Sith magic



Sith magic was a power used by the early Sith that complimented the use of conventional Force powers. The exact qualities of Sith magic were disputed, as were it's exact relations to the Force or conventional "magic". Some practices of Sith magic delved into Sith alchemy, which was a different aspect entirely. It was also sometimes referred to as Sith sorcery.

History
"Cursed enemies! I will down the power of FREEDON NADD upon thee--"

- Queen Amanoa

Early uses of Sith magic date as far back as the ancient Sith. This tradition was continued by the Sith Lords, up to and through Marka Ragnos and Naga Sadow. It was inherited by Freedon Nadd, who in turn passed it down thru the aristocracy of Onderon. It's practice was discontinued after the deaths of King Ommin and Queen Amanoa.

However, two young nobles from Koros named Satal Keto and Aleema were initiated in it's mysteries by Nadd's spirit. Stealing a Sith spell book from the Galactic museum on Coruscant, they founded the Krath; a Sith-inspired, dark side cult. Aleema in particular was fond of and good at with illusion casting, while Satal leaned more towards Sith alchemy.



Freedon Nadd also approached the Jedi apprentice Exar Kun, who eventually became a Dark Lord of the Sith under his tutelage. Meanwhile, Aleema taught the fallen Jedi Ulic Qel-Droma some of her dark knowledge. Exar Kun then united with the Krath to fight the Great Sith War against the Galactic Republic. The new Sith and their Krath allies made heavy use of Sith magic in the ensuing conflict, but all known practitioners of it died before the war's end. The sole exception was Ulic, who was instead cut off from the Force and redeemed.

Some three thousand years later, Darth Bane gave a twelve-year old Darth Zannah a scroll containing multiple Sith spells, ancient spells he had transcribed from the Holocron of Freedon Nadd. Bane told his apprentice that she must decipher them herself, for he was not strong in the ways of sorcery. He further added if she ever used the spells on Bane, he would kill her.

In 4 ABY, the Imperial technician Cartariun discovered a temple devoted to the Sith on Malrev IV. Imbued with Sith magic by the ancient structure, he set out to build a new Empire. He was subsequently killed by Girov Dza'tey, a Bothan who usurped his power. Dza'tey's reign was short however; he was killed by Rogue Squadron, who also razed the temple.

Nature


Though the exact nature of Sith magic is unknown, several individuals have attempted to describe it based on their own experiences. At times it is referred to as an aspect of the Force, at others as an unrelated phenomenon. Its applications seemed to require the use of incantations, objects or intricate hand gestures. Queen Amanoa was very familiar with the nature of Sith magic, having being fully initiated in it's wiles by her husband. Her grasp of Sith magic was so strong that she was able to infect the atmosphere of Onderon with the dark side, thereby sapping the valor of the ensuing Beast armies. Qel-Droma described it as the "dark side eating our life force". Wedge Antilles once stated that Sith magic was an ability "with all the destructive power of the dark side of the Force", implying that the two were discrete concepts; however, Antilles' knowledge of such matters was not very extensive, so he may have been mistaken. When Exar Kun finally accepted its dark power, he found that he was able to read ancient Sith symbols. Satal Keto also gained new understanding, being able to fully understand his stolen spell book while wearing King Ommin's Sith amulet. Whatever the case, the practitioners of Sith magic all found its power as a valuable means to bring their goals to fruition.

Sith magic could be used for a variety of purposes through a number of techniques, similar to the way the light side of the Force was used by the Jedi. Adept users could create illusions, sometimes on a vast scale, such as those conjured by the Krath leader Aleema Keto during and immediately before the Exar Kun War. Unlike their Force power analogues (such as Force Phantom), such illusions were visible and detectable by sensory equipment as though they actually existed, instead of being mental suggestions.



Another use of Sith magic was large-scale mind control, as exhibited by Cartariun and Girov Dza'tey on Malrev IV, or to precise effect by Exar Kun at the Inquisition. Exar Kun refined his mind-control talents in such a way that he was able to telepathically induce paralysis in the entire Senate assembly, while leaving those of his choosing able to move about freely.

Sith magic could also be used to create concussive or pyrotechnical blasts of destructive power. Exar Kun was rather proficient with this ability early during his path down the dark side. After acquiring a Sith amulet from Freedon Nadd, he used it's power to blast Nadd with raw dark side energy, vanquishing the Dark Lord's spirit forever.

Another thing that set Sith magic apart from the Force was that its power could be trapped in talismans (Sith amulets) or locations (such as the Sith temples on Yavin and Malrev 4). These could then imbue anyone who would use them with the power to utilize Sith magic, whether Force-sensitive or not. Other such devices increased the power of adept users and gave them special abilities, such as the ancient Sith Crystals that granted Naga Sadow and Aleema Keto the ability to make suns go supernova.

Darth Bane described Sith Sorcery as one of the most pure expressions of the dark side of the Force. According to Bane, Sith Sorcery invovled harnessing the deepest and most powerful engeries of the dark side, and then twisting them to one's own will. Bane also stated that Sith Sorcery is an extremely rare skill, one he himself is not capable of. Bane saw it as a way to warp reality, although it is unknown the extent to which this is possible.

Spells
"A rare few have a natural affinity for the dark side itself. They can delve into the depths of the Force and summon arcane energies to twist and warp the world around them. They can invoke anchient rituals of the Sith; they can invoke power and unleash terrible spells and dark magics."

- Darth Bane to Zannah



Sith Magic was made up of many spells that could be cast for a number of effects. Some, such as the Summon Fear spell, were cast by the caster weaving their fingers in complex patterns while reaching out with the Force. Other spells were cast differently, not requiring hand gestures or incantations. These spells were tiresome and difficult to immediately reproduce, often requiring some rest after completion.

Cloak
This spell is similar to the Force Camouflage ability. Using it, the caster can hide the presence of one or multiple individuals. Darth Zannah used this to hide Darth Bane and herself in a secret underground compartment in Caleb's house. Using this in conjunction with the Insanity spell, the Jedi were fooled into thinking Darovit was the last of the Sith Lords.

False Light Side Aura
Zannah used this to infiltrate the Jedi Archives on Coruscant. Using this spell she fooled even Jedi Masters into thinking she is a follower of the light.

Force Blast
"The dark energy keeps increasing! I CAN'T CONTROL IT!!"

- Exar Kun



This was used by King Ommin, Exar Kun, and Aleema Keto. Using their hands, the conjurer could project concentrated blasts of pure dark side energy at objects or opponents, usually with devestating effects. Sometimes the user would suffer burns to their flesh, but feel no pain. At first, users would experience moderate difficulty in controlling such awesome dark side energy. With practice, the aspiring sorcerer could learn to direct the energies into a power that could obliterate anything in it's path. While its effects were enhanced if the wearer was in possession of a Sith amulet, the amulet wasn't necessary.

King Ommin used this ability to overwhelm the Jedi Knights sent to free Master Arca Jeth. Drawing on his connection to the dark side of the Force, Ommin blasted both Nomi Sunrider and Ulic Qel-Droma with what was described as "infinite hatred". Just as he prepared to finish Ulic with another wave of dark side energy, Ulic destroyed his armature to incapacitate him. Exar Kun learned this ability after acquiring a Sith amulet from Freedon Nadd. While just a beginner, Kun soon found this power was to his liking, practicing it on his hapless Massassi warriors. He mastered the ability rather quickly and repaid his Sith Master Nadd by blasting his astral form at close range, and killing the dark spectre for a second time. Aleema used a Force blast on Exar Kun when he stormed the Iron Citadel, and Kun repaid her with an even stronger blast that knocked her across the room.

Illusion Casting
"That's it--It's all some kind of magic trick! Don't panic, men, the...uh...SNAKES AREN'T REAL!!"

- Lord Keto



Aleema Keto was rather proficient with this ability. By simply gesturing with her hands, Aleema could create whatever manifestations she desired. Among her more popular creations were hideous forms of serpents and other creatures she used to torment victims, like the Adegan eel she replaced Korus' tongue with. During the First Battle of Empress Teta, Aleema envisioned Space grazers and massive warships against the Galactic Republic fleet. She could also form more obscure illusions, like turning swords into living animals, technology into monsters, or phantoms of severed heads.

The Dark Lord Naga Sadow was a master of illusion casting. His natural ability was already considerable, but to augment his abilities the Dark Lord would often employ the use of Sith talismans or technology. During the Great Hyperspace War, he would sit in his meditation sphere and project magnificent illusions of war beasts on the battlefields of Koros Major, Coruscant and Kirrek. His concentration was broken however when one of his own capital ships fired upon his meditation sphere, causing his magical illusions to fade, eventually leading to Sith defeats on all three planets. When the spacer Gav Daragon was being initiated as a Sith apprentice by Sadow, he received from Sadow rudimentary instruction in creating illusions. Gav's strength was minimal, for every illusion he conjured turned from something pleasing into a hideous spectral form.

Invoke Spirits
"In the name of my husband and his ancestor FREEDON NADD, I call down the dark side upon these foes!"

- Queen Amanoa against the Beast Riders



This immense power was analogous with spell casting, though not quite the same. Users of this ability would withdraw deep into the dark side of the Force, in search of communion with the dark spirits of the netherrealm. Once the pathway to chaos was opened, the enchanter would then beseech the dark spectres to allow them access to the full might of the dark side. Users could also commune with living beings through the dark side, beckoning their aid for whatever needs were so desired. A variation of the spell was a request to be endowed with the dark power of the ancients. The user then became filled with a hatred that overwhelmed anyone in close proximity. The power of these rituals could be amplified should the user be in the vicinity of the physical remains of the deceased spirit who's power was solicited.



During the Beast Wars of Onderon, Queen Amanoa exercised this ability against the armies of Modon Kira. Petitioning both the ancient spirit of Freedon Nadd and the power of her husband, Amanoa enveloped both the Jedi and the Beast Riders of Onderon in waves of dark side energy. Immediately the affected were weighed down by the dark side, experiencing feelings of total confusion and despair. Ulic and the other Jedi were crushed by great feelings of oppression and fear, fear so strong it swept over them like a rushing black tide. It was not until the arrival of Jedi Master Arca Jeth that the dark shadow of Amanoa's influence was lifted. Through Arca's battle meditation, the Jedi's resolve was renewed along with the Beast Riders, who eventually overcame the warriors of Iziz. When Master Arca stormed the hidden tomb of Freedon Nadd with Jedi and Beast Riders in tow, they found Amanoa drawing fully on the source of her power. But in Arca's presence the dark side nexus could no longer endure; Amanoa's power wained as Freedon Nadd's influence was driven out by the light of the Jedi. In her daughter's arms, the Queen of Onderon joined her evil ancestors in death.

Mind Control


Employers of this power were capable of psychically dominating a single mind, or a multitude of individuals simultaneously. There didn't appear to be any incantation or gestures required, as known users were shown to have simply been in the presence of their victims. The affected were seemingly in a trance, hypnotically paralyzed and unable to control their own faculties. Should the conjurer choose, the victim could end their own life, usually against their own will. If the caster was in direct physical contact with an individual, they could tap directly into the individual's mind, and force them into whatever action they so desired.

The Devaronian Cartariun found a Sith Temple on Malrev IV where he stayed isolated for a number of years, learning to harness the power of the dark side through Sith magic. Though he eventually drove himself into madness, he gained enough knowledge of Sith magic to exert his will over the native Irrukiine. He was murdered however, by another who sought his dark power for themself. Satal Keto displayed a physically taxing yet working mastery with mind control. With his power, Satal telepathically took command of the Krath's chaos fighters and turned them into living weapons. These kamikaze pilots all met their demise under Satal's hypnotic will, using their ships to crash into the opposing Republic forces.

The most famous use of mass mind control was by the Dark Lord of the Sith Exar Kun. During Ulic Qel-Droma's trial, Kun stormed the hearing and mentally "froze" the entire assembly, except for the Supreme Chancellor and a few other. Kun grabbed the Chancellor by his head, and when his amulet began to resonate with the dark side, the Chancellor's words were those of Kun--he was exerting his psychic control via direct physical contact. When Kun was finished, he released his grip on the Chancellor, who then slumped down dead on the floor.

Summon Fears
"She's not dead, though whatever's left of her mind surely begs for death."

- Darth Zannah to Hetton on the effects of Summon Fears on Cyndra

Similar to Force Fear, horror, insanity, or Torture by Chagrin, Summon Fear causes the victim to experience their worst fears to the point of hysteria. It is a very powerful ability, and the duration and intensity vary depending on the caster. Known victims of this spell are Darovit and Cyndra. This spell is called upon when the caster moves their fingers in a special pattern, likely focusing the Force in a particular way. Casting the spell usually takes less than a second.

The victim's deepest and most primal fears are made seemingly alive, often taking the form of demons or monsters that relentlessly torment the victim. The longer the spell is held, the more realistic and terrifying the illusions become. To an outside viewer, the victim may seem to suddenly seize and go insane.

Depending on the spell's length, the effects could range greatly. Short durations could result in the victim waking up with only a small recollection of what happened. Longer applications can cause one's physical form to seize itself into unconsciousness, while the mind is virtually destroyed. The body remains effectively comatose, while whatever lasting conciousness is tortured for all eternity. Spells even longer endured could very well result in the victim's death.

Supernova
"Steer our vessel between the Dena rii suns--It is time to remind the Republic of the power of the dark side!"

- Naga Sadow



To cause stars to go supernova was an immense power indeed. With the use of ancient Sith crystals, the wielder could channel the dark side of the Force into a weapon so strong it could rip the core right out of a star. The user could then manipulate the core through the Force, and throw it as a projectile at potential targets, vaporizing them instantly. Only the strongest masters of the dark side could fully maintain control of the supernova. Less adept maneuverers used this technique at their own peril, for without the necessary strength in the Force the liberated core would very likely consume the caster, or set off a chain reaction of supernovae, much like what happened in the Cron Cluster. A variation of this was to use the Force and directly control star power. The Dark Lord Naga Sadow was a master of this ability.

The Sith crystals Naga used to power the Corsair were in reality a superweapon, imbued with the power manipulate solar energy. In 5,000 BBY, the Dark Lord flew his damaged Corsair warship between the binary stars, with Galactic Republic forces in pursuit. Using his knowledge of Sith magic, Sadow manipulated the Dena rii's solar flares and used them to delay Empress Teta and the ensuing Republic Fleet as a last desperate measure. The only other user of this ability was Aleema Keto, who harnessed the same power from the same exact power source. During the Battle of Kemplex IX, Aleema unwittingly used the crystals to wrench a solar core free and hurl it at the advancing Republic fleet. Aleema wasn't nearly as powerful as Naga Sadow, and when she tried to use the power it backfired on her; the freed solar core ignited nine other stars and consumed Aleema, creating the Cron Drift.

Appearances

 * Tales of the Jedi: The Fall of the Sith Empire
 * Tales of the Jedi: The Freedon Nadd Uprising
 * Tales of the Jedi: Dark Lords of the Sith
 * Tales of the Jedi: The Sith War
 * X-wing Rogue Squadron: Requiem for a Rogue
 * Jedi Search
 * Darth Bane: Rule of Two