Mathis Omin

Eldest Omin
Character Profile
Profile
f3c8209a9d1b531800b47b8e9268072b.jpg

"Matriarch,
It pains me to see the Southern lands of the once-great Deva Empire.
These creatures play host as if they were us.
Yet the Deva and others here have acclimated well.
There is talent here and given the chance..
A means to rule. Much will be needed to take back these Free Cities.
We once ruled by sword, I shall duel wield sword and pen.
I am still young, but there is time ahead.
Blessings to the Shroud and Primordial Flame."
- House of Omin Mathis.

He couldn't recall the last time he had been to South Ilica, but many things had changed—and many stayed the same. Walking down the street, he sidestepped and swayed through the bustling streets of the market region. It was good to see Ilica in such good spirits with the thrawing. Soon these streets would be laden with goods and import for new seasonal stock. Mathis could not help but think of the flowers the Matriarch always had on the table.

‘Perhaps I should fetch her some in season time.’ Looking to his left he took note of a peculiar stall. Stepping around a few people Mathis ducked inside the weapon shop. Variety shops like this were his favorite. There was no telling what shady items someone coughed up. Could he find any new knives in the process? Peering over the stock, Mathis was looking for his first pick. When parting ways with his travel companions he had given his weapons to help them. The contract at hand required him to start anew. A name came across his desk for someone here in South Ilica.

"Welcome to Mcallins, if you need anything just ask." Mr. Mcallin shouted from his place at the forge, hammering away at a current piece. Observing the barrel-chested dwarf Mathis smiled lightly. There was no doubt that he was a master of his craft, still not all of the weapons here were his. A collector perhaps? Chuckling to himself lightly, Mathis strolled down the far side to start. Picking up a few items here and there before moving into the next aisle. Clawed hands picked around the daggers and knives, looking at his own hands he shrugged. Perhaps a new sword and braces would serve him best at this point. As he neared the swords he stopped by the "shortswords". For his size, the shortsword was better suited as a knife. Tapping a few handles, his hand paused over a worn hilt. 'Oh? Is this bone?!' Giving the barrel a side eye he picked up the blade and examined it. The hand and half hilt had been altered from its original two-handed length. Wrinkling his nose this, one was an oddball, the artisan must have done something to the blade. Upon closer observation and testing, Mathis had determined that he liked the remodeled broken greatsword in hand. With the thick crossguard and base, the weight combined was compatible with his style.

Hastening his steps Mathis found himself a pair of bracers for his wrists. After finding a pair he felt comfortable in he moved to check out, the blacksmith had already set his work aside in anticipation of Mathis Keep the rest of his funds for food and emergencies. "I am all ready sir." His voice sounded deep yet soothing, rumbling lighting in his chest. Mr. Mcallin shared a chuckle as he counted out the product price. "It seems you found an oddity. I remember the first time I saw this piece come into my shop." Mcallin picked up the crude weapon in both hands feeling its heft. " The owner was a soldier or mercenary, big man like yer self. He dropped it off without taking payment. He said something about the material not being good for shroud purposes." Setting the item down the dwarf looked up at the Deva staring at his glowing eyes.

"That sounds unfortunate Mr. Mcallin. I will take it regardless, it feels interesting and I should like to see what happens." Smiling broadly the Deva drops 20 gold coins for both items. Mcallins handed back 6 and nodded. "Call it even then. Best of luck to you lad." With business concluded the dwarf got back to work swiftly. Throwing his apron on soon enough the flames roared back to life and the hammering began again. Exiting the shop Mathis latched the blade onto his lower back beneath the cloak he wore. Stepping around a herd of people he resumed his travels through the city. Stopping next to a local tavern, laughter could be heard accompanied by the smell of booze.

Walking up the steps he pushed the door open with ease, warmth touched his cheeks as the door closed behind him. Pulling down his hood, Mathis made his way to the front counter taking a seat off to the right side. "Welcome to Lyindis Tavern. For bed, it'll be 10 silvers, a meal, and alcohol 2 silvers a piece." Said the woman behind the counter, with a rag in one hand and a cup in the other she finished polishing the glass. Mathis handed her 14 silvers in total with a nod. "Second floor last room on the left. The rest will be out for you shortly."
 
Moina found herself back in the heart of the Empire, at least not the capital city this time, for a contract. Some noble who's child was sick, who had exhausted all options within the Brahman Magisterium. Healing only seemed a temporary solution. The child getting sick again and worse than before, so the father had reached out to other healers hoping that someone could be found to deal with the illness. The Knitter had taken the contract and journeyed into the Empire again despite the danger presented. The coin and the opportunity to pick up bits and pieces of information surrounding the recent activity of the Empire making it worth the risk.

It had taken her a week of extensive research and observation before she thought that she had an idea as to what might have been making the child ill. With instructions on a proper diet and using the shroud to heal away the damage that had been done. She also warned the household of the plant that had been causing the sickness. Normally an innocuous species, ingesting the berries from the plant or inhaling the pollen was causing the sickness. She suspected that the child was allergic and even as the shroud healing was fixing part of the problem, it wasn't purging the body of the particles. Purging the plant from the manor grounds saw an improvement to the child's health as the body did it's own work as well.

Now that the task was finished and the contract paid, she found an inn for the night, a Lyindis Tavern. Paying for a room and a meal, she entered into the main tavern hall for a meal, drink, and whatever entertainment might be found this evening. Tomorrow, she would work on finding a way back to Crorefell. Perhaps a caravan this time who could make use of a healer's hands. She really did not want to have to worry about overseas travel.

The tavern seemed full this evening and she looked around for place to sit. Spotting one of the last remaining tables that wasn't full. A small troupe of musicians, playing a lively tune. A song she recognized from her youth that sung of the Empire's strength. Propaganda, but the people of the tavern sang along with gusto as she wove her way to the table she had spotted. "Mind if I join you?" She asked to the Deva as she drew up to the table, a glass of wine held between her finger tips.​
 
Curious eyes gazed over the blade in its scabbard. It was such a curious creation, and its feel was intriguing. The shroud could not be utilized in any capacity in whichever hand he held it. The crowd started to sing their Empires Tales. As she approached the table his orange-slitted eyes narrowed in curiosity. Mathis dipped his head gingerly in response, to his right the maiden brought his food sliding a large mug of ale before him.

"By all means please join me. Thank you, ma'am." Mathis nodded to the woman he tipped her as she departed with a smile. Looking back to his guest Mathis smiled at them kindly. "It is a lovely evening, is it not? I am Mathis. May I have the pleasure of your name this evening?"
 
Moina slid into one of the empty seats, sipping at the glass in her fingers. She considered giving a different name for a moment. One that might not cause as much recognition, but decides it's not necessary. It's been over ten years since the bounty had gone up. At this point, she imagined that it had long been forgotten. "Moina. Pleasure to meet you Mathis." She said politely to the quite tall Deva.

"Are you from around here or just passing through?" She asked as she turned her attention to Mathis, the stranger's company much preferrable to that of what was passing for entertainment at the moment. She remembered when these songs used to hold a meaning for her. Back when she subscribed to the idea of the great and glorious Empire. Now, she knew better.

Her eyes caught on the sword. It looked interesting, unique. Something different about it. "Interesting weapon you got there. Certainly not your standard hand and a half."
 
Nodding his head lightly Mathis began digging into his meal, taking a few swigs of his ale he chuckled. "One hand I have been looking for work. I am rather weary of nomad habits. There's a need for stability and adventure." Rubbing his chin lightly he pondered the steps needed to reach his goal. Revivals take time and what better time to start than now? The meal itself seemed to vanish in moments as Mathis ate swiftly. Setting the bowl down he quickly devoured the last of his bread and exhaled.

At the mention of his blade, Mathis lifted the weapon and set it down on the table. He had yet to unsheathe the blade, but at this point, it didn't matter who got to unsheathe it first. "Isn't she just? I recently got her from Mcallin's Shop. He has some interesting finds there. I think it was originally a two-handed greatsword. Technically it's broken if you think about it build-wise. Its weight is comfortable in my hands." Gesturing to the blade, he turned to the barmaid as she collected his stuff. Placing more money in her hand he ordered a second round. Looking back to Moina he took another drink of his ale.

"Go ahead and take a look. I haven't even looked at this blade yet. You can be the first to look."
 
"What kind of work is it that you do?" She asked even though she felt like she knew the answer. A large Deva carrying a sword that would look large in most hands, but looked average in his, could only belong to someone with a history of combat. Whether he had been in a legion or just worked as a sword for hire, would likely be the options here. Depending on how their conversation went, he might prove to be of value to one of the cadres of mercenaries in Crorefell.

Her eyes alighted on the blade, something about it made the hair stand on end, but she brushed it aside. It was just a sword.
"May I?" She asked and at his invitation, she lifted the blade off the table enough to pull the weapons from the old sheath, laying it on the table after. History and weapon design hadn't been her focus at the Magisterium, but she knew enough to recognize that the runes engraved down the center of the blade were ancient. Probably dating back from before the Arshakan Empire. She didn't have the knowledge to read them.

For a broken blade, it looked immaculately cared for. Her finger ran against the edge appreciatively and it sliced the skin with an even a gentle press. Blood welled from the cut for a second, before the wound knit itself shut. Moina wiped the drop on the edge of her tunic without a thought. She had lots of experience getting blood out of fabric. A stone was set in the silver hilt, that had been wrapped with leather. The stone wasn't one she recognized, but it shown with an odd light. The only part that didn't seem particularly old was the leather, which she figured had likely been regripped recently likely by this Mcallin.

"It's certainly an old weapon," She said finally. "Well cared for despite it's age. Interesting that you found it in some shop. Something like this I would have expected to be in a collector's care." She sat back in her seat. "A solid find that should treat you well."
 
With a gentle nod of his head, Mathis allowed Monie to unsheath the blade. At sight of the runes he wondered if they were the reason shroud was not comparable with the blade.

"I am a sell sword. I recently came to make a name for myself. Perhaps even a group to take part of. The nomadic travels no longer suite me and my goals." Watching her finger slowly bleed before repairing itself made Mathis chuckle. Leaning back in his chair he understood what she was to some degree. How long had it been since a bone knitter had crossed his path. Awful opponents for long fights but good medics in a pinch.

Could she sense the loss of connection to the shroud when she touched it? If so she did not show signs of surprise or acknowledgment.

There was a new found reverence for Moina as she shared his appreciation for the weapon. Leaning forward a new plate and refilled ale were placed before him. "I am sure it will serve me well. It's a first and no doubt not the last one I shall find." Taking the blade he sheathed it and set it aside.

"What is it that you do? You have the skills of a knitter rare and respected."
 
Last edited:
A sell sword.

She had plenty of experience with those and was one herself. Though she did sell more than her sword. "I too am a soldier of fortune as it were. Though I make more off my abilities as a mender than the blade." She still kept up the skills that she'd learned from her time training to be a part of a legion. "That is what brought me here after all. People will pay a pretty penny to save the lives of those that they love."

Some might call such a trade extortion, but at the same time the clients came to them. Offered the contracts to the Boneknitters of Crorefell and so they accepted said contracts. The stronger the knitter's skill, the more lucrative the contracts and there were certainly those among the group of Storied that probably shouldn't be a knitter able to do little more than staunch bleeding though in a fight every little bit did count.

"If you are looking for something a bit more permanent, perhaps you'd like to return . . . with me. There are some that might welcome your skills and your strength." She didn't speak the name of the Mercenary state. There wasn't exactly good blood between the Empire and Crorefell, even as she and many others accepted contracts within. It was a risk to be sure, one that she considered each time she entered back into her homeland. This time the purse had been well worth the risk.
 
Just as he had anticipated, he had met one of his kind and it made him happy. Chowing down without pause her words graced his ears with opportunity. He had to agree a healer would always be more preferred than those who cause damage. They were two sides to the same coin honestly.

Finishing his meal and ale, Mathis leaned back against the wall listening to the sound of the tavern. She had offered him an opportunity to find work and he liked the idea. Perhaps after he ended the life of his contract he would find her again. "A tempting offer indeed. I shall accept your offer, Madam Moina. Can we depart in the morning?" Replacing the sword across his lower back the Deva leaned forward once more to show his interest.

First, he needed to kill the Merchant and his family. Then he would find himself more permanent work with Ms. Moina. Oh, how the gods had a sense of humor and blessings for Mathis on this night. IT wouldn't be long before his target left, he had tracked from the roads into the city. Word was that a relative of his had been sick in these parts. He wanted to visit his family before his niece passed.

Lyindis occupants still buzzed with life as small knots soon began to leave. Stumbling and singing together on their way home. To his left the fire burned low, reaching down he tossed another log into the embers to keep it going.

"If you can, please enlighten me.. Do you work with a group or is where we are going just a better place to find work?"
 
"I planned on departing tomorrow in the morning. So that works perfectly. I have lodgings here this evening, or we could meet somewhere else if that would be easier." She offered as she finished her own meal. The crowd was starting to clear out so she suspected the kitchen would close soon even if the bar didn't.

The embers sparked and danced as Mathis tossed another log onto the nearby fire. The warmth flooding into her bones as she sat. The waitress took away their plates and utensils and refilled Moina's glass. The woman waited until they were near enough to alone again, so that they wouldn't be over heard. Easy enough with the rowdy crowd.

"I am a part of a group, though I don't think you'd fit with my particular organization." She gave a quirk of the lips. "It's . . . quite a unique order. However, there are many other organizations in the City of Fools, welcoming all types. Fighters, strategists, menders, mages, smiths. There's a place for everyone. There are five major organizations, but many smaller ones as well. So I'm sure you'll find something to your liking." She didn't want to have to be vague in her answer, but Crorefell and the Empire weren't known to get along. And the Boneknitters, while still hired by individuals within as the necessity arose, with the nation as a whole they weren't well loved.
 
"I like the sound of this Organization you are a part of. Which gate will you be leaving out of?" He would only spend part of his night here, the rest would be spent stalking the night and departing the city. He only wanted to know which way she was going so he could meet her along the road. Looking towards the windows, he estimated it as almost time to go now, the Merchant's spot was about 15 15-minute walk from the tavern.

When she answered his question he mentally made a note of the gate. "Moina, I will meet you along the road towards the next city. You do not need to wait for me at the gate." Smirking Deva slowly rose from his seat reaching out and offering to shake her hand.

Giving her a polite bow, the large Deva quickly stepped out the door. Moving left he pulled his robes tightly around himself obscuring the vision of his face. It was time to recon the area to plot his advance into the Merchant's room. Three guards were with him at the gate, there was no telling if more had joined since he was not closer to his family. Chances were he would encounter more than the merchant's guard but also whoever his relatives were. A red dawn was coming.
 
"The North." She said with a nod. Her destination was north after all.

He stood from the table offering his hand, which she took with a shake. "Then I'll see you at some point on the road tomorrow. It's better to travel in good company anyways. The roads aren't as safe as they used to be." Legions occasionally traveled along the main roads, causing bandits to scatter and hide, but they didn't march often enough to make them a good deterrent. Just temporary at best.

She watched as he left, going about whatever business awaited him at night. She couldn't imagine that it was the type of business discussed in polite company, but she didn't judge. Moina's hands were by no means clean at this point. She remained in the tavern a bit longer. Enjoying her wine and the entertainment now that it had switched from Imperial Propaganda before retiring to the rented room for the night.​
*~*
The next morning saw her astride her horse, riding at a leisurely pace from the North Gate as she'd said. Her bow strung and strapped to her back, quiver strapped to her saddle for easy reach should it be needed. The deep green cloak wrapped around her shoulders in the early morning chill, breath fogging with her breaths. She couldn't be more ready for spring to come, to chase this chill away, at least it wasn't raining.​
 
'The North.. What was in the north that he did not know about? He hadn't heard much from any of the other Deva who had gone there.' Rubbing his chin he listened to the drunken voices of the Merchant and his guard. Recently departed from a grand villa, Mathis counted the rest of the family out of the picture: no extra mess, preferably one body only.

Keeping to the shadows overhead, Mathis tracked them down the winding streets. They arrived at another house with two floors. The main door was heavy and the roof door had one sentry posted. A small staircase led down into the building. He did not doubt that the interior had been fortified into a compound of sorts. Thankfully he was given information about where the man slept. Looking at the house next door he chuckled lightly. This one had no visible doors on the outside, in truth the door was inside on the second floor leading across. Now he waited.

Once the lantern in the second house went out Mathis attacked. Leaping down from atop the staircase, the pads of his feet muffled his landing. Strong arms locked around the man's neck lifting him clear off of his feet and away from his weapons. Inhaling the choke grew tighter as the man passed out. Setting him down Mathis left he propped against the wall out of sight.

Descending the steps he stepped out onto the landing in a dorm room of sorts. The men within were sound asleep, not wanting to change that he peaked around the corner.

Another guard paced the floor back and forth to keep himself awake. Grinning he crouched waiting for the man to turn around once more he approached quickly. This time he kicked the man's knees out from behind as he choked him out. Laying him down quietly Mathis crept across the hall and into the second building.

Upon finding the merchant's room he rifled through paperwork and looted valuables. Rough hands roused the Merchant from his rest; confusion turned to fear as he stared into Mathis's eyes. Placing a hand over his mouth he handed the merchant a piece of paper he had written on. Holding it close for the man to read he nodded and quickly took off two rings from his left hand. Placing them in Mathis's hand he handed over a key as well. Mathis released the Merchant allowing him to lead the way towards the storage and second exit.

|---|​
Sitting along the roadside, Mathis examined the greatsword he had procured from last night. Among several other finds, he was content with the results. One body only with his loot in tow, it was unfortunate he could not take more gold. The sound of a horse caught his attention, placing the weapon on his back he rose to greet Moina. He would be walking while she road, he was too large for most horses anyway. War horses were a luxury he could not yet afford, raising a hand he greeted her.

"Nothin' like a crispy mornin'," Mathis chuckled as he turned to walk alongside her mount. "How was the Tavern?" He mused turning his gaze back to the main road.
 
It wasn't too far down the road that she easily spotted the large Deva that was to be her traveling companion over the next couple of days, a week max depending on the speed of travel and the quality of the roads. He stood as she drew nearer, joining in step with her horse as she road.

"I'd much rather have a warm morning." She said, a bit grumpy at the cold as her breath fogged about. "I'll be happy when spring is fully here." She slowed her horse's pace, though Mathis' long stride didn't slow them down too much.

"The tavern was fine. Bed a bit lumpy." She paused and her lip quirked up slightly. "Sorry, I'm not normally this grouchy in the morning. I will say the tavern had shite for coffee." She was ready to be home and next time she planned on bringing some of her own coffee with her. Just brew it in the morning. It was really hit or miss for quality coffee or perhaps she was just spoiled. The Brahman Magisterium had always had such good coffee that she'd yet to be able to replicate.

"I hope your night turned out well after we parted ways?"
 
Chuckling at her commentary Mathis agreed about the warmer weather to travel in. Lumpy beds? Oh boy, he was glad he missed the whole occasion honestly. Sleeping in the outskirts served him better. "One should always have their nectar of the gods no?" he shared in her lament of poor coffee for the morning.

At the mention of his morning bells rang out behind them in the city. The Tolls signaled an emergency within, frowning lightly that was too quick for his liking. Yet he had to contact his companion for the travel ahead. They had time before riders were sent out searching for their traces. Thankfully no one in the guard's unit knew who killed their master; unless for some reason one could recover such information.

Shaking the thought from his head he could only shrug a bit in response to her question. "It wasn't bad things went well for the most part." Keeping a calm expression he glanced over his shoulder as his steps resumed in pace with Moina's mount. "If we get lucky, perhaps we can raid some bandits for their coffee for today. They must be loaded with some form of loot no?" Interlocking his fingers behind his head, Mathis swaggered a bit in his stride.

"I wonder what we will encounter first. Beast or Mankind.. What is your guess?"
 
Back
Top Bottom