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Maria Thorpe

2011-12-15T13:13:04Z

109.224.198.145: /* Trivia */

{{Era|AC|ACBl|AC2|ACR|Secret Crusade|Rbook|Templars|Assassins|Good}}
{{WPAssassins}}
{{WPtargets}}
{{Spoilerhd}}
{{Quote|Everything I worked for in the Holy Land, I no longer want. And everything I gave up to join the Templars... I wonder where all that went, and if I should try to find it again.|Maria reflecting on her life after cutting her ties with Templars.|Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines}}
{{Character Infobox
|name = Maria Thorpe
|image = Maria Thorpe v.png
|imgdesc =
|birth = c. 1160 [[England]]
|death = 1227 (aged approx. 67) [[Masyaf]], [[Syria]]<ref name="Secret Crusade">''[[Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade]]''</ref>
|period = High Middle Ages
|faction = [[Templars]] [[Assassins]]
|appear = ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' ''[[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]'' ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' {{fb}} ''[[Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade]]'' ''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''
|actor =
|voice = [[Eleanor Noble]]
}}
'''Maria Thorpe''' (c. 1160 - 1227) was an [[England|English]] noblewoman living during the High Middle Ages, who joined the [[Templars|Templar Order]] prior to the [[Third Crusade]].

Developing a strong relationship with the Order's [[Grand Master of the Templar Order|Grand Master]], [[Robert de Sable]], she was eventually given a high rank in the Order. In 1191, after the [[Assassins|Assassin]] [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] killed eight Templar agents spread throughout the Holy Land, she was assigned by Robert to disguise herself as the Grand Master and thus fool Altaïr, realizing that Robert was his next target. The plan was a success, and Altaïr spared Maria's life. However, Robert was ultimately killed shortly thereafter, and [[Armand Bouchart]] took over as Grand Master.

Bouchart did not favor Maria, however, and did not find transport for her when the Templars moved to [[Cyprus]]. Planning to find her own way there, she was defeated and captured by Altaïr before she could do so, as the Assassins had attacked the Templars' fortress in [[Acre]]. Blaming Altaïr for ruining her reputation in the Order, she was taken with him to Cyprus and forced to help him take down the Templars.

Unwillingly giving information to Altaïr and escaping her captors several times, Maria began to realize that the Templars' ambitions were not beneficial for humanity, and slowly got closer to Altaïr. Eventually, she and Altaïr infiltrated the [[Templar Archive]] in [[Limassol]], where she went ahead of the Assassin and faced off against Bouchart alone. Though she was defeated, Altaïr was able to defeat the Grand Master and he helped Maria get out of the crumbling Archive.

Maria then followed Altaïr to the Assassins' fortress of the [[Masyaf]], where she settled down with Altaïr and had two children with him. Several years later, Maria, Altaïr and their son [[Darim Ibn-La'Ahad|Darim]] went on a journey to assassinate the [[Mongols|Mongol]] leader [[Genghis Khan]].

==Biography==
===Early life===
{{Quote|I'm what they call the unusual one in my family. Growing up, I always preferred the boys' games. Dolls weren't for me, much to my parents' continued exasperation. I used to pull their heads off.|Maria about her youth.|Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade}}
In her youth, Maria chose not to follow the norm for women of her age, and instead acted and dressed as a male would. Because of this, she was often pestered as a child, and punished by her parents.<ref name="AC Official Game Guide">''Assassin's Creed'': Official Game Guide</ref>

Before the start of the Third Crusade, her parents forced her to marry, though it ended four years after. This disgrace, combined with Maria's own dreams of honor and glory, persuaded her to leave England behind, and join the [[Crusaders]] in the Holy Land.<ref name="AC Official Game Guide"/>

===Joining the Templars===
{{Quote|Fortunately the Bishop of Leicester was a close friend of the elderly Lord Hallaton and he was able to grant an annulment [of the marriage] rather than risking this silly impetuous girl cause the family ruther embarrassment. [...] Hallaton had demanded his bride price back but Father had already spent it. In the end I decided it was best for everyone if I left so I ran away to the Crusade.|Maria, about her motives to join the Crusaders.|Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade}}
It was uncommon for women to participate in combat during the time, thus Maria disguised herself as a man. She showed much promise amongst the Crusaders, and attracted the attention of [[Robert de Sable]]; a Crusader Lieutenant, and the [[Grand Master of the Templar Order]].<ref name="AC Official Game Guide"/>

Despite later learning her true gender, Robert supported her and even appointed Maria to be his personal steward. Although she did not share her Master's beliefs, Maria respected Robert enough to do anything for him, even forfeit her life if necessary.<ref name="AC Official Game Guide"/>

At one point, Robert gave her a ring as a gift, which Maria cherished and kept close. She would later treasure it as her only remaining link to the Templars.<ref name="Bloodlines">''[[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]''</ref>

===Robert's decoy===
{{Quote|We knew you'd come. Robert needed to be sure he'd have time to get away.|Maria talking about her act as a decoy.|Assassin's Creed}}
[[File:Maria-Templar-Robert-de-Sable-PROXY-00.JPG|thumb|left|250px|Maria, disguised as Robert, looking to the crowd.]]
Following the [[Hunt for the Nine|deaths of eight powerful Templars]] in 1191 at the hands of the Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad - a member of the Templars' sworn enemies, the Assassins - Robert correctly reasoned that he was next on the Assassin's list.<ref name="AC">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref>

Not one to be defeated, Robert publicly announced his intention to attend the funeral of the late Regent of [[Jerusalem]], [[Majd Addin]], as a show of mutual cooperation and respect between Muslim and Crusader. Privately, the Templar Grand Master knew that this would be a chance too great for the Assassin to pass up.<ref name="AC"/>

Maria was left to take Robert's place at the funeral, as a decoy for Altaïr. As expected, the Assassin appeared during the funeral procession. Maria carefully examined the mass and managed to spot him. She signaled the funeral proctor of Altaïr's presence, and a great number of Templars were ordered to seize him.<ref name="AC"/>

[[File:Majd funeral fight.jpg|thumb|250px|Maria (center) leading the Templars in battle against Altaïr.]]
Altaïr overpowered the soldiers, and in the end, grasped Maria to remove her helm. Altaïr was greatly shocked that it was a woman he had fought, and questioned it as sorcery. Maria corrected him that it was not, and revealed that she was in Robert's place as a distraction; saying that both his Brotherhood's success of taking the [[Sixth Apple|Templar treasure]], and eradicating her comrades had not gone unnoticed.<ref name="AC"/>

Maria then continued, admitting that Robert had gone to [[Arsuf]] to propose a truce between the [[Saracens|Saracen]] and Crusader armies, in order to besiege the Assassin fortress of [[Masyaf]]. As the eight Templars who had been killed by Altaïr had come from both sides, the Assassins had become their common enemy.<ref name="AC"/>

Though Maria thought she would also be one of the Templars to die at the Assassin's hand, Altaïr corrected her, sparing her life but warning her not to follow him. Out of her confusion, Maria replied haughtily that she did not need to, and that it was futile for him to try to stop Robert.<ref name="AC"/>

===Journey to Cyprus===
{{Dialogue3|Knight|Begging your pardon, but it might be better if you stayed in Acre.|Maria|What is that? A threat?|It's a fair warning. Armand Bouchart is Grand Master now and he doesn't hold you in high regard.|Why, you insolent... Very well, I'll find my own way to Limassol.|A knight advising Maria to stay in Acre.|Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines}}
[[File:Altair Maria Acre.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Maria defeated by Altaïr.]]
A month after Altaïr had killed both Robert and [[Al Mualim]], Maria's Templar rank had dropped considerably, and she was not allowed to travel to Cyprus with her fellow Templars. She confronted Altaïr after the assault on the [[Acre]] harbor, where the two of them engaged in another [[Swords and Maces|sword]] fight.<ref name="Bloodlines"/>

Altaïr bested her, and interrogated her about the Templars' plans for Cyprus. Afterwards, Altaïr took Maria prisoner and brought her with him on the journey to Cyprus, hoping to use her as leverage to lure other Templars out into the open.<ref name="Bloodlines"/>

The two of them traveled to [[Limassol]], where they met with the Assassin contact, [[Alexander]]. Maria was escorted and kept at the resistance safehouse, but escaped following an ambush by Templars, during which the building was set on fire.<ref name="Bloodlines"/>

Maria hurried to warn the new Grand Master of the Templars, [[Armand Bouchart]], of Altaïr's presence in Limassol, but Armand only grew suspicious of Maria's two "miraculous" escapes from the Assassins. That, coupled with his general distrust of women, led him to sentencing her to be locked away in prison.<ref name="Bloodlines"/>

Maria was led away by two Templar [[guards]], only to be saved by Altaïr. After his recovery of her, she vowed to kill him, but Altaïr reasoned with her, noting that the best way to buy back into the Templar's favor was not with his head, but through her recovery of the Apple of Eden.<ref name="Bloodlines"/>

{{Dialogue3|Altaïr|The philosopher Empedocles preached that all life on earth began simply, in rudimentary forms: hands without arms, heads without bodies, eyes without faces. He believed that all these early forms combined, very gradually over time, to create the variety of life we see before us. Interesting?|Maria|Do you know how ludicrous that sounds?|I do, but I take comfort in the advice of the philospher Al Kindi: one must not be afraid of ideas, no matter their source. And we must never fear the truth, even when it pains us.|I don't see the point of your ramblings.|Altaïr trying to teach Maria while on the boat to Kyrenia.|Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade}}

[[File:AltaïrMariaBoat.jpg|thumb|250px|Maria and Altaïr conversing aboard the ship.]]
Altaïr took Maria along with him on the ship to [[Kyrenia]]. Whilst on the ship, Altaïr spoke to her about the philosophy of [[Wikipedia:Empedocles|Empedocles]] – saying that ''"only a mind free of impediments is capable of grasping the chaotic beauty of the world."''<ref name="Bloodlines"/>

Although Maria resisted his ideology, she did take interest in it, asking curiously as to whether being able to see this "chaotic beauty" was truly something to be celebrated. In turn, Altaïr admitted to hardship imposed upon human beings as a result of freedom; though he maintained that ''"the [[New World Order|order and peace the Templar seek]] requires servility and imprisonment,"'' a statement with which the captive Maria found some irony.<ref name="Bloodlines"/>

As the two prepared to disembark, Altaïr cut the rope binding Maria's wrists so that she would be able climb the ladder to the upper deck. However, as she did, the two were recognized by the pirates who had ferried them there. Maria used the opportunity to kick Altaïr down the ladder, forcing him to face their attackers and allow her to escape.<ref name="Bloodlines"/>

However, Maria was also attacked by other members of the large crew, and was helped to safety by [[Markos]]. Because of his honesty and their common dislike of Templars, Altaïr entrusted him with Maria's care, and asked him to look after her.<ref name="Bloodlines"/>

During his investigations, Altaïr learned that "[[Moloch|the Bull]]" – his target – had posted large bounties, not only for him, but for Maria as well. Fearing for her safety, he rushed back to the harbor, where he found her and Markos being attacked by Templars. After rescuing them, Altaïr brought them to the Kyrenia safehouse.<ref name="Bloodlines"/>

Maria, her wrists once again bound, mocked Altaïr's crude plan for killing "the Bull" – whom she knew as Moloch – and inadvertently ended up giving away his position in [[Kantara Castle]]. By the time Altaïr returned from killing him, Maria had already been taken away by Templar agents, who had raided the safe house in his absence.<ref name="Bloodlines"/>

Maria was given to Moloch's son [[Shalim]]; separated from the resistance members, and from Altaïr's attempts to rescue her.<ref name="Bloodlines"/>

[[File:Bellydancin.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Maria infiltrates Saint Hilarion dressed as a [[Courtesans|courtesan]].]]
Maria escaped from Shalim, and headed to [[Saint Hilarion Castle]] disguised as a consort, sneaking in via palanquin. On her arrival, she confronted [[Shahar]] in his private room, and demanded to know about the Templars' plan for the Apple of Eden. Shahar stated that the Templars would achieve order by any means necessary, even if that "order" became synonymous with enslavement.<ref name="Bloodlines"/>

Shahar grabbed her by her wrists, as if to subdue her, but was interrupted when Altaïr burst in upon them, on his search for Shalim. Maria killed his two pursuers as if by impulse, but refused to fight beside him further, and fled.<ref name="Bloodlines"/>

How Maria traveled from Kyrenia back to Limassol is unknown. Altaïr traveled back alone, and carried on without her for a short time. However, following his use of the Apple of Eden to quiet the rioting townspeople, it was Maria who killed the [[Templar agent|mysterious Templar agent]] intent on taking the Apple by stabbing him in the back.<ref name="Bloodlines"/>

[[File:faito.jpg|thumb|250px|Maria fighting Armand in the Archive.]]
Although she remained adamantly distrusting of the righteousness of his motives, Maria led Altaïr to the [[Templar Archive]] hidden under Limassol Castle. There, she engaged Armand Bouchart in combat. However, Armand was an extremely skilled fighter, and hurled Maria back, knocking her unconscious.<ref name="Bloodlines"/>

After Altaïr defeated Armand, he and Maria managed to flee the Archive. She then told him that she no longer wished to be part of the Templars, or return to England, and instead intended to go somewhere in the East.<ref name="Bloodlines"/> However, she ultimately decided to travel with him to Masyaf.<ref name="Secret Crusade" />

===Settling down===
{{Quote|Some two years after the events I've described, they were wed at Limassol. The ceremony was held there as a measure of respect to the Cypriots who had offered their island as a base for the Assassins, making it a key stronghold for the Order.|[[Niccolò Polo]] explaining Maria's marriage to Altaïr to his brother [[Maffeo Polo|Maffeo]].|Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade}}
[[File:Zw-altairandmaria.png|thumb|250px|left|Maria and Altaïr, after having conceived Sef.]]
Maria became romantically involved with Altaïr after returning to Masyaf, and in 1193, they were married in Limassol, with Markos as a guest of honor, and also rewarding the pirates from Cyprus that helped the two of them become closer.<ref name="Secret Crusade"/>

In 1195, Maria gave birth to the couple's first child; a boy named [[Darim Ibn-La'Ahad|Darim]]. Two years later, their second child [[Sef Ibn-La'Ahad|Sef]] was born.<ref name="Secret Crusade"/>

Though Maria became a part of the Assassin Order, there were still Assassins - such as [[Abbas Sofian]] - who secretly loathed Maria for being an outsider and an Englishman, and never fully accepted her and disregarded Altaïr's decision to bring her into the Order.<ref name="Secret Crusade"/>

Maria and Altaïr became inseparable from each other and Maria continuously supported Altaïr, with the only long period of time that they were separated being in 1204, when Altaïr tried to bring the Order to [[Constantinople]].<ref name="Secret Crusade"/>

===Journey to Mongolia===
{{Quote|Darim was in his early twenties and an accomplished bowman, and so it was that Altaïr took him and Maria and left Masyaf.|Niccolò Polo explaining the journey to Mongolia to his brother Maffeo.|Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade}}
Around 1217, Maria, Altaïr and Darim started a journey to Mongolia to assassinate [[Genghis Khan]], whose marching army was preventing the Assassin Order from expanding their influence; leaving [[Malik Al-Sayf]] to take care of the Order. Once there, the family joined with the Assassin [[Qulan Gal]]. While the men made plans to take Khan down, Maria stayed on the sidelines and tended to Altaïr after he had returned wounded from the [[Mongols|Mongol]] camp.<ref name="Secret Crusade"/>

After Darim, aided by Qulan Gal, successfully killed Genghis Khan in 1227, the family headed back home to Masyaf, only to find it completely different from when they had left.<ref name="Secret Crusade"/>

===Later life===
{{Dialogue|Altaïr|I have to destroy Abbas.|Maria|But not for the purposes of vengeance, my love. For the Order. For the good of the Brotherhood. To take it back and make it great once more. If you can do that, and if you can let it take precedence over your own thoughts of revenge, the Order will love you as a father who shows it the true path. If you let yourself be blinded by anger and emotion, how can you expect them to listen when what you teach is the other way?|Altaïr and Maria about taking back the Order from Abbas.|Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade}}
[[File:New_regime_1.png|thumb|250px|Maria along with Altaïr after their return from Mongolia.]]
Maria, Altaïr and Darim were greeted by [[Swami]] upon their return. He informed them that their son Sef had left for [[Alamut]], that Malik was imprisoned, and that a council had been formed to take control over the Order; with [[Abbas Sofian]] at its head. At this, Darim left for Alamut to retrieve his brother. Opposed to what they had expected, Maria and Altaïr were pointed to a residence in the west side of the castle, instead of to the Master's tower.<ref name="Secret Crusade"/>

The next day, the two went to meet the council, seeing that it was made up of the most weak-minded Assassins in the Order. Altaïr gave the council a summary of their journey, and Abbas revealed that Malik had been imprisoned for the murder of their son Sef. Doubting the story's credibility, Altaïr left to free Malik from the fortress' prison and bring him back to their residence.<ref name="Secret Crusade"/>

Maria tended to Malik, and the latter informed them that it had been Abbas who had had Sef killed, and had planted the murder weapon in Malik's bed. Once Malik was asleep, Maria and Altaïr left to confront Abbas.<ref name="Secret Crusade"/>

They entered Masyaf, and went to the courtyard to meet Abbas, who was with Swami and a group of other Assassins. Abbas told them that they would learn of why their son was killed only if they gave him the Apple. Then, Swami told them that as Sef died, he told him that Altaïr ordered his death. Altaïr then removed the Apple and froze Swami.<ref name="Secret Crusade"/>
[[File:New regime 11.png|thumb|left|250px|Maria dying in Altaïr's arms.]]
However, Altaïr's rage was transferred into the Apple, and when Swami touched it, his eyes started to pop out, and his mouth was forced open, with a golden glow emanating from it, causing Maria to scream at Altaïr that he had let his rage take control.<ref name="Secret Crusade"/>

Swami proceeded to impale Maria with his sword. As she died, Altaïr took her in his arms, before she passed away.<ref name="Secret Crusade"/>
{{-}}
==Characteristics and personality==
{{Dialogue3|Altaïr|But you're...|Maria|Adept at disguising myself as a man, yes. Did I have you fooled that day in the cemetery?|I knew you weren't de Sable, but...|You didn't anticipate me being a woman. You see? Years of being boisterous finally paid off.|Maria talking about her boisterous attitude.|Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade}}
[[File:Maria altair.jpg|thumb|250px|Altaïr confronting Maria about Robert's whereabouts.]]
At an early age, Maria was a bit of a dreamer, thinking about leaving England to find honor and glory in the Holy Land. During this time, she showed a certain amount of stubbornness, refusing to act as a lady, and insisting on answering her wanderlust to leave her homeland.<ref name="AC Official Game Guide"/>

She was a very determined person with a great passion to accomplish more within the Templar ranks. During her first encounter with him, Maria presented a straightforward, merciless style of command with Altaïr, and acted arrogant and confident of Robert's cause.<ref name="AC"/>

After the events in Cyprus, Maria's harsh and stubborn attitude around Altaïr instead became more open and civil. Over time, she soon chose to side with him and the Assassins.<ref name="Bloodlines"/>

She also presented a provocative side, as shown when she led Altaïr up a [[View Points|tower]] in Acre, where she beckoned him to kiss and eventually make love with her.<ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>

===Equipment and skills===
Maria was highly trained in swordsmanship, as she was able to counter and avoid many of Altaïr's attacks when she first confronted him.<ref name="AC"/>

==Trivia==
*"Maria" is a Latin derivative of "Mary." The origin of the name "Mary" is a reference to the Latin phrase ''"stella maris"'' meaning "star of the sea," or from the prefix ''"mar"'' meaning "bitter." Other possible meanings are derived from "Miryam," meaning "wished for child, rebellious, or sea of bitterness" in Hebrew, or "Merry" meaning "cherished or beloved" in Egyptian.<ref>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15464a.htm The Name of Mary]</ref>
**Maria's maiden name "Thorpe" means "village" in Old Norse, and is the name of various English villages.<ref>[http://surnames.behindthename.com/php/search.php?type=n&terms=Thorpe Behind the Name: Thorpe]</ref>
*If the player connects the PS3 version of ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' with the PSP game ''[[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]'', the weapons of the defeated bosses in ''Bloodlines'' will appear at the [[Villa Auditore]]. Maria's weapon is labeled as "Maria Thorpe's Longsword." This is the first mention of her surname.
*Maria is approximately 24 years old during ''[[Assassin's Creed]]''.<ref name="AC Official Game Guide"/>
*Not only was Maria the first known female Templar to appear in the series, she was also the first Templar to be spared and assimilated into a rival faction (from Templars to Assassins).
*In ''Assassin's Creed II'', Desmond refers to Maria as the "woman from Acre." However, Maria is encountered only in Jerusalem during ''Assassin's Creed''.
**The only time Maria is previously seen in Acre is during the events of ''Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines''. This may mean that Desmond witnessed the memories that took place in Bloodlines. (This is possible because the main menu used to activate memories in Bloodlines is exactly the same to the inactive animus interface in Assassin's Creed 1.)
*In the book of '[[Secret Crusade|Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade]]', Maria is said to have been killed by a wild knife swing across her throat by Swami who is affected by the Apple, not by the stab in the back seen in Revelations.
*In Maria's database entry in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]'', it states that Altaïr killed Robert de Sable in the year 1192, and Maria was cast out by Armand Bouchart not too long after his death.

==Gallery==
<gallery widths="160" position="center" captionalign="center" captiontextcolor="#ffffff" bordersize="medium">
File:María in Robert's suit.jpg|Maria alerting her allies of the presence of Altaïr.
aw.jpg|Altaïr helping Maria up.
awmoar.jpg|Altaïr helping Maria out of the Archive as it collapses.
codex.jpg|Maria standing beside Altaïr as he writes his Codex.
File:Mariawatchingtower.jpg|Maria looking over Acre.
File:Altair and Maria embrace in Assassin's Creed 2.jpg|Altair and Maria embrace.
File:Mariaparting.jpg|Maria watching Altaïr depart.
File:Zw-codex-25.png|Altaïr's hand-drawn picture of Maria featured in the Codex.
Maria Thorpe ACII.png|Maria, as she appeared in ''Assassin's Creed II''.
Maria .jpg|Maria in Templar clothes
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{AC}}
{{ACB}}
{{ACII}}
{{ACR}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Thorpe, Maria}}

[[es:Maria Thorpe]]
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[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed Characters]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines Characters]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines Assassination Targets]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II Characters]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade Characters]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Revelations Characters]]
[[Category:Templars]]
[[Category:Assassins]]
[[Category:Articles to be Featured]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Revelations (Novel) Characters]]

Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines

2011-12-15T12:53:48Z

109.224.198.145: /* Trivia */

{{Era|ACBL|realworld|Good}}
{{WP-REAL}}
{{Game Infobox
|name = Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines
|image = Bloodlines.jpg
|Developer = Griptonite Games
|Publisher = Ubisoft
|US Date Released = 17 November 2009
|UK Date Released = 20 November 2009
|Genre = Historic Action-Adventure
|Game modes = Single-Player
|ESRB = Mature (M)
|Platform = PlayStation Portable
|Website = http://assassinscreed.us.ubi.com/
|Media = UMD, PSN download}}

'''''Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines''''' is a spin-off game exclusive to the PlayStation Portable console. It was released worldwide on November 17, 2009.

The game follows the events of ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'', and depicts the journey of the [[Assassins|Assassin]] [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] to the island of [[Cyprus]], in order to learn more of the [[Templars]]' intentions, now under the rule of [[Armand Bouchart]].

Though the game does not feature [[Desmond Miles]], the interface, HUDs, and design of the game are still based on the [[Animus]].

==Gameplay==
''Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines'' contains similar, if not the same, gameplay to ''Assassin's Creed'' in terms of control style, although there were minor modifications to the control scheme, due to the lack of specific keys and buttons. Some features from the previous game, such as [[Eagle Vision]], were removed for the betterment of the controls.

Due to the system platform, the AI has been seen as somewhat inferior when compared to the first game, making combat easier and simpler. A minor addition was featured in the combat aspect of the game, allowing players to instantly assassinate a target when they are downed in combat.

Another difference between the two games is the amount of [[civilians]] present in the streets. While the first game was filled with random civilians, ''Bloodlines'' has little to no civilians, explained in-game that the civilians were in a constant state of insecurity due to the new system of governance. Still, civilians will react to Altaïr's improper behavior, such as scaling buildings, and running around the streets.

[[File:Altair blend.png|thumb|left|210px|Blending was still present in Bloodlines, albeit downgraded.]]
Stealth in ''Bloodlines'' was downgraded, again for the reason of controls. [[Blending]] was all but removed, due to the system platform. Although [[scholars]] are still present in-game, Altaïr can no longer use them as a way to hide. Although Altaïr can still blend, it only acts as a way to safely bypass guards without raising suspicion.

Scaling the side of buildings was made easier and faster, resulting in simpler animations, again, due to the system's inferiority. High and low profile movements were still present in-game, though they were downgraded.

Taking the place of [[flags]], a new collectible featured in the game are [[Templar Coins]], which can be used to upgrade health bars, and the amount of damage a weapon can inflict. Three types of coins are present in game: Bronze, Silver and Gold, with Gold holding the highest value.

Similar to the previous game, side missions are available to players, such as [[Save Citizen|saving civilians]] from Templar soldiers, and performing specific tasks for allies of the resistance. The variety of tasks has been expanded, such as delivering letters, and intercepting couriers. In return, Altaïr will receive coins as a reward, instead of assistance from groups, as in the previous game.

With the game centered on the island of Cyprus, the setting was based on two areas: [[Limassol]] and [[Kyrenia]]. The look of the area is very similar to some of the cities in the first game, going as far as having the same atmosphere. Due to the small setting, [[Horses|Horseback riding]] was removed in ''Bloodlines''. Like in the previous game, Altaïr can synchronize from high [[View Points|vantage points]] in order to map out the city. Although the map itself is already drawn out, synchronizing will provide the locations of various side-missions.

Weapons from the previous game return in ''Bloodlines'', such as [[Sword of Altaïr|Altaïr's sword]], his [[short blade]], [[throwing knives]], and [[fists]]. His usage of each of the weapons is very similar to the first ''Assassin's Creed''.

Assassinations are also similar to the first game, although the animation has been toned down to better fit the system. A new, yet very minor assassination technique has been added to the game, allowing Altaïr to pull opponents off of ledges, similar to ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''.

[[File:ScreenBloodLines.jpg|right|thumb|260px|New assassination techniques were featured in ''Bloodlines''.]]
Cut-scenes were changed and differed from the previous installment. In ''Bloodlines'', cut-scenes are played through preset dialogue, with the character models acting in preset motions and gestures. Unique gestures were only present in confrontations between boss characters, such as [[Moloch]] and the [[Dark Oracle]]. Subtitles were also added to the game.

Story missions and assassinations were simplified and straightforward. Previous ways to [[Investigation|gather information]], such as [[pickpocketing]] and [[eavesdropping]], were removed from the game. As a replacement, missions were played in the same structure as ''Assassin's Creed II'', with Altaïr handling one task after another and slowly gathering vital information from both his allies and enemies as each mission was cleared.

An in-game achievement system is featured in ''Bloodlines'', which rewards players with Templar coins. Achievements can be earned after performing specific tasks, such as killing a set number of soldiers in a specified order, and also collecting all of the Templar coins located throughout the game world.

Despite all the downgrades, a new feature is also in this game that doesn't apply to the other games: Altaïr can now retrieve throwing knives by walking over his used ones. Since pickpocketing was removed, and was the only way to regain throwing knives in the first game, Altaïr can now reuse his throwing knives provided that the knife he threw landed on the ground or an enemy. If the knife landed on water, Altaïr could not regain them. Throwing knives may also be regained by interacting with the newly added knife box in the safehouses.

==Plot==
[[File:Altair Maria Acre.jpg|thumb|250px|Altaïr defeats Maria at Acre.]]
During the fall season of 1191, the Assassin Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad has heard of the Templars' plan to depart for Cyprus. While the Templars still make preparations to leave from [[Acre]]'s harbor, Altaïr leads an assault in order to intercept them and learn more.

Encountering [[Maria Thorpe]], [[Robert de Sable]]'s former steward, Altaïr subdues and takes Maria as his prisoner. As the Assassins depart the area with Maria, Altaïr hears from one of his subordinates that the Templars have recently purchased the island of Cyprus from [[King Richard]] after the fall of [[Isaac Comnenus]]' rule. Suspecting that their intentions are beyond governance, Altaïr departs for Cyprus with Maria in tow.

Altaïr then arrives at Limassol, and makes contact with [[Alexander of Limassol|Alexander]], the informant mentioned by his men. Alexander would then discuss the Templars' presence with him, and devise a plan to gather more information.

Altaïr consulted with [[Osman]], a Resistance spy within the Templar's ranks, and managed to lower the defenses of the Templar-controlled [[Limassol Castle]], in order to infiltrate the castle with ease. He was also able to learn of a certain [[Templar Archive|archive]] that the Templars were keeping a secret, though if he wanted to learn more, he should seek [[Frederick the Red]].

Altaïr entered the castle and encountered Frederick, though gained no information before his death. Heading out of the structure, Altaïr saw that the safe house of the resistance had been burned down to the ground by the Templars, and, after searching the area, learned of Maria's survival.

[[File:Altair Bloodlines.jpg|thumb|250px|Altaïr arrives at Cyprus.]]
Fleeing to the church area, Altaïr watches over an announcement being made by Armand Bouchart, the current [[Grand Master of the Templar Order]], regarding the death of Frederick. Slaying Osman in the midst of his announcement, Armand threatened to tighten the grip of the government within the city if they refuse to cooperate in searching for the murderer.

Just then, Maria arrives and pleads for safety to Bouchart, though he attributes her safe escape as being in league with the Assassins. Despite her claims, Maria was taken away by Bouchart's men on the grounds of conspiring against their Order; though she would later be intercepted and rescued by Altaïr. After regrouping by the city's harbor, Alexander helped Altaïr charter a boat for the city of Kyrenia, where Bouchart had fled. Consorting with Alexander's associate [[Pasha]], Altaïr was able to make his way into the city with Maria.

Altaïr arrives at the city of Kyrenia, and encounters the resistance member [[Markos]], whom helped stop Maria's escape attempt. Altaïr leaves her to the care of Markos while he searched for the resistance leader [[Barnabas]], the man mentioned by Alexander. Meeting with Barnabas, Altaïr was instructed to murder the claimed traitor [[Jonas]], as his end of the deal for assistance in dealing with the Templars.

Intercepting Jonas, Altaïr learned before his target's death that the Templar figure Moloch has placed a price on both his and Maria's head. Learning of this, Altaïr made his way back to the harbor in order to ensure that she was safe. Rescuing her and Markos from harassers, Altaïr would then instruct them to make their way into the resistance safe house.

Altaïr would then return to the safe house and report to Barnabas, whom subsequently told him of a riot happening around the city due to Jonas' death. Barnabas claims that Jonas was a well-respected man, though few know of his treachery. Altaïr explains that more of the resistance are making their way to the safe house, and that he should explain the situation to them.

Departing to deal with the riot, Altaïr was successful and immediately returns to Barnabas, though he found that he has disappeared. Seeing Markos and Maria safe, Altaïr decides to eliminate Moloch due to the threat he poses, and infiltrates [[Kantara Castle]]. Infiltrating the castle, Altaïr deals with Moloch and escapes before he was caught.

[[File:Moloch Assassination.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Altaïr and Moloch in combat.]]
Altaïr returns to the safe house, though learns that Maria and other resistance members were taken away by the Templars. Markos attributes the discovery of their hideout to the Dark Oracle, whom was told to have mystical powers. He was also able to learn that the man he knew as Barnabas was a [[Templar Agent|traitor]], and that the real Barnabas was murdered before Altaïr's arrival. He would then leave the safe house to rescue Maria and the resistance members.

Rescuing the men at Kyrenia's harbor, he was able to learn that Maria was taken away by Moloch's son, [[Shalim]]. After liberating the resistance members, Altaïr regroups with Markos to report of the men's status. With the uncertainty of the Oracle's mysticism, Altaïr decides to explore the Oracle's supposed prison at [[Buffavento Castle]]. There, he overhears Bouchart and Shalim, and makes mention of a delivery to Alexander, which Altaïr believed to be a sign of treachery. Dwelling further into the castle, Altaïr locates the Oracle and assassinates her in her cell. Afterward, he leaves the castle.

Returning to the safe house, Altaïr asks Markos for information regarding Shalim. Told very little, he tasked himself with tailing Shalim to learn more about him. Following him, Altaïr witnesses he and his men harass the citizens of Kyrenia, and takes it upon himself to liberate them. After doing so, he'd report back to Markos, and learns that he regularly confesses at a nearby church. Conversing with a monk, he sets up a meeting, but the monk was killed by a [[Templar Agent|Templar assailant]]. Altaïr gave chase, though was only able to pick up on of the agent's belongings. Reporting to Markos, he learns that Shalim was frequently seen by the harbor, and decides to pick up where he left off and headed there.

[[File:Shalim and Shahar assassination.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Altaïr defeats Moloch's twin sons.]]
Altaïr sees a group of beautiful women meant for Shalim's entertainment, among them was Maria in disguise. Following the carriage the women rode on, Altaïr reaches [[Saint Hilarion Castle]] and prepares to infiltrate the castle in search of Shalim. Just as he locates Shalim, Altaïr sees Maria conversing with him, whom talked about the Templars' intention with the Apple. Deserted by Maria, Altaïr prepares to duel both Shalim and his twin [[Shahar]], whom he thought was the former. Dealing with the twins, Altaïr leaves the castle and reports back to Markos. Altaïr then learns that Kyrenia has been fully liberated of the Templars, and that their fleets set sail for Limassol once more. Altaïr then leaves for Limassol.

Altaïr locates the newly rebuilt safe house and rendezvoused with Alexander, who immediately branded the Assassin as a traitor, much to his surprise. Altaïr explained the chain of events to Alexander, who subsequently told him of the Templars' abuse of power. Altaïr first dealt with the captain guards, then asked several of the pirates for Bouchart's whereabouts whilst posing as a Templar messenger. Altaïr learns of a recent murder committed by a Templar sergeant and leaves to interrogate him. After doing so, he was pointed to [[Demetris]] if he wanted more information. Question Demetris, he learned that he was the perpetrator of the murder, though he was killed by the same Agent from Kyrenia before he could reveal any more.

[[File:Templar Archive1.jpg|thumb|250px|Altaïr defeats Armand Bouchart.]]
Unable to chase the agent, Altaïr returns to the safe house, though he only found a note from Alexander, instructing him to meet by the castle's courtyard. Doing so, he sees Alexander's corpse, and is greeted by the Templar agent, who was also the impostor of Barnabas.

The agent was able to turn the whole town against Altaïr, as a mob made their way to the courtyard ready to drive out Altaïr. The Assassin was then forced to use to utilize the [[Sixth Apple|Apple of Eden]] to drive the civilians away without casualty. The agent asked for the Apple, though as he did, he was stabbed by Maria from behind. After an argument, Maria would then inform Altaïr of the Archive's location, which was within the Castle premises. After dealing with a group of Templar soldiers, Altaïr proceeded into the Archive.

Altaïr made his way into the Archive and arrives to the sight of Bouchart knocking Maria out. Bouchart would then mention their true plans and intentions. The Archive had existed while under Comnenus' rule, and because of his defeat by King Richard, the Archive was compromised. The Templars were forced to buy the island, and due to Altaïr's meddling, was also forced to liberate the artifacts out of it.

[[File:Dock.jpg|thumb|250px|Maria and Altaïr, after escaping the Archive.]]
Bouchart would then engage in combat with Altaïr, but was eventually defeated. After helping Maria recover, Altaïr escapes the crumbling structure with Maria, and makes their way out before it was destroyed.

Altaïr and Maria would then discuss their future intentions by Limassol's harbor. While Maria states that her interests are sailing East for India, Altaïr ponders over his journey and understanding of the creed. Afterwards, he'd then state that he'll head East. The two would then leave the harbor together.

==Development==
Development of ''Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines'' was announced on July 16, 2009, 6 months after ''Assassin's Creed II'' was announced, debuting on GameTrailers with a short cinematic placed on an image of the PlayStation Portable.

The trailer was narrated by one of the in-game bosses, Moloch, and revealed very few details, such as the location of the game (set in Cyprus) and the installment's protagonist, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad. The game was being developed by [[wikipedia:Ubisoft Montreal|Ubisoft Montreal]] in conjunction with [[wikipedia:Griptonite Games|Griptonite Games]].

It was revealed in [[wikipedia:E3 2009|E3 2009]] that interconnectivity between ''Bloodlines'' and ''Assassin's Creed II'' would be available, allowing players to earn bonuses on both games after connecting the PSP system to the PS3 Console.

==Interconnectivity==
''Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines'' has the ability to connect with the PS3 system to earn bonuses on both installments. Depending on how many [[Codex|Codex pages]] the player has collected in ''Assassin's Creed II'', players can unlock health bonuses in ''Bloodlines'', as well as receive upgrades for the [[hidden blade]] that roughly resemble the ones present in ''Assassin's Creed II''.

{|width="90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="1" style="text-align:center"
!scope="col" width="30%"|Upgrade
!scope="col" width="30%"|Unlocked by
!scope="col" width="40%"|Description
|-
!Health Upgrade
|Collecting Codex Pages
|Increases Altaïr's health. The amount added depends on the number of Codex pages collected.
|-
!Hidden Blade Armor Plating
|Collecting the 13th Codex Page
|Grants Altaïr the ability to block using the Hidden Blade.
|-
!Knife-Gun
|Collecting the 28th Codex Page
|Grants Altaïr the ability to fire knives out of the Hidden Blade.
|}

==Trivia==
*Altaïr's voice in ''Bloodlines'' is different from his in ''Assassin's Creed'', possessing a Middle Eastern accent that was not present in the previous game.
*The design for the throwing knives has been altered. In the first game, it is simply a flat knife, but in the game, it now possess a cylindrical hilt and a four sided blade.
*During the introductory cut-scene of ''Bloodlines'', a short version of ''"Access the Animus,"'' one of the first game's original scores, can be faintly heard in the background.[[File:Codex.jpg|thumb|250px|Altaïr, writing an entry on his Codex.]]
*The game had some [[Bugs|errors and glitches]], such as the invisible wall glitch and the invisible plank glitch.
*Another one of the errors and glitches was as Altaïr is jumping up to a ledge, the game would go slow motion.
*Throughout the game, Altaïr's model is rendered without the short blade's sheath on his back. This creates a minor visual glitch in the animation, causing Altaïr to reach for his back when drawing (and returning) the short blade, even though nothing is there.
*At the end of each Memory Block (except for the sixth), a cut-scene plays where Altaïr is seen writing down his thoughts on his personal journal (this journal would later become known as the Codex). The exact time and date this occurs is debatable, but based on what is written in the Codex, it is more likely that he began to work on it after the events in ''Bloodlines'', due to conflicting events.
**However, some entries from the Codex show that Altaïr wrote entries before his time on Cyprus.
*The Apple of Eden can be seen on Altaïr's desk while he writes the Codex pages between Memory Blocks.
*The only action present in ''Assassin's Creed'' and not in ''Bloodlines'' is the "gentle push," which is replaced by "grab."
*In each Codex entry, Altaïr wrote the following subjects (in chronological order):
**His time with the Apple of Eden.
**His opinion and observations about the Apple of Eden's creation and origin.
**The common [[Humans|man]]'s natural instincts that results to violence.
**The origins and legacy of [[Those Who Came Before]].
**His confrontation with Al Mualim.
**The chaos that surrounded life, and life's purpose.
*While Desmond does not make a physical appearance within the game, the tutorial segment mentions the Animus user as '''Subject 17''', Desmond's subject number. This teorises that bloodlines may be set just between Assassin's Creed 1 and 2.

==Notes and References==
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