Tenebrae's Force Blast technique in focus; one of the most potent expressions of raw power ever?

Tenebrae is [repeatedly] identified, and advanced, as the most powerful Force-user in the galaxy, in history, and ever, in two sources [1][2] which are a component of the Expanded Universe now simply classified as "Legends."

Given such hype, it is logical to assume that Tenebrae should be capable of affecting the external environment in ways unlike any other Force-user with the exception of few entities.

One of the 'mysteries' in THEORY is in regards to [HOW] Tenebrae was able to one-shot an entire rebellious Dark Council led by Darth Lokess (12 members in total) which attempted to assassinate him:

During a violent tempest, Darth Lokess called a secret meeting of her eleven fellow Dark Council members. Under the cover of night, the Dark Council met and heard Darth Lokess describe a brilliant and daring plan to overthrow the Sith Emperor, end his relentless exile, and lead the Empire back to war against the Republic. An army of Sith under the command of Darth Lokess were stationed outside the meeting, ready to slay any Dark Council member who refused. But they all agreed to depose the Emperor.

It remains a mystery how the Emperor learned of his council's treachery. He allowed their plan to play out, but when they gathered to confront the Emperor, his punishment was swift and devastating. Eleven members of the Dark Council died in a sudden flash on the steps of the Citadel. The last member Darth Lokess, disappeared forever, though for some centuries some claimed her screams could be heard from the bowels of the Citadel.

A new council was immediately appointed to replace the traitors. The Emperor had made his point: his will was absolute, and none would oppose him. And though this was not the last time the council would defy the Emperor, his lesson would humble the Empire and its Sith leaders for centuries to come.

Taken from (Star Wars: The Old Republic: Encyclopedia)

Revan, also counted among the most powerful Force-users in history, who was able to dismiss a member of the Dark Council (stronger than Meetra Surik; arguably Darth Traya TIER Force-user) in Darth Nyriss with his raw power in a short span [3], also felt that it was IMPRACTICAL to take on an entire Dark Council and hope to prevail:

“What did you find out?” Meetra asked as Revan extended a hand to help her up.

“It wasn’t just Nyriss who was attacked. The Emperor killed them all.”

“The files you showed me listed five current members of the Dark Council plotting against him,” Meetra said, looking to clarify. “Are you saying the Emperor’s Guard wiped out all five in the space of a single day?”

“I said he killed them all,” Scourge replied. “All twelve members of the Dark Council—even those who weren’t part of the conspiracy. He wanted to send a message no one would ever forget.”

“How is that possible?” Revan asked. “He attacked a dozen of the most powerful Sith Lords in their seats of power simultaneously? How many troops does he have?”

“The Imperial Guard were only unleashed on Nyriss and two others. The Emperor must have assumed they were the ones least likely to answer his summons. The other nine were called together in the hours before the attack to meet with the Emperor at his citadel. None of them left alive.”

“So what’s happening now?” Meetra asked.

Taken from (Star Wars: The Old Republic: Revan)

At any point in time, members of the Dark Council are expected to be among the most powerful Force-users in the galaxy on average [2].

At an earlier point in time;

Two members of the Dark Council identified as Darth Victun and Darth Qalar respectively, fought each other in a vicious duel (i.e. Kaggath) [2]; their exchanges were so intense that the original CITADEL of Dromund Kaas became a casualty in the process (obliterated in short). Other members of the Dark Council were less than pleased, joined hands, and executed those responsible in short order [2]. This development is a glaring reminder of the fact that HOW potent members of the Dark Council can be in their exploits, individually and otherwise.

Therefore, Tenebrae would have to consider something exceptional to defeat a rebellious Dark Council in one go. The lore doesn't explain HOW he defeated the rebellious Dark Council led by Darth Lokess [2], but this development highlight a new reality; that Tenebrae isn't short on options, and is/was packing SURPRISES of his own.

Tenebrae was without any doubt one of the most EVIL individuals to have ever existed, but he wasn't a nihilist:

Every decision the Sith Emperor has made for the last millennium has been in the service of one dark goal: the complete annihilation of every living thing in the galaxy. The Emperor’s desire is not destruction for its own sake, however. He is not a nihilist.

Taken from (SWTOR Codex Entry titled "The Emperor's Plan (Knight)")

POINT is that Tenebrae wouldn't consider going all-out on his subjects unless the situation demanded it. Even when up against Revan for the second time, Tenebrae gradually increased the intensity of his attacks until Revan was overwhelmed [3].

In view of the following revelation:

In his relentless pursuit of immortality, the Emperor explored the most sinister, uncharted depths of the dark side.

Taken from (Star Wars: The Old Republic: Encyclopedia)

- it would be only a matter of time when Tenebrae would develop one of the most potent expressions of raw power [ever] among other things (just in case).

ENTER Tenebrae's Force Blast technique.

Data mining of the Knights of the Fallen Empire expansion set of the overarching SWTOR project [unmask] some Force powers directly attributed to Tenebrae (Valkorion), and one of these is identified as the "Force Blast."

LINK: https://swtor.jedipedia.net/en/abl/force-blast-8



Description: A charged up powerful attack that utterly annihilates anything it touches.

Range: Up to 1000 meters

NOTE: The aforementioned application is Valkorion-exclusive and FAR MORE POTENT than the power he granted to his host The Outlander for use under normal circumstances:

https://torcommunity.com/database/ability/HeGTB7B/0

https://swtor.jedipedia.net/en/abl/force-blast-11

One consideration is that The Outlander could not bear the pressure of Valkorion's powers when taken to their extreme which is apparent from his condition after Valkorion unleashed a Force Lightning Storm through him to counter Arcann on The Asylum.

---- ---- ----

Tenebrae was certainly capable of MASS DESTRUCTION as apparent from his ultimate expression of Drain Force on Ziost on a PLANETARY scale which he unleashed in the Form of his immortal essence:






Tenebrae's ultimate expression of Drain Force literally disintegrated/vaporized all manner of living beings while touching each:



All Force-users on Ziost (mainly Jedi and Sith) meet the same fate as well, no survivors are found in the aftermath. A handful of scorched corpses are noticed on the surface at most.

Described as "planetary anomaly" initially, the SWTOR content is hardcoded to give the impression that virtually nobody stood a chance in the face of such expression of power when it materialized. The protagonists are/were made to watch devastation of Ziost from a distance (space station), and are shown to be speechless while witnessing the deed from afar.



Tenebrae's attack was so intense that even the orbiting space station(s) shook violently while his expression of raw power consumed the world many miles below. His attack RUINED much of Ziost in the process.

Whispered rumors have persisted of planets snuffed out through intricate Sith rituals or by way of deadly, arcane machines--such as the device Revan sought to employ on Yavin 4--but Ziost represents a clear display of the corrosive power of the dark side of the Force taken to its extreme.

From (Star Wars: The Old Republic: Rise of the Sith Emperor: Codex Entry titled "Death of a World.")

To understand Tenebrae's exploits on Ziost in larger context, please consider visiting following blog: https://comicvine.gamespot.com/profile/s_w_legend/blog/devastation-of-ziost-updated-and-expanded-in-2020/105050/

THAT expression of raw power also REVITALIZED Tenebrae to the point that he emerged stronger than ever before as apparent from following revelations in tandem:

Meanwhile, an older threat still looms: the former SITH EMPEROR, revitalized after annihilating all life on the planet Ziost, has similarly vanished without a trace.

Taken from (Epilogue, Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Fallen Empire, Chapter 1)

And;

With each rebirth, he grew stronger. His machinations became grander. The pain and suffering he unleashed became greater. Some believed his ultimate goal was conquest: the complete subjugation of every world, known and unknown. Others believed he sought annihilation: the consumption of every living being in the galaxy, until he alone remained.

Taken from (SWTOR: Knights of the Eternal Throne Codex Entry titled "The Fall of Valkorion.")

Hypothesis:

Tenebrae's ultimate expression of Drain Force on Ziost could be a DERIVATIVE of his Force Blast technique because it not only allowed Tenebrae to draw that energy into himself to feed on the extinction event (i.e. revitalizing himself as well as emerging stronger than ever before in the aftermath), but disintegrated/vaporized living beings while touching them all.

In conclusion:

1. Tenebrae - irrespective of his FORM - should be capable of utilizing his Force Blast technique in its purest form to ANNIHILATE 'anything' bothering him (material or immaterial).

2. Tenebrae is absolutely capable of destroying (any) Force-user, and even entire groups of very strong Force-users, in a hypothetical confrontation, should he consider an all-out attack on his subjects.

Dilemma is/was that there was not much of a STORY to tell if BioWare had chosen to portray Tenebrae like a "nihilist" in his exploits when at the summit of his power; therefore, heavy use of PIS was necessary to tell a story of the type of character they had introduced in the SWTOR story arc.

PIS = Plot-Induced Stupidity

REFERENCES

[1] Star Wars: The Old Republic
[2] Star Wars: The Old Republic: Encyclopedia
[3] Star Wars: The Old Republic: Revan

HUMOR

Time to bend the knee.

Interresting however I higly doubt that there is no way to resist a full power Force Blast from Valkorion. In addition the scene absolutely not show anything that looks like a force blast.

xolthol wrote:Interresting however I higly doubt that there is no way to resist a full power Force Blast from Valkorion. In addition the scene absolutely not show anything that looks like a force blast.

Official description of said power suggest otherwise. It is what it is.

Do you think that there is a conventional counter to Force Storm (Wormhole)?

The most powerful Force abilities are for a reason, and uncommon. The only counter is to cheat death and resurface.

Tenebrae channeled much of his raw power into a single attack on Ziost when he decided to consume the entire world; it materialized like a blast of energy in its initial phase as apparent in the following scene:



I did not suggest that that is Tenebrae's Force Blast technique but that might be a derivative of it with Force Drain in the mix, therefore, something different yet similar. An analogue of sorts.

I have been asserting for a while that Tenebrae shall not be ranked/affiliated with conventional Jedi and Sith; he is different (ENTITY). The Sith Emperor was just a mask among others.

The Emperor was no longer a member of the Sith species; his power and immortality had transformed him into a being unique in the galaxy.

Taken from (Star Wars: The Old Republic: Revan)

Isn't your description of Force Blast coming from gameplay mechanics? 

Yes I think that there is a possibility to counter Force Storm. An active Force Barrier from a powerful Force User should be enough (when you understand how disproportionate are Force Barrier compare to offensive capacities).

When Vitiate destroy Ziost he was far from his prime, exactly the opposite to be realistic.

I think that anyone knowing you know your theory on Vitiate/Tenebrae/Valkorion, however I hardly think that anyone (bar you and maybe 1 or 2 other users) agree with it. I think that you and @Azronger doing a SS Valkorion vs Sidious could be a good way for you to prove your point.

xolthol wrote:Isn't your description of Force Blast coming from gameplay mechanics? 

Yes I think that there is a possibility to counter Force Storm. An active Force Barrier from a powerful Force User should be enough (when you understand how disproportionate are Force Barrier compare to offensive capacities).

When Vitiate destroy Ziost he was far from his prime, exactly the opposite to be realistic.

I think that anyone knowing you know your theory on Vitiate/Tenebrae/Valkorion, however I hardly think that anyone (bar you and maybe 1 or 2 other users) agree with it. I think that you and @Azronger doing a SS Valkorion vs Sidious could be a good way for you to prove your point.

TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION of any Force power as well as what is shown in a cut-scene, are valid considerations in an assessment (parts of the lore).

Force blast is a Force power directly attributed to Tenebrae (Valkorion) in the code of the Knights of the Fallen Empire expansion set (relevant information unmasked via data mining in a source; I have added link in my original post for reference). I see no issue in taking TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION of a Force power at face value. This practice is common in the respect threads of characters lately in case you weren't paying attention.

Well, I have never seen that happen in the lore. The closest analogue is that of the Outlander holding his ground in the face of a Force Maelstrom unleashed by Vaylin in a confrontation - a precursor to the Force Storm (Wormhole) technique demonstrated by Palpatine [1], although Vaylin's expression might be comparably potent (or close) given that her power swiftly overwhelmed all others in the vicinity and was shattering everything nearby - but Tenebrae (Valkorion) had granted significant powers to the Outlander beforehand (see [2]), which in turn made all the difference for the latter given the odds. However, nothing suggest that the Outlander retained such powers for indefinite period after the disappearance of Valkorion; HEALING of planet Medriaas (NATHEMA) is also hinted post-Valkorion [3].

Granted that Tenebrae (Vitiate) destroyed Ziost when he wasn't at the summit of his power (how is this a negative by the way? ), this FEAT is unparalleled in its demonstrated scale, complexity and potency throughout the mythos with only Darth Nihilus demonstrating something to similar effect on Katarr by virtue of his ANOMALIC condition (an exception to the norm). As per the lore (see [3][4]), it would take a superweapon (e.g. Zildrog), or thousands of conventional Jedi and/or Sith, to REPLICATE Tenebrae's world-ravaging expression of raw power, because Force Drain (and its derivatives) are exceedingly difficult (and demanding) to employ in offensive capacity [1][5], and that too on a planetary scale no less. These realities rather [reinforce] my assertion in this blog that Tenebrae's HYPE is LEGIT (not without substance; not mere statements), and that he could defeat/destroy virtually (any) Force-user, or even large groups of Force-users, in a hypothetical confrontation if he would consider bringing his FULL power to bear for the needful but he wasn't a nihilist and wouldn't consider under normal circumstances.

Now, do you see something like THAT (e.g. Ziost) occurring every now and then?

Even Abeloth who is counted among the most powerful of ENTITIES in Star Wars, is primarily noted for destroying a small city Tahv [6], and at maximum, damaging different sectors of Coruscant with seismic cum volcanic activity throughout the planet WHILE drawing energy from its population base to fuel her power in the process as well as to confront her enemies in distant locations [7]. Tenebrae's world-ravaging expression of raw power also created seismic activity throughout Ziost and ravaged this planet to much greater extent in comparison. Ziost is/was one of the largest rocky planets of Star Wars with several moons of its own, mind you.

Furthermore, Abeloth's ability to possess living beings and throw them at Luke Skywalker one after the other absolutely SPOOKED the latter [8]. Well, what do you think Tenebrae had been doing all along after creating his first VOICE [4]? Tenebrae harassed the protagonists to similar effect with his possessed subjects on Ziost [prior] to consuming this world in one go [9]. Not just possessed living beings of every manner, but Tenebrae was conjuring beings of pure dark side energy to chase/kill everybody they would come across (e.g. Monoliths) [9], and these could not be killed [9], and therefore SPOOKED everybody [9]. Even the smallest Monolith was plowing through structures as if they were insignificant objects, and SPOOKED as well as forced any protagonist (even the likes of Hero of Tython) to abandon an area after confronting it twice to no avail [9]. Monoliths can be construed as the true avatars of Tenebrae (Vitiate) on Ziost. If you consider FEATS, Tenebrae is up there with the greatest and strongest of the mythos by any measure.

Difference is that Abeloth have SCALING from the likes of Luke Skywalker [8], Palpatine [7], and also The Ones [7], since she emerged at a later stage to confront Luke Skywalker and his allies who were all SPOOKED by her powers [7][8]. However, given the fact that Abeloth is very ancient [7], and BioWare is not oblivious to the existence of Abeloth as well as The Ones, and BioWare still promoted Tenebrae as the most powerful Force-user in the galaxy [9], in history [4], and ever [4], in their content and otherwise, does amount to something. How scores of members of this forum choose to rank Tenebrae is SUBJECTIVE. Even Mr. Leland Chee have pointed out that the 'most powerful statements' are SUBJECTIVE, although he would pick The Father among all.

The Father would be the most powerful Force-user [ever] in his prime years (I agree with this view) but he began to decline at some point (hinted in [10][11]) which could still be like a few thousand years before the events of the Clone Wars (a 2000 years old Jedi distress signal mentioned in [11] for instance), although a minuscule period in comparison to his over a million years of existence in totality. Even if a Force-user surpassed The Father in his years of decline, The Father could still be unrivaled in his prime years throughout the ages. In view of this context, Mr. Leland Chee and BioWare do not contradict each other with their respective statements (both promotions remain valid).

Bedlam spirits are the only BEINGS which are assuredly stronger than (any) Force-user in Star Wars including The Father because they are stated to be OMNIPOTENT [12]. I am not sure if the Bedman spirits are actually Force-users, but they are simply too powerful and capable anyways.

I consider ranking all characters in TIER format, and not individually, because different characters can be superior to the other in certain aspects and superiority isn't necessarily LINEAR.

REFERENCES

[1] Book of Sith: Secrets from the Dark Side
[2] SWTOR Knights of the Fallen Empire expansion set (chapter 12)
[3] SWTOR Nathema Conspiracy Flashpoint
[4] The Old Republic Encyclopedia
[5] Darth Bane: Dynasty of Evil
[6] Fate of the Jedi: Ascension
[7] Fate of the Jedi: Apocalypse
[8] Fate of the Jedi: Vortex
[9] SWTOR Rise of the Emperor expansion set
[10] Star Wars Databank (FATHER): https://www.starwars.com/databank/father
[11] The Clone Wars (Episode 15)
[12] The Essential Atlas

i read that as tenebrous, and was already waiting for ant to come in.

I think Rey can do better.

I think Even Luke can do better

Yeah NO. Those two names are mere assumptions.

Force Drain and its derivatives, are OFFICIALLY exceedingly difficult to employ in "offensive capacity." This is why only a handful of Force-users have demonstrated this capability (i.e. expressions of raw power to offensive effect) throughout history. And when these are, they really kick @ss in the field. Even the mighty Abeloth wasn't able to resist an application when subjected to (credit to Darth Krayt Reborn).

And to KILL a world? Only two Force-users pulled this off throughout history.

Sorry folks. Cannot give benefit of doubt to other Force-users just like that unless OFFICIALLY hinted to be capable of.

Sorry LeG, Rey can definitely do it - the story bends to her will.