Fandom Gotham: Dystopia [OOC]

[Oswald_C_Cobblepot]

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GOTHAM: DYSTOPIA​

Abandon all hope, ye who enter here​

Welcome to Gotham City, NJ. One of the biggest cities in the United States, Gotham has always been a place of int... yeah, no. Truth be told, Gotham is in absolute chaos. The city of demons, once a spearhead of progress, is now facing the highest crime rate in Her history. The murder rate is at its historical peak; bodies tend to show up more often than not and in places you wouldn't expect. Crime has become so common it has become - public. The people of Gotham city are living in terror, afraid for their lives and lucky, and only lucky, to be able to experience that fear another day. The GCPD, lead by an idealistic James Gordon and his cynical partner, Harvey Bullock, is facing its own demons with corruption and lawlessness reigning within its walls. As the two practically helpless protectors of the law do their best to both survive and keep the Gothamites safe, the people turn their hopes to the fictional utopia of Gotham's elite, embodied in the personae of young billionaire Bruce Wayne, known for his bonvivant lifestyle of luxury, decadence and sex, and his somewhat older sibling by wealth, Oswald C. Cobblepot, the secluded and publicly shy heir of the vast Cobblepot fortune.

Finding refuge in fiction and abandoned by all that is holy and good, the Gothamites live their lives, grateful for every minute they're able to breathe the filthy air of the crime-filled metropolis. Can they survive? Can a seemingly crazy idea of a secure utopia really save them? Or will Gotham plunge into a new chapter of terror in a dystopian cage?

While the city is plummeting into an endless abyss of terror and blood, the gangs of Gotham are regrouping in light of a new threat to their well established underground order. The mysterious Penguin Organization, known only by an insignia of a penguin with an umbrella, has started to infiltrate the criminal underground, slowly taking control over some crucial assets. As the mafia leaders try to decipher the enigmatic competition, the GCPD has to deal with their retaliatory anger, supported by a strong majority within its lines. Gordon and Bullock have to simultaneously juggle between the safety of the city and Her inhabitants and their own lives and careers, all within a sinister web of corruption and betrayal. Meanwhile, the isolated billionaire Oswald Cobblepot is devising a plan for a hi-tech security system that would rid Gotham of crime, all in perceived liaison with Bruce Wayne, a man hiding a dark history behind a facade of decadence...

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Basically, Harley Quinn and I have decided to realize our joint idea of a more origin based Batman RP, with a strong potential of developing the story further and even expanding it to other areas of the DC Universe. The setting is Gotham City, the year is 2019, roughly 20 years after the brutal murder of Thomas and Martha Wayne, which still haunts both Gotham and Bruce Wayne. This being said, Bruce Wayne has not yet become Batman, but seeing the city in turmoil and soon to be motivated by the main plot, he is on the verge of donning the famous cape and cowl. The idea is to create and kick-star our very on origin story, keeping some of the core elements, but allowing the players to develop their characters with a lot of creative freedom.

Gotham: Dystopia is envisioned as the first major story arc, centered on a plot lead by Penguin. How many story arcs there'll be depends on how the RP plays out; hopefully, there will be lots more. So, for the initial part, there are several characters necessary for it to start, namely:

• Oswald Cobblepot, the shadowy leader of the mysterious Penguin Organization
• Bruce Wayne, Gotham's favourite billionaire, soon to become its main protector
• James Gordon, an idealistic detective with the GCPD
• Harvey Bullock, his experienced and cynical partner

Of course, this does not mean that you cannot take (or reserve) other characters, but keep in mind that the story is to be centered around the four of them and that others characters will somehow have to fit into the scene, either as characters in development, or as relevant subplots. If you chose the former, your character will, of course, enter the spotlight in one of the later arcs and you can use the time being for his/her development.

We're aiming towards a semi-advanced to advanced, literate RP with a desired two paragraph minimum, but a formally enforced one paragraph minimum. So you should keep that in mind when considering your application.

1) Can I pick OCs, or just canon characters?

Generally, we're more prone to using canon characters, especially if they are strongly connected to the lore. OCs will be allowed if they fit the canon lore and this RP, but canon characters are, ultimately, encouraged.​

2) Since this is focused on several, hand-picked characters, can I reserve a character for a later story arc?

Certainly. For example, if you're keen on playing the Joker, chance is you won't get much playing time within this arc. So, you can pick him now and develop him as a side character for the time being, or reserve him for a later arc.​

3) What happens to the characters from the old arcs?

The heroes, of course, will continue appearing in all arcs, unless there is a specific reason for them not to appear. The villains will be interchangeable, meaning that there is no obligation for a villain from one arc to appear in another; those characters will either die or somehow hibernate until a later arc, when they will be brought back.​

4) Can I have multiple characters?

Yes, but keep in mind that you're not allowed to RP with yourself, so don't pick both Joker and Harley Quinn.​

5) How much creative freedom do I have?

As much as you want; the only limits are the core elements of the characters from the canon material. So yeah, Mr. Freeze won't shoot fire from his weapons, but you can pick an origin story for him that does not necessarily have to involve Nora's fate with Boyle's company.​

6) How are the story arcs created?

The current one was written by Harley Quinn and myself. While we do have plans for several more arcs, they do not have to appear one after the other. The players are going to have their say in it and they are free to submit a story arc or (sub)plot that would allow them to develop their characters further.​

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7) What are the specific rules?

All the site rules of RPN apply to this RP without exception. The rules and guidelines about posting have been stated above, but to summarize - this is a semi-advanced to advanced RP with a high literacy standard; although we formally enforce a one-paragraph minimum for postings, players are encouraged to write at least two. Also, if you are leaving for a while or have any other reason because of which you are going to be inactive for a certain time period, please inform the group or one of the GMs so that we can adapt to the situation. Any other questions and comments can be posted here or discussed via PM.​

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[Rusty of Shackleford]

Hi! I'll work on my CS today! I'll just having trouble finding a FC.

 

[Oswald_C_Cobblepot]

Okay, so to reply to everyone:

MainEventMan Rusty of Shackleford Harley Quinn As far as your Joker story goes, just keep this in mind - there is going to be a relatively small window before Penguin's security system kicks in. During that period, Penguin is to assert his dominance in the criminal underworld and get rid of the old gangs and mobsters. After the security system, crime would be down to a minimum and the whole plot would be based on creating a resistance to Penguin, lead by Gordon, Bullock and the newly created Batman, which will ultimately lead to his demise. So, if you're going for the Killing Joke origin story, keep in mind that it has to be done during the initial period; Penguin won't be using small-time thugs once the security system kicks in.

As far as the second arc is concerned, Hugo Strange is to be the main villain. His sidekick is probably going to be Crane ( Hammy ), who'll turn into Scarecrow himself and wreck havoc in Gotham. During that time, there'll be plenty of time for Joker and Harley to develop, meaning - arc three could have them as the main villains. I would suggest the two of you start sketching a good plot for that occasion, as I shall gladly step down from the main storyboard role for arc three. I'll probably take a smaller villain role, like Professor Pyg or Anarky at that point. But, that is up to you. I leave the other details to the three of you.

Harley Quinn Just a note, Arkham is currently on a passive lockdown mode, meaning no new patients are being taken there. Harleen's mother could be one of the attending psychiatrists at this very moment. Penguin will ultimately close it completely and will probably take Crane as a consultant; after his fall, Hugo Strange will be appointed as the head of the newly opened Arkham Asylum.

Plutoni Certainly, I shall put her on the list. Tell me, did you have any specific ideas for her at the moment?

Hammy Yes, then this arrangement will be ideal for you, I think Okay, I'm putting you down as all three of them; your main character is to be Harvey Bullock, and I have already made a plan to include Crane in both arcs, although he is to appear a tad later in the first arc; I'm delighted you have experience playing as him As for Sionis, I'll put a reservation for him, but we'll have to see how he fits in one of the stories; at this moment, the best I can do is one of Penguin's thugs, but it would really be a minor role, more of a cameo appearance just to show he's part of the story. I would like to hear your thoughts on that.

MoonLegend101 Rusty of Shackleford Guys, I just had an idea. You know how Gotham started with the death of the Waynes? So did Batman v Superman and Batman and... even Nolan's trilogy had that scene. Since we're way past that in this RP, how about I start it off with the death of the Graysons? Personally, I think it's a good twist that introduces young Dick to the story and pays hommage to both his character and the murder of the Waynes. What do you think? You will, of course, arrange all the details and the backstory. Also, keep in mind that you can use Penguin as a force to drive Dick into an orphanage against his will, since roaming in the streets is to become quite a dangerous activity later on.

MoonLegend101 As Harley Quinn said, the costume can be drawn or taken from a comic book. The FC can be just named, while the pictures can illustrate some specific aspect.

Mion Okay, so this is how things stand. Since I am planning on having Hugo Strange directly linked to Santa Prisca in arc two, Bane would be ideal for that part, as one of his experiments taken from the island to Gotham. That would also provide a good origin story for him, which is our goal here; that said, it counts only if you agree to it. As for Azrael, I was also thinking of a plot related to the Sacred Order of Saint Dumas, something like a Purge meets V for Vendetta story, but I haven't worked out all the details. Azrael could somehow fit in, especially after Batman appears, but I can't promise a big role until later on. As for Slade, he is always a welcome character since he's a hired mercenary and villains with money (khm... Penguin... khm) are always in need of that. To sum it up - Bane could prove pivotal in arc two, Azrael could linger around the story from the beginning, but similar to his role in Arkham City, while Deathstroke could have a somewhat bigger role now, but I would also like to hear some ideas from you about his role

@Hummy So, you have to pick an FC for both of them. As for the pictures, of course you can use a comic book picture of Scarecrow, since there are limited live action appearances... and you don't necessarily have to like Nolan's or Gotham's costume designs So, pick an FC for both Crane and Bullock, but use whatever pictures you find best illustrate them

I think I answered everyone's questions... since it's late/early here, feel free to point out if I missed something

Also, a reminder for those who applied, but haven't posted since: LoneSniper87 ManyFaces

 

[LoneSniper87]

I've been watching, just not speaking

 

[MoonLegend101]

MoonLegend101 Rusty of Shackleford Guys, I just had an idea. You know how Gotham started with the death of the Waynes? So did Batman v Superman and Batman and... even Nolan's trilogy had that scene. Since we're way past that in this RP, how about I start it off with the death of the Graysons? Personally, I think it's a good twist that introduces young Dick to the story and pays hommage to both his character and the murder of the Waynes. What do you think? You will, of course, arrange all the details and the backstory. Also, keep in mind that you can use Penguin as a force to drive Dick into an orphanage against his will, since roaming in the streets is to become quite a dangerous activity later on.

Thanks so much for answering all our questions, and yes, I love that idea, that'd be amazing! (: I'd love to have that be at the start, as it'd give a really good starting point to work with Dick's character and develop him from there too. Perhaps Bruce could still be there at the circus to watch what happens, so that, since it'd be the start of the roleplay, he can be given a moment to reflect on his own mirrored tragedy if you'd like, Rusty of Shackleford ? And then later at some point, he and Dick could formally meet face to face like we planned.

And yes, that sounds like a good reason to have him be there as well, along with witness protection. So he probably won't be a street urchin all of the time, especially when it gets more dangerous, but will still probably be there enough to have the preliminary encounter with Batman/Bruce and such, whenever would be best for it.

 

[Oswald_C_Cobblepot]

Thanks so much for answering all our questions, and yes, I love that idea, that'd be amazing! (: I'd love to have that be at the start, as it'd give a really good starting point to work with Dick's character and develop him from there too. Perhaps Bruce could still be there at the circus to watch what happens, so that, since it'd be the start of the roleplay, he can be given a moment to reflect on his own mirrored tragedy if you'd like, Rusty of Shackleford ? And then later at some point, he and Dick could formally meet face to face like we planned.

And yes, that sounds like a good reason to have him be there as well, along with witness protection. So he probably won't be a street urchin all of the time, especially when it gets more dangerous, but will still probably be there enough to have the preliminary encounter with Batman/Bruce and such, whenever would be best for it.

Okay, as far as I am concerned, it’s settled, then. We should work out the fine details, such as the circumstances of their deaths and the person responsible, and I shall have a post ready soon

 

[ManyFaces]

Harvey just gonna be doin law stuffs
Not really sure his origin needs my touch since it's good on it's own in my opinion
jnless anyone has any ideas XD

 

[Rusty of Shackleford]

Thanks so much for answering all our questions, and yes, I love that idea, that'd be amazing! (: I'd love to have that be at the start, as it'd give a really good starting point to work with Dick's character and develop him from there too. Perhaps Bruce could still be there at the circus to watch what happens, so that, since it'd be the start of the roleplay, he can be given a moment to reflect on his own mirrored tragedy if you'd like, Rusty of Shackleford ? And then later at some point, he and Dick could formally meet face to face like we planned.

And yes, that sounds like a good reason to have him be there as well, along with witness protection. So he probably won't be a street urchin all of the time, especially when it gets more dangerous, but will still probably be there enough to have the preliminary encounter with Batman/Bruce and such, whenever would be best for it.

That sounds fine! He'll a!so probably get some advice from Alfred that convinces him to adopt Dick.

 

[Oswald_C_Cobblepot]

ManyFaces As far as the origin goes, you can pick whichever story you want. As far as his job goes, he'll need to be in close contact with Gordon and Bullock, and he'll have to pick a side once Penguin's system kicks in

Rusty of Shackleford Just a note, Alfred's probably going to be an NPC, so be creative

 

[Rusty of Shackleford]

ManyFaces As far as the origin goes, you can pick whichever story you want. As far as his job goes, he'll need to be in close contact with Gordon and Bullock, and he'll have to pick a side once Penguin's system kicks in

Rusty of Shackleford Just a note, Alfred's probably going to be an NPC, so be creative

Okey dokey!

 

[Mion]

Oswald_C_Cobblepot

I was thinking of having Deathstroke be making a comeback in the merc-business. Maybe the incident with his son and wife has happened recently and it sent him reeling a bit and he has taken some time off. I will probably go with 2 characters and leave Bane open. I think playing Azrael as a small role could be quite fun and I don't want to take up too many of the popular characters so I will leave Bane open.
Will start working on the CS for both Deathstroke and Azrael.

 

[Oswald_C_Cobblepot]

Oswald_C_Cobblepot

I was thinking of having Deathstroke be making a comeback in the merc-business. Maybe the incident with his son and wife has happened recently and it sent him reeling a bit and he has taken some time off. I will probably go with 2 characters and leave Bane open. I think playing Azrael as a small role could be quite fun and I don't want to take up too many of the popular characters so I will leave Bane open.
Will start working on the CS for both Deathstroke and Azrael.

Great, if you're content with a cameo role for Azrael, that's awesome. As for Deathstroke, he'll certainly have a big role in Penguin's system; Penguin might even make him a city/police/security official when it all begins As for Bane, trust me, the idea I have for Hugo Strange will certainly involve him in a large role

 

[Hammy]

Bane-Crane Train of Pain, Bane-Crane Train of Pain!

... Sorry, bad habit, I'll stop now.

 

[Oswald_C_Cobblepot]

Hahahahahahaha xD Amazing! Yeah, Strange will definitely recruit Crane and if Crane tends to be... obedient... Strange might even show him his secret plaything (Bane)

 

[Hammy]

Hmm, that'll depend, I suppose. Crane is kind of a snooty condescending prick, and who's to say what he thinks of Strange as a colleague at this point?

 

[MoonLegend101]

Okay, as far as I am concerned, it’s settled, then. We should work out the fine details, such as the circumstances of their deaths and the person responsible, and I shall have a post ready soon

Ah, that's great to hear! (: And well, let's see... would it be alright if the Graysons' death happened virtually the way that it usually happens, with them having been acrobats in the traveling circus, falling to their deaths as the result of an intentional sabotage, and Dick getting a glimpse of the man responsible beforehand but not getting to warn his parents in time before their tragic act? If you'd like it to be different in some way though, then that would be alright! I'd be happy to try to come up with something.

And also, as for the man who did it, should it be Tony Zucco, a one off gangster that Dick always goes after sooner or later- or do you think it should be someone more significant? Usually if it's changed to one of Batman's rogues being responsible in alternate stories, it comes off as kind of weird, but since the Graysons' death was a warning so that the circus would pay protection money to someone during their stay in Gotham, I expect that any gangster or member of organized crime could potentially be mixed in as responsible for their deaths, if you'd think it'd be a good idea to change who did it? Oswald_C_Cobblepot

 

[Oswald_C_Cobblepot]

Hmm, that'll depend, I suppose. Crane is kind of a snooty condescending prick, and who's to say what he thinks of Strange as a colleague at this point?

Well, after Penguin's fall, Strange is to be appointed head of Arkham. If Crane wants to work there for any possible reason, he's going to have to be in good terms with Hugo, at least nominally. His background schemes shall remain his own, but he'll have to be able to work with Hugo. Unless, of course, you had a completely different idea for him If so, I'd love to hear it

Ah, that's great to hear! (: And well, let's see... would it be alright if the Graysons' death happened virtually the way that it usually happens, with them having been acrobats in the traveling circus, falling to their deaths as the result of an intentional sabotage, and Dick getting a glimpse of the man responsible beforehand but not getting to warn his parents in time before their tragic act? If you'd like it to be different in some way though, then that would be alright! I'd be happy to try to come up with something.

And also, as for the man who did it, should it be Tony Zucco, a one off gangster that Dick always goes after sooner or later- or do you think it should be someone more significant? Usually if it's changed to one of Batman's rogues being responsible in alternate stories, it comes off as kind of weird, but since the Graysons' death was a warning so that the circus would pay protection money to someone during their stay in Gotham, I expect that any gangster or member of organized crime could potentially be mixed in as responsible for their deaths, if you'd think it'd be a good idea to change who did it? Oswald_C_Cobblepot

Okay, I have an idea of sorts. So, we start of with the Graysons getting killed. Oswald is, incidentally there, invited by Bruce Wayne ( Rusty of Shackleford ) and sees the tragedy happen. Gordon and Bullock pull in, Oswald talks to them as he is a respected person within the city and a benefactor of the GCPD and sees young Dick; he has a conversation with him (Bruce can tag along) where Dick states what he saw and whom he considers to be responsible. Oswald then promises to help him and calls Sionis ( Hammy ) to take care of Tony Zucco. Of course, Oswald's intervention in Dick's story would, at that point, end and you would then continue to RP with Bruce, while Oswald would consider this tragedy as a trigger to commence with his initial plan and idea. What do you think?

 

[Hammy]

Well, after Penguin's fall, Strange is to be appointed head of Arkham. If Crane wants to work there for any possible reason, he's going to have to be in good terms with Hugo, at least nominally. His background schemes shall remain his own, but he'll have to be able to work with Hugo. Unless, of course, you had a completely different idea for him If so, I'd love to hear it

Ahaha, no, I don't, and of course he's not going to be undermining Strange much, at least while he's working at the Asylum still. Of course, depending on how the story goes, Strange may or may not come up should Crane get on the subject of "This is why I became my own boss".

 

[Rusty of Shackleford]

Well, after Penguin's fall, Strange is to be appointed head of Arkham. If Crane wants to work there for any possible reason, he's going to have to be in good terms with Hugo, at least nominally. His background schemes shall remain his own, but he'll have to be able to work with Hugo. Unless, of course, you had a completely different idea for him If so, I'd love to hear it



Okay, I have an idea of sorts. So, we start of with the Graysons getting killed. Oswald is, incidentally there, invited by Bruce Wayne ( Rusty of Shackleford ) and sees the tragedy happen. Gordon and Bullock pull in, Oswald talks to them as he is a respected person within the city and a benefactor of the GCPD and sees young Dick; he has a conversation with him (Bruce can tag along) where Dick states what he saw and whom he considers to be responsible. Oswald then promises to help him and calls Sionis ( Hammy ) to take care of Tony Zucco. Of course, Oswald's intervention in Dick's story would, at that point, end and you would then continue to RP with Bruce, while Oswald would consider this tragedy as a trigger to commence with his initial plan and idea. What do you think?

I like it!

 

[MoonLegend101]

Okay, I have an idea of sorts. So, we start of with the Graysons getting killed. Oswald is, incidentally there, invited by Bruce Wayne ( Rusty of Shackleford ) and sees the tragedy happen. Gordon and Bullock pull in, Oswald talks to them as he is a respected person within the city and a benefactor of the GCPD and sees young Dick; he has a conversation with him (Bruce can tag along) where Dick states what he saw and whom he considers to be responsible. Oswald then promises to help him and calls Sionis ( Hammy ) to take care of Tony Zucco. Of course, Oswald's intervention in Dick's story would, at that point, end and you would then continue to RP with Bruce, while Oswald would consider this tragedy as a trigger to commence with his initial plan and idea. What do you think?

Wow, I really like it too! That sounds perfect to me, and like a really good way to include other characters as well! Indeed, it sounds good to me to start that with that idea, so I'd love to do so. (:

 

[ManyFaces]

ManyFaces As far as the origin goes, you can pick whichever story you want. As far as his job goes, he'll need to be in close contact with Gordon and Bullock, and he'll have to pick a side once Penguin's system kicks in

Rusty of Shackleford Just a note, Alfred's probably going to be an NPC, so be creative

Ooh that depends it does
After all i still do plan or well would like to have his accident occur. I feel it would still be highly probable with all the mob bosses runnin around.

 

[MainEventMan]

Oswald_C_Cobblepot
Harley Quinn

Finished my sheet for the Joker! I played around with a few things to try and fit that famous Killing Joke Origin in with the story we have set for the RP. I hope that's ok! Please let me know if you want me to change anything!

 

[Oswald_C_Cobblepot]

Ooh that depends it does
After all i still do plan or well would like to have his accident occur. I feel it would still be highly probable with all the mob bosses runnin around.

So you wanted his transformation to be... a result of the Maroni acid incident? Okay. How about this - that happens sometime before Penguin's system kicks in and then Dent, still not becoming Two-Face fully, is offered the position of chief prosecutor in Penguin's system, as a form of recompensation?

 

[Harley Quinn]

MainEventMan yay! I died when I saw Leo x3
Love him!
I wonder how we will have Harley and Him meet before the craziness

Hammy Harley and Johnathon could Be friends in arkham ! Cute haha
If you want

 

[ManyFaces]

So you wanted his transformation to be... a result of the Maroni acid incident? Okay. How about this - that happens sometime before Penguin's system kicks in and then Dent, still not becoming Two-Face fully, is offered the position of chief prosecutor in Penguin's system, as a form of recompensation?

Sounds good to me but he'll be siding witj GCPD for now