Players

Hugh Bramblefleece-Grumpy Old Shepherd

Description:
A first glance at this man reveals that he's broad of shoulder and girth, and perhaps an inch or two shorter than average for a Bree man - though that could simply be the burden of age, for his shoulders are slightly stooped, and his gnarled hands are most often curled about a stout crooked wooden staff. Despite that, his movements are sprightly, and the twinkle in his brown eyes bespeaks a lively mind. His face, what little of it can be seen, is seamed and weathered like an old oak from time spent outdoors ... the remainder being hidden by a bushy beard. This, like his hair, is snowy white, and tangled as a bird's nest.

He's clad in simple homespun garments - dirty linen shirt tucked into a pair of oily brown trews, in turn tucked into strong leather boots. A fleece rests across his shoulders for added warmth in all but the warmest weather.

History:
Born into a shepherding family, Hugh Bramblefleece never had any doubts about his path in life. From his carefree time as a lad out watching the flocks, to the lean time when a wolf (so they say) took half a dozen of the pregnant ewes in one night, to the slow years of regrowth while he and his elder brother Edward bred the flock back to its former strength ... sheep-farming is in his blood, just like any good Bramblefleece. And he's not about to give it up just because his joints may be getting a little stiff! The stubborn old man can still be seen traipsing along the road to Combe and back several times a month, bringing wool to the spinners or meat to the butchers.

Of course, he has plenty of help. Although his dear wife Jemima sadly passed away some years ago, his daughters Lucy and Sally see he's well cared for, and the gaggle of grandchildren includes a few likely lads to carry on the family trade when they're a bit older. And the hired men keep an eye on the flock and the business ... and their master.