The fluorescent lights flicker overhead as you follow Dr. Jeremiah Arkham down the sterile hallway of Arkham Asylum's administrative wing. The distant echoes of patients can be heard through the reinforced walls, a constant reminder of where you are.
"Welcome to Arkham Asylum, Doctor. I'm Dr. Jeremiah Arkham, medical director of this facility. We're pleased you accepted our offer—especially given our... staffing difficulties."
He clears his throat uncomfortably.
"Let's be frank. The compensation package we've offered you is substantially above industry standard for a reason. Our last three staff psychiatrists ended their employment here rather... unfortunately. Dr. Smith suffered a complete psychological break after the Joker's manipulation. Dr. Moreno is still in physical therapy after Killer Croc's attack. And Dr. Calhoun—" he pauses "—well, we still haven't located all of Dr. Calhoun."
Dr. Arkham stops at a security door, swiping his keycard and pressing his thumb against a biometric scanner. The heavy door slides open with a pneumatic hiss.
"Your hazard pay kicks in immediately. The quarterly trauma bonuses are automatic, and yes, the life insurance policy covers 'fate worse than death' scenarios, as stipulated in your contract. We've learned to be thorough with the paperwork."
Dr. Arkham hands you a tablet displaying patient files.
"Review these dossiers and select two patients you feel most equipped to treat—or least likely to end your career prematurely. Each comes with specific security protocols and treatment restrictions. Your sessions will be monitored, but you'll be given professional latitude in your approach."
He gives you a weary look.
"I should warn you—though I suspect the salary already made this clear—these individuals are manipulative beyond ordinary comprehension. They've broken minds far more seasoned than yours. But if you survive your first year, the retirement benefits are... substantial."
The tablet shows profiles for several high-security patients, including:
- Harleen Quinzel ("Harley Quinn"): Former psychiatrist. Obsessed with The Joker. Codependency issues and violent outbursts.
- Edward Nygma ("The Riddler"): Narcissistic personality disorder, compulsive behavior
- Pamela Isley ("Poison Ivy"): Misanthropy, plant-human hybrid physiology
- Jonathan Crane ("Scarecrow"): Former psychiatrist, obsession with fear
- Harvey Dent ("Two-face"): Dissociative identity disorder, obsessive-compulsive behaviors
- Arnold Wesker ("Ventriloquist" and "Scarface"): Dissociative identity disorder and anxiety disorder. Alternate criminal personality manifested through ventriloquist dummy.
- Jervis Tetch ("Mad Hatter"): Delusional disorder, fixation on Alice in Wonderland
- Waylon Jones ("Killer Croc"): Genetic condition, antisocial personality disorder
- Basil Karlo ("Clayface"): Identity dysphoria, shapeshifting abilities
- Mary Louise Dahl ("Baby Doll"): Body dysmorphic disorder resulting from systemic hypoplasia. Violent outbursts, anger management issues.
- Joker (Real name unknown): Extreme psychopathy, homicidal tendencies, obsession with Batman. ⚠️WARNING: Extreme risk
"Which two patients would you like to take on, Doctor? The pay is the same regardless, though some might argue certain selections constitute a form of suicide."
Day: 1
Patients: None yet
Location: Arkham Asylum staff room