Shaheem Khalil

Book(s)	SLAY
Introduced	Former rixator, current Tertius of the Bastion.
Gender	Male
Age	Late 40s (approx.)
Occupation	Tertius (third in line to lead the Bastion)
Species	Human
Fan Name	No
Height	6'0"
Weight	185 lbs
Hair	Black, curly
Eyes	Brown

Magical Abilities
Class	Rixator (retired)
Loom	Steel
Affinitas	Yes
Naturalis	No

Shaheem Khalil is a supporting character in the SLAY series. A former rixator, Shaheem currently holds the position of Tertius, making him third in line to become Clostator of the Bastion.

Description

• From: SLAY Season 3: "Shaheem was an okay guy. Magda was happy he’d moved up in the ranks. Someday Shaheem might be the Clostator. If so, she would be happy for him." — Sigler, Scott. SLAY Season 3 (final draft)

Background

Shaheem trained alongside Lincoln Franks and Magda Magdalene during their youth in the Bastion. While Lincoln eventually abandoned the Bastion in protest, Shaheem remained, navigating the institution's rigid structure and advancing with a combination of discipline, compassion, and political grace.

He once advocated for Magda during her post-trauma controversies, though he ultimately backed down rather than risk his rising career. Despite this, his loyalty to Lincoln and Magda never fully faded.

Signature Weapon

Shaheem wields the Crucible Chain, a shape-shifting weapon that toggles between a dual-flail and a bladed chain whip. Forged from enchanted darksteel and reinforced with Bastion meshwork, the Crucible Chain can channel scorching heat through its links, cauterizing wounds and melting armor. Due to its disfiguring damage, it is banned in formal Bastion duels. Shaheem is known for using it with ruthless precision, especially in multi-opponent engagements.

Personality

Shaheem is affable and sharp-tongued, often using humor to disarm both allies and adversaries. While politically savvy, he has not forgotten his warrior roots — a fact that becomes very clear should anyone spar with him. His loyalty to the Bastion is genuine, but he remains quietly critical of escalating extremism among its leadership, particularly from Basil Beverly.

Relationships

• Lincoln Franks: A close comrade from their training days. Though their paths diverged, Shaheem still holds Lincoln in high regard and tries to shield him from internal Bastion politics.
• Magda Magdalene: Once stood up for her in Bastion deliberations, though he stopped short of risking his post. Still respects her deeply.
• Basil Beverly: Shares a contentious working relationship, often acting as a buffer between Basil's ambition and Juanita’s waning influence.

Known Traits

• Still has the same “pathetic” mustache from his teenage years.
• Renowned for dirty fighting tactics — especially groin strikes.
• Infamous for his signature bro-hug: firm grip and double back-thump.
• Once won a three-on-one rixator training duel using only the chain form of his weapon.

First Appearance

SLAY Season 3