An Inquisitor’s Tale
The Sith Inquisitor is one of the eight primary classes in the MMORPG Star Wars: The Old Republic. Through its focus on stealth, deception, and formidable Force abilities, this class embodies the dark side of the Force. It offers players a narrative steeped in personal ambition, dark rituals, and the ruthless pursuit of power within the Sith hierarchy. The class's versatility allows it to adapt to various solo and group gameplay roles. Two advanced classes, the Assassin and the Sorcerer, provide distinct combat approaches.
The Assassin subclass prioritises stealth and close-quarters combat, wielding a double-bladed lightsaber to dispatch enemies with precision. Players may specialise in one of three disciplines. Darkness enhances defensive capabilities, transforming the Assassin into a durable tank. Deception focuses on offensive power through Force Lightning, while Hatred amplifies Force abilities to weaken foes and strengthen the user. The Sorcerer, by contrast, excels in ranged combat and support roles. Its disciplines include Corruption, which specialises in healing; Lightning, which intensifies Force Lightning attacks; and Madness, which expands the capacity for widespread damage and battlefield control.
The Inquisitor’s narrative arc traces a rise from slavery to a position of dominance within the Sith Empire. The first chapter, Rise to Power, begins on Korriban, the ancient Sith homeworld, where the protagonist must survive the trials of the Sith Academy. Early in this journey, the Inquisitor bonds with Khem Val, a Dashade warrior whose brute strength complements their strategic cunning. Upon proving their worth, the Inquisitor ascends to the rank of Sith Lord, entering the second chapter, The Dark Council. Here, the narrative shifts to political intrigue as the Inquisitor clashes with Darth Thanaton, a Dark Council member determined to eliminate potential rivals. Success in this chapter hinges on gathering allies and resources while navigating the empire’s treacherous power structures.
The final chapter, Ascension, sees the Inquisitor consolidating power by acquiring ancient Sith artefacts and knowledge. This pursuit culminates in a confrontation with Darth Thanaton, demanding the full application of the protagonist’s abilities. Victory secures a seat on the Dark Council, establishing the Inquisitor among the Sith elite. Throughout the story, companions such as the pirate Andronikos Revel, the conflicted Jedi Ashara Zavros, the archaeologist Talos Drellik, and the ruthless Kaleesh warrior Xalek provide both combat support and narrative depth, each contributing unique perspectives on loyalty and ambition.
Visually, the Sith Inquisitor’s aesthetic aligns with the Empire’s ominous themes, featuring dark robes, intricate armour, and environments dominated by ancient temples and stark architecture. The voice acting, particularly for the female Inquisitor, has been noted for its chilling delivery, accentuating the character’s malevolence. Ominous musical scores and sound design, including the distinctive crackle of Force Lightning, reinforce the atmosphere of danger and power.
Critical reception of the Sith Inquisitor storyline has been varied. Praise has centred on the protagonist’s transformative journey and the integration of dark, mystical elements. However, some have criticised the narrative for underdeveloped political scheming and an overreliance on external interventions rather than the protagonist’s ingenuity. Despite these critiques, the class remains popular for its versatile gameplay, dark-side allure, and the immersive exploration of Sith lore. Whether channelling destructive Force energy as a Sorcerer or employing stealth tactics as an Assassin, the Sith Inquisitor offers a distinctive path through the complexities of the Star Wars universe.
