Unveiling the Sith's Complex Apparatus: Understanding Rule Breakers and Power Worshippers

The history of the Sith is filled with complex and often contradictory practices. One of the most intriguing concepts is their belief in the 'Rule of Two.' However, the reality of Sith operations reveals a deeply flawed and hypocritical system, riddled with ideological and practical paradoxes. This article explores the true nature of Sith apprenticeship, the role of secret apprentices, and the manipulative use of Dark Side users by Sith overlords.

Breaking the Covenant: The Flawed Rule of Two

The idea that the Sith strictly adhere to a 'Rule of Two'—where a Master and a single apprentice wield Dark Side power—is fundamentally flawed. This concept, propagated by Darth Bane, was not only an attempt to control the proliferation of Sith power but also a desperate simplification of the complex dynamics within Sith society.

Darth Bane himself, the architect of the Rule of Two, sought a second apprentice later in his life, indicating that he understood his own creation's limitations. Darth Zannah, who was originally the official apprentice, was actually more committed to the ideals than Bane himself. Her dedication was unmatched, and her reluctance to appoint a suitable successor led to her eventual conflict with Bane.

Manipulation and Deception: The True Nature of Sith Apprenticeship

Herein lies the crux of the matter: the Sith do not adhere to a rigid code. Instead, they operate in a far more fluid and often deceptive manner. Their true objective is to maintain and expand their power, which often conflicts with the ideal of a controlled power structure.

For instance, the Sith often recruit others to serve as pawns. The Inquisitors, for example, were never formally called apprentices but were instead used to gather intelligence and carry out missions. This stratagem allowed the Sith to manipulate the growth of Dark Side users, ensuring their own dominance.

Moreover, when a Sith wants to advance their own agenda, they may secretly train another Dark Side user to be a future threat to their current apprentice, such as with Darth Maul, Darth Vader, and Starkiller. The apprentice may even be recruited to overthrow their Master, as was the case with Palpatine and Darth Vader, or to distract from the true intentions of the Sith, like in the case of trying to recruit Luke Skywalker.

Paranoia and Power: The Dark Side of the Sith

The Dark Side of the Force is a potent motivator of paranoia and greed. Those who wield it are often blinded by fear of losing power, which leads to conflicting allegiances and hidden agendas. This fear drives the Sith to create a system where both the Master and the Apprentice are constantly on edge, each harboring doubts about the other. This creates a vicious cycle that ensures the continuous power of the Sith over others in the Force.

The Rule of Two, intended to prevent power struggles, ironically leads to more intense conflicts between Master and Apprentice. Both parties are in a constant state of fear, where the Master fears the potential threat of the Apprentice and the Apprentice fears betrayal or a lack of advancement. This fear-driven system ultimately leads to self-destruction as it becomes unsustainable over time.

The Sith Code and Its Meaning: A Reality Check

The Sith Code, which emphasizes passion and breaking chains, is inherently contradictory to the idea of following a single strict rule. The code is a reflection of the Sith's true nature—individuals driven by their own desires and ambitions. The rule of two was an attempt to channel this inherent trait, but it didn't succeed. In fact, it created more chaos and conflict than it resolved.

Notable examples of this contradictory nature include Darth Cognus’s apprentice, Darth Millennial, who left to form his own Sith group. Darth Tenebrous, an early Sith Lord, trained multiple apprentices, and Darth Plagueis, whose direct successor, Darth Sidious, deliberately chose apprentices who were too weak to pose a threat. Darth Sidious even bolstered his power by creating a large number of Inquisitors, effectively subverting the idea of a single powerful apprentice.

Conclusion: The True Face of Sith Power

In essence, the underlying motivation of the Sith is not just about following the Rule of Two but about maintaining power at any cost. This is why they often break their own rules and initiate strategies that undermine their idealized structure. The true power of the Sith lies in their ability to manipulate and subvert the very systems they purport to follow.

As the future Sith Kylo Ren, a lightside user, once said, 'Forget tradition. ‘The Force shall free me.’ Isn’t that the idea?' The reality of Sith operations exposes the inherent instability of their code and the true nature of their power.

Keywords: Sith Rule of Two, Sith Apprentices, Dark Side Users, Sith Inquisitors