#read!!!!!!

Core Personality Traits: from what we see in his brief spotlight, Malcolm screams desperate opportunist. He's not a world-shaker like Ky or a Gear powerhouse like Testament, he's the everyman scrapper eking out an existence in the shadows of giants.

(Dwelling a bit onto his appearance;) Bald head under that hood, gas mask for the toxic wastelands (theory), and a backpack that's basically his entire life (snail-shell vibes imply he's nomadic, always on the move). His custom lance (?), staff with a chain sickle and that eerie glowing lantern suggests he's resourceful, piecing together weapons from scavenged junk, maybe infused with backyard magic or black-market tech. But his big swing... ambushing Sol Badguy, the literal bounty hunter legend, with a shank. That's not bravery, that's reckless impulsivity born from hunger or spite.

Survivalist with a Chip on His Shoulder: In a world ravaged by Gears and ruled by the strong, Malcolm's probably a product of the fringes, maybe orphaned in the Crusades, scraping by in Illyria's underbelly or the lawless zones beyond. His W$30,000 bounty marks him as small-time: not a mastermind, just a thief, smuggler, or hitman who's pissed off the wrong locals.

Personality-wise, I'd peg him as bitter and cynical, the type who resents the "heroes" like Sol for hogging the glory while folks like him starve. He talks big (that "handsome devil" vibe from his wanted poster hints at sardonic self-deprecation or just believing way too highly of himself), but it's a front for deep insecurity. Getting wrecked by Sol and Jack-O' and then forced into labor, that'd amplify his grudge, turning him into a guy who's always scheming for a comeback, no matter how futile.

Overconfident Underdog: He charges in with that lance like he actually stands a chance; pre-fight aggression screams hot-headed bravado. But one tap and he's down, which points to fragility masking bravado. Maybe he's got some latent magic (that lantern isn't just for show; could be a weak Ki or mana siphon idfk), but it's unreliable, flaring up in bursts before fizzling. Psychologically, he's the archetype of the perpetual loser who refuses to quit: resilient in spirit, but physically outmatched. Think a mix of Johnny's swagger minus the skill, or Zato's scheming without the syndicate / guild backing. He's got heart, but it's buried under layers of sarcasm and self-sabotage.

Lonely Nomad Vibes: The hooded coat, mask, and solo ambush suggest isolation. No crew, no allies, he's a lone wolf by necessity, distrustful after betrayals or losses. But deep down, there might be a flicker of yearning for connection. In Strive's themes of humanity vs. gears, Malcolm represents the overlooked humans: not empowered by the Conclave, nor augmented like Potemkin. He's raw, flawed, and human, and maybe with a dry wit that endears him to unlikely friends if given the chance. Imagine him cracking wise while tied up, or bonding over shared misery in forced labor.