Xaila - Asmodai Zinrya (High Priest of Xaila)

Details

Asmodai is a youthful and somewhat effeminate, he loves wearing makeup to highlight his favorite features. Such as his eyes. He is also known to wear light shades of blush, which he powders on. And a form of lipstick to give more of a color to his lips. He likes warm tones, they match well with his tawny (donkerwit) skin. The man is tall, but that is mostly thanks to his legs. The torso is on the shorter side. His waist is slim, but he is surprisingly muscular. Asmodai likes to changes the length of his hair frequently, sometimes it's a little on the long side and other times much shorter. But he will never completely cut it. The color too is always the same; black. Asmodai usually wears very expensive clothes, but they tend to change in style. Depending on his mood, tight clothing that shows off his figure is a favorite. But thanks to the Xailan climate, he can usually be seen in light and breathable fabrics. Has tattoo's mostly with religious imagery. Often wears accessories too; collars and earnings are most common.

Asmodai is a hedonist at heart, he truly believes that pleasure and ecstasy can be a transcendental, spiritual experience. He’s very carnal. But he can also derive pleasure from things other than the flesh such as dance, music, wine, milk, and honey, singing, throwing yourself down in the grass and writhing in it. It's a shame really; that he is terribly selfish. And therefore doesn't really care about the people around him. Their feelings, opinions, and desires are something the man is completely uninterested in. He will pretend to care, though; and will listen calmly and with great interest to any feedback or criticism. But never take it to heart, of course. And he will discard it almost as quickly as it is said. The reason he pretends otherwise is to keep up appearances sure, it is expected of him after all to listen to what others have to say. But also because it is another manipulative tactic he uses. And often his willingness to listen is because he has a hidden agenda. Asmodai is more interested in somebody than their minds, and therefor he doesn't really care if others believe in the same god as him. He won't treat them any different. But if they express a wish to convert or learn more about the ordirian deities, then he will instruct them. He just doesn't force his faith on others. But that doesn't mean he himself isn't a firm believer. How can he not? There are signs their devine presence are all around, at least to him. And so far his faith has only helped him to get a head in life. So he has no reason to doubt. As stated before, the man is rather manipulative, and more or less sees people as tools. He can use, and discard. He is a true narcissist, this can also be seen in his vanity. He thinks himself as the most beautiful man on earth, who only deserves the best. But this egomaniac is very subtle in his ways. He tends to take on a laid-back attitude most of the time. He doesn’t always approach others as a lofty, intimidating, and moral superior priest. He is comfortable engaging with people on their terms, appearing as easygoing and friendly. All wrapped up in a bow, of gentle tranquility. Since Asmodai isn't a loud, or energetic person. He comes off as a little sleepy at times. Even during hectic or festive events, he participates; laughs and makes merry. But he never loses himself during this time, he will always holds his composure. Except; when he doesn't. He’s tough to anger, and he doesn’t punish unreasonably. But when you drive him over the edge the violent, chaotic, maddened savagery side he also has will show itself. The impulse to scream and tear and destroy. Frenzy. In this state, the man is capable of everything. 

Asmodai is "blessed" with the families' signature magic type; necromancy. Though he isn't very good at it, he mostly uses it on smaller animals. And even plants. He can't make them grow, or control them at all. But when they are dead, he has the ability to resurrect them. But he doesn't use it very often. He uses it more for show, than anything else. Because he doesn't want to exhaust himself. He fears that if he does, he won't be able to communicate with Xailan's patron deity. Since receiving prophecies and such through his dreams. Also tends to drain his magic. Neither is he very interested in perfecting the art of necromancy, he feels that the magic is too situational and not really worth the effort.

The match of Asmodai's parents was one made in heaven. The pair were not only social equals, but truly and deeply in love with one another. The pair were not only social equals, but truly and deeply in love with one another. And thanks to Aisha's dowry, rather wealthy. They brought a grand house in the capital city. Where they lived peacefully for a couple of years. But eventually cracks started to show in their perfect marriage. Mostly because of Al-haytham behavior, he used his wife's money very irresponsibly. Gambling it away, or using it for licentious means. He also started to drink heavily during this time. Despite this Aisha wouldn't divorce her husband, she was completely and utter devoted to him still. And truly believed their love was strong enough to work through the rough patch. She was sadly totally under Al-haytham spell. He manipulated her into thinking that things would get better, when they never did. Money troubles plagued the couple, and often debt collectors were standing in front of their doorstep. They were even threatened with arrest if they didn't pay up soon. But luckily, the rich Hasnawi family would always lend them the money to make sure that at least didn't happen.

However, everything changed when one day Aisha failed to come home from the job she was working to lighten the financial burden of the family. In fact, she never came home ever again. She just disappeared from the face of the earth one day. Search parties were organized to find the woman. But nothing of her ever turned up. Her husband was suspected at first, but the charge was quickly dropped. Since, he seemed genuinely devastated at his wife's loss; and really didn't benefit from her departure. Since he now had to shoulder the weight of the ever decreasing finances of the family alone. But perhaps the main reason why the man wasn't charged was because of the couple's young son. It helped too that after the incident changed Al-haytham for the better. He became increasingly more religious. And started to better himself. Slowly but surely the debts were paid off and he was able to overcome his addictions. The man claimed that his turnabout was because of his faith. He was so devoted to the church, that wanted to pass that some devotion on to his son. In the beginning he instructed his son himself. But very soon the young boy was sent away to a convent to progress his religious studies there. Asmodai thus grew up with religion, everywhere he turned it seemed like the most important thing. He was a good student, he could remember all the rules of rituals quickly. Though it was clear, he wasn't a typical follower. 

(?) Despite that, when a new High priest had to be chosen, Asmodai was a good candidate. Not only because of his schooling, but his impassive lineage as well. Knowing he would benefit greatly if he were to in fact acquire the position, the man young man threw his all in the "race." During the final ceremony, it was eventually decided that he would indeed be the one dawn the new mantel of priesthood. Much to his own, and his fathers joy.(?)

As stated before, Asmodai is not your typical priest. And so he doesn't run his temple like one. It's designed to fit his personality. It's still a holy place, of course, where worship takes center stage. But it is also very free. People generally allowed to have more fun instead within the marble white walls  of the capital city's temple than is elsewhere permitted. Asmodai also hosts parties, feasts and order amusements to emphasize this fact. Wine can be drunk during these events. And things like dancing is often seen. However, Asmodai knows that he is a priest, and not the owner of a nightclub. And while the guests are allowed to enjoy themselves. In the end, it's still all about worshiping their patron deity. Something that he makes clear during every event. Standard practices can of course also be found within the temple. Ones with a more serious tone. Asmodai knows perfectly well how to balance the two.