Mathieu Durand
Overview
Mathieu Durand is a grizzled ex-sergeant of Napoleon’s Grande Armée, now turned highwayman and bandit leader. He poses as the affable innkeeper of the Auberge des Deux Chênes, a coaching inn on the post road between Calais and Lyon. In reality, he runs a sophisticated robbery and murder operation targeting wealthy travelers.
Appearance & Demeanor
- Age: Mid-50s
- Appearance: Thickset, scarred, with a greasy waistcoat and twitchy, forced smile. His eyes are cold and calculating.
- Manner: Exaggerated politeness concealing predatory intent. He never turns his back to the door.
- Voice: Rough, with traces of military accent
- Tell: His smile doesn’t reach his eyes; he watches every guest like a hunter assessing prey
Personality
Durand is a pragmatist who has adapted to peace by refusing to leave the soldier’s life. He treats robbery as military operation—calculated, organized, and coldly efficient. He is not gratuitously cruel; he kills only when necessary for the operation’s success.
He is dangerous because he is professional, not because he is passionate. Cruelty would waste time and draw attention.
Role in Chapter 2
Setting the Trap
The investigators may pass through the Auberge des Deux Chênes on their journey between Calais and Lyon. Durand and his crew:
- Do not strike immediately
- Observe the travelers for signs of wealth, weakness, or isolation
- May drug the wine or loosen wheel bolts to disable the coach
- Wait for nightfall to move
The Attack
At midnight:
- One bandit cuts the horses loose
- Another jams the coach house door
- Durand and his crew ascend the stairs quietly, knives and pistols drawn
- They do not hesitate to kill if resistance is serious
Survivors are stripped and dumped in the marsh—or worse.
Characteristics (CoC 7e)
| Attribute | Score |
|---|---|
| STR 70 | CON 65 |
| SIZ 70 | DEX 65 |
| INT 60 | POW 50 |
| APP 50 | EDU 45 |
| HP 13 | MP 10 |
Build: +1D4 | DB: +1D4 | Luck: 50
Skills
- Firearms (Pistol) 70%
- Melee (Sword/Knife) 75%
- Dodge 60%
- Intimidate 75%
- Stealth 65%
- Command 70%
- Spot Hidden 60%
Weapons
- Flintlock Pistol (1D10+2)
- Sword (1D8 + DB)
- Knife (1D4 + DB)
Key Dialogue
To guests:
“Welcome, welcome, monsieur, mademoiselle. You will find no finer hospitality on the road to Lyon. The wine is excellent, and the beds are clean.”
To his crew (if overheard):
“No fuss. We take what they have and leave no witnesses. In the morning, nothing but an empty coaching inn.”
Connections to Other Files
- Auberge des Deux Chenes — His base of operations
- Sabine — His knife-fighter operative
- [Chapter 2 Overview](…/…/chapters/Chapter 2 - Lyon/chapter-2-overview.html) — Opening/travel section
Relationships
- Leads Sabine — Knife-fighter in his band