Tales of the Jedi – Dark Lords of the Sith 3

In response to the recent assaults and the declaration of hostilities from the Krath against the Jedi, a multitude of Jedi assemble on the crimson planet of Deneba for deliberation. The telepathic Jedi Master Odan-Urr takes the lead in this assembly. The Jedi contemplate the encroaching darkness and its significance in relation to established prophecies.

While holding her offspring, Vima Sunrider, Nomi Sunrider observes that Ulic Qel-Droma's injury sustained during the previous engagement has not completely mended. Shoaneb Culu foresees a major conflict involving the dark side, but Oss Wilum together with Tott Doneeta consider the prophecies to be ambiguous. Additionally, Ulic's sibling Cay and fellow Jedi Knights Dace Diath and Qrrrl Toq are also in attendance. Numerous prominent Jedi Masters, including Arca Jeth and Thon, are present, but Master Vodo has not yet arrived, as he is troubled by the whereabouts of his errant apprentice, Exar Kun.

Simultaneously, on Korriban, Exar Kun embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets of the dark side. Guided by the spirit of Freedon Nadd, he journeys through the Valley of the Dark Lords, where corpses animated by dark side energies emerge and launch an assault. The Korriban zombies, misidentifying Kun as a grave robber, compel him to seek refuge within the Great Temple. Upon his entry, the passage seals shut, and the essence of Freedon Nadd directs him further into the impending darkness.

Returning to Deneba, Ulic Qel-Droma addresses the assembled group, suggesting that a full-scale war with the Krath might not be justified. Suddenly, an elderly figure, Master Shayoto, interjects, asserting that the Krath must be confronted immediately to prevent a recurrence of past catastrophes. Concurring, Ulic proposes the idea of infiltrating the Krath ranks to dismantle them from within. This suggestion ignites further debate. Shoateb, Dace, and Arca voice their disagreement with Ulic, with the latter cautioning that the dark path ultimately leads to ruin.

On Korriban, Nadd persists in guiding Kun into a Mausoleum dedicated to Vanquished Enemies. While inside, Nadd triggers a cave-in, shattering the crystals that house the spirits of deceased Jedi, obliterating them and trapping Kun. Nadd informs Kun that only the dark side of the Force can offer salvation.

Exar Kun's struggle reverberates through the Force, alerting Vodo to his plight. Vodo, Crado, and Sylvar are en route to Deneba, and upon their arrival, Vodo attempts to connect with Kun through meditation, but he only encounters the spirit of Freedon Nadd, who obstructs Vodo's access to Kun. Isolated and unaided, Kun embraces the Dark side, resulting in his restoration. The resounding cries of Exar Kun's rebirth echo across the Galaxy, reaching not only his master but also the other Jedi on Deneba. Vodo expresses concern that this event marks the initial tremor of a cataclysm that will engulf the galaxy.

Abruptly, the dark side gains dominance, and Deneba is subjected to an assault by a swarm of thousands of Krath war droids, deployed from a concealed Tetan Corsair. A fierce battle erupts as the servant droids arm themselves and engage the Jedi. Amidst the turmoil, Master Arca Jeth meets his demise. As Ulic's revered master fades into the Force in his arms, Exar Kun undergoes a transformation.

Kun is astounded by the potency of the dark side, and Nadd recounts the exploits of Naga Sadow and the mysteries that await on Yavin 4. Suddenly, Nadd seizes Kun's lightsaber, and several Tuk'ata launch an attack on Kun. Fueled by anger and the power of the dark side, he reclaims his lightsaber and vanquishes the creatures, thus completing the final trial. Subsequently, he commences his journey to Yavin 4.

In the aftermath of the Battle of Deneba, Ulic mourns the loss of his master. Disregarding the warnings of his companion Nomi, he resolves to proceed with his plan to infiltrate the Krath and dismantle them from within. Despite Nomi's caution against underestimating the influence of the dark side, Ulic pledges to overcome the dark side of the Force.