Veneratus, the Imperial War Elk
“Knight of Ashfang”, “Beast-Banner of the Thirteenth” (a.k.a. “The Horned Legionnaire”)
“He bowed only to the Emperor. And even then, only once.”
Veneratus is a legendary war elk whose battlefield intelligence, ceremonial presence, and survival through the Battle of Ashfang elevated him to near-mythical status in the late 4th century AR. Once a beast of burden captured in the Riftfront lowlands, Veneratus became a symbol of the Empire’s dominion over wild lands, chaos, and even nature itself.
He was knighted posthumously, featured in frescoes across imperial basilicas, and embalmed in salt-glass beneath the Basilica Imperii, his antlers inlaid with silver laurels.
Physical Description
Physical quirks
- Known to recognize friendly legionnaires by voice
- Refused food from handlers he disliked
- Spooked only once—during the appearance of the Rift Wyrm above Ascensus
Special abilities
- Preternatural sense for danger
- Unnatural memory for battlefield formations
- Recognized arcane glyphs (used to guide mage-fire)
Apparel & Accessories
- Custom bronze-plate barding with rune-etched antler guards
- Red imperial saddle (never used post-Ashfang)
- Laurel-etched bridle of honor
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Veneratus was captured during a Riftfront pacification campaign and originally trained as a burden beast. During the siege of Ashfang, he broke formation to defend wounded soldiers, killing three war hounds and leading an improvised charge that turned the tide of the battle.
Afterward, he was never ridden again. Instead, he marched beside the standard of Legio XIII, bowing before the Emperor during ceremonies and butting aside any handler who tried to tether him.
Accomplishments & Achievements
- Credited with turning the tide at Ashfang Pass
- Attended five Imperial campaigns as ceremonial companion
- Survived 14 battles and 3 magical storms
- Became the first non-human to be granted a knighthood by Senate decree
Failures & Embarrassments
- Trampled a High Senator’s carriage during a harvest parade. The crowd cheered.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
Unknown, though legend says he once refused to move until wounded comrades were loaded onto wagons.
Representation & Legacy
- Statues erected in Nova Roma, Riftwatch Quarter, and the Ashfang Wall
- Used in imperial propaganda as symbol of loyalty, instinct, and unity
- New war elk breeds bear his crest on ceremonial tack
Social
Speech
Silent, but known to snort or roar when challenged by other mounts.
“He does not speak. He does not need to.”
Comments