![[Ben-Hadar.png|400]] **Archomental, Prince of Good Water Creatures** **Alignment:** Neutral Good **Home Plane:** Elemental Plane of Water **Realm:** The Coral Reef of Ssesurgass **Also Known As:** Squallbringer, the Valorous Tempest ### Overview Ben-Hadar, the Prince of Good Water Creatures, is an ancient and immensely powerful archomental who rules over good-aligned elemental beings within the Elemental Plane of Water. Known as the Squallbringer and the Valorous Tempest, he represents the protective and benevolent aspects of elemental water, particularly its ability to sustain aquatic life and shelter those who dwell within its depths. Although he is counted among the Princes of Elemental Good, Ben-Hadar is distinguished by his formidable pride, stubborn independence, and reluctance to involve himself in matters beyond his own dominion. Ben-Hadar possesses the form of a towering humanoid composed entirely of clear, blue-green water, standing approximately eighteen feet tall and weighing nearly four thousand pounds. His immense body glistens like sunlight upon the ocean's surface, while his eyes shimmer with brilliant aquatic light. Instead of conventional hands, he possesses powerful, crustacean-like claws capable of delivering devastating blows. He can also abandon his humanoid appearance and manifest as a rushing mass of elemental water, allowing him to overwhelm opponents through the sheer force of his fluid body. Despite his intimidating appearance and forceful personality, Ben-Hadar is fundamentally dedicated to protecting the creatures under his authority. He opposes evil and works to preserve the welfare of his subjects, although his concern seldom extends beyond the Elemental Plane of Water. His outward manner is loud, arrogant, and frequently unpleasant, concealing a deeply emotional nature and a genuine willingness to sacrifice himself for those he considers his responsibility. This combination of benevolence and selfishness has earned Ben-Hadar a complicated reputation among the elemental powers. Other good archomentals frequently find him difficult to tolerate, particularly because of his refusal to become involved in conflicts that do not directly threaten his realm. Nevertheless, his courage and commitment to defending his subjects have secured his position as the Prince of Good Water Creatures. Unlike the great elemental deities, Ben-Hadar is not a true god. His authority derives from his extraordinary elemental nature, his command over powerful aquatic servants, and his influence within the Plane of Water. His strength approaches that of lesser divine beings, but his principal concerns remain the safety of his domain and the preservation of those who dwell beneath his protection. ### Domain and Influence Ben-Hadar resides within the Elemental Plane of Water, an immense realm of boundless oceans, powerful currents, and submerged territories. Within this plane lies the Coral Reef of Ssesurgass, a vast and secluded region of living coral whose intricate formations conceal the stronghold of the Prince of Good Water Creatures. Deep within the reef stands Ben-Hadar's fortress, a massive structure concealed among the surrounding coral formations. Its location is carefully protected, providing a secure residence from which the archomental governs his domain. Colossal coral golems guard the stronghold, while loyal water elementals and other aquatic servants maintain order throughout the surrounding waters. Ssesurgass is inhabited by numerous creatures who benefit from Ben-Hadar's protection. Among its inhabitants are tritons, aquatic elves, ocean giants, and darfellan, while water elementals, water mephits, and water weirds assist in administering his realm. These beings form a substantial community under his authority, although not every inhabitant occupies the same position within his service. Ben-Hadar devotes much of his attention to preserving the purity and stability of these waters. He regards the inhabitants of Ssesurgass as his responsibility and takes considerable pride in maintaining a realm where they can live without constant interference from hostile powers. This devotion is sincere, even if his possessive attitude sometimes causes others to question the breadth of his benevolence. His influence extends beyond the boundaries of the coral reef through his control of important planar waterways. Ben-Hadar oversees vortices connecting the Elemental Plane of Water to the River Styx and the River Oceanus. These passages create routes between the Inner Planes and distant regions of the multiverse, bringing travellers and potentially dangerous creatures into contact with his domain. The vortices associated with the River Styx require particular attention because of the possibility that fiendish creatures might use them to enter the Plane of Water. Ben-Hadar has therefore established an agreement with Charon, the ferryman associated with the Styx. Under this arrangement, Charon prevents troublesome fiends from exploiting the passage, while Ben-Hadar restrains his own followers from interfering with the ferryman's affairs. Ben-Hadar also assists travellers who become lost while passing through the waters connected to the River Oceanus, helping them return toward their proper destinations. His conduct in these matters demonstrates a willingness to aid outsiders when their circumstances bring them within his immediate sphere of responsibility. Another important connection lies within Ssesurgass itself. A natural planar portal links the reef to the Court of Stars, the travelling realm of Queen Morwel and the eladrin. This passage is guarded by Triusis, an enormous sisiutl who serves Ben-Hadar and protects the route between the two domains. Although Ben-Hadar possesses considerable authority, he does not rule the entire Elemental Plane of Water. The marids, other elemental powers, and numerous independent aquatic peoples maintain their own territories and political interests. His relationship with the marids of the Citadel of Ten Thousand Pearls is particularly demanding, requiring him to restrain their activities when they threaten the order of the surrounding waters. Ben-Hadar has little desire to conquer territories beyond his existing dominion. Unlike the Princes of Elemental Evil, whose ambitions frequently involve the destruction or subjugation of other planes, he is primarily concerned with maintaining the security of his own realm. This isolationism protects his subjects but also contributes to the considerable disagreements between himself and other good-aligned powers. ### Symbols and Icons  Ben-Hadar's recognised symbol is a blue-green wave enclosed within a golden circle. The emblem represents his association with elemental water and identifies him among the Princes of Elemental Good. The image of the wave reflects his fluid nature and command over aquatic forces, while the surrounding golden circle forms part of his established personal insignia. This symbol distinguishes Ben-Hadar from the other powers of elemental water, including Istishia and Olhydra. Although Ben-Hadar is acknowledged as an elemental prince, the use of his symbol is not accompanied by a universally established system of religious rites or ceremonial traditions. ### Followers and Servants Ben-Hadar commands the allegiance of numerous good-aligned water elementals and aquatic beings. His following is centred upon Ssesurgass, where his servants maintain the security of his fortress, protect the surrounding waters, and assist in the administration of his domain. Water elementals form an important part of his forces, providing both guardians and powerful combatants capable of defending the reef. Water weirds and water mephits also serve him, while the inhabitants of his realm include tritons, aquatic elves, ocean giants, and darfellan. The relationship between Ben-Hadar and his servants differs considerably from the tyranny exercised by the evil archomentals. He does not regard every creature beneath his authority as an expendable instrument of conquest. Instead, he promotes the general welfare of his subjects and takes personal responsibility for protecting them against external threats. His devotion to his followers does not prevent him from being demanding or unpleasant. Ben-Hadar possesses a strong sense of his own importance and can become impatient with creatures who challenge his decisions. His temperament has occasionally strained relations with beings who would otherwise be natural allies. Ben-Hadar's authority is sustained through his power as an archomental rather than through a widely documented religious institution. Although the Princes of Elemental Good can possess powers comparable to those of lesser divinities, no extensive priestly hierarchy, prescribed sacrificial practices, or universal system of temples is established for Ben-Hadar. His followers are therefore best understood through their allegiance to his rule and their participation in the defence and preservation of Ssesurgass. ### Powers and Abilities Ben-Hadar possesses extraordinary supernatural command over elemental water. His immense strength, fluid body, and ability to manipulate currents allow him to defend his realm against powerful opponents. Although he prefers to avoid unnecessary conflict, his abilities make him one of the most formidable creatures within the Elemental Plane of Water. - **Elemental Water Form:** Ben-Hadar's body consists entirely of living water, allowing him to alter his shape and move through aquatic environments without the limitations imposed by solid flesh. His natural form resembles an enormous humanoid, but he can also manifest as a rushing mass of water. - **Crushing Claws:** Ben-Hadar possesses two enormous, clawed appendages capable of delivering devastating physical attacks. His claws allow him to batter opponents with tremendous force, making him dangerous even when he chooses not to employ his magical abilities. - **Whirlpool Transformation:** Ben-Hadar can transform himself into a vast vortex of water reaching approximately eighty feet in height. In this form, his swirling currents can trap creatures and subject them to violent aquatic forces. - **Control Over Water Levels:** Ben-Hadar can lower surrounding waters or force them apart, creating passages through bodies of water. His mastery allows him to manipulate substantial quantities of water and alter aquatic terrain to his advantage. - **Walls of Water:** Ben-Hadar can create immense barriers of water possessing extraordinary strength. These walls function as powerful obstacles within underwater environments, allowing him to obstruct enemies and control movement through his domain. - **Bestowal of Water Breathing:** Ben-Hadar can grant other creatures the supernatural ability to breathe underwater. He determines how long this blessing lasts, allowing him to sustain the effect for as long as he wishes. - **Command Over Vessels:** Ben-Hadar can manipulate currents surrounding boats and ships, allowing him to halt their movement or overturn them. He is capable of capsizing vessels approximately two hundred and ten feet in length and restraining the movement of even larger ships. - **Aura of Dampness:** Ben-Hadar radiates a supernatural aura of moisture extending approximately ten feet around him. Ordinary, unprotected flames are extinguished within this area, while magical flames may be extinguished through his direct touch. - **Summoning Aquatic Creatures:** Ben-Hadar can summon powerful servants to assist him. Among the creatures he can call are water elementals, nereids, tritons, elder tojanidas, and immense elemental manifestations of water. These beings provide him with formidable reinforcements when defending his realm or confronting dangerous enemies. - **Supernatural Resilience:** Ben-Hadar's elemental body is exceptionally difficult to injure. Ordinary weapons cannot easily harm him, and his fluid composition renders bladed weapons particularly ineffective. Even when struck by enchanted blades, much of the force of such attacks passes harmlessly through his watery form. - **Immunity to Harmful Conditions:** Ben-Hadar's elemental nature protects him from poison, petrification, paralysis, and numerous other conditions capable of disabling ordinary living creatures. His magical resistance and rapid recovery further contribute to his exceptional durability. - **Mastery of Underwater Combat:** Ben-Hadar possesses a considerable advantage when fighting within water. His command over the surrounding currents interferes with the movements and attacks of his enemies, while his own fluid form allows him to fight without the restrictions experienced by ordinary creatures. - **Planar Magic:** Like the other great archomentals, Ben-Hadar possesses abilities associated with magical detection, the dismissal of hostile enchantments, teleportation, telekinesis, and supernatural communication. He can understand and converse with intelligent creatures regardless of ordinary linguistic barriers. Ben-Hadar is particularly formidable within his native plane, where his command over the surrounding waters enhances his ability to resist attackers and defend his subjects. His great physical strength and supernatural powers are sufficient to challenge dangerous elemental beings and other powerful inhabitants of the planes. Despite these abilities, Ben-Hadar is not invulnerable. His continued need to guard Ssesurgass against hostile creatures and maintain agreements with neighbouring powers demonstrates that his authority depends upon vigilance as well as personal strength. ### Treatment of Followers and Allies Ben-Hadar's treatment of those under his protection is one of the clearest demonstrations of his fundamentally benevolent nature. Although he is frequently arrogant, confrontational, and selfish in his dealings with other powerful beings, he possesses genuine concern for the welfare of his subjects. He provides protection to the good-aligned water elementals and aquatic creatures inhabiting Ssesurgass, maintaining a secure domain where they can live without continual persecution. His commitment is sufficiently strong that he is willing to risk his own existence to defend those who depend upon him. This devotion does not extend equally to every creature throughout the multiverse. Ben-Hadar is remarkably indifferent toward problems occurring beyond the Elemental Plane of Water, even when those problems concern other good-aligned powers. He considers the defence of his own realm a greater responsibility than participation in distant conflicts. His isolationism has caused considerable disagreement with Chan, the Princess of Good Air Creatures, and Zaaman Rul, the Prince of Good Fire Creatures. Both find his conduct objectionable, regarding his narrow concerns and unpleasant personality as obstacles to cooperation. Ben-Hadar's disagreement with Chan is particularly severe. Although the two do not wage open warfare, neither is willing to assist the other, and their hostility has sometimes extended to those who openly support their rival. Despite these difficulties, Ben-Hadar is capable of friendship and cooperation. He maintains cordial relationships with several benevolent aquatic deities, including Deep Sashelas, Eadro, and Persana. His dealings with such powers demonstrate that his reluctance to intervene beyond his own realm does not prevent him from recognising the value of other protectors of aquatic life. He also maintains an unusual friendship with Rennbuu, the slaad lord associated with colour and transformation. Rennbuu enjoys visiting Ssesurgass to alter the colours of its enormous coral formations, while Ben-Hadar appreciates the resulting beauty and provides opportunities for the slaad lord's artistic interests. Ben-Hadar therefore possesses a temperament that can appear contradictory. He is genuinely protective of those who rely upon him, but proud, suspicious, and frequently unwilling to cooperate with beings whose objectives extend beyond his immediate concerns. ### Myths and Legends Ben-Hadar's history is intertwined with the ancient origins of the Princes of Elemental Good, the great war between Law and Chaos, and the conflicts that continue to shape the Elemental Plane of Water. Although his later activities are better understood, considerable uncertainty remains surrounding his earliest existence. - **The Birth of the Princes of Elemental Good:** Ancient traditions hold that the good archomentals arose in response to the growing power of the Princes of Elemental Evil. The precise circumstances of their creation remain uncertain, although some accounts suggest that the Elemental Planes themselves produced these beings to counterbalance the influence of evil. Ben-Hadar emerged among the earliest of these champions alongside Chan, Sunnis, and Bristia Pel. - **The War Between Law and Chaos:** During the ancient conflict between the Wind Dukes of Aaqa and the Queen of Chaos, Ben-Hadar initially joined the forces of Law alongside the other good archomentals. They believed that the cause of Law would also advance the interests of Good, but soon discovered that several evil elemental powers fought beside the Wind Dukes. - **The Betrayal of Bristia Pel:** Among the elemental beings allied with Law were Chilimba, the evil Prince of Magma, and Ehkahk, the evil Prince of Smoke. During the conflict, the two betrayed their allies and ambushed Bristia Pel, the Princess of Good Fire Creatures, destroying her. Her death revealed the danger of alliances formed upon shared allegiance to Law rather than shared moral purpose. - **Ben-Hadar's Defection:** The destruction of Bristia Pel deeply affected Ben-Hadar. Outraged by the betrayal and disillusioned with the forces of Law, he abandoned the Wind Dukes and joined the forces of Chaos for the remainder of the war. This decision remains one of the most troubling events in his ancient history, demonstrating that his emotional response to betrayal could overcome his commitment to the cause of Good. - **The Lessons of the Ancient War:** Ben-Hadar's experiences during the conflict profoundly influenced his later behaviour. He came to believe that evil could arise from unexpected quarters and that even apparently righteous alliances could conceal treachery. These experiences contributed to his distrust of other powers and his reluctance to involve himself in conflicts beyond the Elemental Plane of Water. - **The Unusual Peace with Olhydra:** Although Olhydra represents the destructive and malevolent aspects of elemental water, Ben-Hadar does not maintain the same relentless hostility toward her that other good archomentals display toward their evil counterparts. The two generally avoid direct confrontation, and conflicts between their servants tend to be incidental rather than part of an organised war. Their relationship remains a peculiar exception among the opposing elemental princes. - **The Pollution of Ssesurgass:** One of Ben-Hadar's most persistent enemies was Bwimb, the evil archomental of ooze. Bwimb repeatedly contaminated the clear waters Ben-Hadar sought to preserve, making himself a continual threat to the purity of Ssesurgass. Following Bwimb's death, his daughter Bwimb II continued these disturbances. Her actions ensured that the conflict between the powers of water and ooze persisted. - **The Agreement with Charon:** Ben-Hadar established an agreement with Charon concerning the vortices connecting the Plane of Water to the River Styx. Charon agreed to prevent troublesome fiends from entering through these passages, while Ben-Hadar undertook to restrain his servants from interfering with the ferryman's affairs. The arrangement demonstrates Ben-Hadar's willingness to negotiate with morally questionable beings when doing so protects his realm. - **The Portal to the Court of Stars:** Within Ssesurgass lies a natural portal connecting the Plane of Water to the Court of Stars, the realm of Queen Morwel. The passage is guarded by Triusis, an immense sisiutl entrusted with preventing unauthorised passage. Rumours among the eladrin suggest that Ben-Hadar and Morwel have occasionally shared a romantic relationship, although the full nature of their association remains uncertain. - **The Friendship of Rennbuu:** Rennbuu, the slaad lord of colours, is an unusual visitor to the Coral Reef of Ssesurgass. Fascinated by the countless colours and intricate forms of its living coral, he delights in altering their appearance through his supernatural powers. Ben-Hadar welcomes these visits and appreciates Rennbuu's creations, making their friendship an uncommon example of cordial relations between an archomental of Good and a powerful being associated with Chaos. - **The Water Lion:** Ben-Hadar has maintained a relationship with the mysterious Water Lion, a powerful being associated with elemental water. Although the full extent of their dealings is not established, Ben-Hadar has been known to provide assistance to this entity, demonstrating his willingness to cooperate with other significant powers of his native element. ### Encounters with Ben-Hadar's Influence Ben-Hadar's influence is most strongly felt within the Elemental Plane of Water, where his servants maintain the security of Ssesurgass and protect the waters surrounding his domain. Although he rarely intervenes in the affairs of the Material Plane, travellers entering his territory may encounter his guardians, allied aquatic beings, or the consequences of his disputes with other planar powers. - **The Coral Reef of Ssesurgass:** Ben-Hadar's domain consists of an immense coral reef concealing his fortified residence. Its waters are inhabited by good-aligned water elementals, tritons, aquatic elves, ocean giants, and darfellan. These creatures live under his protection, while his elemental servants maintain the security of the surrounding region. - **The Hidden Fortress:** Deep within the reef stands Ben-Hadar's stronghold, guarded by colossal coral golems. The fortress serves as his principal residence and the centre of his authority. Those approaching without permission must contend with its powerful guardians and the archomental's control over the surrounding waters. - **The Guardians of Ssesurgass:** Water elementals, water mephits, and water weirds serve Ben-Hadar and assist in maintaining order within his domain. These creatures are among the most direct manifestations of his authority, protecting his territory and supporting the inhabitants who depend upon him. - **The Court of Stars Portal:** A planar passage within Ssesurgass connects the Elemental Plane of Water to the Court of Stars. The gateway is guarded by Triusis, a powerful sisiutl who serves Ben-Hadar. The existence of this portal establishes a direct connection between the archomental's domain and the realm of Queen Morwel. - **The Vortices of the Styx and Oceanus:** Ben-Hadar watches over passages linking the Plane of Water with the great planar rivers. The vortices connected to the Styx are particularly dangerous because of the possibility of fiendish intrusion, while travellers lost along the routes of Oceanus may receive assistance from the prince or his servants. - **The Corruption of Bwimb II:** The ooze archomental Bwimb II continues the disturbances once caused by her father, contaminating the waters that Ben-Hadar seeks to preserve. Her activities represent an ongoing threat to the purity of his realm and a source of considerable frustration for the prince. - **The Servants of Sekolah and Panzuriel:** Ben-Hadar opposes creatures serving the malevolent aquatic deities Sekolah and Panzuriel. Their followers threaten the security of the Plane of Water, and the prince has acted against their servants when their activities endanger his domain. - **The Marids of the Citadel of Ten Thousand Pearls:** Ben-Hadar maintains a watchful interest in the marids associated with this powerful settlement. Their considerable influence within the Plane of Water occasionally requires his intervention to prevent their activities from disturbing the surrounding realm. - **The Rivalry with Chan:** Although Chan and Ben-Hadar both oppose evil, their relationship is strained by his isolationism and difficult temperament. Those allied with Chan cannot assume that Ben-Hadar will offer assistance, even when their objectives appear consistent with the broader interests of Good. - **The Presence of Ben-Hadar:** Those who encounter Ben-Hadar himself face an imposing elemental being capable of assuming the form of an enormous aquatic humanoid or a destructive vortex of water. Although he is willing to defend the innocent within his realm, his pride and suspicion make him a difficult power to approach. His decisions are guided primarily by the safety of his subjects and the preservation of his own domain. ### Conclusion Ben-Hadar is one of the great Princes of Elemental Good, ruling from the Coral Reef of Ssesurgass within the Elemental Plane of Water. His extraordinary strength, command over aquatic creatures, and devotion to the welfare of his subjects have established him as a powerful protector of benevolent elemental water. Although his personality is marked by arrogance, stubbornness, and considerable selfishness, his willingness to defend those under his authority demonstrates the genuine goodness underlying his conduct. His ancient participation in the war between Law and Chaos, his defection following the death of Bristia Pel, and his continuing disputes with Chan and Zaaman Rul reveal the limitations of his benevolence. Ben-Hadar has learned to distrust alliances and avoids becoming involved in conflicts that do not directly threaten the security of his realm. His unusual peace with Olhydra further distinguishes him from the other good archomentals, whose struggles against their evil counterparts frequently dominate their existence. Despite these shortcomings, Ben-Hadar remains a formidable opponent of evil within the Plane of Water. His guardians protect the coral reef, his servants maintain the safety of its inhabitants, and his control over important planar waterways prevents dangerous creatures from freely exploiting passages between the planes. The Prince of Good Water Creatures may be difficult to befriend and reluctant to offer assistance beyond his own territory, but his commitment to the protection of Ssesurgass remains unwavering.