Shanorin Purge

The **Shanorin Purge**, known to fleeing Chasans as **The Great Terror**, was Abdiel's campaign to consolidate his position of Emperor of the Shanorin Dynasty. The purges immediately followed the Night of a Thousand Daggers, and were carried out against remaining politicians and folk of influence opposed to Abdiel, as well as against common dissenters. It lasted seven months, from Arrunus to Satronius, ME 339.

Following the death of Tarron Shanorin, his son Vaeril had ascended to the throne. While not an unpopular leader, his appointment over Abdiel had angered many radicals in the state, both those of influence and common folk. Vaeril had a much laxer view on Precursorism than his brother, and aimed more to make changes in Chasan society rather than solely focus on pursuing their religion. Many radical politicians chose to leave their positions over his decade long rule, which resulted in the brief reign of a government that put the needs of its people over that of its religion. Although Vaeril's reign never saw wide approval, he would ultimately win the support of progressive citizens. Radical followers of Precursorism, however, never approved of his rule and saw his cooperation with the Montiac Empire as an embarrassment. Abdiel returned to the Dynasty on the 11th of Arrunus, ME 339, killing his brother the following night. This was immediately followed by a mass killing carried out by the new Emperor in Shanor, eliminating local politicians who did not fully support Abdiel's rule.

Even after this though, dissidence remained throughout the state. Abdiel consulted with his new council, and it was ultimately agreed upon that a mass purge would take place to consolidate his rule. It should be noted that the council at this point was half filled, and the vote likely passed more out of fear than want. The purges themselves were largely undertaken by the Army and Arem, with Abdiel having no direct part in the actual murders. A handful of other attacks were committed by radical citizens without Abdiel's orders, such as the murder of dozens of Leosians in Savabel. While the purge swept through virtually all institutions of the Dynasty, the army was largely left untouched. Both military leadership and common soldiers were usually radicals themselves, and only a few dozen soldiers were known to be purged. These consisted of supporters of Vaeril's rule, those against Abdiel's killings, and a mix of both.

By the third month Abdiel had consolidated his rule over the Dynasty. His council was replaced with supporters, many of which served prior to Vaeril's rule, and any other opposers in influential positions had been disposed of. However, dissidence among civilians was still high, primarily in non-native species. In late Thallanium the Arem, with minor support from the army, began raiding civilian centers. Those suspected of dissidence would be grouped up and sent away, while those with clear evidence would be killed on the spot. Group demonstrations also ceased, as any major gathering would result in sure death for the dissenters. These Arem raids would began to target Leosians and Pardali in the following weeks, as these species were the most active in opposing Abdiel. They assisted mainly in smuggling fleeing citizens out of the Dynasty. This targeting soon turned into mass killings, with innocent Leosians rounded up and killed, dissenters or not. This period is often referred to as the **Leosian** **Genocide**, and saw thousands of the Cat-folk murdered in cold blood. The Pardali were targeted to a lesser extent, primarily due to them being less of a threat.

On the 19th of Satronius Abdiel stated in his monthly address that he considered the purges over, and believed that all major dissenters had been purged, and declared a new age for the Dynasty. Despite this claim, the Dynasty continues to keep a tight hold over anti-state rhetoric, and Arem still conduct regular raids against suspected dissidents.

No official numbers exist for those killed, and all info comes from stories from fleeing citizens and passing traders. Initial estimates stated that roughly 57k were killed, but more accurate estimates in the years since point to the number being closer to 30k. Reportedly, Abdiel's plan for the purge would have killed considerably less. The high numbers are a result of Nalaea Facaryn, Caran of the Arem, wishing to further limit dissent. Thus, many of the victims with little links to anti-state rhetoric were likely personal enemies of the Arem.

The majority of convicted would be sent to the desert and killed, often without any proper form of evidence. Occasionally, well known figures would be publicly executed.