Background
Bree’s updated background
Briana’s character will be considerably different than first envisioned. Instead of a stern knight and the daughter of Gavin she will be a much more of a rogue. Her personality should be playful, curious and present some odd twists. For example Bree is quite willing to steal anything not nailed down, but is very much against breaking the law. Find a way to reconcile that.
Bree grew up in a decent sized village in western Olivantia. They were troubled by consumed, but attacks were reasonably rare and life was fairly calm. Too calm for a young girl craving a life of adventure and riches. She grew on stories of the purge and the wars with Vampyr, but was only three when the purge occurred so she remembers nothing of the time before.
Bree’s father was the Protector, a knight assigned to hold the town versus any foe. He oversaw the creation of the wall around the town, created a militia, and served as judge jury and executioner. Think wild west with him being the Sherriff. Dad brought his wife with him, a beautiful noblewoman from Hasra whom he met during the war.
Bree’s mother set up a court in the village similar to the women’s circle from Edmond’s field, except that it took both men and women. They’d discuss matters and make proposals to her husband, who was the absolute ruler of the village. Together they guided the people, which is part of why it was so prosperous. The people raised sheep and used the wool to weave fine rugs and clothing which they sold to passing caravans. They also grow corn in fields right outside the walls to both feed pigs and themselves.
Life remained much the same for Bree until she turned sixteen three years ago. She discovered that she was a void chanter, though she has no idea how such a thing is possible. She considered herself cursed and kept the information secret from everyone including family and friends.
It was possible because of who her mother was. Her mother was a servant in a vampyr castle. The lord took a fancy to her, but rather than marry her he chose to simply have his way with her. So Bree’s father is not the upstanding knight, but rather the vampyr lord. Bree’s mother never had the heart to tell her father, and still carries the secret.
The good news for Bree is that she grew up loved by both parents. Her father taught her to fight with a knife, and her mother taught her to hunt with a bow. There is no room for anyone in the village who doesn’t work, so everyone is expected to contribute. Girls don’t wear dresses except on feastdays, they where breeches and fill roles that were traditionally male.
I can actually inject some sexism into the book, especially in Reverian where a woman is still expected to know her place. Bree is used to women being 100% equal, so this sort of treatment will incense her and would probably resonate with female readers.
Bree is a strong woman, because everyone in her society is strong. If you are weak you die. Weak, simpering women don’t benefit anyone and she grew up with a very low opinion of anyone who fit that description. People also care a lot less about rank, since they all need each other to survive. There is no nobility when everyone huddles in the dark together.
As Bree entered her teenage years she became beautiful like her mother. Most of the boys in town were interested in her, but she saw them as boring and common. She was far more interested in the caravans bearing strange people from places she thought she’d never see. Bree flirted with a number of guards, and even spent a few evenings kisses in corners. But at age eighteen she is still a virgin.
