4 Unique Features of Baylan Skoll’s Lightsaber That Make Him a Formidable Opponent

What sets Baylan Skoll apart in the expansive Star Wars universe? One significant factor lies in his unconventional lightsaber. This exceptional weapon is recognized by the lightsaber droid Huyang as a rarity, with its design being documented just once in the past five centuries. Such insights into Baylan’s weapon reveal why he stands out in combat. Below, we delve into what we know about this extraordinary blade and its implications in the Star Wars lore.

The Unique Characteristics of Baylan’s Lightsaber

Baylan Wields a “Great Lightsaber”

The distinctiveness of Baylan’s weapon extends beyond its striking orange blade. Featuring a longer and heavier hilt, it necessitates a two-handed grip, distinguishing it further. This weapon fits the description of a Great Lightsaber, as outlined in the Star Wars: Force & Destiny sourcebook Knights of Fate. Traditionally favored by nonhuman users, these lightsabers come with reinforced hilts and a robust power emitter which enables the creation of longer blades.

As detailed in the source material: “Their heavier hilts and more powerful blades, combined with the natural strength of their intended users, make these massive lightsabers even more potent and deadly than their smaller cousins.” Notably, to wield a Great Lightsaber effectively, a Jedi must possess a certain level of physical strength, which is rare among Jedi, thus allowing for devastatingly powerful strikes that can incapacitate foes.

Baylan’s Fighting Style Is Adjusted to His Weapon

Different Combat Dynamics

Insights from Ahsoka’s visual effects supervisor, Richard Bluff, highlight the challenges presented by Baylan’s lightsaber:

“For us, it was interesting because if this lightsaber is so long, and it’s double-handed, oftentimes it moves through the air slower than a one-handed lightsaber would be.”

While one might anticipate that slower strikes would allow Ahsoka to more effectively dodge and parry, the reality is that Baylan’s handling of his weapon compels Ahsoka to adapt her combat strategy. Unlike the agile, fluid dueling style she is accustomed to, Baylan’s technique resembles that of historical broadsword dueling, subverting her expectations and challenging her abilities.

The Notable Weight of Baylan’s Lightsaber

An Unconventional Lightsaber Blade

Another striking aspect of Baylan’s lightsaber warrants attention: the perception of weight. Generally, lightsabers, being “laser swords,”lack inherent weight due to their light-based construction. This characteristic commonly makes lightsaber battles rapid and aggressive. However, Baylan’s weapon deviates from this norm, evident in how he and Ahsoka engage in combat.

During their clashes, Baylan’s attacks exhibit a chopping motion that implies significant force. Notably, Ahsoka’s reactions to his strikes indicate a tangible sense of weight, suggesting that his unique blade may indeed possess substantial mass. This observation raises questions about the crystal within his lightsaber; while traditional kyber crystals are typically used, other crystals can also endow blades with distinctive properties, possibly explaining the atypical weight.

Baylan Tailors His Technique to Match His Blade

Ahsoka Faces a Tactical Challenge

Ahsoka vs Baylan with a single lightsaber

Moreover, Baylan’s choice of lightsaber form plays a crucial role in his combat effectiveness. Most Jedi tend to adapt their forms based on their personal strengths and weaknesses, but Baylan has tailored his combat technique to optimize the strengths of his weapon. Utilizing a modified version of Form V, Shien, which is often critiqued by other Jedi, Baylan capitalizes on its aggressive nature.

This adaptation creates a unique duel scenario for Ahsoka, allowing her to recognize elements of his fighting style while simultaneously presenting her with difficulties in defense; each sweeping motion feels slightly off, contributing to her disorientation during the fight. Having not faced Form V in years, especially since her encounters with Darth Vader on Malachor, Ahsoka finds herself at a disadvantage.

Contemporary Star Wars productions pay meticulous attention to the nuances of lightsaber combat. In Ahsoka, the expertly crafted choreography not only enhances the storytelling but also highlights the complexities surrounding Baylan Skoll and his distinctive lightsaber, securing his position as a formidable opponent for Anakin Skywalker’s former Padawan.

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