- "I am gifted when it comes to war. Since I could walk I've been trained how to fight, to kill, and most importantly to read my opponents accurately. I've survived more assassination attempts and coups than I can count, and I base that all on my ability to read others. So, I hope you take all of that into account when I say that compared to Voden, I am an idiot child who will never comprehend the level of analysis he routinely displays."
- ―Sashar Erinos, di Tenebrous Arconae, when asked about Voden
Voden Arjin is a Mandalorian by adoption, and a former farm boy hailing from Dantooine. Despite the unsuspecting beginnings, the boy has ascended within the Mandalorian culture and his home clan of Arcona. The circumstances that led to his fruition are what shaped him into the person he is today. An excessively witty and charming individual to those he considers companions -- two traits hidden from those unfamiliar with him, who typically describe him as socially awkward.
However, no one can refute his perseverance. His story alone is testament itself to the conviction he has for his destiny.
Character History
From Humble Beginnings
For the farmers of the expansive plains of Dantooine, conflict was a far off and out of mind concept. It was for this reason that Orar and Choruk emigrated from Mandalore to the plains just outside of Garang, the capital city of Dantooine. War weary and in the process of starting a family, the two chose the simple life for their child(ren). With a clean slate and small sum of credits, they purchased a small plot of land and erased all evidence of the bellicosity they exercised all their lives as Mandalorians.
Their first child was a boy whom they named Layari. Orar and Choruk both appreciated Layari very much, however during the fifth year of his life he was gifted with a younger brother. The infant was christened Voden. Along with his brother, the two grew up a life without the worries that plagued so many others of the galaxy. Their most primary concerns were that of maintaining their crops, keeping up with their chores around the home, and their studies. Despite their age difference, the two were both very close.
The family rarely managed to get involved with the affairs of other people. Generally, they ensured that they remained mostly in isolation. With no friends to make, Voden and Layari's bond was only allowed to grow. Their boyish ways could not be disregarded though, and the two often ended up playfully wrestling with each other to the disdain of their mother. Over time, the father began to secretly teach them ways to gain the upper hand in combat. Still Mandalorian at heart, he didn't see any harm in them pounding on each other occasionally.
Life continued this monotonous trend for the family. Constant chores and studies, balanced out with the occasional fighting matches when Choruk was not around. For Layari, everything was great. He could spend the remainder of his days continuing this cycle. However, Voden soon became frustrated with the trend and longed to have things another way.
Teenage Rebellion
Every week, Orar traveled to the city of Garang to purchase essentials for the continued prosperity of his family. Since Voden was ten, he had accompanied his father along with Layari on this expedition. Such a regular escape was exactly what he appreciated, and he was glad to be able to take part in it. Lately though, he has done much to jeopardize his right to take part in the traveling party.
Voden was quite fond of going off on his own on these days, which Orar was not particularly against. In fact, he had encouraged Layari to do the same on many occasions, but the stubborn boy remained present at his father's side. The freedom and independence that was exercised by his right to go out like this was exhilarating. Despite being raised without any neighbors or other people to see without covering vast distances, Voden seemed quite confident as he strolled through the crowded streets.
These regular outings became habit, and soon the boy started to grow bored with them. In attempt to deviate in order to get the amusement back, he started interacting with people. Instead of going his regular route, he would take a left or try to find another way. These simple things did little to alleviate his distress though. Instead, he decided to step things up even more. For the sake of having fun, Voden decided to dabble into criminal activities. For example, while the baker was busy taking and fulfilling the orders of his clientele, one boy would be taking advantage of the situation by snatching the largest items that he could hide without being noticed.
Not only was he thieving shops, he was also stealing from homes and from people on the streets. When people accused him of something, his quick wit and charm would immediately kick in to ensure that he remained out of harm's way. For awhile this seemed to work, but at times he felt that it was best to merely flee. He attained the knowledge and abilities to succeed in his endeavors by his excellent cognitive abilities in analyzing his experiences and adapting new tactics to how he employed himself. He was finally having the fun he wanted.
However, petty crime was not the only past time for Voden on these trips. He still acted his part as a tourist and learned his way around the city. From the capital buildings, to the shops of downtown and the slums, all the way to the city's spaceport, Voden knew most of the Garang city pretty well in his weekly visits over the past half decade. With this knowledge, he effectively decided where he would be spending most of his time in the city, and which areas he would avoid. He decided to avoid places that were widely recognized as crime havens already and places where there was less protection. For the sake of never being too far away from his father as well, he also avoided the farthest end of the city that extended past the spaceport.
Tragedy Unfolds
- "You can't hide from your past forever, burc'ya."
- ―Mandalorian merc to Orar before dealing with him
Voden hardly remained untouchable during his juvenile escapades. On multiple occasions his stealth skill failed, and his fast talking followed suit. Despite several years of experience, the now fifteen year old boy still made the exiguous slip up. On this specific occasion though, he found himself being detained by a man who was much larger than he. To make matters more dismal, the man's wife had contacted the authorities whom the three of them were waiting just outside their apartment complex for.
The restrained boy noticed the looks of curiosity that evolved on people's faces as they passed by the scene. His mind raced with ideas on how to get out of the situation, and that's when he recognized that he had the resources to make it happen. In desperation, he began screaming for assistance, declaring the man a kidnapper. At first, Voden didn't recognize much reaction. However, a man suddenly walked over and demanded to be briefed on the situation. His yelling along with Voden's brought about more eyes, and people began to slow their paces.
Voden continued his desperate pleas for help. His act was convincing enough for more people to come over to question the large man holding him captive. It didn't take long before he felt the man's grasp weaken, and he was able to kick out and escape. He felt the man's hands glide along his back as he flung himself forward, but they failed to grip him. His sprint was fully adrenaline filled, and he found himself failing to weave between some groups of people and instead pushing them out of the way. Soon, his panic subsided and was replaced with a resolute calm.
His thoughts went to that of the time of the day, which was presently quite late. He resumed his sprint in the same direction, making his way to the meeting place on the outskirt of the city where they always met. When he arrived there, he found that his father and brother were not present. He decided to give them an hour, and entertained himself by recalling the events of his day and the circumstance that transpired to lead to his capturing. An hour came and passed though, and there was no sign of his traveling companions.
So many ideas and concerns washed through him. As much as he doubted that they would make their way back home without him, he decided that the most logical option for him was to head home. Following the same route his father took to go between their domicile and Garang, he hoped to intercept them on their way back if they left later than him, or if they came back for him. In his mind, the worst case scenario involved having to walk all the way back home and arriving late.
His trip there was uneventful. The route his father took so frequently was one that he had christened himself that no one ever took or happened to cross. With nothing to take his mind off of things, he was left to contemplate various scenarios over and over. In each one, he practiced what he would say in his head. He had gotten good at lying to excuse himself from various situations. It had become a second nature, something he could do without much effort at all.
The fifteen mile trip took Voden approximately four hours of consistent walking and running. Upon getting home, his feet were sore and he was very tired. When he walked in his house, he crept into his room. The next morning, he woke up with the sun high in the sky. This was unorthodox for him, as his mother often got up to awake her two sons upon daybreak. He checked Layari's room who was not present. Perhaps they had let him sleep in because they knew he got home late?
As unlikely as this was, he decided to comfort himself with this explanation. He walked outside to check to see if the landspeeder was present in their port. Upon realizing it wasn't, he panicked. Had they never left? He walked around screaming for his parents, but found no response. He wasn't allowed in his parent's room, but he decided this warranted his entrance. His eyes immediately landed on his mother whose chest was charred; the work of blaster fire.
He left the room, incapable of dealing with it. Instead, he left to his room. His father and older brother would be back soon, and they could help him. All day and night he remained there, incapable of leaving the comfort it provided him. Soon, the realization of the threat this had on his life dawned on him. She was clearly murdered, and both his brother and father were missing. Outside factors were clearly occurring, but he had no clue as to what.
He decided to act, and this first act was to depart to Garang where he could report this. Without the thought of his self defense, he launched through his door and began running the same path he took the night prior. Two trips by himself to and from Garang... all within a few days. Just the other day, he had been sprinting to escape certain conviction. Now, he was sprinting to escape his dead mother; what could be him, dead; and to get help. The adrenaline he had then was insignificant to what was maintaining his pace now.
He had run on and off the entire time, and when he arrived in Garang, his feet were dreadfully sore. Not only physically exhausted, his mind was overwhelmed with so many thoughts, and his emotions were so erratic. When he arrived at the Garang Security Force's headquarters, he found himself going over all the details from the night he walked home to this morning. He was so scared, and just wanted his family back. He wanted to be working on the farm for hours on end and then given the opportunity to sneak out for a bit to wrestle with his brother at his father's discretion.
But a part of him tugged at his senses. It said, None of that is going to be possible again. And it wasn't.
A Broken Boy
Depression soon came to consume Voden. With the death of his mother, and the mysterious circumstances shrouding the conditions of his father and older brother, he had lost all that was dear to him. However, fortune did smile upon him. Shortly after being legally orphaned, a Baron known as Michael Smith adopted Voden and made him the cabana boy of his estate. Many years of work on his farm had toned his body and suntanned him. He had the body of a cabana boy, and by the Baron's will, he would have the talent.
At fifteen, Voden was serving the will of the Baron and the others in his family. Despite his position being one of servitude, Smith despised any form of ignorance, and because of this Voden was tutored regularly. With his expanded knowledge, it seemed he was opened up to a whole new existence. This galaxy was so big, and so full of planets. And Dantooine? It's whole history was eclipsed by other planets. With his studies, Voden could finally get his mind off of the troubles of his life.
His keenness was picked up on by the Baron who often times sat in on his lessons. He decided to take a deep interest in Voden's education, and even held private tutoring sessions with him. It wasn't long before the boy began to appreciate Smith and even consider him a mentor. The relationship was not one sided however, it was quite mutual. The Baron had a certain fondness for the boy, which he could only justify by their similar appreciation for knowledge and the power it held.
As a very influential man on Dantooine, Smith often found himself traveling amongst the various estates that surrounded his own. He soon decided to bring Voden, whom he soon came to introduce as his son. For Voden, the experiences were quite interesting. Instead of utilizing a landspeeder to travel, the Baron had a small shuttle in a equally as magnificent docking bay for such endeavors. He had seen such technology from afar when they departed or landed in the Garang spaceport, but being able to actually fly in them and touch them... it was an entirely different experience.
Not only that, but he also met so many people. He rarely had the opportunity to converse with most of the individuals the Baron met with, but he was often times invited into discussions. This part of his life was so different from before. Meeting people, flying in advanced technology, being pampered, and being taught such complex material... It was pretty much the antithesis of his secluded life he had endured for fifteen years of his life. He liked this life much more, and soon realized truly what ambition was. It seemed that throughout his life, there were these periods where he was thrusted into entirely new concepts that led to expanded awareness.
This concept was the greatest so far. He was no aware of so much more, and what was potential in this galaxy. His ambitions of just breaking from his systematic life evolved with his awareness. Now, he thirsted for more knowledge and experience. Things went from hoping for deviation, to hoping for more of what he was merely getting a taste of. On more than one tutoring session, Voden voiced his desire to the Baron. One who deeply appreciated culture, he divulged to Voden that his desire would be appeased further soon enough.
He kept his word, too. Baron Smith was purchasing a Pursuer-class enforcement ship for 200,000 credits on the planet Mandalore, since MandalMotors was the prime manufacturer of the archaic ship. He decided to take Voden along as well. Before departing though, the Baron dedicated a tutoring session to the relativity of Mandalore's distance from Dantooine on a galaxy map. He then vaguely touched upon the planet's history and present conditions.
Despite still paying attention mostly, Voden could not help but allow his mind as it day dreamed about the acquisition on Mandalore. He would be leaving Dantooine, traveling the galaxy in space, and landing on an entirely different planet! Not only that, but the people of this planet were renowned for their war like attributes. He couldn't help but be enthusiastic, and the emphatic Baron was much more lenient for his pupil's lack of application in his studies. However, he expected much more obedience post-trip as slacking would no longer be tolerated...
Independence
The shuttle ride for Voden was exciting. For most of it, he attempted to remain present in the cockpit, withdrawing as much information from the pilots as attainable. On multiple occasions the Baron had to leave the passenger section to retrieve the nosy boy to ensure the continued sanity of his pilots. Still, he could not contain himself for much of the duration of the flight. No longer was he just in the orbit of a planet, he was going through hyperspace across the galaxy.
However, he did not find disappointment upon landing on Mandalore. Despite the flight being over, excitement overwhelmed him even more. He was on his first foreign planet, after a long interstellar trip. Upon exiting his ship, he was greeted by the sight of a large domed room with a roof that was currently closing. There was one hallway leading out of it, and it was guarded by a man behind a terminal who was tapping away at it fiercely, and a man perhaps in this thirties whom stood at the entrance of the hallway.
The Baron strode forward towards the latter man, and accepted the outstretched hand. They then shared some words prior to walking out the hallway. The three of them made their way out of the spaceport and to the outdoors. Out there, Voden noticed numerous buildings scattered all around. As the trio made their way through them, he noticed that many facilities seemed dysfunctional. Their windows were boarded up and many seemed wholly unsanitary.
His eyes then landed upon the tallest building in the city. That was where they were heading -- the MandalMotors Headquarters building. In there, things were different than what he had expected. Instead of tidily dressed individuals with clear speaking voices, he noticed gruff individuals who grunted in basic, but often times used entirely unfamiliar words to the youth. After consulting with their guide, the Baron addressed Voden next. He was going to be escorted into a meeting room where he was to discuss the remaining details of the transaction of his ship. In the meantime, he ordered Voden to remain in the lobby and to avoid any contact with the individuals present.
Still curious about the city, and more specifically the culture, Voden found himself disobeying Baron Smith's command by touring around, listening into conversations. In time, he grew bored of this so he decided to leave the building. Outside, he began a random trek through the city, studying everything that was present. Just about everyone in sight had armor on. Most of the individual's armor was multi-colored and appeared salvaged as well. He also noticed that everyone who had armor, had some type of side arm as well.
This did not dissuade him from continuing his tour though. He found himself walking very far away from the building, but it still remained within sight. Unsurprisingly though, as it was the tallest building among the other buildings which never seemed to exceed over three stories in height. Nostalgia began to run rampant through him as he recalled his early city trekking days. It hadn't even been a year since his last trip yet. Just now only sixteen, even though his body seemed more mature.
His mind was so deep in thought again. Memories of simpler times rushed through him, and he found himself on the verge of breaking down. It was in this vulnerable state that he heard a shout and then was grabbed by someone. He was quickly turned carelessly; as a child tends to their ragdoll. In his face was a helmeted head. That wasn't the only one though, Voden noticed, as his eyes frantically scanned each member of the group. Their filtered voices immediately began to hiss in horrendous tones. Voden couldn't understand what they were saying, but even through their voice filters, he still recognized hostility.
They seemed to be addressing him, but in his ignorance of their language, he failed to respond. The men whom were both deprived of combat and were drowning in alcohol saw their opportunity to have some fun. Taking it upon themselves as vigilantes, they began to beat Voden ferociously. As they did, they screamed a lot, most of it was incoherent to him, but one word was stated so clearly and frequently that it echoed in his head: "Aruetii!"
Tegaanalir
Numerous feelings rushed through Voden Arjin in synchronization. Horror, anguish, regret... all types of variations of these specific feelings. Doubt was prevalent as well -- doubt that he would survive. He tasted blood in his mouth, and he was sure it was in other places as well. Voden did not open his eyes though. Instead, he kept them so tightly clenched, that the warm tears that slipped through had to fight through the corners of his eyes to escape their shelter.
He then passed out. It was so sudden that he did not even notice his consciousness subside into an inactive state. The sudden escape from the cruel reality was certainly a gift to the boy. However, it did not last long. He was suddenly being spoken to by another man whom did not have a helmet on. This man was not hostile though as his words were soft and comforting. The man then proceeded to pick Voden up in his arms. The boy was still far too disoriented from the lack of blood to his brain to fully comprehend the ordeal. Then, sleep found its way upon him once more as his eyes which had been half open the entire time moved to close over the remaining half.
He awoke later with a throbbing head and aches and pains coursing randomly throughout his body. However, he laid in some type of cot and was covered by a sheet and had a pillow under his head. He quickly shot up to study his surroundings, but was overcome by a dreadful dizzy spell. A voice was then heard, and his eyes managed to focus on its source. A young man whose tan was much similar to Voden's own with long black hair and hard eyes focused on Arjin intently. The voice warned him of over doing anything with too much activity. It then went on to commend him on taking such a beating and surviving, even though he did have some help from the force.
None of this sunk in though, as the boy was still too out of it. The mysterious man understood though, and discontinued attempting to reach the victim of the beating any further. Instead, he remained to monitor his recovery over the next few days. By the end of the few days though, Voden was moving around more easily. His recovery was slow, and still far from complete, but readily far enough to allow him to travel. It was now that the mysterious man decided the boy was coherent enough to be preached to regarding his new life.
Rebirth
The next few weeks of Voden's life served as the most revelational in his entire life. The man that saved his life divulgated that he he was Sashar Erinos Arconae, a Mandalorian Dark Jedi. Further discussion also detailed that Voden was force sensitive and was indebted to Sashar. The Dark Jedi explained to the boy that to repay the debt, he was to train in Mandalorian combat principles and then serve in Arcona's legion of Dark Jedi.
Entirely confounded by so much life changing material, he broke down. Sashar saw this as the perfect opportunity; the boy would be reconstructed as a Mandalorian. He took him to the planet of Dxun, the moon of Onderon. He was instructed by his rescuer that he would remain on the planet until he could fight and act like a Mandalorian. When questioned how long that would take, the enigmatic man's response was "A year, two, three. It's all up to you, really."
Welcome to the Jungle
Soon enough, Voden's life was completely different. He no longer slept like he use to, and on most days he was being taken into the dangerous jungles to hunt. For months this remained their trend. Training under esteemed Dark Jedi Mandalorian as Kieran Kodiak Erinos and Juda Kodiak Erinos, Voden seemed to excel. One who was already very physically in shape and athletic, there was not as much work put into the improvement of his physical shape, as much as maintain and tone it.
His initial training involved skills of survival and stealth in the jungle. It soon evolved into expanding his combat abilities. He was given a sword which he named Vengeance and soon grew very attached to. They attempted to train him in the use of blasters as well, but his interest was clearly not in that. He preferred having full control of his attacks, which was evident in both hand to hand combat and melee combat. It was these two fighting concepts that the Kodiaks trained with Voden on.
Voden showed much dedication to his training. He also on as many occasions as possible attempted to attain information of the Mandalorian culture and the Mando'a language. His enthusiasm and efforts were much noted by the Kodiaks, however as Mandalorians, they did very little to commend him on his efforts other than taking him out to drink and playfully tease him often. Soon though, Voden was picking up on the teasing as well. He also developed a very sardonic wit that complemented him well.
Specialized Training
After about a year and half of training, Kieran revealed to Voden that he had observed the exceptional levels of metacognivity ability he exemplified. He informed him that he had contacted Sashar about it, and that he would soon be tested. One who was use to the strenuous tests that Dark Jedi, or perhaps just Mandalorians put their pupils through, he found himself lacking too much enthusiasm. However, he failed to avoid being too curious about what exactly they had planned for him in regards to this ability he had.
When Sashar arrived, he didn't waste any time in working with Voden. After numerous tests and time spent with Voden, Sashar disappeared. He heard nothing more of the topic. For awhile, he believed he had failed the tests and that he was not suitable for what they desired. For months he continued his regular training in combat and his studies of Mando'a culture.
However, a few months later, Kieran spoke with him once more. Apparently, Sashar was very impressed with the analytical skills Voden had. His mind was very strategic, and the Arconan leader stated his interest in seeing Arjin trained in interrogation skills and war strategy. These concepts were entirely new to Voden so when introduced he showed a passion that was only present in new topics that he was studying.
For months he continued with studying battlefield strategies, the workings of the mind, and how to destroy a person utilizing advanced interrogation techniques. His other studies fell to a level of insignificant priority in regards to these new topics. He didn't mind though, as strategy was so much more interesting to him. Not only that, but he was learning how to effectively ruin someone psychologically. His new study material presented techniques to him that he never would have even imagined -- let alone considered -- as potential practices put to use in life.
When he turned eighteen though, he was once more meant by Sashar Arconae. The man revealed that his training as a Mandalorian was complete, and he was to be initiated in the Dark Jedi Brotherhood, and more specifically Clan Arcona. He was to be trained in the ways of the force, the ways of the lightsaber, the ways of the darkside. He would be a Dark Jedi.
The Brotherhood
Voden almost appreciated the arduous training he was put through on Dxun for those years of his life. Upon being accepted into the Shadow Academy, he chose the Obelisk order to reflect his warrior philosophy. Given an armor training lightsaber, they put him through test after test to ensure he was not weak. These were not the only tests he was exposed to, though. Often times there were random trials where he was questioned about the hierarchy of the Brotherhood, it's structure, the positions of it, and who served in various positions. Test after test, he went through them without breaking a sweat.
The Shadow Academy also provided numerous courses to be taken by students of the Brotherhood. Voden saw his opportunity to enhance his knowledge, so he took as many courses as possible early on. He scored quite high on them as well, and was commended for his efforts by medals. He found that effort in the Brotherhood was rewarded and appreciated, which he found quite a refreshing change from his days on Dxun. With this in mind, he began to put in as much effort as possible.
Arcona Invicta!
Graduation from the Academy was simple and without much celebration. He was shuttled from Lyspair to Estle City on Selen. Transfer from there to Arcona did not mark anything special though, other than an increased effort necessary to succeed. Being one who excelled by exhibiting much effort though, this was not a dilemma for Voden. By showing immense effort though, he ascended through the ranks of the Brotherhood in Arcona.
He was a member during the Ninth Great Jedi War as well, but failed his clan by not participating with them in the experience. For this, many members of the clan lost their respect for him. However, after the War, he dedicated himself entirely to his training and managed to be promoted from Jedi Hunter to the final Journeyman rank of Dark Jedi Knight. Upon this promotion, he has been accepted into the urban warfare infiltration team known as Sukhur's Legion by the Quaestor Zakath.
Now a Trooper, he is dedicating himself to his battleteam and the collective success of it. However, he still has not forsaken his studies and continues to train in both melee combat hand to hand combat. His studies consist of continued study of strategy and various interrogation techniques which he shall utilize for the service of Arcona. With these skills, he hopes to prove himself in his Clan.
DJB Facts
Positions Held
List positions that are important.
Outstanding Achievements
Anything you're proud of.
Trivia
Interesting or important facts that do not fall under the other two categories.