Matthew's grandfather enrolled him in the martial arts at an early age. A close friend who was a master of Kung Fu taught the child, instilling discipline, courage, and a code of honor so necessary in one who would one day wield vast power. Matthew was an attentive student. His immense natural ability quickly advanced him far beyond the other students, and the master began to instruct the young man in the more esoteric arts of Kung Fu.

Matthew enjoyed his lessons, but he also found great interest in the new home computers. Grandfather bought him his first, an Apple II, when Matthew was 12. Matthew dove into the world of computers, taking extra classes in school, and eventually earning a scholarship to MIT. Undergraduate and graduate degrees quickly followed. Matthew returned to Chinatown n San Francisco, the place of his birth, and founded a software consulting business. This, as well as some judicious investing in Microsoft, left Matthew with a steady and considerable income, but he continued to live in a small apartment with his grandfather.

One evening, while walking the streets of Chinatown, Matthew noticed several large men surrounding a shop owner who was locking up for the night. The men pushed the shopkeeper against the wall of his building, then proceeded to beat the man with a bat. Matthew was outraged, and before he could think he was among the thugs, sending them crashing to the sidewalk with broken ribs and bruised faces. In a matter of seconds, all were down.

It was amazing. The men, though armed and obviously experienced toughs, were no challenge at all. Compared to Matthew's fluid movements, they might as well have been standing still. Stunned by the ease with which the fellows fell, Matthew none-the-less retained the presence of mind to call an ambulance and see it arrive. Then he hurriedly left.

Matthew's grandfather had impressed upon him the importance of keeping his abilities secret. Yet, his Teacher had always stressed the importance of doing good with what one had. Indeed, most of Matthew's money went to support homeless shelters and education programs. It seemed he could do much good fighting against the rampant gangsters by using his special abilities. Yet how could he preserve them as a secret.

The answer came when Matthew read of a local superhero who crusaded against the gangs of the Bay Area. Could not Matthew also adopt a heroic identity and launch a fight to clean up Chinatown? The answer was obvious.

Powers/Tactics:
Dragon Fist is highly trained in the arts of Kung Fu, knowing a variety of maneuvers in the Shaolin Dragon form. He also has learned the esoteric art of Awareness, a sixth sense ability to sense danger in his surroundings. He combines this with his natural speed and training, making it virtually impossible to gain advantage attacking from behind or in numbers. The mental discipline necessary for this also gives Dragon Fist some protection against psionic attack.

Dragon Fist's enhanced physical abilities and special powers come from the Dragon blood that flows in his veins. He is much quicker and stronger than normal humans, and can run at almost 70mph. He is also able to manifest flame around his fists (hence, the name) that can be used for a variety of things. His primary attack exhibits the flame, although it does not burn. Instead, it strikes the target with the full strength of a Dragon. He is able to call upon this strength for non-punching feats as well, but it is somewhat lessened. Dragon Fist can increase the intensity of the flame so that it sears and burns through all but the toughest materials. He is also able to manifest it while using a blocking maneuver. This, and his incredible speed let him block ranged attacks.

Dragon Fist inherited other powers from his Dragon Blood. He can see into the infrared spectrum, and all his senses are preternaturally sharp. His skin is toughened, and actually resistant to piercing and cutting attacks. To enhance this, his costume is made of ballistic nylon. Dragon Fist has greatly increased resistant to fire of all sorts. Once pr day, Dragon Fist can free his inner Dragon nature, and assume Draco-form. This ability renews at sunrise.

The Dragon has the traditional powers of a dragon. Its size gives it immense strength, its claws and teeth are very sharp, and hide is armored, particularly against fire. Its tail is capable of striking with horrible impact, and its flame breath is powerful. This particular attack can only be used once per turn. The Dragon lacks wings, but can fly by means of a spell.

While not able to use the martial arts of the human form, the Dragon retains the Awareness and the enhanced senses. The Dragon also lacks other skills, mostly pertaining to technology, but gains a few, especially in knowledge of Chinese legends.

Dragon Fist is particularly vulnerable to attacks based on cold due to his Dragon nature. Dragon Fist's mental state carries over in all changes. If Mind Controlled in one, he is Mind Controlled in the other form. He also suffers great pain if teleported. Although he doesn't know why, this happens because both forms try to manifest at once. If knocked out (-11 or less stun) in Dragon form, he will assume human form, and will be at the same Stun level.

Dragon Fist prefers to fight defensively until he takes the full measure of his opponent. Against those who are slower than he, he'll use paired phases to use the Sacrifice Strike and Martial Strike in a one-two combo before the other acts. Sometimes, particularly if fighting a number of opponents, he'll substitute a grab-crush then a grappling throw combo, sending the victim sailing into another opponent. Without ranged attacks, Dragon fist will close at high speed while missile deflecting. He will not use the killing attack against people, but will wield it versus foci and barriers.

The Dragon usually opens with a flame blast, and then strikes with its tail. It will put its increased reach to good use, although it isn't afraid of getting close. Claws and teeth only come into play if the opponents are also wielding lethal weapons.

Appearance:
Matthew Chu-Wun is 5' 7" with medium length black hair gathered in a ponytail and dark brown eyes. He looks to be in his early thirties, but is actually twenty-five. Matthew always dresses well for business, wearing tailored suits and always having a tie. In private life, however, he's somewhat more casual, favoring jeans and collared shirts.

Dragon Fist has short-cut black hair (the ponytail is a wig) and brilliant green eyes (Matthew normally wears contacts). Dragon Fist's costume is a dark green with a sheen reminiscent of scales. Red piping, mask, and highlights add a bit of flash.

The Dragon is a four footed serpentine creature stretching 5 meters in length (8m including the whole tail). Its broad, low head is adorned with a fringe of whiskers on the chin and along the rear portions of the skull. Pairs of horns rise from behind the eyes, and a pair of barbules descend from beneath the nose. Scaly armor covers its body, which is surmounted by a ridge of membrane connected spines. The paws are highly dexterous with opposable thumbs. The Dragon's coloring is iridescent green with golden whiskers and belly armor. It has no wings, but flies by magic.

Personality/ Motivation:
Dragon Fist follows the Code of the Chinese Knight, an honor system taught to him by the Kung Fu master. His code of behavior demands that he right any wrongs he sees, correct any social injustices; he must keep any oaths of loyalty he takes, and must meet all obligations he accepts; he must always honor good people; he must spend all his money on good deeds and good times. Matthew lives up to this in both identities, and would not think of violating it. He also has great respect for human life, and goes out of his way not to seriously threaten his opponents with lethal (relative to the opponent) force.

Quote:
"You are afraid. That is OK, but the hate that springs from your fear is misplaced. There are people - normal everyday people - in that hospital who would be dead if she had not healed them, yet you want to 'get' her because of what she is. This is the same attitude that lynched blacks in the South. This is the same attitude that killed 6 million Jews in Germany. How many more must die on the altar of hate? 'Love thine enemy; do good to those who persecute you.' Where are the Christians and people of conscience in this city?"

Known Haunts

Matthew can typically be found at home (where he does most of his work), the martial arts studio, at his office in downtown San Francisco, or at the small Chinese language church he attends.