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Biography
Rathan lived in Mansenwill — a small human settlement in the middle of the desert that would later become one of the key points of resistance to Namibius. Before the great war he was Rafael's right hand. Together they sensed the coming changes and prepared the city for the worst, as refugees from the Staon transit republic began arriving with tales of the atrocities of Aruas's army.
When Aldeviy came to Mansenwill, Rathan was for the first time drawn into a conflict larger than any city, people, or army. So Rathan found himself beside the source of the coming Liberation War. The climax of the old war was the Battle of Ammat. Rafael returned with a fleet, battle mages, gamds, and titans, and for the first time Namibius was defeated. For Rathan this was not merely an army's victory, but the beginning of a long struggle to free Vorto. He watched Rafael become not only a warrior, but the future ruler of Rodia.
After the victory and the founding of Rodia, Rathan remained at Rafael's side. He was present at the presentation of the newborn Iriaz, heir of Rodia. It was there that tragedy struck: Aruas loosed a death ray at Rafael. Rathan and Ariel shielded Rafael with their own bodies. The ray flung them into the desert and turned them into kimors — living dead, doomed to the decay of the body and an agonizing existence.
For five years Rathan and Ariel walked toward Kimor, trying not to be seen by the living. Their bodies decayed, their clothing rotted away, and their former life grew distant, almost impossible. Later, kimor hunters caught them in Krestia. Ariel was killed, and Rathan was already awaiting his own execution when Aldeviy ransomed him.
Aldeviy spoke a prayer and pierced Rathan with the light of his staff. This did not fully restore him to his former state: Rathan remained a kimor, but his appearance grew closer to human, and his will and strength of spirit began to return. Most importantly — he was no longer drawn toward Kimor. So Rathan gained a second life, even if not the most comfortable one. Vorto, it seems, recognizes no gentle rehabilitation programs: either the light magic or the execution — choose, and don't hold up the line.
After the rescue, Aldeviy brought Rathan to Berkh, where the Order of Dyungius had already been founded. Rathan became Aldeviy's disciple, mastered the skills of a priest, and joined the Order. For him Aldeviy became a Teacher, a savior, and a spiritual compass.