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Jean Valjean (aka Monsieur Madeleine, Ultime Fauchelevent, Monsieur Leblanc, and Urbain Fabre)

Jean Valjean (aka Monsieur Madeleine, Ultime Fauchelevent, Monsieur Leblanc, and Urbain Fabre)
Image (midjourney.com)
  • Alias: Monsieur Madeleine, Ultime Fauchelevent
  • Gender: Male
  • Race: Human
  • Occupation: Former Galley Slave, Mayor, Factory Owner
  • Religion: Catholic
  • Allies: Cosette, Fantine, Marius Pontmercy, Monsieur Myriel
  • Enemies: Inspector Javert, Thénardiers
  • Abode/Base of Operations: Paris, France
  • Nationality: French
  • Languages: French
  • Alignment: Lawful Good
  • Affiliation(s): Friends of the ABC, Resistance against the July Monarchy
  • Significant Others: Cosette (Adopted Daughter), Fantine (Friend), Monsieur Myriel (Benefactor)

In the heart of Jean Valjean, a complex and multifaceted man, resides a past marred by suffering and mistakes. Having undergone the harsh brutality of the penal system for stealing a loaf of bread to save a life, his soul carries the heavy weight of those years of imprisonment. This burden, a perpetual fear of the relentless pursuit of the law, fuels his every action.

However, Jean Valjean’s story is not one of despair and resignation. Transformed by an unexpected act of kindness, he breaks free from the chains of his former life, shattering his parole and emerging with a new identity. As he forges a path towards redemption, he becomes a force for good, driven by an unwavering commitment to compassion and justice.

Jean Valjean’s deep well of empathy stems from his own experiences with the cruelty of the world. He recognizes the same pain in others, particularly in Fantine, a struggling mother forced into desperation. He rescues her daughter Cosette from a life of servitude, adopting her as his own and further stoking the fires of his devotion to shielding others from the harshness of reality.

Through his journey, Jean Valjean’s pursuit of personal redemption becomes intertwined with a broader aspiration—to create a better world for those he encounters. He crosses paths with a web of characters, including the relentless Inspector Javert and the passionate revolutionary Marius. Each connection shapes his mission as he strives not only to evade the clutches of his past but also to embody the values of compassion, sacrifice, and love.

In a society divided by class struggles and heart-wrenching poverty, Valjean’s actions take on a revolutionary tone. He seeks to challenge the status quo, offering a glimmer of hope to the downtrodden and inspiring others to question the systems that perpetuate their suffering.

Valjean’s journey is one of transformation, from a man ensnared by his own history to a beacon of light for those around him. His pursuit of redemption, driven by an unyielding empathy for others, guides his every decision. He yearns to leave behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and the belief that even in the face of adversity, one person’s choices can ignite a chain reaction of goodness that spans generations.

Jean Valjean 1
Image (midjourney.com)

Medium humanoid (human), Lawful Good


  • Armor Class 17 (Worn Traveler’s Clothes)
  • Hit Points 112 (15d8 + 45)
  • Speed 30 ft.
STRDEXCONINTWISCHA
16 (+3)14 (+2)16 (+3)14 (+2)16 (+3)18 (+4)
  • Skills Athletics +6, Insight +6, Perception +6, Stealth +5
  • Senses Passive Perception 16
  • Languages Common, multiple others due to experiences
  • Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)

Class Features. Valjean is a 9th-level Paladin.

Divine Smite (3/Short Rest). When Jean Valjean hits a creature with a melee weapon attack, he can expend a spell slot to deal radiant damage to the target, in addition to the weapon’s damage. The extra damage is 2d8 for a 1st-level spell slot, plus 1d8 for each spell level higher than 1st, to a maximum of 5d8.

Lay on Hands (45 HP). As an action, Jean Valjean can touch a creature to restore a number of hit points equal to his Paladin level x 5.

Aura of Protection. Valjean and friendly creatures within 10 feet of him gain a +4 bonus to all saving throws.

Actions

  • Multiattack. Jean Valjean makes two attacks with his quarterstaff.
  • Quarterstaff. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage.

Reactions

  • Protective Shield. When a creature within 10 feet of Valjean is targeted by an attack, he can use his reaction to impose disadvantage on the attack roll.

Legendary Actions

Valjean can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Valjean regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

  • Move. Valjean moves up to half his speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
  • Attack. Valjean makes one attack with his quarterstaff.
  • Lay on Hands (Costs 2 Actions). Valjean touches a creature to restore a number of hit points equal to his Paladin level x 2.

Equipment

  • Worn Traveler’s Clothes: Simple and unassuming clothing that Valjean wears to blend in and avoid attention.
  • Quarterstaff of Mercy: A plain quarterstaff that Valjean wields with remarkable skill and finesse. The staff is imbued with his determination to protect and serve others.
  • Bishop’s Silver Candlesticks (Holy Symbol): A pair of plain silver candlesticks given to Valjean by Bishop Myriel. They act as Valjean’s holy symbol and provide a sense of comfort and purpose.
  • Pouch of Coins: A small pouch containing a few coins that Valjean uses for simple purchases and to help those in need.

Personality and Roleplaying Notes: Jean Valjean is a complex individual shaped by a life of hardship, redemption, and unwavering compassion. He carries himself with a quiet dignity, his eyes often reflecting the weight of his past and the hopes he holds for a better future. Valjean’s towering frame and strong build hint at the physical strength he possesses, but his true power lies in his unshakable resolve and moral fortitude.

Valjean’s deeply-held belief in the inherent goodness of humanity guides his actions. Despite the injustices he’s faced, he seeks to create a world where compassion and mercy prevail. His every move is motivated by his desire to alleviate suffering and offer second chances, especially to those who are marginalized or oppressed.

Though Valjean is a skilled combatant, he only fights when he must, preferring negotiation and reason over violence. His attacks are precise and measured, reflecting his reluctance to cause harm but also his determination to protect the innocent.

The memory of Inspector Javert, the relentless lawman who once pursued him, lingers in Valjean’s mind. He fears that his true identity will be discovered, which could not only endanger him but also compromise his ability to help others.

Valjean’s ultimate goal is to create a world where justice is tempered by compassion, where every person is afforded the chance to rise above their circumstances. His faith in the power of love and redemption is unyielding, and he strives to live a life that exemplifies these principles.

Current Situation: Currently, Jean Valjean finds himself in a bustling town on the outskirts of a city plagued by social inequality. He’s taken on a humble job at a local bakery, where he quietly assists the struggling owner and discreetly offers bread to the hungry. The bakery’s warm aroma and the sound of laughter from the townsfolk create an atmosphere of fleeting respite from the world’s troubles. Valjean’s mood is a mixture of cautious contentment and a simmering restlessness, for he knows that even in this seemingly peaceful setting, there are those in need of his protection and kindness.

Currently in the World

Monsieur Madeleine, illustration de Gustave Brion pour Les Misérables (Maison de Victor Hugo - Hauteville House). Jean Valjean
Monsieur Madeleine, illustration de Gustave Brion pour Les Misérables (Maison de Victor Hugo – Hauteville House).

Jean Valjean, a man of sturdy build and quiet strength, possesses an air of both resilience and kindness. His weathered face carries the marks of a life lived through hardships, yet his eyes radiate a gentle compassion that reflects the depth of his character. Standing at an average height, his presence is unassuming but holds an undeniable magnetism that draws people in. Currently, he is dressed in plain clothes, a simple reminder of his humble roots.

As he walks through the bustling streets of Paris, Jean Valjean’s gaze is fixed not on himself, but on the world around him. He navigates with a purposeful stride, his posture reflecting the determination that has guided him through countless trials. His surroundings, a mixture of narrow alleys and busy boulevards, echo with the sounds of life: the chatter of vendors, the clip-clop of horse hooves, and the distant hum of the city. Valjean’s steps take him past the struggling, the destitute, and the forgotten, a sight that fuels his unwavering desire to bring about change.

Amidst this urban tapestry, Jean Valjean’s mood is a blend of somber reflection and unwavering resolve. The weight of his past weighs on him, but it does not deter him from his mission. He carries with him the memory of his own redemption, a journey from fugitive to savior, and now he seeks to offer that same chance to others. In the midst of a society divided by class and inequality, his heart burns with the fervent belief that even the smallest act of kindness can spark a revolution of compassion.

As the day unfolds, Jean Valjean’s path is guided by his unshakable principles and his unending empathy for his fellow beings. In a world that often turns a blind eye to the suffering of others, he stands as a symbol of hope and a reminder that change is possible, even in the darkest of times.

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