Jacques

Jacques (ジャック, Jakku) is a major character in Suikoden III. He is the taciturn archer of Geddoe's 12th unit of the Harmonian Southern Frontier Defense Force.

History
"A member of the Twelfth Unit of the Holy Harmonia Kingdom's Southern Frontier Defense Force. He wields a gigantic bow gun."

- Jacques' profile

Jacques was the newest member of Geddoe's unit in the Harmonian Southern Frontier Defense Force. He grew up in the mountains inland and had never seen the ocean before joining the SFDF, though he had traveled on his own.

He was recruited into SFDF shortly before the War of the Champions when he helped to snipe a group of pursuers hunting Geddoe when the chase took them to the forest Jacques was living in. Though Jacques had not shot the pursuers to save Geddoe specifically, respecting his temperament and precise marksmanship, Geddoe would recruit Jacques for his unit on the spot. As an expert bow user, he was in charge of the 12th Unit's long-range attacks, a role the unit felt that needed someone for for quite some time.

His weapon of choice was a huge bow gun. Due to its size, it was much more powerful than a normal bow. Though such a large weapon may have seemed too large to handle, it is likely that some effort had been made to reduce its weight so that even the relatively slender Jacques could handle it. He would also hold his bow gun close to the ground to stabilize it. In addition, Jacques wore rather thick clothes, to protect him from tree branches and the like, as he often hide in foliage as a sniper.

Jacques was a very taciturn young man but although he may have seemed aloof or distant at first glance, he was actually a friendly person with very deep feelings. He did not express his opinions often but held a strong conviction when he did so. He liked children and animals, playing with them in his free time. He was known to play with dogs, enjoying himself even though his somber expression never changed.

He would be a part of the 12th unit's investigation of the Flame Champion rumors, seeing the ocean for the first time when their journey took them to Vinay del Zexay. He would form something of a friendship with fellow archer Aila during her journey with the group, seeing something of himself in the Karayan girl.

While leaving Brass Castle, he would notice Aila's agitations and talk her down from attacking Percival Fraulein, one of the Zexen Knights she resented so much. Jacques told her that he could avenge her death but that she would die if she tried to attack Percival in a Zexen base and that he didn't want to be saddened by seeing her die.

Later during the War of the Champions, as the Harmonian army approached Brass Castle, Geddoe revealed his past to the 12th unit and announced that he was fighting for his own reasons and that no-one was obligated to stay behind. Jacques, before anyone else, insisted that he would stay by Geddoe's side, loyal to the man who recognized his ability.

Later, as a member of the Fire Bringer alongside his comrades, Jacques lived a relatively simple existence at Budehuc Castle, spending his time when not on a mission between the restaurant and the bath.

Following the war, Jacques would continue to serve under Geddoe while contemplating the production of an even more powerful bow gun.

Trivia

 * Jacques' Japanese name, Jack, completes the card motif of Geddoe's unit: Ace, Jack, Joker and Queen, with Geddoe as the King. He participates in the spectacular Mercenary B attack with them.