BARNABUS "BARNACLE" GREENTHUMB
Islanders of Shimmering IslesKelp Farmer and Sea Vegetable Merchant
"Most folk look at the sea and see fish and pearls. I look and see gardens waiting to be tended.""
Identity
- Residence
- The Kelp Beds, Outer Reef
- Civilization
- Islanders of Shimmering Isles
Appearance
• Physical: Short and stocky with bowed legs from years of wading in shallow water. His skin is permanently wrinkled from constant moisture, his white hair sparse. His hands are enormous and rough. • Clothing: Wears waterproof waders and a wide-brimmed hat with kelp fronds tucked into the band. Always carries a harvesting knife and a sack for gathering. • Distinguishing Marks: Missing his left pinky (shark bite); permanently smells of seaweed; a tattoo of kelp fronds around his wrists
Relationships
- Family - His wife manages the drying operation; his children have all left for "better" work
- Allies - Other kelp farmers, Talia the sea priestess (who uses his crop for healing), a few chefs who appreciate quality ingredients
- Rivals - The Kelp Consortium that wants to buy his beds, poachers who steal from his lines, developers who want to build on his traditional grounds
Personality
- Traits: Quiet and observant, deeply knowledgeable about marine plants, suspicious of strangers, fiercely protective of his kelp beds
- Mannerisms: Chews on kelp constantly; talks to his plants; becomes animated only when discussing aquaculture
- Voice: Soft and raspy, with long pauses between sentences
Backstory
Barnabus was born on a kelp farm and has never known another life. He inherited his beds from his father, who inherited them from his father before him. While others dismiss kelp farming as peasant work, Barnabus knows his crop feeds half the Isles and provides ingredients for medicines, dyes, and trade goods.
Daily Life
Barnabus rises before dawn to check his kelp lines, spending hours wading through the beds, harvesting, replanting, and checking for pests. Afternoons are spent drying and processing his crop. Evenings bring him to the market to sell his goods, though he prefers the company of his kelp to people.
Story Hooks
- 1 Barnabus needs help defending his kelp beds from a mysterious blight that seems almost magical in nature
Narrative Value
Barnabus provides information about marine plants, access to rare kelp-based items, and quests involving environmental threats and agricultural mysteries; serves as a source of humble wisdom. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════