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Chinese Brotherhood of Assassins

2012-12-30T04:36:39Z

142.59.167.220: /* Appearance */

{{Era|DYL|Embers|Assassins}}
{{Faction infobox
|name = Chinese Assassins
|image = Insignia 2.png
|imgdesc =
|hideo =
|founder =
|leader = [[Mentor]]
|headquarters = [[Beijing]]
|locations = Eastern [[China]]
|related = [[Assassins]]
|religion =
|formed = Prior to 210 BCE
|reorganised =
|collapsed = 1524
|notable = [[Wei Yu]] [[Fang Xiaoru]] [[Li Tong]] [[Shao Jun]]
|}}
The '''Chinese Assassins''' were the Brotherhood of [[Assassins]] in [[China]], one of the few Brotherhoods to have existed for more than a thousand years.

Primarily focusing on dealing with several [[Templars|Templar]]-backed Chinese Emperors, the Chinese Assassins have often been in difficult positions, as the Chinese Templars held the majority of power in China on numerous occasions.

In 1524, the Chinese Assassins were almost completely rooted out through a ruthless purge by the Emperor Jiajing, with the remaining Assassins fleeing China altogether, seeking support from other branches in the Assassin Order.

==History==
===Assassination of Qin Shi Huang===
During the 3rd century B.C.E., [[Qin Shi Huang]], supported by the [[Templars]],<ref name="Encyclopedia">''[[Assassin's Creed Encyclopedia]]''</ref> unified China under his banner and became the first Emperor, starting the Qin Dynasty.

However, in 210 B.C.E., the Assassin [[Wei Yu]] killed the tyrant Emperor with a spear, making Wei Yu one of the most renowned members of the Order.<ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>

===Yongle's purge===
[[File:ChineseAssassinsEscape.png|thumb|left|250px|Li Tong and an apprentice escaping the purge.]]
By the 15th century, the Chinese Assassins were led by the teacher [[Fang Xiaoru]]. In 1402, the Imperial throne was usurped by [[Yongle]], supported by the Templars. Under Yongle's rule, thousands of Assassins were rounded up and executed, including Fang Xiaoru. However, a young female Assassin named [[Li Tong]] and an [[Apprentices|Assassin apprentice]] were able to escape the purge with an [[Apples of Eden|Apple of Eden]]. This caused Li to devote herself to protecting the Apple and keeping it out of Yongle's hands.<ref name="DYL">''[[Assassin's Creed: Discover Your Legacy]]''</ref>

In 1424, while Yongle was trying to suppress a rebellion near the [[wikipedia:Gobi Desert|Gobi Desert]], Li Tong slipped into Yongle's tent and killed the Emperor.<ref name="DYL"/>

===Fall of the Brotherhood===
In 1521, after the death of [[wikipedia:Zhengde Emperor|Emperor Zhengde]] and while the administration was preoccupied with looking for an heir, the Assassins infiltrated the Imperial Palace to rescue the Emperor's concubines. In the process, they recruited a young woman named [[Shao Jun]] into the Brotherhood, though many concubines had to be left behind.<ref name="Encyclopedia"/>

In 1524, the new Emperor, [[Wikipedia:Jiajing|Emperor Jiajing]], again aided by the Templars, nearly destroyed the Assassin Order in China, determined to eliminate all groups who opposed him.<ref name="Encyclopedia"/>

[[File:ACE-V 10.png|thumb|250px|Shao Jun and Ezio Auditore, before her departure.]]
The remaining Assassins traveled West in groups, with Shao Jun and her mentor heading for [[Italy]]. In [[Venice]], they were intercepted by Jiajing's men, and her mentor was killed. Eventually continuing on to [[Florence]], Shao Jun met [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]], the retired leader of the [http://assassinscreed.wikia.com/wiki/Italian_Assassins Italian Assassins] and a former [[Mentor]] in the Assassin Order. Despite her desire to learn from him, Ezio, then 65 years old, was unwilling to help Jun at first. After discovering the fate of the Chinese Assassins, Ezio decided to support her, eventually fighting off more of Jiajing's assailants in Ezio's home. With Ezio's knowledge and a secret box to only be used in times of dire need, Shao Jun started to make her way back to China, determined to rebuild the Order's presence there.<ref name="ACE">''[[Assassin's Creed: Embers]]''</ref>

==Techniques==
The techniques of the Chinese Assassins differed greatly from those of the other Assassin branches. Most notably, the Chinese Assassins did not use [[Hidden Blade|hidden blades]];<ref name="ACE"/> the signature weapon of the Assassins in [[wikipedia:Europe|Europe]] and the [[wikipedia:Middle East|Middle East]].<ref name="AC2"/>

Instead, the Chinese Assassins wore bracers equipped with needles, where normally the hidden blades would be. Being located so close to the hands, the Assassins could quickly throw multiple needles in a row.<ref name="ACE"/>

[[File:ACE-V 9.png|thumb|250px|Shao Jun using her concealed blade.]]
Additionally, the Chinese Assassins wore concealed blades in their footwear, which came to good use with their Chinese fighting techniques, which involved the use of the leg and foot more often.<ref name="ACE"/>

The Chinese Assassins would eventually use the [[rope dart]] weapon created by Shao Jun after her travels to Europe.<ref>''[http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-09-24-assassins-creed-3-preview-ready-for-the-series-revolution Eurogamer: Assassin's Creed 3: Ready for the series' revolution]''</ref>

==Appearance==
The Assassins' robes did not always meet normal Assassin customs. On many occasions, Assassins wore ordinary Chinese clothing, making them hardly recognizable as Assassins.<ref name="AC2"/><ref name="DYL"/>

It was only during the height of the [[Renaissance]] period in [[wikipedia:Europe|Europe]] that the Chinese Assassins ordinarily wore hoods; despite this, the Assassins did not necessarily wear white, as Shao Jun wore black Assassin robes.<ref name="ACE"/> As in Traditional Chinese and east asian culture in general,white is a colour normally associated with death and mourning,and is commonly worn at funerals.

==References==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Assassin branches]]

Shao Jun

2012-12-30T04:35:44Z

142.59.167.220: /* Trivia */

{{Era|AC3|Rbook|Embers|Assassins|Featured}}
{{WPAssassins}}
{{Quote|I have traveled a long time, followed many roads and suffered much grief to find him. To learn his secrets before our enemies find us.|Shao Jun regarding her search for Ezio Auditore.|Assassin's Creed: Embers}}
{{Character Infobox
|name = Shao Jun
|image = Shao Jun SS v.png
|faction = [[Chinese Assassins]]
|birth = 1505 [[China]]
|appear = ''[[Assassin's Creed: Embers|Embers]]'' [[Assassin's Creed: Revelations (novel)|''Revelations'' novel]]
|voice = [[Angela Galuppo]]}}
'''Shao Jun''' (1505 - unknown) was a member of the [[Chinese Assassins|Chinese Brotherhood]] of [[Assassins]]. A former concubine of [[Zhengde|Emperor Zhengde]], she was rescued by the Assassins after the emperor's death, and devoted her life to the Order as a result.<ref name="Encyclopedia">''[[Assassin's Creed Encyclopedia]]''</ref>

After some time, Zhengde's successor, [[Jiajing]], ordered a purge of those who opposed him, which included the Assassins. Following the Order's decline in China, Jun and her [[Mentor]] fled west to seek out the [[Italian Assassins|Italian Assassin]] Mentor, [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]].<ref name="Encyclopedia" />

==History==
===Early life===
{{Quote|I was born a concubine, but my Mentor freed me when I was young.|Shao Jun.|Assassin's Creed: Embers}}
Jun was born into royal captivity during [[China]]'s Ming Dynasty, under the lackluster rule of Emperor Zhengde.<ref name="Encyclopedia" />

Zhengde, known for his childish disposition and lack of interest in the urgent matters that concerned his country, regarded Jun highly among his concubines after she had reached her teenage years. Living a decade of her life under Zhengde, Jun traveled with him to various places and met many foreigners.<ref name="Encyclopedia" />

However, after Zhengde's death in April of 1521, the royal ministers fell into disarray, and bickered over who should succeed the heir-less Zhengde. It was during this chaotic time that Jun came into contact with the Assassin Order, and was rescued along with several other concubines, after the Assassins broke into the royal palace.<ref name="Encyclopedia" />

Loyal immediately to those who rescued her, Jun dedicated her first years of freedom to serving the Brotherhood that saved her, training in their ways.<ref name="Encyclopedia" />

===Decline of her Order===
Years after her rescue, Jun and her Mentor decided to rescue the remaining concubines whom she had grown up with. After breaking into the Imperial Palace, Jun discovered that most of her friends had been tortured and killed through the use of ''Ling Chi'' ("slow slicing," or death by a thousand cuts), by order of Zhengde's nephew and successor, Jiajing. Jun and her Mentor then fled the palace.<ref name="Encyclopedia" /><ref name="Embers">''[[Assassin's Creed: Embers]]''</ref>

Jiajing, who possessed the worst traits of Zhengde, yet harbored none of his best, sought to detain and execute any opposition or possible threats against his rule. The Assassins were some of the purge's most high-profile targets, and on Jiajing's orders, a majority of the Assassins in China were killed. The few who survived either went into hiding or fled westward.<ref name="Encyclopedia" />

Jun and her Mentor were included in those who left China, though they escaped farther than most of their brothers. Heading for [[Italy]], the two sought to find the legendary Mentor Ezio Auditore for help, hoping that he might know how to restore their Order.<ref name="Encyclopedia" />

===Time in Italy===
{{Dialogue2|Jun|I want to understand.|Ezio|Understand what?|How to lead, to rebuild my Order.|Jun asking Ezio for help.|Assassin's Creed: Embers}}
[[File:EzioFlaviaJun.png|thumb|250px|left|Jun's first encounter with Ezio.]]
By 1524, Jun and her Mentor were able to arrive as far as [[Venice]]. However, Imperial soldiers sent by Jiajing to detain the two were able to follow them, and caught up to the pair in the city.<ref name="Encyclopedia"/>

While her Mentor fought off the soldiers to ensure Jun's safety and escape, they died in the ensuing battle.<ref name="Encyclopedia"/> Continuing onward, Jun arrived at Ezio Auditore's [[Tuscany|Tuscan]] villa.<ref name="Embers"/>

There, Jun first encountered Ezio's young daughter [[Flavia Auditore|Flavia]], and began speaking with her. Though Ezio initially saw Jun as a threat, and fervently restrained her to protect his child, he released her after recognizing the [[Assassin insignia]] on the necklace she wore.<ref name="Embers"/>

Later that day, Ezio and his wife [[Sofia Sartor|Sofia]] confronted Jun, who asked him for aid in restoring her Order. Ezio, who had retired from his life as an Assassin, refused to associate himself with the Order again, and asked her to leave.<ref name="Embers"/>

However, Sofia, knowing that Jun had come a long way to meet Ezio, asked her to stay, welcoming her into their home. Jun thanked Sofia, and accepted her offer.<ref name="Embers"/>

[[File:ShaoJunEzio.png|thumb|250px|Jun listening to Ezio.]]
The next day, Jun came across Ezio's study and looked through some of the writings he had left on his desk. However, when Ezio discovered her, he furiously told her to leave, which Jun hastily obeyed.<ref name="Embers"/>

Afterwards, Ezio approached Jun to demand she leave Italy entirely, stating that she had wasted her time looking for him. Jun, reciting a portion of Ezio's writing, responded that all she wanted was to understand her Order as he did.<ref name="Embers"/>

Ezio finally admitted why he was so reluctant to help her, and invited her to accompany him to [[Florence]], where she could assist him with the grape harvest of his vineyard.<ref name="Embers"/>

There, Jun observed the crowd as Ezio attended to his business. Afterwards, Ezio took Jun to the [[Palazzo della Signoria]], where half of [[House of Auditore|his family]] had been hung in 1476. Ezio then taught Jun how the Assassins lived their lives; through pain, in order to end pain.<ref name="Embers"/>

After the brief discussion, Ezio and Jun prepared to leave Florence. On the way back however, the two were intercepted by one of the Imperial soldiers in an obscure alleyway. Jun managed to kill the soldier, and quickly fled the city with Ezio afterwards.<ref name="Embers"/>

[[File:Embers ShotBreakdown 01.png|thumb|250px|left|Jun and Ezio in Florence.]]
On the way to Ezio's villa, Jun explained her plight, and informed him about those who were after her. Afterwards, Ezio told Sofia to bring their children to [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]'s home, as he suspected that the soldiers would pursue Jun to the villa.<ref name="Embers"/>

That night, Ezio lectured Jun on how he had defeated the [[House of Borgia|Borgia family]] through fraternity and love, and how he had reformed the Brotherhood in both [[Rome]] and [[Constantinople]]. Afterwards, Shao Jun rested for the night, while Ezio kept watch from the living room.<ref name="Embers"/>

Soon enough, the villa was invaded by the Imperial soldiers. The two Assassins fended off most of the attackers, with Ezio saving Jun from the shot of a [[Firearms|hand cannon]] held by a brutish soldier. Fleeing outside to avoid the devastating weapon, both Jun and Ezio worked together to deal with the last foe.<ref name="Embers"/>

Though the soldier charged Ezio and pinned him to a tree, the elder Assassin managed to stab the enemy with his sword, to which Jun then helped Ezio recuperate from the unexpected exertion.<ref name="Embers"/>

===Departure===
{{Dialogue|Ezio|It is a long way home, no?|Jun|Much to see along the way. Thank you, Mentor.|Jun to Ezio, before departing for China.|Assassin's Creed: Embers}}
[[File:ACE-V 10.png|thumb|250px|Ezio handing Jun a small box during her departure.]]
The following morning, Jun, with a renewed resolve, looked on to the horizon as Ezio approached her. Ezio stated that the trip back to China would be long, but Jun replied that it would be worthwhile, with so much to see along the way.<ref name="Embers" />

Before Jun left, Ezio gave her a small chest that contained something which could aid her in the future, stating that she should only open it if she were to lose her way. As government [[guards]] came into view on [[Horses|horseback]], Ezio bade that Jun leave before they arrived. Jun then left Ezio's villa to return home to China.<ref name="Embers" />

===Legacy===
Some time following her encounter with Ezio Auditore, Shao Jun created the [[Rope darts|rope dart]], a weapon that allowed its user to hang foes from horizontal objects such as tree branches, as well as to yank those caught by it from their feet or horse. Rope darts would eventually be used by Assassins during the [[American Revolutionary War]], most notably by [[Ratonhnhaké:ton]].<ref name="AC3">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]''</ref>

==Personality and characteristics==
{{Quote|I want to understand, like you do. To help my people.|Jun speaking with Ezio.|Assassin's Creed: Embers}}
[[File:ACE-V 8.png|thumb|250px|left|Jun standing watch at Ezio's villa.]]
Shao Jun had the desire to learn, specifically about how the Assassin Order functioned and lived their lives. She often searched for information when none was given to her, even going against the wishes of others just to learn, as evidenced by her invading Ezio's study. She was sincere about wanting to understand her Order, and took Ezio's lessons and lectures to heart.

She remained on-guard at all times, keeping a close eye on her surroundings for any possible threats. Because of this, she was somewhat restless, often staying up at night and preparing for an attack instead of sleeping.<ref name="Embers" />

She also loved to meet and learn from new cultures and societies, often excited about the opportunity to understand people with different nationalities from her own.<ref name="Encyclopedia" />

===Equipment and skills===
[[File:ACE-V 9.png|thumb|250px|Jun utilizing her concealed knife.]]
Shao Jun wielded a Chinese {{Wiki|jian}} as her primary weapon, and while she had no [[Hidden Blade]], she did have a total of six throwing needles tucked under her bracers as secondary weapons. Accompanying this, Jun also had a concealed blade under her right foot, which she used in tandem with her acrobatic skills against enemies.

She was extensively trained in combat by the Order, and was an adept and agile fighter, with her fighting style being heavily reminiscent of the Chinese martial art of {{Wiki|Chinese martial arts#Wushu|Wushu}}, which involved ample flexibility and knowledge in both unarmed and sword combat.

Jun's arsenal of weapons were also fitted for her style of combat, as they were light yet deadly. To lower suspicion in public areas, she concealed her weapons in her attire, save for the jian, which she kept sheathed across her back.

==Trivia==
*The ''[[Assassin's Creed Encyclopedia]]'' stated that Shao Jun met Ezio in Florence. However, in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Embers]]'', Ezio's villa was located in the [[Tuscany|Tuscan]] countryside.
*Shao Jun had at least a basic grasp of Italian, being able to say ''"grazie"'' to Sofia after she was allowed to stay, and was also able to understand Ezio even if he spoke in the language.
*The ''"Jun"'' in Shao Jun's name was pronounced as ''"yoon"'' in ''Embers''. This was incorrect, as the correct pronunciation in Mandarin was roughly "''joon."''
*[http://www.ubiworkshop.com/2011/11/16/shao-juns-necklace/ A replica] of Shao Jun's necklace could be bought from [[Ubiworkshop]] for 24.99 US dollars. Some time after its release, [http://store.ubiworkshop.com/shao-juns-necklace-red/ red] and [http://store.ubiworkshop.com/shao-juns-necklace-black/ black] versions have been added for purchase.
*Shao Jun was voiced by [[Angela Galuppo]], who also provided the voice of both Flavia and [[Claudia Auditore da Firenze|Claudia Auditore]].
*[[Achilles Davenport|Achilles]] mentions Shao Jun briefly when Connor receives the rope dart.
*She has an entry in the [[Database|Animus database]] featured in ''[[Assassin's Creed III]]''. Her concept art was used as her database image.
*It is strange that she wears a robe with chinese frog buttons.This style of fashion was not worn by China's ethnic han at the time of the Ming dynasty,but was instead brought in by the Manchu's when they conquered China and established the Qing dynasty.

==Gallery==
<gallery widths="180" position="center" spacing="small" captionalign="center">
Shao jun hello UW.jpg|Artwork of Shao Jun.
ACE-V 6.png|Jun's necklace.
ACE-V 4.png|Jun and Flavia Auditore, with Ezio running towards them.
ACE-V 5.png|Jun confronted by Ezio.
Embers-Mysterious-Character.jpg|Jun, before returning to China.
ACE-V 11.png|Jun departing from Ezio's villa.
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Embers characters]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Revelations (novel) characters]]
[[Category:Assassins]]

Chinese Brotherhood of Assassins

2012-12-30T04:29:14Z

142.59.167.220: /* Appearance */

{{Era|DYL|Embers|Assassins}}
{{Faction infobox
|name = Chinese Assassins
|image = Insignia 2.png
|imgdesc =
|hideo =
|founder =
|leader = [[Mentor]]
|headquarters = [[Beijing]]
|locations = Eastern [[China]]
|related = [[Assassins]]
|religion =
|formed = Prior to 210 BCE
|reorganised =
|collapsed = 1524
|notable = [[Wei Yu]] [[Fang Xiaoru]] [[Li Tong]] [[Shao Jun]]
|}}
The '''Chinese Assassins''' were the Brotherhood of [[Assassins]] in [[China]], one of the few Brotherhoods to have existed for more than a thousand years.

Primarily focusing on dealing with several [[Templars|Templar]]-backed Chinese Emperors, the Chinese Assassins have often been in difficult positions, as the Chinese Templars held the majority of power in China on numerous occasions.

In 1524, the Chinese Assassins were almost completely rooted out through a ruthless purge by the Emperor Jiajing, with the remaining Assassins fleeing China altogether, seeking support from other branches in the Assassin Order.

==History==
===Assassination of Qin Shi Huang===
During the 3rd century B.C.E., [[Qin Shi Huang]], supported by the [[Templars]],<ref name="Encyclopedia">''[[Assassin's Creed Encyclopedia]]''</ref> unified China under his banner and became the first Emperor, starting the Qin Dynasty.

However, in 210 B.C.E., the Assassin [[Wei Yu]] killed the tyrant Emperor with a spear, making Wei Yu one of the most renowned members of the Order.<ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>

===Yongle's purge===
[[File:ChineseAssassinsEscape.png|thumb|left|250px|Li Tong and an apprentice escaping the purge.]]
By the 15th century, the Chinese Assassins were led by the teacher [[Fang Xiaoru]]. In 1402, the Imperial throne was usurped by [[Yongle]], supported by the Templars. Under Yongle's rule, thousands of Assassins were rounded up and executed, including Fang Xiaoru. However, a young female Assassin named [[Li Tong]] and an [[Apprentices|Assassin apprentice]] were able to escape the purge with an [[Apples of Eden|Apple of Eden]]. This caused Li to devote herself to protecting the Apple and keeping it out of Yongle's hands.<ref name="DYL">''[[Assassin's Creed: Discover Your Legacy]]''</ref>

In 1424, while Yongle was trying to suppress a rebellion near the [[wikipedia:Gobi Desert|Gobi Desert]], Li Tong slipped into Yongle's tent and killed the Emperor.<ref name="DYL"/>

===Fall of the Brotherhood===
In 1521, after the death of [[wikipedia:Zhengde Emperor|Emperor Zhengde]] and while the administration was preoccupied with looking for an heir, the Assassins infiltrated the Imperial Palace to rescue the Emperor's concubines. In the process, they recruited a young woman named [[Shao Jun]] into the Brotherhood, though many concubines had to be left behind.<ref name="Encyclopedia"/>

In 1524, the new Emperor, [[Wikipedia:Jiajing|Emperor Jiajing]], again aided by the Templars, nearly destroyed the Assassin Order in China, determined to eliminate all groups who opposed him.<ref name="Encyclopedia"/>

[[File:ACE-V 10.png|thumb|250px|Shao Jun and Ezio Auditore, before her departure.]]
The remaining Assassins traveled West in groups, with Shao Jun and her mentor heading for [[Italy]]. In [[Venice]], they were intercepted by Jiajing's men, and her mentor was killed. Eventually continuing on to [[Florence]], Shao Jun met [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]], the retired leader of the [http://assassinscreed.wikia.com/wiki/Italian_Assassins Italian Assassins] and a former [[Mentor]] in the Assassin Order. Despite her desire to learn from him, Ezio, then 65 years old, was unwilling to help Jun at first. After discovering the fate of the Chinese Assassins, Ezio decided to support her, eventually fighting off more of Jiajing's assailants in Ezio's home. With Ezio's knowledge and a secret box to only be used in times of dire need, Shao Jun started to make her way back to China, determined to rebuild the Order's presence there.<ref name="ACE">''[[Assassin's Creed: Embers]]''</ref>

==Techniques==
The techniques of the Chinese Assassins differed greatly from those of the other Assassin branches. Most notably, the Chinese Assassins did not use [[Hidden Blade|hidden blades]];<ref name="ACE"/> the signature weapon of the Assassins in [[wikipedia:Europe|Europe]] and the [[wikipedia:Middle East|Middle East]].<ref name="AC2"/>

Instead, the Chinese Assassins wore bracers equipped with needles, where normally the hidden blades would be. Being located so close to the hands, the Assassins could quickly throw multiple needles in a row.<ref name="ACE"/>

[[File:ACE-V 9.png|thumb|250px|Shao Jun using her concealed blade.]]
Additionally, the Chinese Assassins wore concealed blades in their footwear, which came to good use with their Chinese fighting techniques, which involved the use of the leg and foot more often.<ref name="ACE"/>

The Chinese Assassins would eventually use the [[rope dart]] weapon created by Shao Jun after her travels to Europe.<ref>''[http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-09-24-assassins-creed-3-preview-ready-for-the-series-revolution Eurogamer: Assassin's Creed 3: Ready for the series' revolution]''</ref>

==Appearance==
The Assassins' robes did not always meet normal Assassin customs. On many occasions, Assassins wore ordinary Chinese clothing, making them hardly recognizable as Assassins.<ref name="AC2"/><ref name="DYL"/>

It was only during the height of the [[Renaissance]] period in [[wikipedia:Europe|Europe]] that the Chinese Assassins ordinarily wore hoods; despite this, the Assassins did not necessarily wear white, as Shao Jun wore black Assassin robes.<ref name="ACE"/> As in Traditional Chinese and east asian culture in general,white is a colour symbolic of death,and is commonly worn at funerals.

==References==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Assassin branches]]