Bast

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Lore & Background

He is not merely a helper but plays a critical function in the narrative structure, acting as the scribe or facilitator for Kvothe's life story being told to Chronicler. This story was later revised and expanded into 'The Narrow Road Between Desires' in 2023, further exploring his character. His nature is tied to Kvothe's current state, where he helps maintain the illusion of the innkeeper while guarding the secrets of the past.

In Their Own Story

He interacts with Kvothe and the scribe Chronicler during the storytelling sessions. The text highlights that 'The Lightning Tree' centers specifically around Bast, placing him in the frame setting of the trilogy. Later, the expanded version, 'The Narrow Road Between Desires,' continues this focus on his character. These stories reveal him as a figure who navigates the boundary between worlds, using his Fae abilities to influence events while maintaining his cover as an innkeeper's assistant.

Reader's Guide

For readers seeking details on Bast, look to the related works 'The Lightning Tree' (2014) and 'The Narrow Road Between Desires' (2023). These novellas are set in the frame timeline of The Kingkiller Chronicle. In these stories, Bast is the central character, offering insight into his motivations and magical capabilities. He operates within the inn where Kvothe hides, serving as a constant presence that hints at the larger conflicts between Men and Fae. His role is essential to understanding the 'story-within-a-story' format, as he is part of the present-day narrative that frames Kvothe's past adventures.

Did You Know?

• Bast is the central character of the novella 'The Lightning Tree,' published in 2014.
• In 2023, 'The Narrow Road Between Desires' was released as a revision and expansion of 'The Lightning Tree,' also focusing on Bast.
• Bast appears in the frame narrative where Kvothe runs an inn under an assumed name, distinct from the first-person past timeline.
• The character Bast was introduced or expanded upon during revisions to bring the frame narrative into the second book, 'The Wise Man's Fear' (2011).
• Bast is described as a member of the Fae who serves at the Waystone Inn.

Series Structure and Narrative Design

The Kingkiller Chronicle utilizes a complex framework where Bast exists in the present-day timeline. This frame narrative is told in omniscient third person and concerns Kvothe running an inn under an assumed name. The main plot, consisting of Kvothe's past life as a notorious adventurer and arcanist known as 'Kingkiller,' is told in first person. Bast appears in this outer layer, interacting with the scribe Chronicler who transcribes the three-day oral autobiography. The series also features metafictional stories from varying perspectives that tie to the main plot.

Origins and Developmental History

Patrick Rothfuss began writing the series in 1994, inspired by Edmond Rostand's play 'Cyrano de Bergerac' and Casanova's memoirs. The first draft was completed in 2000. In 2002, Rothfuss won a Writers of the Future contest, leading to a workshop with Tim Powers and eventually an agent who helped revise the story into 'The Name of the Wind,' published by DAW in March 2007. The second book, 'The Wise Man's Fear,' was released in 2011 after significant revisions to bring in the frame narrative and introduce characters like Bast that were not in the original draft.

Publication Challenges and Delays

While 'The Name of the Wind' (2007) and 'The Wise Man's Fear' (2011) have been published, the third book, 'The Doors of Stone,' remains unreleased as of 2026. Rothfuss apologized in 2021 for the delay, citing personal life issues and mental health. His editor, Betsy Wollheim, expressed frustration in 2020, stating she had not read a word of the book nine years on. Despite these delays, related works focusing on Bast were released: 'The Lightning Tree' in 2014 and its expansion 'The Narrow Road Between Desires' in 2023.

Expanded Universe and Related Works

Bast is the primary focus of specific expanded universe content. 'The Lightning Tree,' a novella published in the anthology 'Rogues' (2014), takes place in the frame setting of The Kingkiller Chronicle and includes characters from the trilogy, centering on Bast. In 2023, Rothfuss released 'The Narrow Road Between Desires,' described as a revision and expansion of 'The Lightning Tree,' also centered on Bast. Other related works include 'How Old Holly Came to Be' (2013) and 'The Slow Regard of Silent Things' (2014), which focuses on a different secondary character.