Is Darth Banes' Sith Order the Only One to Employ Force Manipulation?

For those familiar with the KOTOR lore, the answer to this intriguing question is resoundingly no. The numerous Old Republic novels provide ample evidence that Sith orders existed well beyond the one led by Darth Banes, each with its own unique characteristics and histories.

Ancient Sith Orders and the Great Galactic War Era

The timeline of the Old Republic spans approximately 4000 years before the Battle of Yavin, roughly 3000 years before the well-known events at the Battle of Ruusan. Between the end of the Jedi Civil War and the onset of the Ruusan Restoration, the Force-contested region of space experienced a cold war between the Galactic Republic and the Sith Empire.

The Sith Empire was a formidable force under the rule of Emperor Vitiate, where the Dark Council governed the empire from its seat on Dromund Kaas. Each member of the Dark Council was given the title of 'Darth,' usually acquired by assassinating their previous master. Among the prominent Darks were Darth Malgus, Darth Thanaton, and others whom players recognized in KOTOR through the battles against Darth Malak, Darth Nihilus, Darth Sion, and Darth Traya.

The Sith Order's Evolution

These Sith figures all existed between 1000 to 1500 years prior to the Battle of Ruusan, representing different phases and establishments within the broader scope of Sith history.

Understanding Darth Banes' Sith Order

In the original conception of Sith orders, Darth Banes holds a special place as the architect of an order that relies solely on the dark side, purging all the light force abilities from the apprentices. However, this model is far from universal, as seen in other Sith sects and ordains throughout Galactic history.

Other Notable Sith Orders in KOTOR and Beyond

The KOTOR series introduces readers and players to various Sith orders, each with its own distinctive training methods and philosophical perspectives. The Sith Inquisitor faction, for example, signifies an order that retains a mix of dark and light side abilities, offering a more nuanced approach to using the Force.

Expanding the Scope: The Sith who Used Force Manipulation

In the grand tapestry of Sith lore, multiple Sith factions are known to have acknowledged and even utilized various Force powers. The Sith Sorcerer’s Guild, an influential group in the Old Republic era, was dedicated to harnessing the full spectrum of the Force, including both destructive and restorative abilities. This guild trained sorcerers who were known for creating intricate spells and imposing force-based strategies in battles.

Furthermore, the Sith storage room at the Dantooine Historical Museum reveals artifacts and texts indicating the past existence of Sith who wielded potent force abilities like Force lightning, force push, and other manipulative techniques that are typically associated with the Sith. These beings were instrumental in the formation of the Sith Empire and its expansion across the galaxy.

Conclusion: The Diversity of Sith Orders

It is evident from the Old Republic and KOTOR series that Darth Banes' Sith Order is but one manifestation of the many Sith factions that wield force manipulation abilities. The Sith Empire and its dark apprenticeship processes represent a rich, diverse, and complex web of traditions and philosophies within the larger Sith community.

The exploration of these various Sith orders not only adds depth to the lore but also challenges the monolithic portrayal of the Sith as a singular, homogeneous force. This diversity is an essential element of the broader narrative of the Star Wars universe, enriching the experience for fans of all eras.