Bathan

Bathan is the spirit beast of the seas.

Its physical form is typically depicted as a massive undersea turtle covered in sea plants. Its shell is said to made of coral and home to an ecosystem of deep water sea life.

Bathan guides the movements of the current and the time of the tides. It guides the migration of whales and the creation of reefs. Many sailors and fishermen consider Bathan to be the seas itself and dread offending it for fear of being lost at sea or denied their bounty. Land dwellers tell stories of civilization shallowed by the sea for failing to keep harmony with Bathan.

Tritons maintain large undersea temples that are home to rare and delicate undersea plants and creatures to venerate the ways of Bathan. By keeping this harmonious ecosystem, they emulate the goals of Bathan on small scale. Land dwellers that seek favor from Bathan visit seaside temples or traveling temple ships. Many fisherman return part of their catch to the sea, especially if a younger fish is captured to maintain Bathan's balance. Sailors look to Bathan for safety on their travels. Seaside cities often thank Bathan for bounty the sea and trade by sea provide. Returning fish trapped at low tide and feeding fish is seen as paying respect to Bathan's way. Those that waste the bounty of the sea, overfish, pollute the waters, or fail to respect the waters are said to stray from Bathan's guidance.