Bala Jesselt was a mage of the Old Guard, notorious for her use of innuendo, and relentless scheming for self-advancement. In the distant past, her unbridled ambition led to her elimination from the cadre of mages. Bala was an amply proportioned, midnight-hued Dal Honese witch with a "rich contralto" voice and puffed, lazy brown eyes. She perspired constantly and fanned her face with ceaseless vigor. In conversation, she often gestured with the fan for emphasis. Her Warren was Serc and she performed her magic with great battings and flutterings of her fan.