Bakune was the Malazan appointed 'Chief Assessor' and magistrate of Banith, one of the cities of Rool. His duties included investigating and trying various crimes committed in the city. He was the highest local legal authority, answerable only to the High Assessor in the Roolian capital, Paliss. Bakune was known as an incorruptible man of principle, not prone to curry for favour or consideration. Hence, he had never been promoted to another position in a more desirable city and lived in a cramped walk-up in town rather than on an estate or manor house like his peers in other cities.