Balun's Cottage - Joiol Dashiell Estate.
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION:
- Intent: To create, and provide detail and purpose to the home of
Balun Dashiell
&
Kellan Dashiell
, which is located on part of the larger Dashiell Family Estate Grounds of the Planet Joiol.
- Image Credit:
- Canon: N/A.
- Permissions:
Judah Dashiell
.
- Links:
SETTING INFORMATION:
Structure Name: Balun's Cottage.
Classification: Homestead.
Location: Joiol.
Affiliation:
Judah Dashiell
,
Dashiell Incorporated™.
Accessibility:
The grand estate of House Dashiell sprawls across a vast, privately owned valley on the planet Joiol, a secluded haven of rolling hills, open meadows, and dense woodland. Enclosed by nature rather than walls, the estate's northern boundary fades into an expanse of towering trees, their emerald canopy marking the beginning of the deep forest. It is here, tucked away within the verdant embrace of the wilderness, that Balun's cottage stands—a retreat both visible from the air and concealed from those without the means or purpose to find it.
While no impassable terrain bars the approach, the valley's privacy is not merely a matter of ownership but of design. House Dashiell's watchful presence lingers unseen, its security measures ensuring that any unwelcome visitors will face consequences should they trespass uninvited. To the outside world, the valley may seem an open and untouched paradise, but beneath its serene beauty lies the quiet vigilance of a family well-versed in protecting what is theirs.
Description:
Nestled in the tranquil foothills of a lush forested region on a remote world, this charming cottage blends seamlessly into its verdant surroundings. The exterior is crafted from durable, weathered stone, its color a warm, earthy tone that complements the natural beauty of the landscape. The roof, sloping steeply and covered with ancient, weathered tiles, hints at a time long past, evoking the feel of a rustic retreat, yet constructed with materials suited to withstand the harsh conditions of outer rim planets.
Multiple narrow windows are framed in polished wood and offer sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness, while some windows are enhanced with flower boxes filled with vibrant, local flora, adding a splash of color. Small balconies wrap around the structure, featuring wooden railings entwined with creeping vines and delicate blossoms, enhancing the cottage's connection to its natural environment.
Sustainable features such as lush green roofs that support local biodiversity, sleek solar panels that harness the sun's energy for electricity, and discreet rainwater harvesting systems that collect and repurpose water for landscaping all work together to create a home that treads lightly on the environment while embracing modern eco-conscious living.
A venting chimney, crafted from stone, rises gently from the side of the building, suggesting the presence of a hearth within that provides warmth in the cool evenings. The entrance is marked by sturdy wooden doors, their glass panes providing a glimpse into the cozy interior. The cottage's immediate surroundings are immaculately maintained, with wildflowers blooming in clusters, bushes trimmed with care, and soft moss carpeting the ground.
Set upon a gentle slope, the home enjoys a secluded, serene atmosphere, the nearby forest adding a sense of protection and privacy. The dwelling is a perfect blend of peacefulness and practicality, offering a comforting retreat away from the busy bustle of intergalactic life, where the harmony of nature and simple living thrive.
Utilities & Technology:
Living in seclusion does not mean sacrificing modern conveniences. The house runs on a localized power system, a blend of solar panels and a backup fusion generator ensuring continuous energy flow. Repurposed droids handle daily maintenance, from household chores to monitoring external systems.
A holoprojector serves multiple purposes—education for Kellan, communication with distant contacts, and access to galactic news, allowing Balun to stay informed without needing to leave his sanctuary.
POINTS OF INTEREST:
Location & Structure:
Tucked away at the northern edge of the Dashiell Family Estate, the house rests on the outskirts of a dense forest, where towering trees provide a natural canopy of shade and protection. A nearby stream winds through the terrain, its crystal-clear waters offering a reliable source of freshwater. The home itself is a seamless fusion of rustic charm and advanced engineering, constructed from native stone and sturdy wood, reinforced with discreet energy shielding to withstand Joiol's unpredictable elements.
A significant portion of the house extends below ground—a carefully designed basement level, partially buried to provide insulation and concealment. This underground space offers both security and warmth, shielding its inhabitants from unwanted attention and any dangers lurking at ground level.
Basement Workshop:
Descending into the basement, Balun has carved out a workshop tailored to his technical and creative expertise. The space is filled with tools, components, and half-finished projects—whether for personal use or the growing needs of Dashiell Retrofit. A separate section of the basement is dedicated to hydroponics, where rows of cultivated plants thrive under specialized lighting. Nearby, an alchemist's station stands ready, with shelves stocked with herbs, remedies, and carefully labeled extracts, ensuring that both science and nature play a role in daily life. A compact but rich library lines one wall, filled with information on Joiol's flora and fauna—a reference for both survival and innovation.
- Reinforced walls lined with durasteel panels to contain energy discharges, fire suppression, or any accidental explosions.
- Sound-dampening insulation to keep noise from escaping topside.
- Biometric access panel (handprint or retinal scan) to ensure only Balun or trusted personnel can enter.
- Backup generator and redundant power systems, possibly tied into solar or geothermal energy for off-grid capability.
- Modular workbenches with adjustable surfaces for different projects—precision engineering, weapons tuning, or droid chassis assembly.
- Magnetic tool walls feature finely tuned spanners, plasma welders, vibrocutters, micro-soldering rigs, and data-spike sets.
- Holo-interface consoles for blueprints, schematics, and system diagnostics, with projection capabilities for modelling full-scale parts or entire droids.
- Miniaturized forge with heat-shielded enclosure for smelting, forging, or reshaping metals like durasteel or beskar (if accessible).
- Precision CNC fabrication unit for custom-cutting parts, plates, and housings.
- 3D atomic printer capable of printing synthetic parts, connectors, or even temporary prototype components.
- Repulsor-assist lift table for heavy components, especially starship modules or full droid frames.
- Assembly arms mounted from above for manipulating parts with precision.
- Charging stations and data ports for uploading programming or conducting firmware updates.
- Diagnostic alcoves where constructed droids can run simulations or motor calibration before deployment.
- Blaster mod bench for tuning emitters, adjusting power packs, and integrating tech like scopes, silencers, or charge regulators.
- Secure armoury cabinet for storing energy cells, kyber fragments, and experimental ammunition.
- Shield testing rig and energy feedback reader for safely stress-testing weapon output.
- Component rack storage for thruster arrays, hyperdrive coils, fuel injectors, sublight engine parts, and sensor systems.
- Plasma conduit welding station for repairing or custom-building ship internals.
- Calibration platform for avionics, navicomps, and transponders, including falsified ID chip reprogramming tools—useful for stealth operations.
- Vertical tool lockers and hover-shelves with labelled bins for wiring, alloys, circuits, crystals, tubing, and scrap parts.
- Cryo-storage cabinet for sensitive components or materials that degrade outside controlled temperatures.
- Secure vault for restricted or volatile tech, including Sith relics or illegal schematics, if Balun's work dips into the gray.
- Ventilation system with fume extractors and filtration to deal with chemical or plasma emissions.
- Decontamination shower and emergency eye-rinse station.
- Holocron interface pedestal, just in case Balun continues to integrate Jedi/Sith teachings into tech work.
- A datapad journal or hololog where Balun logs experiments, failures, and philosophical musings about the nature of creation, the Force, and legacy.
- A hidden wall panel or escape tunnel leading into the woods, useful for stashing sensitive materials or exiting in emergencies.
This basement is more than a workshop—it's Balun's sanctum of innovation, a place where engineering meets instinct, where the tangible world of tools and tech blends with the intangible flow of the Force. It's equal parts forge, lab, and sanctuary.
Ground Floor:
Main Living Room:
At the heart of the cottage, the living room is both inviting and spacious. A stone hearth dominates one wall, its flickering fire casting dancing shadows in the evenings. Plush seating—deep-cushioned chairs and a weathered leather sofa—are arranged in a cozy formation around a low wooden coffee table, which bears signs of years of use. Built-in bookshelves, filled with well-worn tomes and personal artifacts, frame the fireplace, while soft woven rugs add texture and warmth underfoot. A few decorative lanterns and sconces provide additional ambient lighting.
Dining Room:
Flowing naturally from the living space, the dining area features a long, handcrafted wooden table capable of hosting family gatherings and intimate meals alike. A cluster of hanging pendant lights, crafted from repurposed metal and glass, illuminates the space with a warm glow. Benches with plush cushions and sturdy wooden chairs surround the table, while a sideboard against the wall holds various dishes, linens, and a few carefully chosen decorative pieces. A large window beside the table offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, allowing the natural beauty of the outdoors to merge seamlessly with the interior.
Kitchen:
Adjacent to the dining room, the kitchen is a balance of function and rustic charm. A large farmhouse sink sits beneath a window, offering a picturesque view while washing dishes. Wooden countertops, worn smooth by years of use, stretch along the walls, providing ample space for meal preparation. Open shelving holds an assortment of ceramic dishes, spice jars, and well-loved cookware. A sturdy island in the center, featuring additional storage and a few barstools, serves as both a workspace and an informal gathering spot. A well-maintained wood-burning stove and modern appliances, carefully chosen to blend with the aesthetic, ensure that the kitchen is both practical and timeless.
Kellan's Activity Room:
The first floor houses a cozy room for Kellan, designed with soft ambient lighting, interactive holo-storybooks, and a carefully arranged play area—safe, comfortable, and filled with small touches of wonder for a young child growing up in an untamed world.
Study:
The study is a sanctuary of knowledge and quiet contemplation, its walls lined with towering wooden shelves brimming with books, scrolls, and weathered maps. The scent of aged parchment and polished wood lingers in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of ink and leather bindings. A sturdy wooden desk sits at the center of the room, its surface strewn with carefully stacked datapads, loose notes, and an old-fashioned quill resting in an inkwell. Soft light filters through a nearby window, illuminating the worn pages of an open book left mid-study. Near the window, a deep, overstuffed armchair, draped with a well-used throw blanket, offers an inviting retreat for long hours of reading. The space is both functional and intimate—a quiet refuge where time slows, and the mind is free to wander across the stars.
Second Floor:
Balun's Bedroom:
The master bedroom, located on the second floor, serves as Balun's private retreat. A king-sized bed dominates the space, while a corner is dedicated to a makeshift office setup, complete with scattered datapads and schematics. A sliding door leads to a modest balcony that overlooks the valley, offering a clear view of the Dashiell Estate in the distance. On quieter nights, it serves as a place for reflection, away from the responsibilities of work and fatherhood.
Kellan's Bedroom:
Kellan Dashiell's bedroom is a space designed with both care and adaptability, destined to evolve alongside the boy as he grows. At present, it mirrors the playful yet functional aesthetic of the activity room below, but with the unmistakable presence of an infant's world. A finely crafted crib, its frame sturdy yet elegant, takes center stage, its soft bedding carefully arranged for comfort and security. Nearby, a well-organized storage area holds neatly folded clothes, blankets, and essential supplies, ensuring everything is within easy reach.
Scattered throughout the room is a growing collection of toys—some perfect for tiny hands to grasp, others clearly intended for a child much older. The assortment is a testament to Balun's enthusiasm, his late-night holonet browsing sprees resulting in an array of playthings ranging from simple plush creatures to intricate learning modules far beyond Kellan's current abilities. A cozy chair sits near the crib, a quiet spot where Balun can hold his son in the still hours of the night, whispering stories of adventure and family legacy. The space is warm, inviting, and full of quiet promise—a room that will change with time, just as its young occupant will.
Guest Bedroom:
The guest room is a haven of quiet comfort, designed with a thoughtful simplicity that puts visitors at ease. A neatly made bed, adorned with soft linens and a single decorative pillow, rests against the far wall, its wooden frame sturdy yet unassuming. At its foot, a well-crafted storage chest with metal accents offers both practicality and a touch of rustic charm. The room's decor is understated yet inviting—a framed landscape painting hangs above a small bedside table, where a lantern-style lamp casts a warm, soothing glow. The air carries a faint scent of cedar, complementing the soft textiles and natural wood tones that define the space. Neither too sparse nor overly adorned, the room exudes a quiet elegance, ensuring that any guest feels both welcomed and at home.
Exterior/Outdoors:
Herbal & Vegetable Gardens:
Outside Balun Dashiell's secluded cottage on Joiol, nestled between the edge of the forest and the stone path leading to the main door, lie his Herbal and Vegetable Gardens—a living testament to his quiet reverence for nature, healing, and self-sufficiency. These gardens are not only practical, but deeply personal, shaped with care and intention, nurtured by a Force-sensitive hand that understands the delicate balance between growth and restraint.
The garden is divided into tiered sections, each arranged with a natural flow that follows the slope of the land. Raised stone beds, crafted from local rock and lined with moss, form soft borders around each plot, while flagstone paths weave between them, allowing easy access without disturbing the soil.
Closest to the cottage, the herbal section is a fragrant sanctuary of both familiar and exotic species. Tirellian mint, Joiolian sunblossom, and kass moss spill over their beds, releasing calming scents that drift with the breeze. Neatly labeled markers—hand-carved by Balun—note each plant's name, use, and harvest season.
- Healing herbs like vratweed, bacta-root, and silverbane are cultivated for tinctures, salves, and teas.
- Culinary herbs such as blue coriander, kaat spiceleaf, and shadow thyme thrive in clustered patches, their oils rich and full of flavor.
- A small drying rack made of woven wood and strung with twine stands beneath an awning, where bundles of herbs hang upside-down, curing under the sun.
Balun often kneels here in the early mornings, bare-handed in the soil, humming softly or meditating as he prunes, harvests, and nurtures the green life with a patient attentiveness that reflects his Jedi past.
Beyond the herbs, the vegetable plots sprawl into organized rows and companion-plant groupings, flourishing in Joiol's rich soil and temperate climate. Vines of climbing firefruit stretch up trellises, their jewel-toned produce ripening under twin suns, while thick heads of blackleaf cabbage, bulb-root onions, and glowshard carrots anchor the beds.
Each plot is rotated with care across seasons, and a small composting area lies in the corner, carefully managed to enrich the soil. Some vegetables, like zabrak squash and wildgrain stalks, are grown in larger perimeter patches, providing not only food but seeds for trade or storage.
An irrigation system, subtly worked into the layout with stone-fed channels and Force-assisted flow, ensures that even during dry spells, the garden remains well-nourished without mechanical intrusion.
Wildflowers grow freely at the borders—
wind-bells,
glimmerpetals, and
softsting daisies—inviting pollinators like wing-moths and glowbees, who flit between blossoms in a quiet hum of life. A carved stone bench sits under the boughs of a flowering tree, offering a place of rest and contemplation, where Balun sometimes reads or simply listens to the natural rhythms around him.
Here, in the gentle hush of the garden, Balun finds something deeper than sustenance—he finds peace. The gardens are an extension of his values: patience, harmony, and the healing that comes not only from the Force, but from the ground beneath his feet.
Swimming Pool & Terrace:
The outdoor swimming pool is a breathtaking fusion of luxury and purpose, stretching wide across the sun-drenched terrace with crystalline waters that ripple like liquid glass. Designed with both elegance and intention, its natural stone tiling blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, framed by vibrant gardens and tall ornamental trees that offer dappled shade and a sense of seclusion.
At its deepest end, the pool plunges into considerable depths, crafted not only for diving but with the future of Kellan Dashiell in mind. A sleek, elevated diving platform marks this end—its polished surface ready for graceful leaps into the cool, dark waters below. This section has been carefully designed to accommodate Kellan's unique physiology as an aquatic species, offering him a safe, expansive space to strengthen his underwater agility, practice controlled submersion, and develop the natural swimming abilities inherent to his kind.
Opposite, the pool gently slopes into a broad, shallow basin, perfect for casual swimming, floating beneath the open sky, or introducing Kellan to surface-level water play as he grows. This area also allows family and guests to relax in the water without interfering with deeper training, making the pool a shared space of comfort and development.
Surrounding the water's edge is a secure wrought-iron fence, both practical and aesthetically refined, interwoven with flowering vines that soften its form. A gated entrance allows easy access while maintaining the privacy and safety necessary for a child with Kellan's talents.
The surrounding terrace is outfitted with plush chaise lounges, crisp white umbrellas, and shaded cabanas draped in flowing fabric—each space ideal for sunbathing, quiet conversation, or keeping watch as Kellan explores his element. Small side tables hold pitchers of chilled drinks, fresh fruit, and soft towels, ensuring the area remains as indulgent as it is functional.
More than a place of leisure, this pool is a carefully considered environment—a sanctuary where Kellan can grow into his aquatic nature, build confidence beneath the water's surface, and thrive in a space made not just for play, but for becoming who he is meant to be.
External Landing Pads:
Just beyond the cottage, nestled in a natural dip in the forest terrain, lie two discreet landing pads—camouflaged so seamlessly within the landscape that even a low-altitude flyby would struggle to spot them. The surrounding foliage has been left intentionally wild, while subtle modifications to the ground and tree lines have created a functional clearing, just wide enough for rapid takeoffs and smooth landings.
Beneath the surface, advanced shielding tech hums quietly, casting a low-grade interference field that renders the area invisible to most standard scans. It's not just a precaution—it's a necessity. In a galaxy where safety is often a fleeting illusion, Balun Dashiell knows better than to rely on chance. The pads are there for one purpose: to be ready. Ready to leave. Ready to return. Ready for whatever the stars may bring.
More often than not, his sleek
Liberty's Edge, a vessel that speaks to speed and freedom, rests beside the more combat-tested
S-91x Pegasus, its armoured hull gleaming faintly through the morning mist. These ships, familiar extensions of Balun's life and legacy, are rarely idle for long. Still, as his business ventures continue to expand across systems, it is the
Nomad—a rugged, commercial heavy freighter—that sees the most use these days, its broad frame often absent from the clearing, plying trade routes and forging new paths under his steady hand.
These hidden pads are silent, watchful guardians of his retreat—untouched by city lights, shielded by canopy and caution, and always ready to carry him back into the galaxy's ever-shifting currents.
Forest Area:
Force-User Training Course:
Tucked deep within the forested hills beyond Balun Dashiell's cottage, veiled beneath a thick canopy of ancient trees and woven into the natural contours of the land, lies a secluded Force-User Training Course—a place of reflection, challenge, and growth, known only to a few. The forest itself acts as a natural barrier, shielding the site from prying eyes and unwanted interference. Here, surrounded by the quiet hum of Joiol's living wilderness, the Force breathes freely.
Winding footpaths marked by carefully placed stones and subtle symbols etched into bark guide the way to the course, barely noticeable unless one knows what to look for. Once inside, the forest opens into a clearing where nature and training harmoniously intertwine. The ground is padded with layers of moss and soft earth, ideal for sparring or meditation, and the air is rich with the scent of pine and distant blooms. The sunlight filters through the canopy in shifting beams, casting light across the training field like the flicker of a lightsaber blade.
At the center lies a circular sparring ring, outlined with ancient stones engraved with meditative glyphs in Aurebesh and Old Tythonian—an intentional blend of Jedi and neutral traditions. The ring is used for lightsaber drills, close-quarters combat, and internal focus training. A fallen tree, reinforced and smoothed, serves as a balance beam for agility practice, while several tall poles jut from the earth at varied angles, designed for advanced acrobatics and control-based movement across unstable platforms.
Nearby, a levitation garden of hovering stones and stacked logs presents a constant challenge for precision, patience, and strength in the Force. Some stones orbit slowly, others shift without warning, responding subtly to the presence of the user—an ever-adapting exercise in control. A shallow pond lined with silver-veined stones lies adjacent, its surface perfectly still unless disturbed by emotion, designed for meditation and Force-sensing practice.
Scattered throughout the area are remnants of old training droids, scavenged and reprogrammed by Balun himself, hidden among the trees and set to activate at random. They provide sudden bursts of unpredictability—forcing vigilance, movement, and control in a way that no meditation alone could teach.
The entire course feels ancient, though much of it was handcrafted by Balun over time, shaped by his years of experience and quiet resilience. Here, among the trees of Joiol, he finds both solitude and clarity. It is not just a training ground—it is a sanctuary, a forge for body, mind, and the Force itself, hidden beneath the boughs of a living world that listens.
Forest Trek/Nature Walk:
The trail winds through a vast forest of towering trees with silver-barked trunks and bioluminescent leaves that pulse with life. Sunlight filters through the dense canopy, casting dappled patterns on the mossy ground, which is speckled with phosphorescent fungi. The air is crisp, carrying the earthy scent of damp wood and flowering vines. The hum of life fills the atmosphere, from the distant chime of insects to the melodic songs of Joiol's birds.
Deeper along the path, exotic flora like the glimmering Starpetal Blossoms and graceful Glider-Wings add to the sense of enchantment. A shadow-tail prowler may silently move through the underbrush. The trail leads to a clear brook, where luminous fish dart beneath the surface, and a fallen tree forms a natural bridge, its silvery wood gleaming in the sunlight.
At a small ridge, the valley stretches out below, with mist-shrouded peaks standing sentinel over the land. The forest seems to whisper its secrets, offering a journey into a world teeming with mystery and beauty. Each step reveals a deeper harmony with the rhythms of nature.
Hunters Cabin:
Nestled within the forest, a short distance from his cottage, Balun's Hunting Cabin is more than just a retreat—it is a dedicated space for the time-honoured process of game processing, a quiet yet purposeful station where every hunt is carefully prepared from start to finish. Designed for efficiency and self-sufficiency, the cabin and its adjoining structures serve multiple roles, ensuring that every part of a successful hunt is used, preserved, or repurposed.
SECURITY: High.
Security & Defense:
Life in the wilds of Joiol demands vigilance, and this home is no exception. The structure is fortified against the planet's natural hazards, from erratic weather patterns to the occasional predatory creature that roams the valley. A network of camouflaged perimeter sensors is hidden within the landscape, appearing as little more than natural formations but capable of detecting any movement within the vicinity.
Above, repurposed probe droids hover silently through the forest and the valley beyond, conducting regular sensor sweeps to identify potential threats. Whether it be an unexpected guest, a stray beast, or something more sinister, the house remains well-guarded without appearing overtly militarized.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION:
Once a modest extension of the greater Dashiell Estate, the Cottage and its surrounding yard were originally used to host guests seeking a quiet retreat beneath the canopies of Joiol's forest. But everything changed in the weeks following a discovery that reshaped the very foundation of the Dashiell family.
It began with a fortunate accident—mandatory bloodwork taken in anticipation of
Makai Dashiell
and
Myra Arceneau Dashiell
's child led to an unexpected match. The results uncovered the existence of Balun Dashiell,
Judah Dashiell
's son, hidden from history until now. Without hesitation, Judah reached out, and soon, a bond began to form. In time, Judah, Makai, and Balun became more than just names linked by blood—they became the family Balun had long dreamed of but never believed he would find.
During the first year of getting to know one another, Judah suggested that Balun make the Cottage his home. With Balun's affinity for nature, his experience in herbology and alchemy, and a gentle fondness for the wild, the location—nestled at the edge of the forest—was a perfect match. Balun eagerly accepted the offer, unaware that this quiet dwelling would soon transform into something far greater: a sanctuary for the next generation.
Everything shifted the day Nouqai Veil, now known by her Sith title
Lady Falentra, entrusted a small, swaddled child into Judah's arms—Balun's son. Left on the doorstep of the Estate without warning, the infant boy came with no fanfare, only the weight of destiny and a name chosen by the man who would raise him: Kellan.
For Balun, this moment echoed his own childhood—left behind as an infant at the gates of the New Jedi Order, raised without answers, without identity. That would not be Kellan's fate. Balun swore it. Determined to give his son the belonging he had never known, Balun redirected a significant portion of the credits he earned through his growing enterprise, Dashiell Retrofit™, into renovating the Cottage and surrounding grounds.
What was once a guest house became a home—a place of warmth, growth, and purpose. It is here, surrounded by trees and starlight, that Kellan Dashiell is being raised in the embrace of family, identity, and the love his father never had, but now fiercely protects.
Julius Sedaire
. Together, they restored the starfighter to its former glory, now serving as Balun's personal starship. In addition, he crafted his own K-16 Bryar Pistol and Lightsaber, showcasing the skills he acquired from the Artisans of the New Jedi Order during his earlier years. His latest undertaking, the restoration of the derelict The Nomad Commercial Heavy Freighter, marks another milestone, as he plans to use the ship for Dashiell Retrofit™.
