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Within the Star Wars universe, the Force is a mystical energy field binding all living entities. The Force can be applied from the Light Side and the Dark Side both. A road of power, the Dark Side feeds off negative emotions including fear, anger, and hate. It gives great power, but at the expense of corruption and finally results in a road of ruin. Dark side users known as The Sith use this ability to further their objectives.
Two sides of the same coin—the Light Side of the Force and the Dark Side of the Force—the Jedi and the Sith respectively reflect. Seeking peace, the Jedi hold that the Force should be used for good and that one should assist others. Drawn from the Light Side, they live a philosophy of selflessness, compassion, and discipline. Conversely, the Sith welcome the Dark Side in search of dominance and control by means of violence, manipulation, and fear. Often at the expense of others, they exercise their authority to fulfill their own self-serving needs.
Drawing on their relationship to the Dark Side, Sith possesses a range of great powers. Among the most often observed skills are telekinesis—the capacity to move objects with the mind—force lightning—a destructive energy blast—and force choke—a suffocating grip that may kill. Through the Force, they can also improve their physical skills; they become rather strong and nimble. The Sith have also investigated more esoteric skills including the ability to see into the future and even affect other people's minds.
Powerful Sith Lords abound in the Star Wars universe. Among the most prominent are Darth Maul, Darth Tyranus (Count Dooku), Emperor Palpatine, or Darth Sidious, and Darth Vader. These people possessed great influence and oversaw some of the most important events in the past of the galaxy.
An old and covert group committed to rule the galaxy by means of the Dark Side is the Sith Order. Fighting for control of the Force and the fate of the galaxy, they are continuously at conflict with the Jedi Order. Originally aiming to build a galactic empire under their control, the Sith have been responsible for numerous wars and upheavals.
Masters of the Dark Side of the Force, Sith Lords acquire power. Often including demanding trials and dangerous challenges, this entails great training and strict practice. Their power increases both through the absorption of others' Force energy and via their mastery of dark side abilities. To obtain even more power, some Sith also hunt out old Sith relics and knowledge.
Though it gives great power, the Dark Side has a terrible cost. It can corrupt the soul and the mind, sending one down a road toward hate and lunacy. Often driven by their need for power, Sith Lords give in to their own aspirations and wants. The Dark Side can also erode their relationship to the living Force, so bringing about their death.
Though the Dark Side is not intrinsically negative, it is usually connected with evil and destruction. The Force is a tool; depending on the goals of the user, it can be used for good or bad. Though driven by ambition, some Sith might use their authority to accomplish apparently moral objectives. But the Dark Side's natural character sometimes causes people to follow a corrupt road that finally results in catastrophe. The power of the Dark Side is a two-edged blade; those who use it have to be careful not to let its destructive capacity consume them.