Batuk

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"A well-built man in late middle-age. His head is bald. His beard is near. "Batuk," Mariam says, pleased that she could remember. "I'm rather proud of this one.""

"Yes. Rosina's cousin. He was one of the Presbyterate's border-guards: the Gracious. But they discharged him when he allowed an explorer access to the Interior. An explorer... Lorenzo? Afterwards, Batuk became a mercenary, and joined our number."[2]

Batuk is a member of the Seven Against Nidah who served as its Soldier,[3] and cousin to Rosina,[4] the group's Healer.

Batuk was once a member of the Gracious, the Presbyterate's border guard, but was discharged for allowing Lorenzo to explore the Elder Continent's interior. He became a mercenary and joined the Seven's ranks,[5] and led the Seven's armies as they assaulted the city of Nidah.[6][7] However, Batuk and Lorenzo failed to spot the approach of an enemy army called the Hyenas,[8][9] and the Seven were routed and forced to retreat.[10] Both men blamed themselves for this failure,[8][9] and the Seven were forced into hiding.[11]

Batuk sought an escape from his troubles and found refuge in Nook,[12][13] where he carved a residence in a large tooth.[14] He has become known here as the Flinty Latitudinarian. Uniquely, his quarters contain trapped air bubbles, allowing for open conversation which is normally impossible in Nook.[15] Batuk lives a secluded life hidden away from the outside world,[15] but his house is covered in engravings commemorating the battles of the past.[16] The rage that drove him to attack Nidah still burns within him, and may just need a bit of coaxing to come out once again.[17]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Greet Batuk, Sunless Sea "Greet Batuk [...] You recognise him from Mariam's statues."
  2. ↑ The Soldier, Sunless Sea
  3. ↑ The Soldier, Sunless Sea "The Soldier [...] A well-built man in late middle-age. [...] "Batuk," [...]"
  4. ↑ The Soldier, Sunless Sea "Yes. Rosina's cousin."
  5. ↑ The Soldier, Sunless Sea "He was one of the Presbyterate's border-guards: the Gracious. But they discharged him when he allowed an explorer access to the Interior. An explorer..." [...] "Lorenzo? Afterwards, Batuk became a mercenary, and joined our number."
  6. ↑ Ask him about the Seven, Sunless Sea "Batuk led our armies."
  7. ↑ Welcome Batuk back to the Seven Against Nidah, Sunless Sea "You know, when we sacked Nidah I broke one of their tablets."
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Read the apology letter to Nook, Sunless Sea "The Almost Dead Man was a scout, who failed to detect the approach of 'the Hyenas' - enemy reinforcements? The outcome, [...] was catastrophic."
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Deliver the Almost Dead Man's letter, Sunless Sea "[...] tell him the rout was never his d_mn fault. I took the decision to charge the gate. I missed the Hyenas' approach. "He blames himself for too much, [...] Its my fault, and I mean to be buried with it."
  10. ↑ The flight from Nidah, Sunless Sea "Behind you came the Host of Hyenas, fresh from the city of Caution, laughing as they slew. [...] You remember the desperate journey back down the scarlet river, [...]"
  11. ↑ Ask him about the Seven, Sunless Sea "After our defeat, we were separated. I don't know where the others hide [...]"
  12. ↑ The Soldier, Sunless Sea ""He'd had enough of discipline. He will have sought a place of freedom.""
  13. ↑ Greet Batuk, Sunless Sea "No, I'm done with responsibility. And causes."
  14. ↑ Investigate an etched tooth-house, Sunless Sea "Investigate an etched tooth-house [...] A Flinty Latitudinarian keeps its upper cavities filled with compressed air [...]"
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Story description, Sunless Sea ""In the cavities of his etched tooth-home, trapped air-pockets allow an activity largely forsaken in Nook: conversation. [...] The Latitudinarian watches, and listens. He keeps [...] peace within his house, and cares not a damn for what happens outside it.""
  16. ↑ Investigate an etched tooth-house, Sunless Sea "The external surface of the tooth is covered with engravings. Rows of battling soldiers (some with the heads of dogs). A mountain, ablaze. Ships riding on a river, and each ship has a human mouth."
  17. ↑ Welcome Batuk back to the Seven Against Nidah, Sunless Sea ""Yes, all right. Try not to look so pleased with yourself. It wasn't that clever. You just reminded me how angry I am. Arrogant Presbyter b_____ds. It takes solid flint b_lls to monopolise immortality, I'll tell you that!""
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