Vaeril Shanorin

Official state portrait

**Vaeril Shanorin** (ME 306-339) was the third Emperor of the Shanorin Dynasty. He inherited the throne from his father, Tarron, and ruled for nearly 13 years, until his murder by his twin brother on the 12th of Arrunus, ME 339.

From a young age, Vaeril and his brother were taught the ways of Chasan society and their religion, Precursorism. While Abdiel took a strong interest in preserving these, Vaeril had aspired to make major changes to his species' self-destructive society, and saw this as far more important than serving Humanity. Although his father saw Abdiel as a better fit to lead due to his beliefs, he feared his violent tendencies would result in the Dynasty's destruction, and selected Vaeril as his successor just days before his death. This intensely angered Abdiel, who self exiled from the Dynasty for nearly 13 years.

Vaeril proved to be a divisive leader. While some young Chasans agreed with his attempted changes, the majority of the population disliked his relaxed approach to Precursorism. His economic changes were also controversial, and saw wages eliminated in favour of material payment based on ones contributions to the Dynasty's society. As well most of Vaeril's attempted reforms were blocked by the council, who were mostly elder Chasa opposed to societal changes. Vaeril, however, did manage to reopen trade and relations with the Montiac Empire. Though this was controversial as well, it did manage to improve the life of the common citizen drastically.

Vaeril was married in ME 330, and had his daughter and only child, Dilya, on the 3rd of Aquila, ME 332. He had reportedly planned to have another before his death, but this is unverified.

Abdiel returned to the Dynasty midday on the 11th of Arrunus, ME 339. Vaeril greeted the return of his brother with open arms, and had his room cleaned for his stay. The two discussed their rule the next morning, and Vaeril reportedly planned to request a co-rule from the Dynastic Council. The entire royal family were paraded through the street on the 12th, and a national holiday was declared for that day. Accounts of the Empire's diplomat to the Dynasty described the streets of Shanor to be a sea of folk, celebrating the return of Abdiel. Chasans were said to celebrate with other species like they were their own, something unheard of for the Cat-folk. The diplomat, along with much of the government, was invited to a dinner with the royal family, and described Abdiel to be uncharacteristically cheerful.

The celebrations ended late in the night, with the two brothers taking a walk through the gardens of the Dynastic Palace. Vaeril decided to not bring his guards, as he trusted his brother. This proved to be fatal, as at some point during this walk, Abdiel used Radka to kill his brother, usurping his throne. Thus began what is now called the Night of a Thousand Daggers. Immediately following the murder of Vaeril, Abdiel used Radka and guards loyal to him to force his rule upon the Dynasty's councillors, and those that refused were killed. By dawn, all those who stated their objection to Abdiel were disposed of and replaced, cementing Abdiel as the fourth Emperor.

Reports of Vaeril's body point to brainmelt as the cause of death, indicating that his death was quick. The exact reason for Vaeril's murder is poorly understood. It's possible that, while offering a co-rule, Abdiel knew his brother wouldn't allow his planned changes, and so he resorted to murder. Vaeril's wife was murdered the next day along with numerous others loyal to Vaeril. Dilya and a small number of guards managed to escape and assisted in forming Firmosia, where they continue to reside to this day.