Violet Cutter
The Dowager Violet Cutter is part of British nobility and a retired egyptologist, having found her way to the Crossing after life in England became unbearable.
History
Early Life
Born into privilege, Violet enjoyed the opportunities of pursuing her own desires early on in life. Leading to a career in archaeology, which later developed into a love for egyptology. Married to Lord Alastair Cutter, both her and her husband led lives apart from each other for prolonged periods of time. Him being on campaigns and battles, her on expeditions and excavations. A life of understanding and granting freedom - a life that invited plenty of rumors of infidelity, failed marriage and lack of representation. That no heir was born yet, nor on its way, led only to further criticism of their bond. Her and her husband's views often target for more conservative parts of the nobility to dig into. After her latest expedition ended in desaster, her being trapped for months on end, having to resort to dire steps to stave of starvation and ensure survival, a battered and bruised Violet returned home to England only to learn about her husband's passing weeks after he had fallen in battle.
With the death of Lord Cutter Violet failed to uphold social standing and eventually crumbled under the combined weight of public shame, further slander and attempts of others to seize her fortune. Rumors of cannibalism and ancient curses she collected on her expeditions sealed her fate of isolation. Ridiculed and reviled by society, successful target or unfortunate victim of a smear campaign, the Dowager left England for the Crossing. Far away from the hurdles of her past life.
Events in Saint's Crossing
The Dowager settled for the West shortly after her arrival to the Crossing, quickly being reminded of the similarities to the sands of Egypt she came to love so much. Leading a life of self imposed exile and isolation out in the hot, arid deserts of New Austin. Choosing to simply go by 'Mrs. Cutter' instead of any titles, she became known as 'That Lady from the Mines' due to her fervent excavations in and around Gaptooth for days on end. Some speculating she had lost her mind. The presence around Gaptooth led to multiple business deals with known and lesser known individuals of the West and beyond, coming from all walks of life. Some are rumored to last up to today.
Around the end of September 1902 the Dowager was shot in the leg in Armadillo, leading to a long road of recovery and the required aid of a cane. An incident that brought her out to Valentine, staying at and with the Bathhouse. A place where connections with the Church were established more and more.
Character
Personality
Disciplined, organized and calculating. With a mask of kind demeanor, Lady Cutter navigates the social and political landscapes of the Crossing. One careful step with her cane after the other. Having been humbled by her previous life, her time in the Crossing reignited a burning desire to create a lasting legacy.
The furnace hungers for fuel.
Appearance
Gaunt, scarred and disfigured. Withered and wizened from decades under the merciless sun of Egypt. Most commonly seen in a half mourning dress. Permanently sneering after her last expedition turned nightmare - ruining the left side of her face substantially. Bound to a black lacquered cane fashioned with a golden eagle head she hardly ever lets go off, the black, white and purple silhouette of the Dowager slowly hobbles along.
Relationships
Chief among the most valued relationships is a recent partnership with Father McCarthy, born out of the simple gesture to help Lady Cutter to the best of his abilities while she recovered from her leg injury. Since then both have started to work closer together, nurturing their relation with mutual respect, shared goals and reason being placed before emotions.
Ties with the Bathhouse in Valentine grew stronger and stronger during the last months of 1902, while first contact was established earlier the same year. Lately Lady Cutter has offered counsel, guidance and care for their injured.
Her roots are never forgotten, these being intrinsically intertwined with the West. More specifically with those that frequent Fort Mercer in late 1902, the Frays. The passing of Josie Adders moved Lady Cutter closer and closer to parts of her former gang, specifically Castor Fray and his own outfit.
Trivia
- Dislikes to remove her gloves.
- Is known to collect and trade gems.
- Lived in Germany for over a decade, speaks fluent German.
- Developed an interest for new technologies and industry while abroad.
- Gave parts of her estate to the British Army, the only remaining organization in England she still keeps cordial ties with.