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

Soldier

2010-08-29T15:05:31Z

67.244.23.192: /* Coloring */

{{revamp}}
[[File:Giartnewenemies 2.jpg|thumb|right|290px|From left to right: The Agile, the Archer, the Brute, the Militia, and the Seeker]]

'''Guards''' are the common opponents to an assassin throughout the ''[[Assassin's Creed series]]''.

==''[[Assassin's Creed]]''==
{{quote|Hashshashin!|Guard in [[Damascus]]}}
During the course of ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'', there are two types of guards: Soldiers and Archers. The archers are mostly the same, but there are three ranks of soldiers. All guards are armed with swords (with varying styles).
*The ordinary soldiers don't wear helmets (Muslims wear turbans) and are only equipped with leather armor or light Lamellar armor. They cannot grab or break a grab attack, cannot combo attack and cannot counter attack. They can only deflect attacks, and there is a 25% chance of dodging a light attack. Guard archers are on par with ordinary ones, except that they are only found on rooftops, wear a hood, and use bows for a ranged attack.
*Guard Sergeants (or elite guards) have helmets, the Crusader variant wear chain mail tabards, and Mujahideen Sergeants possess medium Lamellar armor. They can grab and there is a 50% chance of them being able to break a grab attack, as well as a 50% one of countering or dodging a light attack. There is also a 25% chance of breaking your defense, but they cannot perform a combo attack.
*Guard Captains are the most powerful guards besides the [[Templar Knight]]. The Muslim Captains wear Baidah helmets and heavy Lamellar armor, while Crusader captains wear chain mail tabards with surcoats, chain mail mittens and varying knight helms (with faces usually covered, due to helmet size). They too can grab and there is a 75% chance of them being able to break a grab attack and counter or dodge a light attack. There is also a 50% chance of breaking your defense. If a successful heavy attack is delivered, they will perform a combo attack.
*[[Templar Knights]] are a special version of guard where only 60 are found in game. They are similar to the Crusader guard captain, except possessing higher stats and a special version of helmet that appears bloodstained. They will also provoke a fight when they see [[Altaïr]], no matter what his notoriety level is. Strangely enough, [[Templar Knights]] can be found in many places, including [[Muslim cities]].

The ordinary Crusader and Muslim soldiers and archers speak English, Crusader Captains and Sergeants speak French or German, Muslim Captains and Guards speak Turkish or Arabic and the Templar Knights speak all of the dialects (but only speak Arabic in Altaïr's fight against Robert's impostor).

The guards in [[Masyaf]], despite being marked as an ally via [[Eagle Vision]], function exactly like normal ones. They are equipped in robes similar to Altaïr's, but they only have a long sword and their robes are shorter. The ordinary guards wear no hoods, the elite guards wear hoods and the guard captains wear hoods and have their faces covered with a cloth, with only eyes visible. They all speak English and have all five fingers, indicating that, though members of the order, they are not assassins themselves, instead serving as "The Common Soldiers" of the Assassins.

(Hints) A defense break stuns your counter attack and deflect ability for three seconds, but not your dodge ability. If an enemy breaks your defense, you can still dodge an incoming attack (once the skill is acquired).

(Hints) To improve your chances of a successful grab attack, break the guards defense (once skill is acquired) then perform a grab. There is only a 10% chance of breaking your grab on elite guards (and 25% for guard captains).

(Hints) If able to counter a heavy attack from a weakened enemy successfully, you will punch and/or kick your enemy violently enough to daze him and cause him to drop to the ground. Before he falls, you have two options, hit the attack button which results in a instant kill move or press the step button which results in breaking his legs, this is known as a "Torture Kill."

(Hints) Heavy attacks are far more difficult for enemies to counter then light attacks, use light attacks after performing a dodge (once skill is acquired) and heavy attacks while in main combat. "Note" The short blade/dagger can only perform light attacks, so either use it against weaker enemies or keep the same enemy under constant barrage without switching targets, thus keeping him from recovering.

==''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''==
{{quote|Assassino!|Guard in [[Venice]]|Assassin's Creed II}}

In ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', there are five types of enemy guards:

===Regular Guards===
Those are the "standard" type of guard which can be found almost everywhere on the ground. However, they use a large variety of swords, as well as with maces and war hammers. These regular troops are divided into three ranks themselves: Militia, Elite and Leaders.
[[File:Pazzi2.jpg|thumb|100px|Pazzi thug]]
*'''Thugs '''are people hired by Vieri de' Pazzi to attack [[Ezio]]. While not officially or technically guards, they function in a remarkably similar manner. They will attack Ezio even if he is Incognito, and fight only with fists, making them the easiest to counter. Also, they will notice Ezio much more easily then other guards do. After assassinating [[Uberto Alberti]], they can no longer be found in game, except for in the Courier mission [[Casanova]].
{{-}}
[[File:Militia.jpg|thumb|100px|Militia guard (from [[Forlì]])]]
*'''Militia''' is the weakest rank. They wear no armor, and can be easily killed (with one counter-kill). They are also the most easily frightened during combat, as after battles, they are the first ones to flee.
{{-}}
[[File:Elite.jpg|thumb|100px|Elite guard (a [[Pazzi]] Guard)]]
*'''Elite''' guards are stronger, wear a moderate amount of armor, and need three counter-kills to be defeated. Elites are also more courageous than Militias, although if you kill their leader, they will still retreat.
{{-}}
[[File:Leader.jpg|thumb|100px|Leader (a [[Venice]] guard)]]
*'''Leaders''' are the best fighters and most tenacious of all the regular soldiers. They wear slightly more armor than their Elite counterparts. The Leaders will last slightly longer than Elites during [[Ezio]]'s counter-attacks. They also hardly give up their weapons, making them harder to disarm than the others. Also, like Brutes Leader guards cannot be grabbed very easily.
{{-}}
The Regular Guards are not especially agile, but can climb up to the rooftops in order to follow Ezio (though are not as fast as him). Also, they can recognize [[Ezio]] sitting on a bench, but can be assassinated before they recognize him and spread word of his presence.

(Hints) In Assassins Creed II The sword can no longer perform heavy attacks, making you more vulnerable to counter attacks. This also means that the ability to counter a heavy attack and perform a "Torture kill" is no longer existent, as well as the ability for enemies to perform combo attacks. Your shortblade/dagger, however, cannot be countered.

(Hints) In Assassins Creed II Enemies no longer try to grab you, which means you no longer posses the grab break skill. However, leaders and occasionally elites can break your grab attacks.

(Hints) In Assassin's Creed II both you and enemies no longer posses the defense break skill, making it harder to land a direct blow at times.

===Seekers===
The '''[[Seekers]]''', also called "Paranoid", are one of the new special guard types. They are constantly looking in hiding spots (such as the haystacks, benches, and crowds) and checking them (although [[Ezio]] can assassinate the seeker from his hiding spot if this happens). They are armed with long spears or halberds, giving them an increased reach in combat and can also perform "Sweep attacks" which require a wind up and results in them sweeping Ezio off his feet and onto the ground. This attack affects anyone in range of the long weapon, including fellow guards! The Long weapons main attacks cannot be countered with a sword or short blade/dagger, however it can be countered with the Hidden Blade, another long weapon/Polearm or a Two-Handed weapon. Seekers, like most of the other guards, wear armor. The armor they wear is slightly more than a Leader-ranked Standard, but less than a Brute. When unarmed, they will occasionally approach Ezio from behind and then hold him while the other guards assault him. Disarming the Seeker will give you an advantage, as you can effectively use his own weapon against him. They also have a morale rate of 80% which makes them the second bravest fighter after the Brute.

===Agiles===
One of the new guard archetypes is the '''[[Agile]]''', which, as the name suggests, are a very fast, light-armored enemy. They run faster than [[Ezio]] and also have the Free Run ability, which can lead to chase sequences. They wield small weapons such as daggers and other short blades. Agiles are extremely good at dodging your attacks, thus the best way to kill an Agile is by tiring him out. This can be done by constantly attacking and dodging his moves, however, simply countering an attack performed by the Agile results in a instant kill, just as with the Militia. Agiles have a morale rate of 40% which makes them the third most cowardice after the militia guard and the archer.

===Brutes===
The '''[[Brutes]]''' are heavily armored and equipped (wielding two-handed weapons such as heavy swords and axes). Their armor covers almost every part of their bodies, making them tough to bring down, but also making them cumbersome and slow. They are not very intelligent, and won't be able to tell [[Ezio]] from anyone else in a crowd. When deflecting a short weapon, they will not take damage (while all other guards do), but can still be damaged with a counter. A good way to make short work of them is to disarm them and counterattack, as they are very easy to disarm. Brutes have two types of attack: one quick, and one that begins with a wind-up. The latter attack cannot be countered, and must be dodged, while the former can be countered. You must possess a Brute's weapon to counter the wind-up attacks of another Brute. Also the Brutes are the only type of enemy that won't flee a battle, they will only run away if you disarm their weapon and if they cannot find another one. Your best bet in taking out a Brute is by assassination. When facing multiple guards who are unaware of your presence, killing the brute first is a good idea, unless you want to be caught in a long fight.

===Archers===
The '''[[Archers]]''' are guards that patrol and defend the rooftops. They are armed with bows and swords (sometimes maces or war hammers instead of swords), and warn Ezio on sight to leave the place, no matter the notoriety. Approaching them will force them to draw their weapon and commence a fight. Archers are seemingly just Militia-ranked Standards, with the capability of attacking at a distance with their trusty longbows. However, the Archers in the [[Sistine Chapel|Vatican]] are Leader-ranked Standards. While Florentine and Tuscan Archers can be killed with a single Throwing Knife, archers in the other cities and regions (such as Venice and Romagna) will need two [[Throwing Knives]] to be taken down. Since they are almost always on the rooftops on buildings, Archers are fairly easy to dispatch in melee combat, as they have the skill and hardiness of a Militia-ranked standard, making them easy to kill. Another good way to dispatch them is to simply throw them off the roof, which will instantly kill the Archer if they fall more than two stories or if they land in water. The archers also have a morale rate of 30% which makes them a little braver than the average guard.

===Coloring===
The coloring of the guards uniforms can identify whom they serve in the game, whether it be a city or a person.

*Red caps and sleeves means they serve the [[Pazzi]] family (these guards disappear after sequence 5).

*Dark red caps and black sleeves with red going down the side means they serve Borgia (these guards usually guard codex pages and appear whenever you encounter Borgia out of Rome).

*Dark yellow caps and sleeves with black armor plates means they serve the [[Medici]] (they first appear helping you fight the Pazzi during sequence 4).

*Green caps and sleeves means they serve the city of [[Forlì]] (they help you in sequence 12).

*Blue caps and sleeves with gold armor plates means they serve the city of [[Venice]] (they have much better armor than any other guard in the regular game).

*Black caps, sleeves, and armor plates means they serve [[Savonarola]] (they only appear in sequence 13, are as heavily protected as Venetian guards, and can be seen fighting Borgia guards throughout the city).

*Pink and orange caps and sleeves means that they serve [[Rome]] (they can only be seen in sequence 14 in Rome, they are the most heavily protected guards in the game).

==[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]==
===Arquebusiers===
''Main article: [[Arquebusiers]]''

The '''Arquebusiers''' are firearm-wielding soldiers who serve and protect the pontiff during their tenure.

In 1499, armored arquebusiers under the command of [[Cesare Borgia]], son of Pope [[Rodrigo Borgia|Alexander VI]], participated in the [[Siege of Monteriggioni|assault on Monteriggioni]]; one arquebusier managed to wound [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] during the latter stages of the assault.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Assassin.27s_Creed:_Brotherhood_-_E3_gameplay_demo_0-0">[1]</sup>. In 1503, the arquebusier continued to serve under Cesare, keeping watch over a Papal parade in Rome. At least one arquebusier spotted an approaching Ezio Auditore, but was killed by another assassin before firing his shot.

===Papal Guards===
''Main article: [[Papal Guard]]''

The '''Papal Guard''' are elite soldiers commanded by the Papacy to serve and protect the pontiff during his tenure. The armor worn by these guards seem largely ceremonial in design. Although it seemed to serve its purpose well enough, it was unable to stop the blade of the Assassins.

By 1503, the Papal Guard protected Pope [[Rodrigo Borgia|Alexander VI]], and were commanded by the Pope's son – [[Cesare Borgia]]. During that year, several guards were forced to confront several [[assassin]]s, including [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]], who had attacked the Papal parade in [[Rome]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood E3 trailer">''[http://www.e3expo.com Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood E3 trailer]''</ref>.

==Trivia==
* The quickest way to defeat any guard is to counter kill with the [[hidden blade]]. This requires reflexes and timing, however, as the counter kill window is only a fraction of that of a sword or dagger.
* The Militia Guards resemble the Swiss Guard in appearance, due to their similar caps, swords and clothes, though in different colors.
* The amount of counter attacks needed to kill a guard does not affect counter kills with heavy weapons, long weapons or the hidden blade, the guard being countered with these weapons is unable to block or parry.
* In ''Assassin's Creed II'' the taunts Ezio says to brutes are different from the taunts he says to the other guards, mainly insulting them about their weight. For example, the taunt, "Well, you're certainty well fed!"
* Strangely, in the mission "Play Along," Ezio assassinates an Agile so he can disguise himself as a guard, but instead of having an Agile's outfit, he wears the outfit of a Leader guard.
* In PlayStation home, you can purchase the design of a Seeker for your avatar, which also comes with a spear.
* On Xbox Live, you can purchase the outfit of one of the Militia guards.

==Gallery==

<center><gallery>
File:250px-Seeker.jpg|A [[Seeker]]
File:Brute.jpg|A [[Brute]]
File:Sneakattack from haystack.jpg|[[Ezio]] killing a [[seeker]] stealthily
File:Archerdead.jpg|[[Ezio]] killing an Archer
File:Assassins_Creed_2_1.jpg|[[Ezio]], pulling an [[archer]] of the roof
File:assassins-creed-ii-20090923115315350.jpg|An [[archer]]
File:Assassins-creed-ii-20090923115318740.jpg|An [[Agile]]
File:assassins-creed-ii-20090923115314162.jpg|A [[Militia]]
File:ACB4.jpg|[[Ezio]] Fighting a [[Guard]] in [[Rome]] on horseback
File:ACB3.jpg|[[Ezio]] Escaping From [[Arquebusiers]]
File:Guardkill.png|[[Ezio]] commanding a arrow shower on [[Papal Guards]]
</gallery></center>

==References==
<references/>

{{AC}}
{{ACII}}
{{ACSeries}}
[[Category:Guards]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed Gameplay]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II Gameplay]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Gameplay]]
[[Category:Articles revamp]]

Armor

2010-08-29T15:00:28Z

67.244.23.192: /* Assassin's Creed II */

{{Revamp}}
This article is about the '''armor''' that is used in the [[Assassin's Creed series|''Assassin's Creed'' series]].

==''Assassin's Creed''==
[[File:Altair3.jpg|thumb|200px|Altair's armor ]]

In the first ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' game, Altaïr has light armor that consists of leather greaves, leather vambraces, and a leather belt. The vambrace on his left forearm has what appears to be metal plating, but it does not function as armor in the game and is likely only there for decorative purposes, or for distinguishing a heightened status within the Assassin Order, or also for concealing the [[Hidden Blade]]. Because Desmond loses synchronization with Altaïr whenever Altaïr is struck during combat, it is implied that Altaïr was never hit or wounded in armed conflict or during assassinations. This would be feasible, given Altaïr's capabilites as a warrior and his lineage ([[Those Who Came Before|Those Who Came Before)]]. After obtaining the apple of Eden, Altaïr studied it, which gave him increased knowledge. Using this, he created the codex pages as well as a new suit of armor for himself, one that was almost impossible to damage. This new armor would be passed down to each of Altaïr's ancestors, eventually being hidden away beneath the Villa Auditore.

===Other Characters===
Armor does appear on other characters in the game, and there are differences in the styles worn by guards in each city. The guards in [[Damascus]] can be found in either lamellar, likely leather, or ringmail armor. Guards in [[Acre]] can be found in brigantine armor and chain mail, some complete with coifs. Guards in [[Jerusalem]] are often found wearing scale or splintmail. Each of these guard types can be found in the [[Kingdom]] near their respective cities. The [[Knights Templar]] uniformly wear full suits of chain mail covered in a white tabbard with a red steel helm covering their face. Most if not all of the Templars wear their signature red cross openly, whereas in the future the cross symbol is more subtle.

==''Assassin's Creed II''==

[[Ezio]] can purchase different types of armor from [[Blacksmith|blacksmiths]] found throughout the game's various cities. There are five sets of armor that can be purchased, each with four individual pieces being chest plates, greaves, and spaulders, and vambraces.

[[File:47552_AssassinsCreed2-Ezio.png|thumb|260px|Ezio's armor as seen in Assassin's Creed 2]]
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 366px; height: 601px"
! scope="col"|Armor name
! scope="col"|Available
! scope="col"|Cost
|-
|Leather Greaves
|Sequence 03
|1,200ƒ
|-
|Leather Vambraces
|Sequence 04
|1,100ƒ
|-
| Leather Chest Guard
|Sequence 03
|4,600ƒ
|-
|Leather Spaulders
|Sequence 01
|2,300ƒ
|-
|
|
|
|-
|Helmschmied Greaves
|Sequence 03
|5,200ƒ
|-
|Helmschmied Vambraces
|Sequence 05
|2,900ƒ
|-
|Helmschmied Chest Guard
|Sequence 05
|10,800ƒ
|-
|Helmschmied Spaulders
|Sequence 04
|6,200ƒ
|-
|
|
|
|-
|Metal Greaves
|Sequence 04
|7,200ƒ
|-
|Metal Vambraces
|Sequence 06
|6,300ƒ
|-
|Metal Chest Guard
|Sequence 07
|17,200ƒ
|-
|Metal Pauldrons
|Sequence 07
|12,000ƒ
|-
|
|
|
|-
|Missaglias Greaves*
|Sequence 08
|14,600ƒ
|-
|Missaglias Vambraces*
|Sequence 09
|12,000ƒ
|-
|Missaglias Chest Guard*
|Sequence 09
|27,900ƒ
|-
|Missaglias Pauldrons*
|Sequence 10
|21,300ƒ
|-
|
|
|
|-
|Vambraces of [[Sword of Altaïr|Altaïr]]
|Quest
|Unlockable
|-
|Greaves of [[Sword of Altaïr|Altaïr]]
|Quest
|Unlockable
|-
|Pauldrons of [[Sword of Altaïr|Altaïr]]
|Quest
|Unlockable
|-
|Chest Guard of [[Sword of Altaïr|Altaïr]]
|Quest
|Unlockable
|}

[[File:Altairarmor.png|thumb|left|94px|The Armor of Altair as seen in AC:2]]
Leather Armor is the first available armor and provides health bonuses, but no resistance bonuses. Later, Ezio can purchase Helmschmied, a variant of leather with metal inlays; Metal Armor; and Missaglias, a stylized Metal Armor. Every armor after the leather set offers health bonuses and resistance bonuses. Armor can be damaged through combat or by falling from buildings, so it is necessary to repair it at blacksmiths regularly. Each armor has a set number of circles that it can resist. In general, twenty squares of combat or falling damage to your synch bar will remove one circle of resistance from every piece of armor you have equipped.

The player is also able to unlock a unique and special set of armor, referred to as [[Altaïr's Armor]], by collecting [[Assassin's Seal]]s from different Assassins' Tombs. After finding and placing all 6 seals in the [[Sanctuary]], Ezio unlocks the armor of his ancestor. It consists of black clothing, with specially made armor integrated into it, akin to the mythical properties of the Golden Fleece. As such, the armor never needs to be repaired. When [[Tailor|dyed]] by the player, all that changes is the inside color of the armor. Page 19 of [[The Codex|Alta]][[Sword of Altaïr|ï]][[The Codex|r's Codex]] reveals that this, the only suit made, was owned and/or created by Altaïr, who destroyed the written formula out of fear of the armor becoming widely used, either by friend or foe alike.

===Other Characters===
All types of soldiers in [[Assassin's Creed II|''Assassin's Creed II'']] are armored to varying degrees, with [[archers]] as the lightest, followed by [[Agiles|Agiles, ]][[Guards|regular soldiers]], [[Seekers]], and [[Brutes]]. Elite soldiers wear heavier armor than regular soldiers, making them more resistant to Ezio's attacks and counter-attacks. [[Brutes]] in particular can only be killed or damaged after a disarm, or with the hidden blade.

==''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood''==
At the start of Brotherhood, Ezio loses his Armor of Altair, forcing him to run into battle clothed in a simple shirt, pants, and boots. Later on in Rome, Ezio's new robes and armor are seen. Ezio's newer attire resembles the armor of Altair, with longer robes and a longer hood. However, the only protective part of this armor are the roman-styled vambraces and his new cloak guard, both made of what looks like metal. It has not yet been said as to whether or not upgrades can purchased for Ezio's armor like in AC:2.

[[File:Ezio-_Assassins_Brotherhood.jpg|thumb|186px|Ezio's Armor in Brotherhood]]

<u>'''Pre-order Bonuses'''</u>

As a bonus for pre-ordering the Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood collectors edition from Amazon.com, players can receive a highly stylized armor known as the Helmschmied Drachen Armor. The armor's stats are unknown, although they will probably be higher than Ezio's plain robes, given the bulkiness of the armor. No other pre-order armors have been announced as of yet.
[[File:Blarglefarlglelargleglargle.jpg|thumb|left|180px|Concept art of the bonus Drachen armor]]

{{AC}}
{{ACII}}
[[Category:Assassin's Creed]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed Series]]

Assassins

2010-07-28T20:02:59Z

67.244.23.192:

{{Era|ACAC|AC|ACB|AC2|AC2D|Assassins|Crusade|Ren|Modern|Good}}
{{WP-REAL|Hashshashin}}
{{Faction Infobox
|image = Aclogo.png
|game = ''[[Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles]]''<br>''[[Assassin's Creed]]''<br>''[[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]''<br>''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''<br>''[[Assassin's Creed II: Discovery]]''<br>''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''<br>''[[Assassin's Creed: Lost Legacy]]''
|religion =
|nationality = Multiple<ref name="Assassin's Creed">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref><ref name="Assassin's Creed II">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>
|location = Worldwide<ref name="Assassin's Creed II">''[[Assassin's Creed II''</ref>
}}

{{Quote|We work in the dark, to serve the light. We are Assassins.|[[Niccolò Machiavelli]]|Assassin's Creed II}}
The '''Assassins''', also known as the ''Assassins Order'', ''Assassins Brotherhood'' and ''Hashshashin'', were an organized order of assassins who fought a continuous secret war with the [[Knights Templar]] for over two-thousand years. The Assassins, if not the order itself, had existed since at least 456 BC, throughout the Roman era, the [[Assassin's Creed|Third Crusade]], the [[Assassin's Creed 2|Renaissance]], and into [[Modern Times|21<sup>st</sup> Century]].

==The Order==
{{quote|Laa shay'a waqi'un moutlaq bale kouloun moumkine<br />("Nothing is true, everything is permitted" in Arabic)''|The Assassin's Creed|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:AssassinGuard.png|thumb|Rauf, a combat instructor, wearing similar robes to other high ranked Assassin guard in Masyaf.]]
The order believed in a strong set of values that strictly governed their way of life, the Creed, which consisted of three [[tenets]]:
#"Stay your blade from the flesh of an innocent."
#"Hide in plain sight, be one with the crowd"
#"Never compromise the Brotherhood<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />."
These tenets permeated every aspect of the Assassins' daily life, as well as their fight for "peace in all things". The Assassins carried out their duties through political strategic assassination, in the hope that killing one individual, would lead to the salvation of thousands. The assassins believe that they fight on behalf of those who do not possess the abilities, resources, or knowledge to speak out against those who abuse their power<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

[[File:AssassinInformant.png|thumb|left|An Assassin informant.]]
Despite their service to those who would otherwise suffer, the Assassins were still feared by the general populous, due mainly to their method of ensuring peace. The Assassins were most feared due to their terrifying reputation for taking life in public places before many witnesses – done so as to bring fear into the hearts of those who might abuse their power or corrupt the innocent – before vanishing into the crowd without a trace<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />. To assist in this, the assassins used a particularly efficient weapon for assassinations: the [[hidden blade]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />, a single thrust from which could end the life of its victim.

However, in order to ascertain which death might best assist the assassins' goals, extensive political knowledge was a must have, and so the assassins remained always in tune with the ever-changing politics surrounding them. Obtaining the information was the job of low-level members of the Order, who would be stationed throughout the cities of the world; these spies would watch the local nobles and rulers, looking for signs of corruption or membership in the [[Knights Templar]]. Once gathered, any information was passed on to the assassins' who were responsible for the execution of the assassination<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />.

===Training===
The assassins spent their entire lifetime training to kill<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />. From an early age they were taught to observe their surroundings and plan ahead; combat was a must and its training was continuous, with a focus on bladed weapons of all sorts being their expertise. However, despite such a focus on combat, the greatest consideration in the assassins' training was concealment; stealth was the greatest weapon of the assassin and everything about their life, the clothes they wore, where they lived, even how they walked emphasised a devotion to concealment<ref name="Assassin's Creed" /><ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />. It was the duty of an assassin to reach their target and stand beside them, before they struck, and sink away into the crowd<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />.

The other significant focus of an assassins training was manoeuvrability. By the time an assassin reached the rank of [[Master Assassin]], he was also a master of an early form of [[Free-Running|parkour]] widely utilised by the assassins. Widely seen as alien and naive by the general populous, this method of movement allowed the assassins to reach areas not normally accessible to man. From scaling a wall to climbing to one of a city's many [[view point]]s, parkour gave the assassins a significant advantage over the average city guard.

==History==
===The Third Crusade===
[[File:Almualimassassins.png|thumb|400px|Al Mualim and the Assassins in the fortress of Masyaf.]]
In 1191, during the Third Crusade, the Syrian branch of the Assassins Order was centred in the fortress of [[Masyaf]], deep within the kingdom of the Holy Land. Led by [[Al Mualim]], the assassins battled with the Templars and their leader, [[Robert de Sable]], over ideologies and the means with which to accomplish them. It is during the Third Crusade that the assassins learnt of a Templar interest in an [[Piece of Eden|ancient artifact]] hidden within the catacombs of [[Solomon's Temple]] and decided to keep it from their grasps; the mission was a success, although a costly one. With the death of one assassin and the arrival of the Templar army at the gates of Masyaf, the assassins proceeded to literally crush most of the Templar army under a concealed onslaught of rolling logs, before driving the Templars from the village below.<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />

Following the assault, the assassin blamed for the loss of life that day – [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] – was severely reprimanded, and then tasked with removing nine influential individuals who plagued the Holy Land with their corrupt rule. As Altaïr made his way down the list, made up of both Crusader and Saracen individuals, the revelation that their goal – to bring peace to the people of the Holy Land – was just, unsettled him greatly, as he felt his victims were "misguided perhaps but pure in motive". This was a view shared by Al Mualim, who agreed with their goals, but felt their attitude of "the end justifies the means" undermined the good they sought to ensure. As his mission progressed, Altaïr sought to know what bound his victims together, and the realization that they were all Templars only served to reinforce the assassins’ determination to bring an end to the Templar plot.

By the end of the year the assassins' were victorious over their Templar enemies; [[Robert de Sable]], Grand Master of the Knights Templar was dead, however the treachery of one of their own had also hit the assassin order hard. Al Mualim, Grand Master of the Order of Assassins, and a former member of a coalition of ''ten'' Templar leaders, was revealed to be a traitor, and killed by the very man he had sent to eliminate his fellow Templar conspirators. With Al Mualim dead, Altaïr took over as Grand Master of the Order, leading the assassins in their attempts to rebuild their strength following the costly conflict.

Eventually, it was decided that the Piece of Eden was too great a threat to keep in Masyaf, and the decision was made to keep it on the island of Cyprus, it the Limassol archives<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines">''[[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]''</ref>. However, following the liberation of the island from its Templar rulers, the Piece was kept by Altaïr until at least he completed his fabled [[Codex]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

===Renaissance===
{{Quote|In this modern age, we are not as literal as our ancestors; but our seal is no less permanent…|Mario Auditore|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:Asslogorenaissance.png|thumb|Renaissance variation of the Assassins' symbol.]]
The Order continued to thrive, despite being forced to adopt an even more secretive and isolated existence<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />. During the time period known as the Renaissance, the Assassin Order had apparently "gone underground". The reason for this is explained inside the Codex pages, where [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad|Altaïr]] states that even though the Templar Order was served a crushing defeat in the Holy Land and Cyprus, they still survived in more inconspicuous ways. As such, Altaïr believed that the Assassins too had to change tactics so as to live on<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

Having abandoned the fortress of [[Masyaf]], the assassins spread out across the Mediterranean world, taking up residence in places like northern Italy and Spain; however, the Templars too had done as much, head-quartering themselves in Rome. By 1321 the Assassin's Order had successfully integrated itself into modern day life of northern Italy, widely unknown to the average folk. That same year a young sailor by the name of Domenico, the son of an assassin, was apprenticed to the poet [[Dante Alighieri]], also an assassin, who was transporting the Codex of Altaïr from Venice to Spain<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Auditore Crypt">''[[Auditore Family Crypt|Uplay Content - Assassin's Creed II: Auditore Family Crypt]]''</ref>. During the voyage, pirates under the employ of the Templars ambushed the ship looking for the Codex, killing Dante, as well as the wife of Domenico. Fortunately for the assassins, Domenico had managed to break apart the Codex and hide it from the pirates before he and his son were forced overboard<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Auditore Crypt" />.

Eventually returning to Venice, Domenico found his father and his patron, [[Marco Polo]], an ally of the assassins, dead. So Domenico emptied the accounts of Messer Polo and travelled to the city of Florence under the assumed name of Auditore; eventually constructing the [[Auditore Family Villa|Auditore Villa]] in the city of [[Monteriggioni]], which became the centre of the Assassin's Order in Italy<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Auditore Crypt" />.

[[Image:Assassins1503E3.png|thumb|400px|Ezio and his disciples, facing Cesare and Rodrigo Borgia in Rome in 1503.]]
Despite the order "modernising" since the 12<sup>th</sup> Century, they still retained many of the rituals and practices, albeit altered. The practice of removing ones ring finger had as such been removed, although the seal of the Order was branded upon the finger instead; such was the induction of [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] in 1487. Although significantly fewer in number, the assassins' were supported by the courtesans, thieves and [[Mercenary|condottieri]] of Florence and Venice; the guilds of which were each run by a member of the Order<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

During this time period, the Assassins entered another period of increased hostilities with the Templars, who were attempting to overthrow the ruling [[House of Medici]] in Florence, and the Doge of Venice. Having already killed the [[wikipedia:Galleazzo Maria Sforza|Duke of Milan]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Lineage">''[[Assassin's Creed: Lineage]]''</ref> in 1476, [[Rodrigo Borgia]] – the Grand Master of the Knights Templars – brought the noble families of [[House of Pazzi|Pazzi]], Barbarigo and [[House of Orsi|Orsi]] together<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Lineage" />, to accomplish his goals. Entering into conflict with the assassins, Borgia dealt a crippling blow to the Order of Assassins in 1476, when he executed the experienced warrior [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze]] and his two sons, [[Federico Auditore da Firenze|Federico]] and [[Petruccio Auditore da Firenze|Petruccio]], although a third son, Ezio, managed to escape. With the aid of Ezio, the Assassins were able to counter Borgia's plot over a twenty-three year campaign, defeating him at every turn<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

In 1487, the Order of Assassins learned that the Templars had retrieved an important artifact from the island of Cyprus, and deemed its capture necessary. Following the artifact from L'Arsenale di Venezia, Ezio managed to overpower and replace the Templar guard carrying the artifact. Under this guise, Ezio met with Borgia himself and the two engaged in battle; Borgia fled upon the arrival of the assassins, and the artifact fell once again into the hands of the assassins. The assassins of this age however, were unaware of the nature of the artifact, although they did recognise it as one of the Pieces of Eden mentioned within Altaïr's Codex<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

By the year 1503, the Assassins had begun to spread their influence beyond Italy, with many undertaking a variety of missions in locations as far afield as Spain and the Holy Roman Empire<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref>.

===Modern Times===
{{Quote|We lost two more teams last night. That's eight more of us just…gone.|Lucy Stillman|Assassin's Creed II}}
By the 21<sup>st</sup> Century, the world had changed vastly<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />. Whilst the Order of Assassins had kept to their policy of remote camps and isolation from society<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />, the Templars had begun to infiltrate society further; taking the form of many corporations such as [[NASA]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" /> and Abstergo. The Templars continued to search for and investigate the various Pieces of Eden they discovered throughout this period<ref name="Assassin's Creed" /><ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />, whilst the assassins continued their war against them; notably being responsible for the destruction of at least one Templar-controlled in Siberia in 1908, known in public as the [[Tunguska explosion]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />. However, by the year 2012 the Templars, under the guise of their front company [[Abstergo Industries]] had begun kidnapping assassins, or those related to them in an attempt to locate even more Pieces of Eden<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />. Notable captives included the mysterious [[Subject Sixteen]], Daniel Cross, and [[Desmond Miles]] – a descendant of both Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad and Ezio Auditore da Firenze<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />.

Using Desmond, Abstergo managed to obtain a map of the locations of the Pieces of Eden across the globe, and subsequently begun their attempts to claim them. Not long after, the assassins were able to free Desmond Miles<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />, with the aid of [[Lucy Stillman]], an assassin who had been working undercover at Abstergo for at least three years by 2012, as well as obtain their own copy of the map<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />. Following this, Desmond agreed to aid the assassins in their quest to defeat Abstergo, mostly for revenge, but also for closure. Utilising the [[Animus|Animus 2.0]], a copy of the machine used by Abstergo to explore his genetic memories previously<ref name="Assassin's Creed" /><ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />, Desmond followed the memories of Ezio Auditore, learning as he went, adopting his skills in combat and free-running, whilst the rest of the Order concentrated to locating the Pieces of Eden before their Templar counterparts. Despite this however, the war with the Knights Templar had taken a turn for the worse; with their numbers dwindling, the Order of Assassins were in danger of losing the war<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

==Known assassins==
[[File:Zw-renaissance-assassins.png|thumb|400px|Ezio's initiation into the brotherhood.]]
{{quote|The seeds were planted as two worlds became one. Behold, the Assassins, the children of two worlds!|Subject 16|Assassin's Creed II}}

The assassins had existed since before the turn of the first millennium; several known figures included the killer of [[Xerxes I of Persia]], [[Darius]], as well as [[Iltani]], [[Wei Yu]], [[Amunet]] and [[Leonius]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />. Historically however, the fore-bearers of the assassins have existed since before recorded time, possibly reaching as far back as [[Adam and Eve]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

===Medieval and Renaissance periods===
During the Third Crusade, the Syrian sect of the Order of Assassins was mainly made up of native, Syrian-born individuals, although some, like Altaïr, were born to parents of both religions. Led by [[Al Mualim]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed " />, and later [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] himself<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />, other members included [[Harash]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />, [[Malik A-Sayf|Malik]] and [[Kadar A-Sayf]], [[Raoul]], [[Abbas]], [[Masun]], [[Jamal]], Bahir, Karim<ref name="Assassin's Creed" /> and [[Qulan Gal]], the death-bringer of [[Genghis Khan]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />. Allies also included various individuals, such as [[Adha]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles">''[[Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles]]''</ref>, and even former Templars like [[Maria Thorpe]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" /><ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />. Others included [[Dante Alighieri]] and [[Domenico Auditore]] <ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />, founder of the Auditore Villa.

Later on, during the Renaissance, the Order's numbers had dwindled significantly. Having become much more secretive, members of the Order often had occupations and lives outside of the Order, ranging from artists<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Renaissance">''[[Assassin's Creed: Renaissance]]''</ref>, to thieves<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />, to royal treasurers<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Discovery">''[[Assassin's Creed II: Discovery]]''</ref>. The Grand Master at the time, [[Niccolò Machiavelli|Niccolò di Bernado dei Machiavelli]] was a Florentine noble, as well as diplomat, political philosopher, musician, and playwright<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />. Others included the Florentine banker [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Lineage" /><ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />, and his brother [[Mario Auditore]], caretaker of the Auditore Villa and condottieri leader, [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]], [[Paola]] and [[Sister Teodora]], the heads of the Florentine and Venetian courtesans respectively, [[Antonio]], the head of the Venetian Thieves Guild, [[La Volpe]], the head of the Florentine Thieves Guild, [[Bartolomeo d'Alviano]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />, condottieri of Venice, and [[Luis Santangel]] and [[Raphael Sanchez]], Finance minister to Ferdinand II and Treasurer of Queen Isabella I respectively<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Discovery" />.

Once again, the Order had many allies amongst the common folk of Italy, and also amongst the nobility. Foremost among them was [[Leonardo da Vinci]], Ezio's closest friend and a genius of invention. Others included [[Caterina Sforza]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Battle of Forlì">''[[Battle of Forlì (DLC)|Assassin's Creed II: Battle of Forlì]]''</ref>, the Countess of [[Forlì]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />, [[Lorenzo de' Medici]], the ruler of Florence<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />, [[Agostino Barbarigo]], the Doge of Venice from 1486<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />, and the famed explorer [[Christoffa Corombo]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Discovery" />.

By 1503, Ezio Auditore had begun training new initiates in the Order, from his [[Tiber Island|base]] in [[Rome]].<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood" />

===Modern Times===
At the turn of the 20<sup>th</sup> Century, the Assassins' Order had spread as far the Russian Empire, with a strong presence in Petrograd; and it was during this time that the Assassin [[Nikolai Orelov]] was active<ref name="Assassin's Creed comic book mini-series">[[Assassin's Creed comic book mini-series|''Assassin's Creed'' comic book mini-series]]</ref>. During the 21<sup>st</sup> Century however, the Order seemed to have sunk further into hiding, with the numbers fewer than ever<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />. Although it was known that more existed, only a few were known: the mysterious '[[Subject 16]]', [[Desmond Miles]], [[Lucy Stillman]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />, [[Rebecca Crane]] and [[Shaun Hastings]], the Order's historian<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

At some point during this period, the descendant of Nikolai Orelov: [[Daniel Cross]], delved into the Animus to explore the genetic memories of his ancestor<ref name="Assassin's Creed comic book mini-series" />.

==Known victims==
{{Quote|Find them, kill them. In doing so, you will sow the seeds of peace.|[[Al Mualim]] to Altaïr|Assassin's Creed}}
Over the centuries, the Order of Assassins killed hundreds, if not thousands of individuals who they saw to be corrupt in their ways and a danger to humanity. Their intense rivalry with the Knights Templar also ensured that many underlings who served their Templar masters often shared the same fate<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />.

Below is a chronological list of the victims of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad:

<div style="float:left; width:48%;">
*[[Tamir (Altaïr's Chronicles)|Tamir of Damascus]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles" />
*[[Alaat]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles" />
*[[Roland Napule]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles" />
*[[The Master's Student]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles" />
*[[Master of the Tower]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles" />
*[[Harash]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles" />
*[[Basilisk|Lord Basilisk]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles" />
*[[Tamir|Tamir, the arms dealer]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />
*[[Garnier de Naplouse]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />
*[[Talal]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />
*[[Abu'l Nuqoud]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />
*[[William of Montferrat]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />
</div>

<div style="float:right; width:48%;">
*[[Majd Addin]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />
*[[Jubair al Hakim]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />
*[[Sibrand]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />
*[[Robert de Sable]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />
*[[Al Mualim]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed" />
*[[Frederick the Red]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />
*[[Moloch]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />
*[[Dark Oracle]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />
*[[Shalim]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />
*[[Shahar]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />
*[[Pirate Captain]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />
*[[Armand Bouchart]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />
</div>
<br clear="all" />
Below is a chronological list of the victims of Ezio Auditore da Firenze:

<div style="float:left; width:48%;">
*[[Uberto Alberti]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />
*[[Vieri de' Pazzi]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />
*[[Francesco de' Pazzi]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />
*[[Jacopo de' Pazzi]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />
*[[Stefano da Bagnone]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />
*[[Bernardo Baroncelli]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />
*[[Antonio Maffei]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />
*[[Francesco Salviati]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />
*[[Emilio Barbarigo]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />
*[[Marco Barbarigo]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />
*[[Silvio Barbarigo]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />
</div>

<div style="float:right; width:48%;">
[[File:Hashashin by wraithdt.jpg|thumb|right|Artist's depiction of a Hashashin in battle]]
*[[Dante Moro]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />
*[[Carlo Grimaldi]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />
*[[Checco Orsi]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Battle of Forlì " />
*[[Ludovico Orsi]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Battle of Forlì " />
*[[Gaspard Martinez]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Discovery" />
*[[Pedro Llorente]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Discovery" />
*[[Juan de Marillo]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Discovery" />
*[[Tomas Torquemada]] (spared)<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Discovery" />
*[[Girolamo Savonarola]]<ref>''[[Bonfire of the Vanities (DLC)|Assassin's Creed II: Bonfire of the Vanities]]''</ref>
*[[Rodrigo Borgia]] (spared)<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />
</div>
<br clear="all" />

Below is a chronological list of the victims of other known assassins:<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />

*[[Xerxes I of Persia|King Xerxes the Great]], by [[Darius]] in 456 BC
*[[Alexander the Great]], by [[Iltani]] in 323 BC
*[[Qin Shi Huang]], by [[Wei Yu]] in 210 BC
*[[Cleopatra]], by [[Amunet]] in 31 BC
*[[Caligula]], by [[Leonius]] in 41 AD
*[[Genghis Khan]], by [[Qulan Gal]] in 1227 AD
*[[Tomas Torquemada]], by unknown in 1498 AD
*[[Francisco Pizzaro]], by Diego de Almagro II's men in 1541 AD
*[[Mary I of England]], by unknown in 1558 AD
*[[John Wilkes Booth]], by Boston Corbett in 1865 AD
*[[Grigori Rasputin]], by Felix Yusupov in 1916 AD
*[[Adolf Hitler]], by unknown in 1945 AD
*[[Joseph Stalin]], by unknown in 1953 AD
*[[François Duvalier]], by unkown in 1971 AD

==Notes and references==
{{reflist}}

{{ACAC}}
{{AC}}
{{ACB}}
{{ACII}}
{{AC2D}}
{{ACSeries}}
[[Category:Assassin's Order]]

Venetian conspiracy

2010-07-27T03:22:26Z

67.244.23.192: /* Preparations */

{{WPtimeline}} {{stub}}
{{Event
|width=
|prev=[[Pazzi Conspiracy]]
|conc=
|next=[[The Apple's Journey]]
|imageBG=
|image=[[File:Zw-lof-8.png|300px]]
|name=Hunt on Venice
|timeframe=[[Renaissance]]
|conflict=
|date=1480-1488
|place=*[[Venice]]
*[[Forli]]
|outcome=*Ezio's introduction into the [[Assassins|Order]]
*Borgia's failure to retrieve the Apple
*The death of [[Giovanni Mocenigo|Doge Mocenigo]]
|key=*[[Assassins]]
*[[Knights Templar]]
**[[House of Barbarigo]]
|participants=*[[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]]
*[[Leonardo da Vinci]]
*[[Niccolò Machiavelli ]]
*[[Mario Auditore]]
*[[Antonio]]
*[[Sister Teodora]]
*[[Bartolomeo d'Alviano]]
*[[La Volpe]]
*[[Paola]]
*[[Rosa]]
*[[Emilio Barbarigo]]
*[[Carlo Grimaldi]]
*[[Marco Barbarigo]]
*[[Dante Moro]]
*[[Silvio Barbarigo]]
*[[Rodrigo Borgia]]
}}

After learning from a letter taken from one of the Pazzi Conspirators, [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] learned that the [[Knights Templar|Templar's]] presence was not limited to [[Florence]] only, for the letter made mention of the city of [[Venice]]. This, paired with the fact a [[Emilio Barbarigo|man from Venice]] was present during the meeting at the countryside of [[Tuscany]], proved that the Templars intend ill upon the city. With the intention of stopping the Templar's plans, Ezio made his way to the floating city.
==Side-Trip to Forli==
===Trouble at the Mountains===
{{dialogue3|Leonardo|Venezia! Such a beautiful city! So many sources of inspiration! Ponte di Rialto, Piazza San Marco, L'Arsenale...|Ezio|Shh!|What's wrong?|We're not alone|Ezio, detecting the presence of Borgia's men}}
Ezio made his way to the [[Apennine Mountains]], where he managed to catch up with [[Leonardo da Vinci]], who was having trouble with his carriage. Ezio helped him by lifting the carriage as Leonardo fixes the wheel. As he did, Ezio sees from the back of the carriage, a [[Flying Machine|bat-like contraption]] made of wood. When he asked Leonardo, he revealed that it is an invention that can make man fly. Laughing about the subject, Ezio climbed aboard the carriage along with Leonardo, and then they made their way to Venice.[[File:EzioLeo1.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Ezio and Leonardo at the Apennine Mountains]]

While Leonardo was fantasizing the beautiful sites of Venice, Ezio heard a faint noise. Just then, the silence was broken by soldiers on horseback attacking the carriage, presumed to be [[Guards|Borgia's men]] who were searching for Ezio. Leonardo hid in the carriage as Ezio tried to fend off the attackers by trying to manoeuvre the carriage into shaking them off.

As he continued to make his way out of the countryside, soldiers lit the small, wooden bridge on fire along the way, but it wasn't enough to hinder Ezio's progress, as he managed to make it through the burning bridge unscathed. Continuing onward, as the soldiers tried to further damage the vessel, Ezio asked Leonardo to go on without him, and told him that he will catch up.

Taking command over the vessel, Leonardo left the mountains, as Ezio fended off the attackers. After a tedious fight, Ezio successfully dispatched all of them. After this, Ezio made his way out of the countryside, and soon found himself in [[Forli]].
===Damsel in Distress===
{{dialogue2|Leonardo|Be careful, Ezio. Do you know who that was?|Ezio|My next conquest?|I don't think so, Ezio! That's Caterina Sforza, daughter of the Duca di Milano…|Leonardo, informing Ezio on whom he just met}}

It was 1481, and Ezio, made his way through the city and out at the countryside, managed to reach the harbor where Leonardo was waiting for him. Expecting a simple passage to the boat, he was stopped on his tracks by the ferry man, saying that he needed a pass to enter the boat since Leonardo couldn't provide one. Just then, Ezio heard a call for help by a woman who was stranded at a small land form. He got a hold of a [[Gondola|gondola]] and rowed it to the woman's direction. Taking her back to the harbor, she revealed her name to be [[Caterina Sforza]]. Caterina, returning the favor to Ezio, talked to the ferryman to grant Ezio safe passage on to the boat.[[File:EzioLeo2.jpg|thumb|200px|Ezio and Leonardo, en route to Venice, with Caterina Sforza still visible at the background]]

Leonardo informed Ezio on who she was, after he boarded the boat. He revealed that Caterina Sforza was the husband of [[Girolamo Riario]], the count of Forli, and also the Duke of Milan, [[Galeazzo Maria Sforza]]. Leonardo continued, and said that it is best that Ezio should refrain from doing anything that he might regret. Ezio only replied a faint chuckle, and remarked that she is his type of lady. After this, the boat continued en route to [[Venice]].

==Venice==
===Settling in===
Ezio arrived at Venice with Leonardo, who was organizing his things along the Ponte di Rialto. As they conversed, the two was greeted by [[Alvise da Vilandino|Alvise]], who was instructed by Leonardo's employer to give him a short tour of Venice. Ezio and Leonardo walked the streets of Venice, with Alvise as their guide, he who pointed out the city's most famous landmarks, such as the Rialto Bridge, an old church, the Venetian Markets, and the Palazzo dela Seta. Along the tour, they saw guards abusing merchants about their right to sell at their stands, and if neglected, they quickly used force to make them leave.

Alvise explained to Leonardo and Ezio, while looking at the large Palazzo, that the man who resided at the Palazzo's premises, the wealthy [[Emilio Barbarigo]], wanted to unite all of the Venetian Merchants under his banner. He continued, and mentionned that there are some who refuse to cooperate, and often resulted in unwanted violence. Alvise thought of it as nonsense, as Ezio looked on at the Palazzo, seeing the guards abuse their authority even further.

The tour continued, and as they walked further into the city, Ezio caught sight of a [[Rosa|woman dressed in rags]], rudely knocking him over as he conversed with Leonardo. After this, the tour concluded with Alvise introducing Leonardo to his new workshop, and boasted that they spared no expense in making it as presentable as possible, remarking that it is as if Leonardo never left Florence. Leonardo, giving Alvise a simple thanks, asked Ezio if was going to stay. Ezio replies that he planned to gain an audience with Emilio, the man who lived at the Palazzo.

Leonardo remarked that his door is always open for Ezio if he is in need of help, or assistance in deciphering a [[Codex]] page. Ezio and Leonardo then hugged each other brotherly, bidding each other farewell. After this, Leonardo prepared to organize his belongings, as Ezio left for the Palazzo.

===The Venetian Thieves===
{{quote|Don't look so surprised. We know all about you, Ser Ezio. Your work in Florence and the rest of Tuscany. Good work too, if a little unrefined.|Antonio, on Ezio's work in Florence and Tuscany}}
Ezio, looking through the small passage to the Palazzo from afar, planned his move to enter the heavily guarded fortress, but saw no other way, other than a window with a gap Ezio can't jump. As he looked for another way, [[Thieves|men in rags]] suddenly ran towards the guards, breaching the Palazzo, thus causing the guards to give chase. As the guards left, however, the same woman Ezio bumped into earlier during the tour, suddenly appeared, and tried to climb the Fortress' walls. The woman amazingly jumped the large gap, but it proved to be a vain effort, as Archers guarding the rooftops opposite the building managed to land an arrow on the woman's thigh, injuring her, and causing her to fall.

The woman, fleeing the Palazzo, came to Ezio, catching her breath. She asked for his assistance, as Ezio recalls her face. When Ezio offered his help, the woman asked him to take her to the water, much to Ezio's confusion. Before he could ask anything, the woman quickly fled after seeing more of the [[Guards|guards]] headed their way. Ezio followed the woman through the streets of Venice, and along the way, dispatched all of the soldiers that stood in their way. When Rosa was no longer able to continue, she fell to her knees, gasping for her breath. Ezio carried her with him to safety, and as he did, he learned the woman's name; [[Rosa]]. When Ezio revealed his, however, he learned that she already knew his name, much to Ezio's confusion.

As he carried Rosa to safety, Ezio reached one of the edges of the canal, with Rosa's friends awaiting her with a [[Gondola|gondola]] in tow. Ezio left her with her friends so they could attend to her needs at the moment. However, they soon learned that there are guards stationed by the canal, ready to finish what they began at the streets of Venice. Ezio took it upon himself to deal with these guards as the gondola carrying Rosa moved through the canal. After Ezio took out one guard after another, the gondola successfully madeit way to safety, as it reached the Venetian Thieves Guild. After positioning the gondola, Rosa's friend tried effortlessly to take her to the other thieves by carrying her, but only inflicted more pain. Out of her rage, she angrily demanded her friend to fetch [[Antonio]]. Ezio suggested that it is best to leave Rosa to his care. Both agreed, as both did as they're told.

Ezio carried her to the other men, and carefully placed her on a work table cleared by the thieves. Just then, the man Rosa called for, Antonio, comes to Rosa's aid. He saw the bolt, and carefully examined it. Rosa demanded it to be removed, out of her rage. Antonio then proceeded to break the bolt's lower half, and then pulled the other half out. He then instructed Ezio, who was watching it all unfold, to get a clean piece of cloth, and very quickly, place it on top of the wound after he removes his hand. He successfully did, and the man deemed the effort a success, as the thieves carried Rosa back to the base, who was screaming and loudly cursing Antonio while being taken away.

Antonio then thanked Ezio for his assistance. He revealed that he and his people knew him from his work in [[Florence]] and the rest of [[Tuscany]], commenting that it was quite remarkable, if not unrefined. He then asked him to come to his office when he had some spare time, for they had much to discuss.

===Preparations===
{{quote|Our failure at the Palazzo cost us dearly. It will take time to recover. No doubt Emilio will use this pause to strengthen his defences, and continue his oppression of the district. You may not share our motive, but I know you share our goal.|Antonio, on the failure at the Palazzo della Seta}}
Ezio came to Antonio's office, who offered him some coffee, a drink still unfamiliar to some of the Italians. Antonio then told him that their efforts have been wasted yet again, remarking that they needed time to recover. He asked Ezio for help, remarking that although he hd a different motive, they both share the same goal. Ezio asked why not just regroup, and try again. Antonio remarked that if they are to act in haste, it would only result in more casualties. He continued, saying that they should resupply, and plan anew. Ezio told him that he can't just sit around and wait. Antonio told him to help instead of wait in order to hasten the preparations, and told him to seek out his men for work. Ezio agreed to this, and proceeded to leave the office, in order to help the thieves.

His first job was from one of Antonio's men to inspect three sectors of the Venice, where they had seen their allies caged by the guards. After inspecting these areas, Ezio was able to set all of the thieves free. He was then instructed by Antonio to get rid of the traitors of the guild, who were reporting their actions to the guards. After successfully doing so, Ezio was then tasked to steal a new shipment of archer uniforms from [[Treasure chests|chests]] located all over the Middle District. After doing so, he delivered the uniforms to the guild via gondola. The preparations spanned a total of several weeks, with Ezio constantly aiding the guild, all the while learning from them, such as [[Free-Running|new methods]] of climbing and scaling buildings and scaffoldings.

By 1485, all of the preparations were deemed complete by Antonio, and then instructed Ezio to meet him at his office, where he would inform him of the plan to takeover the Palazzo dela Seta once more.

===The Corrupt Merchant===
{{dialogue2|Ezio|Do not be afraid.|Emilio|I feel no fear, assassin. Only regret. I sought unity. Stability. Order.|At too great a cost|Ezio to Emilio, moments before dying}}
Antonio, finally ready to initiate the takeover, filled Ezio in on his role on the attack. He was to dispose of the archers guarding the Palazzo opposite the building, where their archers would pose as the disposed guards. Afterwards, he was instructed to meet him and the others on a nearby area no too far from where he was then. Ezio agreed to this, and after successfully dispatching the guards, he met up with Antonio and Rosa. He was then instructed by Antonio to dispose the guards on the ground level by using his men. Ezio agreed to this, and left to return to the Palazzo's footsteps.

Ezio, with thieves in tow, ordered them to cause a distraction in order to open a way for him. Successfully doing so, Ezio quietly sneaked inside the Palazzo. Scaling the walls using the methods taught to him by Rosa, Ezio managed to reach the top of the Palazzo unscathed and undetected. From there, he was able to observe a brief conversation between his target, Emilio Barbarigo, and another man named [[Carlo Grimaldi|Carlo]], who, based on his appearance, was a government official. The official thought it was best for Emilio to leave his Palazzo, for the assassin was seen on numerous occasions around Venice, much to Emilio's surprise. He was shocked by the sudden announcement of the assassin's presence, which the official quickly reprimanded.

Emilio remarked that he had been busy because of the constant orders of weapons that he had been receiving. Whatever the case was, the official left, bidding Emilio safety. The Merchant, fearing the assassin's possible presence, ordered his men to fetch him a boat. Wasting no time, Ezio made his way inside the Palazzo, and then slew the old merchant. Before dying, Emilio admitted that he felt no fear, but regret, for he only sought unity and order. The guards that inhabited the Palazzo were then taken down by Rosa and the thieves who posed as archers. Ezio, after speaking words of respect for Emilio's corpse, came along with Rosa to open the Palazzo doors for Antonio and the others.

Antonio gleefully greeted Ezio on his success, and remarked that they are now free of Emilio's tyranny. When asked for what he wanted in return, Ezio only asked for two things; Money, and the full name of a government official by the name of Carlo. He received both from Antonio, a sack of Florins, and the name [[Carlo Grimaldi]], a member of the Council of Ten. After this, Ezio left the Palazzo, as the thieves celebrated on the victory they won.
===Meeting at the Streets of Venice===
{{quote|The plan is this: Doge Mocenigo will die tonight. And once the deed's been done, Marco shall take his place.|Rodrigo Borgia}} After some time of scouring Venice, Ezio located some of the Templar's officers, and eavesdropped on their conversation. He spotted [[Silvio Barbarigo]] and [[Carlo Grimaldi]], who, presumed from their greetings, lacked trust for each other. As they moved, so did Ezio. Carlo revealed that he has been trying to befriend and gain the trust of [[Giovanni Mocenigo|Doge Mocenigo]] but revealed that Mocenigo kept his personal circle close, and had others giving him suggestions and opinions. Carlo continued, telling him that befriending the Doge was harder than expected, due to the fact that Mocenigo didn't hold him in high regard. Silvio sarcastically wondered aloud why, to which Carlo quickly answered that it was not his fault. Silvio continued to belittle him, calling him that he was coming of as a sycophant to Moncenigo, rather than a friend. Carlo, enraged, angrily answered back to Silvio, telling him that he did not know what it was like to be in his position. Continuing his tirade, Carlo revealed that he was close to recruiting Mocenigo to the their cause, and only asked for more time.

Arriving at the courtyard of the [[Palazzo Ducale]], the two met up with Silvio's cousin, [[Marco Barbarigo]] and his personal bodyguard, [[Dante Moro]]. He quickly revealed the death of Emilio, telling him that the assassin had managed to strike the merchant in his own Palazzo. He continued, saying that their plans had changed, and revealed that it must happen before the week ends, despite Grimaldi's pleas. He then revealed, as they walk, that [[Rodrigo Borgia]] had arrived from [[Rome]] in order to dictate the others on their plans. Making their way to the meeting place, the three speculated who was to become the Doge once Mocenigo was dealt with. Favoring themselves, they were quickly reprimanded by Borgia, who told them that it was never up to them to decide. Borgia revealed their new scheme; They planned to murder Doge Mocenigo by nightfall, and after doing so, he was to be replaced by Marco as the new Doge of Venice.

Leaving the poison to Silvio's care, and the poisoning to Carlo's, the group arrived at the Rialto Bridge at the end of their discussion. Marco asked why Borgia has come to Venice, just to handle their plans and roles. He told them that he feels the need to involve himself more directly, due to the [[House of Pazzi|Pazzi]]'s failure at Florence. Silvio then reassured him of any worry, and continued by mocking the Pazzi. Borgia, quickly reprimanded him, saying that it was due to the assassin's meddling that brought the Pazzi into rubble, and not because of their arrogance and foolishness. He then continued, saying that they should keep an eye out for the assassin, and be cautious not to underestimate him. After this, he left the plans to the Barbarigo's care, as he returned to Rome.

Ezio, who was observing from afar, quickly lost trace of the Templar's tracks. Concerning himself on the business with Mocenigo, he proceeded to make his way to the Palazzo della Seta, now a den for the thieves he befriended, in order to speak with Antonio.

===A Way at the Skyline===
{{dialogue3|Antonio|It's Impossible! There's no way in and out for men--only birds!|Ezio|Yes...Birds....|Where are you going now!?|To see my friend, Leonardo|Ezio, gaining an idea from Antonio's remarks}}
Consulting with Antonio, Ezio revealed what he had learned from the meeting. Telling Antonio the Templar's scheme to murder the Doge, Ezio was accompanied to the Palazzo Ducale by Antonio in order to find a way inside. Along the way, Antonio spoke of his past life, his father being a cobbler, and his mother being a simple maid. He spoke of the Noble's true intentions and evils, and that in the end, it is the thieves, mercenaries and whores who are the real nobles of Venice.

They finished their conversation as they arrived at the Palazzo's courtyard. Scouting the area around the Palazzo, they tried to locate a way inside. The two first observed the front gates, but found no way in, for it was guarded by various soldiers, and dealing with them would give enough time for Grimaldi to kill Mocenigo. They then scouted the upper area from a small tower not too far from the Palazzo, but found archers posted all around the rooftops. They took one last gander at the Palazzo from the back, and although they found a convenient way to the roof from the scaffolding, further progress was blocked by metal fences built at the roof. As they looked for another way, they saw Grimaldi and Mocenigo from where they were, with Grimaldi forcing his opinions on the Doge. Fearing the worst, Antonio gave up the search for another way inside.

Once again at the courtyard of the Palazzo, Antonio contemplated on their failure to find a way inside, remarking that only birds are granted safe passage to the impenetrable fortress. Ezio suddenly remembered Leonardo's idea of making man fly, and bid Antonio farewell to see him. Meeting with Leonardo in his workshop, he quickly asked if the [[Flying Machine|machine]] worked. Leonardo told him that he did not know exactly for it was only a prototype, and that only a madman would be crazy enough to test it. Ezio laughed about the subject, and remarked that Leonardo has found his madman. Leonardo then set up the machine from a tower not too far from his workshop.

Leonardo instructed Ezio on how he can balance his weight with the machine, telling him that he should imitate what the birds do. Bracing himself, Ezio began to take flight. A successful launch at first, the machine began to lower its altitude and eventually crashed before Ezio could even reach a fraction of the Palazzo's distance. Leonardo was astounded by the machine's capability. Ezio felt otherwise, stating that the flight time was very short for him to reach the Palazzo. Leonardo remarked that it was never made for distance. He then made blueprints on how to make the machine fly higher and longer, but to no avail.

Antonio arrived at the workshop to warn Ezio of the lack of time they had. Ezio gave Antonio and Leonardo a formal introduction, and then showed Antonio the machine that was supposed to grant them passage to the Palazzo, but failed to do so. Leonardo told them that it was not his fault, before throwing the schematics he drew to the fireplace out of frustration. As Leonardo calmed himself down, he, Ezio and Antonio, noticed the paper floating up in mid-air. Leonardo was ecstatic at the discovery, and quickly returned to his work table and drew schematics.

Antonio and Ezio took a gander at the designs, and saw immediately what Leonardo intended. The inventor told them to set up open fireplaces across Venice in order for the machine to fly higher as it made it way over the hot air. Antonio told them that his men can set up the equipment, but was concerned about the guards. Ezio then remarked that he would take care of them as his men prepared to handle the equipment. With this, Ezio, Antonio and Leonardo, put their plans into motion, before everything was too late.
===Man from Monaco===
{{dialogue2|Ezio|It takes one assassin to kill another it seems.|Carlo|We kill thinking it's best for us, do we not, Messer Ezio?|I do this not for myself.|Ezio to Carlo, on his dying breath}}

After disposing of the guards around Venice, Antonio and his men managed to set up the fireplaces all over Venice. Meeting up at the tower where the machine was set up, Ezio prepared to take flight once more. Leonardo bid Ezio good luck, as Antonio warned him of the very short time they had left. With this in mind, Ezio took grasp of the machine, and then jumped off of the tower, preparing for the worst. Guards, who saw the machine from afar, quickly tried to shoot down the "flying demon", but to no avail, as Ezio glided through the skyline, evading the guards fiery bolts.

Flying through the skies of Venice, with hot air beneath him to give him flight, Ezio finally made it at the rooftops of the Palazzo Ducale, but, as he was about to land, the wooden wing of the machine ignited, originating from a fire arrow launched by an archer not too far from where Ezio was. As luck would have it, Ezio landed unscathed at the rooftops, with the machine crashing to a group of guards patrolling the rooftops. Mocenigo heard the disturbance from afar, as he and Grimaldi were playing chess. Carlo reassured him of any worry, as he told the Doge that it was his move.

Ezio, who quietly made his way to the Doge's quarters, arrived too late, for Grimaldi has already succeeded in poisoning Mocenigo. The Doge, confused by Grimaldi's betrayal, began to spit blood as Carlo reprimanded him for ignoring his warnings. Ezio apologized to the Doge before giving chase to Grimaldi, as the Doge, continue to spat blood as he wondered the root of his dead. Grimaldi, shouting the presence of the assassin, exclaimed the death of the Doge, and framed Ezio for this. Catching up with Carlo, Ezio gave the final blow to the councilman, ending his life with the assassin's blade. Before dying, Grimaldi assumes that both he and the assassin was the same, thinking death is the best way to solve their problems. Ezio remarks that it is not his wish for his targets to die, and that he makes sacrifices for the betterment of the people. He then gives his final words to Grimaldi before dying.

Mocenigo, delusional from the poison that Carlo inflicted, barked his final words, angrily shouting at Ezio for killing him. After this, the guards closed in on Ezio's location, but was quickly outsmarted by him, for he managed to escape before they could capture the assassin. After this, he quickly left the area of San Marco before he is spotted once more.

Modern times

2010-07-26T22:02:33Z

67.244.23.192:

'''Modern Times''' refers to the time between the beginning of the 20th century and 2012, the year in which [[Desmond Miles]] begins to access the memories of his ancestors, all of who were [[Assassins]].

==Description==
The war between [[Assassins]] and [[Templars]] still continues in secret. The Assassins have become largely diminished and gone into hiding, while the Templar's influence has greatly expanded, controlling many puppet corporations such as [[Abstergo]]. Many historical events have been orchestrated by the Templars and Assassins, including the [[Tunguska event]], the Manhattan Project, and even [[World War II]].

By 2012, Earth has already begun to decay. Reading Vidic's [[e-mails|e-mail]] reveals that a 'Second Plague' has struck Africa, leaving 96% of Africans dead in a three month period and the continent nearly uninhabited. Another e-mail states how illegal immigration into Mexico outweighs that of illegal immigration into The United States of America. The motion-picture industry has collapsed, as the last film studio closed due to piracy along with the rising prominence of video games. The U.S. and E.U. are constructing jointly owned oil platforms in the Weddell Sea. 'Hurricane Season' has become a yearly occurrence as hurricane duration, frequency, strength, and location have increased to the point where most coastal cities must now live in constant fear of these devastating storms.

In September of 2012, Abstergo Industries are being investigated for manipulating a small town's water supply in order to test a synthetic drug referred to as New Fluoride. This has pressured Abstergo to launch their Eye-Abstergo satellite [secretly a [[Piece of Eden]]-powered mind-control device] on December 21st, sooner than planned.

At the end of ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', [[Minerva]] revealed that the earth is going to experience a geomagnetic reversal in the near future, leading to a period where solar radiation could easily penetrate to the surface of the planet and cause severe catastrophe. It is possible that the [[Piece of Eden|Pieces of Eden]] will be used to thwart this disaster.

The present-day segments of [[Assassin's Creed]] are assumed to take place in Italy - writing in the Abstergo parking lot and [[Hideout|hideout]] is in Italian, and Florence-esque buildings can be seen through the hideout's windows. Interestingly, although it is assumed that the Hideout and Abstergo Industries are in present-day Italy, most if not all of the characters speak with an American accent

==Characters==
===[[Assassins]]===
*[[Desmond Miles]]
*[[Lucy Stillman]]
*[[Rebecca Crane]]
*[[Shaun Hastings]]
*[[Subject 16]]
*[[Daniel Cross]]

===[[Templars]]===
*[[Alan Rikkin]]
*[[Warren Vidic]]
*[[Nancy Nilop]]
*[[Jane Birkam]]
*[[Audrey Jacobs]]
*[[Richard (Abstergo)|Richard]]

===Unknown===
*[[Leila Marino]]

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