Rachel Thompson - Preacher

[TomDan]

 

Rachel Thompson

Archetype: Preacher   PC Anchor:TBD   Drive: I walk with the Lord   NPC Anchor:TBD   Issues:Afraid of conflict       Strength Agility Wits Empathy 2 3 3 5 Close Combat 0 Mobility 2 Scout 1 Medicine 1 Endure 0 Ranged Combat 0 Survival 1 Manipulation 2 Force 0 Stealth 2 Tech 0 Leadership 3 TALENTS HEALTH Preacher, gain +2 to Leadership when trying to sway a group of people. 3. Unharmed   2. Bruised [ ]   1. Battered [ ]   0. Broken [ ]   Critical Injuries             Stress Experience Encumbrance       Weapons Bonus Damage Rounds Range                                         Armour Protection Penalty             "Family isn't just about blood. It's about the connections we forge, the love we share, and the sacrifices we make for one another." In her mid-60s, with vibrant red hair framing a face adorned with wrinkles, each marking a chapter of her life's journey. Her brown eyes brim with warmth and wisdom, reflecting her solid dedication to her beliefs and community.   As she stands with a gentle but confident posture, her resilience and determination shine through, tempered by a sense of grace and humility born from years of serving others. When she speaks, her voice carries a soothing tone that draws people in, conveying both authority and empathy. GEAR ITEM QUALITY SLOTS AMOUNT BONUS                                                                                                                         Stored Items Location                     OTHER ITEMS Bible, guitar, iron cross           Vehicle Maneuverability Damage Hull Armour

DETAILED BACKGROUND

Well, now, Rachel Thompson's story, it's a bit like knitting a patchwork quilt, isn't it? Born into a cozy little family in the heart of the American Midwest, she was, surrounded by love and faith from the get-go. Like a seed planted in fertile soil, she grew up strong and true, with a fiery spirit that could rival even the brightest flame. Rachel, she always had a knack for helping others, you see. From the moment she could walk, she was lending a hand to those in need, whether it was helping a neighbor with their chores or comforting a friend in distress. It's like she had this innate sense of compassion, a deep well of kindness that seemed to flow endlessly from her heart. Now, when it came time for Rachel to spread her wings and find her path in the world, she felt a calling deep within her soul. A calling to ministry, to serve her community in a deeper, more meaningful way. So off she went, to seminary, to learn and grow in her faith, to become the shepherd that her flock so desperately needed. And oh, the places she's been, the lives she's touched along the way. Rachel's journey as a pastor, it's been a bit like navigating a stormy sea, full of highs and lows, twists and turns. But through it all, she's remained steadfast, anchored by her unwavering faith and her deep love for those under her care. Now, as the world around her descends into chaos, Rachel finds herself drawing on that faith more than ever before.

Edited May 6 by TomDan (see edit history)

[Essence]

Faith-oriented characters have always interested me in post-apocalyptic settings, and in most media I never see it really done much justice or explored in depth aside from some novels or popular movie media like The Book of Eli or otherwise. Just based off your background, it sounds like Rachel is just a peach of a lady - living a pretty privileged life and devoting herself to being a figurehead for a higher power. From reading it as well, you'd think that she's the immaculate conception all over again as most everything is pretty positive 🤣 so in a group setting I could see her filling in as an anchor or moral compass for the group itself, if a bit sanctimonious intentionally or not. With her Drive, her belief and strength overall in her faith with God isn't something that would say is a sham or that she tries to use as leverage over other people, getting the impression that she's a true believer, but I'd like to know more about her relationship with Him and how that faith has influenced her life socially? What's her reaction to people who don't believe in what she does? Is she judgmental on them or try to guide and convert others?

Based on some of the virtues displayed in the backstory and her equipment and overall demeanour, I wouldn't be wrong to say that Rachel is Christian, correct? Does she practice and preach within the bounds of a specific protestant denomination, or does she belong to a more 'generalized' universal Christian church? Does she take more fundamentalist views on the infallibility of the bible or is she more of a contextualist, and does that view conflict with the practices and common beliefs of her parishioners / denomination? What were her years in seminary like, and was she tempted by anything during that time majorly or elsewhere in her life that particularly stick out to her? I moreso definitely want to hear more about these highs and lows, twists and turns that you mentioned regarding her journey and transformation as a leader within a church.

What was her initial reaction upon witnessing the reanimated dead, only to assault and begin consuming the living, and how has she survived these initial first few weeks? How does she feel about the fact that the world around her and the existence she lives in is marked and tainted with continuous violence and death? Did her and her congregation go to the Safe Zones? What did happen to her Congregation, and did she bear witness to a few member's eventual death and demise? How does the dead challenge her faith and her belief on the afterlife?

[TomDan]

I think digging into Rachel's backstory and motivations is what really gives her character depth. I It's intriguing to see how her faith shapes her worldview and guides her actions, especially in the midst of all this post-apocalyptic craziness.

To me, Rachel's like this beacon of resilience and compassion, which I find pretty inspiring. Her unwavering commitment to her faith and her cushy upbringing are worlds away from my own experiences. I mean, I've never been the religious type, and I certainly haven't lived a life of luxury, so it's like exploring uncharted territory for me. The exploring of perspectives and diversity is a catalyst for me and a driver when it comes to my RPG experiences.

That's what makes it so cool. I'm super interested to see how Rachel's character develops when her faith gets put to the test, you know? Like, how does she deal with the harsh realities of this messed-up world and still hold onto her beliefs? Or doesn’t she?

It's a journey of growth and self-discovery for both Rachel and me. I don’t have all the answers, and that's ok. I'm just rolling with it, letting Rachel's character evolve naturally as the game unfolds. I can't wait to see how she tackles the challenges ahead, how she deals with doubt and uncertainty, will she come out stronger than ever or will she crumble. Who knows, maybe I'll learn a thing or two about myself along the way.

Rachel's faith isn't just for show; it's a big part of who she is. She's all about understanding and compassion, even with folks who don't share her beliefs. She identifies as Christian, part of a specific Protestant denomination, but she's pretty open-minded about it all. She's not one to preach fire and brimstone; she's more about love and forgiveness. At least up until now…

Her time in seminary was a wild ride, full of doubt, temptation, and self-discovery. But she came out of it with a deeper understanding of herself and her faith. It could be easy to add some dark issues here, but with Rachel I want to go another way. The life on Easy Street way. I find it intriguing to explore her naivete in contrast to the grim setting and where it will take her. What the world does to people from all walks of life.

When Rachel first saw those reanimated dead, you can bet she was freaked out. But her faith gave her the strength to keep going, to survive in this messed-up world. She leaned on her beliefs and her community to get through the tough times, in the beginning finding refuge in Safe Zones when things got too hairy. But I guess those Safe Zones are no more?

Watching members of her congregation bite the dust was tough, though. She saw friends and loved ones taken out by those things, and it hit her hard. But she didn't give up. She held onto her faith, found solace in prayer, and kept on fighting. It's a reminder that even in the darkest times, there's still hope. It’s possible she sees this a challenge. She will probably try to explain all events from a “it was meant to be” perspective orchestrated from the Lord above with a purpose higher than all of us.

I hope you see where I want to go with Rachel and that it is a compelling character arc. :-)