(no subject)
User Name/Nick: Kari
User LJ: kairchan
AIM/IM: saint kari marie
E-mail: zombie.moxie@gmail.com
Other Characters: None
Character Name: Barbara Gordon
Series: DCU
Age: 30
From When?: Current continuity via Birds of Prey/The Death of Oracle. Barbara has just faked her own death as Oracle and is free to pursue projects as she pleases. This includes Bruce Wayne's mysterious proposed change for her role in Batman Incorporated. Before beginning this venture, however, she has a score to settle by being aboard the Barge.
Inmate/Warden: Warden. Barbara has been through a great deal of turmoil and pain in her life, and has had every opportunity to sacrifice her integrity for an easier path. She has refused to do so because she believes very strongly in what is right and wrong. She has reformed multiple people on the wrong side of the law, and dedicated vast amounts of time and attention because she has faith in most people's ability to change. She believes this is especially true under her guidance.
Item: A small bat-symbol necklace that can expand and collapse to serve as a PDA.
Abilities/Powers: Barbara Gordon is a human woman who possesses several above-average skills, and is often hailed as the most intelligent member of the Bat Family. Her skills include an eidetic memory, extensive knowledge of computers and hardware, extensive martial arts training including eskrima, judo, karate, and a combination of other non-lethal forms of defense and offense. She is the most skilled information broker in the DC universe -- information-gathering geniuses such as Batman himself often ask for her support. She is also trained to use small firearms and explosives with efficiency.
Personality: Barbara Gordon is first and foremost a product of her loving and attentive father, James Gordon. Her upbringing was something of a trial for James in that he often found himself smothering Barbara as a result of his long tenure with the Gotham Police Department. Having seen what atrocities the city was capable of, James often discouraged her from pursuing a career in crime fighting, something that only encouraged a very astute but rebellious Barbara to the contrary. Her sense of justice was developed at an early age due to the observations of her father's work and Gotham City's ability to affect its people in a generally negative way. Resolved not to be a part of the crowd that takes and destroys (Something Barbara had experienced from the loss of her parents and subsequently her step-mother to name the first few), Barbara took up the mantle of Batgirl to make a stand without hurting her father.
Many of Barbara's important life decisions can be traced back to her father and keeping secrets from him therein. It seems that Barbara will do almost anything to protect him for Gotham first, and for herself second. Like many of the central characters in the Batman canon, they understand that Commissioner Gordon is one of the only people with the ability to bridge the gap between the shadowy Bat Family and civilians. It seems that all of the things Barbara has been through -- the loss of two mothers, many friends and lovers, multiple betrayals, the loss of the use of her legs, among many other things -- has caused an emotional deficit that requires energy to overcome. Barbara is often seen attempting the age old technique of "fake it to make it" when she's with her father -- she often chides herself and makes mental notes to be a loving daughter first, and a masked avenger under cover second.
This emotional deficit had also fostered a gap between herself, Batman, the Robins, and many of her partners throughout her tenure in Birds of Prey. Barbara is willing to use lethal force when necessary and unavoidable, something that is rarely shared by those on the side of "good". Her often pedantic and calculating nature leads to those she attempts to or successfully saves to be viewed as numbers -- if one must die to save many, the end will justify the means. Barbara's close relationship with the Gotham Police Force allows her to see this same tactic used by the force that her own father is a part of, thus allowing her to feel doubly absolved in subscribing to her own moral code rather than mimicking that of Bruce Wayne's.
The challenges in Barbara's life have rarely been cause for extended periods of mourning -- even the loss of her legs allowed for an opportunity for growth in Barbara that she took to almost immediately. Her inner strength comes from the ability to turn potentially life-shattering situations in to something to be proud of. However, this inner-strength to succeed, progress, and move on often causes her to glaze over emotions and leave them unresolved. Barbara has a tendency to leave things professional and curt than appeal to a more emotional side of her partners, friends, and lovers. She has often been accused of using a mission to manipulate the feelings and positions of her partners to her advantage, something that she has not expressed regret for. There are many close to her who are often made to feel like pawns, while Barbara disregards these claims as unsubstantial and will not discuss the issue further. She believes, again, that the end will justify the means.
One of Barbara's major complexes can be found in her failures as a leader of the all-female powerhouse team, the Birds of Prey. She has lost multiple lives carelessly due to her inability to take constructive suggestions from her teammates in high pressure situations where Barbara is not present. While often appearing amicable and open to suggestion as long as it's discussed well in advance, when impromptu action is needed, Barbara will often make a call without actually being in the field, ignoring the suggestion of her teammates who are present. These kinds of decisions have lead to the death of colleagues, civilians, or even proposed targets on multiple occasions. Barbara holds herself accountable for every unnecessary death, carrying the weight and crippling herself emotionally in the process. More recently, Barbara has begun to allow herself some leeway, and to trust her subordinates to make correct decisions. Stephanie Brown has been essential in this learning process, because Barbara has seen a lot of herself in Stephanie, allowing for a higher threshold of trust.
Another issue that Barbara faces is that of revenge. Having lost much to Gotham and its denizens, Barbara often punishes wrongdoers with excessive tactics and force. She is unable to forget the wrongs committed against her and her friends due to an eidetic memory. Tortured with crystal-clear visions of loss -- Dinah Lance's mutilated vocal chords and inability to reproduce, the decimation of Bludhaven and Dick Grayson's irreparable loss therein, the mysterious death of Ted Kord, and the loss of her legs due to The Joker's misgivings with her father and Bruce -- Barbara is driven by a sense of revenge reigned in only by logic and the remaining loved ones whom she can stand to speak with. It's only at the insistence of Batman that Barbara spares the life of The Joker, having had multiple and ample opportunities to end his life. She feels fulfilled in this quest for revenge more often than she is comfortable with, but uses Bruce Wayne's example of what she cannot and should never become.
Barbara will be arriving on the Barge with what she believes is a more complete idea of the challenges, having experienced a number of rehabilitation attempts for colleagues in her lifetime. Having applied the same techniques of rehabilitation she intends to use aboard the Barge for associates like Creote and Savant, Barbara will be up to the challenge, but inwardly nervous about the lack of logical details about the Barge itself. Having never dealt with an omnipotent, shadowy being like the Admiral, Barbara will spend a majority of her free time attempting to uncover the Admiral's secrets. That is, unless her inmate poses a challenge. It's something that she's not entirely prepared for because she doesn't understand that the Barge is a character in and of itself -- one that makes rehabilitation not only a challenge, but often seemingly impossible. Once this challenge becomes apparent, Barbara will fixate on her inmate and likely be extremely proactive and attentive as a warden.
History: Comic book history is very complicated and convoluted. However, Barbara Gordon's is significantly less confusing, thankfully! Most of her writers have been given clear objectives or care enough about her as a character to stay true to her main concepts and goals. This wikipedia entry sheds a great deal of light on her publication progression and canon details. If this isn't enough, I'd love to expound.
Sample Journal Entry:
Gotham Orphanage has received a donation of $100,000, delivered by a man named Ron. You'll be pleased to know that the donation is credited to The Joker and his syndicate. I don't feel like I need to remind you of what happens when The Joker makes donations, but I'd happy to jog your memory.
If we could have two teams dispatched immediately, I'd appreciate it
Team one should be comprised of one or two socially competent masks -- the orphanage is already conflicted about what to do with the money and needs a consult. Bright colors, adult-aged, and a peppy personality are a plus. Zee? Flash? Blue Beetle? This is definitely an overnight watch, in addition to talking those citizens down.
Team two would be anyone else who's free to do reconnaissance and figure out what he's up to.
Team one doesn't have to check in with me, but I'd like it if team two could get in touch so I can be in their ear rather than in their pocket via BlackBerry.
Sample RP:
Grabbing the bridge of her nose underneath her glasses, Barbara let out a little sigh. Adopting another Bat was on the very bottom of her list of things she expected while on the Barge -- especially one as resistant as this. There was so much work to be done and somehow she had ended up as public relations time and time again in this bizarre place. Still, she knew that she arrived here, on the deck, to do just that. She had accepted her role, and met his eyes as her hands moved to the handlebars of her wheelchair, fingering the eskrima sticks hidden there.
"I'll see what I can arrange for you. I think, at this point, Zatanna's room is the only place I trust you to be. I get the feeling that where I'm staying isn't a secret to you at this point, but it's inhabited by some incredibly powerful occupants with conflicting interests to yours." That was a bit of an exaggeration -- she just didn't want him encroaching on Stephanie and Cassandra's space. "I'll talk to Zee and see if she'd be all right with that. I'd like to make it clear that I'm not asking. Not as long as you're wearing that symbol." Her eyes narrowed at him, peering at the yellow bat symbol; practically daring him to challenge her.
When there was no protest, she looked away and continued, "We have enough trouble keeping our identities to ourselves, packed in here like sardines. I can't risk more complications in that regard." Looking out over the edge of the deck with its endless emptiness and vast nothingness always made her uneasy and uncertain, so she pulled her eyes from it, letting them rest, once again, on Terry McGinnis. He was a slight, young, and untrained -- all of this was easy to tell, even with his costume on. He was lucky to have found her when he did; they were both lucky. He needed training, and she needed secrets kept. While the arrangement was not ideal, it would do for now. It would do until she could find an adequate solution.
"I expect your attendance in the gym at noon. I don't have a lot of time for this, so you'll have to do a lot of practice, repetition, and independent study in the direction I point you in. We both have jobs here that need tending to -- or you will, when you get your assignment."
Special Notes: Finally married and stable!
User LJ: kairchan
AIM/IM: saint kari marie
E-mail: zombie.moxie@gmail.com
Other Characters: None
Character Name: Barbara Gordon
Series: DCU
Age: 30
From When?: Current continuity via Birds of Prey/The Death of Oracle. Barbara has just faked her own death as Oracle and is free to pursue projects as she pleases. This includes Bruce Wayne's mysterious proposed change for her role in Batman Incorporated. Before beginning this venture, however, she has a score to settle by being aboard the Barge.
Inmate/Warden: Warden. Barbara has been through a great deal of turmoil and pain in her life, and has had every opportunity to sacrifice her integrity for an easier path. She has refused to do so because she believes very strongly in what is right and wrong. She has reformed multiple people on the wrong side of the law, and dedicated vast amounts of time and attention because she has faith in most people's ability to change. She believes this is especially true under her guidance.
Item: A small bat-symbol necklace that can expand and collapse to serve as a PDA.
Abilities/Powers: Barbara Gordon is a human woman who possesses several above-average skills, and is often hailed as the most intelligent member of the Bat Family. Her skills include an eidetic memory, extensive knowledge of computers and hardware, extensive martial arts training including eskrima, judo, karate, and a combination of other non-lethal forms of defense and offense. She is the most skilled information broker in the DC universe -- information-gathering geniuses such as Batman himself often ask for her support. She is also trained to use small firearms and explosives with efficiency.
Personality: Barbara Gordon is first and foremost a product of her loving and attentive father, James Gordon. Her upbringing was something of a trial for James in that he often found himself smothering Barbara as a result of his long tenure with the Gotham Police Department. Having seen what atrocities the city was capable of, James often discouraged her from pursuing a career in crime fighting, something that only encouraged a very astute but rebellious Barbara to the contrary. Her sense of justice was developed at an early age due to the observations of her father's work and Gotham City's ability to affect its people in a generally negative way. Resolved not to be a part of the crowd that takes and destroys (Something Barbara had experienced from the loss of her parents and subsequently her step-mother to name the first few), Barbara took up the mantle of Batgirl to make a stand without hurting her father.
Many of Barbara's important life decisions can be traced back to her father and keeping secrets from him therein. It seems that Barbara will do almost anything to protect him for Gotham first, and for herself second. Like many of the central characters in the Batman canon, they understand that Commissioner Gordon is one of the only people with the ability to bridge the gap between the shadowy Bat Family and civilians. It seems that all of the things Barbara has been through -- the loss of two mothers, many friends and lovers, multiple betrayals, the loss of the use of her legs, among many other things -- has caused an emotional deficit that requires energy to overcome. Barbara is often seen attempting the age old technique of "fake it to make it" when she's with her father -- she often chides herself and makes mental notes to be a loving daughter first, and a masked avenger under cover second.
This emotional deficit had also fostered a gap between herself, Batman, the Robins, and many of her partners throughout her tenure in Birds of Prey. Barbara is willing to use lethal force when necessary and unavoidable, something that is rarely shared by those on the side of "good". Her often pedantic and calculating nature leads to those she attempts to or successfully saves to be viewed as numbers -- if one must die to save many, the end will justify the means. Barbara's close relationship with the Gotham Police Force allows her to see this same tactic used by the force that her own father is a part of, thus allowing her to feel doubly absolved in subscribing to her own moral code rather than mimicking that of Bruce Wayne's.
The challenges in Barbara's life have rarely been cause for extended periods of mourning -- even the loss of her legs allowed for an opportunity for growth in Barbara that she took to almost immediately. Her inner strength comes from the ability to turn potentially life-shattering situations in to something to be proud of. However, this inner-strength to succeed, progress, and move on often causes her to glaze over emotions and leave them unresolved. Barbara has a tendency to leave things professional and curt than appeal to a more emotional side of her partners, friends, and lovers. She has often been accused of using a mission to manipulate the feelings and positions of her partners to her advantage, something that she has not expressed regret for. There are many close to her who are often made to feel like pawns, while Barbara disregards these claims as unsubstantial and will not discuss the issue further. She believes, again, that the end will justify the means.
One of Barbara's major complexes can be found in her failures as a leader of the all-female powerhouse team, the Birds of Prey. She has lost multiple lives carelessly due to her inability to take constructive suggestions from her teammates in high pressure situations where Barbara is not present. While often appearing amicable and open to suggestion as long as it's discussed well in advance, when impromptu action is needed, Barbara will often make a call without actually being in the field, ignoring the suggestion of her teammates who are present. These kinds of decisions have lead to the death of colleagues, civilians, or even proposed targets on multiple occasions. Barbara holds herself accountable for every unnecessary death, carrying the weight and crippling herself emotionally in the process. More recently, Barbara has begun to allow herself some leeway, and to trust her subordinates to make correct decisions. Stephanie Brown has been essential in this learning process, because Barbara has seen a lot of herself in Stephanie, allowing for a higher threshold of trust.
Another issue that Barbara faces is that of revenge. Having lost much to Gotham and its denizens, Barbara often punishes wrongdoers with excessive tactics and force. She is unable to forget the wrongs committed against her and her friends due to an eidetic memory. Tortured with crystal-clear visions of loss -- Dinah Lance's mutilated vocal chords and inability to reproduce, the decimation of Bludhaven and Dick Grayson's irreparable loss therein, the mysterious death of Ted Kord, and the loss of her legs due to The Joker's misgivings with her father and Bruce -- Barbara is driven by a sense of revenge reigned in only by logic and the remaining loved ones whom she can stand to speak with. It's only at the insistence of Batman that Barbara spares the life of The Joker, having had multiple and ample opportunities to end his life. She feels fulfilled in this quest for revenge more often than she is comfortable with, but uses Bruce Wayne's example of what she cannot and should never become.
Barbara will be arriving on the Barge with what she believes is a more complete idea of the challenges, having experienced a number of rehabilitation attempts for colleagues in her lifetime. Having applied the same techniques of rehabilitation she intends to use aboard the Barge for associates like Creote and Savant, Barbara will be up to the challenge, but inwardly nervous about the lack of logical details about the Barge itself. Having never dealt with an omnipotent, shadowy being like the Admiral, Barbara will spend a majority of her free time attempting to uncover the Admiral's secrets. That is, unless her inmate poses a challenge. It's something that she's not entirely prepared for because she doesn't understand that the Barge is a character in and of itself -- one that makes rehabilitation not only a challenge, but often seemingly impossible. Once this challenge becomes apparent, Barbara will fixate on her inmate and likely be extremely proactive and attentive as a warden.
History: Comic book history is very complicated and convoluted. However, Barbara Gordon's is significantly less confusing, thankfully! Most of her writers have been given clear objectives or care enough about her as a character to stay true to her main concepts and goals. This wikipedia entry sheds a great deal of light on her publication progression and canon details. If this isn't enough, I'd love to expound.
Sample Journal Entry:
Gotham Orphanage has received a donation of $100,000, delivered by a man named Ron. You'll be pleased to know that the donation is credited to The Joker and his syndicate. I don't feel like I need to remind you of what happens when The Joker makes donations, but I'd happy to jog your memory.
If we could have two teams dispatched immediately, I'd appreciate it
Team one should be comprised of one or two socially competent masks -- the orphanage is already conflicted about what to do with the money and needs a consult. Bright colors, adult-aged, and a peppy personality are a plus. Zee? Flash? Blue Beetle? This is definitely an overnight watch, in addition to talking those citizens down.
Team two would be anyone else who's free to do reconnaissance and figure out what he's up to.
Team one doesn't have to check in with me, but I'd like it if team two could get in touch so I can be in their ear rather than in their pocket via BlackBerry.
Sample RP:
Grabbing the bridge of her nose underneath her glasses, Barbara let out a little sigh. Adopting another Bat was on the very bottom of her list of things she expected while on the Barge -- especially one as resistant as this. There was so much work to be done and somehow she had ended up as public relations time and time again in this bizarre place. Still, she knew that she arrived here, on the deck, to do just that. She had accepted her role, and met his eyes as her hands moved to the handlebars of her wheelchair, fingering the eskrima sticks hidden there.
"I'll see what I can arrange for you. I think, at this point, Zatanna's room is the only place I trust you to be. I get the feeling that where I'm staying isn't a secret to you at this point, but it's inhabited by some incredibly powerful occupants with conflicting interests to yours." That was a bit of an exaggeration -- she just didn't want him encroaching on Stephanie and Cassandra's space. "I'll talk to Zee and see if she'd be all right with that. I'd like to make it clear that I'm not asking. Not as long as you're wearing that symbol." Her eyes narrowed at him, peering at the yellow bat symbol; practically daring him to challenge her.
When there was no protest, she looked away and continued, "We have enough trouble keeping our identities to ourselves, packed in here like sardines. I can't risk more complications in that regard." Looking out over the edge of the deck with its endless emptiness and vast nothingness always made her uneasy and uncertain, so she pulled her eyes from it, letting them rest, once again, on Terry McGinnis. He was a slight, young, and untrained -- all of this was easy to tell, even with his costume on. He was lucky to have found her when he did; they were both lucky. He needed training, and she needed secrets kept. While the arrangement was not ideal, it would do for now. It would do until she could find an adequate solution.
"I expect your attendance in the gym at noon. I don't have a lot of time for this, so you'll have to do a lot of practice, repetition, and independent study in the direction I point you in. We both have jobs here that need tending to -- or you will, when you get your assignment."
Special Notes: Finally married and stable!