A Real-life Gummy Bear? -Bertie Bruinson

Name: Herbert "Bertie" Bruinson

Age: 32

Species: Mutated Anthro Brown Bear

Physical Appearance: Bertie has the appearance of a large, rather chubby anthropomorphic bear, with a few very notable differences. For one, he has no fur to speak of, instead, his body is covered by a layer of smooth, bright blue, rubbery and gelatinous skin that glistens in the light. It has a somewhat transparent quality to it, meaning that in the right lighting, his body becomes see-through, revealing the faint outlines of his organs. His skin, muscles and bones are all made of this blue gummy-like substance that molds and stretches far more than regular bodies, jiggling with most movements. Thankfully, his skin isn't sticky or melty, holding together despite its gelatinous appearance.

Personality: Until a few years ago, Herbert Bruinson was a completely normal citizen of Harrier City, living an average, unremarkable life as a plumber. This was good enough for Bertie, though like most, he regularly found himself dreaming of more, of doing something more impactful, really making a difference out there. He wanted to be a hero, to join his idols of the Harrier Heroes' Association in their flashy suits fighting crime and earning the adoration of the crowds, even though he knew an average joe like himself had no business doing that sort of thing. One fateful day, Bertie got a call from a shady science organization leading experiments with giving regular people superpowers, against his better judgment, he accepted their offer in the hopes of it allowing him to live out his dream.

The goal was to imbue the subject with a serum that would greatly enhance the subject's physique, granting them superhuman levels of strength, stamina and durability, essentially creating superhero on-demand. However, the serum proved... Flawed. Instead of boosting Bertie's capabilities, it mutated him, transforming his body into a gelatinous, gummy-like substance that, granted, is incredibly tough and resilient, but is completely lacking in the other department promised by the scientists. Bertie was distraught and stayed with the lab in isolation for more than a year to let them try and reverse the effects of the serum. When he finally realized that the scientists were lying to him about wanting to undo the transformation and were merely using him to experiment further to perfect the next batch, Bertie finally left the lab.

Back home at last, Bertie lives a quiet life with a small circle of friends and acquaintances, not wanting to draw too much attention to himself with his striking appearance. When he ventures outside, he tries covering up most of his body to avoid too many weird looks. Despite the hardships related to his strange body, Bertie is an easy-going and kind guy, always trying to keep the mood light-hearted and welcoming, strongly determined not to let his experience sour his trust in the kindness of others.

Tone/mannerisms: Bertie likes plumbing metaphors, and leans into his “gentle giant” vibe, hunching slightly to seem less intimidating as well as gesturing with open palms to appear non-threatening. He regularly uses deflecting and self-deprecating humor, especially regarding his odd body and his physique. Uses lots of contractions, and is decidedly working-class in his speech.

Quirks: Bertie's skin has a scent and even a faint taste of blueberry. He's not particularly self-conscious about his gummy body anymore, though he does get uncomfortable when strangers point and stare at him. His favorite superhero is the emotion-powered Australian Shepherd, Pawsitivity. Tends to distrust scientists and doctors at first glance, unsure if they're affiliated with the lab that conned him.