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| - The male Kaleesh who would become Darth Xalek was born as Xivhkalrainik on Kalee at the height of the Great Galactic War that was fought between the Sith Empire and the Galactic Republic. 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 Force-sensitive. At the time the Empire had adopted a policy of recruiting all those in its territory strong in the Force to be Sith, including slaves. This allowed Xivhkalrainik a chance to escape enslavement and join the ranks of the Sith Order, whom he saw as living deities. He was sent to the Sith Academy on Korriban, where he was placed under the tutelage of Harkun, who, unable to pronounce the Kaleesh's real namr, dubbed him Xalek. Xalek also gained the attention of Lord Kallig, 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 Dark Side of the Force, as well as lightsaber combat and Sith lore. His apprenticeship also saw the outbreak of the Second Great Galactic War. When Kallig succeeded in defeating her rival, Dark Council member Darth Thanaton, she ascended to his position on the Dark Council and was anointed Darth Nox. For his role in Thanaton's downfall, Xalek was given command of the Imperial forces on Alderaan, which he successfully defended from a Republic attack. For this he was made a Lord of the Sith. Through further distinguishing acts during the war he earned the title of Darth. In the closing days of the war, Darth Xalek challenged his former master, Nox, to a duel to the death, which Nox accepted. Xalek eventually struck down his opponent and claimed her seat on the Dark Council.
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