Sources: https://deadlock.wiki/Lore, deadlock-data/localizations/english.json, hero quote pages
The supernatural has always existed in Deadlock's world, but became widely recognized when an eclipse triggered the Maelstrom near the end of the 19th century (around 1900), opening Astral Gates across Earth. The Maelstrom was a storm of supernatural origin which formed in the upper atmosphere over New York City and catalyzed the widespread awareness of the supernatural among the human population.
During the Maelstrom:
- Spirits rose from the dead
- Extra-dimensional rifts known as Astral Gates opened around the world
- Humanity could no longer ignore the existence of the unexplained
Even after the storm dissipated, those Astral Gates remained active, including one which opened in the heart of Central Park. Over the following decades, humanity began to forge bonds with extra-dimensional beings that emerged, causing New York to rapidly become a melting pot of cultures, both earthly and otherwise.
Fifty years after the first Maelstrom (around 1950), a second Maelstrom was predicted. Around this time, tales emerged of a set of beings hailing from the very edges of known reality - simply called the Patrons. These two powerful entities - the Hidden King (also called Amber Hand) and the Archmother (also called Sapphire Flame) - possess vast knowledge and anomalous potential, nearly godlike with the power to grant virtually any wish to their most devoted followers.
Proving oneself worthy of a Patron's blessing requires a complicated seance involving ritual combat, and a volume of magical energy only achievable during a Maelstrom. The ritual manifests as teams battling in the Cursed Apple to summon their respective patron.
A "black box government organization that makes the CIA look transparent." It falls on the men, women, and entities of the OSIC to keep the country safe from sinister forces beyond local law enforcement. The Sandman Division specializes in infiltrating dreams of persons of interest.
Known Members: Haze
An international order of monster hunters focused on putting down creatures that prey on the living. A traditional, private organization that has operated since the post-Maelstrom era.
Known Members: Grey Talon (founder), Shiv (current active member), Calico (former)
Note: All known Baxter Society members display a prosthetic right arm.
A group that facilitates illicit trade and commerce between the boroughs through underground tunnels. When gangs try to exploit the tunnel system for personal vendettas, the Rats step in.
Known Members: Mo and Krill
"The caretakers of New York." Employees build Spirit Urns, lure giant rats, and capture various invasive species from The Outer Planes.
Known Employees: Trapper
A news outlet bringing "the latest news and occult discoveries to the citizens of New York."
A powerful corporation leading "the occult industrial complex." Run by Maximilian Fairfax.
Subsidiaries:
- Military R&D Department - headed by McGinnis
- Eldritch Tactical Solutions - a Paranormal Military Company (PMC)
Known Employees: McGinnis (head of military R&D), Wrecker (PMC soldier)
When the Maelstrom hit, it changed geopolitics. CIA-employed seers identify threats decades before they rise; occult pacts are made in smoky backrooms. Countless wars have been prevented. But war hasn't ended - it has changed.
PMCs use extra-planar creatures and blood magics to circumvent the nation's watchdog oracles, functioning as proxies for nations seeking to wage war.
A "neo-inquisition" formed by descendants of John Hathorne (Salem witch trials persecutor). Suspected of murdering Grey Talon's son Nathan and his Ixian wife.
Targets of: Vindicta, Grey Talon
Formerly controlled Spanish Harlem. Dismantled by Ivy over 18 years.
Japanese crime family expanding into America. Originally led by siblings Kaori and Yamato (brother). After a coup killed the brother, Kaori escaped to America and took her brother's name to honor his memory.
Led by the specter of Catherine the Great, who hates being a ghost and wants to become corporeal again.
Known Operatives: The Raven (spymaster)
Notorious thieves' guild constructing elaborate heists. They display stolen artifacts at pop-up museums. Each member dons a mask and takes on the organization's name. "They are everywhere. They are nowhere. And if they want something, they are inevitable."
Under investigation by Detective Abrams.
A Vatican-sanctioned order of monster hunters deployed to regions with high supernatural predator concentrations. Few in number, they observe, identify, and exterminate threats to the flock. Known as "The Sword of St. Benedict."
Known Members: Venator
Led by Ambassador Nashala Dion, negotiating with the US government for part of Wyoming to build a sovereign Jinn nation.
New York City - where the ritual takes place.
Seven primary connections between Earth and other planes:
- Central Park, New York - Professor Dynamo was atomized investigating this rift
- Bermuda Triangle (underwater) - "shadowline nexus"
- Arctic Circle (rumored 8th gate) - Kelvin's expedition sought this
Extraplanar world associated with fire.
Known Ixians: Abrams, Infernus (second generation), Grey Talon's daughter-in-law
Underwater realm beneath the Bermuda Triangle gate. The gate introduced benevolent beings (like Nessie) and The Adversary - a dark, predatory, genocidal force that hunts the seas.
Known Inhabitants: Viscous (psychic sea anemone), Fathom (notorious monster, demands tithes from selkies)
Extraplanar realm from which Rem accidentally stowed away.
Underground fighting arena. Wraith hosts bets here.
Known Fighters: Lash, Bebop
Bar with good live music owned by Hank (Infernus's friend who saved his life). Infernus bartends here. Struggles financially with declining patrons.
Luxurious hotel with sinister purposes, possibly connected to summoning entities. The Doorman has worked here since its inception and can bend space/time/reality within it.
Oubliette for the most dangerous occultists. Seven was imprisoned here.
Where Professor Dynamo teaches.
Hierarchy includes Viscounts and Elders across the North American Baronies.
Known: Drifter (ancient, contempt for vampiric law), Mina (fledgling, aspires to Viscount)
Maintain corporeal form for only 48 minutes before resting in a vessel. Employ human bodyguards.
Known: Sinclair (bound souls), Vindicta, Lady Geist, Catherine the Great
Stone figures animated by supernatural energy.
Known: Ivy
Known: Rem (searching for way home)
- Bebop - scrap golem built by Miss Shelly
- Akimbo - robot built by a gunslinger ("a gun only solved about 75% of his problems - to solve ALL his problems, he would need at least 2 guns")
- Victor - Frankenstein-like creation
Detective who solved cases from stolen art to ritual murders. Found The Tome on his desk with a note in onyx blood: "Don't let them have it." Home broken into, office tossed 3 times, car firebombed. The Tome is a central artifact many factions seek - Abrams wants to destroy it. Knows Pocket's father's identity. Haze tried to recruit him to OSIC but he declined steady work. Regular poker player with Mo & Krill and Wraith.
Built by widowed junkyard attendant Miss Shelly as the son she couldn't have. They work the iron yard by day, listen to jazz at night. Miss Shelly is terminally ill; Bebop does Bear Pit fighting to pay for medicine. Speaks French. "Not built for fighting" but chose his own moral boundaries. Worries OSIC might take him away from Shelly after the ritual.
"A white hot ball of rage, furious at the very notion of...something. Maybe it's the cops. Maybe it's magic regulations. Maybe it's the service at the gyro place downtown. (Not the good one. The other one.) Don't ask him how he got the goat head." Anti-establishment activist who claims to know "exactly" where his life went wrong. Has romantic history with Vyper. Accuses Baxter Society of being a publicity stunt and Ivy of being a tool for Carlos Arroyo's political interests.
Left The Baxter Society when she realized killing monsters for free was less profitable than killing people for money. Has a son (mentioned briefly). Close relationship with Grey Talon (Wesley), who spoke highly of her. Betrayed by Seven. Shot at Pocket (attempted murder). Has a cat named Ava she's fiercely protective of. Views herself as superior to other assassins based on class/professionalism.
"More than meets the eye." A godlike entity who formerly "tormented man for so long that serving them still retains its novel charm." Has worked at The Baroness since its inception. Can bend space, time, and reality. Bound to The Baroness hotel. Views mortals as "easily breakable." May be a Patron-level entity himself.
Ancient vampire, "naked contempt for vampiric laws." Marked for execution across the North American Baronies, but continues to do as he pleases. Calls New York "New Amsterdam" (suggesting pre-colonial age). Previously active in Oklahoma where he's a legendary "boogeyman" figure. Has history with Grey Talon (incident in Oklahoma). Old acquaintances with Lady Geist. Fire is his weakness. "The elders of New Amsterdam are soft, clinging to archaic titles."
First to investigate the Central Park rift. Body atomized, reduced to a tiny dying star. Now teaches theoretical physics at Columbia University. Married to wife Marla for 31 years. Godfather to Arin (Pocket). Describes Fairfax as "a complicated man" rather than simply evil. Knew Kelvin from "the Black Château." Student Sophia Arroyo (Ivy's adoptive sister) has been falling asleep in his class.
Notorious monster of The Deep who cultivated an aura of fear. Has a true name known only to denizens of the Deep. "Every time the denizens of the Deep whisper my name, I grow stronger." Was content feasting on sailors and demanding tithes from selkies until The Adversary came. Threatens to flood Hudson Bay with blood. Seeks the Patrons to remain apex predator.
Founder of The Baxter Society, spent 40 years hunting monsters before retiring. Made up for lost time with family, cooked dinner every Wednesday. Then his son Nathan, Ixian daughter-in-law, and grandchildren were all murdered by the Friends of Humanity - bodies found burned, but his daughter-in-law could snuff out flame with a thought. Has more confirmed kills than anyone in the Baxter Society. Mentored Shiv as potential successor. Has a Friends of Humanity safehouse to burn down.
OSIC Sandman Division dreamwalker. Enters people's minds while they sleep to eliminate targets. Plays the cello. Sent Grey Talon sympathy card for Nathan's death. Has personal connection with Rem. Made a 16-hour truce with Seven before turning on each other. Helped Holliday on the Troubadour case.
Sheriff from Macomb, Illinois who tracked "The Troubadour" - a folk musician killer who exploded into a murder of crows and flew away. Believes he's in New York. Has lost someone (implied tragedy in her past).
"New York born and raised baby!" Parents are Ixian but chose to leave; he dismisses Ixian identity. Youth filled with "arson, murder, and evidence disposal." Once ran with Wraith in underground activities. Now mellowed, bartends at Jezebel's (owned by friend Hank). Joining the ritual to save the bar from closure.
Gargoyle that sprang to life protecting young Sophia Arroyo from the Mendozas. Spent 18 years dismantling the Syndicate, earning title "Savior of Spanish Harlem." Now ventures beyond Spanish Harlem for the first time. Adopted into the Arroyo family: Carlos Arroyo (Mayor of New York), Maria Arroyo, siblings Sophia (Dynamo's student) and Manny (fan of Kelvin's expeditions). Bilingual (Spanish/English).
Led expedition to find the rumored 8th astral gate. Team died; he feels responsible and wants to honor their families. Found frozen a year later with glowing rune-stone in his chest - may be the only thing keeping him alive. Cannot remove his parka without risking survival. Missing crew member named Ettrick has vanished. No memory of what happened.
Made pact with Oathkeeper spirit to restore youth in exchange for draining the living. Bound and warded him to limit influence. Now the Ward weakens... Has a son named Johann who is a doctor in New York. Deceased husband left behind paintings. Wealthy philanthropist with a foundation. Oathkeeper and Drifter "go back a long ways."
"Jacob Lash is an asshole." Works as a stevedore (dock worker). "Bear Pit Champion" in underground fighting. Rivalry with Bebop. Has an ex named Ballista. Aspires to join the Baxter Society. "It's a curse really, to just rule so hard that every mediocre soul in the city has to resent you."
Built architectural marvels with Lincoln Logs at 4. At 15, designed a machine that refined souls of the dead. Heads Fairfax Industries Military R&D. "Science is magic you can touch." Specializes in weaponized soul technology. "Ethics are for scientists that can't think big enough." Aware of Pocket as "Fairfax's kid." References a past "Cadenza situation" crisis at Fairfax.
Had it all - then her betrothed (Arin Fairfax/Pocket) was "assassinated." Wept "not for her fiancé, but for the future stolen from her." Parents botched her turning into a vampire. Young by vampire standards, "tired of being at the bottom of the vampiric social ladder." Dismisses old-world vampire traditions. "Soon, I will be Viscount of New York."
Bodyguard for Jinn ambassador Nashala Dion on diplomatic mission for part of Wyoming. Carries Ambassador Nashala in a mystical vessel/bottle. "My actions carry the weight of the Djinn." Seeking to secure "a place to call their own" for his people.
Tunnel Rats. Mo (Maurice) does the digging, Krill does the talking - "We tried it the other way but, it didn't work." Move stolen antiquities including a first edition Don Quixote. Involved in moving pieces from Kelvin's Ixian expedition. Card games with Wraith and Abrams. When gangs exploit the tunnels for vendettas, they "remind the city what happens to those who disrespect their hospitality."
Daughter of a rare book dealer. Helps father at the bookstore and does library storytelling sessions. Brother Bryce was rebellious, dabbled in dangerous magics, got kicked out. Now a bibliomancer searching for him. Uses divination through books; draws power from Arthurian legend. "No man or god is going to stand in her way."
Each member gave up their real name to join and dons the organization's name. Council leadership structure. Notable heists include Booth's Derringer. Targets: Ghent Altarpiece, Tome of Anubis, hellenistic Homer busts. Planning to steal The Tome from Abrams. "They are everywhere. They are nowhere. And if they want something, they are inevitable."
Father gave them "a bullet to the chest" as 18th birthday "gift." Spent 5 years hiding in the gutter, surviving through street life. Carries a mysterious case containing powerful spirits. Dynamo is their godfather. Aims to stop father and take control of Fairfax Industries.
Soviet spymaster tasked by Catherine the Great's ghost to make her corporeal again. Scoured the Earth for strange artifacts and wisdom of the life beyond.
Accidental stowaway from the world of dreams, stranded in "the city that never sleeps." Searching for a way home.
Imprisoned in Lost Whisper for offending "small-minded simpletons with fragile egos." Execution wards from 7 nations failed - he survived soul obliteration. "He laughed as he tore himself free. He laughed as his captors cowered in fear. He laughed as he massacred his tormentors." Now hides in NYC subway tunnels, negotiating with Tunnel Rats for shelter. Harbors deep hatred for Kelvin, plans eventual execution. Made 16-hour truce with Haze before betrayal.
Baxter Society member (~2-3 years), travels North America hunting creatures that prey on the living. Criminal past makes traditional members wary, struggled for acceptance within the organization, but "no one can deny his effectiveness."
Henry (Harron Atkins) and Savannah (Andia Winslow) - high school sweethearts whose souls were bound by blood magic. "The Magnificent Henry" with "lovely assistant" Savannah. Both died in stage accident, each blames the other. Switch control of their shared body upon death. Henry claims he does "90% of the work." Must work together to undo their union.
A member of the Venators of St. Benedict, a Vatican-sanctioned order deployed to regions with high concentrations of supernatural predators. Their modus operandi: observe, identify, exterminate. Known as "The Sword of St. Benedict," the order is few in number but methodical, precise, and relentless once they identify a threat to the flock. This particular Venator stands apart even from his brothers — a man whose hardened heart has allowed him to pay terrible prices in the name of the greater good. He has been dispatched to New York once again.
Municipal Coven employee. Builds Spirit Urns, lures giant rats, captures invasive species from The Outer Planes. "Those Knickerbocker season tickets don't pay for themselves."
Woke on a mortuary table with no knowledge of his creator, why he was made, or whom he's made of. "A shambling mass of dead bodies" with poor quality stitching. Left foot possibly from an accordion player in Milwaukee. Struggles with identity: "Where does he end and I begin?"
Was a child when sentenced to death by John Hathorne during Salem Witch Trials. 18 souls executed alongside her. Spirit returned during first Maelstrom. Wages one-ghost war against The Friends of Humanity - killed Hathorne's brother (shot on a speedboat). "She isn't afraid to stack as many bodies as needed."
Psychic sea anemone from the Bermuda Triangle gate. The Adversary now hunts the seas. Summoned ectoplasmic goo body to traverse the surface and summon the Patrons to protect The Deep.
Better at escaping jail than avoiding arrest. Done time in every major prison in the tri-state area.
Comes from a lineage of militant alchemists who trained for a mystic apocalypse. "My family failed to protect this city once before. It cannot happen again." "The Patrons will herald the end of humanity if we let them." Trained since birth to be a supernatural killing machine with one purpose: stopping the Patrons from ever entering our world.
"The cornerstone of the New York gambling scene... thanks to bribes, shakedowns, and blackmail, Wraith knows that she's above the law." Uses markers (debts) to control people. Conflict with Ivy over Spanish Harlem territory post-Mendoza. Former associates with Infernus before he went legitimate. "Friends are just acquaintances you feel bad for extorting."
Employed by Eldritch Tactical Solutions (Fairfax subsidiary). "An elite soldier of fortune with a reputation for doing dirty work that other PMC's don't have the stomach for."
After a coup killed her brother (the original Yamato), she escaped to America and inherited both his name and sword. "If I die, someone else will inherit this sword. Just as I did." Frequently dedicates victories to his memory. Seeks to expand Seventh Moon's power across New York.
- Maximilian Fairfax: Head of Fairfax Industries
- Arin Fairfax (Pocket): Shot on 18th birthday, suspects father
- Professor Dynamo: Arin's godfather
- Mina: Was betrothed to Arin
- McGinnis: Works for Fairfax
- Wrecker: Works for Eldritch Tactical Solutions (Fairfax subsidiary)
- Grey Talon: Founder
- Shiv: Current active member
- Calico: Former member
- Grey Talon's son Nathan: Murdered for loving an Ixian
- Vindicta: Killed by John Hathorne
- Viscous: Trying to stop The Adversary
- Fathom: Trying to reclaim apex predator status
- Wraith: Gambling empire, Bear Pit bets
- Mo and Krill: Tunnel Rats, move stolen antiquities
- Lash: Bear Pit Champion, stevedore
- Bebop: Bear Pit fighter (for Shelly's medicine)
- Vyper: Jailbreak expert, romantic history with Billy
- Carlos Arroyo: Mayor of New York
- Maria Arroyo: Family member
- Sophia Arroyo: Dynamo's student, Ivy's sister
- Manny Arroyo: Fan of Kelvin's expeditions
- Ivy: Adopted gargoyle guardian
- Baxter Society: Grey Talon (founder), Shiv (active), Calico (former)
- Venators of St. Benedict: Venator (Vatican-sanctioned)
- Abrams: Owes Mo & Krill money
- Wraith: Regular player
- Mo and Krill: Host games