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.