Lily Tora-Asi

Lily Tora-Asi was a human female Jedi Knight who lived during the High Republic Era. During her time as a Knight of the Jedi Order, Tora-Asi was stationed on the remote planet Banchii, where she trained the Jedi younglings Nima Allets and Viv'Nia Nia'Viv alongside her former Jedi Master, Arkoff and her Padawan, Keerin Fionn. In the aftermath of the Great Hyperspace Disaster in 232 BBY, Tora-Asi and her fellow Jedi worked to help displaced civilians relocate to Banchii. After the residents of Banchii's settlement requested help, Tora-Asi investigated the nearby forest, where she found several residents that had been killed and one, Kooba, who had been turned to wood. She then returned to the settlement to find it under attack by the Drengir, a type of sentient carnivorous plant. As lightsabers were ineffective against them, she devised a plan to burn the Drengir, and with the help of the other Jedi, defeated them.
By 230 BBY, Tora-Asi had the settlement's farmers work on creating bunkers in case of an attack by the Nihil marauders. When Jedi Master Savina Besatrix Malagán arrived on Banchii, the Jedi discovered signs of Nihil sabotage. Following the discovery, Tora-Asi visited the Starlight Beacon space station and delivered a report to Arkoff and Jedi Master Stellan Gios. Upon returning to Banchii, she found it under attack by the Nihil. During the fighting, Fionn was deceived by the Nihil spy Zaret and killed. Following her Padawan's death, Tora-Asi decided to destroy Banchii's temple to prevent the Nihil from finding the information they were seeking from it. After the Nihil retreated, the Jedi received a message from the Jedi Council informing them that Starlight Beacon had fallen and all Jedi were being recalled to the galactic capital Coruscant. However, Tora-Asi defied the Council's orders and chose to remain on Banchii.
Over the next year Tora-Asi worked to restore the Banchii temple. Around 228 BBY, she reunited with the other Jedi, who had returned to Banchii. As they worked together to reconstruct the temple, the wooden bodies of those killed in the Drengir attack rose from their graves and spoke to the Jedi. Tora-Asi contacted Coruscant for help in their investigation, and Grand Master Yoda and former Jedi Azlin Rell arrived to assist. They soon learned that the Drengir were the cause of the mysterious figures they had encountered. Shortly after, Nihil forces led by the scientist Niv Drendow Apruk arrived to once again attack Banchii. With the help of the Drengir and Banchiians, Tora-Asi and the other Jedi defeated the Nihil and their Force-consuming Nameless creatures, causing Apruk to retreat.
==Biography==
===Life on Banchii===
====Settling Banchii====
Lily Tora-Asi was a human female who served as a Jedi of the Jedi Order during the High Republic Era. She was the Padawan of the Wookiee Jedi Master Arkoff. After becoming a Jedi Knight, she took on her own Padawan, Keerin Fionn. Around 232 BBY,Star Wars: Timelines Tora-Asi helped set up the Jedi temple on the remote Outer Rim planet Banchii in the Inugg system and made several supply runs to Hon-Tallos, another planetThe High Republic: Path of Deceit in the Inugg system.The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 2 Tora-Asi served in an instructional capacity at Banchii's temple, and in addition to Fionn, her students included the the Jedi younglings Nima Allets and Viv'Nia Nia'Viv.Star Wars: The High Republic: The Lightsaber Collection
One morning shortly after settling Banchii, Tora-Asi, Fionn, Allets, Nia'Viv, and the droid DD-1A found a cave in the forest near the temple. After they entered the cave, Tora-Asi noticed Nia'Viv fidgeting, and reminded her that she was not alone and to remember her friendship with Allets. While exploring the cave, Allets triggered a trap that shot small wooden arrows at her, after which a group of Banchiians—small non-humans native to Banchii—began to attack the Jedi. Tora-Asi used the Force to calm the energy around them, and the Banchiians stopped their attack.
She then noticed goods that had gone missing from the nearby settlement, and realized that the Banchiians were the cause of complaints from the settlers. As the Banchiians did not speak the same language as the Jedi, Tora-Asi instructed Allets to communicate with them by drawing in the sand. The Jedi realized that the Banchiians did not have a concept of ownership, and so Tora-Asi suggested setting up a space to leave shareable items in the community. After Allets explained this to the Banchiians, they offered to return the stolen items, but Tora-Asi allowed them to keep them. The Jedi then returned to the temple to report their findings.
====Helping others====
In the aftermath of the Great Hyperspace Disaster in 232 BBY, Tora-Asi and Arkoff were assigned to help displaced civilians resettle on Banchii. While traveling back to Banchii, the two spoke about the disaster and finding a balance between caring for others and feeling their agony. Tora-Asi promised to go farther than Arkoff had, and said she expected her own Padawan to do the same. She then prepared for their arrival and checked in on the settlers. While she did, she asked the settler Kooba about his seeds, which unbeknownst to both Kooba and Tora-Asi, were actually from the Drengir, a type of sentient carnivorous plant. When their ship landed, they were greeted by Fionn and the younglings. After welcoming the settlers, Tora-Asi delivered medicine to Silar, a doctor stationed at the Banchii temple, and spoke with him about helping others.
Later, while meditating with Fionn, Tora-Asi experienced a Force vision of someone asking her for help, but did not tell Fionn about it when he asked if there was a problem. She was then nearly hit by Nia'Viv's training lightsaber after she lost her grip while practicing with Allets. The two younglings and Arkoff then approached Tora-Asi and Fionn, and Arkoff asked them to do a demonstration, which they agreed to. Tora-Asi and Fionn dueled twice, during which Arkoff asked the younglings about what they saw and taught them about the care that they should take while using a lightsaber. When the demonstration was finished, Tora-Asi gave advice on dueling to the younglings. After, she spoke with Fionn about the progress Allets and Nia'Viv were making. 
====Investigation====
Sometime later, Tora-Asi was walking in the settlement with her Padawan when she saw the Jedi archivist Ru-Ru assist a civilian. She reflected that it felt like they had finally reached a balance with everyone in the settlement. While she spoke with Fionn about the upcoming harvest season, Zaret, a spy for the Nihil marauders undercover as a farmer, came to them and asked for the Jedi to check on Kooba, who had not been seen for some time. They arrived to find that Kooba was unresponsive, and so Fionn brought Silar and Arkoff. While they examined Kooba, he suddenly responded that he was fine. Silar and the Jedi left, but decided to check on him later. 
When they returned to the temple, Ru-Ru reported that a group of residents had gathered to seek help from the Jedi. The residents explained that areas of their farms had been uprooted and they had heard strange noises. Tora-Asi agreed to investigate, and Arkoff asked her to take the younglings with her to help broaden her perspective. While they searched the nearby forest with the help of DD-1A, Fionn asked his master if younglings made her uncomfortable, to which she responded that while they did not, they were sometimes too much for her. Tora-Asi then told him about how Arkoff felt she needed to be more flexible, but she felt it was important to hold on to her principles. The Jedi then discovered plant residue and tracks leading back to the settlement. Tora-Asi ordered the younglings and DD-1A to return to alert Arkoff and she and Fionn rushed back to the settlement. On the way, they discovered Kooba, who appeared to have been turned to wood, and several dead residents.
====Defense of Banchii====
As they got closer to the settlement, Tora-Asi saw that it was on fire and yelled for the residents to head to the temple. As she wondered about the cause of the destruction, she saw that it was the Drengir. Tora-Asi and Fionn, who were soon joined by Arkoff and Ru-Ru, began fighting the Drengir, but found that they regenerated too fast for their lightsabers to be effective. During the fight, Tora-Asi heard a scream from the temple, and she and Fionn headed back while Ru-Ru and Arkoff stayed behind to continue fighting the Dregnir. When they arrived, they found Allets and Nia'Viv attempting to fight off another Drengir. Tora-Asi quickly dispatched it, but it began regenerating. As it did, she began formulating a plan. When the Drengir regenerated, she extinguished her lightsabers to bait it into attacking her and then lured it out of the temple.
Tora-Asi and Fionn regrouped with Arkoff and Ru-Ru, who believed that they had defeated a Drengir by slicing it in two, only to see it regenerate into separate creatures. Now knowing that lightsabers were ineffective against the Drengir, Tora-Asi asked Arkoff and Ru-Ru to drive them to the space in front of a nearby lake while she prepared several barrels of flammable oil. Once her preparations were complete, Tora-Asi used the Force to splash the creatures with the liquid and then had Fionn burn them with a torch. Noticing that the Drengir were still moving, the four Jedi worked together to fan the flames engulfing the creatures and finally stopped them. Tora-Asi then felt a disturbance in the Force on the Outer Rim planetStar Wars Encyclopedia: The Comprehensive Guide to the Star Wars Galaxy Valo, where the Republic Fair was being attacked by the Nihil, but felt that she must keep her attention on Banchii.
====Stellan Gios's visit====
A week later, Jedi Master Stellan Gios visited Banchii while checking on all the temples in the sector. Gios spoke with Tora-Asi, telling her about the Nihil attack on Valo and the Great Progenitor, a being who controlled the Drengir, and reassured her that that Banchii temple still stood because of her bravery. Gios then informed her that the Jedi Council had summoned Arkoff to assist Gios. Tora-Asi was worried about the possibility of a Nihil attack and did not want Arkoff to leave, but when Arkoff told her to change her perspective, she accepted the Council's decison. Before leaving, Tora-Asi promised Arkoff that she would protect Banchii in his absence and water his plants. After she left, Gios told Arkoff that he was strict with her, but agreed that she was the type to thrive under criticism.
Outside, Tora-Asi addressed the settlement's residents' concerns about the Nihil and Drengir, reassuring them that the Jedi would protect them. After they departed, Gios exited the temple and spoke with Tora-Asi again, telling her that she must be a bridge between the Jedi and the people. He then reminded her that difficulties helped people to grow and that all Jedi, including himself, learned from their experiences.
====Disturbances====
After Arkoff and Gios left, Tora-Asi held a training session for Fionn and the younglings. While Fionn and Allets sparred, Tora-Asi worked with Nia'Viv on her control of the Force. When Nia'Viv was distracted by her friend's victory over Fionn in their sparring match, Tora-Asi told her to remain focused and alert to any disturbances in the Force. When the youngling asked how she would know what a disturbance was, Tora-Asi decided the topic was too advanced and suggested practicing telekinesis instead. It then began to rain, and the Jedi returned to the temple.
Later, while sleeping, Tora-Asi felt a disturbance in the Force and saw a vision of the Drengir and the Nihil, causing her to wake up. She decided to survey the settlement's perimeter with Fionn. While doing so, she questioned Zaret, asking him if he had seen anything unusual the previous night. Zaret claimed to have been organizing Kooba's stockroom and suggested planting something meaningful to honor his memory, reminding Tora-Asi of the seed container Kooba had had, causing her to run back to the temple.
After she returned to the temple, Silar reported that the Drengir appeared to have mutated based on Banchii's resources and that they found unusual spores during an autopsy. Silar stated that they were unsure if the spores were for consumption or reproduction, but their progression seemed to have been stopped after the defeat of the Great Progenitor. Tora-Asi suggested that Kooba may have brought the seeds in his container and that someone may have been using him to plant the Drengir on Banchii. Because the Nihil had used Drengir on Valo, the Jedi were concerned about a Nihil presence on Banchii and decided to alert both the nearby temple on Hon-Tallos and the Starlight Beacon space station.
===The Nihil threat===
====Preparing for the pirates====
In 230 BBY,Star Wars: Timelines dates the events of The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 2 to 230 BBY. Silar finished their analysis of the Drengir and reported it to Tora-Asi. They told her that the Drengir's ability to turn individuals to wood appeared unique to Banchii, and asked if she had found Kooba's container, which she had not. The two asked each other how they were doing, and both agreed that staying busy helped keep their minds off the events of the Drengir's attack.
As she was still concerned about the possibility of a Nihil attack, Tora-Asi had the settlement's farmers work on constructing bunkers. When one farmer asked why, and said that they would rather be fixing their farm to prepare for the harvest, Tora-Asi reminded them that they needed to stay alert for Nihil attacks. The residents were not convinced, and insisted that they needed to repair their farms and that it was a bad time for Arkoff to be away. Tora-Asi then walked to where Fionn was training with Allets and Nia'Viv. She scolded them about being distracted, but the younglings protested that the Banchiians wanted to join their training. When Tora-Asi insisted that they needed to improve their focus, Fionn reminded her that she had wanted to continue their dialogue with the Banchiians, and that the younglings were just following her instructions. After Tora-Asi said their priorities had changed since the attack, Fionn replied that he was worried about Tora-Asi's expression, which she had while thinking too deeply and was full of concern. Tora-Asi admitted that she was still concerned about a Nihil attack and that she was overexerting herself to stop others from worrying, but that it had the opposite effect.
====Sav arrives====
Later, Jedi Master Savina Besatrix Malagán landed in the settlement in a Jedi Vector. Although Tora-Asi had never met her, she was aware of her reputation and told her Padawan that Malagán was "unique". Malagán explained that she had come to check on Banchii, as she suspected the Nihil to be in the system. Tora-Asi claimed that they were too small for the Nihil to attack, but Malagán pointed out they were building the bunkers for a reason. When Nia'Viv and Allets arrived to introduce themselves, they mentioned that Malagán had landed in the construction zone, which frustrated Tora-Asi, who said that they were already behind schedule.
Malagán informed Tora-Asi that their bunkers were too small to be effective against the Nihil, and that they would need to build a fortress, which would require breaking down homes in the settlement for materials, to have a strong enough defense against the Nihil. She then then showed the other Jedi a crate full of blasters she had brought to arm the settlers with. Tora-Asi and Fionn argued against it, saying that their mission was to protect their way of life, but Malagán said she was being too rigid and told them there was no point in protecting their way of life if no one was left alive. Malagán then tried to convince Tora-Asi to question the villagers, which she refused to do to avoid causing a panic.
====Sabotage====
As they discussed what to do, an explosion occurred near the bunkers. Although no one was seriously hurt, Tora-Asi sent some of the villagers to be checked in the temple's infirmary. Inside the temple, Tora-Asi presented several bombs that had been recovered. The Jedi discussed the possibility of a Nihil presence on Banchii and decided to restrict travel to and from the planet. After Tora-Asi told the younglings and Ru-Ru not engage the Nihil on their own, Ru-Ru suggested contacting Arkoff to inform him of the incident, which Tora-Asi agreed with, saying that she wanted his advice. 
After attempting to contact the Jedi Master, Ru-Ru reported that comms were down, prompting Malagán to suggest Tora-Asi visit Starlight Beacon to get help. Although Tora-Asi was reluctant to leave Banchii unattended, she agreed to go. When Malagán suggested she bring Nima and Allets with her to broaden their experiences, Tora-Asi agreed after seeing the excitement of the younglings. Before departing, Tora-Asi asked Ru-Ru to help keep the settlers calm and for Fionn to keep an eye on Malagán and protect Banchii. She then spoke with Malagán, telling her that although they had different philosophies, she welcomed her ideas. Malagán responded by telling Tora-Asi to be more like water instead of rigid like stone.
====Visit to Starlight====
After arriving on Starlight, Tora-Asi decided to look for Gios or Arkoff in order to update them. After Allets pointed out a group of Jedi and suggested asking them about the location of the Jedi Masters, Tora-Asi approached a human Jedi, who told her about the Great Jedi Rumble Race which was about to start, but did not know where Gios and Arkoff were. Tora-Asi questioned whether it was wise to host a race at that time, but considered that taking a moment for fun could be needed. Because Starlight was blocked for the event, she suggested to the younglings that they join the race in order to get around the station. Although she was briefly caught up in trying to win the race, Tora-Asi remembered her actual goal and was able to find Arkoff and Gios. She permitted Allets and Nia'Viv to finish the race and then informed the Masters of the explosion caused by the Nihil.
Although Tora-Asi tried to take responsibility for allowing the attack to occur, Gios told her that she should reflect on her actions, but that the Nihil were extremely organized and there was only so much she could prepare for. Both Arkoff and Gios agreed that the Nihil were likely to attack Banchii again, and informed Tora-Asi that Arkoff would not return to Banchii for some time. They then discussed the differences between Tora-Asi and Malagán, with Gios again telling Tora-Asi that she needed to be more flexible, as well as more confident. Before ending the meeting, Tora-Asi thanked Gios and Arkoff and told them that the younglings were almost ready for their Initiate Trials.
While walking to find Allets and Nia'Viv, Tora-Asi ran into Jedi Padawan Lula Talisola and her friend Zeen Mrala. They recalled their last meeting, around the time of Starlight Beacon's dedication. Tora-Asi commented that they seemed different, to which Mrala responded that it had been tough dealing with recent disasters. Mrala asked how Tora-Asi was holding up with Malagán, but she did not understand the question. After telling Taliosa and Mrala about the purpose of her visit to Starlight, she left to find Allets and Nia'Viv. After she did, Taliosa told Mrala that she was worried that Banchii's comms were down, but did not want to say so in front of Tora-Asi.
====Attack on Banchii====
After Tora-Asi and the younglings boarded their ship, they were contacted by Gios, who told them of a distress call he had received from Hon-Tallos, and that their Jedi temple was under attack. Tora-Asi was concerned that the Nihil could disable the hyperspace routes around Banchii, but decided to not be pessimistic.
Upon arriving above Banchii, several Nihil ships began attacking Tora-Asi's transport. She attempted to return to the temple, but although the ship was sturdy, Tora-Asi was forced to make an emergency landing in the nearby forest. After making sure the younglings were not injured, she led them to the temple to check on the others. After finding Fionn, Ru-Ru, and several civilians engaged in combat with the Nihil, Tora-Asi joined the fighting and saved Fionn from one of the last Nihil remaining. She then warned him that more Nihil would soon arrive.
Fionn informed his Master that they had found evidence of sabotage within the temple, and then noticed that Allets and Nia'Viv were missing. Worried about their safety because of the Nihil, Fionn decided to search for them in the forest. Tora-Asi was worried about her Padawan's decision, but was unable to stop him before another group of Nihil began attacking. Malagán assured Tora-Asi that she would follow Fionn, telling her to remain at the temple, which she knew best. As the Nihil approached, Tora-Asi ignited her lightsabers and fought back to defend the temple.
====Giving up the temple====
In the forest, Malagán and Fionn found the younglings with a group of Banchiians, who showed the Jedi to a large cannon that the Nihil were using. Worried that the cannon was large enough the destroy the Banchii temple, Fionn attempted a sneak attack and took a Nihil hostage. The Nihl responded by pretending to take Zaret, who Fionn was unaware was a Nihil spy, hostage. Fionn coperated and the Nihil released Zaret, who then fatally shot Fionn with his blaster pistol. Hearing the sound of the shot, Tora-Asi rushed towards the forest. On the way, she found Ru-Ru and the younglings, who told her about the Nihil cannon.
Tora-Asi arrived to find Fionn's body being held by Malagán, who told her of Zaret's betrayal. Mentally, Tora-Asi blamed herself for her Padawan's death, and clutched his body while refusing to leave. Eventually, Malagán convinced her that they needed to keep going in order to keep his memory alive. She finally released Fionn and stood, suggesting to Malagán that they use the ship she landed in the forest to escape. Malagán disagreed with Tora-Asi's plan, but Tora-Asi pointed out that Malagán had already suggested that they needed to think of their lives, and that escape was the only way to protect them. Malagán responded by teling Tora-Asi that the fact that Nihil had left the temple standing could indicate that they were looking for something within it, causing Tora-Asi to devise a new plan to destroy the temple.
The two Jedi returned to the temple, where Ru-Ru and the local civilians were attempting to hold off the Nihil. After entering the temple, Tora-Asi gave the order to evacuate and informed the others of Fionn's death, but told them not to lose hope. She ordered Ru-Ru to go with the younglings and the settlers to the forest where the transport ship was located. Following the evacuation, Malagán fought her way to the Nihil cannon and turned it on the Banchii temple. At the same time, Tora-Asi flew up in Malagán's Vector and shot at the temple, destroying it.
====Defying the Council====
After reuniting with the evacuees in the forest, Tora-Asi knelt next to Fionn's body and mentally said a farewell to her Padawan, telling him that she had learned much from him. Malagán told the refugees that destroying the temple was the only way to stop the Nihil from gaining information from it. Tora-Asi responded that Banchii was supposed to be a place to start anew, but now it was a wasteland, as not only the temple, but also the community and the farmland had been lost. Malagán then received an urgent transmission from the galactic capital Coruscant. Jedi Masters Xo Lahru, Pra-Tre Veter, and Soleil Agra informed them that Starlight Beacon had fallen and that all Jedi were being recalled to Coruscant.
Following the transmission, Ru-Ru informed the group that the cargo ship was operational and should be able to make the trip, but Malagán said she would stay behind to chase off remaining Nihil on Hon-Tallos. Tora-Asi then also stated her intention to remain on Banchii. Allets tried to convince her to obey the council's orders, but Tora-Asi said she understood that she would have to be flexible like Malagán had told her, and that she would have been shattered by the day's events if she had stayed rigid. After saying farewells, the other Jedi and civilians departed, leaving Tora-Asi behind with the Banchiians. She then noticed Fionn's lightsaber, which she picked up. As she watched the smoke from the ruins of the temple, she mentally vowed to herself that as long as she had strength, she would remain on Banchii to protect it and honor Fionn's legacy.
Sometime later, the Nihil returned to the temple's ruins to search for the journal of Azlin Rell, a former Jedi who had been a Padawan of Arkoff, which was hidden with the ZZ-model droid ZZ-10. Arkoff arrived to rescue the droid, and was soon joined by Malagán, who informed him that Tora-Asi had defied the Council's orders. When ZZ-10 asked about Tora-Asi, Malagán told the droid that she was serious and thatThe High Republic: The Edge of Balance: Precedent he would like her.
Weeks after the fall of Starlight, by then 229 BBY, the Vurk Jedi Master Harli Cogra wrote a book titled Chronicles of the Jedi, which detailed the Jedi of the High Republic Era. In the sixth chapter of the book, Cogra mentioned Tora-Asi.Star Wars: The High Republic: Chronicles of the Jedi
===Mysteries and monsters===
====Return of the other Jedi====
Over the next year, Tora-Asi reestablished the Banchii temple. Around 228 BBY,The events of The High Republic: Seeds of Starlight take place weeks after the events of The High Republic: Tears of the Nameless, which occur in 228 BBY per the reasoning here. As Seeds of Starlight establishes the events of The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 3 take place shortly before its events, they must also take place around that year. she meditated among a group of grave markers and recalled those who had died in the battles against the Drengir and Nihil, including Fionn. She resolved to be fluid and instead of anticipating what may happen, to instead react in the moment. After being alerted by Shosho, a Banchiian leader, she ended her meditation and met Arkoff and Malagán outside the temple. A transport soon landed, and Allets, Nia'Viv, Silar, Ru-Ru, and ZZ-10 exited. Tora-Asi greeted them all, and they informed her of what had happened since they left. The younglings were eager to help, and so Tora-Asi had Allets go with her to the temple, and sent Nia'Viv with Ru-Ru to the settlement.
Later, the group ate a meal together. Tora-Asi and Arkoff stood together and reflected on how they were able to see the younglings smiling again and how she had changed during her time along on Banchii. She then asked Arkoff if he wanted to talk about Rell, who had killed many people on the planet Travyx Prime and turned to the dark side of the Force. However, Arkoff did not wish to discuss his former Padawan. 
Malagán suddenly announced that she was going to Astenban, a mostly uninhabited moon near Banchii's main hyperspace route. She explained that a base was there that the Nihil could use to launch attacks on Banchii and other planets in the region. As the moon would soon enter the Nihil's Stormwall hyperspace barrier, they would have an opportunity to take it, which Malagán wanted to prevent. She also wanted to ensure the Nihil would not be able to capture Rell's journal, which contained information on the Force-consuming Nameless creatures. ZZ-10 and Shosho both wished to go as well, which surprised Tora-Asi, but Malagán agreed to let them accompany her. Before departing in her Vector, Malagán told Tora-Asi that she had changed in a good way and asked her to keep an eye on Arkoff.
====The dead speak====
After Malagán's departure, the remaining Jedi and the Banchiians continued working on restoring the Jedi temple. While in the temple's medical facility, Tora-Asi informed Silar and Ru-Ru that she had been sensing a disturbance in the Force. In response, Ru-Ru suggested the possibility of another Nihil attack and Silar expressed their hope that the facility would be sufficient. When Tora-Asi brought up the topic of reinforcing the temple, Silar questioned her decision to leave Allets and Nia'Viv in charge of its main structure. Tora-Asi said that she believed in them, and that Allets had become calmer and Nia'Viv was more proactive. 
She then heard cries from the Banchiians and rushed outside to the younglings. As she did, she sensed the disturbance grow stronger and heard a voice yelling to run. When she arrived, the younglings confirmed that they were okay, but had seen someone who looked like Kooba. Tora-Asi stated that was impossible, as he was dead, and suggested it may have been the Drengir. Ru-Ru proposed that it may have been the youngling's imagination, but Tora-Asi reminded her that they had also heard the voice. The Jedi then noticed that Kooba's grave had been disturbed and his body was missing, causing Tora-Asi to decide it was necessary to contact Coruscant. Tora-Asi and Arkoff spoke with Jedi Grand Master Yoda and reported what had occurred to him. When Arkoff suggested having Rell assist in the investigation, Yoda agreed.
Later, while the younglings were carrying supplies, Nia'Viv was startled by the wind. Tora-Asi reassured her and acknowledged that she was anxious after seeing the mysterious figure, but reminded her that he had not caused anyone harm. She told her that as a Jedi, she must have patience and understanding for what she did not know, and compared the wind, which was once an unknown phenomenon but was now understood, to the figure, who they currently did not understand, but eventually would. She then reminded the younglings that they needed to focus on preparing for the Nihil attack, and that they should stay calm to avoid worrying the Banchiians.
====Help arrives====
The Jedi were then alerted by something that had set off their sensors. Soon more of the mysterious figures the younglings had seen approached, and Silar realized that they were the civilians that the Drengir had previously turned to wood. The Banchiians readied their weapons, but Tora-Asi informed them that she did not sense malicious intent. She decided that as Yoda would soon arrive to help with the investigation, and that the wooden figures were standing harmlessly, they should leave them alone.
After Yoda arrived with Rell and Jedi KnightThe High Republic: Midnight Horizon Reath Silas, he commented on the progress that had been made on rebuilding the temple. Tora-Asi apologized to Yoda for disobeying the Council's order to return to Coruscant, but Yoda told her that she had not made a mistake by thinking for herself instead of just following orders. The Jedi then examined the wooden bodies and noted that the graves of those turned to wood were empty. Rell then announced that he had been sensing fear from everyone, including the Drengir, although he did not know what they feared. When Tora-Asi asked him if their fear was why they were telling them to run, Rell responded by asking her if she claimed to know about fear.
To further their investigation, Rell suggested dissecting the wooden figures, but Tora-Asi disagreed, explaining how she had not sensed hostility from them and that they were different from the Drengir. Rell responded by asking her if she was making a reasonable decision as the one in charge of protecting the temple. Before she could answer, Arkoff asked to speak with Rell alone. During their conversation, Rell mentioned his surprise that Tora-Asi was in charge of the temple instead of Arkoff and stated that she seemed naive and inexperienced. Arkoff responded by telling Rell about her strong communication and empathy. Rell replied that she was lucky she had been able to communicate with those on Banchii so far, but that there were also those she could not communicate with, and that she did not yet know true fear.
====Unlikely allies====
Once Arkoff and Rell returned, Tora-Asi attempted to communicate with the wooden figures and asked them to explain why they had appeared. In response to her question, Drengir emerged from the ground. Rell declared that they must kill them, but Tora-Asi stopped him, saying she did not sense any intent to attack. However, Tora-Asi and Silas both briefly panicked when the Drengir said the words "meat" and "eat", before calming when the Drengir clarified that their intention was not to eat them. The Drengir explained that they had been freed from stasis during the battle months before, and that they had become aware of a plague known as the Blight. The Drengir further explained that diseased roots were spreading through the galaxy, and they needed to escape. Tora-Asi and Silas attempted to question the Drengir further, but they stopped responding. Tora-Asi then noticed multiple Nihil ships approaching. They landed nearby, and a group of Nihil led by the scientist Niv Drendow Apruk exited along with multiple Nameless.
As the Nameless approached, Tora-Asi began to feel their effects and started strategizing for the coming battle. Recalling Fionn's death, she resolved not let a similar situation happen again, and asked Rell to take the younglings to safety. Although both he and Silas were surprised by her request, he agreed and Allets and Nia'Viv followed him away. As she considered how to deal with the Nameless, the Banchiians said that they would help draw the Nameless away, as they were unaffected by them. To the surprise of Silas, she then asked the Drengir to assist them in the fight, which they agreed to. After noticing the Nihil approaching, the Jedi ignited their lightsabers and prepared to fight.
====Another battle on Banchii====
The battle soon began, and Tora-Asi and the other Jedi worked with the Drengir to fight the Nihil. As she fought, Tora-Asi continued to feel the effects of the Nameless, and looked to see where they were. She saw the Banchiians leading one away, but realized there were two others she did not see. As the Nameless got closer, she realized the Banchiians would not be able to hold them off forever, and that they needed a plan to defeat them. She asked Ru-Ru if the bunkers they had previously built were being used, and Ru-Ru told her that construction materials were being stored in them. Tora-Asi informed the others that she had a plan, and lead the Nameless toward the bunkers, over which a covering had been placed. 
As she reached a bunker, she leapt over it and turned to watch the Nameless, who she hoped would fall into it. However, the Nameless instead also jumped over the bunker. Noticing this, Silas threw a rope at the Nameless, but in doing so, got too close the Nameless and was unable to reach it with the rope due to its effects. A group of Banchiians was close enough to the rope, and were able to leap to catch it and tie it around the Nameless's leg. They were then able to pull the Nameless back and cause to fall into the bunker. Once it had fallen, Tora-Asi, Silas, and Ru-Ru used the Force to collapse the bunker, sealing the Nameless inside. After seeing that the Nameless had been defeated and learning that the Nihil had been able to capture the Force-sensitive creature Zimtok on Astenban, Apruk decided to retreat.
After Apruk's retreat, a small number of Nihil were left behind and captured by the Jedi. Shortly after, Malagán landed in a captured Nihil ship. Tora-Asi told her that most of the Nihil had escaped, but that the younglings were safe. Malagán then informed her of what had occurred on her mission, explaining that Shosho had stowed away on a Nihil ship after Zimtok was captured. Tora-Asi responded by asking Malagán to rescue Shosho, explaining that she could not go herself as she needed to stay on Banchii in case of another attack, and that she also wanted to be there when the younglings returned. Malagân agreed to her request, and Arkoff decided to accompany her as well. Tora-Asi promised to the Banchiians that they could rely on the Jedi Masters to rescue Shosho, and then stood to watch as their starship departed.
At some point no earlier than 35 ABY, the protocol droid C-3PO wrote a book about Wookiees. In the book, C-3P0 mentioned Arkoff and the young Jedi under his tutelage,Star Wars: The Secrets of the Wookiees which included Tora-Asi.
==Personality and traits==
Lily Tora-Asi was dutiful in her responsibilities as a Jedi. When Nima Allets and Viv'Nia Nia'Viv became excited by news of the Republic Fair during their assignment on Banchii, Tora-Asi, along with Arkoff, reminded them that there was an order to their responsibilities as Jedi, which, at that time, meant helping the people on Banchii first and foremost. Additionally, Tora-Asi was brave and a quick thinker. Upon realizing that the Drengir could not be killed using lightsabers, she quickly devised a plan to burn them instead and was, thus, successful in defeating the creatures. During the Nihil attack led by Niv Drendow Apruk, she thought of plans to protect the younglings under her care and defeat the Nameless.
Although she was committed to the Jedi Order and its cause, Tora-Asi occasionally harbored doubts about whether or not she was doing enough to help the people of the galaxy and if she was capable of handling unpredictable situations. As a result, Arkoff often encouraged her to change and broaden her perspective. Tora-Asi was serious and held firmly to her principles and had strong convictions. Because this was often interpreted as rigidity, both Arkoff and Sav Malagán often told her that she should be more flexible. Stellan Gios agreed with them, and also thought that she should be more confident. Both Arkoff and Gios believed that she thrived under criticism. Tora-Asi eventually learned to become more flexible and defied the Jedi Council's orders to return to Coruscant. She also learned to rely on her instincts to find unique solutions to problems she faced. Arkoff additionally considered her to be empathetic and have strong communication skills. However, Azlin Rell thought she was naive and inexperienced. Tora-Asi upheld tradition and strove to better her lightsaber skills and connection to the Force. She was also a dedicated and conscientious leader.
Tora-Asi was a human female with black hair, green eyes and pale skin. She stood 1.65 meters (5 ft, 5 in) tall. In 229 BBY, she was considered young. During her time alone on Banchii after the fall of Starlight Beacon, her hair grew longer, and she kept one side of it tucked behind her ear.
==Powers and abilities==
Lily Tora-Asi was skilled in Jar'Kai, a form of lightsaber combat which focused on using two lightsabers at once. In Chronicles of the Jedi, Harli Cogra noted that Tora-Asi's lightsaber skills were considered "unquestionable". She used her lightsaber skills effectively during both the Drengir attack on Banchii and the Nihil attacks. As a Jedi Knight, Tora-Asi was Force-sensitive and capable of using telekinesis, which she used effectively during the Drengir attack. In addition to speaking Galactic Basic, Tora-Asi understood the Wookiee language Shyriiwook and was capable of communicating with Arkoff.
==Equipment==
Lily Tora-Asi wielded a pair of identical green-bladed lightsabers which had distinctive handguards. Their hilts were cast from golden and coppery metals, and featured round pommels with circular crossguards around their emitter assemblies. The lightsabers had comparable weights and control surfaces that facilitated two-handed combat.
Tora-Asi wore gold and white Jedi apparel. Depending on the occasion, she also wore mission robes and Temple robes. Her mission attire included gauntlets and a dark-colored outer robe. She wore high boots to protect her legs during combat.
==Behind the scenes==
===Development===
Lily Tora-Asi first appeared simultaneously in the first volume of the manga series Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance and in "The Banchiians," a bonus chapter included in the volume. The main volume was written by Justina Ireland and Shima Shinya, and illustrated by Mizuki Sakakibara. "The Banchiians" had a story written by Shima, was storyboarded by Sakakibara, and was illustrated by Nezu Usugumo. The volume was published by Viz Media on September 7, 2021, as part of the Star Wars: The High Republic multimedia project's Phase I. The character was first pictured on the cover of The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 1 when it was showcased to the public during the launch livestream for Star Wars: The High Republic on January 4, 2021. She was later identified as Lily Tora-Asi in the debut episode of Star Wars: The High Republic Show on January 27.
Sakakibara envisioned the covers of each volume in the series to represent one of the four seasons, with Volume 1's cover, which features Tora-Asi, representing autumn. Development art of Tora-Asi by Sakakibara was included in the second and third volumes of the series, which released on February 22, 2022 as part of The High Republic Phase I, and on August 13, 2024 as part of the project's Phase III, respectively. In the reference book Star Wars Encyclopedia: The Comprehensive Guide to the Star Wars Galaxy, which released on November 7, 2024, Tora-Asi is incorrectly referred to as a Jedi Master in Banchii's entry, although she is correctly described as a Jedi Knight elsewhere in the book.
===Concept art gallery===
==Appearances==
* 
*The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 1
*The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 2
*The High Republic Adventures (2021) 11
*The High Republic: The Edge of Balance: Precedent 
*The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 3
*The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 4
==Sources==
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* 
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*
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*The Art of Star Wars: The High Republic: Volume I
*Star Wars: The High Republic: Chronicles of the Jedi
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*Star Wars: Timelines
*Star Wars: The High Republic Character Encyclopedia
*Star Wars: The Secrets of the Wookiees 
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*Star Wars: The High Republic: The Lightsaber Collection
*Star Wars Encyclopedia: The Comprehensive Guide to the Star Wars Galaxy
* 
==Notes and references==
Category:Educators
Category:Females
Category:Humans
Category:Individuals with she/her pronouns
Category:Jedi Knights during the High Republic Era