Michael Eleazar

A determined, crackerjack park ranger who moonlights as the Wildwood Rider - protector of Forest Grove with the help of his Specter and his trusty, two-wheeled steed.

Ever since the city grew under threat by the villainous Formicide organization, he’s stepped up to deliver the justice and protection the people need.

• Like his younger sister, Gabrielle, Michael’s Value was heavily influenced by their parents’ love of nature. However, rather than tending to the gardens, he preferred exploring the forest and climbing trees. He claims that the trees were his first friends, so it was only natural that his Value centers them specifically.
  • Prior to his current occupation, he was a woodcutter. He would quit for a number of reasons, the most obvious being his disdain for hurting said friends.
• In the various, lush parks throughout Forest Grove, Michael can be seen juggling a variety of responsibilities. Security, groundskeeping, community outreach, and even wildfire care. He doesn’t seem to mind it, as it keeps him busy and important. Even on his days off, he finds himself wandering back into the parks, just in case anyone needs a helping hand.
• Gabrielle has complained that Michael was excused from certain responsibilities growing up - food preparation, cleaning, and general domestic chores - while they were expected of her. As a result, he struggled with living alone for the first time. You can still see cardboard boxes around his apartment.
  • Michael deflects any ‘first son’ favoritism by citing how he faced more pressure, that their parents made their first mistakes with him, and how they always liked her more, anyway. Neither siblings seem ready to accept defeat on the issue.
• Named ‘Mantis Rider’ as a hero initially, Michael was forced to change it because the Super League ruled it as too similar to his civilian identity. He still does a poor job disguising himself, since he doesn’t really understand the rules of anonymity.
• Unnecessarily long and full of posing, Michael’s introduction speech comes before every battle.
  • “Wildwood Rider, the Forest Guardian // Defender of citizens in battle // Their defense against the wicked and villainous // May Grosa rebuke them, the people pray // And may the Swarm Prince, heavenly hero // By the power of the Gods, defeat evil // And to all the villains who prowl this world // Receive your divine punishment!”
• Michael’s appetite is so strong that he typically eats double the portions of his peers. He claims that the calories are necessary for any growing boy, explaining his impressive height as well.
  • Growing up, Gabrielle would purposefully divide their portions so he would get more, knowing that he needed it. Michael hasn’t noticed the extra effort. He still doesn’t know.
• School was a breeze for Michael, since he was a star football player with a bountiful social life. Whenever he struggled with his grades, whatever boyfriend/girlfriend/partner he had at the time would assist him.
• Coming from a deeply religious family, Michael would distance himself from faith as soon as he began living alone. He doesn’t disavow Christian Synestheism entirely; rather, he resents a lifestyle so restrictive.
  • His relationship with his mother grew so strained from this dissension that, when he moved out, it was as if he was expelled from the house. Gabrielle does her best to keep the family together, though Michael tries to remind her of her free will and ability to follow her own desires as well.
• Insects are his weakness. If he weren’t so thrilled about helping people, he would’ve pursued a career in entomology. Luckily, he’s had the chance to explain the intricacies of the bug population to the park-goers.
  • He owns several mantis and stickbugs at home, though they often get territorial with his Lokusatsu.
  • His entomological side even gets in the way of his hero duties, since he begrudgingly respects an evil organization for adapting a bug theme.
• Ever since he was a kid, he loved watching action shows on television. His favorites were not traditionally powerful Western heroes, but rather masked, dextrous figures who wielded incredible technology.
  • He has attempted to recreate the team dynamic he so passionately adores, though few Supers share his enthusiasm. Or his penchant for synchronized posing.
• Not one to forget a friend, Michael still keeps in touch with his old classmates - some of whom have figured out his double-life due to the familiarity of the Rider’s corny outfit and obnoxious behavior.
• The Formicide organization is composed of Supers who believe that industrialization will improve cities, creating jobs and attracting more residents. As opponents to the local governments, they terrorize parks and other natural areas, hoping to scare citizens and higher powers to their side.
  • Pluto, a Super villain from Sepia City, is a notable (and stray) member.
  • Ironically, their appearance in Forest Grove excited Michael, since he’s always wanted to fight against a group of Saturday morning cartoon villains. And he does so with remarkable zeal.
• In contrast to his sister, Michael can’t stand horror. He’ll either avert his eyes or talk aloud to distract himself.
• A perk of being a noteworthy Super is sponsorships and attention from the media. Michael hopes this will lead to the Wildwood Rider making a debut on the big screen - just like where he saw his childhood heroes.
  • Another perk is health insurance with the Super League. Which comes in useful very often.
• Engraved on the side of his motorcycle is, ‘Quis ut Deus?’, a phrase his father used often to emphasize Michael’s responsibility as a man and an Eleazar. It remains the only non-artistic decal.