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| 2 = The Patrons must be stopped. No matter the cost.
| 4 = Warden select 01.mp3
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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 name=":6">{{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>

Since he was born, Warden was trained into a weapon with one purpose: stopping the Patrons from ever entering our world.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{PageRef|name=Hidden King}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Warden start): ''"You were forged since birth to be a weapon."''</ref> Warden believes that, if he fails in his mission, the Patrons will "herald the end of humanity".<ref>{{HeroIcon|Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Select|voice line]] (select): ''"The Patrons will herald the end of humanity if we let them."''</ref> As such, Warden is completely committed to the cause, training his entire life in preparation for the ritual.<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><ref>{{PageRef|name=Archmother}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Warden start): ''"You've waited your whole life for this moment, Warden. Seize it."''</ref> Part of Warden's plan to stop the Patrons seems to be to use the Maelstrom and allied Patron to kill the enemy Patron,<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><ref>{{HeroIcon|Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Pre-Game|voice line]] (pre-game ping): ''"It's time to kill a god!"''</ref> although it's unknown how Warden intends to stop his allied Patron. 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>

Due to training his entire life, Warden doesn't have any hobbies and never got to live a normal childhood.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Unselect|voice line]] (Unselect): ''"I'll return to my training."''</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><ref>{{PageRef|name=Abrams}}' in-game [[Abrams/Quotes#Enemy|voice line]] (Killed Warden): ''"You really need a new hobby, Warden."''</ref><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> He's said to be a vigilante, although only {{HeroIcon|Haze}} and the {{PageRef|name=Shopkeeper}} acknowledge him as one.<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> Warden himself 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>

=== Personality ===
Warden is disciplined and resolute. He has a heroic mindset of shining as a beacon of hope to his allies, and intends to lead the battle by example.<ref>{{HeroIcon|Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Last Stand|voice line]] (upgrade Last Stand): ''"I will stand as a beacon for my allies."''</ref><ref>{{HeroIcon|Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Last Stand|voice line]] (use Last Stand): ''"Time to be a hero."''</ref><ref>{{HeroIcon|Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Killstreak|voice line]] (killstreak low): ''"I will lead by example."''</ref>

Despite his conviction, Warden himself is implied to be miserable, as a few characters mention that Warden never smiles.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":8" /> It's suggested that Warden would never have become who he is if he ever had a choice.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10" /> He's also implied to have some resentment about the childhood he was denied, and dreams of playing catch.<ref name=":11" /><ref>{{PageRef|name=Rem}}'s in-game [[Rem/Quotes#Naptime Taunt|voice line]] (Naptime taunt): ''"Let's play catch, Warden..."''</ref>

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> Unlike Warden's allies, the enemy team seems to know about Warden's intentions to stop the Patrons.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{HeroIcon|Mirage}}'s in-game [[Mirage/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Warden): ''"Your obsession with the Patrons ends today."''</ref><ref>{{HeroIcon|Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Warden): ''"Don't worry about the Patrons, Warden; worry about me."''</ref>

Although Warden is committed to protecting humanity at all costs, he does not discriminate against supernatural creatures, instead treating characters like {{HeroIcon|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> Warden mainly dislikes characters who use power for selfish purposes like {{HeroIcon|Seven}} and {{HeroIcon|Paradox}}.<ref>{{HeroIcon|Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Seven): ''"You're a monster Seven, and I won't let your sins go unpunished."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Paradox): ''"All your power... And you squander it on petty nonsense."''</ref>

Warden believes [[Fairfax Industries]] needs to fall.<ref>{{HeroIcon|Warden}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed McGinnis): ''"Fairfax Industries needs to fall."''</ref>
[[File:Warden concept.jpg|thumb|182x182px|Warden concept art]]

=== Appearance ===
Warden is a burly white man with a brown moustache, wearing a blue uniform with golden accents very similar to an early 20th century [[wikipedia:Law_enforcement_in_the_United_Kingdom|British policeman]] or "bobby". The helmet covers his eyes. He carries in his belt keys, a baton, and a severed glowing blue hand in a cage. His weapon is a large two-handed gun.

Despite his appearance, Warden is not a police officer. His current model matches the ''Deadlock'' art style (instead of ''[[Neon Prime]]''), so it was presumably made for an earlier version of his backstory. 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>

{{HeroIcon|Abrams}} and the {{PageRef|name=Shopkeeper}} mention Warden wearing a cape, despite his current model not having one.<ref>{{HeroIcon|Abrams}}' in-game [[Abrams/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Warden): ''"That cape... kinda freaks me out."''</ref><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 in 2024 also made 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 name=":7">{{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 name=":8">{{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 name=":9">{{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 name=":10">{{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 name=":11">{{PageRef|name=The Doorman}}'s in-game [[The Doorman/Quotes#Hotel Guest Taunt|voice line]] (Taunt Warden): ''"What do you want, Warden? I can't restore the childhood you were denied, but you can be happy here."''</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.
* The {{PageRef|name=Shopkeeper}} thinks Warden needs a hug.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Shopkeeper}}'s in-game [[Warden/Quotes#Shopkeeper|voice line]] (buy T4 item during Winter Update): ''"Hope you spend your holidays with people that make you happy, Warden. Cause you look like someone who needs a hug."''</ref>

== Removed Lore ==

* {{HeroIcon|Lash}} used to have lines towards Warden, calling him "creepy", "vomitus" and "tailor inferior".<ref>{{HeroIcon|Lash}}'s [[Lash/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|removed voice lines]]</ref>

=== 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.

Murphy remained as Warden's character for a short duration in the shift from Neon Prime to Deadlock. There, Murphy was a vigilante police officer stationed in New York.<ref>{{HeroIcon|Lady Geist}}'s removed [[Lady Geist/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (killed Murphy): ''"This is what passes for vigilante justice in New York? I'm disappointed."''</ref><ref>{{HeroIcon|McGinnis}}' removed [[McGinnis/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (killed Murphy): ''"So much for vigilante justice."''</ref><ref>{{HeroIcon|Holliday}}'s removed [[Holliday/Voice lines#Enemies - Deadlock|voice line]] (killed Warden): ''"You're a disgrace to the uniform!"''</ref> Warden's current police officer model is a placeholder originally meant for Murphy's character. Warden's lore was changed to his current lore on [[Update:May 16, 2024|May 16th, 2024]]. 

== References ==
<references />

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