The Arbiter judges your soul and sends you off into one of the infinite domains of the Shadowlands, based upon how you lived your life. Those who have lived a life of service, for example Uther the Lightbringer, are drawn to Bastion. Amongst its gleaming spires and sweeping vistas await challenges to test the mettle of the steadfast Kyrians. But your station here is not just set because the Arbiter judged it so. Here, your mettle determines whether you are worthy to stand amongst them or not. Each day is a new chance to prove your merit, to ascend the ranks of the Kyrian and earn your wings. You will cleanse yourself of your mortal flaws and ascend to a higher state of being, capable of performing their most sacred and difficult tasks.
Purity, Courage, Humility, Wisdom and Loyalty--each of these temples is presided over by a Paragon. These ancient beings demonstrate the ultimate expression of their respective virtue, and are responsible for the care and training of all aspirants that enter their domain.
- Presiding over the temple of purity is Vesiphone, known for her grace and compassion.
- Presiding over the temple of courage is Xandria, known for her indomitable will and unyielding strength.
- Presiding over the temple of humility is Chyrus, known for his insight and approachable nature.
- Presiding over the temple of wisdom is Thenios, known for his longevity of purpose and clarity of thought.
- Presiding over the temple of loyalty is Devos, known for her unwavering commitment to her people and the Archon.
Just one Paragon could not handle all those in need of training and guidance. Each is bolstered by their chosen hand, selected for their excellence in service to their temple. An invaluable resource to complete the Five Rites. Below them are the disciples and acolytes, all aimed at guiding the aspirants on their path of finding their role in bastion.
You could become a bearer, bearing the souls across the Veil to Oribos to be judged by the Arbiter. Bearers are known for their adventurous spirit and indomitable will. They will see countless worlds beyond the Shadowlands. They will encounter beings of all shapes and sizes that will be carried to Oribos to serve the purpose. By their arms and their will, the great cycle continues. Being a bearer is a grave responsibility.
Or you could become a watcher. They perform a difficult and emotionally taxing role among the Kyrian. It is they who linger at the edge of the veil and greet mortal souls who seek to cross into the Shadowlands. It is the watchers who weigh that soul, peer into its existence and judge whether it is their time. As a watcher, you will be burdened with that soul's memories, and you will see and know things that will weigh heavy on your mind. This role is only for the strong of heart, for those who can endure with the purpose in mind at all times. Few ultimately choose this path, but those that do are held among the highest regard.
Or you could become a collector. They maintain the realm and contribute to all of Bastion's great works. They are responsible for the collection and ordering of anima in the realm. A collector may take the form of a forgelite, or perhaps a scholar. They craft armor, furnishings, carve statues, build fantastic works of architecture and write their many stories and songs. They weave masterful works from anima itself. They are great craftsmen and musicians. A collector will, over the course of their eternity, dedicate themselves to honing their skill and perfecting the arts of their choice. They find a worthwhile existence in great works and are the source of Bastion's considerable beauty. There are many collectors, but no two are the same. In this role you will serve to bolster this realm that you now call home.
But above all there stands the Archon, Kyrestia, the Firstborne, the esteemed leader of Bastion since its inception countless eons ago. The most stalwart and dedicated of the eternal ones. It is by her will that Bastion carries out its purpose in the Shadowlands.
