Likes: Roman superiority, tradition
Dislikes: Greece, physicians
Talents: Persuasion, agriculture
Natural Enemy: Carthage, Scipio Africanus
Avenger’s true identity is Marcus Porcius Cato, also known as Cato the Elder.
As most Avengers, Cato is consumed by vengeance. Most of his hatred, however, is not his own, but instead belongs to the soldiers and civilians of Rome that died during the Second Punic War. Cato took their hatred and the cause of destroying Carthage to bear on his shoulders when he moved from his military career to politics, and championed this cause with his oft-repeated, famous statement: “Carthage must be destroyed.”
Outside of his grudges, Cato is personable and cultured, with a particularly in-depth knowledge of the fields of medicine, military science, agriculture and jurisprudence. He displays a particular fondness for Roman traditions but also respects others who follow tradition. Further, he enjoys debate with those he deems cultured enough to speak with.
Cato displays an irrational fear of physicians, owing to the fact that most physicians during his time were Greeks, who in his mind represented Hellenic corruption of Roman traditions. He also dislikes luxury as well those who seek it, holding as his ideal strict discipline, hard work and a simple life. Taking after his ideal, Cato has a habit of speaking in rustic, simplistic ways that belie the extent of his learning.
Cato is aware of his role as an Avenger, and sees it as his duty to complete his revenge against Carthage. He does not, however, care for being literally haunted by the spirits of those he seeks to avenge, and cares even less for the influence these spirits exert on him. However, as he has little personal strength in combat, he is forced to rely on the spirits’ power, doing his best to maintain mental discipline throughout the Holy Grail War.
He is torn in regards to his wish to the Holy Grail. On the other hand, he is compelled as an Avenger to keep destroying Carthage until not even a memory of it remains. Then again, he wonders if the Grail could grant peace or even new life to those who suffered and died in the Punic Wars.
Cato appears as a man in his late thirties, with short-cropped red hair and grey eyes. His appearance has been transformed into a more savage one as a result of his status as an Avenger, with what looks almost like a cold fire burning in his eyes. Unnatural shadows seem to form in the furrows and wrinkles of his face, granting him a somewhat intimidating appearance.
He dresses in a simple, white toga, a symbol of his status as a consul and the only luxury he allows himself.
As for the spirits that fight for him, they manifest as horribly wounded Roman legionaries, armed with shields, short swords and spears. The spirits’ colors are dulled and the figures themselves slightly transparent.