Nicoletto Venzini di Sigillo

Nicoletto Venzini di Sigillo is a character in 7th Sea: The Search for Salvation.

Physical Description

Nicoletto is a prime example of Vodacce masculinity. Even at 50 years of age, he is a strong man of impressive size and stature. He has grown a thick beard over the years and keeps his black hair almost completely shaved to the scalp, keeping with some Eisen military customs. His beard is beginning to turn silver, prompting some to wonder if that's why he keeps his head shorn. Nonetheless, his face shows the scars of a warrior and life-long soldier.

Biography

Nicoletto Venzini is a man at odds with himself. Born in Vodacce to a noble family within the domain of the Villanova Princedom, he is his father's first son of four. His father was a maggiore for Villanova's 'Isola Custodi', a posh, though not prominent, military posting that saw the man often absent their villa. Nicoletto was thus introduced to the Great Game by his mother and tutors and by the time he was of age, he had decided that it wasn't for him. Nicoletto left his family villa, and indeed Vodacce itself, in 1640 at the age of 22, shortly after having wed his betrothed, Serafina Bonasera di Musetta and siring a child, a daughter named Mercede, joining a mercenari company headed for Eisen at the behest of the Vaticene.

They were tasked with fighting the Objectionist rebels where they could be found, rooted out and destroyed as heretics and blasphemers. The company commander was an old man, by the name of Giancarlo De Francesco di Numa, when the War started but he was a fanatic for the Church. The methods Giancarlo used against the Objectionists, fueled by a 'helpful' Inquisitor sent along with the force, were brutal, callous and branded as barbaric by some of the other mercenari. Their reputation was beginning to spread and so Nicoletto joined other conspirators and slew Giancarlo, and the Inquisitor, the night before a battle. They offered their services to their foes the next morning and were handsomely compensated. Nicoletto proudly proclaims this betrayal as the only one he's ever committed to this day.

The company fought for both sides during the war, at times retreating back to Vodacce to re-arm, recruit and deposit their payment and plunder. Nicoletto was climbing the ranks quickly in the company, a trusted capitano, and he was allowed to return home in 1646 to see the wife and daughter he left 6 years ago. He spent nearly two years there and had another daughter, Evelina, join his family. He left for Eisen again, fighting with his men and soon becoming the commander of the force, his men ultimately loyal to him and his fair, if tough, leadership. He would return to Vodacce more often over the next few years, desiring to see his family but finding Vodacce life and culture chafing, prompting his return to the front.

Not all was well with Nicoletto's dream of being an honorable man-at-arms. In the fall of 1657, he received a missive from home. Little Evelina had gone missing from her chambers, presumed to be taken though no ransom note ever came. Nicoletto feared an old enemy was going after his family but Mercede, a Fate Witch like her mother, was away from the villa during the disappearance and remained safe. It would be years until they learned more about Evelina's vanishing despite her sister's and mother's attempts to discern her fate.

When the Montaigne and Castillians joined the war, the company continued to offer their services to the highest bidder. When the war ended, they continued to do so but this time as guards and watchmen. Nicoletto made Freiburg his home, offering the services of his men, veterans and professionals all, to those that could afford them.

Presently, Nicoletto is still in Freiburg, the bulk of his men working for various trading houses and merchants to protect their wares. Serafina remains at their well-appointed manse on Isola Sigillo, caring for her elderly and ailing parents. Mercede married in 1659 and now resides in Porte Vestini with her husband, his courtesan, her four children, and the courtesans child. Nicoletto has learned that a young woman, bearing a scar on her neck, was seen in Dionna 5 months ago. Evelina suffered a similar injury when she fell against the wall of a well as a child and Nicoletto is hoping against hope that his little girl is still alive.

Known Associates

Nikolai Semyonovich Zolikoff - Mercenario

Relatives

Evelina Venzini di Sigillo - Daughter
Mercede Panebianchi di Vestini - Daughter
Salvadore Panebianchi di Vestini - Son-in-law