Power syndrome was a biological imbalance in the chemical make-up of an individual that granted the sufferer almost super-human like abilities. When coupled with Force-sensitivity however, it lead to the creation of seemingly invincible sufferers, who were capable of near impossible feats.
The exact origins of the disease are unknown, though many believed it to be an ancient bioweapon created by the Sith for their war against the Old Republic. But Power syndrome had several side-effects.
This included several negative afflictions on the host's psyche and physical strengths, leading to often life-endangering weaknesses. The affliction effected the afflicted's control, at times when the afflicted would wield their powers but their abilities would be wielded out of control and inflict more damage than intended. Having super-human abilities tended to increase an individual's hubris, leading to arrogance and recklessness. One such example would be Darth Raith's overconfidence, which has nearly claimed his life multiple times.
Notably, there was a disproportionately large number of sufferers amongst the Sith of the Sith Order of Decreto, in relation to previous Sith organizations.
Known symptoms[]
- Extended lifetime
- Greater physical mass and strength
- Higher IQ
- Increased weakness to a particular material (dependent on the individual)
- Increased powers to near invincibility (Force-wielders)
- Loss of control of Force powers
Known sufferers[]
- Cole Kroger
- Darth Abeonis
- Darth Hiljo
- Darth Raith
- Jehn Rhin
- Darth Nihilus
- Darth Wyyrlok
- Darth Exemplar
Suspected sufferers[]
- Nathaniel Kenobi Solo (showed symptoms)
- Darth Verraeter (showed symptoms)
- Shizu Lanmaw
- Unidentified rebel Sith Lord
Behind the scenes[]
Power syndrome was created by Jasca Ducato when he came to the sudden realization that many of his Sith were being described as having "…unparalleled knowledge of the rituals and lore of the Sith […] and abilities in the dark side unsurpassed."[src]
Knowing this, and needing to find a plausible explanation for the superiority of his creations, Jasca created Power syndrome. Thus providing a suitable explanation for his characters seemingly unparalleled strengths.
Although, technically, the word syndrome means "a group of symptoms that together are characteristic of a specific disorder, disease, or the like". And the name "Power syndrome" is not used in this way, it can be reasoned that the symptoms are the superiority factors sufferers of the disease possess.