Essay: The Master/Apprentice Relationship - by Sith Zevasa

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On the Relationship Between Master and Apprentice By Sith Zevasa, Sith Purifier

The epitome of the Sith hierarchy is embodied in the relationship between Master and Apprentice. It is a relationship of both respect and fear; usually when we speak of an ideal relationship between Master and Apprentice we look to the apprentice. How can they serve their master, live up to their expectations, become the Sith they are meant to be according to their own ambition and the desire of their master. But what of the Master's obligation to their Apprentice? As my former, first Master was fond of saying: "all magic has its price", a phrase which can be summed up more simply as: "you don't get something for nothing". This I feel is true for a great many aspects of the Sith, including the relationship between Master and Apprentice, and it is important to know that this principle goes both ways. For those Apprentices reading, do not misunderstand the message of this essay; the direction and control of your tutelage will remain inexorably in the hands of your Master, as is right. You are there beneath them to learn and gain from their greater wisdom, experience and knowledge, as well as to grow your own power. If you were ready to take control of your own education you would not be an Apprentice but a Household Sith. This is not a call to attempt to seize control of your education and make dictations to your masters, as that would be a usurpation of the very principles of Apprenticeship, and damage your education in the true ways of the Sith. However to the Masters reading, consider this; your Apprentice is at their most useful when they are powerful, effective and loyal. Though an Apprentice may become these things by themselves, it is not guaranteed. By surrendering control of your Apprentice, by not speaking with them, acknowledging them, or seeking to guide their growth in the proper way, their efficacy as an extension of your will is reduced. An Apprentice who is taught nothing by a Master has no reason to remain loyal - they will be forced to seek lessons elsewhere. When that happens, you are in effect allowing other Masters - perhaps even other, more senior, Apprentices - to shape your Apprentice in your place, to become loyal others rather than yourself. A disloyal Apprentice, or one whose loyalty cannot be guaranteed, can be turned against you. For some Sith this may not be a concern. A single Apprentice left to their own devices with little loyalty to you may have no effect on your work and so their departure will also have no impact, or they may be too afeared of your power to turn on you directly - but the question then becomes: why take an Apprentice at all if you have no intent or desire to shape them? What purpose do they serve except as a drain on your resources if your Apprentice is not an extension of your will and teachings? If you are not shaping them yourself but allowing others to do so? As Masters we have if not a responsibility, then an imperative to train our Apprentices ourselves. Not to leave them to train themselves as they did when they were Acolytes or as they will do again if they survive to ascend further. An Apprentice is an extension of their Master's will - but how can they know that will if a Master deliberately chooses not to express it to them? It is not to say that a master ought to be the sole source of knowledge and learning to their Apprentice; that leads to over dependence and Apprentices who cannot source their own lessons, who cannot think for themselves. But a Master must be a primary source of knowledge and wisdom, of advice and guidance if not outright lessons in powers and skills. A Master might not need to teach their Apprentice a lightsaber form - but they should be able to advise which form an Apprentice should seek to suit their needs and abilities, as an example. Once more I address the Apprentices reading this; do not allow yourself to settle for a Master who does not give anything in return for your loyalty. You may think you are able to survive and progress on your own, and yes that may be the case; the role of a master is not to hand you things, but to challenge you, to push you further than you can push yourself. Neophytehood is often a necessary part of one's education, and a great deal can be learned from it - independence chief among them - but only through having a Master which pushes you to be greater can you achieve your fullest potential. By binding yourself to a Master who does not push you, does not afford you opportunity, lesson or motivation (of any kind), you accept a chain upon yourself. As I began with words from my former Master, it seems fitting that I end with words from my present one; "As Sith we must project our identity". The way in which we as Masters shape our Apprentices is a vital facet of that; an Apprentice is a continuation of yourself, not necessarily of your blood or your personal goals, but of your teachings and your views of the Galaxy and the Dark Side. The manner in which you shape your Apprentice is a sign to others of the type of Sith you are; and in order to project your identity well, an Apprentice must be cultivated, taught, tutored - not left to drift, little better than a Neophyte in all but name.

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