Part 1 of 3.
Sith Order Handbook
The Sith Order is a sophisticated and hierarchical structure dedicated to the mastery of the Dark Side of the Force and the consolidation of Sith power. At its core, the Sith Code embodies the principles and philosophies that drive the Order, emphasising passion, strength, and victory as the means to achieve ultimate freedom and dominance.
The document outlines the judicial and disciplinary frameworks within the Order, including the processes for Trials and Punishment, which dictate how Sith who violate the Order's laws are judged and penalised. The Kaggath, an ancient rite of challenge and power struggle, is detailed as a method for Sith to assert dominance and usurp ranks through combat or large-scale campaigns.
Regulations of the Temple Grounds establish the protocols for access and conduct within the sacred spaces of the Sith, ensuring that only those with the proper authority and reason may enter. The hierarchy of the Sith Order is defined through various Ranks and Military Ranks, detailing the progression from Sith Acolytes to the highest military positions. Titles within the Order, including the prestigious Darth and the ruling Dark Council, reflect the levels of authority and responsibility within the Sith hierarchy.
The Dark Council, as the ruling body, is described in its role in managing the Empire and guiding its various aspects, ensuring the Sith Order remains a formidable and cohesive force. This document serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the structure, laws, and operations of the Sith Order, providing clarity on its inner workings and the responsibilities of its members.
Sith Code
Sith Code
Peace is a lie, there is only passion.
Through passion, I gain strength.
Through strength, I gain power.
Through power, I gain victory.
Through victory, my chains are broken.
The Force shall free me.
Qotsisajak
Nwûl tash.
Dzwol shâsotkun.
Shâsotjontû châtsatul nu tyûk.
Tyûkjontû châtsatul nu midwan.
Midwanjontû châtsatul nu asha.
Ashajontû kotswinot itsu nuyak.
Wonoksh Qyâsik nun.
Analysis of the Sith Code
Peace is a lie, there is only passion
The Sith embrace their passions and believe that the "peace" championed by the Jedi Order—meaning a lack of conflict—leads to stagnation. Conflict encourages personal and societal growth and weeds out the weak, allowing only the strong to survive and lead. Similarly, Sith do not believe in denying themselves their desires and even their lusts. They are encouraged to seek power, influence, and to take what pleasures them in an outright rejection of the selflessness proclaimed by the Jedi Order.
Through passion, I gain strength.
The Sith saw themselves as the ultimate expression of the original Jedi Exile goals: to challenge the stagnation and what they saw as the failures of the Jedi Order. They felt that the Jedi denied themselves their true natures and were afraid to embrace them. They also felt that that passion was inherent to every living being and is part of what kept them alive. Because the Sith mastered their passions, they felt superior to the Jedi who denied them.
Through strength, I gain power
The Sith believed that strength brought about strife, and strife brought about meaning. They took this belief from the red-skinned Sith, who believed that victory was hollow without strife. Without strife, one could not advance. And, if one did not advance, they would only stagnate. The Sith further believed that it was through overcoming strife that one truly harnessed their power.
Through power, I gain victory
The Sith did not believe in hollow victories or victory-by-any-means. Victory was only meaningful to the Sith if it was achieved by your own power, therefore proving your power over your circumstances. Victory that did not prove your superiority was temporary—an illusion. The stronger a Sith became with the Force, the more powerful they became in turn, but that power must be fought for, making the victory all the sweeter.
Through victory, my chains are broken
This line of the Sith Code was interpreted many different ways, depending on who was reciting it. In general, though, it was the culmination of the rest of the Code: the belief that by not denying oneself their passions, and by using all of their power to achieve victory, one's chains were broken and they became truly free. For some Sith, this line also encouraged them to strive for perfection, and that the final victory meant breaking free of their mortal restrictions—something only the dark side could offer.
The Force shall free me.
The Sith believed that those who sought perfection through mastery and knowledge of the Force would be rewarded with ultimate freedom. They also believed that their use of the Force set them apart from other mundane members of the galactic society, as they had a greater purpose and were free to ignore the restrictions that were imposed upon others.
Trial and Punishment Procedures
Issued under the authority of the Sphere of Law and Justice and Imperial Intelligence, the following protocols shall govern the process for dealing with Sith accused of crimes against the Empire.
The Right of Judgment
All Sith, regardless of rank, who are charged with a crime by the Sphere of Law and Justice or Imperial Intelligence, shall be subject to one of the following methods of judgement, as determined by the presiding authority:
Discretion of Punishment
The punishment for a crime lies solely with the Sith Lord or Dark Council member overseeing the case. Whether through combat or admission, it is the strength, loyalty, and future potential of the accused that will determine their fate. Sith are expected to endure whatever punishment is delivered without complaint or hesitation, for it is through adversity that we are forged.
The Law of Power
The Sith Empire recognizes that true justice lies in the hands of the strong. Power determines the outcome of all disputes, and only those who rise to the challenge shall retain their place within the hierarchy of the Empire. Let this serve as a reminder: the weak shall perish, and the strong shall rule.
Kaggath: The Rite of Ultimate Challenge
Issued under the authority of the Dark Council and recognized by the Emperor himself, the Kaggath stands as one of the most ancient and sacred rites of the Sith, inherited from the Sith species and codified within the Empire. It is a duel of monumental scale, pitting Sith against Sith, both in battle and in strategy. The outcome of a Kaggath determines not only the victor but also the fate of those who dare to challenge the order of power within the Sith Empire.
The Nature of the Kaggath
The Kaggath is more than a simple duel; it is a test of one’s power base, influence, and ability to command. The rite allows any Sith, regardless of rank or station, to challenge a rival for reasons such as:
The arena for the Kaggath can range from a single location to entire planets or star systems, as chosen by the challenger. The stakes are as high as the battlefield is vast, and once the challenge is accepted, both parties commit themselves fully to the contest.
Conducting the Kaggath
Once the Kaggath is issued and accepted, the combatants must engage in the struggle until one emerges victorious. The Kaggath is not limited to personal combat, but extends to the manipulation of armies, resources, and alliances. Power bases are mobilised, and entire fleets may be drawn into the conflict. Victory is determined when one Sith has either been killed, forced into submission, or chooses to surrender.
Though ruthlessness and cunning are encouraged, the terms of the Kaggath are sacred. Cheating or violating the established rules of engagement leads to immediate execution. The Empire will not tolerate dishonour, even in a battle of this scale.
The Consequences of Defeat
The victor of the Kaggath holds absolute power over the fate of their opponent. At their discretion, the defeated Sith may be executed, stripped of their rank, or left alive to suffer the humiliation of their failure. Additionally, the victor may invoke the right to erase the loser's name from the historical record, ensuring that the defeated Sith leaves no legacy behind. This final act symbolises the ultimate triumph: to not only defeat one's rival but to eliminate their very existence from the memory of the Empire.
Honor and Legacy
To refuse a Kaggath is to brand oneself a coward in the eyes of the Empire. Refusal often results in the loss of one's rank, influence, and standing within the Sith Order. The Kaggath is a tool of ambition, and to shy away from it is to reject the core tenet of Sith philosophy: that the strong will rise, and the weak will fall.
The Kaggath ensures that only the worthy hold power within the Sith Empire. It is a crucible in which true Sith are forged, and the rightful order of the Empire is maintained.
Regulations of the Temple Grounds
Issued under the authority of the Dark Council and upheld by the Emperor’s Imperial Guard, the following decrees govern the sacred grounds of the Sith Temple. These regulations are designed to preserve the sanctity, security, and order of the temple, ensuring that only those who possess rightful power may walk its halls.
Access to the Temple Grounds
Access to the Sith Temple Grounds is highly restricted. Only members of the Sith Order and the Imperial Guard are permitted within its perimeters. Sith Lords alone hold the authority to invite second-class citizens into the Temple, and such invitations must be justified by valid reasons.
Restrictions on Armed Personnel
The Temple Grounds represent a place of reverence and power, and therefore, it is strictly prohibited for any non-Sith personnel, aside from the Imperial Guard, to be armed within its boundaries.
Restrictions on Escorts and Regiments
The presence of military regiments or large entourages within the Temple Grounds is strictly forbidden. Sith Lords and other members of the Order are expected to travel within the Temple alone, demonstrating their strength and independence.
Protocol for Invited Guests
Should a Sith Lord deem it necessary to bring a second-class citizen onto the Temple Grounds, they must comply with the following procedures:
These regulations are non-negotiable and shall be enforced with absolute authority. The Temple Grounds are a place of ancient power, and all within them must understand and respect their place in the order of the Sith Empire.
Ranks
Ranks of the Sith Order
The Sith Order is structured in a hierarchy that reflects the accumulation of power, knowledge, and influence. As a member rises through the ranks, they solidify their place within the Sith Empire, contributing to its strength and domination over the galaxy.
Sith Order Handbook
The Sith Order is a sophisticated and hierarchical structure dedicated to the mastery of the Dark Side of the Force and the consolidation of Sith power. At its core, the Sith Code embodies the principles and philosophies that drive the Order, emphasising passion, strength, and victory as the means to achieve ultimate freedom and dominance.
The document outlines the judicial and disciplinary frameworks within the Order, including the processes for Trials and Punishment, which dictate how Sith who violate the Order's laws are judged and penalised. The Kaggath, an ancient rite of challenge and power struggle, is detailed as a method for Sith to assert dominance and usurp ranks through combat or large-scale campaigns.
Regulations of the Temple Grounds establish the protocols for access and conduct within the sacred spaces of the Sith, ensuring that only those with the proper authority and reason may enter. The hierarchy of the Sith Order is defined through various Ranks and Military Ranks, detailing the progression from Sith Acolytes to the highest military positions. Titles within the Order, including the prestigious Darth and the ruling Dark Council, reflect the levels of authority and responsibility within the Sith hierarchy.
The Dark Council, as the ruling body, is described in its role in managing the Empire and guiding its various aspects, ensuring the Sith Order remains a formidable and cohesive force. This document serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the structure, laws, and operations of the Sith Order, providing clarity on its inner workings and the responsibilities of its members.
Sith Code
Sith Code
Peace is a lie, there is only passion.
Through passion, I gain strength.
Through strength, I gain power.
Through power, I gain victory.
Through victory, my chains are broken.
The Force shall free me.
Qotsisajak
Nwûl tash.
Dzwol shâsotkun.
Shâsotjontû châtsatul nu tyûk.
Tyûkjontû châtsatul nu midwan.
Midwanjontû châtsatul nu asha.
Ashajontû kotswinot itsu nuyak.
Wonoksh Qyâsik nun.
Analysis of the Sith Code
Peace is a lie, there is only passion
The Sith embrace their passions and believe that the "peace" championed by the Jedi Order—meaning a lack of conflict—leads to stagnation. Conflict encourages personal and societal growth and weeds out the weak, allowing only the strong to survive and lead. Similarly, Sith do not believe in denying themselves their desires and even their lusts. They are encouraged to seek power, influence, and to take what pleasures them in an outright rejection of the selflessness proclaimed by the Jedi Order.
Through passion, I gain strength.
The Sith saw themselves as the ultimate expression of the original Jedi Exile goals: to challenge the stagnation and what they saw as the failures of the Jedi Order. They felt that the Jedi denied themselves their true natures and were afraid to embrace them. They also felt that that passion was inherent to every living being and is part of what kept them alive. Because the Sith mastered their passions, they felt superior to the Jedi who denied them.
Through strength, I gain power
The Sith believed that strength brought about strife, and strife brought about meaning. They took this belief from the red-skinned Sith, who believed that victory was hollow without strife. Without strife, one could not advance. And, if one did not advance, they would only stagnate. The Sith further believed that it was through overcoming strife that one truly harnessed their power.
Through power, I gain victory
The Sith did not believe in hollow victories or victory-by-any-means. Victory was only meaningful to the Sith if it was achieved by your own power, therefore proving your power over your circumstances. Victory that did not prove your superiority was temporary—an illusion. The stronger a Sith became with the Force, the more powerful they became in turn, but that power must be fought for, making the victory all the sweeter.
Through victory, my chains are broken
This line of the Sith Code was interpreted many different ways, depending on who was reciting it. In general, though, it was the culmination of the rest of the Code: the belief that by not denying oneself their passions, and by using all of their power to achieve victory, one's chains were broken and they became truly free. For some Sith, this line also encouraged them to strive for perfection, and that the final victory meant breaking free of their mortal restrictions—something only the dark side could offer.
The Force shall free me.
The Sith believed that those who sought perfection through mastery and knowledge of the Force would be rewarded with ultimate freedom. They also believed that their use of the Force set them apart from other mundane members of the galactic society, as they had a greater purpose and were free to ignore the restrictions that were imposed upon others.
Trial and Punishment Procedures
Issued under the authority of the Sphere of Law and Justice and Imperial Intelligence, the following protocols shall govern the process for dealing with Sith accused of crimes against the Empire.
The Right of Judgment
All Sith, regardless of rank, who are charged with a crime by the Sphere of Law and Justice or Imperial Intelligence, shall be subject to one of the following methods of judgement, as determined by the presiding authority:
- Standard Trial: The accused may stand before a tribunal of Sith Lords or a representative of the Dark Council, where evidence shall be presented, and the accused may defend their actions. The final judgement lies with the presiding Sith Lord, who holds absolute discretion over the outcome. Let it be known that the weight of one's power and influence may serve as a deciding factor in the verdict.
- Trial by Combat: For those who prefer to settle accusations through strength, a trial by combat may be chosen. The accused will face their accuser or a champion chosen by the council in a sanctioned duel. Victory in combat shall clear the accused of all charges, while defeat is an admission of guilt and may result in immediate execution or punishment as deemed fitting by the presiding authority. Combat is the purest expression of truth within the Empire, and only the strong shall prevail.
- Admission of Guilt: Should the accused choose to admit their guilt, they may present themselves to the Sith Lord overseeing their case. In such instances, the presiding Sith has the authority to determine the appropriate punishment. If the Lord deems the Sith still valuable to the Empire, leniency may be granted. However, grave offences, including betrayal or treason, shall not be forgiven, and the punishment may include demotion, exile, imprisonment, or death.
Discretion of Punishment
The punishment for a crime lies solely with the Sith Lord or Dark Council member overseeing the case. Whether through combat or admission, it is the strength, loyalty, and future potential of the accused that will determine their fate. Sith are expected to endure whatever punishment is delivered without complaint or hesitation, for it is through adversity that we are forged.
The Law of Power
The Sith Empire recognizes that true justice lies in the hands of the strong. Power determines the outcome of all disputes, and only those who rise to the challenge shall retain their place within the hierarchy of the Empire. Let this serve as a reminder: the weak shall perish, and the strong shall rule.
Kaggath: The Rite of Ultimate Challenge
Issued under the authority of the Dark Council and recognized by the Emperor himself, the Kaggath stands as one of the most ancient and sacred rites of the Sith, inherited from the Sith species and codified within the Empire. It is a duel of monumental scale, pitting Sith against Sith, both in battle and in strategy. The outcome of a Kaggath determines not only the victor but also the fate of those who dare to challenge the order of power within the Sith Empire.
The Nature of the Kaggath
The Kaggath is more than a simple duel; it is a test of one’s power base, influence, and ability to command. The rite allows any Sith, regardless of rank or station, to challenge a rival for reasons such as:
- The desire to usurp the rank of a superior Sith Lord or member of the Dark Council.
- The settling of personal grudges or feuds.
- The acquisition of the possessions, resources, or influence of a rival.
- The humiliation or defeat of an adversary to assert dominance within the Empire.
The arena for the Kaggath can range from a single location to entire planets or star systems, as chosen by the challenger. The stakes are as high as the battlefield is vast, and once the challenge is accepted, both parties commit themselves fully to the contest.
Conducting the Kaggath
Once the Kaggath is issued and accepted, the combatants must engage in the struggle until one emerges victorious. The Kaggath is not limited to personal combat, but extends to the manipulation of armies, resources, and alliances. Power bases are mobilised, and entire fleets may be drawn into the conflict. Victory is determined when one Sith has either been killed, forced into submission, or chooses to surrender.
Though ruthlessness and cunning are encouraged, the terms of the Kaggath are sacred. Cheating or violating the established rules of engagement leads to immediate execution. The Empire will not tolerate dishonour, even in a battle of this scale.
The Consequences of Defeat
The victor of the Kaggath holds absolute power over the fate of their opponent. At their discretion, the defeated Sith may be executed, stripped of their rank, or left alive to suffer the humiliation of their failure. Additionally, the victor may invoke the right to erase the loser's name from the historical record, ensuring that the defeated Sith leaves no legacy behind. This final act symbolises the ultimate triumph: to not only defeat one's rival but to eliminate their very existence from the memory of the Empire.
Honor and Legacy
To refuse a Kaggath is to brand oneself a coward in the eyes of the Empire. Refusal often results in the loss of one's rank, influence, and standing within the Sith Order. The Kaggath is a tool of ambition, and to shy away from it is to reject the core tenet of Sith philosophy: that the strong will rise, and the weak will fall.
The Kaggath ensures that only the worthy hold power within the Sith Empire. It is a crucible in which true Sith are forged, and the rightful order of the Empire is maintained.
Regulations of the Temple Grounds
Issued under the authority of the Dark Council and upheld by the Emperor’s Imperial Guard, the following decrees govern the sacred grounds of the Sith Temple. These regulations are designed to preserve the sanctity, security, and order of the temple, ensuring that only those who possess rightful power may walk its halls.
Access to the Temple Grounds
Access to the Sith Temple Grounds is highly restricted. Only members of the Sith Order and the Imperial Guard are permitted within its perimeters. Sith Lords alone hold the authority to invite second-class citizens into the Temple, and such invitations must be justified by valid reasons.
- Second-class citizens may only enter the Temple Grounds when accompanied by an Imperial Guard escort, who must be informed of their presence prior to entry.
- Non-Sith personnel found on the Temple Grounds without proper authorization will be considered intruders and are subject to immediate termination on sight (KOS) by the Imperial Guard.
Restrictions on Armed Personnel
The Temple Grounds represent a place of reverence and power, and therefore, it is strictly prohibited for any non-Sith personnel, aside from the Imperial Guard, to be armed within its boundaries.
- Weapons Policy: Any individual found in holding a weapon, unless explicitly authorised by a member of the Dark Council or an Imperial Guard Commander, shall be dealt with as hostile.
- Imperial Guards are the only armed force permitted within the Temple, and they alone enforce its security under direct orders from the Dark Council and the Emperor. Imperial Guards may invite other security branches to further guard the Emperor's interests.
Restrictions on Escorts and Regiments
The presence of military regiments or large entourages within the Temple Grounds is strictly forbidden. Sith Lords and other members of the Order are expected to travel within the Temple alone, demonstrating their strength and independence.
- Sith bringing an entourage of any kind into the Temple grounds will be seen as violating the spirit of the Order’s teachings. The Sith Order does not tolerate weakness or dependence on others for protection while in this sacred space.
Protocol for Invited Guests
Should a Sith Lord deem it necessary to bring a second-class citizen onto the Temple Grounds, they must comply with the following procedures:
- Notification of the Imperial Guard: The Sith Lord must notify the Imperial Guard in advance.
- Escort Requirement: The Imperial Guard shall provide an escort for the guest at all times during their presence within the Temple. The guest is not permitted to move freely and must remain under supervision.
- Behavioural Protocol: Guests must adhere to the strictest discipline and must not interfere with the activities of the Sith Order. Failure to comply will result in their removal or execution.
- Approval: Guests must be approved by Imperial Guard and may be removed whenever they deem necessary, the Imperial Guard outrank the Dark Council and all security matters within Sith Sites.
These regulations are non-negotiable and shall be enforced with absolute authority. The Temple Grounds are a place of ancient power, and all within them must understand and respect their place in the order of the Sith Empire.
Ranks
Ranks of the Sith Order
The Sith Order is structured in a hierarchy that reflects the accumulation of power, knowledge, and influence. As a member rises through the ranks, they solidify their place within the Sith Empire, contributing to its strength and domination over the galaxy.