Lily Tora-Asi

Lily Tora-Asi was a human female Jedi Knight who lived during the High Republic Era. Alongside her former Jedi Master, Arkoff, and her Padawan, Keerin Fionn, Tora-Asi was stationed on the remote planet Banchii, where she trained the Jedi younglings Nima Allets and Viv'Nia Nia'Viv and helped establish the planet's Jedi temple. Shortly after settling Banchii, she met the native Banchiians and suggested setting up an area to share items with the residents of a settlement. In the aftermath of the Great Hyperspace Disaster in 232 BBY, Tora-Asi and her fellow Jedi worked to help displaced civilians relocate to Banchii. After the residents of the settlement requested help, Tora-Asi investigated the nearby forest, where she found several residents that had been killed or turned to wood. She then returned to the settlement to find it under attack by the Drengir, a type of sentient carnivorous plant. As lightsabers were ineffective against them, she devised a plan to burn the Drengir, and with the help of the other Jedi, defeated them.

In 230 BBY, Tora-Asi had the settlement's farmers work on creating bunkers in case of an attack by the Nihil marauders. Jedi Master Savina Besatrix Malagán arrived on Banchii, and while Tora-Asi argued with her about the best way to prepare for the Nihil, an explosion was set off near the bunkers. After uncovering several bombs, Tora-Asi visited the Starlight Beacon space station and delivered a report to Arkoff and Jedi Master Stellan Gios. Upon returning to Banchii, she found it under attack by the Nihil. During the fighting, Fionn was deceived by the Nihil spy Zaret and killed. Following her Padawan's death, Tora-Asi decided to destroy Banchii's temple to prevent the Nihil from finding the information they were seeking from it. After the Nihil retreated, the Jedi received a message from the Jedi Council informing them that Starlight Beacon had fallen and all Jedi were being recalled to the galactic capital Coruscant. However, Tora-Asi defied the Council's orders and chose to remain on Banchii to protect it.

Around 228 BBY, she reunited with the other Jedi, who had returned to Banchii. As they worked together to reconstruct the temple, the wooden bodies of those killed in the Drengir attack rose from their graves and spoke to the Jedi. Grand Master Yoda and former Jedi Azlin Rell arrived to assist in the investigation, and they learned that the wooden figures had been raised by the Drengir. Shortly after, Nihil forces led by the scientist Niv Drendow Apruk arrived to once again attack Banchii. With the help of the Drengir and Banchiians, Tora-Asi and the other Jedi defeated the Nihil and their Force-consuming Nameless creatures, causing Apruk to retreat.

Following the battle, Tora-Asi decided to once again prepare for the possibility of another Nihil attack. The Drengir informed her they soon needed to leave, but agreed to protect Banchii. When a group of Banchii residents who had previously evacuated returned, she warned them of the danger, but eventually accepted their offer to help prepare for the Nihil attack. After the Drengir departed in their shuttle, she had the residents take shelter in a warehouse. Soon after, the Nihil Minister of Advancement Baron Boolan arrived on Banchii and offered the Jedi an opportunity for advancement. Tora-Asi claimed she would consider the offer and visited the warehouse, where she assured its inhabitants she would protect them, then left to battle the Nihil. Although the Nameless posed a threat to the Jedi, they were defeated with the help of Banchii's civilians, and the Nihil fled soon after. Banchii's residents celebrated their victory, and Tora-Asi reflected on the recent events.

The same year, Tora-Asi was selected as a member of a secondary team that served as a backup team to the Luminous Nine, a Jedi team that embarked on a mission to Planet X to stop the plague known as the blight. Tora-Asi attempted to help Arkoff when he was bitten by a Nameless shortly before the mission, and accompanied the rest of the team to retrieve the Nine from Planet X after they succeeded.

Biography

Settling Banchii

The Banchiians

Lily Tora-Asi was a Force-sensitive human female who served as a Jedi of the Jedi Order during the High Republic Era.^[1] She was the Padawan of the Wookiee Jedi Master Arkoff and eventually became a Jedi Knight and took on her own Padawan, Keerin Fionn. During her time as a Knight, Arkoff continued to serve as a mentor to Tora-Asi.^[2] Around 232 BBY,^[6] Tora-Asi helped set up the Jedi temple on the remote Outer Rim planet Banchii in the Inugg system and made several supply runs to Hon-Tallos, another^[2] planet^[7] in the Inugg system.^[8] Tora-Asi served in an instructional capacity at Banchii's temple, and in addition to Fionn, her students included the Jedi younglings Nima Allets and Viv'Nia Nia'Viv.^[9]

One morning shortly after settling Banchii, Tora-Asi, Fionn, Allets, Nia'Viv, and the droid DD-1A found a cave in the forest near the temple. After they entered the cave, Tora-Asi noticed Nia'Viv fidgeting and reminded^[10] her^[3] that she was not alone and to remember her friendship with Allets. Fionn commented she was good with younglings, to which Tora-Asi replied her words were because she was responsible for them. While exploring the cave, Allets triggered a trap that shot small wooden arrows at her, after which a group of Banchiians—small^[10] avians native to Banchii^[9]—began to attack the Jedi. Tora-Asi used the Force to calm the energy around them, and the Banchiians stopped their attack.^[10]

She then noticed goods that had previously gone missing from the nearby settlement and realized that the Banchiians were the cause of complaints the settlers had made. As the Banchiians did not speak the same language as the Jedi, Tora-Asi instructed Allets to communicate with them by drawing in the sand. The Jedi realized that the Banchiians did not have a concept of ownership, and so Tora-Asi suggested setting up a space to leave shareable items in the community. After Allets explained this to the Banchiians, they offered to return the stolen items, but Tora-Asi allowed them to keep them. The Jedi then returned to the temple to report their findings.^[10]

Helping others

In the aftermath of the Great Hyperspace Disaster^[2] in 232 BBY,^[6] Tora-Asi and Arkoff were assigned to help displaced civilians resettle on Banchii. While traveling back to Banchii, the two spoke about the disaster and finding a balance between caring for others and feeling their agony. Tora-Asi promised to go farther than Arkoff had and said she expected her own Padawan to do the same. She then prepared for their arrival and checked in on the settlers. While she did, she asked the settler Kooba about his seeds, which unbeknownst to both Kooba and Tora-Asi, were actually from the Drengir, a type of sentient carnivorous plant. When their ship landed, they were greeted by Fionn and the younglings. After welcoming the settlers, Tora-Asi delivered medicine to Silar, a doctor stationed at the Banchii temple, and spoke with them about helping the settlers.^[2]

Later, while meditating with Fionn, Tora-Asi experienced a Force vision of someone asking her for help, but did not tell Fionn about it when^[2] he^[3] noticed her reaction. She was then nearly hit by Nia'Viv's training lightsaber after she lost her grip while practicing with Allets. The two younglings and Arkoff approached Tora-Asi and Fionn, and Arkoff asked them to do a demonstration, which they agreed to. Tora-Asi and Fionn dueled twice, during which Arkoff asked the younglings about what they saw and taught them about the care that they should take while using a lightsaber. When the demonstration was finished, Tora-Asi gave advice on dueling to the younglings and then spoke with Fionn about the progress Allets and Nia'Viv were making.

Around the time of the dedication ceremony of the Starlight Beacon space station^[8] in 232 BBY,^[6] Tora-Asi met with^[8] Jedi Padawan^[3] Lula Talisola and^[8] her^[3] friend Zeen Mrala.^[8]

Investigation

Some time later,^[2] by then 231 BBY,^[11] Tora-Asi was walking in the settlement with Fionn when she saw the Jedi archivist Ru-Ru assist a civilian and reflected that they had finally reached a balance with everyone in the settlement. While she spoke with Fionn about the upcoming harvest season, Zaret, a spy for the Nihil marauders undercover as a farmer, came to them and asked for the Jedi to check on Kooba, who had not been seen for some time. They arrived to find that Kooba was unresponsive, and so Fionn brought Silar and Arkoff. While they examined Kooba, he suddenly responded that he was fine. Silar and the Jedi left, but decided to check on him later.^[2]

When they returned to the temple, a group of residents had gathered to seek help from the Jedi. The residents explained that areas of their farms had been uprooted and they had heard strange noises. Tora-Asi agreed to investigate, and Arkoff asked her to take the younglings with her to help broaden her perspective. While they searched the nearby forest with the help of DD-1A, Fionn asked Tora-Asi if younglings made her uncomfortable. She responded that they did not, but admitted they were sometimes too much for her. Tora-Asi told him Arkoff thought she needed to be more flexible, but she felt it was important to hold on to her principles. The Jedi then discovered plant residue and tracks leading back to the settlement. Tora-Asi ordered the younglings and DD-1A to return to alert Arkoff, and she and Fionn rushed back to the settlement. On the way, they discovered Kooba, who appeared to have been turned to wood, and several dead residents.^[2]

Defense of Banchii

As they got closer to the settlement, Tora-Asi saw that it was on fire and yelled for the residents to head to the temple. She soon saw that the Drengir were attacking the settlement and that several civilians had been killed or turned to wood. Tora-Asi and Fionn, who were soon joined by Arkoff and Ru-Ru, began fighting the Drengir, but found that they regenerated too fast for their lightsabers to be effective. During the fight, Tora-Asi heard a scream from the temple, and she and Fionn headed there while Ru-Ru and Arkoff stayed behind to continue fighting the Dregnir. In the temple, they found Allets and Nia'Viv attempting to fight off another Drengir. Tora-Asi quickly dispatched it, but it began regenerating. As it did, she began formulating a plan. When the Drengir regenerated, she extinguished her lightsabers to bait it into attacking her and then lured it out of the temple.^[2]

Tora-Asi and Fionn regrouped with Arkoff and Ru-Ru, who believed that they had defeated a Drengir by slicing it in two, only to see it regenerate into separate creatures. Now knowing that lightsabers were ineffective against the Drengir, Tora-Asi asked Arkoff and Ru-Ru to drive them to the space in front of a nearby lake while she prepared several barrels of flammable oil. Once her preparations were complete, Tora-Asi used the Force to splash the creatures with the liquid and then had Fionn burn them with a torch. Noticing that the Drengir were still moving, the four Jedi worked together to fan the flames engulfing the creatures and finally stopped them. Following the battle, Tora-Asi felt a disturbance in the Force on^[2] the Outer Rim planet^[12] Valo, where the Republic Fair was being attacked by the Nihil, but felt that she must keep her attention on Banchii.^[2]

Advice from a master

A week later, Jedi Master Stellan Gios visited Banchii while checking on all the temples in the sector. Gios spoke with Tora-Asi, telling her of the Nihil attack on Valo and the Great Progenitor, a being who controlled the Drengir, and reassured her that the Banchii temple still stood because of her bravery. Gios then informed her that the Jedi Council had summoned Arkoff to assist Gios. Tora-Asi was worried about the possibility of a Nihil attack and did not want Arkoff to leave, but she accepted the Council's decision when Arkoff asked her to change her perspective. Before exiting the temple, Tora-Asi promised Arkoff that she would protect Banchii in his absence and water his plants. After she left, Gios told Arkoff that he was strict with her, but agreed that she was the type to thrive under criticism.^[2]

Outside, Tora-Asi addressed the concerns of the settlement's residents about the Nihil and Drengir, reassuring them that the Jedi would protect them. After the civilians departed, Gios exited the temple and spoke with Tora-Asi again, telling her that she must act as a bridge between the Jedi and the people and reminding her that all Jedi learned from their experiences and difficulties.^[2]

Disturbances

After Arkoff and Gios left, Tora-Asi held a training session for Fionn and the younglings. While Fionn and Allets sparred, Tora-Asi worked with Nia'Viv on her control of the Force. When Nia'Viv was distracted by her friend's victory over Fionn in their sparring match, Tora-Asi told her to remain focused and alert to any disturbances in the Force. The youngling asked how she would know what a disturbance was, and Tora-Asi decided the topic was too advanced, suggesting they practice her telekinesis instead. It then began to rain, and the Jedi returned to the temple.^[2]

While sleeping, Tora-Asi felt a disturbance in the Force and saw a vision of the Drengir and the Nihil, waking her. She decided to survey the settlement's perimeter with Fionn. While doing so, she questioned Zaret, asking^[2] him^[3] if he had seen anything unusual the previous night. Zaret claimed to have been organizing Kooba's stockroom and suggested planting something meaningful to honor his memory, reminding Tora-Asi of the seed container Kooba had owned and causing her to run back to the temple.^[2]

After Tora-Asi returned to the temple, Silar reported that the Drengir appeared to have mutated based on Banchii's resources and that they had found unusual spores during an autopsy. Silar was unsure of the spores' purpose, but believed their progression had stopped after the defeat of the Great Progenitor. Tora-Asi suggested that Kooba may have brought the seeds in his container and that someone may have been using him to plant the Drengir on Banchii. Because the Nihil had used Drengir on Valo, the Jedi were concerned about a Nihil presence on Banchii and decided to alert both the nearby temple on Hon-Tallos and Starlight Beacon.^[2]

The Nihil threat

Preparing for the pirates

Between 231 BBY and 230 BBY,^[13] Silar finished their analysis of the Drengir and reported it to Tora-Asi. They concluded that the Drengir's ability to turn individuals to wood appeared unique to Banchii and asked Tora-Asi if she had found Kooba's container, which she had not. The two asked each other how they were doing, and both agreed that staying busy helped keep their minds off the events of the Drengir's attack.^[8]

As she was still concerned about the possibility of a Nihil attack, Tora-Asi had the settlement's farmers work on constructing bunkers. When one farmer asked why, saying that they would rather be fixing their farm to prepare for the harvest, Tora-Asi reminded them that they needed to stay alert for Nihil attacks, but the residents were not convinced and insisted that they needed to repair their farms instead. Tora-Asi then walked to where Fionn was training with Allets and Nia'Viv. She scolded them about being distracted, but the younglings protested that the Banchiians wanted to join their training, and Fionn reminded her that she had wanted to continue their dialogue with the Banchiians. Tora-Asi responded by stating their priorities had changed, after which Fionn stated his concerns about the expression on her face, noting Arkoff had warned him about it. She then admitted she was overexerting herself to keep others from worrying.^[8]

A difference of opinion

In 230 BBY,^[14] Jedi Master Savina Besatrix Malagán arrived in the settlement to check on Banchii, as she suspected the Nihil to be in the system. Although Tora-Asi had never met her, she was aware of her reputation and told her Padawan that Malagán was "unique" before going to welcome her. After hearing why Malagán had arrived, Tora-Asi claimed that they were too small for the Nihil to attack, but Malagán pointed out she was still preparing for an attack and did not believe what she said. When Nia'Viv and Allets arrived to introduce themselves to the Jedi Master, Fionn mentioned that Malagán had landed her Jedi Vector in the construction zone, which frustrated Tora-Asi.^[8]

Malagán and Tora-Asi debated how they should prepare for the Nihil, with Malagán wanting to arm civilians with blasters and break down homes in the settlement for the materials necessary for a sufficient defense. Tora-Asi and Fionn opposed her suggestions, wanting to protect the civilians' way of life, but Malagán argued that survival was more important, also telling Tora-Asi she should be prepared to give up the temple in an emergency. Malagán then tried to convince Tora-Asi to question the settlers about the Nihil, which she refused to do to avoid causing a panic.^[8]

Bunker bombing

As they discussed what to do, Zaret set off an explosion near the bunkers. Although there were no serious injuries, Tora-Asi sent some of the settlers to be checked in the temple's infirmary. Inside the temple, Tora-Asi presented several bombs that had been recovered. The Jedi discussed the possibility of a Nihil presence on Banchii and decided to restrict travel to and from the planet. Tora-Asi told the younglings and Ru-Ru to not engage the Nihil on their own, and she and Ru-Ru decided to contact Arkoff to ask for his advice.^[8]

After attempting to contact the Jedi Master, Ru-Ru reported that comms were down, prompting Malagán to suggest Tora-Asi visit Starlight Beacon to get help. Although Tora-Asi was reluctant to leave Banchii unattended, she agreed to go. Malagán suggested she bring Nima and Allets with her to broaden their experiences, which Tora-Asi agreed to after seeing the excitement of the younglings. Before departing, Tora-Asi asked Ru-Ru to help keep the settlers calm and for Fionn to keep an eye on Malagán and protect Banchii. She then spoke with Malagán, telling her that although they had different philosophies, she welcomed her ideas. Malagán responded by telling Tora-Asi to be more like water instead of rigid like stone.^[8]

Visit to Starlight

After arriving on Starlight, Tora-Asi began to look for Gios and Arkoff. Tora-Asi approached a human Jedi that Allets pointed out, who told her about the Great Jedi Rumble Race which was about to start, but did not know where Gios and Arkoff were. Tora-Asi questioned whether it was wise to host a race at that time, but considered that taking a moment for fun could be needed. Because Starlight was blocked for the event, she suggested to the younglings that they join the race in order to get around the station. Although she was briefly caught up in trying to win the race, Tora-Asi remembered her actual goal and was able to find Arkoff and Gios. She permitted Allets and Nia'Viv to finish the race and then informed the masters of the explosion caused by the Nihil.^[8]

Although Tora-Asi tried to take responsibility for allowing the attack to occur, Gios told her that she should reflect on her actions, but did not think she should be blamed. Both Arkoff and Gios agreed that the Nihil were likely to attack Banchii again, and informed Tora-Asi that Arkoff would not return to Banchii for some time. They then discussed the differences between Tora-Asi and Malagán, with Gios again telling Tora-Asi that she needed to be more flexible, as well as more confident. Before ending the meeting, Tora-Asi thanked Gios and Arkoff and told them that the younglings were almost ready for their Initiate Trials.^[8]

While walking to find Allets and Nia'Viv, Tora-Asi ran into Lula Talisola and Zeen Mrala. They recalled their last meeting, and Tora-Asi commented that they seemed different. Mrala responded that it had been tough dealing with recent disasters, then asked how Tora-Asi was holding up with Malagán, but she did not understand the question. After telling Taliosa and Mrala about the purpose of her visit to Starlight, Tora-Asi left to find Allets and Nia'Viv. Taliosa then told Mrala that she was worried that Banchii's comms were down, but did not want to say so in front of Tora-Asi.^[8]

Attack on Banchii

After Tora-Asi and the younglings boarded their ship, they were contacted by Gios, who told them he had received a distress call from Hon-Tallos and that the Jedi temple there was under attack. Although Tora-Asi was concerned, she decided to not be pessimistic.^[8]

Upon arriving above Banchii, several Nihil ships began attacking Tora-Asi's transport. She attempted to return to the temple, but although the ship was sturdy, Tora-Asi was forced to make an emergency landing in the nearby forest. After making sure the younglings were not injured, she led them to the temple to check on the others. She found Fionn, Ru-Ru, and several civilians engaged in combat with the Nihil and joined the fighting, saving Fionn from one of the last Nihil remaining.^[8]

Fionn informed his master that they had found evidence of sabotage within the temple and then noticed that Allets and Nia'Viv were missing. Concerned about their safety, Fionn decided to search for them in the forest. Tora-Asi was worried about her Padawan's decision, but was unable to stop him before another group of Nihil began attacking. Malagán assured Tora-Asi that she would follow Fionn and told her to remain at the temple, as she knew it best. As the Nihil approached, Tora-Asi ignited her lightsabers and fought back to defend the temple.^[8]

Deception and destruction

In the forest, Malagán and Fionn found the younglings with a group of Banchiians, who showed the Jedi to a large cannon that the Nihil were using. Fionn attempted a sneak attack and took a Nihil hostage, but the Nihl responded by pretending to take Zaret, who Fionn was unaware was a Nihil spy, as a hostage of their own. Fionn cooperated and the Nihil released Zaret, who then fatally shot Fionn with his blaster pistol. Hearing the sound of the shot, Tora-Asi rushed towards the forest. On the way, she found Ru-Ru and the younglings, who told her about the Nihil cannon.^[8]

Tora-Asi arrived to find Fionn's body being held by Malagán, who told her of Zaret's betrayal. Mentally, Tora-Asi blamed herself for her Padawan's death and clutched his body while refusing to leave. Eventually, Malagán convinced her that they needed to continue. She finally released Fionn and stood, suggesting to Malagán that they use the ship she had landed in the forest to escape. Malagán disagreed with Tora-Asi's plan, explaining that because the Nihil had had left the temple standing, they may have been looking for something within it. After considering Malagán's words and remembering her previous advice of being prepared to give up Banchii's temple, Tora-Asi devised a plan to destroy the temple.^[8]

The two Jedi returned to the temple, where Ru-Ru and the local civilians were attempting to hold off the Nihil. Tora-Asi entered the temple and gave the order to evacuate. She informed the others of Fionn's death, but told them not to lose hope. Following the evacuation, Malagán fought her way to the Nihil cannon and turned it on the Banchii temple. At the same time, Tora-Asi flew up in Malagán's Vector and shot at the temple, destroying it.^[8]

Defying the Council

In the forest, Tora-Asi reunited with the evacuees, then knelt next to Fionn's body and mentally said a farewell to her Padawan, telling him that she had learned much from him. Malagán told the refugees that destroying the temple had been necessary to stop the Nihil from gaining information from it. Tora-Asi responded that Banchii was supposed to be a place to start anew, but had become a wasteland. Malagán then received an urgent transmission from Jedi Masters Xo Lahru, Pra-Tre Veter, and Soleil Agra, who informed them that Starlight Beacon had fallen and that all Jedi were being recalled to^[8] the galactic capital^[6] Coruscant.^[8]

Before the group boarded the cargo ship to return to Coruscant, Malagán said she would stay behind to chase off remaining Nihil on Hon-Tallos. Tora-Asi then also stated her intention to remain on Banchii. Allets tried to convince her to obey the Council's orders, but Tora-Asi explained she now understood that she would have to be flexible like Malagán had told her to be. After saying farewells, the other Jedi and civilians departed, leaving Tora-Asi behind with the Banchiians. She then noticed Fionn's lightsaber, which she picked up. As she watched the smoke from the ruins of the temple, she vowed to herself that as long as she had strength, she would remain on Banchii to protect it^[8] and honor Fionn's legacy.^[9]

Weeks after the fall of Starlight, by then 229 BBY,^[15] the Vurk Jedi Master Harli Cogra wrote a book titled Chronicles of the Jedi, which detailed the Jedi of the High Republic Era. In the sixth chapter of the book, Cogra mentioned Tora-Asi.^[16] Between 229 BBY and 228 BBY,^[17] the Nihil returned to the temple's ruins to search for the journal of Azlin Rell, a former Jedi who had been a Padawan of Arkoff, which was hidden with the ZZ-model droid ZZ-10. Arkoff arrived to rescue the droid and was soon joined by Malagán, who informed Arkoff that Tora-Asi had defied the Council's orders. When ZZ-10 asked about her, Malagán told the droid that Tora-Asi was serious and that^[18] he^[3] would like her.^[18]

Rebuilding and protecting

Reunion

In 228 BBY,^[19] Tora-Asi meditated among a group of grave markers and recalled those who had died in the battles against the Drengir and Nihil, including Fionn. She resolved to be fluid and instead of anticipating what may happen, to instead react in the moment. After being alerted by Shosho, a Banchiian leader, she ended her meditation and met Arkoff and Malagán outside the temple. A transport soon landed, and Allets, Nia'Viv, Silar, Ru-Ru, and ZZ-10 exited. Tora-Asi greeted them all, and they informed her of what had happened since they left. The younglings were eager to help, and so Tora-Asi had Allets go with her to the temple and sent Nia'Viv with Ru-Ru to the settlement.^[1]

Later, the group ate a meal together. Tora-Asi and Arkoff stood together and reflected on how they were able to see the younglings smiling again and how she had changed during her time along on Banchii. She then asked Arkoff if he wanted to talk about Rell, who had killed many people on^[1] the planet^[12] Travyx Prime and turned to the dark side of the Force, but Arkoff did not wish to discuss his former Padawan.^[1]

Malagán suddenly announced that she was going to Astenban, a moon near Banchii's main hyperspace route that was the site of a base the Nihil could use to launch attacks on Banchii and other planets in the region. ZZ-10 and Shosho both wished to go as well, which surprised Tora-Asi, but Malagán agreed to let them accompany her. Before departing in her Vector, Malagán told Tora-Asi that she had changed in a good way and asked her to keep an eye on Arkoff.^[1]

The dead speak

After Malagán's departure, the remaining Jedi and the Banchiians continued working on restoring the Jedi temple. While in the temple's medical facility, Tora-Asi informed Silar and Ru-Ru that she had been sensing a disturbance in the Force. In response, Ru-Ru suggested the possibility of another Nihil attack and Silar expressed their hope that the facility would be sufficient. When Tora-Asi brought up the topic of reinforcing the temple, Silar questioned her decision to leave Allets and Nia'Viv in charge of its main structure. Tora-Asi said that she believed in them, and that Allets had become calmer and Nia'Viv was more proactive.^[1]

She then heard cries from the Banchiians and rushed outside to the younglings. As she did, she sensed the disturbance grow stronger and heard a voice yelling to run. When she arrived, the younglings confirmed that they were unharmed, but had seen someone who looked like Kooba. As Kooba was dead, Tora-Asi suggested the Drengir may have returned, and Ru-Ru proposed that it may have been the youngling's imagination. The Jedi then noticed that Kooba's grave had been disturbed and his body was missing, causing Tora-Asi to decide it was necessary to contact Coruscant. Tora-Asi and Arkoff spoke with^[1] Jedi Grand Master^[3] Yoda and reported what had occurred to^[1] him.^[3] When Arkoff suggested having Rell assist in the investigation, Yoda agreed.^[1]

Later, while the younglings were carrying supplies, Nia'Viv was startled by the wind. Tora-Asi reassured her, reminding her to have patience and understanding for what she did not know, and compared the way people once did not understand the wind to the way they did not understand the figure they had seen. She reminded the younglings to focus on preparing for the Nihil attack and to stay calm to avoid worrying the Banchiians. Tora-Asi then noticed Arkoff nearby and told Ru-Ru she was concerned for her former master, who was thinking about Rell.^[1]

Help arrives

The Jedi were then alerted by their sensors being set off by more of the figures the younglings had seen approaching, and Silar realized that they were the civilians that the Drengir had previously turned to wood. The Banchiians readied their weapons, but Tora-Asi informed them that she did not sense malicious intent. She decided that as Yoda would soon arrive to help with the investigation, and that the wooden figures were standing harmlessly, they should leave them alone.^[1]

After Yoda arrived with Rell and^[1] Jedi Knight^[20] Reath Silas, he commented on the progress that had been made on rebuilding the temple. Tora-Asi apologized to Yoda for disobeying the Council's order to return to Coruscant, but Yoda told her that she had not made a mistake by thinking for herself instead of following orders. The Jedi then examined the wooden bodies and noted that the graves of those turned to wood were empty. Rell announced that he had been sensing fear from everyone, including the Drengir, although he did not know what they feared. Tora-Asi asked him if their fear was why they were telling them to run, and Rell responded by asking her if she claimed to know about fear.^[1]

To further their investigation, Rell suggested dissecting the wooden figures, but Tora-Asi refused, explaining she had not sensed hostility from them. Rell criticized her choice, considering it to be unreasonable, but before she could respond, Arkoff asked to speak with Rell alone. During their conversation, Rell mentioned his surprise that Tora-Asi was in charge of the temple instead of Arkoff, believing her to be naive and inexperienced. Arkoff responded by telling Rell about her strong communication and empathy. Rell replied that although she had been able to communicate with those on Banchii so far, but that there were also those she could not communicate with, and that she did not yet know true fear.^[1]

Unlikely allies

Once Arkoff and Rell returned, Tora-Asi attempted to communicate with the wooden figures and asked them to explain why they had appeared. In response to her question, Drengir emerged from the ground. Rell declared that they must kill them, but Tora-Asi stopped him, saying she did not sense any intent to attack. However, Tora-Asi and Silas both briefly panicked when the Drengir said the words "meat" and "eat", before calming when the Drengir clarified that their intention was not to eat them.^[1]

The Drengir explained that they had been freed from stasis during the battle months before and needed to escape from a plague known as the blight. Tora-Asi and Silas attempted to question the Drengir further, but they stopped responding. Multiple Nihil ships then approached and landed nearby, from which a group of Nihil led by the scientist Niv Drendow Apruk exited along with three Nameless^[1]—Force-consuming creatures who induced overwhelming confusion and terror in Force-sensitives.^[3]

As the Nameless approached, Tora-Asi began to feel their effects and started strategizing for the coming battle. Recalling Fionn's death, she resolved not to let a similar situation happen again and asked Rell to take the younglings to safety. Although both he and Silas were surprised by her request, he agreed, and Allets and Nia'Viv followed him away. While Tora-Asi considered how to deal with the Nameless, the Banchiians said that they would help draw the Nameless away, as they were unaffected by them. To the surprise of Silas, she then asked the Drengir to assist them in the fight, which they agreed to. After noticing the Nihil approaching, the Jedi ignited their lightsabers and prepared to fight.^[1]

Another battle on Banchii

The battle soon began, and Tora-Asi and the other Jedi worked with the Drengir to fight the Nihil. As she fought, Tora-Asi continued to feel the effects of the Nameless, and looked to see where they were. She saw the Banchiians leading one away, but realized there were two others she did not see. One Nameless pursued Rell and the younglings, and Yoda took over escorting them while Rell dealt with it. As the Banchiians struggled to hold off the other Nameless, Tora-Asi realized they needed a plan to defeat them and led the Nameless toward the bunkers they had previously constructed.^[1]

As she reached a bunker, she leapt over it and turned to watch the Nameless, who she hoped would fall into it, but instead also jumped over the bunker. Noticing this, Silas threw a rope at the Nameless, but was unable to reach it. However, a group of Banchiians were able to catch the rope and tie it around the Nameless's leg. They were then able to pull the Nameless back and cause to fall into the bunker. Once it had fallen, Tora-Asi, Silas, and Ru-Ru used the Force to collapse the bunker, sealing the Nameless inside. After seeing that the Nameless had been defeated and learning that the Nihil had been able to capture the Force-sensitive creature Zimtok on Astenban, Apruk decided to retreat.^[1]

After the battle

After Apruk's retreat, a small number of Nihil were left behind^[1] and captured by the Jedi. While Yoda piloted the younglings away in a shuttle, he contacted Tora-Asi via hologram to warn her of the remaining Nameless. She thanked him for the warning and reported that the Nihil were retreating. The Banchiian Banktup told Tora-Asi of a Banchiian village where Nia'Viv and Allets would be protected. Tora-Asi relayed the information to Yoda, and he delivered the younglings there safely. Tora-Asi's transmission was intercepted by a Nihil and was eventually brought to the attention of Eye of the Nihil Marchion Ro, who realized that Yoda would trigger a trap he had set.^[21]

Shortly after, Malagán landed in a captured Nihil ship. Tora-Asi informed Malagán of the situation, and after learning Shosho had stowed away on a Nihil ship, asked her to rescue him, explaining that she could not go herself as she needed to stay on Banchii in case of another attack and wanted to be present when the younglings returned. Malagán agreed to her request, and Arkoff decided to accompany her as well. Tora-Asi promised to the Banchiians that they could rely on the Jedi Masters to rescue Shosho, and then stood to watch as their starship departed.^[1] Silas asked Tora-Asi what their plan was, and she decided they should prepare for another Nihil attack.^[5]

The calm before the storm

While preparing near the temple, Tora-Asi saw Rell and Silas speaking with Drengir and learned that they had suddenly become agitated. The Drengir spoke of their need to return to the Great Progenitor on Eiram and reiterated their fear of the Blight. They requested meat, which Tora-Asi denied, and a ship, which she allowed on the condition the Drengir protect Banchii. After the two sides agreed on the terms, Allets and Nia'Viv returned. Tora-Asi was surprised to see the younglings, who explained that Yoda had left to investigate a disturbance in the Force and never returned. Tora-Asi then granted their request to help fight, though she expressed concern about Yoda.^[5]

A group of residents then returned in a transport, and Tora-Asi questioned why they had come back, warning them it was not safe. One resident responded that they were willing to help contribute to their home despite the risks, and Tora-Asi accepted their offer of assistance. The group then brought supplies to the temple. Later, Tora-Asi worked with the other Jedi and Banchii residents to set traps and prepare for the Nihil attack. After the sun set, Tora-Asi sat around a fire with the rest of the group. She reflected that it was peaceful because the danger they knew was coming had made them determined to live each moment fully. Eventually, she stood and asked Allets and Nia'Viv—who were speaking with Rell—to help load the shuttle they were preparing for the Drengir.^[5]

Boolan's offer

Once Tora-Asi finished helping to load the Drengir shuttle, Allets told her Malagán was contacting them via hologram. The Jedi Master informed Tora-Asi that Zimtok and Shosho had escaped and the Nihil were returning to Banchii, then urged her to prepare for the attack. When the transmission ended, the Drengir told Tora-Asi that they would leave soon, but that the plant life on Banchii would help in their stead. After the Drengir shuttle departed, Tora-Asi asked Allets and Ru-Ru to help evacuate the residents to a storage facility. As she continued to prepare, she reflected that she needed to stay strong and that everyone was counting on her.^[5]

Malagán and Arkoff, along with Malagán's contact Dexter Jettster and Nihil defector Maktan Plynt, landed on Banchii, where they reunited with Shosho and Zimtok and then captured Apruk. Tora-Asi ran to greet the group, and another Nihil ship landed, from which a group led by Nihil Minister of Advancement Baron Boolan exited. Boolan requested that the Jedi come with^[5] him,^[3] claiming to offer them an opportunity for advancement. When Tora-Asi began to respond to the baron, Boolan interrupted her, not realizing she was in charge of the temple. After Silas corrected him, Boolan continued and promised the Jedi he would not harm the Banchiians if they accepted his proposal, though Malagán doubted him. Tora-Asi sensed the Nihil attack was imminent and asked for a moment to consider the offer, then headed for the warehouse where the Banchii residents had evacuated to.^[5]

The final battle

Before entering, Tora-Asi thanked a group of Banchiians standing guard and told them to go inside. Once inside, she informed the residents the Nihil had returned. A human child asked Tora-Asi if they would be okay, and she knelt and assured them they would protect them. She asked Allets, Nia'Viv, and Ru-Ru, and Silar to watch over the residents, then left to face the Nihil. She reflected that although she had always been afraid of the moment, she no longer was, realizing she would not be afraid as long as she understood what she needed to do. She drew her lightsabers and stood to face a group of Nihil charging toward her.^[5]

The Nihil began firing on Tora-Asi, and she deflected their blaster bolts with her lightsabers. As pollen began to obscure the battlefield, Tora-Asi confidently engaged the Nihil in close combat, slashing at them and stabbing a pair behind her back. The marauders surrounded Tora-Asi, and one Nihil realized that the pollen was not the Nihil gas they had believed it to be. Several of the Nihil were then dragged away by vines sent by the Drengir. Tora-Asi thanked them, then renewed her attack.^[5]

Standing together

As she fought, Tora-Asi made her way toward the other Jedi, and at the same time realized the Nihil still outnumbered them. After regrouping with Arkoff and Malagán, Tora-Asi felt the effects of a Nameless and fell to her knees. As the Nameless leapt toward the Jedi, Plynt slammed into it, knocking it down. However, Tora-Asi was still affected by the Nameless and unable to fight.^[5]

As she wondered how she could fight back, she saw a group of Banchiians, who were closely followed by a group of Banchii residents, charge toward toward the Nameless. Tora-Asi warned them of the danger, but they argued that they needed to protect both Banchii and the Jedi, who were unable to fight the Nameless. As another Nameless approached, Tora-Asi accepted their aid. The Nihil began regrouping, and Tora-Asi called for them to hurry. The Banchiians and citizens fought the Nameless, eventually defeating them with the help of the traps they had set, while Tora-Asi once again fought the Nihil. With the Nameless gone, the Jedi and their allies stood together to unite against the Nihil. Outnumbered, the marauders retreated to their ship and fled Banchii.^[5]

Celebrating and reflecting

After the Nihil fled, Tora-Asi checked on the others, and Jettster reported that there were no serious injuries. She smiled as the group celebrated their victory. Later, Tora-Aasi stood and watched the sunrise while the others shared a meal together. Arkoff approached her and spoke to her in Shyriiwook, and she responded that she had been able to face her fear. She further reflected that although she was in charge of keeping everyone safe, she did not have to do it alone and was stronger with the help of others. She told Arkoff that they would continue rebuilding the temple and the community, and that she wished he would be with them, but understood he was needed on Coruscant.^[5]

Arkoff, Silas, and Rell later returned to a transport to depart for Coruscant. After they left, Tora-Asi and Malagán discussed the large amount of work left to do on Banchii. Tora-Asi thanked Malagán for her offer to help and addressed her as "Master". In response, Malagán told her to not be as formal, but accepted that was the way Tora-Asi was. Shosho, Zimtok, and a group of Banchiians also offered to help, and Tora-Asi thanked them as well. A resident then called out to Tora-Asi, telling her she was needed at the warehouse, and she then headed there.^[5]

Later, Tora-Asi meditated by Fionn's grave. She reflected that no one person could change the galaxy alone, but individuals could join together to make a difference, and considered that to lead others meant to stand next to them rather than above them. She then heard a voice call for her, and she stood to join Allets, Nia'Viv, Shosho, and DD-1A.^[5]

Backing up the Luminous

In the same year,^[22] Tora-Asi was selected as one of nine members of a secondary team of Jedi that would back up^[4] the Luminous Nine,^[23] a team that would attempt to return twelve Nameless to their homeworld of Planet X in an effort to halt the spread of the blight. Along with the other members of the team, Tora-Asi's name was announced by Grand Master Ry Ki-Sakka during a briefing held in the Room of a Thousand Fountains in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. The secondary team's role was to serve as a direct backup to the Nine if anything went wrong with their mission.^[4]

Along with the rest of the secondary team—privately referred to as the Other Nine by Jedi Master Torban Buck—Tora-Asi watched from a viewing gallery as the Nameless were loaded onto^[4] the starcruiser^[24] Ataraxia in the Jedi Temple's primary hangar. Tora-Asi observed to fellow team member Jedi Knight Vernestra Rwoh that she could tell Rwoh wished she was going on the mission and added that she understood, as she wished she had been able to remain on Banchii to honor her obligations there. When one of the Nameless broke free and made for the rest of the Temple, Arkoff—who had been selected as one of the Nine—tackled the Nameless and held it to the ground. The Nameless bit into Arkoff's leg, and Buck cut through the viewing gallery's window and leapt into the hangar to assist. Tora-Asi followed a few steps behind him, ignoring her fear in order to try to help. Arkoff survived, though Buck had to immediately amputate his leg.^[4]

After the Ataraxia launched, the members of the secondary team gathered in the hangar, where Jedi Knight Ceret relayed updates on the Nine's mission they had telepathically received from their bond-twin Terec. At some point during the mission, the secondary team also departed Coruscant and traveled to Planet X. Following the success of the mission, in which the Nine stopped the blight and captured Marchion Ro, the secondary team emerged from hyperspace and planned to travel down to the planet in a shuttle to retrieve the Nine. After picking up the Nine, both teams returned to Coruscant.^[4]

Legacy

At a point no earlier than 35 ABY, the protocol droid C-3PO wrote a book titled The Secrets of the Wookiees. Tora-Asi was indirectly mentioned in the book as one of the young Jedi under Arkoff's tutelage who welcomed refugees to Banchii from Ta'klah and protected them from various threats.^[25]

Personality and traits

Becoming like the water

Lily Tora-Asi was a human female^[1] with black hair, green eyes and pale skin. She stood 1.65 meters (5 feet, 5 inches) tall.^[3] In 229 BBY,^[15] she was considered young.^[16] During her time alone on Banchii after the fall of Starlight Beacon, her hair grew longer, and she kept one side of it tucked behind her ear.^[1]

Although she was committed to the Jedi Order and its cause, Tora-Asi occasionally harbored doubts about whether she was doing enough to help the people of the galaxy and if she was capable of handling unpredictable situations.^[2] Additionally, she regularly questioned her own decisions.^[3] Tora-Asi was serious^[18] and formal.^[5] She held firmly to her principles and had strong convictions. Because this was often interpreted as rigidity,^[16] both Arkoff and Savina Malagán often encouraged her to be more flexible and broaden her perspective. Stellan Gios agreed with them, and also thought that she should be more confident. She became frustrated when Malagán blocked the construction zone while preparing for a Nihil attack, and disagreed with her about how to prepare, wanting to focus on preserving the villagers' way of life.^[8]

Tora-Asi was brave and a quick thinker,^[2] and over time, she learned to rely on her instincts to find unique solutions to problems she faced.^[3] Upon learning the Drengir could not be defeated with lightsabers, she devised a^[2] creative^[16] plan to defeat them with fire,^[2] and she also devised a plan to defeat the Nameless attacking Banchii by trapping them in bunkers.^[1] Training the younglings and mentoring her Padawan was a valuable teaching experience for Tora-Asi, who worked to see the galaxy through other's eyes and eventually learned to become more flexible and resilient.^[16] As a result of her flexibility, she was willing to give up Banchii's Jedi temple to stop the Nihil, as well as to defy the Jedi Council's orders to return to Coruscant^[8]

A dedicated leader

Tor-Asi was a dedicated and conscientious leader^[9] who took her role as protector of Banchii's refugees seriously.^[3] When Nima Allets and Viv'Nia Nia'Viv became excited by news of the Republic Fair, Tora-Asi reminded them that there was an order to their responsibilities as Jedi, which meant focusing on helping the people of Banchii first.^[2] She also scolded them when they became distracted while training.^[8] Keerin Fionn considered her to be good with younglings, and she was able to calm Nia'Via when she became nervous in the Banchiians' cave^[10] and when she was startled by the wind.^[1] However, she also felt that younglings could be too much for her due to their unexpected behavior and lack of focus, although she also valued their enthusiasm^[2] and felt responsible for them.^[10]

Tora-Asi tried to keep others from worrying while preparing for the Nihil, but instead over-exerted herself, resulting in the opposite effect. ^[8] After the residents of Banchii helped her during a Nihil attack, she came to realize that even as a leader, she was stronger when standing with others.^[5] Both Arkoff and Gios believed Tora-Asi thrived under criticism.^[2] Arkoff additionally considered her to be empathetic and have strong communication skills. However, Azlin Rell thought she was naive and inexperienced.^[1]

Tora-Asi upheld tradition and strove to better her lightsaber skills and connection to the Force.^[9] She was also steadfast in her commitment to protecting others.^[16] When she traveled to Coruscant to serve as a member of the Nine's backup team, she partly wished she could remain on Banchii to honor her obligations there. When Arkoff was attacked by a Nameless, Tora-Asi was unswayed by the danger and ignored her fear while trying to help, which Torban Buck thought made her a good Jedi.^[4]

Powers and abilities

Lily Tora-Asi was skilled in Jar'Kai, a form of lightsaber combat that focused on using two lightsabers at once.^[3] In Chronicles of the Jedi, Harli Cogra noted that Tora-Asi's lightsaber skills were considered "unquestionable". She used her lightsaber skills effectively against both the Drengir^[16] and the Nihil.^[1] As a Jedi Knight, Tora-Asi was Force-sensitive and trained to use the Force. She was capable of using telekinesis, which she used to cover the Drengir in oil to burn them,^[8] and she could also use the Force to calm the energy around her, which she did when encountering the Banchiians for the first time.^[10] In addition to speaking Basic, Tora-Asi understood the Wookiee language Shyriiwook.^[2] She was capable of piloting a starship.^[8]

Equipment

Lily Tora-Asi wielded a pair of identical green-bladed lightsabers^[3] which had distinctive handguards.^[16] Their hilts were cast from golden and coppery metals, and featured round pommels with circular crossguards around their emitter assemblies. The lightsabers had comparable weights and control surfaces that facilitated two-handed combat.^[9]

Tora-Asi wore gold and white Jedi apparel with brown pants^[2] as her main attire while on Banchii.^[8] When returning with refugees from Hon-Tallos,^[2] as well as during her visit to Starlight Beacon and during the battle immediately after, she wore mission attire that included gauntlets and a dark-colored outer robe. Tora-Asi also wore^[8] white and gold^[26] Temple attire.^[8] She wore high boots to protect her legs during combat.^[3]

Behind the scenes

Lily Tora-Asi first appeared simultaneously in the first volume of the manga series Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance and in "The Banchiians," a bonus chapter included in the volume. The main volume was written by Justina Ireland and Shima Shinya and was illustrated by Mizuki Sakakibara. "The Banchiians" had a story written by Shima, was storyboarded by Sakakibara, and was illustrated by Nezu Usugumo.^[2] The volume was published by Viz Media on September 7, 2021, as part of the Star Wars: The High Republic multimedia project's Phase I.^[28] The character was first pictured on the cover of The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 1 when it was showcased to the public on the official Star Wars YouTube channel during the launch livestream for Star Wars: The High Republic on January 4, 2021.^[29] She was later identified as Lily Tora-Asi in the debut episode of Star Wars: The High Republic Show on January 27 of that year.^[30]

Shinya said that in Tora-Asi's arc as a Jedi Knight,^[27] they^[31] wanted to show that she grew up to be different, explaining that she was still Lily but became stronger.^[27] Sakakibara envisioned the covers of each volume in the series to represent one of the four seasons, with Volume 1's cover, which features Tora-Asi, representing autumn.^[32] Sakakibara created several pieces of development art of Tora-Asi,^[8] including one piece for the series' third volume—released on August 13, 2024, as part of The High Republic's Phase III—that was dated to January of that year.^[32] Sakakibara also created multiple concepts for the cover of the series' second volume that included Tora-Asi and other characters. However, the final cover only included Keerin Fionn.^[5] In Star Wars Encyclopedia: The Comprehensive Guide to the Star Wars Galaxy, a reference book^[12] released on November 19, 2024,^[33] Tora-Asi is incorrectly referred to as a Jedi Master in Banchii's entry, although she is correctly described as a Jedi Knight elsewhere in the book.^[12]

Concept art gallery

Appearances

• "The Banchiians" — The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 1 (First appearance, simultaneous with The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 1)
• The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 1
• The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 2
• The High Republic Adventures (2021) 11
• The High Republic: The Edge of Balance: Precedent (Mentioned only)
• The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 3
• The High Republic: The Edge of Balance: Premonition
• The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 4
• The High Republic: Trials of the Jedi (and audiobook)

Sources

Notes and references