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Hidden Blade

2010-10-27T15:48:28Z

91.108.126.230: /* Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood */

{{Era|AC|AC2|Assassins}}
{{Revamp}}
[[File:Hiddenblade.jpg|thumb|300px|Altaïr stabbing a crusader with the Hidden Blade.]]
{{quote|The hidden blade has been a constant companion of ours over the years. Some would say it defines us - and they would not be entirely wrong. Many of our successes would not have been possible without it.|[[The Codex|Altaïr's Codex]], Page 13|Assassin's Creed II}}

The iconic weapon of the [[Assassin's Creed series|''Assassin's Creed'' series]], the '''Hidden Blade''' is used both for stealth assassinations and for regular combat.

==''Assassin's Creed''==
Although [[Altaïr]] already has this weapon at the start of the game, he loses it when he is demoted to [[Novice]]. At his first promotion to [[rank]] 2, however, he earns it back (along with his [[sword]]) so that he may perform his first assassination on [[Tamir]], the black marketeer, in [[Damascus]].

===Basic usage===
[[Video:12 Ways to Wield the Hidden Blade|thumb|300px|right|Video tutorial on usage of the Hidden Blade.]]
This weapon is mostly used for stealthy, low profile assassinations upon soldiers. An unaware soldier may be assassinated without drawing too much attention, with stealth assassinations being possible from both behind and in front of the target. Altaïr rams the blade into the victim's abdomen (front) or through his spine (back). When stealth is not a priority, Altaïr may perform a high profile assassination. This involves jabbing the blade through the target's nose and into the brain when facing Altaïr, or pushing the target onto his knees and stabbing him in the neck when approached from behind.

The Hidden Blade is the only weapon that Altaïr may wield while sprinting. When Altaïr is close enough to the victim during a foot pursuit, the button on the ''weapon hand ''button on the HUD will change to "assassinate", which can be pressed to carry out the assassination. Altaïr will perform a running leap, landing on his victim from behind and burying the blade in the neck. This feature makes it an ideal choice for running down targets who flee such as [[Talal]], the slave trader, in [[Jerusalem]].

[[File:Altaïr_using_the_hidden_blade.jpg|thumb|left|280px|Altaïr performing an air assassination.]]
Both low and high profile assassinations may fail. A guard wary of your actions may catch your arm when you attempt the kill and throw you back. Attacks from behind and attacks made upon guards who are prone on the ground will never fail, no matter the circumstances. Be aware, of course, that you will lose one third of your [[synchronization]] if you assassinate innocent civilians with the Hidden Blade, just as with any other weapon. However once you complete the game and replay a memory block, you will not lose synchronization if you kill innocent civilians.

===Air Assassination===
In a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blXy3W2O2PE 2007 demo] of the [[William of Montferrat|William V of Montferrat]] mission, [[Jade Raymond]] introduced a move called ''air to assassinate'' that combines some of Altaïr's acrobatic skills with his Hidden Blade. From higher ground above a target such as a nearby roof or beam, Altaïr leaps directly onto his victim and stabs him in the throat. Although the move was not covered in the manual or in-game tutorials, air to assassinate does exist within ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' and the controls were documented by stabguy on [http://www.thehiddenblade.com/air-assassinate-guide The Hidden Blade] website. All forms of air to assassinate draw attention of nearby guards, even when performed in low profile. Note that in ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', ''Air to Assassinate'' was renamed ''Air Assassination'' and included as a required tutorial with simplified controls.

===In combat===
The Hidden Blade can also be used while in combat. An enemy who has been grabbed and thrown (or counter thrown with a grab break) can easily be killed while he lies on the ground. Using the Hidden Blade in combat against large groups is challenging, as Altaïr cannot block ''any'' attack. The time frame in which Altaïr can counter-attack is extremely small compared to the sword and the short blade, but successfully countering enables one of several different - and always lethal - counter-attacks in which Altaïr stabs his opponent in the chest, head, abdomen, base of the skull, or spine. It is also possible to assassinate the enemy in combat, while he is caught in a moment of inattention or grappling with a vigilante, or if he is taunting Altaïr (this is documented on The Hidden Blade as the "taunting penalty"), but any other time it will fail because the enemy will always block the attack. It is also possible to assassinate your targets even if they are aware of you by getting behind them and assassinating them.

===Mechanism===
[[File:Assassinscreedbladema5.png|thumb|The ring mechanism.]]
In ''Assassin's Creed'', Altaïr has the hidden blade on his left hand. The blade is integrated into the vambrace, and when not in use, sits retracted inside of the slide mechanism. Though not fully or officially understood, as to ''how'' the blade functions, there are a number of theories. One being that when Altaïr flicks his wrist, the blade is ejected with the combined force of Altaïr's arm and gravity. Altaïr is "unhinging" or "releasing" the blade which is kept locked in place. If the player holds down the weapon hand button, the blade stays ejected and Altaïr makes a fist around the blade, which rests in the spot where his amputated ring finger once was. Another popular theory is that a ring mechanism is used and that opening the hand ejects the blade, but this raises the question that why the blade does not activate every time he opens his hand, say when leaping for a ledge, and how he can hold the blade in his fist without it retracting. Another, more sensible theory is that it uses both mechanisms to operate the blade and that the blade wont eject or retract without both systems being used. one being the flicking of the wrist, and the ring mechanism. This explains why he flicks his wrist ''and'' opens his hand to eject the blade and why he can close his fist without the blade retracting and why he can flick his arm without fear of an unexpected stabbing.

The true mechanics behind the retraction of the blade yet remain a mystery. When the weapon hand button is released, Altaïr loosens his fist and opens his hand. At this point, the blade returns to the vambrace seemingly of its own accord. Some other theories on the blade's mechanics exist, with some maintaining that the blade works on a spring-retraction system, and with others stating that the blade is never truly locked when it is released, and therefore the blade will return if Altaïr is not holding it in place. Many fans of the game have attempted to construct their own hidden blade, with many posting videos of their blade on YouTube.

It is probable that it works on the same system as modern full automatic switchblade knives. There are two springs of equal strength present. The inertia from the pull/push of one spring is enough to overcome the resistance of the other spring for the blade to lock into place.

===Role in investigations and missions===
====Informant missions====
The Hidden Blade is also used for some of the [[investigation]]s given to you by [[informants]]. You are asked to stealthily assassinate a number of targets. If any guard even once confronts you, the mission is failed. If you attack the targets or the guards with [[fists]], the [[short blade]], the [[sword]], or any other high profile weapon, you will fail the mission. Because of this, you may '''only''' use [[throwing knives]] and/or the Hidden Blade to assassinate your targets.

====Interrogation missions====
During [[Interrogation]] missions, after successfully interrogating the target, Altaïr is forced to kill them, so they cannot reveal his plans to the enemy. He will bury the blade in their stomach to kill them, then gently lower their body onto the ground so as not to draw further attention to himself.

====Save Citizen missions====
In the optional [[Save Citizen]] missions to save citizens from soldiers threatening to kill them, this weapon will come in handy. Successfully and stealthily used, you might take out three of the soldiers before they notice you, draw their weapons, and engage you in a swordfight. Also, the Save Citizen missions are commonly located in alleyways or dark corners, so it is possible to begin the mission by starting from an elevated position and performing an air-to-assassinate.

====Assassinations====
The hidden blade is used in every storyline assassination you perform. Even if you begin by attacking the enemy with a sword, you will always finish them off with the hidden blade before it cuts to the death cutscene.

==''Assassin's Creed II''==
[[File:Lineage Hidden Blade.png|thumb|300px|Giovanni's (later Ezio's) Hidden Blade in ''Lineage''.]]

{{quote|The blade is designed to ensure the commitment of whomever wields it.|[[Leonardo da Vinci]]|Assassin's Creed II}}

In ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', [[Ezio]] possesses two hidden blades, whereas Altaïr has only one. In addition, unlike Altaïr who had to sacrifice his ring finger, both of Ezio's ring fingers are intact due to a design that raised the base of the weapon itself, as outlined in the Codex.

[[File:Double_assassination.jpg|thumb|left|250px|A Double Assassination from directly in between two guards.]]
This revised hidden blade had been designed by Altaïr (presumably through using the Apple of Eden) so that the Assassins, who he intended to go undercover, could not be identified by the lack of a ring finger. Furthermore, the mechanism did not require a wrist "flick" to extend the blade, thus the user could retract the blade without any wrist or hand movement, and as pictured the weapon could be used with a clenched fist (Giovanni has only been depicted as using a clenched fist, while Ezio would use the "traditional" open hand as did Altaïr). While there is a forward/downward-rotating wheel atop the rear portion of the mechanism's housing, its function has not been identified, and there are no known schematics or explanations for the mechanism. In ''[[Assassin's Creed: Lineage]]'', there were no shots of it operating while explicitly being worn on the actor's arm without gimmicks (such as an open-ended rear housing through which the blade could be pushed or pulled), so it is probable that no actual working prop exists that operates as depicted.

[[File:Demond_blade2.jpg|thumb|250px|The blade given to Desmond by Lucy.]]
Ezio's first blade would be inherited from his father, which, along with the corresponding Codex page, the Assassin's Robes and a common sword, had been in Giovanni's secret room after his arrest. The weapon had become inoperative ever since [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze|Giovanni]] had fought [[Rodrigo Borgia|Borgia]]'s men (in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Lineage]]''), when a single sword strike against the blade had dislodged it from the bracer and mechanism, but Ezio brought it to his friend [[Leonardo da Vinci]] to repair it.

Later on, Ezio would acquire another Codex page which upon decryption by Leonardo detailed the construction of a hidden blade with a metal plate on the top side of the vambrace, allowing the wielder to safely deflect enemy attacks and thus to properly engage in armed conflict with the blades.

At the end of the game, [[Desmond Miles|Desmond]] receives from [[Lucy Stillman|Lucy]] a similar model of the Hidden Blade (if not the same one) used by Ezio to face [[Warren Vidic|Vidic]]'s henchmen, but the Poison Blade and Gun are seemingly absent and/or inoperable, possibly due to the fact that the hidden blade that is given still needs improvements from a skilled engineer such as Leonardo, or the fact that lead bullets or the certain alloy used to make the hollowed out blade isn't available anymore.

===In combat===
[[Video:---The Guide to the Hidden Blade---|thumb|left|300px|Video Guide to the Hidden Blade.]]
In ''Assassin's Creed II'', the use of the hidden blade in combat is more classical. It can be used like a regular weapon, and is capable of breaking an enemy's defense. It attacks fairly fast, becoming faster after the acquirement of the second blade, allowing Ezio to unleash a constant barrage of strikes, suppressing a foe's ability to attack or killing them before they can attack. While attacking with the hidden blade, enemies cannot counter-attack, unlike when you attack with swords, maces and smaller weapons. Unlike the first game, it is also possible to block attacks while using the Hidden Blade once he has the upgraded vambrace. The hidden blade also allows you to attack very quickly and gives you more freedom in movement rather than the other weapons. For example, Ezio can easily strafe a 180 degree arch in the time it takes for the enemy to attack. This is barely possible except from very close range range with the sword or dagger. It also allows Ezio to quickly flee from a battle without having to take the time to sheath his weapon.

Veterans of ''Assassin's Creed'' combat may want to challenge themselves by using the Hidden Blade(s) in combat. While the counter-kill timing window is very short (a fraction of a second), skillful timing will be rewarded nicely; except for against the [[Brutes]]' smashes which knock Ezio's weapon away (does not work against Hidden Blades) and [[Seekers]]' (sweep Ezio's feet) special attacks, a successfully timed counter will always kill the guard against which it is performed, even if the guard has high health and/or is a high-ranking soldier. In addition, Brutes are very vulnerable and easy to combo kill with the hidden blades. Even a 3 hit combo can be used to kill a brute: see 1:44 in the video to the left.

===Upgrades===
[[File:Air_assassination.jpg|thumb|250px|An Air Assassination in process.]]
The second Hidden Blade is acquired later and the main blade gets upgraded with the [[poison blade]] and the [[pistol]] installed. Also, both blades get vambraces allowing Ezio to block heavier attacks with the hidden blades. Ezio can buy poison for the blade from [[Doctors]] and ammunition for the pistol at [[Blacksmiths]].

===Techniques===
[[File:956856_20090525_790screen003.jpg|thumb|left|Ezio performing a 'Hiding Spot' assassination.]]
Later on, Ezio can assassinate enemies below with an Air Assassination, a Double Air Assassination if the target is adjacent to another, by leaping from a platform onto the victim. This, however, is easily noticeable by [[guards]] and they will attack once they see you doing it. It is possible to assassinate two guards at the same time (at ground level) by standing between them and piercing both their throats.

At the same time Ezio learns the aforementioned techniques, he also learns how to assassinate enemies that are standing on ledges above him, as well as how to assassinate targets from a hiding spot (e.g. Hay, Wells and Benches).

There are also other techniques that aren't actually part of what Ezio learns, but rather what players use to kill guards. One example would be side-stepping around a guard right after he attacks and then doing a instant kill to their backs with the hidden blade. Also, one can may grab an enemy and strike or throw him so that he falls, and then run to his body to perform a instant kill using the hidden blade before he can get back to his feet. A flashier and possibly quicker alternative is to perform an Air Assassination while running up a nearby wall or other vertical surface (i.e. a pillar). This sort of Air Assassination may also be attempted against standing enemies, though the chance of success is low if the enemy is aware of Ezio's presence during Open Conflict.

Ezio can also perform special combo kill animations and counter kill animations with the dual hidden blades.

==''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood''==
[[File:Acbeziohiddenblades.jpg|thumb|250px|Ezio's new hidden blades in ''Brotherhood''.]]

In ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'', 1499, at the beginning of the game, Ezio's hidden blade (or at least its bracer) can be seen on a table, while he is sleeping with [[Caterina Sforza]].

However, in 1503, Ezio has two new hidden blades and bracers on each forearm, both of which match the other new parts of his robes. However, in some screenshots and pictures, Ezio has only one hidden blade instead of two; though the reason for this is currently unknown. This may be because he lost one of them during the [[Siege of Monteriggioni]], and needed to rebuild the other Hidden Blade. Poison darts will be also fired out of the hidden gun.

[[Assassin apprentices|Ezio's apprentices]] are equipped with hidden blades, though they are only given one. The right to two hidden blades is only reserved for the most trusted of Assassins.

The [[smuggler|Smuggler]] from the ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'' multiplayer also appears to sport a hidden blade, although it is inverted, with the blade extending from the top of the arm, rather than the bottom.

[[Desmond Miles|Desmond]] wields a hidden blade without a bracer in ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'', with only three straps to attach it to his arm.

==Trivia==
[[File:Zw-darius.png|thumb|Darius, the first to wield a Hidden Blade]]
*On one of the [[Codex Pages]] it states that the blade has to be connected or linked with the user, thus explaining part of why Altaïr had his ring finger removed. Altaïr opens his hand and spreads his fingers whenever the blade is extended. Similarly, he never uses the blade with his hand clenched in a fist; all stabbing moves and assassinations are performed with an open hand. The only time the blade sits in the space left by the amputated finger is when the player extends the blade and holds it out (by holding the weapon hand button while out of combat). Holding the button will keep the blade extended, but it does not act as other weapons, it will not scare away civilians.
*In both games the trigger mechanism is not visible on Altaïr's or Ezio's hands, even when they aren't wearing gloves.
*Masyaf Guards in ''Assassin's Creed'' do sport a hidden blade, though they never use it, nor is their ring finger missing.
*[[Malik]], from the first game, had the hidden blade before he lost his arm but did not have an amputated finger.
*The first recorded usage of the Hidden Blade by an Assassin was [[Darius]], when he assassinated [[Xerxes]] of Persia. Moreover, his [[Assassin's Seal|seal]]'s symbol is the Hidden Blade. However, his ring finger is still intact and he weilds it on his right hand.
*[[Patrice Desilets]], the creative director of the game, stated that the addition of a second blade in ''Assassin's Creed II'' also had a lucid reason: it's ''Assassin's Creed II,'' so there are 2 blades.
*In the film ''Smokin' Aces'', one of the assassins sport a weapon similar to the hidden blade. Also, in the movie ''G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra'', Storm Shadow uses a weapon similar to the Hidden Blade, though it is limited by the fact it must be operated with both hands. In the new ''Mortal Kombat: Rebirth'' trailer Dr. Alan Zane, a.k.a. Baraka has similar forearm hidden blades. In Soul Calibur : Broken Destiny, the character Dampierre fights with two similar hidden blades, although much bigger in size.
*The Hidden Blade is the only weapon that has a counter attack that cannot be blocked by enemies, though the timing has to be more precise than with a counter with a sword or shortblade.
*Ezio's second Hidden Blade on his right arm in ''Assassin's Creed II'' is black, compared to the original white one. The original design of the second hidden blade was displayed as a brown glove with a white hidden blade, but it is unknown why it was changed into a bracer with a blade like Ezio's primary Hidden blade and bracer.
*In ''Brotherhood'', it seems that Ezio has a new set of Hidden Blades, each of them sporting the gun and poison blade attachments.
*According to the Codex, there are only a limited number of Hidden Blades due to how hard it is to retrieve metal they are made of.
*The ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'' multiplayer character, the [[Smuggler]], has a Hidden Blade which extends from the top of her forearm, rather than under her wrist.
*In ''Assassin's Creed II'', after Giovanni tells Ezio to grab everything in his secret chest behind a secret room, Ezio goes home and finds the Assassin robes and wears them. While Ezio puts on the robes, the scene where he is fixing something on his right arm, he is really putting on the brown glove which is displayed in the inventory menu, in the E3 demo, and in some pre-release pictures. Somehow, Ezio's glove is not displayed even though it is displayed that he has it in his inventory where it says "Fists". It is ironic how he obtains the glove when he receives his second hidden blade.

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[[Category:Assassin's Creed Weapons]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II Weapons]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Weapons]]
[[Category:Assassin's Order]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed Series]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines Weapons]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II: Discovery Weapons]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles Weapons]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Weapons]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Multiplayer Weapons]]

Hidden Blade

2010-10-27T15:46:57Z

91.108.126.230: /* Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood */

{{Era|AC|AC2|Assassins}}
{{Revamp}}
[[File:Hiddenblade.jpg|thumb|300px|Altaïr stabbing a crusader with the Hidden Blade.]]
{{quote|The hidden blade has been a constant companion of ours over the years. Some would say it defines us - and they would not be entirely wrong. Many of our successes would not have been possible without it.|[[The Codex|Altaïr's Codex]], Page 13|Assassin's Creed II}}

The iconic weapon of the [[Assassin's Creed series|''Assassin's Creed'' series]], the '''Hidden Blade''' is used both for stealth assassinations and for regular combat.

==''Assassin's Creed''==
Although [[Altaïr]] already has this weapon at the start of the game, he loses it when he is demoted to [[Novice]]. At his first promotion to [[rank]] 2, however, he earns it back (along with his [[sword]]) so that he may perform his first assassination on [[Tamir]], the black marketeer, in [[Damascus]].

===Basic usage===
[[Video:12 Ways to Wield the Hidden Blade|thumb|300px|right|Video tutorial on usage of the Hidden Blade.]]
This weapon is mostly used for stealthy, low profile assassinations upon soldiers. An unaware soldier may be assassinated without drawing too much attention, with stealth assassinations being possible from both behind and in front of the target. Altaïr rams the blade into the victim's abdomen (front) or through his spine (back). When stealth is not a priority, Altaïr may perform a high profile assassination. This involves jabbing the blade through the target's nose and into the brain when facing Altaïr, or pushing the target onto his knees and stabbing him in the neck when approached from behind.

The Hidden Blade is the only weapon that Altaïr may wield while sprinting. When Altaïr is close enough to the victim during a foot pursuit, the button on the ''weapon hand ''button on the HUD will change to "assassinate", which can be pressed to carry out the assassination. Altaïr will perform a running leap, landing on his victim from behind and burying the blade in the neck. This feature makes it an ideal choice for running down targets who flee such as [[Talal]], the slave trader, in [[Jerusalem]].

[[File:Altaïr_using_the_hidden_blade.jpg|thumb|left|280px|Altaïr performing an air assassination.]]
Both low and high profile assassinations may fail. A guard wary of your actions may catch your arm when you attempt the kill and throw you back. Attacks from behind and attacks made upon guards who are prone on the ground will never fail, no matter the circumstances. Be aware, of course, that you will lose one third of your [[synchronization]] if you assassinate innocent civilians with the Hidden Blade, just as with any other weapon. However once you complete the game and replay a memory block, you will not lose synchronization if you kill innocent civilians.

===Air Assassination===
In a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blXy3W2O2PE 2007 demo] of the [[William of Montferrat|William V of Montferrat]] mission, [[Jade Raymond]] introduced a move called ''air to assassinate'' that combines some of Altaïr's acrobatic skills with his Hidden Blade. From higher ground above a target such as a nearby roof or beam, Altaïr leaps directly onto his victim and stabs him in the throat. Although the move was not covered in the manual or in-game tutorials, air to assassinate does exist within ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' and the controls were documented by stabguy on [http://www.thehiddenblade.com/air-assassinate-guide The Hidden Blade] website. All forms of air to assassinate draw attention of nearby guards, even when performed in low profile. Note that in ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', ''Air to Assassinate'' was renamed ''Air Assassination'' and included as a required tutorial with simplified controls.

===In combat===
The Hidden Blade can also be used while in combat. An enemy who has been grabbed and thrown (or counter thrown with a grab break) can easily be killed while he lies on the ground. Using the Hidden Blade in combat against large groups is challenging, as Altaïr cannot block ''any'' attack. The time frame in which Altaïr can counter-attack is extremely small compared to the sword and the short blade, but successfully countering enables one of several different - and always lethal - counter-attacks in which Altaïr stabs his opponent in the chest, head, abdomen, base of the skull, or spine. It is also possible to assassinate the enemy in combat, while he is caught in a moment of inattention or grappling with a vigilante, or if he is taunting Altaïr (this is documented on The Hidden Blade as the "taunting penalty"), but any other time it will fail because the enemy will always block the attack. It is also possible to assassinate your targets even if they are aware of you by getting behind them and assassinating them.

===Mechanism===
[[File:Assassinscreedbladema5.png|thumb|The ring mechanism.]]
In ''Assassin's Creed'', Altaïr has the hidden blade on his left hand. The blade is integrated into the vambrace, and when not in use, sits retracted inside of the slide mechanism. Though not fully or officially understood, as to ''how'' the blade functions, there are a number of theories. One being that when Altaïr flicks his wrist, the blade is ejected with the combined force of Altaïr's arm and gravity. Altaïr is "unhinging" or "releasing" the blade which is kept locked in place. If the player holds down the weapon hand button, the blade stays ejected and Altaïr makes a fist around the blade, which rests in the spot where his amputated ring finger once was. Another popular theory is that a ring mechanism is used and that opening the hand ejects the blade, but this raises the question that why the blade does not activate every time he opens his hand, say when leaping for a ledge, and how he can hold the blade in his fist without it retracting. Another, more sensible theory is that it uses both mechanisms to operate the blade and that the blade wont eject or retract without both systems being used. one being the flicking of the wrist, and the ring mechanism. This explains why he flicks his wrist ''and'' opens his hand to eject the blade and why he can close his fist without the blade retracting and why he can flick his arm without fear of an unexpected stabbing.

The true mechanics behind the retraction of the blade yet remain a mystery. When the weapon hand button is released, Altaïr loosens his fist and opens his hand. At this point, the blade returns to the vambrace seemingly of its own accord. Some other theories on the blade's mechanics exist, with some maintaining that the blade works on a spring-retraction system, and with others stating that the blade is never truly locked when it is released, and therefore the blade will return if Altaïr is not holding it in place. Many fans of the game have attempted to construct their own hidden blade, with many posting videos of their blade on YouTube.

It is probable that it works on the same system as modern full automatic switchblade knives. There are two springs of equal strength present. The inertia from the pull/push of one spring is enough to overcome the resistance of the other spring for the blade to lock into place.

===Role in investigations and missions===
====Informant missions====
The Hidden Blade is also used for some of the [[investigation]]s given to you by [[informants]]. You are asked to stealthily assassinate a number of targets. If any guard even once confronts you, the mission is failed. If you attack the targets or the guards with [[fists]], the [[short blade]], the [[sword]], or any other high profile weapon, you will fail the mission. Because of this, you may '''only''' use [[throwing knives]] and/or the Hidden Blade to assassinate your targets.

====Interrogation missions====
During [[Interrogation]] missions, after successfully interrogating the target, Altaïr is forced to kill them, so they cannot reveal his plans to the enemy. He will bury the blade in their stomach to kill them, then gently lower their body onto the ground so as not to draw further attention to himself.

====Save Citizen missions====
In the optional [[Save Citizen]] missions to save citizens from soldiers threatening to kill them, this weapon will come in handy. Successfully and stealthily used, you might take out three of the soldiers before they notice you, draw their weapons, and engage you in a swordfight. Also, the Save Citizen missions are commonly located in alleyways or dark corners, so it is possible to begin the mission by starting from an elevated position and performing an air-to-assassinate.

====Assassinations====
The hidden blade is used in every storyline assassination you perform. Even if you begin by attacking the enemy with a sword, you will always finish them off with the hidden blade before it cuts to the death cutscene.

==''Assassin's Creed II''==
[[File:Lineage Hidden Blade.png|thumb|300px|Giovanni's (later Ezio's) Hidden Blade in ''Lineage''.]]

{{quote|The blade is designed to ensure the commitment of whomever wields it.|[[Leonardo da Vinci]]|Assassin's Creed II}}

In ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', [[Ezio]] possesses two hidden blades, whereas Altaïr has only one. In addition, unlike Altaïr who had to sacrifice his ring finger, both of Ezio's ring fingers are intact due to a design that raised the base of the weapon itself, as outlined in the Codex.

[[File:Double_assassination.jpg|thumb|left|250px|A Double Assassination from directly in between two guards.]]
This revised hidden blade had been designed by Altaïr (presumably through using the Apple of Eden) so that the Assassins, who he intended to go undercover, could not be identified by the lack of a ring finger. Furthermore, the mechanism did not require a wrist "flick" to extend the blade, thus the user could retract the blade without any wrist or hand movement, and as pictured the weapon could be used with a clenched fist (Giovanni has only been depicted as using a clenched fist, while Ezio would use the "traditional" open hand as did Altaïr). While there is a forward/downward-rotating wheel atop the rear portion of the mechanism's housing, its function has not been identified, and there are no known schematics or explanations for the mechanism. In ''[[Assassin's Creed: Lineage]]'', there were no shots of it operating while explicitly being worn on the actor's arm without gimmicks (such as an open-ended rear housing through which the blade could be pushed or pulled), so it is probable that no actual working prop exists that operates as depicted.

[[File:Demond_blade2.jpg|thumb|250px|The blade given to Desmond by Lucy.]]
Ezio's first blade would be inherited from his father, which, along with the corresponding Codex page, the Assassin's Robes and a common sword, had been in Giovanni's secret room after his arrest. The weapon had become inoperative ever since [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze|Giovanni]] had fought [[Rodrigo Borgia|Borgia]]'s men (in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Lineage]]''), when a single sword strike against the blade had dislodged it from the bracer and mechanism, but Ezio brought it to his friend [[Leonardo da Vinci]] to repair it.

Later on, Ezio would acquire another Codex page which upon decryption by Leonardo detailed the construction of a hidden blade with a metal plate on the top side of the vambrace, allowing the wielder to safely deflect enemy attacks and thus to properly engage in armed conflict with the blades.

At the end of the game, [[Desmond Miles|Desmond]] receives from [[Lucy Stillman|Lucy]] a similar model of the Hidden Blade (if not the same one) used by Ezio to face [[Warren Vidic|Vidic]]'s henchmen, but the Poison Blade and Gun are seemingly absent and/or inoperable, possibly due to the fact that the hidden blade that is given still needs improvements from a skilled engineer such as Leonardo, or the fact that lead bullets or the certain alloy used to make the hollowed out blade isn't available anymore.

===In combat===
[[Video:---The Guide to the Hidden Blade---|thumb|left|300px|Video Guide to the Hidden Blade.]]
In ''Assassin's Creed II'', the use of the hidden blade in combat is more classical. It can be used like a regular weapon, and is capable of breaking an enemy's defense. It attacks fairly fast, becoming faster after the acquirement of the second blade, allowing Ezio to unleash a constant barrage of strikes, suppressing a foe's ability to attack or killing them before they can attack. While attacking with the hidden blade, enemies cannot counter-attack, unlike when you attack with swords, maces and smaller weapons. Unlike the first game, it is also possible to block attacks while using the Hidden Blade once he has the upgraded vambrace. The hidden blade also allows you to attack very quickly and gives you more freedom in movement rather than the other weapons. For example, Ezio can easily strafe a 180 degree arch in the time it takes for the enemy to attack. This is barely possible except from very close range range with the sword or dagger. It also allows Ezio to quickly flee from a battle without having to take the time to sheath his weapon.

Veterans of ''Assassin's Creed'' combat may want to challenge themselves by using the Hidden Blade(s) in combat. While the counter-kill timing window is very short (a fraction of a second), skillful timing will be rewarded nicely; except for against the [[Brutes]]' smashes which knock Ezio's weapon away (does not work against Hidden Blades) and [[Seekers]]' (sweep Ezio's feet) special attacks, a successfully timed counter will always kill the guard against which it is performed, even if the guard has high health and/or is a high-ranking soldier. In addition, Brutes are very vulnerable and easy to combo kill with the hidden blades. Even a 3 hit combo can be used to kill a brute: see 1:44 in the video to the left.

===Upgrades===
[[File:Air_assassination.jpg|thumb|250px|An Air Assassination in process.]]
The second Hidden Blade is acquired later and the main blade gets upgraded with the [[poison blade]] and the [[pistol]] installed. Also, both blades get vambraces allowing Ezio to block heavier attacks with the hidden blades. Ezio can buy poison for the blade from [[Doctors]] and ammunition for the pistol at [[Blacksmiths]].

===Techniques===
[[File:956856_20090525_790screen003.jpg|thumb|left|Ezio performing a 'Hiding Spot' assassination.]]
Later on, Ezio can assassinate enemies below with an Air Assassination, a Double Air Assassination if the target is adjacent to another, by leaping from a platform onto the victim. This, however, is easily noticeable by [[guards]] and they will attack once they see you doing it. It is possible to assassinate two guards at the same time (at ground level) by standing between them and piercing both their throats.

At the same time Ezio learns the aforementioned techniques, he also learns how to assassinate enemies that are standing on ledges above him, as well as how to assassinate targets from a hiding spot (e.g. Hay, Wells and Benches).

There are also other techniques that aren't actually part of what Ezio learns, but rather what players use to kill guards. One example would be side-stepping around a guard right after he attacks and then doing a instant kill to their backs with the hidden blade. Also, one can may grab an enemy and strike or throw him so that he falls, and then run to his body to perform a instant kill using the hidden blade before he can get back to his feet. A flashier and possibly quicker alternative is to perform an Air Assassination while running up a nearby wall or other vertical surface (i.e. a pillar). This sort of Air Assassination may also be attempted against standing enemies, though the chance of success is low if the enemy is aware of Ezio's presence during Open Conflict.

Ezio can also perform special combo kill animations and counter kill animations with the dual hidden blades.

==''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood''==
[[File:Acbeziohiddenblades.jpg|thumb|250px|Ezio's new hidden blades in ''Brotherhood''.]]

In ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'', 1499, at the beginning of the game, Ezio's hidden blade (or at least its bracer) can be seen on a table, while he is sleeping with [[Caterina Sforza]].

However, in 1503, Ezio has two new hidden blades and bracers on each forearm, both of which match the other new parts of his robes. However, in some screenshots and pictures, Ezio has only one hidden blade instead of two; though the reason for this is currently unknown. This may be because he lost one of them during the [[Siege of Montergionni|Siege of Monterigionni]], and needed to rebuild the other Hidden Blade. Poison darts will be also fired out of the hidden gun.

[[Assassin apprentices|Ezio's apprentices]] are equipped with hidden blades, though they are only given one. The right to two hidden blades is only reserved for the most trusted of Assassins.

The [[smuggler|Smuggler]] from the ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'' multiplayer also appears to sport a hidden blade, although it is inverted, with the blade extending from the top of the arm, rather than the bottom.

[[Desmond Miles|Desmond]] wields a hidden blade without a bracer in ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'', with only three straps to attach it to his arm.

==Trivia==
[[File:Zw-darius.png|thumb|Darius, the first to wield a Hidden Blade]]
*On one of the [[Codex Pages]] it states that the blade has to be connected or linked with the user, thus explaining part of why Altaïr had his ring finger removed. Altaïr opens his hand and spreads his fingers whenever the blade is extended. Similarly, he never uses the blade with his hand clenched in a fist; all stabbing moves and assassinations are performed with an open hand. The only time the blade sits in the space left by the amputated finger is when the player extends the blade and holds it out (by holding the weapon hand button while out of combat). Holding the button will keep the blade extended, but it does not act as other weapons, it will not scare away civilians.
*In both games the trigger mechanism is not visible on Altaïr's or Ezio's hands, even when they aren't wearing gloves.
*Masyaf Guards in ''Assassin's Creed'' do sport a hidden blade, though they never use it, nor is their ring finger missing.
*[[Malik]], from the first game, had the hidden blade before he lost his arm but did not have an amputated finger.
*The first recorded usage of the Hidden Blade by an Assassin was [[Darius]], when he assassinated [[Xerxes]] of Persia. Moreover, his [[Assassin's Seal|seal]]'s symbol is the Hidden Blade. However, his ring finger is still intact and he weilds it on his right hand.
*[[Patrice Desilets]], the creative director of the game, stated that the addition of a second blade in ''Assassin's Creed II'' also had a lucid reason: it's ''Assassin's Creed II,'' so there are 2 blades.
*In the film ''Smokin' Aces'', one of the assassins sport a weapon similar to the hidden blade. Also, in the movie ''G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra'', Storm Shadow uses a weapon similar to the Hidden Blade, though it is limited by the fact it must be operated with both hands. In the new ''Mortal Kombat: Rebirth'' trailer Dr. Alan Zane, a.k.a. Baraka has similar forearm hidden blades. In Soul Calibur : Broken Destiny, the character Dampierre fights with two similar hidden blades, although much bigger in size.
*The Hidden Blade is the only weapon that has a counter attack that cannot be blocked by enemies, though the timing has to be more precise than with a counter with a sword or shortblade.
*Ezio's second Hidden Blade on his right arm in ''Assassin's Creed II'' is black, compared to the original white one. The original design of the second hidden blade was displayed as a brown glove with a white hidden blade, but it is unknown why it was changed into a bracer with a blade like Ezio's primary Hidden blade and bracer.
*In ''Brotherhood'', it seems that Ezio has a new set of Hidden Blades, each of them sporting the gun and poison blade attachments.
*According to the Codex, there are only a limited number of Hidden Blades due to how hard it is to retrieve metal they are made of.
*The ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'' multiplayer character, the [[Smuggler]], has a Hidden Blade which extends from the top of her forearm, rather than under her wrist.
*In ''Assassin's Creed II'', after Giovanni tells Ezio to grab everything in his secret chest behind a secret room, Ezio goes home and finds the Assassin robes and wears them. While Ezio puts on the robes, the scene where he is fixing something on his right arm, he is really putting on the brown glove which is displayed in the inventory menu, in the E3 demo, and in some pre-release pictures. Somehow, Ezio's glove is not displayed even though it is displayed that he has it in his inventory where it says "Fists". It is ironic how he obtains the glove when he receives his second hidden blade.

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[[Category:Assassin's Creed Weapons]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II Weapons]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Weapons]]
[[Category:Assassin's Order]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed Series]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines Weapons]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II: Discovery Weapons]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles Weapons]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Weapons]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Multiplayer Weapons]]

Hidden Blade

2010-10-27T15:46:06Z

91.108.126.230: /* Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood */

{{Era|AC|AC2|Assassins}}
{{Revamp}}
[[File:Hiddenblade.jpg|thumb|300px|Altaïr stabbing a crusader with the Hidden Blade.]]
{{quote|The hidden blade has been a constant companion of ours over the years. Some would say it defines us - and they would not be entirely wrong. Many of our successes would not have been possible without it.|[[The Codex|Altaïr's Codex]], Page 13|Assassin's Creed II}}

The iconic weapon of the [[Assassin's Creed series|''Assassin's Creed'' series]], the '''Hidden Blade''' is used both for stealth assassinations and for regular combat.

==''Assassin's Creed''==
Although [[Altaïr]] already has this weapon at the start of the game, he loses it when he is demoted to [[Novice]]. At his first promotion to [[rank]] 2, however, he earns it back (along with his [[sword]]) so that he may perform his first assassination on [[Tamir]], the black marketeer, in [[Damascus]].

===Basic usage===
[[Video:12 Ways to Wield the Hidden Blade|thumb|300px|right|Video tutorial on usage of the Hidden Blade.]]
This weapon is mostly used for stealthy, low profile assassinations upon soldiers. An unaware soldier may be assassinated without drawing too much attention, with stealth assassinations being possible from both behind and in front of the target. Altaïr rams the blade into the victim's abdomen (front) or through his spine (back). When stealth is not a priority, Altaïr may perform a high profile assassination. This involves jabbing the blade through the target's nose and into the brain when facing Altaïr, or pushing the target onto his knees and stabbing him in the neck when approached from behind.

The Hidden Blade is the only weapon that Altaïr may wield while sprinting. When Altaïr is close enough to the victim during a foot pursuit, the button on the ''weapon hand ''button on the HUD will change to "assassinate", which can be pressed to carry out the assassination. Altaïr will perform a running leap, landing on his victim from behind and burying the blade in the neck. This feature makes it an ideal choice for running down targets who flee such as [[Talal]], the slave trader, in [[Jerusalem]].

[[File:Altaïr_using_the_hidden_blade.jpg|thumb|left|280px|Altaïr performing an air assassination.]]
Both low and high profile assassinations may fail. A guard wary of your actions may catch your arm when you attempt the kill and throw you back. Attacks from behind and attacks made upon guards who are prone on the ground will never fail, no matter the circumstances. Be aware, of course, that you will lose one third of your [[synchronization]] if you assassinate innocent civilians with the Hidden Blade, just as with any other weapon. However once you complete the game and replay a memory block, you will not lose synchronization if you kill innocent civilians.

===Air Assassination===
In a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blXy3W2O2PE 2007 demo] of the [[William of Montferrat|William V of Montferrat]] mission, [[Jade Raymond]] introduced a move called ''air to assassinate'' that combines some of Altaïr's acrobatic skills with his Hidden Blade. From higher ground above a target such as a nearby roof or beam, Altaïr leaps directly onto his victim and stabs him in the throat. Although the move was not covered in the manual or in-game tutorials, air to assassinate does exist within ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' and the controls were documented by stabguy on [http://www.thehiddenblade.com/air-assassinate-guide The Hidden Blade] website. All forms of air to assassinate draw attention of nearby guards, even when performed in low profile. Note that in ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', ''Air to Assassinate'' was renamed ''Air Assassination'' and included as a required tutorial with simplified controls.

===In combat===
The Hidden Blade can also be used while in combat. An enemy who has been grabbed and thrown (or counter thrown with a grab break) can easily be killed while he lies on the ground. Using the Hidden Blade in combat against large groups is challenging, as Altaïr cannot block ''any'' attack. The time frame in which Altaïr can counter-attack is extremely small compared to the sword and the short blade, but successfully countering enables one of several different - and always lethal - counter-attacks in which Altaïr stabs his opponent in the chest, head, abdomen, base of the skull, or spine. It is also possible to assassinate the enemy in combat, while he is caught in a moment of inattention or grappling with a vigilante, or if he is taunting Altaïr (this is documented on The Hidden Blade as the "taunting penalty"), but any other time it will fail because the enemy will always block the attack. It is also possible to assassinate your targets even if they are aware of you by getting behind them and assassinating them.

===Mechanism===
[[File:Assassinscreedbladema5.png|thumb|The ring mechanism.]]
In ''Assassin's Creed'', Altaïr has the hidden blade on his left hand. The blade is integrated into the vambrace, and when not in use, sits retracted inside of the slide mechanism. Though not fully or officially understood, as to ''how'' the blade functions, there are a number of theories. One being that when Altaïr flicks his wrist, the blade is ejected with the combined force of Altaïr's arm and gravity. Altaïr is "unhinging" or "releasing" the blade which is kept locked in place. If the player holds down the weapon hand button, the blade stays ejected and Altaïr makes a fist around the blade, which rests in the spot where his amputated ring finger once was. Another popular theory is that a ring mechanism is used and that opening the hand ejects the blade, but this raises the question that why the blade does not activate every time he opens his hand, say when leaping for a ledge, and how he can hold the blade in his fist without it retracting. Another, more sensible theory is that it uses both mechanisms to operate the blade and that the blade wont eject or retract without both systems being used. one being the flicking of the wrist, and the ring mechanism. This explains why he flicks his wrist ''and'' opens his hand to eject the blade and why he can close his fist without the blade retracting and why he can flick his arm without fear of an unexpected stabbing.

The true mechanics behind the retraction of the blade yet remain a mystery. When the weapon hand button is released, Altaïr loosens his fist and opens his hand. At this point, the blade returns to the vambrace seemingly of its own accord. Some other theories on the blade's mechanics exist, with some maintaining that the blade works on a spring-retraction system, and with others stating that the blade is never truly locked when it is released, and therefore the blade will return if Altaïr is not holding it in place. Many fans of the game have attempted to construct their own hidden blade, with many posting videos of their blade on YouTube.

It is probable that it works on the same system as modern full automatic switchblade knives. There are two springs of equal strength present. The inertia from the pull/push of one spring is enough to overcome the resistance of the other spring for the blade to lock into place.

===Role in investigations and missions===
====Informant missions====
The Hidden Blade is also used for some of the [[investigation]]s given to you by [[informants]]. You are asked to stealthily assassinate a number of targets. If any guard even once confronts you, the mission is failed. If you attack the targets or the guards with [[fists]], the [[short blade]], the [[sword]], or any other high profile weapon, you will fail the mission. Because of this, you may '''only''' use [[throwing knives]] and/or the Hidden Blade to assassinate your targets.

====Interrogation missions====
During [[Interrogation]] missions, after successfully interrogating the target, Altaïr is forced to kill them, so they cannot reveal his plans to the enemy. He will bury the blade in their stomach to kill them, then gently lower their body onto the ground so as not to draw further attention to himself.

====Save Citizen missions====
In the optional [[Save Citizen]] missions to save citizens from soldiers threatening to kill them, this weapon will come in handy. Successfully and stealthily used, you might take out three of the soldiers before they notice you, draw their weapons, and engage you in a swordfight. Also, the Save Citizen missions are commonly located in alleyways or dark corners, so it is possible to begin the mission by starting from an elevated position and performing an air-to-assassinate.

====Assassinations====
The hidden blade is used in every storyline assassination you perform. Even if you begin by attacking the enemy with a sword, you will always finish them off with the hidden blade before it cuts to the death cutscene.

==''Assassin's Creed II''==
[[File:Lineage Hidden Blade.png|thumb|300px|Giovanni's (later Ezio's) Hidden Blade in ''Lineage''.]]

{{quote|The blade is designed to ensure the commitment of whomever wields it.|[[Leonardo da Vinci]]|Assassin's Creed II}}

In ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', [[Ezio]] possesses two hidden blades, whereas Altaïr has only one. In addition, unlike Altaïr who had to sacrifice his ring finger, both of Ezio's ring fingers are intact due to a design that raised the base of the weapon itself, as outlined in the Codex.

[[File:Double_assassination.jpg|thumb|left|250px|A Double Assassination from directly in between two guards.]]
This revised hidden blade had been designed by Altaïr (presumably through using the Apple of Eden) so that the Assassins, who he intended to go undercover, could not be identified by the lack of a ring finger. Furthermore, the mechanism did not require a wrist "flick" to extend the blade, thus the user could retract the blade without any wrist or hand movement, and as pictured the weapon could be used with a clenched fist (Giovanni has only been depicted as using a clenched fist, while Ezio would use the "traditional" open hand as did Altaïr). While there is a forward/downward-rotating wheel atop the rear portion of the mechanism's housing, its function has not been identified, and there are no known schematics or explanations for the mechanism. In ''[[Assassin's Creed: Lineage]]'', there were no shots of it operating while explicitly being worn on the actor's arm without gimmicks (such as an open-ended rear housing through which the blade could be pushed or pulled), so it is probable that no actual working prop exists that operates as depicted.

[[File:Demond_blade2.jpg|thumb|250px|The blade given to Desmond by Lucy.]]
Ezio's first blade would be inherited from his father, which, along with the corresponding Codex page, the Assassin's Robes and a common sword, had been in Giovanni's secret room after his arrest. The weapon had become inoperative ever since [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze|Giovanni]] had fought [[Rodrigo Borgia|Borgia]]'s men (in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Lineage]]''), when a single sword strike against the blade had dislodged it from the bracer and mechanism, but Ezio brought it to his friend [[Leonardo da Vinci]] to repair it.

Later on, Ezio would acquire another Codex page which upon decryption by Leonardo detailed the construction of a hidden blade with a metal plate on the top side of the vambrace, allowing the wielder to safely deflect enemy attacks and thus to properly engage in armed conflict with the blades.

At the end of the game, [[Desmond Miles|Desmond]] receives from [[Lucy Stillman|Lucy]] a similar model of the Hidden Blade (if not the same one) used by Ezio to face [[Warren Vidic|Vidic]]'s henchmen, but the Poison Blade and Gun are seemingly absent and/or inoperable, possibly due to the fact that the hidden blade that is given still needs improvements from a skilled engineer such as Leonardo, or the fact that lead bullets or the certain alloy used to make the hollowed out blade isn't available anymore.

===In combat===
[[Video:---The Guide to the Hidden Blade---|thumb|left|300px|Video Guide to the Hidden Blade.]]
In ''Assassin's Creed II'', the use of the hidden blade in combat is more classical. It can be used like a regular weapon, and is capable of breaking an enemy's defense. It attacks fairly fast, becoming faster after the acquirement of the second blade, allowing Ezio to unleash a constant barrage of strikes, suppressing a foe's ability to attack or killing them before they can attack. While attacking with the hidden blade, enemies cannot counter-attack, unlike when you attack with swords, maces and smaller weapons. Unlike the first game, it is also possible to block attacks while using the Hidden Blade once he has the upgraded vambrace. The hidden blade also allows you to attack very quickly and gives you more freedom in movement rather than the other weapons. For example, Ezio can easily strafe a 180 degree arch in the time it takes for the enemy to attack. This is barely possible except from very close range range with the sword or dagger. It also allows Ezio to quickly flee from a battle without having to take the time to sheath his weapon.

Veterans of ''Assassin's Creed'' combat may want to challenge themselves by using the Hidden Blade(s) in combat. While the counter-kill timing window is very short (a fraction of a second), skillful timing will be rewarded nicely; except for against the [[Brutes]]' smashes which knock Ezio's weapon away (does not work against Hidden Blades) and [[Seekers]]' (sweep Ezio's feet) special attacks, a successfully timed counter will always kill the guard against which it is performed, even if the guard has high health and/or is a high-ranking soldier. In addition, Brutes are very vulnerable and easy to combo kill with the hidden blades. Even a 3 hit combo can be used to kill a brute: see 1:44 in the video to the left.

===Upgrades===
[[File:Air_assassination.jpg|thumb|250px|An Air Assassination in process.]]
The second Hidden Blade is acquired later and the main blade gets upgraded with the [[poison blade]] and the [[pistol]] installed. Also, both blades get vambraces allowing Ezio to block heavier attacks with the hidden blades. Ezio can buy poison for the blade from [[Doctors]] and ammunition for the pistol at [[Blacksmiths]].

===Techniques===
[[File:956856_20090525_790screen003.jpg|thumb|left|Ezio performing a 'Hiding Spot' assassination.]]
Later on, Ezio can assassinate enemies below with an Air Assassination, a Double Air Assassination if the target is adjacent to another, by leaping from a platform onto the victim. This, however, is easily noticeable by [[guards]] and they will attack once they see you doing it. It is possible to assassinate two guards at the same time (at ground level) by standing between them and piercing both their throats.

At the same time Ezio learns the aforementioned techniques, he also learns how to assassinate enemies that are standing on ledges above him, as well as how to assassinate targets from a hiding spot (e.g. Hay, Wells and Benches).

There are also other techniques that aren't actually part of what Ezio learns, but rather what players use to kill guards. One example would be side-stepping around a guard right after he attacks and then doing a instant kill to their backs with the hidden blade. Also, one can may grab an enemy and strike or throw him so that he falls, and then run to his body to perform a instant kill using the hidden blade before he can get back to his feet. A flashier and possibly quicker alternative is to perform an Air Assassination while running up a nearby wall or other vertical surface (i.e. a pillar). This sort of Air Assassination may also be attempted against standing enemies, though the chance of success is low if the enemy is aware of Ezio's presence during Open Conflict.

Ezio can also perform special combo kill animations and counter kill animations with the dual hidden blades.

==''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood''==
[[File:Acbeziohiddenblades.jpg|thumb|250px|Ezio's new hidden blades in ''Brotherhood''.]]

In ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'', 1499, at the beginning of the game, Ezio's hidden blade (or at least its bracer) can be seen on a table, while he is sleeping with [[Caterina Sforza]].

However, in 1503, Ezio has two new hidden blades and bracers on each forearm, both of which match the other new parts of his robes. However, in some screenshots and pictures, Ezio has only one hidden blade instead of two; though the reason for this is currently unknown. This may be because he lost one of them during the [[Siege of Montergionni]], and needed to rebuild the other Hidden Blade. Poison darts will be also fired out of the hidden gun.

[[Assassin apprentices|Ezio's apprentices]] are equipped with hidden blades, though they are only given one. The right to two hidden blades is only reserved for the most trusted of Assassins.

The [[smuggler|Smuggler]] from the ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'' multiplayer also appears to sport a hidden blade, although it is inverted, with the blade extending from the top of the arm, rather than the bottom.

[[Desmond Miles|Desmond]] wields a hidden blade without a bracer in ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'', with only three straps to attach it to his arm.

==Trivia==
[[File:Zw-darius.png|thumb|Darius, the first to wield a Hidden Blade]]
*On one of the [[Codex Pages]] it states that the blade has to be connected or linked with the user, thus explaining part of why Altaïr had his ring finger removed. Altaïr opens his hand and spreads his fingers whenever the blade is extended. Similarly, he never uses the blade with his hand clenched in a fist; all stabbing moves and assassinations are performed with an open hand. The only time the blade sits in the space left by the amputated finger is when the player extends the blade and holds it out (by holding the weapon hand button while out of combat). Holding the button will keep the blade extended, but it does not act as other weapons, it will not scare away civilians.
*In both games the trigger mechanism is not visible on Altaïr's or Ezio's hands, even when they aren't wearing gloves.
*Masyaf Guards in ''Assassin's Creed'' do sport a hidden blade, though they never use it, nor is their ring finger missing.
*[[Malik]], from the first game, had the hidden blade before he lost his arm but did not have an amputated finger.
*The first recorded usage of the Hidden Blade by an Assassin was [[Darius]], when he assassinated [[Xerxes]] of Persia. Moreover, his [[Assassin's Seal|seal]]'s symbol is the Hidden Blade. However, his ring finger is still intact and he weilds it on his right hand.
*[[Patrice Desilets]], the creative director of the game, stated that the addition of a second blade in ''Assassin's Creed II'' also had a lucid reason: it's ''Assassin's Creed II,'' so there are 2 blades.
*In the film ''Smokin' Aces'', one of the assassins sport a weapon similar to the hidden blade. Also, in the movie ''G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra'', Storm Shadow uses a weapon similar to the Hidden Blade, though it is limited by the fact it must be operated with both hands. In the new ''Mortal Kombat: Rebirth'' trailer Dr. Alan Zane, a.k.a. Baraka has similar forearm hidden blades. In Soul Calibur : Broken Destiny, the character Dampierre fights with two similar hidden blades, although much bigger in size.
*The Hidden Blade is the only weapon that has a counter attack that cannot be blocked by enemies, though the timing has to be more precise than with a counter with a sword or shortblade.
*Ezio's second Hidden Blade on his right arm in ''Assassin's Creed II'' is black, compared to the original white one. The original design of the second hidden blade was displayed as a brown glove with a white hidden blade, but it is unknown why it was changed into a bracer with a blade like Ezio's primary Hidden blade and bracer.
*In ''Brotherhood'', it seems that Ezio has a new set of Hidden Blades, each of them sporting the gun and poison blade attachments.
*According to the Codex, there are only a limited number of Hidden Blades due to how hard it is to retrieve metal they are made of.
*The ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'' multiplayer character, the [[Smuggler]], has a Hidden Blade which extends from the top of her forearm, rather than under her wrist.
*In ''Assassin's Creed II'', after Giovanni tells Ezio to grab everything in his secret chest behind a secret room, Ezio goes home and finds the Assassin robes and wears them. While Ezio puts on the robes, the scene where he is fixing something on his right arm, he is really putting on the brown glove which is displayed in the inventory menu, in the E3 demo, and in some pre-release pictures. Somehow, Ezio's glove is not displayed even though it is displayed that he has it in his inventory where it says "Fists". It is ironic how he obtains the glove when he receives his second hidden blade.

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[[Category:Assassin's Creed Weapons]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II Weapons]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Weapons]]
[[Category:Assassin's Order]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed Series]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines Weapons]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II: Discovery Weapons]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles Weapons]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Weapons]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Multiplayer Weapons]]

Mario Auditore

2010-10-26T11:39:43Z

91.108.126.230: /* Personality and characteristics */

{{Era|AC2|Assassins|Ren|Featured}}
{{Spoilerhd}}
{{Character Infobox

|name = Mario Auditore
|image = Zw-marioauditore.png
|birth = 1434 [[Monteriggioni]], [[Italy]]
|death = 1499 [[Monteriggioni]], [[Italy]]
|period = Italian Renaissance
|faction = [[Assassins]], [[Mercenaries]]
|appear = ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' ''[[Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy]]'' ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''
|voice = [[Fred Tatasciore]]
}}
{{quote|Don't you recognize me? It's a-me, Mario!|Mario meeting Ezio.|Assassin's Creed II}}

'''Mario Auditore''' (1434 - 1499) was an [[Italy|Italian]] [[wikipedia:Condottiero|condottiero]] and the ruler of [[Monteriggioni]] since 1454. He was also a notable member of the [[Assassins|Assassin Order]].<ref name="Assassin's Creed II">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>

==Biography==
===Early life===
Mario was most likely born in Monteriggioni, [[Tuscany]], alongside his younger brother [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze|Giovanni]]. Mario came from a bloodline of notable Assassins and thus also became one, starting his training at a young age.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />

As a young man, Mario played an important role in the [[Battle of Anghiari]], where he alerted the condottiero Micheletto Attendolo to dust clouds over the road, signalling a surprise advance on the Florentines by the Milanese troops. The attack was stopped, and the Florentines won the battle. However, after this battle, most of his time was spent defending his home town of Monteriggioni and the Tuscan countryside from persistent [[Florence|Florentine]] troops determined to seize it.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />

===Defense of Monteriggioni===
In 1454, Mario's younger brother Giovanni decided to move to [[Florence]] to pursue a career in banking. Mario remained at the Auditore family villa in Monteriggioni, and the two exchanged letters to keep in touch. In one of these letters, Mario defended his decision to stay in Monteriggioni by writing that he "preferred fighting like a man, to filling out balance sheets." It is insinuated that he rarely saw the family after that.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" /><ref name="Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy">''[[Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy]]''</ref>

Under Mario's rule, Monteriggioni temporarily had a time of prosperity. Mario opened several shops and guilds in the city and greatly increased the city's defenses, in order to withstand Florentine attacks. He discovered a Florentine informant living in Monteriggioni, [[Luciano Pezzati]], and faced his men with some of his own. He dueled Luciano, barely defeating him, and had him dragged to the [[Villa Auditore]]. From Luciano, he found out that Florence was sending the condottiero [[Federico da Montefeltro]] to lead a Florentine attack on Monteriggioni. Due to Mario's leadership, the city was succesfully defended and the attack was a failure.<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy" />

Eventually, Luciano Pezatti confessed the truth behind the siege and so Mario learned that the Florentines attacked Monteriggioni to find something hidden beneath Monteriggioni. Mario, curious as to what this might be, gathered his architects and historians and they found out that one of Mario's ancestors drained the city's well. Together with a miner and some of his men, he set foot inside the well. While at first they did not find anything, Mario saw that the miner's flame was flickering while near the back wall. Together, they pushed against the wall and found a hidden corridor, filled with hidden traps. The miner was struck by wires while he set foot inside the corridor and so Mario and his men slowly progressed through it. One of Mario's men was struck by an arrow and some time later, Mario himself was struck by an arrow in his left eye. They finally found a wooden box, from which a [[The Shroud|presence]] told Mario's men that "their pain was temporary. Ignore it." Mario's men were certain the presence would heal their wounds, but Mario thaught that it would be bad to open the box. His men attacked him and he was forced to struck them down. Mario was curious as to what the box might contain, but he promised himself not to open it.<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy" />

===Training Ezio===
[[File:Ss_preview_AC2_S_051_UncleMario_Villa_jpg.jpg|thumb|300px|Mario and his mercenaries.]]
In 1476, Giovanni and two of his sons, [[Federico Auditore da Firenze|Federico]] and [[Petruccio Auditore da Firenze|Petruccio]], were executed for being accused of treason, while secretly being executed by the [[Templars]], the arch-enemies of the Assassins. In order to get to safety, Giovanni's remaining son [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze|Ezio]] escorted his mother [[Maria Auditore da Firenze|Maria]] and sister [[Claudia Auditore da Firenze|Claudia]] out of Florence and towards Monteriggioni.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />

When the three almost reached Monteriggioni, they were ambushed by [[Vieri de' Pazzi]] and his soldiers. Mario and his mercenaries saved the trio and he insisted that they accompanied him back to Monteriggioni. Mario told Ezio of his Assassin heritage and that he had to be trained so that he can properly fight and defeat the Templars and protect his mother and sister. He then showed Ezio the inside of his villa and the [[Sanctuary]] hidden at the back of a bookcase and explained the purpose of [[the Codex]]. He soon started Ezio's training to become an Assassin and was also shown to be extremely proud of his Assassin heritage after he stormed off when Ezio announced his decision to take Maria and Claudia to Spain, against Mario's wishes.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />

Feeling guilty, Ezio rethought his decision and followed Mario to [[San Gimignano]] to kill Vieri de' Pazzi. When Ezio killed Vieri and began to abuse the body, Mario stepped in and urged him to have respect for the dead. "You are not Vieri," he said to Ezio, "do not become him." Then, addressing Vieri's body, he delivered a short monologue before uttering the words "''requiescat in pace (rest in peace)''," a term that Ezio adopted for further assassinations.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />

===Acquisition of the Apple of Eden===
In 1488, Mario and some of the other Assassins met with each other in [[Venice]] to acquire the "[[First Apple|Apple]]" from the [[Grand Master of the Templar Order]], [[Rodrigo Borgia]], knowing that it was to be delivered to him that day. When they arrived at Rodrigo's location, they found Ezio fighting Rodrigo and joined his side. After defeating Rodrigo's guards and almost killing Rodrigo, the latter ran for his life and left the Apple behind. The group, excluding Mario, all revealed themselves to be Assassins, which was unbeknownst to Ezio when he first met them.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />

After securing the Piece of Eden, Mario studied it alongside [[Niccolò Machiavelli]], [[Leonardo da Vinci]] and Ezio. When the Apple was activated, Mario and Machiavelli were both affected and collapsed, holding their heads. Mario recognized its great power and told Ezio to protect it by taking it to the [[Rocca di Ravaldino]] in [[Forlì]], as that citadel was protected by their ally [[Caterina Sforza]]. Mario then invited Leonardo to the Villa Auditore in Monteriggioni.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />

After seeing Ezio place his fiftieth feather in the chest in Maria's room, Mario entered and attempted to stop Ezio from continuing on what Mario considered to be a vain effort and left after informing him that he left a new weapon at the blacksmith for Ezio to use.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />

In 1499, Mario, Ezio and the other Assassin who Ezio previously met gathered in the Villa Auditore to find out the prophecy in the Codex. They found out that the Codex pages showed a map of all the locations of 'vaults' in the world. Ezio concluded that [[The Vault|the nearest vault]] was in the Vatican and that Rodrigo Borgia simply became pope so that he could have access to the vault and [[the Staff|the Staff of Eden]], which was in fact the papal staff. Ezio left for Rome to assassinate Rodrigo and enter the vault, killing several of his men along the [[Passetto di Borgo]]. Ezio eventually spared Rodrigo, but recovered the Staff of Eden from him and discovered the Vault.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />

===Later life===
[[File:Mario_Auditore.JPG|thumb|300px|Mario Auditore, moments before being shot.]]
After Ezio discovered the Vault, he met with Mario and the two escaped from Rome back to Monteriggioni. Some time after they returned, Monteriggioni was besieged by the [[House of Borgia|Borgia]], under the command of [[Cesare Borgia]]. Mario quickly met Ezio, saying that he would keep the Apple safe with him and that Ezio had to stop the enemy's cannons. However, Mario became wounded and was captured by Cesare. Mario, who walked back to the city, collapsed at the city gate, followed by Cesare Borgia and his lieutenants. Cesare, holding the Apple in his hand, shot Mario dead as an 'invitation' from his family to Ezio's to go to Rome.<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref>

==Personality and characteristics==
Mario dressed in the flamboyant style of the Italian nobility of the Renaissance, sported long, dark hair that he slicked back neatly and had a scar over his left eye, which he was also blind in. This is an injury he sustained when he was exploring underneath the Villa Auditore, and found the Shroud. He was a boisterous man and made no apologies for his passion for fighting and alcohol. He cared deeply for his family and was extremely proud of his Assassin heritage. From his letter to Giovanni and their differences in fighting styles, it can be assumed that he was often playfully critical of his brother, much like his nephew Federico was with Ezio.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />

The logo of the Assassins was embroidered/stitched onto the leather of Mario's left shoulder pad. The Auditore coat of arms was also stitched onto the cape he wore.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" /><ref name="Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood" />

Upon close inspection, one notes that Mario often put his hand on the shoulder of the person he was speaking to, presumably as a sign of closeness or affection.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" /><ref name="Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood" />

==Trivia==
[[File:Mario.jpg|Mario's concept art.|thumb|200px]]
*When he first introduced himself, he exclaimed to Ezio that "''It's a-me, Mario!''". This being a popular phrase of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario Mario's] from the [[wikipedia:Super Mario Bros.|Super Mario Bros.]] game series.
*In the [[wikipedia:Facebook|Facebook]] game ''[[Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy]]'', the player relives Mario's memories (of the year 1454). Although the reliving of his memories may not be canon, it may indicate that he did in fact have a son or daughter.
*He was often referred to as ''ubriacone'' ("drunkard" in Italian) by the [[Pazzi]].
*Although Mario lived in the villa, you only get to see him during missions or when you place your 50th feather in Maria's box.
*In a gameplay video for ''Brotherhood'', it can be noted that Mario had greying hair, indicating he has aged significantly.

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{ACII}}
{{ACBH}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Auditore, Mario}}
[[Category:Characters|Auditore, Mario]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II Characters|Auditore, Mario]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Characters|Auditore, Mario]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy Characters|Auditore, Mario]]
[[Category:Assassins|Auditore, Mario]]

Ezio Auditore da Firenze

2010-10-26T10:24:24Z

91.108.126.230: /* Equipment and skills */

{{Era|AC2|AC2D|Assassins|Ren|Good}}
{{spoilerhd}}

{{Character Infobox
|image = Assassins-creed-brotherhood-20100614064141263.jpg
|imgdesc = Ezio Auditore as a Master Assassin
|hideb =
|birth = June 24, 1459<ref name="Assassin's Creed II">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref> [[Florence]], [[Italy]]
|death =
|period = Italian [[Renaissance]]
|hidep =
|faction = [[House of Auditore|Auditore family]] [[Assassins]]
|hider =
|appear = ''[[Assassin's Creed: Lineage]]'' ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' ''[[Assassin's Creed II: Discovery]]'' ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' ''[[Assassin's Creed: Lost Legacy]]''
|actor = [[wikipedia:Devon Bostick|Devon Bostick]]
|voice = [[Roger Craig Smith]] [[Kid Beyond]] (AC II: D)
}}
{{Quote|My name is Ezio Auditore da Firenze, and like my father and grandfathers before me, I am an Assassin.|Ezio Auditore,|Assassin's Creed II}}
'''Ezio Auditore da Firenze''' (born 1459) was a Florentine noble during the Italian [[Renaissance]] and, unbeknownst to most historians and philosophers, a central member, and later leader, of the [[Assassin's Order]]. A descendant of [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] and the ancestor to both [[Desmond Miles]] and [[Subject 16]], Ezio was unaware of his [[Assassin]] heritage until he was 17 years old, when, following the murder of his [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze|father]] and two brothers, [[Federico Auditore da Firenze|Federico]] and [[Petruccio Auditore da Firenze|Petruccio]], Ezio fled from the Italian province of [[Florence]] - his hometown - and took refuge in the town of [[Monteriggioni]] in the [[Tuscany|Tuscan region]] at the [[Auditore Family Villa]].

After being trained by his uncle [[Mario Auditore]], Ezio proceeded on his quest for revenge against the [[Grand Master of the Knights Templar|Grand Master]] of the [[Knights Templar]], [[Rodrigo Borgia]], who had ordered the executions of his father and two brothers. During his quest for revenge, Ezio managed to not only unite pages of Altaïr's [[The Codex|Codex]] for the first time since [[Domenico Auditore]], but also to save the cities of Florence, and [[Venice]], and later [[Rome]] from the Templars' wrath, ensured the future travels of [[Christoffa Corombo]] to the "New World," and bring the Renaissance ideals and Assassin Order to the city of [[Rome]].

==Biography==
===Early life===
====Pre - Execution====
[[File:Eziolineagechess.png|thumb|230px|left|A much younger Ezio, portrayed by [[wikipedia:Devon Bostick|Devon Bostick]].]]
Ezio Auditore da Firenze was born in [[Florence]] on June 24, 1459 AD, the second son of [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze|Giovanni]] and [[Maria Auditore da Firenze|Maria Auditore]]. Until the age of 17, Ezio lived a life of luxury as a member of the Florentine noble class, unaware of his father's allegiance to the [[Assassins|Assassin Order]]. As a youth he was an apprentice to Giovanni Tornabuoni, a great banker, presumably to learn the ropes of banking, so that he could become the leader of the [[Auditore]] bank<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" /><ref name="Assassin's Creed: Lineage">''[[Assassin's Creed: Lineage]]''</ref>.

In the year 1476, Ezio, his older brother [[Federico Auditore da Firenze|Federico]] and friends of the family got into a fight with [[Vieri de' Pazzi]] and his gang. Ezio single-handedly defeated several members of the opposing gang, but Vieri managed to escape the scene before Ezio could do anything to him. Just before the fight, Ezio gained a cut on his lip - caused by a rock thrown by Vieri - so Federico suggested that they visit the local doctor. After looting several people left unconscious from the fight, the two brothers ran across the rooftops to the [[Doctor]].

After the doctor had tended to his wound, a church nearby caught the eye of the brothers, and Federico suggested a race. Ezio won and together the two looked out over the city. Realizing that they were nearby, Ezio travelled to the house of [[Cristina Vespucci]] and spent the night with her. Caught by Cristina's father the morning after, Ezio fled from a group of pursuing [[Guards|guards]] before meeting with his father at the [[Palazzo Auditore]]. Giovanni scolded him (but later softens, and admits that he is reminded of his own youth) and assigned him the task of delivering several letters to his contacts.

After returning home, Ezio found his distraught [[Claudia Auditore da Firenze|sister]] crying after discovering her [[Duccio|boyfriend]] had been unfaithful. After obtaining his whereabouts, Ezio beat the man and warned him to stay away from his sister. Upon returning to the palazzo again, his little brother Petruccio asked Ezio to collect eagle [[feathers]] from the rooftops, as he was ill and couldn't leave the house or get out of bed. After a tiring search for feathers - to which Petruccio was secretive about - Ezio's mother secured his services in picking up some paintings from a young artist that she patronized, [[Leonardo da Vinci]]. On the walk home, Leonardo struck up a conversation, beginning a friendship between the two young men that would last throughout their adult lives<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

====The Auditore Execution====
[[File:QuickTimePlayer 2009-09-25 20-14-39-52.png|thumb|Ezio's family being hanged for treason.]]
{{Quote|I'll kill you for what you've done!|Ezio Auditore to Uberto Alberti after watching his family's execution in 1476|Assassin's Creed II}}
Upon returning home, Ezio was asked by his father to deliver two letters to contacts of his in the city then retrieve a letter for him from a pigeon coup not far from the house. Ezio agreed, and after two odd encounters with the people he'd delivered the letters to, Ezio retrieved the note from the pigeon coup only to witness guards running across Florence. After completing his errands, Ezio returned home to find the house ransacked, his father and brothers missing and his mother and sister hiding. Learning that city guards had been ordered to arrest Giovanni and all of his sons, Ezio made his way to the [[Palazzo della Signoria]], where his father and brothers were being held. Climbing the building and speaking to his father through his cell window, Ezio was instructed to find a chest hidden in his office, take everything out of it, then deliver a sealed letter to [[Uberto Alberti]], [[Lorenzo de' Medici|Lorenzo de' Medici's]] personal assistant and a close friend of the Auditore family. Doing so, Ezio found the Assassin robes that he would wear for the next 23 years and the letter containing details of a plot against the city of Florence and the Auditore family. Ezio brought the incriminating documents to Alberti and was assured that his family would be released the following day when the information was presented as evidence of their innocence<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />. Ezio then travelled to the home of Christina Vespucci, where he spent the night<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Renaissance">''[[Assassin's Creed: Renaissance]]''</ref>.

The next day, Ezio returned to the [[Piazza della Signoria]] to find Alberti presiding over the execution of the Auditores (watched over all the while by a [[Rodrigo Borgia|mysterious stranger]] who had been present with Alberti the previous night). Giovanni claimed his innocence, citing the information given to Alberti as evidence. But Alberti denied any knowledge of such information. Ezio shouted that Alberti was indeed lying, but his efforts to prevent the execution were ultimately in vain, and he could only watch helplessly as his father and brothers were hanged. When he attempted to charge the scaffold to avenge his kinsmen, Alberti ordered the city guards to murder him. At the urging of one of Giovanni's friends, a [[Thieves|thief]], Ezio fled the Piazza della Signoria and sought shelter in a [[Courtesans|brothel]], run by the sister of the [[Annetta|Auditore housemaid]], a courtesan named [[Paola]]<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

===Heritage===
====Exacting revenge====
{{Quote|The Auditore are not dead! I'm still here! Me! Ezio! Ezio Auditore!|Ezio Auditore, 1476.|Assassin's Creed II}}
Paola, who unbeknownst to Ezio was an Assassin herself, agreed to assist Ezio in his quest for vengeance, teaching him how to survive in the city as an outlaw through [[pickpocketing]] and blending in crowds. She further directed Ezio to Leonardo da Vinci to repair the [[Hidden Blade]] of the late Giovanni Auditore, but did not notice that Ezio was being watched. At Leonardo's workshop, a guard banged on the door, ordered Leonardo outside, and tried to beat Ezio's location from him. Ezio realized something was wrong and crept up behind the guard, stabbing him from behind.[[File:Uberto2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Ezio furiously stabbing Uberto Alberti.]]

After Leonardo had thanked him, Ezio sought out and assassinated Alberti in the courtyard of the [[wikipedia:Basilicia of Santa Croce, Florence|Basilica of Santa Croce]], who was attending Verrochio's latest exhibit. After making his way inside the courtyard, he attacked Alberti in a frenzied rage, stabbing him multiple times in the chest, before proudly proclaiming the survival of the Auditore family through him to everyone present, marking Alberti as his first kill.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

====Family reunion====
{{Quote|Don't you recognize me? It's a-me, Mario!|Mario Auditore greets his nephew upon his arrival at Monteriggioni.|Assassin's Creed II}}
Now the most wanted man in Florence, Ezio fled the city with his mother and sister in the hopes of making their way to Spain, stopping beforehand at the Auditore family's [[Auditore Villa|villa]] in the town of [[Monteriggioni]] for shelter. During their travel to Monteriggioni, the three were accosted by [[Vieri de' Pazzi]] and his followers, but were saved by the timely arrival of Ezio's uncle, [[Mario Auditore|Mario]], and his [[Mercenaries]]. Mario informed Ezio of the existence of the Assassins, in an obvious attempt to induct him into the Order, revealing that many of his ancestors, including Giovanni, were part of it. However, Ezio refused his ancestry, wishing only to continue his journey to Spain to ensure his mother and sister's safety. Enraged, Mario left Monteriggioni for the city of [[San Gimignano]], where Vieri de' Pazzi had been located, in the attempt to relieve Monteriggioni of continual assaults by his minions. Guilt-ridden and knowing his presence was a primary reason for the ongoing attacks, Ezio traveled to San Gimignano to accept Mario's offer<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

When Ezio arrived outside the city, he joined Mario and his mercenaries in their assault, waiting until nightfall to make their way to Vieri de' Pazzi by killing guards patrolling near the city gates. After witnessing a brief meeting between [[Rodrigo Borgia]], [[Jacopo de' Pazzi]], [[Francesco de' Pazzi]] and Vieri, Ezio made for his foe; while Mario and his mercenaries kept Vieri's thugs distracted, Ezio challenged and fought Vieri for the last time, eventually overpowering and killing him after a brief duel. Ezio tried to extract a confession from his old enemy, but to no avail as Vieri chose to be snide even to the very end. Infuriated by this, Ezio flew into a rage and insulted Vieri's corpse, continuing until his uncle calmed him down, and reminded him of a tradition of the Assassins: showing respect to those they have killed<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

====Business with the Pazzi====
{{Quote|I've been sent from Firenze by Il Magnifico to attend to some unfinished business; I'm looking for [[Jacopo de' Pazzi]].|Ezio, upon returning from Florence after dealing with [[Francesco de' Pazzi]].|Assassin's Creed II}}
[[File:FrancescoDeath2.jpg|thumb|250px|Ezio and Francesco]]
Following Vieri's death, Ezio returned to Florence in 1478 to gather information from [[La Volpe]] and prevent the planned [[Pazzi]] [[Pazzi Conspiracy|takeover]], as well as the deaths of Lorenzo de' Medici and his brother [[Giuliano de' Medici|Giuliano]]. Arriving too late to save Guilano, Ezio managed to prevent the death of Lorenzo, the ruler of Florence, and restored his family's good name. However, the Pazzi had already succeeded in their plan and brought the city into a state of civil war. After escorting Lorenzo to safety at [[Palazzo Medici|his palazzo]], Ezio learned from Lorenzo's lieutenant [[Poliziano]] the location of [[Francesco de' Pazzi]] at the Piazza della Signoria. As Pazzi and Medici troops battled in the streets below them, Ezio chased down and slew Francesco, although Jacopo de' Pazzi and several other conspirators were able to escape the city. Shortly afterwards, the Medici publicly cleared the name of the Auditore family and provided Ezio with the names of the conspirators who had escaped<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

Learning that the Pazzi conspirators had fled to San Gimignano, Ezio tracked down and killed [[Antonio Maffei]], [[Stefano da Bagnone]], [[Bernardo di Bandino Baroncelli]] and [[Francesco Salviati]], extracting from each man information on Jacopo de' Pazzi's hiding place. Using the information, Ezio located his quarry and tracked Jacopo to an ancient Roman theatre. Once there, Ezio eavesdropped on a meeting between Jacopo, Rodrigo Borgia and a Venetian merchant, [[Emilio Barbarigo]]. After fatally wounding Jacopo for his failure to capture Florence, Borgia revealed that he was aware of Ezio's presence. While Borgia and Emilio fled, Ezio was apprehended by Borgia's bodyguards, but he overpowered and killed them, before swiftly putting the dying Jacopo out of his misery<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

====Journey in Venice====
{{dialogue3|Carlo|Your little house of cards is crumbling, Emilio...|Emilio|A minor setback, it will be dealt with. This povero scemo (poor fool) Antonio and his thieves...|Never mind that! It's the assassin you should be worried about!|Why? Is...is he in Venezia?|Carlo Grimaldi and Emilio Barbarigo discuss Ezio minutes before the latter's assassination|Assassin's Creed II}}

With the Pazzi conspiracy ended, Ezio returned to Lorenzo in 1480 and declared his success. Before leaving the city for [[Venice]], Ezio was granted a gift; a [[Outfits|Medici cape]], that would keep the city guards' attention from him. Ezio then made his way to Leonardo's workshop, only to find that he had just left for Venice himself. Meeting with Leonardo in the [[Appennine Mountains]], Ezio accompanied him to the city of [[Forlì]], narrowly avoiding the Templar soldiers sent after them by Rodrigo Borgia<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.[[File:Ezio carrying rosa.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio, carrying Rosa to safety.]]

Eventually arriving in Forlì, one year later, the two made their way to the city docks, where Ezio was refused passage without a pass. It was at this moment that the two heard the screams of a noble lady stranded in the city's wetlands. Ezio swiftly hastened to her rescue and was able to row the woman ashore. The lady introduced herself as [[Caterina Sforza]] and coerced the dockman into granting Ezio passage to Venice. Once in Venice, Ezio and Leonardo were given a brief tour of the city by [[Alvise Da Vilandino|Alvise]] before Ezio began to seek a way into the Palazzo of Emilio Barbarigo, although this effort proved to be in vain. Suddenly pushed aside, Ezio watched as a gang of [[thieves]] attempted and failed to breach the Palazzo, leading Ezio to subsequently aid the thief [[Rosa]], who had been shot through the leg with an arrow. After successfully escaping the city guards, Ezio was introduced to the leader of the Venetian thieves guild, [[Antonio]], and together, they concocted a new plot to kill Emilio Barbarigo and liberate the merchant district<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

The plot, taking place during 4 years, was successful and gave Ezio the name of another Templar conspirator – [[Carlo Grimaldi]]. A government official and member of the Council of Ten, Carlo was close to [[Giovanni Mocenigo]], the Doge of Venice and hoped to turn him to the Templar cause. Overhearing another meeting between Borgia and Carlo, Ezio uncovered a plot to poison the Doge and replace him with [[Marco Barbarigo]]. Returning to Antonio, he sought to find a way into the [[wikipedia:Doge's Palace|Palazzo Ducale]]. The pair searched the front gates, the rear walls and even passing over the [[Basilica di San Marco]]; but they were hampered at every turn. Returning to the piazza below, an enraged Antonio remarked that only birds might get into the Doge's palace, reminding Ezio of Leonardo's [[Flying Machine|flying machine]], which he had seen on the way to Forlì. After a somewhat unsuccessful test flight, Leonardo came up with a way to ensure that Ezio reached his destination<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

[[File:Ezio assassinates Carlo.jpg|thumb|250px|Ezio assassinates Carlo Grimaldi.]]
After removing the city guards at four separate locations, Antonio's thieves proceeded to light massive bonfires throughout the city, giving Ezio the lift Leonardo's flying machine needed to make it to the Palazzo Ducale. The plan worked, and Ezio breached the Palazzo Ducale, although he was too late to save the Doge. Carlo fled the scene, crying out that Ezio had assassinated the Doge, only to meet his own end at Ezio's hands moments later. However, Ezio was now the most wanted man in Venice and was forced to flee the city guards.

Returning to Leonardo's workshop for help in 1486, Ezio was directed to [[Sister Teodora|Sister Teodora's]] brothel, where Antonio was hiding. Under the cover of [[Carnevale]], Ezio made his way to the brothel and began planning the death of Marco Barbarigo, competing in the four games of the Carnevale to win the [[Golden Mask|golden mask]] that would gain him entrance to Marco's private party. Ezio was successful but found that Marco's cousin, [[Silvio Barbarigo]] and Marco's personal slave-bodyguard, [[Dante Moro]] intimidated and bribed the judges into denying him his prize. However, Ezio was successful in regaining the mask from Moro and managed to infiltrate the Doge's personal party and assassinate Marco with [[Pistol|an ingenious new weapon]], leaving the door open for [[Agostino Barbarigo|Agostino]], a Barbarigo not involved with the Templars, and an ally of Antonio's, to legitimately become Doge<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

With his quest nearly at an end, Ezio tracked down Silvio Barbarigo and Dante Moro, who had occupied the Arsenal with an army of mercenaries. Needing a force of his own, Ezio was directed to find the mercenary leader, [[Bartolomeo d'Alviano]], only to find Silvio's thugs had attacked Bartolomeo's headquarters and captured him and a number of his soldiers. Ezio swiftly located and liberated Bartolomeo and his soldiers; once he learned of Ezio's purpose, the mercenary captain was more than willing to assist in Silvio's destruction. Having tracked the Templars down to the city's Arsenal, Ezio managed to storm the building with the help of Bartolomeo and his men, and killed Dante Moro and Silvio Barbarigo in the ensuing battle. However, he was astonished to learn that the plot to remove the Doge was merely a distraction, so that the Templars could move their vessel to [[Cyprus]], although the reasons for this were unknown to Ezio<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

===Induction into the Order===
====The Spaniard and the Apple====
{{Quote|It's been over ten years since I watched my father and brothers die. Ten years hunting the men responsible. I'm close to the end now, but no closer to knowing what any of it was for!|Ezio discusses his life as an Assassin}}
[[File:Zw-ezio-seal.png|thumb|250px|right|Ezio, receiving the Assassin's mark.]]

Two more years passed before word of the Templar vessel reached Ezio once again on his twenty ninth birthday<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSagHiz6Ujo&feature=related</ref>, when Rosa brought him a shipping manifest detailing the return of the ship that very day. Sneaking into the Arsenal, Ezio watched as a Templar soldier carrying a [[Piece of Eden]] disembarked from the ship and made his way to a Templar base in the city. Following the soldier, Ezio assassinated and impersonated the guard, carrying the Piece of Eden to a meeting with Rodrigo Borgia himself. Finally able to confront the man ultimately responsible for the deaths of his father and brothers, Ezio criticized the Templar Grand Master for the non-appearance of the supposed "prophet" detailed in the [[Codex]] prophecy. Borgia responded, proudly naming himself the prophet before engaging Ezio in battle. The battle was short, and Ezio easily bested the Templar. On the backfoot, Borgia called upon the city guards and taunted the Assassin, saying that "his people" had failed to show up<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

At this very moment Mario Auditore, Antonio, Paola, Teodora, La Volpe and Bartolomeo d'Alviano appeared, driving off Borgia and revealing themselves to Ezio as Assassins. With the arrival of [[Niccolò Machiavelli]], it was revealed to Ezio that he was in fact the supposed "prophet", and that for the past decade they had all worked together to induct Ezio into the Assassins Order. That night, they all met again and Ezio was formally inducted into the Order<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

====Time in the Wetlands====
{{quote|Muori col tuo orgoglio, per quanto vale... Requiescat in pace. (Die with your pride, for what it's worth... Rest in peace.)|Ezio Auditore to Ludovico Orsi|Battle of Forlì (DLC)}}
Shortly after his induction, Ezio met with Mario and Niccolò, and travelled to Leonardo da Vinci's studio, hoping he could shed some light upon the strange artifact Borgia had dubbed "[[Piece of Eden|the Apple]]". Leonardo examined the unique device, commenting that the metal it was made of should not exist, and that its design was highly advanced despite its age. Briefly touching the Apple, Ezio accidentally activated the device, which started to glow and show strange holographic images. De-activating the device, Niccolò announced that he had arranged for the Piece of Eden to be held in the [[Rocca di Ravaldino]], protected by an ally of the Assassin's, Caterina Sforza. Niccolò and Ezio met with Caterina in [[Romagna]], just outside the city of Forlì. After briefly discussing the Apple, the three made their way back to the city, only to find that it had been invaded by the Orsi brothers: [[Checco Orsi|Checco]] and [[Ludovico Orsi|Ludovico]].<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Battle of Forlì">''[[Battle of Forlì (DLC)|Assassin's Creed II: Battle of Forlì]]''</ref>

As the group fought its way to the city's locked gates, Ezio managed to find another way inside and opened the gates, allowing them to continue their way to the Citadel. Reaching the Rocca di Ravaldino, they found out that two of Caterina’s children, [[Ottaviano Riario|Ottaviano]] and [[Bianca Riario|Bianca]], were in the hands of the Orsi brothers, who had recently arrived and begun attacking the Citadel. Repelling the attack, Ezio left the Apple in Caterina's hands, before going to rescue her two children.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Battle of Forlì" />

[[File:Zw-bof7.png|thumb|250px|Ezio briefly glimpses Savonarola, before passing out.]]
Making his way into Romagna, Ezio overpowered the guard detail assigned to imprison Bianca, who directed Ezio to her brother Ottaviano. As Bianca fled back to the city, Ezio made his way the the lighthouse upon which Ottaviano was being held by Ludovico himself. Climbing the tower, Ezio dispatched Ludovico and freed Ottaviano, though not before learning that the kidnapping was a distraction, which had allowed the brothers to steal the Apple. Ezio swiftly tracked down and killed Checco Orsi and his remaining men. Retrieving the Apple, Ezio failed to notice that Checco had stabbed him in the abdomen. Injured, Ezio collapsed to the floor, the Apple rolling from his hand. Before losing consciousness Ezio saw a [[Girolamo Savonarola|monk]] with a missing finger pick up the Apple and walk away, despite Ezio's warnings against doing so.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Battle of Forlì" />

Caterina’s guards later found Ezio next to Checco’s corpse and returned him to Forlì, where Caterina nursed him back to health. Returned to his senses, Ezio, now bearded, hurriedly explained to Caterina that the Apple had been stolen from him by a man in black. She recognized him for a monk and told Ezio to search for the monk at the church outside the city walls. There was no sign of the monk, but Ezio met with [[Brother O’Callahan]], who told him to continue his search at San Vincenzo, in central Forlì. An abbot there identified Ezio as Stefano de Bagnone's killer and ran away, but was intercepted, and, once convinced he was not about to die, gave Ezio the name of the nine fingered monk: [[Girolamo Savonarola]].<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Battle of Forlì" /><ref name="Assassin's Creed: Renaissance" />

====[[Sailing to Spain|Journey in Spain]]====
{{Quote|My thirst for vengeance is strong, but my responsibility to the Assassins is stronger still.|Ezio Auditore, 1491|Assassins Creed II: Discovery}}
While trying to locate Savonarola, Ezio was told by a Thief to meet Antonio at the Thieves' Guild in Venice. Upon arriving there, Ezio found Antonio accompanied by another man, [[Luis Santangel]]. Luis was looking for a good "killer" who could oversee a meeting involving Luis' friend [[Christoffa Corombo]], but Ezio expressed no interest. However, when he heard that Rodrigo Borgia was also involved in the meeting, he rushed to Christoffa's location, finding out that it was a trap. However, he managed to save Christoffa, who explained that Rodrigo was interested in his plans to sail west. Soon afterwards, Ezio met with Antonio again, who told him to go see both Luis and Christoffa in the gardens district<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Discovery">''[[Assassin's Creed II: Discovery]]''</ref>.

They then told him that the Templars were in possession of Christoffa's atlas, which featured the journey's route. Ezio quickly recovered the atlas and brought it back to Christoffa and Luis. Luis informed Ezio of the presence of Spanish Assassins, who were[[File:Acd23.png|thumb|right|250px|Ezio locked in combat with a guard during his time in Spain.]] held captive by the Spanish Inquisitor General, [[Tomas Torquemada]]. Thinking it his mission to rescue them, Ezio temporarily diverged from his goal to reclaim the Apple of Eden and set out to Spain, but not before Antonio gave him the names of two of his contacts<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Discovery" />.

After arriving in Spain and briefly losing his sword to a thief, Ezio went on to look for one of the contacts. When he arrived at the location, he met a man who called himself [[Raphael Sanchez]] and soon after revealed himself to be an Assassin. He informed Ezio of the location of the first captured Assassin, and Ezio rushed to save him. Right before the Assassin could be burned by the Inquisitors, Ezio killed all the guards and freed him. After Ezio's return, Raphael revealed that it was [[Gaspar Martinez]] who was ordered to capture the Assassins by Torquemada. Ezio located Gaspar and found him, Torquemada and a guard surrounding a captured Assassin<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Discovery" />.

Torquemada revealed to the captured Assassin, and indirectly to Ezio, that Rodrigo Borgia had ordered him to capture Assassins in Spain, because they were "non-believers" (in the Catholic religion). After the guard killed the Assassin, the group disbanded and Gaspar was left unguarded. Ezio then met with him and asked him what he knew of the Templars, but Gaspar feigned ignorance and said that they "went away two centuries ago." He fell silently to Ezio's blade, and Ezio acquired a list of six other Assassins' names. 
After freeing the first man on the list, Ezio took him back to Raphael, informing the latter of the existence of the list. However, all the remaining Assassins were located in [[Zaragoza]].[[File:Ezio others.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ezio with Luis, Raphael, and Christoffa]]

Once in Zaragoza, Raphael told Ezio to find the Inquisition's Calficador, [[Pedro Llorente]], whose tribunal met at the far side of town. Arriving there, Ezio found that Torquemada was also present. One of the Assassins was being tried, and after he refused to convert and confess, was killed. Ezio eavesdropped on the ensuing conversation and found out that Torquemada was under orders from Rodrigo Borgia to arrest the Assassins. He hurried to locate the remaining five Assassins. Four of them where held captive inside some catacombs. The last was held inside a church. After securing their safety, Ezio killed Pedro Llorente. Returning to Raphael, he requested to return to Italy. However, Raphael still needed some help against the Inquisitors in Granada. Ezio complied, helping to assassinate a Templar spy in the city and discovering along the way that Luis Santangel was also an Assassin<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Discovery" />.

Once again he excused himself to return to Italy, but disturbed again by the Templars. He is forced again to fight off the Templars to defend Luis, and informed that Raphael has been captured. Ezio fights to rescue Raphael, then finally infiltrate Torquemada's fortress. Torquemada escapes, but Ezio still have duties for the Piece of Eden and decide not to pursue him, Ezio excuses to finally return to Italy and Telling Luis and Raphael to tell him when Christoffa returns from his journey to find the "New World."<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Discovery" />

====The [[Bonfire of the Vanities]]====
[[File:Ac2bonfire.jpg|thumb|left|Ezio about to knock the Apple of Eden out of Savonarola's hand. ]]
{{quote|There is no book or teacher to give you the answers, to show you the way. Choose your own way! Do not follow me, or anyone else.|Ezio after Savanarola's death|Bonfire of the Vanities}}
After Lorenzo de’ Medici's death, Savonarola was able to easily take control over Florence with the Apple of Eden at his command. He taught the population of Florence that personal property and knowledge made the difference between the rich and the poor. Therefore, he burned everything related to the Renaissance in the Bonfire of the Vanities<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Bonfire of the Vanities">''[[Bonfire of the Vanities (DLC)|Assassin's Creed II: Bonfire of the Vanities]]''</ref>.

Ezio and Niccolò Machiavelli wanted to put a stop to Savonarola's rule with the aid of their two comrades in the city, [[Paola]] and [[La Volpe|Volpe]]. Ezio began eliminating the monk's brainwashed followers while Niccolò, Paola, and Volpe organized a riot in the city. Soon after Ezio killed Savonarola's followers, the rioters formed an angry mob and went to the Palazzo Pitti, where Savonarola resided, demanding an end to the bonfires. Savanarola tried to use the Apple to quell the riot, but before he could, Ezio threw a knife at him, knocking the Apple out of his hand. In the ensuing chaos, the Apple was picked up by a guard in service to the Borgia (the Templars had also been trying, without success, to recover the Apple from Savonarola). Ezio followed him, killed him and recovered the Apple. Savonarola was then sentenced to be executed in the same way he had dealt with the city's knowledge: burned at the stake on the [[Piazza della Signoria]]. However, Ezio decided that no one should have to die in such agony.

[[File:Assacreed2_b15_451.jpg|thumb|Ezio assassinating Savonarola before he can be burned.]]The Assassin leapt onto the execution platform and put Savonarola out of his misery. He then looked at the stunned mob and gave a speech to them, urging them to follow their own path and rely on their own thoughts, not what they were told by the ones in power. He then left with Mario, Niccolò, Paola and La Volpe, ready to uncover the answers hidden within the Apple<ref name="Assassin's Creed II: Bonfire of the Vanities" />.

===Dealing with the Borgia===
====Trip to the Vatican====
{{Quote|I thought... I thought I was beyond this. But I'm not. I've waited too long, lost too much. Requiescat in pace, you bastard!|Ezio to [[Rodrigo Borgia]] during his first assassination attempt|Assassin's Creed II}}

The following year, in 1499, the Assassins came together once more at the Villa Auditore, with the Piece of Eden and the completed Codex in hand. Using the two objects, they discovered the location of [[the Vault]] to be in [[Rome]], specifically, beneath the Vatican. Unfortunately, Rodrigo Borgia had become Pope in 1492, although Mario believed he had only done so to gain access to the Papal Staff, another of the Pieces of Eden. Undeterred, Ezio went to assassinate Rodrigo Borgia<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.[[File:Ezio Rome.jpg|thumb|280px|left|Ezio battles his way to the [[Capella Sistina|Sistine Chapel]].]]

Fighting his way along the entire length of the Passetto di Borgo, Ezio snuck into the Sistine Chapel and struck at Borgia from above. As he was about to deal the killing blow, Borgia surprised him by using the Staff to blast him away and drain the energy of those in the room. Since Ezio held the Apple, he was immune to the Staff's effects, and the two engaged in a duel. Ezio repeated history by using the same technique [[Al Mualim]] utilized in his duel against Altaïr in 1191, by creating multiple illusions of himself with the Apple. Ezio seemingly bested Borgia, but the Pope overcame him. Borgia took the Apple, stabbed Ezio in the abdomen and left him to die before fleeing into the Vault. Outside the Vault, Ezio watched as Borgia tried in vain to open it. Laying down his arms, Ezio challenged and defeated Borgia in a fist fight, obtaining possession of both the Apple and the Staff, but refusing to take Borgia’s life, having realized the futility of revenge<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.

{{Quote|Killing you won't bring my family back...I'm done.|Ezio spares Rodrigo's life|Assassin's Creed}}

Entering the Vault, Ezio stood in shock as he was confronted by a hologram of an individual naming herself "[[Minerva]]" and claiming to be one of "[[Those Who Came Before]]". Ezio was further confounded when the hologram sought to speak to an unseen figure named [[Desmond Miles|Desmond]], before disappearing abruptly, leaving Ezio with many unanswered questions<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />.
{{Spoiler|Plot details for ''[[Assassin's Creed Brotherhood]]'' follow.}}

====Siege of Monteriggioni====
[[File:Monterigioni.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ezio destroying a siege tower.]]
Following his experience in the Vault, Ezio returned to Monteriggioni. However he soon learned that the Templar threat had diminished little when [[Cesare Borgia]], the son of Rodrigo and a high ranked Templar laid siege to Monteriggioni. His army of soldiers, towers and cannons breached the city's gates and destroyed much of the city and Villa. Ezio, who was sleeping with Caterina Sforza at the time of the attack, was shocked when a cannonball shot through his wall and hit the centre pillar of his room. He quickly got dressed and met with Mario to discuss their options. Mario tasked Ezio with keeping the Templars from the city walls, whilst Mario himself led the evacuation of the city <ref name="Assassin's Creed Brotherhood - E3 gameplay demo">''[http://e3.g4tv.com/videos/46470/Ubisoft-E3-2010-Assassins-Creed-Brotherhood-Demo/ Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood - E3 gameplay demo]''</ref>.

Ezio made his way to the city walls, and using the cannons, destroyed several of Cesare’s siege engines. Eventually however, the Templars breached the city gates, and entered, bringing a mortally wounded Mario Auditore and a captured Caterina Sforza with them. Seeing his uncle mortally wounded and lying on the ground, Ezio ran on the rooftops trying to reach Mario before Cesare could kill him. Standing at the city gates, the Apple of Eden in his hand, Cesare 'invited' Ezio to come to Rome with a shot of his firearm; the shot killed Mario. The Apple in hand, Cesare returned to Rome whilst Ezio, who had been shot by a Borgia arquebusiers atop the city walls, blacked out and fell off the building he was observing the situation from <ref name="Assassin's Creed Brotherhood - E3 gameplay demo" />.

Upon regaining consciousness, Ezio travelled to Rome to avenge Mario's murder at the hands of Cesare.

====War in Rome====
In 1499, with no headquarters, and the [[assassins]] in disarray, Ezio arrived in Rome, where he found the city in ruins and disrepair under [[House of Borgia|the Borgia]]. Basing himself on [[Tiber Island]], in the centre of the city, Ezio rebuilt the complex, and began his mission to rid the city of Cesare and his father<ref name="Assassin's Creed Brotherhood">''[[Assassin's Creed Brotherhood]]''</ref>.
{{Spoiler End}}

== Personality and characteristics ==
[[File:QuickTimePlayer 2009-09-25 19-22-34-26.png|thumb|left|286px|A young Ezio gets approached by a Florentine guard after protesting at his father’s and brothers’ execution.]]

Ezio was raised as a young [[Florence|Florentine]] nobleman, living during the 15th and 16th Century. Unlike his ancestor Altaïr, he was brought up without knowing of the Assassins' existence, or of his heritage. A seducer of women and a playful man, Ezio possessed acrobatic skills far beyond those of his peers, save for his brother. He came from an affluent background and had many friends until the deaths of his father and brothers drove him out of Florence. Forced to protect his [[Maria de' Mozzi|mother]] and [[Claudia Auditore da Firenze|sister]], Ezio became an [[Assassin]], exacting revenge on the conspirators who had betrayed his family and plotted to seize both [[Florence]] and [[Venice]].<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />

Initially, Ezio allowed his emotions to get the best of him, going so far as to disrespect the corpse of Vieri de' Pazzi just after his death. However, Ezio did manage to gain control of his anger, and by the time he had become a Master Assassin, could control it almost completely.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />

===Equipment and skills===
[[File:Ezio Auditore da Firenze-Brotherhood.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ezio Auditore, 1503.]]
{{Quote|Despite its age, its construction is rather advanced.|Leonardo da Vinci, on Ezio's hidden blade.|Assassin's Creed II}}

Ezio Auditore da Firenze was a highly skilled Assassin and a leader amongst the Order. A master of multiple skills, including theft, blending, armed and unarmed combat, stealth assassination techniques, free-running and long-distance combat, he was able to use a variety of weapons including two [[Hidden Blade|hidden blades]], the [[longsword]], [[throwing knives]] and more. He is one of few assassins known to have skills equal to or greater then Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad. Born with the ability to use [[Eagle Vision]], Ezio could instinctively differentiate friend from foe. After talking to his captive father, he would later inherit his father's Assassins robe, along with armor he would purchase throughout his life.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />

An explorer, throughout his quests, Ezio scoured the cities he visited in search of Codex pages and seals from the [[Secret Locations|six assassins tombs]] spread across northern Italy. The Codex pages allowed Leonardo di Vinci to upgrade his weaponry, including the addition of a wheel lock firearm and poison needle concealed beneath his left hidden blade.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />

By collecting the six tomb seals, Ezio gained access to the [[Altaïr's Armor|armor]] created by his ancestor, [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] which may have later been lost during the [[Siege of Monteriggioni]]. He also collected [[capes]] that helped him stay incognito. The only exception to this was the cape bearing the Auditore family crest, which made him easily recognizable, due to his family's history.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />

In 1499, during the Siege of Monteriggioni, Ezio lost most of his equipment, keeping only one of his Hidden Blades. He would later replace it with two new Hidden Blades, each with the Hidden Gun and Poison Blade.

In 1503, when Ezio started the Brotherhood of Assassins, he wore a uniform that resembled a combination of his own when he just started to become an assassin and Altaïr's uniform as an assassin. The robes coming with Altaïr's armor were black, while this one was the usual Assassin white. It was also longer in comparison to his old outfit. It still bore the Assassin seal on his belt, with a white cape hanging from the left side of his shoulder.

===Romantic life===
[[File:Zw-ezio-cristina.png|thumb|286px|left|Ezio and Cristina kissing in her room.]]
Ezio was known for his good looks, flirtatious nature and predisposition for womanizing.<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Lineage" /><ref name="Assassin's Creed: Renaissance" /><ref name="Assassin's Creed II" /> Despite the latter part of his life being centered around his hunt for [[Pope Alexander VI|Rodrigo Borgia]], Ezio still managed to find the time to share multiple romantic relationships with a number of different women.<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Renaissance" />

By 1476, Ezio had had many encounters with various unnamed [[Florence|Florentine]] girls and [[Courtesans|courtesans]] before the execution of his family; insulting Vieri de' Pazzi by suggesting that his sister seemed "quite satisfied with the handling he gave her earlier." That year, Ezio was in a permanent relationship of sorts with [[Cristina Vespucci]], against the wishes of her father. Following his street brawl with Vieri de' Pazzi on the [[Ponte Vecchio]], Ezio visited Cristina during the night, despite his brother's request otherwise; he was chased out by her father the next morning, and subsequently had to flee the city guards.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" /> Two years later, when Ezio returned to Florence, Cristina was married to one of her suitors, Manfredo d'Arzenta, though she admitted to still loving Ezio.<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Renaissance" /> Ten years later, when Cristina and Manfredo travelled to Venice for carnevale, Ezio, posing as her husband, wrote to her asking her to come to the Rio Terra degli Ogniscanti; Cristina complied. As both wore carnevale masks, she did not recognise him until he kissed her. She then took off his mask and asked him how he dared kiss her like that, telling him she never wanted to see him again. When Ezio tried to understand, she explained that if he really loved her, he wouldn't simply have let Manfredo marry her. Ezio was deeply hurt upon learning of Cristina's death at the hands of [[Girolamo Savonarola]]'s men, during the Bonfire of the Vanities.<ref name="Assassin's Creed: Renaissance" />

Before meeting with Cristina during Carnevale, whilst trying to find a way to Venice, Ezio accompanied his friend, Leonardo da Vinci, to [[Forlì]]. He was initially refused passage aboard the ship to Venice, but his fortunes changed after encountering [[Caterina Sforza]], who had become stranded on a small island with no means of escape. Ezio rescued her, and she repaid the favor by granting him passage to Venice. She also told him that the next time he returned to Forli, it would "be her pleasure" to entertain him. Moments later, after Ezio revealed to his close friend that Sforza was a future conquest and his type of woman, Leonardo informed Ezio of the ladies' identity, and that she was married to the Count of the city.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />

[[File:Caterina_Sforza_&_Ezio.jpg|thumb|286px|Ezio and Catherina Sforza together in bed.]]
Also, at some point during his time in Forlì, Ezio encountered a girl named [[Amelia]]. During this encounter, Amelia and two of her friends were discussing whether anyone could beat their record in a horseback riding race. Ezio took on the challenge, in return for an intimate encounter with Amelia should he prove successful.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />

When Ezio arrived in Venice for the first time, an unknown young woman unsuccessfully attempted to pickpocket him. Later the same day, Ezio witnessed the woman and a group of thieves attempting to scale the Palazzo della Seta. The attempt ended in failure, and the girl was shot in the leg by an archer. Ezio intervened, defending her from Emilio Barbarigo's thugs. Upon helping her to get to safety, he learned that her name was [[Rosa]], and that she was a member of the city's Thieves Guild. At first, Rosa's attitude towards Ezio was very aggressive and unfriendly, but after he saved her, she became much more amiable.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />

While trying to acquire the Golden Mask, Ezio was seen flirting with many of [[Sister Teodora]]'s [[Courtesans]]. After the Carnevale challenges, when Ezio goes up to accept the Golden Mask as his prize for victory, he was accompanied by a Courtesan. After assassinating Marco Barbarigo and seeking sanctuary in the brothel, Ezio was known to have flirted with Sister Teodora, who invited several of her girls to "comfort" Ezio.<ref name="Assassin's Creed II" />

In 1499, Ezio was seen sleeping with Caterina Sforza in the Villa Auditore before it was [[Siege of Monteriggioni|besieged]] by [[Cesare Borgia]] and his army. Caterina was taken hostage by Cesare, his sister, and his generals. Within moments of her capture, she witnessed the death of Mario Auditore at the hands of Cesare.<ref name="Assassin's Creed Brotherhood - E3 gameplay demo" />

==Trivia==
*Ezio is 40 years old in 1499 (15 years older than Altaïr was in 1191); the same age as his father, Giovanni Auditore, when he was executed in 1476.
*Ezio is, thus far, the only character whose physical appearance undergoes observable changes over the 23-year period of the game. Others (like Altaïr and Desmond) mostly stay the same.
**With the camera at a certain angle, the evidence of Ezio's aging becomes apparent. By the time he turns 40, he grows a beard and develops wrinkles in his forehead. His voice also matures over time, making him sound calmer and talk more slowly. He also loses his tan, which is likely due to him hiding in the shadows for the majority of his life.
** However, by the time of ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'' other characters, such as Mario Auditore and Leonardo da Vinci have shown signs of aging as well.
*Just like Altaïr and Desmond, Ezio has a scar on his mouth. It was acquired after the mission "Boys Will Be Boys" during Sequence 1, when Vieri de' Pazzi throws a rock at his face.
*The Animus database only details his life before he became an [[Assassin]], holding no information on his life within the Order.
*Both Ezio and Altaïr have similar name meanings and origins. Altaïr means "the flying one," while Ezio means "eagle." Altaïr also comes from the name of the brightest star in the constellation Aquila (which also translates to "eagle").
*Ezio's robes in ''Brotherhood'' more closely resembles Altaïr's in color and design. At this point, the bracers of his father's hidden blade have also been replaced.
*Ezio's outfit can be unlocked in [[wikipedia:Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands|''Prince Of Persia: The Forgotten Sands'']], via Uplay for 30 points.
*A Sackboy version of Ezio's outfit can be purchased for ''LittleBigPlanet'' via the PlayStation Store.
*In Playstation Home, Ezio's Assassin robe from ''Assassin's Creed II'' was a limited edition outfit and could be bought; but it is currently unavailable.
*In the first memory of The Bonfire of Vanities (Sequence 13), a group of women can be heard talking about an Assassin (Ezio), on the bridge where Machiavelli is waiting, and reveal that the stories of Ezio's assassinations in Firenze reached a mythic status.
*Ezio has been seriously injured in battle three times. The first is when [[Checco Orsi]] stabbed Ezio in the right side of his lower abdomen during the small cutscene. The second is when Rodrigo Borgia stabbed Ezio in the left side of his lower abdomen. The third is when Ezio was shot in the left shoulder at the siege of Monteriggioni by [[arquebusiers]].
*Ezio's title was slightly misspelled in ''Assassin's Creed II: Discovery''. In the game, his biography lists him as "Ezio Auditore '''de''' Firenze" instead of "Ezio Auditore '''da''' Firenze."
*Despite being a womanizer, Ezio has only had intercourse with three women throughout his memories in ''Assassin's Creed II'' and ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood''; this includes, Caterina Sforza, Cristina Vespucci and Amelia.
*If examined carefully, the player will recognize the difference in free-running between Ezio and Altaïr. In ''Assassin's Creed II,'' Ezio's legs move in a different motion and style than Altaïr. When switching to the Altaïr costume through the costume menu, free-running in the Altaïr costume will make Ezio run just like Altaïr from the first game.
*If the player chooses to play Sequence 13 before Sequence 12, by clearing the DLC cache, Ezio's beard will disappear until the player kills Checco Orsi.

==Gallery==

<center><gallery widths="188" captionalign="center" captionposition="below" bordersize="medium" orientation="none">
File:youngezio.JPG|In-game model of young Ezio.
File:Zw-ezio-cut.png|Ezio's wound resulting the scar on his mouth.
file:FDO 1600x1200.jpg|Ezio and the multiplayer characters.
assassins-creed-brotherhood-20100614064141263.jpg|Ezio's [[Assassin's Creed Brotherhood|Brotherhood]] robes.
Ezio_full_shot_1(1).jpg|A full shot of Ezio
File:Ezio2--article_image.jpg|Ezio in [[Leonardo da Vinci|Leonardo da Vinci]]'s workshop in Venice.
AC-capeandhammer--article image.jpg|Ezio in the Villa Auditore wearing Altair's armor, Auditore Cape and wielding the Condotierro hammer.
screenshot_pc_assassins_creed_ii064.jpg|Ezio in public with his Hidden Blades.
File:ACB_SP_S_01_Rome_PantheonAndHorses.jpg|Ezio riding on a [[horses|horse]] towards the [[Pantheon]].
File:20100125121345!Ezio_and_Lorenzo.jpg|Ezio and Lorenzo de' Medici.
1262177257677_f.jpg|A young Ezio.
2upyfmc.png|Young Ezio with his next conquest.
800px-Ezio and Leonardo.jpg|Ezio Auditore and Leonardo da Vinci reuniting in Rome.
Ezio_Auditore_de_Firenze_dp_by_cystemic.jpg|Ezio Auditore da Firenze
Recruiting.jpg|Ezio recruiting a liberated citizen of Rome into the Assassin Order.
Ezio-Knife-Kill.jpg|Ezio killing two guards in Rome, while more guards approach.
Assassins__7x.jpg|Ezio Deals Death
Assassins__1w.jpg|Double Death
Ezio-Axe-Kill.jpg|Ezio killing a Brute by throwing an axe into his skull.
Ezio-Spear-Kill.JPG|Ezio spearing a horseman through the chest from the ground.
Ezio-Horse-Pounce.jpg|Ezio leaping from a horse to assassinate another horseman.
Ezio-Pistol-Kill.jpg|Ezio stabbing one guard and shooting another with his Hidden Gun.
Amazon.jpg|Ezio in the Limited Edition Amazon Drachen Armor
757px-Capture1.JPG|Ezio from Assassin's Creed Brotherhood
assassins-creed-brotherhood-14c1bd9cabb51c.jpg|Ezio Battles towards the pope
assassins-creed-brotherhood-34c1bd990e8f11.jpg|Ezio rides Horse into battle
assassins-creed-brotherhood-44c1bd99138034.jpg|Ezio Dispatches two guards at once in AC Brotherhood
assassins-creed-brotherhood-20100818094847920.jpg|Duel On Horseback
EzioWallpaper1.jpg|Ezio AC Brotherhood wallpaper
Cesare Grabbing Ezios Arm.JPG|Cesare Borgia attempting to grab Ezio Auditore's arm.
Ezio Auditore at Viana.JPG|Ezio Auditore in Viana, Spain.
Ezio Auditore and Cesare Borgia Staredown.jpg|Ezio Auditore and Cesare Borgia in Viana, Spain.
</gallery></center>

==Notes and references==
{{reflist}}
{{ACII}}
{{AC2D}}
{{ACBrotherhood}}
{{ACLL}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Auditore, Ezio}}
[[Category:Characters|Auditore, Ezio]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Lineage Characters|Auditore, Ezio]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II Characters|Auditore, Ezio]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II: Discovery Characters|Auditore, Ezio]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Characters|Auditore, Ezio]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Lost Legacy Characters|Auditore, Ezio]]
[[Category:Assassins|Auditore, Ezio]]

Monteriggioni

2010-10-26T10:19:16Z

91.108.126.230: /* History */

{{Era|Good}}
{{revamp}}
{{WP-REAL}}
{{Location Infobox
|image = Zw-model-of-city.png
|icon =
|heldby = [[House of Auditore|Auditore]]
|factions = [[Assassins]] [[Mercenaries]] [[Thieves]] [[Courtesans]]
|targets =
|flags =
|seenin = ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''
}}

'''Monteriggioni''' is a city in and commune of [[Tuscany]], [[Italy]], featuring in ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''. Built in the 13th Century by the overlords of Siena, Monteriggioni was actively involved in the defense of Tuscany against [[Florence|Florentine]] attempts to gain more territory. At the front of this conflict was the [[House of Auditore|Auditore]] family who became the city's rulers and protectors. They constructed Monteriggioni's famous walls, which can still be seen today. The Auditore also built the centerpiece of the town, the [[Villa Auditore]].

== History ==
In 1290, [[Domenico Auditore]] founded the Villa Auditore and quite possibly Monteriggioni itself. Domenico and his son used Monteriggioni as a base of operations in their silent war against the Templars. In 1296, Domenico built the [[Auditore Family Crypt]] in the city. He hid the [[Altaïr's armor|armor]] of [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] in a vault under the villa, which could only be unlocked by [[Assassin's Seal|Assassin seals]] that were lost through time.

In 1454, [[Mario Auditore]] was made sole ruler of Monteriggioni when his brother, [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze|Giovanni]], moved to [[Florence]]. The city had been very frequently attacked by Florence, which caused Monteriggioni to fall into disrepair. During this time, Mario discovered the Shroud hidden in the hollowed-out well of the town, however it wasn't used by him.

In 1476, Mario's nephew, [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]], took shelter in Monteriggioni and later became the city's biggest investor and co-ruler with Mario. For over twenty years, Monteriggioni prospered. In 1499, [[Cesare Borgia]] led [[Siege of Monteriggioni|an attack]] on Monteriggioni that included the use of cannons, which heavily reduced the city's population and wealth. However, the city was rebuilt again and the Auditore continued their control over it.

The town withstood many attacks from Florence, as the [[House of Medici|Medici]] wanted to control Tuscany, until the city was betrayed in 1554 by Giovannino Zeti, the keeper of the garrison and a Florentine exile, who was allowed to return to Florence in exchange for the keys. However, due to the Auditore's good relations with the Medici, they were allowed to continue their leadership over it.

In 2012, [[Desmond Miles]], [[Lucy Stillman]], [[Shaun Hastings]] and [[Rebecca Crane]], modern day Assassins, set up a temporary hideout in the [[Sanctuary]] beneath the [[Villa Auditore]].

[[File:Assassinscreed2v135.jpg|thumb|center|720px|Panoramic view of Monteriggioni.]]

== Renovations ==
[[File:Zw-architect.png|thumb|The Monteriggioni architect, a skilled man.]]
In his adventures, Ezio discovered the [[Auditore Family Villa]] in the city of Monteriggioni, perched atop a [[Tuscany|Tuscan]] hill. The city had become run down and was badly in need of repair when he first arrived. The [[Villa Auditore|Villa]] became Ezio’s domain, and through time, he was able to invest in renovations, bringing the city back to its former glory. Ezio decorated the villa with famous Renaissance [[paintings]], a collection of his [[Assassin's Creed II Weapons|weapons]] and [[armor]], and stored a variety of collected objects. Also flags are added to buildings, changing from the Auditore symbol to the Assassin's logo when the villa is fully renovated.

A list of what Ezio will be able to improve/add to the Villa:
*A bank (which will grant a great boost in the Villa's fame) at the cost of 1,500 florins for the first renovation, 5,000 for the second and 9,000 for the third one. It does nothing else.
*A [[Doctors|Doctor]]. There is no need to "buy" the doctor as his shop is already open. However, the player can renovate his shop two times at the cost of 3,000 and 5,000 florins.
*A [[Tailor]] at the cost of 1,000 florins. The subsequent renovations cost 2,500 and 5,000 florins.
*A [[Blacksmith]]. Similar to the doctor, the Blacksmith is already open. It is still possible to renovate the shop two more times for 7,000 and 12,000 florins.
*An [[Art Merchants|Art Merchant]] for 1,000 florins. 5,000 and 8,000 florins are respectively for the second and third renovations.
*Restore the Church (for a fame's boost similar to the one obtained with the bank) at the the cost of 4,000 florins.
*Restore the Well (another fame boost) at the cost of 4,000 florins.
*Add a Thieves' Guild (fame boost) at the cost of 3,000 florins. [[Thieves]] will be seen more often.
*Add a Brothel (fame boost) at the cost of 3,000 florins. [[Courtesans]] are seen more often around town.
*Add Military Barracks (fame boost) at the cost of 3,000 florins. [[Mercenaries]] are seen more often walking around town.
*Reopen the Mine (fame boost) at the cost of 4,000 florins.

==Gameplay==
Any and every improvement to the city will help develop the local economy, rewarding the player with periodic income, which can be reinvested in the city or used elsewhere in the game. Renovations usually add treasure chests to the renovated area. For however much you spend on renovations, you will be paid back 10% of the investment per 20 minutes. For example, if you renovate the well for 4,000 florins, your periodic income generated from the town will increase by 400.

Furthermore any renovations for the four "active" shops (art merchant, blacksmith, doctor and tailor) will allow the player a discount up to the 15% (with three renovations) of the item's original price.

There is a chest inside the Villa, in the same room where you decide on renovations, that will store the money your investments earn you. It receives a deposit (deposit varies based on total investment amount) every 20 minutes, but has a limit on how much it can hold. If you let it fill, any excess will be lost to [[Claudia Auditore da Firenze|Claudia]]. For this reason, it's recommended to return to the Villa to empty it periodically. It is set up to where the chest will be full after 4 deposits (every 1 hour and 20 minutes, giving the player 1 hour and 39 minutes to clean it out).

Throughout the city, Ezio can find [[Monteriggioni Statuettes|eight statuettes]] of some of the gods worshiped in ancient [[Rome]]. Each pair of statuettes belong to a pedestal, and every completed pedestal rewards Ezio with a hefty 2,000 florin reward.

If a player earns enough [[Uplay]] points, they can also unlock the [[Auditore Family Crypt]], another secret location that reveals more about the Auditore family and its humble origins.

==Gallery==
<gallery captionalign="left">
Images.jpeg|Map of Monteriggioni
AssassinsCreedBrotherhoodE32010SinglePlayerGameplayMovie.jpg|[[Siege of Monteriggioni]]
Siege-of-Monteriggioni.jpg|Siege of Monteriggioni
Monteriggioni3.png|Modern day Assassins in the [[Sanctuary]].
Blasted Church2..jpg|Ezio riding through a besieged Monterrigioni.
Arguement.png|Shaun and Desmond arguing in the Sanctuary.
</gallery>
==Trivia==

*Despite the fact Claduia states that Ezio will have to take the extra money to the Bank, Ezio is never able to access the bank at any point during the game. Also Ezio has no limit to how much money he can carry.

{{ACII}}
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II Locations]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Locations]]
[[Category:Assassin's Order]]
[[Category:Monteriggioni| ]]

Shrouds of Eden

2010-10-26T10:14:25Z

91.108.126.230:

[[File:AC Shroud.png|thumb|The Shroud, covering Giovanni Borgia.]]
The '''Shroud of Eden''', commonly known as the '''Shroud of Turin''', is a linen cloth bearing an image of a man suffering a physical trauma relevant to crucifixion. It is kept in the royal chapel of the [[wikipedia:Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist (Turin)|Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist]] in [[wikipedia:Turin|Turin]], northern [[Italy]]. Some say that the shroud is the very same cloth placed on the body of [[wikipedia:Jesus Christ|Jesus]], with its image of the face being the [[wikipedia:Holy Face of Jesus|Holy Face of Jesus]].

In the ''Assassin's Creed'' universe, The Shroud, more specifically ''PE66'', is a [[Piece of Eden]]. Many historical or religious figures like Jason, Joseph, David, and [[Jesus Christ|Jesus]] may have possessed it at a certain time. Its purpose still unknown, it was possibly used to cure illness, wounds, and to resurrect the deceased. Being responsible for Jesus' crucifixion, the Templars sought to possess the Shroud. Jesus' disciples however, were somehow able to recover it and used it to resurrect him. After this, traces of the shroud disappeared. It was definitely used for healing sickness, a characteristic of the shroud demonstrated in the story of the sick lady who touched Jesus' robe, whose health was then restored back to normal.

'''Status:''' Unknown

'''Neutral ownership:''' [[Those Who Came Before]], Jason, Joseph, David, Jesus Christ.

'''Assassin associated ownership:''' [[Perotto Calderon]], Mario Auditore.

'''Templar associated ownership:''' -.

==Trivia==
*Interestingly, in the French version of ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', the Shroud was referred to as Piece of Eden #36, not #66. Whether this was a mistake in the translation or not remains to be seen.

{{PoE}}
[[Category:Pieces of Eden|Shroud]]