Race: Human (Seven Cities)
Sex: Male
Faction: Bridgeburners
Overall Rating: 8.7
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Arena Status: Active (S1)
In the universe of the Malazan Book of the Fallen, there's one character that epitomizes the series' enigmatic and intricate nature—Quick Ben.
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| Quick Ben |
Officially known as Ben Adaephon Delat, Quick Ben is the Squad Mage of the Bridgeburners, a legendary sapper regiment in the Malazan army. One could say he's the living embodiment of complexity, wrapped up in a shroud of endless mysteries. Why? Let's delve into this multidimensional character.
Quick Ben's Introduction and Book Appearances
Quick Ben makes his debut in "Gardens of the Moon," the inaugural book of the series. He continues to play a vital role throughout the 10-book saga, making appearances in multiple installments such as "Deadhouse Gates," "Memories of Ice," and "The Bonehunters." In each of these books, he serves as an essential component in the unfolding plot, often as the scheming magician who's always two steps ahead of everyone else.
The Many Warrens of Ben Adaephon Delat
The Malazan world is governed by magical realms known as warrens. Warrens are both sources of magical power and pathways through space. It is rare for mages to access more than one or two warrens, but Quick Ben is an aberration. He controls an astounding twelve warrens, which is practically unheard of in the Malazan universe. This gives him an incomparable edge in magical duels and strategic planning. He's so potent that even gods are wary of him.
Major Quick Ben Plot Points (Spoilers Ahead)
Warning: Major spoilers ahead. If you haven't read the series, you might want to skip this section.
Quick Ben's adventures are a rollercoaster of plot twists and pivotal moments. One of the most remarkable instances is his role in the defense of Capustan in "Memories of Ice." Amid an onslaught of an unstoppable cannibalistic army, Quick Ben and his cohort set up a web of traps that slow down the enemy, showing his tactical prowess and extraordinary magical capabilities.
Another pivotal point is his relationship with Shadowthrone and Cotillion, gods of the Shadow Realm. Quick Ben used to be a High Priest of Shadow and keeps a tenuous alliance with these ascended beings. This relationship adds multiple layers to his personality and gives him some leverage in the complex geopolitics involving gods, ascendants, and mortals.
In "The Bonehunters," he goes as far as to face Icarium, an almost god-like being capable of destroying continents. His cunning planning and tactical retreats during this encounter display a sense of caution and wisdom that most other characters in the series lack.
Quick Ben Quotes
Quick Ben's dialogues often delve deep into philosophical ponderings or sly humor. One memorable quote that underscores his complex character is when he remarks, "Certainty, after all, is the path to arrogance, and arrogance is anathema to the pursuit of enlightenment." This sums up Quick Ben's perpetual hunger for knowledge and his constant questioning of the world around him.
Another example comes from his confrontation with Icarium, where he slyly comments, "If it’s any consolation, you almost had me there, right at the beginning. Almost." Quick Ben’s wit shines through, even when facing an unbeatable foe.
The Enigma That Is Quick Ben
Quick Ben is a man of contradictions. He's a devout skeptic, an arcane powerhouse, a tactical genius, and an eternal mystery—all in one. One of the most perplexing things about him is his backstory, which is full of holes, much like a Swiss cheese crafted by an alchemist who got lost in his own formula. His diverse array of powers is believed to have been acquired by absorbing the souls of mages and other entities like soletaken. Is he human or something far more complex?
To sum it up, Quick Ben is not just another mage in a fantasy series. He is a narrative puzzle, a composite of human-like vulnerabilities and almost god-like abilities. With access to twelve warrens, a well of tactical cunning, and a natural gift for keeping secrets, Quick Ben is an enigmatic figure that looms large across the Malazan series.
Understanding Quick Ben is akin to understanding the core ethos of the Malazan Book of the Fallen—an undertaking that is as complicated as it is rewarding. It's safe to say that a character like Quick Ben doesn't just defy expectations; he shatters them, resets them, and then walks away with a wry smile, leaving you to pick up the pieces.
So, reader, venture forth into the Malazan world at your own risk and brace yourself to meet the inexplicable enigma that is Quick Ben. And remember, in his own words,
"A plan is a list of things that go wrong. I like to keep my lists short. Just be ready."
Quick Ben's Raw Power
Quick Ben is an unparalleled figure when it comes to "Raw Power." With access to an unprecedented twelve warrens—magical realms that are the source of his magical prowess—Quick Ben is nothing short of a magical dynamo. Most mages in the Malazan world can access only one or two warrens, but Quick Ben's aptitude for magical complexity shatters all norms. In essence, he can draw upon a wide array of magical energies, ranging from elemental forces to more arcane and abstract powers. This makes him a highly formidable adversary in combat scenarios.
His magic is potent enough to make even gods cautious. "They were gods yet they'd gambled and they'd lost. Against a mortal. How could they have known?"—this is a testament to Quick Ben's ability to hold his own against divinities. He's also gone head-to-head with powerful entities like Icarium and lived to tell the tale.
In the broader context of all fantasy characters across all universes, Quick Ben stands out as a beacon of raw magical capability. His power is not just the spells he can cast; it's the breadth of magical options available to him at any given moment, multiplied by his intelligence in using them effectively. While some characters in other universes might boast of raw, unrestrained power, Quick Ben combines potency with an almost encyclopedic range of magical knowledge.
Despite his towering raw power, there are beings in other fantasy universes—like cosmic entities and nigh-omnipotent characters—who might edge him out. Given this, the original rating of 9 out of 10 seems accurate. While Quick Ben is extraordinarily powerful, he operates within the limitations of mortal flesh (supposedly) and the intricate (though expansive) system of warrens. There's always that sliver of limitation that prevents him from claiming the perfect score. Nonetheless, within these constraints, he's as powerful as one can get.
Quick Ben's Tactical Ability
Quick Ben from the "Malazan Book of the Fallen" series is a character whose "Tactical Ability" consistently transcends the boundaries of ordinary strategizing and planning. He's not just a master of raw power; he's also a mastermind of tactics, always keeping a "shaved knuckle in the hole," a phrase which encapsulates his modus operandi of always having a hidden advantage or unexpected trick up his sleeve. His tactical acumen extends beyond the battlefield and into psychological, emotional, and even metaphysical terrains.
Quick Ben's strategies often involve layers upon layers of planning, as well as contingency plans. It's as if he's playing a high-stakes game of chess but with warrens, gods, and ancient powers as the pieces. For instance, consider how he manipulates events to place himself in advantageous positions when dealing with gods, elder races, and Ascendants. It's not merely about blasting the enemy with magic; it's about knowing when to strike, when to retreat, and when to broker alliances.
Furthermore, Quick Ben isn't just reactive; he's often several steps ahead of his opponents. His planning has the depth of historical awareness and the foresight of a seer. His catchphrase, "shaved knuckle in the hole," speaks to this depth. It symbolizes an ace up his sleeve, a last-ditch plan that he has meticulously prepared for when all else fails, demonstrating an ability to think beyond the current scenario.
Comparing Quick Ben's tactical ability to fantasy characters across all universes, he does come close to the pinnacle but isn't necessarily the foremost. While he's more strategically capable than many other characters, there are a few—say, master manipulators from various canons—who might outwit him. Therefore, the original rating of 8.5 out of 10 seems adequate. Quick Ben showcases extraordinary tactical prowess, but acknowledging that there might be one or two in a universe of characters who could surpass him seems fair. His knack for planning, layers of contingency, and sheer unpredictability make him one of the most tactically adept characters you could encounter in any fantasy world.
Quick Ben's Influence
When it comes to "Influence," Quick Ben is a compelling figure, though perhaps not as overwhelmingly dominant as he is in the spheres of raw power or tactical ability. Quick Ben employs a nuanced blend of charisma, wit, and psychological insight to sway the minds of those around him. His capacity for Influence manifests in layered interactions with other characters, solidifying his place as a linchpin in many of the series' most critical events.
Take, for example, his relationship with Fiddler. While Fiddler is savvy and no pushover, Quick Ben's influence is subtly palpable. It's not about manipulation but rather a friendship steeped in mutual respect. Still, when it comes to decisive moments, it's often Quick Ben's counsel that Fiddler values highly. "You can always count on Quick to look into the Abyss and not flinch," Fiddler might say, highlighting the mage's gravity in affecting choices and inspiring trust.
His relationship with Kalam Mekhar offers another glimpse into his powers of Influence. Quick Ben not only fights alongside Kalam but engages in deep philosophical debates that shape the course of their mutual decisions. Their friendship and trust serve as a cornerstone for many of their collective accomplishments. It's less about overtly influencing Kalam and more about shaping an environment where both can synergistically flourish.
While his interpersonal relationships showcase his influence, Quick Ben's role in broader conflicts and interactions with gods and Ascendants also reflect his persuasive power. He might not be a king or a god, but his words and actions resonate in the halls of power, affecting the unfolding of world-altering events.
In terms of a rating for "Influence," an adjustment from the previous 7 to an 8 is appropriate. In the context of all fantasy characters across universes, Quick Ben has a distinctive but not all-encompassing form of Influence. While he doesn't have the sweeping leadership abilities of characters like Aragorn, his relational and situational influence is powerful and pivotal enough to warrant a slight bump in rating. His knack for understanding the human psyche, coupled with his quick wit and the weight of his reputation, fortifies his capacity for influence, thus justifying the new rating of 8.
Quick Ben's Resilience
The concept of "Resilience" takes on a multi-dimensional aspect in Quick Ben. Quick Ben has the constitution of a survivor, continually evading death and setbacks with an uncanny knack for bouncing back. To quote Quick Ben himself, "Survival is the capacity to get the last laugh, no matter how dire the joke is played on you."
When faced with foes that should, by all accounts, decimate him, Quick Ben survives. It's not just his raw magical power or tactical genius, but a complex interplay of his wits, tenacity, and sheer will. This resilience can be seen when he's up against gods, Ascendants, and overwhelming odds. Whether it's dodging the malevolent plots of Shadowthrone or confronting incomprehensible cosmic entities, Quick Ben's resilience lies not just in surviving, but also in recovering quickly enough to tilt the scales back in his favor.
His resilience is compounded by his psychological fortitude. Quick Ben is remarkably adept at shaking off mental and emotional anguish, a trait critical to his character and one that serves him well in the harsh, war-riddled world of the Malazan Empire. The mental toils of war, the ethical qualms of magic, and the traumas of loss hardly dent his resolve. His unfazed demeanor in the aftermath of adversity is a testament to his enduring resilience.
However, while impressive, Quick Ben's resilience doesn't quite touch the unyielding recoverability seen in characters who are literally indestructible or eternally reborn. His resilience is more situational and conditional, pivoting around his wits and magical adeptness. Therefore, the original rating of 8, which acknowledges his exceptional resilience while also recognizing that he does have limits, is maintained. There are characters in fantasy realms whose very essence is resilience, who might edge Quick Ben out narrowly in this category alone. But make no mistake: within the broad landscape of fantasy, Quick Ben remains a paragon of resilience, complex and layered in his ability to recover, adapt, and endure.
Quick Ben's Versatility
When it comes to the concept of "Versatility" in fantasy characters, Quick Ben from the Malazan Book of the Fallen universe is essentially the poster child. To understand the extent of his versatility, one only needs to recognize that Quick Ben can access not one, but twelve different warrens, each with its unique properties and utilities. This is an absurd level of magical flexibility; most mages in the Malazan world can access only one or two warrens. Quick Ben says, "I've got more layers than an onion," and it's hard to disagree.
His versatility isn't just about the multiplicity of his magical options; it's also about the intellectual acumen with which he employs them. In a single skirmish, he might use illusion to disorient foes, conjure elemental attacks to weaken them, and then tap into an entirely different realm of magic for a coup de grâce. His magical applications are so diverse that even gods tread cautiously around him. The very unpredictable nature of Quick Ben makes him versatile not just as a magician, but also as a psychological manipulator. You never know what he's going to pull out of his hat next.
Furthermore, Quick Ben has shown himself to be adept in hand-to-hand combat and is intellectually versatile, capable of matching wits with scholars and tacticians alike. But it's in the volatile realm of battle magic where his versatility truly astonishes. Quick Ben has faced gods, ascendants, armies, and various magical creatures and come out on top, primarily due to his unparalleled adaptability.
Regarding a rating, it's a challenge to think of characters across all of fantasy that surpass Quick Ben in versatility. A rating of 10 seems wholly appropriate. To downgrade from this pinnacle score would require the introduction of a character who exceeds the ability to access twelve magical realms, master diverse schools of combat, and display tactical acumen that fools gods—a tall order, to say the least. So, let's keep it at 10. Quick Ben remains an epitome of versatility in the pantheon of fantasy characters, his toolkit teeming with endless surprises for foes and readers alike.
Quick Ben's Alignment
From a moral standpoint, Quick Ben demonstrates a consistent tendency to act in a way that promotes the well-being of his companions and even broader causes. His willingness to stand against gods and empires to protect those he cares about suggests an alignment towards "Good." He's not above deception, subterfuge, or ruthless tactics, but these are often employed against those who are unequivocally malevolent or corrupt.
He's a rogue mage who's escaped the clutches of the Malazan Empire's rigid hierarchical Mage Cadre, hinting at a "Chaotic" alignment. Yet, he shows great loyalty to the military chains of command within the Bridgeburners and later with other factions. Still, this loyalty seems more personal than institutional. His methods are unpredictable and inherently flexible; he adapts the rules to suit his needs, whether that means bending the laws of magic or subverting the expectations of both allies and enemies. Therefore, "Chaotic" appears to be a more fitting descriptor, as his behavior leans more toward individualism and adaptability than rigid order.
So, synthesizing these characteristics, Quick Ben's alignment could be described as "Chaotic Good." He's fundamentally altruistic, yet operates according to his own principles and is willing to break rules and norms to achieve what he perceives as a greater good. His unpredictability and refusal to adhere to strict systems further cements this alignment. "The rules are not set in stone," Quick Ben would probably say, illustrating that for him, the ends often justify the means, especially if the ends are for the greater good. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Quick Ben Arena Art
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| Quick Ben Battling Forkrul Assail |
Quick Ben's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | #6 (of 107) |
Titles & Postseason Results
| Season | Result | All Time Occurence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship Bid (#3 Seed) | 1st |
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship 2nd Round Appearance (#3 Seed) | 1st |
| 1 (2023-2024) | Grand Championship Sweet 16 Appearance (#3 Seed) | 1st |
