EARLY LIFE Born an only child to a family with considerably mediocre merit within Noxian society; Seraphiel was raised in Drugne, Noxus. His mother married young at only 19 to a Noxian soldier Seraphiel was conceived a few months after their union, his father absent for his birth.
His mother and family income was heavily reliant on his father’s contribution to the Trifarian Legion. His father away at war meant his mother had to dedicate her time to raising Seraphiel alone. Seraphiel’s father died a few months after his birth, having died in battle (شهيد), never meeting his son.. Seraphiel was five months old and his mother 21 at the time.
Seraphiel’s mother was pressured to remarry by her many family members in the village so their living situation would not collapse. She consistently refused and slowly began to adopt various anti-war beliefs that directly opposed the very foundations of Noxian society.
Seraphiel was raised by his mother and his aunts. When the Noxian government began to conscript child soldiers for an advance in Bahrl, Ionia, Seraphiel watched all of his male cousins be conscripted. A then AFAB Seraphiel was considered for conscription, due to Noxus’ egalitarian society, his mother had hidden him to ensure his safety, never having recovered from her husbands death, she feared losing her only (daughter) son.
At 13 years old, Seraphiel began to hunt to help support his mother, often venturing to the Forests of Tokogol to bring home hides and meat of animals to sell. Seraphiel begins to dream about visiting the the Immortal Bastion, where he was certain he could secure a steady future and thus, wealth. His cousins, the very few who returned, now had keen interest in Noxian military and plans on pursuing a career as soldiers take pride in the path they intend to take and Seraphiel begins to question why his mother was so afraid.
At ages 11-13, Seraphiel begins a transition to masculinity/male-aligned preferences, his mother supportive and giving him the name ‘Seraphiel’.
He lived under somewhat strict watch/sheltered under his mother. He did not fault her and understood her fears, but his rebellious side took the better of him when one night he took out into the night, headed for the Immortal Bastion at 18 years old.
MAJOR CHANGE Amazed by how vastly different the capital was in comparison to his rural upbringing, Seraphiel felt a sense of belonging to the the Immortal Bastion. Intending to only spend a day, he lost track of time and lingered for a month longer.
A lonesome night led him to a bar where he met Adriel. A boy so captivating to Seraphiel that he found himself constantly chasing his approval. His charisma had charmed Seraphiel which in turn gave him all the more reason to stay around for longer.
Adriel introduced him to the Cult of Sahn-Uzal (Mordekaiser). A secret society of mortals loyal to the original nation, long before it was named Noxus, when Sahn-Uzal was ruler of the land. These followers seek to see Noxus reclaimed by who they believe is its rightful leader, and claim to be the true patriots of Noxus.
Seraphiel, blinded with chasing Adriel, had found himself involved in this cult, at first convincing himself it was only to impress Adriel but did not recognise how deep he found himself absorbed. Involving himself in many of their ritual practices and soon enough practicing ritual scarification upon his own body, influenced by Mordekaiser’s appearance - the Iron Revenant’s helmet and a rib-like design.
Seraphiel slowly begins to resonate with the cults ideals and the belief that Mordekaiser will one day return to seize back power. He trains hard, and his one day trip to the Immortal Bastion soon turns into multiple months.
His devotion to Mordekaiser initially to impress Adrian then turns into genuine worship of Sahn-Uzal/Mordekaiser.
Seraphiel adapts the alias ‘Lycan’ around this time.
Adriel often would often complain to Lycan about those who are disloyal to Noxus. Those who avoid embracing Noxus’ potential and fear the concept of a war so major it would ensure Noxian influence throughout the entirety of Runeterra. The followers believed it that Mordekaiser’s return would liberate them all, and that serving the current Noxian military should only serve as a distraction until that prophesised day comes.
Lycan begins to think of his mother.
BETRAYAL On his 20th birthday, Lycan returns to Drugne to see his mother. There, he finds her completely weakened by sadness from how long Lycan had been missing. She could barely recognise him anymore, and begs him to stay. Upon stating his intent to join the army, his mother expresses multiple anti-military beliefs upon his return that Lycan views as treacherous slander.
Lycan reports her to authorities, confessing all that he’d heard and knew. Upon raiding his family household, soldiers uncover his mother being apart of a small ring responsible for trading intel with opposing forces within Ionia and various acts of rebellion meant to sabotage Noxian war campaigns. Everyone involved is detained - their fate unknown, including his own mother.
Lycan feels no regret, instead, looking forward to telling Adriel of this victory.
FINAL Lycan returns to the bar where he met Adriel. Now a completely different man, while Adriel still had that alluring smile and that piercing gaze. Adriel felt untouched and unbothered by time; an ethereal exception to age.
Lycan waited for Adriel to give him what he has been chasing this entire time. Approval. Love.
Adriel, in response, refers to Lycan ever so softly as a ‘masterpiece’, before leaving the bar, a changed Lycan behind him.
The two never crossed paths again.
CURRENT Lycan never pursued an occupation within the military. Instead, he opts to work as a mercenary for hire, and travels around Runeterra rather than ever settle down.
txto