Lore Update: Sith Purebloods



Star Wars: The Old Republic may turn out to be the most dramatic single source of information about the history of the Star Wars franchise. Since we know the numerous intricate stories contained within the game will be steeped in this deep lore, we are always looking to learn more about the universe and what our place may be within it. We previously looked at two well known species, the Hutts and the Twi'lek, and now we take a closer look at a species many fans may be unfamiliar with: Sith Purebloods.
History


Long before wielders of the dark side claimed the mantle of Sith Lord, the Sith were an actual species hailing from the planet Korriban. With mysterious origins, the Sith date back almost one hundred thousand years before the signing of the Treaty of Coruscant. Brutal yet dignified, the original Sith held a deep connection to the Force - so much so, that the entire race was Force sensitive. Before the Force had a name, these original Sith considered it a form of magic and sorcery. They were also adept in alchemy - learning to manipulate genetic material in plants, creatures, and even themselves.



Over many years, the original Sith evolved, eventually breaking into four distinct castes - one of intelligence, one of spirituality (the Kissai), one of strength (the Massassi) and one of servitude. This evolution was helped by segregation, alchemical mutations, and the eventual interbreeding with Dark Jedi humans who arrived in Sith space after the Hundred-Year Darkness. These four new sub-species of Sith went on to form and rule their own kingdom. However, through many more thousands of years of inter-species breeding, civil war, and alchemical altering, even these four castes eventually dwindled down to obscurity. Those that remained claimed the mantle of Sith Purebloods.


Appearance and Habits


The Sith Purebloods are deep red-skinned humanoids with very vicious features. Sharp, bony protrusions on the face and intense yellow eyes are typically the first elements noticed by those confronted by a Pureblood. Small tendrils of skin hang from their cheeks and are commonly used to help portray emotions. Since the Purebloods come from a hybridization of original Sith and humans, the strength of these characteristics vary greatly among individuals, from very intense to barely noticeable. Purebloods think of themselves as the only true Sith in the galaxy, and those who display more pronounced traits are considered to be more worthy of their power.




Knowledge and Technology


The Sith Purebloods are known to be very capable alchemists. With an uncanny ability to manipulate the genetic makeup of living beings, they are known for creating some of the galaxy's most savage and violent creatures, such as the Sith Wyrm. The entire Massassi sub-species that eventually inhabited Yavin 4 were mutated heavily by Sith Lord Naga Sadow who was, himself, a Sith Pureblood.

This alchemy is also used to help fashion their various artifacts, weapons, and technology. In addition to the common lightsaber, the Sith Purebloods are known to have more traditional weapons, such as the Sith Lanvarok, and the Sith Sword.



Both these weapons are created using an alchemical process that reinforced the metal to withstand even the blade of a lightsaber; they can even last for generations without deteriorating. Amulets and talismans are also built in order to give the Purebloods a deeper connection to the Force. The early Sith also created many of the first Holocrons, acquiring the knowledge from the Rakata.


Future


Being relatively rare, it is difficult to imagine where the Sith species will end up. The Emperor is known to have a number in his service, and it is likely their fate will have a great impact on the future of the galaxy. Attuned heavily to the Dark Side and proud of their heritage, it is likely they will be forever tied to the empire that adopted their namesake.

Sources
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Sith_Pureblood
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Sith_alchemy

Comments

Page 1 of 2
  • 1
  • 2
  • #23 Adaram
    Nice article. Well done! It's nice to have a summary; as much as I love wookipedia, sometimes there is just so much information, it's hard to glean the prominent bits, especially for those of us who are relatively new to the Star Wars EU (I just recently figured out that EU meant Extended Universe, for example -- doesn't it??) :)
  • #26 Zanthos
    Expanded Universe but yes, same thing.
  • #25 Davidicus
    No, it means Ewok Union. Nice try though.
  • #12 Mako
    No Killik Sith Lord or even the Sith King Adas... don't matter this article is much better then the Twi'lek one.

    "Purebloods come from a hybridization of original Sith and humans" I never understood how they can still be "pure" lol. I guess Purebloods and the Aryans have something in common.
  • #20 agentwred
    They know their blood isn't pure Sith blood, but it is more pure than those that aren't "Purebloods." They are genetically closer to the original Sith species than the rest. Go ahead and read that link below, everyone.
  • #24 Zanthos
    I think that Mako and my own beef with pure-blood's, is not with Bioware but with the actual Star Wars lore (that Bioware "had" to use when they decided to include this race) than anything else. Again, I'm not all up and arms about it but it's like a Jumbo Shrimp. It's just sorta silly.

    No one is saying that there is a glaring error or that any links or information is wrong. We are simply calling out the lore which has been established for quite sometime. At least that's where I'm coming from, I can't fully speak for Mako. But I do know he doesn't like them because of their egotistical ideals and ways.

    I think everyone can agree that the Massassi are freakin' sweet tho.
  • #17 Zanthos
    It is a bit of an oxymoron to call them "pure-bloods". Even the great Naga Sadow is a hybrid. I like the term "Sith species" more than pureblood, since we do need to differentiate from the Sith organization and the species itself. I guess for prestige purposes, "pure-blood" sounds better.



  • #18 Mako
    Yep that was my thinking too. Unless they have awesome racial abilities I don't plan on making one; mostly cause their aristocratic elitists who are cruel to be cruel.
  • #19 Zanthos
    Elitist jerks! maybe they will make me a good cookie cutter rotation for my SW
  • #14 DH_Sghetti
    Daniel Erickson touches on the validity of "purebloods" in this post from the official forums:

    http://darthhater.com/2010/10/26/devtracker-highlights-for-the-week-of-october-18-2010/
  • #16 Mako
    Rarely read the dev tracker, thankfully I'm a Lore Nut. Plus never liked the pureblood Sith compared to Bane's order. Perfect mix of of jedi and Sith teachings.
  • #8 LethalSharpshooter
    The Dark Jedi (the Exiles) didn't arrive on Korriban in the Great Hyperspace War, they arrived after the Hundred Year Darkness.
    The Great Hyperspace War was when they, after having interbred with the Sith species, attacked the Republic 2000 years after. :)
  • #10 Dover
    Great catch. I appreciate the heads up. And changed ;)
  • #7 Buttniks
    If they do incorporate the Sith Species I just hope they're playable as Sith Inquisitor.
  • #21 agentwred
    done and done, well, if you are talking about the Purebloods. I don't think there are any true Sith Species left, but maybe I'm mistaken.
  • To post a comment, please login or register a new account.

Most Commented Articles