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| Bal Demona
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Nar Shadda
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8 ABY
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Human
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Male
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1.8 meters
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86.2 kilograms
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Brown
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Brown
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Dark Jedi Knight
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Braecen Kaeth
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10059
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- "Despair. Ruin. Slaughter. That's what I bring wherever I go. It doesn't matter to whom or why, they're all the same to me."
- ―Bal, regarding his role in the Brotherhood
Biography
Early life (8 ABY
Simple Beginnings
Raised by Voren and Talia Demona, they were very good parents who taught him a sense of honor and respect for those around him. A natural student, he did well in school and had no difficulty making friends with others his age or around his own age. A bit of a rowdy sort at times, he liked to roughhouse with his buddies from school and generally get into trouble as most younger kids do. Well liked by his teachers and by many parents of his friends, he generally had no trouble getting through life without somebody giving him some sort of advice.
Overall, he had a great life...he and his parents didn't live well, but they made enough for them to take some time off if they wanted to and not worry about where the next credit was gonna come from, lots of friends and a loving family. However, that happy and blissfully ignorant childhood was destined to come crashing down around him....
Bal's Homeworld of Nar Shaddaa
The Walk Home...
On the way home from a friends house after school, he was supposed to meet up at the place of his father's employment to go out to dinner with he, his dad and his mom. After getting done eating, dad said that he had some great news...he had gotten promoted at work, and that was a big deal for him because he believed that hard work will get you places if you want it bad enough. The walk home was a happy one, everybody laughing and talking and generally having a good time.
They had felt so happy that they took the long walk home, something that was only done on the occasions where the family wanted to spend just time together...his dad often brought work home with him. It eventually started to get darker, they must've taken a lot longer than they had originally planned because they should have been home by then. Their joyful evening came to a screeching halt not far from the home when they were attacked by two muggers. Pulling blasters and pointing them at his father, they demanded all that he had. His father, a noble man and no coward, saw the reason behind giving them all they wanted, he didn't want his family to get hurt at all. Even after the sacrifices of his father, they were to no avail and his two parents were killed on the spot. The two had their blasters leveled at him as well, but it was to his own luck that a few others had taken the same route home because the muggers heard them and fled back into the night.
Aftershock
After the killing of his family, he had nobody left on Nar Shaddaa that would help him survive. Unfortunately, at the age of seven, he was forced onto the street when their landlord kicked him out of his parent's home, saying that, since there was no steady income, he couldn't allow him to stay. Quickly, his blissful ignorance turned into an overly aware sense of just how harsh life can be at times. Even though he retained some of the qualities that his parents had instilled in him, some quickly went by the wayside in order to survive the hard and sometimes deadly streets of the Smuggler's Moon. He grew up quickly, finally finding just what you have to do in order to keep alive amongst thieves, muggers and murderers. He had to resort to stealing, petty theft and even breaking and entering...but he would never allow himself to carry a weapon. His honor, while still there, had shrunk a little...but his memory of what happened the night he was walking home never faded.
Eventually, he managed to dig up a terrible job at a secondhand parts store. His boss, a very paranoid man, was constantly threatening to fire him because he though that he had stolen things. Luckily, he wasn't around very much to be a nuisance. He scratched up enough money to get his own place...dirty and small, but it was an improvement over the street. It was in this apartment complex that he met the future Mrs. Demona...a beautiful woman named Octavia.
Back to School
The Force-Strong Ocatvia had noticed the Force-Sensitivity in Bal in passing...even before they started dating. She always told him that she could feel his presence when they were both in the building. She started to teach him what little she knew about their mutual talent and, along with some experimentation, they managed to get some of the basics down themselves. However, as is with most every prodigy, they sought to refine their skills and learn some new ones. Doing a little research here and there, they eventually stumbled upon a lost item about a school that might be able to foster their talents. With a lot of effort, and not to mention and generous credit donation, they managed to catch a transport to Antei and the Shadow Academy. From the day that looked at it, they knew it was going to be an interesting experience.
Dark Jedi Brotherhood: The Early Days
The Order of the Obelisk
"You know, you've hit your head enough in the past...why do it again?" - Octavia
"Because I'm stubborn sweetheart...I figured you knew that already" - Bal
Despite his wife's objection, he ended finding himself drawn to the Obelisk Order. She had been right, a few too many knocks on the head back home had made her tend to worry, but he knew that she knew that he would be supported no matter what he chose. His wife had always been smarter than he, hence her choice to the Krath order. Must've been the guardian nature in him that possessed him to do what he did. His hard knocks on Nar Shaddaa had made him quite good at what he did in this order, making combat an almost second-nature to him with the Force making it more his nature than he thought.
Braecen
His progress through the Brotherhood had been steady, one marked by academic success for the most part...making him wonder if his wife was right, as was the case a great many times. His success had drawn the attention of Braecen Kaeth, who shortly became his teacher and guide along the way of the Dark Side. Not a large man in any respect, his focus and attentiveness to any detail...be it large or minuscule...gave him a great amount of knowledge and wisdom. A man of great power, Bal was sincerely honored to have been blessed with his master and, if he had his way, would not fail the man who was going to sacrifice much of his time to training somebody that seeks what he has attained. Bal had, honestly enough, been searching for a master for a while, planning ahead until the time came to where he would choose and/or be made an offer. Luckily, he found Braecen...a boon to be most assured.
A Falling Out
As his career progressed, he found himself more and more away from Octavia on his own assignments while she was on her own. In the beginning, this was no hindrance as instant communication allowed them to stay in touch almost all the time. A lot of messages back and forth kept them in touch, and that was enough in the beginning. Over time, however, it became harder and harder to keep up with his wife as his own assignments kept him farther and farther away from her presence. The distance eventually started to erode on their relationship and, despite efforts on both their parts to keep it together, it eventually became too much to handle. They were officially separated later on.
Having lost his life-long love, he started to become harsh and severe and it had started to wear on his own friendships with the others of his clan. Becoming more withdrawn from his friends, he found himself becoming less and less trusting of others. This ended up coming to a head while Braecen was teaching him, lashing out at him verbally in a fit of rage over a tiny remark. Eventually coming to terms with Octavia's leaving and his childish display with Braecen, he decided that he would be better off with a fresh start...
A Change of Pace
Having alienated most of his friends in Plageius during the time immediately following his separation from Octavia, he decided he would be best off with a fresh start somewhere new. After a bit of research and a few recommendations later, he finally settled on a few places that he would want to end up. Taking a bit of time away from his constant training regimen, he made a few field trips over to where his primary options were to be found. Eventually though, he decided on one place: Clan Naga Sadow.
Starting Over
"Men generally fear change, becoming complacent and comfortable with their current situation. In general, they only see the opportunity to change about six inches before it hits them square in the face."
Quickly getting settled in, he set out to make new friends and colleagues within his new clan and his new house, that of Marka Ragnos. Quickly making an impression on more than a few of the members, including some of the higher ranked members, he found himself among a circle of good friends in a very short period of time. Consorting with his fellows on a regular basis, he learned the ropes of his new home as quick as he could, learning who the leaders were and to whom he should go if he ever felt the need to practice his fighting techniques. After a while, he was immersed in his new place...totally giving himself to his new clan. However, he never forgot the lessons he learned in Plageius having always thought history was the most important aspect of a person's existence. Among his new friends, some were quite influential and, despite his own shyness and lack of any real desire to lead, he found himself eying the reins of office.
File:LightsaberBal.jpgBal's Lightsaber
Knighthood
It was during his internal debate to try for a prominent leadership position that some of the best news he had ever heard came to him: He was finally becoming a Dark Jedi Knight. He was overjoyed by this as it was something that he had wanted from day one. Watching all of his superiors toting their lightsabers on their belts had made him quite envious as he had only his armory lightsaber. As soon as the ceremony were over, he set out to find the materials that caught his eye in order to make his own weapon. Choosing his components carefully, he spent a great deal of time constructing his primary weapon. He spent the better part of a week going over designs in his head, trying to find the best balance between how he liked to hold his lightsaber and cosmetic style. After finally coming to a decision, he carefully selected the crystal he was going to use to project the blade. After all was said and done, he was satisfied with how his work had turned out.
Still having his eyes set on a position in office, he wasn't ready to consider being a teacher quite yet. His patience paid off however, as the opportunity arose...the Aedile position of House Marka Ragnos had come open, and he was intent on applying.
Fading into the Background
As time went, several wars were fought in the period of time since he had joined the Brotherhood. Once or twice holding a position of prominence, he found himself as more of a foot soldier than a jedi knight. Despite this, he held his head up high and held nothing against the organization that had welcomed him and his gifts so readily when he first joined it. After a while he found himself become more and more restless, yearning for a position of prominence that he held as the Aedile of Marka Ragnos. Before he knew it, the tenth Great Jedi War had come to an end. Instead of become upset at this development, he saw it has a boon in order to make himself fit for the next conflict.
Return to the Shadow Academy
His first stop was the Academy where he learned all of his initial lessons before becoming a full-fledged dark jedi...at least in his own mind. Knowing that his mind must be sharp before the blade of his lightsaber, he studied as fervently has he had when he first arrived. Taking more classes, he made himself a promise to one day earn his way back into the good graces of the powers that be and get himself back into a notable position as he once had. Everyday he would arrive at the Academy, be it studying in the library, taking classes or just to soak in information. He would always smile as he read, knowing that, with each word, he was closer to his ultimate goal.
Ninth Great Jedi War (30 ABY)
Aedile of Marka Ragnos (32 ABY)
Eleventh Great Jedi War (38 ABY)
(Coming soon!)
Personality and traits
- "I have all the characteristics of a human being: blood, skin, hair; but not a single, clear, identifiable emotion, except for fury and hatred"
- ―Bal, reflecting on his life since Nar Shadda
An easygoing guy, he's more laid back than some of the people he's known throughout his life. More calm than one would expect from somebody who's supposed to let emotion fuel his ability in combat, he exhibits more Jedi-like self-control until necessary, which usually means his opponent is on the ropes or he needs to in order to even the odds. Even then, it's a very controlled display of emotion...he's not one to let his emotions run rampant. There are, however, a few things that will plunge him into an uncontrolled rage...try and harm his wife Octavia and you'll see just how upset he can really get.
He has never accepted the notion that looking out for yourself at the expense of others is the right thing to do and he has also never accepted that one should not help somebody who needs it. While he might not go out way out of his way to help somebody, he will help those who need it. His loyalty to his house, his clan and his order his undeniable and second only to his loyalty to Octavia. He is an honorable sort and won't cheat even if the odds are stacked against him...if he's going to go down, he's not going to cheat to win...he's going to acknowledge that he was beaten by the superior foe.
Relationships
Braecen Kaeth
- "I am indebted to my parents for for my life, but to my master for learning to truly live it."
- ―Bal, speaking on being an apprentice
Fremoc Pepoi
- "Hard times always reveal true friends"
- ―Bal, regarding his friendship with Fremoc during the Ninth Great Jedi War
Kalei Basai
Octavia Obrie
- Braecen: "Isn't it better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all?"
- Bal: "Try it"
- ―Braecen and Bal, discussing the end of Bal's marriage
Octavia
Ah yes, Octavia, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. While he knew of her, he had never really seen her before. Perhaps by coincidence, she had just taken her own apartment not too far away from his own. Finally mustering up some courage, he spent a lot of money on some very nice flowers for her and walked to her apartment. Knocking on the door tentatively a few times, Octavia answered the door with a questioning look. He remembered the first words out of her mouth..."Who are you?" he had always gotten a chuckle out of that. But, he offered her the flowers and shyly asked if she was available for a date some time. She had said yes and eventually their relationship blossomed into full-blown love. Getting married eventually, it was the happiest moment of his life...she didn't mind being called Mrs. Demona either.
Powers and abilities
Lightsaber training
- "I'm not a murderer. I just win—thoroughly."
- ―Bal
After recieving his first lightsaber, he started the initial lightsaber training for all new Protectors. His own dedication and many hours sparring with others made him quickly hone his talents before being able to construct his own lighstaber. After some time, he finally chose to study Form V in more detail. Despite not being very tall or heavy set, Bal had developed considerable muscle power from hard living on the back alleys of Nar Shadda. Djem So in particular allowed him to make use of his muscle mass as well as his aggressive nature in combat.
After becoming skilled in Djem So, Bal started integrating Force powers amongst his combat style, often using telekinetic powers to catch opponents off guard or to throw them off balance for a powerful lightsaber sequence. Able to concentrate easily, he also developed a penchant for throwing his lightsaber amidst a fight in an attempt to catch unsuspecting opponents who might not be prepared for a ranged attack.
Bal also used his Broken Gate proficiency to add another dimension to his combat style, often resorting to brute force to break an enemy's guard and spirit. Preferring a more direct approach to combat, it's often his usage of power strikes from either hand-to-hand combat, sweeping lightsaber strikes or telekinetic powers to confuse and put his opponents on the defensive.
Force powers
- "I believe the Force is neither good nor evil. It is a tool, like a hydrospanner"
- ―Bal
It is unknown if Bal's parents knew of his Force-sesitivity, but his abilities were either unexplained or ignored entirely throughout his early life. It wasn't until after his parents had met their end did his abilities begin to manifest themselves, though without concious thought on his part, often when he was extremely angry. His first telekinetic feat he performed was drawing a knife to his hand from a short distance during a brawl when he was fifteen years old.
Upon joining the Brotherhood, his abilities were improved through teaching and practice. He quickly found himself adept at using telekinesis as well as harnessing his inner rage during battle. As a member of the Obelisk order, he focused primarily on the physical applications of the Force that would aid him in combat, such as the ability to control pain and artificially boosting his own physical abilities. He also refined his telekinesis enough to enable his throwing a lightsaber with some degree of ability.
This narrow focus proves a disadvantage though, as he is unable to utilize several abilities that require the Force in a less overt fashion such as mind tricks and illusions. He also often limits his Force sight, using it primarily to sense things in a complete circle around him. While capable of doing so, he has limited ability with sensing the future as well, usually not more than faint and incomprehensible images.
Other abilities
- "In our line of work, psychopathy can be a valuable job skill"
- ―Bal, sarcatically commenting Obelisk order
Equipment
Lightsabers
First lightsaber
- Main article: [[Armory Lightsaber|Armory Lightsaber]]
Demona's first lightsaber was a standard armory lightsaber that he received upon elevation to the rank of Protector. Like all armory lightsabers, his was constructed using safe, easy to find materials to facilitate mass production. Due to a specialized emitter matrix, the blade length was fixed at three feet in length. The hilt contained but one focusing crystal that were always either blue, green, or red in color. Bal's lightsaber consisted of a single synthetic red crystal supplied by the Brotherhood.
Demona used the weapon during his initial training and while dabbling in various lightsaber combat styles as well as numerous combat training lessons. He additionally used it during meditation by staring into the ignited blade instead of using telekinesis to disassemble and reassemble the weapon in order to not disrupt the lightsaber's construction.
Upon elevation to Dark Jedi Knight, he returned the weapon in order to utilize a lightsaber of his own creation.
Second lightsaber
After his promotion, Demona created a lightsaber of his own design, opting to continue using the synthetic red crystals during assembly. Utilizing both a set of simple emitter shroud and guard in order to protect his hands while he utilized a very aggressive Djem So fighting style. Having a natural affinity for telekinetic applications of the Force, he also installed a locking activator so the blade wouldn't deactivate when thrown. The weapon has seen use during the Ninth Jedi War as well as in training exercises.
Having more freedom with his own lightsaber, he often uses telekinesis in his meditations. It is Demona's primary weapon and never strays too far from its master.
Apparel
Positions Held