The Cavalier was a professional stunt man in superb physical condition, at the top of his game.  He was almost Batman’s equal in acrobatics and fighting prowess, and was *definitely* Batman’s equal (if not ever-so-slightly better…) as a swordsman.

History

Hudson Pyle was a movie stunt man who wanted to be a star, craving both the thrills of his own work and the acclaim afforded the actual actors.  Hearing of the debut and early adventures of Batman, Pyle hit upon a plan : he would invent a costumed identity for himself, pit his own skills against criminals, and at the height of his popularity reveal himself, thereby riding the wave of publicity to starring roles instead of stunt work. 

Thus was born The Cavalier, whose lighthearted attitude and swashbuckling movie-hero style captured the hearts of Gothamites, who were still somewhat distrustful of the dark and brooding Batman.  Pyle originally considered his crimefighting career a lark, an extended publicity stunt.  But as time went by, he found himself loving it more for its own sake.  He became addicted to the rush of life-and-death situations, and satisfied by the acclaim given a real-life hero that no mere movie star could ever win.

Pyle’s undoing came from falling in love with the wrong woman.  One night, he saved a potential suicide victim from leaping off a bridge and fell in love with her at first sight.  Ellen was a wealthy Gotham socialite suffering under the burden of blackmail.  She had accidentally killed her abusive husband in self-defense and covered the crime up, telling police a burglar had done it.  Unfortunately, the crime had been witnessed by a neighbor, the bored and degenerate Randolph Salt.  Salt managed to get ahold of the murder weapon and was draining Ellen dry. 

When Pyle confronted Salt, he too was forced into servitude, committing a series of spectacular jewel thefts for Salt’s enrichment and amusement.  With Batman withdrawn and obsessed with catching a particularly nasty and baffling serial killer, The Cavalier’s ’pursuit‘ of the mysterious ’jewel thief‘ held the public’s attention.

Eventually, though, one robbery went bad, and the notorious thief was exposed as Gotham’s popular new champion leading a double life.  Driven to desperation, Pyle once more confronted Salt, murdering the blackmailer and a henchman in cold blood.  With his elusive killer caught, Batman cornered The Cavalier, and the two engaged in a spectacular, climactic sword fight across the roof tops of Gotham, dueling each other to a standstill. 

When the one roof of an old warehouse caved in underneath them, Batman suffered minor injuries that allowed The Cavalier to act.  Pyle despaired of ever having a normal life with Ellen when the whole truth came out, and was frightened by his own capacity for killing.  He charged the ring of police surrounding the warehouse with an empty gun, deliberately forcing them to shoot him down, ending his own life.

Description

Hudson Pyle was a lean, muscular thirtyish man with classical ’movie star‘ looks.  He had wavy dark-brown hair, a dapper pencil mustache, and a dazzling smile.  His uniform consisted of black tights, and a blousy white ’pirate‘ shirt with black-and-gold filigree down the front and sleeves.  He sported boots, gloves and a belt for his sword, all in matching brown leather.  A purple sash circled his waist, and his face was hidden by a red Zorro-style bandana mask, with long ends that trailed down behind him.

Personality

The Cavalier was first and foremost an entertainer, taking his cues from old swashbuckling adventure movies, and actors like Douglas Fairbanks and Errol Flynn.  He played to the crowds and basked in attention and public acclaim.  He loved drama and always did everything in the most stylish manner possible.  He was an adrenaline junkie, craving the rush and excitement of both crime and crimefighting.