Character Profile – The Lost Artefacts: Elder Matthias

Elder Matthias represents the accumulated wisdom and dedication that defines the Venerable of the Emerald Tower. As one of the immortal scholars who have committed themselves to preserving magical knowledge, his existence bridges centuries of supernatural history while remaining separate from its political conflicts.

Distinguished by his ancient appearance—bloodshot, sunken eyes and skin so thin his skeletal features are visible beneath—Elder Matthias carries himself with the unhurried movements of someone for whom time has lost conventional meaning. This physical deterioration stands in stark contrast to his voice, which maintains the robust quality of a middle-aged man—creating a dissonant experience for those meeting him for the first time.

The exact date of Elder Matthias’s birth remains unknown, as do most details of his life before joining the Venerable. This deliberate separation from personal history reflects the fundamental philosophy of the Emerald Tower—that individual identity becomes secondary to the collective pursuit of knowledge once the pledge of service is made.

Elder Matthias’s position as one of the Tower’s representatives to outside visitors suggests his considerable diplomatic abilities alongside his scholarly expertise. His interactions with supernatural visitors demonstrate both comprehensive knowledge and the measured neutrality that has allowed the Emerald Tower to maintain its independence through centuries of shifting alliances and conflicts.

The decision to become Venerable—a choice that granted immortality at the cost of being permanently bound to the Tower—reflects the depth of Elder Matthias’s commitment to knowledge preservation. This pledge transformed him from an ordinary scholar into a living repository of supernatural information, his mind remaining young and sharp even as his body gradually ages through extended centuries of existence.

Elder Matthias’s primary specialisation focuses on artefact identification and analysis, with particular expertise in recognising the magical signatures of objects from different dimensional origins. His ability to extract information from even the most ancient and obscure artefacts demonstrates extensive knowledge and refined magical sensitivity.

His relationship with other members of the Venerable reveals a hierarchical structure based on expertise rather than traditional authority. Elder Matthias’s interactions with colleagues suggest mutual respect and clearly defined areas of specialisation, creating an environment where knowledge is continuously shared and refined through collaborative examination.

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More by Johnathon Nicolaou