Sylum Inspiration: T’Challa

Ghost/Darkness: Member

Note: I actually prepped this post back in July/August (prepping for the move).  Little did I know how eerie of a timing this was going to be.  Rest in Peace Chadwick Boseman – you’re an inspiration to us all #wakandaforever

The Black Panther is the ceremonial title given to the chief of the Panther Tribe of the advanced African nation of Wakanda. In addition to ruling the country, he is also chief of its various tribes (collectively referred to as the Wakandas). The Panther habit is a symbol of office (head of state) and is used even during diplomatic missions. The Panther is a hereditary title, but one must still earn it.

In the distant past, a meteorite made of the vibration-absorbing mineral vibranium crashed in Wakanda, and was unearthed. Reasoning that outsiders would exploit Wakanda for this valuable resource, the ruler, King T’Chaka, like his father and other Panthers before him, concealed his country from the outside world. T’Chaka’s first wife N’Yami died while in labor with T’Challa, and his second wife Ramonda was taken prisoner by Anton Pretorius during a visit to her homeland of South Africa, so for most of his childhood T’Challa was raised by his father alone.

The Wakanda’s had always known about the Ghost/Darkness Clan, and the two kept each other hidden, but where there for each other if needed.

T’Chaka was murdered by the adventurer Ulysses Klaw in an attempt to seize the vibranium. With his people still in danger, a young T’Challa transformed for the first time, giving away the secret that many had not known, and killed Klaw.

That the Black Panther was an actual Panther.

His uncle took over the throne until T’Challa was old enough to be a true leader.  T’Challa did everything he could to study his people’s history and culture.  He also took time to spend with Ghost/Darkness to learn more of the outside worlds.

He claimed back his throne, and became a good King to his people.  A few years afterwards, while traveling between Wakanda and Ghost/Darkness home base, he was ambushed by poachers.  He took a shot to the hip, but was able to escape them.

He thought himself ready to die, only to have Owen Grady smiling down at him – asking if the ‘kitty wanted to live’

He loved and hated him for that.