Jack Joysword

Jack Joysword (half-elf bard/rogue) is my current main PC that I play in an Out of the Abyss campaign run by a friend. This is not the first time I've played this character, though her previous iteration was very different. This was largely due to a simple component: Introducing another of the PCs in this campaign (Gaius, human rogue) into a major part of her backstory. Having this relationship caused me to alter various things about her "family" and work that have yet to be revealed to the other PCs, but it's been an interesting thing to work through. 

Whereas in the previous campaign she was definitely Chaotic Neutral and much more selfish, this version of her is firmly Chaotic Good due to the influence of the Gaius. She also leaned much more heavily rogue in her past life than in this one, I believe ending as a level 7 swashbuckler rogue/3 valor bard. Her current version is a level 3 swashbuckler rogue/5 valor bard.

Some things haven't changed, though. She's still foul-mouthed, foul-minded (innuendo is a favorite of hers) and acts cocky and self-assured most of the time. Still just as insecure when she's alone (or with Gaius). Her mouth gets her into trouble and she loves to sing, play her lute, dance, have sex, dress nice, and smell good. Nobles who hoard their wealth are still assholes and she's more than happy to steal from them to give to somebody (even if that's herself) who actually needs it. Her loyalty to people she loves is unparalleled; if she loves you, she will do nearly anything to help you and keep you safe. Even if it costs her her life.

I spent the better part of a year in her skin before, now it's been about another 3 months (1 month of building backstory plus 2 months of in-game play) of being with her again. She's so very different than I am, yet we're also alike in many ways. I'm so comfortable playing her that I don't even have to think, "What would Jack do?" Reactions are instantaneous. And often hilarious. She's an interesting, nuanced, complicated figure and I really enjoy exploring the world through her eyes.