Mathéo Dupont

'I’d agree with you but then we’d both be wrong.'

## Background

Mathéo has never known a life of luxury or convenience. Born in the darkness of night and left a few months later, he grew up amongst orphans, beggars and thieves. Typical street smarts can be expected from him at the young age of eighteen. The respect of the younger pickpockets and orphans is also something Mathéo carries with him no matter his tasks or station.

Coming and going from the orphanage, Mathéo started by providing for himself and his close friends by pickpocketing money and buying those extra treats and goodies that the orphanage could never afford. Sweet bread, warm blankets, fresh water and maybe the occasional brandy for the older kids, Mathéo found joy in taking from the rich and giving to the poor. Providing for his family of orphans proved forever challenging as the kids grew older and the orphanage took in more year after year. He's seen his fair share of the sick, dying and dead children of Paris and cannot help but give a comforting hand to those who need it no matter how sick it may be.

Around the age of twelve or thirteen, Matheo had a chance encounter with a grizzled soldier type in which he had made a very failed and unfortunate attempt to rob. After his botched attempt, Matheo fled to one of his favorite hiding places, an old stone bridge bordering the poorer district of Paris. Little did he understand how much he underestimated the old man who he had bothered who soon had tracked him down and confronted the young boy at the foot of the bridge. At the time all this man was, was a nuisance to Matheo's track record of successful robberies and pickpockets. Little did he know that the old man, Etienne, would become one of the most important people to him.

After this chance encounter and followed up by a few other meetings and a little bit of nagging, Matheo was taken in by Etienne. He learned quickly that in order to get the respect he wanted and to gain the skills he desired, he would have to work hard and earn his spot at Etienne's estate. Weeks turned into months, and months of hard work turned into years. Matheo soon found himself following in the footsteps of the old soldier. Learning the ways of the sword, and incorporating his own skills into the work tasked to the both of them.

## Personality and Behavior

Selfless: Growing up in a life of poverty and discomfort is a constant reminder to a young mind just how cruel the world can be to its inhabitants. Mathéo is always willing to extend a hand to those in need, even if that hand is dirty, tired or sore. He finds it near impossible to ignore a plea for help. He was, after all, a crying voice for help at one point in time.

Cunning: Whether he's making a snarky remark towards his friends or mentor or wooing a young lass into handing over some coin, Mathéo has had years of learning the ins and outs of the right words and that perfect look in his eye in order to get what he needs and leave his victim none the wiser.

## Likes/Hobbies/Interests

People watching: You can learn a lot from watching the crowds of Paris. From the ruffian looking to start trouble to an elderly man about to be the next victim of a robbery. Attention to detail is a useful skill for those with sharp eyes.

Pickpocketing: There's something satisfying about swiping the coin pouch from an unknowing wealthy figure as they waltz through the streets of Paris fearing nothing, thinking they're untouchable. Sometimes Mathéo also fancies himself a bit of fresh fruit from the stand for he and his orphan friends.

Travelling: Looking for Mathéo? Can't find him? Check the rooftops or the undergrounds. Any new place the boy can see will probably keep him busy for hours. Tasks all done but can't find him? Look up, he's probably hanging about somewhere just out of sight waiting for you to notice.

Selfless acts: Enjoys helping Gaspard in his tasks and chores around the estate. Enjoys the company of Gaspard's daughter, willing to do anything that would gain him a moment to enjoy her company.

## Dislikes/Fears/Phobias

Restraint: Mathéo despises being restrained by ropes, shackles or the like. He fears being refused freedom and does not bode well when he must remain in an enclosed space for a long amount of time.

## Strengths and Weaknesses

### **Strengths**

Young and fit. Great hands-on skills, self-taught street smarts and a knack for improvisation.

### **Weaknesses**

Lacking in the realm of shooting and horseback riding, and please don't ask him to drive a wagon. Also, if you don't wish to lose your sanity or your head, Matheo would be best kept away from business in politics and tradition.

## Ambitions

To help the poor and less fortunate of Paris.

To give everyone an equal opportunity and chance at a good, comfortable life free of dirt and squalor.

To earn his place amongst the Blades, and to forever prove his loyalty and have the everlasting trust of his best friend, Etienne.

## Bonds

https://the-cardinals-blades-gardes-de-lombre.fandom.com/wiki/Etienne\_du\_l%27Armand?so=search

Years ago, Matheo would've said without hesitation that the only important people to him were those belonging to his family of orphans. Now though, Matheo includes that of an older, grizzled soldier closer to his heart. A chance encounter turned life-changing friendship, Matheo constantly puts himself forward to maintain the trust and respect that he worked so hard for. Etienne would be similar to that of a grizzled, sullen father that always expects more for the right reasons. Etienne has challenged Matheo ever since they met five years ago, and it has been those challenged and tests that have allowed the two to grow close. Never showing displays of affection or alluding to others just how close they may be, Matheo is always willing to do anything to help his friend, regardless of difficulty.

## Physical Skills

Light on his feet. Bounding up small obstacles to gain the high ground or balancing across beams comes naturally for a young man with great coordination and agility. Decent with a sword and dagger, but prefers hands-on fighting.

Good with smaller, lighter weapons such as daggers and throwables.

A fantastic eye for detail. Great at tracking and finding something in a crowd.

Quick hands make for easy pickpocketing, or a quick swipe of a coin purse as he accidentally bumps into an unknowing victim.

## Armour/Clothing Style

Dark browns, greens with the occasional off-white shirt. Knee-length pants with boots to meet them.