Bartholomew Talendar

Appearance
Bartholomew is an old man with white hair beginning to bald. He wore brown noble's outfit. Though he was clearly quite old, he generally looked as if he had a good amount of energy at all times.

Personality
Bartholomew is a energetic kind old man. He is quick witted but seems to have a child like nature and naiveté. Out of the members in the council, Bartholomew seems the least stained by the corruption of Sembian politics. Though not completely clean of the dirty dealing, Bartholomew open admits his wrongs and does what he can to undo damage he might have caused in moments of weakness.

He usually acts lawfully, but he has moments of chaos and is willing to act against the status quo if he believes a system is broken. This youthful chaotic energy emerged in his old age as a response to a routine he has noticed after being in the Sembian Merchant Council for and extended amount of time.

He is energetic, but careful. Bartholomew believes in people and believes in a well thought out situation. With every good event, there is a better plan behind it to make sure that all aspects work out perfectly. Bartholomew is a fan of the older tradition and form of government before the regime of Emperor Selkirk. Bartholomew also believes in the outward credibility of the politicians in Sembia. How you present yourself has a good amount with what people think of you.

Family & Relationships
Bartholomew's family is dead. They lived a regular life as business merchants. He spent much of his time with Kendrick Selkirk and several people in his squad of reformers and detective men. He also made good friends with the Foxmantle and other families. The noble families became a hassle at some point in his life, and he preferred the company of merchants and the detectives. He also found a good friend in Jonas Califomme for his great contributions to Sembia before he died.

Character History
Bartholomew is from Saerloon, but spent a good portion of his life in Selgaunt close to the noble families. His business sense and general good image and good smile gave an uplifting message to whatever he tried to sell. He had a presence that was far less imposing than most salesmen, but this also gave him the edge to seem like a small company when his company was a roaring success.

His actions in Saerloon when he returned showed a sign of goodwill. Bartholomew was had his dealings and he exposed several people in the name of the guard during the time of reform during Kendrick Selkirk's first regime. Bartholomew's attitude got him a chance to work with a group of investigators that helped Kendrick snuff out some of the problems. This team of people were more like investigators than like enforcers like the Silver Ravens. His success worked to his advantage. Kendrick Selkirk saw his work and believed that his old school business sense and mostly honest nature made him a great candidate to run for the Sembian Merchant Council. The only thing Bartholomew needed to do was move to a less populated city that he could represent in the council.

Bartholomew moved away form Saerloon to a smaller city further north. He was accepted into the council and acted as a friend of the Overmaster. People saw it as patronage, but Bartholomew acted in the best interest of Sembia, and had the right kind of mind to be a successful politician. He was sharp and he was quick witted. He what people wanted to hear and was good at keeping his hands clean.

When Kendrick's son Miklos took power, Bartholomew changed. It was clear that Bartholomew had become a politician of an earlier era. Miklos Selkirk did what most powerful leaders would do to help create a regime of preservation. Enacting a personal police force with the same idea as Kendrick's movement was a good cover for his actions. Bartholomew knew that Miklos already had far more to hide and spoke out more often to hide his actions. Miklos had charisma while Kendrick had character. Bartholomew knew that Miklos was against dissent and he started becoming more outspoken as time goes on.

When Mirabeta died, Bartholomew had a good idea what happened. Bartholomew heard the stories about her and remembered her rivalry with Kendrick. The friendship with the Church of Bane and the Zhentarim was the last straw. He remembers the days when Kendrick would walk out with one of his must trusted friends, Jonas Califomme and helped advance the life for Sembians while fighting the forces of the Zhentarim and making sure that lawbreakers were dealt with. Bartholomew knew that the great age was ended as soon as it started with the internal problems with the noble families and further integration between politicians and the organizations the Kendrick once fought against.

After Miklos's death, Bartholomew saw a backlash from the Sembian Merchant Council. The reemergance of the council made them more corrupt than even. Afraid that they lose their power once more, the council acted to weaken the Overmaster and the other half sought to befriend Kendrick junior and use him as a puppet. Bartholomew has grown tired of the system and now looks for a method to deal with the problems that emerged through the aristocracy.

Current Whereabouts / Activities
Bartholomew, as one of the senior members, took the seat at the head of the council until Kendrick Junior was taught effectively and could take his role as the Overmaster in Sembia. Bartholomew was at the center of a small movement of people within the government as well as commoners that believed that there was a conspiracy within the Sembian Merchant Council to take control of the country by abolishing the present government.

After the success of his movement thanks mainly to Calvin Ford and company, he was able to restore the old form of government, but Bartholomew still takes major responsibility and trying to reteach Kendrick Selkirk to be more like his grandfather than his father.