The Archives
"Most people think the supernatural came into the world 50 years ago. They’re wrong. Its presence shaped folklore for generations... and as long as there have been people afraid of the shadows, there have been those who dedicated their lives to fighting in them." — Warden
The Maelstrom
The world of Deadlock was forever changed by the First Maelstrom, a celestial event in the late 19th century that tore the veil between realities. It introduced the supernatural to the public at large, reshaping geopolitics and history itself.
This cataclysm birthed the Astral Gates—seven confirmed portals to other dimensions (with a rumored eighth in the Arctic). These gates are not merely doorways; they alter those who touch them. Dynamo was atomized into a living star by the Central Park gate, while Kelvin returned from an expedition frozen and undead.
Now, 50 years later, the Second Maelstrom has arrived in New York City, bringing with it the Patrons and the start of the Ritual.
TEMPORAL ANOMALY DETECTED
SECTOR: NEW YORK CITY
The Ritual of the Patrons
Two god-like entities have descended upon the Cursed Apple, each vying for dominance. They grant power to their champions in exchange for souls, fueling a war that will decide the fate of reality.
A mechanical, disciplined entity that values order and structure. Its followers believe in control and the preservation of hierarchy.
- • Focus: Structure, Control, Preservation
- • Manifestation: Golden mechanical constructs
- • Goal: Complete the Ritual to impose its order
A chaotic, ethereal force that embodies change and raw power. It seeks to burn away the old world to forge something new in its fire.
- • Focus: Chaos, Transformation, Power
- • Manifestation: Blue spectral flames
- • Goal: Disrupt the Ritual to unleash potential
Key Organizations
An elusive international order of monster hunters formed to protect humanity from the supernatural. They operate in the shadows, eliminating threats that the public isn't ready to face.
KNOWN MEMBERS: UNCONFIRMED
A dedicated task force committed to stopping the Patrons at all costs. Unlike those who seek wishes, Oathkeepers fight to prevent either entity from fully entering our world.
KEY OPERATIVE: WARDEN
Occult Security and Investigation Commission. The government agency responsible for monitoring, regulating, and covering up supernatural events. They maintain the "Cursed Apple" quarantine zone.
STATUS: ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE
The Cursed Apple
New York City has become ground zero for the Ritual. The city is locked down, its streets transformed into a battleground of lanes and objectives.
The Central Park Astral Gate is believed to be the origin point of the Patrons' influence. The city is divided into territories controlled by the Amber Hand and Sapphire Flame, with neutral denizens—monstrosities from the gates—roaming the "jungle" between lanes.
SURVEILLANCE LOG #1900-NY
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> SECTOR: MANHATTAN
> STATUS: QUARANTINED
> THREAT LEVEL: OMEGA
> ADVISORY: EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY