Toby “Haze” Rivers

**Toby Rivers**, also known as **Haze**, is a Jamaican-American wielding a magic sword called Domino Blues. He’s a rather suave and smooth talking ronin who joined Ben and aided him to help protects after an encounter with the Bad Moon Yakuza.

## Appearance:

Haze is of average build and height, having dark brown skin, a large nose, violet eyes, and is often seen wearing a large, orange hat with the brim covering his eyes. His wardrobe has changed here and there but most of his wardrobe includes a palette of yellow, green, and two variants of purple. His current look consists of a yellow long sleeved shirt with two buttons, green slacks, a purple trench coat with lighter purple accents, his iconic orange hat, and a pair of white gloves, as well as steel toed boots.

## Personality:

Haze can often come off as reserved to new people he meets, but in truth he’s a rather confident and at times a tenacious spirit. He’s not afraid to speak his mind when he feels it, but for the most part is rather passive and calm, serving as a level headed member of the trio of Rangers. He’s also a bit of a flirt and womanizer, as he’s shown flirting with Toma and giving her a kiss on the palm, though he isn’t a fan of fast or aggressive women like with Lucky. He seems to be troubled by his past, feeling guilt for being duped and being weak as well.

## History:

### Past:

At one point, Haze was taken in by a glamorous and powerful vampire named Erica who gave him his abilities. At first, he developed feelings for the vampire, thinking her a friend and maybe more. It wasn’t until one day he finally realized the truth that she was simply making crypts and monsters and sending them to higher ranked creatures like Baron McThrill. His mentor, Henry Law, managed to free him and he found himself presumably with the Bad Moon Yakuza’s casino for some time,

### Heart of Gold:

One day, Haze had decided to move on and leave the casino, only to be stopped by the youngest of the Yoshidu Clan (Lucky) to join their Yakuza. Haze refused, stating he was tired of being a part of gangs and mafias like this, and stormed off from the Yokai, only for her to summon some extra muscle to block him off. Managing to escape for a brief moment, he was stopped by Ben who had just entered the hotel, and was apprehended by some of the members of the Yakuza. Lucky tried to sweet talk Ben and flirt with him while her minions would take Haze away, but the young ronin broke free and warned the Ranger to watch out for Lucky and her pheromones. Ben questioned how he would know any of this, and then asks if he was the crypt known as “The Haze”.

Haze tells him the truth, and explains his powers as well. Ben then tells him to follow, wanting to take him back to safety, only for Lucky to get furious and call her men to capture the two. Haze breaks out his katana (Domino Blues), and activated a smoke trap to allow them to escape. They make way to a broom closet in the hotel, in which Ben asks what’s going on. Haze explained that this was a group of yokai that run a Japanese mafia called the Bad Moon Yakuza. Ben let’s out a frustrated sigh, and informs HaE they had to warn them of someone. The ronin yells at Ben, demanding to know why the ranger wanted to protect a criminal group, only for Ben to go in depth about why he was doing all this. Hearing Ben’s own story moves Haze, as he then suggests they talk to Jackie who may understand them better than Lucky would. Pleased with this, Ben agrees, and the two make their way to talk to the leader of the group.

## Abilities and Skills:

### Swordsmanship:

As shown with his magic katana, he is quite the adept swordsman. He is capable of going toe to toe with even Usagi (although with Ben’s help), and knows a few tricks with his smoke to create some powerful tricks and techniques to offset and overwhelm his opponents.

### Mist:

Countess Erica bestowed Haze the ability to create powerful gases, fumes, hazes and mists that he can use for multiple purposes. This also gave him immunity to other neurotoxins and gases, allowing him to get past any trap involving any toxins or fumes. He is unable to create anything poisonous or deadly to vampires, presumably as a fail safe.

### Heightened Sense of Smell:

Along with his mist, Haze is able to recognize and identify scents that most humans wouldn’t pick up such as pheromones. This allows him to recognize any enemy threat, traps and more.

### Toxicology:

Given his abilities, Haze has a vast knowledge of toxins and poisonous fumes due to his abilities and immunity. As an example in Episode 13 he was able to identify what was causing to fish the die in the water and what type of poison was used just from taking a taste. Despite the fact he can't seem t produce his own toxins currently this is perhaps due to him learning how to counteract toxins with his own fumes and gases. He is also shown to mix and make his own antidotes or "cocktails" that have many effects, such as the gas he made to wake up Toma when she was hit with a tranquilizer from Creed's monekys.

## Trivia:

* Early on, Haze was supposed to utilize a sniper rifle and serve as support for the group instead of an actual fighter like with Jeff.
* Haze’s gimmick is based off of Johnny from Guilty Gear’s *battou* sword style.
* Haze’s sword fighting style is based off of iaijutsu.
* In earlier iterations, Haze was the youngest member of the group and in high school, as well as still being stuck in a gang in which Ben and co. aided in helping him escape. He also donned a more urban, hip hop sort of style before having the more 70s/psychedelic motif.