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{{HeroTabs}}
{{Infobox hero
| key = hero_priest
| codenames = Priest
|release_date = February 5, 2026
}}
'''Venator''' is a [[Hero]] in ''[[Deadlock]]''. He doesn't walk the righteous path, he blazes the trail so that others may do so safely. His biggest challenge is knowing which weapon to use first. Firing a Consecrating Grenade into the fray softens up his enemies and keeps them from restoring health, and his Hex-Lined Snap Trap scatters across the ground to lock them in place. A Gutshot from his shotgun will knock back enemies who get too close, and when the time is right, Ira Domini will rid the world of evil once and for all.

Venator was released on [[Update:February 5, 2026|February 5, 2026]] as the fourth winner of the [[Old Gods, New Blood]] update contest.

== Weapon ==
{{WeaponCard|key=hero_priest|weapon_name=51:20}}

== Abilities ==

=== Consecrating Grenade ===

{{AbilitySection
| hero_name   = Venator
| ability_num = 1
}}

=== Gutshot ===

{{AbilitySection
| hero_name   = Venator
| ability_num = 2
}}

=== Hex-Lined Snap Trap ===

{{AbilitySection
| hero_name   = Venator
| ability_num = 3
| notes       =
* Enemies can disarm the trap by shooting at it. It is not affected by abilities, items or [[melee attack]]s.
}}

=== Ira Domini ===

{{AbilitySection
| hero_name   = Venator
| ability_num = 4
| notes       =
* Ira Domini is affected by [[Status Effects#Disarm|disarm]].
* The crossbow can pierce through enemies.
* It deals +30% critical headshot damage.
* It deals +{{#invoke:Abilities|get_ability_prop|Ira Domini|BonusAmpToVampire}} bonus damage to vampires ({{HeroIcon|Mina}} and {{HeroIcon|Drifter}}).
}}

== Background ==
{{Fates Tale|priest}}
=== Lore ===
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'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 willing 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>

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" /> The Roman numeral "48" under his name 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 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>{{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>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Apollo|number=2|hero_quote1=Venator|quote1=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>

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> 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 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's accent is Irish.

== 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>{{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>
* Akin to {{PageRef|name=Silver}}, Venator doesn't believe in {{PageRef|name=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> He expresses surprise with {{PageRef|name=Grey Talon}}'s choice of replacement as his protégé, trusting that Shiv should be dead and warning Grey Talon that, if Shiv strays from the path of redemption, the Venators of St. Benedict will come for him.<ref>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Grey Talon|number=3}}</ref>
* 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>{{ConvoCite|hero1=Venator|hero2=Holliday|number=3}}</ref>
* Venator respects {{PageRef|name=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>
* 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 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>
* {{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=Drifter}} has killed other Venators before,<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> though he had higher expectations for the playable Venator.<ref name=":2">{{VoiceLineCite|name=Drifter|file=Drifter kill priest 03.mp3|transcription=I expected more from the Sword of Saint Benedict.}}</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>
* {{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>
* When killing {{PageRef|name=Calico}}, Venator references the [[wikipedia:Thirty_pieces_of_silver|30 pieces of silver]] that Judas received for betraying Jesus, 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>

== Update history ==
{{Update history}}

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Venator card.png|Venator's portrait.
File:Venator.png|Venator's icon.
File:Venator Render.png|Venator in-game render.
File:Venator select background.png|Venator's select background.
File:Venator Reference Sheet.png|Venator Reference Sheet.
File:Venator Weapon.png|Venator's weapon, 51:20.
File:Venator name.png|Venator's typography.
File:Venator VoterPoster.jpg|"Vote for Venator" poster/spray from the 1/23/26 major update.
File:Vote Venator Damaged.png|Damaged "Vote Venator" poster.
File:Venator Vote Splash.png|Venator splash art from the vote screen.
File:Venator Voter Sticker.png|Venator voter sticker.
File:Venator's Censer.png|Venator's censer hint at the hideout.
File:Venator's shadow at the hideout.png|Venator's shadow in the hideout.
File:Venator card leak.png|Leaked Venator portrait.
File:Venator model.png|Leaked work-in-progress Venator model.
File:Venator Gloat.png|Gloat portrait for Venator.
File:Venator Critical Health.png|Critical health portrait for Venator.
File:Venator Thank You Poster.png|Thanks for voting Venator!
File:Venator Thank You Poster Damaged.png|''Veni, vidi, vici.''  
</gallery>

== Trivia ==
* "Venator" means "hunter" in Latin.
* 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".
* One of Venator's voice lines for upgrading '''Gutshot''', "I long for the day when this will be a plowshare" references the phase "[[wikipedia:Swords into ploughshares|beating swords into plowshares]]" which comes from the Bible passage Isaiah 2:4.
* His ultimate ability, "Ira Domini", translates to "Wrath of the Lord" in Latin.
* Venator was one of the heroes in a private build who was accidently leaked on stream in May 2025.<ref>2025-05-01 - atahutahatena on Reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumors - [https://www.reddit.com/r/GamingLeaksAndRumours/comments/1kclj5p/streamer_accidentally_leaks_hero_roster_of_a_more/ Streamer accidentally leaks hero roster of a more "secret" private Deadlock pre-alpha playtest build]</ref> A playable version of Venator was added to the files in the [[Update:May 8, 2025|Shop Rework Update]]. A new Venator portrait was leaked in a work-in-progress hero select screen posted on 4chan in July 2025. On [[Update:January 20, 2026|20th January 2026]], Venator was teased in the [[Hideout]] with a [[wikipedia:Thurible|thurible]] on a bookshelf.
* Before he was named "Quinn", Venator was named "Cain" during development before his release.<ref>{{PageRef|name=Mina}}'s in-game [[Mina/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"You're just a man, Rourke, and you're gonna die screaming like one."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Victor}}'s in-game [[Victor/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"Took down Rourke."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=The Doorman}}'s in-game [[The Doorman/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Venator trapped in Baroness): ''"You know, Cain, one day you will actually believe the legend you sell to people, and on that day you will die screaming."''</ref>
* Venator originally had the [[Shopkeeper]] voice actor as a temp VO, who made self-aware jokes about his role. The female temp voice (currently on [[Boho]]) called him "the bodega guy".<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Paige|file=Bookworm select 01.mp3|transcription=If you thought the bodega guy was a good temp voice, wait 'til you hear me.|no_pageref_file=true}}</ref>
* Prior to the [[Update:August 18, 2025|Six New Heroes Update]], Venator had an ability called "Potent Vapors", a channel which would heal Venator and grant him movement slow resist at the cost of him being unable to attack throughout its channel. This ability was replaced with Consecrating Grenade.
** Additionally, prior to the [[Old Gods, New Blood]] update, Venator used to have an ability called "Penace and Retribution", a passive that would grant Venator stacking bullet and spirit resistances as he took sustained damage. This ability was replaced with Hex-Lined Snap Trap.
* "Blessing Ammunition in the Hideout" is displayed as one's status in the in-game Friends List when playing as Venator in the [[Hideout]].
* Venator's selection voice line "Ours is not to question what is necessary. Ours is to have the will to do whatever it takes" is likely a reference to Alfred Tennyson's poem [https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45319/the-charge-of-the-light-brigade ''The Charge of the Light Brigade'']:  "Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die".
* Venator had the largest winning margin in the [[Old Gods, New Blood]] hero contest, winning by an 11% difference over {{HeroIcon|Celeste}}.<ref>[[Update:February 12, 2026]]</ref>
* 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.

== References ==
<references />

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