Lightell went on to become a powerful member of the Imperial leadership, amassing a number of followers, including Sith. After Lightell came to view Darth Exodeus, the Galactic Emperor and Dark Lord of the Sith, as growing complacent in the war against the Galactic Alliance and the New Jedi Order, Lightell seized the opportunity and overthrew the Imperial government, proclaiming himself Emperor with the backing of the Sith.