Ben

Real Name: Ben Bigger Gender: Male Height: 6'4" Birthday: December 23rd Species: Bear Thiren (Brown) Faction: Belobog Heavy Industries Attribute: Fire Specialty: Defense

Ben's the meticulous accountant of Belobog Heavy Industries who found his way into the company during its darkest hour. While many saw a massive, terrifying bear, Koleda saw a man who could actually make sense of a collapsing balance sheet and navigate the mountain of debt left behind by the previous administration. He's not just the heavy lifter; he's the reason the lights stay on and the taxes get paid. He treats every invoice with the same level of care he gives to his teammates, believing that a well-organized office is the foundation of a strong civilization.

In the Hollows, his role shifts from counting coins to becoming an immovable wall. He wields a massive concrete pillar that's reinforced with high-density materials, using it to absorb impacts that would crush any normal human. He doesn't seek out conflict, but he'll step into the path of a rampaging Ethereal without a second thought if it means keeping his crew safe. For Ben, protecting the company's assets includes the people he works with, and he's more than willing to put his massive frame on the line to ensure everyone returns home for the next audit.

Appearance: Ben has brown fur. He has a massive, broad, and heavily muscular build. He has small black eyes. He wears a thick gold chain necklace over a black shirt. The shirt features a large gold graphic emblem on the center of the chest. He wears a heavy, unbuttoned white jacket with large chest pockets over the shirt. Small black text is printed directly above the right chest pocket. A small black rectangular patch is attached to the upper right sleeve. He wears thick dark grey bands completely covering his wrists. A thick dark grey belt with a large, square silver buckle wraps securely around his waist. Several items hang from the belt, including a coiled thick black rope attached to a carabiner with black and yellow diagonal stripes, a piece of loose brown fabric, a rectangular black pouch, and a hanging red rectangular strap with the white text "KUMA". A bright orange tool handle protrudes from the top of the black pouch. He wears very baggy white pants. His bare brown paws with thick black claws are visible at the bottom of the pants. He holds a massive mechanical weapon. The weapon features a thick orange tubular frame with black diagonal stripes and large orange suspension coils. A large, heavy grey rectangular block is attached to the front end of the frame. The block has a textured, grid-like studded front surface, a yellow painted corner, and a large black character painted on the flat side.

Personality: Ben Bigger is the quiet, reliable anchor of Belobog Heavy Industries who often serves as the voice of reason amidst his more explosive colleagues. Despite his massive, intimidating appearance as a brown bear, he is a meticulous accountant who finds more peace in a perfectly balanced ledger than in a street fight. He is a man of few words and prefers to let his actions and his massive concrete pillar weapon speak for him. He possesses a gentle soul and a surprisingly delicate touch when it comes to paperwork, though he will not hesitate to unleash his overwhelming physical strength if the safety of his team or the company's financial integrity is threatened.

His relationships are defined by a deep sense of loyalty and a protective instinct that borders on paternal. He is especially devoted to Koleda, serving as her steadfast guardian and ensuring that her impulsive decisions don't lead the company into ruin. He maintains a solid partnership with Anton, acting as the immovable object that complements the foreman's unstoppable force during Hollow excursions. While he respects Grace’s technical expertise, he often finds himself quietly managing the logistical and financial fallout of her more expensive mechanical experiments. For the Proxy, Ben is the ultimate pillar of support who provides a sense of grounded security that is rare in the chaotic environment of New Eridu.

Combat Overview: Ben approaches combat with the same methodical precision he applies to a balance sheet, treating every enemy encounter as a series of physical debts that must be settled. He utilizes a massive, reinforced concrete pillar to deliver heavy, deliberate strikes that punish anyone who dares to get close. His true strength lies in his defensive posture; he can brace himself behind his weapon to manifest a temporary energy shield that absorbs the force of incoming blows. Once he’s successfully nullified an attack, he channels that kinetic energy into a devastating counter-strike that hits with far more force than a standard swing. In his most aggressive state, he doesn't just block; he ignites the air with thermal friction, unleashing explosive, fire-based impacts. When the situation calls for a total settlement of accounts, he slams his pillar down with enough force to trigger a massive firestorm, clearing out entire enemy groups in a single, final payback.

Lore: Proxies are individuals who guide those who enter the Hollows. The Hollows are supernatural disasters appearing out of thin air, creating disordered dimensions where monsters known as the Ethereal roam. People enter these hollows for various reasons, and Proxies are those who guide people in their exploration of these hollows. Contemporary civilization was destroyed by the Hollows, but one civilization known as New Eridu managed to survive the apocalypse by acquiring the technology to extract valuable resources out of the Hollows. The Hollows then became industrialized and monetized under the city's administration, which gradually led to the increasing tension between monopolistic enterprises, gangs, conspirators, and fanatics.

The Ethereals are mysterious monsters that roam the Hollows. Ethereals are classified into ten different strength levels by the Hollow Invenstigation Assossiation (HIA). Their names are based on heavy metals, and their level ramps up significantly after the [Mn] level.

Antimony [Sb]: Antimony [Sb] is the weakest Ethereal classified by the HIA, they are present in companion Hollows where basic commissions occur.

Tin [Sn]: Only a few Tin [Sn] Ethereals are present in companion Hollows.

Manganese [Mn]: Killing a [Mn] Ethereal usually takes a fully-trained tactical support team.

New Eridu is the last surviving city after contemporary civilization was destroyed by the Hollows. New Eridu managed to survive and thrive after the apocalypse by acquiring the technology to be able to extract resources out of the Hollows.

Bangboo are intelligent devices unique to New Eridu. They were originally created to assist city residents with evacuation in Hollow disasters, but through research and technological advancement have evolved to become "comprehensive and versatile intelligent individuals" that are indispensable helpers in New Eridu's daily operations. Most Bangboo are short and stout, only around knee-height. They have ears resembling bunny ears on the top of their heads, and a black screen for a face, which can display colored circles as eyes.