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Desmond Miles

2010-12-23T22:34:12Z

67.71.108.80: /* Escape to the Hideout */

{{spoilerhd}}
{{FAimp}}
{{Character Infobox
|name = Desmond Miles
|image = Desmond_Miles.jpg
|imgdesc =
|birth = 1987 "[[The Farm]]"
|death =
|period = [[Modern Times]]
|faction = [[Assassins]]
|appear = ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''
|voice = [[Nolan North]]
}}
{{Quote|I'm a bartender, for Christ's sake! What do you want me to do, teach you how to mix a Martini?|Desmond to Vidic and Lucy.|Assassin's Creed}}
'''Desmond Miles''' (born 1987) is the main protagonist of the main installments in the [[Assassin's Creed series]] and the descendant of a long line of ancestors who swore their allegiance to the [[Assassins|Assassin Order]]. He is initially forced to use a machine, called the [[Animus]], created by [[Abstergo Industries]] – the modern front of the [[Templars]] – to relive the memories of his ancestor, [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] during the [[Third Crusade|Crusader]] era, in their quest to locate the "[[First Apple|Apple]]", a [[Pieces of Eden|Piece of Eden]].

Eventually escaping with the aid of [[Modern Times|modern day]] Assassins, Desmond once again uses an Animus (the improved [[Animus 2.0]]) to explore the memories of another ancestor of his,[[ Ezio Auditore da Firenze]], so as to learn the ways of the Assassins [[Bleeding effect|much faster than normal]].

==Biography==
===Early life===
{{quote|You have any idea what it's like to be trapped in a place, knowing there was a whole world out there I'd never get to see.|Desmond to Lucy about his childhood|Assassin's Creed}}
Desmond Miles was born in an Assassin "hideout" in the desert known as "[[The Farm]]", an "off the grid" compound with a population of about thirty people, much like the city of [[Masyaf]], where he was destined to be trained as an Assassin. He was frustrated by his parents' explicit instructions not to leave the compound, and believed them to be overly concerned and paranoid. On his 16th birthday, he finally fled, ''"wanting to see the rest of the world."'' He later told [[Lucy Stillman]] that he had no regrets over leaving his parents, because as far as he was concerned, they were little more than his "wardens", and to him the Farm was his "prison". After leaving the Assassin compound, he went into hiding for nine years. While keeping a low profile, he eventually became a bartender. Aware of the Templars, and wanting to avoid both them and the Assassins, Desmond never used his real name and used only cash to purchase items. However, he was eventually found, traced through a fingerprint needed for a motorcycle license, and was brought to the [[Abstergo laboratory]].<ref name="Assassin's Creed">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref>

===Kidnapped by Abstergo===
[[File:Warren-vidic-assassins-creed-2-character.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Dr. Vidic watches Desmond inside the Animus.]]
{{Quote|I'm not an Assassin... not any more.|Desmond Miles to Warren Vidic.|Assassin's Creed}}

In September 2012, Desmond Miles was kidnapped by Abstergo Industries, a pharmaceutical company and front for the Templars, for use as a test subject in the Animus, a device that can read the memories of Desmond's ancestors through the "genetic memory" left behind in their descendants' DNA. At first, [[Warren Vidic]] attempted to pry the information he wanted from Desmond's mind, but was met with failure. Whilst Desmond claimed to be nothing more than a bartender, Vidic revealed that they knew of his history as an Assassin, forcing Desmond to finally admit his past life. Vidic and Lucy Stillman told Desmond that they were trying to access a certain memory, but Desmond's subconscious was resisting their efforts. Vidic warned Desmond that if he refused to assist them, they would induce a coma, continue their work, and when done with Desmond, leave him to die. Without much choice, Desmond agreed to help them.
[[File:Desmond_&_Lucy_1.png|thumb|200px|Desmond and Lucy having their first private conversation.]]

[[File:Eagle_vision.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Desmond's Eagle Vision.]]
Desmond was made to explore the genetic memories of his ancestor Altaïr – a member of a clan of Assassins active during and after the Crusades, specifically Altaïr's experiences during the year 1191 – and does so over several days under the watchful eye of Vidic. During the nights however, Desmond discovered that he was able to explore the lab he was being held in, accessing the Animus computer and, after stealing Warren Vidic's pen, gaining access to his personal computer. Through [[e-mails]], Desmond learned of the previous Animus subject, [[Subject 16]], who had suffered from a "bleeding effect" due to prolonged exposure to the Animus, as well as tidbits of information from the outside world. Eventually, with the aid of Lucy, the Assassins learned of Desmond's capture and attempted to liberate him, with the gunfire of their assault being heard through an intercom device, although the rescue attempt failed. Vidic boasts that those Assassins were in fact the last of the group he escaped from at 16; their desert hideout having been previously destroyed. Lucy's actions, however, suggested otherwise, and when Desmond asked if Lucy knew anything about his parents, she responded by saying that she didn't know, but that they ''"probably escaped."'' During this discussion, Lucy revealed herself to be an undercover member of the Assassins. Desmond eventually achieved Vidic's goal and discovered the location of numerous Pieces of Eden. Executives of Abstergo Industries then ordered his execution, but his life was saved by Lucy's intervention, who asked to keep Desmond alive in order to re-access his memories if need be. After the executives leave, Desmond suddenly accesses the "[[Eagle Vision|eagle vision]]" of his ancestor Altaïr, seeing Vidic and Lucy for their true allegiances, as well as [[Cryptic Messages|countless scrawled messages and puzzles]] on the floor of the main laboratory.

===Escape to the Hideout===
{{Quote|Wait! Why aren't I following Altaïr? Oh, shit...|Desmond discovering his lineage.|Assassin's Creed II}}
After having spent some time alone in the laboratory, Lucy suddenly arrived, covered in blood and demanding Desmond to get into the Animus before Abstergo would discover what she'd done. Desmond, rather confused, agreed and managed to sync with the closest genetic match between himself and Subject 16 recorded in the Animus’ memory core. Inside the Animus, he experienced the birth of another of his ancestors, Ezio Auditore. He instantly got pulled out, though, and both make their escape.

[[File:Zw-desmond-fighting.png|thumb|200px|Desmond fighting off the Abstergo guards.]]
They were quickly spotted by Abstergo security and after Lucy locked a door to keep the security guards from getting to them, they turned the corner and were forced into an engagement with two more which Lucy quickly ended, allowing them to continue on stealthily. The two soon entered a glass elevator that led down to a large open room filled with office blocks that housed a large number of Animi. Following Lucy through the maze-like walkways between the Animi to avoid the guards patrolling the room they stealthily made their way through to the back, although Desmond's questions about the Animi are met with silence and Lucy telling him to ''"shut the fuck up...please."'' (hahaha)Upon reaching the keycode locked door of another elevator, Lucy tried to enter a code but failed, to which Desmond instinctively called upon his recently activated [[Eagle Vision]] to see the code and after successfully entering it. Lucy questions Desmond about how he knew what code to enter, which he could not give a proper answer, showing his obliviousness to the [[Bleeding Effect]] as they safely entered the elevator and rode it down. Once in the car park underneath the building, the two were halted by yet more of Abstergo's guards, but were able to overcome them and escape.

Arriving at one of the Assassins' [[hideout]]s, Desmond was introduced to two more Assassins – [[Shaun Hastings]] and [[Rebecca Crane]] – who have worked with Lucy over the years. Lucy told Desmond that they wanted him to become trained in the ways of the Assassin – thanks to the bleeding effect, they could achieve this in a matter of days – although it required him learning the ways of an Assassin through the ancestor that Desmond had synched with Subject 16 to find in Abstergo's Animus, Ezio Auditore. Desmond agrees to help almost immediately, which surprised Lucy, and was quickly plugged in the Animus 2.0.

After learning the ways of the Assassin through Ezio's memories, Desmond was retracted from the Animus, partly to test his retention of the memories, but also to prevent the mental degradation that Subject 16 had suffered from being in the Animus for an extended period of time.

[[File:Zw-desmond-dream.png|thumb|220px|left|Desmond experiencing the bleeding effect.]]
Tasking him with initiating security protocols around the Assassin hideout, Lucy left it to Desmond to work out how to reach them through the use of his Eagle Vision and new-found [[Free Running|free running]] skills. Just as he began, however, he started suffering vivid hallucinations of the Crusader era and the [[Renaissance|Italian Renaissance]]. At first the visions were short, and were nothing to worry about, but after completing the task, Desmond was incapacitated as the visions became more real.

Taken back to medieval [[Acre]] by the bleeding effect, Desmond once again followed the memories of Altaïr, this time without the use of the Animus, and discovered Altaïr and [[Maria Thorpe]] conceived a child, Desmond's next ancestor after Altaïr.

[[File:Demsondanimus2.jpg|thumb|250px|Desmond sitting in the Animus 2.0 next to Lucy.]]
The next day, Desmond had recovered from the experiences and returned to the Animus, neglecting to tell the Assassins what had happened. He continued to watch the genetic memories of Ezio Auditore, despite at one time being thrown out by [[Assassin's Creed II DLC|"corrupted memory sequences"]]. Eventually, they learned that Ezio's nemesis, [[Rodrigo Borgia]] ([[Grand Master of the Templar Order]]), had become Pope Alexander VI in 1492 so as to gain access to yet another Piece of Eden, [[The Staff|the Papal Staff]], as well as [[The Vatican Vault|the Vault]]. As Ezio's story began to conclude, Desmond and the Assassins watched deep within the Vault beneath the Vatican. Ezio found himself confronted by a "[[Those Who Came Before|god]]" hologram who called herself [[Minerva]]; Minerva warns the Assassins of the end of the world, as well as retelling the story of the war between "Those Who Came Before," and their human subjects. The Assassins are shocked when Minerva addresses Desmond by name, confusing even Ezio, and it is revealed that Minerva was in fact talking to Desmond ''through'' Ezio. Mere moments after, Desmond was quickly pulled out of the Animus, and upon seeing the three rushing to collect their belongings, realized that the Templars had found their location.

Immediately after getting out of the Animus, Lucy tossed Desmond a [[Hidden Blade]] with the Assassin's emblem on it, and asks for his assistance in covering the escape. Making their way into the warehouse, Vidic appeared, flanked by Abstergo security officials with the intent of reclaiming Desmond. The two Assassins killed the Templars that assaulted them, with Desmond – now fully synchronized with Ezio – masterfully using his Hidden Blade to kill many of the guards himself. With his entourage eliminated, Vidic was left to confront Desmond on his own, but instead retreats, promising that their victory is only temporary. The four Assassins then fled north, and Desmond is hooked up to the Animus inside the van and told to continue to search through his memories for anything useful. Meanwhile, the other Assassins begin to discuss the nature of Minerva and her talk.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>

===Monteriggioni===
[[File:Desmond_&_Lucy2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Desmond and Lucy under Monteriggioni.]]
After the Abstergo attack at the end of ''Assassin's Creed II'', the modern day Assassins traveled to [[Monteriggioni]] in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]] ''to set up their new base. The Templars were actively searching for them and were analyzing the environment using cell phone towers, so they had to set up underground, in the [[Sanctuary]] under the [[Villa Auditore]]. Whilst searching the grounds of the Villa Auditore for a way into the Sanctuary, Desmond – through the bleeding effect – saw a vision of Ezio in the past, who led him to a high, narrow ledge and leaped off. Desmond immediately followed suit, performing his first-ever [[Leap of Faith]] into a pile of hay. Desmond and Lucy made their way to the Sanctuary underground via a tunnel used by Ezio and the villagers of Monteriggioni to escape after [[Siege of Monteriggioni|the attack]]. As they passed through the tunnels, Desmond saw more visions of Ezio and the villagers escaping, which worried him, making him wonder what would happen ''"if (he) can't stop the visions ''– ''how long until (he) started painting symbols on the walls."'' Lucy scolded him, telling him not to make light of his condition, and reminded him that Subject 16 was dead, and that he needed to focus. Desmond and Lucy used glow sticks to see in the tunnel, due to the lack of power. By this time, Desmond wore a Hidden Blade with three straps attaching it to his arm, although he wore no bracer with it.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fbwgvv0Ermo&feature=player_embedded</ref>
[[File:Monteriggioni3.png|thumb|250px|Desmond and Shaun having a discussion in their new base.]]
When the two reached the Sanctuary, Desmond saw another vision of Ezio, who seemed to have visited it in his old age. Before he opened the door to Mario's office, Desmond noticed the numbers 1419, 1420, and 1421 written on the walls, which he pointed out to the other Assassins. Shaun theorized the numbers to refer to dates, however he admitted that he needed to do further research. After the team set up underground, Desmond became in charge of bringing electricity into the Sanctuary by inserting a device of Rebecca's construction into four electrical power boxes, that would allow them to accumulate small amounts of power from each source. After that, he continued with his regular Animus sessions.

After finishing in the Animus, Desmond and the others learned that the Apple of Eden was hidden under the [[Colosseum]]. Upon traveling to Rome, the group separated as Desmond then tried to find a way for the others to get inside the Colosseum without needing to climb. Once they met up again, Desmond activated an elevator that took all of them down to the Apple's chamber. However, as he takes the Apple of Eden from its pedestal, [[Juno]]'s voice is heard, saying that Desmond's DNA had activated the Apple. Juno then took control of Desmond's body, and forced him to stab Lucy in the abdomen with his hidden blade.

As Desmond starts to go into shock, he is returned into the Animus by two men of unknown affiliation whose voices can merely be heard.

==Characteristics and personality==
[[File:Zw-desmond-bleeding.png|thumb|300px|Desmond's new free-running skills.]]
Desmond has an uncanny resemblance to both Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad and Ezio Auditore da Firenze, being the descendant of the two. Although they have very little in common about their personalities. Being a discreet individual, he does not wear extravagant clothing, and is accustomed to a white hooded jacket, jeans, and black sneakers. Interestingly, if raised, the hood exhibits a beak-like feature similar to Ezio's and Altaïr's.

In ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'', his attire differs drastically. He now wears a white hooded jacket with a red collar (though it no longer has an eagle beak-like hood), with a black shirt sporting an image of an eagle underneath. His sleeves are rolled up to reveal a black, tribal tattoo where the Hidden Blade should be. He is also equipped with a sling backpack, and a hidden blade without a bracer.

Desmond was a gruff and cynical individual, who held a serious outlook on life. This was mainly due to him being aware of the Templars and Assassins since his youth, although he was initially unaware of Abstergo Industries being a Templar company. Despite this, he was not above jesting about his situation, and would occasionally make jokes, although they rarely elicited a good reaction. After his emancipation from Abstergo, Desmond's demeanor became considerably more relaxed, and he spent a noticeable amount of time conversing with Lucy. After experiencing the [[Bleeding Effect|bleeding effect]], he is more doubtful of his sanity, as with what happened to Subject 16.

===Equipment and skills===
Being that Desmond was trained during childhood as an Assassin, he was proficient in basic reconnaissance skills, such as eavesdropping and pickpocketing. After about a week of being forced to relive the memories of his ancestor, Altaïr, Desmond began to experience the bleeding effect, and developed an extra-sensory ability called Eagle Vision. Later on, after willingly exploring the memories of his other ancestor, Ezio, Desmond learned how to free-run and use weapons. Not long afterwards, he was able to easily fend off a Templar attack with Ezio's combat skills.

Since synchronizing with Ezio, Desmond has been able to use all of the skills and abilities his ancestors could in real life.

==Trivia==
[[File:Zw-desmond.png|thumb|Desmond (notice the scar).]]
*He is modeled after [[Francisco Randez]] and voiced by [[Nolan North]]. Curiously, Randez also used to be a bartender before he became a model. This may have inspired the makers of the game to give Desmond the same profession.
*Desmond possesses the same scar on his lip as his ancestors Altaïr and Ezio had, though how he acquired it is unknown.<ref name="Assassin's Creed">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref><ref name="Assassin's Creed II">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>
*Desmond and Altaïr share the same age during the first game, both being 25 years of age in 2012 and 1191 respectively.<ref name="Assassin's Creed">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref>
*Desmond is a descendant of Those Who Came Before and [[Humans|humans]]. Proof of this is his Eagle Vision, product of the unification of those two races, which also led to the birth of the first "Assassins", [[Adam and Eve]].<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Collector's Edition Official Game Guide">''Assassin's Creed II: Collector's Edition Official Game Guide''</ref>
*Desmond has an A+ blood type.<ref>''Assassin’s Creed'' game manual</ref>
*Desmond's history shows that he never wanted to be an Assassin, nor does he have the skills yet before the second game to be one. However in the graphic novel, included with the limited edition of ''Assassin's Creed'', he does call himself an Assassin, and shows skills of stealth and lethality.<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Graphic Novel">''[[Assassin's Creed: Graphic Novel]]''</ref>
*Desmond acquires a Hidden Blade at the conclusion of ''Assassin's Creed II''. The original owner of the blade is uncertain, but its bracer is identical to the one Ezio Auditore inherited from his father, [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze|Giovanni Auditore]].
*The etymology of Desmond's name "the world" (or "man of the world" in Celtic) is not related to either of his ancestors, whereas Altaïr's and Ezio's names pertain to avians; Altaïr's being "the flying one" and Ezio's "eagle." His surname "Miles" is also the Latin word for "soldier." The name suits him, however, as he wanted to leave his parents' watchful eyes to see the rest of the world outside the compound, and refers to his role in saving the world from destruction.
*Should the player achieve full synchronization in sequence 8 of ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'', Desmond will appear as a playable skin in the Animus. The Animus states that the Desmond body was uploaded from the Animus memory banks. Despite only wearing one hidden blade, double kills are still possible.
*Interacting with the statue of Altaïr in the Sanctuary at any point in ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'' will trigger Desmond to say ''"Hey, wassa-matta-you, Altaïr?"'', followed by Rebecca reprimanding him for being racist.
*In early images of ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'', Desmond is seen with a beard identical to Ezio's. It is unknown why the beard was present then, and later removed.
*Despite being equipped with a hidden blade throughout ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'', Desmond only uses it twice; the first in the [[Auditore Family Crypt]], to lower a platform for Lucy, and in the [[Santa Maria Aracoeli Vault]], to stab Lucy.
*During the beginning of ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'', when Desmond and Lucy are traversing the secret entrance to the Vault, the two will engage in a brief argument as to how to cross a ledge. Demond suggests that one of them gives the other a boost into the air to reach the ledge, however Lucy refuses. This is a reference to the game ''Uncharted 2'' in which the protagonist Drake, who is also voiced by Nolan North, must often launch his female companions with a boost to get around certain obstacles. Later, Lucy and Desmond also begin using a catapult jumping technique exactly like that seen in ''Uncharted 2'' to cross gaps in the path.
*In ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'', if you look closely at Desmond's jacket, you can see what appear to be the wings of an eagle stitched on his back.
*At the end of ''Assassin's Creed II'', Desmond is able to perform the climb-leap ability, but in ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'' this ability is removed.

== Video ==
[[Video:Real Life Storyline|thumb|480px|left|Real Life Storyline: Desmond Miles, Lucy Stillman and Warren Vidic]]
[[Video:Assassin's Creed Brotherhood Gameplay Desmond|thumb|left|482px|Gameplay Video of Desmond]] 

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

{{AC}}
{{ACII}}
{{ACBrotherhood}}
{{ACSeries}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Miles, Desmond}}

[[es:Desmond Miles]]
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed Characters]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II Characters]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Characters]]
[[Category:Assassins]]

Maria Thorpe

2010-12-22T14:00:59Z

67.71.108.80: /* 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 Ibn-La'Ahad]]'s assassination targets, the [[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, persuaded 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 [[First Apple|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 traveled to [[Limassol]], where they met 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 traveled from Kyrenia back to Limassol is unknown. Altaïr traveled 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 the [[Templar Archive]] 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 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]] of Mongolia. (Evidently ,he failed...) <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 performed limited [[Free Running|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 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 Saracen and 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 of the 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" />

==Gallery==

<center><gallery widths="120" captionalign="left">
File:Maria altair.jpg|Altaïr confronting Maria about de Sable's whereabouts.
File:Altair_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:Altair_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==

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[[es:Maria Thorpe]]
[[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]]
[[Category:Articles to be Featured]]