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Sorhan is the chief architect of the [[Terrors|Red Terror]]. | Sorhan is the chief architect of the [[Terrors|Red Terror]]. | ||
== Activities == | == Activities == | ||
Sorhan is a highly enigmatic figure, not because of a lack of information about him, but rather because of an overabundance of it. There are ceaseless mutually contradictory reports about his activities all over [[Rhys]]. (For example, in August 494, it was reported that | Sorhan is a highly enigmatic figure, not because of a lack of information about him, but rather because of an overabundance of it. There are ceaseless mutually contradictory reports about his activities all over [[Rhys]]. (For example, in August 494, it was reported that Sorhan was killed in Marnova, but only days later, he was spotted in Lozanre, where he assassinated Crown Princess Avaria.) Because of this seemingly senseless jumble of reports and sightings, some—including [[Jassar|King Jassar]] himself—have argued Sorhan does not even exist. | ||
However, it's worth noting his alleged activities, so here they are. | However, it's worth noting his alleged activities, so here they are. | ||
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=== Pre-494 === | === Pre-494 === | ||
In 482, during the [[Terrors|Black Terror]], reports begin spreading that one of the architects of the Black Terror, the Casiric High Priest Kithar, was stabbed nineteen times by an up-and-coming Casiric sorcerer named Sorhan and his followers. According to [[Nico]], this is the same year when his father (Sorhan) murdered his mother. Both King Jassar and [[Salysa Aidani|Uma Salsya Aidani]] declare that Kithar had indeed been killed and that the Black Terror is over. At the same time, the Uma announces that Sorhan has been elevated to high priest and that he is the most dangerous man alive. Some critics accuse her of fearmongering. | In 482, during the [[Terrors|Black Terror]], reports begin spreading that one of the architects of the Black Terror, the Casiric High Priest Kithar, was stabbed nineteen times by an up-and-coming Casiric sorcerer named Sorhan and his followers. According to [[Nico]], this is the same year when his father (Sorhan) murdered his mother. Both King Jassar and [[Salysa Aidani|Uma Salsya Aidani]] declare that Kithar had indeed been killed and that the Black Terror is over. At the same time, the Uma announces that Sorhan has been elevated to high priest and that he is the most dangerous man alive. Some critics accuse her of fearmongering.<ref>Note that the Black Terror was a 26-year-long period in which the entire country was terrorized by an unprecedented alliance between all three of Casir's high priests. In 481, one of those high priests was executed, and the following year, Sorhan murdered another one of those high priests. So when Salysa Aidani said "actually guys, this isn't so good: this Sorhan guy is 10x worse than any Casirist I've ever seen in my 8-bajillion-year-long life," people didn't want to hear it. They just wanted to celebrate the end of the Black Terror.</ref> | ||
In 490, during an armistice in the Eighth Occaria, a well-loved Hestati captain is assassinated in broad daylight in the streets of Alicantian-occupied Gazan | In 490, during an armistice in the Eighth Occaria, a well-loved Hestati captain is assassinated by Casirists in broad daylight in the streets of Alicantian-occupied Gazan. The [[Hestati]] immediately accuse Sorhan of leading the assassination. Peace talks between the belligerents break down, and the [[Eighth Occaria]] resumes shortly after. | ||
=== 494 === | === 494 === | ||
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The year 494 has been a big one for Sorhan. | The year 494 has been a big one for Sorhan. | ||
On 10 August 494, the Lucian population of Marnova, newly annexed by Alicante, is slaughtered. [[Raysh|Lord Raysh]] declares it was done by Sorhan. | |||
On 16 August 494, during the harvest banquet in Lozanre, Casirists led by a figure later identified as Sorhan commandeer a naval airship and steer it towards the prince's palace. They open fire on a crowd of Phoenic nobles and Alicantian diplomats. The crown later announces that Crown Princess Avaria was among those murdered. | |||
Sorhan leads a slave revolt in Troyosha which overthrows the city government. He initiates a massive purge of merchants, slave masters, and nobility. | Not long later, Sorhan leads a slave revolt in Troyosha which overthrows the city government. He initiates a massive purge of merchants, slave masters, and nobility. | ||
A figure dressed in the garb of a ra of Ogissia is seen attending a ball in the City of Brass hosted by the jinn lord Marjaid. He claimed to be Sorhan. | A figure dressed in the garb of a ra of Ogissia is seen attending a ball in the City of Brass hosted by the jinn lord Marjaid. He claimed to be Sorhan. | ||
Over in Seuvia, according to the claims of many, Sorhan has chained the [[Sevani|gods of the Seuvians]], thereby nullifying the powers of Seuvian clerics. Soon after, an exceedingly powerful arcanist by the name of Faulkwin arrives in the Seuvian town of Thome to aid the Pale Brigade in taking down Kripnak, a servant of Sorhan and the self-proclaimed prophet of [[Sorn]]. Lazarus Steele recognizes him as Wallen, a Zehirite who slaughtered an entire Ayan temple and was declared by his followers to be Sorhan. It is unclear why on earth Sorhan would help the Pale Brigade kill his own officer. | |||
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For example, it has been reported numerous times that he has been murdered or executed. | For example, it has been reported numerous times that he has been murdered or executed. | ||
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Given Sorhan's many guises (and the uncertainty ''that he even exists''), it is extremely difficult to keep track of his activities. It is never clear if a report about his activities is "really him," an imitator, or a servant of his masquerading as him. Nevertheless, here are some of the reports of his activities. | Given Sorhan's many guises (and the uncertainty ''that he even exists''), it is extremely difficult to keep track of his activities. It is never clear if a report about his activities is "really him," an imitator, or a servant of his masquerading as him. Nevertheless, here are some of the reports of his activities. | ||
--> | |||
== Powers == | |||
It is exceedingly difficult to say what powers Sorhan has and doesn't have, since we don't know for sure who he is or if he even exists. It could be the case that every person claiming to be "Sorhan" is a completely different person. However, assuming there is indeed a person named Sorhan, here are some of his reported powers. | |||
According to the bink Koley, Sorhan is the most powerful [[dream magic|dream magician]] in Marillia. Certainly, someone has been manipulating the dreams of the [[Pale Brigade]] masterfully. | |||
Sorhan seems to be a master swordsman. | |||
Sorhan seems to be an extraordinarily powerful necromancer. He has a vast population of undead performing manual labor in and around Troyosha. He is also capable of constructing and utilizing [[dread rings of power]]—a remarkable necromantic feat. He also seems to be able to return from the dead. | |||
Sorhan seems to be able to summon and control demons and evil [[jinn]]. He brought a balor to its knees with no more than a flick of the wrist. | |||
== Relationships == | == Relationships == | ||
Sorhan is not exactly a popular guy. Pretty much everyone hates him, including virtually all of Phoena's Vaishans and Mishraists. | Sorhan is not exactly a popular guy. Pretty much everyone hates him, including virtually all of Phoena's Vaishans and Mishraists. | ||
[[Salysa Aidani]], the Uma of the [[Hadina]], is a fierce opponent of Sorhan. | [[Salysa Aidani]], the Uma of the [[Hadina]], is a fierce opponent of Sorhan. | ||
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[[Alicia]] hates Sorhan. | [[Alicia]] hates Sorhan. | ||
The [[Sanctuary]] opposes Sorhan and would love to see him nailed to a cross. | |||
According to the [[bink]] Koley, Sorhan was once a student of the most powerful dream magician in Marillia: Aveserro. Sorhan murdered his master in his sleep. Aveserro's daughter, Viola, did not take kindly to this, to say the least. | According to the [[bink]] Koley, Sorhan was once a student of the most powerful dream magician in Marillia: Aveserro. Sorhan murdered his master in his sleep. Aveserro's daughter, Viola, did not take kindly to this, to say the least. | ||
Latest revision as of 16:06, 30 June 2025
| Sorhan | |
| Titles and aliases | High Priest Prophet The Man in Black The Most Dangerous Man Alive Faulkwindisputed Wallendisputed |
| Alignment | Chaotic Evil (probably) |
Sorhan (SOR-han, rhymes with "4chan," Phoenic: شرهان Sharhān) is a Phoenic[1] occultist and the second (by seniority) of the High Priests of the Casiric Church.
Sorhan is one of the most enigmatic and feared men in the history of Marillia. Theories about him abound: he has variously been called a prophet of Casir, a son of Casir, and an avatar of Casir. King Jassar believes he does not exist and is a fiction constructed by Mortzopholus. Uma Salysa Aidani of the Hadina famously declared him the most dangerous man alive.
Sorhan is the chief architect of the Red Terror.
Activities
Sorhan is a highly enigmatic figure, not because of a lack of information about him, but rather because of an overabundance of it. There are ceaseless mutually contradictory reports about his activities all over Rhys. (For example, in August 494, it was reported that Sorhan was killed in Marnova, but only days later, he was spotted in Lozanre, where he assassinated Crown Princess Avaria.) Because of this seemingly senseless jumble of reports and sightings, some—including King Jassar himself—have argued Sorhan does not even exist.
However, it's worth noting his alleged activities, so here they are.
Pre-494
In 482, during the Black Terror, reports begin spreading that one of the architects of the Black Terror, the Casiric High Priest Kithar, was stabbed nineteen times by an up-and-coming Casiric sorcerer named Sorhan and his followers. According to Nico, this is the same year when his father (Sorhan) murdered his mother. Both King Jassar and Uma Salsya Aidani declare that Kithar had indeed been killed and that the Black Terror is over. At the same time, the Uma announces that Sorhan has been elevated to high priest and that he is the most dangerous man alive. Some critics accuse her of fearmongering.[2]
In 490, during an armistice in the Eighth Occaria, a well-loved Hestati captain is assassinated by Casirists in broad daylight in the streets of Alicantian-occupied Gazan. The Hestati immediately accuse Sorhan of leading the assassination. Peace talks between the belligerents break down, and the Eighth Occaria resumes shortly after.
494
The year 494 has been a big one for Sorhan.
On 10 August 494, the Lucian population of Marnova, newly annexed by Alicante, is slaughtered. Lord Raysh declares it was done by Sorhan.
On 16 August 494, during the harvest banquet in Lozanre, Casirists led by a figure later identified as Sorhan commandeer a naval airship and steer it towards the prince's palace. They open fire on a crowd of Phoenic nobles and Alicantian diplomats. The crown later announces that Crown Princess Avaria was among those murdered.
Not long later, Sorhan leads a slave revolt in Troyosha which overthrows the city government. He initiates a massive purge of merchants, slave masters, and nobility.
A figure dressed in the garb of a ra of Ogissia is seen attending a ball in the City of Brass hosted by the jinn lord Marjaid. He claimed to be Sorhan.
Over in Seuvia, according to the claims of many, Sorhan has chained the gods of the Seuvians, thereby nullifying the powers of Seuvian clerics. Soon after, an exceedingly powerful arcanist by the name of Faulkwin arrives in the Seuvian town of Thome to aid the Pale Brigade in taking down Kripnak, a servant of Sorhan and the self-proclaimed prophet of Sorn. Lazarus Steele recognizes him as Wallen, a Zehirite who slaughtered an entire Ayan temple and was declared by his followers to be Sorhan. It is unclear why on earth Sorhan would help the Pale Brigade kill his own officer.
Powers
It is exceedingly difficult to say what powers Sorhan has and doesn't have, since we don't know for sure who he is or if he even exists. It could be the case that every person claiming to be "Sorhan" is a completely different person. However, assuming there is indeed a person named Sorhan, here are some of his reported powers.
According to the bink Koley, Sorhan is the most powerful dream magician in Marillia. Certainly, someone has been manipulating the dreams of the Pale Brigade masterfully.
Sorhan seems to be a master swordsman.
Sorhan seems to be an extraordinarily powerful necromancer. He has a vast population of undead performing manual labor in and around Troyosha. He is also capable of constructing and utilizing dread rings of power—a remarkable necromantic feat. He also seems to be able to return from the dead.
Sorhan seems to be able to summon and control demons and evil jinn. He brought a balor to its knees with no more than a flick of the wrist.
Relationships
Sorhan is not exactly a popular guy. Pretty much everyone hates him, including virtually all of Phoena's Vaishans and Mishraists.
Salysa Aidani, the Uma of the Hadina, is a fierce opponent of Sorhan.
Raysh hates Sorhan, mainly because he believes Sorhan sabotaged peace talks between Alicante and Phoena during the Eighth Occaria, which indirectly led to the death of Raysh's wife and daughter.
Nico claims to be Sorhan's son. He despises his father for murdering his mother. Assuming he's telling the truth (and is correct), this would indicate Sorhan was married at least once.
Alicia hates Sorhan.
The Sanctuary opposes Sorhan and would love to see him nailed to a cross.
According to the bink Koley, Sorhan was once a student of the most powerful dream magician in Marillia: Aveserro. Sorhan murdered his master in his sleep. Aveserro's daughter, Viola, did not take kindly to this, to say the least.
Sorhan is opposed by the archdevils Asmodeus, Azaphiel, Hyetta, Valaris, Hasinsa, and Calo; by the jinn lords Marjaid and Azenhar; the god Torm; and the angel Colwyn.
It is unclear what Nyssa thinks of Sorhan's "new gospel" (i.e., that she and Casir are one and the same deity). At the very least, the fact that Arkhan the Godslayer forged a tenuous pact with him suggests she at least thinks Sorhan may be useful.
Sorhan's three highest-ranking lieutenants are the necromancer Maz Morin, the Alicantian politician Rico Valenzo, and the vampire lord Thurik Zayhar.
Yadeen Azaro was once Sorhan's most trusted disciple, right up until the moment Sorhan opened his guts with a dagger.
Although he should be opposed by Mortzopholus, who is patronizing Raysh, according to Lazarus Steele Sorhan collaborated with Mortzopholus to take down a large Ayan temple in Seuvia.
Gallery
-
Faulkwin, a possible guise of Sorhan -
Wallen, a guise of Faulkwin -
The "Sorhan" who slaughtered Tezuma's village -
"Sorhan" as the Black Pharaoh in the City of Brass
Notes
- ↑ Presumably.
- ↑ Note that the Black Terror was a 26-year-long period in which the entire country was terrorized by an unprecedented alliance between all three of Casir's high priests. In 481, one of those high priests was executed, and the following year, Sorhan murdered another one of those high priests. So when Salysa Aidani said "actually guys, this isn't so good: this Sorhan guy is 10x worse than any Casirist I've ever seen in my 8-bajillion-year-long life," people didn't want to hear it. They just wanted to celebrate the end of the Black Terror.