The sinister Blackwing lightsaber crystal forms after a kyber crystal becomes infected with the deadly Blackwing virus. Sometime prior to 13 BBY, Sith scientists use Sith alchemy during a series of experiments attempting to harness immortality. All of the secret experiments and research occur at the Imperial Research and Prison Facility on the planet Dathomir in the Outer Rim Territories and New Territories.
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During one experiment, the scientists accidentally create the Blackwing virus, sometimes referred to as “the Sickness”. The deadly virus kills the host, turning the individual into a powerful, cannibalistic zombie. Many different species across the galaxy are susceptible to infection from the virus.
In 1 ABY, during the Galactic Civil War, the Blackwing virus escapes the research facility either by accident or due to sabotage. When the virus quickly infects and kills many people in the surrounding area, the Empire establishes a large Quarantine Zone to contain the outbreak. A tall, heavily guarded wall surrounds the zone.
Around the time of the virus’ escape, a group of spacers journey into a cave on Dathomir below the Imperial Research and Prison Facility. Inside the cave, the group encounters and fights off an zombie rancor. After defeating the infected creature, the group discovers the first known cache of Blackwing lightsaber crystals. When installed in a lightsaber, the black kyber crystal creates a “solid smoky mist” blade color.
Behind the Scenes
The Blackwing lightsaber crystal first appears in Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). Game creators added the kyber crystal during the 2009 “Death Troopers” update. The game closed in 2011.
Explore the List of Kyber Crystals
