Born on Vahl more than a century after its rediscovery, Kaaris is descended from a long, proud line that traces its origin to the famed human Jedi Karaad and Vahlan Jedi Leandri. Her blood is mixed, therefore, human traits mingling with Vahlan ones; however, the latter has remained throughout the generations. Kaaris inherited the typical Vahlan physique, her skeleton more cartilage than bone. She is quite tall and slender, with pale skin and hair that she bleaches and dies various shades. She inherited red hair from her line, but always disliked it, as it made her a subject of conversation.

Kaaris was trained in the Force on Vahl, and therefore became neither Jedi nor Sith. She learned to explore both the Dark and the Light, as the Vahlans had come to believe that both were essential. Eventually, she left the planet to explore the galaxy, and through family connections was introduced to the Emperor. While Kaaris had little love for politics or ruling empires, she was very curious about the man and the Sith, and so accepted his offer to be his right-hand woman.