Shadow Collective

The Shadow Collective is a criminal organization that first appeared in the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series. It was founded by former Sith Lord, Maul, and is composed of multiple powerful criminal factions. The group's primary objective was to amass wealth, power, and influence to challenge the governing powers of the galaxy, including the Sith and the Jedi.

Maul, seeking to create a powerful force that could challenge his former master, Darth Sidious, and disrupt the Clone Wars, formed the Shadow Collective. He started by building alliances with existing criminal factions in Star Wars' galaxy, such as Death Watch, Black Sun, the Pyke Syndicate, and the Hutt Clan. His cunning ability to manipulate others allowed Maul to convince these factions to put aside their rivalries and unite against a common enemy, widening their influence and power across the galaxy.

The Shadow Collective had several key members who aided Maul in his quest for control. This included Pre Vizsla, the leader of the Death Watch; Ziton Moj, a leading member of the Black Sun; Lom Pyke, the head of the Pyke Syndicate; and Jabba the Hutt, the powerful Hutt Clan leader. These officials held significant power within their respective organizations and ensured that the alliance remained in pursuit of their shared goals.

The Shadow Collective would play a significant role in several substantial battles and campaigns throughout the Clone Wars. One of their most notable operations was the takeover of Mandalore, which involved overthrowing Duchess Satine Kryze and installing Pre Vizsla and Maul as the new rulers. However, Maul killed Pre Vizsla in a duel, triggering internal conflicts in the group and leading to Maul's capture by Darth Sidious.

Maul would later escape and regain control of the Shadow Collective, leading the organization in a series of battles against rival factions. These included the Siege of Mandalore, which saw the Shadow Collective fight against the Republic led by Ahsoka Tano and Bo-Katan Kryze, eventually losing control of Mandalore.

While the Shadow Collective ultimately fell apart, its impact on the galaxy was significant. Maul's ambition and relentless pursuit of power disrupted the balance of the Clone Wars and created lasting consequences across the galaxy. The alliance of rival criminal factions within the group paved the way for other criminal organizations, such as Crimson Dawn and the Hutt Cartel, to rise to prominence in the years that followed.

The Shadow Collective has appeared in a variety of Star Wars media, including television, comics, and novels, mainly in the Clone Wars series. Their story has continued in various comic books and is occasionally referenced in the Star Wars books and other animated series, such as Star Wars Rebels.