Alfred Pennyworth

## **Overview**

**Alfred Pennyworth**, the caretaker of the Wayne Estate, plays a vital role in supporting Bruce Wayne's endeavours as The Batman. With a background as a former British Intelligence Officer, Alfred brings his expertise from his tenure at MI6 to aid in Batman's mission. Widely recognised as a trusted ally, he has earned a reputation for his unwavering strength, loyalty, and dedication to not only The Batman but also other heroic figures.

## **History**

### **Early Life: 1943 - 1960**

Alfred Pennyworth, born in London, 1943, had a rebellious streak. Escaping his traditional upbringing as a teenager, he sought independence, gaining valuable life lessons through his adventures. His relationship with his father soured when Jarvis left for Gotham City to work for Thomas Wayne. Tragedy struck when Alfred's mother Mary passed away when he was 17 leaving him to fend for himself.

### **Service: 1961 - 1988**

Determined to find purpose, Alfred forged his age to join the British Military. He excelled, rising through the ranks and becoming an officer, developing discipline, strategic thinking, and a strong sense of duty.

After a decade in the military, Alfred transitioned to a new phase of service, joining MI6, the British Secret Service. As an MI6 agent, he undertook covert missions worldwide, confronting formidable foes and operating in high-risk situations.

After a distinguished career, Alfred retired from MI6, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering dedication and commitment to safeguarding his country's interests and citizens.

### **Pennyworth Security: 1989 - 2000**

Alfred was drawn into the world of the Wayne family when his father, Jarvis, suggested he become the head of security for Thomas Wayne's mayoral campaign in Gotham City. He formed a close bond with Thomas' son, Bruce.

However, tragedy struck when Thomas and Martha Wayne were murdered, leaving Bruce traumatised. Alongside Jarvis and Leslie Thompkins, Alfred took on the role of raising Bruce, becoming a father figure. Recognising Bruce's anger, Alfred began teaching him combat skills, which led to his isolation from peers.

Alfred became Bruce's confidant, supporting his desire for justice. At 14, they embarked on a global journey to seek mentors in deduction and detection. Alfred returned to Gotham when he learned of his father's passing but remained devoted to preserving the Wayne Estate, eagerly awaiting Bruce's return despite his absence.

### **Alfred Pennyworth: 2001 - 2005**

* In the year 2001, Bruce finally returned to Gotham City, finding Alfred steadfastly present at the Wayne Estate, his unwavering support a constant source of comfort. Determined to utilise the skills he had acquired during his extensive training, Bruce set out to establish a vigilante persona, driven by a burning desire to make a difference. However, his initial encounters with the criminal underworld revealed a sobering truth: his abilities alone were insufficient to instil fear in the hearts of those who preyed upon the innocent. This vulnerability resulted in Bruce being overpowered and left teetering on the brink of death.
	+ Fortunately, Alfred, ever watchful and protective, swiftly came to Bruce's rescue, bringing him back to the sanctuary of Wayne Manor. There, Alfred skilfully tended to Bruce's wounds, stitching them up with meticulous care. As the physical pain subsided, Bruce found himself consumed by a sense of despair and doubt, believing that his valiant efforts had been in vain and that he had failed his parents' memory.
	+ In the midst of Bruce's anguish, a moment of profound significance unfolded within the confines of his father's study. A large bat, propelled by fate, burst through the shattered window, its wingspan casting a flurry of glass fragments into the air before gracefully landing atop the bust of Thomas Wayne. It was a powerful, symbolic sign—a divine intervention that Bruce had been awaiting.
	+ In that pivotal moment, Bruce recognised the bat as the symbol he was destined to adopt, embodying the primal fear that would strike at the hearts of criminals and restore hope to the beleaguered city. The presence of the bat ignited a renewed determination within Bruce, fortifying his resolve to become something more than a mere mortal.

#### **The Case of the Chemical Syndicate: 2001**

* In his steadfast commitment to aiding Bruce in his crusade as The Batman, Alfred played a crucial role by offering invaluable support through communication systems and an array of drones. These technological assets enabled him to vigilantly monitor the city, acting as an additional pair of eyes while Bruce patrolled the streets. Notably, during the pivotal Case of the Chemical Syndicate, Alfred swiftly took action by contacting the Gotham City Police Department to arrange the apprehension of Stryker, who had been collaborating with the notorious Falcone Crime Syndicate.

#### **The Batman: 2002**

* Alfred and Bruce found themselves at odds when it came to their perspectives on punishment. While Alfred held the belief that certain individuals may have underlying reasons behind their criminal acts that should be considered, Bruce, on the other hand, maintained a firm stance that all criminals were alike and should be treated accordingly. This fundamental disagreement reached its breaking point when Andrea Beaumont, Bruce's childhood friend who had adopted the guise of the mercenary known as The Phantasm, met her demise while pursuing vengeance against Carmine Falcone. Witnessing firsthand the destructive power of revenge, Bruce embarked on a transformative journey, redefining his mission and choosing to become a beacon of hope for the innocent, seeking to inspire positive change in Gotham City.
	+ Alfred would assist Bruce during the ensuing power vacuum after the apprehension and imprisonment of Carmine Falcone.

## **Threat Assessment**

### **Skills:**

* Acting
* Aerial Combat
* Aviation
* Boxing
* Combat
	+ Hand-to-Hand Combat (moderate)
* Computer Operation
* Demolitions
* Diplomacy
* Disguise
* Driving
* Escapology
* Espionage
* Intelligence
* Investigation
* Lock Picking
* Marksmanship
* Military Protocol
* Multilingualism
* Tactical Analysis
* Weaponry
	+ Fencing
	+ Firearms
	+ Swordsmanship

## **Notes/Trivia**

* Alfred served in the British Military from 1960-1970 and would then work with MI6 from 1970-1988, totalling 28 years of service.
* In The RooVerse, Alfred is not a butler, but takes on more of a caretaker role for the whole Wayne Estate.