Batman I: Gotham in Flames

[WVProgressive]

I still need events from @Kitten @Rezi @Pringles and @The Blood for turn 9.

[Kitten]

Dent will campaign through the use of television.

Dent will work with the federal government to get some more emergency Assistant DAs.

Gordon will continue to send his men and police the streets and try to restore order to Gotham.

Dent will continue to use his office to persecute criminals.

[Rezi]

1. The Gotham Gazette reports on GCPD Corruption
2. The Gotham Radio reports on Drug Abuse and will push for prevention of the issue.
3. The Gotham News speaks on Batman and the Joker
4. Upon hearing of the arrest of Alexander Knox, the Second in Command at the Knox Times, Jack Ryder, temporarily takes control of the news station. He blasts the airwaves with inflammatory attacks on the GCPD and holds nothing back in support of his friend. Ryder knew that he would be in trouble soon if he didn't take a more dramatic action, and called up Doctor Vincent Yatz, hoping to cook something up.
5. Summer Gleeson takes lead of The Friends of The Bat in the absence of her friend and coworker Vicki Vale. She decides that the group has not seen enough success recently and decides to take them in a new direction. The FOTB will begin to work with underground militias to stockpile weapons and prepare for upcoming conflicts.

[The Blood]

1. The Hill Heads, after the wounding failures of late, will focus on recovering and rebuilding, spending their time recruiting new members, stockpiling weapons, and building defenses.

 

2. Hill knows his militia is weakened, but also knows the Friends of the Bat have been bloodied as well. He will hope to frighten them into submission, ordering the heads of Friends killed on Hill Head territory to be placed on spikes at the edge of the border between the two groups, shots to be fired randomly throughout the night to keep the enemy on their toes, and Hill Heads to randomly charge into Friends territory at night, unleashing Molotov Cocktails before escaping back onto Hill Head turf.

 

3. Hamilton Hill will campaign across Gotham, promising peace, stability, and a "fair city" under his term as Mayor. He knows the race is close, and will give his cold heart out to every voter he meets, wooing them with false promises and fake empathy for their issues.

 

4. Hill will pass out campaign literature, promising to "pick up the trash" across Gotham, both literally and figuratively.

 

5. Hamilton Hill will begin discussing in the inner circles of Gotham politics ways of limiting Dent's influence in the event of his victory. Hill, a calculated man, knows defeat is a threatening possibility. He will order for the Hill Heads to be alert, no matter what happens, and will spin his trusty revolver at night, ready for the election to come.

 

6. Arnold Flass knows he needs to draw Batman out into the open if he is to properly investigate him. Wanting to force the Bat into a prolonged game of cat-and-mouse from which he can gather information, Flass will place a bomb with a clown's face on it under Harvey Dent's car, believing that whether Harvey is killed or not, this threat to someone he believes the Bat is associated with will draw him out into the open.

[WVProgressive]

Just need events from @Pringles before I can start working on the write up.

[Pringles]

Batman continues the fight against the Joker. 

Batman patrols the street seeing if anybody needs his help. 

Batman and team go after the Riddler. 

Batman and team go after Strange. 

Bruce Wayne calls for US Military help in Gotham as Wayne has reportedly "evacuated" town. 

[WVProgressive]

Episode 48 – Gargoyles of Gotham

Homecoming: 5

Mario<3Hill: 5

Church: 1

Roman Fear: 14

A few days before the Mayoral election, Carmine ‘The Roman’ Falcone threw a party for Hamilton Hill. The party was an opulent affair, filled with Gothamite high society. It would have been a great success, if only Hamilton had shown up. From the free bar, to the dance floor, every mouth in the room spoke of how Carmine Falcone – Gotham’s untouchable crime lord – had failed.

Carmine sat in his office, the moonlight illuminating his face as he looked out his window. A knock emanated from his door, “Someone’s here to see you, Mr. Falcone.” his door guard told him. “Is it Hill?” The Roman asked, “No, sir.” the door guard replied. Falcone sighed, “Send him in.” he said, as he got up from his seat.

Falcone walked to the door to greet his guest, before locking eyes with the young man who had come in from the cold. “Father.” Alberto said, locking eyes with his father, “Alberto,” The Roman started, shocked that his youngest child was here, and not at Oxford. “What are you doing here, you should be at Oxford!?” Falcone asked, surprised, and annoyed at Alberto’s insolence, “I’ve come to join the family business.” the youngest son said.

Falcone shook his head, as he sat back down behind his desk, “Alberto, Alberto, Alberto, my boy, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but we are doing just fine.” he said, “That’s not what I hear,” Alberto started, walking closer to the desk, “Word on the street is that the Roman Empire is crumbling.” he continued. “Really? And where’d you hear that?” Falcone questioned, “It used to be that the Falcone name commanded respect everywhere, even across the pond,” Alberto began, “Not anymore, now Britons are talking of a new crime lord – Oswald Cobblepot.” he said, resting his hands on his father’s desk, and leaning towards him.

The Roman sighed, “Alberto, don’t you understand, I wanted something better for you than this life, that’s why I sent you to Oxford.” he told his son. “Just let me help you!” Alberto cried, slamming his hands into the desk, “You clearly need, given you can’t even attract a two-bit politician to your parties anymore!” he yelled. The Roman, now furious, stood up from his seat, “Do not go against me, boy!” he yelled, “I said that you will not be a part of the family business, and that is final!” he continued, before the door guard opened the door to inform Carmine that it was time for him to go to Gotham Cathedral. “You had better be on a plane to England by the time I get back.” The Roman snarled while leaving, rubbing his chest as he did so.

*/*/*/*/*

The Roman smoked as he sat in the church pew closest to the front. He had been waiting an hour for the Penguin to show up, or to at least send a delegation as they had agreed upon. “They’re an hour late.” The Roman said grimly, “These kids, no respect.” one of his bodyguards said. “Hey, car coming up the front.” the guard that was assigned to watch the front window called soon after.

“Is that-” a bullet shattered the window, and ripped through the window-watcher’s skull. The rest of the Roman’s legionaries soon met a similar fate as bullets ripped through the wooden doors of the church, and lodged themselves into the soft tissue of his men. The Scarecrow, and his forces burst down the door, and surrounded the wounded Roman. There, Scarecrow allowed the Roman to realize just how fragile his empire had become, and let him experience the true meaning of fear.

Episode 50 – Election Day

Hill Heads Stockpile: 11

Scare Tactics: 4

Friendly Stockpile: 11

Hill Campaign: 20

Limiting the Damage: 17

TV Ads: 12

Hack: 63

Batman vs. Riddler: 11

Dent Fear: 3

War Drums rumbled in the final days leading up to the election, as both Hill Heads, and the Friends of the Bat stockpiled arms, and munitions in anticipation of a chaotic Mayoral election. The all-out border war had cooled somewhat, becoming instead a series of small-time skirmishes. Despite the decrease in hostilities, the Upper West Side threatened to boil over into all-out war again if the election proved to be as chaotic as many feared.

The final days of the campaign were quite eventful, and quite good for Hamilton Hill. Harvey Dent continued his absentee campaigning by releasing a new slate of tv advertisements which were met with positive, if cooled, reviews. Hill, on the other hand, struck lightning with his pugnacious populist campaign among voters dissatisfied with Harvey’s lack of campaigning, and even managed to strengthen his ties with the city council. In the runup to the election, the results were more in question than ever.

Which meant that the chaotic circumstances of the election night led to an even worse situation. Pro-Dent, and Pro-Hill militias forced citizens to vote for their preferred candidate, combined with the low turnout in criminal-controlled Gotham, this led to most of the vote being concentrated in highly polarized militia strongholds. To make matters worse the election board was constantly being bombarded by hackers, which gave easy fodder to both sides to claim that the election had been rigged, and stolen from them.

When all was said, and all was done, Harvey Dent proved to be the winner in a razor-thin, low turnout election, where the majority of votes cast were those for illegal candidates. The chaos of the election led to widespread claims of fraud, and many Hill supporters refused to recognize the election results. Though Batman eventually tracked down Riddler as the man responsible for hacking the election board, he was unable to bring him to justice, which in turn fueled conspiracy theories that Riddler was a patsy for some other hacker, or that Batman was an agent of Harvey Dent. The chaos reached a fever pitch following what appeared to many to be an attempted assassination attempt on Harvey Dent’s life by a Hill Head, who was in reality under the influence of Scarecrow’s fear toxin. Though the Gang War is winding down, it seems Gotham now stands on the brink of Civil War between Hill Heads, and Harvey-holics.

Episode 51 – Hurry Up Harv

Bomb Dent: 4

Batman vs. Joker: 19

A payphone in the City Hall District of Gotham rang unending, shocking everyone who attempted to answer it. Everyone, except for the Batman, who picked up the receiver, and put it to his ear. “Hello Dark Knight.” the voice on the other end said, “I’ve been waiting for this moment for oh so long.” it continued in a tone familiar, yet unknown to the Batman. “Surely you didn’t set this up just because you wanted to talk to me.” Batman said, “Oh no, you’re right, Detective.” the sinister voice on the other end said, “There’s a bomb planted underneath Harvey Dent’s car.” the voice revealed, “You have five minutes from the time it activates to save your friend.” he continued. “Tick-tock Detective.” the voice signed off with a maniacal laugh.

Batman rushed to the Batmobile so quickly he left the phone receiver hanging on its cord. “Alfred, did you catch that?” Batman asked into his communicator, “Indeed I did, sir.” Alfred said, “Given the laughter, and the seeming obsession with you, I would normally assume that the Joker was behind a crime like this.” he continued. “That’s impossible, the Joker is in GCPD custody.” Batman responded, “Exactly what makes this case so confusing.” Alfred agreed. Batman hummed in thought, “Run a voice print analysis on the phone conversation, I’m sure I’ve heard that voice somewhere before.” he told Alfred as he neared Harvey Dent’s car.

Harvey Dent’s car was enveloped by a police escort on the way to his official victory speech. As Batman rumbled to Harvey’s left flank, he knew he had 3 minutes, and 45 seconds before the bomb under Harvey’s car exploded. He could hear the police escort’s response to his presence, “What the hell is the Bat doing here?” the driver of the front car asked, “Stay out of his way, he knows what he’s doing.” Mayor-Elect Harvey Dent ordered. Once the convoy got a straight stretch of road, Batman turned on the Batmobile’s cruise control function, and opened the cockpit to walk on the side of the Batmobile.

Batman lept from the Batmobile to Harvey’s car, landing on its roof. With two minutes left before the bomb exploded, Batman leaned over the side of Harvey’s car to the vehicle’s undercarriage, being careful to not block the driver’s view of the road with his cape. The bomb was rather rudimentary, it was clearly made by someone with only a basic understanding of explosives.

It would have been a rather unnotable explosive, except for the fact that the bomb maker was smart enough to implement a mechanism that accelerated the bomb’s countdown whenever someone attempted to disarm it. With only 15 seconds left, Batman detached it from the carriage of Dent’s car, and threw the bomb into the air, leaping into the air with it. Despite using his suit, and cowl to shield himself from the blast, Batman nonetheless caught some shrapnel in his torso, and face. “Your vital signs are critical, Master Bruce, I must insist that you visit a hospital.” Alfred insisted. Despite feeling a slight draft on his ribs, Batman remained reticent, “No, hospital,” he groaned as he grappled off in the direction of Park Row.

*/*/*/*/*

Batman landed in Crime Alley, stumbling from his wounds. The younger Wayne’s blood wet the cobblestones that once ran red with his parents’ blood seventeen years before. Bruce stumbled onward, before falling hard on the cold ground. “Father, forgive me,” Bruce said in his head as his world became dark, and cold.

A few moments later, Bruce awoke in a familiar apartment, his cowl, and chest-piece having been removed. As Bruce attempted to sit up, his savior gently held him to his seat, “Don’t try to move right now, you got pretty banged up out there.” the voice of Dr. Leslie Thompkins told him. “Leslie, you saved me?” Bruce questioned, “Make no mistake, I don’t support your, nighttime activities,” Leslie began, “But I couldn’t bear to have another friend die in Crime Alley.” she said. Batman rested for a few more hours, before leaving for the Batcave, thanking Dr. Leslie Thompkins for her help before leaving. From the shadows, the villainous Dr. Strange watched as the Batman left Dr. Thompkins apartment.

Episode 52 – Appointment in Crime Alley

Strange: 16

Batman vs. Strange: 19

Dr. Hugo Strange skulked as he followed an old woman through the dark alleyways of Park Row. The woman’s name was Leslie Thompkins, the woman who ran the Park Row Medical Center, a free medical center that served the poor, and drug-addled population of Gotham. If the Batman was comfortable enough to seek out Dr. Thompkins’ medical center for treatment, it would stand to reason that she knew who was under the mask.

Dr. Strange waited for Dr. Thompkins to unlock her apartment door before striking. He charged at the good doctor, grabbing her wrists, and demanding “Who is Batman!?” in an angered cry. “Let go of me you creep!” she said as she attempted to free herself from Strange’s grasp. “Who is he!?” he yelled, before a batarang caught him in the back of the head, knocking him down.

“Dr. Strange.” Batman observed, “What did he want from you?” he asked Leslie, “He asked me who you were.” Leslie answered. “What!?” Batman asked, “I don’t know why he’d think I knew who you are.” Leslie answered. Batman looked at Strange, “He’s with the Falconies, you should probably consider moving.” Batman told Leslie, “I can’t do that, my clinics here, I can’t abandon my patients.” she replied.

The two stood in silence for a moment, before Dr. Thompkins told Batman, “I had him handled, you know,” looking up at him, “I’ve been taking some self-defense courses, nothing like what you have, but I know how to defend myself.” she continued. Batman locked eyes with the good doctor for a moment, before looking back to the street, “It’s good that you’re learning to defend yourself.” he said, “With the way this city’s getting, you almost have to.” Leslie said with a sigh.

The good doctor crossed her arms, “It’s awful what happened to this neighborhood.” she said, Good people used to live here.” she lamented. Batman turned to his old friend, “I believe good people still live in Crime Alley.” he told her, placing a hand on her shoulder. He then turned to the sky, he had an appointment that he needed to keep.

*/*/*/*/*

Batman landed in Crime Alley, and took a breath. It was older, and dirtier now, but he’d never forget how it looked that night. The night that an eight-year-old boy was robbed of all sense in his life by some punk with a gun. The night that Bruce Wayne’s childhood ended. The night that the Batman was born, right here, seventeen years ago. Bruce respectfully placed two roses on the ground, and gave a silent prayer for the dead, and repeated his promise to rid Gotham of the evil that had taken the lives of his parents.

Episode 53 – Riddler’s Revenge

Good Guy Nigma: 4

Bugging: 3

Riddler sat in the room of his headquarters nicknamed ‘The Batman Room’ due to the fact that every wall, and the ceiling was covered in details that Riddler believed would point him towards the Dark Knight’s identity. A knock came from the door of the room, “Yes?” Riddler asked, “The strike team is back,” his assistant told him, “Good, how many sex crimes did they prevent?” Riddler asked. “Wait, they were supposed to prevent, sex crime!?” the assistant asked surprised. Riddler sighed, “This is what I get for working with neanderthals.” he grumbled.

“What about the bugs?” Riddler asked. “Oh, you’re going to be happy with this one, we bugged Dent, and Wayne’s offices real good!” the assistant called, “Good!” Riddler said happily. “Do you have any recordings yet?” Riddler asked, “No, we didn’t set up any cameras, but that would have been a good idea!” the assistant said, “What do you mean?” Riddler asked. “Well we put the bugs in their offices like you asked, but we didn’t set up any recording equipment.” the assistant clarified, “But I’m sure that once they walk into their offices, and see all of those creepy crawlies moving around, Dent, and Wayne are going to freak!” he yelled. Riddler slammed his head into his desk in frustration until he got a headache.

Episode 54 – Beware the Creeper

Yatz: 19

Coke: 7

Ryder Reports: 10

Jack Ryder met with Dr. Vincent Yatz on the dockyards of Gotham on a cold, and windy night. “I’m glad you decided to meet with me Dr. Yatz,” Ryder began, “But why out here of all places?” he asked. “The audio quality is terrible, it’s cold, and-” he was cut off by Yatz, “It appears I have misled you…” he said vaguely, “I didn’t come here to simply give an interview about my nano-cell technology.” he said, pulling out a syringe subtly. “I intended to give the criminal population of Gotham a demonstration.” he said, jamming the syringe into Ryder’s shoulder, and injecting his with the experimental technology.

As a result of the nano-cell technology entering his bloodstream, Ryder’s mind, and body shifted. His body grew, taking on a tall muscular yellow visage, with his hair turning green, and a red main sprouting from his neck. Meanwhile, his mind shattered, and he suffered a psychotic break. Dr. Vince Yatz had unleashed upon the Gotham underworld a crime fighter totally unlike anything they had seen before, The Creeper!

The Creeper’s first act as a crime-fighter was to break up a Falcone mafia drug deal. The Roman’s men tried their damnedest to counter the Creeper's efforts, but it proved futile due to his healing factor. The Creeper toppled the coke dealing operation, but unlike the highly trained, and exceedingly careful Batman, the Creeper left the criminals dead, rather than tied up for the police to find. Ryder, for his part, condemned his alter ego’s violent tendencies the next day on his show.

Episode 55 – Dark Knight Triumphant

JokeStroke: 15

Escape: 6

Batman Patrols: 1

Deadshot: 15

Poison Vale: 2

Blondie: 4

Firefly: 10

HQ Defense: 18

Old Guard HQ Protection: 13

Break Out: 7

Batman vs. Scarecrow: 20

Media on B&J: 5

The Joker’s threats, and promises swam in the young officer’s mind. He stood stiff as a statue as he stared into the maximum-security cell. Deathstroke writhed on the floor in pain, as Penguin’s crew packed themselves into the corner in an effort to stay as far away from the Joker as possible. Could he really trust the Joker to keep his word, he wondered. He couldn’t be held responsible, for all the people those bombs would kill if the Joker was telling the truth.

The young officer took a deep gulp, and opened the hermetic seal to the maximum-security cell. The Joker chuckled menacingly, “Thanks.” he let out in a confident, collected drawl. A blast took out the west wall. “You promised you wouldn’t kill anyone if I let you go!” the young officer yelled, “I didn’t do this,” the Joker defended, putting a hand to his chest, and striking an offended pose, “But I did lie to you!” he then said, grabbing the young officer’s neck, and twisting it until it popped.

*/*/*/*/*

Blondie Mirti snuck through the chaos dressed in the garb of the Penguin's men, searching for the Joker. Eventually, he found him, and snuck up on the clown before attempting to grab him. The Joker dodged Mirtie's grapple with ease, and slashed at Mirtie's air supply, forcing him to the ground as he writhed in terror.

*/*/*/*/*

Batman glided through the skies of Gotham, his eagle eyes on the lookout for crime, before he caught a bright flash of destruction emanating from the GCPD HQ. The explosive boom that came a moment later confirmed Batman’s fears – the GCPD was under attack. He entered into a dive to assist the GCPD officers guarding the front of the building before working his way through the criminals no doubt already inside.

As Batman dove, Deadshot raised his rifle, and prepared to shoot, aiming for the Batman’s face. The World’s Greatest Marksman shot the World’s Greatest Detective, though the Batman moved too fast for the bullet to strike his face, the bullet instead lodged itself into the Batman’s guts, hitting into a weak spot on the batsuit’s armor. The pain from the wound caused Batman to lose his air control, which led to him tumbling through the air before crashing through the glass of a second-story window.

Batman was able to get to his feet before being surrounded by a group of Penguin thugs. Batman battled the thugs, who stood little chance of winning against Batman even in his weakened state, though they did get his blood pumping, and his heart beating. Batman gasped deeply after the fight was finished, as smoke and fear gas mixed together in a deadly concoction. He stumbled, sliding down the side of a nearby wall before coming to a sitting position on the floor. As he sat on the floor, Batman sprayed an airisal first aid can on his bullet wound. Batman’s world grew dark, and cold, as the air began to fill itself with the screams of the innocents he had failed to save.

*/*/*/*/*

Firefly used his jetpack to torch every floor of the multi-story office-turned-headquarters, as Scarecrow filled the building with his newest form of fear toxin. Exposure to the resultant mixture would prove deadly for almost any normal human. Thankfully, Pamela Isley was not an ordinary human being. Unlike the ravenous Penguin thugs that accompanied her into the headquarters, Ivy walked smoothly, almost peacefully, towards her target, her spores proving to be all the protection she needed for tonight.

Eventually, she found her target. Vickie Vale was attempting to use the chaos of the break out to escape from prison with her reporter buddy Alexander Knox. Vale gave Knox a boost into the air vents, having clearly not learned their lesson about that since getting caught. Before Knox could help Vale up to the air ducts with him, one of Poison Ivy’s plant-tentacles wrapped itself around her ankle, “Vickie!” Knox yelled as the tentacle shot backwards with Vickie in tow.

The plant-tentacles bound Vickie’s arms to her body, restricting her movements, and hung her upside down by the feet. Ivy looked at her upside-down reporter captive smugly, she was a bit surprised at how easily she had captured the Gazette’s top reporter.

“Oh God, I’ve seen this one before.” Vickie said nervously, “Yes, I’ve got you now, Vickie Vale.” Poison Ivy said in a sultry, yet threatening tone. “Ok, look,” Vale began, “You’re very pretty.” she said, causing her captor to blush, “But I’m, not really into tentacles.” she continued. Ivy struggled to muster a response, taken aback by Vale’s comments, a shaky “What?” was all she could muster. Vale noticed her opponent’s fluster at her comments, and decided to push her luck, and use flirtation to escape her situation.

 

“Though, I do have to admit,” Vale began, shifting her tone to be more flirty, and seductive, “It is a bit exciting, being tied up by a strong, beautiful woman like you.” she continued. “I-I’m going to kill you!” Ivy threatened attempting to regain control of the conversation, “Aw, come on Ivy, why ruin such a good moment?” Vale asked. Poison Ivy’s breath became stilted, Vale knew what that meant, and decided to take the last step in her plan to secure her freedom, “You know, there’s a cleaning supplies station over that way that barely anybody uses.” she said, which made Ivy subtly bite her lower lip, allowing Vale to know that her efforts had succeeded.

*/*/*/*/*

Bruce sat in a strange, unfamiliar place, his brain filled with the screams of those he had failed to save. “I failed, I couldn’t save them.” he said, defeated, “All these freaks, the Joker, Scarecrow, they’re all because of me.” he continued in despair. “Bruce.” a deep, unfamiliar voice called to him from the void, “Father?” he asked, receiving no answer, “Forgive me Father, I have failed you, I’ve only brought ruin to Gotham.” he said. Standing up, Bruce put his hands in his pockets, “Gotham would be better off without Batman.” he said.

“Do not despair, hero.” the voice from earlier told him, “Who are you?” Bruce asked, and appearing from thin air came a Phantom Stranger. “My name is unimportant,” the Stranger said, “You need to wake up, Gotham is in grave danger.” he warned, “Because of me,” Bruce said, “Because I’m not good enough to save them, because I brought all the freaks to town, because I failed.” he continued. “The fires in Gotham would be there with or without you, but only due to you does the city have a chance to survive.” the Stranger told him, “It is who you are Bruce, a hero, an agent of justice, the Batman,” he continued, “It is your destiny.” he said.

“My destiny?” Bruce asked, “How do you know what my destiny is?” he questioned, “Perhaps I should show you.” the Stranger said, unclasping his coat, which began to envelop Bruce in its mysterious powers. “Allow me to show you the Gotham of Earth-618.” the Stranger said as the strange place shifted, and changed into a Gotham familiar to Bruce, yet so different at the same time. “A damned city, with no savior, with no hope,” the Stranger continued, “With no Batman.” he finished.

Bruce watched in horror as he saw what Gotham could become without the Batman. He saw a city ruled by criminals, overrun by lawlessness, and chaos. A population who had given up all hope, and had submitted to a damned life in a doomed city. “My God!” Bruce said in shock, “Phantom, what is this Earth’s Bruce Wayne doing about all this?” he asked the Stranger. The scene shifted, now showing the Wayne Manor Parlor Room, inside of which sat Bruce Wayne, and Carmine Falcone. “Falcone!?” Bruce cried, “What is he doing in Wayne Manor?” he demanded, “After the death of his parents, this Earth’s Bruce Wayne fell under the influence of Carmine Falcone, succeeding him as Gotham’s fiercest crime lord.” the Stranger answered.

“Are you ready to go back yet, or would you prefer to see more?” the Stranger asked as the place shifted back into the featureless void it had been when Bruce first entered it. “You mean, there are more Earths than the one you showed me?” Bruce asked, “Infinite Earths, with infinite possibilities.” the Stranger answered, “Infinite Gothams with infinite Batmen.” the Stranger continued, as the place shifted once more to show Bruce glimpses of the other alternate Batmen. After Bruce took a moment to absorb the deeds of his infinitely many counterparts, his cowl appeared before him. “Put it on, Bruce, and become the Batman.” the Stranger encouraged, “It is your destiny, it is who you are, a hero.” he continued. Bruce nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose, and put on his cowl. In a flash, Bruce left the domain of the Phantom Stranger.

*/*/*/*/*

Bruce gulped a breath of air down deeply as his eyes flashed awake. He pressed on his cowl, turning on air-assist, and got to his feet. Feeling spiritual, and physically renewed, Batman stepped onto the ledge of the nearby window, before grappling up to the rooftops to stop Firefly.

Firefly raised his flamethrower, and prepared to spray down another volley of napalm when a batarang hit his jetpack, getting stuck in the pack’s left engine. Firefly’s engine sputtered as he fell to the rooftop, landing hard on his shoulder. Batman walked closer to Firefly as the pyromaniac attempted to fix his jetpack, “That suit fireproof, Batman?” he asked as he punched his jetpack. Batman could hear a gun click as he stepped closer to Lyns, recognizing that it was Deadshot’s rifle. “Get ready to-” Firefly began, before Batman grabbed him, and used his jetpack as a human shield. After the bullet ripped through Firefly’s right engine, rendering his jetpack inoperable, Firefly asked Batman “How did you know he wouldn’t hit me!” to which Batman responded, “I didn’t.” before knocking Firefly out.

Batman threw a smoke bomb on the ground as Deadshot readied his next shot. As Deadshot shot at ghosts, Batman grappled up to a gargoyle overlooking Deadshot’s position. “Where are you, Dark Knight?” Lawton said as he scanned the rooftop across from him. “Behind you.” a dark voice said from behind him, before Batman slammed his face into the concrete, knocking him out. After eliminating Deadshot, and Firefly, Batman turned his attention to the criminals inside the makeshift GCPD HQ, zipping down into the ground floor.

The ground floor of the HQ was smothered in a cloud of fear toxin, nearly any creature not wearing a gas mask was sprawling on the floor in terror. The room that Batman entered was a business cubical room that had been transformed into a police bullpen. It formed the stronghold for the police forces defending against the waves of Penguin thugs. The officers were led by Officers Renee Montoya, and Max Eckhart, putting aside their differences to defend the GCPD. When Batman crashed through the window, a sense of relief sprung up in every officer, “Calvary’s here!” one of the officers yelled as the Batman charged the thug’s front line. “Stay behind Batman, and give him any help you can, this our chance to take the station back!” Montoya ordered the cops under her leadership as she led a column after Batman down the hall.

*/*/*/*/*

Joker breathed the delicious fear gas in as he walked jauntily through the chaotic HQ. Sure, he probably should have been trying his best to escape, but where’s the fun in that? There was so much chaos, and destruction, and fun in one place, he couldn’t let an opportunity go to waste! Besides, if there’s one place where Batman would be tonight, it would be here.

Joker walked carefree through the crowds of thugs, giving a stab here, and a shot to the gut there to anyone who got too close. Eventually, Joker spied the emaciated Bane, who had been given a tank of venom. As he saw Bane attach the delivery tubes to the canister of venom, Joker giggled softly, as he thought of a devious prank to play. Joker walked up to Bane nonchalantly, before subtly cutting his delivery tubes.

Bane pressed on the venom’s activation button, ready to get back to his old, massive self. When it didn’t work he pressed it again, and again frantically. Joker laughed maliciously as he watched Bane freak out. “You did this clown!” Bane cried as he reared back to punch Joker. Joker caught the feeble fist in his hand, twisting it to a point of breaking before delivering a strong punch to Bane’s face. “Really, you should be thanking me, Bane,” Joker said, leaning over Bane’s face, “All those performance-enhancing drugs, it can’t be good for you.” he continued, shaking his head disapprovingly.

A moment later, Tweedledee’s heavy, unconscious body crashed through a section of the wall next to Joker. A moment after that Tweedledum joined him, landing on top of his brother. The Joker looked through the hole that the Tweedles had made, to see who had thrown 700 pounds of sociopath through a wooden wall. Then, he saw him, the Batman. The Joker smiled, and pulled out his knife.

*/*/*/*/*

The Batman stared down his hated nemesis, one of the only people in Gotham able to withstand Scarecrow’s fear toxin. The Joker was the one to make the first move, attempting to use his knife to slash at Batman’s cowl, though Batman used his gauntlet to parry the blade away. Batman socked Joker in the face, to which Joker replied by driving his knife in-between Batman’s ribs. Batman pushed the Joker away, causing him to tumble over a desk. As the Joker stood back up, Batman lunged at him, forcing him to the ground. As the Batman’s fists gripped tightly around the Joker’s neck, the clown taunted The Dark Knight, “Just a bit, more, pressure.” he said, struggling to talk from the pressure Batman was applying to his throat. Batman grimaced, and punched Joker in the face, knocking him out.

Standing up from the ground, Batman saw the mastermind behind all the chaos, and the only other person able to withstand fear toxin. Scarecrow sprayed his fear gas out of a prosthetic arm as he escorted Penguin away from the holding cells, and towards the lobby. Batman leaped over the surrounding desks as he chased after the two supervillains, unwilling to let even one criminal escape.

Batman kicked through the large dual doors that led to the lobby, trapping any thugs nearby under the weight of the doors. “Batman.” Scarecrow said sinisterly, “I must admit, I’m impressed you made it this far, such a shame that this is where you’ll die.” he continued spraying his fear gas, and sicking his goons on Batman. As Batman beat the thugs down, he noticed Scarecrow attempting to escape, “No today, Crane!” he yelled, throwing a batarang to press the red button on the wall, activating the building’s lockdown procedure.

After Batman neutralized the thugs, he turned his attention to Scarecrow, picking him by his coat. Scarecrow looked into the Batman’s eyes, finding not a hint of fear, “Something different about you.” he said, “You shouldn’t be able to withstand my fear toxin!” he yelled, attempting in vain to gas Batman. “Feeling afraid, Crane?” Batman asked, bringing Scarecrow closer to his face, “You should be.” he said, bringing Scarecrow over his head, before slamming him into the floor. Cobblepot attempted to shuffle away from the fight, but Batman picked the midget up by his coat with one hand, “What are doing with me!?” he asked indignantly, “You’re coming with me.” Batman snarled, “Why!?” Penguin asked, “To let them know they lost.” Batman answered as he exited the lobby.

The Gotham Local TV News helicopter circled the headquarters, hoping to get a good view of the battle. Eventually, a figure appeared in the smokey hole that resulted from Penguin’s thugs blowing a hole in the wall to get to the holding cells. “Who is it?” the onsite reporter questioned, before the figure emerged in full view. It was the Batman, carrying a bound, and beaten Penguin. He was bloodied, and his costume was ragged, but he had done what few other mortal men could do, he had faced off with nearly every Gotham super-villian, and had come out on top. Gotham was Batman’s city, and he stood triumphant as its savior.

Episode 56 – Cleaning The Streets

Federal Funding: 17

Emergency DAs: 4

Corruption: 4

Drug Abuse: 5

Prosecution: 19

Law&Order: 12

The success of Batman against impossible odds proved to be the turning point in the Gang War. The Federal Government passed the Leahy-Biden Bill, which both gave federal funding to the Gotham Government during their attempts to end the Gang War, and rebuild after its conclusion, and created the Justice League of America to unify the many American crimefighters in an effort to use them as 'deputized super-soldiers in the war on crime' as a noted critic of the bill Rep. Ron Paul called them. Though the road is set to be bumpy, and there remain deep divisions within Gotham, now that the majority of the super-villain population is behind bars, the GCPD can focus on controlling the common criminals, and rioters who remain in Gotham.

[WVProgressive]

Meter Positions at The Start of Turn 10:

Approve/Disapprove/Unsure&Don’t Know

Mayor Approval: 45%/45%/10%

DA Approval: 50%/15%/10%

GCPD Approval: 55%/30%/15%

City Council Approval: 45%/45%/10%

Batman Approval: 97%/1%/2%

Mayoral Race Second Round Results:

Turnout: 30%

As A % of All Votes

Harvey Dent: 28.2%

Hamilton Hill: 28%

Joker (Invalid): 9.8%

Batman (Invalid): 8%

Mario Falcone (Invalid): 6%

Riddler (Invalid): 5%

Depp. Commissioner Gordon (Invalid): 5%

Bruce Wayne (Invalid): 5%

All Other Invalid Votes (All Candidates Below 5%): 5%

As A % of All Valid Votes

Harvey Dent: 50.1%

Hamilton Hill: 49.9%

DA Election Results:

Turnout 10%

Fmr. DA Carl Finch (Neutral): 55%

Assistant DA Rachel Dawes (Reform): 45%

City Council Election Results:

Turnout 25%

Old Guardians: 24 (-6)

Reformists: 13 (+8)

Unaligned: 3 (+1)

Chair: Hamilton Hill (Old Guard)

Trust in the Media: 3/10 A middling month for the many media members moldering in Gotham, but overall the Gazette is trending in the right direction.

Safety: 1/10 The Gang War, for the most part, is over, though that doesn't mean that Gotham has become a crime free paradise. Crime, and rioting is still rampant in the city, and it will need a lot of work to get better.

Economic Growth: 3/10 The end of the gang war has led to a small amount of economic healing in November.

Quality of Life: 2/10 The Quality of Life in Gotham has not changed much, it still tops list of Worst American Cities To Live In, and inequality, poor health, and countless other social ills still plague Gotham society.

Unrest: 8/20 Riots have been reduced to near pre-Gang War levels, but don't be deceived, Gotham is highly divided between supporters of the Old Guards, and the Reformers.

Budget: 4/10 After the passage of the Leahy-Biden bill, Federal Funds begin to flood Gotham City's coffers, saving it from potential financial ruin.

Corruption: 4/10 The corruption situation remains the same.

Knight-Playboy: 50/100 The Batman's interaction with the multiverse-traversing Phantom Stranger leaves him spiritually rejuvenated, and more committed to his crusade than ever.

Edited December 23, 2021 by WVProgressive
Municipal Elections

[Fbarbarossa]

1 - There was one thing that made Cobblepot lucky. And that was the fact that during the riots he destroyed Blackgate Prison. He and all of his men were at Arkham. A breakout was imminent and Penguin's numbers would swell. He just needed a method to communicate and coordinate. So he reached out to his cell neighbour. The Ratcatcher

2 - Poison Ivy was the last Penguin Lieutenant standing. And she had to act. Cobblepot was on the downswing and she needed to make sure that their main rival didn't upswing. Luckily, she has unique abilities that make this eminently doable. Using those under her sway and the Penguin thugs who remained outside she will launch a full on assault on The Falcone complex.

3 - Bane was content. He may be locked away but he and his men were always a united unit. They weren't thugs that had joined with him overtime, they were his trusted soldiers who he had recruited and fought with for years. Come the breakout they would function as an organized unit.

4 - Garfield Lynns knew Arkham like the back of his hand. And with the horrifically burnt state of the back of his hand that really meant something. He'd escaped before and he knew every nook and cranny, every patrol and every camera track. He waited, not even for long, and then he sprang, all he needed was his suit and flamethrower. A new jetpack wasn't a priority yet.

5 - "Hello Dr Crane." A bored monotone psychiatrist mumbled as the heavily strapped down Crane was wheeled into the room. "How are you today?" the balding interviewer halfheartedly asked. Crane waited a moment before answering his questioner.

"Can we skip this? I've worked the same job. We make small talk then you try and delve into my psyche. Frankly I'm not in the mood for it." Scarecrow rasped to his psychiatrist. "Besides, I have something more interesting." Scarecrow began to hack and cough until two small capsules rolled from his throat to his mouth. Crane laughed before biting down on them, flooding the room with fear gas. 

The breakout was now.

[Rodja]

1.Mario Falcone will attempt to track down and kill Penguin as a revenge for humiliating his father.

2.The Roman will meet with mayor elect to try to win him over

3.Alberto Falcone will try to prove himself to his father by breaking into the Batcave.

4.Falcone Casa will host humanitarian gala dinner.

5.Cocaine transport continues

[Fbarbarossa]

Screeching laughter echoed throughout the halls of Arkham Asylum. The Joker sat in the corner of his cell. Laughing, never stopping.

He had been contained in an old corner of the Asylum. One of the low tech areas, part of the original Asylum, built of stone and iron. Many had found that the old fashioned way was perfect for holding the most slippery and dangerous of inmates.

Each cell had two personal guards, both of the Jokers stood awkwardly out of his view and tried to avoid looking at the inmate any more than absolutely necessary.

The Joker walked to the iron bars. "I've been in here before you know." He said to his guards, his face pressed against the bars and his arms hanging out of them. "It didn't hold me before, it won't hold me now. Though I must say I LOVE this quaint little wing. I wish you'd have sent me here before!"

The Joker surveyed the other inmates in the wing. "I mean look at all my fellow detained! These are some of the best people I've ever seen!" He looked to one of the men, stringy haired, short and muttering to himself about an 'Alice'. "I mean look at him! He's positively demented, in a reality of his own! Isn't that amazing?!"

He turned to another a fat man singing opera with a deep baritone. "And him!  remember reading about him! He even frightens me a little! Brilliant!"

Next was a skinny, bald man covered in tally mark scars. The Joker took an affectionate tone. "And him. He has a drive in life stronger than that of anyone else. Isn't that beautiful?"

A monstrous creature covered in protruding bone scratched at his cell wall. Again the Joker spoke. "And that thing! Oh that thing! What would life be without him?! I do love him so!"

One of the guards slammed his billy club against the bars. "SHUT! UP!" He screamed in the Jokers face. "Just shut up!!"

The Joker stuck out his bottom lip in an exaggerated pout. "But I didn't even get to Mister take-it-apart-and-put-it-back-together over there..." He sighed, pointing to the large bald man.

The guard practically growled before taking his key from his belt and opening the cell door, clutching his billy club tightly. 

"Gotcha..." The Joker mumbled, launching himself at the guard. 

They clashed, stumbling around the cell. The Joker yelled as he fought.

"Buddies! First thing I'm gonna do when I take down this guy is let you all out! We're gonna be a team and we're gonna have FUN!"

[Sean F Kennedy]

1. Edward Nygma will sit in his office, furious with his idiotic henchmen, he will look to recruit from the angry public of Gotham tired of old guard figures like Hill and all talk Politicians like Dent. 
2. Riddler will personally go out and serve some Justice of his own, going after sexual assaulters and those who prey on children.

3. Riddler will begin plastering posters slamming Dent as a “Two faced politician “ who relies on Washington influence.

4.Riddler will attempt to hack the security mainframe of Arkham, hoping to assist on a potential breakout.

5. The Riddler will send his men out to put bleach in the gas tanks of the GCPD police cars, ruining the fuel lines of all the vehicles.