The Shadow

Origin

Kent Allard was a spy in World War 1 (as well as for Czar Nicholas before the war) as well as a famed aviator who crashed in the South American jungles. He made a fortune in that region (where he discovered a city of gold) before he returned to New York where he adopted a new identity. Lamont Cranston was the identity The Shadow took while the real Cranston was traveling around the world.  When the two meet, he threatens Cranston, saying that he has arranged to switch signatures on various documents and other means that will allow him to take over the Lamont Cranston identity entirely unless Cranston agrees to allow Allard to impersonate him when he is abroad, so he agrees.

The Shadow worked with a network of agents like Harry Vincent, his most trusted associate whose life he saved when Vincent wanted to commit suicide, Moe Shrevnitz, a cab driver and Burbank, a radio operator who maintained contact between The Shadow and his agents, there is more of shadows agents out there... even now!

Powers and Abilities

The Shadow is a master of stealth and espionage who went by the nom de plume "The Dark Eagle", during WW1 and worked for Czar Nicholas as part of an inner circle known as "The Secret Star". It was the Czar who gifted Kent Allard with the mysterious Girasol gem that he wears in a ring and uses to hypnotize people. During the 1920's he spent some years in the mysterious city of Shambalah where he learned many oriental disciplines, such as complete control over his bodies vital functions as well various martial arts. When the Shadow resurfaced in the 1980's it was apparent to those that knew him that he had aged not at all! Therefor longevity must be added to his list of disciplines. The Shadow has complete control over his vocal cords and can throw his voice (producing a chilling laugh that can paralyze opponents) and accurately mimic anyone. He has nearly photographic memory and is also a master of disguise and sleight of hand. The ability he is most known for however, is his amazing skills at stealth that make him akin to "A living shadow", to such an extent that rumors evolved that he can "cloud men's minds". The Shadow is a world class intellect.

The Shadow and Batman (DC Pre Crisis Universe, Earth-1)

Bruce Wayne first encountered The Shadow as a boy while accompanying his parents to the bank. A frightening robbery occurred that was foiled quickly and violently by The Shadow. Later in his career as Batman he encountered The Shadow again on a rooftop and professed that he was one of his "Greatest inspirations." The Shadow responded by referring to Batman as Bruce Wayne! "The Shadow Knows!' He then offered Bruce a 45. Automatic. as token of his respect but Batman declined saying "That's not my way."   "We shall see."  replied the Shadow.
  Another time The Batman disguised himself as an elderly janitor to infiltrate the Gotham Police Dept. He mused that he had gotten the idea from The Shadow,  who often used this same guise to gain access to the NYPD after hours. 
   (It has been documented that The Shadow and Zorro were both seminal inspirations to Bob Kane and Bill Finger when they created Batman.)

Tools and Gadgets

During the 30's and 40's The Shadow used suction cups on his hands and knees to climb buildings and flew an early version of a helipcopter known as an "autogyro". The Shadow is also known to carry various vials of acid and flash powders. The Shadow wielded twin 45 automatic pistols with unerring accuracy. In the 1980's he was seen to wield twin MAC-10 machine-pistols.