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Although I’m still working on the backstory, I figure I’ll post this here so that you’ll have sumn to look at. XP
Also, @Fingal are the other superheroes from DC existent in the background or is this more so a grounded Bat-centralized universe?
I only ask because, there’s obviously the question of the Teen Titans, which I doubt would form given the circumstances. On the flipside if Superman doesn’t exist, I’d just have the flip some stuff around for how he got the name Nightwing, or potentially even just give him a new codename.
Name: Richard “Dick” Grayson
Alias: [TBD]
Age: 25
Gender: Male
Skills/Abilities: Master Acrobat & Freerunner - With a talent for tricking instilled in by his parents, Dick has been Flying with them for as far back as he could remember. Although originally used for entertainment, his freakish nimbleness proved to be quite useful to crime-fighting with Batman. In time, navigating through cityscapes to chase down criminals became a specialty of his. There are few, if any, that can match his agility.
Master Martial Artist - To hone in on the boy’s already unique athleticism, Bruce taught him how to fight. At first it was pretty simple boxing, but it was when his acrobatics were implemented that he trained to do more creative maneuvers that made him a force to be reckoned with. As he’s gotten older, his body stronger, he’s come to rely less and less on gadgetry for help. Nightwing’s skill at fighting has become such that he could prove a challenge even to his mentor.
Charismatically Clever - In the time he’s lived and worked with the Great Bat-Detective, Dick’s developed quite the sharp wit and a silver tongue, to much of the former’s chagrin. There’ve been quite a few times when his sly nature has gotten him to both treasure and trouble. As far as crime fighting goes, he’s gotten villains to blab out their whole evil plans, goaded them into falling for traps, and come up with critical on-the-spot thinking in the clutch.
Equipment/Weapons: Batons - After becoming Nightwing, he’d gotten a contact that supplied him with some metal police batons that he’s come to repurpose. Beyond simply being melee weapons, they double as projectiles in a pinch as he’s practiced throwing them as well. Typically, he wields two at a time.
Backstory: Born to a family of acrobats, Dick Grayson began his life growing up in the ever-moving Haly’s Circus. With his parents, John and Mary Grayson, his family were known across the country as "The Flying Graysons," famed trapeze artists and acrobats. Although the country was going through the Great Depression, his family managed to get by, imparting to him that being a source of joy for others made their efforts worth it.
These happy times soon took a turn for the worse, as the mafia began targeting the circus. At eight years old, Dick witnessed the mob boss, Anthony Zucco, threaten Mr. Haly, demanding insurance for the safety of his performers. Mr. Haly refused the extortion and Dick went on his way. A day or so later, The Flying Grayson were going to be the headlining act. However, as they were preparing, Dick noticed a man tampering with the cord to their trapeze. Although he’d never seen that man before, he didn’t think much of it.
That lack of a second thought would forever haunt him, as when his parents started their act, the cords snapped. As the Graysons plummeted to earth, he saw life leave their eyes as their bodies shattered like glass. Through guilt and pain, Dick swore that day, he’d find justice for his parents. Hundreds bore witness to the tragedy, among them was the famous billionaire, Bruce Wayne. Feeling empathy for the boy's loss, Bruce decided to take the boy in as his legal ward, as none of Dick's family wanted him.
There was an initial culture shock from traveling poor to living stable in a big, albeit crime infested, city. However, Dick never took it for granted and did whatever Bruce asked him to. After a short while, the lad took notice of his mentor’s strange mannerisms and put together what he was doing all those late nights. Confronting the man about his life as the caped crusader, Dick wanted in.
Bruce decided that with the boy's extensive training in acrobatics and his sense of justice, he had just what’s needed to become Batman's partner. After rigorous training from Bruce, Robin the Boy Wonder, was christened. From then on, the first son of the Bat was born.
[TBA]
Yes, I can definitely say that Superman, the Teen Titans, and Blüdhaven all exist here.
