Bashin
| Bashin | |
|---|---|
| Profession | Huntmaster, Scoutmaster |
| Groups | Kholin army |
| Residence | Urithiru |
| Nationality | Alethi |
| Homeworld | Roshar |
| Universe | Cosmere |
Bashin is a darkeyed Alethi of the first nahn on Roshar and a longtime associate of Dalinar Kholin.[1]
Appearance and Personality
He is a short, portly man with a particularly large belly, and he wears rugged clothing and a leather overcoat.[1][2] He is proud of his wide-brimmed, floppy brown hat that he acquired near the Purelake; he is always seen wearing a similar hat over a span of more than twenty years.[2][3]
He jokes with his friends, often in a self-deprecating manner,[2] and is generally optimistic.[1] However, he is also able to command respect and provide no-nonsense information when needed.[3] Bashin seems to have a confident, independent streak and does not conform to the stereotype of a darkeyes. Dalinar calls him an "odd one" as he has traveled more extensively than most Alethi, and he seems eager to continue exploring Roshar.[2] He does not wear a uniform while serving in the Kholin army[3] despite Dalinar's reverence for the Alethi Codes of War.[4] He also addresses Dalinar by his first name (rather than "Brightlord") on at least one occasion.[3]
History
Friend of Dalinar
“Lighteyes need folks to obey them, right? I’m making certain that you got lots to serve you, at least by weight. ”
—Bashin, after Dalinar mocks his large belly[2]
Bashin accompanies Dalinar to a wrestling hall in Kholinar on the night of Adolin's birth in 1150.[2] Dalinar seems to enjoy the company of Bashin and Havar, as they treat him like a friend and not a highprince.[2] Dalinar is also able to drink heavily and use firemoss to stave off the Thrill in their company.[2] Bashin wins a bet with Havar on a wrestling match, after nervously wagering his hat.[2]
When Dalinar attempts to replace a sick wrestler, his potential opponent is clearly scared of him, and Bashin and Havar are forced to admit to Dalinar that he did not realize that he had maimed three people in a tavern fight a few weeks prior.[2] Toh arrives to tell Dalinar that Evi went into early labor, and Bashin attempts to conceal the fact that Dalinar was using firemoss.[2]
Bashin was present at a meeting with the Parshendi at some point during the reign of King Gavilar.[3]
Chasmfiend Hunt
During the War of Reckoning, Bashin is the huntmaster of a chasmfiend hunt in the Shattered Plains, leading a group that includes Dalinar, Adolin, Renarin, and Torol Sadeas. He and his colleagues prepare for the hunt, including scouting the chasmfiend's movements and preparing a small plateau for fighting the chasmfiend, using a chull to tow a hog carcass hanging over the edge of the plateau as bait.[1] They also prepare a separate viewing plateau, erecting a pavilion and refreshment station so the scribes, attendants, guests, and soldiers accompanying the king and highprinces can watch the hunt in comfort.[1] Bashin is optimistic that the day will be a good hunt, as the chasmfiend that they are tracking is massive.[1]
Bashin is also tasked with providing the nobles advice regarding the hunt, which he takes seriously. Once the chasmfiend appears, Bashin plans to add live bait hogs as an additional distraction, allowing the hunting party to use grandbows to weaken it. Bashin tells the party to aim for the chasmfiend's legs. He reminds them that chasmfiends that are not pupating are more aggressive.[1]
“ Aw, Damnation. ”
— Bashin, as a chasmfiend attacks[1]
The chull that is towing the bait begins to act erratically, and the chasmfiend appears earlier than expected. Instead of attacking the hunting plateau, it attacks the viewing plateau, eating a chull and injuring multiple people.[1][5] The Shardbearers quickly respond and Elhokar is able to kill the chasmfiend and claim its gemheart.[6]
Dalinar's Assault
“Sir... you need to see this. Something has changed. ”
—Bashin to Dalinar, after discovering a Singer in stormform[3]
In 1173, Bashin joins Dalinar's offensive into the Shattered Plains. He coordinates teams scouting the plateaus prior to the Battle of Narak, reporting on sightings of the Parshendi to Dalinar. His scouts manage to kill a Singer in stormform, and he shows Dalinar and Shallan the corpse, realizing that it could be a significant development.[3] He is confused by the burn marks on the bodies of some dead Alethi scouts,[3] as he is not aware that the Singers can control lightning in stormform.
Urithiru
Bashin lives in Urithiru after the coming of the Everstorm. He oversees axehound kennels in the Kholin sections of the tower, even though axehounds are no longer used for hunting.[7]
Abilities and Attributes
Bashin is given a wide variety of responsibilities, some very high-profile, particularly for a darkeyes. He is well-known among the Kholin family and he has Dalinar's trust.[7][3] He commands respect in the Kholin army even though he does not wear a uniform nor hold any obvious rank.[3] He is generally competent; although the chasmfiend hunt ended in disaster, it appeared to be well-organized, and there is no indication that Bashin could have done anything to prevent the chasmfiend's attack.[3]
He is well-traveled, and is familiar with Rosharan lands and peoples outside of Alethkar.[2] He is knowledgeable regarding the chasmfiend lifecycle and their nesting and feeding tendencies.[1] He has also seen the known Singer forms prior to the True Desolation and is immediately able to recognize stormform as something that has not been seen before.[3]