Background: Zorael Eludian is not the first one to bear that name, nor the second, or even the third. He's at least the fourth Blood Angel to bear that name, after he consumed the brain of the previous one when he fell on the surface of Anahktor. He bears little memory of who he was before that, only minor fragments remain.
While he assumed the previous Zorael's name and mantle, he is also different from him. His previous namesake charged into battle driven by hatred towards Iron Bulls after their treachery killed hundreds of their brethren. He was single-handedly responsible for killing the five bulls that mortally wounded him. The next Zorael gave him the Emperor's Peace and removed his glands, and later consumed his brain.
While Zorael was strongly affected by the betrayal and death of his comrades, he took a different lesson from the campaign. Rather than avenge his fallen brethren, he saw the need to save as many as possible. Leagues of their kin had died during the ninth legion's brutal campaign. This was a price the legion had to pay for the Empire's sake, but the cost had been high.
Fragments of his previous life colored his perception differently from most other Blood Angels. His fellow angels were not only his companions, they were his family. He could vaguely recall the loss of his mortal family before he ascended. His new family was a gift from Sanguinius, one he would cherish and protect. He was a proud member of the Blood Angel and a servant of the empire, and death among his family was inevitable. But whenever possible, he would seek to save his brethren rather just give them the Emperor's Peace.
He has served other campaigns after the burning of Anahktor, but not taken up any frontline duties... until now.
Personality: Zorael is uncharacteristically optimistic for a space marine. He encourages his brethren to not only fight well, but focus on their own survival, for the Empire would rather see a battle lost at minimal loss than a battle won at a catastrophic cost. Not only the empire; their chapter and friends.
Excerpts from his sermons:
"A glorious death can only be earned once. If you keep living, you have the chance to earn many times the glory than a single death would gain you."
"There is no honor lost in retreating against a strong foe. Throwing your life away without good reason is neither honorable or glorious."
"There are some lines that can't be crossed, and sometimes the ultimate sacrifice must be made. But if you are not in such a critical position, remember your own survival is also important. For you, for your chapter, and for the Empire."
"The empire shall live forever. You will serve the empire for as long as you live. Seeking a quick death is betraying the empire. Only by living can you continue to serve it."