Moran (Koboh)

Originating from the Core Worlds, Moran dedicated himself to studying the galactic economy alongside some of the most brilliant minds on Coruscant. While living on Coruscant, he eventually found employment with the Republic Tax Collection Agency, where he investigated revenue discrepancies. It was during this time that he encountered individuals willing to bribe their way out of trouble. In Moran's view, the Republic was a corrupt system that demanded too high a price for compliance.

During his time at the Republic Tax Collection Agency, Moran also operated a clandestine, yet profitable, smuggling enterprise with his associate Dreyo. Their paths crossed when Dreyo, who had previously overseen a completely legitimate port on Rodia, allowed Moran to utilize his docks for shipments without inquiry. Over time, their relationship evolved into a romantic one. Moran initially described smuggling as tax-free trade of extrajudicial imports, believing that the galaxy was eager to enrich those who were willing to play its "game."

On one occasion, while personally overseeing a shipment of spice, which he referred to as a "sensitive luxury product," on Muunilinst, Moran and his crew were intercepted by a customs vessel because the transponder codes on his ship had not been updated, marking it as suspicious. After his ship was boarded, Moran feigned distress, shedding tears over various matters, including past marriages and lower back pain. However, his efforts proved futile when one of the officers inadvertently knocked over a container of spice. Moran quickly concocted a story, claiming that the powder was the ashes of a thousand ritually cremated Serenno war heroes. To his astonishment and relief, the inspectors believed his fabrication and allowed him to continue his delivery. He later attributed this successful deception as the reason he was able to escape to Koboh instead of being confined to a Muunilinst labor camp.

Following the Clone Wars, the Galactic Empire emerged from the ashes of the Republic, initiating a crackdown on illicit activities. Consequently, many of Moran's associates sought refuge with the Hutts. Dreyo implored Moran to abandon the smuggling business and leave with him, but Moran refused, leading to Dreyo's departure alone. Moran initially believed he could persevere and manipulate the situation to his advantage, but he eventually acknowledged that his actions were driven by greed and expressed regret, admitting that he had taken the scenic route to his downfall. Once Moran's smuggling operations were exposed, he fled to the Outer-Rim planet Koboh.

After arriving on Koboh, Moran spent most of his time at Pyloon's Saloon, so much so that the owner, Greez Dritus, permitted him to store his possessions in a back room, and he had a regular "old favorite" order there. While he appreciated that the cantina served alcohol and remained open even when the Bedlam Raiders were in town, he felt that the establishment violated numerous business principles while gleefully engaging in deceptive advertising practices, and was infested with molds he avoided investigating.

The presence of battle droids on the planet reminded Moran of the Clone Wars. He referred to the conflict as the glory days, remarking that a Separatist secession backed by tax-averse free marketeers starting just as he established a profitable extrajudicial shipping operation paired together like wine and flatcakes.

In 9 BBY, Moran encountered the Jedi Knight Cal Kestis in the saloon, and their relationship was strained. He immediately recognized Kestis as a Jedi due to his demeanor and the presence of a lightsaber on his belt. He pledged to keep this information a secret because, during their conversations, he had revealed enough to Kestis to potentially land himself in an Imperial detention center. He told the Jedi that he understood what it was like to have a losing streak tied around his throat and respected people who kept fighting when the chips were down.

Initially, he hesitated to contact Dreyo, believing there was enough shame to go around and assuming that his former partner was likely unaware that he was still alive. At Kestis' urging, Moran eventually decided to send a communication to Dreyo for the first time since their separation, although he doubted it would reach him, and if it did, he did not expect a reply or that Dreyo would actually come. Despite the presence of the Imperial-class Star Destroyer that came to orbit the planet, Moran had no plans to leave Koboh.

Moran was a reclusive individual who preferred his own company, and when forced to interact with others, he often displayed barely concealed indifference. On one occasion, Turgle informed him that he had nearly died during one of his many adventures, to which Moran feigned disinterest in the frog's near-death experience.

He held strong anti-Imperial views as a result of the collapse of his smuggling operation and his subsequent encounters with the Empire. During a conversation with Twi'lek historian Toa, he considered her to be naive for believing that the Imperials would not harm a scholar working near the High Republic ruins on the planet. He likened the Empire to investors, stating that they could only be kept in the dark for so long. He also told her that even if the Empire hadn't yet determined how they would exploit Koboh, they eventually would and would take whatever they desired, including everything she was searching for. He remarked that opposing the Empire was like betting on the long odds because you can't beat them and that they all had to live in their shadow.

Occasionally, Moran would soften his attitude towards others. After initially dismissing Cal Kestis' sympathy for his situation, he admitted that he ended up on Koboh as a refugee of his own making. He later apologized, saying that he shouldn't take his own troubles out on Kestis, and allowed the Jedi to search through his back room at Pyloon's for anything that would aid his mission. Moran would eventually develop a reluctant respect for Kestis. After reminiscing about the Clone Wars with fondness, he apologized to Kestis for being insensitive, knowing what the Jedi would have experienced. He warned him that Koboh would drain him dry and advised him to leave while he still could, before adding that it is not just about getting out, it's about getting out before he lost everything. He did, however, confirm to Kestis that despite being heartened when the Jedi said he'd take a Raider blaster bolt for him, he wouldn't afford Kestis the same courtesy.

Despite his stubborn refusal to contact Dreyo, Moran spoke of his former partner with affection and regret. He claimed Dreyo had a ghastly sense of style and hoarded tasteless ornaments, but conceded he was the genuine article and believed that is why things didn't work out between them.

Moran made his debut appearance in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, which was released on April 28th, 2023. His voice was provided by the accomplished voice actor J Michael Tatum.