Basten - Deity of Vengeance

### Introduction

Basten, revered as the Deity of Vengeance within the Elderguard Pantheon, embodies the unyielding pursuit of retribution and the consequential balance within the forces of war. Born of Drakar, The God of War, Basten channels the potent energies of vengeance, justice, and the inexorable pursuit of those who transgress against the sanctity of righteous causes. Symbolized by a scale holding the severed head of a serpent, Basten's influence weaves through the realms, offering solace to the wronged and a harbinger of justice to those who defy it.

### Description

The visage of Basten carries an air of solemn determination, a reflection of the Deity of Vengeance's commitment to the cause of justice. Often depicted clad in armor adorned with symbols of retribution, Basten's countenance radiates an unwavering resolve. With a scale in one hand, symbolizing the balance of justice, and the severed head of a serpent in the other, representing the conquest over malevolence, Basten stands as a formidable force against those who would disrupt the cosmic equilibrium.

### Personality

Basten's personality is a testament to the somber duty of exacting vengeance in the name of justice. Described as a figure of solemn purpose, the Deity of Vengeance approaches conflicts with measured resolve and an acute awareness of the consequences of retribution. Basten encourages mortals to seek justice for wrongs committed against them, acting as an avenging force against those who would disrupt the harmony of existence.

### Powers

Basten's divine powers revolve around the administration of justice, the pursuit of vengeance, and the restoration of balance. Followers who invoke Basten often find themselves endowed with the ability to discern the guilt or innocence of individuals, the strength to carry out acts of retribution, and a heightened sense of duty to maintain cosmic equilibrium.

### Possessions

Within the celestial realm of Basten, possessions manifest as artifacts that symbolize the relentless pursuit of justice and the inevitable consequences faced by those who transgress. The Scales of Retribution, a celestial balance capable of weighing the guilt or innocence of souls, is revered by followers as a tool for discerning the just course of action. The Serpent's Bane, a celestial weapon forged to slay malevolent entities, represents Basten's commitment to vanquishing those who disrupt the cosmic order. These possessions serve as reminders of the intrinsic link between the Deity of Vengeance and the pursuit of justice within the realms.

### Divine Realm

Basten's celestial realm, known as the Vindication Bastion, unfolds as a solemn bastion where beings of retribution and seekers of justice gather. The Judgment Halls, a central tribunal within this celestial realm, stands as a symbol of the meticulous weighing of actions and the meting out of justice.

### Activities

In the Vindication Bastion, Basten engages in activities aligned with the pursuit of justice, the administration of vengeance, and the restoration of cosmic balance. The Retribution Rites, celestial ceremonies where followers swear oaths to seek justice for the wronged, symbolize the commitment to the cause of retribution. The Balance Conclave, a gathering within the Judgment Halls, serves as a celestial forum where judgments are deliberated, and justice is meted out to those who have transgressed.

### Relationships

Basten's relationships within the Elderguard Pantheon contribute to the delicate balance between the forces of war and the pursuit of justice. Siblings Andmong and Vindicus, also born of Drakar, represent aspects of peace and wrath. Basten's interactions with these siblings showcase the intricate dance between the forces of war and the unyielding pursuit of justice, ensuring that the pantheon remains a dynamic tapestry of opposing yet complementary forces.

### Worshipers

Followers of Basten encompass those who seek justice, strive to right the wrongs committed against them, and view vengeance as a tool for restoring cosmic equilibrium. Temples dedicated to the Deity of Vengeance often feature austere architecture inspired by symbols of retribution, contemplative chambers for followers to reflect on the consequences of their actions, and shrines where oaths of justice are sworn. Rituals involve ceremonies of solemnity, expressions of determination to pursue justice, and practices that instill a sense of duty among the devoted. Followers of Basten view the pursuit of vengeance as a solemn responsibility, recognizing that the restoration of balance requires the unwavering commitment to justice.

### History

#### The Oathbound Sorrow

Basten's emergence during the primordial epochs marked The Oathbound Sorrow—a celestial event where the Deity of Vengeance manifested in response to grave injustices committed against the innocent. The Oathbound Sorrow symbolized the solemn oath taken by Basten to exact retribution upon those who transgress against the sanctity of justice, setting the cosmic stage for the pursuit of balance.

#### The Covenant of Restitution

In epochs when mortals faced the specter of unbridled malevolence, Basten established The Covenant of Restitution—a divine accord within the Judgment Halls where oaths of justice were sworn, and restitution was promised to the wronged. This covenant became a celestial pact, binding followers of Basten to the duty of seeking retribution for injustices committed against them and ensuring that the scales of cosmic balance were upheld.

#### The Vengeful Accord

During moments when the forces of malevolence threatened to disrupt the delicate equilibrium of the realms, Basten convened The Vengeful Accord—a celestial gathering within the Vindication Bastion where beings of retribution deliberated on strategies to restore justice. This accord became a symbol of the collaborative efforts guided by Basten in the eternal struggle against those who sought to upset the cosmic order. The Vengeful Accord stood as a testament to the commitment of Basten to the pursuit of justice and the restoration of balance within the ever-shifting tapestry of existence.

#### The Immutable Retaliation

In times when cosmic balance required resolute action, Basten undertook The Immutable Retaliation—a divine endeavor where the Deity of Vengeance stood as an unwavering force against malevolent entities that defied the principles of justice. The Immutable Retaliation involved the meticulous weighing of actions, the deliberation of judgments within the Judgment Halls, and the execution of retribution upon those deemed guilty. This endeavor became a symbol of Basten's unyielding commitment to the cause of justice, ensuring that the consequences faced by the malevolent echoed through the cosmic tapestry.

### Rumors

Amidst the solemn echoes of justice, rumors encircle Basten, The Deity of Vengeance.

#### The Scalebearer's Vigil

Whispers tell of The Scalebearer's Vigil—an ethereal phenomenon within the Vindication Bastion where the Scales of Retribution are said to glow with a celestial light during moments of profound injustice. It is rumored that this ethereal illumination serves as a beacon, guiding followers of Basten to the scenes of transgressions and calling them to fulfill their solemn duty of seeking retribution. The Scalebearer's Vigil is viewed as a celestial affirmation of the intrinsic link between the pursuit of justice and the unyielding resolve of Basten.

#### The Serpent's Lament

Legends speak of The Serpent's Lament—a haunting melody that echoes within the Judgment Halls when cosmic balance is disrupted. It is believed that this mournful tune serves as a prelude to moments of impending retribution, signaling the impending arrival of Basten to mete out justice upon those who have transgressed. The Serpent's Lament is viewed as a celestial reminder that the pursuit of vengeance is an inexorable force within the cosmic order.

#### The Vowbound Oath

A captivating rumor hints at The Vowbound Oath—an otherworldly ritual where followers of Basten swear solemn oaths of justice, binding themselves to the pursuit of retribution. It is believed that those who partake in this rumored ritual gain the favor of Basten, receiving visions that guide them in seeking justice for the wronged. The Vowbound Oath serves as a testament to the dedication of followers to the cause of justice and the restoration of cosmic balance.

#### The Silent Tribunal

Whispers suggest the existence of The Silent Tribunal—an enigmatic gathering within the Judgment Halls where judgments are passed without uttering a single word. It is believed that this rumored tribunal involves a telepathic exchange of insights among celestial beings, ensuring that justice is administered with utmost precision. The Silent Tribunal serves as a celestial symbol of Basten's ability to discern the guilt or innocence of souls through the silent language of cosmic balance.