Origin

The origins of the Sanctus Venators can be traced back to a clandestine network of individuals within the Catholic Church who recognized the increasing threat of supernatural entities. This network, comprised of clergy with unique skills and a shared conviction, sought to combat these dark forces, but one priest sought to exploit the lucrative market for mystical materials. It was within this shadowy realm that Father David Capitaini, known as Deathmatch, found his calling.

Father David Capitaini, a former military chaplain with experience in combat, became disillusioned with traditional religious practices as he witnessed the growing influence of supernatural entities on the human world. His military background and tactical acumen made him an ideal candidate to lead a group dedicated to eliminating these threats, but after discovering the burgeoning black market for mystical artifacts and supernatural creature parts, Capitaini saw an opportunity to capitalize on his position within the church. His experiences as a military chaplain, where he had encountered the supernatural firsthand, further fueled his desire to exploit these entities for profit.

Father Mark Union (LiveFire) Known for his unorthodox approach to exorcisms and his mastery of firearms and pyrotechnics, using them with precision in battles against incarnate supernatural creatures. His quick reflexes and sharpshooting skills make him an invaluable member of the team, often providing critical support during their missions. Father Mark Union was recruited after Father Capitaini witnessed his skill in dealing with a rogue vampire in Eastern Europe. Mark's proficiency with weapons and his willingness to embrace unconventional methods appealed to Capitaini's pragmatic approach, and he soon became the team's firearms expert and was relocated to Chicago.

Sister Karen Ruth Modresi (Glory March), was initially a scholar of mystical rites within the church, possessing extensive knowledge of ancient texts and rituals. Her interest in the supernatural led her to cross paths with Father Capitaini during a seminar on exorcisms. Recognizing her potential, Capitaini offered her a chance to join the Sanctus Venators, where her expertise in rituals and her fearless determination became invaluable assets.

The newest member, Father Keith John Knightingly (Writhenblade) is known for his expertise in bladed weapons, specifically wielding his enchanted switchblade, but also his 9mm with silver bullets, which are his EDC (Every Day Carry) weapons. Writhenblade does train with bladed weapons, but his skill are decent at best. While he plays up on this he is mostly known for his willingness to engage incarnate demonic entities in fierce combat. Interestingly, Knightingly is a trained occultist. While he will use the name of Christ in battle, he still dabbles into magic and is open to both both Holy and mystically enchanted weapons, spells and potions. That being said, Knightingly has an intense hatred for the demonic.

Once assembled, the group formalized their operations under the guise of religious missions. Posing as priests and a nun, they traveled extensively, conducting exorcisms and targeting demonic and supernatural creatures worldwide. Their shared belief in the necessity of their mission and their willingness to operate outside the boundaries of traditional church practices cemented their bond.

Relocating to Chicago, Father Capitaini established a base of operations within a discreet corner of the Catholic Church, utilizing their religious positions to gather intelligence and access resources. The group's dual purpose—protecting humanity and profiting from the mystical market—drove them to perfect their methods, blending religious rituals with combat prowess.

Code, Ethos and Methodology

Operating under a strict code of secrecy, the Sanctus Venators pledged loyalty to their mission and each other, aware of the risks involved in their line of work. They were driven by a shared conviction that their actions, though controversial, were necessary to maintain the balance between the human and supernatural worlds. As they embarked on their perilous journey, they left an indelible mark on the supernatural landscape, feared by their enemies and revered by those who understood the necessity of their work.

The thing that separates the Sanctus Venators from other hunters is that they consider all supernatural creatures demonic. While they justify their actions as a means of protecting humanity from the supernatural, their for-profit motives and ruthless tactics often blur the lines between good and evil. Their actions frequently put them at odds with other supernatural factions and religious hunters who view their methods as sacrilegious or morally questionable. Despite these challenges, the Sanctus Venators remain committed to their mission, driven by a blend of faith, ambition, and the thrill of the hunt. As they continue to navigate the dangerous intersection of religion, magic and the supernatural, their presence leaves an indelible mark on the world they inhabit.

The Sanctus Venators conduct exorcisms and hunt corporeal supernatural entities across the globe, but have settled in Chicago. Aside from their basic funding as priest, their operations are funded by the sale of blood and other harvested parts of the creatures they eliminate. These materials are highly sought after for use in mystical ceremonies and rituals, providing the Sanctus Venators with a lucrative source of income that enables them to continue their mission, but also violates their vow of poverty which isn't new to them as the member violate many priestly vows, including chastity and obedience, which ironically, are the three major vows in many orders.

The group employs a variety of weapons and tools, from sacred relics and holy water to advanced technology and enchanted weapons, to execute their tasks effectively. Their knowledge of both religious and mystical practices allows them to navigate the complexities of the supernatural world, often giving them an edge over their adversaries.

Major Story Arcs

In CurseRisen issue 2 LiveFire and Writhenblade are seen in one panel masquerading as cops, investigating Dracula's rampage.

In Darc! issue one, Deathmatch, cloaked in darkness, is seen making a deal with David Rhoades, for an unspecified amount of money, to do an unspecified task. It's here readers learn they do not work for The Church, but within it. Later Writhenblade breaks into Dominique Darc's home and attacks her, but underestimates her speed, strength and agility. While she does injure him in combat, she later seduces him and that places him in the hospital as she drained his lifeforce leaving him on the edge of no return. He awakes in the hospital with some kind of power energizing him.