Balthier is six feet tall and has short brown hair with blond highlights, sharply styled sideburns, and green eyes. He wears an embroidered golden and olive vest over a high-collared shirt and tight black leather trousers with leather shin pads, and steel, open-backed sandals. He wears two crossed, gold-buckled belts with two pouches attached to either side and a collection of brightly colored rings and bracelets on his left hand, and has a set of earrings in both ears. 

Charming, dashing, cunning, cynical, cocky

Basch was blamed for King Raminas's death and became known as the king-slayer. The peace negotiations fell apart and Archadian forces occupied Dalmasca. Basch was found guilty of incitement of sedition, the assassination of King Raminas, and high treason. Though Archadia announced him executed, Basch was being held prisoner in the Nalbina Dungeons to ensure Bhujerba's loyalty to the Empire.

Knightly, kind, tries not to show emotion

The party arrive at Bhujerba on Balthier's airship, the Strahl, after learning Ba'Gamnan has kidnapped Penelo and is keeping her hostage in the Lhusu Mines. Walking down Travica Way, they are approached by a youth named Lamont, who—overhearing their discussion of Lhusu—implores they let him join them on their journey. Balthier reluctantly agrees, and they head southwards to the mines.