Darth Faust

"Call me whatever you like, a name does not make me anything more or less than I already am."

- Darth Faust

"Respect is a luxury available only to those able to afford it."

- Epin to Leia

Darth Faust (born Epin Lanmaw), was a human male, born to Sadvo and Lania Lanmaw, 19 BBY on Alderaan, along with his twin sister, Rena.

He spent his days working the Nerf farm with his father. This was the extent of their relationship, as Epin was neglected by his father, who favored his daughter Rena. On the rare occasions he did converse with his father, it usually ended in violence. However, Epin did learn a form of sword fighting called Makashi, by watching his father's movements while he taught Rena. When he wasn't working, Epin spent his free time fighting in Alderaan's underground fight clubs, the Black Manka in particular...

Ona fateful night in 3 BBY, Epin would rescue Princess Leia from an assault by one of his fellow fighters. The two became very close as a result and began to see more of each other.

He would eventually be brought into the service of Emperor Palpatine and his secret order, by Kryon Milan, approximately 2 BBY. After Palpatine's death, the two carried on the Sith teachings. It was during this time that he also took on an apprentice, who would become his wife, Karana Selria.

Biography
"Just because you're raised in a family, doesn't mean you're part of one."

- Epin to Leia Although born as a farmer, Epin was never one for outside activities, and as such, didn't have friends, however, he preferred it this way, solidarity and isolation, was after all, what he was used to. Instead he spent his time training in secret with a holocron he obtained while searching through an abandoned shack at the corner of his families farm. It was the holocron of Darth Traya, a long deceased Sith Lord. Kreia taught him of his Force sensitivity and tutored him in the ways of The Force.

Early Life
In his childhood years, Epin was constantly teased and tormented by the other children in the farming district, as they knew he would not retaliate, having a tendancy to keep to himself. Preferring to take trips into Aldera to sell Nerf meat and hides. But the streets of Aldera weren't as safe as the citizens would like to believe... Spice, slavery, and fight clubs ran the night life. Epin was attracted to this, as he loved the seemingly infinite amount of credits carried by spacers, smugglers, and other so-called unsavories that frequented them. A particular gang, run by a boy named Arod Vekkar, that called themselves, Sons Of Alderaan, ran quite a large chunk of illegal activity. They hated lower class citizens, and made a point of terrorizing Epin especially, and on more than one occasion, beat and robbed him. His father also saw it fit to beat him after each of these attacks, in order to teach Epin how to be a man.

The First Step
After being beaten quite badly by his father one night, Epin had a vision of an old woman, and through it was able to locate her Holocron under the floorboards in an old shack at the corner of the farm. It was the legacy of Darth Traya. Epin, who was still young, became obsessed with the information stored within, and her promises of power and the ability to have anything he desired. Within the holocron, he learned the secret of granting spirits a Force Ghost, which he used to commune with her. The next few years Epin bit the blaster and learned from her, absorbing every word that she would speak. Spending every second of free time training in various locations throughout Alderaan. After a short period, he was able to move simple rocks and stones merely by thinking about it.

Revelation
"I know many things one may think I would, or rather, should not..."

- Kreia

With his new powers, Epin confronted the Sons Of Alderaan in their hideout, on the outskirts of Aldera. It was here, he got his first taste of the power he could wield. However, he did not kill, for he believed having them live with the fact that they were beat by a mere Nerf Herder, was a greater victory. Epin became intoxicated with this power and used it on a daily basis, even attempting to attack his father with it at one point. This proved to be a futile attempt as Sadvo negated the attack and utilized Force choke... After returning to Kreia to learn what had went wrong, she explained they were formerly Jedi Knights, cast out of the order for practicing the dark side. She also expolained that he was not any special case, that there were many in the galaxy capable of using those powers, in fact there had once been a temple on Coruscant that trained people specifically for that purpose.

Kreia then promised to teach Epin, among others, the abilities that his father had used, the powers that would make him unique, and have people truly fear him...

Abuse Of Power
"Use your emotions, but do not hinder them, allow them to flow freely, and you will know no limits..."

- Kreia to Epin before his first fight

After extensive training under Kreia, on his 15th birthday, Epin inlisted in the Sarlaac, one of Alderaan's fight clubs. It was here that he realized his true calling, he was born to hurt, to cause pain. And he absolutely loved it... On more than one ocaasion, he was disqualified for overkill, breaking his opponents bones, and attacking a downed opponent after the fight ended, both forbidden in the honorable fights held at the club. However, it was this agression that earned him an invite a year later to the Black Manka, the most brutal and sadistic fight club in the known galaxy. They were opening a branch on Alderaan, and looking for members.

The Black Manka Fight Club
"What good would my record be if there was no one alive to fear it?"

- Epin to Otto Rucnaf

After an initiation fight, which he passed with little effort, Epin was greeted by Otto Rucnaf, the Manka's second in command, and booker for the new Alderaan club. Rucnaf welcomed Epin, and gave him all the necessary information regarding the club. Epin would go on to compile an impressive record, quickly rising in the ranks, establishing himself as one of the clubs most respected fighters. One fight in particular saw Epin face off against a fighter known as Blade, for his tendancy to use double vibroswords in his bouts.

Another fight of particular interest was when Epin fought against Arkus Quelprim, a rookie making his pro debut. Quelprim was inexperienced and cocky, believing his physical strength would be enough to carry him to victory... He would be wrong, as Epin tore into the new guy with a ferocity Arkus was unprepared for. Just as Epin was about to deliver the finishing blow, Rena, his sister rushed into the fight area, shielding Arkus with her own body. Epin demanded she step aside, but she would not, before he could continue, Quelprim folded his hands across his chest, the Manka club's signal of submission.

Epin would break his reputation of mercy when he faced off against Kino-Qu, an exceptionally skilled fighter of unknown origins. It was a brutal fight, with neither fighter able to gain a particular advantage over the other. Epin gained control of the fight when Kino backed him into a wall. As Kino came in for what he thought would be the finishing blow, Epin ducked and Kino's fist became lodged in the wall. Epin killed Kino by smacking his head into the wall several times.

Epin had sealed his place in the Manka's club's hall of fame with the defeat of Kino. However, a true champion is measured by his ability to defend his title, and when Epin battled a woman named Wandah, who was also Force sensitive, that title would be put in jeopardy.

The fight began with Wandah using the Force to enhance her strength and speed, which took Epin by surprise, as he had never fought another Force user, save for his father. The fight switched sides numerous times, both fighters putting everything on the line. Wandah would meet her demise when she became too overconfident in her abilities, while Epin, who had been tutored by Kreia, remained in control of his emotions. The fight would draw to a close at this point, as the crowd had now chosen a means of death, suffocation. However, this would affect both combatants if one did not win in a set time frame. The fighters were surrounded by a transparisteel Dome, and toxic gas was slowly pumped into it.

The two fighters began to choke on the gasses, but through Kreia's guidance, Epin was able to control his breathing. Wandah clawed at Epin's feet, apparently trying to get him to help her, but this was a fight and Epin simply kept pulling away. Wandah eventually stopped moving, save for occasional twitches.

Epin loved the feeling he got as he sent Kino to an early grave, and as he watched Wandah gasp for breath, probably too much, and it would lead him to a dangerous place the next time someone angered him...

A Chance Meeting
Upon exiting the club through the back entrance one night, Epin stumbled upon Cam Lukanov, a fellow fighter, who was physically assaulting a young woman. He approached, and attempted to negotiate the woman's release with Cam, who lashed out with a vibroblade slash, which Epin had foresaw, and managed to dodge. The two brawled and Epin overcame Cam, but not before suffering a stab to the shoulder from Cam's blade. Caught up in the moment, Epin killed Cam by stomping his skull into the ground. He found the woman curled in the corner of the alley sobbing softly. He introduced himself, and offered his hand. She accepted, and embraced him, burying her head in the chest of her rescuer, crying openly. After calming down, she introduced herself as Leia Organa, and again thanked him. They went back inside the club so Epin could get a Bacta patch. Leia helped him bandage up his wound, and explained she had come to see the Ferocious Farmer, and that she had been ambushed by Cam after Epin's fight. They chatted for quite some time, and Epin saw that she made it back to the palace safely.

Lady And The Tramp
"Go space yourself! I don't care what the Royal decree says!"

- Leia to her aunt Rouge

Epin and Leia became fast friends, and spent as much time as they possibly could together. It was a release for both of them. They would spend most of their days training in Alderaan's many fields and open plains. Leia seemed to really get into the physical aspect when Epin would show her various fighting moves, and gave Epin a true workout, as she seemed to be able to anticipate his strikes... The pair seemed inseperable, going everywhere together, though it was not without it's repurcussions. Several people, on both sides of their classes expressed great mistrust to each about the other. Leia's aunts, Tia, Rouge, and Celly, expressed particular dislike in her interest of anyone outside royalty.

Apparently jealous that the Princess of Alderaan was dating a person of lower status than herself, and not one of them, the Sons Of Alderaan kidnapped Leia as she was coming from a night with Epin, however, the Tsa, a criminal organization based in Alderaan's deepest caves, learned of this and rescued her from them. The Tsa then held her for ransom.

Princess In Peril
"Many people are quick to jump to conclusions, no matter what the situation. It is because they are weak, and wish to easily place the blame on others, instead of facing the reality that they may be the ones at fault..."

- Kreia to Epin

Epin became worried when Leia did not meet him. He went to Aldera palace to inquire about her whereabouts, and was arrested the second he was spotted. Bail and Breha Organa themselves met with Epin and questioned him, believing he to be the one behind their daughters disappearance. He was charged with the kidnapping of the Princess, and was thrown into the palace dungeon.

Epin was released a short time after, as the Organa's had conducted an investigation, and he was cleared of any charges, as Epin and Leia were confirmed to have emotional attachments to one another. Epin immediately began his own investigation into her whereabouts...

Tranquility
Epin searched the local bars, and had come up empty handed, until he came into contact with his sister and her boyfriend in the Tranquility, a known hangout for the Tsa. Arkus Quelprim, Rena's boyfriend, was known to be involved with illegal activity, and Epin questioned him on the matter. Naturally, he denied any knowledge of such activities, despite being in the company of other know gang members, and they became hostile toward Epin. Arkus had the advantage with his two thugs, and Epin knew this. Unfortunatley for his opponents, Epin was very much prepared, thanks to many hours under the tutelage of a Sith Lord. He easily dispatched Arkus' two accomplices, however Arkus himself had escaped. Nonetheless, Epin conducted his inquiry, and through persuasion, the thugs told him where to find Leia.

The Veil Of Darkness
"If you think that was power, you haven't learned anything..."

- Kreia, after Epin eliminated the Tsa family

Epin entered the Tsa HQ and began his search. He searched through what seemed like an endless maze of caverns and tunnels, taking out several lower tier Manka fighters along the way. Upon reaching the main base he assaulted the gang with extreme hatred, unknowingly giving himself to the dark side. As his anger grew, so did the body count. When Epin reached the main chamber, he found Leia tied to a large pillar at the far end. The Tsa brothers eventually showed themselves and engaged Epin in combat. Jorrus was beaten easily enough, Jerris however proved his prowess by engaging Epin with Force powers. Jerris, despite being powerful in his own right, was overwhelmed by Epin, who was, at the moment, under the full influence of the dark side. Epin killed Jerris by utilizing Force Expand, and because of exhaustion, collapsed. Leia and Epin escaped after he awoke, and returned to Aldera palace. Epin was publicly honored for single handedly rescuing Leia, and ridding Alderaan of the Tsa gang. Leia was never bothered by anyone again, and people became somewhat afraid to oppose her...

Beginning Of The Beginning
"I think I..."

- Leia to Epin seconds before being attacked by Kryon Milan . In 2 BBY, at the time of the end of the year festival, Epin and Leia had been through quite a bit together, and had grown very close as a result. The two decided not to participate in the festivities, and instead head out to the fields... They sat in the grass side by side, watching the sunset over Lake Aldera. The two talked of their adventures together and Leia laid her head on his shoulder. Epin wrapped his arm around her and kissed the top of her head. They continued to watch the sunset, as it cast an orange glow upon everything it touched. As soon as the sun set fully, the festival went into full swing as the fireworks lit up the night sky. The two gazed into each other's eyes and kissed. However, this would be the last time as they were approached by a hooded man, who identified himself as Kryon Milan. Milan attacked the Princess with Choke. Epin sprung into action and attacked Milan head on, without a second thought. Milan, easily Pushed him away, and continued his primary objective. Milan then grabbed Epin with choke and forced him to watch as Leia drew her final breaths... However, unknown to Milan, Epin was already well versed with the Force, and erupted with Repulse, breaking Milan's concentration and allowing Leia time to escape. The two then battled as Epin unknowingly used Rage, making him quite difficult to hit. Milan knew this technique though, and used it to his advantage, simply attacking at his own pace to tire Epin out. This would prove to be the deciding factor as Epin did wear himself out, and collapsed from the extreme energy output. Milan then had no trouble securing Epin for his journey to Coruscant.

Training On Coruscant
"Master, I do not trust this one." "And that is what makes him a powerful ally."

- Darth Vader and Palpatine discussing Epin's initiation

Epin's first act upon arrival on Coruscant was to lash out against his captors. Unfortunately, Epin was being transported to the Emperor by Darth Vader, who, using the Force, quickly and painfully subdued him. In Palpatine's chambers, Epin was subjected to torturous Force techniques designed to awaken his inner demons. They were immensely succesful, as Epin relished the thoughts of having people cower at the power he could wield. Letting his emotions take control of him, Epin broke free of the Emperor's grasp and attacked him. Epin, now invigorated with Palpatine's dark energies, attcked him. Though, however powerful he may have thought he was, Epin was no match for Palpatine's extensive knowledge of the dark side. Palpatine overcame him utilizing Lightning, breaking Epin down until he willingly bowed before him. The Emperor then had Epin construct a Lightsaber, and sent him back to Alderaan...

Submission To The Dark
"I've longed for this day father. To say that I hated you is to put it in layman's terms. I've had fantasies of killing you ever since I was able to form my own thoughts..."

- Epin to his father

As the final step in his training, Epin was sent back to Alderaan and it was here that he murdered his parents, and burnt their farm to the ground in the name of the Galactic Empire. Epin clashed with his father while the inferno reduced the farm to ash. He dispatched him by utilizing Affliction, effectively poisoning him. When his father could no longer fight, he sliced off his limbs, preventing escape, and electrocuted him until death.

His mother proved to be far more skilled, however still not a match for Epin's dark side abilities. Epin and his mother locked sabers in a battle that raged as fierce as the storm that had formed overhead. Overwhelmed and outmatched, Lania dropped to her knees, surrendering to her son's power, and placing herself at his mercy. Epin placed his hand on her head, then pulling her hair, raised her off the ground and swung his saber, slicing off her head. He then kissed her cheek and tossed the head into the fire.

Seeing the farm as a burden of his past, Epin went on a destructive rampage and destroyed every Nerf farm on Alderaan, killing the animals, and the families that ran them. Because of Alderaan's history of peace, these actions became known as "The Catastrophe". His sister, her boyfriend, and their son would escape the assault. However, Epin had accomplished what he was required to do, and had truly joined the Emperor's order.

Imperial Service
One of Epin's first missions of interest involved him and Milan confirming the objective's of an Imperial II Star Destroyer that had suddenly ceased all contact. Little did they know, their first mission could have been their last.

Under the guise of inspection officers, Epin and Milan made contact with the Destroyer, and allowed to dock. They were greeted by the ships commanding officer, Teban Ciao, who, unknow to them, was harboring a Jedi training facility aboard the vessel. They were given a brief tour of the ship to show that all was in order, then were brought to Ciao's chambers for official questioning. Epin inquired as to why the ship did not respond when hailed by Bilbringi, it's home base. Teban cited a communications problem, and told them they were working on upgrading the communications array. Milan countered with the fact that the ships logs reported no such difficulties, and that he and Epin had made contact succesfully. Furthermore, the vessel made no attempt at contacting home base, thus they were not authorized to make those upgrades. Ciao suddenly began to get nervous, stuttering, and slurring his words. Before Epin or Milan could act, he had apparently hit some sort of button, as Epin and Milan were dropped through the floor, into the ships garbage compactor. Of course what Ciao did not realize is that they were Dark Jedi, and quickly used their sabers to cut through the walls.

(Additional info in progress)

Conflict Of Interest
"You must never reveal anymore than is required to those you travel with, lest they draw conclusions of your intentions, and deem you too dangerous...thus creating a weariness that will make them difficult to control."

- Kreia to Epin

After receiving their most recent mission, Epin and Milan learned of Palpatine's death on the Second Death Star. Seeking guidance, Epin once again summoned Kreia, asking her advice. "You must now decide where your allegiance lies. With those you have traversed the galaxy with, your allies, if they can be considered as such, or with those who you have fought against so hard, and yet, have now failed against. The choice is yours, however it is you, not them that must forever live with the decision.  Know that one side may show you mercy...However, if you choose that side, if you decide to betray those you have fought with, know that you will feel their wrath no matter where you may go.  The penalty for betrayal is paid with blood, especially when dealing with individuals favoring the darker side of existence."

- Kreia to Epin

When Love And Hate Collide
"You think you can just walk right back into my life and all is forgiven? After all that you have done, I will never forgive you...."

- Leia to Epin

Epin, who was on the Endor moon, managed to locate Leia, and approached her as the Alliance celebrated their recent victory with the destruction of the Second Death Star. However, he was intercepted by Luke Skywalker, who was able to sense Epin's dark side energies. Instead of battling it out, the two engaged in conversation, and were able to reach nuetral ground. Luke departed briefly, and returned with his sister...

Leia experienced mixed emotions, pleased to see her old friend, but also angered at seeing the man who had caused so much suffering on her home planet. They talked about the Destruction of Alderaan, their time together, and what could have been. During the conversation, Epin tried to convince Leia to run away with him, but she declined, proclaiming her love for another. They said their goodbyes, and Leia gave Epin one final kiss, then left him to rejoin the celebrations... Soon after Epin was joined by Kreia's Force Ghost, and they reflected on the events. "See what attachment has brought you? That's right, you can't, because it has brought you nothing. Your love for her was a weakness, and you should treat it as such..."

- Kreia to Epin, regarding his relationship with Leia

Assassin
"You have made me proud, for this day, you have truly earned the right to be called the Lord of Betrayal."

- Kreia to Epin, passing on the title

As Epin was making his way back to his shuttle, he was attacked by a mysterious woman garbed in black, she wasted no time in attacking him. The woman was skilled in lightsaber combat, and knew the ways of the Force. Epin attempted to find out the reason behind the attack, but the woman kept repeating about her mission. Epin finally overcame her, and she dropped to her knees, requesting death as punishment for failure.

Epin inquired of her intentions, and she informed him that she was sent to watch him, and to kill, if he betrayed Palpatine. Epin reminded her that Palpatine had died on the Death Star, and that she was his no longer. "I am not your average Sith. To your feet woman, it is not time for your life to end. I may have uses for one with your...abilities."

- Epin to the assassin The woman rose, identified herself as Karana, and requested Epin become her new master. He contemplated the idea for a moment and accepted her offer.

Union Of Darkness
Epin and Karana were joined 4 ABY, and were wed by Kreia, with Kryon Milan as witness. They performed an ancient Sith ritual known as the Union of Darkness, where they would cut themselves, bleed into a silver goblet, and then drink their partners blood. Epin wore his recently deceased sister Rena's hair in braids on his robe, and Karana wore jewelry made from the bones of Arkus Quelprim, Rena's husband.

Personality
During most of his childhood, Epin was constantly tormented by others, attacked by gangs, and beaten by his father. As a result, he was constantly filled with hate. This was a major contributing factor in his turn to the dark side.

As a result of his experience growing up around violence, and the fight clubs, Epin was extremely proficient in hand to hand combat.

Behind The Scenes
Faust is the name of a man from german legends, who made a pact with the Devil for power. You can check out the story of Faust here.

I created Faust for a collaboration article between myself (CurrentBigThing), and Squishy Vic.

Darth Faust is the first article that I actually submitted to SWFanon.