The Dark Academy on Korriban

Within the Sith there are varying philosophies that interpret the Sith Code in differing ways. The three main philosophical lines are pretty simple; Radicals, Moderates, and Conservatives.

Radicals are often considered dangerous and unpredictable to the old guard of the Sith. They believe that change is vital if they are to reclaim the galaxy. That the Sith must put aside old worthless paradigms like prejudices against non-humans or removing slavery completely. They tend to be progressive and argue that the code is not just about freeing themselves but the galaxy from old broken traditions like the Jedi and the Republic. Nothing is sacred to these Sith and they believe that adaptation and evolution are the paths to supremacy. They tend to be on the fringes and are the ones to dabble in ideas and philosophies that many old guard would call heresy or foolish endeavors. One of the more successful radicals would be the shrewd commander, Darth Malgus.

Darth Malgus is a powerful Sith warrior who is known for his unconventional ideas, including his associations with a twi-lek slave woman, as well as his vital role in seizing control of Korriban. Known for his acceptance of nonhumans in the Empire, he is seen as an up and coming leader of the new Sith Order.

Moderates form the bulk of Sith, they consider the code to be the proper way of doing things but also know that it cannot cover everything. They hold to tradition but also welcome change when over time, for the most part they fall in line with what the general direction of the Empire is headed in. Most Sith tend to care more about their personal advancement than the philosophical direction of the Order. It works, and that is good enough for them. Most Sith are moderates, it’s the path of least resistance for most.

On the other extreme are the Conservatives who believe the traditions of the Sith order are crumbling around them. They hold to the ancient teachings and see the proliferation of non Sith blood and nonhumans as anathema to the ancient teachings. In their minds if it was good enough for the first Sith Lords, it is good enough for them. Tradition is sacred. One of the most vocal and powerful Conservatives would be Darth Thanaton of the Dark Council, a well renowned scholar of Sith lore and knowledge.

Thanaton rose to power by traditional means, consolidating power slowly often utilizing old traditions such as the Kaggath, an ancient Sith custom of feuding pitting one power base against another culminating with a duel between the feuding Sith. Thanaton as a member of the Dark Council has a great deal of sway, but his vision of the Empire has yet to be realized.