Daal

Daal was a Force-sensitive human female who lived on a planet where she worked in an Imperial workhouse as an orphan. At some point, she received an amulet that allowed for communication to a Sith Lord known as the Sith Mother. The Sith instructed Daal to travel to the mountain known as Screecher's Reach and promised a new life if she passed a test. Eventually, she decided that it was time to go and stormed out of the workshop. Daal and her friends Baython, Keena, and Quinn stole speeders from the workshop to travel to the mountain. They eventually arrived at a treeline and spoke about a ghost known as the Screecher that supposedly lived in the cave. Baython and Daal briefly talked about their lives, and he told Daal that if she had the opportunity to pursue a better life, then she should take it and not look back.

Eventually, the children arrived at the mountain and entered its cave. They reached a large clearing within and encountered the Screecher. The cave crumbled around the children, and Baython led Quinn and Keena out while Daal stayed behind. Alone, the Screecher attacked Daal with a red-bladed lightsaber. Daal attempted to escape through an opening in the cave wall and reached out to it, using the Force to pull a large rock down, which knocked down both herself and the Screecher to the cave ground. Regaining her senses, Daal gained sight of the Screecher's true identity—a real old woman. After a brief struggle over the woman's lightsaber, Daal ignited the weapon and killed her.

Daal exited the cave through the opening and reunited with her friends as she reflected on the Screecher being a real person. Baython questioned Daal as to what happened, and she replied that her amulet gave her strength. Suddenly, the Sith Mother's voice emanated from the pendant, telling Daal it was time for them to meet. A starship approached the group, landing before them, and a door opened as the Sith Mother stepped out to meet Daal. After she confirmed that the girl had passed the test and killed the Screecher, Daal joined the Sith on the ship, leaving her friends behind.

Biography

Leaving the workshop

Daal was a Force-sensitive human^[1] orphan^[3] who lived on a planet in the galaxy. While living on the planet, she was a laborer tasked with turning wheels on a pipe to direct steam at the Factory Workshop,^[1] an Imperial workhouse^[4] with challenging conditions.^[5] She sought reprieve from her days there,^[6] feeling she was destined for greater things.^[7] At some point she obtained a golden medal that allowed communication between her and the Sith Lord known as the Sith Mother,^[1] who had recognized that Daal had great potential.^[8] The Sith Mother told Daal that she needed to travel to Screecher's Reach, a mountain that was rumored to be haunted by a ghost known as the Screecher, and would need to pass a test that was within her mind. If she passed, the Sith Mother promised her a new life. She wore the medal around her neck as a necklace.^[1]

One day, Daal was working when she began turning a wheel too quickly, causing a pipe to burst and steam to erupt from it. Frustrated, she exited the workhouse and ripped her gloves off of her hands and grunted as she tore off her protective head covering, revealing her face, red from the steam. After it was off, she panted and unzipped her protective suit.^[1] In the quiet of the outside, she dreamed of escape.^[5] Two friends of Daal's—Baython and Quinn—ran after her as she exited. Baython asked Daal what she was doing, to which she confessed her plan of leaving the workhouse. Quinn celebrated the idea of leaving and asked where they would be heading, and Daal said she was going to Screecher's Reach. Baython replied the walk to the mountain would take three days, but Daal did not care.^[1]

Quinn suggested the trio steal some speeders instead of walking. Keena, another worker from the factory, approached them and asked what was happening, to which Baython smiled and asked if she wanted to see a ghost. With Keena joining the group, Daal led them to the speeders, where Quinn broke the chains securing the vehicles using a handheld device. Keena sat with Daal on her speeder while the others got on theirs and began traveling to the mountain, knocking over two workers controlling small walkers. They passed over a body of water and through a field. As they approached a large section of trees, the group sped up their speeders.^[1]

Confliction

After reaching the treeline, the group sat around a campfire as Baython told stories about the haunted cave^[1] and Daal contemplated her destiny,^[7] full of doubt.^[8] Keena was scared and stated they were just stories, asking Daal for confirmation. Daal held her amulet in her hands and told the others^[1] solemnly^[7] that she believed the ghost was not real, only something that you could see in your mind. After hearing this, Quinn stated that in his mind he was "kick'n her up the arse!" Keena giggled and repeated what he said before kicking him. Quinn chased her around as they both laughed. Daal briefly smiled watching them play together.^[1]

Baython shared a laugh before sitting next to Daal and asking if she was also having fun. He then nudged her arm, saying they were going to see the ghost and that it beat being at the workhouse. Frowning again, Daal pulled her legs back and turned toward the starlit sky. She asked Baython what he would do if he did not have to go back to the workhouse or the farms and if he would leave if he could. Baython told her that there were worse lives. Daal, however, believed there were also better lives. She pulled her legs to her and wrapped her arms around them, burying her face into her knees. Baython looked forward at Quinn—who was now hitting his face against a tree root while Keena laughed—and asked who would take care of him, causing Daal to smile again. A fruit landed on Keena's head, causing the children to laugh and Daal to smile wider and let out a giggle.^[1]

Baython put his hand on Daal's shoulder and acknowledged that she wanted more than what the planet had to offer and told her that if she found out what it was, to take it without looking back. Baython then stood up and walked to the children. Daal smiled up at him before returning to a frown. She looked at the medal in her hand and put it back around her neck. Keena ran up to Daal still giggling, invoking a smile back onto Daal. Keena asked if they were taking the speeders. Daal then plucked the piece of fruit off of Keena's head and picked her up to place her on Baython's shoulders, saying that now she would be traveling in style and to hold on tight. The friends then made their way through the trees to Screecher's Reach.^[1]

Strength and courage

Eventually, the group found themselves at the entrance to the cave. Holding her medal, Daal said the name of Screecher's Reach, and Keena commented that it was a bad place while grabbing at Daal's cape. Staring into the cave, Daal closed her eyes and raised the amulet to her mouth, sighed, and said "I follow your path with strength and courage."^[1] Resolute,^[7] she opened her eyes and let the amulet rest around her neck. She then proceeded into the cave ahead of her friends, stating that some bad places were there to test them. While exploring the cave, Daal ventured ahead of the group, leaving them behind as Baython called out to her. She made her way into a section of the cave where a thick layer of fog rested on the ground as Baython and the others caught up with her.^[1]

Narrowing her eyes, she raised a finger to her mouth and outstretched her hand back, gesturing for them to stop and saying to stay quiet. Looking around, they heard a faint moaning in the cave. Baython, Keena, and Quinn huddled together as a dark figure dashed past the group. Daal began to back up to her friends and turned around to look at them. Baython's lantern flickered as the disturbed Screecher rose behind Daal, rocks floating around her as two bony hands rose behind her head. The children's eyes widened, and Baython struggled to speak, trying to tell Daal that the Screecher was behind her.^[1]

Daal slowly turned around, seeing the towering moaning ghost. The rocks continued to rise, and the Screecher let out a loud shriek, throwing Daal and the others backwards, knocking them to the ground. The cave began to fall apart, large rocks crumbling around them. Daal stood up, looking for the ghost as Baython grabbed Quinn to try to escape the cave. Keena ran to Daal and grabbed her arm to get her to leave with them. Daal refused and told Keena to retreat with the others. The ghost continued shrieking as Keena ran to the others, and Baython made a final yell to Daal for her to come with them. Daal yelled out for them to leave and that she would be right behind them. Reluctantly, they ran, and rocks covered the exit to the rest of the cave and trapped Daal, filling the cave with dust.^[1]

The test

Now in silence, breathing shakily, Daal grabbed on to the amulet.^[1] Believing this was a test of will,^[7] she closed her eyes, recited the saying once more, and assured herself that the ghost was only in her mind. Rocks crumbled through the cave, and she opened her eyes, staring forward into the darkness. She told the amulet to give her strength. The ghost again revealed itself, gently groaning and reaching a hand out toward the young girl. Daal repeatedly repeated the saying and breathed heavily. A crimson red blade of a lightsaber ignited, reflecting in Daal's eyes.^[1]

The Screecher held the Sith lightsaber above her head horizontally, and swung at Daal. She screamed and narrowly dodged the attack falling to the ground, the lightsaber burning her arm. A hole began to form in the top of the cave with light bleeding into the mountain. Realizing the ghost was real, Daal began to run to the exit but tripped on a sharp rock in the cave floor. The Screecher threw her lightsaber, spinning toward Daal. She ducked and the saber struck the rock wall. Standing back up, she looked at the glowing blade before the Screecher pulled it back into the darkness.^[1]

Escape

Daal began to climb the side of the cave, trying to reach the opening to escape. The Screecher approached her, stabbing her lightsaber into the wall and climbing after Daal. Daal frantically climbed, but slightly slipped at the end. Desperate, she reached her hand toward a large jagged rock near the bright opening. The ghost grabbed her ankle, trying to drag her down. The amulet scraped against the wall as Daal once again raised her hand towards the rock, begging for the medal to give her strength. Suddenly, Daal began to pull the rock using the Force, slowly dragging it over the edge. The boulder broke free and tumbled down the side of the wall with Daal, and it struck the Screecher as she shrieked.^[1]

As the dust settled, Daal awakened and kicked back to the wall, panting heavily. She looked forward and laid her eyes on the true identity of the "ghost," seeing it was a real^[1] woman.^[2] The Screecher gasped and tried to use the Force to pull her lightsaber—which was knocked out of her hands—back to her grasp. Daal saw this and leapt for the saber and grabbed it. The woman outreached her hand and tried to pry the lightsaber from Daal's hands using the Force, shrieking louder and causing the cave to crumble again. Daal began to be pulled closer by the Screecher. Igniting the blade, Daal swung at the woman, killing her.^[1]

Don't look back

Staring blankly, Daal emerged from the cave, holding the lightsaber in one hand and her amulet in the other. Her friends spotted her and quickly ran to her. Stunned, Daal quietly spoke and reflected that the Screecher was a real person,^[1] but believed that she did what she had to for survival.^[5] Baython lowered his eyebrows and asked her what she did, and Daal replied that she was strong. She gazed upon her amulet and spoke to it, saying it gave her strength. The indentations in the medal pulsed with red light as the Sith Mother's voice emitted from it, telling Daal that it was time for them to meet. Baython raised his voice, asking Daal what it was that she was holding.^[1]

With a rumble, the Sith Mother's ship emerged from a large glowing light. Daal looked up as the starship blew her cape and hair around as it landed in front of the group. The doors opened and the Sith Mother walked down the steps leading out from the ship. Daal walked up to the tall woman, stating that the Sith had told her that the test was in her mind. The Sith Mother removed her hood and knelt down to the girl, saying that the true test was always in her mind and that she had done what she had to. Holding the deactivated lightsaber in her hands, Daal asked the towering Sith if she passed. She confirmed that Daal had passed, pressing the lightsaber to her chest and stating that the saber belonged to her now.^[1]

The Sith Mother told Daal to come with her. She gasped and turned towards her friends, asking if they would come with them. She was quickly met with a no from the Sith, who said the opportunity was only for Daal, her new Sith apprentice. Keena then spoke, asking Daal who the woman was, and Baython grabbed her and hugged her close. Daal then told her friends that the Sith Mother promised her a new life, a way off the planet. With tears in her eyes, she said she had to try. The Sith's eyes narrowed behind Daal as she told her to make her choice. Keena began to cry as Quinn and Baython stared at Daal disapprovingly. She then weakly smiled and repeated what Baython had said to her earlier about not looking back when presented with a new opportunity. He closed his eyes and gently nodded his head once. Sobbing, she grabbed hold of the Sith Mother's hand and was led to the starship, officially joining her faction. As it lifted off, she looked back out toward her friends as the door shut behind her.^[1]

Personality and traits

Daal was a human female with light skin and red hair. She always wanted there to be more to her life.^[1] Daal had no knowledge of what the Jedi or Sith were.^[8] When she burst a pipe in the workhouse, she became frustrated and stormed out of the factory, throwing her gloves and helmet off. She was determined to travel to Screecher's Reach, even if it meant a three day walk. When Baython attempted to reassure Daal that there were worse lives, she still understood that there were also better lives. Daal cared deeply for her friends, and seeing Quinn and Keena playing together around the campfire made her happy. She spoke to her medal when scared or nervous, telling it to give her strength.^[1]

Daal was scared of the Screecher, but when they were pinned beneath a boulder, Daal retrieved the woman's lightsaber and killed her with it.^[1] When leaving the cave, she was in a daze.^[2] After reuniting with her friends, she reflected on the fact the Screecher was a real person, not a ghost, and that her amulet gave her strength to kill her. Daal asked the Sith Mother if her friends could join her in leaving, but the Sith refused. When she was forced to make a decision by the Sith Mother, Daal sobbed and chose to leave her friends behind in hopes of a better life. As the shuttle left, she looked back at them.^[1]

Powers and abilities

At the workshop, Daal was a worker who turned wheels on pipes and was capable of piloting a speeder stolen from the workshop. She was able to use telekinesis through the Force to pull a large rock from a ledge in Screecher's Reach.^[1]

Equipment

As a worker, Daal wore a black protective suit with a zipper down the middle. The suit also consisted of boots, gloves, and a helmet with a narrow slit for her eyes. When not wearing the suit, Daal wore a black long-sleeved shirt with waist-high tan pants and a purple cape. When in communication with the Sith Mother, Daal wore her golden pendant around her neck. After killing the Screecher with her own crimson-bladed lightsaber, Daal kept it as her own. The saber had a smooth white handle with a bulbed bottom, and the emitter was surrounded by two petal-like protrusions. One side had an activation switch while the other had a red streak running down from the petals.^[1]

Behind the scenes

Development

Daal appeared in "Screecher's Reach," a non-canon short film released as part of the second volume of the Star Wars: Visions series directed by Paul Young. The animated short, produced by Cartoon Saloon, was released on Disney+^[1] on May 4, 2023.^[9] Prior to Daal's appearance in the short film, she was revealed in the official trailer for Star Wars: Visions Volume 2 shown at the Star Wars: Visions panel during the fourth day of Celebration Europe on April 10, 2023.^[10]

In the short, Eva Whittaker voiced Daal. In an interview, Whittaker revealed that she never imagined being able to play a character such as Daal, whom she considered to be strong and cool. During the scene at the camp site, Daal was framed in a circle of light^[8] that represented the friendship and bonding in the scene,^[11] but when doubting and asking Baython if he would leave, she is framed out of the light. In the final scene, the same symbology was used with the circle of light that is closing on Daal and cutting off the attachment she had with her friends^[8] and welcoming her to her new family.^[11] Young believed that Daal possibly began to regret her decision as the Sith Mother's ship's doors closed, unsure if this was the right thing to do.^[8]

Daal's interaction with the Screecher in the cave was based on a scene from the 1980 film Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back^[4] in which the Jedi Luke Skywalker fought a vision of the Sith Lord Darth Vader in the Cave of Evil^[12] but as if the threat was real. Daal's adventure with her friends was tied to the writers' own childhoods.^[4] Young thought of his own childhood when writing Daal's character, coming from a small town and how he was very lucky to go to the art college. It always stuck with him that he was leaving his friends and did not want to gloat about it to them.^[8] Lucasfilm executive producer James Waugh refers to Daal's journey as "a subverted Luke Skywalker story."^[13]

Art and conceptualization

Concept artist Federico Pirovano was responsible for all character designs in the short, as well as defining their visual style from initial concepts into the final delivery. An early design of Daal gave her a larger build, and she wore thick clothes and a scarf. She also held a scrawny blue creature with four legs on a leash. They created multiple pieces of concept art refining Daal's appearance.^[14] Art director^[1] Almu Redondo and Pirovano worked together to create a lineup sheet featuring the main characters of the short, including Daal.^[15] Pirovano also worked with Maria Madelaire to create concept art of Daal and her medal.^[16]

Leo Weiss created concept art pieces of scenes where Daal and the other kids walked through the Factory Workshop that did not make it into the final short film. They also created multiple storyboards for major scenes of the short. Weiss created various environmental concepts of the planet and cave that included Daal.^[17] Redondo also created various art pieces of scenes from the short and created color scripts where they established final tone and design.^[11] Redondo, Weiss, and Pirovano created concept art of Daal and the children on their speeders.^[18] Redondo created a painting for director Young on the last day they were wrapping up production for Screecher's Reach. They shared it to Instagram on January 15, 2024 to celebrate the Emmy won by the short.^[19]

Concept art gallery

Appearances

• Star Wars: Visions — "Screecher's Reach" (First appearance)

Sources

• Star Wars Celebration LIVE! 2023 - DAY 4 on the official Star Wars YouTube channel (backup link) (First mentioned)
• Star Wars: Visions Volume 2 | Official Trailer | Disney+ on the official Star Wars YouTube channel (backup link) (Posted on StarWars.com)
• SWCE 2023: Star Wars: Visions Volume 2 Trailer, Key Art, and Cast Revealed on StarWars.com (backup link)
• This Week! in Star Wars Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023 Recap on the official Star Wars YouTube channel (backup link) (Posted on StarWars.com)
• Star Wars: Visions Filmmaker Focus — "Screecher's Reach"
• With Star Wars: Visions Volume 2, Creators from Around the World Visit the Galaxy Far, Far Away on StarWars.com (backup link)
• This Week! in Star Wars Star Wars Day is Here, Visions Volume 2, and More! on the official Star Wars YouTube channel (backup link) (Posted on StarWars.com)
• Visions Revisited: 5 Highlights from "Screecher's Reach" on StarWars.com (backup link)
• Meet the Visionaries: Paul Young on the Irish Folklore-Inspired Tale of "Screecher's Reach" on StarWars.com (backup link)
• Explore Star Wars: Visions Volume 2 with New Episode Guides on StarWars.com (backup link) (Picture only)
• "Screecher's Reach" Episode Guide | Star Wars Visions Volume 2 on StarWars.com (backup link)
• Our Favorite Scary Star Wars Stories to Thrill You This Halloween Season on StarWars.com (backup link)
• Director Paul Young On "Screecher's Reach" | Star Wars: Visions Volume 2 on StarWars.com (backup link)
• Star Wars: Best of 2023 on StarWars.com (backup link) (Picture only)
• Star Wars: Visions Nominated for 6 Annie Awards on StarWars.com (backup link)
• Star Wars: Visions Wins 2 Annie Awards on StarWars.com (backup link)
• "Jedi Master's Quiz" — Star Wars Insider 224 (Indirect mention only)
• "Phantoms of the Space Opera" — Star Wars Insider 228
• Star Wars Celebration - DAY 3 Replay on the official Star Wars YouTube channel (backup link) (livestream no longer available)
• "Vision Quest" — Star Wars Insider 231

Notes and references