Baba Voss

**Baba Voss** is a central character who appears in *SEE*. As the guardian and adopted father of the sighted twins introduced in the first episode — and a man with extensive history with most other characters — he drives much of the action in the series. As head of the mountain-dwelling Alkenny Tribe, Baba Voss is a fearless warrior, strong leader, and fierce guardian, whose priority is the safety of his children, his family, and his community. That loyalty is not returned by every member of the tribe, whom he joined many years ago.

Baba Voss places the safety of his family, friends, and tribe as a top priority. To keep his tribe safe from the Witchfinders, he goes to great lengths whether that be to fight off enemies that threaten the safety of the tribe, or to move to new locations as he did to New Alkenny. To keep his twin children, Haniwa and Kofun, safe from Witchfinders, Baba Voss tries to keep their sense of sight a secret. He, along with his wife Maghra, implores the twins to do the same forever for their own safety.

Baba Voss seeks Paris for advice on a frequent basis, using her wisdom to find a way out of situations that threaten the safety of the tribe. Using Paris's advice to allow the twins to read from the books left by Jerlamarel caused a divide between him and Maghra. He is a very cautious leader, reluctant to explore and discover if there is any risk to the safety of the tribe. Even when presented with a chance to explore new discoveries at Jerlamarel's House of Enlightenment, Baba Voss votes to stop the journey in favor of a safe and secure life with his family around him.

Despite the journey still going ahead, this does not stop Baba Voss's devotion to his family and what remains of the Alkenny. While letting Haniwa and Kofun enter the House of Enlightenment, Baba Voss vows to stay close by in case he is needed, as any good father in his eyes should. Once Paris has one of her premonitions about the twins at night, true to his word, Baba Voss rescues his son at the House of Enlightenment. He then faces Jerlamarel in single combat. While Jerlamarel may have the advantage of sight and possession of a gun, his other senses are weak. Once Kofun shuts down the power generator, casting the whole compound in darkness, Baba Voss is able to exploit Jerlamarel's weakness and swiftly defeat him.

## Biography

### Leading the Alkenny

As leader of the Alkenny, Baba Voss took in Maghra, a pregnant woman who came upon their village in winter. Soon, the two were in love and married, with Baba planning to look after Maghra's child since he had been unable to father any children of his own. As the day of the birth grew near, Baba Voss was forced to leave Maghra in the care of Paris while he defended the Alkenny village from the arrival of Queen Kane's Witchfinder army. After the initial battle was halted by heavy rain, Baba ordered the village to prepare for a further assault while he visited Maghra. He discovered that Maghra had given birth to twins, and in his absence, the rest of the Alkenny had instead decided to hand over Maghra and his children to the Witchfinders in an effort to appease them.

Baba Voss vowed to stand in their way, causing a rift in the village that threatened to turn violent. The situation was defused by Paris, who revealed there was a way to escape their mountain home; a bridge over one of the ravines surrounding the village. When Baba asked about the bridge, Paris revealed it was built by Jerlamarel, the twins' true father and asked him to bear that pain for the sake of the village. With escape possible, Baba Voss led the Alkenny off the mountain to safety, and followed Jerlameral's directions to a hidden valley where he had left the Alkenny the materials to build a new home.

As the Alkenny establish their new village, Baba Voss took the twins into the forest while scouting their new home. He was attacked by a bear, and saved by Jerlamarel, who had remained behind in the valley to clear out the bears so the Alkenny were safe. Jerlameral met his children, and instructed them to be named Kofun and Haniwa so that he would know them when they came to him. He also gave Baba Voss a key and directions to a hidden cache of books that he intended to be presented to the children on their twelfth birthdays. Recovering the cache and talking with Maghra and Paris, they did not come to a conclusion about what to do with the books, instead burying the box and deferring to the decision until the twins' twelfth year.

As the twins grew, it became clear that they had indeed inherited their father's ability to see. Maghra, fearful of a society that would brand her children as Witches and Heretics, made the decision to withhold the books from the twins. However, Paris disagreed with the decision and delivered the books to the children, along with knowledge of their true father, Jerlamarel, behind Maghra's back. Baba Voss came to find out about this, and was convinced by Paris to withhold that information from Maghra.

### Brothers

Setting out to rescue Haniwa, Baba Voss attacks a Trivantian border patrol to gather supplies, weapons, and armour ready for his infiltration of the city. He tells Kofun and Paris to wait a week for his return while he makes the journey. He is able to get in and navigate his way deeper into the city, and but is confronted and engaged by his brother Edo Voss. He is then captured and tortured at the behest of Edo.

While in prison, Baba learns that his wife is in fact alive and is the sister of Queen Kane. He learns this from Tamacti Jun who is also alive. The pair are freed by Wren, who learns of Edo's plans for Haniwa and assembles a team to rescue her. When the trio attempt to reunite with Kofun and Paris, they find that they are not there and have encountered Witchfinders and are heading to Pennsa. En route there, Baba and the team are attacked by slavers who want Haniwa. They are saved from The Compass, a group of warriors who Paris has affiliations with and a group associated with Jerlameral which lead to him becoming the man he is.

On the way to Pennsa, Baba's injuries get worse from his battles and he develops a fever. Paris takes the group to the Valier territory where there is a healer who can help Baba Voss. He is reunited with Bow Lion there, who attends to his wounds. After being treated, Baba and the group continue their travel to Pennsa and they eventually make it. The group split up, with Baba taking Haniwa with him to the tallest building in Pennsa to find Maghra. Fighting past guards to get back, they reach Maghra and Kofun. The moment is short lived as Harlan enters, introducing himself to Baba as the husband of Maghra. This confuses Baba and this continues at dinner with Queen Kane where the family arrangement is set out further, and Maghra's political involvement including her pending journey to Trivantes. Baba is frustrated by this and storms out of dinner.

Later, Baba meets with Harlan and Maghra about the current arrangements, and he is reminded by Harlan to treat him respectfully. The next day, Baba meets with Maghra and Tamacti Jun to work out a way forwards. Baba accompanies Maghra and Harlan to the meeting point with Trivantes. He is walking behind Harlan and Maghra's carriage. When they arrive and while Maghra handles greetings, Haniwa arrives to warn the pair of Paris's premonition that something bad at the meeting will happen and that it should not take place. Baba invites Haniwa to watch as it is too late to cancel the meeting. After the meeting ends in violence, Baba and the deligation go away to regroup and agree a private agreement with Trivantes is needed which is indeed agreed with them the following day. That night, an assault occurs, killing many Trivantian delegates. Baba Voss kills the assailants and deduces they are Payan.

A war begins between Trivantian warriors and warriors from Pennsa. Baba positions forces ready for the battle, and reluctantly agrees to his children joining it. Baba's tactics and fighting abilities lead to victory in the battle for Paya. Baba and Edo also face each other for the last time, with Baba being victorious by impaling Edo in the chest. After discussing with the Maghra the future for their family, he leaves his family at Pennsa and goes on a journey alone.

### Staying away

Now away from his family, Baba tracks wildlife in the woods. While doing this one day, he rescues a dog and lets it go. While tracking a deer, he is interrupted by someone sneaking up behind him who he cuts down from above. This is Ranger, an old friend of Baba’s. As Baba is able to see Ranger sneaking up on him, a forfeit is Ranger must have excrement smeared on his face. Together, the pair climb up a cliff to a clearing at the top and talk about Baba’s situation of being alone, and away from his family. They also acknowledge guilt over Edo. Baba is not keen to take on Ranger’s advice on this, and they head to Ranger’s house where Baba has been living the past few months.

Lu, Ranger’s partner, awaits them at the house and expresses her distaste to Ranger and how long Baba has been staying, citing him causing the death of the Alkenny tribe. Baba refutes this. While there, Baba is joined by Bow Lion, who wants him to come out of hiding and help train orphans who are part of The Compass. Baba refuses and Bow Lion stays with the group longer. Unbeknownst to them, Bow Lion was tracked by Tormada’s forces. As Tormada was baiting Baba with blaming him for Edo’s death, Baba slowly approaches. Before he can, Bow Lion rushes forward and is caught in an explosion which also launches Baba away.

Picking himself up from the explosion, Baba looks for Bow Lion but finds the weapon carved into pieces. Saying goodbye to Ranger, Baba feels he must warn Maghra that Trivantians are in Paya and will descend on Pennsa. He arrives in Pennsa and waits for Maghra in her room. Despite her mixed emotions on seeing him, Baba tells her of the impending threat but she does not fully believe him, much to his frustration. When he finds out the Trivantian ambassador, Trovere, is in Pennsa, he is furious. That night, he attempts to capture her and is shocked to find Harlan in bed with her. She raises the alarm and Baba is attacked by her guards. Maghra is forced to arrest Baba for jeopardising the peace treaty and he is escorted to her room. He is caught up on events with Kofun and also on Paris, whom he is furious to find out was murdered by Sibeth. In a fit of rage, he goes to Sibeth’s room to find her missing.

Baba is in prison after his outburst after finding out Sibeth killed Paris, and also after he tried to confront Trovere. He sits with anyone and talks about Bow Lion and the state of the world. Maghra interrupts them, and Haniwa leaves. Tensions rise during their discussion about what Baba did and in the end Marghra asks him to trust her. She also asks he speak to Kofun about being a father which Baba agrees to. He breaks out of prison without much resistance from Maghra and goes to find his son.

Kofun has just been attacked by people of Pennsa who believe sighted people are witches. Baba finds Kofun soon after and checks his is okay. He also brings up Kofun’s son, but he walks away when this is brought up. Later, when Wren arrives and brings up the threat of Tormada’s bombs, Baba devises a plan to take the kids to the House of Enlightenment to destroy the bombs. Despite Maghra being dubious, they agree on the plan. Baba next takes Wolffe for Kofun to hold, and explains the importance of being a father and how his son needs him. That night, Baba reminisces with Maghra over their past life with the Alkenny.

After the Witchfinders are hanged, Baba confronts Sibeth who has killed a midwife and tries to take Wolffe. During the confrontation, Baba watches as his son is stabbed by Harmony. Baba kills her and then tends to his son as Sibeth escapes.

Baba and the group begin their journey to the House of Enlightenment. En route, Baba consoles his son after Kofun apologises to him for concealing Sibeth. Baba reassures him that Kofun was just doing what was best for his son. The group stops off at Ranger’s home where Baba tries to convince his friend to join him. Both Ranger and Lu do not want to join the war to save Paya, but Baba is able to sway his friend after telling him Tormada is involved. The group, now with new members, continue their journey to the House of Enlightenment. Baba informs his son as to why Ranger hates Tormada so much - this is due to a series of experiments conducted on his friend by Tormada. When they arrive at the House, Baba, Ranger, and Kofun neutralise the enemy threat and are joined outside by Haniwa, Charlotte, Wren, and Sheva who have rescued the children. Before they can set after the bombs, Trivantian forces arrive, with Harlan with them. The group hold up inside.

Inside the House, Baba and the group continue to make a barricade. Haniwa tells Baba that Harlan is outside and Baba says to forget him and build their fortifications. Tormada shouts at the group from the outside and, after talking to Ranger and Sheva, is shocked to hear Baba’s voice, thinking him dead. Baba confirms no intention to surrender. Tormada sets out that Baba is to hand Sheva over, otherwise everybody dies. Baba and group decide not to comply, and ready themselves for a Trivantian advance. As they prepare, Baba says to Ranger he is concerned for his children and does not want to put them in danger. He is then sick outside and talks to his children about the coming conflict. The Trivantian forces enter, with Baba and Ranger teaming up to cut down anyone who entered.

Baba and the group exit to find Tormada gone and dead Trivantian soldiers on the ground. Baba wants to kill Harlan, but understands Harlan’s plan to warn Pennsa of the imminent bomb threat. Before leaving for Pennsa, Baba ignites a fire in the House, burning everything it stood for. This makes Haniwa distraught, and Baba has to break up Haniwa and Kofun after they fight over what should be done with the House.

Through the Lowlands, Baba and keen for Kofun and Haniwa to settle their differences and encourages Kofun to talk with her. Later, however, the group are ambushed by a cannibal tribe and Baba has to join the others in fighting them off. Haniwa and Harlan are captured and Baba attempts to track the tribe down to no avail. Sending Kofun to Pennsa alone to warn Maghra, Baba agrees a plan to lure the cannibals to them and then follow them back to the base. This plan works and Baba slices someone’s arm off. He follows them back to the cannibal base and is able to kill the leader of the group as well. Haniwa is rescued, though Harlan has mortal wounds.

Baba makes it back to Pennsa, but he and the group are caught up if you need solutions by Tormada’s bombs - they are too late. They go to the Palace to find it caved in by the bombs and No finds Maghra and Wolffe underneath some rubble. Baba and group rescue her and go to a safe space. After the group find a system of underground tunnels, Maghra speaks with Baba privately, saying they will go to live in a private, secluded place as they did before once the escape. Baba helps with the evacuation effort, but then breaks away to go to the Trivantian camp to kill Sibeth. Outside the camp, he is joined by Ranger, and both embark on that mission.

Baba and Ranger infiltrate Sibeth’s camp and attack the guards inside. They are eventually spotted and play dead as soldiers pass above. They attack them from behind and make their way towards Tormada’s bombs. Nearly at the bombs, Baba confronts Tormada and runs towards him. As he does, Tormada throws a bomb at him which explodes, injuring him. Baba recovers and is tended to by Haniwa. Baba asks her not to follow him as he goes to end this conflict. He pulls shrapnel out of his body and moves towards the bombs, pushing aside anyone in his way. He reaches the bombs, telling Maghra he sees her. He hits the bombs with a large hammer and they explode, killing him in the process.

## Relationships

### Maghra

Maghra joined the Alkenny after running away from her sister. She was found in a blizzard by Paris while being pregnant with Jerlamarel's children. Baba took Maghra in and the two grew close, eventually forming a relationship and marrying. While he and Maghra have many arguments, they stay together and support each other. A big disagreement over their lives was Jerlamarel and his wishes – whether to show the twins the books Jerlamarel left behind and whether to let them go to the House of Enlightement.

### Kofun and Haniwa

Even though the twins aren't Baba's biological children, they love their adopted father very much, and he would do anything for his family.

## Appearances

* Season 1
	+ "Godflame" (First appearance)
	+ "Message in a Bottle"

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "Godflame"
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Message in a Bottle"
3. ↑ ”Heavy Hangs the Head”
4. ↑ ”Watch Out for Wolves”
5. ↑ "This Land is Your Land"
6. ↑ ”The Storm”
7. ↑ ”The House of Enlightenment”
8. ↑ ”The Lowlands”
9. ↑ ”God Thunder”
10. ↑ ”I See You”