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| 2 = They gonna cry, they gonna beg, they gonna scream.
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[[File:Drifter Render.png|right|frameless|416x416px]]{{#invoke:Lang|get_string|hero_drifter_lore}}

== Overview ==
Unlike the other heroes, Drifter isn't participating in the [[ritual]] for a wish, but instead for the carnage.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Hidden King}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Drifter Start): ''"Revel in the massacre, Drifter, it is the Hidden King's gift to you. All he asks in return... is that you summon him."''</ref> He views the wish as a "bonus".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Select|voice line]] (Select): ''"Fact of the matter is: I do this for free. The Patron's gift is just a bonus."''</ref>

=== Biography ===
The Drifter has lived for centuries.<ref>{{PageRef|name=The Doorman}}'s in-game [[The Doorman/Quotes#Hotel Guest Taunt|voice line]] (Drifter Trapped in ult): ''"It wont be long before you find yourself feeling something that’s eluded you for centuries: fear."''</ref> His age is unknown, but he refers to [[The Cursed Apple|New York]] as "New Amsterdam",<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Select|voice line]] (Select): ''"The elders of New Amsterdam are soft, clinging to archaic titles like they grant them real power."''</ref> which implies he's been around at least since 1665.<ref>[https://nyheritage.org/exhibits/immigration/new-amsterdam-becomes-new-york History of New Amsterdam]</ref> He also implies that he knew [[wikipedia:Doc_Holliday|Doc Holliday]] from the 19th century.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Holliday|number=3|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=I know whose gun that is. You gon' be able to make him proud?}}</ref> He goes only by "The Drifter" since he doesn't feel the need for a name.<ref name=":8">{{VoiceLineCite|name=Drifter|quotes=Drifter/Quotes#Select|context=(select)|transcription=I never had much use for a name. Names are for people who want to be remembered. Me? [Chuckle] My existence is like gravity or time. A concept that you fear, but you cannot escape. I simply am.}}</ref>

Drifter speaks in a [[wikipedia:Cajuns|Cajun]] accent from Louisiana, indicating that he may be associated with 17th century [[wikipedia:Acadians|Acadian]] French immigrants.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Shopkeeper|quotes=Drifter/Quotes#Shopkeeper|transcription=You Louisiana boys know how to party.}}</ref>

In the current day, Drifter has travelled a long way to come to New York.<ref name=":2" /> He says that he's there for a different reason than summoning the Patrons,<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Drifter|quotes=Drifter/Quotes#unselect|context=(unselect)|transcription=I came to New York for a reason, and it wasn't to help the Patrons.}}</ref> and supposedly has an "old friend" he wants to say hello to.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Drifter|quotes=Drifter/Quotes#unselect|context=(unselect)|transcription=Wish I could help, but I have an old friend I need to say hello to.}}</ref> 

Drifter has been hunted by the Vampire Society (particularly Viscount Simon), the [[The Baxter Society|Baxter Society]], the [[Venator|Swords of Saint Benedict]], and {{HeroIcon|Silver}}.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Urn|alt_name=Soul Urn|quotes=Soul Urn/Quotes|context=(Drifter stalling)|transcription=Does Simon know you're here? Because I don't want the Municipal Coven to get in trouble with the Viscount.}}</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Grey Talon|number=3|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=What are the boys and girls of the Baxter Society gonna say about us workin' together?}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"How many of your order do I gotta kill before you realize you can't stop me?"''</ref><ref name=":6">{{PageRef|name=Silver}}'s in-game [[Silver/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Drifter): ''"I got you, you son of a bitch."''</ref> The [[Occult Security and Investigation Commission|OSIC]] aren't after Drifter,<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Haze|number=1|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=OSIC finally coming for me?|hero_quote2=Haze|quote2=No, we're using you. If we were coming for you, you'd already be dead.}}</ref> but they would still like to see him dead.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Haze|quotes=Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|context=(killed Drifter)|transcription=That should make the office happy.}}</ref>

Drifter is not the [[The Troubadour|Troubadour]].<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Select|voice line]] (Select): ''"The Troubadour ain’t got nothin’ on me."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Holliday): ''"Don't worry about the Troubadour, sheriff, worry about me."''</ref> He has never met him before, and only knows him by reputation.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Infernus|number=2}}</ref>

=== Personality ===
Drifter is a sadistic monster who loves murdering people and playing with his victims. He especially enjoys torturing his victims by murdering their loved ones to make them suffer.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Dynamo|number=1}}</ref> In the ritual, Drifter enjoys getting competitive with his allies over who can kill more people.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Haze|number=2|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=Think you can keep up, Haze?|hero_quote2=Haze|quote2=I'm not getting in some schoolyard challenge with you.|hero_quote3=Drifter|quote3=All business, heheh... that's fine. I can appreciate directness. I am going to kill more than you, though.}}</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Wraith|number=1}}</ref> Despite his bloodlust, Drifter claims to not be precious about murder and doesn't get offended if an ally steals his kill.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Vindicta|number=Drifter|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=Just to get this out of the way, I'm not precious about murder. If I'm carving someone up and you wanna take the shot, I'm not gonna be offended.|hero_quote2=Vindicta|quote2=How magnanimous of you.|hero_quote3=Drifter|quote3=We're a team, right?}}</ref> He has less fun killing people when his victims aren't made of flesh, are already dead, or if he's just putting them out of their misery.<ref name=":3">{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Bebop): ''"Machines are so dissatisfying to kill."''</ref><ref name=":4">{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Sinclair): ''"Not as much fun when they're already dead.''</ref><ref name=":5">{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Victor): ''"Ain't no fun when you're just putting someone outta their misery."''</ref> Most heroes hate Drifter or are scared of him.<ref>{{HeroIcon|Drifter}}'s [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|enemy hero interactions]]</ref>

Drifter likes to steal his victim's coats,<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Abrams|number=1}}</ref> and thinks it's not fun if they willingly give it to him.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Paradox|number=2}}</ref>

Drifter doesn't hide his evil nature, but he may be willing to act friendly or polite to lower people's guards, such as when he convinces {{HeroIcon|Bebop}} to invite him to meet [[Shelly Fisher|Ms. Shelly]].<ref name=":2">{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Bebop|number=1|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=Been traveling a long way to get here. Haven't had time to rest up and... get a proper meal.|hero_quote2=Bebop|quote2=In that case, you should come over to the scrapyard after the ritual! I'm sure Ms. Shelly could help out with dinner.}}</ref> Drifter also seems to be smarter than he lets on, displaying knowledge of high culture.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Vyper|number=1|hero_quote1=Vyper|quote1=As far as I'm concerned, this is like sitting next to Mozart on the piano bench while he plays Canon in D.|hero_quote2=Drifter|quote2=Pretty sure that was Pachelbel.}}</ref> He believes that life is more fun when people accept their true nature,<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Infernus|number=1|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=You got a gleam in your eye, Infernus. How long has it been since you really cut loose?}}</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Haze|number=3|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=Life's more fun when you accept who you are, Haze.}}</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Ivy|number=1|hero_quote1=Ivy|quote1=I'm not a legend.|hero_quote2=Drifter|quote2=Yes, you are. You know it, and you're afraid of it. Don't be.}}</ref> and seems to view murdering as his purpose.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Drifter|quotes=Drifter/Quotes#Stalker's Mark|context=(upgrade Stalker's Mark)|transcription=I won't be deterred from my purpose.}}</ref> He doesn't need a name other than "The Drifter", as he sees himself more as a force of nature than a person.<ref name=":8" />

Drifter seems to be scared of fire, and expresses relief if he doesn't have to fight {{HeroIcon|Infernus}}.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Infernus|number=3}}</ref>

=== Appearance ===
Drifter appears as a middle aged man with pale white skin, red eyes, messy black hair, a stubble beard, and a wicked, unnaturally large grin. His proportions are exaggerated, most notably his large hands that appear red due to being covered in blood, with sharp black nails. He wears a dark brown jacket with a vampire teeth pattern on its back, over what looks like an open red shirt with a large collar, a gray shirt, greenish-brown pants, a gray newsboy cap, brown boots, and a fingerless glove in his left hand. All his clothes are dirty and ragged, with bloodstains in his shirt collar. Notably, his jacket has a leather belt, but he uses a rope as a belt for his pants instead. His weapon seems to be short range blood shards that he shoots from his hands.

Under {{AbilityIcon|Eternal Night}}, Drifter runs on all fours.

=== Information ===
When using {{AbilityIcon|Eternal Night}}, Drifter whistles [[wikipedia:Hush,_Little_Baby|Hush, Little Baby]], a lullaby typically sung by mothers to their children.<ref>2025-08-18 - [[Kaori (developer)|Kaori]]; Deadlock Discord - ''"[Drifter whistles] 'hush little baby'"'''</ref>

Drifter has a variety of symbols on his right hand. It's currently unknown if the symbols are meant to be [[wikipedia:Alchemical_symbol|Alchemy Symbols]] or [[wikipedia:Hobo#Hobo_signs_and_graffiti hobo signs|Hobo Signs]]. As the red-eyed man on the portrait in the [[Hideout]] also has the same symbols on his wrist, it's likely that the symbols are meant to be Alchemy, although it's currently unconfirmed.[[File:Drifter alchemy symbols.png|thumb|213x213px|Drifter's hand symbols]]
[[File:Hideout Portrait Vampire.png|thumb|297x297px|Portrait of the red-eyed man in the Hideout. Has similar symbols to Drifter on his right wrist]]

==== Alchemy Symbols ====
Ø = salt = joining between spirit and soul

| | = sublimation = process of becoming spiritual

🜂 = fire = passion, energy

O = vessel = the body

-O-> = iron = blood, viscera, organs

X = talcum = rejuvenation

==== Hobo Signs ====
Ø = good road to follow 

| | = anything goes / the sky is the limit 

∇ = road spoiled (full of other tramps) 

O = nothing to be gained here 

-O-> = no use going this direction 

X = alright / okay

{{Clear}}

== Character Relationships ==

=== {{HeroIcon|Grey Talon}} ===
Drifter and Grey Talon have a long history with each other. 

Drifter has eluded death by Grey Talon's hands for a long time. He refers to Talon by his first name "Wesley".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Bloodscent - Hero Specific|voice line]] (Bloodscent Hunting): ''"Wesley? It's time we finish this."''</ref> 

While Grey Talon despises Drifter,<ref>{{PageRef|name=Grey Talon}}'s in-game [[Grey Talon/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Drifter): ''"I wasn't expecting to see the Drifter here, but I'm glad he showed up to get what's coming to him!"''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Grey Talon}}'s in-game [[Grey Talon/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Drifter): ''"Finally..."''</ref> Drifter holds Talon in high regards.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Grey Talon): ''"The fun had to end sometime, didn't it?"''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Grey Talon): ''"You had a good run, Talon."''</ref> 

Drifter enjoys tormenting Talon, seemingly by hurting his loved ones.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Calico): ''"Always nice when I get to kill Wesley's friends."''</ref><ref name=":7">{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Grey Talon|number=1|hero_quote1=Grey Talon|quote1=Did you do it?|hero_quote2=Drifter|quote2=Wesley... If I was gonna murder your grandkids, we both know I would've tied you down and made you watch.}}</ref> He believes Talon is a better fighter than {{HeroIcon|Calico}}.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Calico): ''"Wesley could never stop me, and you're no Wesley."''</ref> 

There was a particularly brutal interaction between the two in Oklahoma.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Grey Talon|number=2|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=The Patrons have a curious sense of humor now, don't they?|hero_quote2=Drifter|quote2=The silent treatment? Really? Don't tell me you're still raw about Oklahoma.}}</ref> {{HeroIcon|Vyper}} mentions that Drifter is a "legend" in Oklahoma.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Vyper|number=1|hero_quote1=Vyper|quote1=Yeah, it's because they never did time in OKC. Buddy, you're a legend there! You're like the... you're like the... the boogeyman!}}</ref>

=== {{HeroIcon|Shiv}} ===
Drifter knew Shiv from before he joined the Baxter Society.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Shiv): ''"The Baxter Society made you soft!"''</ref> 

If Drifter kills Shiv, he calls him a "disappointment" and mentions that killing him feels "Shakespearean".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Shiv): ''"You're such a disappointment, Shiv."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Shiv): ''"You're not the man I thought you were, Shiv."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Shiv): ''"Feels Shakespearean, don't it, Shiv?"''</ref> He also mentions that, had Shiv not "put himself in a muzzle, he'd be worried".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Shiv): ''"If you hadn't put yourself in a muzzle, maybe I'd be worried."''</ref> 

When hunting Shiv, Drifter refers to himself as an "old friend".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Bloodscent - Hero Specific|voice line]] (Bloodscent Hunting): ''"Why you hidin', Shiv? Don't want to say hello to an old friend?"''</ref> 

How Shiv and Drifter met each other is unknown.

=== [[Oathkeeper]] ===
Drifter and Oathkeeper are old friends.<ref>[[Drifter/Quotes#Conversations|Drifter & Lady Geist Conversation 1]]</ref>

Drifter can't believe {{HeroIcon|Lady Geist}} could lock away "someone as fun as Oathkeeper".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Lady Geist): ''"I can't have you puttin' someone as fun as Oathkeeper under lock and key, Geist."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Lady Geist): ''"I can't believe someone like her trapped Oathkeeper."''</ref>

=== {{PageRef|name=Venator}} ===
Venator believes Hell is too good for Drifter if he kills him.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#enemies|context=(killed Drifter)|transcription=Hell is too good for him.}}</ref> If they're on the same team, Venator promises to kill Drifter after the ritual.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Drifter|number=1|hero_quote1=Venator|quote1=After the ritual's complete, I'm going to drive a stake in your heart.}}</ref>

Drifter has killed other Venators before,<ref name=":32">{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"How many of your order do I gotta kill before you realize you can't stop me?"''</ref> though he had higher expectations for Venator Quinn.<ref name=":22">{{VoiceLineCite|name=Drifter|file=Drifter kill priest 03.mp3|context=(killed Venator)|transcription=I expected more from the Sword of Saint Benedict.}}</ref>

== Character interactions ==

* Drifter doesn't enjoy killing {{HeroIcon|Bebop}} because he's a machine,<ref name=":3" /> {{HeroIcon|Sinclair}} because they're already dead,<ref name=":4" /> and {{HeroIcon|Victor}} because he's just putting him out of his misery.<ref name=":5" />
* Drifter thinks {{HeroIcon|Vindicta}} is fun,<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Drifter|quotes=Drifter/Quotes#enemies|context=(killed Vindicta)|transcription=She was fun.}}</ref> although her lack of preference for murder does prevent him from liking her.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Vindicta|hero2=Drifter|number=2|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=What's with the rifle? Don't like working up close?|hero_quote2=Vindicta|quote2=I'm not psychotic enough to have a preference.|hero_quote3=Drifter|quote3=I thought I was gonna like you.}}</ref>
* Drifter thinks {{HeroIcon|Mina}} is a "pathetic excuse for a vampire".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Allies|voice line]] (Mina killed in lane): ''"They took out that pathetic excuse for a vampire!"''</ref> Mina is terrified of Drifter.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Mina}}'s in-game [[Mina/Quotes#Allies|voice line]] (Pass Drifter on Zipline): ''"Did he notice me?! Oh God, I think he noticed me..."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Mina}}'s in-game [[Mina/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (kill Drifter): ''"Get that thing away from me!"''</ref>
** Drifter warns Mina that the Vampire Nation is a Ponzi Scheme, and the sooner she realises that the better.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Drifter|quotes=Drifter/Quotes#enemies|context=(killed Mina)|transcription=The Vampire Nation is a Ponzi scheme, Mina! The sooner you realize that, the better.}}</ref>
* {{HeroIcon|Bebop}} invites Drifter to have dinner with [[Ms. Shelly]] at their scrapyard, seemingly unaware of Drifter's evil nature.<ref name=":2" /> This may be a reference to the folklore that vampires can only enter places they are invited to.
* Drifter warns {{PageRef|name=Holliday}} to let go of her obsession with the [[The Troubadour|Troubadour]] before the Troubadour finds out about her chasing him.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Holliday|number=1}}</ref>
* Drifter has high expectations for {{HeroIcon|Seven}},<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Seven): ''"And here I was hoping to find an equal..."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Seven): ''"I was expecting so much more from you, Seven."''</ref> but thinks he still has too much humanity left in him.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Seven): ''"That boy still has too much humanity left in him."''</ref> In contrast, Seven calls Drifter a mindless savage.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Seven|quotes=Seven/Quotes#enemies|context=(killed Drifter)|transcription=Mindless savage!}}</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=The Doorman}} has met Drifter before.<ref>{{PageRef|name=The Doorman}}'s in-game [[The Doorman/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Drifter): ''"Always a pleasure to see you again, Drifter."''</ref> He claims that Drifter hasn't felt afraid in centuries.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=The Doorman|quotes=Drifter/Quotes#Enemy Heroes|context=(Hotel Guest taunt)|transcription=Your heart beats faster as you find yourself in new territory. Slowly, but surely, realizing that here you are no predator, merely vermin scuttling down the hall. It wont be long before you find yourself feeling something that’s eluded you for centuries: Fear.}}</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Paradox}} is annoyed that Drifter has nothing worth stealing.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Paradox|number=1|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=You look annoyed.|hero_quote2=Paradox|quote2=I am annoyed. You don't have anything interesting to steal.}}</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Haze}} says the Viscount of New York will owe the OSIC a favor if she kills Drifter.<ref name=":1">{{VoiceLineCite|name=Haze|quotes=Drifter/Quotes#Enemies|context=(killed Drifter)|transcription=Looks like the viscount is going to owe the OSIC a favour.}}</ref>
* {{HeroIcon|Kelvin}} hates Drifter and wonders if getting answers on his condition is worth working with him.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Kelvin|number=2|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=You're looking a little upset, Kelvin.|hero_quote2=Kelvin|quote2=I don't want to work with someone like you.}}</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Kelvin|number=1|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=What's on your mind, Kelvin?|hero_quote2=Kelvin|quote2=Just wondering if getting the answers I seek is worth helping you in the process.}}</ref>
* {{HeroIcon|Silver}} is implied to have been hunting Drifter for a while and hates him.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{PageRef|name=Silver}}'s in-game [[Silver/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Drifter): ''"One way or another, this all ends today."''</ref>
* Drifter refers to {{HeroIcon|Mirage}} as "pretty boy".<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Drifter|hero2=Mirage|number=1|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=Ritual's starting, pretty boy.}}</ref>

=== References ===
<references />

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