The Venators are a group of trained vampire hunting assassins fighting on the behalf of the Catholic Church.<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><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, the playable Venator is on a mission.<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><ref>{{PageRef|name=The Doorman}}'s in-game [[The Doorman/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"Your mission is doomed to fail, Venator."''</ref>
Venator's real name is Father Quinn Rourke.<ref>His signature is viewable on his thanks for voting poster.</ref><ref>{{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><ref>{{PageRef|name=Holliday}}'s in-game [[Holliday/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Venator): ''"Took out Father Quinn."''</ref>
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>
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>
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Venator is described as "unhinged" and "angry",<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paige}}'s in-game [[Paige/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"That guy is unhinged!"''</ref><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 is described as "unhinged" and "angry",<ref>{{PageRef|name=Paige}}'s in-game [[Paige/Quotes#Removed/Unused Voice Lines|voice line]] (Killed Venator): ''"That guy is unhinged!"''</ref><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 Father Quinn Rourke.<ref>His signature is viewable on his thanks for voting poster.</ref><ref>{{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><ref>{{PageRef|name=Holliday}}'s in-game [[Holliday/Quotes#Enemies|voice line]] (killed Venator): ''"Took out Father Quinn."''</ref> He's also 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><ref>{{PageRef|name=The Hidden King}}'s in-game [[Venator/Quotes#Patrons|voice line]] (ally Venator killstreak): ''"The Sword of Saint Benedict cuts them down like wheat!"''</ref>
The Venators of St. Benedict 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>
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 ==
== Character interactions ==
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* {{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=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=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=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=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">{{VoiceLineCite|name=Drifter|file=Drifter kill priest 03.mp3|transcription=I expected more from the Sword of Saint Benedict.}}</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=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>
* {{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>
Internal namesCodenames used for this hero in the game files:
Priest
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.
The Venators of St. Benedict are a Vatican-sanctioned order whose members are deployed to regions with a high concentration of supernatural predators. Few in number, their modus operandi is to observe, identify, and exterminate. They are methodical, they are precise, and once they identify a threat to the flock they are relentless.
But even amongst those who are called The Sword Of St. Benedict, one stands apart from the others. A man whose hardened heart has allowed him to pay terrible prices in the name of the greater good... and he has once again been dispatched to New York.
Lore
Venator's real name is Father Quinn Rourke.[1][2][3]
Venator's mission and motivation in the ritual is to kill the Patrons.[4][5] He's willing to die to achieve his mission.[6]
Venator is described as "unhinged" and "angry",[7][8] although some characters do show respect to Venator (notably Grey Talon and Vindicta).[9][10]
The Venators of St. Benedict have a friendly rivalry with the Baxter Society.[11]
Character interactions
The Archmother and 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.[12][13]
"Vote for Venator" poster/spray from the 1/23/26 major update.
Damaged "Vote Venator" poster.
Venator splash art from the vote screen.
Venator voter sticker.
Venator's censer hint at the hideout.
Venator's shadow in the hideout.
Leaked Venator portrait.
Leaked work-in-progress Venator model.
Gloat portrait for Venator.
Critical health portrait for Venator.
Thanks for voting Venator!
Veni, vidi, vici.
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.[19] A playable version of Venator was added to the files in the Shop Rework Update. A new Venator portrait was leaked in a work-in-progress hero select screen posted on 4chan in July 2025. On 20th January 2026, Venator was teased in the Hideout with a thurible on a bookshelf.
Before he was named "Quinn", Venator was named "Rourke" and "Cain" during development before his release.[20][21][22]
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".[23]
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.
References
↑His signature is viewable on his thanks for voting poster.
↑The Archmother's in-game 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."
↑The Archmother's in-game 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!"
↑The Hidden King's in-game voice line (Venator start): "Venator, your faith is like iron, your fury righteous, and both will be needed to stop the Archmother!"
↑The Doorman's in-game voice line (Venator trapped in Baroness): "I know you're prepared to die here, Venator, which is good, because you shall."
↑Paige's in-game voice line (Killed Venator): "That guy is unhinged!"
↑Grey Talon's in-game voice line (Killed Venator): "I've seen a few Venators in my time. That one was angrier than most."
↑Grey Talon's in-game voice line (Killed Venator): "So much for a friendly rivalry..."
↑The Hidden King's in-game 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!"
↑The Archmother's in-game voice line (Venator start): "Thank you for realising that the Archmother is not your enemy today. May your hunt be successful, Father."
↑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?"
↑Drifter's in-game voice line - "I expected more from the Sword of Saint Benedict."
↑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!"
↑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."
↑Paige's in-game voice line - "If you thought the bodega guy was a good temp voice, wait 'til you hear me."
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
