Paradox/Lore

2026-06-06T19:35:00Z

~2026-RestorativeWardenSoul383: /* Appearance */

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[[File:Paradox Render.png|right|frameless|416x416px]]{{#invoke:Lang|get_string|hero_chrono_lore}}

== Overview ==
Paradox has a few motivations in the [[ritual]], the main one being to prove herself to the [[Paradox Organisation]], partially for bragging rights.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Hidden King}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Paradox Start): ''"Complete the ritual, and be the envy of your fellows in Paradox!"''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Hidden King}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Paradox Start): ''"This is the moment you've been waiting for. To prove to the world you're as good as you claim to be. Don't let yourself down. Summon the Hidden King!"''</ref><ref name=":2">{{PageRef|name=Archmother}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Paradox Start): ''"You seek the validation of your colleagues, Paradox? Then steal the crown of the Hidden King and become legend!"''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Post-Game|voice line]] (Post-Game Ping): ''"Can't wait to tell the Paradox Council about this."''</ref> It's implied that one of Paradox's goals in the ritual is to steal something from the opposing Patron (such as the {{PageRef|name=Hidden King}}'s crown) and display it at the [[Paradox Museum]].<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Post-Game|voice line]] (Post-Game Ping): ''"This is going to make a hell of an exhibit in the museum."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Hidden King}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Paradox Start): ''"Paradox. Today marks the greatest heist you've ever performed. Don't fail your King."''</ref><ref name=":2" /> It's also implied that Paradox wants to show that she's fit to lead the Paradox Organisation by completing the ritual.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Hidden King|file=Patron male ally chrono start 01.mp3|context=(Paradox start)|transcription=Once you summon the Hidden King, the other members of Paradox will know why you are fit to lead.}}</ref> Her exact wish is unknown, but there are dozens of possibilities according to the [[Patron|Patrons]].<ref>{{PageRef|name=Hidden King}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Paradox Start): ''"Paradox, your mind is ablaze with possibilities. I look forward to seeing what you claim as your reward for completing the ritual."''</ref>

=== Biography ===
Not much is known about Paradox herself. She's Scottish and a "bored rich person",<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Paradox|hero2=Haze|number=2|hero_quote1=Paradox|quote1=This may surprise you, Haze, but as a Scottish woman I don't particularly give a shit about American artifacts.}}</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Paradox|hero2=Lady Geist|number=3|hero_quote1=Lady Geist|quote1=I'm assuming your ilk likes to brag about what they stole.|hero_quote2=Paradox|quote2=We're a bunch of bored rich people, of course we brag about what we stole.}}</ref> who gladly gave up her identity to join the Paradox Organisation.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Select|voice line]] (Select): ''"I gave up my name to join Paradox. And it's a choice I would gladly make again."''</ref> The helmet Paradox wears can be taken off (as it's just a mask),<ref name=":0">{{ConvoCite|hero1=Paradox|hero2=Holliday|number=3|hero_quote1=Holliday|quote1=How often do you take the mask off?|hero_quote2=Paradox|quote2=You think I keep this on all the time?|hero_quote3=Holliday|quote3=Lady, you're running around with a fishbowl on your head. I think it's safe not to assume anything.}}</ref> but what Paradox does in her free time is unknown.

Paradox is nicknamed "The Time Thief".<ref name=":13">{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s [[Paradox/Quotes#Other Characters|other character interactions]]</ref>

Paradox is currently trying to find a way to break into the [[The Baxter Society|Baxter Society]]'s manor house,<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Paradox|hero2=Grey Talon|number=2}}</ref> the [[Baroness Hotel]],<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Doorman): ''"You can't keep me out of The Baroness forever, Doorman!"''</ref> and {{HeroIcon|McGinnis}}' lab.<ref>{{PageRef|name=McGinnis}}' in-game [[McGinnis/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Paradox): ''"Maybe Paradox will stop tryna raid my lab."''</ref> Paradox was expecting {{HeroIcon|Venator}} to come after her at some point, implying the Paradox Organisation has robbed the Vatican before.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"Was wondering when they'd send you after me."''</ref> She's interested in joining the [[OSIC]]'s Curator division, but presumably to steal them.

Paradox claim to be in possession of the Tome of Anubis. {{HeroIcon|Wraith}} says she thought the Tome was at [[wikipedia:Metropolitan_Museum_of_Art|the Met]].<ref>[[Paradox/Quotes#Conversations|Paradox and Wraith conversation 3]]</ref> At some point, the Tome was reportedly seen in New York's black market.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Newscaster|file=newscaster_headline_23.mp3|transcription=The Tome of Anubis, once thought lost to the sands of time, was reportedly spotted here in New York's black market. For this story and more pick up your copy of The New York Oracle today!}}</ref>

How the time manipulation Paradox uses works is a tightly held secret.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Paradox|hero2=Dynamo|number=1}}</ref> Paradox says time travel "isn't a thing yet".<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Paradox|file=Chrono_select_04.mp3|transcription=Time travel isn't a thing... yet.}}</ref>

=== Personality ===
Paradox is playful and jokey, but takes the name of the Paradox Organisation very seriously. She drops the humor if Paradox gets threatened or disrespected.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Paradox|hero2=Holliday|number=4|hero_quote1=Holliday|quote1=So, what's your story, lady? You fall in a vat of clocks?|hero_quote2=Paradox|quote2=It's not wise to mock Paradox.}}</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Paradox|hero2=Seven|number=2}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{ConvoCite|hero1=Paradox|hero2=Abrams|number=2}}</ref>

Paradox is interested in stealing valuable things and learning secrets. However, she doesn't care about American artifacts in particular.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Paradox|hero2=Haze|number=2|hero_quote1=Paradox|quote1=This may surprise you, Haze, but as a Scottish woman I don't particularly give a shit about American artifacts.}}</ref> She admires good craftsmanship.<ref name=":1" />

Other characters often call Paradox "clever".<ref name=":14">{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s [[Paradox/Quotes#Other Characters|other character interactions]]</ref>

=== Appearance ===
Paradox is a woman with broad shoulders and an hourglass figure. Her real appearance is unknown, since her uniform covers her entire body. She wears an oval helmet that seems to have a [[wikipedia:Lava_lamp|lava lamp]]-like liquid inside in the shape of an hourglass, with what looks like breathing holes in the bottom. The helmet is described as a "fishbowl head".<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Lash|quotes=Paradox/Quotes#Enemy Heroes|context=(killed Paradox)|transcription=Took down little miss fishbowl head.}}</ref>

She wears a white collar shirt with a wine red scarf, an hourglass-shaped beige overcoat with wine red underside, waist-high tight gray pants, a brown leather belt and leg straps, and thigh-high boots and long gloves that seem made of black latex. Her coat has hourglass-shaped pins. She carries a pocket watch in her coat and an hourglass-shaped machine on her back with a glowing blue material in glass that she draws her powers from. She has blue tubes connecting her coat to her gloves. Her weapon is a futuristic one-handed gun with an unorthodox square shape.

Paradox wears a [[wikipedia:Blue_rose|blue rose]] in her lapel, which do not exist in nature, and are only possible through genetic modification. In art, blue roses are a symbol for mystery and the unattainable.

== Character Relationships ==

=== {{HeroIcon|Lady Geist}} ===
Lady Geist has an old grudge against Paradox.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Lady Geist|file=Geist_kill_paradox_04.mp3|context=(killed Paradox)|transcription=I've waited 50 years for this.}}</ref> The Paradox Organisation has stolen one of her husband's paintings.<ref>[[Paradox/Quotes#Conversations|Paradox and Lady Geist conversation]]</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Lady Geist|file=Geist kill paradox 01.mp3|context=(killed Paradox)|transcription=First my husband. Now me. When will Paradox stay out of my life?}}</ref> Paradox finds Geist fun to mess with.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Lady Geist): ''"You really are fun to mess with, Lady Geist!"''</ref>

=== {{HeroIcon|Kelvin}} ===
Kelvin is one of Paradox's targets. She says that her colleagues may have already broken into his home before the ritual started.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Paradox|hero2=Kelvin|number=1|hero_quote1=Paradox|quote1=Goes to say, we definitely planned on robbing you during the ritual, but my colleague may or may not have broken into your home yet.}}</ref>

The Paradox Organisation holds Kelvin in high regard, as they consider him "a thief who steals from the dead".<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Paradox|hero2=Kelvin|number=3|hero_quote1=Paradox|quote1=You... know you're held in high regard by Paradox, right?|hero_quote2=Kelvin|quote2=Why? I'm an explorer, not a thief.|hero_quote3=Paradox|quote3=An explorer is just a thief that specializes in stealing from the dead.}}</ref> Paradox finds Kelvin fun to mess with.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Kelvin): ''"I think I found a new favorite person to mess with!"''</ref>

=== {{HeroIcon|Seven}} ===
Paradox is aware of Seven's safehouse in the tunnels and threatens to reveal its location.<ref name=":4" /> Seven wants to commission Paradox for a job.<ref>[[Paradox/Quotes#Conversations|Paradox and Seven conversation]] - Seven: ''"Does Paradox take commisions?"''</ref>

=== {{HeroIcon|Abrams}} ===
Abrams has been investigating the Paradox Organisation outside of his case with the Tome.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Paradox|hero2=Abrams|number=3|hero_quote1=Paradox|quote1=You look uneasy, detective.|hero_quote2=Abrams|quote2=Just wondering if we're going to have a problem.|hero_quote3=Paradox|quote3=With the ritual upon us, Paradox has bigger concerns than your nose in our business. So no, you have nothing to fear from me.}}</ref>

Paradox threatens Abrams to stop asking questions about them.<ref name=":32">{{ConvoCite|hero1=Paradox|hero2=Abrams|number=2|hero_quote1=Paradox|quote1=We like secrets and... you seem to have a knack for finding them. But a word of advice: some things aren't meant to be revealed. Stop asking questions about us.}}</ref>

== Character Interactions ==

* Paradox is amazed by the craftsmanship used to create {{HeroIcon|Bebop}}.<ref name=":1">{{ConvoCite|hero1=Paradox|hero2=Bebop|number=1|hero_quote1=Paradox|quote1=You're a marvel to behold, Bebop. Truly exquisite craftsmanship.}}</ref>
* Paradox is interested in doing business with {{HeroIcon|Wraith}}.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Wraith): ''"And here I thought we could do business."''</ref> Wraith and Paradox have a mutual admiration for each other.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Paradox|hero2=Wraith|number=2|hero_quote1=Wraith|quote1=You know what I like about you, Paradox? You don't just like to win. You like to do it with style.|hero_quote2=Paradox|quote2=The feeling's mutual, Wraith.}}</ref>
* Paradox knows exactly who {{HeroIcon|Pocket}} is.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Pocket): ''"So the heir to Fairfax Industries has graced us with their presence."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Pocket): ''"You can change your name, Arin, but I know who you really are."''</ref>
** {{HeroIcon|Pocket}} used to be a big fan of Paradox,<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Pocket|quotes=Pocket/Quotes#Enemies|context=(killed Paradox)|transcription=I used to be a big fan!}}</ref> but now sees her as "just another rich asshole".<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Pocket|quotes=Pocket/Quotes#Enemies|context=(killed Paradox)|transcription=You can dress up however you want but at the end of the day, you're just another rich asshole.}}</ref>
* Paradox likes {{HeroIcon|Calico}}, {{HeroIcon|Mo & Krill}} and {{HeroIcon|Viscous}}.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Calico): ''"I thought she was rather charming! A shame it had to end this way..."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Mo & Krill): ''"It's a shame, I liked those two!"''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Viscous): ''"Ah, he was so adorable!"''</ref>
* Paradox loves {{HeroIcon|Warden}}'s conviction.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Warden): ''"Love the conviction, Warden!"''</ref>
* {{HeroIcon|Holliday}},<ref>{{PageRef|name=Holliday}}'s in-game [[Holliday/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Paradox): ''"Time thief? Please, you're just a petty crook."''</ref> {{HeroIcon|Kelvin}},<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Kelvin|hero2=Paradox|number=1|hero_quote1=Kelvin|quote1=You have so many gifts and yet you waste them on petty theft and childish stunts.}}</ref> {{HeroIcon|Seven}}<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Paradox|hero2=Seven|number=1|hero_quote1=Seven|quote1=For all the might your organization wields, you waste it on publicity stunts.|hero_quote2=Paradox|quote2=We don't need to explain ourselves to you.|hero_quote3=Seven|quote3=I would settle for you explaining it to anyone.}}</ref> and {{HeroIcon|Warden}}<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> call out Paradox for wasting their power on petty crimes.
* {{PageRef|name=Drifter}},<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Paradox|hero2=Drifter|number=2|hero_quote1=Drifter|quote1=What size jacket do you wear?|hero_quote2=Paradox|quote2=Why?|hero_quote3=Drifter|quote3=Well, it's a nice coat.}}</ref> {{PageRef|name=Ivy}},<ref>{{PageRef|name=Ivy}}'s in-game [[Ivy/Quotes#Allies|voice line]] (Pass Paradox on Zipline): ''"Love your coat, Paradox!"''</ref> {{PageRef|name=Paige}},<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paige}}'s in-game [[Paige/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Paradox): ''"You know, they say never judge a book by its cover, but... You are running around in a trench coat, and a mask, and shooting at people, so I think it's pretty safe to make assumptions... You look great, though!"''</ref> {{PageRef|name=Rem}}<ref>{{PageRef|name=Rem}}'s in-game [[Rem/Quotes#Enemy|voice line]] (killed Paradox): ''"Neat coat."''</ref> and {{PageRef|name=Vyper}}<ref>{{PageRef|name=Vyper}}'s in-game [[Vyper/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Paradox): ''"Gotta say, she really makes the coat work."''</ref> like Paradox's trench coat.

=== Thefts ===
Paradox has shown interest in stealing a wide variety of objects belonging to the other characters. Some of these objects include:

* {{PageRef|name=Abrams}}' Tome.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Enemy|voice line]] (Killed Abrams): ''"The tome will be mine, Abrams!"''</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Celeste}}'s horn.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Celeste}}'s in-game [[Celeste/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Paradox): ''"Sick of those assholes trying to steal my horn..."''</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Holliday}}'s revolver.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Enemy|voice line]] (Killed Holliday): ''"That gun has history, Holliday, I want it!"''</ref>
* {{HeroIcon|McGinnis}}' research and secrets she holds for Fairfax.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Enemy|voice line]] (Killed McGinnis): ''"I want your research, McGinnis."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Enemy|voice line]] (Killed McGinnis): ''"What secrets are you hiding for Fairfax, McGinnis?"''</ref>
* [[Nashala Dion|Nashala]].<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Enemy|voice line]] (Killed Mirage): ''"Tell you what Mirage: Give me the Djinn, and I'll let you walk."''</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Paige}}'s rare books.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Enemy|voice line]] (Killed Paige): ''"Bet she has some rare books worth stealin'."''</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Pocket}}'s suitcase.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Enemy|voice line]] (Killed Pocket): ''"I want that case, Pocket!"''</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Yamato}}'s sword.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paradox}}'s in-game [[Paradox/Quotes#Enemy|voice line]] (Killed Yamato): ''"I can't wait to steal that sword!"''</ref>

There are also some things Paradox has successfully stolen prior to the ritual, such as:

* {{HeroIcon|Seven}}'s safehouse location.<ref name=":4">[[Paradox/Quotes#Conversations|Seven & Paradox Conversation 2]] - {{PageRef|name=Paradox}}: ''"What is it worth it to you to have your safehouses location... Not exposed?"''</ref>

== Removed Lore ==
A different version of Paradox's backstory was accidentally pushed in the captions file in the [[Old Gods, New Blood]] update. It's unknown if this version is older or newer than the current backstory.

It reads:
{{Quotation
| 2 = The mysterious organization known as Paradox has vexed law enforcement across the globe for almost a generation.

Claiming to have a net worth higher than the GDP of most developed nations; the coalition of elite grifters, cat-burglars, and gentlemen thieves that make up Paradox no longer steal for money; but rather to prove to each other (and the world) that there is nothing they can't do.

Putting their illicit spoils on public display at so-called "pop up museums"; Paradox brazenly taunts institutions all while the public clamors for more.

They are everywhere. They are nowhere. And if you possess something they want… they are inevitable.
}}

=== Neon Prime - Chrono ===
Paradox was named '''Chrono''' in ''[[Neon Prime]]''.

== References ==
<references />

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