HISTORY: Born just before the depression, she grew up in those hard times. As she reached her teenage years, rumours of war in Europe grew. At sixteen, war was declared with Germany and Japan and she tried to leave school to work for the war effort. That desire continued as the years passed and upon reaching the age of 18 she moved with several girlfriends to West Virginia to work in one of the munitions factory. She'd passed the six month probation period when due to an accidental explosion caused by one of her co-workers, she was mortally injured.
The remains of the factory hid her wounded body from the initial rescue efforts as she had left the floor without signing out. Her name is among those missing and presumed dead. Today, a placard marks the location of the factory and names those that died on that day for the war effort.
Unbeknownest to rescue workers she was taken by one of the immortals, one of the undead (later discovered to be Maximilian von Wuttemberg). She barely survived the changing and had, in the ensuing years, had difficulty adapting to this life.
Word had spread throughout the wild backwoods lands of West Virginia and Kentucky of a strange creature that survived off the blood of vagrants and animals.
As the years passed she met a stranger, Charles, and with his tutelage, she became more confident, more accepting of the life she was living. Never losing the love of her home in the Smokies, she settled down in a quiet life, taking what she needed and no more. As Charles had taught her, never draw attention to yourself.
After a time, they traveled, meeting Susannah and Elisha. Later , after traveling to Paris, London and around Europe, they planned a reunion with Susannah and Elisha at the Empire State building in NYC.
Family
FamilyMother: Betty Ann Shaw (deceased)
Father: James Merritt(deceased)
Siblings: AnnMarie (deceased), Michael (deceased), William (deceased), Benjamin (74yoa)PartnerArnaud MichelLover (s)Delphine Tegan
Residences
Current Residence Mitchell, Oregon BirthplacePennsylvania
Additional notes
Notes from play Working with the League she is on secondment to Pandora's Box Investigation
Residences
Current Residence Mitchell, Oregon Birthplace Pennsylvania
Additional notes
Notes from play Working with the League she is on secondment to Pandora's Box Investigation
Alias: Belle Nickname: Cheri Date of Birth: October 10, 1925 Age at Death/Rebirth: 18 Current Age: 99 Gender: Female Children: None Companions/Spouse/Soulmate: None Occupation: Investigator with Pandora's Box Investigation
Physical Appearance
Height: 5'2" Build: Petite and slender Hair: Long, wavy blond hair that falls to her shoulders, often loosely tied back. Eyes: Bright blue, with a hint of wisdom and melancholy in them. Skin Tone: Pale, almost porcelain-like, a remnant of her transition into vampirism. Attire: Annabel has a unique style that blends retro and modern aesthetics. She often wears vintage-inspired dresses with lace accents, paired with modern leather jackets for a contemporary twist. Her outfits reflect her longing for the past but also her adaptation to the present.
Personality Traits
Friendly: Annabel is warm and approachable, always eager to make connections with others. Easy-going: She has a laid-back demeanor, often going with the flow rather than forcing situations. Curious: After decades of navigating the world, she possesses a deep-seated curiosity about humanity, art, and her supernatural abilities. Resilient: Her experiences have instilled a sense of strength; she faces challenges head-on despite her traumatic past. Nostalgic: Annabel often reminisces about her life before her rebirth, which shapes her perspectives and decisions.
Magical Abilities
As a vampire, Annabel possessed limited abilities typical of vampires, which include enhanced physical capabilities—strength, speed, and heightened senses. However, following her involvement with the League of the Night Guardians and the removal of her vampire aspect, she retains enhanced human agility, reflexes, and longevity without the traditional thirst for blood.
Background
Annabel was born into a modest family in Pennsylvania, embracing a childhood marked by both hardships and love. The Great Depression shaped her values of hard work and community. As war broke out in Europe, she felt a strong desire to contribute, which led her to work in a munitions factory in West Virginia.
Her life took a tragic turn at the age of 18, when an explosion claimed her mortal life. Unbeknownst to her family and friends, she was spirited away by an immortal named Maximilian von Wuttemberg, who transformed her into a vampire. With survival became a constant battle, and Annabel struggled to adapt to her new reality.
Over the decades, she learned to navigate the shadows, guided by Charles, her mentor. Their adventures took them through Europe, forming a bond with Susannah and Elisha, but time and separations took their toll. Captured and subjected to experimentation in a facility dedicated to torturing supernatural beings, Annabel found herself fighting for her freedom alongside three others, ultimately escaping with them.
After regaining her autonomy, she partnered with the League of Night Guardians, where she was stripped of her vampiric nature but retained enhanced abilities. Now based in Mitchell, Oregon, she works closely with Pandora's Box Investigation, drawing upon her knowledge of the supernatural to help solve supernatural-related cases.
Family
Mother: Betty Ann Shaw (deceased) Father: James Merritt (deceased) Siblings: AnnMarie (deceased), Michael (deceased), William (deceased), Benjamin (89, currently living) Partner: Arnaud Michel (romantic interest, not deeply committed) Lovers: Delphine, Tegan (relationships that brought her fleeting joy in a tumultuous existence)
Current Life
Today, Annabel leads a complex life intertwined with the mysteries of the supernatural while trying to reconcile her historical past with present realities. She often reflects on her lost family and the friendships that shaped her, while also navigating the dangers that accompany her heightened abilities. As an investigator, she remains committed to uncovering truths and protecting both the human and supernatural worlds from impending threats, her journey driven by the hope of understanding her place in them.
Character: Annabel Marie Merritt, known simply as Annabel (or Belle), was born on October 10, 1925, in a small town in Pennsylvania. With her petite frame, pale skin, and striking blond hair, she stood out even in a bustling crowd. Annabel was raised during the Great Depression, which shaped her personality into one that was friendly and easygoing, yet marked by the very real hardships of her childhood. Despite the struggles around her, she clung to a sense of hope and camaraderie, often helping others in her community, whether by sharing food or lending a sympathetic ear.
Motivation and Goals: From a young age, Annabel was deeply motivated by a sense of purpose and the desire to contribute positively to the world around her. When World War II broke out, her innate desire to help others intensified. She wanted desperately to support the war effort, embodying the spirit of those who rose up to fight for what was right. Following her move to West Virginia to work in a munitions factory, Annabel envisioned her efforts as meaningful contributions to the fight against tyranny. However, her journey took a drastic turn when an explosion ended her life and set her on a path she never anticipated.
Significant Events: The accident at the munitions factory marked the beginning of Annabel’s transformation. After her transition to vampirehood under Maximilian von Wuttemberg—who found her just as rescue efforts began—she faced the harrowing challenge of adjusting to a new and dark existence. As the world around her evolved from wartime to the post-war era, Annabel struggled internally between her remaining humanity and her new, supernatural nature.
Her relationship with Charles was pivotal; he became both a mentor and confidant, teaching her to navigate her new life. Together, they traveled through Europe, where she formed lasting friendships with Susannah and Elisha. These connections sustained her spirit, giving her a sense of family she had lost.
The significant event of being captured and experimented on by a shadowy organization called "The Corporation", marked a turning point in her story. Stripped of her vampiric abilities but retaining enhanced human capabilities, Annabel became both a survivor and a warrior. Her experience in the lab not only changed her physically but also deepened her resolve to fight against those who sought to harm those like her.
Relationships: Annabel's relationships throughout her life have been both challenging and transformative. Her bond with her family was fractured by loss—her parents and siblings succumbed to the harsh realities of life, leaving her feeling increasingly isolated. Yet, she found solace in her relationships with supernatural beings, learning the importance of companionship and community through her friendships with Charles, Susannah, and Elisha.
Her encounters in the past (time travel), with Alyx and Max provided a sense of belonging amidst the chaos of her new existence (and later the knowledge that Max was actually the vampire who embraced her when she was 18), while her captors in the lab pushed her to find deeper connections with the other escapees, fostering a sense of solidarity amongst the survivors. Annabel's reunion with her friends was a long-awaited hope that sustained her through the darkest times.
Growth and Change: Annabel's character arc is characterized by profound growth. She evolves from a naive girl desperate to contribute to a war effort into a resilient individual who embraces her complexities, both human and supernatural. Charles' guidance instilled a sense of self-control, allowing her to balance her instincts as a vampire with her longing for a normal life.
The torment of her time in the laboratory became a crucible, forcing Annabel to confront her fear of her identity and grapple with her new reality. She emerged as a stronger, more empowered version of herself, determined to protect those she cared for. Her work with the League of Night Guardians and her assignment to Pandora's Box Investigation reflects her desire to channel her abilities for justice and protect the innocent.
In the quiet town of Mitchell, Oregon, Annabel lives now as an embodiment of hope and resilience, constantly seeking to challenge the darkness that lurks in the world, aware of the light she must kindle within herself and others. Activities in Chicago will soon draw her to the mystery which awaits her....and others she loves.