In an alternate universe where twenty years have passed after a feudal conflict between Jedi clans that ended with the creation and exile of the Sith, the story follows the Ronin after his duel with a group of bandits led by a Sith warrior.
The book released on October 12, 2021.
Tropes in this book include:
- Adaptation Expansion: The first two chapters adapt the short.
- Alternate History:
- In ancient times, a war between Jedi clans resulted in the formation of the Sith as a renegade splinter faction, though they were wiped out and forced into hiding after the Jedi defeated them. Afterwards, the Jedi became servants to a feudal Empire (rather than a Republic).
- The Empire has a royal family, as it is mentioned that the Emperor had siblings who were also candidates for inheriting the throne. It's also said that the Emperor is dying and that his princes are fighting over who succeeds him.
- Alternate Universe: Unlike the canon take on the Force this one is more in line with Taoist philosophy, with the light side ("white flare") also associated with aggression and the dark side ("black current") with knowledge. Both Jedi and Sith draw on both sides, though the evil Sith Kouru has an affinity for the white flare.
- Canon Foreigner: The book introduces several additional characters, such as the Traveller and the crew of the Poor Crow as the most major examples.
- Grey-and-Gray Morality: Unlike the normal timeline, this trope was in play between the Jedi and the Sith:
- The Jedi are essentially the military servants of corrupt feudal lords, much closer to historial Samurai, and work for an Empire that, while not as bad as Palpatine's empire, is still a feudal monarchy that regularly descends into civil war every time there's a succession crisis. It's also heavily implied that being raised by the Jedi is not a pleasant childhood.
- The Sith were Defectors From Decadence who despised the corruption of the Empire and the self-righteousness of the Jedi, but they also engaged in war crimes, terrorism, and Necromancy, as well as press-ganging civilians into being their soldiers against their will.
- Necromancy: A character known only as "The Witch" was capable of using the Force to resurrect and enslave dead Jedi — her talents were why the Sith rebellion lasted as long as it did. She's believed to be dead after the rebellion ended... until Jedi start mysteriously disappearing, with no bodies left behind.
- Not Quite Dead: In the third chapter, Kouru returns to life after being killed by the Ronin. According to the Ronin, she has become a demon, lusting to kill him in revenge or when her master is satisfied.
- The Red Mage: Unlike canon Star Wars, Force-users in this continuity are capable of drawing from both the light side ("white flare") and the dark side ("black current") no matter their alignment.
