Xi'an
Originating from Ryloth, Xi'an was a female Twi'lek who operated as a mercenary. At some point in her career, she collaborated with Din Djarin, a Mandalorian bounty hunter. Later, Xi'an's path crossed with Djarin's again when they were both contracted by Ranzar Malk for a rescue mission involving Qin, Xi'an's twin. Qin was being held on the Bothan-5, a New Republic Correctional Transport. The team's plan involved double-crossing Djarin and leaving him to die, but Djarin outsmarted them, imprisoning the team members within one of the transport's holding cells.
Biography
Early career
Xi'an embarked on a career as a mercenary and, at some stage, worked alongside her twin brother Qin, the mercenary Ranzar Malk, and the Mandalorian bounty hunter Din Djarin. One particular assignment, alongside Djarin, took place on Alzoc III. There was a period when Xi'an and Djarin were romantically involved, but Djarin's actions ultimately led to the group's dissolution.
Meeting the Mandalorian again
Around 9 ABY, Malk assembled a group of mercenaries, which included Xi'an, the human Migs Mayfeld, the Devaronian Burg, and the droid Q9-0, known as "Zero," to execute Qin's rescue. Malk also enlisted the Mandalorian to utilize his vessel, the Razor Crest, a pre-Imperial Era ship that was not traceable by the Galactic Empire or New Republic. As Djarin met the rest of the team, Xi'an greeted him, brandishing a dagger. The team then began to strategize their infiltration of the Bothan-5, a New Republic Correctional Transport where Qin was being held. Djarin expressed reservations about potential repercussions from the New Republic, but Xi'an assured him that the prison ship was staffed by droids, knowing Djarin's aversion to them.
Following the establishment of their strategy, the mercenaries commenced their journey to the prison ship aboard the Razor Crest, with Zero at the controls. The remaining team members were situated in the cargo hold, where Djarin had a disagreement with Burg. Burg and Mayfeld also engaged in conversation about Mandalorians, and when Mayfeld brought up Xi'an's experiences with them, she challenged Djarin to recount the events of Alzoc III to the pair. When Burg attempted to remove Djarin's helmet, the bounty hunter retaliated, and the Devaronian inadvertently opened a door, revealing Grogu. Mayfeld inquired whether Xi'an and Djarin had conceived it, and Xi'an questioned if he had become sentimental when he referred to it as a pet.
The job
Zero informed the team that the Razor Crest was nearing the prison ship and initiated maneuvers to land on the transport undetected. Xi'an expressed her irritation at the droid's lack of a countdown. After overcoming a contingent of N5 sentry droids, Xi'an and the rest of the team gained access to a control room where the human Lant Davan was stationed. He reacted by aiming his blaster pistol at the group as Djarin voiced his surprise at finding an organic worker on board. He refused to take Davan's life, resulting in a tense standoff with the rest of the crew. While Djarin and Mayfeld debated the issue, Xi'an ended Davan's life by throwing a knife into his chest.
Upon arriving at Qin's cell, Burg forcibly pushed Djarin inside and secured the door. However, the Mandalorian eventually managed to break free and sealed the blast doors throughout the prison ship. He subdued Xi'an and the other members of the gang, confining them within a prison cell, and eliminated Zero. Djarin then returned to Malk with Qin and received the bounty reward, although Malk and Qin were soon after attacked by a squadron of X-wing starfighters who had tracked a homing beacon that Djarin had planted on Qin.
Personality and traits
Xi'an, a female Twi'lek from Ryloth with purple skin and blue eyes, possessed considerable skill with bladed weaponry. She exhibited an unconventional personality and professed the ability to overcome past grievances and maintain professional relationships, even with personal adversaries. Xi'an displayed no hesitation in murdering Davan and also betrayed Djarin along with the rest of the team.
Skills and abilities
Xi'an was athletic and agile, proficient in the use of melee weapons such as knives, and capable of throwing them with remarkable precision.
Equipment
Xi'an carried a collection of throwing knives and wore a maroon, long-sleeved shirt paired with brown pants and a belt.
Behind the scenes
Xi'an made her debut in Chapter 6 of the 2019 television series The Mandalorian, which was broadcast on December 13, 2019. She was portrayed by Natalia Tena, with Katherine O'Donovan serving as her stunt double. The character's initial reveal occurred in a trailer released on August 23, 2019, leading up to the show's premiere. Xi'an shares her name with the Chinese city known for housing the tomb of Emperor Qin.