Kirak Infil'a

Kirak Infil'a is a notable character in the Star Wars universe, particularly within the expanded lore found in the comic series. He is a Jedi Master who lived during the time leading up to the Great Jedi Purge. Known for his extraordinary skills in combat, Kirak Infil'a possessed a unique Force ability that made him a formidable opponent. His story is primarily explored in the "Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith" comic series, where he has a significant encounter with Darth Vader.

Unlike many other Jedi, Kirak Infil'a took the Barash Vow, a commitment of complete disengagement from anything related to the Jedi Order. This vow is usually taken in times of personal reflection or indecision, disconnecting a Jedi from the Order's affairs to focus solely on The Force. As a result, Infil'a was absent from the significant events of the galaxy, including The Clone Wars and the fall of the Jedi Order. This partial isolation is what allowed him to survive past Order 66, when most Jedi were being hunted down by the Sith.

Darth Vader, still newly minted and eager to prove his loyalty to Emperor Palpatine, sought out Kirak Infil'a to acquire a new lightsaber following the demise of the Sith Lord's former weapon. Their confrontation was one of intense physical and Force-laden combat, showcasing both Vader's ruthless determination and Infil'a's impressive mastery of the Force and lightsaber techniques. Despite Kirak Infil'a's considerable prowess, Vader ultimately defeats him, claiming his lightsaber and crystal, which he subsequently corrupts to create his own Sith blade.

The encounter between Darth Vader and Kirak Infil'a is significant for multiple reasons. It highlights the sheer might of Darth Vader as he consolidates his power and further immerses himself in the Dark Side. The storyline also serves to enrich the Star Wars mythos, providing deeper insight into the rarer aspects of Jedi practices like the Barash Vow, and illustrating the diverse paths some Jedi took, even in isolation. Kirak Infil'a's tale, although contained within a few issues of a comic series, adds to the rich tapestry of stories that make up the expansive Star Wars universe.