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Maria Thorpe

2010-03-14T05:30:43Z

76.14.237.216: /* Impersonation */

{{Era|AC|ACB|AC2|Templars|Good}}
{{revamp}}
{{spoilerhd}}
{{Character Infobox
|name = Maria Thorpe
|image = Maria templar.jpg
|faction = [[Templars]] (retired), [[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
|voice = [[Eleanor Noble]]
}}

'''Maria Thorpe''' was an English woman who impersonated one of [[Altaïr]]'s assassination targets – Grand Master of the [[Knights Templar]], [[Robert de Sable]] – during the Third Crusade. Not being in favour with de Sable's successor, Maria was abandoned by the Knights Templar, and forced to find asylum with her enemies, the [[Assassin]]s.

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

==Biography==
===Early Life===
As a child, Maria chose not to follow the norm for women of her age, instead choosing to act and dress as a male would; because of this, she was often pestered as a child and punished by her parents. A few years before the start of the Third Crusade, Maria was forced by her parents to marry, although it lasted less than a year. This disgrace, combined with Maria's own dreams of honor and glory, convinced her to leave England behind, and join the [[Crusaders]] in the Holy Land. Disguising herself as a man to prevent being prevented from partaking in the holy quest, Maria showed much promise amongst the Crusaders; attracting the attention of [[Robert De Sable]]'s who, despite eventually learning her true gender, supported her. Robert granted Maria the position of his personal steward, and although she did not share her Master's beliefs, Maria was still willing enough to do anything for him, including dying if she had to. <ref>[[Assassin's Creed: Official Game Guide]]</ref>

===Impersonation===
{{quote|I sense you expected someone else|Maria, after Altaïr defeats her.|Assassin's Creed}}
Following the deaths of eight of the Nine in 1911, at the hands of the assassin [[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 to 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, and a great number of Templars attacked him. Overwhelming her Templar soldiers, Altaïr overpowered and knocked down Maria, who he thought to be Robert, and was greatly shocked to see such was not the case. Boastfully, Maria revealed to the assassin her reason for being there, and Robert's plot to unite both Crusader and Saracen against the Assassins. Prepared to die now for the duplicity, Maria was confused when she was left alive, but fled the city nonetheless<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:Zw-codex-25.png|thumb|280px|A hand drawn picture of Maria by [[Altaïr]].]]
She confronted Altaïr after the assault on the harbor in [[Acre]] , they engage in another sword fight, but was defeated. Altaïr decided to spare her life again and interrogated her about the Templars' plan for [[Cyprus]]. Afterwards, Altaïr takes Maria prisoner and they discuss the current turmoil around the island with another assassin. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />

She travelled to [[Limassol]] with Altaïr, where they meet up with the assassin contact, [[Alexander]] and to whom Altaïr referred Maria to as "Robert de Sable's girl". She was then escorted to the Resistance safe house until it was attacked and Maria fled. The Grand Master of the Templars, [[Armand Bouchart]] called out to an audience and demanded who killed Fredrick the Red. Maria ran up to him, and warned about Altaïr's presence in Cyprus. Bouchart stated his suspicion of Maria's miraculous escapes from the Assassins and suspected an allegiance with them. Maria was then taken by the guards only it be intercepted and recaptured by Altaïr. Maria swore to kill him once she had the chance, but Altaïr countered it as futile into finding the [[Piece of Eden|Apple of Eden]]. Later on, her and Altaïr boarded the vessel to [[Kyrenia]]. Whilst on the ship, Altaïr notices a ring on Maria's ring finger and complimented it, she replied that the ring was a gift Robert de Sable gave to her after he took her under his wing. Altaïr then explained the faults of the Templars' views, of which Maria related with. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />

Once the two of them were to depart from the ship, Altaïr cuts her bonds of which Maria used the opportunity to kick him down the ladder to escape. She was tracked and found in the harbor, where she was supposedly ambushed by pirates. Once spotted, Altaïr met with a man named [[Markos]], whom helped Maria from the attackers and told him to keep Maria safe. Later on, her and Markos were attacked by pirates out for the capture of both Altaïr and her, but was saved again. Maria then elaborated about about a man called "the bull", of whom she refer to as [[Moloch]], and rendezvous to the safe house only to locked. By then, Maria accidentally spilled information about Moloch's location though dismissed it for Altaïr to see himself. Maria and the assassins inside the Kyernia safe house were taken prisoner, but when Altaïr came to rescue her, he was told that Moloch's son [[Shalim]] had taken her away. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />

Maria escaped for Shalim, and was found at the harbour again by Altaïr, disguised as a consort to sneak into a palanquin headed for [[Saint Hilarion Castle]]. On her arrival, she confronted [[Shahar]] in his private room and asked him about the Templars plan for the Apple of Eden, to her disdain what Altaïr warned her was true. As Altaïr entered the room, Shahar invites Shalim into the fight where Maria managed to kill two guards trying to stop her. Altaïr and Maria were side by side faced against the two brothers, when Altaïr says "Two of them... Two of us," Maria laughed and fled the scene. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />

Altaïr revealed the Apple of Eden to the rioting civilians and calmed them, the [[Templar Agent|Mysterious Templar Warrior]] complimented the Apple's power before Maria pierced her sword through his chest, killing him. She then speaks to Altaïr about the Apple of Eden and told him how his hands are not the right ones to possess it. A Templar ambush took place and she tried to lead him up the stairs, instead Altaïr fought the waves of Templars. Afterwards, he ran up the stairs and exited through the hidden door to follow Maria. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />

When she entered the Templar Archives, Maria started fighting Armand Bouchart. Altaïr intercepted the fight as Maria was sent back by Bouchart, knocking her unconscious. After the encounter, Altaïr helped her up before the both of them noticed the structure collapsing. While they fled the archives, Altaïr helped her up to the top ledge as they both managed to escape. She then told him that she no longer wants to be part of the Templars or wish to return to England, but decided to go somewhere in the East. During Altaïr's last journal entry, it is revealed that he decided to travel with her. <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />

===Later life===
{{quote|Whoa... Alright, wasn't expecting that...|[[Desmond Miles|Desmond]] after watching [[Altaïr]] kiss Maria.|Assassin's Creed II}}
According to [[Assassin's Creed II]], Maria was involved with Altaïr after the events of the first game and justifies how Altaïr's line of descent supposedly assimilate from the Fertile Crescent to Europe. In the [[The Codex|codex pages]], Altaïr reveals that he and Maria had at least two sons, one of whom at some point in his life, attempted to (or succeeded in) assassinating Genghis Khan. <ref name="Assassin's Creed II">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>

The revelation was further supported the second time the player controls Desmond. After the test in the [[Hideout|warehouse]], the [[Bleeding Effect]] causes him to have a dream in which the player controls Altaïr to chase after a target. The two meet atop a high tower in [[Acre]], where the target removes her hood and reveals herself to be Maria. She smirks and suggestively beckons Altaïr with her finger to come closer. He complies and they kiss, with the camera panning out as they begin to make love. It zooms back in with the two lying together in a pile of hay. Altaïr then kisses Maria's forehead and leaps off the tower, with Desmond no longer able to follow him; it was after this occurrence that Desmond realizes Maria just became his distant grandmother with the encounter. <ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />

==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.

She is a very determined person with a great passion to accomplish more within the Templar ranks. Maria has a straightforward nature when she first spotted and confronted [[Altaïr]], and during the fight, demonstrated expert swordsmanship as she was able to hold her own when opposed. In her "final words", she acted out as arrogant and overconfident regarding Robert's cause. <ref name="Assassin's Creed" />

She held a high position in the Templar ranks because of her relationship with Robert, but after his assassination, her rank and chance of knighthood dropped considerably and was disallowed travel to Cyprus with the Templars. After the events of ''[[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]'', she became more open and civil toward Altaïr, 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}}

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

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

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

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

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

'''Altaïr:''' ''So he flees!?''

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

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

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

'''Altaïr:''' ''Speak sense!''

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

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

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

'''Altaïr:''' ''Not nine, eight''.

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

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

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

'''Altaïr:''' ''We'll see.''

==Gallery==

<center><gallery>
File:Maria-Templar-Robert-de-Sable-PROXY-00.JPG|Maria (disguised as Robert) looking to the crowd
File:Maria-01-Altahi-1.jpg|Maria explaining Robert's plan
File:Maria altair.jpg|Altaïr confronting Maria about de Sable's whereabouts
File:Maria as Templar.gif| Altaïr warning Maria not to follow him
File:Zw-maria-ac2-1.png|Maria removes her hood
File:Zw-maria-ac2-2.png|Maria in Assassin's Creed II.
File:Zw-altairandmaria.png|Maria and Altaïr in Assassin's Creed II
</gallery></center>

==Trivia==
* Her name is a Latin derivative of Mary. The origin name Mary is a reference in the Latin phrase "stella maris" meaning "star of the sea" or from the prefix Mar meaning "bitter". Other possible meanings are derived from Miryam meaning "wished for child, rebellious, or sea of bitterness." in Hebrew or Merry meaning "cherished or beloved" in Egyptian. <ref>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15464a.htm The Name of Mary]</ref>
** Her surname means "village" in Old Norse and is the name of various English villages. <ref>[http://surnames.behindthename.com/php/search.php?type=n&terms=Thorpe Behind the Name: Thorpe]</ref>
*If players connect the PS3 version of ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' with the PSP game ''Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines'', the weapons of the defeated bosses in Bloodlines will appear at the [[Auditore Family Villa]]. Maria's weapon is labelled as "Maria Thorpe's Longsword." This is the first mention of her surname.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />
*She is around her early 30's during [[Assassin's Creed]], making her around five years older than Altaïr.
*Not only was she the first known female Templar to have appeared in the series, but the first Templar to be spared and assimilate main factions (from Templars to Assassins). <ref name="Assassin's Creed" /> <ref name="Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines" />

==Notes and reference==

{{Reflist}}

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

Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines

2010-01-25T05:36:51Z

76.14.237.216: /* Memory Block 3 */

{{spoilerhd}}
{{imageneed}}
{{revamp}}

{{Game Infobox
|name = Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines
|image = Bloodlines.jpg
|Developer = Griptonite Games
|Publisher = Ubisoft
|US Date Released = 19 November 2009
|UK Date Released = 19 November 2009
|Genre = Historic Action-Adventure
|Game modes = Single-Player
|ESRB = Mature (M)
|Platform = PSP
|Website = http://assassinscreed.us.ubi.com/
|Media = UMD, PSN download
}}

'''''Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines''''' is a game realeased for the PSP that follows the events after the first ''[[Assassin's Creed]]''. In Bloodlines, the player again takes control of [[Altaïr_Ibn-La'Ahad]]. The gameplay is much like the first game and explains the missing link between [[Altaïr]], [[Ezio Auditore di Firenze|Ezio]] and [[Desmond Miles|Desmond]]. In ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' Ezio finds [[codex]] pages which were written by Altaïr. Bloodlines explains where that information came from.

==Story==
[[File:ScreenBloodLines.jpg|left|thumb|288px|Screenshot from Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]
Altaïr discovers the [[Templars]] are heading for [[Cyprus]]. During the game, he hunts down the ascending [[Templars]]. As the Templars withdraw from the Holy Land after Altaïr kills [[Robert de Sable]], the Assassin follows them to the island of Cyprus. Finding new allies and enemies, Altaïr helps the local resistance against the Templar occupation and strikes down the ascendant Templar commanders. Along the story Altaïr learns more about himself and the Apple of Eden, as well as the Templar's ways and means of power and peace.

{{Spoiler}}

===Memory Block 1===
The game opens with [[Altaïr]] leading an assault on a Templar harbor fortress in [[Acre]] where [[Templars]] are boarding ships headed West. Altaïr reaches a balcony overlooking the harbor and finds [[Maria Thorpe|Maria]], the former right hand of [[Robert de Sable]] (and his female decoy from AC1), speaking with various Templar guards. Maria states she wishes to accompany the Templars to [[Cyprus]], but the Templars state this is not a good idea as [[Armand Bouchart]] is the new Grand Master of the Order of Templars and he does not hold Maria in high regard for some reason.

After her conversation with the Templars, Altaïr confronts Maria, and Maria asks Altaïr if he has now come to finish what he didn’t before. A battle ensues, in which Altaïr almost robs Maria of her life - but Altaïr decides to let Maria live a little longer. Altaïr interrogates Maria about the Templar's plans for [[Cyprus]]; Maria responds with a flippant joke: ’Everyone deserves a holiday..." She then warns Altaïr that the Templars will stop at nothing to recover the Apple of Eden from him. Unshaken, Altaïr takes Maria prisoner and discusses the current turmoil on [[Cyprus]] with a fellow assassin. After learning that King Richard has actually sold the entire island to the Templars, Altaïr is determined to get to the bottom of the Templar's schemes. He asks the assassin to send a message to their contacts on [[Cyprus]], informing them of Altaïr's immanent arrival.

'''Codex Scene 1: '''
Altaïr is at a large desk strewn with books writing an entry in his Codex. He writes that he does not know if the power the [[Piece of Eden|Apple of Eden]] holds is truly intended to be evil; but if this proves to be true, he hopes to have within him the power to destroy it.

===Memory Block 2===
Altaïr has traveled by boat to [[Limassol]] with Maria accompanying him as a ‘prisoner’. While through the port, Altaïr is stopped by some men patrolling the waterfront. After Altaïr reveals himself to be an assassin, one of the men identifies himself as [[Alexander]], a member of the Cypriot resistance and the assassins' primary [[Cyprus]] contact. Alexander asks Altaïr about the woman he is with; Altaïr refers to her as "Robert De Sable's girl" and says he hopes to use Maria to lure the other Templars
into the open. Alexander offers to escort Maria to the Resistance safe house and Altaïr agrees, giving him time to freely look around Limassol.

Eventually Altaïr reaches the Resistance safe house and learns from Alexander that the leader of the Limassol Templars is hidden inside the [[Limassol Castle]]. In order to have a chance at getting into the castle, Altaïr must assassinate the captain of the Templar Guards so that [[Osman]], a Templar working as a spy for the Resistance, can get a promotion within the ranks of the guards. Altaïr leaves the safe house and assassinates the Guard Captain, after which he returns to the safe house. Alexander gives Altaïr the mission to go speak with Osman, the spy within the Templar guard ranks and deliver a coded message: "Wish his grandmother a happy birthday - he will trust you then."

[[File:Alexander.jpg|thumb|Alexander.]]

Altaïr reaches Osman without being detected and delivers him the message Alexander suggested. Osman laughs, praising his dearly departed grandmother, and tells Altaïr that he will reduce the castle watch so that the Templar guard leader [[Frederick The Red]] can be reached. Osman also tells Altaïr that the Templars have built an Archive of some kind on [[Cyprus]], and are using it to store weapons and information. After this brief meeting Altaïr heads back to the Resistance safe house to tell Alexander what he as learned, then sets out to infiltrate Limassol Castle.

Altaïr heads to Limassol Castle and infiltrates the castle, but is spotted by Fredrick the Red on the courtyard. A battle ensues, which ends in the death of Fredrick the Red. Altaïr escapes the castle and returns to the safe house. Upon entering the city Altaïr learns that the safe house of the Assassins is under attack. Altaïr fights a wave of Templars outside the safe house, and finds Maria has disappeared. He wonders if she has escaped or been captured. Altaïr manages to track her as far as the Cathedral square, where he finds the current Grand Master, Armand Bouchart surrounded by guards and berating the people of [[Cyprus]] for Fredrick the Red's murder. Maria suddenly appears, shouting Bouchart's name. Her hands still bound, Maria warns Bouchart that the assassin's have come to [[Cyprus]]. But Bouchart receives her coldly, and assumes that she is working Altaïr herself. Maria is furious at this suggestion, but before she can object, Bouchart has her arrested and hauled away.

Altaïr chooses to rescue Maria rather than follow Bouchart. He disposes of the guards holding her and in return suffers Maria's insults for being considered ‘a traitor’ by her fellow Templars. She warns Altaïr that she will kill him when she gets the chance. He responds by telling her that she will never find the Apple of Eden if he dies. They both then return to Alexander in order to speak about getting to Armand Bouchart. Alexander tells Altaïr that Armand Bouchart was the one who set the Resistance safe house on fire just before leaving for [[Kyrenia]] by boat. Alexander believes a friend of his, [[Pasha]], can help Altaïr find a way to travel to Kyrenia. Altaïr leaves Maria with Alexander to go look for Pasha by the docks.

Altaïr finds Pasha and asks him for the favor of travel to Kyrenia. Pasha makes no problem of this and also tells Altaïr the rumor that secret artifacts are being shipped by the Pirate Templars via the Grand Ship headed to Kyrenia. Altaïr leaves Pasha to investigate the Grand Ship, searches the entire boat and finds the ship's manifest. It is filled with obvious errors and distortions. Altaïr returns to Alexander and Maria.

Altaïr states he will head for Kyrenia. Alexander tells him to meet with Kyrenia's Resistance leader, Barnabas; he is a friend of Alexander’s and can surely help Altaïr. Altaïr says farewell to Alexander and leaves for Pasha’s boat with Maria in tow. Maria struggles in order to get free from Altaïr, but complies in the end.''' '''

'''Codex Scene 2:''' Altaïr writes that he does not know where the Pieces of Eden originally came from, but he is almost certain the Pieces are not of divine power. He feels the Artifacts were man-made in every way, modeled after the character of the humans and well handcrafted at the mercy of the beholder.

===Memory Block 3===
We find Altaïr and Maria inside the hull of the ship. Altaïr notices a ring around Maria’s finger and asks about it. Maria responds she got the ring from her former commander (and presumably lover) Robert de Sable, for the high rank she has obtained within the Templar Order. Altaïr then speaks to Maria of philosophy, eager to convince her that the [[Templar]] view of the world is a corrupt one. He speaks of the curious teachings of the Greek philosopher Empedocles, who preached a bizarre precursor to the theory of natural selection. He emphasizes the importance of free thought, and warns her that the Templars' plan for peace involves mental enslavement. Maria seems to somewhat agree with Altaïr on this subject, but remains reticent.

As the ship docks in Kyrenia, Altaïr and Maria stand make ready to climb the ladder to the ship’s deck. Altaïr cuts her bonds so that she may climb out, but when he is distracted by two combative pirates, Maria kicks Altaïr down the ladder and escapes. Altaïr deals with the pirates and escapes to Kyrenia's harbor. After a short while Altaïr finds Maria among several men who have just saved her from several angry pirates. The leader of the men introduces himself as [[Markos]] a low-ranking soldier in the Resistance. Altaïr asks Markos and his men if Maria can stay with them for the time being while Altaïr explores the land, to which Markos agrees.

Altaïr locates the Resistance Safe House in Kyrenia Commons and enters. He is greeted by a man who calls himself [[Barnabas]] and after a short chat with Altaïr, Barnabas tells Altaïr of [[Buffavento Castle]], where Armand Bouchart keeps his prisoners. It’s an old property the Templars seized from an earlier heiress. In order to help Altaïr, Barnabas ask him to perform a service for the Resistance. Altaïr needs to seek out [[Jonas]], a respectable merchant who Barnabas claims is a traitor.

Altaïr seeks out this man named Jonas, and interrogates him. Jonas speaks of a bounty put on Altaïr’s head and the head of his female "consort". This does not bode well for Altaïr, and Jonas’ disrespect causes Altaïr to take his life. Thereafter Altaïr rushes to the harbor to find Maria, who is currently being attacked by Templars along with Markos. Altaïr helps the two out of trouble, and Altaïr asks Markos to bring Maria to the Assassin’s safe house in Kyrenia. Markos complies. Before Altaïr leaves, he speaks with Maria about ‘The Bull’ - a man Maria calls [[Moloch]]. He would be the one behind their ambush. Altaïr then leaves to meet up with Barnabas and later meet everyone inside the Resistance safe house.

Once inside the safe house, Altaïr again speaks with Barnabas - apparently the death of Jonas has sparked riots throughout the city. Barnabas states it is necessary for Altaïr to murder the fanatics causing the riot, and Altaïr leaves does so. Upon returning to the safe house, he finds that Maria and Markos have arrived but Barnabas is nowhere to be found. Altaïr speaks with Maria about this man named Moloch - specifically about his location. Maria realizes she has said more than she should have and warns Altaïr not to duel him, for Altaïr would not survive. Altaïr does not think twice and infiltrates the [[Kantara Castle]] where Moloch is hidden, finds Moloch and tries to assassinate him. Moloch however, intercepts the assassin before he could strike and throws him to the ground. A battle ensues, in which the end Altaïr takes the life of Moloch. Altaïr then escapes the Castle of Kyrenia and safely returns to the Assassin’s safe house.''' '''

'''Codex Scene 3: '''Altaïr wonders why violence lives so heavily amongst people. Altaïr believes people could not live with one another, as man likes to kill each other over power. He believes the world is not made by the divine - to Altaïr the world seems the work of a madman.

===Memory Block 4===
Altaïr reaches the safe house and speaks with Markos, only to find everybody missing. Markos tells Altaïr the Templars came in and took Maria, as well as everybody else. Markos also speaks of a [[Dark Oracle]] from Buffavento castle who was mentioned by the Templars, but Altaïr believes Barnabas was behind the attack. Markos is confused by this suggestion and tells Altaïr that the resistance leader Barnabas was executed the day ''before'' Altaïr arrived in Kyernia. Clearly the Barnabas Altaïr met was an impostor, a [[Templar Agent]].

Markos then tells Altaïr the Templars are executing fellow Resistance soldiers in the marketplace. Altaïr rushes to the marketplace, prevents the execution and saves the soldiers. Back at the safe hosue Markos tells Altaïr that some Resistance members are still imprisoned. Altaïr locates and interrogates a prison guard, who tells Altaïr that there is only one Templar who holds the keys to the jail cells. Altaïr can find this Templar at the Crusader Outpost. Altaïr then takes the life of the Prison Guard.

Altaïr rushes to the Crusader Outpost, kills the guards, steals the keys to the cells and heads back to Kyrenia Harbor. Once inside the harbor, Altaïr fights his way to the cells and frees the prisoners, but Maria is not among them. The freed men say that Moloch’s son [[Shalim]] has taken Maria away in chains. Altaïr decides to speak with Markos about this. Upon returning to the safe house, both decide Altaïr should pay a visit to this Dark Oracle of which the Templars speak - for it seems Grand Templar Armand Bouchart knows every plan the Resistance has made.

Altaïr infiltrates Buffavento Castle in order to look for the Dark Oracle. He overhears Armand Bouchart and Shalim arguing over Maria’s escape - apparently Maria has slipped from Shalim's clutches. In addition, Armand Bouchart asks Shalim to send a message to Alexander in Limassol. Altaïr is shocked to learn that Alexander has been working with the Templars.

Altaïr descends further into the castle, only to find the Dark Oracle at the bottom. She attacks Altaïr, leaving him no choice but to battle with her and in the end, send her to god. Before the Dark Oracle loses her life, she babbles and cackles her devotion to her God’s will, and there is no undoing. After her death, Altaïr escapes the castle and heads back to the Assassin’s safe house.''' '''

'''Codex Scene 4: '''Altair wonders about [[Those Who Have Gone Before|Those Who Came Before]]. “Who are they? What drove them? Are these so-called artifacts mere toys or were they created for a greater purpose?”.

===Memory Block 5===
Once back inside the safe house, Altaïr discusses Shalim’s position. Because Markos could not give much information about Shalim, Altaïr decides to track him down to learn more about the Templars and the Archive. He finds Shalim in the heart of Kyrenia, feasting on women while spending another’s coin. Altaïr first decides to assassinate the men Shalim is traveling with, after which he decides to assassinate all the duelists feasting on women as well. After all these assassinations, Altaïr returns to Markos for more information. Markos sends Altaïr to ask help form the local scholars, since Shalim’s lifestyle demand frequent confession rituals at the church. Altaïr then seeks out and speaks with a scholar about Salim’s confessions, only to find the scholar unable to speak about Shalim and the Archive in public, to which he asks Altaïr to return later.

Moloch's son suddenly interrupts the conversation by standing in the midst of the Crusader Outpost and speaking towards all passers-by. But this is not Shalim - it is Shahar, Shalim's twin, although neither the player nor Altaïr are aware of this fact. Shahar is a much more level headed man, arguing very rationally for loyalty to the Templars. When Altaïr then goes to speak with the scholar a second time, the scholar is killed by falling wooden crates from above. When Altaïr looks around for the cause of this insult, he finds a mysterious, masked Templar warrior on the rooftops. Altaïr gives chase, but after a long pursuit the mysterious figure escapes from Altaïr and Altaïr is left looking for clues about the mysterious figure. He then finds Maria's ring when searching the last known position of the mysterious figure and decides it’s best to go speak with Markos.

Back at the Resistance safe house, Altaïr speaks with Markos of the twisted ways of the Templar’s doings and hopes to locate Shalim again. Markos mentions that Shalim can frequently be found in the harbor whenever ships full of lovely consorts arrive.

Altaïr reaches the harbor and finds Maria there, disguised as a consort herself and about to sneak into a palanquin headed for [[Saint Hilarion Castle]]. Altaïr decides to follow her in, but notes that the road ahead is full of Templars on the look out for both of them. Altaïr decides to clear the path, and quickly disposes of the guards along the road all the way to Saint Hilarion Castle. Upon entering the castle, the palaquin stops and Maria steps out. Two Templar Guards await her arrival and escort her inside the castle. Altaïr doesn’t hesitate a moment and finds a way inside the castle.

Once inside, Altaïr eventually finds the Great Hall. Meanwhile Maria sneaks into [[Shahar]]'s private room and confronts him about the Templars' wicked plans for the “Apple of Eden”. She asks Shahar if Templars would do ill with this artifact. Shahar states the Templars have no interest in liberty - just order, by any means. At this moment Altaïr busts in the room, apologizing for letting himself in. Shahar calls on his brother Shalim to join the fight. Maria escapes from Shahars clutches, killing two guards who try to stop her.
Altaïr and Maria now stand side by side, faced against Shalim and Shahir. Altaïr smiles: “Two of them.. and two of us”. Maria laughs at Altaïr and flees. The battle then ensues between Altaïr and the brothers Salim and Shahir, ending with both their lives taken. Altaïr then escapes from the castle and heads toward the safe house. Upon entering the safe house, Makros tells Altaïr that the Templar ships are leaving the harbor of Kyrenia. This leads Altaïr to believe that is [[Templar Archive]] is not Kyrenia, for surely they would not leave it unguarded. Since all the ships are headed back to Limassol, the Archive must be there. Altaïr departs with kind words.

'''Codex Scene 5: '''Altaïr reminisces about his former leader, [[Al Mualim]], and how his leader had betrayed him using the Apple of Eden, just because one single piece of doubt was in Altaïr’s mind. Luckily, he states, he was able to embrace the truth in his his mind and set him free of doubt and disbelief.

===Memory Block 6===
Altaïr is back on Limassol, as he and Markos thought the Templar Archive ought to be there. Altaïr heads to the Resistance Safe House in Limassol to start an argument with Alexander. They both accuse each other of treachery, until Alexander reveals the contents of the message the Bouchart sent him from Kyrenia; the head of the real Barnabas in a sack. Altaïr despises this, and tells Alexander this was not the man who met with him in Kyrenia. Additionally, Alexander tells tales of how Templars have been murdering and pillaging around the city of Limassol while Altaïr was away. Additionally false reports of Altaïr’s alleged treachery (the death of Jonas) spread fast, and many Resistance leaders have since turned against Altaïr.

Altaïr wants the heads of those responsible for the murders and pillages, and heads out to the marketplace, where he fights and kills the Templar Duelist Captain. He then heads to the Templar pirate ship in the harbor and slays its [[Pirate Captain|captain]]. Finally Altaïr heads for the new Templar Captain in the Limassol Cathedral Square. Altaïr starts a fight with the man and in the end, takes his life as payment.

Altaïr learns of recent murders in the ports, and interrogates the Port Watchman to find out what happened. The man states he does not know, but his men were killed last night while a Templar Captain had the watch over the port. The Templar Captain is presumably praying over at the Cathedral, and Altaïr sends out to find this man. Upon finding the Templar he flees, sending multiple waves of Templars. Altaïr slays them all, interrogates the Templar Captain and find his answers lie with a man named [[Demetris]], a rich tailor in the marketplace. Altaïr then assassinates the Templar Captain and heads for Demetris.

Upon entering Demetris’s house, he finds Demetris surrounded by women. Altaïr confronts Demetris, accusing the merchant of accepting bribes to sneak Bouchart back into Limassol. Demetris claims to know nothing about this. Altaïr puts more pressure on Demetris to speak truthfully, but the merchant is killed by a throwing knife in the back. Altaïr tries to follow, only to again find the mysterious Templar standing up and speeding away. Altaïr climbs to the roof as fast as he could, but the mysterious Templar warrior is already gone. Altaïr decides it’s best to speak with Alexander at this point and returns to the Resistance safe house.

But upon entering the safe house, Altaïr does not find Alexander. Instead, Altaïr finds a note left by Alexander, stating that he has a plan and needs Altaïr to come to the courtyard inside the Limassol Castle. Altaïr then rushes to the Limassol Castle, but reminds himself to stay cautious. After passing through the gates of Limassol Castle, he finds Alexander's lifeless body laying in the middle of the courtyard.

The mysterious Templar warrior appears, unmasked, and speaks to Altaïr as if he was already a dead man. This is the same man who previously named himself as Barnabas: the [[Templar Agent]]. Suddenly, the townspeople of Limassol breach the castle gate. They are hunting for Altaïr. As the rioting mob closes in Altaïr pulls the Apple of Eden from his belt and activates it. He tells them that they have been lied to and that they must rally their soldiers against the Templars so that [[Cyprus]] can be theirs once more. The people stand in confusion and hypnosis, and exit. The Templar above is quite pleased to find the Apple of Eden so close, and intends to claim it. But before he can attack Altaïr, the steel tip of a sword bursts through his chest, pushed by Maria’s hand. The mysterious Templar Agent falls thirty feet to the courtyard floor, dead.

Maria speaks to Altaïr about the Apple of Eden as well, as Altaïr warns that it is a powerful weapon in the wrong hands. Maria remarks that she does not know if Altaïr hands are the ‘right hands’ as well. At that moment a Templar ambush appears at the courtyard, and Maria orders Altaïr to follow her up the stairs. However, Altaïr is already closed in and has to fight waves and waves of Templars. After fighting endless waves of Templars, Altaïr runs up the stairs and passes through the hidden door inside the wall he had previously seen Maria escape through.

===Memory Block 7===
Altaïr now suddenly finds himself inside the Templar Archive, hidden well under the Limassol Castle. His final mission is to assassinate Armand Bouchart, the Grand Master of the Order of Templars. Altaïr fights through the entire Templar Archive, and finds Maria already fighting with Armand Bouchart. Armand is a skillful fighter and sends Maria flying across the room just as Altaïr intercepts them. Altaïr confronts Armand Bouchart, who spins a tale about the Archive, claiming it had been the best kept secret on [[Cyprus]] for many decades. Unfortunately, the former Cypriot Emperor [[Isaac Comnenus]] had been a foolish man and through his idiocy forfeited the island to King Richard. Fearing the Archives would be discovered by the English king, the Templars purchased the island from him - an island they basically controlled for free under Comnenus's rule. But that time has passed and the Templars have moved on. While Altaïr was in Kyrenia, the Templars managed to empty the Archive of all artifacts and ship them elsewhere. Armand Bouchart states Altaïr must instead be left behind. A battle ensues.

After a cruel and skillful battle, Altaïr stabs and plunges Armand Bouchart, to which Armand Bouchart says Altaïr indeed lives up to the tendencies of his creed. Altaïr says Armand Bouchart did not do the same for the Templars, as the Templars lost the true meaning of their creed. Armand Bouchart states it as ‘Just expanding the horizon..”. Altaïr then states the Apple of Eden will not be in anyone’s hands but his own for the sake of peace throughout the holy land, to which Armand Bouchart responds he should hold on to it dearly, and warns Altaïr that in time he will come to the same conclusions the Templars did. After this, Armand Bouchart collapses and dies.

Altaïr leaves Armand Bouchart to die and meets up with Maria who has been laying unconscious during the battle. They both opt to escape the Templar Archive - but all the while, the Archive is falling to pieces fast. Altaïr boosts Maria up to the upper floors of the archive while climbing after her, and they barely make their escape before everything tumbles down.

After escaping Limassol Castle Altaïr and Maria walk up to the docks, both speaking of what life will hold for the both of them now. Maria tells Altaïr she no longer wants to be a Templar, nor wishes to look for the original spirit the Templars were once formed in. She does not wish to return to England either. She mentions she will travel for a while, somewhere far East - to India perhaps, or further.

Maria then asks Altaïr of his plans. Altaïr reminisces about his former devotion to the Creed, but realizes his life's purpose changed dramatically since the death of Al-Mualim. Altaïr speaks of his curiosity about the Apple of Eden, not out of greed, but out of pure intellectual wonder. He hopes to learn everything he can about the artifact; why it is here and to what end it was created. Maria states that such a thing is a bit much to learn in one lifetime, but Altaïr states that “one lifetime just might be enough.” Maria then asks Altaïr where he will continue his journey. Altaïr responds, “East...” and walks away from the port. Maria turns to follow.

'''Codex Scene 6: '''Altaïr write wonders why life is formed around chaos, around warfare and around murder. Yet the world received such gifts as the Apple of Eden. What is mankind’s purpose? As Altaïr continues scribbling in his Codex, Maria enters and leans over his shoulder in an almost wifely manner.....

{{Spoiler End}}

==Enemies==
* ''Templar Guards'' - Comes in many variations (white guard, red guard, multi-colored guard, slim and brutish prison guards with naked torso), the basic enemies Altair faces throughout the game.
* ''Templar Archers'' - Like in original game, they patrol rooftops, and can switch to close combat if needed.
* ''Templar Elite Guards'' - Towering guards with shields. Seen leading other guards, and protecting various Templar locations like prisons, castles, and the [[Templar Archive]].
* ''Templar Knights'' - Well-trained warriors, and members of Templar Order. They wear helmets which clearly distinguish them from other enemies.
* ''Pirates'' - They roam the dock areas of Limassol and Kyrenia. Knowing about the bounty on Altair and Maria, they will attack, sometimes in groups, in order to get it.
* ''Fanatics'' - These men are the followers of [[Moloch]] and are known for their aggressive nature and strong, almost insane faith.
* ''Duelists'' - These men are bandits employed by the Templars as soldiers. They uses dual swords as weapons. Could be seen extorting, threatening and torturing the populace. They act mostly under the orders of [[Shalim]].

==Interconnectivity==
You can collect Templar Coins and Treasures on the PSP, to later connect to your PS3, and share value across both SKUs. Additionally, as players unlock Health and Weapons upgrades in ''Assassin’s Creed II'' PS3, the same upgrade will be unlocked in ''Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines''. Also, the weapons of each person you killed in Bloodlines can be found in the [[Auditore Family Villa|Villa]] in ''Assassin's Creed II''.

{|width="90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="1" style="text-align:center"
!scope="col" width="30%"|Upgrade
!scope="col" width="30%"|Unlocked by
!scope="col" width="40%"|Description
|-
!Philosophical Codex
|Collecting [[Codex]] pages in ''Assassin's Creed II''
|Increases Altaïr's synchronization. The amount added depends on the number of Codex pages you have already found.
|-
!Hidden Blade Armor Codex
|Collecting the Codex page that enables [[Ezio]] to block with the Hidden Blade
|Upgrades Altaïr's Hidden Blade so that it enables him to block with it.
|-
!Hidden Blade Slim Blade Codex
|Collecting the Codex page that enables Ezio to wield two Hidden Blades
|Altaïr is granted an increase in his skill at Countering.
|-
!Hidden Gun Codex
|Collecting the Codex page that gives Ezio the Hidden Gun.
|It allows Altaïr to throw [[Throwing Knives]] while still using the Hidden Blade.
|}

==Reception==
The reception among reviewers have been mainly mediocre with an aggregate score of 63.71% on Game Rankings. The main problems with the game being how the game feels empty, with low amounts of people in the streets at any one time, as well as the city layout, which due to the distance between buildings, makes freerunning difficult and removes much flow from that of the console versions. The game is also frustratingly linear compared to the console versions, offering only one mission at a time and no incentive for exploration, save for the Templar Coins.

{{ACB}}
{{ACSeries}}
[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]

Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines

2010-01-25T05:35:28Z

76.14.237.216: /* Memory Block 3 */

{{spoilerhd}}
{{imageneed}}
{{revamp}}

{{Game Infobox
|name = Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines
|image = Bloodlines.jpg
|Developer = Griptonite Games
|Publisher = Ubisoft
|US Date Released = 19 November 2009
|UK Date Released = 19 November 2009
|Genre = Historic Action-Adventure
|Game modes = Single-Player
|ESRB = Mature (M)
|Platform = PSP
|Website = http://assassinscreed.us.ubi.com/
|Media = UMD, PSN download
}}

'''''Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines''''' is a game realeased for the PSP that follows the events after the first ''[[Assassin's Creed]]''. In Bloodlines, the player again takes control of [[Altaïr_Ibn-La'Ahad]]. The gameplay is much like the first game and explains the missing link between [[Altaïr]], [[Ezio Auditore di Firenze|Ezio]] and [[Desmond Miles|Desmond]]. In ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' Ezio finds [[codex]] pages which were written by Altaïr. Bloodlines explains where that information came from.

==Story==
[[File:ScreenBloodLines.jpg|left|thumb|288px|Screenshot from Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]
Altaïr discovers the [[Templars]] are heading for [[Cyprus]]. During the game, he hunts down the ascending [[Templars]]. As the Templars withdraw from the Holy Land after Altaïr kills [[Robert de Sable]], the Assassin follows them to the island of Cyprus. Finding new allies and enemies, Altaïr helps the local resistance against the Templar occupation and strikes down the ascendant Templar commanders. Along the story Altaïr learns more about himself and the Apple of Eden, as well as the Templar's ways and means of power and peace.

{{Spoiler}}

===Memory Block 1===
The game opens with [[Altaïr]] leading an assault on a Templar harbor fortress in [[Acre]] where [[Templars]] are boarding ships headed West. Altaïr reaches a balcony overlooking the harbor and finds [[Maria Thorpe|Maria]], the former right hand of [[Robert de Sable]] (and his female decoy from AC1), speaking with various Templar guards. Maria states she wishes to accompany the Templars to [[Cyprus]], but the Templars state this is not a good idea as [[Armand Bouchart]] is the new Grand Master of the Order of Templars and he does not hold Maria in high regard for some reason.

After her conversation with the Templars, Altaïr confronts Maria, and Maria asks Altaïr if he has now come to finish what he didn’t before. A battle ensues, in which Altaïr almost robs Maria of her life - but Altaïr decides to let Maria live a little longer. Altaïr interrogates Maria about the Templar's plans for [[Cyprus]]; Maria responds with a flippant joke: ’Everyone deserves a holiday..." She then warns Altaïr that the Templars will stop at nothing to recover the Apple of Eden from him. Unshaken, Altaïr takes Maria prisoner and discusses the current turmoil on [[Cyprus]] with a fellow assassin. After learning that King Richard has actually sold the entire island to the Templars, Altaïr is determined to get to the bottom of the Templar's schemes. He asks the assassin to send a message to their contacts on [[Cyprus]], informing them of Altaïr's immanent arrival.

'''Codex Scene 1: '''
Altaïr is at a large desk strewn with books writing an entry in his Codex. He writes that he does not know if the power the [[Piece of Eden|Apple of Eden]] holds is truly intended to be evil; but if this proves to be true, he hopes to have within him the power to destroy it.

===Memory Block 2===
Altaïr has traveled by boat to [[Limassol]] with Maria accompanying him as a ‘prisoner’. While through the port, Altaïr is stopped by some men patrolling the waterfront. After Altaïr reveals himself to be an assassin, one of the men identifies himself as [[Alexander]], a member of the Cypriot resistance and the assassins' primary [[Cyprus]] contact. Alexander asks Altaïr about the woman he is with; Altaïr refers to her as "Robert De Sable's girl" and says he hopes to use Maria to lure the other Templars
into the open. Alexander offers to escort Maria to the Resistance safe house and Altaïr agrees, giving him time to freely look around Limassol.

Eventually Altaïr reaches the Resistance safe house and learns from Alexander that the leader of the Limassol Templars is hidden inside the [[Limassol Castle]]. In order to have a chance at getting into the castle, Altaïr must assassinate the captain of the Templar Guards so that [[Osman]], a Templar working as a spy for the Resistance, can get a promotion within the ranks of the guards. Altaïr leaves the safe house and assassinates the Guard Captain, after which he returns to the safe house. Alexander gives Altaïr the mission to go speak with Osman, the spy within the Templar guard ranks and deliver a coded message: "Wish his grandmother a happy birthday - he will trust you then."

[[File:Alexander.jpg|thumb|Alexander.]]

Altaïr reaches Osman without being detected and delivers him the message Alexander suggested. Osman laughs, praising his dearly departed grandmother, and tells Altaïr that he will reduce the castle watch so that the Templar guard leader [[Frederick The Red]] can be reached. Osman also tells Altaïr that the Templars have built an Archive of some kind on [[Cyprus]], and are using it to store weapons and information. After this brief meeting Altaïr heads back to the Resistance safe house to tell Alexander what he as learned, then sets out to infiltrate Limassol Castle.

Altaïr heads to Limassol Castle and infiltrates the castle, but is spotted by Fredrick the Red on the courtyard. A battle ensues, which ends in the death of Fredrick the Red. Altaïr escapes the castle and returns to the safe house. Upon entering the city Altaïr learns that the safe house of the Assassins is under attack. Altaïr fights a wave of Templars outside the safe house, and finds Maria has disappeared. He wonders if she has escaped or been captured. Altaïr manages to track her as far as the Cathedral square, where he finds the current Grand Master, Armand Bouchart surrounded by guards and berating the people of [[Cyprus]] for Fredrick the Red's murder. Maria suddenly appears, shouting Bouchart's name. Her hands still bound, Maria warns Bouchart that the assassin's have come to [[Cyprus]]. But Bouchart receives her coldly, and assumes that she is working Altaïr herself. Maria is furious at this suggestion, but before she can object, Bouchart has her arrested and hauled away.

Altaïr chooses to rescue Maria rather than follow Bouchart. He disposes of the guards holding her and in return suffers Maria's insults for being considered ‘a traitor’ by her fellow Templars. She warns Altaïr that she will kill him when she gets the chance. He responds by telling her that she will never find the Apple of Eden if he dies. They both then return to Alexander in order to speak about getting to Armand Bouchart. Alexander tells Altaïr that Armand Bouchart was the one who set the Resistance safe house on fire just before leaving for [[Kyrenia]] by boat. Alexander believes a friend of his, [[Pasha]], can help Altaïr find a way to travel to Kyrenia. Altaïr leaves Maria with Alexander to go look for Pasha by the docks.

Altaïr finds Pasha and asks him for the favor of travel to Kyrenia. Pasha makes no problem of this and also tells Altaïr the rumor that secret artifacts are being shipped by the Pirate Templars via the Grand Ship headed to Kyrenia. Altaïr leaves Pasha to investigate the Grand Ship, searches the entire boat and finds the ship's manifest. It is filled with obvious errors and distortions. Altaïr returns to Alexander and Maria.

Altaïr states he will head for Kyrenia. Alexander tells him to meet with Kyrenia's Resistance leader, Barnabas; he is a friend of Alexander’s and can surely help Altaïr. Altaïr says farewell to Alexander and leaves for Pasha’s boat with Maria in tow. Maria struggles in order to get free from Altaïr, but complies in the end.''' '''

'''Codex Scene 2:''' Altaïr writes that he does not know where the Pieces of Eden originally came from, but he is almost certain the Pieces are not of divine power. He feels the Artifacts were man-made in every way, modeled after the character of the humans and well handcrafted at the mercy of the beholder.

===Memory Block 3===
We find Altaïr and Maria inside the hull of the ship. Altaïr notices a ring around Maria’s finger and asks about it. Maria responds she got the ring from her former commander (and presumably lover) Robert de Sable, for the high rank she has obtained within the Templar Order. Altaïr then speaks to Maria of philosophy, eager to convince her that the [[Templar]] view of the world is a corrupt one. He speaks of the curious teachings of the Greek philosopher Empedocles, who preached a bizarre precursor to the theory of natural selection. He emphasizes the importance of free thought, and warns her that the Templars' plan for peace involves mental enslavement. Maria seems to somewhat agree with Altaïr on this subject, but remains reticent.

As the ship docks in Kyrenia, Altaïr and Martin stand make ready to climb the ladder to the ship’s deck. Altaïr cuts her bonds so that she may climb out, but when he is distracted by two combative pirates, Maria kicks Altaïr down the ladder and escapes. Altaïr deals with the pirates and escapes to Kyrenia's harbor. After a short while Altaïr finds Maria among several men who have just saved her from several angry pirates. The leader of the men introduces himself as [[Markos]] a low-ranking soldier in the Resistance. Altaïr asks Markos and his men if Maria can stay with them for the time being while Altaïr explores the land, to which Markos agrees.

Altaïr locates the Resistance Safe House in Kyrenia Commons and enters. He is greeted by a man who calls himself [[Barnabas]] and after a short chat with Altaïr, Barnabas tells Altaïr of [[Buffavento Castle]], where Armand Bouchart keeps his prisoners. It’s an old property the Templars seized from an earlier heiress. In order to help Altaïr, Barnabas ask him to perform a service for the Resistance. Altaïr needs to seek out [[Jonas]], a respectable merchant who Barnabas claims is a traitor.

Altaïr seeks out this man named Jonas, and interrogates him. Jonas speaks of a bounty put on Altaïr’s head and the head of his female "consort". This does not bode well for Altaïr, and Jonas’ disrespect causes Altaïr to take his life. Thereafter Altaïr rushes to the harbor to find Maria, who is currently being attacked by Templars along with Markos. Altaïr helps the two out of trouble, and Altaïr asks Markos to bring Maria to the Assassin’s safe house in Kyrenia. Markos complies. Before Altaïr leaves, he speaks with Maria about ‘The Bull’ - a man Maria calls [[Moloch]]. He would be the one behind their ambush. Altaïr then leaves to meet up with Barnabas and later meet everyone inside the Resistance safe house.

Once inside the safe house, Altaïr again speaks with Barnabas - apparently the death of Jonas has sparked riots throughout the city. Barnabas states it is necessary for Altaïr to murder the fanatics causing the riot, and Altaïr leaves does so. Upon returning to the safe house, he finds that Maria and Markos have arrived but Barnabas is nowhere to be found. Altaïr speaks with Maria about this man named Moloch - specifically about his location. Maria realizes she has said more than she should have and warns Altaïr not to duel him, for Altaïr would not survive. Altaïr does not think twice and infiltrates the [[Kantara Castle]] where Moloch is hidden, finds Moloch and tries to assassinate him. Moloch however, intercepts the assassin before he could strike and throws him to the ground. A battle ensues, in which the end Altaïr takes the life of Moloch. Altaïr then escapes the Castle of Kyrenia and safely returns to the Assassin’s safe house.''' '''

'''Codex Scene 3: '''Altaïr wonders why violence lives so heavily amongst people. Altaïr believes people could not live with one another, as man likes to kill each other over power. He believes the world is not made by the divine - to Altaïr the world seems the work of a madman.

===Memory Block 4===
Altaïr reaches the safe house and speaks with Markos, only to find everybody missing. Markos tells Altaïr the Templars came in and took Maria, as well as everybody else. Markos also speaks of a [[Dark Oracle]] from Buffavento castle who was mentioned by the Templars, but Altaïr believes Barnabas was behind the attack. Markos is confused by this suggestion and tells Altaïr that the resistance leader Barnabas was executed the day ''before'' Altaïr arrived in Kyernia. Clearly the Barnabas Altaïr met was an impostor, a [[Templar Agent]].

Markos then tells Altaïr the Templars are executing fellow Resistance soldiers in the marketplace. Altaïr rushes to the marketplace, prevents the execution and saves the soldiers. Back at the safe hosue Markos tells Altaïr that some Resistance members are still imprisoned. Altaïr locates and interrogates a prison guard, who tells Altaïr that there is only one Templar who holds the keys to the jail cells. Altaïr can find this Templar at the Crusader Outpost. Altaïr then takes the life of the Prison Guard.

Altaïr rushes to the Crusader Outpost, kills the guards, steals the keys to the cells and heads back to Kyrenia Harbor. Once inside the harbor, Altaïr fights his way to the cells and frees the prisoners, but Maria is not among them. The freed men say that Moloch’s son [[Shalim]] has taken Maria away in chains. Altaïr decides to speak with Markos about this. Upon returning to the safe house, both decide Altaïr should pay a visit to this Dark Oracle of which the Templars speak - for it seems Grand Templar Armand Bouchart knows every plan the Resistance has made.

Altaïr infiltrates Buffavento Castle in order to look for the Dark Oracle. He overhears Armand Bouchart and Shalim arguing over Maria’s escape - apparently Maria has slipped from Shalim's clutches. In addition, Armand Bouchart asks Shalim to send a message to Alexander in Limassol. Altaïr is shocked to learn that Alexander has been working with the Templars.

Altaïr descends further into the castle, only to find the Dark Oracle at the bottom. She attacks Altaïr, leaving him no choice but to battle with her and in the end, send her to god. Before the Dark Oracle loses her life, she babbles and cackles her devotion to her God’s will, and there is no undoing. After her death, Altaïr escapes the castle and heads back to the Assassin’s safe house.''' '''

'''Codex Scene 4: '''Altair wonders about [[Those Who Have Gone Before|Those Who Came Before]]. “Who are they? What drove them? Are these so-called artifacts mere toys or were they created for a greater purpose?”.

===Memory Block 5===
Once back inside the safe house, Altaïr discusses Shalim’s position. Because Markos could not give much information about Shalim, Altaïr decides to track him down to learn more about the Templars and the Archive. He finds Shalim in the heart of Kyrenia, feasting on women while spending another’s coin. Altaïr first decides to assassinate the men Shalim is traveling with, after which he decides to assassinate all the duelists feasting on women as well. After all these assassinations, Altaïr returns to Markos for more information. Markos sends Altaïr to ask help form the local scholars, since Shalim’s lifestyle demand frequent confession rituals at the church. Altaïr then seeks out and speaks with a scholar about Salim’s confessions, only to find the scholar unable to speak about Shalim and the Archive in public, to which he asks Altaïr to return later.

Moloch's son suddenly interrupts the conversation by standing in the midst of the Crusader Outpost and speaking towards all passers-by. But this is not Shalim - it is Shahar, Shalim's twin, although neither the player nor Altaïr are aware of this fact. Shahar is a much more level headed man, arguing very rationally for loyalty to the Templars. When Altaïr then goes to speak with the scholar a second time, the scholar is killed by falling wooden crates from above. When Altaïr looks around for the cause of this insult, he finds a mysterious, masked Templar warrior on the rooftops. Altaïr gives chase, but after a long pursuit the mysterious figure escapes from Altaïr and Altaïr is left looking for clues about the mysterious figure. He then finds Maria's ring when searching the last known position of the mysterious figure and decides it’s best to go speak with Markos.

Back at the Resistance safe house, Altaïr speaks with Markos of the twisted ways of the Templar’s doings and hopes to locate Shalim again. Markos mentions that Shalim can frequently be found in the harbor whenever ships full of lovely consorts arrive.

Altaïr reaches the harbor and finds Maria there, disguised as a consort herself and about to sneak into a palanquin headed for [[Saint Hilarion Castle]]. Altaïr decides to follow her in, but notes that the road ahead is full of Templars on the look out for both of them. Altaïr decides to clear the path, and quickly disposes of the guards along the road all the way to Saint Hilarion Castle. Upon entering the castle, the palaquin stops and Maria steps out. Two Templar Guards await her arrival and escort her inside the castle. Altaïr doesn’t hesitate a moment and finds a way inside the castle.

Once inside, Altaïr eventually finds the Great Hall. Meanwhile Maria sneaks into [[Shahar]]'s private room and confronts him about the Templars' wicked plans for the “Apple of Eden”. She asks Shahar if Templars would do ill with this artifact. Shahar states the Templars have no interest in liberty - just order, by any means. At this moment Altaïr busts in the room, apologizing for letting himself in. Shahar calls on his brother Shalim to join the fight. Maria escapes from Shahars clutches, killing two guards who try to stop her.
Altaïr and Maria now stand side by side, faced against Shalim and Shahir. Altaïr smiles: “Two of them.. and two of us”. Maria laughs at Altaïr and flees. The battle then ensues between Altaïr and the brothers Salim and Shahir, ending with both their lives taken. Altaïr then escapes from the castle and heads toward the safe house. Upon entering the safe house, Makros tells Altaïr that the Templar ships are leaving the harbor of Kyrenia. This leads Altaïr to believe that is [[Templar Archive]] is not Kyrenia, for surely they would not leave it unguarded. Since all the ships are headed back to Limassol, the Archive must be there. Altaïr departs with kind words.

'''Codex Scene 5: '''Altaïr reminisces about his former leader, [[Al Mualim]], and how his leader had betrayed him using the Apple of Eden, just because one single piece of doubt was in Altaïr’s mind. Luckily, he states, he was able to embrace the truth in his his mind and set him free of doubt and disbelief.

===Memory Block 6===
Altaïr is back on Limassol, as he and Markos thought the Templar Archive ought to be there. Altaïr heads to the Resistance Safe House in Limassol to start an argument with Alexander. They both accuse each other of treachery, until Alexander reveals the contents of the message the Bouchart sent him from Kyrenia; the head of the real Barnabas in a sack. Altaïr despises this, and tells Alexander this was not the man who met with him in Kyrenia. Additionally, Alexander tells tales of how Templars have been murdering and pillaging around the city of Limassol while Altaïr was away. Additionally false reports of Altaïr’s alleged treachery (the death of Jonas) spread fast, and many Resistance leaders have since turned against Altaïr.

Altaïr wants the heads of those responsible for the murders and pillages, and heads out to the marketplace, where he fights and kills the Templar Duelist Captain. He then heads to the Templar pirate ship in the harbor and slays its [[Pirate Captain|captain]]. Finally Altaïr heads for the new Templar Captain in the Limassol Cathedral Square. Altaïr starts a fight with the man and in the end, takes his life as payment.

Altaïr learns of recent murders in the ports, and interrogates the Port Watchman to find out what happened. The man states he does not know, but his men were killed last night while a Templar Captain had the watch over the port. The Templar Captain is presumably praying over at the Cathedral, and Altaïr sends out to find this man. Upon finding the Templar he flees, sending multiple waves of Templars. Altaïr slays them all, interrogates the Templar Captain and find his answers lie with a man named [[Demetris]], a rich tailor in the marketplace. Altaïr then assassinates the Templar Captain and heads for Demetris.

Upon entering Demetris’s house, he finds Demetris surrounded by women. Altaïr confronts Demetris, accusing the merchant of accepting bribes to sneak Bouchart back into Limassol. Demetris claims to know nothing about this. Altaïr puts more pressure on Demetris to speak truthfully, but the merchant is killed by a throwing knife in the back. Altaïr tries to follow, only to again find the mysterious Templar standing up and speeding away. Altaïr climbs to the roof as fast as he could, but the mysterious Templar warrior is already gone. Altaïr decides it’s best to speak with Alexander at this point and returns to the Resistance safe house.

But upon entering the safe house, Altaïr does not find Alexander. Instead, Altaïr finds a note left by Alexander, stating that he has a plan and needs Altaïr to come to the courtyard inside the Limassol Castle. Altaïr then rushes to the Limassol Castle, but reminds himself to stay cautious. After passing through the gates of Limassol Castle, he finds Alexander's lifeless body laying in the middle of the courtyard.

The mysterious Templar warrior appears, unmasked, and speaks to Altaïr as if he was already a dead man. This is the same man who previously named himself as Barnabas: the [[Templar Agent]]. Suddenly, the townspeople of Limassol breach the castle gate. They are hunting for Altaïr. As the rioting mob closes in Altaïr pulls the Apple of Eden from his belt and activates it. He tells them that they have been lied to and that they must rally their soldiers against the Templars so that [[Cyprus]] can be theirs once more. The people stand in confusion and hypnosis, and exit. The Templar above is quite pleased to find the Apple of Eden so close, and intends to claim it. But before he can attack Altaïr, the steel tip of a sword bursts through his chest, pushed by Maria’s hand. The mysterious Templar Agent falls thirty feet to the courtyard floor, dead.

Maria speaks to Altaïr about the Apple of Eden as well, as Altaïr warns that it is a powerful weapon in the wrong hands. Maria remarks that she does not know if Altaïr hands are the ‘right hands’ as well. At that moment a Templar ambush appears at the courtyard, and Maria orders Altaïr to follow her up the stairs. However, Altaïr is already closed in and has to fight waves and waves of Templars. After fighting endless waves of Templars, Altaïr runs up the stairs and passes through the hidden door inside the wall he had previously seen Maria escape through.

===Memory Block 7===
Altaïr now suddenly finds himself inside the Templar Archive, hidden well under the Limassol Castle. His final mission is to assassinate Armand Bouchart, the Grand Master of the Order of Templars. Altaïr fights through the entire Templar Archive, and finds Maria already fighting with Armand Bouchart. Armand is a skillful fighter and sends Maria flying across the room just as Altaïr intercepts them. Altaïr confronts Armand Bouchart, who spins a tale about the Archive, claiming it had been the best kept secret on [[Cyprus]] for many decades. Unfortunately, the former Cypriot Emperor [[Isaac Comnenus]] had been a foolish man and through his idiocy forfeited the island to King Richard. Fearing the Archives would be discovered by the English king, the Templars purchased the island from him - an island they basically controlled for free under Comnenus's rule. But that time has passed and the Templars have moved on. While Altaïr was in Kyrenia, the Templars managed to empty the Archive of all artifacts and ship them elsewhere. Armand Bouchart states Altaïr must instead be left behind. A battle ensues.

After a cruel and skillful battle, Altaïr stabs and plunges Armand Bouchart, to which Armand Bouchart says Altaïr indeed lives up to the tendencies of his creed. Altaïr says Armand Bouchart did not do the same for the Templars, as the Templars lost the true meaning of their creed. Armand Bouchart states it as ‘Just expanding the horizon..”. Altaïr then states the Apple of Eden will not be in anyone’s hands but his own for the sake of peace throughout the holy land, to which Armand Bouchart responds he should hold on to it dearly, and warns Altaïr that in time he will come to the same conclusions the Templars did. After this, Armand Bouchart collapses and dies.

Altaïr leaves Armand Bouchart to die and meets up with Maria who has been laying unconscious during the battle. They both opt to escape the Templar Archive - but all the while, the Archive is falling to pieces fast. Altaïr boosts Maria up to the upper floors of the archive while climbing after her, and they barely make their escape before everything tumbles down.

After escaping Limassol Castle Altaïr and Maria walk up to the docks, both speaking of what life will hold for the both of them now. Maria tells Altaïr she no longer wants to be a Templar, nor wishes to look for the original spirit the Templars were once formed in. She does not wish to return to England either. She mentions she will travel for a while, somewhere far East - to India perhaps, or further.

Maria then asks Altaïr of his plans. Altaïr reminisces about his former devotion to the Creed, but realizes his life's purpose changed dramatically since the death of Al-Mualim. Altaïr speaks of his curiosity about the Apple of Eden, not out of greed, but out of pure intellectual wonder. He hopes to learn everything he can about the artifact; why it is here and to what end it was created. Maria states that such a thing is a bit much to learn in one lifetime, but Altaïr states that “one lifetime just might be enough.” Maria then asks Altaïr where he will continue his journey. Altaïr responds, “East...” and walks away from the port. Maria turns to follow.

'''Codex Scene 6: '''Altaïr write wonders why life is formed around chaos, around warfare and around murder. Yet the world received such gifts as the Apple of Eden. What is mankind’s purpose? As Altaïr continues scribbling in his Codex, Maria enters and leans over his shoulder in an almost wifely manner.....

{{Spoiler End}}

==Enemies==
* ''Templar Guards'' - Comes in many variations (white guard, red guard, multi-colored guard, slim and brutish prison guards with naked torso), the basic enemies Altair faces throughout the game.
* ''Templar Archers'' - Like in original game, they patrol rooftops, and can switch to close combat if needed.
* ''Templar Elite Guards'' - Towering guards with shields. Seen leading other guards, and protecting various Templar locations like prisons, castles, and the [[Templar Archive]].
* ''Templar Knights'' - Well-trained warriors, and members of Templar Order. They wear helmets which clearly distinguish them from other enemies.
* ''Pirates'' - They roam the dock areas of Limassol and Kyrenia. Knowing about the bounty on Altair and Maria, they will attack, sometimes in groups, in order to get it.
* ''Fanatics'' - These men are the followers of [[Moloch]] and are known for their aggressive nature and strong, almost insane faith.
* ''Duelists'' - These men are bandits employed by the Templars as soldiers. They uses dual swords as weapons. Could be seen extorting, threatening and torturing the populace. They act mostly under the orders of [[Shalim]].

==Interconnectivity==
You can collect Templar Coins and Treasures on the PSP, to later connect to your PS3, and share value across both SKUs. Additionally, as players unlock Health and Weapons upgrades in ''Assassin’s Creed II'' PS3, the same upgrade will be unlocked in ''Assassin’s Creed: Bloodlines''. Also, the weapons of each person you killed in Bloodlines can be found in the [[Auditore Family Villa|Villa]] in ''Assassin's Creed II''.

{|width="90%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="1" style="text-align:center"
!scope="col" width="30%"|Upgrade
!scope="col" width="30%"|Unlocked by
!scope="col" width="40%"|Description
|-
!Philosophical Codex
|Collecting [[Codex]] pages in ''Assassin's Creed II''
|Increases Altaïr's synchronization. The amount added depends on the number of Codex pages you have already found.
|-
!Hidden Blade Armor Codex
|Collecting the Codex page that enables [[Ezio]] to block with the Hidden Blade
|Upgrades Altaïr's Hidden Blade so that it enables him to block with it.
|-
!Hidden Blade Slim Blade Codex
|Collecting the Codex page that enables Ezio to wield two Hidden Blades
|Altaïr is granted an increase in his skill at Countering.
|-
!Hidden Gun Codex
|Collecting the Codex page that gives Ezio the Hidden Gun.
|It allows Altaïr to throw [[Throwing Knives]] while still using the Hidden Blade.
|}

==Reception==
The reception among reviewers have been mainly mediocre with an aggregate score of 63.71% on Game Rankings. The main problems with the game being how the game feels empty, with low amounts of people in the streets at any one time, as well as the city layout, which due to the distance between buildings, makes freerunning difficult and removes much flow from that of the console versions. The game is also frustratingly linear compared to the console versions, offering only one mission at a time and no incentive for exploration, save for the Templar Coins.

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[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]