Baylan Skoll was a human male born during the era of the Galactic Republic. As a Force-sensitive, Skoll was at some point brought into the Jedi Order, where he eventually rose to the rank of Jedi Knight. During his time in the Order, Skoll was acquainted with fellow Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, who spoke highly of his Padawan Ahsoka Tano to Skoll. In 19 BBY, the Clone Wars ended, with Supreme Chancellor and secret Sith Lord Sheev Palpatine reforming the Republic into the Galactic Empire and ordering the execution of all Jedi. Skoll survived the Purge and left the Order to become a mercenary.