World
The DC universe very notably takes place on planet Earth. Most cities, unless otherwise noted, are located in the United States specifically. In this case, however, science is just beginning to evolve beyond that of modern technology. New advances in technilogical development are starting to show the early signs of robot development. Bioengineering and chemists find themselves far more active now than ever before. And of course, with technological advances come the development of stronger, more deadly weapons.

This universe is also very accustomed to the idea of aliens. Beings from outside Earth's scope have systemmatically made contact with humans by this point, either in hostility or in aid. Though not as familiar witht he concept as much as alien life, Earth is also more aware of cultures formerly considered mere mythology, such as the Lost City of Atlantis and lost tribes of Greek Amazon warriors.

[to be continued...]

Culture
The specific city in question is Gotham City, infamous for its dark, cheerless streets. Despite being home to some of the biggest known names in the corporate market, Gotham is hardly considered a very good place to live. The crime rate is higher than most other known cities, possibly the highest in the United States. Crime syndicates, mobsters, cults, and infamous families of the underground hide within Gotham's boundaries. Black market activity could almost be considered a regular business.

For what it's worth, the cops on the force are among the toughest in the US. The DA Office keeps a close eye on police activity to ensure crooked cops are disposed of quickly. With the amount of crime, these officers have to deal with, the police are simply spread too thin. The sound of sirens has become an almost accepted background sound to Gotham's nightlife.

Unfortunately, among all the things Gotham potentially has to offer in the form of corporate ventures, medicine, and engineering, this city's most well known facility is Arkham Asylum. Arkhem is a massive, high-security mental institution known for holding some of the most well-known psychotic criminals.

Gotham is also famous for Batman, an assumed lunatic who runs around at night dressed as a bat and unlawfully beats up criminals. The police maintain that even a nut with good intentions is still a nut, and most on the force would arrest him if given half the chance. The police commissioner is among the few who fully trust Batman and his intentions. After everything the man has done for the city, the amount on the force who support Batman seems to slowly grow as time passes, though not fast enough for him to lose the title of vigilante. Even still, those outside of Gotham consider the man and his assistants as a group of wackos.

[to be continued...]

Powers
What the characters from this world would be able to innately do if they weren't hindered by the Institute.