SotP Addenda - Sith Collective, of Shadow and Darkness

by SLotH4

Documentation piece covering the history, various Orders of Sith, ideologies and philosophies, goals and objectives, and important individuals of the Sith Collective. Set within "Shadow of the Phoenix" and written by my author friend Xabiar. [In-Progress]

6. Order of Lord Kaan

SotP Addenda - Sith Collective, of Shadow and Darkness

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THE ORDER OF LORD KAAN

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ON MIRRORS

Let us move to a quite unique story in the vast tapestry of the Sith – the Order born out of Lord Kaan's Brotherhood of Darkness.

Sith Orders and empires arise under different circumstances, some are refinements of what has already existed, others are forged anew from something completely different, and others are the result of inspiration from within the Sith – or beyond it. Nearly all Sith fall into the first two, as they build and refine on top of what they had come from – but the Brotherhood of Darkness was not born from the Sith.

It was born from the Jedi.

Some consider it sacrilegious to say; to even suggest that the Sith at any point took inspiration from our eternal foe. Indeed, many of the Sith of Lord Kaan's time would deny such an accusation. For they would insist they were following in the footsteps of the Sith of old. They wielded the dark side, they taught from the manuscripts and teachings of old Masters, they ruled from the historical worlds of the Sith, and they opposed the Jedi.

What more could one need to deny the influence of the Jedi?

If you have been paying attention, reader, you would not react to this question with immediate condemnation, for Lord Kaan was the natural next step for the Sith – even if his mind was not already influenced from his own Jedi past. I will go into detail on this shortly, suffice to say Lord Kaan is a curious figure among the Sith, and so often is overshadowed by the fact that he was the last Sith to reign before the betrayal of Darth Bane, and the implementation of the Rule of Two.

But first, it is important to understand what makes the Order of Lord Kaan distinct from the other Sith Orders. It is something deeper than different titles, traditions, or organization. It is a matter of inspiration and intent. The Order of Kaan is a mirror to the Jedi Order, just as the Brotherhood of Darkness was a mirror to Lord Hoth's 'Army of Light.'

And while certain individuals in the Brotherhood might have denied this parallel, the Order of Kaan has embraced it as fundamental to their operations, recruitment, and mission.

To the Order of Kaan, they are not just the enemy of the Jedi Order – they are its final, and ultimate, incarnation.

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ON EVOLUTION

How, reader, would you describe evolution? Is the first thing which comes to mind the scientific meaning of the word, of life adapting and growing to the conditions it finds itself in? Or does the philosophical meaning speak to you first? Of the process of changing, growing, and improving in response to outside stimuli?

I suppose it does not matter, but a question you no doubt ask is why it matters here? Does the Order of Kaan embrace such a concept in a deeper way than the other Sith? It is hardly the word that leaps to mind when one thinks of Kaan or his Brotherhood.

There is a reason for this, and there is also a reason I choose to speak about it here.

It is true that evolution is an important part of the Sith as a whole. Indeed, the entirety of the Sith Collective is the evolution of millennia of conflict, war, and understanding of the Force and its mysteries. Many of the Orders have evolved from the philosophies, teachings, and structures of their inspirations of old.

But much of that is something natural; unconscious. It is students taking the teachings of their elders and Masters to their logical conclusion. It is not understood as evolution so much as expansion. The academic debate is irrelevant in this context, because the Order of Kaan explicitly embraces the concept of evolution as a foundation of this philosophy and mission.

There is debate on if this was an actual belief held by Kaan himself, but intentional or not, that was how he de facto structured the Brotherhood of Darkness. However, there was one critical difference between Kaan and the leaders of this Reborn Brotherhood – Lord Kaan intended for the Brotherhood of Darkness to be the final evolution of the Sith.

He saw the infighting, the petty grudges, the self-sabotage, and resolved to solve this problem. He saw the inefficiencies and failures and resolved to purge them. He saw how the Sith had been defeated, and took steps not to repeat their mistakes. His Brotherhood was one that was more united, less brutal, and, indeed, an objective softening of the philosophies and principles that had guided Sith of old.

One can question the actual implementation of Lord Kaan's evolution of the Sith Order. They can scoff at it, and say that by rejecting such teachings and traditions, he was diluting the Sith and ensuring his inevitable defeat. Some would go so far as to not call Kaan Sith at all, and there are references by Sith scholars that classify the New Sith Wars as a Jedi civil war – classifying the Brotherhood of Darkness as rogue Jedi.

Patently false. Purge these poisonous words from your mind.

I do not adhere to the philosophy of Lord Kaan, and indeed, consider him at best a flawed and ultimately ineffectual Sith who was brought down by one more deserving of his power – but I would never deny that he was Sith. Recall how a Sith is defined from the earliest chapter. It does not matter if Kaan or the Brotherhood was your perfect incarnation of the Sith – he was still Sith, for he pursued and acquired power.

In some ways, the Brotherhood was a precursor to the modern Sith Collective. Kaan too sought to address the shortcomings and mistakes of the past – though he made mistakes in doing so, even as he tried to build an evolved Sith Order. To this end, the Order of Lord Kaan has taken this approach – but gone in a more radical direction as to where their evolution comes from.

For they do not consider themselves the final evolution of the Sith – they consider themselves the final evolution of the Jedi.

You will see why shortly.

And it starts with their namesake.

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ON SKERE KAAN

The story of Skere Kaan is one that will initially seem familiar. I could tell you many stories of Jedi, disillusioned with their Order or the Republic which they were slaved to, who leave to pursue their own ambitions. Some leave with the intention of joining the Sith, others come to that path naturally.

Skere Kaan, however, was not a mere Jedi – he was one of the greatest Masters of the Order at that time. Coming from a nameless, irrelevant family, he was inducted into the Jedi Order and soon demonstrated a talent for capabilities that others simply did not – the most famous of which was his Battle Meditation, an art that had died within the Order, and indeed, in the galaxy at large.

Knowledgeable in military strategy, logistics, and economics, he was a prominent Jedi commander who saw opportunity in sowing dissent amongst the various Sith warlord factions that made up the New Sith Empire. He also saw the flaws of the Republic, which was institutionally and economically weakened from centuries of sustained war.

Nonetheless, Kaan saw a path to victory – though it was one that the Jedi balked at. Kaan wished to institute changes to the Republic and Jedi Order, and militarize them fully to crush the Sith threat. He devised a strategy of divide and conquer, in conjunction with a domino effect where specific Sith cliques would be targeted– breaking Sith morale and their unrestricted reach.

However, the Jedi and Republican military officials flatly refused to even consider such measures, and warned Kaan that he was emulating the methods of his enemies. Kaan argued that such methods were necessary, as at this point, there had been centuries of sustained conflict, and the only reason they had not fallen was due to Sith infighting.

It is unknown what was the final straw that led to Kaan rejecting the Order entirely, but his outspoken opinions on the direction of the war were well-known, and he had attracted a not-insignificant following – which he did not hesitate to employ militarily and politically. In the end, he organized his followers and led an exodus from the Jedi Order.

People often view this action as Kaan 'joining' the Sith. This is a very generous assessment to put it simply. Kaan viewed the New Sith Empire – or rather, the cliques which it was composed of – with significant contempt. Admittedly, as the war progressed, and as he learned more and more of the Sith of old (another point of contention with his Jedi colleagues), he found himself agreeing with them – and thus, saw the modern Sith as pathetic, self-interested vermin.

Kaan and his followers marched directly into the domain of the most powerful Sith warlord, and deposed him with shocking ease, much of which was attributed to Kaan's Battle Meditation, but equally due to his natural charisma – and the Sith military becoming sick of the continual infighting within the Empire.

At the heart of the Sith Empire, Lord Kaan broadcast to the entire territory the dissolution of the Sith Order – what little institutional power remained – and the formation of the Brotherhood of Darkness, the only legitimate Sith entity within the Sith Empire. He decreed that all Sith should submit to him, and turn their weapons against the Jedi and Republic.

He destroyed the opulent palace the Darth had lived within, stating that in the Brotherhood, all would be equal, and the infighting and betrayal that had plagued the Sith would no longer be tolerated. This had an immediate effect, and made Kaan immediate allies in the non-Sith soldiers and officers, many of whom declared themselves loyal to the Brotherhood, and assisted Kaan's Sith in removing non-compliant Sith.

Kaan himself oversaw what he called the 'Last Purge' of the Sith, and led a crusade spanning several years against the holdout Darths and Lords who did not submit. Many lesser and weaker Sith joined him eagerly, but those who had held power in the Empire did not. Yet isolation was insufficient against the united forces of Kaan's Brotherhood.

In the end, the last of the old Sith were removed, and the Brotherhood stood unchallenged, and Kaan began implementing his vision of a new, superior Sith Order. He made an effort to completely destroy information on many previous Sith rulers of the New Empire, particularly Darth Ruin, Darth Rivan, and Lord Darzu. Incidentally, this is also why we know little of the so-called 'Dark Underlord' who ruled for a short period.

Kaan was hostile to any theory or philosophy that he saw as contrary to his worldview – not even worth preserving for academic or historical purposes. In his view, such would inevitably lead to factionalism and betrayal, and everything that he could not outright destroy, he kept under tight control.

Now let us briefly return to when I said that Kaan 'joining' the Sith was a generous assessment. Kaan did not join the Sith, so much as he appropriated them. That he effectively performed a hostile takeover, hunted the previous leaders, and desecrated the previous rulers and tried to hide all knowledge of them does not paint a picture of one enamored by the allure of mere Sith power or titles.

Kaan had a distinct vision – and now he could implement it.

It is unfortunate that the Republic was so thorough in their historical purge of Kaan's Sith Empire, because there is strong evidence that it had little resemblance to the traditional Sith Empire, and had, over the course of the war, been turned into what Kaan had initially strove for when he was a Jedi: a militarized and revanchist Republic.

To a degree.

Kaan did not believe in what is traditionally understood to be a republic, he was an avowed supremacist in the sense that he believed that those who wielded the Force should have dominion over those who didn't. Where there had been a distinction between the Sith and the civilian administrations of previous empires, there was no such separation in Kaan's Empire.

The Brotherhood of Darkness was embedded into every single facet of the imperial state, and the Sith had final say over every single policy, law, and decision. It can be argued such had always been the case, but Kaan dispensed with any illusion and ended all doubt that it was the Sith who ruled, and all others were subordinate.

Nonetheless, Kaan was notably a believer in complete representation, though this was solely restricted to Sith, and a core part of why his statement of the 'Brotherhood being equal' is not necessarily as straightforward as implied. To him, such representation was a pyramid, where the interests of all relevant parties were to be represented all the way up to him.

It is debated if Kaan actually achieved his vision for the Empire, or if he did the minimum before turning his attention back to the Jedi and Republic, primarily out of a concern that too much time would allow them to regroup and adequately defend. For he knew both groups intimately well, and even with his knowledge – and lack of restrictions – he knew it would be far from an easy war.

The Sith Empire had effectively gone through its own civil war, and was not at full strength. His Brotherhood was similarly smaller in comparison to the Jedi, and while his soldiers were seasoned – the Republic had now had years to prepare and recover. Whatever the calculus Kaan used, he determined it was time to return to the Republic, and finish what the Sith had failed to do for centuries.

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ON THE NEW SITH WARS

In the era of the Old Republic prior to the Ruusan Reformations, it is difficult for us in the modern era to understand just how long the Republic had been at war with the Sith. It was a conflict that lasted nearly a millennium, with various Lords of the Sith rising and falling as the Republic desperately clung to their worlds.

Initiated by the schism of Darth Ruin, the New Sith were born under the New Sith Empire, and Ruin led the Sith to many victories against the Republic. It is possible that he would have achieved what so many had failed to do, and bring down the ancient establishment and the Jedi with them.

But we know how this story ends, do we not?

Would you believe me if I said that it was not just Darth Ruin, but many other Sith of note who followed him who also succumbed to this sad fate? It is truly remarkable the tendency Sith of that era had to be on the cusp of victory – and are yet unable to strike the final blow before turning their ambitions on their allies.

The only one who managed to avoid this fate was the Sith we only know as the 'Dark Underlord,' who failed to secure control over the majority of Darth Ruin's fragmenting empire – yet would have succeeded had he not fallen to the combined might of an infamous Jedi warrior and an unknown number of Mandalorian clans.

Some Sith attempted to address this tendency for treachery in their own way. Darth Rivan used Sith magic to bind his subordinates together in an unprecedented grasp of control over the minds of his followers – though this came with its own drawbacks, and Rivan, in his foolishness, did not apply such caution to his own Apprentice, who one day betrayed him as the Republic was faltering.

The last Sith who could have truly succeeded against the Republic was Lord Belia Darzu. A curious figure in that most consider her a Dark Jedi, and not a true Sith – but nonetheless, she carved out her own part of the Empire and had many Sith followers. She was also responsible for the creation of the technobeasts – sophisticated creations that could have turned the tide of the war. It is not inconceivable that she could have succeeded.

Until she too, sadly fell to betrayal.

I believe, reader, you can imagine why Kaan found it necessary to curate Sith doctrine so heavily and reforge it into something different. There is much condemnation and scoffing at Kaan by contemporary Sith for being so foolish as to deny knowledge to Sith, or to curtail their inherent right to power, or to abolish the right of the strong in favor of propping up the mediocre.

But ask yourself a question – and be true to yourself.

What would you have done?

Would you have looked upon the disgrace that was the Sith during the New Sith Wars and conclude that the way of the Sith was flawless and should not be changed? Would you have seen the numerous defeats born on the cusp of victory, and conclude that this doctrine was fundamentally sound?

Truly, what rational person would look upon the fractured Sith and believe that there did not need to be changes?

Perhaps Kaan went too far. Perhaps his Jedi past clouded his judgment. Perhaps this was the way it should have been, and the next Sith to rise under these rules would have succeeded and crushed the Republic once and for all.

Perhaps.

But we cannot know, can we?

I do not pass judgment on the actions of Lord Kaan during this period. It does not matter if they align with my own philosophical views, or if they do not. I do not judge, because I cannot judge. I do not judge, because I can see what drove Kaan to the decisions he made. I can hardly say he was more destructive to the Sith than many of his contemporaries.

And in the end, we are better if we learn from Kaan, rather than ignore and condemn him.

Ah, right, the New Sith Wars.

Do you wish me to say more on this?

Do you want me to recount the numerous battles between Hoth and Kaan's forces? Do you want me to chronicle the brewing strife within the Republic, and the slow decay of the Brotherhood of Darkness? Do you want an account of all the important figures in this war? For there were many, and this conflict lasted years even after Kaan assumed control.

No, there are history books for that. Read those if you wish details.

There is really only one thing I wish to focus on during this era – beyond the obvious arrival of Bane – and that is the decay of the Brotherhood of Darkness. For Kaan did succeed in stopping the worst of the infighting – but as the war progressed, either through complacency or a deteriorating mind, the Brotherhood became shadows of themselves.

Backstabbing was replaced with office cliques. Knowledge of the esoteric arts was replaced by corruption. Close associates of Kaan's had little concern with hoarding 'illegal' materials or embezzling funds. The Brotherhood became not led by those who succeeded through merit, but through connections and who one knew.

Masters fought over gifted Apprentices, and while outright betrayal was forbidden, there were subtle actions taken, such as sending Sith and soldiers into ambushes or suicide missions, or assigning allies to dangerous locations. The ways of the Sith yet persisted, and new problems arose in place of the old.

It is unlikely Kaan was aware of the extent of this, and we know most of this through Bane – who is hardly an impartial witness. Nonetheless, this is important because it was this decay which drove Bane to embrace the Sith ways of old. And such corruption invited sloth and arrogance.

It did not help that the war took its toll on Kaan himself, especially as the Jedi armies of Lord Hoth continued striking and achieving victory after victory. In his last days, there were many witnesses who noted that the mental acuity of Kaan had significantly atrophied. Some believe it was due to the stress of war, some believe it was Bane twisting his mind, but I will give my own personal theory here.

Kaan felt betrayed.

Not by the Sith, not those he had worked with, not from the Empire he had remade. No, he felt betrayed by the Jedi. For in Lord Hoth he saw himself; a man who had been given license to do what he had begged for. He saw Hoth succeed again and again against him, he certainly saw old plans he had drawn up used against him.

It is perhaps this realization that ultimately broke him. It was not fair to him, it was not right, and it could not stand. The usage of the Thought Bomb is an insane notion, especially in the way Kaan ultimately employed it. Why, I ask myself, did Kaan go through with such a suicidal plan? Did Bane delude him so thoroughly as to what it was?

Bane believed so. I do not.

Remember, reader, that Kaan had access to knowledge of the Sith that not even his Council did, and there is no telling how many records and texts he saw before their destruction. Knowledge has a habit of sticking with a man, especially that which is forbidden. No, I believe Kaan was tangentially aware of what the Thought Bomb was – and he no longer cared about anything other than killing Lord Hoth.

So that is what he did.

One last, final, petty, and vengeful act to end a millennium of conflict. Fitting in a way, and ironic that Kaan did indeed bring an end to the New Sith Wars – though in defeat for himself, the Sith, and his Brotherhood of Darkness. And so, with his death, the Sith were presumed extinct – and Bane began his work.

It is times like this that I reflect on how it could have been different. It is an interesting thought experiment, is it not? What if the Brotherhood had not alienated Bane, who, from all accounts, was initially supportive of Kaan and the Brotherhood? Could he have been enough to ensure Kaan succeeded against the Republic?

Or would it merely have led to an era of Sith darkness?

No Rule of Two. No Darth Plagueis. No Clone Wars. No Galactic Empire. No One Sith.

Consider how many great Lords have come from the Rule of Two. An outdated model now, yet it served its purpose for the time. The Sith would not have died, but I cannot say how it could be reborn – or what the future would have been.

A thought experiment, as I said.

Let us move on.

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ON DIVERGENCE AND FAMILIAR PATTERNS

All relevance Kaan had largely died when he did. He became an infamous figure in history for the Republic, and a figure of scorn for the Sith. His beliefs, teachings, and elements which allowed him to gather such power were dismissed as unimportant and irrelevant, and it is unlikely Kaan would have enjoyed a contemporary revival, were it not for the wisdom of Lady Vathila in the creation of this Sith Collective.

A place where all are encouraged to learn.

A place where one can challenge orthodoxy and common understanding for radical reimagining.

A place where even a figure like Skere Kaan can be remembered, and not dismissed with a wave of the hand, but actively debated on the merits and pitfalls of his philosophy and that which is born from it. Such a thing would be unimaginable once, but it is commonplace. So, naturally, your question is how such a revival came about.

Would you be surprised if I told you it came from a Jedi?

No, no, because if you have paid attention, you would have realized that a philosophy like Kaan's is one which can only truly come from a Jedi. No one who is a follower of an orthodox Sith teaching would even consider something like the Order of Kaan. It is why it is so alien to many modern Sith that it makes them uncomfortable. They can see it has its origins in something that is not Sith.

But such is an advantage in a way, is it not? Is it not prudent to take the strengths of our enemy for our own? The Order of Kaan takes this to its natural conclusion.

Yes, the founding, I am getting to it.

There was a Jedi who left the Order, disillusioned with much of it. She despised the Jedi's unwillingness to use power in more tangible and obvious ways; she despised the Alliance for being the corrupt and inefficient entity that it was; and she despised that the Order seemed unwilling to even consider what she had to say.

This woman was simply named 'Zarya,' and was part of the Militant Order, one who had risen quite far in the ranks, in parallel with a certain Zevro Shartan – though I will save their rather unique relationship for a later section. Suffice to say they knew each other, and while there was much they agreed on, they diverged on what the role of the Jedi was in the galaxy.

I do not know the incident that finally broke her trust in the Order, but after one final mission, she left the Order and never looked back. She was noticed by one of our agents, a woman acting as a vigilante or bounty hunter – depending on the target. She was approached and put through the requisite tests – which she easily passed.

To say she was surprised when she found the Sith is an understatement – yet she did not flee, and after hearing the mission of the Collective, she agreed to join, and shared all she knew of the Order – such that it was. She initially joined the Order of Revan, because while it was not an especially strong analogue to the Jedi Order, there was a structure she was familiar with. In truth, the Order of Krayt was perhaps a closer analogue, but she could not abide the philosophy of the 'Rule of One,' and considers the entire Order a wayward cult. Beyond this, she maintained strong disagreements with many other Sith Orders.

Yet the Order of Revan is a strange creation, a hybrid of inherently conflicting philosophies, and all other Orders were Sith creations first and foremost, and Zarya found the adjustment difficult, and was dissatisfied. She turned to research, knowing that there were other Jedi defectors throughout the Orders who were similarly ill-at-ease with where they were. Not all, of course, but enough for her to consider something new.

Learning about Lord Kaan and the Brotherhood of Darkness was the missing piece for her – his story was much like hers, and indeed, like many Jedi who embrace the darkness. Not only that, but he rejected the traditional Sith ways, and created his own. That, she realized, was what needed to happen.

And if no one else would, then she would give new life to Kaan's vision – with a few more refinements. Zarya did not found the Order of Lord Kaan alone, but with three others – another former Jedi, a rogue chiss, and one curious wanderer who found himself with the Sith. The four who would compose the Capstone of the Order of Kaan still fulfill their roles today.

Lady Vathila gave her blessing to the endeavor, of course, and found it curious that such a man would inspire Zarya so. Nonetheless, despite initial skepticism, the Order of Kaan has managed to not only turn into a large Order with a significant power base behind it, but Kaan's philosophy has been legitimized and is actively debated among the Sith.

Sometimes I think on this, and know that Bane would be infuriated.

It is important, reader, to enjoy the small pleasures of life.

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ON BROTHERHOOD

If there is a core that binds the Order of Kaan, it is the exaltation of brotherhood.

It is a consensus of many of its members that the ultimate downfall of Kaan and the Brotherhood of Darkness was that this value was ignored and left to wither. No one really believes that Kaan meant for the concept of brotherhood to be deeply tied to his empire, but understood it to be a rebranding of the Sith into something new.

It is not to say that Kaan himself did not value brotherhood. Indeed, he was close to many of the Sith of his Council, and believed that camaraderie was essential to victory. Sith working together would always be more successful than Sith acting alone. Yet that was where it stopped, he was content to maintain a status quo where its members would fight with each other – but none of Kaan's Sith would have died for each other.

And that was something Zarya concluded was a failing of Kaan's. Not necessarily of intent, but in action. For if the Brotherhood of Darkness were truly a brotherhood, then it is unlikely things would have ended as they did. To this end, Zarya instilled the value of brotherhood deep into the new Order of Kaan.

Perhaps it is an injection of her own personal beliefs and not based on her inspiration, but perhaps it does not matter overmuch. The Sith Orders are to be evolutions and improvements on the old – I expect, that were Kaan's consciousness not shredded into the cosmic wisps of the Force from the Thought Bomb which consumed him – he would approve of the opportunity to correct his mistakes.

No doubt Zarya's own Jedi background, especially from the Militant Order, played into this. One must fully rely upon and trust each other in war unless they wish an untimely end. War forges bonds that are not easily broken, and the disagreements you have with your comrades become small in the face of death.

Zarya wanted to do something that few other Sith seek to emulate: make sacrifice and support for others commonplace. She wanted a Sith Order where its members would bleed, fight, and die for each other. And individuals simply will not do that for strangers or even acquaintances, unless they care.

Brotherhood is woven into everything in the Order of Kaan. It is instilled in students from their first day, it is in the duels they carry out with each other, it is in the missions they undertake together, it is in the friendships they forge over work or sport, and even in mundane activities performed together.

It should not be ignored that the Order of Kaan is one of the most tight-knit Orders in the Collective, and each of them hold complete trust in each other. There is no fear of betrayal from within, for the tests and trials conducted weed out those who would betray them. The Order has no qualms about expelling people who do not fit in, and while most Orders are open to any, Kaan is an exception.

If you remain, it is because you belong, not because you choose it.

There is a strength in unity, so was the theory of Zarya, and something that Lord Kaan was never able to fully achieve. Yet today, she has managed to do it, and the brotherhood each member of the Order of Kaan feels for each other is not something to be ignored.

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ON RULE BY THE STRONG

The 'Rule by the Strong,' as it was informally known amongst the Brotherhood of Darkness, was one of the principal theories that Skere Kaan developed during his reign. It is considered basic and incomplete by most scholars, and largely seen as the first legitimate attempt of Kaan to take all of the various disparate Sith philosophies and teachings and condense them into a single overarching philosophy.

This was showcased in its most basic explanation – which is that the strong should see their power inevitably increase, while the weak should see their power decrease. Kaan was a firm believer in evolutionary culling; the idea that the weak would naturally be culled by the strong, and that decisiveness, ruthlessness, and intelligence were a requirement in war, for one who lacked such qualities would be defeated by one who didn't.

Despite its shortness, and general vagueness, there is nonetheless some truth to Kaan's theory, and even some Sith of the Rule of Two conceded that it did not inherently conflict with their own doctrine – for what was the Rule of Two if not the strongest continually asserting themselves?

The problems, at least in how the founders of the Order of Kaan saw it, were patently obvious – for if the theory is to be taken at face value, it would imply that the Sith are permanently the weaker party, considering their repeated defeats by the Jedi. Zarya in particular took issue with the inherent assertion that strength equaled power – and she once stated she'd killed many men who had that same mindset.

This was one of the few parts of Kaan that both baffled and bothered her, because it seemed at odds with his – in her eyes – more reasonable stances. The issue, in her estimation, is not that the inherent rule is necessarily wrong, but it is too vague to be useful in its current incarnation. If there is no definition of strength or weakness, then how can one assess its worth?

Which is stronger? Should one man who is physically stronger be able to overpower a dozen weaker men? Logic says 'no,' yet this could technically be permitted under the Rule by the Strong. Likewise, one could say there is strength in numbers, but others would consider that false because if the members are individually weak, they should not succeed.

You begin to see the logical inconsistencies and paradoxes this creates.

Kaan was many things, but he was far from a philosopher, and his approach from the beginning to such a theory was flawed. One simply cannot combine every Sith teaching into a single watered-down theory to encompass all that was and could be. One can build upon the teachings of those who come before, or forge their own, but Sith teachings are often inherently contradictory and conflicting by intention.

The simple fact of the matter was that the Rule by the Strong, as was traditionally understood, was simply not compatible with the Order of Kaan. To that end, the founders adapted it to their needs in a way that preserved at least some of the original meaning.

In the expanded theory for the Rule by the Strong, it is the right of the Sith to rule over all things by their nature as masters of the Force. This gives Sith the claim to all peoples, cultures, governments, and galaxies – and notably does not exclude other Force sects from it as well, for the Force being supreme above all is a core aspect of their philosophy.

The individuality of the Rule by the Strong is stripped out, and replaced by the overarching 'Sith' moniker, where the state is exemplified, with the Sith in full control. It is argued that a state that possesses the correct balance of innovation, leadership, technology, mastery of the Force, ruthlessness, and power, will reign supreme over all others.

No one could agree on an objective definition for strength, so they identified elements in successful governments and cultures and noted that this is the minimum to be considered as a 'strong' entity. By this definition, it permits any number of potential combinations or structures such that if one is defeated, the Rule is not invalidated.

The Rule by the Strong also inherently rejects the concept of equality by stating that those who cannot wield the Force are not entitled to power, and can never achieve ultimate supremacy. One may question the wisdom of this particular interpretation, but considering Force – and later Sith – supremacy was a core part of Kaan's philosophy, and a belief that those in the Order share, it would have been more surprising if it was not codified in some way.

While it is not necessarily breaking new ground, most agree that the modern understanding of the Rule by the Strong is the superior incarnation, and it is one that is legitimized, even by other Sith Orders who acknowledge at least some of its principles – if not all of them.

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ON EQUALITY

All Sith are equal under the Brotherhood, so it was claimed by Lord Kaan.

It is one of the elements of the Brotherhood that most Sith are familiar with, and most are inherently scornful of it, and even the most generous towards Kaan would agree that such is far from an effective method of leadership and organization. To merely assume equality is to ignore the evidence of eyes, ears, and common sense.

Mass equality is a myth, perpetuated by the masses to protect the egos and feelings of the weak and unintelligent. Such myths are instituted to stunt the ambition and growth of the truly special, the truly exceptional, in favor of a false peace where those who are not equal pretend otherwise, who desperately hope that people do not look closely.

Such a belief is worthy of mockery, no?

Was this what Lord Kaan truly believed?

Not completely.

Kaan did not, of course, endorse the ludicrous idea of mass equality throughout the Brotherhood. Such is against the strict hierarchy that Kaan was a fierce supporter of. Masters above students, generals above soldiers, Sith above all. One can simply not command an empire without an acceptance of hierarchy, and we should dispense with the fiction that Kaan believed this.

The question then leads to what he did mean.

The Order of Lord Kaan has several interpretations of what the intent behind such a statement was. Some believe that it was intended to be rhetorical in function, and mitigate the perception that some Sith Lords were greater than others. This is disputed by others who take issue with the more cynical interpretation.

This group points out that Kaan did in fact effectively abolish any rank above that of 'Master,' as well as eliminated a number of pointless military rankings that had been adopted by other Sith before their assimilation. When Sith Lords completed their training, they were effectively equal with even Lord Kaan.

There were exceptions – namely Sith students and weak Force-users within the Brotherhood were not treated with this kind of equality, which scholars theorize was because Kaan believed that declaring clearly weaker Sith equal would be received poorly – so there is certainly some political element at play, but there is dispute over how much.

The Order of Kaan has seen fit to take the sentiment that Kaan expressed, and adapt and refine it to something that is both fair and inclusive. While not all Sith in the Order of Kaan are equal in rank or role, there are expectations for how they are to treat each other. Each Sith is supposed to show the utmost respect and trust to their brethren, from one of the Foundation Lords to the new students.

To the Order of Kaan, equality is best interpreted as providing equal opportunity for greatness. Every initiate to the Order starts at the same place. It does not matter if they were once a Jedi Master, they are now an initiate along with the others. There are no shortcuts within the Order, and that is by design.

This pursuit of equality is employed in other ways as well, particularly in the Foundations. Each of the Foundation Lords who compose the 'Council of the Sith Dominion' is equal to each other, as each of them is a singular piece of a greater whole. To that end, there is really no true leader of the Order of Kaan, merely those who fill different roles.

Unofficially, the Capstone Lords as mentioned before are the ones who even the Council will defer to if they cannot reach a consensus. And while Zarya is simply a member of this Council, she is still perceived as its leader, though mostly by those outside it – helped by the fact that she serves as the Order's representative on the High Council of the Sith Collective.

A final note on how the Order of Kaan employs equality is in expectation of treatment. Within the Sith Dominion, non-Sith are required to treat all Sith – students or not – with the same level of respect and obedience. This is done with the expectation that students will not act beyond their current station or abuse the various citizens of the Dominion.

But to be Sith is to be above all things, and this principle is never compromised.

xxx

ON BETRAYAL, PARANOIA, AND BANE'S LEGACY

When it comes to the matter of trust, the Order of Lord Kaan is openly suspicious of outsiders, as well as how other Orders and groups perceive them. The betrayal of Darth Bane has not been forgotten, and it has driven them to become among the most insular of the Collective.

There is an accepted understanding among the Order that betrayal is not a matter of if, but when. This is, of course, not something discussed in public company – for the Order of Kaan does not inherently wish to undermine the function of the Sith Collective.

But between us, reader, there is no need to lie to you.

We must be honest with each other, no?

Some call this Order paranoid – seeing plots and schemes where none exist. They are quick to accuse and suspect where little reason for such exists. They do not apologize, they do not reevaluate, and they never stop watching. Ironically, the only Order they appear to trust with few reservations is the Order of Marka Ragnos – whose mission is to mitigate any potential Sith infighting.

Odd to put one's faith in such a Sith Lord, but I will concede that Ragnos did not stoop to many of the power plays of his later contemporaries – even if he did not hesitate to exploit such dynamics in his underlings. Nonetheless, the relationship between the two Orders is unique, and one has to admit, the Order of Kaan has reason to be suspicious.

They are an anomaly, and are considered outsiders even in the Collective. The foundations and focus are atypical, even if on paper there should be little reason for contention. Yet they do not forget that they are surrounded by Sith, many of whom adhere to the traditions of the Sith – or otherwise are born from eras where Sith infighting was common.

The Order of Kaan does not trust because it cannot afford to trust. Trust is the most important currency in the Reborn Brotherhood, and should that be broken, it is impossible to regain. The Order remains petrified at the thought of another Bane in their midst, or indeed, anyone who could turn against them.

The Order of Kaan does not expect the Sith Collective to succeed, else they would be more open with their operations with the wider Collective. They would work with the other Orders, and not outside them. Perhaps they are justified in such fears, for such alliances have hardly worked out in the past.

And yet, I feel compelled to note that not even Lady Vathila promises eternal harmony. This Collective exists for the purpose of defeating the Jedi Order. No more, no less. When our enemy is vanquished, then we can expect the final battle for supremacy to take place.

Not before.

But so long as this Order remains aligned, then there is only so much that can be done. Just know, reader, that if you feel as though one of the followers of Kaan does not trust you, do not be offended.

They trust no one but each other.

xxx

ON THE SITH DOMINION

Let us explore something different.

You have no doubt noticed in your reading of this text that there have been references to the 'Sith Dominion,' and perhaps you have wondered what this could be. Thus far, we have focused on the Order of Kaan itself – but we have not discussed the entity it rules over.

Yes, they do indeed rule over a population. It is hardly expansive, only a system. A testing ground of sorts, one which they liberated from a wayward warlord whose name is best forgotten. For Lord Kaan built a Sith empire, and so too will those who seek to follow in his footsteps. Creating a new Sith Order is only half of their mission.

However, the Order of Kaan is not so consumed with hubris that they would dare refer to the single system they possess as an empire. As I said, this is a testing ground, a chance for them to explore and experiment with how best to rule without the war hanging over them. So in lieu of calling themselves a false empire, they instead rule over the Sith Dominion.

If you are asking what the difference is between the Order of Kaan and the Sith Dominion, or rather, if they are two distinct entities, in practice… no. The Order of Kaan is merely shorthand to refer to the actions of the Sith themselves. The Dominion is an extension of the Order, rather than the Order itself.

The Order of Kaan is deeply integrated into every part of the Dominion, as one would expect from Sith rule. There are many examples to draw upon, from empires and governments long-dead and still standing. The Dominion has served an important purpose in helping the Order refine its actual public policies – as we all know, what sounds good in theory sometimes does not translate into practical application.

Make no mistake, the Dominion suffered its share of mistakes.

However, such was the benefit of having an active populace to experiment upon. Oh, do not worry, the Order was not inherently malicious as they modified, adapted, and tinkered with the various systems of governance – few of them had any true governing experience, though one would not expect a Sith to rule like a bureaucrat of all things.

But remember, it is the Sith right to rule. The desires of those who cannot touch the Force are secondary, if relevant at all to the Sith of the Order of Kaan. I merely explain, I do not judge.

Perhaps you shouldn't either.

I digress.

The Dominion today is a stable entity, as the Order has found a structure and methodology that they are satisfied with. It is a model of what they will one day export to the galaxy, and there are plans for the Order to locate other sparsely populated systems under the control of warlords and establish additional Dominions to stress-test their systems.

So, it is a natural question: what purpose does the Dominion serve?

The answer is simple – the Dominion produces resources for the Sith war machine. Weapons, electronics, components, every manner of production you can imagine, the Dominion produces. Industrialization is a key part of the Dominion's purpose, and the Order has invested heavily in turning the cities into industrial hubs that will one day produce heavy vehicles and starships.

For now, they produce weapons, armor, and other specialized technologies.

Their secondary purpose is to act as stockpiles for said resources and perishables. The Order has a vision of the Dominion being able to retain complete self-sufficiency in the event of sieges, or to supplement shortfalls in other areas. It is more than just food and weapons – things like blood, organs, and other military supplies are stored in massive warehouses throughout the Dominion – and all excess production goes into them.

The Dominion employs a controlled fiat currency managed by the Order directly. None of them approve of currency as a general rule, and would abolish it but for the fact that they've found it's better to compensate workers with currency they can use for amenities than directly providing things like food or other resources. Until they can invent a better solution, that is what is employed – although said currency is utterly worthless outside the Dominion.

The Dominion also fields a small but fairly professional standing army. Like the rest of their Order, they actively screen their candidates before recruitment. They have made the choice to eschew the usage of waves of soldiers in favor of specialized, elite forces that can be relied upon. Each division is under the command of a Sith, and there is no civilian command apparatus, though there is an equivalent of non-commissioned officers.

As for the lives of the civilians under the Dominion, there are far worse places. The Order makes a point to not be needlessly cruel – but they make no illusions of what is expected of them. They will work in the factories, farms, or other places of employment. They will produce and serve the Dominion for as long as necessary, and those who serve adequately will be rewarded.

Children are sent to Sith-controlled schools who teach competently, but who have a mission to raise children with the proper mindset toward their betters. The Order provides housing, schooling, and equipment for the population, not out of a specific kindness, but because it permits the Dominion to be efficient.

This is the fundamental difference between the Order of Supreme Leader Snoke's relationship with their population, and those of the Order of Lord Kaan – to the Reborn Brotherhood, the people are ultimately beneath them. They are assets that exist to serve the Sith. It is not done maliciously, but because that is the way of the galaxy. They are not equal to Sith, so why should anyone pretend otherwise?

A sufficient explanation for some, but perhaps not for you, reader. Nonetheless, the Dominion is a critical aspect of the Order's mission – and with this context, we can now discuss its Foundations.

xxx

ON FOUNDATIONS

Now let us come to what I am certain you are curious about – the structure of the Order of Lord Kaan. Now that there is a basis for their philosophy and an overview of the Dominion, it is time to discuss the finer details.

For some readers, you may notice there are some similarities in overall structure to the Jedi Order, in particular, the way in which the Order is segmented. As Zarya – and indeed many of the Order of Kaan – came from the Jedi and took particular inspiration from it, seeing the current incarnation as their most powerful.

A fundamental difference in how the Order views their structure compared to the Jedi is that while the Jedi tend to refer to their divisions as spheres, the Order of Kaan embraces their Order as a pyramid, with each section being a piece of the foundation that composes the greater whole.

They are referred to as 'Foundations,' as each of them play a critical role in the greater Sith Dominion. Some Foundations are more basic than others, but there are twelve in total, and together they cover all the necessary positions and roles one would expect for a Sith Order to both maintain their own affairs as well as that which they rule over.

We will start with the following one:

xxx

ON THE FOUNDATION OF SCIENCE

There are a number of ways that I could begin this discussion of the Foundations – but it is perhaps the Foundation of Science that I will use to illustrate how each functions, as well as what each one ultimately serves. Science is an essential part of any modern society, and the Order of Kaan intends for the Sith Dominion to successfully function and advance.

This Foundation oversees the Dominion Science Bureau, and all Sith who are a part of it are scientists of some form or another. I would like to clarify that this is strictly conventional science – the more esoteric Sith sciences are not performed here, that is another Foundation.

One might ask: what is the focus of this Foundation? For 'science' is a very general term, and there are many fields. The Dominion is not an established superpower, nor is it even truly a minor power like Corellia, Kuat, or the other industrial worlds. They do not have unlimited resources, and so they must focus.

And as they seek a militarized Order and Dominion, it is war that they specialize in.

Military science of all types is conducted. Physics for better missiles, weapons, and other military capabilities. Chemistry for better stimulants, gasses, and medical items. Biology for their extensive bioweapons laboratories. The list continues, but it is within a very defined box.

The Sith oversee all of the research and experiments conducted, and take part in them on their own. They are one of the most critical keys to the Dominion's military power – and help ensure that they remain advanced and lethal.

xxx

ON THE FOUNDATION OF SCHOLARS

The days when Kaan ordered the banning of various Sith philosophies that conflicted with his are over. It is seen as a necessary, if not especially successful, stopgap that Kaan was forced to do in the process of consolidating the Sith. Today, the Order of Kaan conducts what they consider a more refined process of Kaan's original sentiment.

The Foundation of Scholars exists for several reasons. The first is to run the Order's own archeological mission, where they gather, maintain, or otherwise manage their own collection of relics and artifacts. The second is to conduct research into old Sith figures and philosophies and create various profiles and tiers of assessment as to the ultimate usefulness and feasibility of each.

Which is a quite curious exercise, though make no mistake, the Foundation of Scholars is surprisingly thorough in their research, and other Orders have conceded that they are often more accurate than not. However, the reason that this is permitted is not, in fact, an innocent search for knowledge as Bane did – it's to prove the inferiority of such philosophies that are not in line with the Order's own philosophy.

These scholars learn, they study, they research each of these Sith and what they believe – and once they understand, they work to undermine and weaken them when compared to Kaanite philosophy. Entire papers and treatises have been written –anything from disproving some, to simply calling into question its actual worth.

The purpose of this is that, should another like Bane be seduced by the teachings of old Sith, they have arguments and points already prepared to break a nascent faith in something different. And this is something they will not hide. So, if a Sith wishes to learn more about Bane, Palpatine, or other Sith of questionable belief – they can.

And when they come with questions, it is the work of the Foundation of Scholars which will be used to answer.

xxx

ON THE FOUNDATION OF INDOCTRINATION

Wordplay is an amusing thing, is it not?

I'm curious what your mind jumped to when you saw that word. You know the one. Is it what you thought it was, or something significantly more mundane? I shall not leave you wondering long, reader.

It is what you think, and also not.

Indoctrination can be thought of as shorthand for 'assimilation.' Bringing those new up to speed on details of the mission or organization they are a part of. The Foundation of Indoctrination performs this mission to the letter. It is they who welcome the new initiates and acolytes to the Order of Kaan, as well as any new people to the Sith Dominion.

It is they who provide the information, the training, the assignments and tasks they are expected to fulfill. It is they who lay the groundwork for turning each person affiliated with the Order to their greatest potential. Almost disappointingly mundane, you might expect. Certainly not as foreboding as expected.

Ah, that would be where you are wrong. It is only one part of their mission.

The second part is ensuring ideological coherence. Do you remember the Foundation of Scholars? The research they do? The knowledge they gather? They do the work to discredit and weaken the hostile ideologies – and it is the Foundation of Indoctrination that employs this knowledge offensively.

All curriculums from simple math textbooks to tomes on the Force itself are curated, reviewed, and written by the Foundation of Indoctrination. All of this careful knowledge is woven into these curriculums, enshrining their philosophy on an overt and subconscious level. They are not interested in simply convincing a potential Bane he is wrong – they don't want such thoughts cropping up in the first place.

Of course, this is primarily targeted at the Sith of their Order – particularly new students. They are not as obsessed with propagandizing the population of the Dominion, as they consider the threat of dissent and deviant ideology minimal due to their standing as Force-blind. Nonetheless, all propaganda initiatives that do take place are conducted through this Foundation. However, there is an element to this that is not purely cynical, because the Foundation of Indoctrination is driven by one simple, concrete belief.

That they are right.

And after millennium, they stand triumphant over Bane's failed philosophy, and they will ensure it will never rise again.

xxx

ON THE FOUNDATION OF INDUSTRY

The Sith Dominion is a war machine, and it is the Foundation of Industry which keeps it oiled.

While the purpose of this Foundation is not especially glamorous, it is nonetheless critical to the Order. Without the Foundation of Industry, the ambitions of the Order, and the Sith Dominion, cannot be fulfilled. Or rather, it would be inefficient, poorly managed, and aimless.

The Sith who control the Foundation of Industry are responsible for ensuring that the Sith Dominion is producing all of the needed resources, weapons, and materials needed for their plans. They manage quotas, workforces, and the various sectors of industry within the Dominion. They are a mixture of administrators and factory managers, with at least one Sith managing each major factory.

They are responsible, not just for ensuring that the factories are producing what is needed, but making sure that their factories have what they need to meet demands. It is a rather thankless, and honestly, unappealing task, and there are few Sith actually needed for this Foundation – leading many to staff civilian members, one of the only Foundations to actively apply this.

However, no one particularly cares, because if the Foundation of Industry were to fall, so too would the Dominion soon after.

xxx

ON THE FOUNDATION OF BLADES

In formations they stand before soldiers. In armor black and silver, they present themselves. At the crack of an order, they raise their blades of crimson, amethyst, and silver in a rainbow that promises ruin.

You have likely seen the warriors of the Foundation of Blades, the fist of the Order of Kaan. They make up a sizable portion of the Order, and contain their preeminent Sith warriors. Many claim they are equal to those from the Order of Darth Revan, but such a claim has not been tested.

Yet there is something that makes them unique among many of the Orders.

Many Sith, even when they fight together, fight alone. Or if they fight with others, it is a matter of happenstance and circumstance, not intention. For to fight as a Sith is to fight for one's glory and prestige. It is to make your mark on the galaxy, through blood and violence, so that your song will echo long after you are gone.

First, a matter of descriptions.

There are three roles a Sith can take in the Foundation of Blades. The first are the graceful Blademasters, Sith who wield the amethyst blades, which are longer and thinner than traditional lightsaber blades. Their purpose is to kill Jedi, and others who are foolish enough to engage them in a mêlée duel. Their armor is light, smooth, and swift. They prize agility and speed, and specialize in Form II – an art many consider outdated, but which there has yet to be an adequate successor to.

The second are the brutal Marauders, armored soldiers in silver and gray who carry two blades of silver. Yet do not jump to assumptions – a Marauder can fight with one blade just as well as two, and some are even known to combine both sabers into a double-bladed weapon. Speed, brutality, and unpredictability are the tenants of the Marauder, and they are more than sufficient to overwhelm most enemies.

And finally, there are the invincible Juggernauts, hunks of armor and metal whose crimson blades strike with crushing strength and finality. Juggernauts tower over most enemies, and are able to move with surprising speed despite their enormous size. Experts in Form V, there are few who, if they are able to protect against them, are able to outlast them.

Each of these three kinds of warriors would be dangerous enough on their own – but that is not the strength of the Foundation of Blades. It is that no Sith fights alone. There are no single-Sith teams, but squads of three Sith. These Sith do not train to fight alone, but fight together. The combination does not inherently matter. There can be one of each Sith, two Blademasters and one Marauder, or even all three Juggernauts.

What matters is that they fight together as a single unit.

Imagine the difficulty of fighting one of these warriors – and then realize that you will need to fight two more, and all three are working in perfect harmony. It is something that few Force-users, let alone Sith, actively train in. Yet they are a Brotherhood, and brothers and sisters do not face their enemies alone… they stand together.

Ah, there is one more detail.

This synchronization is not limited to three. While such practice is rarer, up to twelve Sith of the Foundation of Blades have been known to train together. The more of these Sith on the battlefield, the more dangerous they become.

For there is strength in numbers, and few have embodied this better than the warriors of the Foundation of Blades.

xxx

ON THE FOUNDATION OF SHADOWS

Lord Kaan had a curious relationship with the concept of intelligence work and other clandestine operations. During the New Sith Wars, he did facilitate the training of the Sith Assassins, which were employed throughout the course of the war – but with the caveat that such a role was only reserved for weaker Force-users whose potential would be permanently stunted.

Furthermore, the way in which he employed them was equally questionable, in the sense that, as their name suggests, their mission was primarily assassination. They were trained just enough to shroud themselves in the Force, then given a weapon and sent to kill. Usually they were officers, or Jedi if they were among the more skilled – but traditional intelligence work was reserved for the small and woefully underutilized Sith Intelligence.

The Order of Kaan has evolved with the times, and understands that such underutilization is simply not feasible – especially considering the Jedi have made a point to build one of their Spheres on intelligence-gathering. For all intents and purposes, the Foundation of Shadows is built to be an intelligence organ – while keeping its original mission of assassination firmly in place.

The Foundation of Shadows can be broken into two distinct parts – the first is Information Collection which is composed of Sith who are primarily infiltrators, trackers, disguise artists, and other intelligence-gathering roles, and they have direct control and influence over the civilian intelligence organ that is part of the Sith Dominion. They rarely take administrative positions, preferring to perform work in the field and have Force-blind civilians perform analysis.

The second part is the Assassination branch, they work with their other half and act in conjunction with the other relevant Foundations. Sith Assassins are trained in many traditional techniques, but unlike Kaan's era, this is open to all Sith, and many have found that the shadows offer just as much power as the battlefield.

xxx

ON THE FOUNDATION OF BROTHERHOOD

Brotherhood is the core of the Order of Kaan, so it should perhaps not be a surprise that such an ideal is given its own place within its structure. Yet of course, the question is what form this takes. What does it mean to have a Foundation of Brotherhood?

It is not as great a mystery as you suspect.

This Foundation has an ultimately simple mission: to ensure that the Brotherhood is and remains unbreakable. It is to ensure that only those worthy are permitted entry into their sacred ranks. It is to prevent the weak-minded and easily-swayed from coming to undermine them. It is to weed out the spies and traitors.

It is to prevent another Bane.

No one comes to the Order of Kaan, without going through the Foundation of Brotherhood.

As stated previously, this Order is somewhat unique in that it is not easy to join it. Many Orders are actively looking to convert those to their cause, and are confident enough in their philosophy and structure to risk the possibility that the new recruit may leave or even turn on them. The Order of Kaan does not take this risk, because it believes it cannot afford to take this risk.

Which, one cannot blame them, one such traitor wiped them out once before.

However, this makes the process more difficult and elongated. A member of this Foundation will meet with each person who is interested in joining them, and conduct extensive interviews. You will answer any question they ask, or you will be asked to leave. You will tell them your past, your motivations, your feelings, your politics, your philosophy, you will tell them anything they wish to know.

No, do not fear sharing. They keep what they hear in confidence.

What matters is that you trust. For if you show you are willing to trust them with your secrets, desires, and ambitions, then they will know they can trust you. No, there are no hidden blackmail schemes taking place here, there is no deception, for the Brotherhood cannot afford such games. Nor will they share with any others.

But knowing is only part of the requirement.

This Foundation is responsible for designing and administering the tests of Brotherhood. The final tests they give the new acolytes and initiates. They do not keep this a secret. You know you are going to be tested, and your loyalty to your brothers and sisters put on the line. You are prepared, for after weeks of training, you will sacrifice and suffer for the friends you have bonded with.

But here is a question, reader, would you sacrifice for a brother you have never met? Would you protect him or allow yourself to suffer for one you do not know?

Ponder on that.

If the Tests of Brotherhood were so simple, then nearly two-thirds of initiates wouldn't fail them. Keep that in mind when you weigh your decisions.

xxx

ON THE FOUNDATION OF COMMAND

In every single war, there must be one who leads the charge, or directs the soldiers. For an army without leadership is one that will soon disintegrate, one without direction is one which will achieve nothing, one without vision is one which is incapable of true success. War is the ultimate forge; it is the ultimate test, and from war, great men emerge.

The Foundation of Command is also born from this.

It is this Foundation that is responsible for leading all of the soldiers and Sith of the Order of Kaan into battles. They are the strategists, generals, and other equivalents who direct the overall strategy of the conflict – from the highest levels to the trenches of tactical warfare. And among this Foundation, there is almost no distinction in rank, as is the tradition of the Foundation, merely different roles.

There are three different roles that Sith can fulfill in the Foundation of Command, and each of them can only find themselves as part of this Foundation if they demonstrate exceptional skill or capability. One must distinguish themselves; they must be born in the fires of war to even be considered for a position here.

In this way, the exceptional are elevated to peers worthy of their status, and those beneath them know all who command them have proven themselves beyond all doubt.

The first are the Lords of War, or often simply shortened to the Kaan Warlords, who lead the battalions, squads, and other field operations directly. If there is a Sith from the Order whom one is most likely to encounter on the field of battle, it is them. Lethal, dangerous, and distinct, they are the elite of Kaan's warriors, and should be treated with due respect.

The Black Fleet is the naval equivalent of this, and while there are fewer of these Sith, they have honed both their flight skills and command of the Force to a degree that is rarely seen. They command the Order's small, but lethal fleet. Underestimating the Kaan strike forces comes at your own risk – as there is always at least one Sith commanding them.

Finally, there are the Lord-Commanders, the principal strategists of the Foundation of Command. As one might expect, they also work closely with the Foundation of War, but are explicitly focused on the grand strategy of a conflict. It is the Lord-Commanders who plan the campaigns, assign the Lords and soldiers, and sign off on the final plans.

They are the brains of the Foundation – but make no mistake, each Lord-Commander is a powerful Sith in their own right.

xxx

ON THE FOUNDATION OF WAR

It is not easy, reader, to win a war.

It is not easy to run one.

War is not easy.

Especially if one rules over others.

It is easy to convince those aligned to you, or small groups to take up arms for a cause. It is easy to make the decision to go to war. But that is where the ease stops, for war is not easy, and what is especially difficult is making sure everything is prepared for such a decision.

This is the purpose of the Foundation of War.

It is straightforward in a way. It is the Sith Foundation which is responsible for making sure that every part of the Dominion and Order itself is prepared for war. It is they who conduct training exercises, snap drills, simulations, and raids and conquests. It is they who hold the whip, and ensure that the Dominion is alert and with their weapons ready.

The Dominion is never in a time of low mobilization – and the Foundation of War ensures it stays that way. Sith from this Foundation are seeded throughout the Dominion and have representatives to the other Foundations as well – in particular, the Foundations of Blades, Shadows, Command, Industry, and Force.

Only the most elite of Sith, who have distinguished themselves above all others – they have years of experience. It is they who give ultimate direction to the war machine that is the Sith Dominion, and finalize the war plans put together by the Lord-Commanders.

They are the purest expression of the ultimate mission of the Dominion – and perhaps the Order of Kaan itself.

xxx

ON THE FOUNDATION OF THE FORCE

The Sith of the Order of Lord Kaan may not possess the most sophisticated or intricate knowledge of the Force – but that does not mean they eschew its more esoteric qualities. While it is true that the majority of their Sith utilize the Force in more mundane ways, there are a small number who have devoted themselves to the study of the Force – and its application to war.

These are the Sorcerers, those who wear the black and silver robes of the Foundation of the Force. They are scholars and warriors both, for all that they learn and master, they apply. Unlike other Sith, what they can do is impossible to simply categorize, for each one is unique in some way.

Some are able to conjure storms of lightning and raze battlefields to ash. Others have taken to the telepathic arts, and are able to break even the strongest minds on the field of battle. Some have taken to Sith sorcery, and the unorthodox possibility that provides. There is even one who has mastered the obscure art of Battle Meditation.

Do not worry, reader, we will cover this curious figure in detail shortly.

The ultimate point is that one cannot simply predict what a Sorcerer is capable of, or what they truly know. Many have tried to discern this from afar, and many have paid the price. The Force is an ocean with many, many possibilities in store. To face one of this Foundation is to face a master of this power.

Would thou take such a chance, reader?

xxx

ON THE FOUNDATION OF SITH

When all is said and done, reader, what do you think the Order of Kaan considers themselves? Warriors? Successors? Champions? Rulers? All of these things in some form, yes. But that is not the word that matters. All of those words pale in comparison to one.

Sith.

They are Sith, and more importantly, they are the final incarnation of Sith. Only Darth Krayt's One Sith and Bane's Rule of Two follow Kaan's formation. They consider Krayt's philosophy to be a failed and pale imitation of Kaan's original philosophy, and it need not be said what they think of the Rule of Two at this point.

They see themselves as the culmination of thousands of years of conquest, rule, betrayal, and infighting. The final, perfect, incarnation of what the Sith should be – by ironically modeling themselves on the Jedi, and marrying it with certain Sith tenants. But do not dare call them anything but Sith, for they accept nothing else.

The Foundation of Sith is, one might consider, one of the capstones of the Order of Kaan. It is the Foundation where the great questions are answered, where the most faithful to the philosophy actively monitor, debate, and refine their current doctrine. Their reach extends throughout the other Foundations, for it is they who ultimately decide the philosophical direction of the Order.

It is also the Foundation that primarily interacts with the other Orders in the Collective. The leader of this foundation is the one who sits upon the Sith Council, and represents the Order. For the Sith of the Order of Kaan are their responsibility, and what they do touches all.

There are few Foundations that are capable of making substantive changes, but this is one of them, and it is for that reason that it is considered perhaps the most influential Foundation in the Order.

xxx

ON THE FOUNDATION OF RULE

What comes after war? What comes after victory? What comes after?

Or perhaps a different question.

What does the Order desire?

No, it is not to war. War is inevitable, and it must be prepared for, this is true. But one who only cares about waging war will exhaust himself. No, the Order of Kaan is not simply interested in waging war. Their ultimate, final goal is a simple thing.

To rule.

Now they rule over a system. Soon, they will rule over a dozen. One day a hundred. Soon it will become an empire. One day they may control a tenth of the galaxy. Then a third. Then half. Then all of it.

But they rule all the same.

If the Foundation of Sith determines the ultimate direction of the Order of Kaan, it is the Foundation of Rule that is the Sith Dominion's equivalent. It is this Foundation that ultimately is the force that rules over the Dominion, and exercises complete control over the direction it is permitted to take.

It is they who draft laws, establish protocols, and create standards. It can be considered an administration, if one managed entirely by Sith. Governorships, administrators, those in power in the Dominion are Sith, and they ultimately answer to the Foundation of Rule. Within, there is the eternal debate of how best to rule over a people.

There has been much debate, experimentation, and curiosity and these Sith have learned to wield power over a helpless population. They have found it necessary to experiment, for they intend to build something that lasts for a thousand years and beyond – and they do not need the failed visions of Palpatine and Snoke to do so.

The foundation was laid by Kaan.

They will see it through to the end.

xxx

ON FORSWORN TITLES

While it has not been outright stated, you have no doubt noticed something curious, reader. That the title of 'Darth' is wholly absent from any figures of note, and indeed has not been mentioned at all in reference to Skere Kaan, the Brotherhood of Darkness, or any of the Order of Lord Kaan – the name itself highlights this.

Those familiar with Kaan and the Brotherhood know that Kaan had a disdain for the title of Darth, and banned it from use, considering it a title of supremacy that Sith used to lord over others. By abolishing it in favor of the more neutral 'Lord,' it was yet another method he used to subtly lessen the divisions between the Sith.

Now, many of the Order of Kaan do not hold this same disdain for the title, nor really consider it especially important considering its widespread use in other Orders. Yet there has not been a single member who has ever taken the title of Darth for themselves, which is out of respect for Lord Kaan's declaration.

They do not ascribe much importance to those titles regardless, as to call someone a Lord or Darth says little about them specifically, whereas the title following their name denotes who and what they are, and thus, significantly more importance is impressed onto that. They do not employ the feminine variant of the Lord honorific either, and are curiously resistant to those who have suggested it.

All Sith in the Dominion are Lords, no more, and no less. It may not be the most imposing or impressive title – but it is one which marks them as distinct among the Sith Orders, and so they will not look kindly on those making suggestions or attempting to force adoption of more 'traditional' Sith titles.

And, reader, do remember this. It does not make a good impression among the women of their Order if you cannot even speak their title correctly.

Consider it a piece of useful advice.

xxx

ON THE COUNCIL OF THE SITH DOMINION

As is with other Orders, there is a Council to lead them.

The Council of the Sith Dominion is hopefully a self-explanatory moniker. It is composed of the heads or leaders of all of the Dominion Foundations who take part in what is effectively the most powerful and important body in the Order of Kaan and the Sith Dominion it rules. Unlike most such Councils, this one does not have a distinct executive leader.

The purpose of it is not so much for making overarching decisions, but communicating what each Foundation is doing, and if they require support, resources, or funding – or to acquire updates from other Foundations on projects or operations. The Foundations work with each other outside of such meetings, of course, but these are not shared as often with the wider Order.

This is a body where all members are equal, and should it come to making a decision, votes take place. Ties are decided by calling in a respected subordinate from the Foundation who is most affected by the decision being made, or voluntary abstentions if such a person is not available. While there is no leader, it is the Lord of the Brotherhood who chairs the meetings, which always take place in the Chambers of the Lord of the Sith Dominion.

Notably, the Council of the Sith Dominion is regarded as one of the most efficient councils, one which rarely experiences issues or debate. This is largely attributed to the fact that oftentimes the Foundations work closely with each other so regularly that major issues are simply resolved before Council meetings take place.

While I would enjoy giving a history of all sitting members of this Council, there are only a few who I believe are truly necessary to know – all of whom sit upon the Capstone Foundations and who are also the founders of the Order of Kaan.

xxx

ON CHORYYAS, LORD-IMPERATOR OF THE HIGH WAR

There are many warriors in the Order of Kaan. There are many Blademasters, Marauders, and Juggernauts who are skilled and powerful in their own right. There are notable Warlords, Lord-Commanders, and of course, those in the Black Fleet.

But there is only ever one 'Lord-Imperator,' the ultimate pinnacle of what it means to be a warrior in this Order. Violence incarnate, strategy embodied; one who can encompass the apex of the 'High War' – the concept of dedication to the art of war in mind, body, and soul. That is what one must be to be considered the Lord-Imperator, and subsequently command the Foundation of War.

One could find few better than Choryyas.

Wookiee Force-users are rare, but not unheard of – and Choryyas is one that is old. Old enough that he remembers the Galactic Empire, where he was first captured and enslaved by the Empire. One would think he would escape by using the Force. He did not, he escaped by tearing the limbs off an Imperial officer and then the Stormtroopers that came to stop him – shrugging off stun blasts and blaster bolts.

He was a member of one of the more violent Rebel cells, ones which were brutal in their targeting of Imperial military and civilians alike. Choryyas did not care, of course, they were complicit in the continuation of an Empire that had enslaved him and his people. And he fought until the Empire collapsed.

His Force-sensitivity was discovered much later, by the Jedi of Luke Skywalker's Order. They brought him in to be trained, allowing him to awaken his nascent talent. However, he soon found that he could not accept the false peace and tolerance that the Jedi preached – for this was before the Jedi had reformed into something more pragmatic.

Though it did not matter, for Choryyas could not tolerate peace with the Fellan Imperium. He had fought to see the Empire destroyed in all its forms, and this led to his eventual falling out with the Jedi. Though his training was incomplete, he knew enough to begin training himself.

And so, he did in the only way he knew how.

Through battle.

There are stories, rumors if you will, of a wookiee vigilante, bounty hunter, or gladiator depending on who you ask, traveling the galaxy. Sometimes he can be hired, sometimes he volunteers, other times he is set on his mission. Perhaps all of these are true, but what matters is that for several centuries, Choryyas wandered the galaxy.

He became a champion in fighting pits across the Outer Rim, which allowed him to get close to slaving hutts he eventually butchered. He has volunteered without pay to protect starships known to be ambushed by trandoshan pirates. Some even say he fought for the First Order against the Fellan Imperium, though not even the Order of Snoke knows if this is true or not.

And as the years passed, he grew more dangerous, more intelligent, and more cold. The berserker rage that had once consumed him had been honed to a fine edge. His blades and the Force sang in harmony as he cut through his enemies. Yet he never found himself satisfied, until he found his way to us.

Here he found the last piece to the power he sought. In Zarya, he found a friend and kindred spirit. In the Order of Kaan, he found a purpose and belonging. And perhaps that was what he was ultimately seeking, as he has shown no signs of moving on or leaving.

His black fur has tips of gray, but while he is certainly no youngling, his days of battle are far from over, and he is impossible to miss on the battlefield. While he had adopted, or I should say, pioneered what has become the Juggernaut-style, he is unique in that he does not wield a lightsaber.

Instead, he carries one of two primary weapons. One is a beskar-forged greatsword nearly his own length. Impossible to wield by any ordinary person, the Force gives him the strength to brandish it almost effortlessly as he dampens his fur with the blood of his enemies. His other weapon is a large warhammer which he employs to great delight against those who believe heavier armor protects them.

Further augmenting his martial prowess are two handheld maces he has strapped to him, one to his chest, and one to his waist. The flanged weapons are quite a terrifying sight to behold in the hands of a snarling wookiee, and it is not difficult to know when Choryyas has arrived on a battlefield.

You merely have to follow the carnage.

xxx

ON AZOV, LORD OF THE ESOTERIC FORCE

Let us talk of a rather curious figure.

Lord Azov is, if one is simply looking at his position, initially impressive, if not especially prominent. One of the Sorcerers of the Foundation of the Force, he is its nominal head, and believed to be its most powerful practitioner. There are certain expectations one has when meeting one who bears such a title, but inevitably, they are broken when one sees him for the first time.

You are unlikely to have seen his species before. They are small creatures, usually barely a third of a meter in height. Their limbs are stubby, their ears are long, and they are aliens who appear wholly unimpressive at first glance. This one's skin is a ruddy orange, and white wisps of hair cover his wrinkled head.

And yet, when these little creatures show themselves, the galaxy takes notice.

If one looks throughout all of recorded history, they would be fortunate to find more than a half-dozen examples of these creatures. Many times, they joined the Jedi. More recently, some have found themselves with the Mandalorians. No one knows where they come from, or even the name of their species. And none of them – to my knowledge – have ever found their way to the Sith.

That is, until now.

Azov did not come from the Jedi. He simply found his way to us and all could sense his power. He possessed a raw talent for the deepest mysteries of the Force, and even possessed a knowledge of the rare art of Battle Meditation – which he claims, a joke many are sure, he learned from the spirit of Bastila Shan.

A sense of humor, he has.

When he met Zarya, and she conceived of the idea of an Order based around Lord Kaan, Azov supported her, and said he would help guide however he could. No one knows his exact reasoning for joining her so quickly, or indeed what his ultimate motivations are. Nonetheless, he was vital in establishing the Foundation of the Force, and the Sorcerers it would produce.

And so, he studied deeper.

Soon, it became clear where his talent lay, it was not in something like Battle Meditation, but the difficult and powerful art of Sith sorcery itself. Those who master the art have commented on how quickly Azov learned it, and how dangerously he can employ it. He is not a flashy fighter; indeed, he often moves slowly, and does not even possess a lightsaber.

Yet with a few waves of his stubby hands and the incantations that follow, he can break armies. He can worm his way into the minds of the strong. I suspect he learned Sith sorcery because he found it ironic – Bane famously knew that sorcery was his weakness, and it was ultimately sorcery which was his undoing.

I believe this little alien could learn whatever he puts his mind to, and he chose this specifically for the poetic irony.

And no matter this creature's true power or motivations – it is something I can only respect.

xxx

ON ZARYA, LORD OF THE BROTHERHOOD

If there is a face of the Order of Kaan, it is perhaps the woman who founded it.

She is a striking and imposing figure for those who see her for the first time. She wears her armor that she earned from the Jedi Sentinels, though now colored in the black and silver of the Sith. Flawless brown skin and flowing black hair braided in the style of the Mandalorian warriors, she is abnormally tall for a human female, and subsequently stands above many of her kin.

Twin lightsabers hang at her waist, the blue crystals having long since been replaced with ones of amethyst. She presents the image of a regal, commanding figure. Perhaps a stern parent or mother, but clearly someone who is committed and determined to see her mission fulfilled to the end.

Let us back up a bit.

It is known that Zarya was a Jedi Master, within the Sphere of the Militant Order. She eventually became one of the Sentinels – Jedi warriors who carved their own paths of destruction. Her talent was recognized, and she, together with another Jedi at the time, were promoted to the Fist of the Order – the elite of the Militant Order.

That Jedi in question was a certain Zevro Shartan, who readers may know is a prominent figure in the Sphere of the Militant Order. Some would say it is inevitable he becomes the next Battlemaster.

They were friends, and they shared many similar outlooks and philosophies. They shared a disdain for the criminals and dissidents that thrived in the Outer Rim, and showed no mercy or tolerance to their enemies. Yet as time progressed, Zarya grew disillusioned with the inherent lie that is the Galactic Alliance. She saw it for the sham that it was, as while they were fighting for nothing in the Outer Rim putting down petty criminals, the criminals in the Alliance grew fat and wealthy.

Shartan, it appeared, was content to tolerate this. After all, what were they to do? What option did they have? Ah, and Zarya had radical ideas, ones that Shartan dismissed outright. They were defenders of the Alliance, and no matter what, their mission had to be upheld. Zarya grew to disagree, and the rift between friends opened and became irreconcilable.

Zarya eventually left the Jedi of her own accord, turning her back on a career that promised power, influence, and opportunity. Yet she was disgusted with what she saw, and would not take part in it merely for her own gain, or the false illusion that what she did mattered. She would find a new mission, a new purpose.

And she eventually did.

She did not join the Sith because she particularly agreed with or liked us. Indeed, I suspect she will shed no tears the day when our mission is complete and the Collective's purpose has been fulfilled. But it did not matter, because when she came here, the inkling of an idea took root, and when she learned of Lord Kaan, the Brotherhood, and the New Sith Wars, she knew what she must do.

Today, she leads the Foundation of the Sith, but all know her as the 'Founder.' The one to whom the Order owes much, for she has given them mission, meaning, and family. She is technically not above her brethren on the Dominion Council, but they still look to her for guidance and offer her respect.

And, of course, she speaks for the Order of Kaan on the High Council of the Sith Collective, and it seems unlikely another will replace her in her lifetime.

Never had she thought she would find answers in the Sith, but she could not deny the evidence before her eyes. Had she still believed in such things, she would have said the Force guided her to this point. But she was Sith, and she was going to build her solution to the question she had posed to Shartan many years ago.

What to do?

She is Sith, but considers the Order she, together with these three other figures, built to be the final, ideal, evolution of the Jedi Order. One where the useless and pointless systems of bureaucracy and government have been purged. Where the Jedi are no longer slavishly devoted to the protection of useless concepts like democracy and capital.

It is an Order united in mission, in brotherhood, in meaning. It is an Order with the trivialities torn out and replaced with purpose. Zarya has long since given up on the possibility of peace. There can be no coexistence with the Alliance, the Imperium, the Cartels, the criminals, the politicians, the corrupt, or the evil.

There is only one solution.

They must burn the galaxy to cinders, and begin again – and this time, do it right.

xxx

ON ALIOC'HRYSIL'ALORA, LORD OF THE SITH DOMINION

Chiss names are wonderful, are they not?

Chrysila is quite an intriguing figure, though of course, I would not be speaking of her if she were not. I am unsure, in fact, what element of curiosity to focus on first. Be it her age, her past, or her role. No doubt she would look with disapproval at my hesitation, but that is merely part of her charm.

Well, in order then.

Chrysila is old. Very old for a chiss. Over a century in total. She is, ironically, well-known among the families of Csilla, and throughout the Ascendancy. Unlike many of her contemporaries, she never joined the Jedi Order, as her family did not wish it, and instead enrolled her in Ascendancy Battalion Seventeen – which, for those unfamiliar with chiss conventions, is where they place their Force-sensitives.

To say the chiss treat their Force-users with questionable care is an understatement. The chiss distrust the Force, they are even wary of harnessing it, and for such practical people, they possess odd and esoteric beliefs about the Force, such as believing it has a will of its own – and those who touch it are influenced.

Ascendancy Battalion Seventeen is less a combat battalion, and more of a containment one. All members of it are heavily scrutinized, and their training is intentionally limited to reduce the danger they pose to the Ascendancy. The students do not complain, of course, as the chiss are conditioned to put the Ascendancy before all else – including themselves.

But of course, such treatment eventually breeds resentment.

All members of Ascendancy Battalion Seventeen, and, in fact, all chiss Force-sensitives, are given the opportunity to have themselves severed from the Force. After several years in Ascendancy Battalion Seventeen, many take it, wishing to actually serve the Ascendancy instead of the gilded cage they are a part of.

Chrysila never did this. For eighty-four years she diligently served in Ascendancy Battalion Seventeen. She served longer than any chiss had served before, and was eventually given 'command' of the Battalion, for what little worth that was. She actually served long enough to be deployed in combat a few times, where she performed admirably and granted the Ascendancy several important victories.

But back to the cage she went.

She was not idle during her time in the Battalion. She kept up on all of the developments, movements, and matters of the Chiss Ascendancy, from political aspects to military decisions, she attempted to offer her own advice – because she had a very, very rare gift – the gift of foresight.

I'll note that she never explicitly told them, likely because such a capability is an executable offense in the Ascendancy.

Eventually, upon realizing that they were not listening to her, and would ignore her even if she was right, she gave up and became the silent supporter they always wanted. She became a fixture – so long was she there that the Force-blind chiss assigned to Ascendancy Battalion Seventeen grew lax. For why would they doubt her loyalty?

Until one day, they awoke to find her gone.

The Ascendancy initiated a hunt for her, and even brought the Imperium to assist, while asking the Jedi to keep a lookout for a woman of her description. Yet over half a year of searching turned up nothing. Chrysila had effectively disappeared off the face of the galaxy.

She found her way to us. The Force showed her where to go, and she had made her decision. She had lived a stunted, chained, and soulless life – and now she was going to spend what years she had left making sure she left an impact. It is likely this foresight drew her to Zarya, and both women became good friends.

Chrysila was not a savant, nor was she skilled with the blade – but she had decades of experience, she had power, and even with the chiss stifling her potential, she had a strong foundation, and had often kept herself busy by reading various Force techniques and theories which the chiss had not bothered to hide from her, knowing she could never employ them.

Something she would disprove with time.

When Zarya began conceptualizing the Order of Kaan, it was Chrysila who told her to pursue it, knowing that Lady Vathila would acquiesce – and that many would flock to it. Together, she, Zarya, Azov, and Choryyas built what would become the Order of Lord Kaan – and the Sith Dominion. Each of them took one role in the Capstone of the Foundations, and Chrysila took the Foundation of Rule.

It was one Zarya wanted her to take, and one Chrysila found fitting for herself. It was not simply because she had the gift of foresight, but because she had spent a century closely observing the movements and actions of the Chiss Ascendancy, as well as those of other governments. And now there was no one who would ignore her.

And so, together with her brothers and sisters, she has built the Dominion. Something that is not wholly her vision, but certainly influenced by her. She has long grown disenchanted with the systems and hands-off rule of the Ascendancy, and has no intention of emulating it again.

So, she remains the final authority over the Dominion. She is not an empress or queen, but merely the Lord of the Sith Dominion; one of power and authority; one who provides the vision for the Order's inevitable rule. And her vision stretches far indeed.

She does not know if she will yet live to see their return to the galaxy, but she takes solace in the fact that when it does, and when the Dominion marches into the galaxy, led by the Order of Kaan, she knows that the Ascendancy will look upon what she has created, and they will fear.

And they will fear, because they will know it was her.

xxx

ON RELATIONS WITH THE SITH ORDERS

It has been noted several times before that the Order of Kaan is, compared to their colleagues in the Collective, very mistrustful and insular. They view outsiders with suspicion and paranoia – but make no mistake, this is not some crippling fear or imposed isolation. Indeed, of all those who one might fear of betrayal, it is the Order of Kaan who you can trust to watch your back and keep their knives at bay.

Of course, all of our knives remain at bay, but I digress.

To this end, it is important to understand who such an Order works closest with. It has already been said that the Order of Marka Ragnos is the one Order whom they instill a large amount of trust in, and it is known that Ragnos considers them close allies of his own – and a contingency should his warriors be insufficient in the face of an insurrection.

Beyond Ragnos, it becomes complicated.

The Order maintains notably cordial relations with the Order of Darth Krayt, which we attribute to the fact that there are certain similarities in the function of their Orders, and that several influential members came from the Order of Krayt. They do not trust Krayt, but they are more comfortable working with them than others.

They also have some voluntary ties with the Order of Darth Revan, and they share some common ground in the knowledge that both of their patrons were betrayed by those who were close to them – the difference being Revan survived his assassination attempt, while Kaan did exactly what Bane wanted him to.

Relations between them and the Order of Supreme Leader Snoke are rather poor, to the surprise of some. Yet after reading this, I presume you can determine the issue. There are relatively few Force-users in the Order of Snoke, and their view on the Force-blind could not be more different. As a result, the Order of Kaan is not particularly impressed with their legions and machines, as they see few true sources of power among them.

The remaining Orders they simply avoid unnecessary relations with, or actively avoid – any Sith connected to the Rule of Two they are wary of, particularly the Orders of Darth Plagueis and Emperor Palpatine, or Sith who often participated in self-destructive infighting. Emperor Vitiate falls under this category, and considering Darth Traya was known as the 'Queen of Betrayal,' I imagine you understand why the Order of Kaan has avoided cultivating strong ties with the Order that bears her name.

Perhaps one day relations across all of the Collective will be improved, because as it stands, the Order of Kaan has notably few allies – and they know that someday, they might need some. If so, they appear to be in no rush to find them – or are simply incapable of overcoming their distrust of other Sith.

xxx

CONCLUSION

And here we reach the end. Another piece of history shared, another possibility opened, another chapter complete.

Have you continued to this part, reader? Or did you come here first out of curiosity, or have you made your choice and are simply reading for your pleasure or to expand your knowledge? I wonder what the one reading these words thinks and feels as they do so, as I painstakingly detail the internal workings of one part of our Collective.

Do you read these words and feel something light up inside you; a flick of a switch, an acute understanding that this is where I belong? Or is this merely interesting knowledge, or, conversely, simply boring?

I do not know, and perhaps that is for the best. Yet I do wonder.

I write this here because I find such a person reacting to what I wrote here so fascinating. It is my duty to accurately convey the mission and philosophies of each Order, yet this was one where I had particular trouble keeping my thoughts to myself. I do not judge, but I do dispute, and there is little in this Order I can find that would call to me.

Maybe that's why I find this Order more fascinating than perhaps I should. It is a unique thing within our Collective, and is a testament to the sheer breadth of our kind; how far our philosophies can stretch – so much so that it can seem alien to a Sith like me. Something that is Sith, and yet so clearly inspired by that which is not Sith.

Can you imagine the intellectual scope of the Jedi even coming close to matching this? No, and that is why this Order is a beautiful thing. It is a path for those who come from histories of light, yet have not truly committed to the dark yet. It is an example of how our kind can take inspiration from the enemy, and reflect it back upon the galaxy.

Most importantly, I see this as a promise. A promise that our Lady made to the Sith – that each would be given the opportunity to carve their own path within the Collective. There would be no restrictions, no forbidden knowledge, no linear paths where all must be submissive to a single leader.

The Order of Lord Kaan stands as testament to this promise.

What mark will they make on the galaxy? Will they be able to fulfill Lord Kaan's vision where he could not? Is it a mission that calls to you, or that you wish to take part in? Do not let me, or anyone else stop you, reader. My role is merely to present the paths before you.

Your destiny is yours to claim.

Do not hesitate to seize it.