Jean-Baptiste is a black private detective based in Gary, Indiana, expelled from the police for investigating cults that practiced human sacrifice, and known as “the guardian Jean-Baptiste”.
| Type | Character |
| Occupation | Private detective (former police officer) |
| Base | Gary, Indiana |
| Spanish entry | Jean-Baptiste |
Description
About forty-five, older than his companions, with marked bags under his eyes. He never removes his small bowler hat and wears a worn leather jacket. He used to smell of alcohol; now he drinks less, though his coffee carries a dash of whisky. He works by call-back: people call, he returns the call.
History
He came from the South; his family moved to Gary, his base. Investigating sacrificial cults cost him his badge. He lost a finger in “a very dark place” he has visited once, so he recognizes such places when the company reaches them.
Since 10 April 1987 he has carried magical powers; the phrasing is ambiguous and may mark the granting, a birth (his or another’s), or both. One named power is his: Remove Magic.
Role
As “the guardian” he stays behind and covers while others travel. Yet he joins the underground expedition, seen coming with the Crystal Tower behind him. His story is the channel through which cults and sacrifices enter this world.
Open questions
- Whether his powers came from the dark place where he lost the finger, and whether it is the place the expedition reaches.
- How he lost the finger, and which one.
- Who gave him his powers, at what price; whether Remove Magic is the only one.
- Guardian of what, by whose mandate.
- His southern birthplace, and why the family moved.