Character Review: Balun Dashiell
Character Biography.Thread Tracker.
Origins and Early Life:
Balun Dashiell’s journey is one of contrast and divergence. Originally introduced within the New Jedi Order, his path quickly veered away from the rigid tenets of the Jedi Code. Unlike previous Jedi characters, who adhered strictly to tradition, Balun was created to explore a more independent, Rogue Jedi archetype—one shaped by survival rather than doctrine.For two years, Balun’s world was defined by the shadows of Coruscant. A nameless vagabond scraping by on the city-planet’s lower levels, he faced hunger, danger, and the raw reality of life without structure. His fate could have been that of countless other street rats—forgotten and struggling—until Judah Dashiell offered him something more: a family. This pivotal change gave him roots and direction, allowing him to evolve beyond survival into the complexities of business and war.
Evolution and Conflict:
Balun’s growth did not stop with personal stability. From the lawless underworld, he stepped into the realm of corporate dealings, learning the intricacies of a world entirely foreign to him. At the same time, he carved a name for himself as a Rebel Volunteer with the Tingel Arm Coalition, taking part in galactic conflicts before most recently aligning with the Foundation.His experience with mentorship has been turbulent. Initially, he trained under Jedi Master Julius Sedaire, but real-life obligations pulled his Master away, leaving Balun in a state of limbo. Though he waited for some time, the reality of the situation set in—forcing him to move forward without guidance. Now, as part of the Foundation, he is navigating a new war against the Dark Empire while cautiously engaging in discussions with a potential Jedi Master. Whether this will finally provide the tutelage he needs remains to be seen, but his connection to the Force has often taken a backseat to his personal struggles.
Personal Storyline: Fatherhood and Complications:
Perhaps the most unexpected twist in Balun’s journey has been fatherhood. At just twenty-one, he has discovered that he has a son—Kellan Dashiell. The child was left in Judah’s care by his mother, Lady Falentra, a Sith with whom Balun shares a complicated past. Their relationship is rife with tension, and she has been absent from his life for months. Fatherhood is a new and uncertain role for him, adding yet another layer of responsibility and emotional complexity to his story.Character Depth and Unexplored Potential:
Beyond warfare and personal revelations, Balun possesses a strong affinity for nature. His expertise in botany and alchemy remains largely unexplored, overshadowed by the larger conflicts in his life. Likewise, while the Force is an intrinsic part of him, his progress in mastering it has been slow, as personal and family-driven narratives have taken precedence over traditional Jedi development. This shift from faction-centric storytelling to a more character-driven arc has been a refreshing departure from previous works, such as Veiere and Caedyn Arenais.Personality and Future Prospects:
Balun is a man of duality—a lightsider at heart, yet reckless and unafraid to take risks. He often places himself in harm’s way, prioritizing results over rules. His moral compass remains intact, yet he refuses to be boxed into the strict discipline of the Jedi Order. Instead, he operates as a neutral force, embodying both pragmatism and idealism in equal measure.Looking ahead, Balun’s future remains unwritten. His story unfolds organically, driven by the choices he makes rather than a predetermined plan. This fluidity allows for rich character development, ensuring that every decision he makes shapes his path in unexpected ways. As his journey continues—through war, fatherhood, and self-discovery—it is clear that Balun Dashiell’s story is far from over.
