The Story of Darth Vitiate: The Sith Emperor of the Eternal Empire

The name Darth Vitiate, also known as Valkorion, is synonymous with darkness in the Star Wars universe. This enigmatic and malevolent figure has left an indelible mark on the lore of the galaxy, embodying the themes of power, manipulation, and the dark side of the Force. Vitiate's story spans millennia, making him one of the most intriguing figures in Star Wars.

Origins and Early Life

Darth Vitiate was born as Tenebrae on the planet Medriaas, a human with the added distinction of being a pureblood Sith. His parents were both Sith, and it was in this environment that he developed his strange and unemotional demeanor from a young age. Tenebrae's eyes were described as being 'black as the void of space,' a mysterious and foreboding sight. At an early age, Tenebrae revealed his force sensitivity, which quickly escalated into suspicion and hostility toward his stepfather. This suspicion led to a tragic and unjustified act that bent the child toward his destined path of darkness.

Rise to Power and the Dark Siders

At the tender age of six, Tenebrae murdered his stepfather, beginning a path of tyranny and terror. Over the next four years, he ruled over the villages of Medriaas, torturing and murdering those who stood against him. His twisted methods included feeding on the suffering of his victims, a trait that would characterize his leadership for centuries. When his father, Dramath, sought to claim him or use him as a simple servant, Tenebrae's response was brutal and decisive. He drove his father insane using the dark side, before ultimately killing him.

Acceding to Power

By the age of ten, Tenebrae had conquered Medriaas completely and was granted the title of Darth Vitiate. He then traveled to Ziost, where the Dark Lord of the Sith, Markos Ragnos, impressed by Tenebrae's actions, allowed him to rule Medriaas. Tenebrae decided not to claim the title of Emperor when Ragnos died, instead opting to observe the power struggle between the Sith lords Naga Shadow and Ludo Kressh. This strategic oversight allowed the Jedi Order to exploit the conflict and lead a massacre against the Sith Empire, leading to its destruction.

Immortality and the Eternal Empire

In 4999 BBY, following the Republic's victory, Tenebrae led the surviving Sith to Dromound Kass. Here, he performed a ritual at the planet Nathema that drained its life force, giving him unprecedented power and immortality. He then took on the name of Darth Vitiate. His newfound role as the Sith Emperor was to rebuild and expand the Empire, with the goal of overthrowing the Jedi and the Republic. He turned Jedi Knight Revan and Alek to the dark side, laying the groundwork for his ultimate reign over the galaxy.

The Eternal Empire and Legacy

Vitiate continued to flourish, eventually ruling the hidden planet Zakkuul as the Eternal Emperor. He had a young family, with twin children Arcaan and Thexan. However, his reign was not without its challenges. The Outlander, a formidable opponent, managed to defeat Vitiate and ultimately brought an end to his thousand-year reign of terror.

Darth Vitiate is a character profoundly complex and nuanced, embodying the purest form of darkness in the Star Wars universe. His legacy continues to resonate through the canon, serving as a cautionary tale of the dangers of unchecked power and the allure of the dark side.