range 50-100/250/400 m; Damage 4D+1.
— 2 Light Laser Cannons: Fire Arc Front; Crew 1; Scale Starfighter; Skill Starship Gunnery; Fire Control 1D+1; Space Range 1/3/5; Atmosphere Range 10-50/100/200 m; Damage 1D+1.

Core Galaxy Systems Dreadnaught (Republic)

Craft: Core Galaxy Systems Dreadnaught
Type: Republic Dreadnaught
Scale: Capital
Length: 1,000 meters
Skill: Capital ship piloting: cruiser
Crew: 40, gunners: 20, skeleton: 25/+15
Crew Skill: Astrogation 3D, capital ship gunnery 4D+2, capital ship piloting 3D+2, capital ship shields 4D, sensors 2D+2
Passengers: 50
Cargo Capacity: 3,000 metric tons
Consumables: 3 weeks
Cost: 1,000,000 credits (new), 800,000 (used)
Hyperdrive Multiplier: x10
Hyperdrive Backup: x22
Maneuverability: 1D
Hull: 6D
Space: 6
Shields: 3D; 4D backup
Sensors: Passive 20/1D, Scan 45/2D
Weapons:
— 4 Heavy Turbolasers: Fire Arc Forward; Crew 3; Skill Capital Scale Gunnery; Fire Control 1D; Space Range 1-8/15/30; Atmosphere Range 100-300/1.2/2.5 km; Damage 9D.
— 20 Laser Cannons: Fire Arc 7 front, 3 back, 5 left, 5 right; Crew 1; Scale Starfighter; Skill Starship Gunnery; Fire Control 2D+2; Space Range 1-3/7/10; Atmosphere Range 50-100/250/400 m; Damage 2D+1.
— 4 Tractor Beams: Fire Arc 1 front, 1 back, 1 left, 1 right; Crew 2; Skill Capital Ship Gunnery; Fire Control 3D; Space Range 1-3/12/20; Atmosphere Range 2-6/15/40 km; Damage 4D+2.

Republic Galaxy Defender Starfighter

Craft: Republic Galaxy Defender Starfighter
Type: Starfighter
Scale: Starfighter
Length: 18 meters
Skill: Starfighter piloting
Crew: 1, gunners 1
Crew Skill: Astrogation 4D, starfighter gunnery 4D+1, starfighter piloting 4D+1, sensors 2D+2
Passengers: None
Cargo Capacity: 150 kilograms
Consumables: 1 week
Cost: Not for sale
Hyperdrive Multiplier: None
Hyperdrive Backup: —
Maneuverability: 2D
Hull: 2D+2
Space: 4
Sensors: Passive 10/0D, Scan 30/1D
Weapons:
— 2 Heavy Laser Cannons: Fire Arc Forward; Crew 1; Skill Starfighter Gunnery; Fire Control 1D+2; Space Range 1-3/7/10; Atmosphere Range 50-100/250/400 m; Damage 4D+1.
— 2 Light Laser Cannons: Fire Arc Front; Crew 1; Scale Starfighter; Skill Starship Gunnery; Fire Control 1D+1; Space Range 1/3/5; Atmosphere Range 10-50/100/200 m; Damage 1D+1.

Teta Defenders

During the tremendous fighting on Teta, as Sith forces attacked the planet, Teta defenders made up a vast number of the Teta's planet-bound fighting forces. Wearing similar clothing to Republic assault troops, most of the Teta forces were extremely hardened by years of constant power struggles and countless other "military actions" when the Sith forces landed. This made them extremely formidable enemies for the Sith forces to overcome. These defense fighters are not only trained to fight; they are taught all manner of combat techniques. Hand-to-hand, blaster pistol, grenade, and heavy weapons training are just some of the areas these soldiers are expected to excel in.

DEXTERITY 3D
Blaster 4D, Dodge 4D, Grenade 3D
KNOWLEDGE 1D+1
MECHANICAL 1D+1
PERCEPTION 2D
STRENGTH 3D+1
Brawling 4D
TECHNICAL 1D+2
Heavy Weapons 3D
Equipment: Light combat armor (provides 1D to all areas); melee weapon (STR+1D+1 damage)

Teta Gunners

Just as important in the battle for their world, Teta Gunners saw more than their fair share of combat in defense of their world. Instrumental in thinning the ranks of the countless Sith fighters that poured over the skies above, they also used the massive guns in a brilliant move to fire upon the ugly huge beasts and countless Massassi warriors that tried to take over the planet. Many say that if the gunners were not so instrumental in defense of their homeworld, the Sith forces would have easily overrun and taken over the whole planet.

DEXTERITY 2D+2
Blaster 3D+2, Dodge 3D
KNOWLEDGE 1D+1
MECHANICAL 3D
Starship Gunnery 5D
PERCEPTION 1D+1
STRENGTH 1D+1
TECHNICAL 2D+1
Heavy Weapons 4D+2
Equipment: Light combat armor (provides 1D to all areas); melee weapon (STR+1D+1 damage)

Behemoth, War Beast

Found on the distant green world of Rathroth, these monstrous beasts skulk about the large forest of Rathroth, their massive bodies destroying the flora underfoot. With two large and dangerous tusks and a thick skin, as well as thick bone plate that protects its head, the Behemoth is the undisputed king of the forest. Standing a massive 15 meters tall, these huge creatures roam about their native home world feeding off the abundant flora and grasses. Although ill-tempered, these huge beasts are prized for their size, as well as for use in ground assault. Normally, a small "pill box" is placed upon the back of the beast providing a mobile attack platform.

Type: Armored War Beast
Scale: Walker
Length: 23 meters
Skill: Beast riding: war beast
Crew: 2, gunners 2 (pill box only)
Crew Skill: Beast riding: war beast 6D+2, heavy weapons 3D+2, melee 4D, blasters 4D+1
Passengers: None
DEXTERITY 1D+2
Dodge 3D+1
PERCEPTION 2D+2
STRENGTH 8D
Brawling 11D+1, Lifting 9D, Stamina 9D
Orneriness 4D+2
Special Abilities:
— Tusks: Behemoths have huge tusks that they use to gore the enemy; these strong tusks do STR+2D+2 damage. They also have huge claw-like feet that do STR+3D crush damage.
— Thick Skin: Behemoths have very thick skin that provides +1D to their Strength roll vs. damage.
— Bony Head: The Behemoth has a very bony head that provides +2D to its Strength roll vs. damage.
— Sharp Beak: Behemoths have a sharp beak that does STR+1D damage.
Weapons (Pill Box): 2 Light Laser Cannons — Fire Arc: Forward, Rear; Crew: 1; Skill: Heavy Weapons; Fire Control: 1D+1; Atmosphere Range: 10-50 / 100 / 200 meters; Damage: 2D+1; Scale: Walker; Armor: 4D (walker).

Yzzzck, War Beast

These strange creatures, natives of the poisonous swamps of Del'Rath, are probably one of the most gruesome and hideous alien creatures ever found. They have a large mouth covered with smaller feeders that they use to catch their prey, and a huge mouth that crushes their food up using sticky acidic-like digestive juice. Although somewhat mindless, Yzzzcks make for excellent war beasts and are easily trainable — if you can manage to find and catch one hiding in the swamps of Del'Rath.

Type: Monstrous Alien War Beast
Scale: Walker
Length: 40 meters (stands 20 meters tall)
Skill: Beast riding: war beast
DEXTERITY 1D+2
Dodge 3D+1, Spit 5D
PERCEPTION 2D+2
STRENGTH 6D
Brawling 8D+1, Swimming 8D
Special Abilities:
— Digestive Fluids: Any unfortunate creature caught by a Yzzzck is promptly devoured and eaten. Yzzzcks often hurl large balls of the sticky substance at their food. The digestive juices do 3D damage, with +1D damage each following round until the creature covered in the fluids is dead, or manages to get the sticky fluid off them.
— Spit: Range 0-5 / 20 / 50; damage 3D, +1D each following round; skill: Spit.
— Poison Glands: Several sub-species of Yzzzck exist, and amongst these is a rare type of Yzzzck that has developed poison glands. The poison is mixed in with the digestive fluid, and inflicts even more damage: a Yzzzck with poison glands causes 5D damage, with +2D damage each following round.
— Huge Maw: The Yzzzck has a huge gaping mouth which it uses mainly to feed on its prey. It causes STR+2D damage in addition to its digestive fluids eating away at its prey.
— Intimidation: Due to their natural size and fearsome appearance, a Yzzzck causes 4D intimidation against those within 50 meters of the creature. Those who fail to make their first willpower test break and run. Those who pass the test may continue to fight normally.

Sadow freed Gav and Jori and murdered the head of the Council in the process. However, the entire operation was made to look like the Republic "invaders" did it themselves. This was all Sadow needed. He returned to the Council, declaring himself Dark Lord. This splintered the Council, with Kressh dissenting. Kressh took his followers, leaving Sadow with four of the other Lords on his side. But this was enough.

Sadow underwent the ancient ritual to become the new Dark Lord of the Sith. On Ziost, he was exposed to the ancient Dark Force of the Sith, gaining power unmatched by any in the whole galaxy.

Using this new power, Sadow quickly corrupted Gav Daragon, teaching him some ways of the Sith while at the same time gleaning all of his knowledge about the Old Republic. It was time for Sadow to put his plans in motion. Again, he used his tricks and staged an attack on Ziost, making it look like a Republic attack. He stole Starbreaker 12 from its impound hangar — giving Sadow access to the nav coordinates of his new conquest: the Old Republic.

However, Kressh found Sadow out and staged a massive assault on Sadow's home-world, Khar Delba. Unbeknownst to Kressh, however, Khar Delba was only a decoy for Naga Sadow. Sadow's main assault force was hidden on Khar Shian. Sadow caught Kressh completely by surprise, eliminating the bulk of Kressh's forces. During the battle, but exactly as Sadow had planned, Jori escaped the Sith Empire, fleeing back to the Old Republic. However, Gav was left behind.

Now, with Kressh's forces completely destroyed, Naga Sadow was the undisputed Dark Lord of the Sith. He focused the entire might and power of the Sith Empire into building a fleet to conquer the Old Republic. He had one last trick up his sleeve — a homing beacon hidden on Jori's ship. A beacon which Sadow would use to find and destroy the Republic.

Ziost Planetary Data

Type: Terrestrial plains
Temperature: Temperate
Atmosphere: Type I (Breathable)
Hydrosphere: Moderate
Gravity: Standard
Terrain: Urban, plains
Length of Day: 28 standard hours
Length of Year: 364 standard hours
Sapient Species: Sith, Half-Sith, Humans
Starport: 1 Imperial class
Population: 3 billion
Planet Function: Sector Capital, manufacturing, trade
Government: Dark Side theocracy
Tech Level: Space
Major Exports: None
Major Imports: None

War!

Naga Sadow struck. He hit the heart of the Old Republic with the might of tens of thousands of Sith vessels — the entire might of the Sith Empire. All of the Republic's territory was hit, from Empress Teta's systems to Coruscant itself. But the battle was fought most fiercely on Koros Major, the homeworld of Gav and Jori. It was here that the two finally met for the last time — Gav, traitor to the Republic, and Jori, Jedi-in-training. It was too much for Gav to bear, and he fled in the Sith flagship. The ship had a pre-programmed set of nav coordinates; it fled to Primus Goluud, an unstable red giant star. It was here that Naga Sadow would unleash his most terrible weapon of the Sith. It was here that Jori followed her brother.

Naga Sadow was using his Sith magic to ignite the star, forcing it to go supernova and wiping out thousands of Republic systems in the process. Gav convinced Jori that he could stop Sadow, and he was persuaded to return to the battle at Koros Major. The thought of losing all he loved was too much for Gav Daragon, and he attacked Sadow's vessel, disabling it near Primus Goluud. However, Gav went to meet Sadow, who tricked him one last time. Sadow snuck aboard Gav's ship and left him stranded near the star, inside Sadow's ship — a bomb waiting to go off. Gav ignited the bomb, taking most of Sadow's fleet with him.

Sadow, however, escaped back to the Sith Empire, his fleet in ruins. Because of his failure, Naga Sadow was stripped of his title and power of Dark Lord. The remaining Sith Lords exiled Sadow, as his ancient Jedi forefathers were exiled before him. During his exile, the Republic hunted down the Sith to their source, the Sith Empire. The Republic was merciless in their attack. All of the Sith were destroyed, save Naga Sadow and his remaining Massassi Warriors. Sadow escaped to a remote planetary moon — the Fourth Moon of Yavin.

Massassi Warrior (Pre-Exar Kun)

Attribute Dice: 11D
Height: 1.3–1.5 meters
DEXTERITY 2D / 3D+1
KNOWLEDGE 2D / 2D+2
MECHANICAL 1D+1 / 2D
PERCEPTION 1D+2 / 3D
STRENGTH 2D / 3D
TECHNICAL 1D / 2D
Move: 10
Force Sensitive: Yes
Story Factors: Massassi warriors are the descendants of ancient Sith warriors that were first found by the Jedi seeking a new place to practice their dark arts. These warriors somehow were interconnected to the dark side of the Force, and were able to contact it directly by use of arcane rituals and rites. Massassi skin is a slight red color, and their eyes are typically black. Massassi are typical hunters, and are skilled in all sorts of non-ranged weapons; however, Massassi are somewhat curious and are able to figure out how to use a blaster given enough time.
Special Skills: All Massassi are in some way interconnected to the dark side, and as such are Force-sensitive. This allows them to contact the dark side far easier. However, this comes at a cost: because of this interconnection to the dark side of the Force, Massassi are much more likely to fall to the dark side. Starting characters start with 1 Dark Side Point. Calling upon the dark side is one level easier, and add 1 to rolls when testing if the character has fallen to the dark side.
Common Equipment: Sith pike, sword, clothing

Massassi Warrior (After 400 Years)

Attribute Dice: 12D
Height: 1.3–1.5 meters
DEXTERITY 2D / 3D+2
KNOWLEDGE 1D / 1D+2
MECHANICAL 1D / 1D+2
PERCEPTION 2D+1 / 4D
STRENGTH 2D+2 / 5D+1
TECHNICAL 1D / 1D+2
Story Factors: After being stranded on Yavin 4 for nearly 400 years, the dark side of the Force has taken its toll on the remaining warriors. They are stronger and more agile centuries later, but due to the primitive conditions on Yavin 4 the Massassi have lost the abilities to write or use advanced tools. Their behavior and manner is that of a primitive tribe of warriors, similar to the original Massassi when the Jedi first found them.
Common Equipment: Sling (STR+2D damage), pole (STR+1D damage), clothing

The Sith Empire was destroyed. The Dark Lord of the Sith, Naga Sadow, had seen to that. His failed invasion of the Old Republic had caused a quick and brutal retaliation which utterly destroyed the Sith. Only Naga Sadow survived, with a small portion of his Massassi Warrior army. It was to the fourth moon of Yavin that Sadow fled.

Yavin 4 was a lush and tropical jungle moon. However, the peace and tranquility would be forever interrupted by the arrival of Naga Sadow. Sadow wasted not a moment in recreating his home on Khar Delba. Sadow instructed his Massassi Warriors to construct mammoth Sith architecture, including the large ziggurats, pyramids, temples and towers of the Sith culture. It was here that Sadow conducted his monstrous experiments on Sith alchemy. Sadow instructed the Massassi to build the most glorious and evil temple that rivaled those in the Sith Empire — the result was Sadow's Temple of Fire.

Sadow, however, would not live to see his work unleashed on an unsuspecting galaxy. Sadow would die, the last of the true Sith, leaving only the Massassi Warriors in his wake. Sadow's influences would, however, doom Exar Kun and the galaxy to a great Sith War nearly five hundred years later.

The Jedi Council, knowing that Naga Sadow had escaped, instituted a secret Jedi class within their own structure. The Jedi Order of Sadow Hunters was entrusted with the task of hunting down and destroying the last remaining Dark Lord of the Sith. The "Sadows," as they were known in the Council, were led by Jedi Master Dojo-Siosk Baas. For three hundred years, the Sadows hunted and searched for Naga Sadow to the very ends of the galaxy. It was then, and due to the emergence of Darth Warb and Dark Lord Urr, that the Sadows' mandate was changed. The Jedi Council, believing Naga Sadow to be dead, charged the Sadows with hunting down and destroying ANY and ALL Sith influences. They then took the new title, "Jedi Shadow." The Shadows would forever stand watch for the return of the Sith.

The Code of the Jedi Shadow

Peace rules emotion.
Knowledge replaces ignorance.
Serenity calms passion.
Harmony eases chaos.
Light destroys darkness.

But Naga Sadow was not the only Sith influence acting against the Light. The Sith invasion had reawakened the shadow of the Dark Side in people all throughout the galaxy. Every would-be-god was scouring the galaxy, racing the Old Republic to acquire the Sith artifacts. After the Sith invasion, many of their warships were downed on thousands of thousands of planets. The Sith influence would not die with the destruction of the Empire. In fact, with their destruction, the Sith had become more powerful than anyone could have imagined. They were no longer myths or fantasies — their wrecked remains could be found even on Coruscant in the Galactic Core.

For nearly fifty years after the destruction of the Sith Empire, the Jedi were strained to the limit. Every would-be-adventurer and explorer was out looking for Sith artifacts, which many of them found. The Sith power was too great, and these people fell to the Dark Side. These people were the cause of a number of minor and major skirmishes and battles against the Jedi. Collectively, the whole group of battles would be classified as the Great Sith Hunt. But there was a greater threat brewing…

The Order of the Sith

Failed Jedi Knight Nullus Skarr had already fallen to the Dark Side. He was too impulsive, too unrestrained to stay in the Light Side of the Force. The Sith, however, were a perfect match. Unlike many of the explorers of the Great Sith Hunt, Skarr did his searching methodically. He scoured the far reaches of the galaxy, until he stumbled on the great Sith burial grounds on Korriban. It was here that Skarr uncovered the greatest threat the galaxy had ever known. Skarr embraced the spirits of the long-dead Dark Lords. It was here that they instructed him in the ways of the ancient Sith power. It was here that a new Dark Lord was born. Skarr had uncovered the Sith tomes of combat, and had fashioned a dark, evil suit made from Sith ore. Forevermore, Jedi Knight Nullus Skarr would be known as the new Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Warb.

The ancient spirits entrusted Warb with the duty of recreating the Sith. It was a task that Warb was made for. He quickly found others to join the new Order — the Order of the Sith. People had grown dissatisfied with the Old Republic. Just like the ancient Jedi had rebelled against the Light and were exiled for their beliefs, just like Naga Sadow rebelled against the Sith Empire for being too stagnant, the people of the Old Republic EMBRACED the ways of the Sith. A new schism in the Force happened, as Jedi killed master… the Sith Order had grown out of control.

The Order, led by Darth Warb, conquered system after system with the help of the powers of the Sith. But, like the destruction of the Sith Empire, this new Order would not be stopped from the outside — it would be stopped from within. The Old Republic had entrusted explorer Keena Hest with trying to find the source of Warb's power. The Jedi Council sent Jedi Knight Daars Ungo to safeguard the Republic explorer. The two had previously tried to document and collect artifacts left over from the invasion. While they both encountered many artifacts, both were strong-willed and were not influenced by the Dark Side.

However, as Jedi Ungo helplessly watched Darth Warb slowly conquer system after system, he developed a new course of action. Daars Ungo, known for his solid character and reputation, would willfully embrace the Dark Side. He had counted on the Light to bring him back. Ungo had access to a volume of Sith artifacts unmatched by any save Darth Warb himself. This would be the first time a Jedi would embrace the Dark Side to help the Light — but it would not be the last. Luke Skywalker, some four thousand years later, would try the same tactic.

In the end, Ungo and Warb fought on Korriban — and both were destroyed. The victory was too much for Jedi Knight Daars Ungo. But he would forever be remembered for his victory over the Sith Order. But the damage had been done — the Sith Order had planted its seeds in the minds of evil beings everywhere.

Sith Empire

The Sith Empire had been destroyed for a thousand years. The new Sith Order had been sent into hiding for nearly five hundred years. The Sith had been wiped out of the galaxy. However, there must be balance. This time, it was the Jedi who were to blame…

"Time and again, throughout the eons, the power of the Dark Side of the Force has advanced with the fury of a storm, sweeping up star system after star system. Only in great conflagration were the forces of the Dark Side defeated… has come before, and it will come again. Do NOT underestimate its power. That is why I have devoted my life to teaching Jedi Knights, to strengthen the Light Side against the tide of darkness that is sure to come."

— Vodo-Siosk Baas, Jedi Master

However, was Master Baas strengthening the Jedi, or would he ultimately destroy them? Master Baas taught his students about the Sith and of the Dark Lord that got away…

"The Dark Lords were powerful Jedi Knights who used the Dark Side of the Force to master the Sith people. There could be but one Dark Lord at a time… This lineage was passed from one generation to the next. It is said their mummified remains are preserved forever on a hidden world, in monumental temples they constructed to honor themselves."

With these words, the wise, all-knowing Jedi Master had doomed the galaxy forever. He had implanted the shadow of darkness in one of his students' minds. This student was Exar Kun. And Exar Kun would want to know more about the Sith…

"Hear me, oh Jedi… It is an ill-fated time for Sith sorcerer Naga Sadow — exiled by his Dark Lord, branded a criminal by the Republic, he flees across the galaxy, desperate to escape. His antiquated Corsair passes under the Denarii Nova, a rare double star. The guns of the Republic warships spell certain doom for this self-proclaimed Dark Lord and his confederates — but Sith magicians play by different rules… The smaller Denarii Star feeds on gases stolen from its larger brother. Periodically, in the natural order of the universe, great flares of burning gases pass from one star to another… However, the fleeing Sith care nothing for the natural order of the universe… Indeed, the Sith sorcerers believe the universe belongs to THEM. Naga Sadow considered the death of the star system a small price for his own survival."

Chapter Three — The Krath

"Greetings Jedi… I am here to warn you… you must not interfere with the work of the Dark Side. The Sith are destined to rise again. Nothing can prevent that. Arca cannot interfere with the dead… nor can he help YOU, poor Jedi, to avoid your destiny… You will be one of the GREAT ONES… and there is another even greater than you."

— Warning of Freedon Nadd

The New Menace — The Krath

Since the Unification Wars over a thousand years earlier, the Empress Teta system had changed drastically. Forever ruled by nobility, the old ways had run amok. The seven worlds of the Empress Teta system had become stagnant — like the Sith Empire some thousand years earlier, like the Old Republic some five hundred years earlier, the Tetans took the Light for granted.

The descendants of the great Empress Teta continued to rule the Seven Worlds, but they have been forced to share power with the commercial interests that developed the carbonite mines — it had been an unholy alliance for the Empress Tetans, a trade federation out of control. The Carbonite Guild and the Tetan Royalty were a tightly knit group — arrogant and ruthless.

Their sons and daughters were a self-indulgent lot, with much leisure time on their hands… and anger in their hearts. This anger and hatred would be cause for a whole galaxy to suffer. Many months ago, to amuse themselves, these bored young aristocrats began dabbling in the lore of primitive magic. They formed a secret society which they called The Krath, named for a demon from the fairy tales of their youth. On a trip to Coruscant and Onderon, in search of Dark Side lore, Krath adepts Satal and Aleema stumbled on secrets… Sith secrets.

The political coup of The Krath was no lark — it had all of the planning and strategy worthy of Dark Side masterminds, worthy of the Sith. Four hundred years earlier, during the Great Sith Hunt, a Dark Jedi named Freedon Nadd had introduced the Sith teachings to the planet Onderon. Nadd's dark-side powers took hold on the isolated world, and flourished unchecked until Jedi Master Arca brought together a band of Jedi to root it out. Now, four hundred years later, Freedon Nadd's undying spirit has taken hold of two new disciples — Satal and Aleema.

The coup of the Empress Teta System had not gone unnoticed by the Jedi Council. Master Arca was again instructed to determine the cause of this disturbance. Arca and his band — Ulic and Cay Qel-Droma, Nomi Sunrider, Tott Doneeta, Dace Diath, Shoanes Culu, Oss Wilum, and Qrrrl Toq — were dispatched at once to Onderon to root out the cause of the coup.

Aleema and Satal

Cousins and heirs to the Tetan monarchy in the Empress Teta System, this pair were never really deemed Dark Jedi, but they used the power of the Dark Side and Sith Magic to overthrow the reigning Tetan monarchs and claim control of the Empress Teta System for their group known as the Krath.

Born into one of the more prominent and wealthy families, Aleema and Satal had become bored with the every-day "boring" life of countless parties, hunting trips, lavish houses and the like. However, on one of their trips they found and stole an ancient Sith book kept on display on Onderon. Enticed by the lore and glamour of primitive magic that they found on the planet of Onderon and within the Sith book that they stole, the two quickly fell to the Dark Side, and soon spread its corruption amongst their friends and other young nobles that were also bored and shared the same vision of power and wealth that they had, eventually forming a secret society called the Krath, after a demon from the fairy tales of their youth.

Aleema

Type: Krath Sorceress
DEXTERITY 3D
Dodge 6D, Melee Combat 4D+2, Melee Parry 4D+1
KNOWLEDGE 3D+2
Bureaucracy 5D+2, Bureaucracy: Tetan 8D, Intimidate 5D+1, Scholar: Sith Lore 7D+1, Willpower 6D+2
MECHANICAL 2D+1
PERCEPTION 3D
Bargain 5D+2, Command 7D, Con 6D+2, Persuasion 8D
STRENGTH 2D+2
TECHNICAL 3D+1
Special Abilities:
Force Skills: Control 5D+1, Sense 6D+2, Alter 6D+1
Control: absorb/dissipate energy, accelerate healing, concentration, control pain, emptiness, enhance attribute, hibernation trance, rage, reduce injury, resist stun
Sense: danger sense, life detection, life sense, magnify senses, receptive telepathy, sense Force potential, shift sense, translation
Alter: bolt of hatred, dark side web, telekinesis
Control and Sense: farseeing, projective telepathy
Control and Alter: Force lightning, inflict pain, Force explosion
Control, Sense, and Alter: affect mind, Force illusion
Sense and Alter: dim other's senses, lesser Force shield
This character is Force-sensitive.
Force Points: 3
Dark Side Points: 8
Character Points: 22
Move: 10
Equipment: Clothing, expensive jewelry.

Satal

Type: Krath Sorcerer/Warrior
DEXTERITY 4D
Dodge 7D, Melee Combat 7D+2, Melee Parry 5D+1
KNOWLEDGE 3D
Bureaucracy 5D, Bureaucracy: Tetan 6D, Intimidate 7D+1, Scholar: Sith Lore 5D+1, Willpower 5D+2
MECHANICAL 2D+2
PERCEPTION 3D
Bargain 4D+2, Command 6D, Con 5D+2, Persuasion 6D
STRENGTH 3D+1
Brawling 4D
TECHNICAL 2D
Special Abilities:
Force Skills: Control 3D+1, Sense 3D+2, Alter 3D+1
Control: absorb/dissipate energy, accelerate healing, concentration, control pain, rage, detoxify poison
Sense: life detection, life sense, receptive telepathy
Alter: telekinesis
Control and Sense: projective telepathy
This character is Force-sensitive.
Force Points: 2
Dark Side Points: 4
Character Points: 12
Move: 10
Equipment: Clothing, expensive jewelry, blaster (5D)

The coup turned into a full-fledged war when the Jedi were unable to stop the chain of events. The Republic and the Jedi sent in a joint war fleet to subdue the Krath Rebellion and to contain it within the Empress Teta system. They failed.

Arca and the Jedi had already assumed that the Sith had influence due to Freedon Nadd's history with the planet. It was here that Ulic Qel-Droma reached a turning point in his life — and the galaxy's. Ulic had gone to inspect some of the remaining Sith artifacts which were being packed for shipment to the Jedi archives on Ossus. He had sensed one Sith amulet in particular — the amulet of Freedon Nadd…

At this same time, Exar Kun had grown bored with the teachings of Vodo-Siosk Baas. It was here that, in an impulsive rage, Exar Kun would have slain his Jedi sister Sylvar were it not for Master Vodo's interruption. Master and student dueled, and Exar Kun displayed an immense power in the Force — yet, as Master Baas noted, was lacking any light in his heart. Exar Kun left his Jedi training and went to Onderon where he met up with Master Arca…

"Everything I know about you I have learned through the Force. I know that your fascination with Darkside things has already led you into a lie…"

In the heat of the battle, Exar Kun braved the Onderon wilderness to the location of Arca's presence years before — to the tomb of Freedon Nadd. It was here that Exar Kun breached the tomb of Mandalorian iron, breached the walls of the Sith tomb, and reclaimed the evil heritage of the Sith Order. Exar Kun found scrolls hidden on Nadd's long-decayed body — scrolls leading to the dark master of Freedon Nadd, leading to the last home of the Sith, leading to the last great battle of the last great war: the tombs of Korriban.

Here on Korriban, Exar Kun was transformed. He was forever tainted by the Dark Side. Freedon Nadd had given him the knowledge unmatched by any in the galaxy. Knowledge the Jedi Council was unable to uncover, knowledge the Jedi Shadows never found, knowledge of the last great Dark Lord of the Sith — NAGA SADOW.

Ulic Qel-Droma had also headed back to Onderon. He had a different goal. Like Jedi Knight Daars Ungo before him, Ulic Qel-Droma was heading head-first into the darkness. Like Jedi Knight Daars Ungo, the darkness would ultimately destroy him. Qel-Droma succeeded in stopping the Krath, but his plan had taken its toll. Ulic's brother, Cay, had been horribly disfigured. Ulic's Master Arca had been slain. Ulic himself had gone too far into the darkness, having been influenced by Satal and Aleema's Sith artifacts.

After ending the reign of the Krath, finally they met: Ulic Qel-Droma, student of the Dark Side, and Exar Kun, Sith Adept.

Exar Kun had gone to Yavin 4 to complete his training. He had uncovered Sadow's Temple of Fire, he had survived the remaining Massassi Warriors left there, and he had survived Naga Sadow's dark experiments. He had gained much power — and he had gained an artifact of immense power, the Focus of Naga Sadow. Like the ancient Dark Jedi of myth, Dark Jedi Exar Kun enslaved the Massassi, who believed him to be a god. Exar Kun instructed the Massassi to reconstruct the Sith temples of old. With his training complete, Exar Kun headed back to Onderon to finish what Satal and Aleema had started — Exar Kun was going to renew the Sith Order.

A Dark Alliance

"And so two there were… master and apprentice."

The two fought a fierce duel. But during the battle — just as Dark Lord of the Sith Marka Ragnos had brought an end to the battle of Ludo Kressh and Naga Sadow — the undying spirit of Freedon Nadd appeared to Exar Kun and Ulic Qel-Droma and spoke of the glorious power of the Sith…

"CEASE! You of the future… hear me well. The two amulets are joined. The time is upon you. You have chosen… now you ARE the chosen. My power is all that concerns you. You have both found my amulets… and each other. Now the power of these amulets is joined… AND I HAVE COME. I now complete your initiation to the power of the Dark Side… so that you may bring to pass the great destiny foretold…

"Exar Kun, because of you, the Sith will never die… You have rightly earned the title of… DARK LORD OF THE SITH. This other Jedi… Ulic Qel-Droma… he too has taken the dark road… Qel-Droma will be your first and foremost APPRENTICE. By your free choice, both of you have become part of the grand design. In MY time, even as the Galactic Republic battles us to extinction, we now secure the future… WHEN THE SITH WILL TAKE THEIR REVENGE!"

And so, with these words spoken by the spirit of Freedon Nadd, the galaxy would shudder under the weight of the Sith — the galaxy would know a war like no other, a SITH WAR!

The Dark Union

"The Krath Conspiracy must be torn out by its roots before it can spread out to other systems. But the only way that will happen is if one of us joins the Krath… and learns its secrets…"

— The Sith Lords

While Exar Kun was completing his Sith training on Yavin 4, the Krath War of Onderon had boiled out of control. The Jedi Council convened the great Jedi Assembly on Mount Meru of Deneba. During the deliberations regarding the Krath, Ulic Qel-Droma hatched an unexpected plan — a plan based on an earlier battle with the Sith, a plan to destroy the Sith from the inside. Ulic Qel-Droma offered great insight on why Jedi would ever undertake such a mission…

Beginnings of War

While Exar Kun had one plan of conquest, his Dark Side disciple Ulic Qel-Droma had an entirely different one. He had used the Krath adept Aleema's power to conquer the Empress Teta system. Ulic Qel-Droma had become general of Exar Kun's attack fleet, and he was becoming too powerful. But in the turmoil surrounding the Krath Rebellion and subsequent takeover by Ulic Qel-Droma, a new threat was trying to take advantage of the chaos.

The Mandalore Warriors attacked the Empress Teta system with a ferocity unmatched by any in the galaxy. The Mandalore Warriors, led by the great Mandalore himself, had been wanting territory of the Empress Teta system for a long time. Mandalore's sneak attack had been swift and deadly, yet Ulic and the Tetan forces fought him to a standstill. The Mandalore Warriors, holding personal honor above all else, offered Ulic a deal: a battle to the death for the control of whole armies — if Mandalore loses, then Ulic gains the entire might of the armies of Mandalore; if Ulic loses, then the Empress Teta system has a new master.

The battle was a fierce one. The greatest combatant the galaxy has ever seen, the great Mandalore, versus the greatest Dark Jedi the galaxy has ever known. The battle that changed the galaxy was fought on the Plains of Harkul on Kuar, the Mandalore homeworld. For hours, the battle went on, neither wishing to fail, both knowing the price of defeat. Until finally, the power of Mandalore was insignificant to the power of the Force. The awesome power of the greatest fighting force in the known galaxy now belonged to one of the greatest threats the galaxy has ever known.

With the added might of the Mandalorians, Ulic Qel-Droma took it upon himself to speed up his Dark Lord's timetable. His strike at the great Republic Shipyard at Foerost was brutally efficient in its execution. Ulic Qel-Droma, Dark Jedi, had the might of the Mandalore Warriors, the might of the Sith Witch Aleema, and the ultimate power of the Dark Side.

Foerost was one of the oldest and most successful large-scale orbital construction sites. The shipyard builders of Foerost stripped raw materials from the uninhabited planet below and lifted them into high orbit. For centuries, the Foerost shipyards produced a steady stream of advanced warships for the fleet of the Galactic Republic — and in minutes the shipyard was boarded. The cruel battle was over almost as soon as it began.

Foerost Orbital Shipyard

Type: Orbital shipyard
Scale: Capital
Length: 2.5 kilometers
Skill: Capital ship gunnery
Crew: 450, gunners: 200, skeleton: 200/+30
Crew Skill: Capital ship gunnery 5D, capital ship shields 4D+1, sensors 3D+1
Cost: Not for sale
Hull: 8D
Shields: 2D; 3D backup
Sensors: Passive 20/1D, Scan 45/2D
Weapons:
— 4 Heavy Turbolasers: Fire Arc 1 front, 1 left, 1 right, 1 rear; Crew 3; Scale Capital; Fire Control 1D+2; Space Range 1-8/15/20; Damage 9D.
— 40 Laser Cannons: Fire Arc 10 front, 10 left, 10 right, 10 rear; Crew 1; Scale Starfighter; Fire Control 2D+2; Space Range 1-3/7/10; Damage 2D+1.

Ulic Qel-Droma had two armies under his control — the power of the Dark Side to command, the power of the Sith at his fingertips, and now the power of three hundred of the Republic's newest warships. He was not pleased to find out that his master, Dark Lord of the Sith Exar Kun, only had twenty Jedi disciples to corrupt. With the strategic genius of Mandalore on his side, Ulic had grown too big for even a Dark Lord to control. The next target was the center of the Galactic Republic, Coruscant. Ulic Qel-Droma, hero of the Freedon Nadd Uprisings, hero of the Beast Wars of Onderon, was completely under the influence of the Dark Side.

War on Coruscant

Coruscant — only a Jedi filled with the audacity of Dark-Side inspiration would dare to strike the capital world of the Galactic Republic. Ulic's plan was to occupy the Republic War Room and crush the heart of the military command. But, unbeknownst to him, on Coruscant were the very people he originally sought to protect — his brother Cay, and his companion Nomi Sunrider, along with Exar Kun's old Jedi Master Vodo-Siosk Baas and his old companion Sylvar, the lover of one of the Dark Lord's new disciples. The Jedi sensed that the battle would be won or lost at the Coruscant War Room, and there it was they went.

Vodo-Siosk Baas' Oath: "A Jedi has broken our way… this is the time to be firm, not careful!"

The Republic troops were no match for Ulic's armada. Ulic Qel-Droma had made it to the war room, with the Sith Witch Aleema. Ulic had already begun breaking the will of the Republic troops…

"WHO ELSE WILL RESIST MY ORDER?" asked the Dark Jedi.

"I will." It was his brother Cay.

A Jedi standoff — but Ulic could not win. Both Jedi Master Vodo-Siosk Baas and Jedi Knight Nomi Sunrider knew of the "blocking" technique that temporarily severs one's link to the Force. They should know it — it was taught to them by Jedi Master Odan-Urr, bane of the Sith for a thousand years. With the other Jedi adding their power, Ulic Qel-Droma, Dark Jedi and Mandalore Warlord, was subdued.

Jedi Justice

"Ulic Qel-Droma, Jedi and TRAITOR… You will stand trial… and you will be SENTENCED TO DEATH."

It is a hard thing to be a teacher and see your students fail. Jedi Master Vodo-Siosk Baas understood the consequences of this:

"I should have foreseen this war. The storm has come, and I know what is at its heart. Not just a military battle for the dominance of a few worlds — this is a war of Light and Darkness, and at its center is my own student, Exar Kun. As a Jedi Master, I have failed him… Exar Kun defeated me, his own master, in a lightsaber battle… Master Arca dead… while Kun himself fell to the Dark Side. And now, this attack on Coruscant itself. Ulic Qel-Droma has been arrested as the leader of these attacks… but I know better. Ulic is just a victim. I must make things right. I must do something. I must go to the trial of Ulic Qel-Droma. This may be our last chance… This is MY BATTLE…"

While the Jedi were preparing for an event they had not had to deal with in THOUSANDS OF YEARS — the trial of one of their own — others were just as busy. Aleema had taken control of Ulic Qel-Droma's armada. She had turned her back on her leader… on her lover. But who could expect any less from a Sith witch?

However, others did believe in honor. Mandalore had already begun planning for a rescue operation. But before he could analyze how Ulic could have been captured and discover Aleema's treachery, she had him lead an attack on the Republic Jump Station of Kemplex Nine. During the attack, Mandalore left to follow his own plans.

Exar Kun was also planning on taking advantage of the Jedi assembly for the trial. He had an order for his disciples:

Exar Kun's Order to his Disciples: "The time has come for our first and most important strike. The old Jedi Masters are the crumbling foundation of this fossilized order… before we can proceed to our Golden Age, we must REMOVE the foundations… level the field. Make room for the NEW. Go and strike down your own masters! They will suspect nothing… until it is too late. We will be like a knife in the night — FAST AND DEADLY!"

In addition to this, Exar Kun — Jedi Knight, apprentice of Jedi Master Vodo-Siosk Baas, DARK LORD OF THE SITH — had one more order: "Leave Vodo to me…"

While Exar Kun's Sith disciples left to carry out their dark tasks, a new visitor arrived — MANDALORE. He had burned out his hyperdrive, arriving as fast as he possibly could. He had come to ask the help of the Dark Lord in freeing Ulic Qel-Droma from the Jedi. Exar Kun went not just to help Ulic — he went to show the Jedi that there was no hope left. The new Golden Age of the Sith was upon the galaxy.

To Ulic's credit, he was never going to receive a fair trial — the penalty for Jedi treason is swift. Before he would be executed, Ulic had some final words for the entire Republic Senate:

Ulic's Closing Statements: "You are puppets of tradition pretending to be important. The coming Golden Age has no place for you. Your Republic is an empty, self-indulgent diversion… signifying nothing. The lost glory of the Sith will turn all of your supposed accomplishments to dust!"

This caused the whole Republic Senate to gasp in disbelief. Even Ulic's brother Cay could not believe just how far Ulic had sunk into despair. But at this time the Council received a new guest. They should be honored — it was the first time in the Senate's history that they would have as a guest a Dark Lord of the Sith.

With his first words, Exar Kun uttered a powerful Sith spell, freezing the entire Senate chamber, save a few Jedi. However, they were held in check by the Massassi Warriors that Kun and Mandalore had brought with them. The entire Galactic Senate, the ENTIRE JEDI COUNCIL, were powerless to stop them. Exar Kun walked right up to the Grand Chancellor of the Galactic Senate. Using the Sith amulet of Naga Sadow, he gave his own speech to the Council using the Grand Chancellor as his vessel:

Exar Kun's Speech to the Galactic Senate: "The Sith Empire will rise again, and we are the spark. The flames will wash over the crumbling Republic and consume all your works… establishing the glorious days of a lost Golden Age, far greater than any of us can know. You can choose either to be a part of this great rebirth, or you can stand in our way. It doesn't matter to us — we WILL succeed, WITH YOU OR AGAINST YOU."

Cay Qel-Droma, brother of the worst enemy the Jedi had ever known, could not stand for this. Ulic's words to his brother: "You'll have to kill me if you want to stop me." Killing his own brother was not something Cay Qel-Droma could do. Ulic was different from his brother. But where Cay would not — could not — stop the Sith, one Jedi stood up. One Jedi out of a thousand. One Jedi who had a lot to answer for: Jedi Master Vodo-Siosk Baas.

Master and student it used to be… now it was Master of the Light versus Dark Lord of the Sith. The two fought — Exar Kun with his lightsaber, and Vodo-Siosk Baas with his wooden staff. Vodo fought with all of the combined might of the Jedi behind him. Exar Kun fought with all of the dark treachery of the Sith on his side. Exar Kun had made some modifications to his lightsaber since the two had last fought some six months ago — Exar Kun had uncovered the dark ways of Sith weaponry. Exar Kun had made a double-bladed lightsaber.

"What do you think of my modifications to my lightsaber, master?"

Lightstaff versus Jedi staff. Vodo-Siosk Baas, Jedi Master to hundreds of Jedi, teacher to countless Jedi, teacher to Exar Kun — was gone. With the murder of a Jedi Master, the Sith left the Senate chamber. The Sith Brotherhood had controlled the galaxy!

Chapter Four — Fall of an Empire

The Sith Empire

The Sith Empire had been destroyed for a thousand years. The original Sith Order had been sent into hiding for nearly five hundred years. But a new order, the Sith Brotherhood, have taken its place. This new dark force was led by former Jedi and reigning Dark Lord of the Sith, Exar Kun. Joined with him are former Jedi Knight Ulic Qel-Droma; the fierce warrior Mandalore; and the Sith witch Aleema. These four control the entire power of several armies — the Empress Tetan forces, the feared Mandalore Warriors, and the last remnants of the original Sith, the Massassi Warriors. In addition to them, Ulic Qel-Droma has captured hundreds of the Republic's newest warships.

On another level, Exar Kun has begun training an army of former Jedi in the dark arts of the Sith. His final orders to them attempting to rescue Ulic Qel-Droma from the Galactic Senate — "KILL your former masters."

A New Kind of War

Dark Lord of the Sith Exar Kun has issued a death sentence for all of the old Jedi Masters. All across the Galactic Republic, the pogrom continued under Kun's orders — student killing master. None of the Jedi Masters were safe. The Light side of the Force was struck down by the evil Sith magic. The Jedi were completely caught off guard by this new insidious method of warfare.

However, one Jedi Master was not caught off guard — Master Thon. Jedi Master Thon, teacher of the great Jedi Knight Nomi Sunrider, teacher to former Jedi Knights and new Sith Adepts Oss Wilum and Crado, survived the attack on him. Oss Wilum was captured and subdued in the attack, while Crado escaped — forever scarred by his former lover and Jedi Knight, Sylvar.

At the same time, Jedi Shadows Qrrl Toq, Dace Diath, and Shoaneb Culu had discovered the evidence of successful attacks. They could conclude only one thing:

Jedi Shadow Findings: This war of the Sith is spread by military might and evil use of the Force — by Ulic Qel-Droma and Exar Kun.

But the findings of this Jedi group were too late. For the Sith Brotherhood was already well into the next phase of their plan — the ultimate destruction of the Jedi.

Ancient Evil

With news of the widespread success of their attacks against the Jedi Masters, Exar Kun was ready to escalate his plans of conquest. He had uncovered a terrible prize — the warship of Naga Sadow. A thousand years earlier, Dark Lord of the Sith Naga Sadow used the ship to flee Republic fighters come to defeat him. A thousand years earlier, Naga Sadow came to the fourth moon of Yavin to hide. Now, a thousand years later, his goals — the goals of a new Sith Golden Age — would finally happen.

The Plan

On board the ship, as Exar Kun and Ulic Qel-Droma discovered, was an extremely powerful weapon capable of destroying whole star systems. It was a weapon they intended to use. Ulic Qel-Droma chose Aleema to fly Naga Sadow's ship and use the weapon. Ulic Qel-Droma would repay Aleema back for her treachery.

The target of the attack was the main jump station of the Republic — Kemplex Nine in the Auril Sector. It was there that Ulic planned to destroy much of the Republic fleet. Exar Kun had other plans. Kun realized that this weapon was capable of destroying much more than anyone could have imagined. By attacking Kemplex Nine, Kun was planning to wipe out the entire Cron Cluster and the great Jedi Library on Ossus along with it! Ossus was the only planet near enough to the Cron Cluster to help its defense.

So it was, the attack on Kemplex Nine went as planned — for both Ulic and Kun. Jedi Master Thon, knowing there was more to this attack, sent only the Jedi Shadows to aid Kemplex Nine. There were no survivors left. Naga Sadow's ship was brutally efficient in combat. The Jedi Shadows — Qrrl Toq, Dace Diath, and Shoaneb Culu — were no match for Naga Sadow's warship.

It was when the Jedi came in close that Aleema released her surprise — the ancient Sith weapon of Naga Sadow. Aleema used the powers that Exar Kun had shown her, tapping into the stars themselves and claiming such destruction as her own. Aleema used the Sith power in Naga Sadow's ship to rip out the core from the center of one of the ten stars in the Cron Cluster, and tossed it into the heart of her Jedi attackers — exactly as Dark Lord of the Sith Exar Kun had planned.

Bathed in gamma rays, x-rays, and ionized fire, the ships are sterilized in an instant; all life aboard incinerated in a white-hot flash — Qrrl Toq, Dace Diath, and Shoaneb Culu never had a chance. The three Jedi ships became dead, burned-out husks. Even their distress signals had been silenced. Everything had worked according to Exar Kun's evil plans… but there is more to that plan.

Death of a Galaxy

Aleema's gambit of tearing free a stellar core has set up a chain reaction inside the star — causing it to collapse, to implode! In an instant, all the brooding power contained within a giant star is unleashed — with nowhere else to go but outward, into a great conflagration…

A Supernova!

In her last moments, Aleema Keto, founder of the Krath and Sith witch, knew that her treachery had been exposed. The blast front hit the other tightly-packed stars in the Cron Cluster, catapulting them over the brink to annihilation as well. All ten stars feed a sudden inferno more devastating than the galaxy had ever seen. Nearby Ossus, the renowned storehouse of Jedi knowledge and artifacts, lies directly in its path!

Destruction of the Jedi

"I feel a GREAT disturbance in the Force."

On Ossus, a desperate evacuation commenced. The deadly shock wave was quickly approaching. However, while the Jedi were trying to leave the planet as quickly as they could, others arrived — scavengers, predators, the Sith Brotherhood, eager to take the lost treasures guarded by the Jedi for generations. The Brotherhood had split the armies up — half came with Dark Lord of the Sith Exar Kun and his Dark Jedi Apprentice Ulic Qel-Droma. The other half went with Mandalore to take the dark citadel of Iziz on the planet Onderon.

The mass chaos surrounding the evacuation of Ossus took its toll on those who witness the events — the Jedi Master Thon, and his apprentices Nomi Sunrider, Cay Qel-Droma, and Tott Doneeta. However, the observations were interrupted when Cay could feel something he hadn't felt in months — his brother. Cay raced to the nearest ship and flew to meet his brother, Ulic Qel-Droma, traitor to the Jedi. Not wanting to battle, Ulic Qel-Droma attempted to evade Cay while his Mandalorian Warriors set out to plunder the planet with Exar Kun. Cay managed to disable Ulic's engine, but was shot down in the process. Both crash-landed on the planet below.

Exar Kun's Toast to Victory

"Can you smell the history, the POWER here? We have little time to take it all for ourselves."

Oblivious to the battle in the skies above them, or the evacuation efforts of the Jedi going on around them, Exar Kun lands on Ossus. Like an emperor claiming a conquered land, Exar Kun emerges from his ship, searching for treasured artifacts.

Exar Kun followed his senses to the most powerful of the Jedi artifacts. Here, in a secret alcove, he encountered the great Jedi Master Ood trying to safeguard the most precious of all Jedi artifacts — ancient lightsabers, some of the first Jedi weapons ever created. Even as powerful as he was, Master Ood knew this was one battle he could not win by force. However, when used for defense, Master Ood became more powerful than even Exar Kun could defeat. Master Ood channeled the very Force of all of Ossus into himself — and was transformed. He became rooted forever to the planet, and around his artifacts, protecting them from his attacker.

Looking at all of the precious Jedi artifacts his Massassi Warriors have stolen, Exar Kun knew he had more wealth and knowledge than he could ever use; to try and take the few items from Ood would be a waste of his time. He turned to make his departure from Ossus — and met face to face with Sylvar, the mate of Crado, a man turned to the Dark Side and murdered by Exar Kun.

The End of the Brotherhood

"NOW YOU WILL DIE BY MY LIGHTSABER!"

Sylvar was not pleased to meet the Dark Lord of the Sith. Filled with an intense rage, she waded through the army of the Massassi. However, Exar Kun had little time for battle with the shock wave approaching. While his Massassi had Sylvar tied up in combat, he escaped to his ship — stranding his Sith Brother Ulic Qel-Droma to fend for himself.

Sylvar was not the only Jedi looking out for the Sith. The others — Master Thon, Nomi Sunrider and Tott Doneeta — saw the location that Cay and Ulic's ships went down. They raced to the crash site. But they would come too late.

As Cay crawled out of his starfighter, he saw his brother Ulic Qel-Droma standing before him, lightsaber drawn. Cay was astonished at this turn of events, but still he believed that there was good left in his brother. Cay tried to save his brother from the Dark Side. The two battled — brother against brother. Cay Qel-Droma was the only one who truly knew his brother, knew why he fell into such despair.

A Brother's Plea

"The Sith Poison, Ulic! You're not thinking clearly! Drive back the Dark Side! Control your anger over Master Arca's death, Ulic! That's what drove you to seek revenge! That's what opened the doorway to this evil in your mind! You could have done nothing to help him! He died to protect YOU! Don't destroy his sacrifice! Ulic, I love you! That's why I'm doing this!"

But the truth was too much for Ulic to bear. With renewed vigor, Ulic struck at his brother, severing his mechanical arm — the reminder of their last meeting. As Cay Qel-Droma sat defenseless, Ulic pressed on once more… and struck his brother down. The other Jedi arrived just to see Cay Qel-Droma killed. It was too much.

Nomi Sunrider — seeing her friend killed by the man she once loved — was devastated by these twisted workings of the Dark Side. Nomi Sunrider, Jedi Knight, called upon the TOTAL power of the Force. She used the ancient power taught to her by Jedi Master Odan-Urr — a temporary Force-blocking technique used to neutralize an opponent. However, Nomi Sunrider pushed further, driven by rage. She tapped the unlimited potential of the Dark Side. She forever barred Ulic Qel-Droma from the Force. His bond to the Force was permanently severed as he collapsed to the ground, exhausted.

Beaten, broken, his brother dead, and no longer a Jedi, Ulic Qel-Droma started on his path of redemption. Ulic Qel-Droma knew the cost of the Sith War, and he knew it had to stop. So now, Ulic Qel-Droma would lead one last invasion fleet. The Jedi gathered the evacuation fleet, and redirected it to a new target — Yavin Four. Exar Kun would pay for his crimes against the galaxy.

As the last of the ships leave the system, the shock wave hits Ossus. The explosion of ten suns sears the face of Ossus, like a galactic funeral pyre. Shelter means nothing — not even to a Jedi Master like Ood.

The End of the War

"I know where to find him… I can take you there… to YAVIN FOUR!"

As the Jedi fleet left to put an end to Exar Kun, the Onderon Forces were actually holding against Mandalore and his fearless warriors. Just as it looked like Mandalore would get the upper hand, the entire battle fleet of the Old Republic arrived — reinforcements at last! With the new soldiers of the Republic to help, Mandalore and his army was routed — Mandalore himself falling prey to the wild beasts of the Dxun Moon.

Exar Kun watched in horror as a Jedi fleet came out of hyperspace and began descending on Yavin Four. But, treacherous as ever, the Dark Lord of the Sith had a plan. The great temples which the Massassi had built for him were to serve another purpose. Exar Kun commanded his Massassi servants to forfeit their lives in a dark ritual. Exar Kun had uncovered a way to shed his mortal shell and let his evil power run rampant throughout the whole universe.

As the Jedi approached, Exar Kun prepared to unleash his spirit on the galaxy. As his spirit left his body, Exar Kun ran right into the power of a Jedi army. The wall of Light generated by many Jedi becomes a crushing blow against the Dark Side of the Force — a flood that sweeps down to extinguish the corrupted power of the Sith, to stop Exar Kun. But this power also triggers a massive wave of destruction in its wake, sweeping through all of Exar Kun's temples and the jungle. With his spirit blocked from leaving, Exar Kun was forever trapped in the Dark Side of the Force. It would be several thousands of years later before he would again threaten the galaxy.

In the wake of the destruction, the Jedi ships depart the jungle moon to begin the work of restoring the galaxy and rebuilding the Republic. But what of the individuals touched by this terrible Sith War? Can there ever be healing? Would there ever be redemption?

Chapter Six — Powers of the Dark Side

"The dark side musters much of its energy to masquerade as the light so that it might lure the uninitiated into its grasp. By the time the hapless victim discovers their error, it is too late — the dark side has ensnared them, holding them in the shadow both by its own power and by the fallen Jedi's relentless hunger for more."

— Jedi Master Bodo Bass

Powers of the Dark Side

In game terms, Sith and dark side powers work exactly as their Jedi counterparts do. Dark side characters have access to the three Force skills — Control, Sense, and Alter — upon which all the underlying powers are based. The Sith powers are separated from the other Force powers (even though there are dark side powers listed there), simply because they reflect a different philosophy and means of contacting the Force.

Learning Sith powers should prove extremely difficult for characters, since knowledge of their existence, much less their workings, has been nearly extinct for many years. Very few Sith masters remain in the time of the Tales of the Jedi era, and even fewer during and after the movies, and those who do still exist have long ago shed their corporeal existence, leaving them stranded in whatever vessel they were able to construct to hold their spirits. There they lie awaiting the time for escape. Anyone who dares explore these dark side temples, citadels, and obelisks risks releasing such a Sith specter from its confines so that it might be free to retake all the power it had once possessed.

Sith Disciplines

Like the Jedi, the Sith developed areas of study that focused on particular types of Force effects. Though these did not evolve into formal schools, personal preference caused many magicians to concentrate on those powers that most interested them. The Jedi Archives contains the following list of Sith disciplines, and their powers.

General

Some Sith powers defy categorization, or belong in all disciplines equally. These basic effects fall under the heading of general dark side powers. Many form the basis for other effects — those more complex powers that require an understanding of and proficiency in other lesser powers. These lesser powers are all the regular dark side powers found in the Tales of the Jedi book. They include Force lightning, inflict pain, injure/kill, rage, feed on Dark Side, as well as the opposite of accelerate another's healing, cure another's disease, and so forth. Many of the regular powers can be reversed in a way that allows a Sith wizard to use against others.

Body

Powers in this discipline run the trade route from simple healing rites to complicated rituals involving the creation of Sithspawn — hideous monstrosities bred from the stock of naturally evolved creatures. Some cultures have labeled these sorcerers as necromancers, but this nomenclature thrusts the discipline into the area of superstitious alchemy — tales and legends laced with equal parts mystic blather and pseudo-scientific prattle. The Force transcends technology-based tricks and allows feats that science cannot duplicate.

Corruption of the Flesh

Control: Difficult, modified by Relationship
Alter: Very Difficult, modified by Proximity (LOS only)
Time to use: 5 minutes
Required powers: Accelerate Another's Healing (reversed), Detoxify Poison in Another (reversed)
Warning: Anyone using this power gains a Dark Side Point.
Effect: The Force-user uses the Dark Side to alter the target's molecular form, altering it in such a way as to create another arm, leg, or even creature from the target's body (depending on the user's roll).

Create Sith Spawn

Control: Heroic+, modified by Relationship
Alter: Heroic+, modified by Proximity (touching only)
Sense: Very Difficult
Required powers: Corruption of the Flesh, Transfer Force, Mind Wipe
Warning: Anyone using this power gains a Dark Side Point.
Effect: The Force-user alters the molecular form of a creature to turn into a hideous monstrosity. The user is in effect killing the creature, and bringing it back to life, for his own dark purposes. The user must spend one Force point to create the beast, after which it will be loyal only to the user. The Force-user can only alter the creature's existing attributes and skills into other attributes and skills (for example, the Force user can take 1D away from the creature's perception and add 1D to its strength). However, the Force-user can add new features to the Sith spawn by spending additional Force points. For each additional Force point used in the creation of the beast, the wizard may add 3D of attributes, skills or features (such as razor-sharp teeth adding +1D to the creature's bite damage). The Force-user can only modify creatures whose total attributes, skills, and features equal less than their total number of Control, Sense and Alter dice (for instance, a wizard with Control 7D, Sense 6D, and Alter 7D can only modify a creature that has less than 20D in total attributes, skills, and features — but can still create one with higher dice using Force points to add to the creation of the beast).

Force Heal

Control: Easy, modified by wound status
Alter: Moderate
Time to use: One minute
Required powers: Accelerate Healing
Warning: Anyone using this power gains a Dark Side Point.
Effect: The effect of this power is very dramatic. The Force user calls upon the Dark Side and uses its power to quickly heal his wounds. The Force user can even create missing arms or limbs. However, the effect is temporary at best, and only lasts as long as the power remains "up." If the Jedi uses the power successfully, he/she may move up to normal status, with all wounds regardless how bad healed.

Energy

Energy

Certain Force powers summon energy from the user's surroundings and direct it at a target for some purpose (which often involves the injury of the targeted individual). The forms of energy include lightning, fire, gravity, and other naturally occurring forces. Energy powers tend to have the most noticeable effects, preventing the user from attempting to keep his machinations secret, as he would be able to do if he were using powers from the Mind Discipline. Sith interested in this area, therefore, tend to have unstable personalities, from obsessive and brooding to outright maniacal.

Hate Fire

Control: Difficult, as modified by Proximity. Limited to line of sight.
Alter: Perception or Control roll of target.
Warning: Anyone using this power for any reason automatically gains a Dark Side Point.
Effect: This power is a corruption of the Force. When used, green/blue flames erupt from the user's fingertips like sorcerous fire. The flames set everything in their path on fire, even solid metal. The fire courses over and around the target, convulsing the target with pain, siphoning off his power, and eventually killing him, as the victim's skin and flesh is burned off by the supernatural flames that will burn even underwater. However, since the power is Force-generated, it can be Force-repelled using dissipate energy. Hate Fire causes 1D of damage for each 2D of Alter the user has (rounded down: a character with an Alter of 5D would cause 2D damage). However, the fire cannot be put out as long as the power remains up. Hate Fire will even burn in the emptiness of space. The fires continue to do the same amount of damage until the victim is dead, or the power is dropped. The fires will continue to burn for 1D after the power is used. Characters affected by Hate Fire automatically lose a character point.

Force Explosion

Control: Heroic+
Alter: Heroic+, modified by Proximity and Relationship
Required powers: Injure/Kill, Telekinetic Kill
Warning: Anyone using this power gains two Dark Side Points.
Effect: The Force-user using this power simply uses the Force to cause an explosion within the target, causing the target to explode in a hideous ball of flame. The amount of damage is equal to half the Force-user's Alter dice, rounded down. The explosion does the same amount of damage to a 3-meter radius.

Demi

Control: Difficult, as modified by Proximity. Limited to line of sight.
Alter: Perception or Control roll of target.
Warning: Anyone using this power for any reason automatically gains a Dark Side Point.
Effect: This power is a corruption of the Force. The Force user bends the Force to cause an area or target to be crushed by gravity. Bright red tendrils of Force energy surround the area of effect, and cause the area to become warped, or the target's bones and organs to be crushed under the weight of the Force gravity. Since the power is Force-generated, it can be Force-repelled using dissipate energy. Demi causes 1D of damage for each 2D of Alter the user has (rounded down: a character with an Alter of 5D would cause 2D damage).

Ice Storm

Control: Difficult, as modified by Proximity. Limited to line of sight.
Alter: Perception or Control roll of target.
Warning: Anyone using this power for any reason automatically gains a Dark Side Point.
Effect: This power is a corruption of the Force. When used, bright white flames erupt from the user's fingertips like a sudden blizzard. The bright white tendrils freeze everything in their path, even solid metal. The ice quickly courses over and around the target, convulsing the target with pain, siphoning off his power, and eventually killing him, as the victim is slowly frozen by the supernatural flames that freeze everything in their path, even underwater. However, since the power is Force-generated, it can be Force-repelled using dissipate energy. Ice Storm causes 1D of damage for each 2D of Alter the user has (rounded down: a character with an Alter of 5D would cause 2D damage). However, the ice cannot be melted as long as the power remains up. The Ice Storm will remain frozen even in lava! The ice continues to do the same amount of damage until the victim is dead, or the power is dropped. The ice will remain for up to 1D after the power is used.

Soul Bomb

Control: Heroic, as modified by Proximity. Limited to line of sight.
Alter: Perception or Control roll of target.
Sense: Heroic, plus the diameter of the Soul Bomb: +10 for 1 meter, +5 for each additional meter.
Required powers: Transfer Life, Bolt of Hatred, Force Explosion, Hate Fire, Ice Storm, Demi, Feed on Dark Side, Rage.
Warning: Anyone using this power for any reason automatically gains a Dark Side Point.
Effect: This power is one of the most feared and difficult to master, and as such one of the most difficult to find. This power is a pure corruption of the Force. Only by deep concentration is one able to summon all their rage, hate and feelings that the dark side uses to create this powerful sphere of energy to be used against the Force user's victim. When used, bright white blinding bolts erupt from the user's fingertips like an explosion, followed by a dark glowing field that surrounds the Force user's hands. Suddenly, as the Force user clasps their hands, a dark explosion of their hate and anger flares into an ever-growing sphere of energy. As the Force user feeds the sphere more and more dark energy into the ball of hate, the ball becomes very large, until at last the user releases the ball of hate, which flies from the user's hand. The Force user can direct this ball by making a thrown weapons roll with a 4D bonus to launch the bolt of energy at the target.

Characters hit become engulfed in the pure energy of the dark side as black tendrils course through the victim's body, convulsing the target in pure pain, siphoning off their power, until at last the victim dies, at which point a Force explosion then rips the target apart, causing an energy wave blast in a 10-meter radius from the explosion. However, since the power is Force-generated, it can be Force-repelled using dissipate energy. Soul Bomb causes 1D of damage for every 2D of Alter the user has (rounded down: a character with an Alter of 5D would cause 2D damage).

If the target is killed by the blast of hate from the Soul Bomb, a Force explosion rips through the victim's body and does 10D damage in a radius of 10 meters. All Dark Side Points that the victim may have had are given to the Sith Force user in the form of Force points which the Force user must use within five minutes of receiving them. However, if the victim is not killed from the explosion, they lose a character point and gain a Dark Side Point due to the raging hate and despair they had to face while the sphere of dark side energy was coursing through their body.

Note: Ice Storm, Hate Fire, Soul Bomb and Demi are all "Force-created" powers and as such do not need any "fuel" or materials to create the effects described in the powers description.

Illusions

Many Sith magicians enthralled by the dark side favor the aspect of the Force that allows them to fool the senses of their victims, in a twisted testament to the power of mind over the body. The sensations experienced by the targets of such effects appear all too real - but they exist only in the dreamscape playground of the mind, that area where creativity and imagination normally flourish. But in the case of this perverted Sith power it becomes the haunted battleground of shadow-forms that impact the individual as if the delusional phantoms had actual substance. Typical illusionary effects employed by the Sith include the morphing of one object into another - most often a weapon into a similarly proportioned creature with deadly intent. Of the feigned presence of an individual. Or even the absence of an object or being that is truly present. The strand that gathers all these powers beneath the banner of illusionary magic is the manipulation of their victims senses. Some Sith scholars continue to believe that these effect alter the pattern of the Force that "connects" with the targets mind, that they somehow augment the brains normal wavelengths or trip synapses that would not fire under the true current conditions in which that being finds himself. But since no one yet has discovered the physicalities involved in the effect - just as no one has been able to comprehend the true nature of the Force in the first place - no definitive explanation can be given. Suffice it to say that these powers somehow manipulate the senses as opposed to the mind (which is covered under the Mind discipline).

Force Illusion

Control: Varies based on the number of target individuals (see chart).
Sense: Varies based on the number of target individuals (see chart).
Alter: Varies based on the number of target individuals (see chart).

Number of Individuals	Difficulty
1-2	Very Easy
3-20	Easy
21-100	Moderate
101-1,000	Difficult
1,001-10,000	Very Difficult
10,001+	Heroic+

Note: Characters should be very careful in their use of this power. If they were to use it for evil or harm against a target they would automatically gain a Dark Side Point.
Effect: The character conjures up an illusion that the target thinks is so real or deadly that they can even be harmed by it, even killed by the supernatural illusion. The character using this power can make almost any object — usually a weapon — into a hideous monster that strikes fear into the victim. So real is the illusion that if the monster were to bite the victim, the victim would actually believe that he was hurt — possibly even die from the illusionary wound. However, great control is needed to keep up the illusion. A character using this power must re-roll his Control roll every five rounds to maintain the illusionary effect. Once the Sith wizard has broken his concentration, the illusions disappear as if they had never existed. The Sith wizard can create any creature or beast that he can think up, as well as illusionary foot soldiers to supplement his own forces in battle. This type of illusion is nearly impossible to master, but Sith lords of the past have proven that they can call forth great illusionary forces to battle their enemy.
Game Notes: Once the user has successfully created an illusion that the target(s) think are real, the item or creature they create has the same attributes and stats as the creature and acts just as if it were real. Only creatures, people or things that the Sith knows may be created, and only last as long as the power is kept up.

Mind

Effects in this discipline prey on the minds of their victims, altering thoughts without the individual's awareness. Such insidious powers allow Sith devotees to manipulate and outright control their targets, forcing them to undertake acts they would not normally perform under the given circumstances. While the Jedi do use the affect mind power, they curtail their reliance on it, for it is far too easy to slip toward the dark side when you consistently intrude into other people's minds to twist their thoughts to your will.

Corrupt Mind

Warning: Any Jedi who uses this power automatically receives a Dark Side Point, plus an additional Dark Side Point for each evil action they make a victim of the power to undertake.
Note: This power is so inherently corrupt that its difficulties are substantially reduced for those who have given themselves to the dark side.
Control: Moderate, as modified by relationship. Targets with an affinity for the Force (i.e. have Force skills or Force points) may make opposed Control or Perception rolls, selecting either their roll or the base difficulty to resist.
Sense Difficulty: Easy for a Jedi who has turned to the dark side, as modified by proximity.
Alter Difficulty: Variable, depending on the number of targets being corrupted and whether they are willing. Targets with an affinity for the Force may make opposed rolls, choosing either their roll or the difficulty, whichever is higher. For a Jedi who has turned to the dark side:

Number	Willing	Unwilling
1	Very Easy	Easy
2-6	Easy	Moderate
7-20	Moderate	Difficult
21-50	Difficult	Very Difficult
50-100	Very Difficult	Heroic+

Effect: The power allows a Jedi to slowly corrupt the mind of another person by whispering his or her darkest desires to them — promising them power, fame, wealth — finally turning the target into a minion of the dark side. When used successfully, a Jedi can "poke" and "prod" the actions of the target, corrupting their will until they finally fall to the dark side. The power may be kept up to allow the user to maintain his corruption of the individual; the Jedi must make a new roll if a new target is to be added.

Characters versed in the ways of the Force (with Force skills) can actively resist by rolling a Control roll or Perception total. A character with an inherent affinity for the Force may resist by rolling a Perception total. The character must choose either the difficulty for the power, or use his own roll. If the Jedi attempts to control more than one such Force-sensitive character at the same time, for all characters beyond the first, add +1 for each die code of Perception or Control (as per "Combining Rules"). The Jedi must make a new power roll whenever he or she attempts to take over a new target. Targets may be released from the whisper of lies at any time without a roll.

The character who is affected by this power, however, loses 1D of willpower for every 2D of Control the user has (rounded down) to resist the effects of the Force user's spell, in not falling to his or her own dark desires. For every Dark Side Point the target has, lower the difficulty of committing another evil action by one level.
Example: Sith'ba the Dark Jedi wishes to corrupt the local police chief to his will. However, the police chief is unmoving in his will against the Dark Jedi's attempts at bribes, and actively causes much trouble for the Dark Jedi (willpower of 7D). The Dark Jedi decides to try to corrupt the mind of the police chief, and uses his power to wear down the police chief's iron will. Sith'ba has 10D in Control, and lowers the police chief's willpower to 2D (5D−7D) and then bribes him with a very large sum of money for looking the other way just one time. The police chief tries his best, but in the end accepts the money, despite himself. This act gives the police chief a Dark Side Point for looking the other way when the Dark Jedi commits a horrible crime. It gives the Dark Jedi two Dark Side Points.

Mechanical

Thousands upon thousands of years ago, the Sith discovered how to focus the Force to affect mechanical constructs. The majority of powers in this discipline have fallen into obscurity, since very few sorcerers took much more than a passing interest in this area. But dark rumors continue to slither from Sith holocrons and other stores of Sith lore about the creation of half-being/half-mechanical creatures by magicians who have delved into the more theoretical aspects of this discipline. No remnants of such constructs have ever surfaced, so confirmation of such musings remains cloaked in mystery — but several Jedi scholars continue to search for evidence of their existence. Their sole warning to anyone who happens to encounter such a twisted monstrosity is to flee and report the sighting to the nearest Jedi Master.

The Iskalloni

Source: Twin Stars of Kira*, page 92. Created by Stewart Warley.*

The Iskalloni are a species of voluntary cyborgs. Their physiology is such that they recover from physical injury extremely rapidly, and their body adjusts to foreign matter in their systems rather than combating it. They also have a special relationship with living organisms, in that they can create "creatures" which perform functions similar to those for which humans use machines. Navigation computers, sublight engines, power reactors, communications equipment, even starship hulls are "bred" from great vats of organic ooze which Iskalloni brew on their home world. And each of these organisms has the unique ability, as do the Iskalloni, to incorporate any foreign object into their personal physiology. The combination of these characteristics has allowed the Iskalloni to experiment with all manner of cybernetic implants.

Unfortunately, the Iskalloni have been unable to make advances in the past few centuries. Stealing has been the mainstay of Iskalloni expansion and technological knowledge. They do not understand the general reluctance of other species to be linked with machines, and often made use of their implanting techniques on other aliens despite vehement protests. More often than not, such encounters ended in combat.

Attribute Dice: 11D
Height: 1.3–1.5 meters
DEXTERITY 2D / 3D+1
KNOWLEDGE 2D / 3D+1
MECHANICAL 1D+1 / 2D+2
PERCEPTION 1D+2 / 3D
STRENGTH 2D / 3D+2
TECHNICAL 1D / 2D
Special Abilities: Damage done to the Iskalloni by energy weapons is reduced by one level of effect (as if the weapon were set on stun). Additionally, each Iskalloni will have at least one implant which can be used as a weapon. Blaster-type modifications can be placed virtually anywhere on the body and will generally be 3D to 5D. Any melee weapons (or equipment effectively amounting to melee weapons) will be on the order of STR+1 damage up to STR+2.
Physical Description: The Iskalloni are pale, hairless, blue-skinned creatures. They generally wear tight-fitting, leather-like clothing in colors which are generally unflattering to their appearance. A bright burgundy color seems to be their favorite. The clothing generally has large, rough rips in it where Iskalloni have cut through in order to insert some odd piece of machinery. Usually within the area of a tear, a puffy pink scar can be seen where the implant was made. The creatures have deeply recessed eyes with black irises. Facially, their lack of eyebrows, the protruding forehead, their high, pronounced cheekbones, and their perfect white teeth (which are all nearly perfect triangles and extremely sharp), all combine to produce the appearance of a creature who is always brooding, always on the edge of a violent outburst. The average Iskalloni will have a number of cybernetic enhancements. Many of these are mundane and only serve the purpose of helping the Iskalloni react quickly or think well mathematically. The Iskalloni usually submerge their implants beneath their skin to help protect the items. Now that the Iskalloni intend to increase their dealings with humans, they are increasing the amount of equipment which they allow to put past the surface in hopes of gaining a psychological edge by virtue of their appearance. Some of the aliens have even had limbs removed or replaced with cybernetic arms or droid equipment.

Electronic Reprogramming

Control: Easy for non-sentient machines; Moderate for sentient machines; Difficult for sentient machines hostile to Sith. Modified by proximity.
Alter: Easy for slight alterations; Moderate for significant changes in programming; Difficult for major reprogramming; Heroic for adding new components.
Required powers: Electronic Manipulation
Warning: Anyone using this immediately gains a Dark Side Point.
Effect: This power is a variation of Electronic Manipulation. Instead of simply restoring original programming, the Sith can actually modify and add to the original circuits of a computer, droid, or machine's electronic components or programming. This is a corruption of the Force, and major programming can only be evoked in a state of rage. However, as the user adds new skills or components to an object, the Sith must take away skills in order to make room for the new programming. The Sith may also eliminate or destroy programs or electronic components to further his goal in reprogramming a computer, droid, or machine and their electronic components (such as removing the life preservation programming on a droid, or the transmission circuit of a camera, for example). However, since the user is in essence re-writing computer code, and making new circuits, the reprogramming will only be as good as the user's skill. Roll the Sith user's associated Technical skill when using the power. Use the same Alter modifiers to determine success of the re-programming. A failure indicates that the reprogramming did not go as expected, and the object the Sith was attempting to reprogram then short-circuits and is no longer functional without repair.

Electronic Tampering

Control: Easy for non-sentient machines; Moderate for sentient machines; Difficult for sentient machines hostile to Force user. Modified by proximity.
Alter: Easy for slight alterations.
Effect: This power is the more mundane of the two electronic powers. In essence this power allows the Force user to make a computer, droid, or machine and its electronic components "hiccup" for a brief moment, allowing the Force user to escape from a potentially hostile or life-threatening situation (such as a camera or droid short-circuiting for a brief second to allow the Force user to pass unseen, or shorting out a police radio for a few seconds when a report about the Force user comes over the communications).

Protection

Protective powers defend a Force-user from the effects of other Force powers as well as from other forms of "attack." This discipline became extremely popular during times of revolt, especially during the rebellion against the Dark Lords led by the pureblood Sith Naga Sadow. The recent resurgence in Sith magic has — perhaps unintentionally, perhaps not — failed to explore this aspect of dark lore. When the Jedi begin to pose a serious threat to these new Sith devotees, however, interest in the protective powers will surely increase.

Force Protection

Control: Moderate
Alter: Moderate
Sense: Easy, modified by Proximity and Relationship
Required powers: Lesser Force Shield
Effect: The Force-user using this power should take heed. Although using this power does grant the benefit of allowing the user to be unharmed by many pure Force powers such as Force Lightning, or similar types of Force attacks, it also temporarily masks the user from the Force, and as such the user is unable to call upon the Force as long as this power remains "up." Any pure "Force-only" type powers have no effect while the user has Force Protection up. However, the user is still subject to any type of non-Force skill, and equally subject to any physical harm. The user may only keep "up" this protection for 5 rounds, after which they must rest for 5 hours before attempting to use this power again. Because of the traumatic effects of using this power, a Force user who attempts to use a different power after using this power suffers a 4D penalty to all Force skills for 1 hour. This power should only be used during a life-and-death situation.

Force Mask

Control: Easy
Alter: Easy
Sense: Difficult
Required powers: Force Protection
Effect: This power is similar to the above, except that the user totally masks their Force powers temporarily as long as the power remains "up." Characters using sense force, or sense force potential, will not be able to pick up the "small ripples" that are emitted normally from Force-sensitive characters. The character using this skill may not use any Force-related skills at all. This power is not as nearly as traumatic as Force Protection, and does not have as many adverse effects.

Other

This category defies all traditional aspects of Force usage as we know it. The Sith have many strange and dark ways to bend the Force to their will, and are able to wield great power. These powers are perhaps more sinister and evil than any other Force powers that the Sith have demonstrated. Powers such as these are on the verge of necromancy at best, and anyone running into a Sith or Dark Jedi wielding these powers should immediately flee. These powers are probably the most pure and corrupt form of the Dark Side as we know it.

Raise Dead

Control: Very Difficult
Alter: Very Difficult
Sense: Difficult
Required powers: Force Illusion, Transfer Force
Warning: A player using this power for any reason gains a Dark Side Point.
Effect: This power is a corruption of the Force. The user uses his/her dark energies to bind a creature or person's spirit that is dead to its physical body, making it un-dead — needing no food, no water, no air. Although re-animated, the un-dead creature retains much of its original skills, but its attributes are usually less than half of its original as the undead monster continues to decompose. These dark malicious beings are forever tormented, not being able to be free from their physical shell, that their entire being is nothing but pure hate and malice. Not only do they hate anything that is living, they particularly loathe Force-users, and are able to sense whenever one is nearby. Because of these traits, these un-dead creatures are favorite "crypt keepers" of the Sith. A Sith must spend one Force point to re-animate the dead being and bind it to its physical body. The newly created un-dead has all of its original skills, but has half of its regular attributes. Also, un-dead creatures carry with them a host of different varieties of diseases, and are able to easily infect victims with a horrible disease if they cause a wound.

Paralyze

Required powers: Affect Mind, Waves of Uneasiness
Control: Varies based on the number of target individuals (see chart below).
Sense: Varies based on the number of target individuals (see chart below).
Alter: Varies based on the number of target individuals (see chart below).
Warning: Characters using this power automatically gain a Dark Side Point.

Number of Individuals	Difficulty
1-2	Very Easy
3-20	Easy
21-100	Moderate
101-1,000	Difficult
1,001-10,000	Very Difficult
10,001+	Heroic+

Effect: By building up his/her rage, the Sith user emits a silent blanket of fear and rage that penetrates deep into the victim's mind, making them unable to move or act. However, this effect only lasts a minute or two, and requires immense concentration to keep up. A player keeping this power up loses a total of 4D to all Force skills while the power remains up. Also, every 5 rounds the player must reroll his control roll. Failure means that the victims are able to move and act again. The Force user must rest 5 hours before attempting to use this power again due to the mental strain.

Greater Force shield

Alter: Moderate
Sense: Heroic Modified by Proximity and Relation ship
Required powers: Lesser force shield.
Effect: This power allows the Jedi to surround his body with a Force-generated shield. The shield can be used to repel energy in physical matter away from the Jedi's body, down to the molecular level. The Shield acts as STR+2D armor to all energy and physical attacks, not to mention acts as +1D against any force related attacks (in combination with Absorb/dissipate energy) Including non direction attacks such as gas clouds and grenade blasts. The Shield is a bit stronger than the lesser force shield, an usually strong enough to protect the Jedi from serious injury.

Chapter Seven — Creatures of the Dark Side

"The rain was unusually cold that day. Some say that the great demons are born when the lightning strikes. You can tell them they're right."

— Unknown hunter

Creatures. Everyday you see them, scurrying around in the shadows, finding dark spots to hide in whenever we pass by. The galaxy is filled with these creatures, and thus they too are a part of the larger picture of the Force. Some creatures, however, are malefactors of the dark side of the Force — living off the death, decay and misery of their victims' cries. The following is a list of these dark creatures.

Duxn Beast

Found only on the remote moon world of Duxn, these nefarious beasts are one of the most vicious and feared beasts that a Jedi would ever face. Standing a massive 1.5 meters tall and almost 3 meters long, these wild pack beasts have the uncanny ability to affect the Force in other creatures, as well as able to "sniff out" Force users. Thus these beasts have been the favorite guard pet for important tombs and places that Jedi should never visit. With their sharp beak-like snout and sharp claws, these large beasts can easily crush an unprepared victim.

Scale: Character
Length: 1 meter tall, 2.7 meters long
DEXTERITY 3D+2
Dodge 5D+1, Run 4D+2
PERCEPTION 4D+2
Sneak 5D, Hide 5D, Search 5D
STRENGTH 4D
Brawling 6D, Climb/Jump 5D+1
Move: 14
Special Abilities:
— Force Block (5 meters): These strong beasts are able to block some effects of the Force around them. A Force user attempting to use his powers around a Duxn beast has two level modifiers added to use the skill, and also suffers -4D to all Force skills.
— Force Sense: Because the Duxn beast blocks the Force, it is able to "sniff out" and sense wherever it is strong (when a Force user is nearby, for example). Add +2D to the Duxn beast's search whenever a Force user is nearby.
— Sharp Beak: The sharp beak of the Duxn beast does STR+2D damage.
— Claws: The Duxn beast's claws do STR+1D+1 damage.
— Light-absorbing skin: Duxn beasts are covered by a thin coat of very dark hair that absorbs most light, making a Duxn beast very hard to spot at night. This hair also in turn can regulate the beast's body heat to evade the large birds of prey found on the Duxn moon who hunt by heat. +1D to hide (at night) and +1D to hide vs. heat detection devices.
Game Notes: Most Duxn beasts are territorial and often travel by themselves. Only when a large disturbance in the Force occurs (by a Force user using his powers, for example) do more than one appear.

Sathish

These sleek and very dangerous beasts can usually be found on many different worlds throughout the galaxy (thought it is not known whether they developed naturally on those planets or were brought there by Sith wizards millennia ago). Often found near old tombs and other dark places, they are scavengers by nature, feeding off unlucky victims — the occasional lost traveler who happened to be too near their hunting grounds. Xenobiologists believe they originate from the planet Korriban, where they can be found scavenging around the great Sith tombs. Standing about a meter tall and 2 meters long, these black muscular beasts also are able to affect the dark side of the Force. Thus they were highly prized beasts by the Sith, who used them to guard the ancient Sith tombs.

DEXTERITY 4D
Dodge 6D, Run 6D
PERCEPTION 3D+2
Search 5D, Sneak 5D, Hide 6D
STRENGTH 4D
Climb/Jump 7D, Brawling 6D
Light side disruption: These beasts emit a strong dark side vibration that blocks some of the effects of the light side of the Force. -4D to a Force user who attempts to use a Force power without gaining a dark side point.
Black coat: The Sathish is covered by a thin black coat that allows them to hide more efficiently in the dark by bending them into the darkness. +2D to sneak and hide rolls (at night or in a dark area).

Symbiote of Fear

I still remember
The taste of your fear
It clings to your screams
As they flow through my ears

I dream of the pain
That you can't ignore
It drives my will
Like nothing I've known before

I am your nightmare
You can never let me go
I feed on your fear
Let your anger flow

I am one with the Dark Force
I live on your anger and hate
I am a Dark Jedi
I will always control your fate

Derriphan

(from page 85 of Wretched Hives of Scum and Villainy*)*

Derriphan (a term derived from the Sith word for "devourer") are nightmarish creatures born of the dark side of the Force. They are parasitic beings whose natural forms are crackling spheres of ebony energy. They derive sustenance from devouring the thoughts and experiences (the very essences) of a being. When they are done feeding, they leave the empty shell of a being behind as they search for a new host to sate their hunger. Derriphan are solitary beings, always remaining separate from others of their kind.

Game Notes: Derriphans are considered to be the most dangerous form of what is commonly referred to as the "dark plague," affecting normally users of the Force. Not being able to travel far distances without fading into nothing, a Derriphan can only travel about 30 meters or so before needing to find a host. There is no known cure to rid yourself of a Derriphan, but rumors have it that Light side healers may have a cure. A Derriphan will kill its host in about 2 to 4 weeks.

Space Grazer

The origins of the space grazer are unknown; perhaps they evolved in a distant star cluster in an arm of the galaxy; perhaps they came from beyond the galaxy itself. Although space grazers are thought to be extinct, stories and myths from spacers and pirates from the outer regions still tell tales about the massive beasts floating gently amongst the stars, grazing on asteroids, as their name implies. However, none of these wild stories or rumors ever seem to be true — that is, unless you have met one of the few lucky pirates or drifters that have met up with one and survived the encounter. They can tell you first hand of the devastation the huge monsters can inflict on smaller space craft, populated asteroids, and even mid-sized capital ships.

Pirates and scouts first discovered the grazer some six millennia ago; no one believed their transmissions until a junker salvaged the remains of a modest colony fleet devastated by the grazers. Two armed mid-sized frigates were sent out to kill the beast. Only one came back, nearly destroyed. Since that first contact, other reports of the beast began to pop up. So many reports in fact, that a sizable fleet of destroyers with support ships were sent to find and destroy the beasts.

Space grazers feed on minerals ground from asteroids, as well as nebula gas, and anything they can get their huge tendrils on. The creature has several "lines" like a giant jellyfish that it is able to use to grasp its prey and force it into its huge round main body. Inside, the ships are slowly broken apart by tiny creatures living inside the beast that constitute its digestive system. Though the minerals are slowly digested, the creatures remain hungry throughout their entire lives. Whole asteroid belts have been consumed by one creature, although this can often take a decade or two.

Through their huge tentacles, which have some special organ able to "sniff out" large quantities of minerals, the grazers feed on the biggest choice mineral-rich content the tentacles can find. Since starships are comprised of refined ore, a space grazer would regard a ship as a veritable feast. Fortunately, grazers are somewhat slow. Unfortunately, they are difficult to destroy. Battling one is like fighting a huge capital ship, one with several large tractor beams and an incredible boarding weapon.

Some mining companies have hunted grazers; the few that they have found have yielded a plethora of un-eaten ships, still somewhat salvageable, as well as minerals and other things that the grazer has eaten. The catch is finding, stalking, and killing such a creature — a heroic task indeed. With one exception, all space grazers thus encountered have been in pairs, or large groups. Any pirate, scout, or fleet with half a brain upon finding these huge creatures are best to turn and go in the opposite direction. Of course, by the time a bigger fleet has come to take on the huge creatures, they would have already left.

Xenobiologists theorize that the grazers lay eggs or embryos within asteroids. No such cache has ever been found, but the bodies that scientists have obtained suggest that the grazers lay eggs and reproduce asexually. Their life spans are unknown, but may last for centuries.

Historical note: During the massive Republic battle in the Tetan system vs. the Krath, Aleema, studied in the ways of the Sith, managed to use her dark side powers to conjure up huge illusions of these mighty creatures. Several ships were lost to the huge creatures before they were dispelled as an illusion.

Type: Huge Space Vacuum creature (adult)
DEXTERITY 2D+1
Dodge 2D+2
PERCEPTION 2D+2
Hide 3D+1, Search 3D+2, Sneak 3D
STRENGTH 9D
Brawling 13D+1, Stamina 10D
Move: 1 (space)
Size: 1-10 meters to 6 kilometers. Note that only space grazers over 5 kilometers in length tend to be solitary.
Special Abilities:
— Space Survival: The Space grazer does not require any type of gas to breathe to remain alive, and can withstand the pressures of zero-gravity.
— Tentacles: The space grazer has many huge tentacles which "sniff-out" its food. A large adult has about 15 large tentacles which can grab 15 mid-sized capital ships. Treat the space grazer's Brawling skill as its attack skill when countering a starship; treat Strength as its hull code and treat its Dodge skill as its maneuverability code. If successful in using its brawling skill to capture a ship, the space grazer pulls up the ship into its huge "belly" to be digested. All crew on board are considered lost as the ship fills with digestive creatures and fluids.

Game Master Note: Space grazers come in different sizes; see the table below for differences.

Stage	Size	Scale	Dodge	Strength	Hide / Sneak	Tentacles
Hatchling	1-5 m	Character	6D	3D	7D / 6D+2	1
Hatchling	6-20 m	Speeder	5D+2	3D+1	6D+2 / 6D	1
Hatchling	21-50 m	Walker	5D+1	3D+2	6D / 5D+1	2
Adolescent	51-150 m	Starfighter	5D	4D	5D+1 / 5D	2
Adolescent	151-300 m	Capital	4D+2	4D+2	5D / 4D+2	3
Adult	301-600 m	Capital	4D	5D+1	4D+2 / 4D+1	5
Adult	601m-1 km	Capital	3D+2	6D	4D+1 / 4D	8
Adult	1.1-2 km	Capital	3D+1	7D	4D / 3D+2	11
Adult	2.1-4 km	Capital	2D+2	8D	3D+2 / 3D+1	13
Adult	4.1-6 km	Capital	2D+2	9D	3D+1 / 3D	15

Timat

Found on the remote jungle world of Ifthath, these huge, massive beasts are the most dangerous creatures ever to crawl out of the dark thick forests of that planet. Standing a very muscular 5 meters tall by 9 meters long, these man-eating beasts are easily able to strike down and kill their prey within a matter of seconds with their powerful jaws which hold very sharp teeth. Put together their ability to camouflage themselves and seem to move at huge distances quite quickly, with their large menacing paws that can rip a man in half with one blow, and you have yourself the Timat. Normally a dappled dark brown in color, they have striking double black eyes that can face forwards and to the sides at the same time, which allows them unparalleled vision and tracking skills. Rumors of trained Timats by Dark Jedi also add to the mystique of this beast.

Type: Monstrous Dark Side creature
Scale: Speeder
DEXTERITY 3D
Dodge 6D, Run 6D
PERCEPTION 4D+1
Search 6D, Sneak 4D, Hide 4D
STRENGTH 8D
Brawling 10D, Climb/Jump 10D
Story Notes: Timats are trainable if you are able to find an abandoned pup a few days old. Otherwise it is nearly impossible to train them. Treat a trained Timat with an orneriness of 4D.
Special Abilities:
— Huge maw: Timat's main attack is from its huge maw which can tear off a large piece of flesh with one bite. Damage STR+3D+1. A character who is wounded level two from a Timat bite automatically loses an arm or leg if bit in that location (to represent the huge maw of this beast and its ability to tear off flesh), but not on the head. A character suffering from an incapacitating wound from a Timat bite on the head, however, automatically has their head ripped off (instant death).
— Huge paws: A Timat has huge paws which have four large deadly claws. Damage STR+1D+1. A character hit by a Timat's claws suffers massive blood loss due to the huge wound created. If the bleeding is not stopped within a few hours, the character hit will die from the blood loss.
— Light side disruption: Timats have an uncanny ability to suppress Light side powers. A Jedi attempting to use his powers must use a dark side point or a Force point to use a power, or not be able to use any powers at all.
— Dark fur: The Timat is covered by a thin black coat that allows them to hide more efficiently in the dark by bending them into the darkness. +2D to sneak and hide rolls (at night or in a dark area).
— Double vision: A Timat can see up to four directions at once. Add +2D to their search roll when attempting to find prey (be it a person or Jedi).

Void Spiders

Spiders — for many, just the name sends shivers down many people's backs. These insidious creatures however are one of the most hideous type of spiders found in the galaxy. Named Void Spiders, because the first few cases of these spiders were found on derelict ships coming out of the recently found Arachnid Nebula near the out-rim. Currently, the entire sector around the Arachnid Nebula is off-limits to any ships due to the dangers of these spiders, which inhabit the nebula.

Able to travel in the void of space, the void spider can wait for decades until a passing mynock, or even better a starship comes by, at which point the spider becomes active. With their huge sharp claws, the spiders find their way into the nooks and crannies of a ship, and wait for their food to arrive. The spiders also have the ability to lay eggs which hatch several days later.

Recently, before the real danger of these pests became apparent, the cruise ship Lady Midnor with 10,000 passengers traveled to the nebula where beautiful reflections in the nebula make particular patterns that are a sight to see — and suddenly disappeared. (The patterns apparently are huge webs that crisscross the nebula attached to drifting debris or asteroids.) A month later the cruise ship returned out of the nebula, with all of its passengers lost to the void spiders. On board, custom officials instead found the egg sacks of the void spiders, as well as a few live ones. They were forced to destroy the huge cruise ship, and send the debris to the nearest sun to be vaporized.

Still, several months later, reports emerged that ships were being attacked at the very same area where the patrol boats destroyed the Lady Midnor. Floating egg sacks within the debris of the ship, as well as hibernating void spiders floating in space, had found their way onto many more ships. This prompted an immediate quarantine of the sector, as well as automated warning beacons that are programmed to destroy any ship foolish enough to go to the nebula — even though scientists have discovered large pockets of Administrum, in fine dust form, which makes up the nebula. The same material is used to coat the inside of blaster casings and other radioactive chemical energy due to its unique nature. A foolish but greedy miner could make a fortune mining the gases in the nebula, only at the risk of becoming the void spider's next meal.

Type: Dangerous space spider
Scale: Character
DEXTERITY 2D
Dodge 3D
PERCEPTION 2D
Hide 4D
STRENGTH 2D
Brawling 4D, Climb/Jump 4D
Special Abilities:
— Space Survival: The Void Spider does not require any type of gas to breathe to remain alive, and can withstand the pressures of zero-gravity.
— Huge Claws: Void spiders have two large claws which they use to hold their victims in place, and to pry their way into hard surfaces, such as those found on starships. (STR+3D+1 damage)
— Egg sacks: Void spiders, when mature, carry egg sacks which they will drop when they have found a suitable place for the hungry young that hatch a few days later.
— Cling to walls: Void spiders, like all other spiders, have the ability to walk on virtually any surface.
— Web: Void spiders can make very beautiful webs that lure hapless victims into the extremely strong web. Rumors of fine silk dresses made of this special silk can stop most energy-based weapons due to its unique nature. Dresses made out of the silk can fetch a huge price because not only of its very beautiful threads, but its extraordinary strength. The web of a void spider is equal to 6D strength to break free. A dress or armor made out of the silk confers STR+3D+1 Physical, STR+2D+1 Energy.

Chapter Eight — Equipment

"A Jedi only uses his lightsaber for defense. Never for attack."

— Obi-Wan

Weapons of the Dark Side — however, some don't. Especially Dark Jedi. They tend to have at their utility a vast array of often deadly and dangerous tools that they employ to carry out their dark ways.

This following chapter lists a variety of Dark Jedi and Sith weapons and tools often used by the Dark Ones. Care is recommended when using these items, for more often than not these weapons and tools hurt the person that uses them, rather than hurting the user's target. The general availability of these items is no doubt only found in the back alleys or within dark underground bazaars where other illegal weapons and tools are sold. Often the price to obtain one of the older and more finely crafted weapons — which are more reliable — can often cost an arm and a leg… literally.

GMs should make obtaining these types of objects a mini-game in itself. It should take time and, of course, lots of money to find these dark pits; then it's often dangerous as well to walk into these black markets without having to worry if the person next to you is a dark assassin or bounty hunter looking to place your head on the table for an upgrade on his blaster.

Besides the standard equipment that Dark Jedi may carry, some of the items are reserved for certain sects of the Dark Jedi. The items are divided into subclassifications according to their functions:

• Weapons
• Armor
• Sith Talismans and amulets
• Miscellaneous equipment

Weapons

Death's Kiss

A fitting name to this particular evil weapon favored and used only by the Dark Jedi assassins. It is a tubular weapon that straps to the back of the forearm. By punching forward, the Dark Jedi activates a tightly curled 100-meter-long monofilament wire (a wire only one molecule thick). If the tip weapon touches the enemy the wire filament pierces armor and flesh and instantly uncoils inside the victim's body. Within the space of a heartbeat the enemy's insides are reduced to the consistency of soup.

Model: Modified Luvmax Monofilament Launcher
Type: Assassination tool
Scale: Character
Skill: Brawling: "Death's Kiss"
Ammo: 1 (per pod; each new pod must be attached to the tube launcher)
Cost: 8,000; 1,000 (pod)
Range: Touching only
Damage: 8D
Game Notes: The pod is only a few inches long, and each pod is attached to the launching mechanism attached to the back of the forearm. The pod takes one minute to change; if the character wishes to rush the change process, the character must make a technical roll:

Roll	Time to change
Heroic	One round
Very Difficult	Two rounds
Difficult	Three rounds
Moderate	Four rounds
Easy	Five rounds

Sith Axe

These alchemically reinforced blades on the hilt of the Sith axe can withstand any blow. Their indestructible nature allows them to even parry lightsabers. Such weapons have survived throughout thousands of generations and yet remain in perfect condition, the edges of the axe sharp and straight. Anyone who uses a Sith Axe in combat automatically loses a Force point and gains a Dark Side Point. If the Dark Side Point is not used at some point during the battle, however, it too is lost. The powerful blades of the Sith axe cause STR+3D+1 damage. Often, the Sith axe was given in pairs to battle-worthy Sith who managed to obtain these weapons that are rarer to find than the illusive Sith swords.

Sith Lance

Similar in fashion to the axe, it is essentially a sharp flat blade at the end of a long pole. However, the type of metal used in the process of making these lances made them strong, but unable to block lightsaber blows. Lances were the typical form of weapons used by the Sith during Naga Sadow's time. Lances do STR+1D+1 damage.

Power Fist

The power fist or power glove is a heavily armored gauntlet surrounded by an energy field which disrupts the surface of solid matter, allowing the fist to punch through walls and armor, and grip and tear away at solid objects. It is an awesome weapon and amongst the most potent a Sith warrior can carry. A character wearing a power fist may not hold anything else in that hand.

Model: Unknown
Type: Heavy Assault Fist
Scale: Character
Skill: Power armor: Power Fist
Cost: Not for sale
Range: Touching only
Damage: 10D (Power Fist); 6D (Power Glove)
Game Notes: This huge armored gauntlet must be powered by a small generator in order for it to function. Servos and other devices allow a normal person to attach it to their armor, along with hydraulic lifts in order to use the fist. The fist is made of unbelievably strong metals and its power allows it to crush normal items with ease. However, because of its bulkiness, it subtracts 1D from all dexterity-related skills, and a character using a power fist can only use the power fist once during hand-to-hand combat. The more popular Power Glove is a bit smaller and can be worn under normal clothing. It is a miniature version of the power fist, but not nearly as powerful. Still, it allows an extra edge in combat and is able to smash through walls with relative ease. Both power fists increase Climb/Jump by 1D and add 1D to Lifting.

Sith Claws

These small claws, which attach to the back of a specially designed power glove, allow the Sith warrior an extra edge in combat. Able to spring to life at any moment, the claws are made of the same material that is used for other Sith weapons. However, due to their small size, it would be foolish for an unexperienced Dark Jedi to attempt to use them in defense against a lightsaber. Shadow Jedi are known to use a variation of these claws with several smaller lightsabers in place of the Sith metal. Both types are viewed with disdain by both Dark Jedi and Shadow Jedi, being that they are ineffective and not very practical. Sith Claws, however, have the advantage of being able to be used as climbing claws as well. Both types of claws are favored by more elite Dark and Shadow Jedi who wish to move silently, and strike silently without making much of a scene.

Model: None
Type: Surprise attack weapons
Scale: Character
Skill: Melee: Sith Claws; Lightsaber
Cost: Not for sale
Damage: STR+1D (Sith Claws); 3D+2 (lightsaber)
Availability: 4, X
Game Notes: To activate the claws takes an easy Melee or Lightsaber roll. Installing lightsabers in place of Sith claws requires three additional lightsaber repair rolls (one for each blade) at one higher difficulty.

Wave Mandiblaster

Small and compact, the dual-wave beam Mandiblaster is one of the most sought-after concealable weapons on the black market. Favored by pirates and thugs, this small hand-held blaster is about the size of a standard hold-out blaster but has two barrels. A button near the lower-facing barrel activates the mandiblaster, and expands the holding shaft to the size of the standard hand length. The button used to activate the weapon is also used to fire it once the weapon is charged and ready to use. A specialized one-time-use power cell allows the user of the mandiblaster to fire up to 50 times with both barrels at twice the speed of a regular blaster. For someone needing a quick-firing concealable blaster, the Wave Mandiblaster is the perfect choice.

Model: Invulmina Model 345 Mandiblaster
Type: Hold-out wave blaster
Scale: Character
Skill: Blaster: Wave Mandiblaster
Cost: 1,200; 500 (small) / 800 (large) power cell
Damage: 3D+2
Availability: 3, F or R
Range: 3-30 / 100 / 300
Fire Rate: 1 (fires two shots)
Ammo: 25 / 50 (depending on size of cell)
Game Notes: The special power cell in the Wave Mandiblaster is a one-time-use cell. It takes 5 minutes and a Moderate technical repair roll to change the power cell. The power cell comes in two sizes, regular (25 shots) and large (50 shots).

Plasma Blades

Originally, when Ran-corp designed and developed the plasma blades for miners, ship workers and engineering crews, it was only by a fluke that these small silver forearm guards (which pass just over the back of the hand) would soon become the hottest black market item found in the galaxy. The blades are emitted from round recessed cover plating that is on the top of the forearm bracelets which holds the control panels. The blades are palm activated and able to reach up to a meter and a half in length. The user of the blades is quite safe since the silver material surrounding the blades is made of enhanced materials which do not convey heat. This allows the user of the blades to easily weld or break apart hard materials with ease. However, they also make for the perfect weapon. The heat-absorbing elements of the space-age material used in the creation of the blades makes them sensor-proof, as well as lightweight — perfect for concealment and use.

Teridnye Corporation, the weapon manufacturers, got hold of a pair of these and decided to include a feature that allows the user to utilize the blades as long-range weapons as well. A flow control device is married with the original construction, and drops down when in use to fire a plasma bolt, which is not very accurate, but does a lot of damage. Further development is being done to get the accuracy increased. The blades are so popular that the original company that manufactures these blades is using the plasma blades as a jumping-off point into the world of weaponry. To fire the plasma bolt all one does is press a button and the plasma flow control device slides into place.

Model: Modified Ran-corp Plasma Mark II Blades
Type: Ran-corp Plasma Blades
Scale: Character
Skill: Melee: Plasma Blades; Blaster: Plasma Bolt
Cost: 4,200; 100 (power cell); 1,000 (flow control device to fire bolts of plasma)
Damage: 6D; 5D+2 (plasma bolt)
Availability: 4, X
Range: Melee, or 3-30 / 100 / 300
Fire Rate: 1
Ammo: Unlimited; 25 (plasma bolts)
Game Notes: To activate the plasma launcher requires an Easy dexterity roll (this is a free action). It takes one round to switch between melee and fire mode.

Light & Medium Repeating Blaster Mark II

Just when you think that you have the best and latest weapon available, they come out with a weapon that breaks the mold. The Light & Medium Blaster Mark II from BlasTech are these weapons. Seeing how their Espo Heavy Repeating Blasters were a marked improvement from the bulky generation-I models, BlasTech went to work to adapt new technology to old favorites.

The result is clear: increased accuracy, improved firing performance, and best of all — shields. That's right. By placing shields with their Heavy Repeater units, it was shown that the crews were able to concentrate their fire on a target without having to worry about stray blaster shots. BlasTech fitted existing Light and Medium repeaters with smaller defensive energy shields. The technology is still very new, as the energy shield generator is attached to the rear stock. The generator feeds off the existing power supply of the blaster, limiting the number of shots one can fire. However, a portable backpack generator can be used to supply both the blaster and the shield for an extended amount of time.

Model: BlasTech Light and Medium Repeating Blasters Mark II
Type: Light and medium repeating blasters
Scale: Character
Skill: Blaster: Light Repeater; Medium Repeater
Cost: 2,200 (light) / 4,000 (medium); power pack 200; backpack generator 500
Damage: 6D+1 (light); 7D+1 (medium)
Availability: 2, F, R, or X
Fire Rate: 1
Range: 3-50 / 175 / 375
Ammo: 100 (shield off). Shield uses up one shot of ammo per round if on. Backpack Generator: 500 (with shield on).
Game Notes: Defensive energy shield provides 4D (character-scale) protection (front-facing only).

Plasma Chainsaw

Chainsaws are an older tool used mainly for personal purposes, usually the cutting down of various plants. However, there are those odd individuals in the galaxy that would turn such a tool into a devastating and messy weapon. Chainsaws are moderately sized, featuring a half-meter-long extension that rotates a razor-sharp cutting chain at a high speed. When used against someone as a weapon, the effects can be devastatingly gruesome. Corellia once had a problem with a serial killer that lurked around in various cities all over the planet, killing and dismembering 52 victims before finally being shot to death by CorSec personnel.

Model: Xzeri Labor Corporation Chainsaw
Type: Light cutting instrument
Scale: Character
Skill: Melee combat: Plasma Chainsaw
Cost: 175
Availability: 1
Difficulty: Moderate
Damage: STR+3D (max: 8D)
Game Notes: Rolling a mishap indicates that the chain has dislodged from the chainsaw. An Easy repair roll is required to repair it in 1D rounds.

Source: Ryan Matheny (darkweji@intnet.net) — http://starwars-rpg.net/dlos/

Armor

Sith Armor

Made out of the same alchemically reinforced metal as Sith blades, this suit of armor covers the entire body and can withstand any blow. Its indestructible nature allows it to even withstand direct lightsaber blows. Such suits have survived through thousands of generations and yet remain in perfect condition — the metal plates undamaged and unmarred by time. Anyone who uses Sith Armor, however, will eventually be quickly turned to the dark side as it feeds off the character's Force points and corrupts the mind of the character wearing the suit of armor. A character automatically loses a Force point and gains a Dark Side Point when they put on the suit. If a battle occurs, the character will lose one Force point and gain one Dark Side Point.

Model: Sith Armor
Type: Protective Armor Suit
Scale: Character
Cost: Not for sale
Availability: 4, X
Protection: The suit provides STR+4D vs. physical damage, and 3D vs. energy damage. It also provides STR+5D vs. lightsaber damage.
Game Notes: This suit of armor is very powerful. It is not recommended for characters and should only be used by an NPC.

Spiked Sith Armor

Made out of the same materials as Sith Armor, this set of Spiked Sith Armor is virtually one of a kind. Spikes cover the entire suit, even the helmet, making the suit a sort of weapon unto itself. The spikes are made out of the same indestructible material and allow it to withstand lightsaber blows with ease. Anyone putting on this armor, however, will soon find out that its benefits soon diminish as they are turned to the dark side and become the suit's slave! Once the suit has taken over the mind, the suit slowly kills its new host. A character putting on the armor automatically loses a Force point which is replaced by a Dark Side Point. Every adventure, the suit takes a Force point away and replaces it with a Dark Side Point (the suit corrupting the victim's mind).

Model: Cursed Sith Armor
Type: Protective Armor Suit
Scale: Character
Cost: Not for sale
Availability: Special
Protection: The suit provides STR+4D+2 vs. physical damage and 4D vs. energy damage. It also provides STR+5D vs. lightsaber damage. In addition, its spikes cause STR+1D+1 damage.
Game Notes: This suit of armor is very powerful. It is not for characters and should only be used by an NPC.
Willpower Drain: The suit is inhabited by an ancient Sith spirit trapped within its shell (the original creator of the armor). Once a character puts on the suit, secretly roll 5D vs. the character's Perception or Control (whichever is higher). If the suit's roll is higher, then the suit becomes "attached" and begins to feed on its host's Dark Side Points. If the roll is lower, the suit will drain the character's willpower by 1D and add it to the 5D to roll vs. the character's Perception or Control. Roll once an adventure until the suit takes over the character, or until the character realizes what is happening and decides to leave the suit. (The character's willpower will return to full normal within a few days.)

However, once the suit is attached, the character cannot "live" without the suit, and becomes addicted to it. Each day the suit feeds off its host's Force points and Dark Side Points until there are none left, after which it then drains one of the character's attributes by 1D, until at last the character dies (all attributes drop to below 1D).

Chapter X — Character Creation

"Accept the Dark Side of the Force… let its fathomless energy flow into you… you must surrender to the Dark Side!"

— Freedon Nadd

The Sith templates in the back of this Galaxy Guide represent the different types of Sith characters best suited for players wishing to start their characters as Dark Jedi or Sith. For those players who prefer a bit more variation, this chapter presents a blank template as well as suggestions and ideas for further elaboration on new Dark Side characters.

There are four broadly defined Dark Jedi categories: Imperial, Sith, Independent, and Other. These templates are stereotypes of that type of Dark Jedi; each individual Dark Jedi will have his or her own background, objectives and behaviors. For those who want to create other templates, there is a series of "suggestions" rather than a listing of intricate "rules." The reasoning is simple: any detailed rules system has exploitable flaws and weaknesses. Rather than turn character creation into a "quest to find the loopholes and exploit the rules," this system gives the gamemaster final say. The player has the opportunity to be as modest or bold as he or she dares.

Do you want your character to be the son or daughter of a famous Imperial? Ask for it. Want to be the "evilest being in the galaxy"? Ask for it. Be careful what you ask for, because you may get it… Game masters have final say over characters: they can approve or veto any part of the character, from disallowing equipment to adding certain background elements to a character's life — "Somebody is holding a grudge against you… yeah, his name's Vader or something like that…"

This doesn't mean that the gamemaster should make the character not fun to play; it does mean that the gamemaster has the responsibility to make sure that a new dark side character does not unbalance the game. Since Dark Jedi campaigns can range from "dark and gritty" to "epic and larger than life," gamemasters must decide for themselves what constitutes a "balanced" character. Gamemasters should feel free to adjust characters as necessary for play balance and to make for an interesting game. Give the reasonable player a bonus or two if you feel it's justified — maybe a few extra skill dice or a beat-up ship. For the greedy players though… give the character a million credits if his player asks for it. Just don't tell the player that the reason his character has a million credits is because they were stolen from a certain crimelord on Tatooine — one who has placed a bounty of 3,000,000 credits on said character's head. The player can find out about that during the adventure, right? In other words, players and gamemasters — have fun! Don't let the rules get in the way of that.

A Serious Concern

"Uh-oh, here comes trouble… Get the thermals."

— A bounty hunter spotting a Dark Jedi

The creation of a Dark Jedi character should be approached as a serious concern. Being a Dark Jedi is more than using your dark powers against your enemies; being a Dark Jedi is a way of life. "Dark Jedi" carries with it a distinctly negative reputation. The few who do adopt the particular lifestyle do not do so casually, nor for the sheer enjoyment of it. Once the hunting profession is adopted, few are able to casually abandon their selected line of work for another, and fewer still live long enough to worry about retirement. So why then would anyone want to be a Dark Jedi?

* Most text in this section copied and altered from the Bounty Hunters Galaxy Guide.

Template: Fallen Jedi

Character Name: _________________
Type: Fallen Jedi
Gender/Species: __ / Human
Age: ___ Height: ___ Weight: ___
Physical Description: _________________

DEXTERITY 3D
Dodge, Lightsaber, Melee, Melee Parry, Brawling Parry
PERCEPTION 3D
Con, Persuasion, Command, Search, Sneak
KNOWLEDGE 3D
Languages, Planetary Systems, Streetwise, Survival, Willpower
STRENGTH 2D
Brawling
MECHANICAL 2D
Astrogation, Repulsorlift Op, Sensors, Space Transports, Starship Gunnery, Swoop Operation
TECHNICAL 2D
Lightsaber Repair, Repulsor Repair, Security
Special Abilities:
Force Sensitive: Yes
Force Skills: Control 1D, Sense 1D, Alter 1D
Control: enhance attribute, control pain
Sense: life sense, combat sense
Alter: injure/kill
Control, Sense, and Alter: affect mind
Force Points: ___
Dark Side Points: ___
Character Points: ___
Move: ___
Equipment: Lightsaber (5D), blaster (5D, ammo 50), armor (covers chest, shoulders: +1D Physical, +1 Energy)

Background: At one time you marveled at the galaxy and strived to be the best Jedi ever. However, after denying you as a Jedi Knight, you quickly started to see the error of their ways. The Jedi Masters were fools. You were better than all of them. So you left your masters and set out to build your own empire. There you would be the master of the galaxy and laugh at the Jedi Masters who mocked you.

Personality: Ruthless and cunning, you quietly bide your time, gathering forces to one day take over the galaxy. You view others as inferior and petty. Soon they will bow down to you and call you master.

Objective: To gather your forces and conquer the galaxy.

A Quote: "You WILL bow down to me."

Connection With Characters: _________________

Template: Dark Jedi Warrior

Character Name: _________________
Type: Dark Jedi Warrior
Gender/Species: __ / Human
Age: ___ Height: ___ Weight: ___
Physical Description: _________________

DEXTERITY 3D+2
Dodge, Lightsaber, Melee, Melee Parry, Brawling Parry
PERCEPTION 2D+1
Con, Persuasion, Command, Search, Sneak
KNOWLEDGE 2D+1
Languages, Planetary Systems, Streetwise, Survival, Willpower
STRENGTH 2D+2
Brawling
MECHANICAL 2D
Astrogation, Repulsorlift Op, Sensors, Space Transports, Starship Gunnery, Swoop Operation
TECHNICAL 2D
Lightsaber Repair, Repulsor Repair, Security
Special Abilities:
Force Skills: Control 2D, Sense 1D
Control: enhance attribute, control pain, accelerate healing
Sense: life sense, combat sense
Control and Sense: lightsaber combat
Force Points: ___
Dark Side Points: ___
Character Points: ___
Move: ___
Equipment: Lightsaber (double-bladed) (5D+2), blaster (5D, ammo 50), armor (covers chest: +1D Physical, +1 Energy)

Background: You have studied the ways of the dark side for years, learned the arcane arts of the lightsaber with deadly precision. Now the time has come to enact your revenge on your enemies who mocked you as being weak. You will hunt them down and kill them. For now you offer your services, for a price. Along the way, you constantly are on the search for more Dark Jedi knowledge, to make you stronger when you eventually kill your enemies.

Personality: Greedy and ruthless, you are secure in the knowledge that the dark side of the Force is with you. You embrace the dark side and let it flow through you.

Objective: To serve the Dark Side of the Force and to kill your enemies.

A Quote: "Don't worry, I will kill you and it will all be over soon."

Connection With Characters: _________________

Template: Banished Noble / Dark Side Sorcerer

Character Name: _________________
Type: Banished Noble / Dark Side Sorcerer
Gender/Species: __ / Human
Age: ___ Height: ___ Weight: ___
Physical Description: _________________

DEXTERITY 2D+2
Dodge, Lightsaber, Melee, Melee Parry, Brawling Parry
PERCEPTION 3D
Con, Persuasion, Command, Search, Sneak
KNOWLEDGE 3D
Languages, Planetary Systems, Streetwise, Survival, Willpower
STRENGTH 2D
Brawling
MECHANICAL 2D
Astrogation, Repulsorlift Op, Sensors, Space Transports, Starship Gunnery, Swoop Operation
TECHNICAL 2D+1
Lightsaber Repair, Repulsor Repair, Security
Special Abilities:
Force Skills: Control 1D, Alter 1D
Control: concentration, control pain
Alter: bolt of hatred, injure/kill
Control and Alter: control another's pain
Force Points: ___
Dark Side Points: ___
Character Points: ___
Move: ___
Equipment: Blaster (5D, ammo 50), noble robes, 10,000 credits

Background: You are a noble on the ruling council of a small planet. To fight the boredom, you secretly studied the forbidden texts locked away deep within the royal library. You studied and practiced the ways of the Sith, and became a sorcerer. You attempted to use your new powers to take control of the ruling council and kill the king, but were caught. You used your powers to escape and hide away with all the credits from your family's estate on a transport ship to a new planet. There, you would continue to study and learn the ways of the Sith, so that one day you can become a powerful sorcerer and take back your birthright as king.

Personality: Smart, well-dressed and ruthless, you see yourself as the rightful heir to the throne. For now you search the stars looking for more Sith artifacts so that you can increase your power. Eventually you will return, and kill the false king and claim what you see as your birthright.

Objective: To study the Sith, and to make yourself king.

A Quote: "You fool, you got my robes dirty! For that you will pay! <zap>"

Connection With Characters: _________________

Template: Bounty Hunter

Character Name: _________________
Type: Bounty Hunter
Gender/Species: __ / Human
Age: ___ Height: ___ Weight: ___
Physical Description: _________________

DEXTERITY 3D+2
Dodge, Lightsaber, Melee, Melee Parry, Brawling Parry
PERCEPTION 3D
Con, Persuasion, Command, Search, Sneak
KNOWLEDGE 2D+1
Languages, Planetary Systems, Streetwise, Survival, Willpower
STRENGTH 3D+1
Brawling
MECHANICAL 2D+1
Astrogation, Repulsorlift Op, Sensors, Space Transports, Starship Gunnery, Swoop Operation
TECHNICAL 2D+1
Lightsaber Repair, Repulsor Repair, Security
Special Abilities:
Force Skills: Control 1D
Control: enhance attribute
Force Points: ___
Dark Side Points: ___
Character Points: ___
Move: ___
Equipment: Blaster (5D+1, ammo 100), cyber arm (Lifting +1D, Strength +1D to brawling), cyber eyes (infrared, +1D to blaster-linked), grenade, fragmentation (5D), IPCK, stun baton STR+1D (4D stun), vibroknife STR+3D

Background: You are the toughest hunter out there, and you know it. You have special skills that none of the others have, and you use them to your advantage wherever your next job takes you. Other hunters look at you with fear, and you like it. It makes you stronger.

Personality: You don't care where your next job comes from. You hunt for the sheer pleasure of instilling fear onto your quarry as you hunt them down. Often, you bring back only body bags, as you take mostly dead-or-alive jobs. The fear that others exude while in your presence is intoxicating.

Objective: To get everything out of life before someone with a bigger blaster ends it.

A Quote: "Die, criminal scum! <blam>"

Connection With Characters: _________________

Template: Alien Sith Warrior

Character Name: _________________
Type: Alien Sith Warrior
Gender/Species: __ / Tss'Thi
Age: ___ Height: ___ Weight: ___
Physical Description: _________________

DEXTERITY 4D+1
Dodge, Lightsaber, Melee, Melee Parry, Brawling Parry
PERCEPTION 3D
Con, Persuasion, Command, Search, Sneak
KNOWLEDGE 2D
Languages, Planetary Systems, Streetwise, Survival, Willpower
STRENGTH 3D+2
Brawling
MECHANICAL 2D
Astrogation, Repulsorlift Op, Sensors, Space Transports, Starship Gunnery, Swoop Operation
TECHNICAL 2D
Lightsaber Repair, Repulsor Repair, Security
Special Abilities:
Force Skills: Sense 2D
Sense: beast languages, life detection, life sense, magnify senses, sense force
Force Points: ___
Dark Side Points: ___
Character Points: ___
Move: ___
Equipment: Lightsaber (4D)

Background: At an early age you were outcast from the rest of your kind as being a Tul'itha, or evil thing. You did not understand this and were forced to live out in the dangerous jungles of your world. There, you stumbled upon a strange temple. Inside, you found various strange objects. Somehow you were able to understand what they were and use them. You also learned new things, and were able to talk to the various creatures in the jungle. One day a strange craft from the stars appeared. You stowed away on the vessel and were transported to a far-off place. Now you are a strange alien in a strange world.

Personality: Often misunderstood, you travel from place to place, unsure of what path to take. You wish to find more understanding of the galaxy and of its nature.

Objective: To succeed at whatever task lies before you, no matter what the personal cost.

A Quote: "I ssensse a sstrong pressenssse…"

Connection With Characters: _________________

Blank Template

Character Name: _________________
Type: _________________
Gender/Species: __ / __
Age: ___ Height: ___ Weight: ___
Physical Description: _________________

DEXTERITY _____
Dodge, Lightsaber, Melee, Melee Parry, Brawling Parry
PERCEPTION _____
Con, Persuasion, Command, Search, Sneak
KNOWLEDGE _____
Languages, Planetary Systems, Streetwise, Survival, Willpower
STRENGTH _____
Brawling
MECHANICAL _____
Astrogation, Repulsorlift Op, Sensors, Space Transports, Starship Gunnery, Swoop Operation
TECHNICAL _____
Lightsaber Repair, Repulsor Repair, Security
Special Abilities: _________________
Force Points: ___
Dark Side Points: ___
Character Points: ___
Move: ___
Equipment: _________________

Background: _________________

Personality: _________________

Objective: _________________

A Quote: _________________

Connection With Characters: _________________

Force Users Quick Reference Guide

Inspired by Christian Conkle's Force Users Reference Manual*. Document created by Eric "Mod Sithson."*

Relationship Modifiers

Difficulty Scale:

Relationship (User and Target Are…):

Proximity (User and Target Are…):

Control Powers

Sense Powers

Alter Powers

Control + Sense Powers

Control + Alter Powers

The following powers use the same difficulties as their base powers.

(All: Control to activate (3), Alter (3). Modified by Proximity or Relationship. Time to use: 1 to 5 minutes.)

Sense + Alter Powers

Control + Sense + Alter Powers

Special Force Powers

Sith Force Powers

Expanded Lightsaber Combat Rules

The following rules are for Lightsaber Combat, as well as additional rules for conducting a lightsaber battle.

1. Declare Actions and Full Reaction Skills

Players declare all actions for this combat round. Actions are declared in order of Perception but are resolved in order of descending Dexterity. Players may hold their action until later in the turn order. Players roll skill dice for their actions, subtracting 1D per action from each action declared after the first. The gamemaster determines the to-hit and other difficulty numbers for this round.

• Size-Up Your Opponent: Perception + Lightsaber vs. opponent's Perception + Lightsaber to determine the opponent's skill level by observation alone.
• Movement: Cautious Speed = 1/2 action, Cruising Speed = 1 action, High Speed = 2 actions, or All-Out Speed = 4 actions (may perform no other action).
• Quick Strike: Lightsaber vs. Difficulty 15, −2D Damage.
• Strike: Lightsaber vs. Difficulty 20, +0D Damage.
• Fierce Strike: Lightsaber vs. Difficulty 25, +1D Damage.
• Strong Strike: Lightsaber vs. Difficulty 30, +3D Damage.
• Berserk Strike: Lightsaber vs. Difficulty 25, +4D Damage; costs 1 Character Point or 1 Dark Side Point.
• Full Dodge: Add Dodge roll to difficulty; must be used with any Movement action except All-Out; may not be used with any other action.
• Full Parry: Add Lightsaber roll to difficulty, reduces difficulty of following action by 5; may not be used with any other action.
• Feint: Roll Perception + Lightsaber vs. opponent's Perception + Lightsaber; if successful, reduce difficulty of the following action by 10.
• Lock: Lightsaber vs. Difficulty 20; roll Strength + Lightsaber vs. opponent's Strength + Lightsaber. If successful, both lightsabers are locked and the round is ended; all further actions are forfeited. The attacker may choose to maintain the lock so long as they successfully roll Strength + Lightsaber vs. opponent's Strength + Lightsaber at the end of each round, until they choose to break it, or one combatant chooses to drop their lightsaber. While locked, all other actions (such as Brawling) are at −1D.
• Disarm: Lightsaber vs. Difficulty 30; increases difficulty of the following action by 10; roll Strength + Lightsaber vs. opponent's Strength + Lightsaber. Consult the following chart:

2. Declare Reaction Skills

Reaction skills allow a fighter to execute a quick defensive maneuver in response to an unexpected attack. Each Reaction counts as an additional action and subtracts an additional 1D from all subsequent actions. Reaction skills can be declared at any time during declaration or resolution.

• Combat Dodge: Substitute Dodge roll for difficulty.
• Combat Parry: Substitute Parry roll for difficulty; reduces difficulty of following action by 5.
• Bare-Handed Parry: For the truly foolhardy, a bare-handed parry against a lightsaber! The character must have activated Absorb/Dissipate Energy before being attacked, and must roll Control vs. 12 + lightsaber's damage to absorb the attack. Failure means the character takes damage normally.

3. Calculate Damage as Hits Occur

Roll damage and Strength/Hull dice for all targets hit by an attack, and determine the effects according to the appropriate "Damage Summary" chart.

Reflecting Blaster Beams in Regards to Scale

Can lightsabers reflect walker-scale bolts? Starfighter? Yes — lightsabers can reflect up to starfighter-scale blaster bolts directed at the character using the lightsaber combat skill, however it becomes much harder to do so. For each scale increase, decrease the player's lightsaber skill by −2D (−2D for speeder, −4D for walker, −6D for starfighter), then use the following scale die-cap table to determine the final roll:

Predict Natural Disaster

Sense Difficulty: Easy if the Jedi has lived in the area for more than a year; Moderate if the Jedi has lived in the area between 6 and 12 months; Difficult if the Jedi has lived in the area between one and six months; Very Difficult if the Jedi has lived in the area for less than one month. Modified by severity of disaster (larger disasters are easy to predict) and degree to which the disaster could reasonably be predicted (for example, gamemasters may decide that certain disasters are easier or harder to predict based on a multitude of factors).

Required Powers: Danger sense, life detection, weather sense

Time to Use: 15 minutes. May be reduced in five increments by increasing the difficulty one level per five-minute increments (minimum time to use of one minute).

Effect: This power allows the Jedi to sense local meteorological and geological conditions and predict imminent disasters, such as quakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, landslides, avalanches, cave-ins, mine subsidence, large-scale conflagrations (such as forest fires) and even dangerous storms, tornadoes and hurricanes (which can also be predicted with weather sense). By opening his or her senses to the environment, the Jedi can predict these disturbances, much as an animal can seemingly sense a quake hours or even days before it happens.

Like weather sense, this power does not lend itself to quick predications. It customarily takes weeks for a Jedi to acclimate to local weather patterns and topography. The prediction is effective for 12 hours. The difficulty increases by one level for each additional 12-hour period by which the Jedi wishes to extend the predication.

Postcognition

Sense Difficulty: Easy if seeing less than two hours into the past; Moderate for seeing more than two hours but less than a week into the past; Difficult for seeing more than a week but less than six months into the past; Very Difficult for seeing more than six months but less than one year into the past; Heroic for seeing more than a year but less than two years into the past; +10 for each additional year.

Required Powers: Hibernation trance, life detection, sense Force

Time to Use: Five minutes; the time to use may be reduced by adding +10 for each minute cut. Minimum time to use of one minute.

Effect: Postcognition allows a Jedi to investigate the tenuous imprints of the Force left on objects when they are handled by living beings. The character must be able to handle the target object.

The Jedi must declare how far in the past is being reviewed prior to rolling postcognition. If the roll is successful, the Jedi can determine who has handled or touched the object and what events have transpired around it. The Jedi may "search" for specific incidents or simply review past events, somewhat like a hologram.

If the postcognition roll is equal to or higher than three times the difficulty number, the character can witness events when the object was present as if she were there herself.

If the postcognition is greater than or equal to twice the difficulty number, the Jedi gains a good sensory impression of the event, but is limited in that the primary sense (the sense which gives the most information, usually sight) is wavery or obscured; the other sensory impressions come through clearly.

If the postcognition roll is simply greater than the difficulty number, then all sensory impressions are muffled, tactile sense is dulled, smells or tastes are indistinct or mixed. The Jedi receives a vague sense of who handled the object and what events transpired around it.

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All powers taken from Tales of the Jedi source book, as seen in Tales of the Jedi comic books.