Mathias the Healer

Description:
Mathias is the town healer of Graeton, a figure of both comfort and curiosity among the townsfolk. Known for his healing prowess and vast knowledge of herbs and medicines, Mathias is the go-to person for those in need of care. However, his peculiar appearance and awkward demeanor often set him apart from others. Despite his quirks, Mathias is deeply committed to his work. He often seems lost in thought, always contemplating new remedies or the mysteries of life. His heart is in the right place. He doesn’t think that magic has any place in “real” medical cures, and so hasn’t pursued any type of magical healing powers.
Appearance:
Mathias is taller than most but carries a rounded, plump figure that makes him stand out even more. He has a long, pointy nose and round spectacles that are almost perpetually slipping down, obscuring his eyes. Mathias’ red attire reflects his healer’s role, adorned with small pouches filled with herbs and tools of his trade. His posture is often hunched as if burdened by his thoughts or the weight of his responsibilities. Mathias’ slightly mismatched clothing and perpetually tousled hair give him a disheveled appearance, which only adds to his eccentric charm.
Personality:
Mathias is kind-hearted, deeply empathetic, and always eager to help. He has more personality and charisma than he knows, which tends to get him into trouble with people in a position of power who fell threatened by him, when in reality he’s just trying to help. He tends to lose people in conversations, often rambling about herbs or medical theories that fly over the heads of his listeners. Mathias is driven by a relentless curiosity and a desire to understand the deeper workings of both the human body and the magical forces that influence it. He is cautious, sometimes overly so, preferring to think things through meticulously rather than rush into action. Despite his awkwardness, Mathias’ genuine care for others and dedication to his craft make him a respected figure in Graeton.
Backstory:
Mathias grew up in a family of healers and was trained from a young age in the art of medicine. His parents were renowned healers, respected for their ability to cure ailments that others deemed hopeless. As a child, Mathias was always fascinated by the intersection of magic and medicine, but seeing a spell go wrong and kill a childhood friend, instead of healing them, left him with a bad taste for magic mixed with medicine. His peculiar appearance has led to rumors that he might have goblin ancestry—a jest among friends but a suspicion that occasionally isolates him. Determined to carve out his own legacy, Mathias settled in Graeton, where he strives to push the bounds of traditional healing in a magical world, helping those in need while continuously experimenting with new remedies.
Abilities/Skills:
- Herbology: Mathias is a master of herbology, with extensive knowledge of plants and their medicinal properties. He is often seen foraging for rare herbs in the woods, always in search of new ingredients for his potions and salves.
- Alchemical Skills: Beyond simple remedies, Mathias dabbles in alchemy, creating potions that can enhance physical abilities, debilitate enemies, or even change the physical environment around them. His alchemical concoctions are often experimental, sometimes with unpredictable results.
- Analytical Mind: Mathias’ analytical nature makes him an excellent problem-solver. He approaches challenges with a methodical mindset, carefully considering every angle before taking action. While this can make him slow to act, it ensures thoroughness in his decisions.
- Lore Galore: Along with a deep study of medicine, Mathias is also an avid reader of history. He knows much about the history of Evania, which comes in handy for the group throughout their campaign.
Key Relationships:
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Lena: Mathias and Lena share a close friendship rooted in mutual respect for each other’s skills. Though their methods differ, with Mathias leaning towards proven remedies, and Lena towards nature and a bit of the mysterious, they often collaborate on healing efforts for the community. Mathias values Lena’s practical wisdom and relies on her steady presence in times of uncertainty. He’s not at all sure how she was able to make such a powerful healing draft with moonshade, a plant that has no proven healing properties, and he’s a little bitter than she won’t reveal her secrets.
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Tobi: Mathias’ relationship with Tobi is lighthearted and supportive, characterized by friendly banter and mutual reliance. Though Tobi often teases Mathias about his odd appearance and habits, the two share a deep bond, with Mathias appreciating Tobi’s straightforwardness and protective nature.
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Thora: Mathias and Thora’s interactions are primarily professional, with Thora often seeking Mathias’ help when injuries occur at the tavern. Though not particularly close, Mathias respects Thora’s strength and dependability, and she in turn trusts his medical expertise, knowing that he always has the community’s best interests at heart.
FATE CORE Recommended Stats
Starting Aspects:
High Concept:
Oh! I’ve read about this!
Trouble:
That’s not what I meant by saying that.
Skills:
+4 Great – Empathy
+3 Good – Crafts
+2 Fair – Lore
+1 Average – Notice
Unranked – Fight