'''Calico''' is a [[Hero]] in ''[[Deadlock]]'', a former monster hunter turned hired assassin. Possessing her cat, Ava, Calico uses the shadows to her advantage to surprise her foes, slinging Gloom Bombs and attacking with a Leaping Slash for damage and healing. By Returning to the Shadows, she can turn any fight to her advantage, disappearing after a fight or engaging again when the enemy least expects her.
'''Calico''' is a [[Hero]] in ''[[Deadlock]]'', a former monster hunter turned hired assassin. Possessing her cat, Ava, Calico uses the shadows to her advantage to surprise her foes, slinging Gloom Bombs and attacking with a Leaping Slash for damage and healing. By Returning to the Shadows, she can turn any fight to her advantage, disappearing after a fight or engaging again when the enemy least expects her.
As a contract killer, Calico is glad to finally be earning significant money by assassinating other people. Despite the good that the [[Baxter Society]] did by slaying monsters, it simply didn't pay well enough for her.
Calico was added to [[Hero Labs]] on [[Update:October 24, 2024|October 24, 2024]], and officially released on [[Update:January 17, 2025|January 17, 2025]].
Calico was added to [[Hero Labs]] on [[Update:October 24, 2024|October 24, 2024]], and officially released on [[Update:January 17, 2025|January 17, 2025]].
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== Background ==
== Background ==
{{Fates_Tale|nano}}
{{Fates_Tale|nano}}
=== Lore ===
Calico has been an assassin for at least 5 years, as she was hired to kill {{HeroIcon|Pocket}} 5 years before the events of the ritual.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Pocket}}'s background: ''"Arin Fairfax, the eldest heir to Fairfax Industries, has been living in hiding for the past 5 years after being shot and left for dead on their 18th birthday."''</ref> Pocket survived the assassination attempt due Calico's bullet missing their heart.<ref>[[Calico/Quotes#Conversations|Pocket and Calico conversations]]</ref> It's implied that this failed assassination earned Calico a reputation for "sloppy work" amongst other assassins.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Calico|hero2=Vyper|number=2|hero_quote1=Vyper|quote1=Word on the street is that you do sloppy work.|hero_quote2=Calico|quote2=Excuse me?|hero_quote3=Vyper|quote3=There was something about... like a hit, that went bad? I don't remember all the details, honestly, Wisconsin hooch is top-shelf.}}</ref>
Calico is nicknamed as "the most dangerous woman on the planet".<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Holliday|file=Astro kill nano 02.mp3|context=(killed Calico)|transcription='Most dangerous woman on the planet', my ass!}}</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Yamato}}'s in-game [[Yamato/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Calico): ''"Ha! This is "the most dangerous woman on the planet"?"''</ref> She's currently being hunted by the International Police,<ref>{{PageRef|name=Calico}}'s in-game [[Calico/Quotes#Return to Shadows|voice line]] (upgrade Return To Shadows): ''"If Interpol hasn't caught me, what chance do they have?"''</ref> Scotland Yard,<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Calico|file=Nano kill astro 05.mp3|context=(killed Holliday)|transcription=A small-town sheriff couldn't accomplish what Scotland Yard has been trying to do for years. Surprise, surpise.}}</ref> and the [[Occult Security and Investigation Commission|OSIC]].<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Haze|file=Haze kill calico 03.mp3|context=(killed Calico)|transcription=Calico could only evade me for so long.}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{ConvoCite|hero1=Calico|hero2=Haze|number=1|hero_quote1=Haze|quote1=I'm going to kill you before the day is out, so making small talk seems a little pointless.}}</ref> She once assassinated someone named "Siegfried" under {{PageRef|name=Mirage}}'s nose.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Calico|hero2=Mirage|number=3}}</ref>
Calico's motivation in the ritual is vague, but she seems to want to be the "Apex Predator" by wishing for power and protection.<ref>{{PageRef|name=The Hidden King}}'s in-game [[Calico/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Calico start): ''"You're a dangerous woman, Calico, but you are not the apex predator. Summon the Hidden King... and he can protect you."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=The Archmother}}'s in-game [[Calico/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Calico start): ''"Your past will catch up with you eventually, Calico. But if you complete the ritual, Mother can prevent that from happening."''</ref>
{{PageRef|name=Ava|alt_link=Calico}} is Calico's cat [[Magical creatures#Familiars|familiar]].<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Calico|hero2=Vindicta|number=3|hero_quote1=Vindicta|quote1=How long have you had your familiar?}}</ref> Calico adores Ava and refers to herself as "mummy" when talking to Ava.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Calico}}'s in-game [[Calico/Quotes#Ava|voice line]] (upgrade Ava): ''"Thanks for joining mummy at her job, Ava!"''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Calico}}'s in-game [[Calico/Quotes#Ava|voice line]] (upgrade Ava): ''"I love you, Ava!"''</ref>
Calico has knowledge about [[the Deep]],<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Calico|file=nano_kill_slork_02.mp3|context=(killed Fathom)|transcription=Ugh, creatures of the Deep.}}</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Calico|file=nano_kill_viscous_04.mp3|context=(killed Viscous)|transcription=The Deep should have chosen a more competent emissary.}}</ref> the [[The Troubadour|Troubadour]],<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Calico|hero2=Holliday|number=2|hero_quote1=Holliday|quote1=You ever hear of something called "The Troubadour"?|hero_quote2=Calico|quote2=Enough to know to stay away from it.}}</ref> and [[Oathkeeper]].<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Calico|file=Nano kill ghost 02.mp3|context=(killed Lady Geist)|transcription=Only a fool would make a deal with Oathkeeper.}}</ref> She's implied to know something about {{PageRef|name=Victor}}'s origins.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Calico|hero2=Victor}}</ref>
Calico learned Return To Shadows while she was in the [[The Baxter Society|Baxter Society]].<ref>{{PageRef|name=Calico}}'s in-game [[Calico/Quotes#Return to Shadows|voice line]] (upgrade Return To Shadows): ''"The Baxter Society has given me many gifts."''</ref>
Calico has a son.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Calico|file=calico_unselect_07.mp3|context=(unselect)|transcription=It's like I told my son, you are free to make all the horrible decisions you'd like.}}</ref>
== Character interactions ==
* Most characters like Ava,<ref>{{PageRef|name=Calico}}'s [[Calico/Quotes#Other Characters|other character interactions]]</ref> with the main exception of {{PageRef|name=Billy}}.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Billy}}'s in-game [[Billy/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Calico): ''"I hope your cat eats your corpse, then I hope the cat gets eaten by a chupacabra, or a spider, or anything that'll make that cat suffer!"''</ref>
** {{PageRef|name=Vyper}} tries to buy Ava with a "crisp Lincoln" ($5).<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Calico|hero2=Vyper|number=3|hero_quote1=Vyper|quote1=Three bucks for your cat.|hero_quote2=Calico|quote2=She's not for sale.|hero_quote3=Vyper|quote3=Tell you what, I'll bump it up to a crisp Lincoln.}}</ref>
* As the assassin hired to kill {{HeroIcon|Pocket}}, Calico enjoys "tying up loose ends" when she kills Pocket in-game.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Calico|file=Nano kill synth 03.mp3|context=(killed Pocket)|transcription=I love tying up loose ends.}}</ref> She also mentions that [[Maximilian Fairfax]] will "have questions".<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Calico|file=Nano kill synth 04.mp3|context=(killed Pocket)|transcription=I'm sure Maximilian will have questions.}}</ref> Pocket, naturally, dislikes Calico for almost killing them.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Calico|hero2=Pocket|number=1|hero_quote1=Pocket|quote1=Go to Hell.}}</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Pocket}}'s in-game [[Pocket/Quotes#Allies|voice line]] (ally Calico killed): ''"Calico got what she deserved!"''</ref>
* Calico used to work with {{HeroIcon|Grey Talon}} in the Baxter Society. While Grey Talon is disappointed in Calico for becoming an assassin,<ref>{{PageRef|name=Grey Talon}}'s in-game [[Grey Talon/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Calico): ''"She gave up on her ideals for something as pointless as money."''</ref> he doesn't resent her and was content to leave her alone.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Grey Talon}}'s in-game [[Grey Talon/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Calico): ''"I was content to leave you alone, Calico. Why did you have to come here?"''</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Grey Talon|hero2=Calico|number=3|hero_quote1=Grey Talon|quote1=I don't have many breaths left, Calico... I'm certainly not going to waste them on your problems.}}</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Calico|hero2=Vindicta|number=2}}</ref> Calico views Grey Talon as a "relic of a bygone era",<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Calico|file=Nano kill orion 05.mp3|transcription=You're a relic of a bygone era, Talon.}}</ref> but also says she will mourn his death if she kills him in-game.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Calico|file=Nano kill orion 04.mp3|transcription=The Baxter Society will mourn him, as will I.}}</ref>
* Calico has respect for {{HeroIcon|Paradox}}.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Calico|file=Nano kill chrono 01.mp3|transcription=Oh, I've always wanted to go toe-to-toe with Paradox.}}</ref> She also loves the [[Paradox Museum]].<ref>{{PageRef|name=Calico}}'s in-game [[Calico/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Paradox): ''"Love your museums, by the way."''</ref>
* Calico wants to be friends with {{HeroIcon|Wraith}}.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Calico|file=Nano kill wraith 02.mp3|context=(killed Wraith)|transcription=And here I hoped we could be friends.}}</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Calico|file=Nano kill wraith 04.mp3|context=(killed Wraith)|transcription=Wraith, we could have had so much fun together.}}</ref>
* Calico has history with {{PageRef|name=Raven}} and likes him.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Calico|file=Nano kill operative 02.mp3|context=(killed Raven)|transcription=Always a pleasure seeing you again, Raven.}}</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Calico|file=Nano kill operative 01.mp3|context=(killed Raven)|transcription=He was fun.}}</ref>
* Calico compares {{PageRef|name=Holliday}}'s introverted personality to {{PageRef|name=Grey Talon}}'s.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Calico|hero2=Holliday|number=3|hero_quote1=Calico|quote1=You're not much of a talker, are you?|hero_quote2=Holliday|quote2=No.|hero_quote3=Calico|quote3=God, you and Wesley would get along famously.}}</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Venator}} knew Calico from when she was in the Baxter Society, but loathes her now that she's an assassin.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Calico|hero2=Venator|number=2}}</ref> Venator believes that, for the right price, Calico would be willing to kill Ava.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Calico|hero2=Venator|number=3|hero_quote1=Venator|quote1=Seeing you dote on that cat is nauseating. <-> You and I both know that for the right price you'd slit her throat.}}</ref> When killing Calico, Venator mentions that it was "for Grey Talon".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Venator}}'s in-game [[Venator/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Calico): ''"That was for Grey Talon."''</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=The Doorman}} is familiar with Calico and likes her.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Calico|hero2=The Doorman|number=1}}</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=The Doorman}}'s in-game [[The Doorman/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Calico): ''"I liked her."''</ref> He loves Ava and says he'll treat her "like a queen" at the [[Baroness Hotel]].<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Calico|hero2=The Doorman|number=3}}</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=The Doorman}}'s in-game [[The Doorman/Quotes#Hotel Guest Taunt - Hero Specific|voice line]] (taunt Calico): ''"Look on the bright side, Calico: when your body rots, I'll take care of your cat."''</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Mirage}} believes Calico is beyond redemption.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Calico|hero2=Mirage|number=1}}</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Haze}} has been ordered to kill Calico. If they're on the same team, Haze says she's going to kill Calico before the day is out.<ref name=":0" />
== Update history ==
== Update history ==
{{Update history}}
{{Update history}}
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* Calico was called '''Nano''' in ''[[Neon Prime]]''.
* Calico was called '''Nano''' in ''[[Neon Prime]]''.
* At one point in development, Calico's gameplay style was inspired by Dota's [https://liquipedia.net/dota2/Broodmother Broodmother].
* At one point in development, Calico's gameplay style was inspired by Dota's [https://liquipedia.net/dota2/Broodmother Broodmother].
* Calico was an arms dealer in her original background.
* Calico was an arms dealer in her original background.<ref>{{HeroIcon|Calico}}'s old bio: ''"Granted the dubious honor of being named Time Magazine's most dangerous woman on the planet, Calico is an enigmatic occult arms dealer that is willing to fund any and all sides of a conflict if the price is right. While her critics (and friends) would correctly identify her as being amoral, she is not without her principles... however cold and calculated those principles may be."''</ref> Her background was changed when she was officially released on [[Update:January 17, 2025|January 17, 2025]].
* Ava is a [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphynx_cat Sphynx cat].
* Ava is a [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphynx_cat Sphynx cat].
* "Playing With Ava in the Hideout" is displayed as one's status in the in-game Friends List when playing as Calico in the [[Hideout]].
* "Playing With Ava in the Hideout" is displayed as one's status in the in-game Friends List when playing as Calico in the [[Hideout]].
Internal namesCodenames used for this hero in the game files:
Nano
Calico is a Hero in Deadlock, a former monster hunter turned hired assassin. Possessing her cat, Ava, Calico uses the shadows to her advantage to surprise her foes, slinging Gloom Bombs and attacking with a Leaping Slash for damage and healing. By Returning to the Shadows, she can turn any fight to her advantage, disappearing after a fight or engaging again when the enemy least expects her.
Ava can pounce by hitting the melee key. This can break boxes and statues, but deals no damage.
Ava can enter vents in the map. If Ava's duration runs out in a space too small to transform back, Calico can activate the transformation and be pushed to the nearest walkable area. If she does not transform, she starts rapidly taking damage until she leaves the space.
Once a decorated member of The Baxter Society, Calico left the august order once she realized that killing monsters for free was less profitable than killing people for money.
Now an in demand contract killer, Calico is living her best life ending someone else's.
"Playing With Ava in the Hideout" is displayed as one's status in the in-game Friends List when playing as Calico in the Hideout.
When in the Hideout's Atrium, switching to Ava and then running near the smaller version of her will cause the kitten to follow you for the duration of the spell.
References
↑Calico's old bio: "Granted the dubious honor of being named Time Magazine's most dangerous woman on the planet, Calico is an enigmatic occult arms dealer that is willing to fund any and all sides of a conflict if the price is right. While her critics (and friends) would correctly identify her as being amoral, she is not without her principles... however cold and calculated those principles may be."
79 Damage Per Second
Gloom Bombs
3m
14s
spirit damage.
4
x0.644
45
1
Leaping Slash
9m
melee damage. 
heal a small amount of health.
x0.8
60.4
40
Benefits from melee items (e.g. Melee Lifesteal)
Healing amplified by Healing Booster and affected by healing reduction
Healing triggers Healing Tempo's unique effect
Disabled by Slowing Hex
Ava
bonus move speed that increases over time, and become 
hidden on the minimap. 
30%
15s
Return to Shadows
3s
Calico portrait
Calico icon
Calico in-game render
Calico's select background
Calico reference sheet
Calico name typography
Calico weapon - Sweetest Lie
Calico in the January 2025 update art
Previous Calico portrait
Nano portrait (Neon Prime)
Nano (Neon Prime)
Gloat portrait for Calico.
Critical health portrait for Calico.
Calico's old bio: "Granted the dubious honor of being named Time Magazine's most dangerous woman on the planet, Calico is an enigmatic occult arms dealer that is willing to fund any and all sides of a conflict if the price is right. While her critics (and friends) would correctly identify her as being amoral, she is not without her principles... however cold and calculated those principles may be."
