THE TALONKNIGHT LEGACY

-WIP-

Richard Skevarious Maxwell III, dubbed "Risk" by the media due to his insane acts of recklessness (such as driving a 1961 Ferrari while base jumping to safety for example) is either loved or hated by the general public. However, there is more to Risk Maxwell's personality than just "Billionaire Playboy" and "Feared Vigilante".

The first is the cliched "Billionaire Playboy" persona that Risk plays so well. Risk theorizes that in a world full of superheroes, a reckless, irresponsible and arrogant billionaire who would consistently make world headlines and gossip columns for his acts of recklessness and scandal would draw the attention of terrorist organizations, super-villain plots, and assassins for hire, as some sort of "VIP victim" or "easy target". This method of "baiting" his enemies puts Risk one step ahead of would-be adversaries, being more prepared for attacks, rather than going on the assault. Another reason why Risk insists on acting like an "irresponsible, arrogant buffoon" is so that others stay away from him, and not learn his secret, in turn protecting those close to him. A TalonKnight is always taught that "the tighter the circle, the less casualties there will be". Privately however, Risk is a good man, starting charities and foundations under numerous pseudonyms and identities. Risk makes it a point to give back to the public, and share his fortunes.

As TalonKnight, Risk is cold, calculating, and when he wants to be; manipulative. For him, the "bigger picture" is more important than anything. He is most comfortable being in control, and seeing others stray from his "battle plans" and "contingencies" irritate him to no end. Risk is a perfectionist, and will strive to get things done as efficiently and effectively as possible. Ever since Risk's parents were killed in cold blood by his brother Tripp, he shut down emotionally, preferring to stay quiet and away from others. Trust is a huge issue with Risk, and only opens up to his trusted butler, and confidant, Walter Stephens. Risk is also unbelievably brave, willing to put his life on the line to save the life of others, not caring if he gets hurt or killed. His commitment to the mission of the TalonKnight is extremely unhealthy, even bordering on obsession ever since his brother killed their father and mother. The guilt he carries from not being able to save his parents, and stop his brother drives him to push his limits as this generation's TalonKnight.

Legacy Crimefighter: Risk Maxwell comes from a long line of crime fighters, with knowledge and experience spanning over centuries of protecting the innocent. With each TalonKnight new knowledge and technology is passed on, eventually compiling various techniques and methods of crime fighting. Groomed from a young age, Risk developed and honed his crime fighting skills through regular lessons with his father, and other tutors, making Risk the perfect weapon in the war against the world's evil.

Excellent/Expert Melee Combatant: The TalonKnights have developed a systematic fighting art only taught to heirs of the cowl. The unnamed combat art used by TalonKnights can be described as a combination of holds, strikes, and complex locks to disable and even kill foes. Developed through centuries of experience, the 13th TalonKnight described the fighting form as "a combination of Boxing, Japanese Judo, and Shaolin-inspired Kung-Fu by that Bruce Lee fellow". Risk employs this fighting style daily, adding some modern martial arts to his fighting style, such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Combat Sambo. TalonKnights are also well versed in the use of combat arms, being able to used various ranged weapons (bows, rifles, throwing projectiles, etc.), and melee-based weapons (swords, knives, etc.) with equal effectiveness.

High-Level Strategist: Risk has been trained in numerous forms of combat strategy, studying classical warfare philosophies and historical war scenarios since he was a child. Always taught to see the "big picture" and the "end game", Risk uses the vast contingencies and protocols the TalonKnights before him have put in place to his advantage. Although impossible to be prepared for every eventuality, Risk "cheats" by manipulating situations to his advantage, surprising his enemies and presenting the illusion of having foreseen the eventual actions of his foes.

Keen Detective/Forensics Scientist: Although not the best in the world, Risk has a vast network of detectives and experts from around the globe at his disposal, most contacts and agents of the Order. He uses this network to piece together clues and data to be able to solve even the most complicated of cases. His cowl constantly streams data to "Roundtable", which in turn is passed onto his contacts, who help him piece together clues and scenarios to help solve crimes. Due to constant exposure to detective work with some of the best detectives in the world, over time, Risk's own deductive reasoning and crime solving skills have been honed, even solving a couple of cases on his own.

Skilled Driver/Pilot: Risk pilots numerous vehicles developed by Armory Security Corp., the defense subsidiary of MaxCom Industries. He is skilled enough to maneuver whatever vehicle is at his disposal as if it were an extension of his body. Part of his training as a TalonKnight involved Risk piloting and studying schematics of vehicles, as his mentors felt that it was an essential part of being the TalonKnight. Since he cannot fly, or run with superspeed, vehicles are a key part of the TalonKnight's arsenal, therefore, being a skilled pilot or driver is definitely a must.

Peak Physical Condition: Risk was raised from a young age using a specialized diet and exercise regiment developed by the 9th TalonKnight during his stay in Japan, and has been used by other TalonKnights since its inception. The diet and exercise regiment have helped Risk and previous TalonKnights develop muscles and dexterity that is arguable better than any top Olympic-level athlete. The diet helps develop strong bones and muscles, while also making the immune system stronger, increasing the dexterity, immunity and recovery capabilities of the human body. Meanwhile, the exercise regiment develops high-level flexibility, peak human strength and endurance, allowing the TalonKnight to perform certain movements the average human being can't.

High Level Intelligence: Constant study and thirst for knowledge has assisted Risk in developing a high IQ, as well as coming from a long line of intellects and brilliant minds. Risk is competent in basic sciences such as physics, chemistry and biology. Knowledge in these fields help him troubleshoot his equipment, as well as develop formulas and antidotes for situations that require it. He is also a capable computer engineer, with skills varying from troubleshooting of the "Roundtable" system, to hacking computers during missions and operations.

H.I.D.E. Hybrid Body Armor: H.I.D.E. stands for "High-Density Interwoven Defensive Epidermis", and was developed by Armory Security Corp. just recently. Previous TalonKnights used variations of kevlar and bulletproof carbon fiber, but Risk has developed his own armor when he took up the mantle of TalonKnight. The H.I.D.E. armor is a combination of lightweight Kendrium, small fragments of synthetic Questionite (very, very hard to replicate) fused with Roin'esh alloys that allow for flexibility, and high levels of durability.