GRUBWORT MUDDLEFOOT
FeySwamp Guide and Troubleshooter
"I don't like you. I don't like anyone. But the swamp needs help, and you're the only fools stupid enough to offer. So... fine. I'll guide you. But I'm going to complain the whole way.""
Identity
- Residence
- The Mire of Misery, a swamp that devours the unwary
- Civilization
- Fey
Appearance
• Physical: A short, squat fey covered in muck and moss, with oversized feet perfect for walking on swamp mud. His skin is the green-brown of stagnant water, and he smells of rotting vegetation. He has gills on his neck for breathing underwater. • Clothing: He wears clothes made from lily pads and cattails, with a hat woven from swamp grass. • Distinguishing Marks: His eyes glow with foxfire, and he leaves muddy footprints even on dry ground.
Relationships
- Family - The swamp creatures, which he considers his children
- Allies - A mortal hermit who lives on the swamp's edge
- Rivals - A group of developers who want to drain the swamp
Personality
- Traits: Grumpy, surprisingly helpful beneath the complaints, deeply protective of his swamp, terrified of dryness
- Mannerisms: Complains constantly, spits when annoyed, collects swamp creatures
- Voice: Gurgles slightly, with a thick accent that's hard to understand
Backstory
Grubwort was born from the first mud ever squelched, and he's been living in swamps ever since. He's guided countless travelers through the Mire of Misery, saved hundreds from drowning, and complained about every single one. He loves his swamp more than anything, even if he'll never admit it.
Daily Life
He spends his days guiding travelers through the swamp, his nights tending to the swamp's needs, and his rare free moments complaining to anyone who'll listen. He hasn't left the swamp in three centuries. He eats whatever he can catch, which is mostly frogs.
Story Hooks
- 1 The swamp is dying, and he needs help finding out why and stopping it
- 2 Someone important is lost in the swamp, and he's the only one who can find them—but he'll need convincing to help
Narrative Value
Grumpy guide NPC, quest giver, source of swamp knowledge, example of fey who love unpleasant places ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════