Griffin

Griffin from Quantum-Verse Handbook Vol #4 Pg34

## **Post -Entropy History**

Catherine Palin, while born in a working class neighborhood in London, claims to be of noble blood, a claim she heard from her mother for years. Devoting herself to that concept in every action, Catherine read every book on British history and nobility, self taught herself proper manners and upper-class etiquette, even going so far as to perfecting an upper level accent. This did not help to ingraciate herself with her classmates who all saw her as trying to talk above her station. After completing University with a double major in History and military science, she joined the military hoping if she couldn't show her genetic nobility, she could show the nobility of an Officer. She spent years in the RAF trying to be a pilot while mastering every form of combat she could learn. She even attempted to date (and in several cases marry) people she thought were of noble blood or had a title of any type to no avail.

She did attempt to see about possibly being with the Queen's Lyons, an ancestral group of heroes, descendants from Victorian metahumans, as a way into status. But Unicorn pushed her away, knowing her thoughts. She told Palin that Palin would only "be one of us when she could take to the skies." Unicorn, as records note, originally meant that she might make a nice "air maid" for the group. This was also one of first prophecies made by Unicorn.

She developed a reputation as a driven soldier, a brutal fighter, an ingenious tactician, and a bit of a gold digger. This last accusation, made by an enlisted man when she was within earshot, actually came to blows and a formal request for a duel, sword included. Most people assumed she was headed to a long life in the military with many medals and awards but few friends.

When the Unicorn Blight hit, her powers manifesting almost killed her. Ironically, she was about to take her test flight for a pilot's rating, still walking on the tarmac when she started screaming. The added mass of wing and muscle growth drained much of her system of any calories and it wasn't until emergency surgery was performed (to cut open her back so her wings wouldn't tear through) that she was bombarded with liquid food the body needed. She awoke on her belly in a hospital with her wings touching the ceiling.

Initially horrified, believing she was now a freak and, as she later learned, beyond any sort of love, she threw herself out the window in a suicide attempt. She took to the skies immediately. Not knowing what else to do, she flew to her mother's house. There, her mother confessed a "family secret." The nobility line was a way of covering up the fact that Palin's great grandmother was Kestrel, one of the first known metahumans and active superheroes. Kestrel, however, was American and of chinese descent. This almost destroyed Palin's world, but it showed her so much of her own grief at herself and the lie she was told.

She flew off to the edge of the British Isle, to the White Cliffs of Dover, nearly naked, save for a hospital gown. There she was approached by Duke Henry McNeal, the civilian identity of the criminal mastermind Duke Diesel. The Duke, attempting to convert her to his team of revolutionaries, convinced her that her wings made her special. That being a noble was an accident of birth. Being a "hero" was a matter of power and character the royals could only attempt at but never achieve. Palin took the words in another way and immediately flew back to the Lion's Den, looked Unicorn in the face and demanded that she make good on her prophecy. She took to the skies. Now she had to be a Queen's Lyon. With her impressive record, and military rank, Sgt. Maj. Catherine Palin was rechristened: Griffon, Defender of Britain and Keeper of the Queen.

In subsequent adventures, she was dragged in as a replacement member of Flight of Champions. The enigmatic force called The Green Man summoned her to help defend the infant galaxy, Galactica. This was after the first member, Pop Rocks, turned out to be a double agent for the Secret Society of MU. This is where she caught the attention of Madame Satan. Madame Satan saw in her, not only a severe amount of pride, wrath, and envy. Madame Satan sees Griffin as the weakpoint for the team but Griffin has rebuffed her temptations. the two spar regularly, not what the tabloids would call "Archenemies" but enough that they have made note of the conflicts.

Because of her other duties with the Lyons, Griffin was given "reserve" member status in the Flight and an invitation towards the Sentinel Society. It is noted that while, she and Columbia don't get along even though both are strong willed military trained women, she has respect for the other fighter and does come to her aid quickly but only when absolutely needed. The both of them respect each other too much to expect help unless it is dire, then they are quick to aid. She sees Green Man as an almost Godlike figure of old celtic myth. Illuminator has signed all his books for her. Palin is a fan of his work.

## P**owers and Abilities**

### **Powers**

Griffin possesses a pair of hawk wings which allow her to fly at great speeds, (240 MPH). The wings have been known to regenerate after taking damage. She also heals after damage faster than a normal person but not faster than her wings.

She also possess exceedingly good eyesight and hearing.

### Abilities

Griffin is a highly skilled fighter with multiple trainings in combat, aerial combat, ground forces training, expert marksman, and holds three black belts in Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, and Taekwondo. She is also an avid historian of British culture, the Monarchy and the Nobility of Britain, and general history of every place where the British have set up a colony or are still recognized as a Head of State. She has a degree in Military Tactics from Sandhurst.

### **Strength level**

Griffin's strength is slightly more than proportional for a woman her engages in intense physical exercise.

## **Paraphernalia**

### **Equipment:**

Beisdes her wings and uniform, Griffin's bracers contain a number of claws and claw-like weapons. She can also add claws to her feet with special boots as needed. Her uniform also provides a bit of armor, made from both Kevlar and tough leather.

## **Common Enemies**

* The Kingdom of Terraq
	+ Chevron
	+ Snowflake
	+ Time Killer
* Menagerie
	+ Red Dragon
	+ Manticore
	+ Terrasque
* The Secret Society of Mu
	+ Sovereign Sorcerer
	+ Madame Satan
	+ The Yithian
	+ Leviathan
	+ The Broker

## **Common Allies**

* The Queen's Lions
	+ Lyonheart
	+ Unicorn
	+ Big Ben
	+ Bulldog
* Flight of Champions
	+ Doctor Auric
	+ Columbia
	+ Galactica
	+ Indigo Fox
	+ Illuminator
	+ Green Man

## **Trivia**

* Can identify almost any kind and blend of tea by scent. Is a massive connoisseur.
* Is a devoted fan of Doctor Who and Blake 7.
* Is proud of her legs. Most of her non-uniform outfits tend to show them off.
* Her eyesight is actually better than 20/20.
* Full believer in the Church of England