Darth Faust

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

- Epin Lanmaw to Leia Organa

Darth Faust (born Epin Lanmaw), was part of Emperor Palpatine's secret order. He was brought into the Empire's service by his partner, Kryon Milan approximately 2 BBY. After Palpatine's death, the two carried on the Sith legacy.

Early life
Epin Lanmaw was born into a working class family on Alderaan. He spent his days working the Nerf farm with his father, Sadvo Lanmaw. However, this was the extent of their relationship, as Epin was neglected by his father, who favored his daughter Rena, Epin's sister, and her son, Dakte. On the rare occasions he did converse with his father, it usually ended in violence. However, his father did teach him a form of sword fighting called Makashi.

When he wasn't working, Epin spent his free time fighting in Alderaan's underground fight club, it was here he met a young woman by the name of Leia Organa. The two became friends, and formed a slight relationship. Epin was in it mostly to spite his father, who disliked "Nobles". Leia, perhaps was drawn to Epin's "dangerous" image. However, it was through this defiance that they became closer.

While Leia was already proficient with a blaster, Epin taught her many techniques that he used against his opponents. She was a natural learner, and seemed to enjoy the time with him far more than her duties as princess.

Gaining knowledge
"From this point on, you will listen only to me, and obey without question. Grant me this, and I will show you how to obtain anything you desire. You will learn what I deem appropriate for you to learn.  No more, and no less."

- Kreia's first lesson to Epin

Epin's first encounter with the dark side came when he discovered the Holocron of Darth Traya, in his mother's belongings. However, unlike most Sith holocrons, this particular one restricted access based on the users knowledge of the Force. However, Epin was allowed to access more each time he opened it, using Kreia's teachings to gain advantages over others, especially his rivals in the fight clubs. Kreia was willing to impart knowledge upon Epin so long as he respected her, and her teachings. Within the holocron, Epin learned the secret of communing with the dead, and managed to summon Kreia's spirit. Upon completion of this technique, he was deemed worthy of further tutelage. Eventually, the holocron shut down, and Epin was restricted, as he did not yet have enough experience for the more advanced techniques.

Descent into darkness
"No! Stop Epin, stop...I give..."

- Cam Lukanov seconds before having his skull cracked against the side of a wall

Epin's first true taste of the dark side came when he rescued Leia from Cam Lukanov, who was assaulting her. Epin and Lukanov were bitter rivals, and eventually a brawl ensued, in which Epin killed Cam by cracking his skull into an alley wall. Furthering his descent, he struggled with his own emotions, why did he do it? Even more, why did it feel so good?

His second encounter with the dark came when Leia was kidnapped by Jerris and Jorus, the Groeg brothers. They took the princess to their cave hideout far outside of any settlements, and it was here that Epin underwent a horrible transformation, totally losing himself to the dark side, and in his rage, murdered both brothers by utilizing Force Crush.

Kryon Milan would eventually be sent to "silence" young Leia, but Epin fiercely defended her, drawing on his fear of losing her, along with his anger toward the assassin. Through the power of the dark side, Epin was able to overcome his foe for a brief period, allowing Leia to escape, he however, wasn't as fortunate. Milan would contact Emperor Palpatine, and inform him of the young man's ability to use the Force efficiently, despite his apparent lack of training. Palpatine had Milan bring Epin to Coruscant for, training.

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 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.

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. 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". With the help of Leia, his sister and nephew would escape the assault. Despite this, Palpatine now had a new addition to his secret order.

Imperial Service
Epin and Milan were sent on several missions for Palpatine. (These will be detailed at a later time)

Endgame
"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 finishing his most recent mission, Epin and Milan received word of Palpatine's death on the Second Death Star. Seeking guidance, Epin re-opened Kreia's holocron, asking her advice.

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.