Bruce Wayne

Bruce Wayne stands at 5’11” and is nothing but 215 lbs of pure muscle. He has zero body fat, due to an intense training regimen that he strictly adheres to. His posture is always excellent and he moves with an effortless and unmistakable confidence. He doesn’t make quick or sudden movements; he never seems out of place or out of his element. He acts as if he belongs or owns the area that he’s in and its an easy thing for others to pick-up on. Bruce Wayne is not a clumsy man by far; while to most people the ease at which he carries himself and negotiates his surroundings won’t seem too unusual, however for those with the eye to spot it will see that he moves like one who practices martial arts; always balanced, always sure of where he is Physically, everything about him is a visual testament to the sort of discipline and dedication that is the foundation to how he approaches life.

Gray eyes stare out at the world, unwaveringly. Even when smiling, for those who know how to look for it, its evident that those eyes have seen far too much in their short life. Even so, he can be charming when the time calls for it, quick to smile on cue, his laughter perfectly timed. His hair is black and always finely styled, kept relatively short. Clothing that he wears is typically the best that money can buy--if it isn’t evident now, just about everything about this man is carefully crafted just to underscore that he is incredibly rich and makes little effort to hide it.

As Batman, the easy-going, almost leisurely way of moving is completely absent. Batman is either completely still or generally in motion--and, when he’s in motion, there’s a very good chance that its during a fight. A stealthy creature, he rarely will stay still long enough to be caught unawares or flat-footed. As one could only expect from someone who calls themselves ‘Batman’ and runs around beating up crooks at night, Batman’s costume is incredibly dark. He wears a gray full-body suit; on his chest in black is what is slowly becoming his signature insignia, a caricature shaped to invoke the image of a bat. Black gloves, boots, and a cape add to the overall dark image; around his waist is almost always adorned with a yellow utility belt.

His identity is protected by wearing a cowl that, again, is shaped to invoke imagery of a bat, with pointed ‘ears’. The cowl acts a modified domino mask, likewise hiding Bruce’s eyes.

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There is perhaps one, very important question that one must ask concerning this man. What is truly the mask; the man or the bat? Everything about both personae seems to be carefully constructed. Consider Bruce Wayne; sole heir to the monolithic Wayne Enterprises, Bruce Wayne redefines just what it means to be a billionaire playboy. Almost always making headlines for his lavish parties, the rumor mill and common people alike always seem to wonder about his latest tryst with the almost interchangeable new woman (or, women) seen on his arm(s). He’s a jet-setter, always seemingly traveling to some exotic locale.

For all that, he isn’t completely irresponsible; Wayne Enterprises has continued to do just fine, his preoccupation with being a playboy notwithstanding, and he is almost as well known for his philanthropy as he is for his partying ways. As its been said once, if Bruce Wayne throws a charity ball for a cause, it’ll be a very long time before the charity will need donations again. He is, undoubtedly, a bit of a trend setter in the social circle of the rich, albeit its done like anything else that Bruce Wayne does; effortlessly. He doesn’t even have to outwardly say or sway people--he just acts and others tend to fall in line. It could be the almost feckless confidence that simply oozes from him in almost every social situation.

Bruce Wayne is a very careful balancing act--he’s a playboy who somehow manages not to come off as a total sleezeball, but as a young man who really doesn’t seem to take life too seriously and could shape up just a little bit if only he just met the right woman instead of simply playing around, giving him an almost endearing quality. On the other hand, he lends his money to good causes, though its unclear if it something he does because he actually cares about the subject at hand or if because he can simply afford it and is doing so just for appearances--either way, he isn’t really stingy and whether wittingly or no, has a tendency of inspiring largess from other rich friends.

In either case, the one thing that can be as easy to miss as it is to spot is that everyone is kept at arm’s length. While Bruce is friendly to others and while others may consider themselves to be ‘close’ to Bruce Wayne, he has no confidants, outside of perhaps his butler, Alfred Pennyworth, but to the casual outsider, Alfred appears to just be his butler and nothing more. However, Bruce has no family to speak of, relationships barely seem to last for more than a few weeks, and after all the party has quieted, after the crowds have left, Bruce stands alone.

Now, consider the Batman.

Batman is silent, constant, and unyielding. He is a dark arbiter of justice; everything about him is designed to invoke terror in his foes. Essentially, anyone who seeks to commit crime and prey on the weak is considered a foe. Dark, brooding, and overall mysterious, there isn’t too much one can claim to know about him, except for the fact that he is an unyielding force and really, this is on purpose. Batman is more than just a man in suit; he represents an idea and, as a result, is wrapped in more myth and mystery than actual fact. He is not all brutish martial force, however--he is incredibly intelligent and methodical; a brilliant detective and strategist, just about the only time he makes himself noticed is when he’s ready to swoop in for the collar.

Although an apparent ruthless vigilante, the Batman does not kill; he wraps up his criminals like Christmas presents for the cops, regardless of if they appreciate his help or not.
Between the mask of the billionaire playboy and the cowl of the dark knight, somewhere therein lies the true Bruce Wayne. He is a brooding loner, scarred by his past, driven by vengeance and tempered by the compassion and love for humanity implanted in him by his parents. Despite that, he does not trust easily and his sheer dedication to his crusade certainly is not within the realms of normality. Still, he means well and ultimately serves on the side of justice. He has a strict code that he follows by; he does not kill. In all that he does, he does not kill. Using firearms is also somewhat of an unofficial rule for him.

His intelligence is not to be second guessed and his will is truly indomitable.

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Batman is one hundred percent human. With that said, he is no slouch. Through intense training, specialized diet, and biofeedback treatments, Batman represents the pinnacle of human physical prowess. His physical attributes exceeded that of any Olympic level athlete that has ever competed. His strength, speed, stamina, agility, reflexes and coordination are at peak human perfection.

Force of Will: Not truly a superpower, but an attribute of note; Batman’s willpower is truly amazing. For example, the rigorous and extensive training that put himself through was only achievable through the use of said will-power. Whenever met with a challenge, it is through this same willpower that allows him to endure and persevere.

Peak Human Conditioning: As stated before, his strength, speed, stamina, agility, reflexes, and coordination are at the peak of human potential. Batman began his physical and mental conditioning when he was eleven; he began intense physical training and weight lifting at age twelve. He had mastered full body control by the time he was eighteen. A great deal of effort is directed towards achieving physical perfection and it shows through an intense diet to promote optimal bodily function (including a refusal to indulge in drinking; despite Bruce Wayne being depicted as an alcoholic that, like so many other things, is simply all show--any beverage Bruce is drinking that is presented as alcoholic certainly isn’t), rigorous exercise, and biofeedback training. Through this and sheer determination, Batman’s peak physical conditioning allows him to perform amazing physical feats that, while within the spectrum of human possibility, lies as a far outlier to indicate just how much effort is placed into his personal upkeep.

Expert Acrobat: As afforded by training and his prime physical conditioning, Batman operates as an Olympian-level gymnast and acrobat.

Master Martial Artist: Ten years of Bruce Wayne’s life has been dedicated towards the study and mastery of a milieu of martial arts within the US. To date, his master includes Muay Thai, Escrima, Krav Maga, Capoeira, Savate, Yawyan, Taekwondo, Judo, Jujitsu, Ninjitsu, Kendo,Fencing, Kenjutsu, Kali, Bojutsu, Francombat, Boxing, Kickboxing, Hapkido, Wing Chun, Parkour, Shorin Ryu, Silat, Chin Na, Kyudo, Aikido, Varma Ati, Jeet Kune Do, Shaolin, Ba Gua, Hung Gar, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, Kenpo, and Karate. His primary form of combat is an idiosyncratic admixture of Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Karate, Boxing, Jujitsu, and Ninjitsu.
Weapon Proficiency: Although he prefers unarmed combat, Batman’s extensive experience with martial arts also led to an exposure to and mastery of weaponry.
Stealth Proficiency: Training with ninjitsu has gifted Batman with the ability to be a master of steatlth, alloiwing him to breach high security buuildings without anyone being the wiser.
Marksman Proficiency: He is an expert marksman, again due to his extensive training.

Genius Level Intellect: Batman is a brilliant, virtually peerless, detective, strategist, scientist, tactician, and commander; he is widely regarded as one of the keenest analytical minds on the planet. Given his lack of superpowers, he often uses cunning and planning to outwit his foes, rather than simply "out-fighting" them.
Polymath: He has studied Biology, Technology, Mathematics, Physics, Mythology, Geography, & History. Gained degrees in Criminal Science, Forensics, Computer Science, Chemistry and Engineering by the time he was 21. He has mastered Diverse Environmental Training, Security Systems, and illusion/sleight of hand by the time he was 23. He gained even more degrees in Biology, Physics, Advanced Chemistry, and Technology by the time he was 25. He has learned Forensic, Medical Sciences, Expanded Computer and Engineering Sciences, and Expanded Device Pool use of personal powered armor and system, database creation on underworld crime bosses, rogue's gallery foes and other supers; improved material sciences for body armor and micro-machinery by the time he was 26. Has also learned Advanced New Development in Forensic and Medical Sciences.
Master Detective: He is capable of observation, forensic investigation, and inductive and deductive reasoning of the highest caliber. Human intuition is an unlearnable trait and one of Batman's most effective tools. Given any mystery, he can arrive at any conclusions with a fraction of the data.
Multi-Lingual: He is able to speak Spanish, French, Latin, German, Japanese, English, Russian, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
Master Strategist: He commonly utilizes cunning tactics to outwit his foes.
Escapologist: He is an accomplished escape artist.
Expert Tracker: Trained in hunting techniques by African Bushmen (the Ghost Tribes of the Ten-eyed Brotherhood, among others).
Crack Pilot
Expert Tracker: Trained in hunting techniques by African Bushmen (the Ghost Tribes of the Ten-eyed Brotherhood, among others).
Expert Mechanic and Driver: Batman is proficient at combat driving. He has also pioneered improved vehicle designs. In addition, he has been trained and is proficient in basic vehicular operations.

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Batsuit:
The Batsuit is Batman’s iconic costume. The main portion of the suit is comprised of a special Kevlar, Dyneema, and Nomex weave--it is an incredibly resistant suit. It is also flame-retardant and insulated. The gloves and the boots are reinforced to nullify the impact of punches and kicks. Batman's gauntlets have retractable metallic blades on their sides. The cape is extremely light and can be used to glide long distances; it comprised of shape-memory fibers that make the cape semi-rigid upon having an electric current run through said cape. The cowl is outfitted with security systems (aggravating gas, electric blasts, etc.) to protect his identity, in the event that he’s knocked unconscious.

Utility Belt:
His ever-present utility belt. Like his cowl, it has a security system; it’ll shock anyone who attempts to use it who isn’t him. It can also be set to explode if needed. Elements of his utility belt include, but are not limited to--
Batarangs: These take the place of firearms; as firearms are not things he typically condones the use of, he supplements that by using these customizable throwing weapons, similar to shuriken. They are collapsible so that a large number of them can be fit into his utility belt. Aside from just normal batarangs, he carries electric batarangs and explosive batarangs.
Grapple gun: aka the “batclaw”, the grapple gun shoots out a claw shaped projectile on a retractable high-tensile cord, which grabs onto a surface; at that point the cord then pulls Batman to his target. The grapple gun is versatile, though; it can be used to pull down walls that are weak enough or even grab enemies and pull them closer.
Bolas: Used to trip up enemies; with a push of a button, they can also deliver an electric shock.
Flexicuffs: Nothing high-tech about them, but just as effective.
Smoke pellets: Large amounts of smoke can be deployed by throwing or breaking open these small hardened gelatin spheroid capsules. Often used for aid in stealth entries and exits.
Gas pellets: Can be used for incapacitating opponents; due to Batman’s nose-piece gas filter, can be be around the gas unharmed.
Stun Pellets: emit bright light and loud sound to completely blind and deafen enemies. The effects only last for a few minutes; Batman is unaffected due to his cowl’s lenses and sound depending systems.
Lock pick: Exactly what it says on the tin; typically kept in one of Batman’s gloves.
Rebreather: Small and compact, the standard rebreather gives 2.5 hours of oxygen.
Taser: Used to stun enemies with an electrical shock to temporarily paralyze them.
Ultrasonic bat beacon: This device emits sonic waves that attract thousands of bats to Batman’s location. The bats swarm around him, creating a diversion, as well as sometimes attacking assailants. It also has the added benefit of reinforcing the idea that Batman is a supernatural entity. Typically actually kept in the heal of a boot.
Tracers: Used to track enemies that Batman cannot follow closely.
Laser: A strong miniaturized laser used as a cutting tool.
Crytographic sequencer: A miniaturized computer used to hack into computer systems.

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Human: For all his training, skills, intelligence, and gadgetry, Batman is human. He can still be killed, when injured it takes time for him to heal, eventually he will age and die. The things that humans typically do die from are things that he can die from, he’s just better at doing what he can to avoid said death.
Equipment: He knows that, ultimately, the greatest weapon that he has is his mind. With that being said, he can only carry a finite amount of batarangs and pellets and his gear can only get him but so far.
Morality: Despite the dark image he cultivates, he has a strong sense of morality. He does not kill, even if many may feel that there are some villains better left stopped cold in their tracks, however Bruce Wayne witnessed first hand just how a senseless murder could irrevocably change someone’s life.

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Bruce Wayne was born to Thomas and Martha Wayne. He was only eight years old when his parents were gunned down in front of him. Until that moment, Bruce was a typical child. Well, as typical a child as he could be, having been born into one of the wealthiest family in Gotham. The Waynes were well known, not just for their fortune, but also for their philanthropy. Gotham was not the best of cities even then, however they believed in the city and the potential that it engendered.

The family was out seeing a movie with young Bruce when they were gunned down by a thug. In that instant, Bruce’s world completely changed. Left in the care of his family’s butler, Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce decided that things needed to change. In that moment he stopped being a child. He swore an oath to rid the city of the very evil that took his parents’ lives. It wasn’t until he was ten, however, that he was able to start his training; primarily with the formation of his exercise regimen and diet, however he also dedicated his time and energy towards intellectual and physical perfection. Bruce, in truth, was a genius and it is perhaps that fact that aided him in his goal; every human has incredible potential. Bruce had the drive to tap into that potential and the intelligence to exercise his efforts in the most efficient way possible.

Still, it wasn’t enough; he understood that in order to grow the way that he needed that he must see the world. When he turned fourteen he began his journey around the world; he attended courses at Cambridge, the Sorbonne, and other European universities. He never stayed long, however, and would often drop out after one semester. Beyond that, he also developed more practical skills. While traveling the world, he learned one hundred and twenty seven major styles of combat. He managed to get an apprenticeship in manhunting under Frenchman Henri Ducard. The ninja Kirigi, and other ninja masters, taught him in the ways of stealth and what it mean to be a shadow warrior.

African Bushman even taught him hunting techniques and he traveled as far as Nepal to study with the monks, learning their healing arts. His global journey came to an end around the age of twenty four. He tried to join the FBI, but he discovered that it would be impossible to fight crime within the constraints of the law. Thus, he returned to Gotham city. He made several forays into the world of crime-fighting, but his initial attempts were near-fatal. He realized that he was missing something, but he couldn’t put a finger on what it was he lacked.

He was in his father’s study when a bat crashed through the window. It reminded him of a time, back when he was eight, prior to his parents’ death. He fell down a cavern (the future Batcave) located beneath Wayne Manor that was swarming with bats. He was haunted by the event, but was rescued by his father. The memory served to remind him of how powerful that fear he had felt was; criminals, by and large, were a superstitious, cowardly lot. He needed something iconic, something that would strike fear into people.

Thus, he designed his current costume and began to operate primarily at night. Since starting his career as “the Batman” he’s slowly being acknowledged as little more than an urban legend in the dark underbelly of the city. The circle of those who know the truth of the Batman’s identity is very small. Bruce’s butler and guardian Alfred knows. Meanwhile, he developed a bit of an understanding with Lucius Fox; the man sees the day-to-day activities of Wayne Enterprises, he oversees the Wayne Foundation, in addition to helping to design some of the gadgets that the Batman uses. Currently the Batman is working on taking Gotham back, street by street. He won’t stop until the city has been reclaimed again.

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The woman fled her pursuers, but she knew that she wouldn't be able to escape.  Not for long.  She was tired; as it turned out, having a cushy office job wasn't too cushy.  It seemed like every assignment that someone didn't want got passed on to her; at the end of the day she ended up being run ragged, tonight being no exception.  She ended up leaving work late and while she was able to catch the first bus she needed, she wasn't able to make her connection, and so she ended up walking. 

It only took twelve minutes to gain some unwanted attention from some of Gotham's drudges and she only quickened her pace.  They quickened their pace.  She proceed to walk just a bit faster; they continued increasing their pace.  Thus, spurred on by fear, she burst into the quickest run her tired legs and feet could carry her.  She turned down and alley and knew that she made a mistake when she saw the fence at the far end.  There was no way she was climbing that fence; she was just too tired.  Still, she ran.

"Somebody!  Please!  Help me!!" she shouted, her voice desperate. 

"Help me! Help me!!" shouted one of the miscreants, taunting the woman.  His compatriots laughed and copies their leader, shouting for help at the top of their lungs.  No one noticed the shadow that silently watched over the chase. 

The woman reached the fence and her chasers reached her shortly afterwards.  One of the men grabbed her from behind and wrenched her away from the fence. 

"Please, just take my money!  Its in my purse; I won't even call the police!"

One of the men laughed nastily.  "Oh, we'll take your money and whatever else we want to take, right boys?"

The 'boys' shouted their agreement. 

"No, please!"

Sadly, this was all too of a familiar scene, however what happened next was unusual.  A swarm of bats appeared out of nowhere, back further along the alley.  The gang members and their would-be victim watched the swarm of bats.  Just as quickly as it came, the swarm left, leaving a dark figure in its place. 

There was silence for a few moments before one of the goons let out a laugh.  "Oh shit!  I heard about this guy!  He runs around at night and beats the ever loving crap out of people.  Like he's some kind of hero or some shit."

"Man, what kind of crazy person runs around beating people up dressed up like that?" asked another one of the gang members, moving to step forward, giving the dark figure an apprising look.  The dark figure hadn't moved since appearing.  "Hey, yo!  You into that weird S&M shit?"

The lone light of the alley went out for only five seconds, but when it came back, the man in the strange costume was gone.  So was one of the gang members. 

"Holy shit, where did he go?" asked one of the gang members.  Another, apparently the most superstitious of the group tried to run back down the alley.  "Come back, punk-ass!!"

There was the whistling of something being thrown through the air.  No one saw the dark blur that eventually hit the man's ankles, causing him to fall over and smack his head against the ground. 

Two down, only two left.   Both remained men pulled out their guns.   "Alright, man, this isn't funny any--" the light flickered out again and the rest of the man's sentence cut off in a scream.  The light returned and soon it was just the lead gang member and his hostage. 

"Boo." The voice came from behind, startling the gang member that he let go of his hostage as he jumped and turned to face the caped crusader.  He fired at the man, but the dark figure was already on the move.  He zig-zagged, making himself a hard target to hit.  He finally leaped into the air and performing a jumping back kick that caught the man right in the jaw, sending him crashing to the ground. 

The woman breathlessly watched the caped figure methodically disarm and tie-up the gang member.  She flinched as the figure turned to her and approached.  She trembled, unsure of what was going to happen next.  Of all the things that she expected to happen, being handed her purse wasn't one of them.  "Be safe getting home." 

"T-thank you."

The lights failed the alleyway again, but the woman wasn't going to wait around for them to come back in.  She started to run forward, returning back to the main street.  She paused and looked back.  When the light flickered back on, both the masked figure and the tied up thug were now gone.  Shaking her head, she ran the rest of the way home, trying to make sense of what she saw, but secretly grateful for the masked stranger. 

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