#// throws this in the ab0ut tag 'cos it's technically is!!!!!

[brokentoys]

The people in Eddie's life (masterpost)

A short bio & explanation of people who are important in Ed's life, or will be important in Ed's life! A lot of it's from my own lores and ideas (well, since I did say this was an original take on Eddie in the pinned post ✌️😉)

Frank Nashton

Frank was the youngest out of 8 other siblings. The Nashton family was full of belligerent, dishonest cheats who claim to be religious, but clearly wasn't much at all. They were known for constantly getting in trouble with the law due to stealing, and getting into fights with neighbors as well as themselves.

Having no money and a family that doesn't give a damn about him. Frank knew he wasn't smart enough for those white collar jobs, or even the blue collar jobs. Therefore, he began branching out in the underground for any big crime boss that would be interested in hiring him as another disposable goon.

Not longer after meeting a rather wild, but lazy young woman named Amelie Boucher, Frank had a child with her - a child he wanted her to 'get rid of' from the beginning. But Amelie insisted on having the baby, whom she named Edward Frank Nashton, the middle name was likely to appease him and what love they did share back then. Since Eddie was an unwanted child, Frank felt no love for him. And due to his temper, Frank often lashed out on the child - both verbally and physically. Amelie never cared, rather the man direct his anger toward someone that wasn't her. And Frank's anger toward his own son became severe after finding out what good grades Eddie was getting in school. Out of envy, Frank did all he could to deter Eddie's success.

Not long after Eddie finished college and acquired a job at the GCPD, Frank was killed in a shooting with a rival group. A moment that Eddie's still bitter about, feeling as though he missed out on killing the man himself.

Amelie Nashton (Née Boucher)

Amelie's parents were French immigrants who moved to the States in hopes of starting a culinary business. They moved to Gotham thanks to its low rent rates. Amelie was a very intelligent young girl. However, she was always too lazy and unmotivated to use her intelligence for anything. Because of this, she was constantly shunned and highly disliked by her parents, who preferred her hardworking and subservient brother, Edward. And because of that, Amelie grew envious and resentful towards her brother. Even having near once pushed him into a well.

Amelie had a baby not long after meeting troublemaker Frank Nashton, who brought even more shame for the Boucher parents. She named the baby Edward, if it's because she wanted to impress her parents, or because deep down, she does have a soft spot for her older brother, is unknown and she refuses to say. Amelie thought her parents would love little Edward, as they've been pushing for her brother to have a child. Amelie was wrong. Her parents disowned her. And Amelie, who never really wanted a child, neglected little Eddie in favor for alcohol.

However, when Eddie entered his teen years, Amelie started developing an uncomfortable interest in Eddie. Something Eddie had initially dismissed just because he wanted the attention from one of his parents.

The Puzzler (true identity; Edward Boucher)

After experiencing the treatment of his sister at a young age, Edward became desperate to appease his parents to avoid similar treatment. Which worked, however it was at the cost of his own identity. Edward felt forced to be something he wasn't in fear of disappointing his parents. He felt imprisoned, and eventually became perpetually bored with his life, and wanted more excitement.

At 17, Edward began committing various crimes for thrills - some as small as theft, and eventually getting as big as murder. Although he never gave himself an alias, the media dubbed him "the Puzzler" due to his habit of sending crossword puzzles to the authorities with alleged hints to his next crimes, and his identity. A way to add to the thrill if there's a chance in getting caught. His talents were acknowledged by a crime lord of Gotham. Not as big as the Falcones or the Cobblepots, but still a sizeable mob family. Edward joined and began carrying out deeds for the crime lord. Until three years later, when he conspired with comember False Face, and killed the crime lord and took the mob for themselves. Many superheroes keep secret alter egos, usually villains don't. But Puzzler always wore a mask and kept his true identity a secret, initially in fear of disappointing his parents.

Despite his parents insistence on grandchildren from him, Edward never cared to have a child. He couldn't see himself loving one. Until his sister had a baby, and Edward met little Eddie and instantly fell in love. He couldn't explain why, but Eddie was everything he wanted in a child. After two years of spending time with Eddie, Edward realized he wanted a child. But not just any, he wanted Eddie. However, after many times babysitting Eddie, Edward realized his lifestyle was too dangerous for a child. Even with keeping Puzzler as a secret identity, the crime life called for his attention too much to make time for a child. With a heavy heart, Edward decided against kidnapping Eddie.

After many years of being the Puzzler, rumors about his identity began circulating. Especially after the police had solved many puzzles he had sent to them over these years. Edward acknowledged it wouldn't be long until the authorities, and the rival mobs, discover he's the Puzzler. He'll surely be bored to death in prison. To escape his identity coming out, upsetting his parents, and getting Eddie potentially wrapped in such a life, Edward faked his death with his favorite doctor - who intentionally wrongfully diagnosed him with terminal brain cancer with only months to live. Thanks to False Face, 'Puzzler' continued operations after Edward's 'death' and all accusations were dropped. Edward ran off to England with his doctor to pursue a relationship with him, and live a new life. Eddie, not knowing Puzzler and his uncle are the same, assumed his uncle didn't leave anything for him as a way to build character, rather than the real reason - which was to protect Eddie from getting involved in the underground life... but how long could Puzzler even stay away from it?

False Face (true identity; ? ? ?)

Not much is known about False Face, and who or what he even is. To himself, he's a mystery. Ever since he was a child, False Face has had this plastic mask-like thing attached to his face, and he can shapeshift into any person he wanted to. Of course, that much power is too tempting to not abuse. False Face used his powers to pretend to be other people in order to steal from many properties such as banks and stores. False Face eventually found greater opportunity for money if he was in a gang - posing as a made up person named William Throne. False Face never revealed his "true" plastic face to anyone; most don't even know he exists, and others knows him as multiple people.

Because he's spent most of his life lying and pretending to be other people, False Face believes most people to be fake themselves, and rarely believes in honesty. Except for Puzzler - his "coworker" within the mob. The two formed a close friendship as they felt they were the only two who could understand each other. They both struggled with identity issues, both were compulsive liars, donned masks, and craved excitement. Ironically, they began to trust each other enough to reveal their identities to one another, and together, they hatched up a scheme to take over the mob they worked for.

After Edward Boucher's "death," False Face played his role as the Puzzler, and William Throne. It fooled the media. However, False Face didn't feel as confident without the real Puzzler aside him. After 10 years, he "retired" the Puzzler identity, and continued living life as William Throne - another ordinary crime boss of Gotham City.

This remained until Edward returned from England after 28 years - with news that his life in England has "ended" as his husband died from, ironically, terminal cancer. With the real Puzzler coming out of retirement, the two decided to take over Gotham City together. Now, if only an annoying investigative journalist doesn't try to crack the riddle as to WHOM is the Puzzler...

Beverly "Bev" Madison

Eddie never knew her well - only a sex worker he's hired a few times, since Bev would come around to Eddie as she admired his intelligence. Bev strongly believed smarter people were rare in the current age, and the government is dumbing the masses down with technology and propaganda. She disappeared from her usual spot after the last time Eddie bought her services. Eddie had assumed she retired - which he was right about that. Bev met a man named Edison Alarie and his peculiar "family." A family of the only intelligent people left in Gotham. Feeling lost, and having gotten recently knocked up by one of her clients, Edison offered Bev salvation with a home. Impressed by his mental prowess, Bev joined the "family" and entered a romantic relationship with Edison. Everything is now happy within the family.

Just don't ask where her right arm went...

Edison Alarie

A man in his early 50s who once was an archeologist in France. However, after finding an ancient book with tales of a demon and prophecies of how it will return. Edison immediately quit his job and moved to America, Gotham - believing that is the place the book speaks of, and believing he is worthy to be a vessel for the demon as he's the only one smart enough for it. As the book shunned the ignorance of mankind, and every ignorant human will be killed, but those who are intelligent will be spared. Edison started a cult family based on this concept, and to seek out the few remaining intellects of Gotham city.

Eddie met Edison not long after reforming. However, he remained unaware of Edison's book. And for the longest time, though he was an eccentric man who could sometimes be spotted at the public library. Because of their similarities, and that two heads are better than one, Eddie and Edison were even friends for a period of time.

That was, until Eddie learned more about Edison's "family," and discovered his "book."

Elaine Nigma Madison

Bev's three year old kid who lives with her and the rest of Edison's "family." She's a sweet, albeit a bit antisocial toddler who, seemingly to Edison's frustrations, exhibits strong signs of autism. Despite Bev's claims that she's Edison's - Eddie can't help but notice Elaine bears a strong resemblance to someone familiar...

By default, in Ed's reformed verse, Elaine lives with Ed.

Sphinx (previous identity; Maria Scromulski)

Maria was raised by very strict, catholic parents who believed in harsh punishment. The punishment didn't deter Maria, but instead encouraged her to act out even more. Maria was kicked out of her home at 18, but found refuge at Pandora's Box. As a sex worker there, she adopted the name "Sphinx" - after her interest in riddles, as well as her desire to be as monstrous as the mythical creature.

At 19, she was arrested for manslaughter following an argument she had with her boyfriend at the time on the interstate when their car broke down, and she eventually pushed him into the ongoing traffic in anger. Although it was unintentional, she did feel a bloodlust awaken in her. Sphinx was sentenced to prison, but was released after 5 years on good behavior.

A year after her release, Sphinx went back to work and became acquainted with Gotham's newest menace, the Riddler, who became a frequent visitor of Pandora's Box. The two started officially dating within a mere week of knowing each other. Sphinx introduced Ed to more exciting substances than mere alcohol and cigarettes.

Sphinx's and Ed's relationship began to deteriorate due to Sphinx's aggressiveness, and her constant jokes about how easy it would be for her to kill Ed and everyone in Pandora's Box. Their relationship came to an end after a trip on a train and Sphinx had the rather exciting idea to rob the entire train to allegedly help Riddler's plans, as well as more money for drugs. Eddie, being new to meth, had smoked too much and was too far gone to protest, or say anything other than have a drug-induced panic. It was known as the Gotham station massacre after several lives were lost since Sphinx just wanted to have fun. Eddie vows he was a victim, too, but the media didn't believe him. Eddie was readmitted to Arkham Asylum, and Sphinx was sentenced without parole afterward.

Antoine Moray

Ed's boyfriend back in college. Initially, the two were known as "closer than peas in a pod." And even though Eddie wasn't studying for it, he'd often act in Antoine's plays. However, Antoine became busy with his acting aspirations and Eddie began feeling neglected. Then seeing how much the audience adores Antoine, Eddie felt bittered and jealous - both of Antoine receiving fame, and of Antoine seemingly preferring the attention of strangers over his boyfriend's. Because of Ed's overbearing jealousy and temper, as well as his alcoholism, the two eventually cut off the relationship.

Now Antoine is a world famous A-List actor who has played in many movies. He has never once brought up the fact that he dated Eddie back in college, and likes to keep that hushed for the sake of his reputation. Eddie rarely mentions their relationship, too. But he does own every movie Antoine stars in. Even the bad ones.

Miyu Tangram

A former small bit criminal. She was mostly involved with cybercrimes such as cyberextortions. Miyu met Eddie not long after he reformed. She thought they could "grow better together." Which worked. For six months. Until Miyu grew exhausted from the constant stress Eddie's life put on her. From her being a damsel in distress to Eddie's enemies, to Eddie's drug addictions. After one night of seeing Eddie passed out on the floor from an alcoholic binge - Miyu left a goodbye note to him, knowing if she broke up with him in person, he'd beg her to stay and she'd feel bad. After, Miyu left Gotham to find a more peaceful town.

Artie Paris

Eddie's former classmate from high school - whom Eddie used to relentlessly bully. Artie was always the smallest teen in school, and was painfully mediocre. Being the weakest kid made him an easy target for Eddie to take his own anger out on. But instead of resenting Eddie for this, Artie idolized Eddie, and the idolization was stronger after Eddie became the Riddler. Artie wished to have Eddie's intelligence, and fame.

Artie went to a life of crime and bank robberies in hopes to be just like Eddie. He's spent years stealing enough money to fund plastic surgeries to look just like Eddie. ( Yet everyone still doesn't think he looks like Eddie ) He's tried to buy clothes that matches Eddie's style, albeit with more black colors to it for an edge.

After Eddie fell into a coma for a year after a malfunction of his own death trap, Artie tried to swoop in and take over Eddie's place as the Riddler. However, no rogues took him seriously, and his "riddles" were so bad, Batman wasn't even needed for the police to find him.

After Eddie awoken from his coma, and reformed, Artie came to the conclusion that he will never be Eddie... until he wears Eddie's very own skin. Artie makes several attempts to kill Eddie, but pathetically fails every time.