Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati: their story and orange-red lightsabers explained
Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati are the master and apprentice with the distinctive orange-red lightsabers in Star Wars: Ahsoka. Baylan has a Jedi past, but now works as a mercenary. Shin follows his training and fights by his side. Their weapons look familiar, yet the warm blade colour immediately raises questions: are they Sith, what does orange mean, and why do their lightsabers look so different? Here we explore their story, their lightsabers and the differences between the two designs. We also show which KenJo Sabers match their look.
Who is Baylan Skoll?
Baylan Skoll is a former Jedi who went his own way after the fall of the Jedi Order. When we meet him in Ahsoka, he uses his knowledge of the Force and his lightsaber as a mercenary. He works with Morgan Elsbeth and has taken Shin Hati under his wing. He is a cunning warrior seeking power who believes a new war is inevitable. He knew Anakin Skywalker, but that does not automatically make him Anakin’s former apprentice or an ally of Darth Vader. Baylan stands out for his calm demeanour. His conversations and fights feel controlled, even when he uses violence. That calm does not make him innocent: he poses a serious threat to Ahsoka and her allies.
Is Baylan Skoll a Sith?
Baylan is no longer an active Jedi, but the first season does not present him as a confirmed Sith Lord either. A Force-user who fights the heroes does not automatically belong to the Sith. For Baylan, “former Jedi and mercenary” is therefore a clearer description than calling him Darth Baylan without further explanation. His disappointment in the old Jedi Order plays a part in his choices. He is looking for something beyond simply restoring that Order. How you interpret his beliefs is a separate discussion from whether he is formally a Sith.
Who is Shin Hati?
Shin Hati is Baylan Skoll’s apprentice. She is skilled in lightsaber combat and uses those abilities during their work for Morgan Elsbeth. Their relationship is that of master and apprentice. Whereas Baylan often appears calm and measured, Shin is more impatient and favours direct action. That difference makes their partnership interesting: the same training and a similar blade colour do not mean they share the same goals. Shin wears a Padawan-like braid, but that is no proof that she was ever trained within the old Jedi Order. Her exact childhood and the start of her training are not fully explored in season 1. Nor has it been established that Baylan is her father.
Baylan and Shin’s story in Ahsoka
Their work with Morgan Elsbeth
Baylan and Shin make their entrance by freeing Morgan Elsbeth from a New Republic ship. They then help her search for Grand Admiral Thrawn, bringing them into conflict with Ahsoka Tano and Sabine Wren. Their relationship with Morgan revolves around a shared mission. Baylan also has ambitions of his own. That is precisely what makes him less predictable than an opponent who merely follows orders.
The confrontations with Ahsoka and Sabine
Shin crosses lightsabers with Sabine, while Baylan faces Ahsoka. In the duel on Seatos, Baylan uses both his combat skills and his knowledge of Ahsoka’s past. These scenes also show the contrast between the two pairs: Baylan and Shin versus Ahsoka and Sabine. The master-apprentice relationship matters to both, but their trust, experience and choices differ.
Peridea and their different paths
The search for Thrawn takes Baylan and Shin to Peridea, in another galaxy. There, Baylan increasingly follows his own path. He feels drawn to something on the planet that seems greater than their assignment for Morgan. By the end of season 1, their paths have separated. Shin approaches Peridea’s bandits, while Baylan continues his own quest near monumental statues referring to the Mortis gods. That invites theories, but does not yet reveal exactly what power he wants to find or what he intends to do with it. Want to better understand Ezra and Sabine’s background? Read Ezra Bridger’s story and lightsabers too.
Why are Baylan and Shin’s lightsabers orange-red?
The unusual colour is a deliberate design choice. That does not establish that every orange lightsaber belongs to a particular kind of Force-user. In an interview with Screen Rant, Dave Filoni explained that he made their blades more orange than a distinctly red Sith blade. He referred to the warm orange shade he sometimes saw in Darth Vader’s blade as a child because of the visual effects. The choice was also intended to leave room for questions about who these new characters really are.
Does orange mean they are Grey Jedi?
No. Orange is often associated with independence, moral uncertainty or a position between Jedi and Sith. The idea that their crystals have only partially “bled” has not been established. The series does not explain exactly how their kyber crystals acquired this shade. Want to know more about other colours? Our lightsaber colour guide explores different blades and the characters associated with them.
What is the difference between their lightsabers?
Baylan and Shin share a striking blade colour, but each weapon has its own look. Below, we compare the designs visible in the series:
| Feature | Baylan Skoll | Shin Hati |
|---|---|---|
| Blade | Single orange-red blade | Single orange-red blade |
| Hilt appearance | Dark, solid and elongated | Slimmer and predominantly silver |
| Visual impression | Resembles a powerful longsword | More like a classic Jedi weapon |
| On-screen use | Often a controlled, two-handed stance | A more active, direct presentation |
| KenJo model | Dark Arcanum | Stranded Shadow |
The designs support the characters’ on-screen presence. Baylan’s dark hilt suits his imposing, calm demeanour. Shin’s lighter metallic appearance reflects the contrast between her traditional training and her uncertain future.
Baylan and Shin in Ahsoka season 2
Ahsoka season 2 has officially been announced for January 20, 2027 on Disney+. Shin Hati’s announced return will once again be played by Ivanna Sakhno. Rory McCann takes over the role of Baylan Skoll from Ray Stevenson. Their continuing story makes the open questions from season 1 even more interesting. What is Baylan looking for on Peridea? What will Shin do without her master?
KenJo Sabers inspired by Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati
Want to bring their look to your cosplay or display collection? At KenJo, you will find two recognisable designs that suit this duo:
Dark Arcanum: Baylan Skoll’s dark look
The Dark Arcanum lightsaber suits fans of Baylan’s dark, solid hilt. The design has a dark finish, striking emitter details and a long grip. It is an interesting choice if you want to complete a Baylan cosplay or add this understated design to your collection.
Stranded Shadow: Shin Hati’s silver style
The Stranded Shadow lightsaber reflects Shin’s slimmer, silver-coloured weapon. This model looks distinctly different from Dark Arcanum and suits Shin cosplay or a display featuring both characters.
Baselit or Neopixel?
Both models are offered with different electronics options, including Premium RGB Baselit X3 and Premium Neopixel X3. Check the product page to see which variant is currently available.
- Baselit: light comes from the hilt and shines through a hollow blade. A practical option if you want to practise actively as well as cosplay.
- Neopixel: LEDs inside the blade enable extensive lighting and ignition effects. Interesting for the visual experience, performances and video.
With these KenJo Sabers, you do not have to commit to orange: the blade colour is adjustable.
For help, read our guides to lightsaber functions and soundboards and blade choice and compatibility. Also browse the Ahsoka series lightsabers for other designs from the same series.
Frequently asked questions about Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati
What colour lightsabers do Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati have?
Both use an orange-red blade in Ahsoka. The colour was deliberately made warmer than a distinctly red blade.
Why is Baylan Skoll’s lightsaber orange?
Dave Filoni deliberately chose an orange shade to distinguish their blades visually. Season 1 does not give an exact explanation for how Baylan’s crystal acquired its colour.
Is Shin Hati a Sith?
Season 1 does not confirm that Shin is a Sith. She is introduced as Baylan Skoll’s apprentice and works with him as a mercenary.
Is Baylan Skoll Shin Hati’s father?
That has not been established. Their confirmed relationship is that of master and apprentice.
Did Baylan Skoll know Anakin Skywalker?
Yes, he knew Anakin, but this does not mean he was trained by Anakin.
Are orange lightsabers stronger than red lightsabers?
No, colour alone does not prove a difference in power. For a physical lightsaber, strength and suitable use depend on the model, electronics, blade and fastening.
Can I set the KenJo sabers to orange?
Yes, the blade colour of these models is adjustable. The settings and available effects depend on the chosen soundboard.
Which KenJo Sabers suit Baylan and Shin?
Dark Arcanum matches Baylan Skoll’s dark design. Stranded Shadow reflects Shin Hati’s silver saber. Then choose the version that suits your intended use.
What makes Baylan and Shin fascinating is that blend of familiarity and uncertainty: classic lightsabers, an unusual colour and two characters each seeking their own path. Whether you choose Baylan’s dark hilt or Shin’s silver design, you bring a striking part of Ahsoka to your cosplay or collection.
