Darth Gravus, a male Human Sith Lord, distinguished himself within the re-emergent Sith Empire throughout the Cold War and the Galactic War. By the time conflict resumed with the Republic, he had cultivated a reputation throughout the Empire for his ruthlessness and sharp political acumen. He directed Imperial activities on Taris, actively sabotaging the Galactic Republic's initiatives to reconstruct the world following Darth Malak's destructive onslaught.
Following the demise of Darth Hadra, who oversaw the Sphere of Technology, a significant number of Dark Council members advocated for Gravus's inclusion into their assembly, particularly after his successful recapture of the resource-rich planet Leritor. Given his numerous achievements, Gravus was under consideration as a potential candidate for elevation to the Dark Council around 3640 BBY; however, before he could formally accept the position, he met his end at the hands of Darth Karrid. Karrid, also vying for Darth Hadra's vacant seat on the Dark Council, provoked him into attacking her flagship, the Ascendant Spear, thereby compelling her to eliminate him. Despite the battle's eventual success for the Empire, Gravus's impetuous assault on a fellow Sith Lord's vessel damaged his standing in the eyes of the Dark Council.
Darth Gravus, a Human male, was a politically astute and influential Sith Lord and an ally of the Dark Councilor, Darth Mortis. During 3642 BBY, he served as the primary Sith supervisor on the planet of Taris, tasked with ensuring the failure of the Galactic Republic's reconstruction efforts, thereby demonstrating the Republic's inability to recover from such devastation. He dedicated himself to completing what Darth Malak had initiated on Taris over three centuries prior. With the support of various Imperial assets, Gravus successfully thwarted the reconstruction project, leading to the occupation of Taris by Imperial forces.
Gravus's triumphs on Taris led the Dark Council to consider him for a position within their ranks. The Council reached a consensus that he should be granted a seat following the successful recapture of the planet Leritor. Darth Karrid, eager to curry favor with the Dark Council, attempted to aid him in destroying the Republic Fleet engaged in combat with Gravus over Leritor. Gravus, in turn, ordered his fleet to open fire on Karrid's vessel, the Ascendant Spear, aiming to eliminate her and prevent her interference in the ongoing battle. Karrid responded by utilizing the Ascendant Spear's weaponry to target the Imperial Fleet under Gravus's command. Ultimately, Gravus, recognizing the futility of the battle, attempted to escape into hyperspace; when Karrid denied him this option, he reluctantly swallowed his pride and pleaded with her for mercy. However, Karrid remained unmoved and mercilessly executed him. Upon receiving news of Gravus's defeat, the Dark Council unanimously agreed to grant Darth Karrid a seat among their ranks.
Darth Gravus exhibited a ruthless approach to suppressing dissent. He was known for his cold and unforgiving nature in battle. Identifiable by the cybernetic enhancements on his face, he was a supporter of Darth Mortis. Furthermore, he appeared to harbor a disdain for alien species, embodying the Empire's prevalent prejudice. Despite his strength, he displayed cowardice when confronted by a significantly superior adversary. When outmaneuvered by Darth Karrid, he resorted to begging for his life.
A glitch exists in Star Wars: The Old Republic that can cause Gravus to appear significantly smaller than his intended size.
In contrast to his portrayal in the novel as a reckless and impulsive figure, he was depicted as a composed and intelligent commander in the Taris questline.
Gravus's voice is provided by Clive Revill, who also voiced Palpatine in the original release of Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back.