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{{HeroTabs}}{{Construction}}{{Quotation||The Patrons must be stopped. No matter the cost.|}}
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{{#invoke:Lang|get_string|hero_warden_lore}}

== Overview ==
Warden's motivation in the [[ritual]] seems to be to stop the ritual and prevent the [[Patron|Patrons]] from being summoned.<ref name=":5">{{HeroIcon|Warden}}'s background</ref><ref>{{HeroIcon|Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Select|voice line]] (select): ''"The Patrons must be stopped. No matter the cost."''</ref><ref>{{HeroIcon|Seven}}'s in-game [[Seven/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Warden): ''"You'll never stop the ritual, Warden."''</ref>

=== Biography ===
Before Warden was born, Warden's parents were living in New York, having neglected their duties in preparing for a mystic apocalypse. When the First Maelstrom occured, making the public aware of the existence of magic, Warden's parents realised that everything they had been told was true, and that the "mystic apocalypse" they had been warned about was now on the horizon. Having "failed to protect" New York,<ref>{{HeroIcon|Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Select|voice line]] (select): ''"My family failed to protect this city once before. It cannot happen again."''</ref><ref>{{HeroIcon|Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Select|voice line]] (select): ''"I will make up for my parents' failures."''</ref> Warden's parents made sure that their son, Warden, would not make the same mistake they did.<ref name=":5" /> It's implied that Warden's militant alchemist bloodline comes from his father's side.<ref name=":1">{{PageRef|name=The Doorman}}'s in-game [[The Doorman/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Warden): ''"A failure, just like your father."''</ref>

Warden is said to be a vigilante,<ref>{{PageRef|name=Haze}}'s in-game [[Haze/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Warden): ''"Vigilantes are just criminals with delusions of grandeur."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Shopkeeper}}'s in-game [[Shopkeeper#Hero-Specific voice lines|voice line]]: ''"I’m not one to judge the line between vigilante and civil servant."''</ref> although his feats are currently unknown. Warden mentions that New York is under his protection.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Yamato): ''"This city is under my protection, Yamato!"''</ref>

Warden has no hobbies outside of his training.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Unselect|voice line]] (Unselect): ''"I'll return to my training."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Abrams}}' in-game [[Abrams/Quotes#Enemy|voice line]] (Killed Warden): ''"You really need a new hobby, Warden."''</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Haze|hero2=Warden|number=1|hero_quote1=Haze|quote1=You definitely look like someone who needs to have a hobby outside of shooting a gun.}}</ref> Due to training his entire life,<ref>{{PageRef|name=Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Killstreak|voice line]] (killstreak mid): ''"Don't feel bad. I've trained my whole life for this."''</ref> Warden never got to live a normal childhood.<ref>{{PageRef|name=The Doorman}}'s in-game [[The Doorman/Quotes#Hotel Guest Taunt|voice line]] (Taunt Warden): ''"I can't restore the childhood you were denied, but you can be happy here."''</ref> It's implied that he dreams of playing catch.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Rem}}'s in-game [[Rem/Quotes#Naptime Taunt|voice line]] (Naptime taunt): ''"Let's play catch, Warden..."''</ref>

How Warden intends to stop the Patrons is currently unknown, although Warden expresses that he "only gets one shot at this",<ref>{{PageRef|name=Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Unselect|voice line]] (unselect) - ''"I only get one shot at this... And I'm not ready to take it."''</ref> and is willing to die if it means completing his mission.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Select|voice line]] (select) - ''"If I die, so be it."''</ref> 

=== Personality ===
It's implied that Warden is miserable.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />

Warden is implied to have trouble trusting people.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Archmother}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Warden start): ''"I know you don't trust easily, Warden, but your faith in the Archmother is not misplaced. Together, you can kill the Hidden King!"''</ref> He seems to hide his motivations from his allies, based on his conversation with {{PageRef|name=Holliday}}.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Warden|hero2=Holliday|number=1|hero_quote1=Holliday|quote1=What are you fighting for? (...) That's alarmingly vague.}}</ref>

Although Warden is committed to protecting humanity at all costs, he does not discriminate against supernatural creatures, instead treating characters like {{PageRef|name=Abrams}} and {{PageRef|name=Ivy}} with respect.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Abrams): ''"You fought well, Abrams."''</ref><ref name=":0">{{VoiceLineCite|name=Warden|file=Warden kill tengu 01.mp3|context=(killed Ivy)|transcription=She was a noble creature.}}</ref>

=== Information ===
Despite his appearance, Warden is not a police officer. A concept sketch for Warden's upcoming redesign can be seen in one of [[Yamato|Yamato's]] concept artwork released by [[Yoshi]].<ref>2024-08-11 - [[Yoshi]], Deadlock Discord - ''"[That sketch is] one of a few experimental concepts for warden."''[https://discord.com/channels/1231286446472691825/1231286447131328544/1272231665275768862]</ref> The [[Shopkeep |Shopkeeper]] may ask Warden if he would be interested in selling his cape, despite Warden's current model not having one.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Shopkeeper}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Shopkeeper|voice line]] (Warden buys T4 Item): ''"You ever wanna pawn that cape or gun of yours, you let me know."''</ref> The [[Newscaster]] voice line for Warden's [[Seasonal events|Winter]] skin challenge also makes a reference to his upcoming redesign, asking "What will he look like next?"<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Newscaster|file=Newscaster seasonal warden unlock 01 alt 01.mp3|transcription=Once, Warden was dressed as a cop. Now he's dressed as a cop with a Santa hat. What will he look like next? The New York Oracle digs into this ever-evolving and seemingly unending mystery!}}</ref>

== Character Relationships ==

=== [[Patron|The Patrons]] ===
Warden hides his true motives from the [[Patron|Patrons]], despite their telepathic abilities.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Hidden King|file=patron_male_ally_warden_start_01.mp3|context=(Warden start)|transcription=Warden, you are inscrutable.}}</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Hidden King|file=patron_male_ally_warden_start_03.mp3|context=(Warden start)|transcription=Warden... how long do you think you can hide your heart from the Hidden King?}}</ref> As such, the Patrons likely don't know that Warden is working against their goals. He is unable to hide his emotions from them, as the Patrons' heralds identify that Warden hates the Patrons and is afraid of failure.<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><ref>{{PageRef|name=Archmother}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Warden start): ''"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>

Warden views his battle with the Patrons as a war.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Unselect|voice line]] (unselect): ''"There will come a time for war, but not yet."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (kill Pocket): ''"This war isn't meant for you, Pocket."''</ref>

=== {{HeroIcon|Grey Talon}} ===
Warden once looked up to Grey Talon and heavily respects him.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Warden|file=Warden kill orion 02.mp3|context=(killed Grey Talon)|transcription=I looked up to you once.}}</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Warden|file=Warden kill orion 01.mp3|context=(killed Grey Talon)|transcription=Don't make me do this, Talon.}}</ref> When on opposing teams, Warden is shocked that Talon would willingly work for the Patrons.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Grey Talon): ''"How can you, of all people, align yourself with that thing?"''</ref> While Grey Talon appreciates Warden's conviction,<ref>{{PageRef|name=Grey Talon}}'s in-game [[Grey Talon/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Warden): ''"I appreciate your conviction, Warden."''</ref> he believes that both he and Warden live "hollow lives."<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Warden|hero2=Grey Talon|number=2|hero_quote1=Grey Talon|quote1=Warden... We're the ones with hollow lives.}}</ref>

== Character Interactions ==

* Warden respects {{PageRef|name=Ivy}},<ref name=":0" /> but he also believes she's "meddling in things she doesn't understand."<ref>{{PageRef|name=Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Ivy): ''"You're meddling in things you don't understand, Ivy."''</ref>
* The {{PageRef|name=Shopkeeper}}, {{PageRef|name=Viscous}} and {{PageRef|name=Vyper}} point out that Warden never smiles.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Shopkeeper}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Shopkeeper|voice line]] (buy T4 item during Winter Update): ''"Smile, Warden, it's the holidays."''</ref><ref name=":3">{{PageRef|name=Viscous}}'s in-game [[Viscous/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Warden) - ''"Warden needs to smile more."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Vyper}}'s in-game [[Vyper/Quotes#Allied Heroes|voice line]] (pass Warden on zipline) ''- "Y'know, that guy needs to smile more".''</ref> {{HeroIcon|Dynamo}} and {{HeroIcon|Lady Geist}} tell Warden that he looks "dour",<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Warden|hero2=Dynamo|number=1|hero_quote1=Dynamo|quote1=You seem impressively dour.}}</ref> with Lady Geist also describing him as looking "perpetually miserable".<ref name=":4">{{ConvoCite|hero1=Warden|hero2=Lady Geist|number=2|hero_quote1=Lady Geist|quote1=You're a rather dour bastard, aren't you?|hero_quote2=Lady Geist|quote2=Boring people may say that I'm aloof, but at least I know how to have a good time. But you... you just look... perpetually miserable.}}</ref> {{HeroIcon|Venator}} says that Warden fights as someone who wouldn't have chosen the life he has.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#Hero-Specific Voice Lines|context=(killed Warden)|transcription=I can tell by the way he fights that this isn't the life he would've chosen.}}</ref>
** An unfinished conversation with {{HeroIcon|Grey Talon}} implies that, if Warden had a choice, he wouldn't have trained his whole life to fight the Patrons (Note that as Warden's own line is missing, it is uncertain if he accepts or denies it- Grey Talon merely expresses sorrow at his response).<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Warden|hero2=Grey Talon|number=1|hero_quote1=Grey Talon|quote1=Be honest with me... Is this the life you would have chosen for yourself? (...) I'm sorry.}}</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Holliday}} thinks Warden has issues and calls him a "creepy homeschooled kid".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Holliday}}'s in-game [[Holliday/Quotes#Allies|voice line]] (ally Warden Last Stand multikill): ''"That guy's got some issues, but I'm glad he's with us."''</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Holliday|hero2=Warden|number=2}}</ref> If they're on opposing teams, however, Holliday wishes that they were working together.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Holliday}}'s in-game [[Holliday/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Warden): ''"We could've worked together, Warden."''</ref>
* Like the {{PageRef|name=Patron|alt_name=Patrons}}, {{PageRef|name=The Doorman}} is also unable to find out exactly what Warden wants, even when Warden is trapped in the [[Baroness Hotel]].<ref>{{PageRef|name=The Doorman}}'s in-game [[The Doorman/Quotes#Hotel Guest Taunt|voice line]] (Taunt Warden): ''"What do you want, Warden?"''</ref> He seems familiar with Warden's parents and derides them as failures.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{PageRef|name=The Doorman}}'s in-game [[The Doorman/Quotes#Hotel Guest Taunt|voice line]] (Taunt Warden): ''"You’re not a man, you’re a war doll, fixing mommy and daddy’s failures."''</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Apollo}} respects Warden for his conviction and discipline.<ref name=":2">{{PageRef|name=Apollo}}'s in-game [[Apollo/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Warden): ''"The man had discipline and conviction… it's a shame he didn't fight for us."''</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Billy}},<ref>{{PageRef|name=Billy}}'s in-game [[Billy/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Warden): ''"Look who's gonna do whatever mommy and daddy tells him to do."''</ref> {{HeroIcon|Calico}},<ref>{{HeroIcon|Calico}}'s in-game [[Calico/Quotes#Enemy Heroes|voice line]] - ''"Warden, one day you'll understand the cost of blind loyalty."''</ref> {{HeroIcon|Pocket}}<ref>{{HeroIcon|Pocket}}'s in-game [[Pocket/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] - ''"Stop living your parent's life and lead your own!"''</ref> and {{HeroIcon|Mirage}}<ref>{{HeroIcon|Mirage}}'s in-game [[Mirage/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] - ''"Blind devotion isn't loyalty, it's ignorance."''</ref> call Warden out for his blind devotion to his parents' mission.

== Removed Lore ==
=== Neon Prime - Murphy ===
Warden was named '''Murphy''' in [[Neon Prime|''Neon Prime'']]. This name was reused for the new character of [[Minor characters|Captain Murphy]] in [[Holliday]]'s [[Visual novels|visual novel]]. He may have been named after the protagonist of the 1987 movie ''[[wikipedia:RoboCop|Robocop]],'' as Murphy was a robot peacekeeper in ''Neon Prime's'' sci-fi setting.

== References ==
<references />

== Navigation ==
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