Within the larger landscape of Star Wars, lightsabers often have to do with or evoke themes involving the Jedi and Sith: symbols of power, honor, and conflict. But Marchion Ro, the main antagonist of Star Wars: The High Republic, takes a very different attitude toward his power. Many ask the question, Does Marchion Ro have a lightsaber? Let’s find out the answer in the article below!
Does Marchion RO Have a Lightsaber?
Yes, but not in the traditional sense. Marchion Ro does not wield a lightsaber like most Sith or Jedi. Instead, the lightsaber he possesses is taken from fallen Jedis. One of them is Master Loden Greatstorm, whom he captured and eventually killed in The Rising Storm.
The incident was tragic because Master Loden Greatstorm was a deeply respected Jedi Master in his wisdom, strength, and mentorship to Padawan Bell Zettifar. His capture and eventual death at the hands of Marchion Ro marked a turning point in The High Republic storyline.
Not only did Ro's actions cause the loss of one of the most respected Jedi, but his death became symbolic of the growing threat of the Nihil. The death of Master Greatstorm was really crippling because it touched the deep emotional corners of the Jedi Order, showing just how brutal Ro's campaign had become.
How Many Lightsabers Does Marchion Have?
In the Star Wars: The High Republic series, Ro has claimed lightsabers from the Jedi he has defeated. It is clear that Marchion Ro has at least one lightsaber, which he took from Master Loden Greatstorm. Some fans also speculate that he may have collected up to five lightsabers before some of them were destroyed.
The total count of lightsabers that he has is, however, still unsure. The actual count of how many lightsabers he has rounded up is just simply never confirmed.
Does Marchion Ro Use Lightsaber in Combat?
Yes, but rarely uses it, though. A notable case was when Marchion Ro used it against the dangerous cobonica creature. He activated the lightsaber and used it in defense against his crew, spearing the blade into one of its eyes to have it momentarily stun.
This perhaps is the most prominent time Ro is seen using the lightsaber in direct action, as to survive a dangerous encounter on the ice planet of Ryland. There aren't other widely known instances of him engaging in lightsaber combat. Most of his tactics usually involve strategy and manipulation rather than direct fighting.
Major Weapons Used by Marchion Ro
Although Marchion Ro has a lightsaber, it is not central to his combat style. His method of fighting is much more psychologically and unconventionally driven, with things like the Leveler and advanced Nihil technology neutralizing Force users without having to ever actually engage in a traditional lightsaber duel.
1. An ancient device called Leveler
The Nihil leader posesses an extensive collection of inventive and lethal devices that are purposefully designed to turn the weak points of Force users against them. The most fearsome of these is the Leveler: whereas all other pieces do some sort of harm, it targets Force users in devastating ways.
The Leveler is an ancient device that actually cuts a Jedi from the Force and makes them entirely powerless. It doesn't just neutralize their powers; it instills fear, confusion, and hallucinations, rendering them utterly helpless. That makes it considerably more dangerous than any lightsaber or blaster.
In fact, Ro was very successful in using the Leveler on the Jedi, such as Loden Greatstorm, to petrify him and cut him off from the Force.
2. Advanced hyperspace routes and debilitating storm strategies
Ro also leads the Nihil's destructive technology, “Paths” - advanced hyperspace routes and debilitating storm strategies that minimize lightsabers as a combat tool. The Nihil overwhelm their targets with gas, explosions, and other unconventional ways; to them, a fight is also a free-for-all experience.
Because Ro fights outside the box with his unconventional methods, he is always a step ahead of the Jedi. This is easily reflected in many of the battles across the Star Wars: The High Republic series. For instance, during the Great Hyperspace Disaster, the Nihil used the "Paths" to send mass and ships into hyperspace routes.
Bottom Line
In short, to answer the question “Does Marchion Ro have a lightsaber?” He does, but it's not his combat style, and he seldom involves himself in combat with it. Instead, Ro utilizes weapons that are unconventional and extremely dangerous, such as the Leveler, which can depower Jedi without engaging them in a lightsaber duel. His peculiar approach to warfare using fear, chaos, and psychological methods makes him far greater than a traditional villain with a lightsaber.
ALSO READ:
