Gary Spense is the son of James and Lorraine Tyler.    James Tyler was a well known professional Martial artist with a career that ended only a short three years after he came to national attention.  He died in a plane wreck when Gary was barely 3 years old.  Lorraine remarried two years later to a friend of James,  Matthew Spense.

Gary was told about his real father when he was about 11 and it was a revelation.  He had heard of James Tyler, but never would have guessed that he was his father.  He was filled with curiosity about the things that interested his father - Chinese culture, martial arts philosophy, and of course martial arts.  Taking classes, he had shown to have a natural aptitude, and started winning awards and contests, following in the footsteps of his father.  He kept his heritage a secret -- he wanted to win on his own merits, and not his father's reputation.  But he felt that his father was with him.

Through Junior High and High school he studied hard on his own subjects, learning Chinese and reading various old and rare texts on various aspects of Chinese philosophy.  He was intrigued by Taoism.  This lead other subjects, such as various aspects of Meditation.   He even tried various Meditation exercises in conjunction with his private workouts.    During one such exercise during his senior year,  he seemed to have a vision of his father - who told him he had a different destiny - one that would start NOW.   His meditation ended abruptly as he felt something shoot through his body.  He believed that he had dreamed it -- and was a little shaken by it.    However when he continued with the workout, he found his speed and accuracy greatly increased.  And when he hit, his blows were astounding!  He could do more acrobatic maneuvers very easily, even though they were very difficult before.

He considered what had happened as he went home, passing a convenience store.  He went in for a few items he had promised to bring home, and arrived just before three hold up men burst in.  He obeyed their demands until they started to get violent with a female clerk.  He made a quick move and disarmed one by throwing a bottle at his hand, allowing the clerk to go for cover.  With the men now going after him, he ducked back in the aisles, wishing to hide.   He was startled when one burst out from another side standing only 5 feet in front of him and yelled "Where the hell did he go?"  

He reacted quickly, and a single blow sent the thug flying.  The other came around and looked at his startle friend, and started pointing a shotgun in several directions,  "WHERE ARE YOU?" he yelled frantically.  Gary was puzzled and amused - it was like they couldn't see him.    Two quick motions and the man was disarmed and out cold.   It was almost too easy.    The third man , nursing an injured hand had got his gun back in his other hand and started for the door.  Gary pursued and leaped across half the parking lot to tackle the guy.  Within moments - all three had been taken out, and none had fired a shot.

It became a news story - Gary had not been caught clearly on camera before the incident occurred, but enough of the action was covered to make it clear.   The thugs were up against an invisible man.  Other witness in and around the store had described a ghost, while one old Chinese man had said that they were hit hard, like a dragon.    Some newsman had coined the label "Ghost Dragon" and it stuck, spreading through the media.

Gary experimented.  It took him a while to learn how to become invisible and not.  The difference to him was quite subtle, easy to miss.  He also practiced his agility - learning to make great leaps easily, balancing on the smallest of perches and doing various flips.  It was like some of the Chinese legends of mystic warriors.  He decided he had best keep his powers secret.

He gradually eased himself out of competition as he graduated from High school, much to the surprise of his relatives and friends.  He decided to wander a while - living simply , working when he needed to, and moving on.    Along the way, he helped people where he could.  He used the name Ghost Dragon where he could to build a reputation.

His wanderings led him to Freedom City, where he has remained every since.

Personality: He still believes and follows several things he learned in his research of Chinese culture.  He does believe he is a balance for something  or someone else.  He fights now with respect to his opponents.  While he may hide invisible to observe, he will rarely fight from that state against lesser opponents unless they are of overwhelming numbers, or heavily armed or empowered. 

The last one hammed it up - playing him with a bad Kung-Fu theatre style accent and type dialogue.  It freaked out both players and the in-game opposition.