Originally, Nessa was apprenticed to become a badger mother, protecting and caring for the youth in Redwall Abbey. She constantly chafed against the more matronly side of her role, and found herself drawn to watch the training exercises of the Long Patrol nearby. Nessa desperately wanted to be a warrior. Despite her mentor, the current badger mother of Redwall, telling Nessa one must be fierce and brave to protect Dibbuns in their care, the young apprentice couldn't help but feel her path was different.

Nessa became friends with a young hare trainee, Abigail, and the two snuck off often to spar. One night, while they were practicing in secret, the pair discovered a group of armed rats trying to sneak into the Abbey. With only their broomsticks, the apprentices beat back the rats and raised the alarm. Rushing to their aid, members of the Long Patrol were stunned to find the young badger and hare surrounded by groaning and unconscious would-be intruders. The patrol leader was so impressed with Nessa's skill he offered to train her personally. Eventually, Nessa would go on to travel and train under all manner of creatures to become a fearsome warrior, even by badger standards.

Nessa is stalwart, honorable, and true, just as a badger should be (or so she always asserts). She travels often, lending her strength to those who need it most.