The Paradox
The Paradox (Minions of the 'Creator')
I. Overview
* Nature: Paradox entities are creations of the mysterious being known only as the 'Creator.' They serve as the Creator's agents in the multiversal conflict, acting as harbingers of temporal destruction.
* Goal: The Paradox's primary objective is to absorb all temporal energy they can find. The why behind this directive remains unknown to Devon, but it is clear that their actions are a major catalyst for the destruction of timelines. Devon suspects that this energy is being gathered for some larger, unknown purpose by the Creator.
* Threat Level: Extremely high. Paradox entities pose a significant threat to the fabric of reality, capable of aging and destroying virtually anything they touch.
II. Characteristics
* Varied Appearance and Abilities: Paradox entities exhibit a wide range of appearances and abilities, likely tailored to the specific tasks they are assigned. Some may be humanoid, while others may be monstrous or even abstract. Their powers can also vary, but all Paradox entities share certain core traits.
#Core Traits:
* Temporal Sense: All Paradox entities possess a heightened sense of temporal energy, allowing them to detect and track it across different timelines and dimensions. This sense also likely allows them to perceive and exploit weaknesses in the temporal fabric.
* Time Stealing: Paradox entities can steal time from objects, people, and even events. This stolen time can then be used to fuel their own powers or perhaps even be transferred to the Creator. Example: A Paradox entity could steal the time from a building, causing it to crumble into dust in moments, or steal the time from a person, rapidly aging them to their death.
* Power Mimicry: If a Paradox entity steals time from a hero or villain, they can temporarily utilize the powers of that individual. This makes them incredibly unpredictable and dangerous, as their abilities can shift and change depending on who they have encountered.
* Accelerated Aging: Anything touched by a Paradox entity rapidly ages. Even materials as durable as vibranium can be reduced to dust in seconds. This accelerated aging effect is incredibly potent and difficult to counter. Example: A Paradox entity could touch a vibranium shield, causing it to crumble into dust before the hero wielding it could react.
* Variable Intelligence: Paradox entities seem to vary in intelligence. Devon has encountered one that appeared to be relatively unintelligent, acting on instinct and causing widespread destruction. However, he suspects that more intelligent Paradox entities exist, possibly leading and coordinating the others.
III. Weaknesses
* Temporal Energy Manipulation: While incredibly potent, the accelerated aging effect can be countered by a skilled temporal energy manipulator, such as Devon. By manipulating time around the affected object, a temporal energy manipulator can potentially reverse or slow down the aging process. This is currently the only known reliable countermeasure.
* Unknown Vulnerabilities: Beyond temporal manipulation, other potential weaknesses of the Paradox remain unknown. Devon is actively trying to discover other methods of combating them, but their varied nature makes this a difficult task. It is possible that some Paradox entities are more susceptible to certain types of attacks or energies.
* Dependence on Stolen Time: It is possible that the Paradox's powers are dependent on the time they have stolen. If they are deprived of this stolen time, their abilities might be weakened or even nullified. This is a theory Devon is exploring.
IV. Known Paradox Entity (Example)
* Designation: "The Devourer" (Name given by Devon)
* Appearance: A hulking, amorphous mass of crimson energy that constantly shifts and changes shape.
* Intelligence: Low. Appears to act on instinct, focused solely on absorbing temporal energy and causing destruction.
* Actions: Responsible for the complete annihilation of at least one timeline.
V. The Creator
* Identity: Unknown. The being referred to as the 'Creator' remains a mystery. Their motives and goals are unclear, but they are clearly orchestrating the actions of the Paradox entities.
* Connection to Paradox: The Paradox are clearly creations or servants of the Creator. They act as extensions of the Creator's will, carrying out their agenda of temporal theft.
VI. Devon's Suspicions
Devon suspects that the Paradox entities are not merely mindless destroyers. He believes that the stolen temporal energy is being collected for a specific purpose by the Creator. He fears that this could be part of a larger plan to unravel the fabric of the multiverse, or perhaps to achieve some form of godlike power. Understanding the Creator's motives is now one of Devon's highest priorities.