REAL NAME: Kip Babbage
AGE: 33
BASE OF OPERATIONS: Varies
ASSOCIATES/ACCOMPLICES: None Known
AFFILIATIONS: None Known
STATUS: Currently Incarcerated in The Hole
BACKGROUND: "Behold the Baffler, Master of illusions!"  At least that is what the poster said.  In truth Kip Babbage was a lousy illusionist.  He lacked the dexterity and charisma and he almost invariably left a stage under indifferent applause or outright boos.  He thought he would give anything to be a great illusionist, to learn real magic.

What is that old maxim?  Be careful what you wish for.

Babbage was approached by a sorcerer who needed a distraction, and what better piece of misdirection than the use of an illusionist?  He carved runes into Kip's chest that would grant him the ability to create illusions and asked him to help him rob a bank.  Kip agreed and entered the bank with the sorcerer.  Things were going well until the bank chain's hero Wild Bill showed up.  The sorcerer-who had actually been across town preparing to rob another bank of the same chain-disappeared, leaving poor Kip all alone.  At this point the patsy's powers were supposed to fade as well, but surprisingly enough they remained, which allowed him to confuse Bill long enough to make his own escape.  Thus began a life of so-called crime.

Now known as The Baffler, Babbage committed a daring series of crimes, using his new illusion abilities to confuse police and super heroes alike.  He was captured several times but was able to use his powers to effect and escape.  At last his luck ran out when he ran afoul of Grimoire.  Grimoire's solution was simple; he told The Baffler if he did not give himself up then he would sic his sidekick Felisomballa on him.  Kip dropped the illusions immediately and let himself be cuffed.

Over the years The Baffler has exhibited a singular ingenuity at escaping from numerous prisons, but ultimately he gets caught again.  This time the current warden of The Hole has assured the public that Babbage is there to stay until the end of his term.  Recently he escaped from The Hole during the EDI, but new charges were not pressed against him when he helped The Vindicators stop Mauler's latest rampage.

PERSONALITY: Kip is not really evil or even bad, he just isn't very bright.  If had had an ounce of brains he could have easily used his illusion abilities to make a new life for himself.  But he loved the rush of thwarting the police too much to stop so he got caught in the same stupid cycle so many other paranormals do.  If given another chance he might go straight, but only if he found something else to give his life a thrill.

POWERS: The Baffler is able to create illusions that affect sight, sound, hearing and touch.  Over the years he learned to create multiple illusions and to have them do a host of complex actions simultaneously while using another illusion to hide himself.

APPEARANCE: Kip is a very normal looking man.  He stands five foot seven, has prematurely thinning dark brown hair and surprisingly gentle eyes he hides behind a pair of glasses.  As The Baffler he often wears a tuxedo, although a smarter criminal would wear normal clothes and attack from a safe, hidden location and not draw so much attention to himself.