[Magister Decree: July 2025] Bhalu(Workshop)

Greeting magisters!

I feel that Jungle Bust side of things has been neglected for a while so I want to introduce one of the major character of Jungle Bust story, Bhalu(or Baloo)

In Jungle Bust, Bhalu is the current holder of 'Heart of The Jungle' a mystical power pass down generation from generation of beastkin. Those who hold Heart of The Jungle granted great power and also take the responsibility of protector of the jungle and all beastkin who live there.

Bhalu want to pass down Heart of The Jungle to Mowli, a decision that many beastkin disapproved. The main opponent is the Jungle Queen Shekha who hates human and see that she's the strongest candidate to receive the power

Bhalu argue that Heart of The Jungle was originally held by a kind human hermit who look after the first generation of beastkin who were abandoned by their human parent and left to fend for themselves in the wildness. He also argue that Shekha extreme hatred for human would worsen the already heated conflict of human and beastkin.

One thing I want to change for Bhalu is to make him Asiatic black bear instead of sloth bear like in the original The Jungle Book novel. Asiatic black bear are not as large as American black bear so I think he wouldn't be taller than 170-ish cm. but he would still has a sturdy body like that of professional wrestler but he can bulk his muscle further with the power of Heart of The Jungle.

I also want to avoid base his design off of Baloo form Disney The Jungle Book. I already skirt the issue with Mowli and Shandi.

That's all I came up with Bhalu so far. Please share your ideas regarding his lore, design, etc. in the comment! There's no time limit to share your idea in the workshop so if you came up with another idea later on, don't afraid to share them!