Ben Whitesmith

Ben stands at six feet tall with an unkempt mane of rave-black hair that perpetually looks like he's just rolled out of bed. His piercing blue eyes carry a spark of mischief and restless energy. Slim but wiry, he has the look of someone always on the move, never quite settled.

Ben's clothing leans toward a rocker's aesthetic, favoring dark casual wear like worn boots, leather jackets, and loose shirts. However, he often offset this with brighter colors (scarves, bands, patterned shirts) that make him stand out in a crowd. His style reflects his inner conflict.

Like Lyra Whitesmith, Ben grew up in the Vatican controlled of Sadapintal. But where his sister's strange gifts drew suspicion and control, Ben was largely overlooked. He experienced the same rigid education, yet he emerged with a defiant streak. He learned early how to charm his way out of trouble, slip past rules, and make the best of limited freedom.

Ben is far less haunted by the past than his sister. He accepts their parents are gone and has no desire to chase answers about their deaths. Instead, he's focused on the present, seeking freedom and enjoyment in life while resisting the pull of responsibility. Underneath his charm and nonchalance, though, there's a quiet uncertainty about what kind of man he wants to become.

He never felt that the past was a burden, but it left him rebellious and determined to shape his life according to his own choice, not those imposed by Priests, the Vatican, or even his sister's fears. Still, he carries a deep love for Lyra and would do anything to protect her, even if they clash over his carefree ways.

Been holds a fluid and open view of sexuality. He enjoys people for who they are, unconcerned with labels or conventions, and views intimacy as another form of connection and freedom.

Like all children raised in Vatican orphanages, Ben was taught the fundamentals: literacy, arithmetic, scripture, and the tenets of Eternal Harmony. But while Lyra’s rare gift marked her for “special” training, Ben passed through the system as one of many. His education was strict but impersonal, a rote effort to mold him into a disciplined, obedient citizen.

Core Training

Religious Instruction: Daily recitations of scripture, lessons in “High” Cosmic, and the memorization of prayers meant to align orphans with the ideals of Infinite Grace.

Basic Combat & Discipline: All children at Sadapintal were drilled in self-defense and discipline, though Ben often found ways to shirk or perform just enough to pass inspection.

Music & Rhetoric: While not formally part of the curriculum, the Vatican encouraged children to participate in choirs. It was here Ben’s singing voice was noticed. He excelled, but rather than treat it with piety, he turned it into his own outlet for rebellion and joy.

Contrast to Lyra’s Education

Unlike his sister, Ben was never forced into occult studies or veil-trials. The Vatican viewed him as ordinary, and therefore expendable. Ironically, this neglect freed him — he was never broken down or reshaped into a weapon. Instead, he learned to survive the system by bending rules, relying on charm, quick wit, and improvisation.

Lasting Impact

Ben left the orphanage with a foundation of knowledge but little discipline. He resents the rigid conformity it tried to enforce and carries a rebellious streak toward institutions of power. Still, his years in Sadapintal gave him valuable skills: a sharp memory for song and speech, the ability to read people, and a knack for slipping through cracks in authority.

Blessed with an excellent singing voice, Ben has never pursued a formal career but uses his talent to pick up small gigs whenever money runs short. His natural charisma and stage presence often make him the center of attention in taverns or gatherings. Music, for him, is less about ambition and more about expression — a way to live in the moment.

• Charming and sociable
• Naturally talented singer
• Loves his sister and is deeply loyal to her

• Reckless in both words and actions
• Impulsive; often acts before he thinks
• Struggles with long-term responsibility