Mathias Dufresne

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Mathias Dufresne is the Lord Commader of the King's Honor, a banner in service of a noble family in the Barony of Bardoux. Also known as the Bright Lord, both for his tactical cunning as well as his sense of honor and justice, Mathias is a legend among Lord Commanders for his deeds during the night of the Cataclysm.

## Person

Mathias stands of average height and build, but he carries himself with a measure of immense pride. As a Lord Commander, he lets no man look down upon him no matter how tall. Mathias has a sense of personal honor and justice which endears his entire banner to him, and his troops would all risk their own deaths in service to him. He is known for his intense calm under stress and his abilities as an orator and inspiring battlefield presence are world class.

Mathias has a deep scar on his left cheek, put there by fellow soldier in a dispute. His hair is sandy and graying. His face is battle worn and wrinkled, but he still has the appearance of aristocracy about him.

## Story

Mathias Dufresne become a Warrior of the Realm as a teen. Seeking the glory of being a soldier, he enlisted himself to the objections of his parents who were afraid for his well being. However, Mathias wanted more to his life than that of a commoner, and so he had his heart set on one day earning the title of Lord through his service to the crown. Mathias was not the best martially, but he was truly gifted as a tactician. While a Soldier, his ability to think through tough situations while maintaining his calm made him invaluable to his banner, and he eventually rose to the rank of Officer.

His Lord Commander at the time saw great value in Mathias as he used Mathias's help to plan many campaigns and engagements. Through Mathias's cunning, many of his fellow soldiers had their lives saved. Further, while home, it was Mathias's job to act as military judge for affairs of the banner, and he was renowned for his sense of justice and fairness. It was said that Mathias could sniff out a lie before a person even told it. When his Lord Commander was dying of age, he appointed Mathias to be the next Lord Commander of the King's Honor.

Now a Lord, Mathias led his banner honorably and fought in many engagements. They served in the King's Army a few times and always with distinction. It was for this reason that Mathias and the King's Honor were chosen as bodyguards to the King during the millennial celebration in Konagara. Of course, that night would be the same night as the earth shattering Cataclysm.

During the night of the Cataclysm, as everyone was fleeing from Konagara, it was Mathias's job to protect the King until he was able to board ship in the harbor and escape back to Arkland. Always a planner, Mathias had already laid plans for an emergency escape just in case, and it was this forethought which would end up saving the King's life. As the city burned around them with citizens fleeing in terror and demons prowling the street in search of flesh, Mathias and his soldiers led a rear guard action as the King was escorted to his ship. As they were boarding the vessel, the soldiers came under intense attack from monstrous creatures. Unwilling to have his own soldiers die, Mathias chose to stand guard at the port gates alone to hold back the hordes while they boarded the ship. It was a death sentence, but Mathias was resolute.

At first, the demons came slowly, and Mathias was able to hold them back. But soon, he was beset by many. Just before he was overwhelmed, his sergeat Fabian Paquin came back from the ship, against his orders, to aid the Lord Commander. Upset that his sergeant had disobeyed orders but grateful for having him, they two men fought at the gate for what seemed like hours until the ship was ready to leave. In a harrowing escape, they fled from the gate as the ship was leaving the docks, tossing their armor as they ran. They both dove into the waters and swam after the ship where they were rescued.

For his service to the King, Mathias was granted much gold and honors, to which, befitting his character, he gave most of it to Fabian.