The Shadow Collective was an organization of Force-wielders, criminal organizations, and mercenaries founded during the Separatist Crisis and active during the Clone Wars as a military arm of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Organized by Darth Tyranus, the Sith alter-ego of Confederate Head of State Dooku, the Shadow Collective was formed to serve as military leadership for the Confederate Droid Army. The Force-sensitives in the organization were known as Dark Acolytes, and served as dark side analogues to the Jedi Order. Led by Darth Maul, the Acolytes were comprised of former Jedi and aspiring Sith, the Acolytes led from the front line and were characterized by their vicious and savage fighting styles under Maul's leadership. Following Maul's death, fallen Jedi Master Sora Bulq to