Tomasso Nicolotti was a member of one of the most prominent families in 16th century Venice, and the father of Baldassare and Antonio.
After Baldassare was accidentally killed by Galileo Galilei, he sought revenge. When he met Steven Taylor, he mistook him for Galileo and challenged him to a duel. Christopher Marlowe took his place. Nicolotti killed Marlowe, and felt honour had been satisfied. (PROSE: The Empire of Glass)