Jesper Valindir's page

Brief summary: Jesper was born to a beautiful varisian woman ,Amelia, and a chelaxian man, Akorian. His father taught him a little magic as he grew, which Jesper proved adapt at learning. While his mother taught him about his culture and the dances her mother had passed to her. Despite no small effort on part of his father, Jesper clearly favored his mother's more...free-spirited nature. Proving to be a "rebellious and ill-disciplined youth". Jesper always seemed to be getting into trouble and causing problems for folk. Though, even when people spoke with his parents about it, most did so with a smile. As the lad had an endearing demeanor. One fortunate, or unfortunate soul who garnered his attention was an old Varisian fortune-teller staying in the city named Madaam Syzed, though most called her medium Syzed. Jesper learned a little about telling fortunes via harrow cards from her, and would eventually start referring to her as granny sy. Which the fortune-teller seemed quite content with. Eventually, Jesper's actions led to him unknowingly cursing someone whose fortune he read. Which led to Ganny Sy properly teaching him how to read a fortune and to give him a deeper understanding of curses. Jesper attented the Acadamae for a couple years before being expelled due to his family being framed as murderers, soon after that his father got involved in the less than savory sort of Korvosa's underbelly due to past history and extortion threats. Pleas for aid fell on death, likely paid off, ears in the Korvosan guard and the Order of the Nail had no desire to help a traitor retired hell knight. With little recourse left, Akorian took to selling minor trinkets here and there from his past life in Cheliax alongside his work in the guard. Not soon after, his father was levied with an additional tax normally reserved for merchants and other unsavory sorts. Forcing Jesper to try and find a means to help. Usually in the form of street performances, cons or even the seldom pick pocketing. Eventually, when he was 16, Jesper's mother was taken by the worst in Korvosa due to "unsatisfactory" payments and the loss drove a wedge between Jesper and his father. The latter constantly either at work, or secluded in his study. After snooping around to try and find out who had taken her, he nearly lost his life but was saved by the hero Blackjack, who counciled Jesper to stop his sleuthing and gave him his hat. For a time Jesper followed the advice, only starting to try and find the cold trail once more when he was older and this time with help. This led to a bloody encounter that shook him to his core.

Jesper enjoys dancing, harrowing, and most tests of his acrobatics or sleight of hand. Recently he has started partaking in card games, though not without cheating. After all, the thrill is half the fun. The other half is taking the win with a stacked deck. He also has a nasty habit of chasing skirts which often gets him into trouble. He also is fond of magic, both due to its nature, and because it reminds him of a time where his father seemed to care about him.

Jesper is curious, cunning, and sometimes down right devious. He is quick witted and is better at thinking on his feet than making detailed plans. Besides, he found plans to easy to fall apart, best just to wing it. Though good natured, he is not above being mildly judgemental and has no qualms with fleecing or coning someone he views as a bad person. Though he doesn't particularly have a list of criteria for this and normally goes off his own feelings. That said, he is normally bad at holding grudges and has made more than one friend that he originally disliked. He has a habit of using humor to cover up his emotional distress. As he finds laughter can help with almost anything, especially with feelings of anger or despair, and as such can have a bit of a dark sense of humor at times. Despite being rather cynical in regards to most things, in every day life he makes an effort to find the silver linings of things.
"Oh, I have to hustle, swindle and or perform to just survive? Well at least I can practice!" or "well, it could be worse! heh..."

He is a bit of a prankster and a lady chaser. Often getting into trouble because he won't leave well enough alone. Jesper feels emotions deeply sometimes in overwhelming force. Due to this he can be a great friend or lover, but he can also have a very nasty side due to his emotional nature. Especially when someone wrongs him greatly and, while rare, on more than one occasion he has gone to great lengths to humiliate, harm and belittle someone that "deserved" it. Though he takes great pains to never lose himself entirely as he did once.

Jesper was always fascinated by the gyspy fortune tellers and dancers of his mother's family. He remembered from a young age, always rushing to visit them anytime one came around, and was a prime pesterer of old madaam, or as some called her, medium, syzed who tolerated his numerous intrusions with a tenderness only a grandmother could muster.

Jesper finally was able to pay a silver for a reading from Medium Syzed, as no true reading could be given without payment even to those the teller held dear.

Hey, granny Sy, I finally got that silver for a reading. Plus I'm 13, so I should be old enough now for ya to be able to see my adult future right?

Syzed gave a little chuckle Very well, very well before she reached down for a box of cards and cleared her throat before presenting the cards, face down, to Jesper.
Three, and only three card dearie.

With a quick and determined movement Jesper snatches up one of the cards. To which Medium Syzed tsks. No need for that dearie, good things cannot be rushed and speed can ruin the atmosphere. Now, let me see the card dearie... hmm, what this? Fate seems to have its hands on you... though for what I cannot say. Only that you will touch the lives and fates of many... whether those fates are good or bad will be from your whims. Yet, take care. For one cannot weave the fates of others, without their own fate being woven into that same web... select the second card dearie.

After a moment hesitation, he chose another. This time Medium Syzed's eyes lit up. Ohhh, the Joker, why that truly is a fit for you. When hardship comes, always remember the power of laughter, to be used against that which sword and spell would fail. It helps to clear the mind and released negative emotions that fester in it. And never forget one of your strongest traits, avoiding a conflict before it starts with your wit... the last one dearie.

Jesper stared at the cards arrayed on the table before slowly picking up the last card. With a glance, Medium Syzed let out a small gasp.
Ohhh, what is this? The Desert card? It seems perhaps, you will need aid in the future or that you will aid another... I see, a terrible threat though when I cannot say, one that no one person alone can stand against. A city, as dangerous as any dungeon tomb. But remember, whether you are the one being helped or doing the helping, you are not alone...

on his way back from his visit with Medium Syzed he noticed a couple of youngish thugs accosting two kids around his age. One, a boy, whimpering behind a girl who stood as if protecting the other. It was clear things were about to be going badly if no one intervened. Jesper sized up the two thugs, probably both 5 or 6 years older and both looked strong, though the larger one that seemed to be following the other looked particularly so. Jesper gulped as the inklings of a plan starting forming. He himself had never been an overly strong lad, but he had always been pretty clever and quick. With a quick glance around he noticed several pots sitting in the small alley and with a moment to ready himself and mutter Boy I hope this works... charged into the pots, causing several resounding crashes. After making sure the noise caught the attention of the thugs, he slid down behind the pots and attempted to cast a minor magic trick he had been learning, praying for it to work. As he finished, the sounds of clinking armor and heavy boot steps could be heard coming from the alley branching towards the street which sent the two thugs running towards Jesper. They stopped in front of him and the one that seemed to be in charge reached down and pulled Jesper up by the scruff of his neck.

You ain't gonna tell no one you saw us, right? He asked threateningly before continuing Cuz that'd end bad for ya.
The larger thug chuckled as he mimicked ya, bad for ya

Shut up you oaf! the front one said as he thumped the other. Though, we could just take ya an' make sure ya don't talk.

Jesper's mind raced quickly, if he said nothing he was in for real trouble. Finally he stammered out.
Ar-are you kidding? Ya know what a guys gotta do to survive out here? I'm likely to get in as much trouble as you. Besides, I like livin' an theres only one dumbass between the three of us. He lets out a chuckle as he glances towards the large thug. After a moment the smaller thug glances back and his frown turns into a sneer as he lets out a small chuckle moments before the larger thug says,
Hey.. Derik, I think he called you dumb haha.
Which caused the other thug, Derik, to roll his eyes before turning to smack the larger one and shouting as he pushed him out of the way.
Shut up you oaf, now move! I think they are almost here!

Jesper let out a breath he'd been holding for awhile before turning to look back to the other two kids to see the girl trying to pull the boy away. While the boy merely sat crying in the middle of the alley. He jogged over to them, causing the girl to stand protectively infront of the younger boy once again.

What do you want! the girl shouted, casting quick glances towards the sounds of armor and boots Jesper had created.

Ah, just to see if you're both alright. Here. He made a gesture to end the spell and the sound stopped.
My names Jesper, but you can call me.. your knight in shining armor. He said with a smile,

the girl stared at Jesper for what seemed like hours before finally letting out a heavy sigh and sitting down. After a few more moments she glanced back up.

well..prince charming. I'm Anna, and this is my brother Kell. I, we... how can I thank you.

Jesper pretends to think for a few moments before rocking back on his feet snd starts to say
Weeellllll... In most stories the knight that saves the princess gets a kis- But is interrupted by the girls fist slamming into his face. By the time he recovers Anna is dragging Kell down the alley. After a moments hesitation Jesper rushes off shouting for them to wait up.

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1 year later

Jesper stood looking unsure in the loose clothing and holding the scarf his mother had given him.
Mooom... do I have too? Right now? He whispered looking up to his mother.
She simply smiled before asking. And just what is wrong with it? You always loved learning the dances. Besides, your new friend seems to like it. She glances over to a half snickering Anna before focusing back on Jesper.

Now, you have an audience this time so make sure to do your best. Besides, you shouldn't be ashamed of anything you enjoy. She said taking a moment to clean his cheek.

After that, Jesper took a breath and pointedly ignored Anna before starting the dance, adding small bits of practiced flair with magic as he went. Twirling, spinning and leaping he danced across the room, the scarf around his neck resembling a flame in the wind. When he stopped, Anna's snickering was no more. She stood there, mouth slightly ajar in amazement for several seconds before shaking herself out of it and running up to Jesper.
That was amazing! Can you teach me to do that? Can you!? pleaasee. Jesper smiled wide, filled with confidence, before giving a big nod of his head.

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3 months later

Jesper had been admitted to the Acadamea at the age of 14. His natural aptitude and the no small amount of gold offered from his father garnering enough attention that his more reckless nature was overlooked. While many viewed him with contempt he proved a surprisingly good study. However, not quite two years later Jesper and his father were accused of conspiring together to murdering a member of the Acadamae with a supposed eye-witness. Jesper had managed to find the truth from the "witness", but before him and his father's names could be cleared the witness was killed. To some, this caused the accusation against the two to be brought into question. For others, it was but the two murdering a witness to their misdeeds. Either way, this was the start of a series of unfortunate events that would plague Jesper and his family. Not content to leave well enough alone as his father suggested. Jesper would continue snooping around, trying to figure out who had framed them and bringing more trouble to his family and himself in the process. His snooping ended up nearly getting him killed, the only reason he managed to survive was due to intervention by the hero blackjack. Who, while impressed at the young lad, still suggested Jesper end his quest for now, while placing his hat on Jesper's head, before disappearing again. Threats of blackmail and worse began coming, demanding gold payments or services rendered in exchange. At first his father managed to pay off the threats, taking to selling a few minor trinkets from his heritage here and there. However, soon he was slammed with more taxes, and running low on things to sell, could no longer pay off the continuous threats. Jesper himself took to the streets to make what money he could with varying performances, scams, and cons. Yet even with his help they could not afford to pay. With no one to turn to, the outlook was bleak and eventually, they decided to stop paying out of defiance and need. One dark night, while his father was out on duty with the guard and Jesper was with Anna, Jesper's mother was taken. With nothing but a note let behind stating "consider the debts paid". Its been over two months, and not a single word has been heard again. The loss weighed heavily on Jesper, nearly sending him into depression, yet, thanks to friends, and a surprisingly cheery demeanor, managed to keep himself from breaking. His father however took it less well. Clearly having made Jesper's mother a cornerstone of his life. He took to secluding himself in his study nearly all the time he was not working. Almost forgetting Jesper was there save the few moments they met when they returned to the house at the same time.

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During the blackmail period

What? Don'tcha want your fortune read? Its only 3 silver for your first reading. Come on, aren't you curious if you'll get that girl you fancy? He plays with a deck of cards as he talks with the youth, all the while a mischievous smile on his face. Eventually, curiosity wins out and the boy pays the 3 silver for a "fortune-telling".

Alright then, lets see... After some shuffling of the deck, he draws 9 cards and places them face down in rows of three.

Now, all you have to do is pick three.. alright good. He deftly slides the remaining three cards back into the deck.

Now then lets see what wonder your future holds eh? He makes a show of inspecting the cards.

Ahhh, yes, The marriage in the middle row? A romantic union betwixt lovers perhaps? Or a disastrous binding of fates?... oh how interesting, The Carnival... a foreboding draw on the bottom row, false dreams does it stand for, or illusions to mislead... leading to an evil or ill outcome, but for who? And finally, oh.. the snake bite... a token of vile poison and discord. A result of your desired tryst? The fates speak ill of your love, yet perhaps hope remains, for many a thing love has changed. Yet be ever wary for you have been warned by fate dear Romeo. With that he waves the lovestruck youth farewell, who for his part while slightly perturbed seemed more resolute in his love than before. Jesper went back to shuffling his deck before a shadow loomed over him. When he looked up he saw medium Syzed glaring down at him. She grabbed his ear and led him along towards her tent, scolding him the entire way.

You foolish, brash, self confident boy. Do not you know words carry great power? Worse still, a fate fortuned by one unskilled can set in stone a curse unknowingly. I see that my caution will not keep you from your foolishness. So, if you are too read fortunes, you will at least know the proper method and ways. At least then despite not having the gift you won't accidentally curse one with your foretold fate.

Over the next couple weeks, Jesper would go through a surprisingly rigorous training of mind, magic, and curses.

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1 year later

Jesper was performing several street performances, some benign dancing or fortune-telling, some less so benign sleight of hand games, when he spotted someone that he felt was familiar. Driven by curiosity, he approached the fellow. Only one of his eyes visible from under the hat he wore to this day.

Ah good sir, care to try your skill? A game to test the eyes? Your eyes, my hands, the winner takes all? At first, the man declines, but Jesper's persistence wins the day when the man relents, with one caveat.

Fine, but the wager is your hat.

Jesper hesitates for a moment, before, confident in his abilities, he gives a nod and speaks.
Why but of course, I wager my hat, and you wager gold. I think that fair. Jesper gives a mischievous smile before setting the game up. Jesper performs some of his best sleight of hand, removing entirely the item from the cups. Yet, when the would be victim selects one, there it is. Under the cup. With a chuckle the man picks up the hat and walks off down an alley.

After a few moments Jesper shakes his head, following after Now wait just a minute, you He is cut short by a hat covering his face as he rounds into the alley.

My boy, you are good, but another word of advice, never bet anything you are not willing to lose for there is always someone just as good as you. And remember, a con for others is more likely to succeed, than a con for yourself.

After a short chat, the figure leaves and Jesper goes back to his business. But this time, with intentions to spread his questionably gotten gains. Though of course that includes to himself.

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2 years later. (note, this section is a bit dark)

Jesper has once again started playing the sleuth. Confident now in both his magic and abilities to get himself out of most trouble. Besides, he isn't alone anymore. He is determined to find his mother and make the one who took her from him pay dearly. He has managed to track down a small group of thugs that could possibly hold a connection to the person or group responsible. It just so happens that two of the thugs are old acquaintances. They were lurking in shadows to mug a passerby when Jesper got one of his brilliant ideas. He whispers to Anna.
I'll play the part of the hapless hero! They'll think they have all the power and so will talk freely. I'll get a bit bruised, but you can heal that. Before waiting for Anna's likely disagreement Jesper moves swiftly through the shadow. Dropping down just as the thugs surrounded their victim and in his best performance of bad acting says.
Fear not! For I! Blackjack! Am here!
Jesper manages to incapacitate one as the would be victim flees into the night. Soon after Jesper is "subdued" by the remaining thugs and shoved up against a wall. His arms held out by two thugs. The familiar face of Derik from those many years ago comes into view with a sneer.

A wanna be hero huh? You know what happens to heros?

Jesper makes a fearful expression before pretending to shake it off.
What, not content with dealing in human trafficking? Now you are murderers as well?

Derik's sneer turns to an expression of mild confusion before Jesper continues.
Don't play dumb I know you kidnap women for your boss. I-If you tell me who it is, I'll spare you!

Derik's sneer returns along with a gleam in his eyes.
Wait a minute... yeah, yeah I remember that now. He punches Jesper right in the mouth.

I had to shut her up too. Shame, she had a pretty mouth. Eventually had to stick her, in more ways than one heheh. By the end she was begging like a whore. He glanced to Jesper to see if his remarks had had their intended effect.

Jesper had gone quiet. Eyes locked to the ground. After several seconds he muttering. filth. I should have made sure you didn't survive that day.

Derik's sneer turned to confusion again for a moment before grabbing jespers chin and turning his face about. Suddenly recognition sparked in his eyes.
Well holy shit. Its that kid. You know, I never did get you back for tricking us.. well, I guess stealing your mom ought to do hahahah.

The bigger thug from back then turned to look at Derik. But.. we never kidnapped anyone.

Derik started daggers at the bigger thug. Shut up, I didn't take you cause you're too bloody soft. And stupid.

Suddenly Derik looked back to Jesper as he moved and blood sprayed from the two holding him. With a cry they let go and the scarf around Jesper's neck appeared in his hand. Crackling with electricity he whipped it out to the thug on his left, sending him toppling over in a smoking heap. He dodged the larger thugs swing, and an invisible shield stopped Derik's dagger from finding Jesper's side. Jesper locked eyes with Derik, and the fury in them sent Derik reeling over to land on his bum. With a twist, several gashes appeared on the larger dumber thug before he was tripped from behind by Anna. A boot slamming into his face. From the other end of the alley rushed another thug, likely the lookout. Jesper left him to Anna, focusing entirely on Derik who was squirming away.

L-look man, I-we didn't take anyone. We're just, just street filth like you said. We don't work for no one I swear. I was just tryin' to rile ya, I don't even know ya mum.

The words fell on deaf ears. Two flashes of red and gashes appeared on Derik's arms, causing them to go limp. For Jesper, the world faded to red, the taste of his own blood keen in his mouth, as he slashed and cut away at the thug before him. Seeking only to cause pain and humiliation. To let the piece of filth know its place. His rage never seemed to sate itself and before long he was cutting away at a corpse. It wasn't until Anna grabbed him tightly from behind that the haze, the primal desire to completely crush the person in front of him faded. Breathing heavily, he tried to wipe away the blood from his face, but could not. Slowly, he sunk down to sit against the blood stained alley wall. Anna still clutching his side tightly and smearing blood from his soaked clothing onto her. Looking at the sliced pile of meat that could hardly be called a corpse laying in front him, Jesper cried.

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