Civilian Identity: Anthony Clay

Codename: Pilgrim

Age: 24

Alignment: Lawful Good (Hero)

Power Classification: Enforcer

Powertype: Magical

Known Powerset(s): Magically augmented martial arts - Various spells

Known Limitations: Gullible, strict honor code against willful deceit or underhanded tactics, most spells require ritual preparation to cast.

Potential Threat Level: Medium

Physical Traits: Standard athletic young man.

Species Classification: Human

Costume/Equipment: Pilgrim's costume is a striking combination of Eastern and Western styles. His swept back helm with masquerade mask and cloak bearing astrological symbols bring to mind a Renaissance student of Hermeticism but underneath that is something resembling the iconic cloth of a Buddhist monk.

Pilgrim carries a number of talismans and other magical do dads for purposes such as dowsing, scrying, exorcism, and enchanting/blessing. In addition he also carries weapons such as a staff, spear, sword and others that can shrink down to fit in his satchel.

Lastly, Pilgrim has Simoom, a magical carpet that he uses when walking or a cab won't cut it. Pilgrim normally keeps Simoom rolled up and strapped to his back. One tug of the release cord and it unfolds in front of him, he hops on, and away he goes.

Personality: Pilgrim is a friendly but intense fellow. Amicable and chummy but has some difficulty taking a joke. His primary motivation for being a super hero is empowerment. Because of the particulars of occult threats, he can't stand by and let people be preyed upon by something they can't fight back against. He believes in the inherent good and potential for greatness in all people so he trusts easily.

Interests:

-Mythology/world religions/the Occult

-Martial Arts

-Movies

-Video games

Backstory:

Anthony was at the young age of ten when he first discovered magic . . . dark magic. At the Witching Hour of one night, Anthony awoke from a nightmare, covers still over his head. There was a great wind but his window was closed, Anthony knew he wasn't alone in his room anymore. Daring to peak over the covers there stood a figure at the foot of his bed; a mass of pitch black against the shadow except for the sole exceptions of two ember like eyes starring at him.

"Hi." It said with a chilling, guttural rasp. Fear overwhelming his adolescent mind, Anthony grasped desperately for the cross at his bedside, holding it out in front of him. With a growl, the fiend evaporated and the soft moonlight filled the shadows of his room. Although as he grew older, Anthony would dismiss this encounter as just a nightmare, the event did spur him to practice the martial arts as he grew. Never again would he feel helpless. If something evil wanted to kill him, so be it, but he wasn't going down without drawing some blood himself.

As he advanced in his discipline though, he found that such techniques and their attached spirituality actually granted him not only confidence but true inner peace. Anthony was invited by his teachers to join a secret society called the Masonic Ring, an order of mystics and religious leaders first formed in the United States and consisting of magical schools of thought from around the world. The Ring was dedicated to deepening it's understanding of magical forces and how to combat dark magic and those who wield it.

As one of the younger members, Anthony took a more direct approach to this mission than his teachers. While acknowledging the importance of keeping the gates of Hell from opening, the Eldritch Horrors at bay in the void, and Ragnorak from commencing; Anthony preferred to hit the streets of Freedom City and hunt in any alley and under any bed the Boogeyman might emerge from. On this journey, on this quest, on this pilgrimage; he will find the Parties What Slumber . . . and punch them in the face.

Debut: Occult Comics #7 "Pilgrim, the Spirit Fist!"

Police Notes:

We interviewed Mrs. Sturtan shortly after we arrived. Neighbors reported a scream and the mother herself called us when she couldn't get into her son's room. By the time we got the door open, little Ben was crying but seemed unharmed. The room though was in shambles. The boy was very upset so not much talking but he did say that he was "saved from a monster."

The evidence definitely indicates that something, whatever it was, was in the room with the boy and there were clear signs of a struggle. Personally, I believe the kid. Ya see stranger things in this city and if one them capes has it out for the actual boogeyman picking on kids? I say more power to 'em.

Author Notes:

One part Dr. Strange, one part Iron Fist. I've always had a problem with horror movies in how the protagonists are never able to fight back against the evil forces or killer. Even when the Empire has the Rebels outnumbered and outgunned, the Rebels still have the capability to do some meaningful damage. When a hero beats the monster, it's a victory. When a horror movie protagonist beats the monster, it's scrambling just to survive.

So I wanted my superhero alter ego to be someone who's entire super power was beating the ever-hating shit out of the things that go bump in the night. Drawn partially from my own life. I actually do practice the martial arts, do have a fascination with different mythologies and religions, and that encounter in the bedroom was based on something that indeed happened to me. (Only it was more recent rather than when I was ten but it made a good childhood origin story.)