In the year 33 BBY, a cataclysmic nuclear assault orchestrated by King Ars Veruna of Naboo brought utter devastation to the moon of Sojourn. Veruna's motive was to kill his adversary, the powerful IBC kingpin Hego Damask, who secretly was the Dark Lord of the Sith known as Darth Plagueis. Plagueis' residence on the moon was obliterated in the attack, and his entire company of Sun Guard mercenaries were annihilated. However, to the surprise of those aware of the attack, particularly Veruna, Plagueis miraculously survived the bombardment. He had received prior warning and was rescued by the Hutt crime lord Jabba Desilijic Tiure.
Upon learning from Jabba that Damask was still alive, the Naboo monarch immediately abdicated his throne. Accompanied by his loyal bodyguard, Veruna sought refuge in what he believed to be the secure castle, the ancient stronghold of his family's lineage, located in Naboo's Western Reaches. However, the Sith Lord had already vowed swift retribution against Veruna, Alexi Garyn's Black Sun syndicate, and the other conspirators involved in the attempt on his life, and none were safe from his wrath.