Espio the Chameleon

Espio the Chameleon is a Mobian from Rainbow Valley on Angel Island. He is one of the original members of the Chaotix and his ability to camouflage makes him a formidable opponent. While he tends to prefer performing missions on his own, Espio also works well as a team player in the Chaotix. Espio was the first denizen of New Mobotropolis to be captured by Dr. Eggman and transported to the Egg Grape Chambers but was subsequently rescued during the rescue effort by Sonic the Hedgehog, NICOLE and others.

Joining the Chaotix
Espio joined the Chaotix when Dr. Ivo Robotnik's lackey Renfield T. Rodent had successfully captured the Knothole Freedom Fighters in the House of Mirrors section of Happy Land theme park. Knuckles the Echidna, requiring assistance to defeat Metal Sonic, enlisted the help of Espio along with the rest of the Chaotix. After the successful capture Renfield T. Rodent and forcing Robotnik to flee, Espio has remained loyal to the Chaotix ever since. (KCX)

The Valdez Enslavement
During the early reign of Dr. Eggman, the mad scientist managed captured Valdez - Espio's former mentor. The newly roboticized Valdez was used to torment Espio and capture the other Chameleons on Angel Island. He proceeded to use extortion and threats of roboticization to force Espio into leading Robotnik's troops to the hidden Chameleon colony. With little choice, Espio was eventually forced to trick and destroy Valdez.(KtE: #30, #31, #32)

Recent Activities
While Sonic was gone for a year in outer space, Espio underwent extensive ninja training including the use of throwing knives and shurikens, non camouflaged stealth, and extensive combat training. He used these skills while infiltrating the Eggman-converted Golden Hive Colony, with NICOLE, to learn what became of Charmy Bee's people. After discovering that there were no survivors present Espio had it destroyed. Later, at roughly the same time as the wedding of Antoine D'Coolette and Bunnie Rabbot, Espio infiltrated the heart of the Eggman Empire but was subsequently captured and sent to the Egg Grape Chambers. During Eggman's destruction of Knothole, all of the other members of the Chaotix and the inhabitants of Knothole were teleported to the Egg Grape Chamber. He and the rest of the Knothole Mobians were quickly rescued however by Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, Amy Rose, and NICOLE and were teleported to New Mobotropolis. Following this, Espio went with Knuckles and the rest of the Chaotix to help him overcome his guilt earned while he was Enerjak. (StH: #169, #174, #176, #186)

Following the Enerjak crisis, Espio and the rest of the Chaotix launched an assault on New Mobotropolis to take out the Dark Egg Legion and destroy one of Dr. Eggman's communications relays. (StH: #189, #190)

Abilities
Being a chameleon, Espio can camouflage himself to his environment. His camouflage is so effective that he is essentially invisible while remaining still. He can move while camouflaged, however, doing so causes more of a cloaking effect. Espio can also climb along any surface including ceilings due to his lizard sticky pads. Espio also can use his tongue as a short range projectile attack and as a grappling hook. After his ninja training, Espio is now a master of throwing knives and shurikens. He is also a master of non-camouflaged stealth, and has a wide knowledge of ninja combat skills.

Personality
Before his ninja training, Espio was laid back and a bit acerbic. Always somewhat cynical, he maintained a positive outlook on life. After being forced to destroy his mentor Valdez, Espio became much quieter and more serious in demeanor. While Sonic was lost in space, Espio underwent his ninja training which further led to his stern and serious outlook on life. Espio is especially serious, quiet, and completely devoted to whatever job he is undertaking.