Snakebite
The Crow Family History
The Crow family are first mentioned in the Domesday book (1086), as residents of Canterbury Cathedral. Of course, tracing families back a thousand years is an obscure business, but there is mention of a scholar – clergyman of that time, and there are fragmented works of Latin stored still within that place of worship attributed to him, Seprens ad Regnum Diablo (The Serpent Kingdom of the Devil). It is believed that Edwald Crowe, the gentleman in question, was quite mad.
As we progress through the centuries, the family are mentioned in obscure references throughout the South of England and London, but with references too in Scotland and France. There appears to be at least a hint of Celtic lineage to the family, and red hair is a frequent reference.
By the 17th Century, there is more firm evidence of the Crow Family, who now appeared to have started a Mercantile Business in silks and was doing well. Interwoven with this wealth were two important threads. Firstly, the Crow family had a reputation for witchcraft that stretched back to Edwald, and secondly, they were known as scholars as well as businessmen.
Winchester Crow was a particularly notorious member of the family. He was apparently a lunatic, and committed to Bedlam hospital were he created a number of disturbing artworks now stored away from all eyes. Winchester was eventually released, and perhaps due to bribery from the wealthy family. Whilst recovering in a family estate, he apparently murdered the butler with a steak knife and proclaimed himself the Snake King and that his murderous action was a sacrifice to a Roman Snake God. This did not go down well, and despite protestations of lunacy, he was hung from the neck until dead.
In the 20th Century, the Crow family were essentially a matriarchy and campaigned vehemently for women’s rights. Vera Crow, who is now approaching ninety, was particularly vital in this area (as was her mother, Violet Crow, who was in the sufferage movement). By this time, the Crow family refused to change name upon marriage, and the children took their mothers name. This tradition actually intermittently appeared during the preceding centuries, but it was associated with witchcraft and sorcery and less potent in its application.
Lemurian Heritage
Unbeknownst to all but a few, and not understood well even then, the Crow family have Lemurian heritage. Whilst science can detect no significant abnormality in the genome, bar a few minor unknowns, the trait is still their and eldritch rather than genetic in nature (presumably – this is not clear!). The Crow family seem to have some natural affinity with snakes and a remarkably lithe, flexible body shape. More pertinent is the intermittent and variable levels of sorcery in the family. Many have some kind of second sight, able to see things in the past or future or from other dimensions. A rare fewer appear to have actually been witches, warlocks, or something of that ilk.
Madness, of some form or another seems to pop up remarkably often in the family, although hand in hand with inspiration, genius, and creativity.
Cassandra Crow
Cassandra has always had a “second sight”, able to see what has happened in the past. Combined with her family traditions and wealth, and own clever aptitudes, this has made her a very successful historian, explorer, and archaeologist.
After exploring Aztec ruins, Cassandra was infected with an ancient Lemurian poison and her latent serpentine qualities become more pronounced. Her senses, physical strength and reflexes are now improved, she is able to speak to snakes, and has that lithe, flexible body of a snake.
By way of her family connections, and own success both material and academic, she is now honorary curator of the British Museum, and has filled its vaults and displays with antiquities, particularly from South America. This has made her respected and valued by the Museum – she is a skilled historian but she also keeps their displays filled with new acquisitions, for no charge. Understandably, this lead to them creating a specific new role (honorary curator) for her. When in England (or more specifically, London), she is often found in the Museum. However, she is at heart an explorer, and won’t stay there long!
Adventuring!
Snakebite travels the world unearthing old antiquities, cults, witchcraft, and various Elditch or mundane threats. She operates in that field just inbetween normal human and superhuman - her powers are actually few but she has peak physical performance and plenty of skills.
Fighting wise she is a brawler using her physical strengths rather than a lot of training. She is handy with her whip, and carries a dart gun (it does not do to shoot people with real bullets in most areas!) when she fights. Whilst she is an academic and starts out as an investigator, explorer, and adventurer in principle, she is bold and feisty, and won't shy away from a brawl!
