Star Wars: A Familiar Face Returns - Kinman Doriana and His Part in Palpatine's Development
Kinman Doriana, one of Palpatine's most reliable friends in the Star Wars Legends universe, has been included into the contemporary canon and offers an interesting link between the two worlds.
Kinman Doriana: A Shadowy Figure in Court of Palpatine
Political figure from Palpatine's homeworld of Naboo, Doriana was instrumental in Palpatine's ascent to dominance. Acting as Palpatine's secret political counselor, he gave great help in planning several conspiracies and backstage event manipulation. Believing them to be separate people, Doriana spoke with both identities even though he was ignorant of Palpatine's actual name as Darth Sidious.
Doriana's impact included important events like the Yinchorri Uprising, a revolt meant to gauge the efficacy of the Yinchorri as Jedi-killers for the Clone Army. Additionally he undermined Ainlee Teem's political campaign, which opposed Palpatine during the Invasion of Naboo. Doriana participated actively in Palpatine's meddling with the Outbound Flight Project of the Jedi Order, a trip to the Unknown Regions. Understanding the Yuuzhan Vong's possible threat, he teamed with Palpatine to undermine the operation.
By his deeds, Mitth'raw's nuruodo—the future Grand Admiral Thrawn—was found and Palpatine was guaranteed a capable military commander. Doriana also helped to clone Jedi Master Jorus C'baoth, which finally brought about C'baoth's death and the ruin of the Outbound Flight Project.
Unquestionably, Doriana shaped the Clone Wars. Essential for the birth of Luuke Skywalker and the Emperor's return following the Battle of Endor, he acquired Spaarti cloning cylinders. Doriana's existence stayed mostly unknown to the galaxy at large despite his major contributions, evidence of his ability to shape events from the shadows.
The Star Wars Canon Return of Kinman Doriana
Dr. Chris Kempshall's "Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire" for 2024 in-universe reference book presents Kinman Doriana to the contemporary canon. The book presents Doriana as a mysterious person with strong links to Palpatine but downplaying of his influence. This intentional ignorance captures the viewpoint of Beaumont Kin, the Resistance soldier and book narrator.
Doriana's entry into the modern canon creates the path for next narratives to delve deeper into his character. One could investigate his impact on the ascent of Palpatine's power and the prelude to the Clone Wars, therefore illuminating fresh information about the activities of the Sith Lord.
The Link Between Kinman Doriana and Thrawn: A Missed Opportunity?
Grand Admiral Thrawn's biography and beginnings differ from those of the Legends continuity, however he has a counterpart in the contemporary canon. There is no known link between the present canon version of Thrawn and Kinman Doriana, a surprising absence given the major part Doriana performed in Thrawn's entry to the Legends universe.
Their different stories provide a lost chance. Maybe next Star Wars films will look at a relationship between the two characters, piecing together bits from both worlds and enhancing their individual tales.
Kinman Doriana's inclusion in the contemporary canon is evidence of Star Wars Legends' ongoing influence and capacity to inspire fresh tales in the always growing galaxy.
