Born in the grand capital of **Polaria** under the watchful eyes of Perserphina, Ben grew up in a devout family who brought him to the **House of Clerics of Perserphina** each week. The city's magnificent temples and the goddess's teachings shaped his earliest memories. As a child wandering Polaria's streets, Ben learned every corner of the capital—from the hallowed halls of the **Polaria Academy of Knowledge** to the bustling markets near the city walls. When he came of age, Ben took a position within the temple as one of **Perserphina's Children**—a title given to those who dedicate their lives to service within the church. His natural compassion and patience made him perfectly suited to teaching the deaf and blind to read, and reading scripture to those who sought the goddess's wisdom. The clergy noticed his unwavering dedication and began teaching him to read the **Ancient Languages and the Runes of Perserphina**—texts so old they predated the modern Common tongue. As the years passed, Ben rose steadily through the church hierarchy. His devotion never wavered, his faith never faltered. Eventually, he was granted the highest honor a scholar-priest could receive: **Guardian of the Ancient Texts**. Among these sacred works was the most precious relic in the church's possession—**The Book of Perserphina**, said to have been written by the goddess's own hand when she walked Solare as a mortal during the Age Before Reckoning. The church bestowed upon him the title of **Guard**, and his name became synonymous with his sacred duty—**Benguard**, Guardian of Perserphina's Written Word.