Dr Moqtada Ardashir al-Kindi

Dr Moqtada Ardashir al-Kindi (1598-1630 AN) was a controversial but influential Babkhi author and theorist whose work laid the foundation for key aspects of Humanist cosmology, particularly the concept of the Mortis Event.

Born in 1598 AN in Ardashirshahr, Elwynn, al-Kindi showed an early fascination with archaeology and ancient civilisations. He studied at the Metzler University of Shirekeep, earning his doctorate in 1620 AN with a dissertation on the pre-Cedrist creation myths of Khaz Modan. However, al-Kindi soon became disillusioned with mainstream academic archaeology, feeling it was too constrained by orthodox thinking.

In 1622 AN, al-Kindi published his breakout book "Celestial Archons: Rethinking Micrasian Origins." Drawing loose parallels between ancient Micrasian myths and emerging theories about parallel worlds, he proposed that Micras had been visited by beings from other planes of existence in prehistoric times who had shaped the course of human evolution and civilisation. While dismissed by most Imperial academics, the book became a bestseller across Shireroth and beyond.

Al-Kindi followed this with a series of popular works throughout the 1620s expanding on his theories, including "The Cosmic Architects of Benacia" (1624 AN) and "Echoes of the Celestial Realm" (1626 AN). He gained a devoted following among alternative history enthusiasts, appearing frequently at salons and conferences across the Imperial Republic.

In 1628 AN, al-Kindi published what would become his most influential work: "The Great Cleansing: Micras' Hidden History." In this book, he proposed that a catastrophic event had occurred on Micras approximately two million years ago, wiping out most existing life and paving the way for the rise of humans. He dubbed this hypothetical event the "Mortis Event."

Al-Kindi argued that evidence for the Mortis Event could be found in geological records, ancient Micrasian myths, and even human psychology. He suggested it represented a "cosmic rebirth" of Micras orchestrated by advanced beings he termed "celestial archons." While his claims were unsupported by mainstream Imperial science, the dramatic vision captured the imagination of many readers across Shireroth and beyond.

The concept of the Mortis Event would go on to be adopted and adapted by the nascent Humanist movement in the late 1620s AN. Humanist thinkers reinterpreted al-Kindi's ideas through an ideological lens, seeing the purported cataclysm as a pivotal moment in human destiny on Micras.

In his later years, al-Kindi became increasingly eccentric, claiming to be in psychic contact with the celestial archons. He continued writing and lecturing until his untimely death in 1630 AN at the age of 32, reportedly due to a mysterious illness.

While dismissed by mainstream Imperial historians and scientists, al-Kindi's impact on popular culture and fringe movements across Micras was undeniable. His blend of archaeological speculation, cosmic mythmaking, and narrative flair helped shape new religious movements and conspiracy theories alike. The adoption of his Mortis Event concept by Humanist ideology ensured his ideas would continue to influence thinking on Micras well after his death, particularly within the Nationalist and Humanist Party and its affiliates.