Will Scarlett

Will Scarlett, b. 16th January YE 858, is the outlawed leader of a rebellion against King John II and his regime. He uses a campaign of bombings, raids and propaganda to highlight the starvation and lack of resources in Nottingham’s Outer Circle. Charming and charismatic, he is a natural leader who inspires loyalty and is ruthless in pursuit of his goals, though there is growing opposition to his leadership.

Early Life

Will is a twin born in the Marcdom of Holderness, in the north of East Mercia, nine minutes after his sister Kate. His mother, Lily, was an educator; his father, Hugh (nee Cavendish), was an engineer, and the family enjoyed a comfortable life in the coastal town of Helmsley. 

In YE 867 Lily adopted one year old Alana Dale at the request of Will’s paternal aunt, Violet, a Cyntha, who visited often to help with raising a Hycathic child. 

As a child, Will was a champion competitive swimmer, but had to drop out after his father was killed in an industrial accident in YE 868. Lily was forced to take on multiple jobs to support her three young children and, although only aged ten, Will also began working, taking a job as a farm hand after school and on weekends to help out. 

In YE 871, Lily was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Being the main source of income for the family, she continued to work which likely accelerated her illness. With limited state medical services, and unable to afford medication, Lily died on 23rd February YE 874, four days before her 41st birthday. Will was with her when she died.

The children went to live with their aunt Audrey, in Nottingham. But she neglected Alana due to her being a Hycatha – something Audrey had rejected in herself. Will became very protective of Alana as a result and, after a furious row, moved his sisters out of their aunt’s house in late YE 874. However, Kate resented their new life and returned to live with Audrey, leaving Will to provide and care for Alana alone.

Career

Will took jobs as a farm hand and labourer, and started an engineering apprenticeship at the Derwent Industrial Complex in the summer of YE 875, but with money extremely tight, he began stealing to supplement his income. He was arrested several times, sentenced each time to two rounds in the Pits, where he became something of a crowd favourite. However, as a result, he lost his apprenticeship.

Will became angry at the increasing divide he saw as plans for the Wall were announced. He joined anti-wall protests, venting his anger in speeches and building a reputation as a powerful speaker who could inspire others. Joining the rebellion was a natural progression.