Abdiel

Official state portrait

**Abdiel** (born **Aywin Shanorin**, officially known in Precursorism as **His Holiness Abdiel**) is the fourth and current Emperor of the Shanorin Dynasty, beginning his rule in ME 339 after usurping the throne from his brother.

Abdiel was born on the 9th of Agorix, ME 306, as Aywin Shanorin. His father taught both him and his twin brother, Vaeril, the ways of Precursorism from a young age. Abdiel had an immediate connection with the religion, and saw it as his duty to lead his people in the retaking of Habitat 000. When Vaeril was chosen as his fathers successor, Abdiel was deeply angered and self-exiled from the Dynasty. He would eventually find himself among the Capran monks on the island of Simao, where he spent a decade studying the art of Radka before returning to the Dynasty again. Upon his return he killed his brother and many of those loyal to him using Radka, usurping his throne and declaring himself as Emperor.

Under his rule, the Dynasty has become a brutal, suppressive dictatorship. The state religion has become more important in everyday life, and citizens have had most of their previous freedoms stripped from them in the name of serving their faith. Despite this though, Abdiel is popular among his citizens for his devotion, as well as the overhaul of the military.

## Biography

### Early life

Abdiel was born Aywin Shanorin on the 9th of Agorix, ME 306, along with his twin brother Vaeril. The day after their birth, they were presented off the balcony of the Dynastic Palace, gathering a crowd of the majority of the city. As is tradition for newborn Shanorins, they were paraded to the holy site of Kurial one week after their birth where they were blessed by Hosanna.

Upon their birth, Tarron Shanorin spent the majority of his remaining years on the throne teaching the two the ways of both Precursorism and Chasan society. Abdiel took to these teaching immediately, and because of this was seen by many to be the natural successor for the throne.

Around the age of 12, Hosanna gained an interest in Abdiel. This was a first for the Seraph, who typically would take little interest in the individuals around the palace save for the Emperor. Hosanna would spend hours every week conversing with Abdiel, and the two gained a close relationship. Unsurprisingly, the two mainly talked about Humanity and according to Abdiel, Hosanna told him things he swore not to tell his father. Hosanna would also speak very highly to Abdiel, telling him he was "destined to achieve greatness".

One night, when he was 18, a group of anti-monarchists breached the palace. Their attack was thwarted, with one being killed by Abdiel himself. One royal guard, Vesryn Jowynn, was killed in the attack. Vesryn had been Abdiel's personal guard since he was a child, and the loss effected him greatly. He made no public appearances for nearly a year, and grew distant from much of his family during this time. The Empire's diplomat to the Dynasty at the time also reported that this is when Abdiel first became weary of outsiders, as well as when he gained his first violent tendencies.

In Tarron's final year, he distanced himself from both of his sons in order to provide an unbiased choice for a new ruler. Abdiel was said to confident in his succession due to his private talks with Hosanna, and had entire plans drawn up for his future policies. Though Tarron noted in his journal that he saw Abdiel as a better fit and natural leader, and thought he cared more for his people, he feared his violent tendencies would result in the destruction of the Dynasty and their species. Thus, against the recommendations of many, Vaeril was selected as Tarron's successor, taking the throne following Tarron's death on the 29th of Tirifumox, ME 326.

### Self-exile and learning of Radka

Abdiel was deeply angered by his father's decision, and felt that he had been passed over due to Vaeril's more outwardly confidence and level-headed nature rather then his leading ability. Abdiel departed the Dynasty on the night of the 3rd of Zavagius, informing only Hosanna of this. A note was left in his room, saying he has realized his destiny is elsewhere and would not return.

Abdiel spent roughly a year travelling to Simao, though it's unclear if he was told about the island earlier or ended up there by chance. Multiple accounts from travelling Nibayr merchants claim Abdiel would often spend days living with these groups before moving on, possibly one of the reasons for his relaxed attitude towards the Rat-folk compared to other species. Abdiel arrived on the island on the 12th of Callanius, ME 328, and journeyed with a Capran to Tovin. He was turned away by the monks at first, but the High Elders of Radka used their influence to allow him entry into the surrounding village, but not the temple.

He spent the next months working around the farms, even delivering supplies from Khar to Tovin at one point. Reports from Leucans point to Abdiel being friendly towards the Bear and Goat-folk around the island. Showing his loyalty over these months, Abdiel was eventually allowed to study Radka in the temple. He would immediately demonstrate a natural talent, and was granted the rank of apprentice, the only known non-Capran to do so. Throughout his stay in the temple, he would continue to assist the surrounding farmers and built relationships with many. Abdiel was seen in a great light, and Capran in Khar would often speak highly of him. A further three years of training would see Abdiel attain the rank of Elder, reportedly the youngest to do so. Because of his natural Radka ability, most of the High Elders held a great respect and admiration for him, and Abdiel would often dine with the High Elders.

### Massacre at Tovin

Due to the remoteness of Tovin, the exact events of Abdiel's massacre were often speculative. However, research in the years since it transpired have painted a clear albeit shallow picture of the events of and leading up to it.

As an Elder, Abdiel would often practice Radka on his own time, coming up with new skills and uses for the art. Though the High Elder's didn't oppose this, some worried that Abdiel would use these powers against them. In the year leading up to the massacre, Abdiel was said to be more powerful than the High Elders, and was apparently barred from further developing his skills because of this. On the morning of the 11th of Decimus, 338, Abdiel presented a use for Radka that would allow the High Elders to oversee the entirety of Simao from their temple. They rejected this and sent Abdiel back to his study, where he stayed for the rest of the day. The power Abdiel had displayed in their meeting was greater than anything before seen, and the entirety of the High Elders feared he would act against their orders and carry out his plan anyway. Through a vote initiated by Magus Gaut, the High Elders agreed Abdiel had to be exterminated, and sent four temple guards to fetch him.

Whether Abdiel suspected the High Elder's decision, or simply had decided to carry out his massacre on his own is unknown. The guards arrived to his study, and were killed once Abdiel stepped out. He then made his way up to the upper chamber of the High Elders, killing six more guards as he did. He reached the upper chamber and killed the High Elders through a combination of brainmelt and vaporization. Magus Gaut, however, had escaped the temple and ordered the evacuation of the surrounding village.

Abdiel and Gaut met at the outer steps of Tovin. Survivors described Abdiel's hands as badly burnt by that time, indicating that he had exhausted himself from his power usage. A battle ensued between the two, resulting in Abdiel's scars and present hair loss, but Gaut would ultimately be killed by brainmelt. Abdiel then set fire to the surrounding village and possibly the temple as well, with smoke being seen all the way from Khar. Leucans and other outsiders were already barred from setting foot near the temple, and Tovin hasn't been physically seen by any non-Capran's since. Because of this, it's unclear if the temple survived.

Abdiel departed Simao on a rowboat immediately following the slaughter, beginning his journey back to the Dynasty.

### Return to the Dynasty and usurping the throne

After months of travel, Abdiel returned to the Dynasty midday on the 11th of Arrunus, ME 339. Vaeril greeted the return of his brother with open arms, and the entire government was jubilant at his return. 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. Much of the government was invited to a dinner with the royal family, and Abdiel was said to be uncharacteristically cheerful.

The celebrations ended late in the night, with the two brothers taking a walk through the vast gardens of the Dynastic Palace. Vaeril decided to not bring his guards, as he trusted his brother. This proved to be fatal, and 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 the threat of Radka as well as 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 just hours after his brother's murder.

### Fourth Emperor of the Shanorin Dynasty

The immediate months following Abdiel's rise to power saw him undertake the lengthy and costly Shanorin Purge, which saw thousands of civilians, soldiers, and officials disloyal to Abdiel killed. Though this initially saw many important positions left vacant, over the following years Precursorism radicals would step up to fill these, and many supporters of Abdiel see the purge as one of his greatest feats. Abdiel would also strip many freedoms away from citizens in the name of serving Humanity, including brining back mandatory prayer hours, a strict national curfew, and a state tax for merchants. Abdiel also cut off ties with the Empire completely, and has pushed the idea of a "final conflict" to finally open Habitat 000 heavily in his society. Although not explicitly stated, it's assumed by many that this war is against the Empire, who currently holds Habitat 000 as part of their territory.

Abdiel has made scarce public appearances since his reign began, but does hold bi-monthly state addresses from the balcony of the Dynastic Palace. Public announcements are also regularly sent out on his behalf, though it's likely at least some of these aren't directly from him. Because his hair loss would usually see him become an outcast, Abdiel has slowly implemented the idea of "semi-perfectionism" being acceptable in Chasan society. This has done well to sway many progressive citizens to his side, who see him as a "semi-perfect" ruler who can finally bring about change in their flawed society.

### Present

With the lack of communication between the Empire and the Dynasty, it's unclear how Abdiel's state has fared against the Lyrac amidst the Second Emergence. However, with the lack of success even the Empire has had, it's likely Abdiel too is struggling to contain the bats.

## Personality and Traits

For the majority of his life, Abdiel has maintained his obsession of achieving godhood. This manifested as a child when he wished to become emperor and revive Humanity, and has been prevalent in his goals ever since. He has a deep love and fascination for Humanity, and takes great offence to naysayers of his religion. His dedication has seen him continue his conversations with Hosanna in the present, occurring on a near nightly basis.

He chose to change his name following his return to the Dynasty. Abdiel was given to him by Hosanna, but its meaning is unclear. It is required by law to refer to him as Abdiel, and those that use Aywin even by mistake are punished.

Like his brother, Abdiel was born with black fur. Presently, this has been lost due to his heavy usage of Radka. Rare birth defects will see Chasans born without fur, and these individuals will be outcast from society from a young age due to their imperfection. Abdiel has worked hard to eliminate this taboo from his society, and has appointed hairless Chasan to important positions as part of this. Other scars obtained from Radka use can be seen on his forehead, as well as in the form of discolouration of his right eye, which is now more grey then his natural yellow color. These are both coloured over in state portraits to keep his public identity as a "semi-perfect" ruler. His hands are also slightly deformed and bony, and are near constantly covered in gloves. His right hand is branded with a simplistic map of the Dynasty and Simao, thought to have been given to him by Hosanna before he exiled.

An immensely skilled Radka wielder, Abdiel is considered by many to be the strongest individual on Narus, and the true extent of his power is still unclear. He doesn't always outright kill those that disagree with him, often instead holding them in a state just before the brainmelt threshold until they shift their views. Because the majority of those around him hold him on a pedestal, both due to his power and status, he has a dislike for most of his councillors, and has been quoted referring to them as cowards, among other names. Interior minister Feno Roralei has been a close friend of Abdiel since they were children, and is the only one to actively talk back to the Emperor.

Abdiel has treated foreign species in the Dynasty far better than his predecessors, though they still lack significant rights that the Chasa hold. He holds the Nibayr in relatively high regard, likely because of his numerous interactions with them on his journey to and from Simao, and he's aspired to bring the Nilotici into the army as a form of heavy infantry. Like most other Chasans though, he holds little regard for the Marib and only allows them residence due to their heavy use as street cleaners and other public servants. Because of a Lepus being responsible for the death of Vesryn Jowynn, he has a deep hatred for the Rabbit-folk.

Abdiel has been said to have a great appreciation for Appius Salvian, founder of the Montiac Empire, whom he has called the "only good Lepus". Abdiel has a portrait of Salvian hung in his study in the Dynastic Palace, and believes they were both ostracized by their respective societies. He has stated he sees Salvian as more of a distant relative rather than an enemy. It should be noted that Salvian was never forced out of his position and rather chose to fight against Montiacos, and had significant civilian support even when he did.

Abdiel has no children or spouse, and isn't thought to want a child. When he was young, he was noted to not want children until he had successfully awakened Humanity. It's unclear if these views remain.