Vander Evren: The Feared Immortal Heir and Bloodbane of Starside

Overview

Vander Evren is one of the most dangerous immortals in Starside—a bloodbane heir whose name makes even other powerful beings whisper in fear. He is first mentioned by the Gardener in the Bone Woods and later described by a hunter as "power itself." When Aris summons him via an ancient blood duel in Chapter 33, the forest falls silent, and he appears as a striking figure with silver hair (a colour usually reserved for gods) and a morphblade godsword. He is an immortal lord of a Great House, bound by a fifty‑year‑old debt to the mortal Stellan, which compels him to aid Aris despite every warning against trusting him.

Plot Role

Vander enters the story at Aris’s lowest point: Raker lies near death from snake poison, and cavalry surround them. She swipes her blade across her palm, drives it into magical ground, and calls his name. He arrives moments later, ready to claim her sword, but pauses at the mention of Stellan. After learning Stellan is dead, he reluctantly transports both Aris and Raker to his castle.

From that point, Vander acts as a reluctant patron. He provides healing elixir for Raker, gives Aris shelter, teaches her about sword‑oaths and Great Houses, introduces the dress‑making room that creates her ball gown, and coaches her in dancing for the Heartfall ball. He reveals his own quest for vengeance against the gods—something was taken from him—and offers his estate as a staging ground for Aris to secure invitations. His role culminates in the revelation that he is a bloodbane, a truth uncovered when Raker finds the walls of a hidden room coated in blood. Vander later portals Aris and Raker to House Rodin, setting them on the final leg of the journey.

Motivations and Traits

Vander’s primary motivation is his debt to Stellan, who saved his life fifty years ago and gave quest magic to his people. Though proud and dismissive, he honours that debt by protecting Aris. He also harbours his own grudge against the gods, which aligns him with Aris’s goal: “I’d like them to pay for it.” This shared hatred makes him a genuine ally, not merely a reluctant host.

His traits are a study in contradictions. He is imperious and expects obedience, yet he shows patience with Aris’s defiance. He calls her “human” with contempt, but later calls her “magnificent” when he sees the silver markings on her wrist. He is terrifying—the hunter warns that “some heirs spill more blood than these beasts”—but he also exhibits dry humour and a protective streak. When Aris feels shame about her scars, he tells her: “You never need to hide… You will show them exactly what you are.” His power is immense; he can summon his morphblade with a thought, and his presence alone silences a forest full of cavalry.

Chronological Arc

Before the story: Fifty years prior, Stellan saves Vander’s life. Vander returns the favour by bestowing quest magic on Stellan’s people.
Chapter 24 (hunter’s warning): Aris asks about Vander and learns he is a blood‑feared heir who can be summoned through a blood duel.
Chapter 33 (the summoning): Aris calls him. He appears, ready to fight, but spares her for Stellan’s sake. He transports them to his castle.
Chapter 34 (dinner revelation): Vander senses Aris’s guilt over Stellan’s death and draws his sword, accusing her. She confesses she did not strike the fatal blow, and he spares her again, providing healing.
Chapter 35 (preparation for the ball): Vander teaches Aris about alliances and sword‑oaths, creates a dress for her, and dances with her. He sees her silver marks and tells her she is magnificent.
Chapter 36 (Heartfall ball): Vander escorts Aris into the ballroom. Later, Raker discovers the blood‑soaked room; Vander appears holding a severed head and confirms he is a bloodbane.
Chapter 37 (departure): Vander gives Aris a protective scabbard and portals her and Raker to House Rodin. His role as ally ends, having set her on the path to the Land of the Gods.

Relationships

Stellan: The cornerstone of Vander’s involvement. Stellan saved his life, and Vander feels a profound, if understated, loyalty. He asks where Stellan is, curses when he learns of his death, and later admits, “That, human, we have in common.” Stellan’s memory binds Vander to Aris.

Aris: Initially Vander sees her as an annoyance—a lowly human with a valuable blade. As he watches her determination and learns of her scars, he develops a grudging respect. He calls her “magnificent” and treats her as an equal during their dance. Their relationship remains formal, but Vander’s protection is genuine.

Raker: Vander is wary of Raker, referring to him as “the demon you’re traveling with.” He refuses to allow Raker into the castle at first, forcing him into the stables. After Raker discovers the blood‑room, Vander reveals his bloodbane nature with a mix of amusement and threat. There is no friendship, only coexistence.

Key Decisions and Consequences

Spares Aris because of Stellan – This decision sets the entire alliance in motion. Without it, Aris would lose her sword or die, and the quest would end.
Provides medicine for Raker – Saves Raker’s life, allowing the pair to continue together and ultimately reach the Land of the Gods.
Reveals his bloodbane nature – Though dangerous, this disclosure builds a foundation of brutal honesty with Aris. She now understands the full extent of his power.
Helps Aris secure invitations – By hosting the Heartfall ball and coaching her, Vander gives Aris the diplomatic tools she needs to reach the final zone.
Portals them to House Rodin – This shortcut propels Aris into the desert, where she faces the memory‑illusion creature and later confronts Raker as the God of Death.

Each decision advances Aris’s journey while reinforcing Vander’s role as a necessary, morally grey ally.

Theme and Symbol Connections

Vengeance vs. Humanity: Vander’s motive is vengeance against the gods, mirroring Aris’s own. Yet he retains a shred of humanity through his debt to Stellan, showing that even a bloodbane can act out of loyalty.
Sacrifice and Loyalty: Stellan’s sacrifice fifty years ago creates a chain of loyalty that Vander honours. Aris’s willingness to sacrifice herself for vengeance echoes this theme.
Trust and Betrayal: Everyone warns Aris not to trust Vander. She does anyway, and he does not betray her—a rare example of trust being rewarded in a world rife with betrayal.
Power and Hierarchy: Vander occupies the top tier of Starside’s hierarchy. His silver hair, morphblade, and bloodbane status make him a symbol of ultimate power. Yet he is bound by his own house’s needs and fears the god‑cup’s curse.
Memory and Identity: Vander carries the memory of Stellan, which defines his present actions. His identity as a bloodbane is both a weapon and a curse, shaping how others perceive him.

Questions and Answers

Why does Vander help Aris? He helps because Stellan saved his life fifty years ago. Stellan told Aris to find him, and Vander honours that debt despite the danger.
What is a bloodbane? A bloodbane is a being whose nature or curse is tied to blood. Raker discovers this when he touches a wall covered in blood at the Heartfall ball, and Vander confirms it.
How does Vander know Stellan? Fifty years before the story, Stellan saved Vander’s life. In gratitude, Vander gave quest magic to Stellan’s people.
What is Vander’s morphblade? It is a godsword that can change properties—melting into daggers, throwing stars, or a scythe. Vander explains that blades can be multifaceted, just like people.
Why does Vander avoid the Land of the Gods? He admits he once travelled almost to the edge of the desert but turned back because of a creature there that “makes men their own worst enemies.” He also fears the unpredictability of the immortal cup, which can curse even a powerful heir.