In battle, Mataeus relies on quick spellcasting and a nimble frame to dodge and roll away from danger. He is annoyingly effective at what he does, but isn't capable of taking more than a few solid hits without going down. That's not to say he won't still try to block those hits with the infamous, wrought ironwood staff that has been passed down through his family across generations.

...what happens when he is struck with a blow so powerful, not even his trusty staff can save him? With a sickening CRACK, the staff is broken in two and splintering wood flies through the air. For the first time in his life, Mataeus realizes that this isn't a game - that his life is in real danger, and his last line of defense has just been destroyed.
For the first time in his life, Mataeus realizes he has lost.