This post is dedicated and about one of my favorite fictional characters of all time and quite possibly the greatest example of magnificent bastard in fantasy. (Even if his brother Gromph constantly outsmarts him)

 

Jarlaxle Baenre is a Drow Elf that is quite difficult to describe.  You could call him Elf, Pirate, Ninja, Wizard, Mercenary, Trickster, Deus Ex Machina, or all of the above and it would be true.  He has a magical item for every single occasion and has the ability to plan thin gs so far in advance that its impossible for the reader or the characters he interacts with to figure out anything hes up to.

 

In the more recent books, it has gotten to the point where Drizzt and friends don’t even question what he is up to.  they just know its best to do what he recommends.  In addition, when other characters question Drizzt about if the Drow can make such claims, the famous Ranger tends to respond “Its Jarlaxle” and that tends to answer any doubt.

 

He’s always in it for himself, bu that usually means a profit and some good fun.  Also important, he will never completely betray Drizzt due to a promise he made to the Drow Ranger’s Father.  And trust me when I say that this is a guy you want on your side.

 

When I say magical weapons for any occasion, I mean any.  He can block mind reading, summon a bird from his hat, shoot acid from one wand and other magic from another.  Has a never ending supply of throwing knives and hes always getting cool new toys to add to his collection. 

 

While coming from an undisputed family of badass, Jarlaxle manages to stay ahead of all the other characters and that to me warrants him as my favorite in the whole series.