Darth Xalek

"There's something vaguely unsettling about Bone-Face."

The male who would become Darth Xalek was born as Xivhkalrainik on  at the height of the  that was fought between the  and the. During his early years he learned much about his people's culture and beliefs and honoured them deeply. After the Great War's end the Sith invaded Kalee, and Xivhkalrainik was among those who resisted them. They were defeated, however, and Xivhkalrainik and many other Kaleesh were enslaved by the Empire.

During his time as a slave it was discovered that Xivhkalrainik was. At the time the Empire had adopted a policy of recruiting all those in its territory strong in the to be Sith, including slaves. This allowed Xivhkalrainik a chance to escape enslavement and join the ranks of the, whom he saw as living deities. He was sent to the on, where he was placed under the tutelage of , who, unable to pronounce the Kaleesh's real namr, dubbed him Xalek. Xalek also gained the attention of, who had herself risen from slavery thanks to the Empire's policy. Eventually, Xalek either outlived or murdered all of his rivals to become the sole surviving member of his group. Kallig, impressed, took the Kaleesh as her newest apprentice.

During his time with Kallig, Xalek learned much about the, as well as lightsaber combat and Sith lore. His apprenticeship also saw the outbreak of the. When Kallig succeeded in defeating her rival, member, she ascended to his position on the Dark Council. For his role in Thanaton's downfall, Xalek was given command of the Imperial forces on, which he successfully defended from a Republic attack.