Venator is a monster hunter<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Paige|file=Bookworm kill priest 01.mp3|transcription=I thought you were supposed to hunt monsters!}}</ref> and vampire hunter<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Mina|file=Vampirebat kill priest 05.mp3|transcription=Leave the Vampire Nation alone!}}</ref> for the Vatican.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Ivy|file=Tengu kill priest 03.mp3|transcription=So, the Vatican sent an assassin? That's... great.}}</ref> He is referred to as the Sword of Saint Benedict.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Drifter|file=Drifter kill priest 03.mp3|transcription=I expected more from the Sword of Saint Benedict.}}</ref> There have been multiple Venators.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Grey Talon|file=Orion kill priest 02.mp3|transcription=I've seen a few Venators in my time. That one was angrier than most.}}</ref> According to a Doorman ultimate voiceline, and a Mina kill line, his real name is Cain Roark.
The Venators are a group of trained vampire hunting assassins<ref>{{PageRef|name=Grey Talon}}'s in-game [[Grey Talon/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"Killed the vampire hunter."''</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Vyper}}'s in-game [[Vyper/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"You know, you'd think the Vatican could afford better assassins."''</ref> fighting on the behalf of the Catholic Church<ref>{{PageRef|name=Kelvin}}'s in-game [[Kelvin/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"I never thought I'd be at war with the Vatican!"''</ref>. Sent by his superiors at the Vatican to New York<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Ivy|file=Tengu kill priest 03.mp3|transcription=So, the Vatican sent an assassin? That's... great.}}</ref><ref>{{PageRef|name=Billy}}'s in-game [[Billy/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"Try explaining that you lost to a guy with a goat head to your superiors."''</ref>, the playable Venator is on a mission. While the details of his mission is unknown, he's willing to die to achieve it<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>.
Venator is described as "unhinged"<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paige}}'s in-game [[Paige/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"That guy is unhinged!"''</ref> and "angry"<ref>{{PageRef|name=Grey Talon}}'s in-game [[Grey Talon/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"I've seen a few Venators in my time. That one was angrier than most."''</ref>, although some characters do show respect to Venator (notably [[Grey Talon]] and [[Vindicta]])<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><ref name=":1">{{PageRef|name=Vindicta}}'s in-game [[Vindicta/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"I respect you, Venator."''</ref>.
Venator's real name is Roark/Rourke<ref>{{PageRef|name=Mina}}'s in-game [[Mina/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"You're just a man, Roark, 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 Roark."''</ref>. He is also refered to as "Cain", but only by [[The Doorman]]<ref>{{PageRef|name=The Doorman}}'s in-game [[The Doorman/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (See Venator): ''"I see Cain!"''</ref>. Venator is nicknamed "The Sword of Saint Benedict"<ref name=":2">{{VoiceLineCite|name=Drifter|file=Drifter kill priest 03.mp3|transcription=I expected more from the Sword of Saint Benedict.}}</ref> and seems to have some kind of legend to him, although Venator doesn't seem to believe in that legend<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>.
While known for hunting vampires<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Mina|file=Vampirebat kill priest 05.mp3|transcription=Leave the Vampire Nation alone!}}</ref>, Venator seems to hunt other monsters too<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Paige|file=Bookworm kill priest 01.mp3|transcription=I thought you were supposed to hunt monsters!}}</ref>. The Venators of the Vatican have a friendly rivalry with the 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>.
== Character Interactions ==
* {{PageRef|name=Vindicta}} and {{PageRef|name=Bebop}} respect Venator<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{PageRef|name=Bebop}}'s in-game [[Bebop/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"Nothing personal, Venator!"''</ref>. {{PageRef|name=Grey Talon}} wishes they were fighting on the same side if he kills Venator<ref name=":0" />.
* {{PageRef|name=Drifter}} has killed other Venators before<ref>{{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" />.
* {{PageRef|name=Paradox}} was expecting Venator to come after her at some point<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>, implying the [[Paradox Organisation]] has robbed the Vatican before.
* {{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>.
== Update history ==
== Update history ==
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Line 72:
File:Priest card.png|Leaked portrait
File:Priest card.png|Leaked portrait
File:Priest PandR.png|Crucifixes shown while Penance & Retribution is active.
File:Priest PandR.png|Crucifixes shown while Penance & Retribution is active.
* Venator's weapon is named after the Bible passage Jeremiah 51:20: "You are my war club, my weapon for battle - with you I shatter nations, with you I destroy kingdoms".
* Venator's weapon is named after the Bible passage Jeremiah 51:20: "You are my war club, my weapon for battle - with you I shatter nations, with you I destroy kingdoms".
* 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>
* 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]].
* Venator has the [[Shopkeeper]] voice actor as a temp VO, who makes self-aware jokes about his role.
* Venator has the [[Shopkeeper]] voice actor as a temp VO, who makes self-aware jokes about his role. Some jokes include references to Valve's FX artists Andrew Kim and Irving Zhang.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|file=Priest use power4 05.mp3|transcription=Great effects, Andrew and/or Irv!|no_pageref_file=true}}</ref><ref>[https://www.valvesoftware.com/en/people Andrew Kim and Irving Zhang] at valvesoftware.com</ref> The female temp voice (currently on [[Boho]]) calls 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>
* [[Bookworm]] references Priest's voice actor, calling 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>
* Venator makes a reference to Valve's FX artists Andrew Kim and Irving Zhang.<ref>{{VoiceLineCite|name=Venator|file=Priest use power4 05.mp3|transcription=Great effects, Andrew and/or Irv!|no_pageref_file=true}}</ref><ref>[https://www.valvesoftware.com/en/people Andrew Kim and Irving Zhang] at valvesoftware.com</ref>
* The icon used while Penace & Retribution and/or Potent Vapors are active is a crucifix.
* The icon used while Penace & Retribution and/or Potent Vapors are active is a crucifix.
* 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 "Flashbang AOE".
* "Praying in the Hideout" is unused, but is speculated to be displayed as one's status in the in-game Friends List when playing as Venator in the [[Hideout]].
The trap springs on the first enemy it touches, dealing spirit damage, applying immobilize, and revealing enemies for a duration afterwards.
x2.2
80
Damage
Immobilize
1.25s
Immobilize Duration
0%Damage Taken
6sReveal Duration
30sLifetime
1
-11s Cooldown
2
1s Immobilize Duration
5
+1 Charge Deal +30% damage against revealed targets
Ira Domini
15s
0
160s
Load your crossbow with 3 stakes, dealing massively increased weapon damage.
The final stake is blessed, dealing bonus pure damage and executing low-health enemies.
x1.5
120
Damage
While Blessed:
x3
115
Bonus Damage
While Blessed:
8%
Execute Threshold
0%Move Speed
0sSlow Duration
1
While Active: Gain 1.2 m/s Move Speed
2
-15s Ability Cooldown and +65 Bonus Damage
5
All Stakes are Blessed
Weapon
51:20
Rapid Fire
Medium Range
63Damage Per Second
Falloff Range
18m ➞ 47m
Background
Lore
The Venators are a group of trained vampire hunting assassins[1][2] fighting on the behalf of the Catholic Church[3]. Sent by his superiors at the Vatican to New York[4][5], the playable Venator is on a mission. While the details of his mission is unknown, he's willing to die to achieve it[6].
Venator is described as "unhinged"[7] and "angry"[8], although some characters do show respect to Venator (notably Grey Talon and Vindicta)[9][10].
Venator's real name is Roark/Rourke[11][12]. He is also refered to as "Cain", but only by The Doorman[13]. Venator is nicknamed "The Sword of Saint Benedict"[14] and seems to have some kind of legend to him, although Venator doesn't seem to believe in that legend[15].
While known for hunting vampires[16], Venator seems to hunt other monsters too[17]. The Venators of the Vatican have a friendly rivalry with the Baxter Society[18].
Crucifixes shown while Penance & Retribution is active.
Second leaked portrait
Trivia
"Venator" means "hunter" in Latin.
Venator's weapon is named after the Bible passage Jeremiah 51:20: "You are my war club, my weapon for battle - with you I shatter nations, with you I destroy kingdoms".
Venator was one of the heroes in a private build who was accidently leaked on stream in May 2025[23]. A playable version of Venator was added to the files in the Shop Rework Update.
Venator has the Shopkeeper voice actor as a temp VO, who makes self-aware jokes about his role. Some jokes include references to Valve's FX artists Andrew Kim and Irving Zhang.[24][25] The female temp voice (currently on Boho) calls him "the bodega guy".[26]
The icon used while Penace & Retribution and/or Potent Vapors are active is a crucifix.
Prior to the 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 "Flashbang AOE".
"Praying in the Hideout" is unused, but is speculated to be displayed as one's status in the in-game Friends List when playing as Venator in the Hideout.
↑The Doorman's in-game 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."
↑Mina's in-game voice line - "Leave the Vampire Nation alone!"
↑Paige's in-game voice line - "I thought you were supposed to hunt monsters!"
↑Grey Talon's in-game voice line (Killed Venator): "So much for a friendly rivalry..."
↑Bebop's in-game voice line (Killed Venator): "Nothing personal, Venator!"
↑Drifter's in-game voice line (Killed Venator): "How many of your order do I gotta kill before you realize you can't stop me?"
↑Paradox's in-game voice line (Killed Venator): "Was wondering when they'd send you after me."
↑Vyper's in-game voice line (Killed Venator): "Oh, I could listen to that guy read me the phone book. He is killing me. Heh ha!"
Consecrating Grenade
4.5m
25s
weapon damage and setting enemies on fire. 
pure damage to enemies in the area and suffer from reduced healing.
x1
35
-30%
x1.6
3.5s
Burn Duration
4.5m
Burn Radius
1
