Baylan Skoll’s mission in Ahsoka remains a mystery, but concept art of his apprentice drops an important hint. Played by the late Ray Stevenson, dark Jedi Baylan Skoll was one of the most intriguing characters in Ahsoka season 1. Rory McCann has taken on the role for Ahsoka season 2.

We don’t know much about Ahsoka season 2, although Shin Hati actress Ivanna Sakhno has teased her reunion with Baylan. But concept art of Shin, Baylan’s apprentice, may hint at his true mission…

Shin Hati Concept Art Hints At Baylan’s Mission

The stunning concept art (published on MovieStillsDB) gives a sense of Shin’s development. Her costume is much more akin to armor, reminiscent of traditional samurai, and it hearkens back to the High Republic Era – an age when Jedi really did wear armor (in part to protect themselves from Force predators called the Nameless).

That nostalgia, I think, is the whole point behind the design; Baylan believed the Jedi of his time had lost their way, and he hoped to make Shin something much older. His vision was of a Jedi Order restored to some long-forgotten halcyon age, not simply of one that simulated the prequels.

Baylan’s Goal Changed During Ahsoka Season 2

Baylan’s mission had changed by the end of Ahsoka season 1. The dark Jedi believed that Peridea was the place where the cycle of battle between the light and dark sides of the Force first began, and he seems to have dedicated himself to trying to end this conflict. He even abandoned Shin, symbolic of his moving on to a new purpose.

We have no idea what that purpose may be, but it’s likely connected to Jedi legends of Peridea – legends that even Ahsoka Tano was aware of, but that Baylan may well know far more about. It’s likely he is essentially something of a Jedi historian, familiar with the Order’s past, eager to reclaim something that he feels has been lost.

If this theory is correct, there’s a rich irony in the idea that Disney Star Wars‘ best villain is motivated by nostalgia. This, more than anything else, is the force that has locked the Disney era in, limiting it so much after The Force Awakens committed to playing the nostalgia card so heavily.

There’s a degree of self-awareness here that’s frankly rather meta.

It’s too soon to say whether this interpretation is correct, of course; indeed, we likely won’t learn the truth until Ahsoka season 2 finally airs next year.