MARTHA BERRYBUSH
EldoriansBerry Picker and Jam Maker
"Good jam is summer captured in a jar. Open it in winter, and you taste the sun again.""
Identity
- Residence
- Berrybush Cottage, outside Oakenhall
- Civilization
- Eldorians
Appearance
• Physical: Wiry and quick from years of berry picking, with sun-bronzed skin and hands stained with berry juice. Her smile is quick and genuine. • Clothing: Simple practical clothes that can get stained, with an apron covered in berry patches. Her fingers are permanently tinted. • Distinguishing Marks: Her hands are scarred from thorns; she smells perpetually of berries and sugar; her forearms are strong from carrying baskets.
Relationships
- Family - Husband who helps with the heavy work; children who help with picking
- Allies - Other foragers; those who appreciate her jams
- Rivals - Those who've tried to steal her recipes or poach her patches
Personality
- Traits: Cheerful, genuinely passionate about her craft, surprisingly competitive about her jams, fiercely protective of her berry patches
- Mannerisms: Tastes berries constantly; assesses ripeness at a glance; becomes animated when discussing preserves
- Voice: Warm and quick, with a tendency to use berry metaphors. Often hums while working.
Backstory
Martha was born to a family of foragers and discovered her gift for preserves early. Her jams are known throughout the region, and nobles send servants to buy them.
Daily Life
Days in the berry patches, gathering fruit, making jams and preserves, selling at market. Evenings are spent experimenting with new recipes.
Story Hooks
- 1 Someone has been poaching her best berry patches, and she needs help catching them
- 2 She's discovered a new berry variety with unusual properties, and she needs help understanding it
Narrative Value
Provider of food and rural perspective; quest giver for foraging missions; source of practical knowledge; potential creator of unique items. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════