Venatores Family
The House of Venatores is one with a long history. It's founder, Gaius Antonius, was a general of a long lost realm. The moniker 'Venator' - meaning Hunter - was given to him because of his habit of chasing down every last enemy on the battlefield after victory, even if it meant sending his men on hunts for days on end. After retiring from military duty, Gaius Antonius Venator was granted governorship over the lands he conquered, and from there on, the Venatores have been expanding their wealth and power. Today, the descendants of Gaius Antonius have spread all over the world, in search of fame and glory for the House of Venatores. It's most noteable members are Furius Silva of Falasan, Marcus Maxentius of Minas Ithil, and Herius Torquatus of the Antoza Commonwealth.
Furius of the Silvae
The Silvae are an adopted branch within the Venatores family. Patriarch Lucius Silva was adopted by Marsellus Antonius after saving his life in a battle with barbarian raiders. The Silvae are aristocrats, but with a strong understanding of how the world works. Unlike most Venatores, they do not look down on the plebs as second-class citizens, but rather as a strong base on which to build empires. As a result, they are somewhat ridiculed by more conservative Venatores, in particular the Torquati branch.
Furius Silva currently fights in Atamara as a Knight of Tucha under Duke Fatih Kalkandelen of Falasan. He has seen his share of combat, as Falasan defends itself from Estonian armies bent on conquering Barad Falas.
Marcus of the Maxentii
The Maxentii are true patricians, bent on massing gold as quickly and efficiently as possible. Over the years, they have become a family of true managers. It is said that a true Maxentius could squeeze gold from a rock. As such, they have been hired by the Venatores to take care of the financial aspect of the family. They live only for their wealth, and hardly show interest in the art of war.
Noteable exception is Marcus Maxentius. He is one of the few Maxentii who chose the sword and shield over the quill and coinpurse. His search for battle has brought him to four realms on three different continents. His career started in Nighthelm, but he quickly abandoned them in favour of the Antoza Commonwealth. After a significant defeat, Marcus set sail for Ikalak on the South-East, but quickly left for Atamara, and now fights as an Imperial Knight of Minas Ithil against the barbarian invaders of Norland.
Herius of the Torquati
The Torquati are full bred soldiers, loyal to the grave. Patriarch Oppius Torquatus served in Gaius Antonius' legions, first as legionary, but quickly working his way up to centurion, then primus pilus and finally military tribune. When he retired, Gaius Antonius offered to adopt Oppius as a son. The Torquatii branch are amongst the most arrogant of the Venatores. They see the plebs as objects instead of humans, and treat them accordingly. They live for battle, nothing else.
And the worst of the Torquati is by far Herius of the Antoza Commonwealth. Herius loathes peasants and commoners from the bottom of his heart, and never misses a chance to show it. He can be seen beating foreign adventurers on a regular basis. After the treasonous defection of several Antozan Lords to Nighthelm, Herius vowed to see Nighthelm burn, or die trying.
