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{{HeroTabs}}
<tabber>
|-|Patron=
{{Infobox unit
| name = Patron
| Image = Hidden King model.png
| max_health = {{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|MaxHealth}}
| health_regen = {{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|ObjectiveRegen|OutOfCombatHealthRegen}}/s
| bullet_resist = 0
| spirit_resist = {{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|IntrinsicModifiers|1|ABILITY_DAMAGE_REDUCTION_PERCENT}}
| dps = 440 + 5% HP
| attack_range = {{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|SightRangePlayers|2}}m
| voice_actor = Debra Wilson (Archmother)<ref name="DebraWilsonVoice">2024-08-26 - [[Kaori (developer)|Kaori]]; [https://discord.com/channels/1231286446472691825     Deadlock Discord] - ''"[Sapphire Flame] is not Ellen [McLain], it's Debra Wilson"''</ref>
| quotes = '''[[The Hidden King/Quotes]]'''; '''[[The Archmother/Quotes]]'''
| information = true
}}
|-|Weakened Patron=
{{Infobox unit
| name = Weakened Patron
| Image = Patron Icon.png
| max_health = {{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|Phase2Health}}
| health_regen = {{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|ObjectiveRegen|OutOfCombatHealthRegen}}/s
| bullet_resist = 0
| spirit_resist = {{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|IntrinsicModifiers|1|ABILITY_DAMAGE_REDUCTION_PERCENT}}
| bullet_damage = {{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|BoundAbilities|ESlot_Signature_2|AbilityProperties|Damage}} + {{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|BoundAbilities|ESlot_Signature_2|AbilityProperties|DamageHealthPercent}}% HP
| dps = {{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|Phase2DamagePulseModifier|DamagePerPulse}} (Damage Pulse)
| attack_range = {{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|BoundAbilities|ESlot_Signature_2|AbilityProperties|AbilityCastRange|2}}m
| voice_actor = Debra Wilson
(Archmother)<ref name="DebraWilsonVoice"/>
| quotes = '''[[The Hidden King/Quotes]]'''; '''[[The Archmother/Quotes]]'''
| information = true
}}
</tabber>
{{Quotation|[[The New York Oracle]]|For decades, contact with the Patrons has not only been impossible, but forbidden. But with the Maelstrom upon us, that may change. What does the future hold? Only time will tell.
}}
A '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a deity which takes the form of a large extraplanar entity. Each team’s base houses a Patron, '''{{PageRef|name=The Hidden King}}''' and '''{{PageRef|name=The Archmother}}''', and victory is secured by defeating the opposing team's Patron, completing the ritual.

[[The Hidden King]] appears as a shadowy figure with antlers and glowing yellow eyes, bound to a burning [[wikipedia:Wicker_man|wicker man]] effigy. Long, claw-like yellow hands extend from the shadows. His base is a factory filled with large speakers and microphones, and his side of the map features working-class red brick buildings labeled "Downtown". [[The Archmother]] wears a broken mask resembling the head of the [[wikipedia:Statue_of_Liberty|Statue of Liberty]], her form bound to a crystalline effigy burning with blue flames. Her base is a museum with a [[wikipedia:Neoclassicism|Neoclassic]] aesthetic, and her side of the map features upper-class white brick buildings labeled "Uptown".

During gameplay, a herald speaks on behalf of the Patrons to their teams, commenting on player performance, announcing major events, and offering boons that allow players to [[Level|level up]].

== Overview ==
The Patron is a formidable unit found at the back of each team's base. In its first phase, the Patron is completely unkillable until both [[Shrine|Shrines]] are destroyed.

The Patron has two methods of attack in Phase 1:
* '''Laser Beam''': Fires a slow-moving beam dealing '''440 + 5% HP''' [[Spirit Damage]] per second, targeting enemy players and [[Troopers]] and reducing their bullet and spirit resistance by '''{{#expr: abs({{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|BoundAbilities|ESlot_Signature_1|AbilityProperties|BulletArmorReduction}})}}%'''. The beam leaves behind burning ground that deals damage over time to those who remain in it.
* '''Shrine Defense''': Creates a large explosion at a Shrine platform after a {{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|BoundAbilities|ESlot_Signature_2|AbilityProperties|AbilityCastDelay}}s delay, dealing '''{{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|BoundAbilities|ESlot_Signature_2|AbilityProperties|Damage}} + {{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|BoundAbilities|ESlot_Signature_2|AbilityProperties|DamageHealthPercent}}% HP''' [[Spirit Damage]] and [[Status Effects#Curse|cursing]] any enemies caught in the blast, forcing them to retreat or be damaged.

After the first half of its health bar is depleted, the Patron enters its second phase. It becomes invulnerable again for a short period as its shadowy form collapses into its structure. The structure then explodes and reforms into an orb that hovers in the pit. Once the transformation completes, it becomes vulnerable again as a Weakened Patron.

Defeating the Patron's first phase shortens the remaining respawn time of any dead players on the defending team by up to 20s (see [[Death#Last Stand Buff|Last Stand Buff]]).

The Patron is the only structure that regenerates health out of combat, restoring '''{{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|ObjectiveRegen|OutOfCombatHealthRegen}} health/s'''. It is also protected by [[Backdoor Protection]], which increases this regeneration by '''{{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|BackdoorProtection|HealthPerSecondRegen}} health/s''' when no enemy Troopers are nearby.

=== Ability Damage Reduction ===
The following abilities deal reduced damage to the Patron:
{{ObjDamageReduction}}

== Weakened Patron ==	
In its second phase, the Patron enters its Weakened form, compressing into a spherical orb that hovers inside the pit of its team's base. The Hidden King's orb appears as a cracked sphere of charred wood and burning debris, with a glowing ember core visible through the fissures, surrounded by jagged wooden spikes. The Archmother's orb appears as a crystalline blue sphere surrounded by jagged rock shards arranged to form a face-like structure, with glowing cyan energy emanating from within.

In this state, it has two attacks:
* '''Damage Pulse''': Constantly emits '''{{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|Phase2DamagePulseModifier|DamagePerPulse}}''' damage every second to up to '''{{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|Phase2DamagePulseModifier|MaxTargets}}''' nearby enemies within a '''{{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|Phase2DamagePulseModifier|Radius|2}}m''' radius.
* '''Pit Explosion''': Unleashes a large expanding wave inside the pit after a {{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|BoundAbilities|ESlot_Signature_2|AbilityProperties|AbilityCastDelay}}s delay, dealing '''{{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|BoundAbilities|ESlot_Signature_2|AbilityProperties|Damage}} + {{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|BoundAbilities|ESlot_Signature_2|AbilityProperties|DamageHealthPercent}}% HP''' damage and [[Status Effects#Curse|cursing]] enemies, similar to the Shrine Defense attack. The explosion has a 15s cooldown.

Similar to [[Mid-Boss|Mid Boss]], the Patron is immune to all incoming damage from outside the pit, forcing players to get in close if they want to damage it. The Weakened Patron has the same starting HP as the first phase but gains more HP per minute than phase one.

The Weakened Patron has 50% damage resistance when an ally has been in the pit for more than 2s, and 100% damage resistance when two or more allies are in the pit.

=== Health Scaling ===
The Patron's maximum health is not static and increases as the match progresses, starting at specific times during each phase.
{| class="wikitable"
! Phase
! Scaling Starts At
! Max Health Gained per Minute
|-
| Phase 1
| {{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|ObjectiveHealthGrowthPhase1|GrowthStartTimeInMinutes}} minutes
| {{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|ObjectiveHealthGrowthPhase1|GrowthPerMinute}}
|-
| Phase 2
| {{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|ObjectiveHealthGrowthPhase2|GrowthStartTimeInMinutes}} minute
| {{NpcData|npc_boss_tier3|ObjectiveHealthGrowthPhase2|GrowthPerMinute}}
|}

== Lore ==
The Patrons are [[Outer Planes|extraplanar]]<ref name=":0">{{VoiceLineCite|name=Newscaster|file=newscaster_headline_80.mp3|transcription=The orders of The Amber Hand and Sapphire Flame have long provided safeguards insuring that The Patrons remain on their home plane. But have the people we trusted to be wardens of The Patrons secretly been planning a coup?}}</ref> elder gods<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Vyper|file=Viper_select_01.mp3|transcription=Hahaha, how hard can summoning an elder god be?}}</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Dynamo|file=Dynamo ping pre game 02.mp3|transcription=Who wants to summon an elder god?}}</ref> whose followers petition heroes to participate in a ritual, in the hopes of summoning them. In order for the ritual to be completed, the enemy Patron must be destroyed.

The two Patrons in-game are the [[The Hidden King|Hidden King]] and the [[The Archmother|Archmother]]. There are more Patrons, but they haven't yet made contact with humanity.<ref>2024-09-28 - [[Yoshi]]; Deadlock Discord - ''"There are more than two Patrons, but so far only two are trying to enter our world"''</ref> The motivations of the Hidden King and Archmother are unclear, although {{HeroIcon|The Doorman}} mentions that they've been waiting to be summoned "for centuries".<ref>{{PageRef|name=The Doorman}}'s in-game [[The Doorman/Quotes#Hotel Guest Taunt - Generic|voice line]] (Hotel Guest taunt): ''"The Patrons have waited centuries to be summoned, they can wait a little longer."''</ref> {{HeroIcon|Warden}} and his family believe the Patrons will "herald the end of humanity" if they are not stopped.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Select|voice line]] (select): ''"The Patrons will herald the end of humanity if we let them."''</ref>

Once the ritual is completed, the Patrons can grant one wish to each hero who helped summon them.<ref>[[The Binding of Oathkeeper|''The Binding of Oathkeeper'']] - [https://youtu.be/nn_C9nQ_Ri0?si=HPiD-NYhX4-d35sn&t=1269 Chapter 5B]</ref> The specifics of the Patron's powers and their limitations are unclear. What the winning Patron intends to do after the ritual is also unclear, although the Patron's herald believes they will usher in a new era.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Hidden King}}'s in-game [[Graves/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (ally Graves killstreak): ''"Graves will usher us into the Hidden King's new era!"''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Archmother}}'s in-game [[Graves/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (ally Graves killstreak): ''"Graves will usher us into the Archmother's new era!"''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Hidden King}}'s in-game [[Victor/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Victor start): ''"You need not feel adrift in this world, Victor. Complete the ritual, and find your place alongside the Hidden King!"''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Archmother}}'s in-game [[Celeste/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Celeste start): ''"Summon the Archmother, and usher in a new world with you by her side!"''</ref>

The Patrons have heralds who speak on their behalf.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Hidden King|quotes=The Hidden King/Quotes|context=(Unused tutorial line)|transcription=I speak for the Hidden King, and today I shall be your guide.}}</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=The Archmother|quotes=The Archmother/Quotes#Match Start|context=(Viscous match start)|transcription=Everyone looks at you and discounts your value. But not me. And not The Archmother. Complete the ritual, and let her help you.}}</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=The Archmother|quotes=The Archmother/Quotes|context=(Ally Drifter killstreak)|transcription=Archmother: Accept the gift that The Drifter has laid before us.}}</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=The Hidden King|quotes=The Hidden King/Quotes|context=(Street Brawl victory)|transcription=Their broken husks make fitting tribute to our king.}}</ref> The heralds have knowledge on the thoughts and desires of the [[heroes]], and can communicate with them telepathically during the ritual. If a hero openly dislikes the Patrons, the herald tells them to direct their anger towards the enemy Patron, as is the case with Warden and {{HeroIcon|Venator}}.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=The Archmother|quotes=The Archmother/Quotes#Match Start|transcription=I know you hate the Archmother, Warden, but today she is not your enemy… she is the path that will lead you to destroying The Hidden King once and for all.}}</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=The Hidden King|quotes=The Hidden King/Quotes#Match Start|transcription=Venator, I know you have no love for the Hidden King, but the Archmother is a tyrant, and together, we can usurp her.}}</ref> While the heralds can read Warden's emotions, they cannot see his desires.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Hidden King}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Warden start): ''"I can't tell what you're after, Warden. But I know you're afraid of failure. Fear not! The Hidden King will be your guide to victory."''</ref>

This is the first time in known history that humanity has been able to make contact with the Patrons.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Newscaster|file=newscaster_headline_18.mp3|transcription=Could today be the day where humanity makes contact with.. The Patron? Only time will tell.}}</ref> Such rituals used to be impossible, as well as forbidden, before the [[Maelstrom|Second Maelstrom]].<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Newscaster|file=newscaster_headline_79.mp3|transcription=For decades, contact with The Patrons has not only been impossible, but forbidden. But with the Maelstrom upon us that may change!}}</ref> The orders of the Amber Hand and the Sapphire Flame were supposed to safeguard humanity from the Patrons, but recently are suspected to have changed their objectives.<ref name=":0" />[[File:Patron_VisualNovel_Art.png|thumb|A Patron looming over humans]]The Patrons are familiar with The Doorman, another extraplanar being. They are happy to see Doorman fighting on their behalf.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=The Hidden King|quotes=The Hidden King/Quotes#Match Start|transcription=The King will be so happy to see you again, Doorman.}}</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=The Archmother|quotes=The Archmother/Quotes#Match Start|transcription=My, my. Well, isn't this a pleasant surprise? The Archmother will be pleased to see you.}}</ref> The Doorman calls the Patrons "old friends"<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=The Doorman|file=Doorman happy 08.mp3|transcription=It was so nice getting a chance to summon old friends.}}</ref> and refers to them as [[Sapphire Flame|City Mother]] and [[Amber Hand|Amber King]].<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=The Doorman|file=Doorman ping pre game 03.mp3|transcription=How exciting to see City Mother and the Amber King once more!}}</ref>

[[The Binding of Oathkeeper|''The Binding of Oathkeeper's'']] multiple endings shows potential wishes granted by the Patrons:

* An answer to one of {{HeroIcon|Abrams}}' questions regarding the Tome;
* Binding [[Oathkeeper]] back to the Tome and allowing {{HeroIcon|Lady Geist}} to stay young;
* The sacrifice of [[Minor characters|Johann Jr.]] in exchange for 200 years of Oathkeeper's complete obedience to Lady Geist;
* The self-sacrifice of Lady Geist in exchange for banishing Oathkeeper from Earth;
* Safely removing Oathkeeper from Geist, but making her return to the natural age she had before their pact.
In addition to the ritual, the Patrons lead skirmishes between their teams in the form of [[Street Brawl]] matches.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=The Hidden King|quotes=The Hidden King/Quotes|context=(Street Brawl loss)|transcription=The Archmother won today, but we still have another chance to stop her!}}</ref>

== Update history ==
{{Update history}}

== 3D models ==
{{3D Model|Hidden King}}
{{3D Model|Archmother}}
=== Weakened ===
{{3D Model|Hidden King Weak|alt_image=Patron}}
{{3D Model|Archmother Weak|alt_image=Archmother}}
=== Effigies ===
{{3D Model|Amber Effigy|alt_image=Hidden King|alt_name=Hidden King Effigy}}
{{3D Model|Sapphire Effigy|alt_image=Archmother|alt_name=Archmother Effigy}}
=== Shrines ===
{{3D Model|Amber Shrine|alt_image=Hidden King|alt_name=Hidden King Shrine}}
{{3D Model|Sapphire Shrine|alt_image=Archmother|alt_name=Archmother Shrine}}

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Hidden King model.png|The Hidden King
File:Archmother model.png|The Archmother
File:Hidden King weak.png|The Hidden King (Weakened)
File:Archmother weak.png|The Archmother (Weakened)
File:The Hidden King.png|Hidden King icon
File:The Archmother.png|Archmother icon
File:Hidden king art.png|Hidden King artwork
File:Archmother art.png|Archmother artwork
File:Hidden King name.png|Hidden King typography
File:Archmother name.png|Archmother typography
File:Patron.png|Patron icon
File:Patron old.png|Old Patron artwork
File:Amber Hand Patron.png|Amber Hand Patron
File:Sapphire Flame Patron.png|Sapphire Flame Patron
File:The broken crown.png|"The Broken Crown" unused name
File:The guided hand.png|"The Guided Hand" unused name
File:Hidden King alt icon.png|Unused Hidden King icon
File:Archmother alt icon.png|Unused Archmother icon
File:NPC neon prime Titan.png|[[Neon Prime]] Titan (Patron)   
</gallery>

== Trivia ==

* The Patrons were originally named '''The''' '''Amber Hand''' and '''The''' '''Sapphire Flame''' before the [[Old Gods, New Blood]] update released. The Patrons also used to be the announcers of the game before being replaced by heralds speaking on their behalf.
** These names are referenced in the new design of the Patrons, as the Hidden King has "amber hands" and the Archmother's effigy is surrounded by a "sapphire flame".
* Based on game files and voice lines, another proposed rename for the Patrons was the '''Broken Crown''' and the '''Guided Hand'''. Those names are still used in a few voice lines.
* The Hidden King's voice actor was recast in the [[Old Gods, New Blood]] update.
* In ''[[Neon Prime]]'', the Patron was called '''Titan''', and the Weakened Patron was the '''Core'''. The Patrons are still called "Titans" in the game files.
* The Patron damage to the player is listed as "Condemned by the Patron" in the damage report.
* The text across the old Patron model's reads [[File:Patron playtest crest.png|thumb|The Patron's crest]]
<blockquote>KILOZS BOTAREX UNDT VOXT DIOKOTOS DEOS TOPAX DE OS HOLINAS UXFAXT TOV LIMOT OBERXO

GOL EN TAX FOXIST HARFT DEOS MAX OPUS DEONI SUX TOS DUO POLINUAX DREOX SIDWEG

REBTIS AST MECTONUS MAX DERIKT POLTERMUSON DEFONAL WEKMOXAN GETOX D</blockquote>
* The language seems to be inspired by Latin ("Opus" is Latin for "work"), but most of the words don't exist. However, while it is a pseudo-language, many words appear to be phonetic wordplays or portmanteaus based on Latin, Greek, and Germanic roots that directly tie into the game's lore, the NYC Ritual, and the Patrons' nature:
** '''BOTAREX:''' Likely a blend of ''Votum'' (vow/wish) and ''Rex'' (king), a direct nod to the Patron known as the "Hidden King".
** '''HARFT:''' Phonetically resembles "Harvest", tying into the soul-gathering mechanic of the ritual.
** '''MAX OPUS:''' A reference to ''Magnum Opus'' (The Great Work in alchemy and occultism).
** '''TOS DUO:''' Contains the root ''duo'' (two), referencing the two rival Patrons (or teams) pitted against each other.
** '''MECTONUS:''' A possible blend of ''Mech'' (machine) and ''Chthonic'' (underworld deity), fitting the Patron's design as an otherworldly possessed construct (tying back to their old "Titan" designation in ''Neon Prime'').
** '''GETOX:''' Phonetically resembles "Gates", referencing the ritual's ultimate goal of opening a gateway for the Patrons to enter our world.  While there is no official translation, a phonetic and lore-based deciphering of the pseudo-language suggests it is an occult incantation describing the NYC Ritual and the Patron's nature. An artistic translation of the crest could be interpreted as:  ''"King of Wishes and voice of the Elder Gods,''  ''A supreme brass effigy residing beyond the edge of Limbo.''  ''The golden toll demands the Harvest for the Gods' Great Work,''  ''Pitting the Two against each other in the crossroads of endless night.''  ''Behold the chthonic machine, the Great Sovereign,''  ''A restless spirit in final defense, awakening the Gates."''

== References ==
<references/>

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