Mbhypokonder

Baden Rayne, a man with an incredibly strong spirit, conviction, and air of nobility... obsessed with protecting others.

As a graveborn, he was practically indestructible, just like his soul. He found the Island of the Banished, which offered him a reprieve from his curse, a community of others like him, and a dear friend in the form of the Wood Guardian, Nevanthi.

If he hadn't died, Thane and everybody else (himself included) likely would have. It was equally necessary that he be the one to become a graveborn, as he had the strength and will to fight the curse and continue on protecting others.

Thane couldn't even wield the Lotus Blade's full potential, as he lacked resolve. He would not have fared well as a graveborn back then. Over time, however, he grew as a person, and eventually was able to become so strong that the wind emblem answered his call, imbuing itself in him.

Years later, Baden sacrificed himself for others yet again when fighting the corrupter on the Island of the Banished. It was nearly the end for him... But he now had powerful, self-realized friends by his side. Nevanthi offered the wood emblem to him, should he decide to keep up the fight.

His will to protect was absolute. He was always destined to become the new Wood Guardian, with Thane surviving to become the Wind Guardian.