![[Jarlaxle Baenre House Style.png]] # Jarlaxle Baenre _Drow Mercenary Captain | [[Bregan D'aerthe]] | [[Luskan]]_ ## Summary Flamboyant drow mercenary captain who openly rules [[Luskan]] as "First Ship" through [[Bregan D'aerthe]]. Transformed the pirate city into the first surface haven where drow live freely. During Dragon Heist, manipulated the party as "[[J.B. Nevercott]]" while pursuing the [[Stone of Golorr]]—dramatically revealed himself after killing an intellect devourer controlling [[Lina]], then was briefly imprisoned after attempting to claim [[Dagult Neverember]]'s gold. Desperately wants [[Lords' Alliance]] recognition despite decades of rejection. %% ## At a Glance Bald, perfectly trimmed goatee, flamboyant clothing that somehow works. Wide-brimmed hat enchanted against all manner of threats. Magical eyepatch that switches eyes depending on need. Constantly adorned with newly acquired magical trinkets—rings, amulets, bracers, things that definitely weren't there a moment ago. Smooth voice with a perpetual hint of amusement. Dramatic gestures, unwavering eye contact while adjusting his latest acquisition. Can't resist a complex scheme even when simplicity would serve better. ## Personality Charismatic, adaptable, incapable of playing it straight. Genuine idealism for drow freedom wars constantly with his love of "games within games." Revolutionary and criminal in equal measure—sometimes he can't tell the difference himself. ## Quote _"Rules and traditions are tools for the clever to manipulate, not chains to bind the ambitious."_ ## Background **The Survivor:** Born to [[House Baenre]] but spared ritual sacrifice by Matron Yvonnel's whim. Rejected drow society's rigid hierarchy and established [[Bregan D'aerthe]] as a mercenary company of houseless males. **The King:** Took control of [[Luskan]] through proxies, later revealing his identity after [[Tharizdun]]'s defeat. Thirty years of building a revolutionary experiment—the first surface city where drow live openly alongside traditional pirates. **The Frustration:** Despite attacks from Lolth-loyal forces and persistent suspicion from northern cities, [[Luskan]] has flourished. But the [[Lords' Alliance]] still refuses membership, viewing his government as illegitimate. It gnaws at him. **The Secret:** Maintains a hidden relationship with [[House Baenre]], particularly sister Quenthel—dangerous knowledge for the drow refugees who fled Baenre oppression. %%