Bonfire of the Vanities

2014-08-04T05:21:07Z

173.85.204.233: /* Ascension to power */

{{Era|AC2|Renaissance}}
{{WP-REAL}}
{{Youmay|the event|the [[Bonfire of the Vanities (DLC)|downloadable content]]}}
{{Quote|You should be cleansing your homes. Cleansing your SELVES! There are bonfires to feed! Prayers to be said! Penance to be done!|Savonarola ordering Florentine citizens to return to their medieval lifestyles.|Assassin's Creed II}}
{{Event
|prev = [[Discovery in Spain]]
|next = [[Confrontation in the Vatican]]
|image = [[File:Still life 1.png|300px]]
|name = Bonfire of the Vanities
|timeframe = [[Renaissance]]
|date = 1497 - 1498
|place = [[Florence]]
|outcome = *The death of [[Girolamo Savonarola]]
*[[Assassins]] reacquire the [[Ezio's Apple of Eden|Apple of Eden]]
|key = *Assassins
*Savonarola's forces
*[[Papacy|Papal army]]
|participants = *Assassins
**[[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]]
**[[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
**[[La Volpe]]
**[[Paola]]
*Savonarola's forces
**Girolamo Savonarola}}
The '''Bonfire of the Vanities''' was a political movement in [[Florence]] during the years 1497 and 1498 in which [[Girolamo Savonarola]], an [[Italy|Italian]] priest of the Dominican Order, preached for Florentine [[civilians]] to return to medieval lifestyles.

Following the expulsion of Florence's former rulers, the [[House of Medici|Medici]], Savonarola assumed control of the city after acquiring an [[Ezio's Apple of Eden|Apple of Eden]] in 1488.

==Ascension to power==
{{Quote|It's not the city he's enthralled, but its leaders: men possessed of influence and power. They, in turn, oppress the citizens and ensure his will is done.|Niccolò Machiavelli discussing Savonarola's new system of power.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Florentine Fiasco 2.png|thumb|250px|Ezio and Machiavelli discussing Savonarola]]
In the year 1497, the [[Assassins|Assassin]] [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] returned to Florence to find it controlled by Savonarola and his nine lieutenants.

Ezio met with [[Niccolò Machiavelli]] on one of the [[Arno]] bridges, and Machiavelli confirmed that Savonarola had taken control of Florence with the aid of the Apple of Eden. Eager to reclaim the Apple, Ezio declared that they should work on retrieving it, though Machiavelli rebuked him. Machiavelli then explained that Savonarola's control began to take shape a few weeks prior, when the once reviled man became one that people "worshipped."

However, Machiavelli revealed this was only part of Savonarola's tyranny, as Savonarola had taken control of city leaders who held influence over Florence's districts. These leaders in turn oppressed the people and ensured Savonarola's will was done.

==Assassination of Savonarola's lieutenants==
{{Quote|If we can silence his lieutenants and stir up discontent, he will be distracted and I will have a chance to strike.|Ezio explaining his plan to assassinate Savonarola's lieutenants.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Florentine Fiasco 6.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio and Machiavelli discussing the liberation plan]]
Ezio and Machiavelli passed into the [[Oltrarno District]] of the city and discovered the bodies of a contingent of soldiers bearing the emblem of the [[House of Borgia|Borgia]], indicating that [[Rodrigo Borgia]] was also aware Savonarola held the Apple.

Learning that the Apple only held sway over the minds of Savonarola's nine lieutenants, with most of the city's populace simply controlled by fear, Ezio elected to assassinate the nine men, whilst [[La Volpe]] and [[Paola]] helped incite the districts and the people.

===The Painter===
{{Quote|My own self-doubt let him hold me as he did. I am sorry.|The Painter's final words to Ezio.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Still life 2.png|thumb|250px|Ezio assassinating the Painter]]
The first of Savonarola's lieutenants that Ezio targeted was the [[Painter]], who led a burning of piles of artwork behind the [[Palazzo Pitti]]. Unaware of Ezio's presence, the man spoke of how, when he first became a painter, he thought he would become closer to God. However, the Painter went on to say that he found he was only deceived by {{Wiki|Satan}}.

As he told the crowd to burn all their artwork, Ezio abruptly assassinated him with his [[Hidden Blade]]. With his last words, the Painter apologized to Ezio and claimed that his actions were not his own. Despite being pursued by [[guards]], Ezio escaped and La Volpe and Paola led the crowd away from the fires.

===The Preacher===
{{Quote|Not all of us required deception to be convinced. I already believe. All I said is true.|The Preacher confessing his belief in Savonarola's cause.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Doomsday 2.png|thumb|250px|left|Ezio assassinating the Preacher]]
The second lieutenant Ezio hunted was the [[Preacher]], whom he located outside [[Santo Spirito]], surrounded by guards and addressing a crowd in front of the church. The preacher lectured that everyone need repent or they would go to Hell. Ezio was able to close in on the preacher and assassinate him; as the man died, he claimed that he was not deceived by the Apple of Eden, and that his actions were his own.

===The Condottiero===
{{Dialogue|Ezio|You wear a noble's clothes. How is it Savonarola charmed you?|Condottiero|Wealth and power do not ensure contentment. I wanted even more...|The Condottiero explaining his desire for control.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Arch Nemesis 2.png|thumb|250px|Ezio assassinating the Condottiero]]
The third lieutenant was the [[Condottiero]], who guarded and monitored passage across the [[Ponte Vecchio]]. He spoke of Savonarola's cause to the people below and said he wanted to lead them into a new future, and that resistance was futile.

However, Ezio was able to navigate past the guards and eventually assassinate the Condottiero. Ezio questioned the dying Condottiero about how Savonarola was able to charm him, and the Condottiero admitted he wanted wealth and power far beyond what he currently possessed.

===The Merchant===
{{Quote|We'll see just how tough the holdouts are when they're forced to go without food. If they want to eat, they'll accept Savonarola as their leader.|The Merchant describing his plan to starve those who oppose Savonarola.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Port Authority 2.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio assassinating the Merchant]]
The fourth lieutenant was a [[Merchant (Savonarola's lieutenant)|Merchant]], who Ezio found on a boat in the Arno river. The merchant had his guards load food supplies onto the ship, withholding it from the people in the hope that they would submit to Savonarola.

Ezio was able to sneak aboard the ship and evade the guards before reaching the merchant and assassinating him. With his dying words, the merchant showed regret, but admitted he believed people must be told what to think sometimes.

===The Farmer===
{{Quote|Your orders are simple - keep watch over these fields and ensure no harm comes to the bundles of fieno (hay). It may seem a mundane task, but it's critical nonetheless!|The Farmer's orders to his men.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Hitting hay 2.png|thumb|250px|Ezio assassinating the Farmer]]
The fifth lieutenant was a [[Farmer]] in Florence's countryside. The Farmer ordered his men to protect the hay and continued to patrol the area with other guards. As he walked, the farmer spoke of how he withheld other farmers' provisions for their livestock, thereby cutting their source of income and Florence's food supply to force them to submit to Savonarola.

Using the hay bundles to his advantage and remaining hidden, Ezio was able to assassinate the farmer. Ezio interrogated him about his actions, and the Farmer admitted he withheld provisions to gain respect from the people, asserting that something taken for granted can be of critical importance.

===The Nobleman===
{{Dialogue2|Nobleman|I was a victim! It's not my fault!|Ezio|No. You made a choice.|He charmed me. With that... thing...|Ezio talking to the Nobleman before the latter's death.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Upward Mobility 2.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio assassinating the Nobleman]]
The sixth lieutenant was a [[Nobleman]], who Ezio located on top of the [[Mercato Vecchio]]. Upon seeing Ezio, the Nobleman fled towards Savonarola, shouting that Florence must be cured and claiming that Ezio would not interfere.

Ezio pursued the nobleman over the rooftops and quickly assassinated him. As he died, the Nobleman stated that he was "charmed" by the Apple, though Ezio explained that he killed him regardless, for the people's benefit.

===The Priest===
{{Quote|I led my flock astray... It's just... I wanted so badly to believe...|The Priest confessing his failure.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Last rites 3.png|thumb|250px|Ezio assassinating the Priest]]
The seventh lieutenant was a [[Priest (Savonarola's lieutenant)|Priest]] praying atop the [[Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore]]. As the priest preached to the people in favor of Savonarola and his cause, Ezio silently climbed the church, dispatching the guards he encountered.

Reaching the top, Ezio stabbed the priest with his Hidden Blade. As he died, the priest admitted he accepted the illusion, wanting to believe in God so desperately.

===The Guard Captain===
{{Quote|Or was it that I tasted power and found myself intoxicated? I wish I had been strong.|The Guard Captain speaking to Ezio|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:The ranks 3.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio assassinating the Guard Captain]]
Eventually, Ezio was able to locate the [[Guard Captain]] at the [[Basilica di San Lorenzo]]. Arriving in the courtyard and noticing no civilians around, the Guard Captain showed himself from the scaffolding above.

Calling out to Ezio, he revealed that he had devised a trap. Ezio was promptly surrounded by dozens of guards and [[archers]]; however he was able to fight them off, climb the building, and assassinate the Guard Captain. As he died, the Captain claimed he was disgusted by his actions, and wished he had been stronger.

===The Doctor===
{{Dialogue2|Doctor|You have spilled the blood of a healer.|Ezio|No. I have spilled the blood of a tyrant.|To command such power over the body, between this world and the next. It seems, I grew intoxicated.|The Doctor to Ezio prior to the former's death.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Surgical Strike 2.png|250px|thumb|Ezio aiming his Hidden Gun at the Doctor]]
The last of Savonarola's lieutenants was the [[Doctor (Savonarola's lieutenant)|Doctor]], who was found in the [[Ospedale degli Innocenti]]. He was protected by several guards and offered free medical care to those who swore allegiance to Savonarola.

Infiltrating the courtyard, Ezio avoided the guards' gaze and assassinated the Doctor. Before dying, the Doctor admitted to Ezio that he had been intoxicated by power.
{{-}}
==Savonarola's demise==
{{Quote|We don't need anyone to tell us what to do; not Savonarola, not the Medici. We are free to follow our own path. There are those who will take that freedom from us, and too many of you gladly give it... Choose your own way! Do not follow me, or anyone else.|Ezio's speech to the crowd at the Palazzo della Signoria.|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Power to people 2.png|thumb|left|250px|The crowd gathering in front of the Palazzo Pitti]]
The citizens, rallied by Niccolò Machiavelli, La Volpe and Paola, massed in front of the Palazzo Pitti to confront Savonarola.

Emerging from the Palazzo, Savonarola demanded to know why the mob had gathered and were not "cleansing themselves". Weakened by the loss of his lieutenants, Savonarola attempted to using the Apple's power to subdue the crowd. However, he was stopped as Ezio threw a [[Throwing knives|knife]] and injured his hand. As soon as the Apple fell from Savonarola's grip, the crowd carried him away.

Picking up the Apple, a Borgia [[Agile guards|guard]] attempted to flee with the artifact, but was subdued after a lengthy chase by Ezio. Ezio then headed to the [[Palazzo della Signoria]], where the crowd, now freed from the control of the Apple, were burning Savonarola at the stake.

[[File:Mob justice 5.png|thumb|250px|Ezio addressing the crowd]]
Making his way through the crowd, Ezio lunged at Savonarola and assassinated the tyrannical monk with his Hidden Blade, sparing him from a slow and painful demise. With Savonarola finally dead, Ezio made a speech to the crowd, telling them that they were free to make their own choices, and directed them to choose their own path.

As Ezio concluded his speech, he departed from the city with [[Mario Auditore]], Machiavelli, La Volpe and Paola, with the group heading to the [[Villa Auditore]] in [[Monteriggioni]].

==Aftermath==
With Apple in the Assassins' possession and Savonarola's tyranny ended, the people of Florence could fully embrace the [[Renaissance]] movement. Following Savonarola's demise, the city politics remained in a state of disarray for several years, before [[Piero Soderini]] became Florence's effective ruler in 1502. The House of Medici would be restored in 1512. The Assassins also retrieved the last pages of the [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's Codex|Codex]], which they would eventually assemble on the [[Villa Auditore#Mario's study|Codex Wall]] to locate the [[Vatican Vault|Vault]] and confront the [[Templars|Templar]] [[Grand Master]], Rodrigo Borgia.

==Reference==
*''[[Assassin's Creed II]] – [[Bonfire of the Vanities (DLC)|Bonfire of the Vanities]]''
{{Timeline}}
[[Category:Timeline]]

Tulum

2014-07-15T06:51:42Z

173.85.204.233:

{{Era|AC4}}
{{WP-REAL}}
[[File:AC4 Tulum Temple.png|thumb|250px|A Mayan temple in Tulum]]
'''Tulum''' was a former [[Mayans|Mayan]] city on the coast of [[Mexico]], later used as the headquarters for the [[Caribbean Assassins]] up until 1722, at the conclusion of the [[Golden Age of Piracy]]. It was the location of an [[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag outfits#Mayan outfit|armor]] made of [[First Civilization]] metals, locked behind a door that required gathering the [[Mayan stelae]] scattered across the [[Caribbean]] to open it.

==History==
===Becoming an Assassin stronghold===
Tulum was founded by the Mayans thousands of years ago, on the coast of the [[Yucatán Peninsula]]. It consisted of a handful of temples and several smaller stone buildings. The largest temple, nestled at the heart of the city, housed an ancient underground cavern. Within this cavern was a smaller temple, capped with a stone bust of [[Aita]], whom the native people saw as a god.

[[File:The Sage's Buried Secret 6.png|thumb|250px|left|The statue of a Sage beneath Tulum]]

After [[Europe]]an explorers arrived in the Americas, various branches of the Assassin Order operating in Europe sent members across the [[Atlantic Ocean]]; their aims were to expand their Order, as well as to counter the efforts of their enemies, the [[Templars]]. Seeing that their [[The Creed|Creed]] was similar to the ideals of the native people, the Assassins united with several local Mayan, [[Aztecs|Aztec]], and [[Taíno]] tribes. Tulum eventually became the largest Assassin settlement in the region, and was used as their local base of operations.

In 1673, the Caribbean [[Mentor]] [[Bahlam]] was able to rescue the [[Sage]] [[Thom Kavanagh]] from the Templars' clutches, and brought the man to Tulum to rest and focus on the [[Observatory]]. After telling Thom of the [[Assassin-Templar War|secret war]] between the Assassins and Templars, Bahlam and his son [[Ah Tabai]] saw Kavanagh off as the Sage set sail for the hidden Observatory.

===Exposed to the Templars===
By 1713, Ah Tabai had taken his father's place as Mentor of the Caribbean Assassins, and trained many Assassins, including [[Mary Read]] and [[Duncan Walpole]], deep within Tulum's jungles and temples. Unaware of Walpole's impending betrayal, Ah Tabai sent him to free the newest Sage, [[Bartholomew Roberts]], from the Templars in 1715. However, the [[Piracy|pirate]] [[Edward Kenway]] and his fellow pirates attacked Walpole's ship. Using Walpole's identity in an attempt to earn a reward, Kenway unwittingly carried out Walpole's betrayal, selling the location of several [[Assassin bureau]]s to the Templars, including Tulum.

[[File:Overrun and Outnumbered 4.png|thumb|250px|Edward freeing the Assassins from British troops]]
A year later, when Kenway had finally arrived at Tulum and met the Assassins, the Templars launched an attack on the stronghold. Led by [[Laurens Prins]], [[Slavery|slavers]] stormed the settlement, killing or imprisoning most of the population, along with Edward's crew. However, Kenway and Read were able to free many Assassins and pirates, driving the slavers from Tulum.

===Relocating to Great Inagua===
For the next six years, the Templars used both the [[Royal Navy|English]] and [[Spanish Navy|Spanish]] navies to relentlessly attack Tulum. After Kenway allied himself with the Assassins, he helped to repel one last onslaught before setting out to eliminate the Templars in the region. After killing [[Grand Master]] [[Laureano de Torres y Ayala]], Kenway offered his island hideout on [[Great Inagua]] to Ah Tabai. Knowing that Tulum would continue to be a Templar target, the Mentor accepted Edward's offer, although several Assassins remained in their old home.

==Gallery==
<gallery position="center" captionalign="center" spacing="small" widths="180">
Nothing Is True 2.png|Edward navigating the jungles of Tulum
Nothing Is True 3.png|Edward and Mary entering the Sage's temple
Overrun and Outnumbered 6.png|Laurens Prins' ship docked in Tulum's cove
Everything is Permitted 1.png|Edward returning to Tulum
Everything is Permitted 3.png|Edward and Ah Tabai walking through Tulum
Everything is Permitted 5.png|Edward Kenway and Ah Tabai in the temple courtyard
Everything is Permitted 6.png|Edward fighting off Spanish invaders
AC4 Mayan Door.png|Edward unlocking the secret door
AC4 Mayan Armor.png|Edward gazing at the Mayan armor
</gallery>

==Reference==
*''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]''
[[Category:Mexico]]
[[Category:Assassin headquarters]]
[[Category:Former Mayan settlements]]

Assassin's Creed Wiki - User contributions [en-gb]

Bonfire of the Vanities

Tulum