Jean Moreau

Vice King - Entrepreneur

[kingjeanmoreau]

Jean at a Glance

“Don't let the tamed ones tell you how to live"

NAME: Jean Ameliè Moreau

AGE: 55 [Born November 22nd]

GENDER/PRONOUNS: Cis Male, He/Him

SEXUALITY: Straight

CLASS/HIERARCHY: Vice King

OCCUPATION: Entrepreneur and Vice Leader

HOUSING: The Paradiso, penthouse 1

GOOD: Brilliant, Charming, Decisive

BAD: Unrestrained, Vindictive, Aloof

QUIRKS: Very particular and orderly and does not tolerate sloppiness or poor manners. Is a connoisseur for the finer things in life. Frequently suffers from crippling migraines.

BIOGRAPHY

A tale as old as time, a poor, broken, Rejected family. An angry, abusive father; a stoic, apathetic mother. Siblings who lost themselves in drugs, tonics, and others. Jean refused to be like them. He would rather die. And so Jean worked and worked and worked. He stayed up late each night studying, not just for class, but everything he could get his hands on. Making top grades wasn’t good enough; in his time at the academy he also took every extracurricular he could. He needed to be the best. To show to them all that he was not some lowlife charity case, that he deserved their respect.

To be a Rejected born but entering the University truly put Jean on more equal footing with his peers, though a cold anger lingered in him as he felt like he was still never truly the same.  That they looked down on him for something he could not control.  His resentment for the system they lived in, for what it represented, only grew stronger with each passing day.

Despite his appreciation for the Virtue lifestyle, the arts, the sophistication, Jean took most to heart the Vice values.  Using the business, oration, and economics courses he took at the University, Jean became a successful entrepreneur, a business investor.  His decisiveness, his keen intellect, made Jean a natural leader.  It was no surprise to anyone that had worked with him when he eventually became the Leader of Kings.  Anyone that dared to speak out against it were quickly hushed, anyway.  

In his position Jean has made it perfectly clear that he is sick and tired of being seen as lesser.  That he, someone with more wealth and opportunity than all of Vice, is still seen as less significant in this city than a lowly Virtue Pawn.  He has made it his life’s goal to tear down this system, to demonstrate that Vices have lived in the dark for too long.

[kingjeanmoreau]

NAME: Jean Ameliè Moreau

AGE: 1600+, visually 54

SPECIES + SUBCLASS: Fairy, Autumn Court

OCCUPATION: Head Librarian at Hiraeth Public Library

King of the Hiraeth fairies

Readmore for bio and connections

Bio

His name is one Jean picked for himself several centuries ago, his original name long forgotten even by him. In his youth he belonged to a court that was often sought by the mortals for guidance and appeasement of the natural world around them. He quickly learned the ways of their kind, to weave amongst words loopholes and tricks for amusement and benefit of the fairies themselves.

As time stretched on Jean found himself growing bored. He began to read anything he could get his hands on, whether written by man or fae. However, there was something particularly haunting about the works of man, of their tireless themes of struggle and defiance. These writings inspired Jean to travel, to experience all that humanity had to offer. To learn their vast languages so that he could read the works of worlds over, fascinated by the shared ideas spanning time and culture.

Eventually Jean found himself in Hiraeth. While it was nothing special he found the small town charming. What kept him around, however, were the surprising number of fairies located here. And not only that, they were courtless, without guidance. He had spent so long traveling that Jean almost forgot how important it was for fairies to have that central connection, a source of protection from those that coveted their blood. Glamouring himself to appear younger, Jean established himself in the town as a librarian. Though he had no mortal credentials, his knowledge of literature was unrivaled. And so he remained in this town, slowly easing the glamour with each passing year to suggest a natural progression of age.

Though Jean took up residence in Hiraeth to act as a guardian to the far younger fairies, he is by no means a gracious king. He demands utmost respect and will pay in kind, but crossing him is a dangerous game, one where his Scandinavian roots peek through in sharp shadows and blazing fires.

Connections

An Ill-fated Engagement

Unlike vampires, fairies are not completely immortal. Jean is aware of this more than most as he feels himself drawing ever closer to two millennia of age. He came to the conclusion that it was time to acquire a legitimate heir. Sure, there were chances of offspring existing in the world, but none birthed by a fairy mother. The problem, however, was that he felt no real attachment to any of the women in his court. And so, Jean decided that he would let Fate guide his lineage, to propose to the first female fairy he came across that day. Unfortunately, that left him engaged to one Angelie Kaye, and Jean constantly curses the fact that he cannot break his own vow to himself, that Fate is a cruel mistress.

The Bane of Existence

While not part of the original set of fairies whom Jean decided needed his protection, Winnie quickly and easily fell into this umbrella. She is the source of daily headaches, her recklessness too much even for their kind. But, he swore to protect the younger fairies who did not have the same level of power and wisdom that age bestowed him. And so, even if he must keep her locked in a cage of shadows until she calms down, Jean is willing to do what he must.

A Loyal Customer

Despite all his power and wisdom, even a king cannot predict the future. Jean has been a follower of Lilith's for quite some time, though he is careful to not give away too much of his intentions based on her forecasts.

[arcanae]

"Games? I wouldn't play games with you," Madeleine's brows furrowed some as if genuinely a little hurt that he would imply that. "Like I said, I was checking in. I'll forgive you since you clearly aren't feeling like yourself. Have you not taken anything to try to combat the migraine?"

[kingjeanmoreau]

A part of Jean felt guilt at the hurt on Madeleine's face, if only briefly. He was tired, in pain, and drained emotionally and mentally. He was allowed to be in a mood. "Aspirin. I...prefer not to take tonics." Lest he end up back at the bottom, exactly like his parents, his siblings. No. He would sooner die than put that poison in his body.

With a sigh he motioned towards his penthouse. "I suppose you can make yourself at home. I trust no one saw you arrive." It wasn't a question; he meant what he said.

[arcanae]

"Uh, yeah. You mentioned it last time so I figured it must be pretty good—I tried one to see. Not bad, honestly," They probably wisely deduced that saying it felt like metal in their mouth (in a good way) was probably best to not mention to him. "I thought you might want something to drink when you're here."

They took one of the bottles out of the refrigerator, offering it to him. "I figured I'd prioritize it, no big deal. Is this about the stuff at the trial party? 'Cause that was pretty crazy, I won't lie."

[kingjeanmoreau]

Jean was still in shock at the level of thoughtfulness they displayed. He wasn't used to someone going out of their way with him in mind, not without ulterior motives or from a place of fear. "Thank you...Billie. Uh, yes, I will take a bottle, please."

Taking the bottle, he stared at it for a moment, still trying to comprehend the small act of kindness, when he nodded. "I suspect someone is playing a game with us. All of us. If the Virtues know anything through Arbiter security footage I want to have that same knowledge."

[strawberette]

Dorothy couldn't help but let out an incredulous laugh. "Pulling strings? Why would I ever need to pull any strings! I can close the door whenever I want, Jean!" She set her glass of wine on the table and ran a hand through her hair. Her chest ached. It felt like there was a deep pit where her heart would rest. Still, she tried to breathe. "I know you've always wanted to break down the system. I get it," she said, shaking her head and blinking tears out of her eyes. "You didn't have to do it this way."

[kingjeanmoreau]

"To make it seem like I did it! To put the Vices even further under your boot!" Still, there was a nagging feeling in the back of his mind, past the anger and hurt. She seemed certain it was him. Was it a ruse? "It wasn't me Dorothy. For years I have been staving off pushes from the other Kings to fight back, to break down the system like I desperately want to. I ignore what I want most in this world and it's all because of you."

[kingjeanmoreau]

[strawberette]

@kingjeanmoreau / closed starter / jean moreau setting: st. mary’s palace

When Dorothy told one of her most trusted Gambits to retrieve Jean and bring him to her, she could feel the frustration begin to boil within her. For the first time in a long time, it was safer to bring him to her room in the dead of the night rather than her office. If Jean took even one step inside Sentinel Hall, the entire city would be discussing their negotiations. She wanted to handle this personally before the public had any view of them.

Holding her glass of wine, she waited for the door to open and close... Lock behind the man her heart had been so conflicted with. He turned the corner and she simply stared, taking in every detail with her eyes. "Are you proud of yourself?" She asked, her voice firm and unwavering. "Go on. Speak..." One step closer. "And don't you dare lie to me, Jean Moreau. You know I'll catch you."

[kingjeanmoreau]

He scowled as he stood in front of Dorothy. Just a few months prior Jean relished being in her penthouse, an opportunity to wake up next to her, to pretend their lives were simpler for a few hours. "Lie to you?" he spat. "You're the one pulling strings behind my back. Betraying a lifetime of trust and-" he stopped himself from saying anything more incriminating. To indicate how deep the hurt went.

[arcanae]

The praise almost made them tear up—for a moment, they wondered if they'd ever heard their grandparents compliment them like that, like it wasn't just to get something out of them. They managed a small smile. "I'll do my best. Thank you. I... I appreciate this."

[kingjeanmoreau]

He returned their smile. "I have no doubt your best will be more than enough. And you have nothing to thank me for, Uni. I am merely expressing what I have observed."

[arcanae]

Merle preferred seeing him like this—more confident, more sure of himself, the very picture of the Leader that Vice depended on him being. There was no one better for the job, which was why Merle followed behind him dutifully. "I can reach out to my contacts and see what information I can gather. It might also be in our best interest to ask that hacker for whatever they can get us—even if we can't confirm exactly who it was, maybe it will let us rule things out and get us closer to the truth."

[kingjeanmoreau]

Jean considered the suggestion for a moment before giving a short nod. "I will pay Billie a visit. Despite their....eccentricities, they have never disappointed. I agree that we need to start ruling out possibilities. If it wasn't her I certainly want to find out who this third party is, and to ascertain their motives. It is too early to determine if they are a foe or ally."

[arcanae]

Madeleine stepped in after Jean, taking another moment to look him over and unable to stop the way that she frowned at what she saw. This wasn't like him. "I'm checking in on you, of course. You know I prefer this to a message—much more personal this way." She was unable to hide the look of concern on her face. "It looks like I was right to check in. Have you eaten today?"

[kingjeanmoreau]

Jean started to shake his head, immediately wincing. "No," he admitted with a scowl. "I can barely keep anything down. This is day three of a severe migraine." He couldn't remember the last time it has been this bad. "Please Madeleine, if you are here to spy for her I am not in the mood for games."

[arcanae]

"Oh, yeah, sure. Probably? I've never tried but there's not many things I can't get, honestly," Billie reasoned with a shrug of their shoulders. "Might take me a little bit since it's the first time I'm doing it, though. You want a drink? I got those sparkly waters." They were already heading over to the refrigerator.

[kingjeanmoreau]

He gave a small nod. Yes, of course they could. Despite their many flaws, Billie was one of the most accomplished hackers in this city, and Jean valued that skill. "Whatever the price, I will pay for it. I ask that this take priority to any other...projects you may have. The commission fee may reflect this."

For once, Billie took Jean by surprise. "You....purchased sparkling water?" For him?

[arcanae]

Unity paused, choosing their next words carefully. They didn't want to speak thoughtlessly. "... I think that what would make him happy is ultimately up to him—but given what he had to sacrifice to get there, logically speaking, he can't be happy right now. There's a chance he will be in the future, and I do hope for that for him. I don't want him to be unhappy."

[kingjeanmoreau]

Jean considered them for a moment. "You're a good friend, Unity. When Dr. Wayne seems at his worst, do not give up on him. He will need someone like you on his side."

[arcanae]

Truthfully, it unnerved her to see him like this. She wasn't stupid—she knew he wasn't a robot, of course—but to see Jean looking so defeated... it made her uneasy. How was she to fix it? "We don't know what happened yet. But if someone took advantage of any kindness that you extended them, it isn't your fault—but it is a lesson." She looked him over for a moment before setting a hand on his shoulder. "Whatever you decide to do, I'm behind you."

[kingjeanmoreau]

He nodded slowly. It was a lesson. To let others in despite a history was foolish, a weakness he entertained for too long. "Information. That's what we need." Jean gave Merle a small smile. "And I happen to know the most capable woman in the city to gather such. We need to plan our next moves carefully, and information will be vital in considering that move." It would also give him the time to move on from the hurt. To do what needed to be done when the opportunity came.

[arcanae]

where: Beatrice's Purgatory Penthouse 1

who: Madeleine & Jean / @kingjeanmoreau

Madeleine admittedly didn't make her way into Vice all that often. Realistically, she didn't mind their side but so many duties required her attention in Virtue that she just simply didn't have the time. Now with the tensions rising between sides, it was even more difficult for her to make the trip over—but this felt important enough.

When the door to Jean's Penthouse opened, Madeleine gave him a small smile. "Apologies for dropping in unannounced. Would it be alright if I came in?"

[kingjeanmoreau]

The penthouse was dimly lit, nearly dark. The hallway light showed how ghostly pale Jean was, dark circles under his eyes. "Madeleine?" he rasped, hand going up to shield the light from his line of sight. Part of him wanted to slam the door in her face, but the noise would only be an ice pick to his brain.

With a heavy sigh he stepped aside to let her in, wincing at the movement. "What are you doing here? And please, keep your voice low."

[arcanae]

where: Dante's Descent Apartment 1A

who: Billie & Jean / @kingjeanmoreau

The knock at the door was far from expected and Billie frowned, pausing their game and getting up from the couch to answer the door. The last person they expected to see was Jean—the immediately straightened up. "Oh. Hey, sir, uh. Come in?" They stepped aside so that Jean could walk in. "My roommates are out but I'm sure you already knew that." He had a way of knowing most things, anyway. "What's going on?"

[kingjeanmoreau]

For the first time in a long time, Jean hesitated. It felt foolish, coming here with the goal he had in mind. But...he had to know. "Billie, would you be able to access Arbiter security systems? Particularly camera footage?"

[arcanae]

"It does feel and look like a punishment," Unity agreed, their brows furrowing ever so slightly. There was more they wanted to say—how they valued a process and order, but how this didn't feel like the fair process that it should be. It didn't feel wise to voice, though. "I think that... realistically, he knew that he would be sacrificing quite a bit. He's very intelligent and I'm sure that he thought he would be happier in the end, even if it meant that there was a lot to sacrifice to get there."

[kingjeanmoreau]

He watched Unity, expression neutral. Their intelligence shined as they spoke, and it fascinated Jean. "But you don't agree with his assessment?"

[arcanae]

Realistically, he could be right—Merle couldn't pretend to know what Dorothy was thinking or doing. Even Merle's information only went so far. But she also knew him—she could see that rage and hear the hurt. Coaxing him one way or the other wouldn't be beneficial to either of them.

"I can't guarantee anyone else's loyalty," She chose to respond after a moment. "But I can say that you'll always have mine." He was the only one who had proven himself worthy of it.

[kingjeanmoreau]

A ghost of a smile made its way onto his lips. "Thank you, Merle, truly. I would be lost without you." Body losing its tension, Jean slumped into a chair near her, for once not caring for proper posture. "Have I been too soft? Held back too much?"