Burbark

**Burbark Silverback** was a male gorilla. He is the leader of the Burbark Troop and the father to Bramble, Moonflower and Cassava. Following Grandmother's defeat, Burbark is freed from the former's mind-control but dies from the snake venom soon after.

## Personality

Burbark is a revered and formidable leader due to his status as the Alpha male of his Troop. Despite this, he is implied not to be a strict father since his son Bramble didn't express concern when Groundnut Blackback threatened to inform Burbark about Bramble's antics. Burbark has a good relationship with Bramble so much so that there's nobody else Bramble would like to talk to. However Bramble mentally notes that Burbark can also be volatile as Burback had snapped or swiped a paw at Bramble if the latter disturbed him at the wrong moment. He is later revealed to have been corrupted by Grandmother against his own will and is forced to commit several atrocities on her behalf.

Burbark is shown to have a difficult relationship with Range. When Range and Chase return from their mission to eliminate another gorilla troop with limited success, Burbark is outraged by Range's inability to complete the mission and has him killed as punishment.

After being freed from Grandmother's mind-controlled, Burbark has no recollection of what happened during his time as Grandmother's slave, but dies peacfully.

## Biography

### *Shadows on the Mountain*

After Groundnut confronts Bramble Greenback for his pranks, the former threatens to report Bramble to his father, Burbark Silverback. Bramble however, is unconcerned and causally tells Groundnut to go ahead.
Later Cassava requests Bramble to go see Burbark since the former believes that their father would like Bramble's company. Bramble
agrees to seek out Burbark. Bramble finds his father by himself. Bramble briefly hesitates to get his father's attention as he knows all to well that his father dislikes being interrupted at the wrong moment. Bramble gets Burbark's attention and Burbark asks his son about the current status of their troop. Bramble mentally notes that on another day he might've acknowledged the mango incident with Groundnut, but seeing that Burbark has things on his Bramble decides against this. Bramble responds that the troop is well before handing Burbark some bananas to eat. Burbark refuses to eat the bananas and instead scratches his injured arm. Bramble notices that Burbark's wound is still fresh. Bramble is concerned by this as the wound should've healed already and recalls how he lost his mother to a similar injury. Bramble suggests that Burbark has the Goldbacks examine the wound. Burbark refuses as he doesn't think it's necessary and as the troop's Silverback, he doesn't want to appear weak in front of his subordinates. It's then clear to Bramble that his father isn't in the mood for the discussion so he leaves his father to be, but nor before Burbark thanks his son for the food.

Burbark is not with his Troopmates when they gather for the Sprit-Mouth Ceremony. Groundnut asks where the Silverback is. Cassava spots his father arriving and informs Groundnut. After Dayflower warns the troop of an unknown evil originating from their mountain home and threatening the plains. Like most of his Troopmates, he's skeptical of his mate's interpretation of her prophecy, accusing her of misinterpreting her visions. Dayflower insists that she's telling the truth and Bramble and his siblings vouch for their Mistback. However, Burbark and the rest of their troop remain skeptical.

When Cassava is found dead, Burbark is uncharacteristically aloof and claims that Cassava died because the Great-Spirit had punished him for defying his orders to remain in the mountain. Bramble and Moonflower however are skeptical about their fathers claim. Burbark appoints Bramble as his new Brightback much to the shock of the troop since Bramble is young and inexperienced. But Burbark reassures his troop that even though Bramble is young, the latter will overcome his young age and inexperience.

Later, Burbark sends Bramble on a mission to investigate the other mountain troops. During his quest, Bramble finds a few Goldbacks in a smaller troop getting jealous over the attention the Silverback is giving to one of the infants but nothing important to report to Burbark. Bramble decides to return home and report to Burbark on his findings. Just when Bramble is about to approach his father, he witnesses him allowing a snake to bite him. Horrified by what he's seen, Bramble flees. Bramble becomes convinced that Burbark's snake phase is unhealthy and informs Moonflower about what he's seen. During their conversation, Moonflower reveals that she'd also noticed their father exhibiting strange behavior. Moonflower notes that in Bramble's absence, Burbark formed a group with some of the troops Goldbacks and Blackbacks. Moonflower found that strange because it was uncharacteristic of Burbark to form groups like that. The pair then deicide to warn Dayflower about this but not before examining her to see if she'd been bitten as well.

Later, Burbark attempts to infect his son with the snake venom by handing him a snake, however Bramble toss the snake aside as soon a leaves. Later, Burbark realizes that his children left for the cave so he leads his troop to confront the pair. During their confrontation Bramble reveals that he and Moonflower know that their in cahoots with the Sandtounge speakers and tries to get Burbark to reveal more information his connection with them. Burbark's answers are vague and reveals that the Sandtounge intend to create a new world order.

### The Venom Spreads

Burbark is brought up when Apple tries to convince his remaining children to return home. She claims that Burbark
wants to make amends and will make things right if they take her advice. Moonflower bitterly reminds Apple that Burbark tried to kill her and Bramble. Apple claims that Burbark had no intention of keeping the pair imprisoned for long and was going to let them out. Apple claims that Burbark merely lost his temper and has been under constant stress following the prophecy Dayflower delivered and that any leader would've been shaken had they been in Burbark's position. Bramble bitterly reminds in aunt that Burbark ended the life of Cassava with Moonflower reminding the pair that Burbark did that because he is being mind-controlled by the Sandtounge Speakers and was bitten prior to the Cave Mouth ceremony. Moonflower acknowledges that Sandtounge Speakers as the evil Dayflower prophesied.
When a brainwashed Seek, joins Burbarktroop, Burbark welcomes the former with open arms. When Chase attempts to rescue Seek, Burbark clings Seek to his chest and orders Range to seize Chase.

## Trivia

* Burbark, also known as triumfetta, is a type of herb native to southern Africa