loligiary | Genius Loci Arkham Asylum (Reply)

For years, people have wondered the mysteries of Arkham Asylum. There have been many rumors about it, how the creator himself went mad, that it was haunted by a demon, that the very land it was built upon was cursed.

Over time, its reputation grew, where cases of psychotics were sent back over and over again in hopes of rehabilitation.

For reasons unknown, the asylum went into lock down, helped in part by a raging snowstorm outside. It was rumored that even the Batman had been unable to get inside, for why else would the inmates be roaming the halls, with corpses piling and rotting, with the most feared of inmates claiming parts of the asylum as their own domain?

Most have claimed their territories, created a home for themselves. Others strive to make sense of the new atmosphere. Over time, the minds of the others have deteriorated. The Joker is still out and about; most others are still imprisoned here.

Within the madness, only the Riddler, who had taken over the security wing, has any clue as to what's really going on---and very select few are able to get in to see him. The hospital wing belongs to the Scarecrow, while Poison Ivy has sunk her roots into the grounds, but even she has not been able to leave, compelled, instead, to remain here and protect what little plantlife there is.

In desperation to keep his mind, the Music Meister has sought to create a masterwork dedicated to Arkham and its stars. His muse, a most fickle mistress, who at times had helped him create beautiful music, flowing with passion as each Arkhamite's role was determined, had recently stopped visiting when it came to write down the Riddler's role. She hated him, called him a traitor, refused to sing again for him.

Where one muse had fallen, another muse rose.

Through happenstance, the Scarecrow, pleased by such an epic of madness, had agreed to inspire him through fear. The prima donna fell, and the Master of Fear stepped up to take her place.