Canyon Application-The Joker

[clowningaroundgotham]

PLAYER INFORMATION

✘ Name: Al
✘ Age: 30+
✘ Contact: dynasty_decapitated or messages to this account.
✘ Character(s) currently in game: N/A
✘ Favorite horror tropes/events: Body horror, supernatural horror, atmospheric horror.
✘ Limits/Triggers: Very WIP list here
✘ Invited by: Naya

CHARACTER INFORMATION

✘ Name: The Joker
✘ Canon: DC Comics Harleen series
✘ Canon Point: HARLEEN: RED, soon after the fight that causes their breakup.

✘ Age: Unknown! He'll probably say a different age every time he's asked.


✘ History:

The Joker doesn't have a strongly discussed history as a character in Harleen before the storyline starts. The focus in the comic is on Harleen herself, and keeping The Joker secondary and as a more enigmatic presence helps to keep the narrative on her. However, this doesn't mean we're without any information provided to us.

What we do know is that he had an established gang before his appearance in the comic, and was very feared by the people of Gotham. We do not know how large this gang was, however. Or how long it had been organized. Early on in the comic, Joker and some of the members of his gang steal weapons and soon after that is when he comes in contact with Harleen for the first time. She's in the wrong place at the wrong time, and he chooses not to shoot her because he feels that her eyes made a promise to him. When The Joker's group attempts to escape Batman uses a smoke grenade to cause the getaway vehicle to wreck. The Joker escapes the wreck mostly unscathed. But then he chooses to execute Sam, his former number one guy, who went through the window of the vehicle because he chose not to wear his seatbelt. We don't know if this is because of the considerable severity of Sam's wounds or because he failed The Joker by making a stupid decision. But considering this Joker's level of capacity for attachment, as well as his sadism? It's likely a bit of well enjoyed both.

And after that, the Joker faces Batman and loses. Although The Joker would certainly consider it a win, simply because of the reactions of the people who witnessed it. His goals are to see the monsters that people hide within, and the cheering for his blood was another confirmation of how monstrous the people of Gotham are.

He's taken into custody after that, his wounds are treated, and soon after he is transferred to Arkham Asylum where he meets Harleen again. From there he becomes her patient and that's when their mutual fascination starts to build.

It's stated that the stay in Arkham Asylum shown in the comic isn't his first time being committed here. The Joker's last break out was the cause of a large change in the guard staff, be it from death or injury stemming from his break out.

None of his past psychiatrists were able to really get past his lies. Harleen Quinzel watches past tapes of The Joker being interviewed by several of those doctors about his past and how he came to be The Joker but none of these can be considered canon. She rightfully dismisses them as nonsense, stating that each one was a comedy act for his own amusement.

Harleen becomes further and further obsessed with the Joker during his treatment. She believes truly that she can fix him and save him. She thinks that she can see the truth inside of him, that she's able to reach out to the real Joker. She becomes increasingly protective of him as they bond, standing up to other staff members and even Batman himself to keep him safe. In turn, the Joker is caught up in her, thrilled at the attention. He wants to see her true smile, and what she's really capable of. And her actions help build up his trust in her.

Eventually, the relationship between them moves from friends to romantic. And then turns sexual while he's still in Arkham as her patient.

In issue 3, the Harvey Dent (now acting as Two-Face) allies with a group called The Executioners and breaks into Arkham asylum to free criminals of note committed there. This is to shake things up and cause change in Gotham. The Joker was let loose and told to go about his usual business causing chaos with a smile. However instead of just leaving to do when given the opportunity, he instead stays and tricks some of the other patients into going on a rampage. This was done purely for amusement's sake.

Harleen becomes aware of the security breach when she shows up late hoping to see Joker and get in a late therapy session. And despite the risks, she sneaks in to save him. She nearly meets her end at the hands of Killer Croc, is saved by Poison Ivy, but ends up confronted by Two-Face while continuing her search.

The Joker interrupts them while they're speaking. Two-Face threatens to shoot The Joker, but Harleen intervenes and attempts to talk sense into him. When Dent hesitates to shoot, Joker attacks and beats Two-Face brutally with a brick until Harleen manages to stop him from the act.

While she tries to talk The Joker into surrendering peacefully, an Arkham staff member named Bronson shoots him thinking that The Joker had personally killed some of his fellow guards. When he tries to execute Joker after that despite Harleen's pleas, Harleen shoots him and kills him to save The Joker. This solidifies her fall into crime, and they escape together and start their life together as a criminal couple.

In Harleen: Red the Joker and Harley are no longer a couple. We aren't provided with information about what caused the break up, but it ended with a violent fight between them. At some point after, Harleen starts a relationship with Poison Ivy. Joker himself is not seen in the issue save for in flashbacks.


✘ Personality:

I'm writing each of these out as if they were questions asked in Arkham Asylum interviews.

You're assigned a group project. What role do you end up taking?

What role in a group project? Well! That's sure an interesting question, doc!

[Joker straightens himself up a bit, trying for a vaguely stable looking and mostly unintimidating smile. This is a great question, and it gives him a lot of room for creativity. And he's been waiting for a hell of a long time to give this specific tale out. He just has to sort it out in his mind a little first, keep it fresh and interesting. It was just a bare bones plot after all!

He's ready. And here it comes, the feel good story of the year.]

I'd be the leader in a group project, of course! I know just what it takes to get a group to come together and get down to business as a well oiled machine! [He looks so proud now.] If you want proof just look at my past accomplishments! When I was the head of the Gasher's clown alley I managed to make a group of rag-tag former convicts into a heroic outlaw troupe that brought joy and aid to poor boys and girls all over the city of Gotham!

[Oh, he's not believed...

Who would have guessed?]

Hey! Don't look at me that way, I know why you don't remember The Gasher's Goodfellows! We kept it on the down-low, we didn't want to get any unwanted attention! When you're in that line of work? Secrecy is important! And those kids deserved their privacy and dignity after all! Besides, considering that the money wasn't exactly willingly donated?

[He giggles, like it's just a little naughty fun being discussed. Not that any of it is real, but if it was? He wouldn't have an ounce of regret or guilt. This character he's built is a fun-loving unrepentant hero.] Well, that had to be kept quiet too. We were the honking red-nose Robin Hoods of the city, stealing from the rich and corrupt and then distributing the goods to those who really needed it! Santa couldn't come close to the jolliness we had together!

You have the chance to anonymously send a letter to someone who's wronged you in the past. What does it say?

I'm not sure I can handle this one. [The Joker sinks down, frowning, eyes soft and expression vulnerable. He looks absolutely broken right now.] Do I just... [Joker swallows, hard. As if his words are caught in his throat.] I mean it. This isn't easy for me.

[He bites his lower lip, oh so nervous looking. Like he's trying to figure out how to find the words, as if he has to drag them deep from within because of how hard he's fought to bury the pain.] Should I just go on and say it?

Really? Okay then. Here I go. What I've held in for so long. What made me who I am.

[He coughs, expression deep in thought for a moment before he continues.]

Dearest Bertha, my heart still longs for you. [He looks like he might cry. It's painfully real looking.] I've never forgotten the sparkle in your eyes, the thickness of your strong body, or the softness of your lovely beard. I was gonna make an honest woman out of you, I wanted to marry you, and you went and broke my heart! I once thought that I'd never forgive you or that bastard fire dancer Jamie for running away together! I was so angry, so hurt, I wanted you both dead for so long! I was supposed to be the ringmaster of your heart!

[The last part comes out loudly, and with wide eyes full of intensity.

Then he stops. And he takes a deep breath.] Sorry, doctor. This is hard to think about! I'm not doing great at this, I don't think I can make it anonymous either... [A pause comes. He's trying to get himself together.] I-I had the ring and everything! We talked about kids! I was going to be such a good dad! Better than my old man ever was to me... [He shakes his head, falling silent.] Damn. Sorry, sorry. I can do this. I've just got to get back to the letter. I'd say the most important part next.

[Joker wipes a tear, and continues on.] But now I know that you're too good for me. You always were, Bertha. That's why you cheated with him. I just wasn't good enough. And that's why I'm glad you've moved up in the world and I'm glad you married him. I hope he's good to you. And I hope all your kids have glorious bea-[He wheezes.] No more! My heart can't take it! Leave me be!

Someone you admire very much has just done something you find reprehensible. How do you deal with the situation?

[Joker hears the question that was asked, but it's more than just a little boring to him. It's not inspiring right now in the least, and he's not in the mood to be playful. Besides, how would he even answer? If he was going to be honest, he hardly finds anyone worthy of being admired at all, and if someone fails his expectations they usually end up dead. And by his own hands.

That's the kind of thing they want him to talk about. They want him to talk about death and violence and what may or may not have caused what they call his persona to exist.

And The Joker has no interest in giving in so easily.

So he chooses to take the opportunity to catch a quick nap. He sits upright and very still with his eyes open as he dozes. And after about two minutes of silence the sounds of soft snoring can be heard.

He's a bit grumpy at being woken up.

Maybe more than a bit.]

Wait, what? Look, I'm done. Playtime's over. [When the psychiatrist pushes forward and refuses to return him to his room he locks eyes with them. And he just sits there staring with a cold gaze. His expression doesn't change. He barely moves. It's hard to tell he's even breathing. He's monstrous and unyielding, not in the mood for violence at all but instead wanting to cause fear in a different way.

The doctor calls the session soon after and returns him to his room.]

If you could achieve all your goals right now, what would your life look like?

Really? This one's easy! So here's how it goes, time to discuss my ideal life!

[The Joker grins, leaning back in his chair as much as he can considering the straight jacket and chains keeping him still. There's a slight clinking sound, but he doesn't pull or jerk further. He'll behave, for now. Since he's having a good time with this question.]

So first off, I'd be outta here! Free and on my own! No more doctors for this man, no more straight jackets or chains! There'd be no one to tell me what to do, no one calling the shots, save for the good commissioner of course! See, once in a while he'd need my help, and there'd be this big signal in the sky that would call for me when no one else would be good enough for the job! [He grins, staring at the ceiling like he can see it now.] Then I'd run around in a skin tight costume and I'd pound the bad guys right into the pavement! Finally, I'd take off in a fancy car and listen to the praise from the citizens of the city who adore me!

[He's stopped, and looks genuinely surprised at the doctor's reaction.] What, you didn't know that I was doing all of this to become the next Batman? What do you think the crime is for? Those nifty gadgets aren't cheap! Saving the day takes funding! And you gotta admit, crime pays.

Someone tells you all your flaws. What did they tell you, and are they right or wrong?

My flaws? Hmm... [The Joker brings a finger to his lips, expression comically serious. He's acting like he's actually taking this seriously this time.

Of course, that means he's full of it.]

They'd probably say all sorts of nasty sounding things about me. They'd call me a narcissist. A psychopath. They'd tell me that I'm a monster. [His voice drops low at monster, and he draws the word out a little.] That I'm violent and crazy and self-absorbed and selfish. They'd probably also bring up that I'm chaotic and unpredictable, and maybe even unreliable! And that's not even all of it! This is what I'd hope for on a good day!

[He pauses, brows furrowed.] But are they right? Ha! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha HA HA HA HA HA [The laughter just keeps building up, louder and louder until he's choking on the sound, tears in his eyes, smile wide enough to turn the corners of his mouth red from the tightness of the skin there. He laughs and laughs until he's literally incapable of another sound. And then he rests for a bit, head hanging while he gets himself together.] Oh, doc, you tell me! Are they right? Are any of us right?

✘ Type: Penumbral
✘ Powers:

Power 1: Dark/shadow tentacles! These can go between soft wispy shadows and sticky darkness to suit his needs. These come from within his body.
Power 2: A sticky sludge-like form that heals via absorption. He's capable of very fast movement in this form, and while he can't teleport yet this might just trick someone into thinking that he can.
Power 3: Corrosive sludge! While in the sludge like form he's overall pretty harmless. But at will he can turn the sludge corrosive as an attack or just for his own personal amusement.

✘ Inventory: He comes with one bang joke gun, two knives, a pocket square, a wallet, and an empty acid flower ring.
✘ Sample:

1: TDM Thread 5+ comments

2:

[One moment the Joker was alive.

The next he wasn't.

And it was such a damn thrill. He's never been so excited in his life. It's as good as young love, as fun as the first kill, it's new and overwhelming and he's so glad that he gets to experience it.

She did it! She actually did it! He didn't think the girl had it in her, even with the taunting and traumatizing he'd gone out of his way to do, but she proved him wrong! He's usually a good judge of someone's sanity but honestly this one blew his mind!

Literally. Ha! Hahahahahahahaha! Oh, that's rich! And there's nothing that feels like actually taking a bullet right into the back of the skull and spine. Feeling everything crunch and then numb, hearing her scream fading fast, smelling his own blood and chemicals for a moment before the darkness started to overtake him.

And there's nothing as wonderful as seeing that mask peel right off and the monster underneath coming out of it. She had him with the gun right in his mouth, she had him pinned up against the wall, and until that last minute she'd kept that fake face on. But when he'd giggled? Her pretty little face had contorted into something so foul and twisted that even Dent couldn't have competed with it.

His only regret was that he didn't die back home, beaten to death by The Bat while onlookers cheered for more blood.

This is it. The end of The Joker, cut scene, fade to black...

But it's not his end after all.

He can still smell blood and chemicals. He can see his corpse now, and what a beautiful one he made! The face is mostly intact, the back a true horror show, bits of brain and crunched up bones everywhere on the ground and wall and that's when he realizes that he can't even figure out where he is.

He's not in his body. But he's not passing on, either. So he stays. Just admiring his corpse with a gentle sense of vanity. Those chemicals are one hell of a preservative too. When they finally come and take it, whoever they are? It's just as pretty a stiff as it was when the bullet first did its work.

And then it's like the darkness solidifies. It's so strange and sickening in a good way, inky twisted globules pulling together and forcing a form. It wasn't that he was stuck in the darkness! He was the darkness! And the cackling starts before he's even upright from where he'd puddled against the wall and street, he used to chase the darkness and then he became darkness itself!

It's just too good.

But not as good as how it feels to stand, reformed and resurrected, stretching out a body that's even more wonderful and flexible than before. And damn if he's going to waste any time testing it out.]