Darrin Arkanian was a male Sullustan Jedi Master who served both the Jedi Order and the Galactic Republic during the final decades of the Republic Classic era. An idealist, Arkanian loved life over any other thing, and struggled to be a model of peace and contemplation. A survivor of Order 66 and the disbanding of the Jedi Order, Arkanian assumed the name Dimitri Melamor as he attempted to resist Imperial rule.

BiographyEdit

Service to the OrderEdit

A Force-sensitive born on Sullust, Darrin Arkanian was initiated into the Jedi Order where he was taught the ways of the Force. Ascending to the rank of Jedi Knight after completing his Trials of Knighthood, Jedi Arkanian delved into independent study, attaining the rank of Jedi Master by the start of the Separatist Crisis which would plague the Republic for several years. In 22 BBY, Master Arkanian led a Republic task force to the Oricho Sector to provide additional security after Iron Tether was attacked by starfighters flying under the banner of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. They eventually recovered the disabled starship and rescued its crew from the Cowl Crucible.^[2]

While it is unclear what role Master Arkanian played in the Clone Wars which grew out of the Separatist movement, it is known that the Sullustan Jedi survived Contingency Order 66, a treacherous order issued by the Republic's traitorous Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, in fact the alter-ego of the mysterious Dark Lord of the Sith Darth Sidious. As the Grand Army of the Republic turned on the Jedi Order and slaughtered most of its members, Arkanian went to ground, having failed to find any other survivors. Assuming the name "Dimitri Melamor", Arkanian found employment as a professor. While employed at a university, Arkanian discovered the blossoming Force-sensitive boy named Corwin Shelvay, and approached him about becoming his Padawan. Before too long into the training, their identities were revealed and they were forced to flee together.^[1]

Fugitives wandering the Outer Rim Territories together, Arkanian and his student began searching for other surviving members of the Order once again. During this time, High Inquisitor Antinnis Tremayne of the Galactic Empire's Inquisitorius captured Shelvay and imprisoned him on Coruscant. Master Arkanian infiltrated the facility his apprentice was being held at, but while Shelvay was freed, Arkanian was engaged by Tremayne and a squad of stormtroopers. Helpless, Shelvay watched as Tremayne and Arkanian engaged in a lightsaber duel. In a standstill, Tremayne ordered Arkanian to disengage his lightsaber, threatening that his stormtroopers would blast Shelvay if he did not comply. Arkanian dropped his lightsaber and Tremayne struck down the defenseless Jedi, gloating at his success in slaying a Jedi Master. Seeing his Master mortally wounded, Shelvay broke free of the stormtroopers holding him and took up Arkanian's lightsaber. Shelvay attacked Tremayne with a ferocity that bordered on the dark side, and the two crossed blades. Shelvay's rage overpowered Tremayne, and he severed Tremayne's arm and badly damaged his face, gouging out his eye. Shelvay then took the wounded Arkanian and fled. Leaving Coruscant behind, Shelvay did his best to save his Master, but Arkanian's wounds were too severe. A few days later, Darrin Arkanian became one with the Force.^[1]

LegacyEdit

After his Master's death, Shelvay realized he had given into his anger in fighting Tremayne, which deeply bothered him. He was haunted by visions of himself at Tremayne's side, and these visions were enough to cause him to be very cautious in his use of his Force powers and always be conscious of the Jedi Code.^[1]

Master Arkanian was survived by his sister, Dawn Arkanian, who would go on to serve with the Alliance to Restore the Republic in an effort to bring down the Sith-run Empire. His sister would one day ally herself with Shelvay, who grew into a successful Jedi Knight.^[1]

AppearancesEdit

•  Lahara Patrol Attacked, Jedi to Send Aid—HoloNet News Vol. 531 56
• "Dark Vendetta" — Star Wars Galaxy 7
•  Graveyard of Alderaan (Mentioned only)

SourcesEdit

• Galaxy Guide 9: Fragments from the Rim (First mentioned)
• Classic Adventures: Volume Two
• The Force Unleashed Campaign Guide
• The Essential Reader's Companion

Notes and referencesEdit