- "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
The Mandalorian who would later be known to the galaxy as the Mandalorian leader Dolash was born in 12 ABY on the Smuggler's Moon above Nal Hutta. Named Lash at birth, he and his twin sister Erin were raised briefly by their surviving parent. Between extortion, threats of gang violence, and scavenging, desperate living became the norm like it was for so many others on Nar Shaddaa. The trio lived in a predominantly Nikto sector of the city that was run by a swoop gang called the Ironside Shriekers. Though still quite young, both Lash and Erin often found themselves performing menial tasks for the gang due to their mother's ailing health. But the paltry sum of credits they received for these tasks was simply not enough to cover the cost of more successful treatments. Around 19 ABY their mother passed, leaving the twins with only themselves and the Ironside Shriekers as their surrogate family.
Growing up under the care of a swoop gang presented its own unique challenges, but the scrappy twins adapted to them in their own way. As they grew up, Erin was becoming something of a rising young star within the Shriekers. She took to the lifestyle with much more enthusiasm than her brother, often going so far as to act the bully to her weaker sibling in order to gain respect. On one occasion she even suggested ejecting Lash from the gang, though this motion was squashed by the gang's Nikto leader Etic Vaan. Vaan observed Lash's mechanical aptitude on a number of occasions. He seemed to have a way with fixing things, certainly a handy skill to have around in a swoop gang. Still, he did nothing to stop the taunts of the smaller one's twin and fellow gang members alike. He hoped in time it would toughen Lash up, and in a way he was right.
Teenage Rebellion
Lash's relationship with what was left of his family was crumbling. About 25 ABY, the Ironside Shriekers had significantly increased their influence on Nar Shaddaa, causing a number of interested parties to take notice. In addition to their usual spice and small arms trafficking, The Shriekers had begun to probe into rival territory. They had established a small presence in a nearby red light sector in direct opposition to another gang and had even begun to take part in the trading of a small number of slaves. It was this overzealous expansion that damned them in the end. Etic Vaan ordered a raid into one of his rival's spice labs in order to take it over himself. He sent his best lieutenant along with a small raiding party of volunteers - Erin among them - in order to accomplish this. The result was disastrous, as Vaan's rival had purchased advanced security droids to defend his lab after the Shriekers first pressed into his territory. In retaliation, the rival gang raided and burned one of Vaan's storehouses. An all out street war was brewing on Nar Shaddaa.
Vaan sent out a large raiding party to engage his rival, remaining at his own base of operations himself with only a token force for defense. Lash, who was also at the Shriekers' headquarters, captialized on the opportunity and put in motion a plan he'd made weeks prior after spending some time digging around on the holonet. It turned out Vaan had more enemies than just his one gang rival. His dealings were cutting into Black Sun operations whether he knew it or not, and the price on his head for that was significant. Palming a holdout blaster, Lash furthered the chaos of the Ironside Shriekers' situation by breaking open the slave pens in the back warehouse. With Vaan's token defense force occupied, he confronted the Nikto and put a smoking hole in his head. After making his escape, he delivered his head to the Black Sun and was rewarded with a tidy sum of credits for the effort. Lash got himself a blaster worth its weight, some cheap armor, and passage off-world. The already crumbling ties to his family had been severed that day, and as the shuttle whisked its passengers off of Nar Shaddaa, Lash silently hoped they were all still burning in whatever dark pit death left them in.
A Career Man
Lash bagged a couple of two bit criminals in his short stint as a bounty hunter, building up his confidence to a point where he chose to take on a job tackling the leader of another swoop gang on Tatooine. Posted by the lieutenant of a hutt, the bounty contract stipulated that this swoop gang was moving into territory that didn't belong to them . The lieutenant was looking to hire someone to assist him in taking the gang down. To Lash, it sounded like all too familiar territory. Either through negligence or ignorance on the part of the client, the contract failed to mention the possibility of the gang's imperial connections. In addition to the rabble that were typically attracted to swoop gangs, Lash and the Hutt's lieutenant were surprised to find a small contingent of imperial storm troopers within the compound. Both were quickly defeated, and though Lash survived the initial fight, the gang decided to dispatch him by throwing him into their sub-level beast pit. The gang had a reputation for running gambling rings on fights between exotic creatures, and as Lash came face to face with a matured Nexu, he understood this reputation was not exaggerated.
But by luck or fate, the situation was being monitored by another group. A firefight soon broke out in the upper levels while an unarmed Lash struggled to keep his focus on evading the Nexu he was trapped with. He could only make out the situation going on around him by what he heard, but it brought a queer sense of satisfaction - at least he wasn't dying alone. Eventually, one of the compound raiders took notice of him in the beast pit, injured and exhausted. He evened the odds by throwing his own vibro-ax between Lash and the Nexu. Now armed, he rushed the beast. The nexu glanced his brow with a swipe but the aggressive rush paid off when the teenaged boy managed a clumsy but effective counter.
The raiders, he learned later, were a small band of Mandalorians who were on Tatooine hunting an imperial official - the very same official who had been at the swoop gang's compound with his small retinue and who had played a part in Mandalore's occupation. Their leader introduced himself as Barduun Ordo, and after witnessing his fight in the pit, Barduun offered him a place in Clan Ordo. There seemed little reason not to accept. Lash joined the clan, taking on the name Dolash along with the knowledge they had to offer and the responsibilities that came with it. Dolash learned how to properly handle a blaster in addition to taking on extensive hand-to-hand and edged weapon training. His reckless aggression became tempered by skill and discipline, and before long his confidence built stronger - and this time, it was warranted. When he finally saw his first taste of real conflict, his new clan ensured these qualities would be tempered even further still.
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.
Baron Michael Smith
His keenness was picked up on by the Baron who oftentimes 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 an 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 oftentimes 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 thrust 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 oftentimes 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.
Voden's long and much needed rest.
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 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 used 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 dark side. He would be a Dark Jedi.
Appearance
Dolash has a somewhat short, stocky build accentuated by lean, hard musculature built up by a rigorous training regiment and hardened by years of combat. His skin is stark white with a very subtle bluish tint. Covering much of his face are harsh, dark tattoos given to him by a member of the Iwu Krouh. They take on the shape of a deep, jagged line bisecting his skull and a series of similar patterns that cover the majority of his cheeks and under his eyes. In addition, Dolash wears a pair of silver studded nose piercings. These, and the scar on his right brow accentuate a seemingly permanent scowl.
Attire
Dolash's battle armor, "Cabur Beskar'gam", which he is rarely seen without, bears silver colored durasteel plates over a flight suit with a deep black core and beige sleeves and legs. Additional plates cover is forearms with one bearing the sigil of a Mythosaur skull. The leg plates and gauntlets are covered up with thick, padded cloth meant to augment his armor with added protection against elements, particularly wind, rain, and desert sands in addition to user comfort. The matching helmet is silver with deep blue accents along its t-shaped visor, with a heavy neck-wrap attached to the back of it for convenience with a full sized red cloak extending the whole way down his back.
Cabur Beskar'gam
The Cabur Beskar'gam is based on the Old Republic Clone Armor. While the Empire chose to completely redesign the clone armor into the ubiquitous stormtrooper armor, Dolash instead refined the old clone trooper armor in to what he refers to as "Cabur Beskar'gam". The armor incorporates some technology copied from stormtrooper suits bought off the Black Market.
Technical Info:
22 Piece Anti-Blaster Matrix Cocoon Armor Shell worn over a black Climate-Controlled Body Glove. The armor itself is made up of two layers: Matrix armor and Inner Insulator Body Glove.
Helmet: Reinforced helmet contains Breathing Filters, Atmospheric Cycling Unit, Atmospheric Intake and Processing Unit, and power cells. It features cellular padding inside the helmet and a hermetic auto-seal at its base. Helmet computer is located above comlink microphone (nose of helmet); lateral sensor housing is located on helmet flanks. Helmet is cooled and atmosphere-processed to keep the trooper operating at peak efficiency at all times. The two vents on the back of the helmet are heat dispersion panels. A comlink helmet speaker uses three-phase sonic filtering for clear sound (it is connected to the audio pickup). Talking to others without commlinks in their armor is achieved using the helmet's Vocoder.
Communications: Tongue Toggled - Voice-Activated Comlink The helmet is also able to pick up transmissions made by non-linked comlinks. [The comlink uses linked encoding sequences to change frequencies every few seconds while keeping everyone present in his unit synchronized. If the helmet is removed without Dolash first hitting the comlink's tongue toggled control stud, the frequency coding routine is automatically deleted from that helmet].
Visual Systems: Polarizing Lenses to protect against intense glare which provide enhanced combat vision. The Cabur Beskar'gam has a HUD system based on the Multi-Frequency Targeting and Acquisition System (MFTAS) used by stormtroopers. This system assists perception in darkness, smoke and other low-visibility situations. It also assists in aiming against moving targets.
Backplate: Contains an (automatically activating) emergency 30 minutes of oxygen if Dolash is exposed to (and moves through) vacuum or underwater (part of pressured gas system). It also contains a power pack.
Stomach Armor: Contains Manual Suit Seal and Environmental Controls.
Dolash in his Cabur Beskar'gam.
Thigh Armor: Both have reinforced alloy plate ridge and lower right side near the knee contains Suit Systems power cells (looks like a row of boxes).
Boots: Because movement is essential, the boots are not as heavily armored as the rest of the suit. Instead of Matrix armor, the boots are armored with lighter Ceramoid, whose main property is an incredibly high melting point. They are also terrain grip boots, which aid Dolash in surmounting difficult terrain.
Armor (protection): This armor is effective in protection, but it reduces the dexterity of its wearer to a degree. It protects the wearer from harsh environments, projectile and impact weapons, blast shrapnel and glancing blaster bolts. It even provides some measure of protection against radiation. The key of the armor is the use of matrix armor, a room temperature superconductor, which allows the user to take most blaster hits and use it power up his suit or blaster. In addition, because of its superconductor properties, the entire suit can be charged with electricity, making it deadly to touch and capable of heating up the armor to the degree where touching it causes major burns.
Armor (miscellaneous): The armor is also equipped with IFF circuitry for identification and command purposes much like a transponder works for a starship. Dolash also realized that someone in a white suit is abnormally easy to spot in many terrains. As such, he is always equipped with a camouflage spray paint with which to paint his suit prior to entering the combat zone. After the battle is over, the spray can be removed with a special solvent.
Body Glove: The body glove utilized by the Cabur Beskar'gam is also based on that of the stormtroopers, allowing its wearer's operation in most climates from total vacuum to extremes in cold and heat for limited amounts of time. Unlike stormtrooper armor, carbon fibers are completely interlaced throughout the body glove, affording it better durability and resistance to tears and punctures.
Weapons
Dolash with Vengeance when Kieran presented it to him.
Dolash currently wields two weapons. Since becoming a Dark Jedi Knight, he has always insisted on having his Arconan lightsaber. It is a simple design with the Arconan logo on it. When ignited it, emits a light blue blade. He also always has Vengeance with him. For him, Vengeance has much more sentimental value which is why has named it, rather than naming his lightsaber. However, to honor his Dark Jedi values, he insists on having his lightsaber at hand at all times.
Vengeance
His most preferred weapon will always be Vengeance though. Since fighting for the first time with a real melee weapon, Vengeance always acted as the extension of his arm in all combat situations since. For this reason alone, it has continued to remain his priority weapon in combat. The sword was made for him by a Mandalorian blacksmith, yet despite its absence of beskar, he still refers to it as a beskad.
Since Vengeance is about a third the length of the average lightsaber, it is very advantageous for getting inside the reach of his opponents. By doing so, he can eliminate his combatant's ability to utilize long strokes with their lightsaber. It is sharpened on both edges as well, unlike other beskads.
For all of these reasons and more, Vengeance remains the most invaluable tool in Dolash's inventory. The sentimental value it has for him is immeasurable. That, and the practical use of it is quite expansive. In many cases than not, he would much prefer to have it over a lightsaber. Despite this, his lightsaber remains for when there is need for a beam of energy that can deflect concentrated volleys of blaster fire, something a beskad just could not keep up with.
DJB Facts
Positions Held
Outstanding Achievements