[Game Thread] Case 0: A Troubled City Calls

[Rockerboy]

GM ɢᴏᴛʜᴀᴍ ᴄɪᴛʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ The city was haunting. The wind howled, screams carried on the air, distant gunshots echoed like a testament to the inability to bring order to the chaos that flooded the streets. With the disappearance of the Batman, of his vigilante associates, the city had started teetered on the edge of a pit filled uncontrollable suffering and violent nightmares... and the Joker's attack had been the nudge. Gotham City had fallen, hard. Crime, violence, gang warfare; all of it had descended onto the city like a wave, and despite precautions and preparing as much as they could, the GCPD had been overrun within days. Not only had the usual suspects come out in force, but it seemed others - new or different - also made their presences known. And to make matters worse, there were reports of individuals boasting mysterious and unexplained powers, the kind usually seen in Metropolis or Keystone. Even the sight of the bat-signal, which had once been a symbol of fear during the night for criminals, meant very little. However, tonight, the signal beamed into the clouded and dark sky overhead. "Do you really think this will work?" A figure on the GCPD rooftop paced, covered in shadows of the surrounding buildings, in front of the blazing light that cast the bat shape. Another individual stood nearer the torch, silent and unmoving, save for the orange glow every so often in front of his face. "It's all we can do, Bullock," Commissioner Gordon sighed, as he puffed on the cigarette again. "We sent out the call. We promised no reprisals for vigilantism, so it's on them now... whoever turns up." "Yeah, right," Bullock scoffed. "We don't need their help." "Yes. We do." Gordon looked over to the Detective. "You don't have to be here, you know? I can handle this alone if you're uncomfortable with this part." "Pssh," Bullock dismissed the statement with a wave. "I don't trust none o' these vigilantes as far as I can throw 'em, but I ain't about to let you get jumped if this turns sideways." Gordon smirked, as he took another puff. "Speakin' of, ain't you meant to have quit smoking?" Bullock asked, as he stopped near the other man and raised his eyebrows. "Must be pretty bad if you're doin' it again, huh." "Yeah..." the older man with the glasses nodded. "Yeah, it's bad. I'll quit again when the city isn't burning down around us." The pair stood in silence for a moment. Across the rooftops fog and sounds billowed, as another series of gunshots punctuated the point of how bad things truly were. The distant siren of a police car began to wail, but it was drowned out by more gunfire and screams. Commissioner Gordon sighed and slumped. "Well... whoever's showin' up, they've got another five minutes," Bullock said as he sniffed and hiked up his pants some more. He saw how his friend and colleague seemed to be losing mettle and was determined to help, somehow. "An' if worse comes to worst, I'll even consider puttin' on a mask and handling it meself." Both men knew that was a lie, but the sentiment was appreciated. "Hopefully it doesn't come to that," Gordon smiled, as he looked up. "Let's keep the beacon lit for another five minutes. If no one shows up by then, God help Gotham."

OOC You can now arrive on the GCPD rooftop. Either through the building interior stairs, which would garner you some questionable glances from the Police, but otherwise they would permit passage; or you can use the fire escape, or other means - grapples, flight, gliding, etc. If you intend to have been skulking nearby, listening from the shadows, you can determine how much you heard of the conversation. Welcome to Gotham City. Good luck.

[Mcderth]

Bat-Boy Man it’d been tough getting out of the apartment tonight. Jayden's mom’d really been on one about family time since the whole Joker thing, and had been making them sit around together for, like hours doing stuff together after dinner. He didn’t exactly hate that, his parents were pretty cool, but it was definitely cutting into his fun time. It’d been a minute since he’d even been able to drop into discord and check on what his friends had been up to. Guess that was partly his fault too, he’d spent the better part of a week working on his new costume and trying to get the dang wings right. He was a bat now, so he should have wings, right? Eventually he’d had to fake being tired and manage to slip off to his room, toss on his new outfit and sneak out the window. Man it was nuts how different he felt from just a couple days before. No wonder the jocks always seemed obsessed with doing all that physical stuff all the time. It was a bit addictive, jumping from rooftop to rooftop, running and not feeling tired, climbing up pipes and ledges as he made his way higher and higher up buildings, until finally he sat perched next to a gargoyle of all things, looking out over the city. Whow he couldn’t help but mutter to himself as he took in the view. It wasn’t just the height or the distance he could see that made it so impressive. Lately he’d noticed that he could just… see more, especially in the dark. Before the bat bite he would have been hard pressed to tell you the difference between purple and lavender and plumb. But now it was like a whole new world of color was everywhere. He was pretty sure a bunch of them didn’t even have names for. Like what do you call a color that you haven’t seen until now? His ponderings were interrupted by a bright beam of light lancing across the sky. The Bat Signal in all its glory blared across the cloudy sky. A rush of excitement surged though him. He’d seen the signal a million times before, everyone that grew up in Gotham had. But this time it was different. This time it wasn’t just a reminder to those below it who was keeping watch over them. Tonight it was meant for him. He took a moment to gauge the distance, it’d be close but he was pretty sure he could make it. So long as his new invention cooperated. It took a couple of tries to get the rigid structure and fabric to pop out smoothly, but eventually it seemed to feel sturdy enough. He took a deep breath, pushed away the voice telling him this was absolutely nuts, that he was just a kid about to jump off a building on what amounted to a miniature homemade hang glider, and jumped. He wished he could say that his first flight into the night sky of Gotham was a magical experience, but honestly it was a bit too nerve racking for that. But the glider did manage to work well enough to get him to the roof where the legendary Gordan and someone else he seemed to know pretty well were making small talk. When he’d made to over the roof he pulled the glide wings back into his suit and dropped the last eight feet or so, landing in a crouch before them. In front of Commissioner Gordon and Detective Bullock is a figure, wearing what is obviously some sort of homemade costume. A black spandex bodysuit with a dark bat symbol on the chest, black tennis shoes and a mask that covers his whole face with long bat ears attached to the side of it. He stands up and after an awkward moment salutes the Commissioner. Hello sir. I don’t know if anyone else will show, but I’m here to do what I can to help

[DrowNinjaPrincess]

A New Sheriff in Town Norbert would have arrived sooner, but the fire escape was being difficult. His rifle wasn't long enough, by far, to reach the mechanism that lowered the ladder, and as for using his rope? That got stuck and didn't seem to help either. Already this seemed like a crazy idea, but even crazier if he went in through the main entrance. He cursed under his breath. At this point he was getting mad enough that his gaze and tone would probably quell just about anyone. But then he considered simply climbing the rope, since it seemed lodged well enough in place. And that worked. The climb was difficult, but not nearly as difficult as Norbert thought it would be. He'd soon find that traversing the stairs of the fire escape was easy peasy too, at least when going at a normal pace. But before he did that and he ascended to the rooftops, he lowered the ladder. Norbert's steps jingled as he arrived without much care if anyone heard him or not. This was all the fanfare he would care to give as he stood there silently. The ominous, dark silhouette of the cowboy gazed at the figures gathered around the Bat Signal before striding forward. "Not much of a crowd here. But I'd be kidding myself if I expected more," the man says in a gruff voice. "Commisioner," he says, nodding with a slight tip of his hat. "And I don't think we've had the pleasure," he adds, turning to the detective.

[Rockerboy]

GM As citizens planning to become vigilantes arrive, it seems to encourage some others that were waiting nearby, watching. Two individuals likewise step onto the rooftop, from different sides and within a handful of seconds of one another. The first seems to be a young woman in a makeshift outfit, composed of kevlar-vest and padding, as well as a purple hood and domino mask that helps to obscure her features. She says nothing, simply walking over to join the gathering, quiet and observant. And those that are arriving, they are met with a glance from Commissioner Gordon and even subtle nods, even though the Detective behind - a large-set man in a fedora hat with a thick raincoat - watches with disdain and his arms crossed. Perhaps that look from the Detective is warranted, as the second individual appears after those before him. This man is dressed in seemingly military-grade armor, along with a skull mask and hood, who is carrying a range of weapons strapped to his person... and unlike the hooded girl, the skull-faced man looks pointedly between everyone and lifts his chin in greeting. "Hey."

[PalladiaMors]

It had been a long time since the black silhouette of a figure approaching through the light of the bat-signal had graced the roof of the GCPD, answering its call. Well it had barely been over a month, but relatively speaking, that was a very long time. The figure looked familiar at first glance - bat-like ears, though larger than the norm, with a cloak spread out to look like the wings of a bat. Only this form was far shorter than what the officers on the roof were used to, and a couple of strong flaps show that the cloak doesn't just resemble wings, they are wings. There's a short climb into the sky before the figure alights and lands on the roof, humanoid but wrapped in large bat wings with their eyes barely peeking above one of the wings. Eyes narrow dramatically before the form stands up and spreads wings wide, revealing what looks to be a humanoid bat. She's dressed in a pair of dark blue sweat pants, black ankle wraps, and something that resembles a dark-colored, tight-fitting tank top with large holes at the side for her wings. There's a tool belt around her waist that looks like it was bought at Home Depot to complete the look, as well as a dark pair of goggles around her neck. She pauses for a moment before letting out a gravely yet squeaky "I'm Bat-Bat." "No, I'm joking, but I know this is serious. Hi commish, detective Grumpy," she begins, addressing Commissioner Gordon and Detective Bullock with a familiarity that suggests she's met them before, which she has. This certainly wasn't her first landing on the roof of the GCPD, but this was the first time the signal was actually on. "I hope I'm not late, traffic was awful," she quips, opening up one of the pouches on the workman's belt and pulling out a bag full of mixed nuts that she starts to snack on. She takes a quick look around at the others as she munches, eyes narrowing first on the one in the black bodysuit. She takes a couple of quiet steps forward, giving him a look-over, before finally saying "I think that's some kinda cultural appropriation." The glare continues for a few moments before she stands up straight and laughs it off. "Nah I'm joking," she chuckles, stepping back and turning to the others. She tilts her head to the side as she regards Norbert, stating only "Sheriff," with a nod of her head before looking to the other two. "Purple... ooh is your name Rayne? Like r-a-y-n-e? Oh that would be an awesome name if it is! And uh... Skull Guy? That's a badass outfit!" she declares, finding names for the others since nobody has provided any. "Oh I'm Echo, the science weirdo," she quickly adds, realizing that it was best if she got her own name out there before anyone could come up with something for her. Her manner of speech is fairly quick and she gives the impression of some degree of hyperactivity given her behavior, but it could just be excitement over the situation. Once she's made introductions she leans against the edge of the building and continues snacking, looking to Gordon to see if he has anything to say.

[Boss Nadar]

First Impressions Cyber Ghost (click on image for sheet) Grace had been on the fence when she saw the bat signal in the night sky. On one hand, she didn't like working with others. She'd much rather do her own thing without having to be saddled with others. On the other hand, although her test run had been successful, she'd be a fool if she thought she'd be able to handle some of the bigger threats alone. Not only was there strength in numbers, but there were some things that she just could do. Like stairs, for example. Grace hadn't gotten into college on a sports scholarship after all, and as she glanced up at the top of the GCPD building, she realized immediately that the only way she was gonna get up there was through the front door. But then, maybe she didn't need to. After all, it wasn't Grace Wilson the commissioner would be meeting, but Cyber Ghost. With a grin, she pulled out her flying drone, iSpy, from her backpack, and turned it on. Hiding in a nearby alley, she mentally controlled it to rise to the top of the building. Seems she was far from the first to arrive. Commissioner Gordon she recognized, as well as detective Bullock. Beyond that, it appeared there were five others. More than she'd expected, less than she'd hoped. As the drone got close, a synthetic voice begins to speak. "Hello Commissioner. Detective. I apologize for not being here in person, but while I possess several talents, vertical mobility is not among them."

[Rockerboy]

GM As more arrived, including a literal bat-person and a small drone, there were two final civilians that stepped forward, which rounded out the group - a total of eight. It seemed Commissioner Gordon was impressed, he whistled at the outcome, but otherwise the gathering was relatively small for the degree of severity in Gotham. Yet, beggars couldn't be choosers. The last to arrive, after the bat girl and drone was an individual decked out in a gasmask, complete with thick coat and layers of - presumably - insulated clothing. Across his person were canisters of tear gas, mace and CS-gas - the kind used by riot control. Whoever it was seemed dedicated to using non-lethal and disruptive methods of crime fighting. The gasmask wearing individual nodded, but otherwise remained silent, as he watched through glinting goggles as an individual decked out in leather slipped from the shadows. That individual moved silently, like a wraith, and kept his back away from the group, even as red visors from an enclosed leather-stitched mask regarded everyone. There was no greeting, just a simple tense posture, which could have implied unease or suspicion at the situation. Time was up. It seemed those willing to help had now arrived, even as Commissioner Gordon cleared his throat and stepped forward to speak...

[Rockerboy]

GM "Thank you all for coming," Commissioner Gordon said in a flat tone, as he blew out some smoke. "I'm Commissioner Jim Gordon, head of this precinct of the GCPD, and it's good seeing so many willing to help." Gordon's glasses moved across the eight, as he eyed each up. "As you're aware, Gotham City is in a state of emergency. Not only has Batman disappeared, along with his associates, but we have a significant spike in crime related activities throughout our streets," Gordon inhaled and took a puff of the cigarette. "The call for assistance was granted by council, signed by Gotham City's Mayor Hill and District Attorney Janice Porter, to approve the temporary - but legally recognized - deputization of civilians, in the face of civil unrest and danger to the population." Detective Bullock, the thick-set man shook his head, annoyed. "By presenting yourselves today, we will undergo a verbally binding agreement - the Posse Comitatus - that will allow you each to function as extensions of the law, and to intervene in criminal activity where Police presence is not available or apparent... and this is, in full, due to the extenuating circumstances of danger to people of this city, and the refusal of the National Guard to endanger volunteers to - and I quote - Gotham's level of crazy." From within his coat, Gordon took out a small piece of folded paper, which he unfolded with both hands - the cigarette between his lips, as he spoke. "So here we are. I, James Gordon, Commissioner of the Gotham City Police Department and acting as Gotham County Sheriff, appoint the following citizens of Gotham City as deputized law enforcement volunteers, who can act in protection - and on the behalf of - the citizens of this city, to serve in the best interests of stopping criminal acts and restoring peace." Gordon looked between each. "You will be protected by Federal law while acting within this capacity, so long as you maintain lawful action and justifiable application of force. If you agree, please state your name - or alias - and confirm what has been read to you."

Regulator Without hesitation, the skull-faced military-type stepped forward and stood straight, as he spoke from his mask: "I, the Regulator, agree to be deputized in Gotham City." he said clearly and firmly, even as gloved hands clenched the rifle handle tighter. "I'll bring these streets back to peace and order, you can count on that."

Funnel Web "I am Funnel Web," said the leather clad individual with the red visors, as he peered to the others. "I agree."

[DrowNinjaPrincess]

Deputization Norbert shifted his stance a bit, straightening his coat and thumbing at his pistol holsters. "I agree. Call me.. Tin Whiskers," he says with a nod, and a slight hesitation to his voice. Though he had been over this already in his mind, the simple decision of an alias was something that felt final. Raising his right hand and placing the other over his chest, he says, "I, Tin Whiskers, as a lawfully deputized volunteer, shall act to protect the citizens of Gotham, and the peace, so long as the Police and National Guard are unwilling or unable. I shall do so as lawfully as reasonably possible." ... "There, that about does it. I have a feeling we are making ourselves targets even now, with all the crazies on the loose, so let's not dilly-dally, people!" he says, his voice gradually rising to a somewhat enthusiastic but very serious bark. Acting on his words, he begins paying less attention to the little ceremony happening, and more on the surroundings. Ultimately, the exact words uttered and the legalities of it all mattered little in comparison to the safety of his peers. Though they all seemed much younger than himself.. maybe he could teach them a thing or two. Or vice versa.

[Mcderth]

Introductions, Etc The variety of people that showed up surprised Jayden. He'd honestly been expecting people a bit more like him, guess that was dumb though. Gotham wasn't exactly known for its powered-up kids after all. The number of guns threw him for a loop too. Between the old sheriff guy and the skull dude there were some dangerous lookin people here for sure. Jayden did give him his best tough guy Sup. though, lifting his own chin in response. Seeing the purple hooded girl made him feel better though. She looked closer to his age at least. But nothing quite prepared him for "Bat-Bat" as she bounced between everyone in the group. Dude, are you like a were-bat? That's freaking cool! Have you figured out how to do the whole hangin upside down thing? I haven't managed to figure that out yet... He was interrupted by the sound of a drone coming up the side of the building. He looked over as it popped into sight and slipped over to Gordan. Sick drone he whispered to echo. Wonder what all it can do? When the Commissioner began to speak Jayden gave him his full attention. Honestly he hadn't realized just how serious this was all going to be.He'd kinda expected them to turn him away for being too young, he wasn't even totally settled on a name yet. But here he was. It was real and it was his turn. Was he ready to face a Gotham level of crazy? Taking a deep breath he put his arm to the square like he'd seen in those old westerns. Umm.. I'm Bat-boy. And yeah, yeah I do.

[Boss Nadar]

First Impressions Cyber Ghost (click on image for sheet) The drone's camera twitches and pivots as it takes in the surrounding volunteers. 'Quite the assortment', Grace mused to herself. Most of them even seemed reasonably serious about this. If her schoolmates had been more like Regulator, she might not have grown up to be so untrusting of group work. Most of them had been more interested in joking around than getting work done. "For now, you can call me Cyber Ghost," The synthetic voice spoke once more from the drone, "And so long as people like the Joker run free, the GCPD will have my support. I accept the terms as presented."

[PalladiaMors]

Echo stands still as Gordon reads from his prepared notes, listening to the words but internally making careful note of the terms as well. She was no lawyer but still pretty bright, and that was the sort of thing it paid to pay attention to, especially since the GCPD knew full well who she was, unlike presumably everyone else. It was something she had to consider since she had no real way of concealing who she was. A simple bandito mask wouldn't do for many reasons. When Bat-Boy starts asking questions it snaps her out of her pondering, the bat girl turning to look at him as others continue to arrive. "Not exactly. More like a mostly successful science experiment conducted as a matter of desperation. Long story. But I don't like turn all batty under the moon or anything," she answers, though she does turn her attention to his shoes when he asks about hanging upside-down. She looks puzzled, turning her attention back to him before talking again. "Um, yeah, I can, but how would that even work for you?" she asks, trying to figure out if he was joking or not. The drone gets her attention before she can continue, Echo tracking it with her ears before it even comes into view. She gives it a look-over, listening to the voice speak before saying "flies, has a camera and speaker. Presumably mic," to Bat-Boy, a thoroughly by the books answer but the only one she can give at the moment. She then puts herself in front of the drone's lens and waves a wing. "Hey, I can give you a lift up here if you want " she offers. She doesn't expect an affirmative answer but feels it important to at least make the offer. Once Gordon calls for verbal agreement to the presented terms she turns her attention to the others in turn as they introduce themselves, regarding each with a nod of acknowledgement. To her credit she manages to refrain from growling mount up when Regulator introduces himself, but she does think it. When it's her turn she raises a winged hand and answers, "I'm Echo, and I agree." She doesn't make a big production out of it, keeping it simple, but given how some of the others are geared out she does feel compelled to embellish a bit. "And just to be clear, I'm not a fighter. I can fly, be sneaky, and listen in on things but I'm a science expert. I can analyze, hypothesize, and figure stuff out based on stuff the rest of you guys find, but I'm not one for throwing punches. Just, y'know, wanna get that out there from the start," she declares, largely to the other gathered vigilantes since Gordon already knew of her expertise.

[Rockerboy]

Psyrin The young woman in the purple hood and domino mask turned to regard the comment made toward her, as she sighed. "No, what are you, like, sixty?" she muttered, before answering. "I'm Psyrin. I just like purple." Psyrin went quiet as others began to talk amongst themselves, before the Commissioner gave his spiel about the agreement of becoming legal vigilantes - because deputies sounded lame. "Psyrin, I agree."

Gaseous The last of the group remained silent, listening and observing, as the masked head slowly swiveled and between the others. Whoever he was, the individual with the gas canisters didn't try to buddy up or talk, he just waited and waited, until finally everyone else had agreed to the stipulations given by Gordon. "Gaseous," the masked man said with a distorted voice within the mask. "Agreed."

Harvey Bullock It had taken a lot of effort for Bullock to keep his mouth shut. He felt nothing but disdain for the situation, for the citizens who were getting a free pass into law enforcement, with none of them clearly able to get into the job without the hand-out. Not only that, but the Detective thought the Commissioner and Mayor were walking a fine line, though he couldn't care less about the D.A... "Just so you all know," Bullock said with bluster, as he stepped forward and pointed. "I don't care if ya agree and get the Commissioner's blessin' to help out the GCPD, I'll be keepin' my eyes on ya. Period." Bullock might have continued, but a glance from Gordon seemed to make him quiet down again, though not without a huff and shake of the head. "This is a bad idea, Commish."

Commissioner Gordon "Doesn't matter, Bullock," Gordon said as he rubbed at the bridge of his nose, easing the tension caused by his glasses. "This is our best shot of bringing some order to this city. We both know that." The Commissioner turned to look across the gathered. "And I want to thank you all for stepping up. I know this is going to be difficult, and you'll have to face a criminal element unlike anything we've seen so far... so protect yourselves, work in groups, and if a situation doesn't feel right you can walk away and call the GCPD." With a final puff of the cigarette in his hand, Gordon dropped it to the rooftop and stamped the small ember out. "Before we finish this, are there any questions?"

[Mcderth]

Open for Questions Jayden couldn’t help but give Psyrin a sour look when she muttered her snarky comment at Echo, though she probably couldn't tell through his mask. She didn’t need to be so extra about it. Definitely wasn’t gonna be chilling much with her around town. In fact pretty much everyone up there seemed the lone wolf type, with the exception of Echo. Maybe a bat person team-up was just what Gotham needed. So, people are looking for Batman, right? Jayden asked when Gordan opened the roof for questions. Like, the Justice League has to be out there searching time and space for him. So what happens to us when he comes back? Do you de-deputize us or something?

[DrowNinjaPrincess]

Q & A After keeping an eye on the surroundings for a bit, Norbert steps back towards everyone and says, "Best guess is when some politician gets the paint scratched on their car, and they feel they no longer need us, they would just call us illegal vigilantes again." He raises a hand with two gloved digits extended and says, "Now I've two questions for you, Commissioner. Are there any specific areas you know of that your department is having trouble handling? And do you have.. let's just say, a more private line we can contact you with?"