Jarith “Bae” Baelin
A man who built his reputation alone—and resents anyone who thinks they can inherit it.
What People Know
Jarith “Bae” Baelin is the only officially recognized investigator in Strangeways—or at least, he was until Corwin Thorne decided to start doing the job himself. Tall, gaunt, and perpetually unimpressed, Jarith carries himself like someone who has seen every trick before and is tired of pretending otherwise.
He trained Corwin in the fundamentals of investigation.
He did not expect to be replaced by his own student.
Reputation
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Brilliant, abrasive, and deeply cynical
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Known for results, not charm
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Respected by the Constabulary, disliked by nearly everyone else
Jarith is trusted because he is competent—not because he is kind.
As an Investigator
Jarith’s methods are:
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Methodical and patient
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Unromantic and brutally practical
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Focused on outcomes rather than narratives
He believes most crimes are solved by persistence, not insight—and that people who think otherwise get themselves killed.
Relationship with Corwin Thorne
Jarith taught Corwin:
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How to read scenes, not stories
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How to spot lies by omission
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How to follow money instead of motives
What he did not teach Corwin was humility—something he now insists Corwin lacks.
Jarith is keenly aware that Corwin tries to “cheat” him—circumventing procedures, exploiting connections, and solving cases Jarith believes should have come to him first. He finds this infuriating… and threatening.
Possible Ties to Geoffrey Chandler
There are quiet rumors that Jarith once worked cases that intersected with Professor Geoffrey Chandler—artifacts, disappearances, things that never made official reports.
If Jarith is in league with Chandler, it is not out of loyalty.
It would be out of utility.
Personality
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Sharp-tongued and impatient
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Proud of his isolation
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Hates shortcuts unless they’re his
Jarith does not mentor.
He endures.
Relationship with the Party
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Openly critical of Corwin
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Coolly professional with others
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Will cooperate when necessary—and complain the entire time
He respects competence.
He resents talent.