Baz

Baz
Sprite(s)
Attributes
Type(s)	Optional Boss ( ) NPC (, ) Playable character ()
Gender	Male
Affiliation(s)	Wandering Travelers Team Plague ( optional )
Occupation(s)	Wandering Traveler Plague Minion ( optional )
Weapon(s)	Rope, lightning powers
Hit points
Game Information
Debut
Appears in
Stage(s)	Roaming ( ) Tower of Fate ()
Music Track(s)	Fighting with All of Our Might () Locked and Looted ()

“	The Great Baz Knight ! Like the sound of that !	”
— Baz, Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope

Baz (or The Baz as he calls himself) is one of the Wandering Travelers in the world of Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove and the Paradox Pack DLC of Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon. Baz was created by Matt and Woolie of the Best Friends Zaibatsu as Directors for a Day.

Official Bio

“	The storm is coming... With a fearsome rope whip and the toughest-looking armor around, one might think that the traveling warrior Baz would be a shoe-in to join up with the Order of No Quarter. Imagine his surprise when he was rejected! He now roams the land, taking out his anger on passersby. Could he ever prove himself strong enough to earn the title of "Baz Knight"?	”

Personality

Baz is a man with a mission: to prove himself strong and be recognized by his strength. His iron will is second to none; his dream is to join the The Order, even though he has no clear reason to do so other than status. He is quite loud and often obnoxious, being a bit clueless. Despite trying his hardest to look cool, Baz gets emotional over the slightest things. He breaks down and bawls like a baby after his defeat in Shovel of Hope, while in Specter of Torment he leaves the tower in a fit of rage after being rejected by his idols, the Order of No Quarter.

Relationships

Mr. Hat

“	Haw! You think the Baz is gonna work in some stinky ol' hat store? You're outta your mind! I don't wear aprons or sweep floors, 'specially for the man. I punch faces, not clocks. And, just sayin, I'm pretty sure after I'm done with you, you won't even remember my debt!	”

After Mr. Hat's Fancy Shop falls in the Armor Outpost, Baz manages to steal his armor from the establishment and get away with it, until both are trapped in the Mirror of Fate and fight. In the end, Baz pays by cleaning the shop's floor so Baz's debt is settled.

Reize

“	Well, if you believe in me.. I guess I could use a hand after all. You know what.. You're tagged in, partner!	”

Reize first meets Baz during Shovel Knight Showdown, where he is Baz's student for training and learning battle techniques. At the end, Baz says that they need to fight each other to be able to escape and that he already taught him everything. After that, they meet again in Shovel of Hope at the Mysterious Area, where Reize once again asks to be his student. During the ending of said game, they are also together alongside other Wandering Travelers fighting Liquid Samurai.

Story

Shovel of Hope

When Shovel Knight encounters Baz in Shovel of Hope, inside the ruined remains of a building, he is still fuming from being rejected by the Order of No Quarter. He expresses the belief that if he defeats Shovel Knight he will obtain the title of Knight himself, and thus he can join the Order. After being defeated he breaks down crying that he will never be able to join the Order. Shovel Knight, can potentially decide to hit him again with the Shovel Blade, which will grant him 40 extra, while also make Baz cry even harder.

In the PC and Xbox One version, Baz also appears in the Mysterious Area after the exclusive Battletoads fight. He expresses an admiration of the Battletoads and their look, and wish to be taught by them. Reize however believes Baz is already the greatest and asks him to be his teacher. Baz will also occasionally join the Battletoads and Shovel Knight to strike cool poses.

During the credits, Baz is seen with the other Wandering Travelers fighting off a group of Liquid Samurai.

Plague of Shadows

In Plague of Shadows, deciding to forget about the Order who snubbed him Baz, still in the same place where he was bested by Shovel Knight, decided to fight the passing Plague Knight, to instead prove his intellect,under the faulty notion that, if you defeat a scientist you yourself become one.

After his defeat, Baz can be hired by Plague Knight to work in his underground lair. If hired, he will dress as a Plague Minion, and from then on he can be seen inside the lair, where he will give off some humorous dialogue whenever spoken to, recounting his attempts to improve his rather lacking intellect, as well as warning his new boss about the strength of Shovel Knight. Baz proves his use if Plague Knight talks to him in the Potionarium; Baz will give him the maximum Tonics for free, claiming he snatched some from the Magicist while she wasn't looking. He will give Plague Knight free Health Tonics the first time he's spoken to at the Potionarium, and he restocks whenever Plague Knight defeats a new boss for the first time.

Just like in Shovel of Hope, during the credits, Baz is seen with the other Wandering Travelers fighting off a swarm of Liquid Samurai, this time however aided by Shovel Knight, and with Baz showing off his new Plague Minion attire.

Specter of Torment

When Specter Knight is about to leave the Tower of Fate on his eighth of nine recruitment missions in Specter of Torment, Baz will crash in through the left window of the mirror chamber. He asks if he's late to the knight meeting and expresses that he wants the power of lightning. However, both Specter Knight and Dark Reize, completely unimpressed by his hollow showing off, are quick to dismiss the unwelcome visitor. Shot down immediately, Baz was deeply hurt by the two's complete disinterest before leaping away. Specter Knight then makes a humorous remark about the Tower of Fate needing bars on its windows, nodding the fact that Reize himself had crashed through the right window previously.

King of Cards

Baz appears after King Knight leaves the Glidewing for the first time. When approached, he is at first annoyed by King Knight's interruption of his private training, but as soon as King Knight mentions Joustus Crown contest, he becomes interested. But he incorrectly assumes that defeating a person means taking their title and before King Knight can properly explain, he is attacked. In the ensuing fight, Baz private gym ends up in ruins (the same look seen in both Shovel of Hope and Plague of Shadows), with the struggle ending with King Knight beating him and leaving. Baz is later seen in the Glidewing, sitting at the table. After learning that King Knight plays Joustus, he is excited to play with him. Finally, he is seen during the ending, specifically in the Armor Outpost. After Mr. Hat's Fancy Shop is dragged/dropped into the outpost, he and few others go inside and look at the merchandise. Baz in particular is seen taking acute interest in an edgy-looking set of armor (what he would later be seen wearing as his signature outfit in all of his other appearances).

Showdown

In Shovel Knight Showdown, Baz is one of the numerous unfortunate souls who were kidnapped by the haywire Mirror of Fate.

Confused about what just happened, Baz nonetheless decided to venture forward, encountering on his way, Mr. Hat. At first, he was impressed by his helmet and politely asked the salesman if he knew of an exit from the illusory world, but then things turned sour quickly as Mr. Hat recognizes him from the armor he is wearing, as Baz took it from his shop without paying. Baz was hoping to pay it once he had been accepted in the Order of No Quarter (he wrongly assumed that there would have been a monetary signing bonus), plans that of course fell apart when he was rejected; this results into a scuffle between the burly man and Mr. Hat. Later they encounter each other again, with Mr. Hat offering mercy and a job for Baz if he repays his debt to him, but Baz refuses, since he feels that the job is beneath him, and besides he is unwilling to work for "the man", and attacks. After the Mirror is destroyed and everyone is freed from it, Baz is seen inside Mr. Hat's shop, having finally accepted Mr. Hat's offer and having been put on sweeping the floor duty, eventually repaying his debt with the merchant; now a free agent again, and his longing to be a part of something renewed, Baz departs, hoping to find someone who is need for him.

While he was still trapped inside the Mirror, Baz also encountered the uncorrupted side of Reize, which had been split from his corrupted self. Reize was totally impressed by Baz's cool appearance and persona, and despite Baz' attempts to shoo away the young man, on account of his damaged ego, Reize instead insisted for Baz to teach him his ways, eventually convincing him. They teamed up afterwards but get separated shortly after. When they encountered each other again Baz, having learned on how to escape the Mirror, sadly informed Reize that they had to fight one another. While both saddened by the fact, Baz encourages the kid that there wasn't much more he could teach him anyway, and that Reize was already prepared to face the big bad world; with this Reize reluctantly agreed and they battled.

Joustus Deck

Baz	Propeller Rat	Blitzsteed	Blitzsteed
Blitzsteed	Blorb	Dozedrake	Invisishade
Zamby	Fleeto	Divedrake	Boneclang
Wizzem	Super Skeleton	Griffoth	Goldarmor

Dialogue

Click to expand

King of Cards Specter of Torment Showdown Shovel of Hope Plague of Shadows Before his fight "Baz: Hey, nice armor, bud! But beware, this is a private training spot. You're interrupting some private training. " "King Knight: King Knight needs no training! I'm already well on my way to defeating the Joustus Judges. When I do, I'll take the Joustus Crown, and the title of King of Cards!" "Baz: Whoa, a fight with judges in it? And if you beat 'em, you get to take their... title? " "King Knight: Now, wait just a moment. A title isn't--" "Baz: ..And if you're King Knight, that means beating you would make me... a king and a knight?" "King Knight: That's not exactly how it--" "Baz: King Knight! This bout... is for the title! I mean, titles! Are you prepared to get wrecked?! " Talked to aboard the Glidewing "Baz: Whoa, you play Joustus too? I'm so into it! Joustus!! Pushin' people around, blowing stuff up. Joustus rules! I got arrows for days, buddy! Full deck! Think you can step to this? " Seventh stage completed "Baz: Yeaahhh!!! Am I late? Is this the knight meeting? Do we get to pick our awesome powers? I want... Lightning! " "Specter Knight: ..." "Reize: ..." "Baz: Oh, come on!!! Wait! Did you see my righteous whip? Can I have a helmet? I'm a size... Ha ha... Laaaarge! " "Reize: ..." "Specter Knight: ...Out. Now!" "Baz: But..." "Reize: Yeah, get lost! " "Baz: But... But.... But... I had my entrance moves planned, and everything It was so cool! ...Ya' know, for an order of evil knights, you guys are really mean! I just wanted to be the The Main Event! You haven't seen the last of The Baz !! " [Baz leaves] "Specter Knight: We should really get some bars for the windows." Third fight in Reize's story mode "Reize: WHOA! Are you for real, mister? Those spikes, the cool armor... Wow, is that a whip!? And you even got a belt with your name on it?! The Baz... I knew it! You must be a noble warrior!" "Baz: Pshhh. Scram, kid, I'm just a nobody. I'm all washed up. It just ain't my day." "Reize: Baz, don't say that! A hero can't give up! you can train me, and we'll fight our way out together!" "Baz: Well, if you believe in me.. I guess I could use a hand after all. You know what.. You're tagged in, partner!" Ninth fight in Reize's story mode "Baz: Bad news, bud. I never wanted to fightcha, but if we want out, we gotta scrap! You 'n me, mano a mano." "Reize: Baz, no! I couldn't fight you! Please.. What happened to being your student?" "Baz: Believe me, as your sensei, it's gonna hurt me more than you. But this is a test all warriors must face. Besides, ain't much more i can teach ya, chief- you're ready to face the big bad world now!" "Reize: *sigh* Well, if you believe in me, Baz, that helps me believe in myself! All right then. it's ultimate final showdown time, now! " Victory speeches "Baz: Down for the count, huh? Yeah, thought so. You're just a bump in the road, pal!" "Baz: Woo! Had enough of the 'ol rope-a-dope? I whipped ya' good!" "Baz: Heh, wiped that smirk off your face! That'll be the last time you giggle at the Baz!" "Baz: If you wanna learn my moves, I could train ya. But the tuition's due in advance!" Before his fight "Baz: Arrrrggggghh! I can't believe this!" "Shovel Knight: Trouble, friend? Have you lost your way?" "Baz: Bought the best gear , the slickest armor , the strongest rope ..." "Shovel Knight: Er... pardon? Are you in need of help?" "Baz: Those stuck-up Order of No Quarter clowns have no idea what they're missing! Hey! you look like a knight!" "Shovel Knight: Shovel Knight, at your service. But I'm not in league w--" "Baz: So I heard if you beat a knight , you get to take their title. Right?" "Shovel Knight: Please, don't do something you'll regret, I don't want t--" "Baz: The Great Baz Knight ! Like the sound of that ! They'll have no choice but to accept me now ! Come on, let's do this !!" After his fight "Baz: No way! Not even my best moves could faze you!" "Shovel Knight: Well fought. If you can accept defeat like a true knight, you'll always have your dignity." "Baz: Now they'll never let me into the Order! Never ever ever! Wahhhhhhhhh! " At the Mysterious Area "Baz: Whoa, these guys are packin' MAXIMUM ATTITUDE ! The spikes, the outfits! EXTREME !! Please, teach the Baz!!" Before his fight "Plague Knight: Ah, Polar Knight! I had some business I had to... No, wait, never mind, it's ... just a commoner!" "Baz: Ugh! forget the stupid Order of No Quarter ! Maybe I just need a new angle ... something where I can show off my big huge brain! Hey you , you're a scientist, right? You sure look like one. So if I beat you in a fight, then I'll become a scientist!" "Plague Knight: Heh, uh, I have absolutely no idea what you're going on about." "Baz: Hahaha! I see my natural science talents are already messing with your mind! Check out this string theory! " After his fight "Plague Knight: Hee hee... looks like the only thing you should be hitting is the books!" "Baz: *sniff* ...That's one more loss for the Baz. I guess I'll just stay here, since I ain't no good at nothin'..." When talked to after his fight "Baz: I didn't ever wanna hurt nobody... that much... I just wanted to fit in somewhere. But you wouldn't know what that's like... ... ...would you?" Leaving Baz alone "Baz: Yeah, that's what I thought. Just lemme mope here." Recruiting Baz "Plague Knight: Hee hee! I know somewhere you'd fit right in ! But you'd have to observe protocol! There's a uniform!" "Baz: No way!? Are you for real? OK! Let's do this! I promise, I'll polish every beaker! Or am I thinking of flasks? Whatever, let's scrub down!!! " [Baz dons the Plague Minion attire] "Baz: Oh man! I look awesome! You won't regret this! See ya back at the lab, teach!" In the Potionarium, without max Health Tonics "Baz: Hey boss. I swiped these potions from the Magicist when she wasn't looking. You shouldn't have to pay for these! right? Here, take 'em!" In the Potionarium, random dialogue "Baz: Man...this science stuff is really hard . And these minions... they're sorta not the sharpest tools in the shed." "Plague Knight: (Hee hee, I did say he would fit in perfectly!)" --- "Baz: I looked at every book here... but I still can't figure out how I'm able to shoot lightning. I guess not even science can explain the Baz!" "Plague Knight: (Hmm... Learning requires that you read books, not just look at them.)" --- "Baz: The more I learn about physics, the more I realize how dangerous it was to swing around that rope! I could have really gotten hurt!" --- "Baz: Watch out for that Shovel Knight guy! I coulda whipped him pretty good, but the Baz is merciful." --- "Baz: Check out all of these nerds! Hahahaha! "

Trivia

• Baz's sprite model is named "Zubaz".
• Baz is based off of "Zubaz", a character originally created for Street Fighter II who was scrapped during development. His design was spotlighted in the internet show Fighterpedia, a webseries created by Matt Kowalewski and Woolie Madden of Two Best Friends Play, and would go on to become a sort of unofficial mascot for the group. Baz has also made appearances in several other indie games backed by the Best Friends, such as Divekick and Indivisible, where he uses many of the same fighting techniques as in Shovel Knight.
• In Plague of Shadows, if you recruit Baz, you can see him still wearing the Plague Minion's outfit in the credits, but it was later changed at some point for unknown reasons or a bug that he would always wear the suit even if you didn't recruit him.
• The developers had concept art for a Body Swap version for Baz, although only the main cast of Shovel of Hope had Body Swap added to the campaign.
• In Showdown, Baz is the only unlockable character who does not get unlocked by defeating him in the story mode.

Gallery

See: Baz/Gallery