Vernal/History

Background
Approximately ten years prior to the events of RWBY, Vernal inherited the power of the Spring Maiden, either by being the last person in the thoughts of the previous Maiden, or otherwise through a random selection, if the last person the previous host thought of was ineligible for the title. However, Vernal's initial determination quickly waned into ineptitude to handle the responsibility, running away and going missing ever since. At some point afterward, she encountered and joined Raven Branwen's bandit tribe.

Raids in Anima
Vernal exits a tent after hearing the captive Weiss Schnee. She holds Weiss' weapon and relishes conversation as she says the tribe will traffic Weiss back to her home in Atlas. When Weiss says her sister Winter Schnee will find and save her, Vernal informs her of General Ironwood recalling his forces, saying nobody will save her.

Later on, she joins the rest of the tribe as Yang Xiao Long enters the camp to confront her mother Raven. She uses her powers to create a lightning strike to prevent a fight breaking out between the bandits, Yang and a freed Weiss. She follows Raven's instruction to return Weiss' weapon. In Raven’s tent, Vernal pours tea for her and her guests and stands guard outside. She later points her weapon at Yang when the latter loses her temper, and then beckons her and Weiss to follow Raven and witness her shapeshifting ability.


 * Episodes Covering These Events
 * "Unforeseen Complications"
 * "Lighting the Fire"

Attack on Haven
Sometime after Yang and Weiss’ departure, Vernal finds four of Salem’s followers arriving at their camp: Cinder Fall, Arthur Watts, Mercury Black and Emerald Sustrai. She informs Raven and later demonstrates her Maiden powers to the group. Ultimately, the meeting ends with Cinder promising Raven the death of her brother Qrow in exchange for having Vernal open the chamber to the Relic of Knowledge. After Salem’s followers leave, Vernal follows then by Raven’s request and finds that the group is staying on a ship west to the camp. When the bandit leader reveals her plans to take the Relic for the tribe, the Maiden promises to do whatever it takes to ensure the survival of their people. Vernal then watches as Raven shapeshifts into a bird and heads for Mistral.

Vernal then travels to Haven and follows Cinder as she leads the ambush on Qrow Branwen and the Beacon students. Following Raven’s orders, she battles Weiss and mocks her for only being a family name. Throughout the fight, Vernal has the upper hand, successfully prevents Weiss from summoning her Arma Gigas, and fully depletes her Aura.


 * Episodes Covering These Events
 * "A Perfect Storm"
 * "The More the Merrier"