REAL NAME: Arthur Justice Raffles
OCCUPATION: Cricketer, gentleman thief
IDENTITY: Secret
CLASS: Normal human / technology user
LEGAL STATUS: Citizen of UK
OTHER ALIASES: Mr. Maturin, Ralph Manders
PLACE OF BIRTH: Middlesborough, Yorkshire (England)
MARITAL STATUS: Single
KNOWN RELATIVES: Marjorie Raffles (sister), Sherlock Holmes (brother in law), Raffles Holmes (nephew)
GROUP AFFILIATIONS: Knights of Mystery
BASE OF OPERATIONS: London, England
FIRST APPEARANCE: The Amateur Cracksman (June 1898)
HEIGHT: 6' 1"
WEIGHT: 178 lbs
EYES: Blue
HAIR: Black (Grey-haired at his temples)
Arthur Justice Raffles, or simply "Raffles," was a charismatic, intelligent, and daring thief who embodied equally the allure of the criminal lifestyle and the charm of an elegant Victorian gentleman. Physically, Raffles was a tall, athletic, and handsome man with a charming smile and piercing steel-blue eyes. He was known for his impeccable taste in fashion and his sophisticated lifestyle. He led a double life in London's exclusive Albany, moving among high society with ease while secretly planning his next heist. Raffles may have gotten into the criminal business out of necessity, but he certainly continued in it out of a love of risk. Just as Sherlock Holmes had Watson, Raffles had Harry "Bunny" Manders. Bunny was an old schoolmate whom Raffles convinced to join him after saving him from a gambling debt. Raffles was admired for his daring exploits, but he was also hunted for his crimes. However, he had a strict code of honour and conducted himself with a sense of morality that distinguished him from other criminals. He often justified his actions by targeting individuals he perceived as deserving of punishment, such as corrupt businessmen or dishonest public figures. Raffles faked his own death on at least three occasions, the last (and most successful) during his involvement in the Boer War. Ebenezer Scrooge managed to convince him to join his Knights of Mystery. After cricket, theft, war and espionage his ultimate challenge could not be less daunting than saving the world.
POWERS & WEAPONS
Raffles was a master of disguise and deception, using his wit and charm to evade capture. As well as being skilled in the use of conventional burglary equipment (such as hand drills and skeleton keys), Raffles also designed his own gadgets to make his job easier. Raffles was a skilled cricketer, rugby player and bowler, often using some of those skills in his role as a thief.
