Venka

Venka is a Bravos veteran who served in combat against the Tumult before being injured. He later became a trainer and mentor, preparing Gulrang Oduro for her career in the Ordis Aegis. Venka also oversees security at the Asterion.

Military Service

Venka served with the Bravos and fought against the Tumult. He was injured in combat, which is evidenced by a permanent limp and a pained expression when making certain abrupt movements. Despite these injuries, Venka remained active and engaged with the community.

Relationship with the Oduro Family

Venka would visit the Oduro family home when evening fell and stay for dinner. He was a customer and friend of Yawo, Gulrang and Kojo’s father. During these visits, the veteran would tell countless anecdotes from his time with the Bravos.

Young Gulrang eagerly soaked in his words despite her parents’ polite reprimands. These stories inspired Gulrang’s desire to become an Aegis sentinel. Venka told Kojo about Rune’s prophecy: whoever found Rune in the Tumult would be considered his heir and successor.

Training Gulrang

When Gulrang was determined to join the Aegis at age fourteen, her parents asked Venka to prepare her for the ranks. The weathered veteran could only give in to Tehea’s insistence, feeling guilty for having tempted Gulrang with this complicated life.

Venka taught Gulrang what she needed to know to be worthy of joining the armed forces of the Ordis. His training was rigorous and comprehensive:

• Weapon handling
• Physical conditioning for muscle and endurance
• Military discipline
• Combat techniques

Even Venka was surprised to see such determination in someone so young. Venka’s training combined with Gulrang’s diligence paid off, allowing her to rise rapidly through the Ordis ranks. From simple cadet, she became a recruit in just a few months, and it took her only two years to become an official Trooper.

Haven Training Activities

391 AC - Archery Training with Kutun

Venka trained Kutun, a Haven trainee, in archery. Kutun was skinny and still young, with arms that shook slightly when drawing a bow. Venka adjusted Kutun’s posture and shoulder positioning during practice sessions.

Venka instructed Kutun to completely clear his lungs, hold his breath, and empty his mind to concentrate solely on the target. This technique helped steady Kutun’s shaking hands. During one session, Kutun’s arrow stuck in a straw dummy slightly left of the bullseye, missing the center by approximately an inch.

Kutun became frustrated with himself and muttered a curse, but Venka ruffled his hair and congratulated him despite the imperfect shot. The training sessions began at dawn and covered multiple fields throughout the day. Venka prepared meals during breaks between workshop sessions.

Venka assessed that Kutun possessed determination in spades—the quality that mattered most. Despite youth and physical limitations, Kutun would make a fine addition to the Aegis contingents once old enough to join the Expeditionary Corps.

390 AC - Haven Corridor Incident

While on leave and walking the halls of Haven, Venka encountered a confrontation between a Phoenixian Guard messenger and Silje, a Haven bouncer. The messenger had paint on her cheeks and was rushing with an important message, likely related to Admiral Temera Singh’s visit to the Bastion.

The messenger tried to pass, but Silje—a massive figure—emerged from an alcove to block her path. The Phoenixian Fighter argued with Silje, trying to get around her, but the bouncer crossed her arms on her muscular torso and categorically refused to step aside.

Venka approached and adopted an impassive expression to help subdue the situation, hoping Silje would be more flexible since Venka was on leave. However, Silje stared Venka down with nostrils flaring like a bull about to charge, glowering as if Venka were a nuisance preventing her from doing her job.

Venka felt intimidated by Silje’s closed expression, realizing the attempt to interfere had been an overstep. Besides being tough, Silje was known to hold serious grudges, and Venka expected retribution during their next arm wrestling contest at the bar.

Relationship with Gulrang

Venka views Gulrang as a substitute daughter. He has taken the young woman under his wing and serves as a father figure to her. During the ceremony where Kojo received the Carnelian Crown, Subhash and Nzinga noted that Venka was probably overseeing security at the Asterion and commented that he had responsibilities and had to set a good example for the kid he’d taken under his wing.

Security Role at the Asterion

Venka oversees security at the Asterion. This position requires him to maintain high standards of conduct and serve as an example to those under his command, including Gulrang. His responsibilities keep him occupied during major state ceremonies and events.

Enlistment in the Rediscovery Endeavor

When Basileus Avkan ruun-Heshkari announced the Rediscovery Endeavor, Venka was present at Congers’ Wharf listening to the speech. After the Basileus’s proclamation, Nzinga turned to Venka and asked if he was going to enlist. Venka simply stared at the placid waters of the canal before nodding, stating he had a score to settle with the Tumult.

Venka found himself pounding his fist on the edge of the yawl in rhythm with the applause and drums. It had been a long time since he had felt such excitement and fervor.

Personality

Venka is dedicated and protective, particularly toward those he mentors. Despite his injuries, he remains committed to service and training the next generation. He feels a sense of responsibility for inspiring Gulrang’s military ambitions and takes his role as her mentor seriously. His stories and teachings had a profound impact on both Gulrang and Kojo Oduro, shaping their respective paths.

Relationships

• Gulrang Oduro: Views as substitute daughter, trained her for Aegis service, connected her with Baxsan (387 AC)
• Kojo Oduro: Told him stories about Bravos and Rune’s prophecy
• Yawo: Friend and customer, Gulrang and Kojo’s father
• Tehea: Gulrang and Kojo’s mother who requested Gulrang’s training
• Baxsan: Daughter of friend, big-name Runic Scribe Venka connected with Gulrang (387 AC)
• Kutun: Haven trainee receiving archery instruction (391 AC)
• Silje: Haven bouncer colleague, arm wrestling competitor (390 AC)
• Temera Singh: Admiral whose visit to Haven Venka witnessed (390 AC)
• Nzinga: Fellow veteran who asked about Rediscovery Endeavor enlistment
• Subhash Kadis: Fellow veteran who commented on Venka’s security role