Tabitha Goodvich
Matriarch of the Goodvich Family
Matriarch, Tabitha Goodvich
Tabitha is known to most strangers are a stern, steel-spined woman who will not take nonsense from anyone, including her closest friends. While this is not an innacurate observation, the truth is a bit more complex. Tabitha is Steel-spined because she is the matriarch of the Goodvich family, one of the most prominent Mage families in the Mortal Lands. Keeping them in line is like herding a circus full of cats, as she often says. It falls to her to be the full representation of who her family is, the power they wield, and their responsibility to the world as Mages.
Although Tabitha can appear stern and cold, the truth is she loves her family above almost all else. She is, when compared to Nana, the more sensible of the pair, appealing to the common sense of her associates to acheive her goals. Due to her age, her patience for 'pedantic nonsense' has drastically decreased, although she maintains a veneer of saintlike serenity for the sake of not causing a rather destructive scene.
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Tabitha is in fine shape for the age she is in; perfect posture and smoother skin than one would expect. Although she cannot climb mountains like she did in the old days, a walk up the steps of the old Cathedrals does not wind her like it does many of her younger counterparts.
Identifying Characteristics
Most would say it is the eyes that are Tabitha's most distinguishing feature, apart from her ramrod-straight posture. despite their color they can appear steel grey, the color of a thunderstorm. She also often wears a red, broad-brimmed hat, despite the season.
Special abilities
Tabitha is a Mage, and a very powerful one at that. Although her particular alignment is with the healing arts, she is by no means a weaker combatant because of it. She's been known to raze entire swathes of earth with fire, and turn to stone a troll that was bearing down on her from behind without blinking.
This being said, experts in magic that some of these feats are impossible by Mage standards, and wonder if there is something else afoot...
Apparel & Accessories
She carries a cane with her, although whether it is to support her gait or her ability in combat is anyone's guess. Her red hat is her other main trait, one she has loved for years, and still remains stylish even with the drastic change in fashion in the last ten years.
Specialized Equipment
Tabitha is a mage, and as such can easily enchant any object at hand to suit her purpose. That being said she does keep her cane close at hand, said to be specially crafted for some unknown purpose.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Very little is currently known about Tabitha's History. What little she has shared with the younger family has left them with more questions than answers, one she is not very likely to share.
What is known, mostly from her close companion Nana, is that she attended Madame Demure's College for Prestigious Young Women, in the same class as Nana. She met and was courted by a man who was later accused of stealing the Golden Tortoises of MacMalin, and later vanished from the City. Soon after Tabitha decided to leave school and travel with Nana around the world, going on adventures of various sorts. Although Tabitha herself never married, she was still chosen as Matriarch of the Family by her predecessor, and has led the family with a firm hand ever since.
Although she retired from adventuring at the age of fifty-seven, Tabitha still has her finger on the pulse of the adventuring world. Not surprising, as many members of her family have taken up that particular torch. Organizations the world over turn to the Goodvich family for guidance and advice, and she is often the final authority when it comes to magic. She holds an honorary seat on the Council of the Keepers of the Oath.
Tabitha is currently watching the newest generation of Goodviches with a keen eye, as she is more than aware it is time to select a sucessor to train in her stead
Education
Tabitha was enrolled at Madame Demure's College for Prestigious Young Women as soon as she was of age, even then being groomed for the role as Matriarch of the family. Perhaps it was this stress that led her to abandon her education and travel the world with Nana, at least for a few years. Unlike Nana, Tabitha did return to complete her formal education, receiving a degree in Magical History, with a minor in the Healing Arts. While her time adventuring with Nana left her little time to pursue further formal education, her wealth of knowledge and experience is invaluable.
Employment
Tabitha, much like her counterpart Nana, was what one would call 'self-employed' for much of her younger career. Her status as Matriarch of the family soon began to take the majority of her time, and she retired from adventuring, for the most part, sooner than Nana did. As Matriarch Tabitha spends her time attending various social functions and meetings, serving as the representative of the family and its interests.
Intellectual Characteristics
Tabitha is known to most strangers are a stern, steel-spined woman who will not take nonsense from anyone, including her closest friends. While this is not an innacurate observation, the truth is a bit more complex. Tabitha is Steel-spined because she is the matriarch of the Goodvich family, one of the most prominent Mage families in the Mortal Lands. Keeping them in line is like herding a circus full of cats, as she often says. It falls to her to be the full representation of who her family is, the power they wield, and their responsibility to the world as Mages.
Although Tabitha can appear stern and cold, the truth is she loves her family above almost all else. She is, when compared to Nana, the more sensible of the pair, appealing to the common sense of her associates to acheive her goals. Due to her age, her patience for 'pedantic nonsense' has drastically decreased, although she maintains a veneer of saintlike serenity for the sake of not causing a rather destructive scene.
Personality Characteristics
Hygiene
Tabitha is particular on Hygiene, although this is more a matter of practicality and status than anything else. As Matriarch she is expected to look her best, even if that means showing up to a meeting with perfect coils that she so dreads putting up.
She's become awful fond of the bathtub, although in her age the warm water may simply be relief to her bones, as much time as she spends travelling.
Social
Contacts & Relations
Her closest friend, even after all these years, is Nana Johnstone. They have similar social circles, although Tabitha's include a few more names that are less likely to run for the hills when they hear she is coming.
She has contacts the world over, many she keeps in contact with to to this day.
She is closely involved with the Keepers of the Oath, and the Poartlind Adventurer's Guild.
Family Ties
The Goodvich Clan is extensive, in the mildest terminology. While she knows and loves every one, it is her grandnephew Reginald that she holds particular care and love for. Were he born a girl, she would likely have chosen him as successor as Matriarch.
Religious Views
Tabitha is Stoutly Devout in her faith to the Creator, perhaps more so than anyone else who knows her.
Social Aptitude
Tabitha is a mild introvert, although due to her status she often has to 'fake' being social in order to advance her goals. When she is with Nana she will let the larger woman take the foreground, while she stands in the back and observes. Do not be fooled, though; she is a sharp woman and is watching every action and listening to every word.
Mannerisms
Very stiff and formal, though wether this is a result of her upbringing or her status as Matriarch remains to be seen. She will also come across as cold to those unfamiliar with her, although her family knows her to be warm and kind.
It has been suggested that this cold exterior is a defense against those who would seek to do the family harm, and there are more than a few who have come to despise the Goodvich family over the centuries.
Hobbies & Pets
The closest thing Tabitha has to a true 'Pet' is O'Feeny, her familiar. O'Feeny has a mind of his own and a mouth to match!
Still, Tabitha loves him dearly and dotes on him when he's not making a fool of himself.
Relationships
History
Tabitha and Nana have been friends since their days at finishing school, and their relationship has withstood the test of time. Multiple times. It is rare to see such fire-forged friendships in the Mortal Lands, but these two have been to the Infernal Realm and back and will fight to the last for each other, even in their old age. Even after they both retired from adventuring in their fifties, they remained close friends and will often travel together to visit family or on smaller misadventures.
Wealth & Financial state
She is the head of the Goodvich family. What more is there today? She saved a fair amount of money during her time travelling with Nana, and invested it wisely to further bolster the family wealth. Not that she would squander it, mind you. That being said, she does spend a bit more on fancy teas and Goodseed for her parakeet than one would expect.
Current Status
Overseeing the Goodvich Family
Honorary & Occupational Titles
'Matriarch' is the one she is most well known by, although she holds several other titles, including an honorary Doctorate from Poartlind University.
Age
77
Spouses
Siblings
Children
Gender
Female
Eyes
Light Green, with a fierce intensity that can make men shudder.
Hair
Short, white, in light curls that seem to defy straightening.
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
A light tan, with suprisingly less wrinkles than one would expect.
Height
5"5'
Weight
139 lbs, carried with dignity.
Other Affiliations
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