Elderbranch Mulderbark
Elderbranch Mulderbark Thymelor Rootweave (a.k.a. Verdant Flame)
Elderbranch Mulderbark is the Firbolg leader of Applemill, a serene, forested district in the northern reaches of Lustrum Metropolis. Once the revered guildmaster of the Order of the Wild Kitchen, Mulderbark is now the voice of the Firbolg on the Lustrum Council. Renowned for his deep wisdom, culinary magic, and unwavering devotion to nature, he lives in quiet harmony among his people, guiding Applemill with patience and purpose. His dishes, said to heal both body and spirit, are as legendary as the enchanted forest he protects. A gentle giant of few words and many meanings, Elderbranch represents the balance of tradition and progress, forever walking the line between rustic seclusion and civic responsibility.
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Robust, flexible, and weathered like an old oak
Body Features
Wide shoulders, vine-like scars that spiral up his arms, hands always slightly stained from herbs
Facial Features
Round, peaceful face with gentle lines and a thick mossy beard
Identifying Characteristics
A glowing green sigil on his wrist that pulses with ley energy when near sacred sites
Physical quirks
Occasionally trails sprigs of clover or ivy when walking, unaware of them sprouting from his cloak
Special abilities
Can infuse meals with restorative enchantments
Commune with forest spirits to predict seasonal shifts
Can summon minor fey creatures as kitchen aides
Apparel & Accessories
Robes of woven leaves and barkcloth, enchanted to shift hues with the seasons
A moss-crowned circlet that marks his status in the Circle of Verdant Harmony
Specialized Equipment
The Pan of Offering: A druid-forged skillet that imbues meals with healing or calming effects
Spoon of the Seelie Flame: A utensil that reveals magical corruption in food or drink
Satchel of the Living Herb: A pouch that keeps foraged ingredients alive and thriving for weeks
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Raised by a circle of druids and herbalists, Mulderbark showed early promise in combining culinary craft with magic. After leading the Order of the Wild Kitchen for decades, he became the natural choice to represent the Firbolg on the Lustrum Council.
Education
Taught by Firbolg elders and fey spirits; also studied herbology under the Circle of Verdant Harmony
Employment
Former Guildmaster of the Order of the Wild Kitchen; current Lustrum Council Member and District Leader
Accomplishments & Achievements
Reformed magical culinary practices to support sustainable harvesting
Brokered the peaceful integration of Applemill into Lustrum
Authored the tome Roots of Power: Cooking with the Forest’s Heart
Failures & Embarrassments
His early attempts to urbanize parts of Applemill nearly disrupted the rootbound ley lines, a mistake he continues to atone for
Mental Trauma
Holds a deep sorrow for losing his partner to a blight beast that once infected the Forbidden Forest
Intellectual Characteristics
Deeply intuitive, slow to speak but always thoughtful
Remarkable memory for tastes, aromas, and ancient recipes
Morality & Philosophy
Harmony above dominance; nurture over conquest
Believes food is a sacred act of communion with life itself
Taboos
Wastefulness of food or nature
Disrespecting elder wisdom
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
To preserve the spiritual and ecological legacy of Applemill and ensure that future generations understand the sacredness of sustenance and stewardship
Savvies & Ineptitudes
Excellent herbalist, chef, and spiritual mediator
Poor with technology or mechanized tools; finds artificers noisy
Likes & Dislikes
Likes: Old recipes, forest silence, herbal tea, laughter around a shared fire
Dislikes: Loud machinery, wastefulness, forced diplomacy
Virtues & Personality perks
Patient, generous, nurturing, wise
Vices & Personality flaws
Overly cautious, sometimes avoids confrontation, mournfully nostalgic
Personality Quirks
Always smells slightly of rosemary and peat; often hums ancient lullabies to himself
Hygiene
prefers bathing in forest streams with flower-infused waters
Representation & Legacy
Seen as the embodiment of Firbolg values in Lustrum
His legacy is being shaped through the continued use of his enchanted recipes and teachings in both kitchens and council chambers
Social
Reign
Representing Applemill on the Council since 837
Contacts & Relations
Circle of Verdant Harmony (Core Member)
Order of the Wild Kitchen (Former Headmaster)
Fellow council members of Lustrum
Family Ties
Has two adult children, Bramblea and Thimlick, both herbalists; widower to his mate, Cindella Greenflow
Religious Views
Devotee of Melora, the Wild Mother (Nature, Life domains)
Social Aptitude
Gentle conversationalist; prefers indirect guidance to confrontation
Mannerisms
Bowing head when listening; taps fingers rhythmically when in deep thought
Hobbies & Pets
Cooking, brewing potions, carving kitchen totems, teaching young Firbolg forestcraft
Speech
Deep and slow voice, often peppered with metaphor and nature imagery; prefers storytelling and parables to direct commands
Wealth & Financial state
Modest personal wealth; Applemill’s resources are communal
Current Status
To preserve the balance between nature and urban growth in Lustrum while guiding Applemill toward deeper integration with the city without sacrificing its harmony.
Current Location
Species
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Elderbranch, Keeper of the Verdant Flame, Council Chef
Age
312
Date of Birth
17th Verdantia 569
Birthplace
Hidden glade deep in an area known as the Shrouded Grove
Children
Current Residence
A high-canopy dwelling in the Elderwood Quarter, woven into the boughs of an ancient yew tree
Sex
Male
Eyes
Pale green, like dew on spring leaves
Hair
Long, flowing, and pale silvery-green like willow fronds
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Mottled bark-brown with mossy patches along the arms and shoulders
Height
7'6"
Weight
285 lbs
Quotes & Catchphrases
“The forest speaks in flavors, child.”
“Nourish the land, and it will feed your soul.”
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