Shok Tinoktin originated from Rhommamool and was a Human native to that world. He joined forces with Nom Anor, an individual with an intense dislike for machines, and his followers known as the Red Knights of Life, in the year 25 ABY.
Around 25 ABY, during the time of the Osarian-Rhommamool conflict, which occurred not long before the Yuuzhan Vong War began, Shok Tinoktin, a male Human, was conscripted into the Red Knights of Life, an anti-technology terrorist organization. He later served as an advisor to group leader Nom Anor on matters concerning Rhommamool within the Rhommamoolian Senate, eventually becoming one of Anor's closest confidants, all while remaining unaware that Anor was actually a Yuuzhan Vong operative.
Tinoktin was present at a meeting in Redhaven, the Rhommamoolian capital, where Leia Organa Solo, the former Chief of State of the New Republic, along with Mara Jade Skywalker, their protocol droid C-3PO, and the Noghri Bolpuhr were also in attendance. Following a missile attack on the nearby world of Osarian, Anor and Tinoktin escaped Rhommamool in an A-wing, with Tinoktin acting as the pilot. Anor then staged his own death aboard the New Republic cruiser Mediator (Mediator_(mediator-class)), using a rudimentary rocket-propelled shuttle loaded with nuclear explosives, remotely guided by Tinoktin. Later, Tinoktin dozed off in the fighter's cockpit, narrowly missing Anor's conversation with Da'Gara, a Yuuzhan Vong Prefect, concerning the destruction of Sernpidal. Tinoktin only caught the last few words of their discussion, and without understanding the context, assumed that Anor was merely preparing another speech.
During a confrontation on Duro in 26 ABY with Skywalker and Jaina Solo, Anor revealed that Shok Tinoktin had been generously compensated for his loyal service to both Anor and the Red Knights of Life.
Shok Tinoktin possessed limited intelligence and understanding, remaining completely ignorant of Nom Anor's true allegiance to the Yuuzhan Vong, instead viewing him as a pro-organic extremist. Furthermore, he held a deep fear of Anor, constantly worrying about potentially incurring the Red Knight's leader's displeasure. Jaina Solo described him as a lanky and frail individual, comparing him to a mouse.
Tinoktin was a competent pilot, demonstrating his skills by meticulously guiding Nom Anor's decoy rocket toward the Mediator to ensure the successful delivery of its explosive payload. He also displayed proficiency in piloting an A-wing interceptor, earning Anor's trust to operate such a vehicle.
Shok Tinoktin was first featured in R. A. Salvatore's 1999 novel, The New Jedi Order: Vector Prime, which served as the initial installment in the New Jedi Order series. He was also briefly mentioned in The New Jedi Order: Balance Point, a later novel by Kathy Tyers that was released in 2000.