Overview
Paradeisos is a secret location and organization that serves as the mysterious center of power for DisCity. Established by the scientists who signed the EDGE Accords, Paradeisos is an entity “focused on exploration and development to continue human civilization,” which aims to use absolute reason and enforcement of Rules to ensure humanity's survival in the post-apocalyptic Nightfall era.
Paradeisos possesses incredibly advanced technology, including the Schorl and the Hush system. It is stated that they once possessed cloning technology as well, but for some reason, it has been lost. Much of this technology, most of which involves the manipulation of Mania, is probably invented by the Ring Research Institute, which is also located in Paradeisos.
Paradeisos has authority above and beyond that of the City Council and other government institutions, although it rarely exercises clear authority. Unlike lesser official institutions such as the Public Security Bureau and the Reconstruction Executive Committee, the Framework Against Catastrophe and the 9th Agency report directly to authorities in Paradeisos. Its exact structures and methods of governance are unknown, but it decisions appear to be made by a council of at least seven individuals, each of whom are given a numeric designation. The man who murdered Chameleon's parents, Oris, is said to have been a Paradeisos councilor, but it is not clear whether he was a part of this secretive body or rather a representative of the City Council.
The environment of Paradeisos is also unknown, except that it is apparently not true that the "residential area of the upper-class was fertile and suitable for cultivation", as Pepper believed before she was arrested for breaking in. Shalom further supports this, as she says that she won't be able to see to see flowers growing naturally when she returns to Paradeisos (RAIN-402). Regardless, this incident shows that access to Paradeisos is tightly controlled; Oris was deported from Paradeisos when his wife divorced him and he lost the support of her influential family.
Information about Paradeisos is extremely limited even for other well-to-do residents of DisCity. When Shalom took up residence in a wealthy neighborhood of Eastside, the presence of a woman from Paradeisos was a source of awe. There are many theories and rumors about who and what is in Paradeisos. One seemingly common belief is that it is occupied by an elite group of scientists. Others believe that Paradeisos does not exist, and is an invention of the City Council.
Objectives
The objectives held by those in Paradeisos are similarly unclear. There is a long-standing conflict between Paradeisos and the Underground; however, forces within Paradeisos such as the Ring Research Institute have frequently demonstrated their willingness to wield Mania as a weapon and to use Black Rings to their own ends. With the aims of both groups unknown, it is unclear what exactly is the nature of their war. Paradeisos's conflict with The Garden in the Summer of N.F. 113 revealed that one of Paradeisos's major goals is to discover the entrance to the Underground.
Shalom states that Paradeisos's only interest is in "usable tools." Rahu had hoped to be invited to Paradeisos by impressing them with her accomplishments, but she was corrected that the only way to get Paradeisos's attention was by making herself useful towards their mysterious ends. However, Shalom is also privately critical of Paradeisos's approach. She believes that Paradeisos has become prisoner to its own fear of Mania, willing to accept hypocritical sacrifices in order to fend off their enemies and too afraid to take the risks necessary to achieve their goals.
Council of Paradeisos
Decisions in Paradeisos appear to be made by a secretive council of at least seven individuals, each of whom are given a numeric designation of EDGE-##. Known members of this council are:
- 01: Apparently the leader, although it is not known whether his numeric position holds actual power over the other members of the council. 01 was the first member of the council to interact and work directly with the Chief during the final battle against BR-002.
- 02: The second of three members of the council to appear directly in the story. 02 may be especially closely connected to the HUSH System, as she is seen mentoring a young Shalom and frequently supports Shalom's actions during debates with other members of the Paradeisos council.
- 03: The third of three members of the council to appear directly in the story. 03 seems to take an active role in leading discussions among the council.
- 04:
- 06:
- 07: In discussions about countermeasures to BR-002, 07 is particularly supportive of enacting a Purge Order in Syndicate.