White Tiger

Art by All_Draw_Party

Given Name: Joseph Jian Haw

Age: 27

Birthday: February 3rd

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 222 Lbs

Country of Representation: Singapore

Fighting Style: Technical Pro Wrestling. Kung-Fu. High Flyer

Glyph: Ventus (Wind Magic) and Laguz (Water Magic)

Power Finisher: Retribution of the Four Guardians 

Submission Finisher: Jaws of the Tiger

Favorite Food: Taro Bubble Tea ("Yes, it's a food!")

Likes: Justice, heroism, cats, world peace, working out, training, challenges, meditation, fishing, taking hikes, nature, yum cha, underdogs, mythology, beach walks, spending time with his mother, conversations with the elderly, travel, poetry, fine art, classical music, wuxia and kung fu movies, sparring, parkour, training apprentices, shibari, winning.

Dislikes: Villains, oppression, unmatched socks, cheaters, rude people, disrespect towards elders, sitting still, closed minded people, diplomacy failures, corruption, power imbalances, schemers, being questioned or argued with.

The Tiger is on the Hunt! And villains are his prey!

Since its inception, the GSA has seen three champions rise to the title: Colt 'The Bolt' (who abdicated the belt upon becoming president), Deadboy Daemian, and now White Tiger--its longest reigning defender. Though Tiger (also known as Joseph Haw) remains an upstanding role model, inspiration, all-around-good-guy, and coach, his past is somewhat of a mystery even to his closet friends.

Formerly a masked vigilante who patrolled the city state of Hong Kong during its tumultuous Great Transition period, White Tiger first came to the attention of the city's wily journalists fighting against the dual propaganda wings of both Alban and China, before both empires collapsed. The mysterious, phantom Tiger's martial arts expertise, and dominance over the elements struck fear into the hearts of the exploitative Triads, corrupt cops, and the malicious cultists of the Red Jade. After the conclusion of a major corruption sting on the Central Precinct, White Tiger seemingly vanished, only to re-appear in the US and Texan spellbreaking circuits. The reasons for such an abrupt turn are unclear. Some say White Tiger drew a line, entrusting Hong Kong's emboldened citizens to seize the reigns of autonomy. Others believe White Tiger became a target for too many adversaries, including the newformed government of East China, and feared what would happen if his malcontents uncovered his identity and came for his loved ones.

Either way, White Tiger still refuses to divulge much about his past, though reportedly he is one of the more friendly and open Spellbreakers when it comes to fans, always taking time to sign autographs and take pictures. Before becoming a champion in his own right, White Tiger unmasked himself after a splendid victory, no longer ashamed to hide his face as the handsome and suave Joseph Haw. This was seen as a major scandal in the spellbreaking world, but Colt 'The Bolt' saw the power and bravery in the act and signed him to the GSA on the spot.

Ever since, Joseph has acted as GSA's 'good son', and the ultimate babyface hero. Though most of his early days are still unknown, some dubious journalism has turned up rumors that his own father was involved in police corruption and bribery, which may have led to Joseph's implicit mistrust of institutionalized security forces. This may have been a major influence on his stint as a vigilante. Despite growing up in Singapore, he loves Hong Kong, though these days he often returns home to visit his mother, the world renowned cellist Melinda Haw. His mother did not approve of spellbreaking, wanting her son to become a lawyer instead, but has since slowly warmed up to his success (she still wishes he would become a lawyer).

Joseph enjoys a strong and trusting apprentice role with Colt. Rumors are that Colt might hand the company down to him when and if he retires, if Buck doesn't want to inherit it. Because his demands on the spellbreaking circuit require frequent travel abroad, White Tiger is not always seen on the GSA compound, something he regrets. When he is present, he trains baby face heroes like Spike, but secretly has a fetish for bad boys...especially putting them in their place! It was, after all, White Tiger who ended Deadboy Daemain's reign of terror. Gossip has it that their vicious (and highly entertaining) rivalry was more of an unrequited, mutual crush below the surface.

Joseph is a rare, dual glyph users, which makes him so powerful. He channels 'feng shui' or wind/water elemental principles, using the opposite forces in harmony. His water manifests as black, a reflection of his controlled inner darkness, and his wind appears with white snow; a manifestation of his pure heart. There is a legend in certain circles, even among the Red Jade Cult, that the Four Celestial Guardians manifest within magi every generation, and White Tiger serves as the avatar of the self-same beast for which he takes his name. If this is true, then there may be three other avatars out there...perhaps other magi or spellbreakers known to the GSA!

Joseph fights clean, however that does not mean he holds back! White Tiger fights like the beast of his namesake, mixing his technical and gymnastic powers with hard hitting moves. He utilizes his 'red rope of fate' to tie up and bind his opponents. Supposedly, Joseph is a fan of shibari. Though he is kinder to honest opponents, he takes the gear from defeated villains and frames it as trophies. Deadboy's original gear set is one such acquisition...

As a student of kung fu (and avid lover of cheesy martial arts flicks) Joseph's physical abilities are unrivalled, but his magickal prowess is even more superior. His power finisher, Retribution of the Four Guardians, is one of the more dangerous finishers that relies more on magickal ability than grappling or fighting technique. After jettisoning his opponent upward above the ring with a geyser, Joseph assails his victim with a flurry of water and wind powered kicks and punches, before suplexing them headfirst into the mat. His submission, the Jaws of the Tiger, is less flashy but just as formidable, being an intense guillotine hold that has broken more than a few necks. Joseph has also been known to employ a simple sleeper hold on especially handsome opponents, seeing it as a more 'gentle' end to a long fight.

                   

Joseph is also in high demand as a model. Here he is for Hong Kong's spellbreaking magazie, 'break Even', sporting his alternate, tiger-striped trunks. Joseph receives many marriage proposals.

Joseph has many suitors, mostly because he's so handsome...but it doesn't help that he likes using his ropes.

Before becoming a full-fledged spellbreaker, Tiger was a hometown hero in Hong Kong,  patrolling the night!

White Tiger takes his fellow babyface buddy Spike to Singapore!

Tiger is a master of the elements of wind and water, which manifest as a snow-white gale and an inky black torrent.

Battle Quotes

I'm looking forward to a fair fight. Give me all you got!

What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?

You can't keep this beast down!

Heh. You'll look good tied up.

Prepare for divine retribution!

The forces of good prevail... 

*To Babyfaces* You need way more training, kid. Let Tiger take you under his wing!

*To Heels* No dignity in defeat. I'll add your gear to my trophy collection.