Bud Highgarden

Blossom Highgarden (Older Sister-Deceased)

**Bud Highgarden** is the kind and wise old chief of the Earth Nymph tribe, and the father Bloom Highgarden.

## Background

Bud was born during the last few years of the war between the monsters and mewmans. Because his older brother's defection from the tribe, and his sister's untimely death, he was next in line to become the chief. While his brother had imposed a self imposed banishment on himself, he would still go out and visit him at the edge of the borders. They talked, and he'd pass on advice about how to lead the tribe and just life in general.

After his brother was taken in by the Commission and his father passed, he officially became chief. He led with a kind and wise hand, protecting the tribe and the Great Tree with his immense power. He also survived far longer than any Earth Nymph before him, living through countless generations. However he never seemed interested in choosing an heir, something that worried the rest of the tribe as he grew older.

Eventually he finally chose a bud to raise, and it sprouted into his daughter Bloom. He spends his days encouraging and doing his best to guide her to take over as the next leader of the tribe, knowing he has little time left.

## Personality

Bud is a wise and very jovial person. For a leader he is incredibly laid back, but is always willing to lend a helping hand and open ear to anyone in need of it. He is very encouraging towards the younger generation, and is of the mindset that change is inevitable. He's willing to let certain things and traditions be bent provided things don't get too out of control. He is very intent on fulfilling his duty as chief, and will protect both the Great Tree and the tribe at all cost. While he will never harm anyone, he is more than strong enough to restrain or capture most would be enemies.

Because of his long life, he is sought out for advice by many, even people outside of the tribe. He's usually willing to offer advice to anyone who seeks it. He enjoys spending time with the little ones of the tribe, and is sort of a grandfatherly figure to most of them. He is also very well respected by the other tribe leaders and royals. It was through his relationships with them that the Earth Nymphs were able to open up trading with the others tribes and kingdoms, and the surrounding ones will go out of their way to protect them. He wants to make the most of his time with his daughter since he knows he has little time left.

## Appearance

Bud is a short elderly old nymph. He has green skin, a green beard and mustache, and a bald head. He wears green leaves around his body as a shirt, a green leaf cloak with a white furry collar, and wooden shoes made out of tree roots. He is always carrying his walking staff with him.

## Relationships

### Bloom

He's very close with his daughter, and is always there to give her advice. He teaches her everything she needs to know about leading the tribe, and also allows her to make decisions on her own. He knows she's eager to explore places outside of the tribe since there will be little time for it when she becomes the next chief, and is willing to let her go out and take everything in. He is very confidant and proud of her, and will tell her as much every chance he gets.

### Branch

He was fairly close with his brother, and would sneak to the edge of the border to talk with him. Branch was very protective of him since he lost their sister. He saw him as a mentor and often went to him for advice and training on how to use his powers. When he was captured he was upset, but never said much about it for the sake of maintaining neutrality.

### Slick

While he does admit that the boy can be a bit reckless and irresponsible, he can tell that he is a good person. He can also see that he genuinely cares for Bloom. He will offer sagely advice towards the boy, and shockingly Slick will usually take it. He seems to hold a rare and healthy respect towards the old nymph, and Bud likewise appreciates Slick going out of his way to help around and protect the tribe.

### Typhon

He knew Typhon as a boy, though he didn't see him that often. He was well aware that he was sealed away, but wanted to keep his neutrality in the matter and said nothing about it. He's glad that Typhon has taken a more peaceful approach to leading. The king still treats him like a kid when he sees him, which gets a chuckle out of Bloom and the other nymph.

### Kitsune

He was very close friends with Kitsune as kids, and was heartbroken when he found out he was taken by the Commission. He never found out what happened to him, and even though it's against their way he holds a bit of resentment towards the Commission for taking him and his brother.

## Powers and Abilities

### **Abilities**

**Plant Manipulation**: As an Earth Nymph, Bud has a stronger than average connection with plants and can grow and manipulate them. Because of his connection to the Great Tree, he is particularly skilled at growing numerous types of plants. He is also able to manipulate the roots of the Great Tree.

**Regeneration/Healing**: Bud is able to heal himself and others at will. Because of his age healing himself proves a bit more trying, but healing others is still a fairly easy task.

**Agility**: He is surprisingly agile for his age, though moving like this usually comes back to bite him later on in the day.

### **Weaknesses**

While he is able to heal from practically all types of attacks, fire based attack and magic hurt and do significantly move damage to him. They also take longer for him to recover from.