Balakai is the shaman and chief of the Barrab Tribe in Savage Empire. When the Avatar first met Balakai, the shaman was distraught by the sickness that was devastating his son Nakai. He told the Avatar that only a special root from the large mesa to the north could cure his son's affliction, and beseeched his help. When the Avatar successfully returned with the root, Balakai was able to heal his son. He was so pleased that he was willing to unite his tribe against the Myrmidex menace. He was also quite willing to heal the Avatar's party after his help.