Marco Bartoli
Contents |
Biography
Current Status : Dead
Marco Bartoli was the son of Italian industrialist, crime lord and mystic Gianni Bartoli. He lived in the family palazzo in Via Caravelli, in Venice (this is inaccurate, as most 'streets' in Venice are called calles).
After his father's death Marco took on the leadership of the Fiama Nera cult which was dedicated to finding the location of the Dagger of Xian. During his final days he made a significant progression towards finding the artefact, and even used it to its full potential just before his death, stabbing it into his heart in order to turn into a large, fire-breathing Dragon.
However, Lara Croft intervened before he could commence...whatever his plans would have been once he turned into a gigantic reptile. She pulled out the dagger again, resulting in his dissolution and death.
Marco was in middle age when he died; it is not known whether he had either a wife or children.
Family Background
Nothing is known about any of the rest of the Bartoli family, only Marco and his father Gianni are identified. It is clear that at one time the family were extremely rich; the admission by one of the Barkhang Monks is that the Maria Doria was owned the Bartoli family is one piece of evidence, as well as the family owning their own Opera House in Venice. However it seems that the fortunes of the family took a significant downturn after this event, perhaps because of a loss of confidence in their businesses.
It is assumed that Gianni also died because of the sabotage of the Maria Doria by the Barkhang brotherhood. Therefore the family businesses were left without a leader to stagnate and run dry - evidence for this is the dilapidation of Bartoli's palazzo.
That the family were closely linked to the Italian Mafia is unquestioned. It explains the easy ability of the Fiama Nera group to obtain weapons and men, although some may be true converts to the cult. Some Bartoli family members may also serve in the ranks of the group.
Gianni Bartoli: Fate of the Father
Most of Bartoli's father's life is guessed from the testimony of one of the Barkhang Monks, whom Lara finds at the end of the Diving Area. Gianni, a rich and powerful Italian industrialist, discovered the legend of the Dagger of Xian and founded the Fiama Nera cult to pursue it.
He also located the Seraph, which had been stolen by an unidentified group from the Barkhang Monastery. He hoped to use this to enter the Catacombs of the Talion to recover the key to the Temple of Xian. Before he could do so, the Maria Doria was bombed by the Barkhang Monks.
It is assumed he met his end on board the ship.
Gallery
An in-game shot of Bartoli, wearing ceremonial robes.
