| abstract | - Bakune was the Malazan appointed 'Chief Assessor' and magistrate of Banith, one of the cities of Rool. His duties included investigating and trying various crimes committed in the city. He was the highest local legal authority, answerable only to the High Assessor in the Roolian capital, Paliss. In truth, his position commanded him little authority in comparison to the city's religious leader, Abbot Starvann Arl. The City Watch gave him only grudging assistance and rarely bothered to call him in on cases, preferring he remain out of the way in his chambers. Two of the Watch were assigned to monitor his activities as much as they were to escort him. Bakune was known as an incorruptible man of principle, not prone to curry for favour or consideration. Hence, he had never been promoted to another position in a more desirable city and lived in a cramped walk-up in town rather than on an estate or manor house like his peers in other cities. After more than twenty years on the job, Bakune was wasting away with his hair thinning, constant stomach pains, and stiffening joints. His wife had long since left him. He wore robes, moleskin gloves, and a ring of office. He had a long working relationship with Karien'el who rose from lieutenant to captain of the City Watch over the decades of their acquaintanceship.
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