Essay: The Sith Code & The Sith Hierarchy

[Sarias]

ESSAY: THE SITH CODE & THE SITH HIERARCHY

FROM: Acolyte Cathryn Valorin
FOR: Apprentice Valeus Horuset
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBJECT: Current Interpretation of the Sith Code & the Sith Hierarchy
ACCESS RULES: Accessable for everyone.
PERSONAL NOTES:
- Apprentice Valeus Horuset and I had an interesting conversation regarding the importance of ancestry and Sith-superiority within the infirmary. He assigned me to write this essay via holocom.
- Questions or gaps of knowledge are highlighted in yellow.

Borrowed Databook	State	Content Description
The Chronicles of Sorzus Syn: The Sith Code	Well-preserved	An explanation regarding the Sith Code
Ancient Sith-Scroll: Qotsisajak - The Way of the Sith Doctrine	Well-preserved	A variation of the Sith Code in High Sith.

Spoiler: The Chronicles of Sorzus Syn: The Sith Code

[sub](Source: The Book of Sith: Secrets from the Dark Side. Sorzus Syn's Diary. page 46-47)[/sub]

Spoiler: Qotsisajak -The Way of the Sith Doctrine

(Source: https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Code_of..._e-mail2-2

---

Todays influence
"To learn the Sith Code by heart has been one of the first lessons which I received during my training within the Korriban academy. Those that were not able to recite its verses fluently in front of the Overseers or those that challenged its tenets have unavoidably met their demise. Among Sith, the infalliable Code is held in a high esteem due to the vast history behind itself and the weight of its words."
Origin
"The Sith Code originally has been written down in Basic by the Sithlord Sorzus Syn on Ziost (I heard rumours the planet got destroyed?). According to the Exile (Who are the other Exiles?) Syn, it is presenting the opposite of the Jedi teachings and referring to the inadequacies of the Jedi Order (Which inadequacies...limitations from what exactly?). The living conditions of Sith Purebloods were inspiring example for the Code."
Interpretation

Code:

"Peace is a lie, there is only passion."

"The principle of peace is an utopistic goal which appears to be rather unrealistic with look at the galactic history. I personally am very interested in different cultures therefore I have - even far in the Outer Rim Territories - overheard stories of (civil) wars and upheavals. Very often, people spoke of the Jedi as the keeper of peace - the main propagators of this idea. (Though if true peace does not exist...why has there been a peace treaty a few years ago?) [size=4]With peace never being a long-lasting state, conflict is sooner or later inevitable. Ranging from a full-scale war to a little slave riot, peace inhibits emotion and evolution for something better to come out in the end, whereas conflict promotes improvement.(Does the code deem peaceful behaviour a lie aswell? I often see Sith meditating instead of picking fights aswell...). The passion is what fuels a Sith; it is a purpose and a motivator. Though passion can come in several different shapes and forms - from proficiency in martial arts over to the arts of seduction and deceit. The dedication to a task or still gives the spark to progress.[/size]

Code:

"Through passion, I gain strength."

[size=4]The drive and joy experienced by following ones passions is eventually filling out a Sith [size=2](Is it coercively necessary to put ones passions on display to prove oneself Sith?). Not only does it grant focus and determination but the motivation to surpass oneself and improve. The process of constantly improving and learning eventually leading to a boost in strength (And self-confidence?) through frequent practice. With the absence of peace and constant rivalry and threat of being inferior, one is driven to improve. Strength is - as far as I am aware - something infinitely sought after among the Sith. Though it is not quite clear what true strength represents - I guess the majority puts too much emphasis on pure physical condition...whereas mental acuity and knowledge can be signs of strength aswell.[/size][/size]

Code:

"Through strength, I gain power."

[size=4]I suppose practice and adaptation one grows beyond meager capabilities, continuously changing and once being the strongest in ones field of expertise gives oneself quite the reputation. Being skilled in a certain power or skill is granting oneself a certain privilege and power over those that are weaker [size=2](Like mentioned above - What is the true meaning of power? Influence? Physical strength? Cognitive performance?). Power is the ability to influence those around oneself. With power there usually comes a high rank and authority to direct the actions of others while simultaneously being privileged to resist the influence of those seeking to direct oneself (So that is why the Emperor is the highest authority...He is the most powerful being - standing above everyone and everyone is listening to his will?). Though power contains two sides - being able to defeat ones enemies but also to keep ones allies in line.[/size][/size]

Code:

"Through power, I gain victory."

[size=4]"Sith seek to challenge one another and overcome each other. Improval is only possible through competing and suceeding. To have strength and power may be only an illusion as long as victory is not attained through remarkable deeds. It is why we prove ourselves constantly [size=2](But are we proving ourselves only to our superiors or also to ourselves?).[/size][/size]

Code:

"Through victory, my chains are broken."

[size=4]Being the strongest leaves oneself unchallenged and secure. To attain victory is an evidence of success. A certain validation of ones goals and practice methods. Defeat on the other hand would reveal inadequacies and weakens the foundations - therefore adaptation and constant self-reflection. The chains put onto us are broken...The line I am having most difficulties with. It entails freedom [size=2](But isn't that just as utopistic? When I was found on my homeplanet, I was given the promise to shape my life after my own ideas within the Empire - yet I wonder if anyone has truly ever broken the chains? It feels like there is chains everywhere - Apprentices chained by their Master, except Neophytes. The Republic chaining us through animosity; our bodies chaining our mind and spirit...So much philosophy is giving me a headache.)- saying that victory losens the chains and defeat tightens them again; motivating a Sith to adapt, lash out once more and attain victory once again.

---

Sith Hierarchy
The Emperor or the Empress is the divine ruler of our society for being the strongest, wisest and most powerful being within the Empire. He has the privilege to direct those inferior to him and responds to no one but himself. Beneath the Emperor is the Sith council composed out of the most prominent Dark Lords of the Sith that have proven their merit in the eyes of the Emperor. Other Dark Lords throughout the Empire have their own Houses and powerbases, serving the Empire in different ways. Lords are just one step beneath in the hierarchy and have the same privilege as a Dark Lord to pass on teachings to an Apprentice (Though I have recently learned that there is a rank of Neophyte! Apparently, they are privileged to train Apprentices while not having an Apprentice!). The Acolytes are represent the bottom rank of Sith society. As raw recruits, they have to face several dangers and challenges in form of trials to prove themselves worthy of advancement. However there are some Acolytes 'more worthy' than others due to their heritage. I have inquired the reason for the importance of ones origin and received two answers - from Apprentice Novis and Apprentice Valeus Horuset. I have tried to remember my conversations and taken notes right after it within the Mess hall aboard the flagship:[/size][/size]

[size=4]"Purebloods hold a natural connection with the Dark Side of the Force. They are superior; they are made to be Sith. Humans are...lesser so, but they can be molded into what is required. And then you have the alien...They are nothing. They are unsuited to become SIth; their privilege is the dirt upon which the Pure tread; they are inferior.Your heritage is important because it provides a way to judge your potential. Some would say [that it is prejudiced]. But no, it is not. This way, we can provide the challenge that is required for an individual to excel, it is through this that we can provide the best way for all to become Sith. [...] Most of those are uzsiyin [...]"
[/size]

[size=4]"Equality is a lie to appease the masses, providing an opportunity to all is perversion of the natural order. It binds the strong to the weak. We do not provide equal chances, for reality is not about fairness at all. It is not our law, but the universes. No different than how the Pureblood is designed to be superior. Our goal is never to appease the masses. Such can be circumvented with deception, but the overall aim should be absolute subjugation and dominance. That is how it reflects to the nature of the Sith. To break their will till not a single fibre of defiance exists in their bodies."[/size]