Adding characters to sexypedia, part 2. Basta. Here's my tribute to inkvember, promt 23, crown. Put under readmore for an easier read.
Angst
It's said by Fenglio himself that he had an unpleasant childhood, quote unquote: "I always knew he was a very unhappy boy before you picked him up. As it says in another very fine book, it's terribly easy to persuade children that they are worthless. Basta was convinced of it" The rest pretty much spells it out he was groomed by Capricorn into believing this. He's not close with anyone, Dustfinger going far as to confirm this; not to mention the burn scars he got when he was probably even younger than Meggie. Poor thang.
Animal Theming
Associated with both cats and dogs oddly enough. His loyalty to Capricorn and his follower mentality are reminiscent of those of a dog. He's also described with many feline features; his name might be a reference to the Egyptian deity Bastet who is often depicted with a head of a cat and a protector against evil spirits.
Distinctive Voice
Has a "rasping tongue's voice" and purrs for a solid of his dialogue. Remembered by everyone he traumatised.
Knife Murder
His whole thing is that he's Capricorn's knife-man. A knife is his weapon of choice he murders and hurts people with. That's all there is.
Marked Canon/Fanon Divergence
Often portrayed as this macho guy with a manipulative edge to him, subdued what little characterization he has; making him seem less violent/ actually good at his core or sexier otherwise.
Ensemble Dark Horse
Mrs. Funke actively dislikes her villains, and basta's popularity above else. He's not even in the last two books and yet remains one of the top favourites. Yay.
Questionable Neurodivergent Rep/Twisted Freaking Cycle Path
Very popular headcanon for him circling around is that he has a form of OKP. It's said he maintains a clean house; keeps a collection of bricks carefully placed side by side on a chest of drawers; then there's the layers of denial when he was left to be executed. The idea of Capricorn throwing him aside has put him completely dormant.
Pathetic
Like the above. Bro was crying in the corner, sopping wet, born in a cardboard box all alone, like there was no tomorrow. And in retrospect that was almost correct. He was about to be sacrificed to the Shadow, but all he cared about at that moment was Capricorn's final opinion of him. In inkspell he seems to get over it, too bad though at some point he receives another series of scarring and his face gets compared to a lobster. Too many average Basta enjoyers want to fix him.
Religion/Demonic Imaginery
Very superstitious which overlaps. Never seen without a good luck charm around his neck. Probaby practices some occult beliefs if that was indeed a real human bone he wore in Inkspell. He's turned into a Night-Mare sometime after his death.
Scars
Burn scars over his both arms (apparent enough to hide them), and later over his face and possibly the rest of his body.
Short
His short stature is commented on more than once. The best archetype to end this with.
