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Maria Thorpe

2010-10-15T15:26:58Z

64.12.117.67: /* Trivia */

{{Era|AC|ACB|AC2|Templars|Crusade|Good}}
{{WPtargets}}
{{Character Infobox
|name = Maria Thorpe
|image = Maria_templar.jpg
|faction = [[Templars]] (formerly), [[Assassins]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines">''[[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]''</ref>
|appear = [[Assassin's Creed]] [[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]] [[Assassin's Creed II]]
|period = Third Crusade (12th Century) <ref name="Assassin's Creed">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref>
|voice = [[Eleanor Noble]]
}}
'''Maria Thorpe''' was an English woman who impersonated one of [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]]'s assassination targets, the [[Grand Master of the Templar Order|Grand Master]] of the [[Knights Templar]], [[Robert de Sable]], during the [[Third Crusade]]. Not being in favor with De Sable's successor, [[Armand Bouchart]], Maria was abandoned by the Knights Templar, and forced to find asylum with her enemies, the [[Assassins]].

Following her and Altaïr's travels in Cyprus, the two settled down together and Maria bore him at least two sons, one of which would be a direct ancestor of the Assassins [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]], [[Desmond Miles]] and the mysterious "[[Subject Sixteen]]".

==Biography==
===Early life===
In her youth, Maria chose not to follow the norm for women of her age and instead she chose to act and dress as a male would. Because of this, she was often pestered as a child and punished by her parents. Before the start of the Third Crusade, her parents forced her to marry, however it ended a little more than a year after. This disgrace, combined with Maria's own dreams of honor and glory, convinced her to leave England behind, and join the [[Crusaders]] in the Holy Land. It was uncommon for women to participate in combat during the time so Maria disguised herself as a man to partake in the holy quest. Maria showed much promise amongst the Crusaders and attracted the attention of Robert de Sable. Despite 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, including dying if she had to. <ref name> Assassin's Creed: Official Game Guide </ref>

===Impersonation===
{{quote|I sense you expected someone else|Maria, after Altaïr defeats her.|Assassin's Creed}}
[[File:Maria-Templar-Robert-de-Sable-PROXY-00.JPG|thumb|200px|Maria, disguised as Robert, looking to the crowd.]]

Following the deaths of eight of the Nine in 1191, at the hands of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, Robert correctly reasoned that he was next on the Assassin's list. 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 this would be a chance too great for the assassin to pass up.<ref name="Assassin's Creed">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref>

Maria was left to take Robert's place at the funeral, a decoy for Altaïr. As expected, the assassin appeared during the funeral procession. Maria carefully examined the mass and managed to spot him. She signalled the funeral proctor of Altaïr's presence and great number of Templars were ordered to seize him. Altaïr overpowered the soldiers and in the end grasped Maria to remove her helm. Altaïr was greatly shocked that it was a woman he fought and questioned it as sorcery. Maria corrected him that it was not and she was in Robert's place as a distraction. She admitted that his brotherhood's success of taking the treasure and eradicating her comrades did not go unnoticed and told him that Robert was to propose a truce between the Saracen and Crusader armies to besiege Masyaf through the evidence of her and the other Templar's deaths. Altaïr corrected her by deciding to spare her life and warned her not follow him. Out of her confusion, Maria replied haughtily that she did not need to and it was futile of him to try stopping Robert before she fled the city. <ref name="Assassin's Creed" />

===In Cyprus===
{{quote|Well what a surprise, the man who spared my neck, but stole my life.|Maria, when she confronted Altaïr in Acre|Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines}}
[[File:acb__maria01.jpg|thumb|200px|Maria overseeing the Templar fleet en route for Cyprus.]]

A month after Altaïr defeated [[Al Mualim]], Maria's Templar rank dropped considerably and was disallowed travel to Cyprus with the Templars. She confronted Altaïr after the assault on the [[Acre]] harbor where the two of them engaged in another sword fight. 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="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />
[[File:acb__maria000.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Altaïr describes Maria as Robert's "girl".]]

The two of them travelled to [[Limassol]], where they met up with the assassin contact, [[Alexander]]. Maria was escorted and kept at the resistance safe house, but escaped following an ambush by Templars, during which the building was set on fire. Maria hurried to warn The Grand Master of the Templars, [[Armand Bouchart]] of Altaïr's presence in Limassol, but Bouchart being suspicious of Maria's two "miraculous" escapes from the assassins and equal distrust of women, sentenced her to be locked away in prison. 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 by his head, but by her recovery of the Apple of Eden.
[[File:maria05.jpg|thumb|200px|Altaïr rescues Maria from her would-be Templar captors.]]

Altaïr took Maria along with him on the ship to [[Kyrenia]]. Whilst on the ship, Altaïr spoke to her about the philosophy of Empedocles - that "only a mind free of impediments is capable of grasping the chaotic beauty of the world." 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; but, he maintained that "the order and peace the Templar seek requires servility and imprisonment," a statement with which the captive Maria took some irony. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />

As the two prepared to disembark, Altaïr cut the rope binding Maria's wrists so that she might climb the ladder to the upper deck; at the same time, the two were recognized by the pirates who had ferried them there. Maria, hands free, used the opportunity to kick Altaïr down the ladder to face their attackers so that she might escape. However, she too was 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. Altaïr learned during his investigations that "the bull" - his target - had posted large bounties, not only for him, but for Maria as well. Fearing for her safety, he rushed to the harbor, where he found she and Markos being attacked by Templars. After rescuing them, Altaïr brought them to the Kyrenia safehouse.

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 raided the safe house in his absence. Maria was given by Moloch to his son [[Shalim]], and separated from the resistance members, and from Altaïr's attempts to rescue her. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />
[[File:Bellydancin.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Maria infiltrates Saint Hilarion dressed as a courtesan.]]

Maria escaped from Shalim, and headed to [[Saint Hilarion Castle]] disguised as a consort to sneak 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 will achieve order at any means necessary, even if that "order" becomes synonymous with enslavement. Shahar grabbed her by her wrists, as if to subdue her, but was interrupted as Altaïr burst in upon them, looking for Shalim. Maria killed his two pursuers as if by impulse, but refused to fight beside or ally herself with him, and fled. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />
[[File:mariakillsmysterytemplar.jpg|thumb|200px|Maria kills the Mystery Templar.]]

How Maria travelled from Kyrenia back to Limassol is unknown. Altaïr travelled back alone, and carried on without her for a short time. But, following his use of the Apple of Eden to quiet the rioting townspeople, it was Maria who killed the [[Templar Agent|Mysterious Templar Agent]], who was intent to steal it back, by stabbing him through the back. Although she remained adamantly distrusting of the righteousness of his motives, she led him to [[Templar Archives]] hidden under Limassol Castle. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />

Maria engaged Armand Bouchart in combat. However, Bouchart was an extremely skilled fighter and hurled Maria back, knocking her unconscious. After Altaïr defeated Bouchart, the two of them managed to flee the archives. She then told him that she no longer wanted to be part of the Templars or wish to return to England, but decided to go somewhere in the East. In Altaïr's last journal entry, it is revealed that he decided to travel with her. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />

===Later life===
[[File:Zw-codex-25.png|thumb|300px|A hand drawn picture of Maria by [[Altaïr]].]]
{{quote|Whoa... Alright, wasn't expecting that...|[[Desmond Miles|Desmond]] after watching [[Altaïr]] kiss Maria.|Assassin's Creed II}}
Maria was romantically involved with Altaïr after the events of Cyprus and justifies how Altaïr's line of descent supposedly assimilated from the Fertile Crescent to Europe. Sometime in her life Maria led Altaïr to chase after her where the two of them meet atop a high tower in the fortress that used to belong to [[William of Montferrat]] in the southwestern corner of the rich district of [[Acre]]. She removed her hood to reveal her identity, and suggestively beckoned him to come. Altaïr complied as the two kissed and eventually made love. The encounter resulted in the conception of a son, who was Desmond's next ancestor. In the [[The Codex|codex pages]], Altaïr revealed that he and Maria had at least two sons, one of whom attempted, at some point in his life, to assassinate Genghis Khan. <ref name="Assassin's Creed II">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>

==Characteristics and personality==
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 the time, she showed characteristics of stubbornness, refusing to become a lady as her wanderlust only became stronger to leave her homeland. <ref name> Assassin's Creed: Official Game Guide </ref>

She is a very determined person with a great passion to accomplish more within the [[Templar]] ranks. During their first encounter, Maria presented a straightforward, merciless style of command when confronted with [[Altaïr]] and acted out as arrogant and overconfident regarding Robert's cause. <ref name="Assassin's Creed" />

After the events in Cyprus, her harsh and stubborn attitude around Altaïr became open and civil, presumably sided with him and the Assassins afterwards. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />

In ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', she presents a provocative side when she led Altaïr up the [[View Point|viewpoint tower]] where she beckoned him to kiss and eventually make love with her. <ref name="Assassin's Creed II">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref> {{clear}}

===Equipment and skills===

Maria is highly trained in swordsmanship as she was able to counter and avoid [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad|Altaïr]]'s attacks when confronted against him.

In [[Assassin's Creed II|''Assassin's Creed II'']], she performed limited [[Free Running|free running]] skills during [[Desmond Miles|Desmond]]'s bleeding effect dream.

=="Final words" in ''Assassin's Creed''==
'''Altaïr:''' ''I would see your eyes before you die''.

(Altaïr rips off the helm, only to see Maria's face).

'''Maria:''' ''I sense you expected someone else.''

'''Altaïr:''' ''What sorcery is this?!''

'''Maria:''' ''No sorcery, we knew you'd come. Robert needed to be sure he'd have time to get away''.

'''Altaïr:''' ''So he flees!?''

'''Maria:''' ''We cannot deny your success. You have laid waste to our plans: first, the [[Piece of Eden|treasure]], then our men. Control of the Holy Land slipped away, but then he saw an opportunity, to reclaim what has been stolen, to turn your victories to our advantage!''

'''Altaïr:''' ''[[Al Mualim]] still holds your treasure, and we've routed your army before! Whatever Robert plans, he'll fail again!''

'''Maria:''' ''Ah, but it's not just Templars you'll contend with now!''

'''Altaïr:''' ''Speak sense!''

'''Maria:''' ''Robert rides for [[Arsuf]] to plead his case, that [[Saracens|Saracen]] and [[Crusaders|Crusader]] unite... against the [[Assassins]]!''

'''Altaïr:''' ''That will never happen! They have no reason to!''

'''Maria:''' ''Had, perhaps. But now you've given them one: nine, in fact. The bodies you've left behind, victims on both sides. You've made the Assassins an enemy in common and ensured the annihilation of your entire order! Well done!''

'''Altaïr:''' ''Not nine, eight''.

'''Maria:''' (confused) ''What do you mean?''

'''Altaïr:''' ''You are not my target. I will not take your life. You're free to go, but do not follow me!''

'''Maria: '''''I don't need to. You're already too late!''

'''Altaïr:''' ''We'll see.''

==Trivia==
* Her name is a Latin derivative of Mary. The origin name Mary is a reference in 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>
** Her surname 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 players connect 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 [[Auditore Family Villa]]. Maria's weapon is labeled as "Maria Thorpe's Longsword." This is the first mention of her surname.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />
*Maria is around her early 30s during ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'', making her around five years older than Altaïr. <ref name> Assassin's Creed: Official Game Guide </ref>
*Not only was Maria the first known female Templar to have appeared in the series, but the first Templar to be spared and assimilate main factions (from Templars to Assassins).<ref name="Assassin's Creed" /><ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />
*Although Desmond never appears in [[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]], he does seem to recognize Maria by face and by name during his dream sequence in AC2. He first calls her "the woman from Acre," possibly because he didn't remember Maria as the Robert imposter she was in AC1.

==Gallery==

<center><gallery widths="120" captionalign="left">
File:Maria altair.jpg|Altaïr confronting Maria about de Sable's whereabouts.
File:Altaïr_with_maria.JPG|Altaïr warning Maria not to follow him.
faito.jpg|Maria fighting Bouchart.
aw.jpg|Altaïr helps Maria up.
awmoar.jpg|Altaïr helps Maria out of the Archive as it collapses.
codex.jpg|Maria stands beside Altaïr as he writes his Codex.
File:Mariawatchingtower.jpg|Maria looking over Acre.
File:Zw-maria-ac2-2.png|Maria in Assassin's Creed II.
File:Altaïr_and_Maria_Kiss.png|Altaïr and Maria kissing.
File:Zw-altairandmaria.png|Maria and Altaïr making love in Assassin's Creed II.
File:Mariaparting.jpg|Maria watching Altaïr depart.
Zw-codex-25.png|Maria in the codex pages.
</gallery></center>

==Notes and reference==

{{Reflist}}

{{AC}}
{{ACB}}
{{ACII}}
[[Category:Characters|Thorpe, Maria]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed Characters|Thorpe, Maria]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines Characters|Thorpe, Maria]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II Characters|Thorpe, Maria]]
[[Category:Templars|Thorpe, Maria]]

Bonfire of the Vanities

2010-08-24T21:15:48Z

64.12.117.67: /* Trivia */

{{WPtimeline}}
{{WP-REAL}}
{{youmay|the event|the [[Bonfire of the Vanities (DLC)|downloadable content]]}}
{{Event

|prev = [[Spanish Inquisition]]
|next = [[Confrontation in Rome]]
|image = [[File:Savonarolaeden.png|300px]]
|name=Bonfire of the Vanities
|timeframe = [[Renaissance]]
|date = 1497 - 1498
|place = [[Florence|Firenze]]
|outcome = The death of [[Girolamo Savonarola]].
|key = *[[Assassins]]
*Savonarola's forces
*[[Papacy|Papal army]]
|participants = *[[Assassins]]
**[[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]]
**[[Niccolò Machiavelli]]
**[[La Volpe]]
**[[Paola]]
*Savonarola's forces
**[[Girolamo Savonarola]]
}}
{{quote|Silenzio, silenzio...Twenty-two years ago, I stood where I stand now- and watched my loved ones die, betrayed by those I had called friends. Vengeance clouded my mind. It would have consumed me, were it not for the wisdom of a few strangers who taught me to look past my instincts. They never preached answers, but guided me to learn from myself. 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. But it is our ability to choose- whatever you think is true- that makes us human...There is no book or teacher to give you the answers, to show you the way. Choose your own way! Do not follow me, or anyone else.|Ezio Auditore to the people of Florence.}}

The '''Bonfire of the Vanities''' was an event centred in [[Florence]], in the year 1498, instigated by the Italian Dominican priest [[Girolamo Savonarola]]; who believed that the ''Renaissance idea'' had corrupted Italy, and preached for a return to medieval life. Savonarola, after acquiring the [[Piece of Eden|Apple of Eden]] from a wounded [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze|Ezio Auditore]], gained control of the city of Florence following the expulsion of the Medici using the Apple.

In the year 1498, Ezio once again returned to the city to find it in the grip of Savonarola and his lieutenants. Meeting with [[Niccolò Machiavelli]] on one of the Arno bridges, the two passed into the Oltrarno district of Florence and discovered the bodies of a contingent of soldiers bearing the mark of [[Rodrigo Borgia]]. Learning that the Apple only held sway over the minds of Savonarola's nine lieutenants, whilst the city's populous were controlled by fear, Ezio decided to assassinate the nine, whilst [[La Volpe]] and [[Paola]] brought the people of the city to Savonarola’s door.

After killing Savonarola’s nine lieutenants, the city was liberated and Savonarola trapped by the rioting crowd. Watching as Savonarola tried to use the Apple on the people themselves, Ezio disarmed the priest and let the citizens carry him away. The Apple in hand, the assassins followed the crowd to the [[Piazza della Signoria]], where a pyre stood ready to burn Savonarola alive. Ezio, deciding that no one deserved to die in such a way, killed the Dominican priest with his hidden blade before the flames could reach him. Revealing himself to the crowd, Ezio made a speech, telling them to follow their own path.

==Final Words==
Lieutenant 1 (The Painter)

'''Painter''': What have I done... What have I done...

'''Ezio Auditore''': Your actions were not your own.

'''Painter''': But they were! My own self-doubt let him hold me as he did. I am sorry.

'''Ezio Auditore''': As am I. ''Non è una scelta che compio a cuor leggero'' (This is not a choice I make lightly). ''Requiescat in pace'' (Rest in peace).

Lieutenant 2 (The Preacher)

'''Ezio Auditore''': Your mind... I sense it is your own.

'''Preacher''': Not all of us required deception to be convinced. I already believed. All I said is true.

'''Ezio Auditore''': Nothing is true. ''Non è un compito facile il mio'' (This is not an easy thing I do)... ''Requiescat in pace'' (Rest in peace).

Lieutenant 3 (The Condottiero)

'''Ezio Auditore''': You wear a Noble's clothes. How is it Savonarola charmed you?

'''Condottiero''': Wealth and power do not ensure contentment. I wanted even more...

'''Ezio Auditore''': And now, instead, you have nothing. ''Questo non è che un atto dovuto'' (This is something that must be done)... ''Requiescat in pace'' (Rest in peace).

Lieutenant 4 (The Merchant)

'''Merchant''': What... What have I done...

'''Ezio Auditore''': You tried to force devotion.

'''Merchant''': Sometimes the people must be told what to think.

'''Ezio Auditore''': No good has ever come of that. ''Benché il mio cuore sia turbato, la mia mente è lucida ''(Though my heart may be tormented, my head is clear)... ''Requiescat in pace'' (Rest in peace).

Lieutenant 5 (The Farmer)

'''Ezio Auditore''': You would have let your own people starve! And for what?

'''Farmer''': Too long I suffered their insults. They called me simple and low-class... I wanted their respect.

'''Ezio Auditore''': I'm afraid you do not have mine. ''Per quanto sia penoso il trapasso, lieto sarà il tuo sonno'' (Though the passing may be painful, it will be a gentle sleep)... ''Requiescat in pace'' (Rest in peace).

Lieutenant 6 (The Noble)

'''Noble''': I was a victim! It's not my fault!

'''Ezio Auditore''': No. You made a choice.

'''Noble''': He charmed me. With that... thing.

'''Ezio Auditore''': Only because you allowed it. ''Lo faccio per il popolo'' (I do this for the people)... ''Requiescat in pace'' (Rest in peace).

Lieutenant 7 (The Priest)

'''Priest''': I thought he preached the word of God.

'''Ezio Auditore''': I fear his sermon is a lie.

'''Priest''': I led my flock astray... It's just... I wanted so badly to believe...

'''Ezio Auditore''': We all do. ''Vedrò compiuta l’opera di mio padre'' (I will see my father’s work complete)... ''Requiescat in pace'' (Rest in peace).

Lieutenant 8 (The Guard Captain)

'''Captain''': Is this truly who I was? So proud and cruel...

'''Ezio Auditore''': No. Savonarola bewitched you.

'''Captain''': Did he? Or was it that I tasted power and found myself intoxicated. I wish I had been stronger.

'''Ezio Auditore''': As do I. ''Mi rincresce, ma non c’è altro modo'' (I am truly sorry, but there is no other way). ''Requiescat in pace'' (Rest in peace).

Lieutenant 9 (The Doctor)

'''Doctor''': You have spilled the blood of a healer.

'''Ezio Auditore''': No. I have spilled the blood of a tyrant.

'''Doctor''': To command such power over the body, between this world and the next. It seems, I grew intoxicated.

'''Ezio Auditore''': And now you grow still. ''La tua morte non sarà inutile'' (Your death will serve a purpose)... ''Requiescat in pace'' (Rest in peace).

==Trivia==
*This is the second of two [[DLC]]'s that came out. They are Sequences 12 and 13 (this one being 13).
*Through the whole of this Sequence you will come across many battles between Borgia's and Savonarola's guards. If you decide to participate, they will fight each other and you.
*After meeting with Machiavelli during the sequence, go to the Palazzo Auditore courtyard and Ezio will see a vision of his family members with Eagle Vision.
*This DLC can be downloaded with or without the secret Templar locations. These locations feature the [[Palazzo Medici]] in Florence, the [[Santa Maria Dei Frari]] and the [[Arsenal Shipyard]] located in Venice.
*'Bonfire of the Vanities' bears some resemblance to the original ''"[[Assassin's Creed]]"'', as Ezio has to kill 9 lieutenants before killing their master, Savonarola. This is similar to how [[Altaïr]] assassinated 9 Templars before killing [[Al Mualim]]. In addition, the methods used by Savonarola, the burning of all books, art, etc., bear a strong resemblance to the actions of one of said Templars, [[Jubair al Hakim]].
*If you don't do anything when Savonarola attempts to use the apple on the people, Machiavelli will be the one who will throw the knife that disarms Savonarola.
*During the sequence the sky in Florence will always be a dull grey color and the civilans will seem to be more depressed, probably to suit the mood, due to it's corrupted status.
*Even after the player completes the sequence some civilains will still continue to throw books into bonfires in the south part of Florence.
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II DLC]]
[[Category:Major Events]]

Maria Thorpe

2010-08-24T03:59:08Z

64.12.117.67: /* Later life */

{{Era|AC|ACB|AC2|Templars|Crusade|Good}}
{{WPtargets}}
{{Character Infobox
|name = Maria Thorpe
|image = Maria_templar.jpg
|faction = [[Templars]] (formerly), [[Assassins]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines">''[[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]''</ref>
|appear = [[Assassin's Creed]] [[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]] [[Assassin's Creed II]]
|period = Third Crusade (12th Century) <ref name="Assassin's Creed">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref>
|voice = [[Eleanor Noble]]
}}
'''Maria Thorpe''' was an English woman who impersonated one of [[Altaïr]]'s assassination targets – Grand Master of the [[Knights Templar]], [[Robert de Sable]] – during the [[Third Crusade]]. Not being in favor with De Sable's successor, Maria was abandoned by the Knights Templar, and forced to find asylum with her enemies, the [[Assassin]]s.

Following her and Altaïr's travels in Cyprus, the two settled down together and Maria bore him at least two sons; one of which would be a direct ancestor of the Assassins [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]], [[Desmond Miles]] and the mysterious [[Subject 16]].

==Biography==
===Early life===
In her youth, Maria chose not to follow the norm for women of her age and instead she chose to act and dress as a male would. Because of this, she was often pestered as a child and punished by her parents. Before the start of the Third Crusade, her parents forced her to marry, however it ended a little more than a year after. This disgrace, combined with Maria's own dreams of honor and glory, convinced her to leave England behind, and join the [[Crusaders]] in the Holy Land. It was uncommon for women to participate in combat during the time so Maria disguised herself as a man to partake in the holy quest. Maria showed much promise amongst the Crusaders and attracted the attention of [[Robert De Sable]]. Despite 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, including dying if she had to. <ref name> Assassin's Creed: Official Game Guide </ref>

===Impersonation===
{{quote|I sense you expected someone else|Maria, after Altaïr defeats her.|Assassin's Creed}}
[[File:Maria-Templar-Robert-de-Sable-PROXY-00.JPG|thumb|200px|Maria (disguised as Robert) looking to the crowd.]]

Following the deaths of eight of the Nine in 1191, at the hands of [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]], Robert correctly reasoned that he was next on the Assassin's list. 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 this would be a chance too great for the assassin to pass up.<ref name="Assassin's Creed">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref>

Maria was left to take Robert's place at the funeral, a decoy for Altaïr. As expected, the assassin appeared during the funeral procession. Maria carefully examined the mass and managed to spot him. She signalled the funeral proctor of Altaïr's presence and great number of Templars were ordered to seize him. Altaïr overpowered the soldiers and in the end grasped Maria to remove her helm. Altaïr was greatly shocked that it was a woman he fought and questioned it as sorcery. Maria corrected him that it was not and she was in Robert's place as a distraction. She admitted that his brotherhood's success of taking the treasure and eradicating her comrades did not go unnoticed and told him that Robert was to propose a truce between the Saracen and Crusader armies to besiege Masyaf through the evidence of her and the other Templar's deaths. Altaïr corrected her by deciding to spare her life and warned her not follow him. Out of her confusion, Maria replied haughtily that she did not need to and it was futile of him to try stopping Robert before she fled the city. <ref name="Assassin's Creed" />

===In Cyprus===
{{quote|Well what a surprise, the man who spared my neck, but stole my life|Maria, when she confronted Altaïr in Acre|Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines}}
[[File:acb__maria01.jpg|thumb|200px|Maria overseeing the Templar fleet en route for Cyprus.]]

A month after Altaïr defeated [[Al Mualim]], Maria's Templar rank dropped considerably and was disallowed travel to Cyprus with the Templars. She confronted Altaïr after the assault on the [[Acre]] harbor where the two of them engaged in another sword fight. 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="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />
[[File:acb__maria000.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Altaïr describes Maria as Robert's "girl".]]

The two of them travelled to [[Limassol]], where they met up with the assassin contact, [[Alexander]]. Maria was escorted and kept at the resistance safe house, but escaped following an ambush by Templars, during which the building was set on fire. Maria hurried to warn The Grand Master of the Templars, [[Armand Bouchart]] of Altaïr's presence in Limassol, but Bouchart being suspicious of Maria's two "miraculous" escapes from the assassins and equal distrust of women, sentenced her to be locked away in prison. 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 by his head, but by her recovery of the Apple of Eden.
[[File:maria05.jpg|thumb|200px|Altaïr rescues Maria from her would-be Templar captors.]]

Altaïr took Maria along with him on the ship to [[Kyrenia]]. Whilst on the ship, Altaïr spoke to her about the philosophy of Empedocles - that "only a mind free of impediments is capable of grasping the chaotic beauty of the world." 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; but, he maintained that "the order and peace the Templar seek requires servility and imprisonment," a statement with which the captive Maria took some irony. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />

As the two prepared to disembark, Altaïr cut the rope binding Maria's wrists so that she might climb the ladder to the upper deck; at the same time, the two were recognized by the pirates who had ferried them there. Maria, hands free, used the opportunity to kick Altaïr down the ladder to face their attackers so that she might escape. However, she too was 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. Altaïr learned during his investigations that "the bull" - his target - had posted large bounties, not only for him, but for Maria as well. Fearing for her safety, he rushed to the harbor, where he found she and Markos being attacked by Templars. After rescuing them, Altaïr brought them to the Kyrenia safehouse.

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 raided the safe house in his absence. Maria was given by Moloch to his son [[Shalim]], and separated from the resistance members, and from Altaïr's attempts to rescue her. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />
[[File:Bellydancin.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Maria infiltrates Saint Hilarion dressed as a courtesan.]]

Maria escaped from Shalim, and headed to [[Saint Hilarion Castle]] disguised as a consort to sneak 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 will achieve order at any means necessary, even if that "order" becomes synonymous with enslavement. Shahar grabbed her by her wrists, as if to subdue her, but was interrupted as Altaïr burst in upon them, looking for Shalim. Maria killed his two pursuers as if by impulse, but refused to fight beside or ally herself with him, and fled. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />
[[File:mariakillsmysterytemplar.jpg|thumb|200px|Maria kills the Mystery Templar.]]

How Maria travelled from Kyrenia back to Limassol is unknown. Altaïr travelled back alone, and carried on without her for a short time. But, following his use of the Apple of Eden to quiet the rioting townspeople, it was Maria who killed the [[Templar Agent|Mysterious Templar Agent]], who was intent to steal it back, by stabbing him through the back. Although she remained adamantly distrusting of the righteousness of his motives, she led him to [[Templar Archives]] hidden under Limassol Castle. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />

Maria engaged Armand Bouchart in combat. However, Bouchart was an extremely skilled fighter and hurled Maria back, knocking her unconscious. After Altaïr defeated Bouchart, the two of them managed to flee the archives. She then told him that she no longer wanted to be part of the Templars or wish to return to England, but decided to go somewhere in the East. In Altaïr's last journal entry, it is revealed that he decided to travel with her. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />

===Later life===
[[File:Zw-codex-25.png|thumb|300px|A hand drawn picture of Maria by [[Altaïr]].]]
{{quote|Whoa... Alright, wasn't expecting that...|[[Desmond Miles|Desmond]] after watching [[Altaïr]] kiss Maria.|Assassin's Creed II}}
Maria was romantically involved with Altaïr after the events of Cyprus and justifies how Altaïr's line of descent supposedly assimilated from the Fertile Crescent to Europe. Sometime in her life Maria led Altaïr to chase after her where the two of them meet atop a high tower in [[Acre]]. She removed her hood to reveal her identity, and suggestively beckoned him to come. Altaïr complied as the two kissed and eventually made love. The encounter resulted with the conception of a son as well as the child being Desmond's next ancestor. In the [[The Codex|codex pages]], Altaïr reveals that he and Maria had at least two sons, one at some point in his life, attempted to assassinate Genghis Khan. <ref name="Assassin's Creed II">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>

==Characteristics and personality==
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 the time, she showed characteristics of stubbornness, refusing to become a lady as her wanderlust only became stronger to leave her homeland. <ref name> Assassin's Creed: Official Game Guide </ref>

She is a very determined person with a great passion to accomplish more within the Templar ranks. During their first encounter, Maria presented a straightforward, merciless style of command when confronted with [[Altaïr]] and acted out as arrogant and overconfident regarding Robert's cause. <ref name="Assassin's Creed" />

After the events in Cyprus, her harsh and stubborn attitude around Altaïr became open and civil, presumably sided with him and the Assassins afterwards. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />

In ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', she presents a provocative side when she led Altaïr up the [[View Point|viewpoint tower]] where she beckoned him to kiss and eventually make love with her. <ref name="Assassin's Creed II">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref> {{clear}}

===Equipment and skills===

Maria is highly trained in swordsmanship as she was able to counter and avoid Altaïr's attacks when confronted against him.

In ''Assassin's Creed II'', she demonstrated limited [[free running]] skills during Desmond's bleeding effect dream.

=="Final words" in ''Assassin's Creed''==
'''Altaïr:''' ''I would see your eyes before you die''.

(Altaïr rips off the helm, only to see Maria's face).

'''Maria:''' ''I sense you expected someone else.''

'''Altaïr:''' ''What sorcery is this?!''

'''Maria:''' ''No sorcery, we knew you'd come. Robert needed to be sure he'd have time to get away''.

'''Altaïr:''' ''So he flees!?''

'''Maria:''' ''We cannot deny your success. You have laid waste to our plans: first, the [[Piece of Eden|treasure]], then our men. Control of the Holy Land slipped away, but then he saw an opportunity, to reclaim what has been stolen, to turn your victories to our advantage!''

'''Altaïr:''' ''[[Al Mualim]] still holds your treasure, and we've routed your army before! Whatever Robert plans, he'll fail again!''

'''Maria:''' ''Ah, but it's not just Templars you'll contend with now!''

'''Altaïr:''' ''Speak sense!''

'''Maria:''' ''Robert rides for [[Arsuf]] to plead his case, that [[Saracens|Saracen]] and [[Crusaders|Crusader]] unite... against the [[Assassins]]!''

'''Altaïr:''' ''That will never happen! They have no reason to!''

'''Maria:''' ''Had, perhaps. But now you've given them one: nine, in fact. The bodies you've left behind, victims on both sides. You've made the Assassins an enemy in common and ensured the annihilation of your entire order! Well done!''

'''Altaïr:''' ''Not nine, eight''.

'''Maria:''' (confused) ''What do you mean?''

'''Altaïr:''' ''You are not my target. I will not take your life. You're free to go, but do not follow me!''

'''Maria: '''''I don't need to. You're already too late!''

'''Altaïr:''' ''We'll see.''

==Gallery==

<center><gallery widths="120" captionalign="left">
File:Maria altair.jpg|Altaïr confronting Maria about de Sable's whereabouts.
File:Altaïr_with_maria.JPG|Altaïr warning Maria not to follow him.
faito.jpg|Maria fight Bouchart.
aw.jpg|Altaïr helps Maria up.
awmoar.jpg|Altaïr helps Maria out of the Archive as it collapses.
codex.jpg|Maria stands beside Altaïr as he writes his Codex.
File:Mariawatchingtower.jpg|Maria looking over Acre.
File:Zw-maria-ac2-2.png|Maria in Assassin's Creed II.
File:Altaïr_and_Maria_Kiss.png|Altaïr and Maria kissing.
File:Zw-altairandmaria.png|Maria and Altaïr in Assassin's Creed II.
File:Mariaparting.jpg|Maria watching Altaïr depart.
Zw-codex-25.png|Maria in the codex pages.
</gallery></center>

==Trivia==
* Her name is a Latin derivative of Mary. The origin name Mary is a reference in 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>
** Her surname 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 players connect 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 [[Auditore Family Villa]]. Maria's weapon is labelled as "Maria Thorpe's Longsword." This is the first mention of her surname.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />
*Maria is around her early 30s during ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'', making her around five years older than Altaïr. <ref name> Assassin's Creed: Official Game Guide </ref>
*Not only was Maria the first known female Templar to have appeared in the series, but the first Templar to be spared and assimilate main factions (from Templars to Assassins).<ref name="Assassin's Creed" /><ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />

==Notes and reference==

{{Reflist}}

{{AC}}
{{ACB}}
{{ACII}}
[[Category:Characters|Thorpe, Maria]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed Characters|Thorpe, Maria]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines Characters|Thorpe, Maria]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II Characters|Thorpe, Maria]]
[[Category:Templars|Thorpe, Maria]]

Maria Thorpe

2010-08-24T03:58:17Z

64.12.117.67: /* Later life */

{{Era|AC|ACB|AC2|Templars|Crusade|Good}}
{{WPtargets}}
{{Character Infobox
|name = Maria Thorpe
|image = Maria_templar.jpg
|faction = [[Templars]] (formerly), [[Assassins]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines">''[[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]''</ref>
|appear = [[Assassin's Creed]] [[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]] [[Assassin's Creed II]]
|period = Third Crusade (12th Century) <ref name="Assassin's Creed">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref>
|voice = [[Eleanor Noble]]
}}
'''Maria Thorpe''' was an English woman who impersonated one of [[Altaïr]]'s assassination targets – Grand Master of the [[Knights Templar]], [[Robert de Sable]] – during the [[Third Crusade]]. Not being in favor with De Sable's successor, Maria was abandoned by the Knights Templar, and forced to find asylum with her enemies, the [[Assassin]]s.

Following her and Altaïr's travels in Cyprus, the two settled down together and Maria bore him at least two sons; one of which would be a direct ancestor of the Assassins [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]], [[Desmond Miles]] and the mysterious [[Subject 16]].

==Biography==
===Early life===
In her youth, Maria chose not to follow the norm for women of her age and instead she chose to act and dress as a male would. Because of this, she was often pestered as a child and punished by her parents. Before the start of the Third Crusade, her parents forced her to marry, however it ended a little more than a year after. This disgrace, combined with Maria's own dreams of honor and glory, convinced her to leave England behind, and join the [[Crusaders]] in the Holy Land. It was uncommon for women to participate in combat during the time so Maria disguised herself as a man to partake in the holy quest. Maria showed much promise amongst the Crusaders and attracted the attention of [[Robert De Sable]]. Despite 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, including dying if she had to. <ref name> Assassin's Creed: Official Game Guide </ref>

===Impersonation===
{{quote|I sense you expected someone else|Maria, after Altaïr defeats her.|Assassin's Creed}}
[[File:Maria-Templar-Robert-de-Sable-PROXY-00.JPG|thumb|200px|Maria (disguised as Robert) looking to the crowd.]]

Following the deaths of eight of the Nine in 1191, at the hands of [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]], Robert correctly reasoned that he was next on the Assassin's list. 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 this would be a chance too great for the assassin to pass up.<ref name="Assassin's Creed">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref>

Maria was left to take Robert's place at the funeral, a decoy for Altaïr. As expected, the assassin appeared during the funeral procession. Maria carefully examined the mass and managed to spot him. She signalled the funeral proctor of Altaïr's presence and great number of Templars were ordered to seize him. Altaïr overpowered the soldiers and in the end grasped Maria to remove her helm. Altaïr was greatly shocked that it was a woman he fought and questioned it as sorcery. Maria corrected him that it was not and she was in Robert's place as a distraction. She admitted that his brotherhood's success of taking the treasure and eradicating her comrades did not go unnoticed and told him that Robert was to propose a truce between the Saracen and Crusader armies to besiege Masyaf through the evidence of her and the other Templar's deaths. Altaïr corrected her by deciding to spare her life and warned her not follow him. Out of her confusion, Maria replied haughtily that she did not need to and it was futile of him to try stopping Robert before she fled the city. <ref name="Assassin's Creed" />

===In Cyprus===
{{quote|Well what a surprise, the man who spared my neck, but stole my life|Maria, when she confronted Altaïr in Acre|Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines}}
[[File:acb__maria01.jpg|thumb|200px|Maria overseeing the Templar fleet en route for Cyprus.]]

A month after Altaïr defeated [[Al Mualim]], Maria's Templar rank dropped considerably and was disallowed travel to Cyprus with the Templars. She confronted Altaïr after the assault on the [[Acre]] harbor where the two of them engaged in another sword fight. 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="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />
[[File:acb__maria000.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Altaïr describes Maria as Robert's "girl".]]

The two of them travelled to [[Limassol]], where they met up with the assassin contact, [[Alexander]]. Maria was escorted and kept at the resistance safe house, but escaped following an ambush by Templars, during which the building was set on fire. Maria hurried to warn The Grand Master of the Templars, [[Armand Bouchart]] of Altaïr's presence in Limassol, but Bouchart being suspicious of Maria's two "miraculous" escapes from the assassins and equal distrust of women, sentenced her to be locked away in prison. 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 by his head, but by her recovery of the Apple of Eden.
[[File:maria05.jpg|thumb|200px|Altaïr rescues Maria from her would-be Templar captors.]]

Altaïr took Maria along with him on the ship to [[Kyrenia]]. Whilst on the ship, Altaïr spoke to her about the philosophy of Empedocles - that "only a mind free of impediments is capable of grasping the chaotic beauty of the world." 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; but, he maintained that "the order and peace the Templar seek requires servility and imprisonment," a statement with which the captive Maria took some irony. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />

As the two prepared to disembark, Altaïr cut the rope binding Maria's wrists so that she might climb the ladder to the upper deck; at the same time, the two were recognized by the pirates who had ferried them there. Maria, hands free, used the opportunity to kick Altaïr down the ladder to face their attackers so that she might escape. However, she too was 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. Altaïr learned during his investigations that "the bull" - his target - had posted large bounties, not only for him, but for Maria as well. Fearing for her safety, he rushed to the harbor, where he found she and Markos being attacked by Templars. After rescuing them, Altaïr brought them to the Kyrenia safehouse.

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 raided the safe house in his absence. Maria was given by Moloch to his son [[Shalim]], and separated from the resistance members, and from Altaïr's attempts to rescue her. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />
[[File:Bellydancin.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Maria infiltrates Saint Hilarion dressed as a courtesan.]]

Maria escaped from Shalim, and headed to [[Saint Hilarion Castle]] disguised as a consort to sneak 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 will achieve order at any means necessary, even if that "order" becomes synonymous with enslavement. Shahar grabbed her by her wrists, as if to subdue her, but was interrupted as Altaïr burst in upon them, looking for Shalim. Maria killed his two pursuers as if by impulse, but refused to fight beside or ally herself with him, and fled. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />
[[File:mariakillsmysterytemplar.jpg|thumb|200px|Maria kills the Mystery Templar.]]

How Maria travelled from Kyrenia back to Limassol is unknown. Altaïr travelled back alone, and carried on without her for a short time. But, following his use of the Apple of Eden to quiet the rioting townspeople, it was Maria who killed the [[Templar Agent|Mysterious Templar Agent]], who was intent to steal it back, by stabbing him through the back. Although she remained adamantly distrusting of the righteousness of his motives, she led him to [[Templar Archives]] hidden under Limassol Castle. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />

Maria engaged Armand Bouchart in combat. However, Bouchart was an extremely skilled fighter and hurled Maria back, knocking her unconscious. After Altaïr defeated Bouchart, the two of them managed to flee the archives. She then told him that she no longer wanted to be part of the Templars or wish to return to England, but decided to go somewhere in the East. In Altaïr's last journal entry, it is revealed that he decided to travel with her. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />

===Later life===
[[File:Zw-codex-25.png|thumb|300px|A hand drawn picture of Maria by [[Altaïr]].]]
{{quote|Whoa... Alright, wasn't expecting that...|[[Desmond Miles|Desmond]] after watching [[Altaïr]] kiss Maria.|Assassin's Creed II}}
Maria was romanitcally involved with Altaïr after the events of Cyprus and justifies how Altaïr's line of descent supposedly assimilated from the Fertile Crescent to Europe. Sometime in her life Maria led Altaïr to chase after her where the two of them meet atop a high tower in [[Acre]]. She removed her hood to reveal her identity, and suggestively beckoned him to come. Altaïr complied as the two kissed and eventually made love. The encounter resulted with the conception of a son as well as the child being Desmond's next ancestor. In the [[The Codex|codex pages]], Altaïr reveals that he and Maria had at least two sons, one at some point in his life, attempted to assassinate Genghis Khan. <ref name="Assassin's Creed II">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>

==Characteristics and personality==
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 the time, she showed characteristics of stubbornness, refusing to become a lady as her wanderlust only became stronger to leave her homeland. <ref name> Assassin's Creed: Official Game Guide </ref>

She is a very determined person with a great passion to accomplish more within the Templar ranks. During their first encounter, Maria presented a straightforward, merciless style of command when confronted with [[Altaïr]] and acted out as arrogant and overconfident regarding Robert's cause. <ref name="Assassin's Creed" />

After the events in Cyprus, her harsh and stubborn attitude around Altaïr became open and civil, presumably sided with him and the Assassins afterwards. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />

In ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', she presents a provocative side when she led Altaïr up the [[View Point|viewpoint tower]] where she beckoned him to kiss and eventually make love with her. <ref name="Assassin's Creed II">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref> {{clear}}

===Equipment and skills===

Maria is highly trained in swordsmanship as she was able to counter and avoid Altaïr's attacks when confronted against him.

In ''Assassin's Creed II'', she demonstrated limited [[free running]] skills during Desmond's bleeding effect dream.

=="Final words" in ''Assassin's Creed''==
'''Altaïr:''' ''I would see your eyes before you die''.

(Altaïr rips off the helm, only to see Maria's face).

'''Maria:''' ''I sense you expected someone else.''

'''Altaïr:''' ''What sorcery is this?!''

'''Maria:''' ''No sorcery, we knew you'd come. Robert needed to be sure he'd have time to get away''.

'''Altaïr:''' ''So he flees!?''

'''Maria:''' ''We cannot deny your success. You have laid waste to our plans: first, the [[Piece of Eden|treasure]], then our men. Control of the Holy Land slipped away, but then he saw an opportunity, to reclaim what has been stolen, to turn your victories to our advantage!''

'''Altaïr:''' ''[[Al Mualim]] still holds your treasure, and we've routed your army before! Whatever Robert plans, he'll fail again!''

'''Maria:''' ''Ah, but it's not just Templars you'll contend with now!''

'''Altaïr:''' ''Speak sense!''

'''Maria:''' ''Robert rides for [[Arsuf]] to plead his case, that [[Saracens|Saracen]] and [[Crusaders|Crusader]] unite... against the [[Assassins]]!''

'''Altaïr:''' ''That will never happen! They have no reason to!''

'''Maria:''' ''Had, perhaps. But now you've given them one: nine, in fact. The bodies you've left behind, victims on both sides. You've made the Assassins an enemy in common and ensured the annihilation of your entire order! Well done!''

'''Altaïr:''' ''Not nine, eight''.

'''Maria:''' (confused) ''What do you mean?''

'''Altaïr:''' ''You are not my target. I will not take your life. You're free to go, but do not follow me!''

'''Maria: '''''I don't need to. You're already too late!''

'''Altaïr:''' ''We'll see.''

==Gallery==

<center><gallery widths="120" captionalign="left">
File:Maria altair.jpg|Altaïr confronting Maria about de Sable's whereabouts.
File:Altaïr_with_maria.JPG|Altaïr warning Maria not to follow him.
faito.jpg|Maria fight Bouchart.
aw.jpg|Altaïr helps Maria up.
awmoar.jpg|Altaïr helps Maria out of the Archive as it collapses.
codex.jpg|Maria stands beside Altaïr as he writes his Codex.
File:Mariawatchingtower.jpg|Maria looking over Acre.
File:Zw-maria-ac2-2.png|Maria in Assassin's Creed II.
File:Altaïr_and_Maria_Kiss.png|Altaïr and Maria kissing.
File:Zw-altairandmaria.png|Maria and Altaïr in Assassin's Creed II.
File:Mariaparting.jpg|Maria watching Altaïr depart.
Zw-codex-25.png|Maria in the codex pages.
</gallery></center>

==Trivia==
* Her name is a Latin derivative of Mary. The origin name Mary is a reference in 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>
** Her surname 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 players connect 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 [[Auditore Family Villa]]. Maria's weapon is labelled as "Maria Thorpe's Longsword." This is the first mention of her surname.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />
*Maria is around her early 30s during ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'', making her around five years older than Altaïr. <ref name> Assassin's Creed: Official Game Guide </ref>
*Not only was Maria the first known female Templar to have appeared in the series, but the first Templar to be spared and assimilate main factions (from Templars to Assassins).<ref name="Assassin's Creed" /><ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />

==Notes and reference==

{{Reflist}}

{{AC}}
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[[Category:Characters|Thorpe, Maria]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed Characters|Thorpe, Maria]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines Characters|Thorpe, Maria]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II Characters|Thorpe, Maria]]
[[Category:Templars|Thorpe, Maria]]