Bernadette "Bunny" Engels Character in Munson, NY: The Most Haunted Square Mile in the US | World Anvil

Bernadette "Bunny" Engels

PERSONALITY IN A NUTSHELL

Bernadette is a young woman who is struggling to move on from past trauma and recklessly pursues the supernatural in the hopes of somehow finding something that will bring her catharsis. She typically keeps to herself, although her appearance and occasional erratic behavior tends to unsettle the people around her. Despite how it may seem, Bernadette is kind and will make an effort to connect with others if she feels like she can help.  

PRIMARY TRAITS

Melancholy, Anxious  

UPBRINGING

Bernadette was born to an upper-middle class family as the second child but only daughter. Her parents often doted on her older brother, Ferdinand, while being overly critical towards her, though she tried to please them. Despite the constant comparison, her and her brother were close friends. After his untimely death for which she was blamed (more on that later), she robbed her parents and ran away from the house, and has not had any contact with her family since.  

CAREER

Bernadette is not currently a writer, although she may have been, had things gone a bit differently. Reading and writing were hobbies of hers before her brother’s death, and she’s carried her natural curiosity and empathy for others with her into adulthood. However, her current state of affairs leaves her in poor condition for creative work, or... any work at all, actually. She currently survives off of the valuables she stole from her parents while drifting from place to place.  

BELIEFS

Bernadette believes in the basic tenants of (protestant) Christianity, as that’s how she was raised, and isn’t particularly aware of other kinds of religions. That being said, she gives much more attention and concern to spirituality and the occult. Having experienced it firsthand (she believes), the supernatural has a large influence on her day-to-day life. She finds it to be sinister, but isn’t necessarily afraid of it, and in fact, seems to be drawn to it.  

MOTIVATIONS

  • Understanding - To seek knowledge or wisdom (spiritual, scientific, etc.): Bernadette is haunted by something that happened to her several years ago and wants to find vindication.
  • Torment - To inflict pain and suffering, on others and/or the self: Bernadette does not care much for her own wellbeing, and, to an extent, believes she deserves whatever bad things might happen to her in her reckless pursuit of the supernatural.
 

FAST FACTS

  • Accomplishment most proud of: After the death of her brother, Bernadette was considered the obvious culprit. Still, her parents did not immediately contact the authorities, concerned how their daughter being arrested might impact their image, and instead chose to lock her in the basement for several days. During that time, Bernadette realized that they were never going to listen to her side of the story, and, if she ever wanted a chance at finding out the truth or making up for it, she had to escape. After begging the maid to let her out, she threatened them both at knifepoint, stole her mother’s jewelry box, and made a break for it. “Proud” is a strong word, but, considering how anxious about standing up to them she had been up to that point, it’s perhaps the only choice she’s felt confident about making in her life.
  • Most ashamed about: One evening, Bernadette and Ferdinand were sitting together in the garden at their estate. She does not remember the details of their conversation, or any particular events that led up to it. All she remembers is talking with him one moment, and the next, leaning over his mangled corpse. More clear than the screaming of the nearby servants or the warm blood on her face was the sound of her own laughter and the distinct sensation that she was not in control. Later, she would come to the conclusion that something unnatural had possessed her, but even if she turns out to be correct, she feels responsible for being weak-willed enough to get possessed in the first place.
  • Fears more than anything: Bernadette is certain that it must’ve been a spirit or some other manner of demon. She never would’ve hurt Ferdinand; she loved him. If it wasn’t, well… considering that isn’t really an option.
  • Secrets kept: Bernadette doesn’t really talk about herself, ever. It’s not that she rejects human connection, she’s actually met many kind people ever since she ran away. It is simply difficult for her to think about who she is as a person and even more so to bring up details about her past.
  • Last time they wept: Bernadette cries a lot, usually over minor points of stress, and it's to the point where she feels emotionally disconnected from her actual feelings on the matter and the physiological reaction. The most recent incident was next to a complete stranger on a train because it felt too crowded. It was a long train ride.
 

RELATIONS

  • Friends: Zero she would personally consider friends, since she is rather withdrawn in her current relationships, and they pale in comparison to her friendship with her brother. Regardless, her friends/acquaintances would describe her as withdrawn and often standoffish, occasionally erratic in behavior, but fundamentally kind and a very good listener. Her brother would have told you that she can be surprisingly mischievous once she’s opened up to you and very imaginative.
  • Romance: Her only experience with the matter was the prospect of arranged suitors and the occasional romance novel. It couldn’t be further from her priorities at the moment.
  • Role Model: Most likely a result of both their parents’ treatment of them and Ferdinand’s kindness towards her, Bernadette always saw her older brother Ferdinand as perfect and incapable of making mistakes. This idealized image of him has only warped further the more time passes, and even now, she finds herself comparing herself to how she thinks he would act. Incidentally, he was the only person who ever called her “Bunny,” and she would be quite disturbed to hear it from anyone else.
 

MEMENTO

Ferdie is an old black cat who seems to have sustained a great deal of pain over his short life, as he’s missing an eye and large patches of fur. Bernadette is not sure if he’s always been a street cat or if he had an original owner, but they met on the streets after he attempted to steal her food. After being given some of it willingly, he decided to follow her around at a distance, and has been with her ever since. She nicknamed him after the only person who ever seemed to like her, although she’s not sure if Ferdie could actually live up to that.  

ADVANTAGE

Her previous experience being possessed by one allows her to have better instincts for when a Vaesen might be present. When utilized, it can give a bonus to Vigilance.  

EQUIPMENT

Writing Utensils and Paper - Has a journal she writes in occasionally, but tears up any pages afterward. Opera Glasses - An expensive and fancy pair she swiped when fleeing her parents' home. She plans to sell them eventually, but until then, they have a use. Book Collection - A small collection of 3 books she's picked up in various places. They're not her favorites, but they're what she has.

Relationships

Bernadette "Bunny" Engels

Unsure

Towards Lottie Doofner

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Lottie Doofner

Kindly patron

Towards Bernadette "Bunny" Engels

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History

Bernadette was drawn to Munson's swamp immediately upon arriving, and it's no surprise that she also immediately got lost. Lottie rescued her and seems to have taken an interest in her wellbeing, always bringing her food and encouraging her to eat more. Bernadette appreciates her help and the knowledge she has of the area, but is unsure what to think of their relationship.

Bernadette "Bunny" Engels

Acquaintance

Towards Rhoda Pitcher

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Rhoda Pitcher

Acquaintance

Towards Bernadette "Bunny" Engels

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History

Rhoda took an immediate interest in Bernadette upon her arrival in Munson, as it was apparent from her look and behavior that she had stories to tell. Though Bernadette doesn't seem to be opening up anytime soon, she finds Rhoda to be a generally safe and enjoyable presence.

Bernadette "Bunny" Engels

Recipient of unwelcome looks

Towards Cleveland Rogers

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Cleveland Rogers

Harasser

Towards Bernadette "Bunny" Engels

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0

History

Bernadette is terrified of Cleveland. Aside from his unwanted attention causing her no end of anxiety, she can't shake the feeling that he looks at her and... knows something. She would be willing to do all manner of absurd things to avoid an interaction with him and prevent him from learning anything about her.

ATTRIBUTES

Physique: 2
Precision: 4
Logic: 4
Empathy: 5

SKILLS

Agility (+ PHY): 0 + 2
Close combat (+ PHY): 0 + 2
Force (+ PHY): 0 + 2
Medicine (+ PRE): 0 + 4
Ranged combat (+ PRE): 0 + 4
Stealth (+ PRE): 1 + 4
Investigation (+ LOG): 2 + 4
Learning (+ LOG): 1 + 4
Vigilance (+ LOG): 0 + 4
Inspiration (+ EMP): 3* + 5
Manipulation (+ EMP): 1 + 4
Observation (+ EMP): 2 + 4
 

TALENTS

Journalist
Wordsmith
Brave

 

OTHER

Resources: Struggling
Memento: A scruffy cat
Advantage: Vigilance
Spouses
Siblings
Children

BIG FIVE PERSONALITY TYPES

What Are The Big 5 Personality Traits?
High traits are farther to the left whereas low traits are further to the right

 

Extraversion
Agreeableness
Openness
Conscientiousness
Neuroticism

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