(Portrait of Bando by Regina Carey)
 

Bando Voskel

Bando Voskel (BAN-do vos-KEL)
 

Few people, if any outside his family, can say they truly know and understand Bando.  His life before the Academy and why he sometimes acts the way he does remains a mystery to even those who might consider
themselves close to him.  What follows is true as far as it goes.  Time and one's acquaintances can change a person far more than some might think, and the truth today can turn to lies tomorrow....

History (to 106 ADT):
To talk about Bando is to first talk about his family.  His parents, Jurl and Casidra, originally moved from Chihalla to Pallahade a few years before his birth.  Both parents have been con artists for their entire lives, however Casidra did not learn the trade from her parents, but from Jurl's.  As both grew up working together, both realized they loved the other--the story of which is rather long, and so for the sake of brevity, of which little exists in this passage, shall not be told at this time.  Let it be said that they fell in love, married, and decided to move to Pallahade.

A few years later, Bando was born, quickly followed by his sister Thalla.  So quickly in fact, that one might consider them twins.  The two were to soon became inseperable.  It seems that even from an early age, they were learning the tricks of their trade.  For example, by the age of three, while one would distract their parents, the other would sneak off a few cookies or a pie.

This sort of behavior continued for many years, and their parents, knowing the inevitability of the situation, decided to teach the twins the other nuances of what was going to become their lives.  As they grew older, both excelled in their skills, and it soon became a contest to see who could perform the better con.  One thing led to another, and on Bando's fourteenth birthday, he decided he would con his way into the Royal Institute.

This actually went easier than expected, and Bando soon found himself learning about art in its various forms.  Surprisingly, Bando remained fairly quiet during his first couple weeks.  Then he made a boast which was to change his life.  He told another student that he could work magic.  The other student, knowing that only the Wyn could work magic, said it wasn't possible.  Bando made a bet with the kid, and then proceeded to win the bet using a simple trick he had learned from his childhood--he pulled a coin out of the other kid's ear.  The same coin. Several times.  While holding the coins as they appeared next to their
predecessors in front of the kid so they could both see that they didn't disappear.  The student was naturally surprised, and after grudginly paying his debt, went off to tell one of his instructors.

One thing led to another, and Bando found himself, somewhat against his will, facing two of his instructors (one sitting next to him so he couldn't try to run again), and one of the Academy Wyn (ooc: who will only play a small, though important, part and so shall remain nameless since I don't want to make yet another character <G>).  Bando feared that they had finally learned of his somewhat interesting past, and more
importantly, his even more interesting admittance into the Institute. However, this was not the case.  Instead, the Wyn only looked at him for a few moments, and then asked to be shown the magic he had performed for the other student.

Now Bando thought he was in even worse trouble.  He didn't know of any laws against pretending to have magic, but he could see a few being created right then.  However his pride, and more importantly his
stuborness, wouldn't let him give up quite so easily.  He was going to pull off the greatest con of all.  Bando was going to convince a Wyn he could work magic.

Instead of the same trick he performed for the student, Bando rolled up his sleeves, spread his fingers and showed both sides of his hands. Then, with a large grin, he smacked his left hand down onto the desk, all the while staring directly into the eyes of the Wyn.  When he lifted his hand, there was a full chip laying face up.  The Wyn only nodded once in acknowledgement of the feat, then told him to return to his room until called for again.

Bando did as he was told, though he was a little dissapointed at the lack of reaction.  Still, if he ran now, he would be admitting to the con.  Of course, once he arrived at his room, he made preperations for an escape should he find need of one.  It wasn't long after that the Wyn came to his room and told Bando his choices.  To continue studying at the Institute and never learn the full extent of his magic, or come to the Academy.

Bando finally realized he had succeeded.  He had performed the greatest con ever!  No one could outdo him!  It was the greatest moment in his life!  Unfortunately, if he were to continue this out, he would have to
go to the Academy.  Who in their right mind wouldn't want to learn about magic given the chance?  He couldn't continue such a charade for so many years.  So, taking a deep breath, he told the Wyn that he couldn't go, and more importanly, why.  With an even greater breath, he said he would be leaving the Institute the next day, though he hadn't decided to until that moment.  His conscience had finally caught up with him.

The Wyn was able to convince Bando to stay with a simple fact.  Bando had performed magic--true magic--not a trick.  Magic could be felt by those who were properly trained, and all Wyn were properly trained. Bando was understandably shocked.  More important, he wasn't sure if the Wyn was telling him the truth.  Nothing said they couldn't lie.  But why would he lie about this?

Bando argued with himself for a few minutes, but finally came to one conclusion--completely irrational, and completely his style.  Saying yes would mean he would be going to the Academy where the elite were
trained.  To think that Bando Voskel, son of a couple con artists, would be learning at the Academy...he almost laughed aloud at the absurdity. The situation was too much to pass up.  Besides, he'd be running the place inside a month.  So he said yes, and the next day, he was in a new room with a new roommate.

Personality (circa 106 ADT):
Bando has the inteligence and quick wits it takes to be a first class showman.  There isn't a time or place he won't perform.  From impromptu to rehearsed, on stage or off, for chips or...well, he'll always get his chips if he wants them. ;)  He doesn't know any other kind of life.

Despite this vocal demeanor, he rarely, if ever, says anything of his feelings or thoughts, hiding them behind a "comedian's mask."  No one has ever known him to argue a point, though if he believes he is right,
there isn't much that can be done to change his mind.  He would rather not say anything and have his point proven later than waste the time arguing with someone.  He is always on the alert for stupidity in all its forms, and attempts to steer clear of it whenever possible...or take advantage of it. ;)  He is somewhat cynical, especially for his age, but what cynicism he does have, he is careful to never show blatently. Instead, he disguises it within his pranks and pratfalls.  Despite this rather dark side, he has started to look at the cup "half full."  Those times he doesn't (and it's still happens rather often), he finds comfort in memories of his sister, whose company he misses.  On the occasions when he's in a particularly foul mood, he has been known to be absent from the Academy entirely, though no one knows where he goes since he's
never mentioned his family to anyone.

Bando has, to the best of his knowledge, never lost a fight.  This is because he's never *been in* a fight.  He is far better at running from them, or using his wits and intellect to talk his way out.  Add to this his almost encyclopedic knowledge of the city, and it becomes nearly impossible to catch him when he doesn't want to be caught.  However, should he ever have to face his attacker, it is quite probable that he would lose.  His body may be in fine shape, but he lacks the skills to put it to use.

The skills he does have are those associated with the con artist.  He is an actor and comedian.  A juggler and jonglur.  And though in all areas, he is one of the best (for his age), Bando doesn't know anyone who can
best him at his chosen skill: sleight of hand.  This is not a boast by any means.  Before he even realized he could use magic, it was noted he was exceptionally talented with his hands.  Now that he's in the Academy, he would find nothing wrong with the occasional magical assist were it not for his pride.  He's never needed magic before, and he's willing to prove it any time (and has on more than a few occasions to the chagrin of lost wagers ;)).

Finally, though he's a showman, he never dresses in anything out of the ordinary.  No flashy colors or shiny materials (unless they're required of course ;)).  He's content to wear his everyday light brown shirt and pants which only serve to complement his dark skin and brown eyes.  The tall frame of his youth is only just beginning to fill out with age and newly acquired muscle.  And should anyone happen to glance his way, they always manage to catch him when he's flashing his grin.
 

Rainbow's End is the creation of Amber McNett
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