Character of the Week: Vernestra Rwoh

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Vernestra Rwoh is one of the featured characters in the new Star Wars publishing initiative, The High Republic. The High Republic era is set in the Star Wars Universe about 232 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin). This era is said to be the height of the Galactic Republic and the golden age of the Jedi. Vernestra’s character was created for the upcoming book by Justina Ireland, The High Republic: A Test of Courage. 

Who is Vernestra Rwoh?

Vernestra, nicknamed Vern, is a sixteen-year-old Mirialan from the planet Mirial. Vern is a member of the Jedi Order and apprenticed under Jedi Master Stellan Gios. She became a Jedi Knight at the age of sixteen, which makes her the youngest in a generation to earn that rank.

Vern’s combination of a strong work ethic, devotion to the Jedi Order, and being a prodigy elevated her to Jedi Knight much quicker than normal. Just like any good Jedi, she has her own set of struggles. She was very young when she passed her trials to become a Jedi Knight. She had the skills for sure but mentally she is still sixteen. She is forging her way in a world of Jedi who are much older than her and has trouble fitting in.

Other Appearances

Vernestra is not mentioned anywhere else is canon as of right now. She is going to be featured in the upcoming novel by Justina Ireland, The High Republic: A Test of Courage. In that novel, Vernestra and the rest of her party are stranded on a jungle moon after being pulled out of hyperspace by an event called The Great Disaster. 

I suspect she will make an appearance or at least get a mention in Charles Soule’s new book The High Republic: Light of the Jedi set to arrive in store this August. Soule’s novel takes place during the same timeframe as A Test of Courage. I also think Vern will make an appearance or two in the Star Wars Adventures comics because that comic is geared toward a younger audience. 

Overall Thoughts

Vernestra Rwoh seems like a great character. I am excited to see how her story unfolds. I like that she is a younger Jedi and that there is a possibility we can see her character develop over time. I see her as the Ahsoka character of this era – starting off as the young, slightly immature Jedi looking to prove herself, but becomes a character everyone loves by the end of the story.

Like most Star Wars fans, I’m really curious and excited about the High Republic era. It is only mentioned a few times in canon and what information we have about it right now isn’t much. I have always said that the Jedi have never been portrayed at their best. This era is going to highlight them as we have never seen before in canon, so I’m really looking forward to seeing that, especially from Vern’s perspective.