Taron Malicos

"It's like you said Malicos, Dathomir will be your grave."

- Merrin, to Taron Malicos

 Taron Malicos was a Force-sensitive human male Jedi Master who served the Jedi Order and the Galactic Republic as a Jedi General during the Clone Wars. After Order 66, he later turned to the dark side upon escaping to Dathomir and became the leader of the Nightbrothers while influencing the Dathomirian Nightsister Merrin to learn their magick art. Malicos eventually ran into the Padawan Cal Kestis and tried to turn the Padawan to the dark side twice. However, he failed to accomplish this on both occasions. Kestis and Merrin decided to take him out, ensuring a duel between the Padawan and Malicos. Kestis won the duel with the help of Merrin in which the Nightsister buried the fallen Jedi with her magick.

Jedi General
During the Clone Wars, Malicos became one of the Jedi's most trusted generals and was renowned for his abilities as a tactician and motivator of his troops.

Stranded on Dathomir
In 19 BBY when Order 66 was enacted, he was betrayed and attacked by his clone troopers, but managed to escape them on his ship. Malicos crash-landed on Dathomir, and while living there, succumbed to the Dark side of the Force. At some point, he gained substantial influence over the Nightbrothers clan, who began to worship him due to his power. Malicos whilst the leader of the Nightbrothers on the planet, met Merrin and began to manipulate her, wishing to learn the magick of the Nightsisters.

Encounter with Cal and entombment
During his time on Dathomir, Malicos met former Padawan Cal Kestis outside of the Tomb of Kujet. Malicos posed as an innocent "wanderer" studying extinct cultures, all while warning Kestis away from the ruins. During their next interaction, Malicos revealed his true identity as a former Jedi and a survivor of the Jedi Purge. He tried convincing Kestis to join him on the dark side but was unsuccessful. The pair were soon attacked by the Nightsister Merrin, forcing Kestis to flee.

When Kestis returned to the planet, Merrin approached him while the Padawan was inside the Tomb. Merrin wanted to know why Kestis was on the world and the Jedi told her that she was being manipulated by the former Jedi Master. With the truth of Malicos' intent revealed, Merrin and Kestis decided to stop the dark sider together. Kestis approached the former Jedi and Malicos once again attempted to convert him. Failing to do so, Malicos ignited his two lightsabers and attacked Kestis. With the assistance of Merrin, Kestis was victorious in their duel, with Malicos buried alive by the Nightsister's magick.

Personality and traits
Malicos was considered by the Jedi Order to be one of the most trusted battlefield commanders during the Clone Wars. The Jedi Master showed competency and courage while leading Clone troopers in battle. He used his competency to boost morale among the troops.

However, when he turned to the dark side, Malicos became manipulative. This was evident when he influenced the Nightbrothers to follow him and exerted power over Merrin when he asked to learn the art of Nightsister Magick. He was also keen at lying to keep his true identity secret. He did this to Cal Kestis by portraying himself as a "wanderer" who studied ancient history while Kestis wanted to know who he was.

Powers and abilities
Malicos was proficient in Jar'Kai, resulting in him utilizing two lightsabers. He was also skillful in the Force, being able to use telekinesis and throw his lightsabers at enemies and objects.

Furthermore, Malicos was a master tactician and general during the Clone Wars, using those abilities to motivate his troops in battle.

Behind the scenes
Taron Malicos was introduced in the 2019 video game Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, where he is voiced by Liam McIntyre.

Appearances

 * Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order