Professor Nij Por Ral, a portly Human male scientist specializing in the study of language, was recruited by SoroSuub during the era of the Galactic Civil War. Later in his life, he abandoned his post to join Jedi Master Qu Rahn.
As a scholar specializing in ancient languages, he journeyed to Dorlo to investigate a massive, ancient wall stretching three miles in length that had been unearthed there. SoroSuub's leaders hoped the wall would lead to the discovery of additional resources. The scholar disagreed with the corporation's methods, but he was aware that if he refused to assist, they would simply destroy the ruin, erasing all evidence of the civilization. Therefore, he decided it was best to document as much as possible.
In the year 5 ABY, Jedi Master Qu Rahn, who was in search of the legendary Valley of the Jedi, was forming a team of experts. He found in Nij Por Ral the specialist he required to translate any hieroglyphics or ancient writings they might encounter. He and his team approached the scholar on the planet, and Ral, albeit reluctantly, consented to join them.
However, as they were departing the planet, Jerec's Dark Jedi gave chase. Rahn insisted they continue on foot towards Duno Dree's transport. After fleeing with two skimmers pursuing them, their companion Cee Norley paused to rest and criticized Rahn's decision, emphasizing that Nij Por Ral was merely a linguist and not suited for the task. The breathless scholar reassured them that he was still capable.
Eventually, the remaining members of the group reached the CR90 corvette that served as Duno Dree's transport, but it was intercepted by Jerec's Super Star Destroyer, the Vengeance, and was boarded and filled with sleeping gas. The unconscious team was taken aboard the Vengeance, and when Rahn rejoined them, Nij Por Ral complained of lingering dizziness. They were brought before Jerec; Por Ral recognized Sariss, Yun and Maw nearby as those who had pursued them. Rolanda Gron refused to cooperate and was the first to be executed. Jerec coerced them to reveal information about the Valley of the Jedi in exchange for a swift death. When Rahn refused to comply, Yun approached Por Ral, intending to make him the next victim. Ral fell to his knees, begging for mercy and claiming he had no knowledge, shifting the responsibility to Rahn. Unable to do otherwise, Rahn refused to provide any information, closing his eyes and knowing that he was condemning the linguist.
The inexperienced Dark Jedi intended to behead Ral with his lightsaber, but he only managed to strike the old man's shoulder, then removing the lightsaber from his flesh as he was screaming in pain, before delivering the final blow. Ral's body was badly mangled as it fell on the floor.
Later, Yun was plagued by recurring nightmares depicting the event, where Yun, wielding a metallic sword, found himself repeatedly executing prisoners, including Nij Por Ral. Driven by ambition and the desire for recognition, he had to disregard Ral's pleas for mercy. In the dream, Yun relived the flawed blow that had shamed him.
In the audio adaptation of Dark Forces: Rebel Agent, Peter Moore provided his voice. The audio drama's credits mistakenly list his name as "Nij Porral."