Nightrival

[Shadowboxer]

October - November 2007

Returning to Freedom City after many years of traveling abroad and learning multiple martial arts, Liam Callaghan decided to take on the Nightrival persona and became Southside's self-proclaimed protector. Liam found work at a shipping warehouse on the Waterfront. He patrolled the Southside for several weeks until one night he decided to patrol the Boardwalk, partly out of boredom and partly out of curiousity.

This is when he met Maelstrom, who attempted to rob the Lucky Seven casino. Although he was able to hold his own against the wind-controlling villian, he was unable to subdue him completely. The casino was saved from being robbed, at the cost of the having the establishment soundly trashed during the fight. Maelstrom escaped, leaving Nightrival to deal with the police. However, Nightrival vanished before the police arrived. Maelstrom was the first super-villain Nightrival fought.

He was later contacted at work by the superhero Shinken, who requested his presence at a sparring match held at the Wreck Room, a training facility located underneath Freedom Hall. Shinken wished to program his armour to accomodate various martial arts techniques. Liam agreed, in exchange for Shinken's help in stopping the influx of a particularly lethal strain of Zoom, a street drug that gives users super-speed for a limited time. During their conversation, Liam unconsciously dropped clues concerning his secret identity, and Shinken, using information supplied by Liam's first mentor Master Lee, reasoned that Liam and Nightrival may be the same person.

Nightrival performed well at the match with Shinken, but his opponent's strength and skill completely overwhelmed him. He lost two rounds against Shinken, despite throwing, disarming and eventually striking Shinken a few times. Nightrival was no match for Shinken's armour and swordsmanship. Whether or not a third round will happen is undecided.

After the sparring match, the two heroes met in the Southside. After patrolling for an hour, they came across a drug deal in an alleyway. They broke up the exchange and tailed the suspected drug dealer to a warehouse on the outskirts of the neighbourhood. Shinken quickly organized a raid, and Nightrival followed suit. The outcome is yet to be revealed . . .

A little distraught over losing the sparring match and concerned that Master Lee may have betrayed Liam, he visited the sifu's kwoon in Hanover. Master Lee informed him, in Lee's own cryptic way, that Liam cannot fight alone. Liam slowly realized that he wanted to tell Shinken his secret identity, in an attempt to ask for help. His insecurity, reinforced by his half-success fighting Maelstrom, prevented him from asking Shinken directly. His fears finally came to the surface: how can he protect people against super-powered adversaries, with no powers of his own?

Liam continued to probe within the kwoon, suspecting something might be wrong. However, a massive explosion erupted across the street. Liam disappeared into an alley and changed into his costume. He reached the kwoon's roof to investigate the sudden disturbance, gazing through the smoke wafting out into the street . . .

[Shadowboxer]

October - November 2007

Returning to Freedom City after many years of traveling abroad and learning multiple martial arts, Liam Callaghan decided to take on the Nightrival persona and became Southside's self-proclaimed protector. Liam found work at a shipping warehouse on the Waterfront. He patrolled the Southside for several weeks until one night he decided to patrol the Boardwalk, partly out of boredom and partly out of curiousity.

This is when he met Maelstrom, who attempted to rob the Lucky Seven casino. Although he was able to hold his own against the wind-controlling villian, he was unable to subdue him completely. The casino was saved from being robbed, at the cost of the having the establishment soundly trashed during the fight. Maelstrom escaped, leaving Nightrival to deal with the police. However, Nightrival vanished before the police arrived. Maelstrom was the first super-villain Nightrival fought.

He was later contacted at work by the superhero Shinken, who requested his presence at a sparring match held at the Wreck Room, a training facility located underneath Freedom Hall. Shinken wished to program his armour to accomodate various martial arts techniques. Liam agreed, in exchange for Shinken's help in stopping the influx of a particularly lethal strain of Zoom, a street drug that gives users super-speed for a limited time. During their conversation, Liam unconsciously dropped clues concerning his secret identity, and Shinken, using information supplied by Liam's first mentor Master Lee, reasoned that Liam and Nightrival may be the same person.

Nightrival performed well at the match with Shinken, but his opponent's strength and skill completely overwhelmed him. He lost two rounds against Shinken, despite throwing, disarming and eventually striking Shinken a few times. Nightrival was no match for Shinken's armour and swordsmanship. Whether or not a third round will happen is undecided.

After the sparring match, the two heroes met in the Southside. After patrolling for an hour, they came across a drug deal in an alleyway. They broke up the exchange and tailed the suspected drug dealer to a warehouse on the outskirts of the neighbourhood. Shinken quickly organized a raid, and Nightrival followed suit. The outcome is yet to be revealed . . .

A little distraught over losing the sparring match and concerned that Master Lee may have betrayed Liam, he visited the sifu's kwoon in Hanover. Master Lee informed him, in Lee's own cryptic way, that Liam cannot fight alone. Liam slowly realized that he wanted to tell Shinken his secret identity, in an attempt to ask for help. His insecurity, reinforced by his half-success fighting Maelstrom, prevented him from asking Shinken directly. His fears finally came to the surface: how can he protect people against super-powered adversaries, with no powers of his own?

Liam continued to probe within the kwoon, suspecting something might be wrong. However, a massive explosion erupted across the street. Liam disappeared into an alley and changed into his costume. He reached the kwoon's roof to investigate the sudden disturbance, gazing through the smoke wafting out into the street . . .

[Shadowboxer]

October - November 2007

Returning to Freedom City after many years of traveling abroad and learning multiple martial arts, Liam Callaghan decided to take on the Nightrival persona and became Southside's self-proclaimed protector. Liam found work at a shipping warehouse on the Waterfront. He patrolled the Southside for several weeks until one night he decided to patrol the Boardwalk, partly out of boredom and partly out of curiousity.

This is when he met Maelstrom, who attempted to rob the Lucky Seven casino. Although he was able to hold his own against the wind-controlling villian, he was unable to subdue him completely. The casino was saved from being robbed, at the cost of the having the establishment soundly trashed during the fight. Maelstrom escaped, leaving Nightrival to deal with the police. However, Nightrival vanished before the police arrived. Maelstrom was the first super-villain Nightrival fought.

He was later contacted at work by the superhero Shinken, who requested his presence at a sparring match held at the Wreck Room, a training facility located underneath Freedom Hall. Shinken wished to program his armour to accomodate various martial arts techniques. Liam agreed, in exchange for Shinken's help in stopping the influx of a particularly lethal strain of Zoom, a street drug that gives users super-speed for a limited time. During their conversation, Liam unconsciously dropped clues concerning his secret identity, and Shinken, using information supplied by Liam's first mentor Master Lee, reasoned that Liam and Nightrival may be the same person.

Nightrival performed well at the match with Shinken, but his opponent's strength and skill completely overwhelmed him. He lost two rounds against Shinken, despite throwing, disarming and eventually striking Shinken a few times. Nightrival was no match for Shinken's armour and swordsmanship. Whether or not a third round will happen is undecided.

After the sparring match, the two heroes met in the Southside. After patrolling for an hour, they came across a drug deal in an alleyway. They broke up the exchange and tailed the suspected drug dealer to a warehouse on the outskirts of the neighbourhood. Shinken quickly organized a raid, and Nightrival followed suit. The outcome is yet to be revealed . . .

A little distraught over losing the sparring match and concerned that Master Lee may have betrayed Liam, he visited the sifu's kwoon in Hanover. Master Lee informed him, in Lee's own cryptic way, that Liam cannot fight alone. Liam slowly realized that he wanted to tell Shinken his secret identity, in an attempt to ask for help. His insecurity, reinforced by his half-success fighting Maelstrom, prevented him from asking Shinken directly. His fears finally came to the surface: how can he protect people against super-powered adversaries, with no powers of his own?

Liam continued to probe within the kwoon, suspecting something might be wrong. However, a massive explosion erupted across the street. Liam disappeared into an alley and changed into his costume. He reached the kwoon's roof to investigate the sudden disturbance, gazing through the smoke wafting out into the street . . .

[Shadowboxer]

November - December 2007

Rather than enduring another beating from Shinken, Nightrival agreed to finishing the sparring match after two rounds. Shinken was able to fix the bugs in his armour, and Nightrival learned to become more flexible and cautious when fighting an opponent with a technological or superpowered edge. He also decided to carry an array of weapons to give him an advantage in a fight, namely two escirma staves to either block or injure stronger opponents and lightweight throwing knives so he can attack from afar. Nightrival planned to premiere his new weapons at the warehouse raid with Shinken.

Meanwhile, the situation in Hanover was resolved after a spectacular fight. Six men wearing casual clothes and displaying martial arts skills had attacked and beaten six of Master Lee's senior students, and also set a nearby car on fire. Nightrival confronted them on the street and defeated them all using trickery, acrobatics and superior fighting skills, despite being out-numbered and unarmed. Finding a cell phone on one of the blue collar ninjas, Nightrival contacted the fire departmant and carried the students away from the blaze. He was able to slip back inside Master Lee's school as Liam just as the fire engines arrived. Liam was concerned, however. His attackers seemed to be waiting for him; how did they know were to find him? And what is at the address he found on the unconscious ninja?

[Shadowboxer]

November - December 2007

Rather than enduring another beating from Shinken, Nightrival agreed to finishing the sparring match after two rounds. Shinken was able to fix the bugs in his armour, and Nightrival learned to become more flexible and cautious when fighting an opponent with a technological or superpowered edge. He also decided to carry an array of weapons to give him an advantage in a fight, namely two escirma staves to either block or injure stronger opponents and lightweight throwing knives so he can attack from afar. Nightrival planned to premiere his new weapons at the warehouse raid with Shinken.

Meanwhile, the situation in Hanover was resolved after a spectacular fight. Six men wearing casual clothes and displaying martial arts skills had attacked and beaten six of Master Lee's senior students, and also set a nearby car on fire. Nightrival confronted them on the street and defeated them all using trickery, acrobatics and superior fighting skills, despite being out-numbered and unarmed. Finding a cell phone on one of the blue collar ninjas, Nightrival contacted the fire departmant and carried the students away from the blaze. He was able to slip back inside Master Lee's school as Liam just as the fire engines arrived. Liam was concerned, however. His attackers seemed to be waiting for him; how did they know were to find him? And what is at the address he found on the unconscious ninja?

[Shadowboxer]

November - December 2007

Rather than enduring another beating from Shinken, Nightrival agreed to finishing the sparring match after two rounds. Shinken was able to fix the bugs in his armour, and Nightrival learned to become more flexible and cautious when fighting an opponent with a technological or superpowered edge. He also decided to carry an array of weapons to give him an advantage in a fight, namely two escirma staves to either block or injure stronger opponents and lightweight throwing knives so he can attack from afar. Nightrival planned to premiere his new weapons at the warehouse raid with Shinken.

Meanwhile, the situation in Hanover was resolved after a spectacular fight. Six men wearing casual clothes and displaying martial arts skills had attacked and beaten six of Master Lee's senior students, and also set a nearby car on fire. Nightrival confronted them on the street and defeated them all using trickery, acrobatics and superior fighting skills, despite being out-numbered and unarmed. Finding a cell phone on one of the blue collar ninjas, Nightrival contacted the fire departmant and carried the students away from the blaze. He was able to slip back inside Master Lee's school as Liam just as the fire engines arrived. Liam was concerned, however. His attackers seemed to be waiting for him; how did they know were to find him? And what is at the address he found on the unconscious ninja?

[Shadowboxer]

December 2007 - January 2008

Nightrival and Shinken stealthily entered the aforementioned warehouse, and discovered to their surprise that the interior was guarded by heavily-armed mercenaries. Making the situation even more dangerous, the villian Nanowire was also there to guard the perimeter. As the two heroes snuck around, Nightrival was accidentally discovered and a brief fight ensued between the heroes and the mercenaries.

Nanowire and Nightrival eventually tussled, but Nightrival was wary of having to fight such a formidable opponent and remained on the defensive. They exchanged quips, and Nightrival revealed to Nanowire why the two heroes were raiding the warehouse - to circumvent the flow of dangerous drugs flooding the street. Nanowire, disgusted with his employer's "product," turned against his fellow mercenaries and along with Nightrival, forced them to vacate the warehouse through intimidation. One mercenary tossed a satchel at Nanowire, who believed it to be a bomb, then blasted out of the warehouse with the satchel in tow. Nightrival contacted the police and left, and Shinken vanished as well. There was no explosion, which left Nightrival wondering what exactly had transpired.

Although he was sympathetic to Nanowire's plight, Nightrival was concerned that such a powerful figure was operating in his neighbourhood. Nightrival promised not to turn in Nanowire and connect him to the drug suppliers, but that was a one-time promise.

[Shadowboxer]

December 2007 - January 2008

Nightrival and Shinken stealthily entered the aforementioned warehouse, and discovered to their surprise that the interior was guarded by heavily-armed mercenaries. Making the situation even more dangerous, the villian Nanowire was also there to guard the perimeter. As the two heroes snuck around, Nightrival was accidentally discovered and a brief fight ensued between the heroes and the mercenaries.

Nanowire and Nightrival eventually tussled, but Nightrival was wary of having to fight such a formidable opponent and remained on the defensive. They exchanged quips, and Nightrival revealed to Nanowire why the two heroes were raiding the warehouse - to circumvent the flow of dangerous drugs flooding the street. Nanowire, disgusted with his employer's "product," turned against his fellow mercenaries and along with Nightrival, forced them to vacate the warehouse through intimidation. One mercenary tossed a satchel at Nanowire, who believed it to be a bomb, then blasted out of the warehouse with the satchel in tow. Nightrival contacted the police and left, and Shinken vanished as well. There was no explosion, which left Nightrival wondering what exactly had transpired.

Although he was sympathetic to Nanowire's plight, Nightrival was concerned that such a powerful figure was operating in his neighbourhood. Nightrival promised not to turn in Nanowire and connect him to the drug suppliers, but that was a one-time promise.

[Shadowboxer]

December 2007 - January 2008

Nightrival and Shinken stealthily entered the aforementioned warehouse, and discovered to their surprise that the interior was guarded by heavily-armed mercenaries. Making the situation even more dangerous, the villian Nanowire was also there to guard the perimeter. As the two heroes snuck around, Nightrival was accidentally discovered and a brief fight ensued between the heroes and the mercenaries.

Nanowire and Nightrival eventually tussled, but Nightrival was wary of having to fight such a formidable opponent and remained on the defensive. They exchanged quips, and Nightrival revealed to Nanowire why the two heroes were raiding the warehouse - to circumvent the flow of dangerous drugs flooding the street. Nanowire, disgusted with his employer's "product," turned against his fellow mercenaries and along with Nightrival, forced them to vacate the warehouse through intimidation. One mercenary tossed a satchel at Nanowire, who believed it to be a bomb, then blasted out of the warehouse with the satchel in tow. Nightrival contacted the police and left, and Shinken vanished as well. There was no explosion, which left Nightrival wondering what exactly had transpired.

Although he was sympathetic to Nanowire's plight, Nightrival was concerned that such a powerful figure was operating in his neighbourhood. Nightrival promised not to turn in Nanowire and connect him to the drug suppliers, but that was a one-time promise.

[Shadowboxer]

Martial Arts Styles

In the course of Nightrival's crime-fighting career he will use several martial arts techniques to gain an edge over his opponents. Here are some of the styles he's used so far:

Tae Kwan Doe

Aikido

Leopard Style Wushu

Muay Thai

Shaolin Wushu

Eagle Claw Wushu

Praying Mantis Style Wushu

Escrima

Capoeira

Shi Bu (Cat Stance)

Krav Maga

Boxing

Wing Chun

Changquan

GÃ…ÂjÅ«-ryÅ«

This post will be sporadically updated as Nightrival applies different styles throughout his adventures.

[Shadowboxer]

Martial Arts Styles

In the course of Nightrival's crime-fighting career he will use several martial arts techniques to gain an edge over his opponents. Here are some of the styles he's used so far:

Tae Kwan Doe

Aikido

Leopard Style Wushu

Muay Thai

Shaolin Wushu

Eagle Claw Wushu

Praying Mantis Style Wushu

Escrima

Capoeira

Shi Bu (Cat Stance)

Krav Maga

Boxing

Wing Chun

Changquan

GÃ…ÂjÅ«-ryÅ«

This post will be sporadically updated as Nightrival applies different styles throughout his adventures.

[Shadowboxer]

Martial Arts Styles

In the course of Nightrival's crime-fighting career he will use several martial arts techniques to gain an edge over his opponents. Here are some of the styles he's used so far:

Tae Kwan Doe

Aikido

Leopard Style Wushu

Muay Thai

Shaolin Wushu

Eagle Claw Wushu

Praying Mantis Style Wushu

Escrima

Capoeira

Shi Bu (Cat Stance)

Krav Maga

Boxing

Wing Chun

Changquan

GÃ…ÂjÅ«-ryÅ«

This post will be sporadically updated as Nightrival applies different styles throughout his adventures.

[Shadowboxer]

The Patrol Route

Like many superheroes, Nightrival patrols the city on a nightly basis. However, he generally stays within the Southside, the neighbourhood where he grew up and now considers home. Moving in a circular pattern, he tries to encompass the entire neighbourhood by beginning at the outer circle and working his way to the smaller circles in the center. Some nights he can only patrol part of his route, due to exhaustion or injury. Patrols start anywhere from between 8:00 - 9:00 PM and end at about 4:00 AM. Some nights are shorter because of bad weather, inactivity or boredom on Nightrival's part. Other nights, on the other hand, have been known to be much longer.

A map showing the approximate route is here.

[Shadowboxer]

The Patrol Route

Like many superheroes, Nightrival patrols the city on a nightly basis. However, he generally stays within the Southside, the neighbourhood where he grew up and now considers home. Moving in a circular pattern, he tries to encompass the entire neighbourhood by beginning at the outer circle and working his way to the smaller circles in the center. Some nights he can only patrol part of his route, due to exhaustion or injury. Patrols start anywhere from between 8:00 - 9:00 PM and end at about 4:00 AM. Some nights are shorter because of bad weather, inactivity or boredom on Nightrival's part. Other nights, on the other hand, have been known to be much longer.

A map showing the approximate route is here.

[Shadowboxer]

The Patrol Route

Like many superheroes, Nightrival patrols the city on a nightly basis. However, he generally stays within the Southside, the neighbourhood where he grew up and now considers home. Moving in a circular pattern, he tries to encompass the entire neighbourhood by beginning at the outer circle and working his way to the smaller circles in the center. Some nights he can only patrol part of his route, due to exhaustion or injury. Patrols start anywhere from between 8:00 - 9:00 PM and end at about 4:00 AM. Some nights are shorter because of bad weather, inactivity or boredom on Nightrival's part. Other nights, on the other hand, have been known to be much longer.

A map showing the approximate route is here.

[Shadowboxer]

January - February 2008

Nightrival decided to take Master Lee's advice to its logical conclusion. Told that "no man is an island" by the wise sifu, coupled with the danger of being a normal human being who battles superpowered foes, he concluded that gathering together a group of other superheroes would benefit his mission. In time, he will ask other heroes he knows and trusts to participate in his "secret project." The decision to embark on his endeavour was largely made off-panel.

While donating food to Our Lady of Mercy, a homeless shelter and soup kitchen in the Southside, Nightrival was informed by Father James Murphy that a young woman from the Fens had showed up at the shelter's doorstep. Intrigued, Nightrival dropped the donation off through the back door and was greeted by Sister Claire, who insisted he come inside.

After calming down an irate patron, Grim, the one Father Murphy spoke of, introduced herself to Nightrival and asked him to teach her how to fight. He agreed, and the two patrolled together and exchanged stories about their experiences being vigilantes. They quickly stumbled upon two members of the Brotherhood, a skinhead gang, breaking into a store. Grim confronted them but was injured in the process, prompting Nightrival to step in and take down the burglars. Nightrival reassured Grim and decided on a training program for her.

Weeks later, Nightrival and Grim staked out an alley where a group of criminals, allegedly working for Hieronymus King, were loading drugs onto a truck. They leapt on top of the truck before it drove away, allowing the crooks to lead them to the drop-off. When the truck arrived at an abandoned parkade, Nightrival sneaked closer to the criminals and prepared himself for the envitable confrontation . . .

Meanwhile, back in Hanover at Master Lee's School of Self Defense, Liam was introduced to Kevin Malone, aka Hub, by way of Master Lee. The college student wished to learn to properly channel his chi, and Liam gave him a quick lesson on how to focus. Later, Master Lee introduced Liam to Sen, the son of the sifu's old friend, and asked them to meet with the Master Mage Adrian Eldrich in his home in Riverside. Master Lee dismissed Kevin and Sen and Liam hopped a freight train to downtown, but not before Liam revealed his secret identity to Sen. Master Lee hinted that Sen would make an excellent addition to Nightrival's project, and Nightrival learned from his experience with Shinken that he must be open and honest in order to gain others' trust.

The two heroes arrived at Eldrich's house, and are told to leave by a menacing spectral voice. Undaunted, they entered and were attacked by two living suits of armour! They defeated their adversaries, and after almost falling into a magical trap under the stairs, Nightrival was attacked by what appeared to be a shadowy ghost in the hallway . . .

In what would take place after Nightrival's adventure in Riverside, Liam agreed to help demonstrate a new combat simulator at a science exhibition held at the Hanover Institute of Technology. Along with other students from Master Lee's School of Self Defense, Liam would fight programmed automatons, and their performance could be an excellent chance to promote the school. He met Professor Myrtleton, who invented the combat simulator, and toured the exhibit for a short while.

However, three criminals in powered exoskeletons, calling themselves Tricorder, interrupted the exhibition and demanded that the participants hand over their valuables. Liam slipped away unnoticed and changed into Nightrival, then swung over the crowd to face the crooks. That when he noticed another superhero, the speedster known as Velocity, had already arrived. The two heroes immediately went to work. Nightrival dodged a blast from Goop's glue-gun and attempted to kick Shock-a-lot unconscious . . .

[Shadowboxer]

January - February 2008

Nightrival decided to take Master Lee's advice to its logical conclusion. Told that "no man is an island" by the wise sifu, coupled with the danger of being a normal human being who battles superpowered foes, he concluded that gathering together a group of other superheroes would benefit his mission. In time, he will ask other heroes he knows and trusts to participate in his "secret project." The decision to embark on his endeavour was largely made off-panel.

While donating food to Our Lady of Mercy, a homeless shelter and soup kitchen in the Southside, Nightrival was informed by Father James Murphy that a young woman from the Fens had showed up at the shelter's doorstep. Intrigued, Nightrival dropped the donation off through the back door and was greeted by Sister Claire, who insisted he come inside.

After calming down an irate patron, Grim, the one Father Murphy spoke of, introduced herself to Nightrival and asked him to teach her how to fight. He agreed, and the two patrolled together and exchanged stories about their experiences being vigilantes. They quickly stumbled upon two members of the Brotherhood, a skinhead gang, breaking into a store. Grim confronted them but was injured in the process, prompting Nightrival to step in and take down the burglars. Nightrival reassured Grim and decided on a training program for her.

Weeks later, Nightrival and Grim staked out an alley where a group of criminals, allegedly working for Hieronymus King, were loading drugs onto a truck. They leapt on top of the truck before it drove away, allowing the crooks to lead them to the drop-off. When the truck arrived at an abandoned parkade, Nightrival sneaked closer to the criminals and prepared himself for the envitable confrontation . . .

Meanwhile, back in Hanover at Master Lee's School of Self Defense, Liam was introduced to Kevin Malone, aka Hub, by way of Master Lee. The college student wished to learn to properly channel his chi, and Liam gave him a quick lesson on how to focus. Later, Master Lee introduced Liam to Sen, the son of the sifu's old friend, and asked them to meet with the Master Mage Adrian Eldrich in his home in Riverside. Master Lee dismissed Kevin and Sen and Liam hopped a freight train to downtown, but not before Liam revealed his secret identity to Sen. Master Lee hinted that Sen would make an excellent addition to Nightrival's project, and Nightrival learned from his experience with Shinken that he must be open and honest in order to gain others' trust.

The two heroes arrived at Eldrich's house, and are told to leave by a menacing spectral voice. Undaunted, they entered and were attacked by two living suits of armour! They defeated their adversaries, and after almost falling into a magical trap under the stairs, Nightrival was attacked by what appeared to be a shadowy ghost in the hallway . . .

In what would take place after Nightrival's adventure in Riverside, Liam agreed to help demonstrate a new combat simulator at a science exhibition held at the Hanover Institute of Technology. Along with other students from Master Lee's School of Self Defense, Liam would fight programmed automatons, and their performance could be an excellent chance to promote the school. He met Professor Myrtleton, who invented the combat simulator, and toured the exhibit for a short while.

However, three criminals in powered exoskeletons, calling themselves Tricorder, interrupted the exhibition and demanded that the participants hand over their valuables. Liam slipped away unnoticed and changed into Nightrival, then swung over the crowd to face the crooks. That when he noticed another superhero, the speedster known as Velocity, had already arrived. The two heroes immediately went to work. Nightrival dodged a blast from Goop's glue-gun and attempted to kick Shock-a-lot unconscious . . .

[Shadowboxer]

January - February 2008

Nightrival decided to take Master Lee's advice to its logical conclusion. Told that "no man is an island" by the wise sifu, coupled with the danger of being a normal human being who battles superpowered foes, he concluded that gathering together a group of other superheroes would benefit his mission. In time, he will ask other heroes he knows and trusts to participate in his "secret project." The decision to embark on his endeavour was largely made off-panel.

While donating food to Our Lady of Mercy, a homeless shelter and soup kitchen in the Southside, Nightrival was informed by Father James Murphy that a young woman from the Fens had showed up at the shelter's doorstep. Intrigued, Nightrival dropped the donation off through the back door and was greeted by Sister Claire, who insisted he come inside.

After calming down an irate patron, Grim, the one Father Murphy spoke of, introduced herself to Nightrival and asked him to teach her how to fight. He agreed, and the two patrolled together and exchanged stories about their experiences being vigilantes. They quickly stumbled upon two members of the Brotherhood, a skinhead gang, breaking into a store. Grim confronted them but was injured in the process, prompting Nightrival to step in and take down the burglars. Nightrival reassured Grim and decided on a training program for her.

Weeks later, Nightrival and Grim staked out an alley where a group of criminals, allegedly working for Hieronymus King, were loading drugs onto a truck. They leapt on top of the truck before it drove away, allowing the crooks to lead them to the drop-off. When the truck arrived at an abandoned parkade, Nightrival sneaked closer to the criminals and prepared himself for the envitable confrontation . . .

Meanwhile, back in Hanover at Master Lee's School of Self Defense, Liam was introduced to Kevin Malone, aka Hub, by way of Master Lee. The college student wished to learn to properly channel his chi, and Liam gave him a quick lesson on how to focus. Later, Master Lee introduced Liam to Sen, the son of the sifu's old friend, and asked them to meet with the Master Mage Adrian Eldrich in his home in Riverside. Master Lee dismissed Kevin and Sen and Liam hopped a freight train to downtown, but not before Liam revealed his secret identity to Sen. Master Lee hinted that Sen would make an excellent addition to Nightrival's project, and Nightrival learned from his experience with Shinken that he must be open and honest in order to gain others' trust.

The two heroes arrived at Eldrich's house, and are told to leave by a menacing spectral voice. Undaunted, they entered and were attacked by two living suits of armour! They defeated their adversaries, and after almost falling into a magical trap under the stairs, Nightrival was attacked by what appeared to be a shadowy ghost in the hallway . . .

In what would take place after Nightrival's adventure in Riverside, Liam agreed to help demonstrate a new combat simulator at a science exhibition held at the Hanover Institute of Technology. Along with other students from Master Lee's School of Self Defense, Liam would fight programmed automatons, and their performance could be an excellent chance to promote the school. He met Professor Myrtleton, who invented the combat simulator, and toured the exhibit for a short while.

However, three criminals in powered exoskeletons, calling themselves Tricorder, interrupted the exhibition and demanded that the participants hand over their valuables. Liam slipped away unnoticed and changed into Nightrival, then swung over the crowd to face the crooks. That when he noticed another superhero, the speedster known as Velocity, had already arrived. The two heroes immediately went to work. Nightrival dodged a blast from Goop's glue-gun and attempted to kick Shock-a-lot unconscious . . .

[Shadowboxer]

March - April 2008

Nightrival and Grim continued their assault on Hieronymus King's alleged criminal accomplices in a Southside parkade. Nightrival took out a single target by stunning him, though the others noticed him. An amazing fight broke out, which went well for Nightrival at first until he was struck from behind. The criminals beat down on the fallen hero until Grim swooped in to save Nightrival. He was able to get to his feet and barely avoided being burned alive by a flame-thrower. He regained his resolve and finished off the remaining criminals using spectacular acrobatics and devastating kicks. The heroes interrogated one of the conscious criminals and discovered that The African is directly connected to that drug shipment, by finding a silver lighter decorated with the Sudanese flag. Nightrival decided to take the fight to the people responsible.

Back at Adrian Eldrich's house in Riverside, Nightrival dodged the charging ghost. He observed that the ghost must solidify to hit the heroes, so Nightrival taunted their opponent as it was attacking Sen. The ghost charged and he struck it with a kick, the attack connecting but not harming it. In response, it attempted to scare the heroes by tearing off its face and revealing a horrid sight underneath. Luckily, Nightrival was unfazed but was rendered nauseous. He then leapt to the stairs that held the mystical trap. Taunting it once more, the ghost careened towards the hero, only this time Nightrival tripped it, forcing it to fall in the endless abyss under the stairs! The two heroes continued down the hall and came face-to-face with Sallah, Eldrich's assistant. Sallah believed the heroes were intruders, but the heroes convinced him there were sent by Master Lee, confirmed by a text message by none other than the venerable sifu himself. Nightrival and Sen return to Master Lee's School of Self Defense with a message from Sallah: Eldrich left for Freeport and had yet to return. Heroes were needed to reach the mystical realm to search for the Master Mage.

Nightrival, Sen, Master Lee and Kevin (also known as Hub) returned to Eldrich's house to meet Sallah. After explaining the situation, Sallah transported the three heroes to Freeport using a ritual. Nightrival chose his father's name as a focus point for the spell, and after enduring a grueling trip he was able to withstand the rigours of dimensional travel. The heroes entered the vast city, witnessing strange creatures mingling with people in archaic clothes on the streets. Nightrival removed his mask to blend in yet he still referred to himself in his superhero identity. They decided to enter a tavern to find information regarding Eldrich's whereabouts. However, a pickpocket attempted to steal from them and they pursued the thief. Nightrival ran across the heads and shoulders of the crowd to reach the alley where the pickpocket ran into to avoid capture. The thief leapt onto the roof and Nightrival followed but temporarily lost him, until Sen caught up with the pickpocket and Nightrival followed his companion's voice. The two heroes cornered their quarry and prepared themselves for the inevitable confrontation . . .

Meanwhile, back at the Hanover Institute of Technology in North Freedom, Nightrival was able to put a dent in Shock-a-lot's armour but received an electrical shock from touching the villain. He shrugged off the jolt and threw his knives at Shock-a-lot, further damaging him. However, the other member of Tricorder, Tendril, ensnared the hero with long mechanical arms. Nightrival was able to wiggle out of his metallic tentacles and discovered that Professor Mrytleton's robots came to life and began advancing towards the audience. He swung to the neighbouring stage to assist Velocity in defeating the menacing robots. However, Tricorder used the opportunity to link together and form a towering gestalt! Nightrival took Velocity's advice and took cover behind machinery so she can blast Tricorder with her sonic boom. The villains succumbed to the powerful blast and surrendered. The heroes checked on the organizer and reprimanded the would-be robbers for endangering innocent people and abusing science for their own ends. Nightrival, impressed with Velocity's abilities, offered her a place on his upcoming team. Velocity exchanged contact information with him, and Nightrival was thrilled to meet another superhero.

After fighting more members of the Brotherhood in a Southside alley, Nightrival realized that the gang was becoming more aggressive. His suspicions were confirmed when he visited Our Lady of Mercy to receive first aid from his minor injuries. Many of the shelter's patrons were also nursing injuries, which Nightrival discovered were also from the Brotherhood's attacks after he questioned them. He met with Grim, who was also at the shelter, and the two patrolled the neighbourhood. Shortly, they stumbled upon a group of Brotherhood members shaking down Monty Jacobs, the owner of Monty's Garage on Pennsylvania and Lincoln. Nightrival and Grim swung into the fray, got Monty out of danger then knocked out the attacking skinheads. Three huge red-skinned thugs augmented by the Power-House emerged from a parked van and attacked the heroes. He continued finishing off the skinheads as the giant thugs threw their van at the hero, who avoided being smashed by the flying vehicle. Nightrival had brutally beaten one of the Power-House thugs while dodging the others; all the while the gang leader ran into the garage to steal something and retreated. Grim was badly injured and Nightrival managed to grab her and swung her away from danger. The gang leader and the Power-House thugs escaped. Monty reappeared and invited the heroes inside and revealed, after being coaxed by Grim, that Monty was building an experimental vehicle for the Southside C's and the Brotherhood wanted the designs for themselves. The question of what exactly was stolen from the garage still needed to be answered . . .

[Shadowboxer]

Rogue's Gallery

Maelstrom

Hieronymus King

Nanowire

The Brotherhood

The Power-House

Tricorder (Shock-a-lot, Goop and Tendril)

The African

Warden

Smash and Grab

Allies

Master Lee

Shinken

Our Lady of Mercy (Sister Claire, Father James)

Grimalkin

Velocity

Sen

Hub

[Shadowboxer]

April - May 2008

In Freeport, the pickpocket turned out to be afraid of Nightrival and Sen, and after everyone cooled down Sen left to check on Kevin, leaving Nightrival alone with their suspect. He questioned the thief and discovered that his name was Slathliss and he was a prisoner in a place called the Shadow. Slathliss was trapped in Freeport and was trying to find a way home. Nightrival struck a bargain with him: if Slathliss guided the party through Freeport, they will find a way to get him home. The thief agreed and the party later reunited. Nightrival convinced his companions, particularly Kevin, to let Slathliss join them. They decided to visit the arcanist's guild to ask about Eldrich's whereabouts. They entered a market and Slathliss lent them coins to purchase food; in the meantime Slathliss vanished to steal black pearls that translated all languages by placing one under the tongue. Nightrival took one of the pearls. However, someone in the market exclaimed that someone had stolen his pearls, and after deriding Slathliss the party quickly departed. Slathliss led them to the wizard's quarter and the group went about questioning the merchants . . .

Back in the Southside, Monty discovered that the Brotherhood thugs did indeed steal the design for a vehicle Monty was building for the Southside C's. Nightrival was concerned that this provocation will incite a gang war in the neighbourhood. Grim and Nightrival made sure Monty was unhurt and the two heroes departed just as the fire department arrived. Later, the two heroes met on a nearby roof to decompress after the fight. Nightrival told Grim he was impressed with her performance and asked her to join his upcoming team of superheroes. He also revealed his secret identity to her, and she did the same. Although Grim was hurt that Nightrival asked Velocity before he asked her, he reassured her that the situation was completely circumstantial. Grim agreed to join and the two went their seperate ways.

A massive fire broke out in the Heliopolis Heights in the Southside, trapping people inside the apartment building. He entered the top floor and rescued a child, but not before almost succumbing to the heat and smoke from the blaze. He was able to shake it off and got the girl out before the apartment was fully consumed by the fire. He was treated by June Abados of the Freedom City Fire Department. She gave him a mask and coat to protect him, and Nightrival swung back into the building to rescue more people . . .

Nightrival heard that a shipment of illegal firearms was being stored in a warehouse in Greenbank. More importantly, Hieronymus King was said to be connected to them. Nightrival entered the warehouse but fell through a trapdoor, which was set by the notorious Warden. The villain explained that someone hired him to eliminate Nightrival using unconventional means, since other methods had proved useless. Grim, who had followed Nightrival, also plummeted through the trapdoor and unveiled her presence. Using his insidious deathtraps, Warden forced the heroes to survive his twisted games.

First, they had to open a door before the walls in the room crushed them, then they had to carefully walk through a room rigged with pressure plates and tripwires while enduring an ear-splitting sonic attack. After that, they entered a room which had a walkway built over a fiery pit and a ladder leading to a hatch in the the ceiling. They reached the hatch, but the door was wired to an explosive device. Nightrival dodged it, but Grim was stunned by the blast. The walkway and ladder retracted into the walls. He was able to catch her mid-air and the two hung in the air for a moment while Grim regained consciousness and discovered that the fire below them was not as it appeared. They rappelled down into the pit and the flames they saw were actually quite small, isolated to the middle, while a loud recording of a burning fire was played. They found another hatch on the floor. Nightrival lowered Grim into it and he climbed down. The room was pitch black but Grim was able to see multiple hatches along the walls and one on the floor, each with an odd inscription on it . . .

Nightrival sent invitations to Grimalkin, Sen, Velocity, and Hub to meet him at Monty's Garage to discuss forming a superhero team. Grim, Hub, and Velocity arrived and introduced themselves to each other and to their host Monty, who came out to greet the heroes. Nightrival hadn't appeared yet, and Monty offered everyone seats in his office . . .

[Shadowboxer]

June - September 2008

Nightrival, Sen, Kevin, and Slathliss discovered from the wizards in Freeport that Eldrich headed to the north to meet with elven traders. As night approached the city, the heroes decided to find an inn for the evening. Slathliss disappeared to pickpocket money so they can afford accomodation for everyone. Slathliss returned with money and they followed him to a seedy inn, where Kevin passed out at the doorway. Nightrival caught him and convinced the patrons that Kevin was drunk, and the group headed into their room. Sen kept watch as they slept. The next morning, Nightrival tried to get information from a sleeping gnome but nearly got into a fight with the creature. The group met outside the inn and planned their next move. Slathliss revealed that the elves required proof the group is worthy to meet with them. Kevin suggested using Sen's sword as barter, and Nightrival added they don't necessarily have to be honest about it . . .

Back at Monty's Garage, Nightrival, Grim, Hub, Sen, and Velocity discussed their upcoming team over a late night snack. They all expressed interest in joining with the exception of Velocity, who had accepted an invitation to the Freedom League. She did agree to be a contact for the group. Later, they insisted Nightrival should lead the group and decided to open the membership to others, especially to someone with technical skills. The group gradually got smaller as the evening wore on until Nightrival left, pleased that the group was able to come together.

High above the Southside, Nightrival rescued a man leaning out his window as the Heliopolis Heights burned in a raging fire. He swung down from the ledge at the top of the building with the man in tow, snagged a fire engine's ladder and got the man safely to the ground. June Abados told Nightrival a group of people were trapped in the floor below the fire. However, he had to check one more apartment before attending to the others. He swung back onto the ledge, smashed the window, and found the last person to rescue: a widowed water sprite. She wasn't pleased that Nightrival broke her window and refused to leave the apartment. When he approached her, she summoned water into his lungs to suffocate him . . .

In Warden's deathtrap in Greenbank, the darkened room was lit up to reveal that the hatches had sequential numbers etched onto them. One hatch was the exit, the others were trapped. Nightrival and Grim had to work together to uncover the answer to the riddle. After bouncing ideas off one another, Nightrival believed Warden was using the Fibonacci numbers sequence to conceal the true exit. They opened the correct hatch and entered a large room filled with various obstacles. Warden informed them over an intercom that this was their last challenge. Energy weapons mounted on turrets emerged from out of the wall and opened fire, hitting Nightrival but only slightly injuring him. He used his acrobatic skills to avoid being hit and tricked one of the turrets to hit another one, which produced a large hole in the wall. He met Grim inside a bunker and the two heroes made a run for the hole, which lead to a utility tunnel. As they crawled through the confined space, they were greeted by a horde of mechanical ants threatening to tear them apart! He found a panel that would lead them out and ordered Grim to slash her way through it while Nightrival kept the robots at bay. He was able to shake some off but they continued to fill the tunnel . . .

Nightrival and Hub investigated a music store in Hanover to follow a lead on a drug supply. As the heroes browsed through the merchandise in their civilian identities, two troublemakers decided to throw a crate through the window then went for the cash register. Nightrival snuck away to change and returned to face the crooks, one of whom was able to stretch herself like a rubber band. Meanwhile, other superheroes were in the neighbourhood and responded to the broken window . . .

In the Southside, Nightrival and Grim were about to raid a drug house when they ran into another superhero named Reflexion. The new hero was also planning to raid the same house. They decided to work together and attacked the house from different points. Nightrival took the window on the second story. Upon entering the house he was met by Slick Willie, Heavy, and two rather angry women. Willy was knocked unconscious by an invisible force that nearly hit Nightrival. The two women escaped, leaving him with Heavy. After a brief scuffle, Nightrival threw Heavy out the window and followed him down. There, he saw a human-sized bat attacking the addicts swarming the house and later the Man-Bat took on Heavy himself. Nightrival switched targets and attacked one of the women from the bedroom, now standing at the doorway. However, she reflected the damage back onto him and she was able to stun him. Though Grim was able to injure her, he was still a sitting duck . . .