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

== Overview ==
Venator's mission and motivation in the [[ritual]] is to kill the [[Patrons]].<ref>{{PageRef|name=The Archmother}}'s in-game [[Venator/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Venator start): ''"You have slain the things of people's nightmares, but you have never faced someone like the Hidden King. Together, with the Archmother, you have a way to end his reign!"''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=The Hidden King}}'s in-game [[Venator/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Venator start): ''"Venator, your faith is like iron, your fury righteous, and both will be needed to stop the Archmother!"''</ref> He's prepared to die to achieve his mission.<ref>{{PageRef|name=The Doorman}}'s in-game [[The Doorman/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Venator trapped in Baroness): ''"I know you're prepared to die here, Venator, which is good, because you shall."''</ref>

=== Biography ===
Venator's real name is Quinn Rourke.<ref>His signature is viewable on his thanks for voting poster.</ref><ref name="arch1">{{PageRef|name=The Archmother}}'s in-game [[Venator/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Venator start): ''"Father Quinn, I know you question if this is the right course of action, but it is! The Hidden King threatens us all."''</ref> He is commonly referred to by his title, "Father",<ref name="arch1" /><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Graves|number=1|hero_quote1=Graves|quote1=Believe me, Father, I already regret meeting you.}}</ref> which is ordinary for Catholic priests. Venator seems to have originated from Ireland, based on his accent.

There are less than 24 active Venators,<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#Select|transcription=Less than two dozen men and women have the honor of being called Venator.}}</ref> though more have been killed in the past.<ref name=":3">{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"How many of your order do I gotta kill before you realize you can't stop me?"''</ref> The Roman numeral "48" under Venator's typography may indicate that he is the 48th Venator. While there are multiple Venators, they usually work alone.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Venator}}'s in-game [[Venator/Quotes#Situational|voice line]] (last alive): ''"A Venator is used to working alone."''</ref> Venator himself took Venator's Oath: his life doesn't belong to him, but instead to service.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#select|context=(select)|transcription=I've taken the Venator's oath. My life belongs not to me, but to service.}}</ref>

According to Venator, there is an ancient evil stirring in New York, which is why the Vatican have sent him there.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#select|context=(select)|transcription=Evil stirs in New York... and so the Vatican has called on me.}}</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#Ira Domini|context=(upgrade Ira Domini)|transcription=Ancient evil calls for ancient tools.}}</ref> The Vatican has dispatched Venator on missions across [[United States of America|America]] before, with one of his past missions having him work with {{HeroIcon|Abrams}} at a brownstone.<ref name=":1" />

The Venators of St. Benedict have a friendly rivalry with the [[The Baxter Society|Baxter Society]].<ref>{{PageRef|name=Grey Talon}}'s in-game [[Grey Talon/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"So much for a friendly rivalry..."''</ref> 

=== Personality ===
Venator showcases that he's willing to do whatever he can for the greater good, burdening himself with the sins he commits for the sake of others.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Venator}}'s in-game [[Venator/Quotes#Select|voice line]] (select): ''"I don't get to walk the Righteous path. I blaze the trail so that others may do so safely."''</ref><ref name=":1">{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Abrams|number=3|hero_quote1=Venator|quote1=I don't blame you for not having the stomach to do what needed to be done, but sleep easy knowing that what happening in that brownstone is my burden alone, not yours.}}</ref> His zealous behavior often causes him to be called "angry" and "unhinged".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Venator}}'s [[Venator/Quotes#Other Characters|other hero interactions]]</ref> He does, however, judge people based on their actions rather than their appearances or species.<ref name=":4">{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Apollo|number=2|hero_quote1=Apollo|quote1=Men like you call people like me demons, so no. I don't trust you.|hero_quote2=Venator|quote2=Young man, I don't care about the circumstances of your birth, I care about who you are. I don't give a damn if you look like a monster… but if you act like one, I will put you down.}}</ref>

Venator believes New York needs his help, and refuses to let its people down.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#Hex-Lined Snap Trap|context=(upgrade Hex-Lined Snap Trap)|transcription=New York needs my help, and I can't let its people down.}}</ref> He is dedicated to his missions and is willing to put aside the law and his own grievances to achieve them.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Holliday|number=2|hero_quote1=Venator|quote1=Harden your heart, sheriff… you can't let your sense of law and order get in the way of what needs to be done.}}</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Seven|number=1|hero_quote1=Seven|quote1=Did your masters at The Vatican send you, or are you thinking for yourself for a change?|hero_quote2=Venator|quote2=The fact that there's not a stake through your heart should be answer enough.}}</ref> Venator is prepared to kill anyone who gets in the way of his missions.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#pre-game|context=(pre-game ping)|transcription=Death awaits any who stand between me and my mission.}}</ref> As the Swords of Saint Benedict is a results-centric order,<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Silver|number=2|hero_quote1=Silver|quote1=Got a problem working with me?|hero_quote2=Venator|quote2=The Venators are a results-centric order.}}</ref> Venator has killed innocent people before and seems to believe collateral damage is acceptable.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Calico|number=1|hero_quote1=Venator|quote1=Wrong. I have no illusions that my hands are clean, but at least when innocent people die by my hand, it's not because I'm lookin' to make a dollar.}}</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#Consecrating Grenade|context=(upgrade Consecrating Grenade)|transcription=Collateral damage is acceptable.}}</ref> Venator lets his pain and anger from his past failures fuel his dedication and methods instead of letting them consume him.<ref name=":7" />

Despite being dedicated to fighting evil, Venator finds value in having "questionable" friends.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Abrams|number=2}}</ref> Venator likes to drink whiskey.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Silver|number=3|hero_quote1=Silver|quote1=Got any whiskey on ya?|hero_quote2=Venator|quote2=I was going to ask you the same thing.}}</ref>

Venator seems to have some kind of affection for fire.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#Consecrating Grenade|context=(upgrade Consecrating Grenade)|transcription=Fire saves more lives than it takes.}}</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#Consecrating Grenade|context=(upgrade Consecrating Grenade)|transcription=The fire of justice will burn.}}</ref> When killing {{HeroIcon|Infernus}}, Venator mentions that he would gladly walk through the fire, and that it would only forge him into something stronger.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#enemies|context=(killed Infernus)|transcription=I would gladly walk through the fire, Infernus.}}</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#enemies|context=(killed Infernus)|transcription=Fire will never kill me, Infernus. It will only forge me into something stronger.}}</ref> It's unknown if this is linked to the burn marks on Venator's face.

Venator refers to himself as a [[wikt:carnifex|Carnifex]], a Latin word for executioner.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#Unselect|transcription=The Carnifex Right is not somethin' to be taken lightly.}}</ref>

Venator respects the Baxter Society, though he doesn't always agree with them.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#Hero-Specific Voice Lines|context=(killed Grey Talon)|transcription=I don't always agree with the Baxter Society, but I've always respected them.}}</ref> Venator doesn't have any grievances against [[Ixia|Ixians]], but does refer to them as "demons" which is implied to be offensive.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#enemies|context=(enemy Abrams unkillable)|transcription=Die, demon.}}</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#enemies|context=(killed Infernus during ult)|transcription=I don't fear the flames of demons.}}</ref> Venator wants [[Fairfax Industries]] to fall.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#enemies|context=(killed Pocket)|transcription=Fairfax Industries needs to be ripped out, root and stem.}}</ref><ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#enemies|context=(killed McGinnis)|transcription=The avarice of Fairfax Industries ends today.}}</ref>

=== Information ===
"Venator" means "hunter" in Latin. His ultimate {{AbilityIcon|Ira Domini}} translates to "Wrath of the Lord".

Venator's weapon is named after the Bible passage Jeremiah 51:20: "Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms".

Venator's weapon appears to be loosely based on a Heckler & Koch MP5, which officially entered service in 1966 but was designed as early as 1964.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckler_%26_Koch_MP5</ref> Additionally its under-barrel grenade launcher has been decorated to resemble a typical Ave Maria "Votive candle"<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Votive_candle</ref> commonly found in Catholic home altars. This is also coupled with some Rosary beads<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosary#Rosary_beads</ref> in place of a sling harness.

== Character Relationships ==

=== {{HeroIcon|Abrams}} ===
Abrams has worked on a case with Venator before.

While Abrams' side of the conversation is missing, Venator and Abrams had an incident at a brownstone where Venator made a judgement call that "saved lives", despite Abrams' concerns about Venator's methods. What exactly happened in the brownstone is unclear, but Venator doesn't blame Abrams for "not having the stomach to do what needed to be done", and considers Abrams to be a good man.<ref name=":5">{{ConvoCite|hero1=Abrams|hero2=Venator|number=3}}</ref>

Venator wants Abrams to give him the Tome,<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#enemies|context=(killed Abrams)|transcription=Give me the damn Tome, Abrams!}}</ref> believing it to be evil.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#enemies|context=(killed Abrams)|transcription=That Tome is evil, detective!}}</ref>

=== {{HeroIcon|Calico}} ===
Venator knew Calico from when she was in the Baxter Society, but loathes her now that she's an assassin.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Calico|hero2=Venator|number=2}}</ref>

Venator believes that, for the right price, Calico would be willing to kill Ava.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Calico|hero2=Venator|number=3|hero_quote1=Venator|quote1=Seeing you dote on that cat is nauseating. <-> You and I both know that for the right price you'd slit her throat.}}</ref>

When killing Calico, Venator mentions that it was "for Grey Talon".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Venator}}'s in-game [[Venator/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Calico): ''"That was for Grey Talon."''</ref> He also references the [[wikipedia:Thirty_pieces_of_silver|30 pieces of silver]] that Judas received for betraying Jesus when killing Calico, presumably referring to Calico leaving the Baxter Society.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#Hero-Specific Voice Lines|transcription=I hope your thirty pieces of silver was worth it, Calico.}}</ref>

=== {{HeroIcon|Shiv}} ===
Venator doesn't believe in Shiv's change of heart, waiting for him to slip up and ruin his "charade".<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#Hero-Specific Voice Lines|context=(killed Shiv)|transcription=There is no redeeming you, Shiv.}}</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Shiv|number=3|hero_quote1=Venator|quote1=How much longer do you think you can keep the charade up? (...) A month? A year?|quote2=}}</ref>

Venator is puzzled by {{HeroIcon|Grey Talon}}'s choice of protégé and believes that Shiv should be dead. He warns Grey Talon that, if Shiv slips up, he won't be able to protect Shiv from the Swords of Saint Benedict.<ref name=":34">{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Grey Talon|number=3}}</ref>

=== {{HeroIcon|Drifter}} ===
Venator believes Hell is too good for Drifter if he kills him.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|quotes=Venator/Quotes#enemies|context=(killed Drifter)|transcription=Hell is too good for him.}}</ref> If they're on the same team, Venator promises to kill Drifter after the ritual.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Drifter|number=1|hero_quote1=Venator|quote1=After the ritual's complete, I'm going to drive a stake in your heart.}}</ref>

Drifter has killed other Venators before,<ref name=":32">{{PageRef|name=Drifter}}'s in-game [[Drifter/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"How many of your order do I gotta kill before you realize you can't stop me?"''</ref> though he had higher expectations for the playable Venator.<ref name=":2">{{VoiceLineCite|name=Drifter|file=Drifter kill priest 03.mp3|context=(killed Venator)|transcription=I expected more from the Sword of Saint Benedict.}}</ref> 

=== {{HeroIcon|Grey Talon}} ===
Venator respects Grey Talon, referring to him by his first name and promising to pray for his deceased family.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Grey Talon|number=1|hero_quote1=Venator|quote1=You're staring into the abyss, Wesley. We both know where that leads.}}</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Venator}}'s in-game [[Venator/Quotes#Enemy|voice line]] (killed Grey Talon): ''"I'll pray for your family, Grey Talon."''</ref> 

While on opposing teams, Grey Talon wishes they were fighting on the same side.<ref name=":0">{{PageRef|name=Grey Talon}}'s in-game [[Grey Talon/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"Wish the Venator was fighting for us."''</ref>

=== [[Occult Security and Investigation Commission#Agent Marlowe|Agent Marlowe]] ===
Venator is a friend of Marlowe and calls him a "bastard".<ref name=":33">{{ConvoCite|hero1=Haze|hero2=Venator|number=1|hero_quote1=Haze|quote1=I think I work with a friend of yours.|hero_quote2=Venator|quote2=Marlowe's been spinnin' stories? (...) Tell the bastard I said hi.}}</ref>

=== {{HeroIcon|Holliday}} ===
Venator prays with Holliday before the ritual to try and help heal her trauma from the Macomb massacre. While it doesn't work, Holliday appreciates Venator for trying.<ref name=":02">{{ConvoCite|hero1=Holliday|hero2=Venator|number=3|hero_quote1=Holliday|quote1=Thanks for praying with me earlier.|hero_quote2=Venator|quote2=I hope it brought you some peace.|hero_quote3=Holliday|quote3=It didn't. But it was nice that you tried.}}</ref>

Venator also warns Holliday to tend her pain and anger before it consumes her.<ref name=":7">{{ConvoCite|hero1=Holliday|hero2=Venator|number=1}}</ref>
== Character Interactions ==

* As a hunter of the wicked, Venator showcases righteous anger towards malevolent creatures and objects, including {{PageRef|name=Abrams}}' Tome,<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Abrams|number=1|hero_quote1=Venator|quote1=You should have handed over the Tome the moment it came into your possession.}}</ref> {{PageRef|name=Graves}}' lich hand,<ref name=":8">{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Graves|number=3}}</ref> and [[Oathkeeper]].<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Lady Geist|number=2|hero_quote1=Venator|quote1=When this is over, I'm cutting off your arm.}}</ref>
** Venator warns Graves that the lich is using her, demanding that she gives him the lich hand.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Graves|number=1}}</ref> Graves misinterprets the warnings as Venator threatening her.<ref name=":8" />
* Venator prays with {{PageRef|name=Bebop}} for the sake of [[Shelly Fisher|Ms. Shelly]],<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Bebop|number=2|hero_quote1=Venator|quote1=Of course. Lord, please guide Bebop's hand, may his aim be true, and his resolve unshaken by the screams of his enemies, for he fights not for himself but for the life of a good woman. Amen.}}</ref> and prays with {{PageRef|name=Holliday}} to try and make her feel better about [[The Troubadour]]'s massacre in Macomb.<ref name=":02" />
* Venator believes {{PageRef|name=Paige}}'s brother, [[Minor characters#Bryce|Bryce]], is beyond saving, expressing remorse that she's "thrown away her life to save someone who doesn't deserve it".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Venator}}'s in-game [[Venator/Quotes#Enemy|voice line]] (killed Paige): ''"I'm sorry, Paige. Your brother is beyond saving."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Venator}}'s in-game [[Venator/Quotes#Enemy|voice line]] (killed Paige): ''"She's thrown away her life to save someone who doesn't deserve it!"''</ref>
* Venator recognises that {{HeroIcon|The Doorman}} is more ancient and powerful than he lets on.<ref name=":6">{{PageRef|name=Venator}}'s in-game [[Venator/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed The Doorman): ''"He was ancient. Powerful."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Venator}}'s in-game [[Venator/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed The Doorman): ''"What the hell is that thing?"''</ref> 
* Venator and {{PageRef|name=Silver}} get along with each other, planning to go drink whiskey together after the ritual.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Silver|hero2=Venator|number=3}}</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Silver}}'s in-game [[Silver/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Venator): ''"See ya at the bar later, Father."''</ref>
* Venator promises to protect {{HeroIcon|Rem}} and help him get home while they're on the same team.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Rem|hero2=Venator|number=1|hero_quote1=Venator|quote1=You lost, little one?|hero_quote2=Rem|quote2=Mhmm.|hero_quote3=Venator|quote3=Don't worry. I'll shepherd you home.}}</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Rem|hero2=Venator|number=2}}</ref> If they're on opposing teams, however, Venator believes Rem's putting on a façade and calls him a "furry bastard".<ref>{{PageRef|name=Venator}}'s in-game [[Venator/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Rem): ''"I'm not fallin' for the cute façade."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Venator}}'s in-game [[Venator/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Rem): ''"Furry bastard got what he deserved."''</ref>
* Venator believes that {{HeroIcon|Vindicta}} lost her way and says that her rage has become indiscriminate.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Venator}}' in-game  [[Venator/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Vindicta): ''"Her hatred used to be focused, but it's become indiscriminate. "''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Venator}}' in-game [[Venator/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Vindicta): ''"You lost your way a long time ago, Vindicta."''</ref>
* Venator's appearance unnerves {{HeroIcon|Celeste}} and {{HeroIcon|Infernus}}.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Celeste|number=2|hero_quote1=Venator|quote1=You look nervous, child.|hero_quote2=Celeste|quote2=You've seen what you look like, right?}}</ref><ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Infernus|number=2|hero_quote1=Venator|quote1=You look nervous.|hero_quote2=Infernus|quote2=I'm next to a crazy preacher with a gun. Why wouldn't I be?}}</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=The Archmother}} and {{PageRef|name=The Hidden King}} know Venator sees them as his enemy, but each try to convince Venator to work with them to kill the other Patron.<ref>{{PageRef|name=The Hidden King}}'s in-game [[Venator/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Venator start): ''"Venator, I know you have no love for the Hidden King, but the Archmother is a tyrant! And together, we can usurp her!"''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=The Archmother}}'s in-game [[Venator/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (Venator start): ''"Thank you for realising that the Archmother is not your enemy today. May your hunt be successful, Father."''</ref>
* {{PageRef|name=Paradox}} was expecting 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>
* {{PageRef|name=Vyper}} likes Venator's voice.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Vyper}}'s in-game [[Vyper/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"Oh, I could listen to that guy read me the phone book. He is killing me. Heh ha!"''</ref>
* {{HeroIcon|Celeste}} believes Venator looks like a burlesque dancer.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Celeste|number=2|hero_quote1=Celeste|quote1=I mean, you're either gonna start screamin' Latin and shootin' people, or you're gonna do a burlesque act. And somethin' tells me that cassock ain't tear-away.}}</ref>

== References ==
<references />

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