In the year 3639 BBY, amidst the Galactic War that pitted the revived Sith Empire against the Galactic Republic, the Empire launched an invasion of Denova, a planet rich in baradium. Facing a shortage of vessels to secure the skies above Denova, the Empire deployed a full battalion to the planet's surface, compelling the Republic to enlist the services of the Trandoshan mercenary force called the Warstalkers to counter the Imperial advance. The conflict persisted for nearly a quarter of a year, until the Dread Masters, a group of six Sith Lords, employed their abilities to dominate Kephess, the leader of the Trandoshans, and the Imperial battalion. The Republic and the Empire each launched inquiries into the disappearance of Kephess and the Imperial troops, and the confrontation culminated in Kephess's defeat and demise—though this was only a passing state, as the Dread Masters brought him back to life as Kephess the Undying.