“The historical elements of the narrative text about the Assassins and their Brotherhood are quite intriguing. It’s fascinating to learn how individuals became part of this secretive organization.
;[[Assassin's Creed: Mirage – A Soar of Eagles 1]]
;[[Assassin's Creed: Mirage – A Soar of Eagles 2]]
;[[Assassin's Creed: Mirage – A Soar of Eagles 3]]
*[[Aksumite Kingdom]]
*[[Arwe]]
*[[Church of Abuna Yemata]]
*[[Endubis]]
*[[Memnon (eagle)]]
*[[Nibris]]
*[[Fuladh Al Haami]]
*[[Roshan]]
There were two ways to become an Assassin in the past: being born into an Assassin family, or being actively recruited due to one’s potential and skills. It’s noteworthy how the Brotherhood valued lineage, allowing those born into Assassin families to begin training at a young age. This practice might have maintained a sense of continuity and preserved their traditions over time.
On the other hand, the recruitment process adds another layer of interest to the story. Imagine being sought out and identified as someone with exceptional abilities, seen as a potential asset to the Brotherhood’s cause. It indicates that the Assassins sought to expand their ranks with promising individuals, potentially adding diverse skills and perspectives to their organization.
|Purchased from any General Store for 1200 Reales<section end="NAME"/>
|-
!Spanish Cup-hilt Rapiers<section begin="NAME"/>
|Rapier
|Common
|17
|2
|N/A
|Found in treasure chest in Havana<section end="NAME"/>
|-
!Officer's Smallswords<section begin="NAME"/>
|Rapier
|Common
|13
|2
|N/A
|Default swords<section end="NAME"/>
|-
!German Rapiers<section begin="NAME"/>
|Rapier
|Common
|22
|2
|N/A
|Found in treasure chest on Crooked Island<section end="NAME"/>
|-
!Privateer's Cutlasses<section begin="NAME"/>
|Cutlass
|Common
|25
|2
|N/A
|Found in Treasure Chest on Florida island<section end="NAME"/>
|-
!NAME<section begin="NAME"/>
|
|
|
|
|
|<section end="NAME"/>
|-
<section end="Resynced Swords"/>
|}
The initiation ceremony stands out as a significant rite of passage for the Assassins. It marks the pivotal moment when an apprentice becomes a fully fledged member of the Brotherhood. Being granted the iconic weapon, the Hidden Blade, and receiving the traditional garb, including the beaked hood, must have been a symbol of pride and belonging for the newly initiated Assassins.
|''Sleek black blades with gold filigree, hones to deadly edges.''
|-
|Dragon's Fang Swords
|''A sword with a light, graceful design featuring a mystic jade edge.''
|-
|Blades of the Damned
|''A pair of swords glowing with hellfire and brimstone, fierce and powerful.''
|-
|Serpent's Fang Cutlasses
|''A pair of sharp, serpentine swords inspired by sea monster fangs, lit with neon patterns.''
|-
|The Fortune
|''A pair of unique swords once used by the infamous pirate, Edward Kenway.''
|-
|Dual Cleavers
|''A pair of simple meat cleavers typically used by butchers and made infamous by pirates as weapons of war.''
|-
|Order of Gold
|''Adorned with intricate patterns, these blades are a rare and deadly curiosity.''
|-
|Ezio's Swords
|''A pair of swords once owned by the legendary Assassin mentor, Ezio Auditore da Firenze.''
|-
|Altaïr's Swords
|''A pair of swords once owned by the legendary Assassin mentor, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad.''
|-
|Naoe's Shadowblade
|''A balanced katana shaped by shinobi combat principles, favoring fluid movement and rapid follow-up strikes. Performs best with evasive tactics.
|-
|Dark Animus Corsair Pistol Swords
|''These blades dance with strange light, like tears in the fabric of the world.''
|-
|Spring-Steel Swords
|''A pair of swords that look unremarkable at first glance, but have the strength to deflect bullets if wielded properly.
|-
|Blades of Toledo
|''A sleek pair of swords Edward Kenway acquired in the famous city of Toledo.''
|-
|Le Bourgeoys Blades
|''The only pair of pistol swords with a genuine original flintlock attached.''
|-
|Persian Scimitars
|''A beautiful and deadly pair of Persian scimitars, replete with embedded diamonds.''
|-
|Matched Golden Swords
|''A pair of legendary golden swords, praised far and wide for their exquisite beauty.''
|-
|Masterwork Blades
|''A pair of beautifully balanced swords forged by a master craftsman.''
|-
|Espada Ancha
|''Versatile soldier's swords, unremarkable in appearance but trustworthy in a fight.''
|-
|French Court Swords
|''A pair of swords famous for having a perfect balance between speed and power.''
|-
|Pirate Scimitars
|''A pair of devastating scimitars, praised from Barbados to Boston.''
|-
|British Colonial Cutlasses
|''A pair of cutlasses popular among the settlers of the British colonies in North America.''
|-
|Scottish Broadswords
|''Heavy broadswords that emphasize damage over finesse.''
|-
|Standard Pistol Swords
|''A pair of rare pistol swords, capable of firing a gunshot in the right circunstances.''
|-
|Captain Drake's Swords
|''A pair of silver broadswords rumored to have been used by the legendary privateer, Sir Francis Drake.''
|-
|Ferraro's Rapiers
|''A pair of rapiers that belonged to the Italian diplomat, Ruggiero Ferraro.''
|-
|Officer's Rapiers
|''A pair of extremely light rapiers praised for their swiftness.''
|-
|German Rapiers
|''A pair of traditional German rapiers typically used by Prussian court officers.''
|-
|Privateer's Cutlasses
|''A pair of cutlasses appreciated for their versatility by privateers throughout the West Indies.''
|-
|British Cutlasses
|''A pair of light cutlasses made popular by British privateers.''
|-
|French Dress Swords
|''A pair of elegant swords made popular by French court officers.''
|-
|Spanish Cup-hilt Rapiers
|''A pair of cheap yet efficient Spanish rapiers.''
|-
|Officer's Smallswords
|''A pair of small swords popular among officers in the British Army.''
|-
|Rustborne Swords
|''Versatile blades with integrated flintlocks, their bronze-hued surfaces worn by time and battle. Perfect for Assassins who strike swiftly, both in melee and from a distance.''
|}
It’s intriguing to see how the Brotherhood evolved over time. As the guilds within the Brotherhood fragmented in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the formal initiation ceremonies gradually fell out of practice. This suggests that internal dynamics and organizational structure changes may have influenced how they inducted new members.
|bought from secret General Store on unmarked island in the north-west of Gibara region at Coordinates 550, 638 (22000 Reales)<section end="NAME"/>
|-
!Rustic Flintlocks<section begin="NAME"/>
|Legendary
|22
|1.20
|After a Perfect Dodge, quick shooting immediately does not consume ammunition
|obtained from in-game online store for free (on map press Options-Button to access the store).<section end="NAME"/>
|-
!Peaceful Means<section begin="NAME"/>
|Legendary
|20
|1.00
|Pistol shots are quieter
|Purchased from Treasure Dealer for 3 Capuchin Monkey Pelt, 4 Iguana Leather, and 20 Rum Barrels.<section end="NAME"/>
|-
!Cannon-Barrel Pistols<section begin="NAME"/>
|Rare
|21
|1.12
|N/A
|from locked chest in Jiguey (535, 511). It's a locked underwater chest, loot the key from the pirate leader on the beach inside Jiguey, in the same cave as the chest.<section end="NAME"/>
|-
!Captain Morgan's Pistols<section begin="NAME"/>
|Rare
|20
|1.50
|N/A
|Found in underwater treasure chest on Black Island<section end="NAME"/>
a sense of progression and dedication to the narrative. The fact that
!width="10%"|Name
novices operated under supervision before earning their full membership shows that the Assassins were deliberate in their approach to training and integrating new elements into their ranks. Overall, exploring the historical nuances of the Assassins and their Brotherhood sheds light on how this clandestine organization operated and adapted over time. It provides an intriguing glimpse into their secretive world and the methods they employed to strengthen their cause and uphold their principles.”
!width="20%"|Description
|-
|Dark Animus Corsair Flintlocks
|''Truth and thunder in the palm of your hand.''
|-
|Darkworker's Pistols
|''Hand-carved ebony with gold-plated iron forming a lethal union.''
|-
|Dragon's Roar Pistols
|''Sleek pistols imbued with ornate scrollwork and glowing jade.''
|-
|Diabolist's Pistols
|''A set of pistols wreathed in infernal flames, emitting an aura of destruction.''
|-
|Fury of the Deep Pistols
|''Silvery, steel pistols adorned with deep-sea patterns and neon highlights.''
|-
|Golden Flintlock Pistols
|''A set of legendary, golden flintlock pistols, famed for their extraordinary precision.''
|-
|Gargoyle's Breath
|''Monstrous, leering faces adorn the grips of these pistols.''
|-
|Captain Drake's Flintlocks
|''A set of flintlock pistols once owned and used by captain and knight, Sir Francis Drake.''
|-
|Rustic Flintlocks
|''Firearms with rustic patinas, showing the marks of countless skirmishes. Compact, reliable, and ready for close encounters or unexpected duels.''
|-
|Peaceful Means
|''The method by which many disputes can be swiftly resolved.''
|-
|Cannon-Barrel Pistols
|''A set of pistols forged to resemble ship cannons.''
|-
|Captain Morgan's Pistols
|''A set of flintlock pistols once owned and used by Captain Morgan.''
|-
|Captain's Wheellock Pistols
|''A rare set of old wheellock pistols, coveted by soldiers for their sturdiness and sentimental value.''
|-
|Spanish Officer Pistols
|''A set of pistols, praised throughout the West Indies for their stability.''
|-
|Pirate Blunderbusses
|''A set of bulky blunderbusses, popular among pirates for their brashness.''
|-
|Baldwin's Golden Pistols
|''Inextricably tied to the fall of the Baldwin name, these pistols claimed the lives of at least two of their owners' family. They are likely to claim many more.''
|-
|Standard Wheellock Pistols
|''A set of wheellock pistols, perfect for reaching targets at great distances.''
|-
|Common Flintlock Pistols
|''A set of typical flintlock pistols, found all across the West Indies.''
|}
- Excerpt from “The Assassin Cult and Its Evolution”, by Dr Matthew Renter
|''This ominous trinket contain the ghosts of drowned sailors.''
|Takedowns can chain to one more enemy
|Purchase from the Treasure Dealer for 60 wine, 40 spice, 30 tobacco and 20 aloe
|-
|
|Shark Teeth
|Legendary
|''A symbol of fierceness and reckless bravery.''
|Brutes cannot deny Chain Takedowns
|Purchase from a level 3 General Store for 25000 Reales
|-
|
|Templar Cross
|Legendary
|''The secret symbol of the Templars.''
|Reduce damage from enemy melee attacks
|Complete Damn Fine Gear
|-
|
|Hidden Ones Sigil
|Legendary
|''The secret sigil of the Hidden Ones.''
|Enemies' detection time is increased while crouched
|Complete [[The Pirate Captain]] (half of the Assassin's Contracts)
|-
|
|Brass Bird Trinket
|Legendary
|''Kenway's lucky brass charm, linked to his iconic ship.''
|Rope Dart cooldown is shorter
|Purchase the ''Master Assassin Pack''
|-
|
|Wooden Eyeball
|Legendary
|''This false eye provides extra insight.''
|Quick shooting kills Brutes instantly
|Purchased from General Store at Great Inagua for 12000 Reales
|-
|
|Obsidian Monolith
|Legendary
|''Darker than the blackest seaglass, gazing too long upon this particular material hurts the eyes.''
|Perfect Dodge is easier to perform
|Complete rank 9 of "Eye in the Dark" [[Animus Hub#Projects|project]]
|-
|
|Yax Tun Pendant
|Legendary
|''This Mayan design brings fortune to its bearer.''
|All gunshots are mysteriously absorbed
|Complete Mayan Mysteries
|-
|
|Guardian Beast Trinket
|Legendary
|''Rendered in miniature, that its gaze might ward the steps of its keeper across land and sea.''
|Health slowly regenerates while out of combat
|Found in underwater chest between pair of unnamed island south of San Ignacio wreck
|-
|
|Stormrunner Pendant
|Rare
|''A lightweight circular pendant painted in striking blue and red pigments. Its design captures the spirit of relentless motion and high adrenaline, carried by travelers who refuse to tire, whether sprinting through crowded markets or scaling towering keeps.''
|Increases the amount of healing from food, drink, and remedies
|Found in underwater chest off the coast of Nassau, at coordinates 615, 767
|-
|
|Hunter's Amulet
|Rare
|''An amulet of good fortune favored by hunters.''
|Animals' range of detection is reduced
|Buried treasure chest on Santanillas
|-
|
|Bloody Spanish Medal
|Rare
|''One of Laurens Prins' trophies from his time as a soldier.''
|Reduces damage from Spanish soldiers
|Inside Laurens Prins' Manor
|-
|
|Anchor Medallion
|Rare
|''A lucky anchor medallion favored by sharp-eyed sailors.''
|Increases the rewards from floating loot
|Found in a treasure chest on Sacrifice Island
|-
|
|Lock of Hair
|Rare
|''A lock of Caroline's hair kept as a lucky keepsake.''
|Restore some health after a perfect parry
|Complete Wayward Souls
|-
|
|Cross Pendant
|Rare
|''A bejeweled cross once worn by the wealthiest citizen in Kingston.''
|Reduces damage from British soldiers
|Complete Tithes Paid
|-
|
|Exotic Sea Shells
|Rare
|''A string of sea shells gathered from around the world.''
|Increases the wildlife products gained from skinning animals
|Found in treasure chest in southeast Havana
|-
|
|Small Goblet
|Rare
|''A sacred grail said to prolong its owner's life.''
|Increases the amount of healing from food, drink, and remedies
|Complete The Other Cheek
|-
|
|Jackdaw Totem
|Rare
|''Carved by an unknown sculptor, it represents protection and gratitude.''
|Falling from high places no longer damages Edward
|Complete A World Without Gold
|-
|
|Lodestone
|Rare
|''A naturally magnetized piece of mineral.''
|Loots nearby Corpses and Curios automatically
|Purchased from a Level II General Store for 7000 Reales
|-
|
|Folded Palm
|Rare
|''A gambler's trinket meant to bring good fortune.''
|Gain reales after each Takedown
|Complete Spiteful Soldier
|-
|
|Found Coin
|Rare
|''A large gold coin turned into a good luck charm.''
|Increase the amount of Reales gained
|Complete Art Lover I
|-
|
|Rabbit's Foot
|Common
|''A lucky charm for warding off misfortune.''
|Chance of staggering an enemy following a successful parry
|Complete [[The Taíno Assassin]]
|-
|
|Gold Earring
|Common
|''Gold hoop earrings stolen from a lady with connections in high places.''
|Reduces the gain of Wanted Level from acts of piracy
|Found in underwater chest at Salt Key Bank
|-
|
|Diamond Trinket
|Common
|''This diamond trinket is as tough as nails and as hard as a rock.''
|Oxygen drains slower while diving underwater
|Found in underwater treasure chest at Cape Bonavista
|-
|
|Demon-forged Pendant
|Legendary
|''A fiery charm pulsating with dark energy from the lower planes.''
|Berserk darts also sets enemy on fire
|Purchase the ''Hellfire Pack''
|-
|
|Abyssal Pendant
|Legendary
|''A silver snakehead charm, illuminated with an inner glow.''
|Killing enemies also recovers some health
|Purchase the ''Sea Serpent Pack''
|-
|
|Fortunate Circle Charm
|Legendary
|''An elegant pendant in the form of a lucky jade circle.''
|Impervious to attacks for a short duration after a Perfect Dodge
|Purchase the ''Dragon Storm Pack''
|-
|
|Narwhal's Horn
|Rare
|''The broken tip of a narwhal's horn.''
|Enemy guards lose their defensive stance more quickly
|Found inside the house on Cat Island
|}
==Kassandra==
==DB==
“I am Kassandra, the Eagle Bearer, a descendant of King Leonidas I, the legendary Greek warrior king who once led the fierce city state of Sparta. I was raised by the Spartan General Nikolaos, who put me through the same rigorous training as my male companions and forged me into a formidable combatant. Yet, fate took an unexpected turn during a pilgrimage to the Oracle of Delphi, where my younger brother Alexios received a foreboding prophecy, destined to bring darkness upon our world.
===General Database===
<tabber>
|-|Maps=
<center>
{|class="article-table sortable" cellpadding=5;
|
|}</center>
The Spartan Ephors, adhering to the Oracle’s warning, ordered Alexios’ execution at the cliffs of Mount Taygetos. In a moment of instinctual defiance, I saved my brother's life, but at the cost of a venerable Spartan elder’s own. Retribution followed swiftly
|-|Allies=
and I, too, was cast down from that treacherous precipice.
|[[Database: Abel "The Padre" Galvão|Abel "The Padre" Galvão]]
|[[Database: Adéwalé (Black Flag)|Adéwalé]]
|[[Database: Ah Tabai (Black Flag)|Ah Tabai]]
|[[Database: Anne Bonny|Anne Bonny]]
|-
|[[Database: Bernard "The Butler" Woodhouse|Bernard "The Butler" Woodhouse]]
|[[Database: Edward "Blackbeard" Thatch|Edward "Blackbeard" Thatch]]
|[[Database: Edward Kenway|Edward Kenway]]
|[[Database: "Calico" Jack Rackham|Calico Jack Rackham]]
|-
|[[Database: Caroline Scott|Caroline Scott]]
|[[Database: Charles Vane|Charles Vane]]
|[[Database: James Kidd|James Kidd]]
|[[Database: Lucy Baldwin|Lucy Baldwin]]
|-
|[[Database: Mary Read|Mary Read]]
|[[Database: Opía Apito|Opía Apito]]
|[[Database: Rhona Dinsmore|Rhona Dinsmore]]
|[[Database: Stede Bonnet|Stede Bonnet]]
|[[Database: Smuggler Upton|Upton Travers]]-->
|}</center>
Against all odds, I survived. I ran far from Sparta’s clutches, seeking solace and a new beginning on the island of Kephallonia, a true haven on Earth for pariahs and misfits. Alone and isolated, I honed my talents and abilities and became a mercenary known as Misthios. Although I did not know its true power then, I used to wield the Spear of Leonidas, a Piece of Eden left behind by the gods themselves.
|[[Database: Laureano Torres y Ayala|Laureano Torres y Ayala]]
|[[Database: Laurens Prins|Laurens Prins]]
|[[Database: Lucia Márquez|Lucia Márquez]]
|-
|[[Database: "The Sage"|The Sage]]
|[[Database: Thomas Barehaire|Thomas Barehaire]]
|[[Database: Smuggler Vance|Vance Travers]]
|[[Database: Woodes Rogers|Woodes Rogers]]-->
|}</center>
</tabber>
Later, the clash between the brutal Spartan ideals and the progressive values of democracy and enlightenment promoted by the Athenians became inevitable, breaking out in the tumultuous Peloponnesian War.
My journey intertwined with such an epic conflict as I sought to reunite with my lost family. During that period, I learned of the Cult of Kosmos, an insidious, secretive society manipulating prophecies through the Oracle of Delphi to wreak havoc and fear. To my dismay, their champion, Deimos, was none other than my lost brother, Alexios, raised as a weapon to ruthlessly oppose all who resisted the Cult’s vision.
|-|Fauna=
<center>
In my relentless pursuit of truth and redemption, I crossed paths with Pythagoras, who revealed a bewildering truth: Alexios and I bore the ancient Isu bloodline, and one of us had the solemn duty to safeguard the knowledge of Atlantis and undertake a quest to collect Isu artifacts. Given my brother’s absence, such a responsibility fell to me. I was given the Staff of Hermes, which granted me the larger-than-life longevity needed to fulfill my role as the guardian of ancient knowledge and balance between order and chaos.
Long before the Brotherhood was born, I embodied the spirit of later proto-Assassins, driven by values of fraternity, free will, and the firm conviction that humanity should shape its own destiny. Alongside my loyal avian companion, Ikaros, I ventured into a life of discovery, unveiling the truths concealed beneath the veils of manipulation and power.
|[[Database: Booby|Booby]]
|[[Database: Bull Shark|Bull Shark]]
As I trod the path destined to etch my own legacy, my values converged with those that would shape the future Brotherhood in ages yet to come.”
|[[Database: Great White Shark|Great White Shark]]
|[[Database: Hammerhead Shark|Hammerhead Shark]]
|-
|-
!Location
|[[Database: Howler Monkey|Howler Monkey]]
|Sparta, Greece
|[[Database: Humpback Whale|Humpback Whale]]
|[[Database: Hutia|Hutia]]
|[[Database: Iguana (Resynced)|Iguana]]
|[[Database: Jaguar|Jaguar]]
|-
|-
!Time Frame
|[[Database: Jellyfish|Jellyfish]]
|Ancient Greece
|[[Database: Killer Whale|Killer Whale]]
|[[Database: Manta Ray (Resynced)|Manta Ray]]
|[[Database: Monkey|Monkey]]
|[[Database: Ocelot (Resynced)|Ocelot]]
|-
|-
!Affiliation
|[[Database: Parrot|Parrot]]
|Misthios (mercenary)
|[[Database: Pelican|Pelican]]
|[[Database: Rabbit|Rabbit]]
|[[Database: Red Howler Monkey|Red Howler Monkey]]
|[[Database: Sea Urchin|Sea Urchin]]
|-
|-
!Key Allies
|[[Database: Seagull|Seagull]]
|Myrrine, Sokrates, Herodotus, Barnabas, Ikaros
|[[Database: Tiger Shark|Tiger Shark]]
|[[Database: Tropicbird|Tropicbird]]
|[[Database: Turtle (Resynced)|Turtle]]
|[[Database: White Jaguar|White Jaguar]]
|-
|-
!Main Opponents
|[[Database: Wild Pig|Wild Pig]]
|Cult of Kosmos, Deimos
-->
|}
|}</center>
</tabber>
===Adventure Hooks===
<tabber>
#After defending a village from a group of brutal outlaws, the Witnesses find among the bandits’ belongings a cache filled with scrolls. The writings hold crucial information about the inner workings and plans of the Cult of Kosmos — the Cult aims to manipulate a general and statesman of Thebes to gain control over his army.
|-|Artifacts=
#Rumors circulate about a forbidden ritual of Deimos and Phobos that grants its participants the power to cast fear into the hearts of mortals. In order to prevent any attempt to perform this ritual, the Witnesses must delve into the ancient ruins of the Mountain Temple of Poseidon, west of Mytilene on the island of Lesbos. Once there, they discover that the ritual is nothing but a pantomime, and the source of the dark power attributed to it is an apparently magical prong used as a ritual dagger instead.
<center>
#An informer reports that the Cult of Kosmos is gathering a powerful and mysterious army at Fort Tiryns, near the city of Argos. The Witnesses must infiltrate the fortified stronghold and engage in an epic battle against a small but deadly troop of Cult champions who all bear an uncanny resemblance to Kassandra’s brother Alexios.
#A shadowy figure recruits a team of relentless mercenaries to hunt down Kassandra and her allies for reasons unknown. The Witnesses must first avoid getting killed, and then uncover the truth behind the mercenaries’ employer: a vengeful widow who is trying to eliminate Kassandra, who in the guise of the mercenary Misthios took her husband’s life.
#While delving into the underground catacombs of Korinth in their pursuit of the Cult of Kosmos, the Witnesses discover a hidden chamber. Inside, a cryptic tablet rests on a lectern, unveiling the precise whereabouts of a concealed tomb. Amidst scattered notes, the possibility arises that this tomb might be the long-lost resting place of King Agamemnon, dubbed ‘the first servant of Kosmos.’ The records of the Cult of Kosmos also mention a formidable suit of armor previously unearthed from the same location, hinting at the existence of other relics of immense power yet to be discovered.
'''Description:''' While walking through the market of Epidauros, a blind man begging for a few drachmae delivers a cryptic message intertwined with the Witnesses’ destiny. It’s a prophecy that leads the characters to the forgotten Foundry of Hephaistos in the heart of a volcanic island.<br>There, the fragment of an unfinished weapon, a mighty Shard of Eden, awaits. However, the prophecy failed to mention the indestructible guardians lying dormant within the temple — and the Cult of Kosmos hot on the trail of the Witnesses.
As the late afternoon light begins to stain the tranquil town of Epidauros with an amber hue, you meander amidst the colorful canopies of the market stalls. Merchants hawk exotic spices, gleaming trinkets, and fresh catches from the Aegean sea. An old blind man, dressed in tattered garments resembling those of a priest, begs passers by for some coin, muttering incoherently to himself. As you pass by, he suddenly jumps to his feet, imploring you to stop and listen, his voice hoarse and urgent.
|Bust of a Water Deity
|Maize Deity
“Children of fate, listen well, for the strands of destiny weave an unseen tapestry. The path to your obscured purpose lies within the gray breath of the son cast off the mount. Seek his ember lair within the womb of the floating rock. There, iron and metal once toiled, shaping the glowing shard of a treasure yearning to meet with the one commanded by ancient fate.” And then, as though a spell has been broken, the old man begins to mutter to himself once more. He looks at you as though it’s the first time he has seen you, and begs you for a coin.
|Standard Bearer
|Triptych
|Beaver Pelt
|Bracelet
|Cabinet
|}</center>
</tabber>
The next morning, you spot a single, thin trail of smoke rising up through the clear blue sky. Climbing to a vantage point, you can see the smoke emanating from the volcano that looms at the center of an island not far off the coast. The gray breath… The floating rock… The old man’s prophecy rings true, guiding you toward the island.
====Key Objectives====
<tabber>
<tabber>
|-|1 - PROCURE SAFE PASSAGE=
|-|Art Collection: Paintings=
Although the volcanic island is not far from Epidauros’ shores, it is still too far to swim. The Witnesses must secure a vessel to make the crossing safely.
|[[Database: "The Burning of the 'Royal James'"|"The Burning of the 'Royal James'"]]
|[[Database: "Saint Jerome as Cardinal"|"Saint Jerome as Cardinal"]]
|[[Database: "Merry Company"|"Merry Company"]]
|[[Database: "Harbor Scene at Sunset"|"Harbor Scene at Sunset"]]
|[[Database: Map of the World|Map of the World]]
|[[Database: "An English Ship in Action with Barbary Vessels"|"An English Ship in Action with Barbary Vessels"]]
|[[Database: "The Flight into Egypt"|"The Flight into Egypt"]]-->
The bustling port of Epidauros unfolds before you, the air thick with the scent of salt, fish, and smoke from cooking fires. The cacophony of chattering seagulls, creaking ship masts, and distant waves envelops you as you navigate through the quays, teeming with an eclectic mix of sailors, traders, and locals, each absorbed in the rhythm of their tasks.
|Vanitas Still-life
|Nymphs By A Fountain
|"Der Liederliche Student" by Gerard van Honthorst
|"Harbour Scene at Sunset" by Claude Lorrin
|"Vanitas Still-life" by Pieter Cleasz
|}</center>
;Challenges
|-|Art Collection: Ship Models=
*''Petty Thieves''<br>As the Witnesses move along the docks, they become the target of a band of young thieves. Any Wits check made to notice the petty thief requires 1 Raise. If the Witnesses do not catch the thief, the targeted Witness loses 1 Gear item.
<center>
*''Steal a Boat''<br>Unless the characters wait until darkness to steal a boat, any Stealth check made to overcome this Challenge requires 2 Raises.
*''Bargaining.''<br>Obtaining the right price for a boat proves challenging for anyone unfamiliar with the local customs. Any Social check made to negotiate as a stranger requires 1 Raise.
|[[Database: Spanish Brig|Spanish Brig]]
|[[Database: Spanish Cutter|Spanish Cutter]]
|[[Database: Spanish Schooner|Spanish Schooner]]
|[[Database: Spanish Frigate|Spanish Frigate]]
|[[Database: Spanish Man o' War|Spanish Man o' War]]
|[[Database: English Cutter|English Cutter]]
|[[Database: English Frigate|English Frigate]]
|[[Database: English Schooner|English Schooner]]
|[[Database: English Brig|English Brig]]
|[[Database: The El Dorado|The El Dorado]]
|[[Database: The Jackdaw|The Jackdaw]]
|[[Database: The Revenge (ship model)|The Revenge]]-->
;Weaknesses
|Nosso Senhor da Compreensao
*''Private Boat (major)''<br>One of the Witnesses might be in possession of their own private boat. In this case, the Witnesses achieve the current Key Objective.
|Queen Anne's Revenge
|English Man o' War
|El Impoluto
|HMS Prince
|La Dama Negra
|Brothers in Arms
|HMS Ipswich
|}</center>
</tabber>
|-|2 - DEFEAT THE CULT OF KOSMOS=
<tabber>
After procuring a boat to reach the volcanic island, the Witnesses soon realize that others are also searching for a possible Precursor relic. The Cult of Kosmos attempts to board their vessel.
|-|Letters=
<center>
{|class="article-table sortable" cellpadding=5;
|
|}</center>
The silhouette of the volcanic island looms on the horizon, its smoking peak veiled by low-hanging clouds. However, the serenity of the voyage is abruptly shattered as a volley of hissing, flaming arrows fall short of your boat. You are not alone in your pursuit! A heavy trireme with a purple flag bearing the symbol of pale intertwined serpents approaches at high speed. The sun reflects on the shining bronze masks and helmets of the archers on board the ship: it’s the Cult of Kosmos!
|[[Database: "Vertumnus, a Portrait of Today"|"Vertumnus, a Portrait of Today"]]
|[[Database: Columbus Map|Columbus Map]]-->
;Challenges
|"Atalanta Fugiens"
*''Flaming Arrows''<br>The next volley of flaming arrows is in range of the Witnesses’ boat. All the Witnesses on the main deck must make a Reaction check.
|"De Gama Diary Extract"
*''Sneak Aboard''<br>Witness might try to dive into the open water to reach the enemy boat undetected, catching the rival crew by surprise. Any Stealth and Action check made to approach the enemy’s boat this way requires 1 Raise.
|"Magellan's Ship"
*''Close Combat''<br>If the Witnesses’ boat draws close enough to their enemies, the mercenaries of the Cult of Kosmos are ready to draw their blades and fight. The Witnesses must make at least 2 separate Approach checks with 1 Raise to defeat them.
|"Sacred Theory of the Earth"
|"The Fetus In The Womb"
|"Voynich Manuscript" - Folio 33v
|"World Map" (1570)
|}</center>
;Weaknesses
|-|Shanties=
*''Ramming (minor)''<br>If the Witnesses have a large enough vessel, such as a trireme, it is likely equipped with one of the Greek navy’s most successful weapons: a ram. The oarsmen of such a vessel are trained to hit their target with extreme accuracy before dislodging the ram just before the enemy’s boat sinks. In this case, the Close Combat Challenge requires 1 Approach check only with no Raises.
<center>
{|class="article-table sortable" cellpadding=5;
|
|}</center>
|-|3 - ENTER THE VOLCANO=
</tabber>
The only entrance into the volcano is by climbing down into the crater from the peak. During their descent, they are attacked by an ancient Isu automaton – an iron eagle.
After exploring the island, it becomes evident that the sole entrance to the “womb” referenced in the prophecy lies within the conspicuously visible opening at its summit. Following a rugged trail that climbs to the peak, you eventually arrive at the precipice of the smoldering mountain, where a breathtaking panorama of the shimmering Aegean Sea unfolds before you.
===World of Piracy===
<tabber>
|-|Lore=
<center>
{|class="article-table sortable" cellpadding=5;
|[[Database: Golden Age of Piracy|Golden Age of Piracy]]
|[[Database: Jolly Roger|Jolly Roger]]
|[[Database: Pirate Articles|Pirate Articles]]
|[[Database: Pirate Round|Pirate Round]]
|-
|[[Database: Rum|Rum]]
|[[Database: Shanties|Shanties]]
|[[Database: War of the Spanish Succession|War of the Spanish Succession]]
|}</center>
According to the blind man’s cryptic message, the divine treasure purportedly lies somewhere below. However, the terrain and the ominous smoke add to the challenge of finding a safe descent. Just as you weigh your options for the best route down, a growing buzzing noise interrupts your thoughts. Emerging from the dense smoke is an unexpected sight: an iron eagle with a single red eye fixated directly on you, spewing flames as it rapidly closes in.
*''Climbing Down''<br>Descending the inner wall of the crater requires great skill and toughness. Any Action check made to climb down into the volcano requires 1 Raise.
|Portuguese Empire
*''Iron Eagle''<br>The iron eagle, crafted by the Isu Hephaistos, is a heavily armored automaton guarding his laboratory entrance. It shoots flames and is highly sophisticated. Confronting the Iron Eagle requires at least 2 separate Approach checks with 1 Raise.
;Weaknesses
|}</center>
*''Leap of Faith (minor)''<br>A deep water bed lies at the bottom of the volcano. Should a character locate it, possibly through the activation of their Eagle Vision skill, they could ponder how executing a precision dive might spare them the laborious descent. A Witness leaping from the top of the volcano overcomes the Climbing Down Challenge.
|-|4 - RECOVER THE DIVINE TREASURE=
|-|Locations=
Entering the Foundry of Hephaistos, the Witnesses find a laboratory equipped with machinery designed by the Isu Hephaistos. There, the Shard of Eden lies unfinished. Two Isu automatons stand ready to attack the intruders.
Leading off from the base of the crater, a series of smoky tunnels guide you to a towering cavern. Its floor is enveloped in boiling lava, with a network of stone bridges and catwalks spanning the expanse, all converging on a circular platform at its heart. A colossal forge dominates the platform, surrounded by intricate machinery of unparalleled craftsmanship — undoubtedly the ancient handiwork of the gods.
|Mayan Ruins
|North Carolina
|Charles-Towne
|Shipwrecks
|}</center>
There, in a stillness permeated with latent energy, your eyes are drawn to a glowing object perched upon a dark metal column. As you near it, the item begins to levitate and vibrate, as though responding to your presence. “The glowing shard of a treasure yearning to meet with the one commanded by ancient fate”, said the prophecy.
With the activation of the shard, two ancient sentinels materialize from the shadows at the cavern’s edge — 15 feet tall metal humanoid automatons, they swiftly advance towards you. The intent of these Iron Guardians is unmistakable: to protect the divine weapon from intruders.
|Fort Charles
|Port Royal Tower
|The Observatory
|Sugar Mill
|Ramparts
|Cathedral Of Havana
|Castillo de la Real Fuerza
|Castillo Moro
|}</center>
;Challenges
</tabber>
*''Take the Shard of Eden''<br>The Shard of Eden is bound to the dark metal pedestal by a powerful force field. A Witness who wants to claim the artifact must make a Wits check with 2 Raises.
*''Iron Guardian''<br>The automatons possess incomprehensible strength, and were crafted to endure against any intruder who dares to challenge Hephaistos’s domain. Confronting them requires at least 4 separate Approach checks with 2 Raises.
;Weaknesses
===Transcription===
*''Agents of Fate (minor)''<br>A Witness may opt not to engage in combat with the Iron Guardians, instead submitting themselves to the mercy of these formidable automatons. To succeed, the Witness must make a Social check to convince the Iron Guardians of their destined presence within the cave. Reciting the prophecy of the blind man of Epidauros reinforces their claim. In this case, the Iron Guardians cease their advance, allowing the Witnesses to overcome the Iron Guardian Challenge.
<tabber>
*''I Am the One (minor)''<br>If the Witness attempting to take the Shard of Eden from the pedestal is the Ancestor of the Sequence, any Wits check made to overcome the Take the Shard of Eden Challenge requires no Raises.
|-|British Empire=
The course of the 18th Century saw the [[British Empire]] become the [[Earth|world]]'s leading colonial power, with [[France]] and [[Spain]] as its primary rivals. After siding with the [[Netherlands]] and Austria in the [[War of the Spanish Succession]], the British Empire expanded, gaining territories from both Spain and France, and taking over control of the [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] [[Slavery|slave trade]] in Spanish America.
</tabber>
|-|Dancers=
For a handful of coin, "Dancers" can be employed to distract guards and interfere with ongoing fights. They might also have some incredible stories of their own to tell, if only you'd bother to listen.
====Setbacks====
|-|Drunkards=
*''FALLING (MINOR)''<br>There are plenty of places from which a careless Witness might fall. They must make a Reaction check to avoid being injured.
Sailors flush with [[rum]] and the heat of the [[sun]], these Drunkards can be useful in a few ways. First as [[Blending|blend groups]] that allow [[Edward Kenway|Edward]] to hide in plain sight, and secondly as allies in the event of a scuffle. But remember to bring a bit of coin if you want them to fight alongside you, as these [[Piracy|pirates]] won't risk their lives for free.
*''VOLCANIC HAZE (MINOR)''<br>Volcanic ash fills the air, irritating eyes and making breathing a challenge. For the rest of the Sequence, all Wits and Action checks require 1 additional Raise. However all Stealth checks have 1 Free Raise.
*''ON FIRE! (MAJOR)''<br>The intense heat from the volcano ignites clothing on contact with any surface. Until the Witnesses manage to extinguish the flames, all their Approach checks necessitate 1 additional Raise.
*''ERUPTION (MAJOR)''<br>As the volcano rumbles ominously, jets of lava spurt forth, and the entire complex trembles, signaling a potentially lethal outcome for all within its grasp. While the Witnesses remain within the volcano, they must perform a Reaction check at the conclusion of each Approach check.
====Pieces of Eden====
|-|Spanish Empire=
;SHARD OF EDEN
Already a global power, the Spanish defeated powerful adversaries such as the Aztecs and Incas in the Americas by exploiting existing conflicts and rivalries between tribes and nations between the 15th and 18th centuries.
'''Known Owners:''' Unknown
'''Current Status:''' Unknown
Acquisitive and protective of the supply of precious metals its new colonies afforded it, the Spanish Empire enthusiastically participated in the Atlantic slave trade and defended its trade routes aggressively.
The Shards of Eden are relics of Isu technology, echoing the awe-inspiring power of the original Pieces of Eden from which they were derived. Though fragmented, these artifacts remain potent, retaining a fraction of the formidable power and unique qualities that once flowed through them.
Even after its defeat in the War of the Spanish Succession, the 18th century was nevertheless one of prosperity for the Spanish Empire, as their trade reputation grew steadily under Bourbon oversight, and continued to grow at an extraordinary rate until the 1780s.
==Bayek and Aya==
|-|Swashbucklers=
“I am Bayek. I was born and raised in the remote oasis of Siwa, near the Egyptian-Libyan border. In my veins flows the blood of a Berber-Egyptian heritage. I bear the responsibility of being the last of the Medjay, the guardians of Egypt’s ancient kingdom, its people, and its cherished way of life. Alongside me walks Aya of Alexandria, my beloved wife, who has embraced the Medjay path despite not belonging to the bloodline.
Often used interchangeably, there are a number of important distinctions to make between these different kinds of swashbucklers...
We were in the sacred temple in Siwa when tragedy struck. Soldiers came, demanding access. I refused to grant it to th+em, driven by my dedication to protect the sanctity of our land. Little did I know that this act of defiance would lead to the murder of our young son. Consumed by grief, Aya and I found ourselves torn apart, our pain driving a wedge between us. Deep within, I nurtured a flicker of hope — I believed that by avenging our son’s death I could restore what was lost and reunite with my mourning wife.
[[Piracy|Pirates]]: Criminals on the open sea who use coercion, intimidation and violence to rob innocent people of their cargo and transport. The term pirate is a catch-all and may be used generally to refer to all who perform acts of larceny on the open ocean. Pirates have been a problem since the advent of long-distance ocean travel; every age has seen its share of pirates, and every age has cursed their name and romanticized their cause. During the so-called "[[Golden Age of Piracy]]" (roughly 1650 to 1725), the majority of pirates were from the [[United Kingdom|British Isles]]. Most were young men in their 20s and almost all had already gained some experience as sailors prior to falling into piracy.
In the twists and turns of fate, my path led me back to Alexandria, where I once again crossed paths with Aya. With persuasive words she urged me to look beyond my own personal quest for revenge, and consider the greater tapestry of our troubled times. Aya saw in Cleopatra the key to freeing Egypt from the shackles of oppression, and she pledged her support to aid her in reclaiming the throne. Together, we set forth on a mission to hunt down the Order of the Ancients, a shadowy organization pulling the strings of power in Egypt.
Buccaneers: Though often used as a synonym for Pirates now, the term Buccaneer refers more specifically to a group of pirates who lived and operated in the [[Caribbean|West Indies]] in the middle of the 17th century. Best known for attacking settlements and fortifications on land in large groups, the Buccaneers derived their name from the [[France|French]] Boucanier -- an instrument used for smoking strips of meat over an open fire, a favorite sort of sustenance for these terrestrial pirates.
As I ventured deeper into the heart of this mission, a profound realization dawned upon me. The people of Egypt deserved the freedom to determine their own destiny. They needed champions to rise against their oppressive rulers. My thirst for vengeance gradually transformed into an unyielding resolve to champion righteousness, seeking to safeguard the people’s rights.
Privateers: Non-commissioned sailors who attack and rob, having been given a Letter of Marque by their King or a royal official such as a Governor. Thus the distance between a Pirate and a Privateer is but a hair's breath of difference -- Pirates simply sail for one [[Monarchy|monarch]] fewer.
Eventually, Cleopatra chose to ally with Julius Caesar, who was under the sway of the nefarious Order of the Ancients. Blinded by ambition, she dismissed Aya and me. In her actions we saw not just a personal betrayal, but a disloyalty to what we personally held dear — the safety and freedom of Egypt and its people. We resolved to continue our struggle, even if that meant standing against Cleopatra’s allies, as we understood that our quest for justice would benefit the entirety of the land and strike a resounding blow against the Order of the Ancients.
|-|Taíno=
Taíno refers to a group of related languages and cultures widespread across the Caribbean at the time of European arrival. Broadly speaking, they consisted of the Ciboney or Western Taíno of Cuba, Jamaica and the Bahamas; the Classic Taíno of Hispaniola and Borikén (the indigenous name of Puerto Rico); and the Eastern Taíno of the Antilles.
With this goal in mind, we established a new organization; one founded not on bloodline alone but on a shared vision of justice. The Hidden Ones came into being, an organization destined to withstand the test of time. It would evolve and adapt, eventually blossoming into the revered Brotherhood of Assassins. Aya, embracing her newfound identity as Amunet, would emerge as one of the Brotherhood’s most illustrious and celebrated Assassins, honored for her unwavering dedication to the cause.
A Taíno cacique or chief demonstrated rank by carrying an object forged from guanín, a unique indigenous alloy made out of copper, silver, and gold, noted for its lustrous shine. The term "tabaco" from which we also derive from a Taíno word, as tobacco was cultivated on the islands and its usage noted by Spanish explorers. Other English words with a Taíno origin include barbecue, canoe, hurricane, iguana, and potato.
Thus, I, Bayek, stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Hidden Ones and the Brotherhood. Our creed, etched in the annals of history, champions justice, freedom, and the liberation of the oppressed. Through the passage of time, our legacy endures as we persist in our quest for a world where righteousness prevails and tyranny falls under the blows of our blades.”
Other, non-Taíno indigenous groups of the island include the Ciguaya, Macorix, and Kalinago or Caribs, for whom the Caribbean Sea is named.
There were several attempts to found a town near the [[Havana]] Bay in the early 1500s. A settlement was established by the [[Spanish Empire|Spanish]] {{Wiki|Conquistador}} [[Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar]] around 1514. The city sits on a bay that opens to the {{Wiki|Gulf Stream}} and thus became a natural stopping point between [[Europe]] and the [[Americas]].
|Order of the Ancients, Julius Caesar, Flavius Metellus, Lucius Septimius, Martellus, Bion
|}
===Adventure Hooks===
In the earliest stages of the [[Golden Age of Piracy|golden age of piracy]] Havana was burnt to the ground by [[France|French]] {{Wiki|French corsairs|corsair}}, [[Jacques de Sores]]. By the 1700s, Havana had become a large, heavily fortified port city where [[Spanish Treasure Fleet|Spanish treasure ships]] would dock on their way to Europe. [[Piracy|Pirates]] lurked on the approaches to the city, hoping to capture these same [[ship]]s.
#Rumors in the bustling city of Memphis speak of a secret, ancient oasis hidden near the small village of Nitria in the middle of the Saqqara Nome. This forgotten place is said to hold a source of divine power secured there by the goddess Ma’at herself. To reach the hidden sanctuary and uncover its secrets, the Witnesses must battle through a dangerous sandstorm that protects the oasis in the middle of the rocky desert and beat rival treasure hunters too.
#A noble Alexandrian family approaches the Hidden Ones, desperate to retrieve a precious relic. The artifact was recently stolen by someone who mistook it for a lost Piece of Eden. The Witnesses must navigate the sprawling streets of the great city, and penetrate the intricate underworld of black market merchants to find the member of the Order of the Ancients who commissioned the theft.
#Dark forces loom over the once-vibrant city of Memphis, as mysterious cultists tighten their grip on its unsuspecting inhabitants. Tasked with infiltrating the newborn Isfet cult, the Witnesses must investigate the bustling markets, shady back alleys, and opulent temples of Memphis to gather information about the cult, identify the cult’s inner circle, and assassinate them before they unleash chaos and bloodshed upon the city.
#The Great Library of Alexandria is surely known as one of Egypt’s many wonders. The Witnesses receive a mysterious plea for help from within the library halls. Tasked with protecting a valuable manuscript containing ancient Isu knowledge, they must deal with a cunning Order of the Ancients scholar who is also on the trail of the manuscript.
#A trusted affiliate of the Hidden Ones suddenly disappears, leaving behind a single clue: the words “Hidden One” written in blood on the floor of their home. The Witnesses must uncover the truth behind the disappearance: a disloyal branch of the Hidden Ones that seeks to undermine the characters’ bureau.
===ECHOES OF BETRAYAL===
|-|Nassau=
'''Time Frame:''' Ptolemaic Egypt
Originally founded as another [[Charleston|Charles-Towne]], the city was renamed [[Nassau]] in honor of [[William III of England|King William III]] of the {{Wiki|house of Orange-Nassau}}. This city has a particularly colorful past: In 1706 the city's officially appointed Governor skipped town, thus severing the [[British Empire|Crown]]'s direct control over [[the Bahamas]].
'''Location:''' City of Alexandria, Egypt - 30 BCE
The islands languished for almost a decade in the hands of [[United Kingdom|British]] [[Civilians|citizens]] with little or no interest in Statesmanship. By 1713, the entire region had become a haven for [[Piracy|pirates]] and it was in this period that [[Benjamin Hornigold]] declared Nassau to be a pirate republic. He proclaimed himself governor and thereafter every pirate of any sense and reputation used Nassau as a base of operation, transforming this small city of barely 1000 residences into a "nest of infamous bastards", according to the Governor of Bermuda.
'''Description:''' It’s the year 724 since the foundation of Rome, and the Republic is facing its last civil war. Following the victory at the Battle of Actium, the Roman army led by the adopted son of Julius Caesar, Octavian, reaches Alexandria, in pursuit of Marcus Antonius and his remaining forces. The city is swarming with Octavian’ red-clad soldiers. Cleopatra and Antonius’ remaining troops are deserting or being overpowered, and the walls of the Royal Palace will not keep Octavian at bay for much longer.
|-|Mayan Temples=
Dating generally from the [[Maya]]n {{Wiki|Maya civilization|Classic period}} (AD 250 - 900), most Mayan ruins can be found throughout the [[Yucatán Peninsula|Yucatán peninsula]] and Central America. Mayan Temples have steep stone steps and a platform at the top for wooden crowning structures. Mayan architecture is composed with a sophisticated eye to decoration, often using wall paintings and elaborate bas-relief stone carvings. Mayan arches forego the use of a keystone, instead creating a triangle-like arch known as a corbel vault.
</tabber>
Wisps of smoke drift towards the purple sky, which reflects the incandescent glow of the fires that have started burning in the city where the clashes are fiercest — the troops of Octavian are capturing Alexandria. The Queen’s militia and Antonius’ troops are succumbing. The sound of conflict is getting closer and closer, and you don’t have much time to complete your mission. You stealthily enter the Royal Palace looking for the Queen, to put an end to her Roman lover’s life.
====Key Objectives====
<tabber>
<tabber>
|-|1 - FIND ANTONIUS=
|-|Basilica Menor de San Francisco de Asis=
Cleopatra has drunk her vial of poison in the great hall, before she can reveal where Marcus Antonius has fled to. The Witnesses must track Antonius down, both to avenge the murder of the Hidden One Brutus, and to recover the Sword of Damokles, a powerful weapon in his possession. Then, they must escape the palace.
A dominating presence on [[Havana]]'s Plaza de San Francisco, the [[Basilica Menor de San Francisco de Asis]] dates from 1580s. Originally, a statue of St. [[Francis of Assisi]] stood atop the bell tower, but this was blown off in a cyclone in 1846. Baroque features were added to the basilica in 1730.
The body of Cleopatra lies lifeless on the floor of the great hall, a poison vial lying next to her bejeweled hand. The Queen is dead, and she has taken all she knew about Antonius’ escape plan to the grave. The renegade triumvir is your target — he has too-long escaped his fate. You can’t let him go this time, or you will lose your last chance to avenge the death of Brutus and eliminate a servant of the Order of the Ancients.
|-|Governor's Mansion=
The [[Governor's Mansion, Havana|Governor's Mansion]] housed the acting [[Spain|Spanish]] governor in addition to prison facilities. A new governor's mansion was constructed across the square in 1791.
;Challenges
|-|Old Avery Tavern=
*''Cleopatra’s Militia''<br>Most of the Queen of Egypt’s guards are busy watching the walls and perimeter of the Royal Palace. However, some soldiers still patrol the interior rooms to ward off unwanted intrusions. Cleopatra’s militia will attack the Witnesses on sight.
This [[Old Avery|drinking spot]], named after "The King of [[Piracy|Pirates]]" Henry Avery, was highly popular among gritty seafarers in the early 18th century. Legend had it that Avery himself once had a financial stake in several establishments throughout the [[Caribbean|West Indies]], but that appears to be nothing more than self-promotion.
*''Antonius’ Tracks''<br>Evidence of Antonius’ hasty flight can be traced across the hall’s tiled floor to Caesarion’s room, the teenage son of Caesar and Cleopatra. To do that, a Witness must make a Wits check with 2 Raises.
;Weaknesses
|-|Laurence Prins' Manor=
*''Eagle Vision (minor)''<br>A Witness can activate their Eagle Vision Skill to enhance their chances of following the tracks in the hall. In this case, any Wits check made to approach the Antonius’ Tracks Challenge requires no Raise.
[[Laurens Prins]] was an incredibly successful [[Slavery|slave-trader]] who spent the better part of his 80 years transporting [[Humans|human]] cargo from the west of [[Africa]] to the [[Caribbean|West Indies]]. Near the end of his life, he lived in semi-retirement on land he purchased near [[Kingston]]. One of his most active [[Slave ships|slave ships]], the [[Whydah]], was famously captured by the [[Piracy|pirate]], [[Samuel Bellamy|Sam Bellamy]].
*''Eagle Sense (major)''<br>A Witness can activate their Eagle Sense Skill to notice that Cleopatra’s heart has not quite taken its last beat. The Witness can inflict the coup de grace to peer into her last memories, thus witnessing the final dialogue between her and Antonius — he intends to reach Caesarion’s room, to claim for himself Caesar’s Sword of Damokles, one of the real causes of the conflict between the two triumvirs. However, exploiting this Weakness triggers the Queenslayer Setback automatically.
*''Old Friends (minor)''<br>If Bayek or Aya are among the Witnesses confronting Cleopatra’s Militia, the characters can exploit their renown as former allies of Cleopatra. If they do so, any Social check made to overcome the Cleopatra’s Militia Challenge has 1 Free Raise.
|-|2 - ASSASSINATE ANTONIUS AND TAKE THE SWORD OF EDEN=
</tabber>
The Witnesses reach Antonius in Caesarion’s room, as he recovers something from a hidden compartment under the bed. It’s a wonderful sword, a Piece of Eden that once belonged to the Greek warrior Deimos, perhaps one of the most powerful weapons ever created by Hephaistos! The triumvir and Caesarion intend to escape on a boat that is waiting for them at the Pharos lighthouse.
In Caesarion’s room, a delightful aroma of essential oils wafts through the air, mingling with the soft, orange glow emanating from finely crafted braziers. Marcus Antonius holds a peculiar sword, its blade lacking a crossguard, swathed in a sheet of luxurious silk. Meanwhile, Caesarion is halfway out of the window, poised to flee into the courtyard.
<tabber>
|-|"Saint Jerome as Cardinal"=
An unusual rendering of Saint [[Jerome]] as a scholar rather than an ascetic. The book supporting his hands alludes to his work as a Bible translator.
;Challenges
|-|"Harbor Scene at Sunset"=
*''Caesarion''<br>If the Witnesses are unaware of Caesarion’s presence and try to take Marcus Antonius by surprise, the boy shouts out a warning. Then, khopesh in hand, he sides with Antonius to confront the Witnesses. Caesarion’s blade is a Viper’s Tooth, a legendary weapon coated with a powerful poison. If a Witness fails an Approach check while crossing blades with Caesarion, they are wounded by his poisonous blade — for the rest of the Sequence, any Action check requires 1 additional Raise.
Harbor scenes such as depicted in this 1644 painting were a favorite subject of the artist Claude Lorrain.
*''Force Shield''<br>Antonius brandishes the Sword of Damokles, a formidable weapon that generates a protective force shield around him, seemingly impenetrable. Consequently, overcoming Antonius requires a minimum of 3 distinct Approach checks.
*''Shockwave''<br>Once Antonius is defeated, the Sword of Damokles releases a shockwave that knocks over everyone in the room. Each Witness must make a Reaction check.
;Weaknesses
|-|"The Burning of the 'Royal James'"=
*''Old Friends (major)''<br>If Bayek or Aya are among the Witnesses confronting Antonius and Caesarion, the characters can remind the boy how the two helped his mother become Queen of Egypt and how she held them in high regard. In this case, the characters overcome the Caesarion Challenge.
An oil on canvas painting by [[Willem van de Velde the Younger|Willem van de Velde II]], the founder of the English school of marine painting. It shows a battle of the {{Wiki|Third Anglo-Dutch War}}.
|-|3 - REACH THE PHAROS LIGHTHOUSE=
|-|"An English Ship in Action with Barbary Vessels"=
With his dying breath, Antonius tells the Witnesses that he respects the honorable end he has been granted. Then, he reveals that a trusted ally of Cleopatra is waiting at the Pharos lighthouse with a boat, ready to set sail to India with Caesarion. Antonius implores the Witnesses to safeguard the boy and the Sword of Damokles, ensuring they do not fall into Octavian’s clutches.
More of a display of his imaginative and technical skills than an actual historic representation, this dramatic painting by [[Willem van de Velde the Younger|Willem van de Velde II]] depicts a battle with Barbary corsairs from north [[Africa]].
The thunderous sound of Octavian’s troops battering down the large doors to the great hall echoes through the chamber. Escaping to the boat waiting at the Pharos lighthouse across the Great Harbor offers the best chance of fleeing the city, provided you can reach it in time.
|-|"The Flight into Egypt"=
This painting by Luca Giordano was commisioned by King Philip V of Spain for display in the French court.
;Challenges
</tabber>
*''Crossing the City''<br>Crossing the City. The Witnesses can reach the lighthouse overland, escaping over the palace walls. In this case, they must cross the tumultuous city, risking dangerous encounters with Octavian’s soldiers along the way.
*''Reach the Palace Docks''<br>If the Witnesses choose to reach the lighthouse by sea, they can head to the palace’s docks to take one of the boats moored there. However, a group of Antonius’ guards is watching over the boats, waiting for their general. As soon as the Witnesses are in sight, the soldiers unsheath their weapons, ready to fight. Should a Witness fail an Approach check on the docks, it triggers the Prey Setback.
;Weaknesses
*''The Traitors are Dead! (minor)''<br>The Witnesses can explain to Octavian’s soldiers that they killed both Marcus Antonius and Cleopatra, but they need to support the claim with some evidence — for example, they may have Caesarion in custody, or be carrying Antonius’ sword. In this case, any Social check made to overcome the Crossing the City Challenge has 1 Free Raise.
*''They’re with Me (minor)''<br>The Witnesses can intimidate or otherwise convince Caesarion to vouch for them to Antonius’ guards. In this case, any Social check made to overcome the Reach the Palace Docks Challenge has 1 Free Raise.
<tabber>
|-|Bat-Nosed Figurine=
Gold-work from the Isthmus, representing a crowned half-human, half-bat figure flanked by four crocodile heads.
</tabber>
</tabber>
====Setbacks====
<tabber>
*''OCTAVIAN’S SOLDIERS (MINOR)''<br>Octavian’s soldiers suddenly surround the Witnesses, eager for blood and plunder. Each Witness must make a Reaction check to avoid being injured by hurled javelins.
|-|Birthday Announcement=
*''QUEENSLAYER (MAJOR)''<br>Blaming the Witnesses for her death, the Queen’s bodyguards attack with unprecedented ferocity, determined to kill them all or die trying. Any Action check made to overcome the Cleopatra’s Militia Challenge requires 1 Raise, and the Old Friends Weakness has no effect.
Today is my birthday.
*''THEY KILLED THE GENERAL! (MAJOR)''<br>The guards of Antonius attack the Witnesses on sight to avenge their General. Any Action check made to overcome the Reach the Palace Docks Challenge requires 1 Raise, and the They’re with Me Weakness has no effect.
*''PREY (MAJOR)''<br>If the Witnesses end up in the harbor’s waters, dangerous beasts such as hippos and crocodiles attack them. While in the water, each Approach check made to fight back against such animals requires 2 Raises. Additionally, Witnesses must make a Reaction check with 1 Raise every time they make an Approach check.
====Notables NPCs====
Brandish every Cask, Bottle and Barrel of Alcohol. Everyone is to partake and sing my Praises. To ensure that this Do goes splendidly, I will take charge of the Stores and require its Key.
;Marcus Antonius
A Roman general and politician, Marcus Antonius first joined forces with Caesar’s designated successor, Octavian, to hunt down the rebel senators who had plotted the assassination of Caesar with Amunet. Marcus Antonius’ troops tracked down the Hidden One Brutus in his hideout in Greece, triggering a sequence of events that apparently ended with the conspirator’s death.
Later, Antonius found himself entangled in a struggle for control of Rome alongside his lover, Cleopatra, against his former ally, Octavian. The pivotal naval Battle of Actium, off the west coast of Greece, saw Antonius and Cleopatra’s forces defeated. They sought refuge in Alexandria, only to face the relentless advance of Octavian’s forces closing in on them.
My Father will be most gratified at your swift fulfilment of my Commands.
;Caesarion
- Emmerson Beckford
Formally known as Ptolemy XV Philopator Philometor Caesar, Caesarion was the son of Queen Cleopatra and the Roman dictator Gaius Julius Caesar. Caesar didn’t officially acknowledge him, but allowed him to use his name. This created conflict when Julius Caesar later adopted Octavian as his son, especially after Caesar fell victim to an assassination plot orchestrated by the Hidden Ones, a faction led by Amunet, Marcus Junius Brutus, and Gaius Cassius Longinus.
By the year 30 BCE, Octavian emerges victorious in the war against Cleopatra and Marcus Antonius. Ultimately convinced that self-sacrifice is the best route to safeguard Egypt’s future, Cleopatra chooses to end her own life by means of poison, leaving Caesarion on his own in Alexandria.
|-|Endeavor Cargo Manifest=
I, Thomas Cecil, hereby report that the following is a true Manifest of all the Goods, Wares and Merchandize, of the Marks, Numbers and Contents of each Package on board the Endeavor which Cargo was received at the Trading Post of Andreas Island from whence the Craft Sailed for the Plantation of Cat Island.
====Pieces of Eden====
Sugar - 110 Barrels
;SWORD OF DAMOKLES
Molasses - 25 Barrels
'''Known Owners:''' Deimos, Kassandra, Marcus Antonius
Tobacco - 15 Barrels
'''Current Status:''' Unknown
|-|Barrister's Letter=
John,
Forged by the Isu scientist Hephaistos during the War of Unification, the sword possessed extraordinary capabilities, granting formidable powers in battle and augmenting the leadership qualities of its wielder. During the late 5th century BCE, it ended in the possession of the enigmatic Cult of Kosmos. They entrusted this legendary weapon to one of their champions, Deimos, grandson of Spartan King Leonidas and a direct descendant of the Precursors. Due to his unique lineage, Deimos was able to harness the sword’s potential to its fullest extent. When Kassandra defeated him in combat, the sword fell from the height of Mount Taygetos, apparently losing parts of its immense power.
It is done. Accompanying this Letter you will find the Will, fully notarized by myself and with the old Man's signature. It will survive the scrutiny of any English Court, I assure you.
==Basim Ibn Ishaq==
Arrangements for your Daughter's removal are also underway. My Associates in the Royal Navy tell me she will be apprehended within the Month. In fact, I hear they have solicited the most reputable Pirate Hunter Lieutenant Maynard for the Task.
I am Basim Ibn Ishaq, born in the Abbasid Caliphate. My early years were spent in opulent Baghdad, but I grew up as a street thief, surviving by wit and cunning alone, together with my comrades in the shadows. Plagued by vivid hallucinations of a fearsome djinn from a young age, I harbored a deep-seated desire to unravel the mysteries surrounding these haunting visions. Eventually, my quest led me to the Hidden Ones, a secretive order of assassins dedicated to justice, operating covertly to uphold the greater good.
In a reckless attempt to earn favor with the Hidden Ones, I chose to pilfer a mysterious artifact meant for the Caliph. Unbeknownst to me, this decision thrust me into a vast conspiracy orchestrated by the Levantine branch of the Order of the Ancients. Forced to flee the Caliph’s palace, I was horrified to discover that my actions had triggered a ruthless reprisal, resulting in the massacre of my fellow street thieves. Amidst the chaos, it was Roshan, a member of the Hidden Ones, who rescued me, and together we fled Baghdad, seeking refuge within the fortress of Alamut. In the sanctuary of Alamut, I found solace and a newfound sense of purpose among the Hidden Ones. Through rigorous training, I transitioned from a young thief to a skilled warrior. Entrusted with missions abroad on behalf of the Hidden Ones, I ascended to the leadership of the Constantinople bureau, mentoring the aspiring assassin Hytham as my apprentice along the way.
Courage my Friend. After so many long Years, we are almost there,
In the year 870, amidst our numerous assignments, I encountered Sigurd Styrbjornsson. Recognizing a chance to advance my covert objectives, I trailed the Viking to Norway, intent on unveiling the presence of the Order of the Ancients in the distant north. In Norway, I crossed paths with Sigurd’s foster sister, Eivor, and, impressed by her deeds, I entrusted her with a Hidden Blade as a symbol of our alliance. Together with Eivor’s Raven Clan, Hytham and I founded a bureau in the settlement of Ravensthorpe, England, with the aim of revitalizing the presence of the Hidden Ones on the island.
Thomas Barehaire Esq.
As Hytham and Eivor relentlessly pursued the Order of the Ancients throughout the land, I embarked alongside Sigurd Styrbjornsson on a quest to find the elusive Saga Stone, driven by a desire to uncover the answers I had sought throughout my life.”
In the Name of God, I, Theodore Rupert Braddock, being of sound Mind and Memory, do declare this my last Will and Testament, in Manner and Form following, revoking all former Wills by me made.
|-
! colspan="2" |BASIM IBN ISHAQ
|-
!Dates
|Circa 844 CE - unknown
|-
!Location
|Abbasid Caliphate, Eastern Europe, Norway
|-
!Time Frame
|Golden Age of Baghdad
|-
!Affiliation
|The Hidden Ones
|-
!Key Allies
|Roshan, Rebekah, Rayhan, Fuladh, Ali ibn Muhammad, Hytham
|-
!Main Opponents
|The Order of the Ancients
|}
===Adventure Hooks===
As touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this Life, I give, devise, and bequeath all my Goods unto my well-beloved Son-in-Law, John Baldwin, Husband of my late daughter Elizabeth, to have and to hold the same unto him, his Heirs, and Assigns forever.
#The Brotherhood has been keeping an eye on Al Ghul’s excavation sites in the desert. Something important has been uncovered at one of the sites, perhaps a Precursor Artifact. The Witnesses must intercept the caravan bringing the discovery to Baghdad before it ends up in the Order’s hands.
#An old relic with a long association with the Hidden Ones, thought lost for centuries, has resurfaced in Baghdad in the possession of a powerful slave trader. The greedy man is selling the artifact for an over-inflated price and refuses to return it to the Hidden Ones. The Witnesses are tasked with retrieving the relic from the merchant’s palace while seizing the opportunity to put an end to his evil network.
#A deadly plague is running rife in a Baghdad district and threatening to spread to the rest of the city. Rumors point the Witnesses to the house of a Persian alchemist, who is seemingly immune to the disease and is trying to cure it. The Witnesses enter the afflicted district and find the alchemist’s laboratory, discovering that the Persian has actually been poisoning everybody in the neighborhood instead of curing them. The Witnesses must stop this mad scheme and attempt to reproduce an antidote they find in the laboratory.
#A member of the Order appears to have met with a corrupt official known for his collection of rare artifacts. The official has recently acquired an old papyrus map that leads to an ancient temple beneath Baghdad – an Isu Vault. The Witnesses must infiltrate the official’s estate, decode the map before destroying it, and then find the Isu Vault.
#An attempt by the Hidden Ones to aid the Zanj Rebellion ends in disaster, resulting in the capture of numerous rebels. A traitor within their ranks has been selling crucial information to the Order of the Ancients. Every secret, from rebel movements and strategies to the identities of the Hidden Ones, is now at stake. The Witnesses must rescue the prisoners, identify the traitor, and turn the tables on whoever he has been leaking information to.
===THE HOUSE OF FOLLY===
I do nominate, constitute, and appoint my said Son-in-Law, John Baldwin, to be the sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament, charging him to see this my Will performed according to my true Intent and Meaning.
'''Time Frame:''' Golden Age of Baghdad
'''Location:''' City of Baghdad, Abbasid Caliphate - 862 CE
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal, this Second day of January in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Twenty.
'''Description:''' As the Hidden Ones strive to thwart the Order of the Ancients in Baghdad, a critical message reaches them from an agent sent to spy on a remote desert excavation south of the Round City. The urgent communication reveals disturbing news: the Order of the Ancients controls a mysterious machine of unknown purpose, built within a vast underground chamber. Constructed in secrecy by a master inventor of the Order, this device aims to expand upon the groundbreaking work of Hassan at the House of Wisdom in Baghdad. Much like Hassan’s Alruh, this machine is designed to unravel the mysteries encoded within the Memory Seals left behind by Those Who Came Before.<br>The Witnesses are tasked with infiltrating the site, penetrating the depths of the underground temple, and neutralizing all threats within. However, upon entering the chamber, the machine suddenly springs to life, ensnaring them in a swirling vortex of energy. In an instant, they are thrust into a distant memory, one from which escape may prove impossible.
Signed, sealed, published, and declared by the said Theodore Rupert Braddock as and for his last Will and Testament, in the presence of us, who, at his Request and in his Presence, and in the Presence of each other, have subscribed our Names as Witnesses hereto.
Rayhan, one of Alamut’s mentors, enters the room with urgency, holding a note tightly in his hand. “Alert the others – you must depart at once,” he declares. “A message from one of our spies has arrived. They’ve discovered something significant in the desert: an underground temple housing mysterious machinery, under the control of the Order of the Ancients!”
Theodore Rupert Braddock
Soon after, you find yourself under the unforgiving desert sun, the rhythmic footsteps of your camels the only sound echoing across the sand. After what feels like an eternity, your mounts obediently kneel as you dismount, climbing a dune to gain a vantage point overlooking the dig site.
Witnessed by:<br>
Thomas Barehaire, Esquire<br>
John Baldwin
Hidden from the eyes of the armed guards patrolling the area, you watch in secret. Tents flap gently in the scorching breeze, while workers go to and fro, operating pulleys and carts laden with sand and debris. As the sun begins its descent, casting an amber glow over the desert, your mission commences…
|-|Neatly Folded Letter=
Thom,
====Key Objectives====
Don't go getting all uncharitable about this, I did it for your own Good. I knew we might strike some Trouble along the way, so I hid your Share with the original Will in the Likelihood we ever need the old Man's Signature again.
<tabber>
|-|1 - ACCESS THE EXCAVATION SITE=
The Witnesses must evade the armed guards patrolling the site’s perimeter, and devise a way to enter the tunnels to locate the mysterious machine.
As the sun dips below the horizon, the silhouette of the excavation site gradually fades, blending into the surrounding rock and sand. Despite the dimming light, the sturdy wooden cranes stand out against the deep orange hue, while turrets and wooden structures mark the perimeter of the site. Amidst the fading light, the groans of laborers persist, their voices drowned out by the authoritative commands of the guards.
The Locket's here too. I want it kept, no matter what you think. There is no one left to know of it's Significance, at any Rate. I'll recover it from you when all this is over, and include a Crate of Rum for the Inconvenience.
;Challenges
Chin up Man! We're Home free!
*''Patrols''<br>Two patrols of 6 guards each stand watch over the perimeter of the excavation site. The rest of the large contingent of guards are resting in a tent inside the dig site.
*''Navigate the Site''<br>As the Witnesses move towards the center of the camp, more and more laborers are seen carrying materials or fixing shores. The Witnesses must find their way into the depths of the excavation tunnels to reach the entrance to the underground temple.
;Weaknesses
John.
*''Shift Change (minor)''<br>An influx of new laborers are expected to relieve the daytime workers retiring for the night. The Witnesses can disguise themselves as laborers to slip into the site unnoticed.
|-|2 - RELIVE THE MEMORY=
|-|Jing Lang's Note=
Inside the inner chambers of the Isu Vault, a complex mechanism crafted from scraps of technology left by “Those Who Came Before” hums with energy. Despite its inventor’s limited understanding, the machine is operational. However, before the Witnesses can intervene, the device abruptly malfunctions, thrusting them into ancient memories belonging to the Precursors.
Vance,
As you step into the inner chambers of the Temple, you find yourselves in an odd architectural vault. Within, members of the Order of the Ancients observe an engineer operating a complex machine assembled from unfamiliar technology, emitting an eerie, intense energy. Suddenly, a guard spots your presence and raises the alarm, prompting the drawing of blades. However, before any action can be taken, the device begins to malfunction. A piercing screech reverberates through the chamber, nearly rupturing your eardrums, followed by a potent wave of energy that sends everyone sprawling to the ground. Darkness envelops you as all fades to black. As you open your eyes again, you immediately feel out of place. You are in an enormous room of smooth stone with square columns rising high above you to the ceiling. Artificial lights reflect on the helmets covering your heads, on your metallic and green suits and spears. All around you, dozens of other individuals are busy completing the final procedures at their consoles. In their silver suits, the eight that must survive the end of time sit around the Yggdrasil table. A screen behind them shows the destruction raging outside in real time, the beginning of the Catastrophe. Soon, cracks open on the roof of the vault, and computer terminals begin to go offline. The ceiling starts to collapse. “None may follow, Loki least of all…” a voice rises from the table. “It is done. Now, to face our end…” The first of the eight leaves the table to head outside. The others follow one by one as they complete the upload of their consciousness. Suddenly a ninth Isu emerges from the shadows, stabbing the last of the eight who has yet to complete the upload process. You must stop him!
I had to leave early. My Order requires a Report and there cannot be a Delay. I'll be waiting by the Tavern at the usual Time. Come with both pieces of the Map.
;Challenges
Jing Lang
*''Confront the Isu''<br>The Isu responds to your attacks with unbeatable skill. Weapon in hand, with astonishing speed, he treats you like nothing but an annoyance. At the end of any Approach check, the Witnesses must make an additional Reaction check to avoid being injured.
*''Mighty Foe''<br>Given the skill and manifest superiority of the Isu, defeating him is a daunting task. Injuring the Isu in combat requires at least 3 separate Approach checks with 1 Raise.
;Weaknesses
|-|Letter from Torres=
*''Catastrophic Surroundings (minor)''<br>The Witnesses can try to use the collapse of the vault to their advantage. For example, by pushing the Isu in front of a collapsing structure. In this case, the Witnesses overcome the Confront the Isu Challenge.
A letter to Lauren Prins, [sic] congratulating him on acquiring The Sage.
|-|Slave Ledger=
1. Cato, 35 years, superior carpenter and ship caulker.<br>
2. York, 16 years, field hand.<br>
3. Nero, 25 years, stone cutter.<br>
4. Bess, 28 years, field cook, water carrier.<br>
5. Esther, 31 years, midwife.<br>
6. Gracey, 14 years, good house girl and child's nurse.<br>
7. Anthony Morgan, about 30 years, fine engineer and field hand.<br>
8. Sarah Morgan, 32 years, good field hand; tonsils occasionally inflamed.
9. Infant, 2 months.<br>
10. Anthony, 3 years.<br>
11. Stephen, 5 years.<br>
12. Nace, 9 years.<br>
13. Sophy, 12 years, likely.
You manage to land a significant blow on the Isu, but to your surprise, he remains standing. In a swift succession of strikes, you succumb to the relentless assault, your vision blurring as you teeter on the brink of death. From this weakened state, you witness the Isu calmly seated at the Yggdrasil, initiating the upload procedure. This turn of events was not supposed to occur – someone should have intervened. In the fading light, one of you holds something in their hand – a Memory Seal...
|-|Notice of Dismissal=
You, Mr Thomas Stell, Ensign, stand charged for Dereliction of Duty.
|-|3 - ESCAPE THE COLLAPSE=
On Tuesday last you were tasked to deliver a Prisoner to the Church at the center of Kingston, but were discovered to be in a shameful and drunken State, having abandoned your Post.
The Witnesses awaken from the unsettling memory, finding themselves lying on the dusty floor, facing imminent danger. The device’s malfunction persists, unleashing violent tremors that reverberate through the vault, threatening to destabilize its very foundation. With each seismic upheaval, the risk of the chamber being buried beneath the sands of time looms ever closer.
You’re awake! The vault is shaking. Stones and dust fall from the ceiling, and a collapse is surely imminent. Members of the Order lie scattered around you, perhaps still ensnared in the bizarre memory. Meanwhile, the malfunctioning machinery whirs incessantly, unleashing sparkling energy bolts that lash out unpredictably. A deafening explosion nearby jolts you into action, prompting you to scramble to your feet. With blocks beginning to rain down from above, it’s time to run for safety!
You are dismissed forthwith from Service, being no longer entitled to Pay or Protection from the Royal Navy.
;Challenges
|-|Bill of Sale=
*''Crawling Out''<br>The main tunnel leading out of the chamber has been partially blocked by falling debris. The Witnesses must climb through a tight passage if they want to escape this way.
Know all, by these Present, that I, Alvin of the Village of Grand Cayman, in consideration of the Sum of Forty-Two Reales in Hand, paid to me by Vargas of the Village of Grand Cayman, the Receipt of where I do acknowledge, have in turn sold and delivered in measured Weight One-Hundred-and-Thirty-Six Pounds of Mutton Snapper unto said Vargas.
*''Climbing Up''<br>The Witnesses must ascend to the upper part of the excavation site to escape. However, accessing the upper level is now even more of a labyrinth than before as dangerous chasms open beneath the Witnesses’ feet.
;Weaknesses
In witness whereof I have set my Hand the Fifth Day of May 1716.<br>Signed, sealed and delivered in the present of
*''Toss Me That Rope! (minor)''<br>If the Witnesses have a rope or a similar tool in their Gear, whenever they try to overcome the Climbing Up Challenge, any Approach check they make has 1 free Raise.
All and Sundry, viz.
The walls groan and shudder around you. Dust chokes the air, and the ground beneath your feet trembles with each step. In a desperate sprint, you find a way out of the collapsing tunnels, guided more by instinct and a blessed sense of direction. As you burst into the open, surrounded by a thick cloud of settling dust, you can finally take a moment to savor the feeling of escape under the clear, open sky and its glowing stars...
- Alvin of Grand Cayman
</tabber>
</tabber>
====Setbacks====
<tabber>
*''FALLING DEBRIS (MINOR)''<br>Debris falls from the ceiling. The Witness must make a Reaction check.
|-|Julien Du Casse's Portrait=
*''DUST (MINOR)''<br>Dust fills the air, making it difficult to see. For the rest of the Sequence, all Action and Wits checks require 1 additional Raise. Also, due to the poor visibility, the Witnesses can add 1 match to any Stealth check.
A debonair portrait of Julien Du Casse, the infamous mercenary.
*''DIFFICULT TERRAIN (MINOR)''<br>The Witness moves through treacherous terrain. The next Approach check made by the Witness requires 1 additional Raise.
*''EXPLOSION (MAJOR)''<br>A part of the machine has exploded in the Witnesses’ vicinity, sending shrapnel flying in all directions. All Witnesses must make a Reaction check with 1 Raise to avoid being injured.
*''REINFORCEMENTS (MAJOR)''<br>If this Setback is triggered, the following Challenge can be used during the first and third Key Objective completion in this Sequence:
**''More Guards''. A dozen guards enter the fray. Due to their number the Witnesses must make at least 2 Approach checks with 1 Raise.
{{IUNote
Hangs above the bed in the Mansion at Great Inagua.
|Title=THE ALRUH
|Text=“This is my Great Work. I call it Alruh. It will take you on a journey to another realm.” - Fazil Fahim al-Kemsa to Basim Ibn Ishaq<br><br>The Alruh, a creation of Hassan (also known as The Doctor), was a machine concealed beneath the House of Wisdom in Baghdad. Designed to unlock the secrets encoded within Memory Seals, it served as a gateway to a paradisiacal past. However, while partially functional, the Alruh’s progress was hindered, leading to frustration within the Order of the Ancients. Its full potential remained elusive, with only glimpses of its capabilities witnessed through partial experiences.}}
{{IUNote
|Title=The Efficacy of Our Discovery
|Text=My dear Al-Rabisu,<br>Work on the device progresses wonderfully. The engineer will unwittingly provide us the key to unlock its infinite potential. The new parts I mentioned last time are en route to the House of Wisdom. The Hour of our Order is at hand.<br>– Al-Azhdaha}}
==Eivor Varinsdottir==
|-|Laurens Prins' Portrait=
I am Eivor Varinsdottir, the Wolf-kissed, a Viking shieldmaiden and jarlskona from Norway. In the late 9th century, I embarked on daring raids that would shape the destiny of what would become England. But my story goes beyond mortal bounds, for I am believed to be the reincarnation of the Isu Odin, the chief of the Æsir and a god revered in Norse mythology.
A vivid portrait of Laurens Prins, the reprehensible slaver.
My journey began in the embrace of noble parents, Rosta and Varin, who pledged their allegiance to jarl Styrbjorn Sigvaldisson of the Raven Clan. Tragedy struck when they were killed during a raid on Heillboer, perpetrated by Kjotve the Cruel and his Wolf Clan. Left without kin, I found sanctuary in Styrbjorn’s household, and I was raised alongside his son, Sigurd. The flames of retribution burned inside me as I dreamed to avenge my parents and seek glory in their name.
Hangs in the hall of the Mansion at Great Inagua.
As I grew into adulthood, I often waged raids on settlements affiliated with Kjotve, while Sigurd embarked on his own adventures across Europe. In the year 872, the return of Sigurd to Norway led to a pivotal encounter that would forever change my path — I met Basim Ibn Ishaq and Hytham, two members of the mysterious Hidden Ones. They bestowed upon me the Hidden Blade, a weapon of stealth and precision that would become my ally in the battle against our enemies. With their guidance and the aid of the army of Guthorm the Wise, I was able to strike down Kjotve, finally avenging my parents.
</tabber>
But my journey was far from over. Opposing Styrbjorn’s decision to yield his kingdom to Harald Fairhair, many of the Raven Clan, including Sigurd, followed me to England. We settled in Ledecestrescire and founded Ravensthorpe, a sanctuary where we built our strength and forged alliances with the various kingdoms across the land. The Great Summer Army, the Sons of Ragnar, and Clan Hemmingsons were among the allies we gained, solidifying our position and preparing for the challenges ahead.
<tabber>
|-|Schooner=
The schooner was a class of ship used as a general sailing vessel by both navies and civilian operators, providing light firepower and ample speed.
I took up arms alongside Hytham to rid England of the Order of the Ancients, a sinister organization threatening our newfound home. Little did I know that the Grand Maegester Alfred of Wessex secretly aided our cause, using our actions to further his own agenda, unknowingly paving the way for the emergence of the Templar Order.
|-|Brig=
The brig was a class of ship bearing two square-rigged masts, and represented a compromise between larger, more powerful ships, and the faster, but less well-armed ones.
A year later, as the jarlskona of my clan, I received an invitation from my maternal cousin, Bárid mac Ímair, to join him in Dublin. There, I aided him in securing his throne through an alliance with Flann Sinna, the High King of Ireland. I also confronted the Children of Danu, a druidic cult determined to preserve their own faith against the encroachment of Norse and Christian beliefs.
|-|Man O' War=
The man o' war was a type of large warship purpose built for warfare, boasting multiple gun decks, and crewed by heavily armed professional soldiers.
Years passed, and I participated in the second Viking siege of Paris, alongside Sigfred’s Elgring Clan. We clashed with Charles the Fat, defending England from his avid pursuit of conquest. Amid the struggle, I uncovered a conspiracy orchestrated by the Bellatores Dei, a fanatical group seeking to purge Francia of its pagan roots.
|-|El Dorado=
El Dorado was a brig that formed part of the Spanish Treasure Fleet.
My name, Eivor Varinsdottir, the Wolf-kissed, echoes in the annals of history. My journey is entwined with valor, strife, and the mysteries of the gods, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of Norse legend.”
The fleet was destroyed in a hurricane, with the El Dorado its lone surviving vessel.
|Sigurd Styrbjornsson, Valka, Hytham, Deirdre Na Linni
|-
!Main Opponents
|Kjotve the Cruel, Alfred the Great, Rued, Fulke, Order of the Ancients, the Zealots, the Sons of Ragnar, the Children of Danu, the Descendants of the Round Table
|}
===Adventure Hooks===
#The Witnesses are tasked with forging an alliance with a powerful Viking clan in a neighboring land. However, they soon discover that the clan’s leader has been compromised by the Order of the Ancients. To forge an alliance, the Witnesses must prove the leader’s connection with the Order of the Ancients and dispel their influence over his clan.
#The Witnesses uncover an underground network of Saxon smugglers and thieves that is unknowingly aiding the Order of the Ancients. They must infiltrate the network, gain the trust of its key members and assassinate them, all the while remaining undetected by the Order of the Ancients agents who are using the network for their own nefarious plans.
#A series of mysterious disappearances plague a village south of Ravensthorpe. Investigations reveal that a secretive cult of Welsh druids has been abducting people to experiment on them with an ancient artifact. The Witnesses must track down the druids’ refuge in the forest, rescue the captives, and take the artifact out of the cult’s dangerous hands.
#The Witnesses receive a distress call from a fellow Hidden One in a distant land. The Witnesses must set sail and start a perilous journey across freezing seas to rescue their comrade from hostile pirates who seek to exploit the assassin’s knowledge and power.
#In the mystical lands of Ireland, the Witnesses discover a Roman cemetery. Inside a tomb lies a unique relic that holds the key to uncovering the lost history of the Hidden Ones. The Witnesses must decipher cryptic puzzles, ward off supernatural guardians, and protect the relic from falling into the hands of the Descendants of the Round Table.
===THE CURSED TREASURE===
|-|Jackdaw=
'''Time Frame:''' Viking Age
The Jackdaw was a brig captained by the pirate-turned-Assassin Edward Kenway, who named it after the small, swift bird of his native Wales.
'''Location:''' Warwick Burh, River Avon (England) - 872 CE
The ship was known as El Dorado before Edward and his future quartermaster Adéwalé captured it from its fleet.
'''Description:''' On the trail of a Shroud of Eden, the Order of the Ancients has settled in the Warwick Burh (fortress) on the River Avon, the residence of one of the wealthiest merchant families in the area. The Hidden One bureau leader, Basim, has recently traveled to Bulgar to meet Sigurd and his companions, intending to gather a few capable allies to infiltrate the castle and recover the Piece of Eden.
|-|Royal Fortune=
The Royal Fortune was a man o' war captained by the pirate and Sage Bartholomew Roberts, who elected to keep and renamed it after he captured it as the Nosso Senhor da Compreensão from the Portuguese Navy.
The cold sky turns to hues of fire and gold as the sun sets while the river flows serenely through the quiet valley. From the small village of herders on the Avon Trail, you have been studying the castle for the past few days. From there, you can admire the sturdy walls of the burh overhanging the river and the warriors who patrol them day and night. The Order of the Ancients still occupies the place, meaning they have yet to find the artifact or perhaps the fortress has become their new base of operations in the province. There is nothing more to be learned from afar. The time to act has come.
|-|The Ranger=
The Ranger was a brig formerly owned by the pirate Benjamin Hornigold before he passed it on to his colleague, Charles Vane.
{{IUNote
</tabber>
|Title=Consus
|Text=
In ancient times, there lived a brilliant scientist known as Consus, also known as Prometheus. He was a gifted Precursor whose talent was crucial in creating the enigmatic Pieces of Eden. Working alongside Hephaistos, he contributed to crafting the powerful Swords of Eden.<br><br>However, as the war unfolded, Consus recognized the urgent need for advanced medical technology. He set his mind to design a remarkable device called the Shroud of Eden. This ingenious creation had the ability to scan and reconstruct a body, effectively healing injuries and restoring it to a predetermined state. It had one limitation, though – the Shroud could not reverse death itself.<br><br>As Consus approached the end of his natural life, he hatched a daring plan to overcome mortality. He decided to transfer his consciousness into the Shroud, hoping to evade the clutches of death. The transfer was a success, but it had an unforeseen consequence — Consus found himself trapped within the artifact, where he was eventually forgotten by time and history.<br><br>Centuries later, during the research conducted by the Capitoline Triad in their quest to survive the impending Toba Catastrophe, the Isu Juno stumbled upon the lost artifact. Discovering Consus trapped within the Shroud, Juno saw the opportunity to exploit his vast knowledge. She experimented with transferring Isu consciousness into artificial bodies, a daring endeavor that ultimately failed.<br><br>Throughout the ages, Consus managed to possess different users of the Shroud, offering them invaluable guidance and counsel. His wisdom proved instrumental to those fortunate enough to possess the powerful artifact.<br><br>However, fate took an unexpected turn in 2014. The Shroud faced destruction, and with it, Consus’ consciousness appeared to be lost forever.
}}
====Key Objectives====
<tabber>
<tabber>
|-|1 - INFILTRATE THE BURH AND AVOID DETECTION=
|-|Spanish Brig=
The first goal of the Witnesses is to enter Warwick Burh without being noticed. There are a few different ways to achieve this. The Witnesses could disguise themselves as traders and enter through the main gate, or pose as soldiers hired by the Order of the Ancients. Another way could be to convince a villager to let them hide in a supply wagon full of straw to be brought into the burh. For a more direct approach, the Witnesses could climb the walls, or stealthily cross the bridge leading to the main gate and eliminate any guards stationed there.
A miniature ship model of a Spanish Brig.
;Challenges
*''Guards at the gate''<br>5 men guard the only gate into the burh. They are part of a contingent of two dozen mercenaries hired by the Order of the Ancients.
*''Guards on the walls''<br>The remaining mercenaries patrol the burh’s walls. The fortified location is quite extensive, and the men seem insufficient to cover it without keeping a significant distance between each other.
;Weaknesses
*''Mercenaries will be mercenaries (minor)''<br>The Witnesses might try to offer the mercenaries a better deal than the one they struck with the Order of the Ancients, or attempt to bribe them with spirits. If they do, any Social check made to try convincing the guards to let them enter the fortress and overcome the Guards at the gate Challenge has 1 Free Raise.
|-|2 - FIND THE SHROUD=
Once they enter the compound, the Witnesses must find the artifact. It is hidden in a secret garret at the top of the river-facing tower. Aleksi, the local leader of the Order of the Ancients, has been locked in there for days, studying the artifact.
6 of the Order’s soldiers are patrolling the courtyard, clearly bored. 2 more stand by a tall door into the main building, wherein a group of visiting merchants and the remaining members of the Order of the Ancients are enjoying a sumptuous banquet. The feast presents an excellent opportunity to spy on the affairs of the Order of the Ancients. The Witnesses might take a guard or diner away from the main hall to interrogate them, hide in the shadows to spy on a crucial conversation, or infiltrate the upper floors to search parchments left in the dormitory rooms.
;Challenges
|-|Spanish Cutter=
*''Courtyard patrol''<br>The soldiers in the courtyard look bored, but they’ve been well-paid and stand ready to fight any intruders, particularly any Hidden Ones who might show up.
A miniature ship model of a Spanish Cutter.
*''The Banquet''<br>Merchants and off-duty soldiers are indulging in food and wine in the main hall. Confident in the safety of the burh, they are relaxed and off guard. Here it is possible to discover that Aleksi has been locked up for days in the river-facing tower, along with his “cursed treasure.” Those who have brought him food describe him as intent on writing tirelessly and doing “calculations”. They are sure they heard him talking to someone, even though they saw nobody else in the room.
;Weaknesses
|-|Spanish Schooner=
*''Eagle Vision (minor)''<br>Characters exploring the upper floors who activate the Eagle Vision Skill can sense the presence of something powerful coming from “above”.
A miniature ship model of a Spanish Schooner.
*''Animal Companion (major)''<br>Witnesses who activate their Animal Companion Skill to explore the rooftops or the wall’s walkway can sense the presence of the Shroud coming from the river-facing tower’s attic.
;Special (The Voices)<br>Every time characters activate their Eagle Vision Skill while in range of the Shroud of Eden, they hear a cacophony of voices piling up at the back of their mind, making it difficult to concentrate and interact with others. This effect lasts as long as the characters are within the burh walls and the Shroud of Eden is in Aleksi’s possession. While the effects last, each Wits and Social check made by the Witness requires 1 Raise.
|-|Spanish Frigate=
A miniature ship model of a Spanish Frigate.
|-|3 - RECOVER THE SHROUD OF EDEN=
|-|Spanish Man o' War=
The Shroud of Eden worn by Aleksi houses the conflicting fragments of two different copies of Isu consciousnesses: Juno and Consus (see Shroud Of Eden #Unknown_1, page 64). Both entities vie for possession of Aleksi. While Consus tries to communicate with the Descendants across the Animus, asking them to destroy the Shroud of Eden, Juno seeks only the subjugation of the human race.
A miniature ship model of a Spanish man o' war.
As the Witnesses climb towards the top of the tower, they can hear Aleksi talking to someone and a frantic, stone-scratching noise.
|-|English Brig=
A miniature ship model of an English Brig.
The room is lit by burning braziers. The floors and walls are covered entirely with symbols, numbers, and complex calculations written using charcoal or scratched into the stone. A man wearing a golden shroud over his shoulder is writing on the rock wall with blood, using what’s left of his forefinger, worn down to the bone. He turns to you with eyes veiled by cataracts while his injured finger heals with unnatural vitality.
|-|English Cutter=
A miniature ship model of an English Cutter.
Expressionless, he speaks with a male voice that resonates as if distorted and amplified by a repeater: “Eventually, you arrived as calculated, Wolf-kissed. However, I speak to the one who’s with you but is not here… this must be stopped… you mustn’t let them have it! She must be sto—!”
|-|English Schooner=
A miniature ship model of an English Schooner.
The voice abruptly stops. Aleksi’s eyes light up with an iridescent glow, and a female voice thunders, sweeping you like a storm’s gust. “Hopeless you are… pawns in my hands. And you – Consus – are lost, nothing but a remnant, an error… like those who will die here, tonight!’’ With these words, Aleksi takes up his weapons and lunges at you with extraordinary speed.
|-|English Frigate=
A miniature ship model of an English Frigate.
;Challenges
|-|English Man o' War=
*''Call for Consus''<br>A Witness can try to rally Consus, stopping Juno from possessing Aleksi. In this case, the character must make a Wits or Social check with 2 Raises. On a success, Consus invites the characters to take the Shroud of Eden from Aleksi’s shoulders — Aleksi then collapses to the ground in a semi-comatose state.
A miniature ship model of an English man o' war.
*''Wake Up Aleksi''<br>A Witness can try to bring Aleksi back to his senses, or to strengthen his resolve to fight off Juno’s possession. In this case, the character must make a Social check with 1 Raise . On a success, Aleksi regains control of his own actions. However, the soldier’s mind is already consumed by the inconsistent and fragmentary incursions of the two Isu consciousnesses, and he will try to put an end to “the voices” in any way possible. At this point, in order to take the Shroud from him, 2 or more characters must make an Action check with 1 Raise. On a failure, the Shroud of Eden triggers the Shroud’s Overheating Setback.
;Special<br>As long as he wears the Shroud, Aleksi can’t be surprised and instantly regenerates any wounds suffered meaning that he can’t be injured or killed. While Juno possesses Aleksi, the soldier attacks with supernatural speed and strength. All Witnesses must make an additional Reaction check to dodge or parry and fight back at the end of each Approach check.
|-|The El Dorado=
A miniature ship model of the El Dorado.
;Weaknesses
|-|The Jackdaw=
*''Apple of Eden (minor)''<br>A Witness in possession of an Apple of Eden can use it to bolster the mind of Consus. In this case, the Approach check made to overcome the Call for Consus Challenge requires no Raise. Also, the Wake Up Aleksi Challenge doesn’t trigger the Shroud Overheating Setback on a failure.
A miniature ship model of the Jackdaw.
*''Sword of Eden (major)''<br>A Witness using a Sword of Eden may be able to bypass the Shroud of Eden’s protection and injure Aleksi effectively. In this case, the Witnesses can defeat Aleksi with 2 separate Action checks with 1 Raise.
|-|The Revenge (ship model)=
A miniature ship model of the Revenge.
</tabber>
</tabber>
====Setbacks====
<tabber>
*''A SUSPICIOUS GUARD (MINOR)''<br>One or more guards notice something’s not quite right and start investigating.
|-|Black Jaguar=
*''ARCHERS (MINOR)''<br>Arrows start raining down from the burh walls. The Witnesses must make a Reaction check to avoid being injured.
In the [[Americas]], the term ‘black panther’ generally refers to a melanistic [[jaguar]]. They are not a separate species, but a color morph of the spotted form. Black jaguars form less than ten percent of jaguars.
*''GENERAL ALARM (MAJOR)''<br>Shouts of alarm resound from Warwick’s buildings, walls, and towers. All available soldiers converge on the Witnesses’ position. For the rest of the Sequence, all Witnesses must make an additional Reaction check to dodge or parry and fight back enemies at the end of each Scene.
*''SHROUD’S OVERHEATING (MAJOR)''<br>The Shroud of Eden #Unknown_1 overheats, releasing a tremendous force wave that hits everything nearby. Witnesses caught by the wave must make a Reaction check with 1 Raise. The Shroud may also cause the tower to collapse.
====Notables NPCs====
Black jaguars can be found in Isla Providencia and Pinos Isle.
;Aleksi
Tall and beefy, with scars all over his arms and face, Aleksi is a captain of the Order of the Ancients operating in England. Before losing his mind to the Shroud, he used to be a ruthless commander, taking pleasure in hunting down and executing as many Hidden Ones as possible.
====Pieces of Eden====
|-|Cat=
;SHROUD OF EDEN #UNKNOWN_1
The cat is a small carnivorous mammal with a flexible body, sharp claws, and quick reflexes. Cats have long been domesticated, and are favored as pets for their affectionate independence, and playful natures.
'''Known Owners:''' Unknown, Aleksi
'''Current Status:''' Unknown
Sailors often keep cats aboard ships to deal with rats and other vermin.
The Shrouds of Eden (see page 185 of Assassin’s Creed - Animus Handbook) are rare artifacts with mysterious healing capabilities whose earliest appearance can be traced back to Greek mythology. This specific Shroud represents one of Juno’s first failed experiments to clone the technology developed by Consus. The result is a Shroud of Eden that maintains the original’s extraordinary healing properties, significantly improving the wearer’s physical faculties, but retains fragments of the consciousnesses of the Isu Consus and Juno. Both consciousnesses can speak with the wearer and attempt to possess them. For this reason, wearing the Shroud of Eden can be dangerous, eventually leading to insanity and death.
|-|Crocodile=
The [[Crocodile]] is a large, tropical-dwelling tetrapod. Crocodiles can measure up to 15 feet long, weigh 2000 pounds, and live to be 70 years old. This prehistoric-looking predator preys on birds, fish, insects and other reptiles.
==Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad==
Crocodiles have been known to indulge in cannibalistic behaviour. Because of this, they live in groupings of the same size.
“I, Altaïr, was born into a lineage of Assassins, destined to follow the path of the Creed. I ascended the ranks swiftly, achieving the esteemed title of Master Assassin at a mere twenty-five years of age. My accomplishment marked me as the youngest ever to attain such a position at that time.
Amidst the chaos of the Third Crusade, a sacred mission was bestowed upon me. I was entrusted with acquiring an ancient artifact known as the Apple of Eden, the Templar Treasure hidden behind the walls of Jerusalem. However, blinded by my arrogance I deviated from the principles I held dear, breaching all three tenets of the Creed. My actions led to the exposure of the Assassin community in Masyaf, leaving them vulnerable to a devastating Templar assault.
Not to be confused with alligators, crocodiles are bigger, lighter in color, and have narrower snouts. Although known to attack [[humans]], the crocodile is more likely to flee than to react aggressively when approached.
As a consequence of my transgressions, I was swiftly demoted to the lowly rank of Novice. My honor was tarnished, and I sought to atone for my grievous errors. To reclaim my place among the Brotherhood I embarked on a perilous journey to stop the Templars from seizing control of the Holy Land. It was a treacherous path, one that required me to skillfully manipulate both the Saracens and the Crusaders, pitting them against each other, like pieces on a grand chessboard.
Crocodiles are most commonly found in Nassau, Long Bay, and Matanzas.
While I was unraveling this intricate web of deceit and manipulation, I encountered a shocking revelation — my trusted Mentor Al Mualim was in league with the Templars. He sought to harness the power of the Apple for his own, nefarious purposes. To protect the Creed and preserve the delicate balance of power, I had no choice but to confront him. Al Mualim fell by my blade, and the Apple was retrieved, unveiling the hidden locations of other Pieces of Eden scattered across the globe.
|-|Deer=
Deer are large hoofed ruminants notable for having two large and two small hooves on each foot. Males have antlers while the females do not, with the exception of a single species where the females also grow antlers. Deer are selective feeders, eating plant food low in fiber content and high in protein such as young grass, herbs, woody shoots, and bark.
In time, age and experience brought me wisdom, and I ascended to the position of Mentor within the Levantine Brotherhood. Driven by my newfound understanding, I initiated a series of reforms, transforming the Brotherhood into a more egalitarian and inclusive organization. I dedicated considerable time to the refinement of our equipment and delved deep into the secrets hidden within the Apple of Eden.
Various subspecies of deer can be found in the Caribbean bioregion. The red brocket deer, for example, is found in Trinidad and Tobago and the Key deer, introduced by colonists, inhabits the Florida Keys.
I compiled my vast knowledge and insights into a meticulously encoded collection I named the Codex. it contains a wealth of wisdom gleaned from the experiences of my life, as well as the profound knowledge imparted by the Apple. This invaluable resource chronicles my journey and may serve as a beacon of guidance for future generations of Assassins.
Deer are most commonly found in Kingston, Salt Lagoon, and Santanillas.
Thus, I, Altaïr, through trials and tribulations, evolved from a young and headstrong Assassin to a wise and revered Mentor. My legacy lives on in the reforms I instituted, the Codex I crafted, and the profound impact I left upon the Creed. May the wisdom and knowledge I have gathered guide those who come after me, and may the Brotherhood forever remain a beacon of hope in the eternal struggle against the forces that seek to control and oppress humanity.”
Frigate birds are large seabirds with long wings, forked tails, and slender bodies. They generally inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans, often nesting on remote islands. Frigate birds are skilled fliers, and are known to steal food from other seabirds.
|-
! colspan="2" |ALTAÏR IBN-LA’AHAD
|-
!Dates
|1165 - 1257 CE
|-
!Location
|Masyaf, Syria, China
|-
!Time Frame
|The Levant
|-
!Affiliation
|Levantine Brotherhood
|-
!Key Allies
|Maria Thorpe (wife), Darim and Sef (sons), Malik Al-Sayf
|-
!Main Opponents
|Robert de Sablé, Abbas Sofian, Al Mualim, Genghis Khan
|}
===Adventure Hooks===
#Rumors from the mountain villages west of Masyaf tell of strange, awful barks in the night and of cattle disappearing mysteriously, leaving only trails of blood. Recently, even some children have disappeared from their beds. The few eyewitnesses tell of a humanoid demon with the head of a hyena and hypnotizing yellow eyes.
#A high-ranking Templar is visiting Jerusalem, providing an opportunity for the Assassins to eliminate this key figure and whoever he’s come to the Holy Land to make a deal with. However, the target is kept under strict surveillance. The Witnesses must find a way to bypass the Templar guards and complete the assassination undetected.
#A fellow Assassin has recently gone rogue and is now working with the Templars. The Witnesses are tasked with locating and killing their former ally. However, they will soon discover that not all is what it seems. Misleading information about the supposed treachery was orchestrated by a Templar double agent within the Brotherhood’s ranks.
#The Witnesses intercept a coded message indicating the presence of a secret Templar training facility in Damascus. The Witnesses must gather intelligence and launch an audacious raid on the facility to destroy the Templar forces while they remain few in number.
#A powerful and mysterious individual has appeared in Acre, claiming he has come into possession of ancient, divine knowledge that allows him to heal the needy. The Witnesses are tasked with determining the truth behind his claims and the possible presence of a Shroud of Eden.
===THE “BEARING HEAVEN” TEMPLE===
'''Time Frame:''' The Levant
'''Location:''' Pagoda of Chengtian Temple,
|-|Hammerhead Shark=
Western Xia (China) - 1227 CE
Found across the world in tropical and temperate waters, the [[Hammerhead sharks|hammerhead]]'s unusual head shape gives it increased sensory ability to detect its prey. The hammerhead does not attack humans, although it can be lethal if provoked.
'''Description:''' Genghis Khan, the Mongol warlord, dies at the hand of the Brotherhood who correctly believed that his conquests were also due to a powerful Piece of Eden (Sword of Eden #2) that allowed him to enslave and conquer half the world. After the deed, Altaïr hides in the Pagoda of Chengtian Temple (the ‘Bearing Heaven’ Temple), where a group of Tangut monks and a couple of former Assassins give him shelter. All the while, the formidable general Tolui Khan, Genghis Khan’s fourth and youngest son, dispatches mounted troops to find his father’s assassins.<br><br>Altaïr and his companions must rest before leaving the Temple at the crack of dawn, carrying the Sword with them. Unfortunately, they don’t know that several of the monks are secretly spying for Genghis Khan.
Hammerhead sharks can be found in the Eleuthera and Gibara regions.
It’s been a long and exhausting ride. You were sure that you spotted the Khan’s horsemen behind you a few times, but you’re confident you lost them before you reached the sanctuary of the temple. You are gathered in a warm hut at the foot of the towering pagoda, enjoying a flower-scented tea at the end of a humble but invigorating meal. The monks were more than hospitable, and you’ve been chatting amiably with Shengtong, the beautiful Assassin who appears to be running the kitchen. You told her all about what happened in Xingqing, but now fatigue begins to weigh upon your eyelids. As the sky darkens and the birds stop singing, you all fall asleep, one by one.
|-|Howler Monkey=
Considered one of the loudest animals on [[earth]], the small-sized [[Howler monkey|Howler Monkey]] generates a siren-like howl that can be heard from a distance of 3 miles (5km). They are not aggressive and are popular as pets in The West Indies.
====Key Objectives====
Howler monkeys are most commonly found in Kingston, Cape Bonavista, and Long Bay.
<tabber>
|-|1 - EVADE THE TRAP=
Shengtong plans to capture Altaïr and his companions and hand them over to General Tolui Khan – along with the Sword of Eden. She has drugged their tea, but other monks come to their aid.
Something is wrong. The nearby voices are muffled, and your eyelids weigh like lead. All images are but blurs. The monks’ robes move before you, leaving long and indefinite trails behind them, like strokes of a too-damp watercolor brush. Two monks splash your faces with cold water, shaking you and shouting in alarm, but you struggle to recover. Shengtong has taken the Sword of Eden from you and entered the Pagoda, and sent her traitorous monks back to deal with you.
|-|Hutia=
The hutia is a large rodent unique to the Caribbean basin which varies in size, and can form distinct species from island to island. Hutias are often hunted by locals to be eaten in a spiced stew.
;Challenges
Hutias are most commonly found in Cayman Sound and Long Bay.
*''Assassin Monks''<br>Traitorous monks have been sent to deal with the Witnesses.
*''Poison''<br>Shengtong drugged the Witnesses with a natural sedative. All Witnesses start the Sequence with their Action Approach Snagged. The Witnesses can examine the kitchen to find out what herbs they’ve been drugged with and prepare a common antidote. In this case, the characters must make a Wits check with 1 Raise.
;Weaknesses
|-|Iguana=
*''Eagle Vision (minor)''<br>A Witness can activate their Eagle Vision Skill to enhance their chances of preparing an antidote. In this case, the Witness’ Wits check to overcome the Poison Challenge requires no Raise.
Iguanas are large, herbivorous lizards found throughout the Caribbean islands. The common iguana eats only leaves, flowers and fruit. Despite their at times fierce appearance they are not aggressive, and typically flee when threatened. However, they can lash their tails and bite if provoked.
*''Eagle Sense (minor)''<br>A Witness that defeats a monk can activate their Eagle Sense Skill to have a vision of that monk preparing the poison with Shengtong. In this case, the Witness immediately acquires all the knowledge needed to overcome the Poison Challenge.
|-|PREVENT SHENGTONG FROM SIGNALING THE MONGOLS=
Iguana are found in Great Inagua, Andreas Island, and Abaco Island.
Shengtong has taken the Sword of Eden and is climbing to the top of the pagoda to light a large beacon. Troops loyal to the Khans are waiting nearby for a sign. The pagoda is guarded by a group of traitorous monks trained in the arts of the Brotherhood, making them deadly opponents.
The pale moon shines in a clear sky, illuminating the temple entrance, where a few traitorous monks stand guard. A dim orange glow from Shengtong’s torch can be seen climbing further up the tower. You might still have time to stop her from lighting the beacon on the top floor, but you must hurry.
|-|Jaguar=
The largest feline in the Western hemisphere, the [[jaguar]] is distinguished by its compact and powerful build, its agility, and its unique killing method of biting directly into the skull to pierce the brain. The [[Maya]]ns believed that the jaguars could carry messages to and from the afterworld.
;Challenges
Jaguars are most commonly found in Cape Bonavista, Long Bay, Tulum, and Principe.
*''More Assassin Monks''<br>Monks armed with shaolin spades stand ready to engage anybody who tries to enter the temple.
*''Climbing the Pagoda''<br>In order to climb the pagoda’s walls before Shengtong lights up the brazier, a Witness must make an Action check with 2 Raises.
;Weaknesses
|-|Jellyfish=
*''Surprising Shengtong (minor)''<br>If the Witnesses succeed in remaining undetected until they reach the top of the Temple, Shengtong has no reason to hurry. In this case, a Witness can make a Stealth check with 1 Raise to overcome the Climbing the Pagoda Challenge.
Also called a [[wikt:medusa|medusa]], the [[jellyfish]] isn't technically a [[fish]]—it is a free-swimming {{Wiki|Cnidaria|non-vertebrate}} found in every sea across the [[Earth|world]]. Jellyfish consist of a {{Wiki|Mesoglea|gelatinous bell}} with trailing tentacles capable of {{Wiki|Cnidocyte|stinging}} prey. Jellyfish stings are in most cases harmless to [[human]]s, but some can be extremely serious, even lethal.
|-|3 - RECOVER THE SWORD OF EDEN=
|-|Manta Ray=
The Witnesses might reach the top of the pagoda before or after Shengtong has lit the beacon. As soon as Shengtong notices them, she sets the entire top floor ablaze, before escaping through a window with a Leap of Faith.
Although related to [[shark]]s, [[manta ray]]s are harmless. They can be quite large (up to 30 ft (9m) wide) and feed on small [[fish]] and plankton, funneling food into their mouth using {{Wiki|cephalic}} flaps extending from the eyes. Manta rays, which are found all over the world, have the unique ability to leap from the water into the air to escape attackers.
The wind blows harder on the top floors of the pagoda and howls as it passes from one window to another. Time is of the essence, as you do not know how many of the Khan’s troops could be stationed in the surrounding territories.
|-|Monkey=
Monkeys in the Caribbean are primarily an introduced African species called the green monkey, although up to the 17th Century these still shared territory with the now extinct Jamaican monkey. Both species were omnivores that ate a variety of foraged foods including fruit, seeds, flowers, insects, and smaller animals like frogs and birds.
Special: Thanks to the Sword’s powers, Shengtong can hurl beams of energy and teleport a short distance at will. Thanks to this last power, any Action check made to hurt her in combat requires 1 additional Raise or the joint effort of 2 or more Witnesses.
Monkeys were viewed as pests by farmers as they continually raided crops, but were favoured by locals and sailors who adopted them as mischievous, intelligent pets.
;Challenges
|-|Ocelot=
*''Fire Trap''<br>When Shengtong sees the Witnesses, she uses the strength granted her by the Sword to overturn the beacon and set the whole floor ablaze. This hinders the Witnesses’ pursuit.
The ocelot is a wild cat that typically has yellow fur with dark stripes in the manner of a jaguar. Ocelots are nocturnal and range from the size of domestic cats up to four feet (1.2 meters) in length.
*''Leap of Faith''<br>In order to pursue Shengtong, a Witness must follow her by making a Leap of Faith with a successful Action check with 1 Raise.
*''Fight Shengtong''<br>Shengtong is a formidable opponent and even more so with the Sword of Eden #2 in her hand.
;Weaknesses
Ocelot hides are coveted by leather workers for their ease of working, patterned fur, soft texture, and durability.
*''No Safe Landing (minor)''<br>If the Witnesses notice the large straw pile on the opposite side of the pagoda, they can move it, preventing Shengtong from escaping the tower with a Leap of Faith.
*''Deadly Landing (major)''<br>The Witnesses may decide to sabotage the straw pile. In this case, when Shengtong performs her Leap of Faith, she falls badly, possibly even killing herself in the attempt (based on how devious the Witnesses were in sabotaging it).
Ocelots can be found in Cumberland Bay and Abaco Island.
</tabber>
|-|Turtle=
The [[Caribbean]] basin provides an excellent climate for both land and [[Green sea turtle|sea turtles]]. Turtles are reptiles with a hard, protective upper shell called a carapace. Although they are natural swimmers and can stay submerged for up to 7 hours while resting, turtles breathe air. Despite being awkward and slow moving on land, they go ashore to lay their eggs.
====Setbacks====
|-|White Jaguar=
*''TIME IS RUNNING OUT (MAJOR)''<br>If the Witnesses spend too long catching up with Shengtong (due to bad rolls, tactical mistakes, or spending too long questioning monks or searching the camp) the time at their disposal becomes increasingly tight. In this case, all Approach checks made to reach her require 1 additional Raise and the Witnesses lose 1 Sync level
White coats in animals can be due to a specific genetic mutation or albinism. The genetic mutation that yields a white jaguar also results in a more aggressive animal, making them dangerous as well as rare.
*''BOLT OF ENERGY (MINOR)''<br>An energy beam leaps from the Sword of Eden #2 towards the Witness. The Witness must make a Reaction check to dodge the energy bolt.
*''SMOKE (MINOR)''<br>A pall of smoke fills the air, causing the eyes of the Witness to water and making breathing difficult. For the rest of the Sequence, all Wits checks require 1 additional Raise.
*''ON FIRE! (MAJOR)''<br>The clothing of the Witnesses catch fire. Until the Witnesses extinguish the flames, all their Approach checks require 1 additional Raise.
====Notables NPCs====
White jaguars can be found at Great Inagua.
;Shengtong
Shengtong is a beautiful, middle-aged woman with long, dark hair, a deep scar under her left eye, and a missing ring finger that reveals her former affiliation to the Brotherhood. She was once a formidable Assassin, but was driven to the edge of insanity when the Brotherhood prevented her from avenging her partner’s death to serve a higher purpose. She was sent to Chengtian Pagoda to train and learn from a former Assassin, a wise man named Wu. Shengtong’s implacable thirst for vengeance soon turned to resentment. When the war came, she allied with the Khanate. Wu discovered her betrayal but before he could warn the Brotherhood she ruthlessly cut him down. Shengtong has been secretly training other monks in the ways of the Assassins for General Tolui Khan.
====Pieces of Eden====
|-|Wild Pig=
;SWORD OF EDEN #2
The [[wild pig]], or [[wild boar|boar]], is a large cousin of the domesticated [[pig]] covered by hairy bristles. They were introduced by [[Europe]]ans to the [[Caribbean]] basin ([[Christopher Columbus|Columbus]] himself brought eight pigs with him from [[Spain]]). Wild pigs flourished in the island environment and were hunted by sailors and [[Piracy|pirates]] to provide salted pork on their voyages.
'''Known Owners:''' Genghis Khan, Hülegü Khan
'''Current Status:''' Unknown
Wild pigs are most commonly found in Nassau, Great Inagua, and Cape Bonavista.
Forged by the skilled hands of Hephaistos, this Sword of Eden crafted in the shape of a saber emerged as a formidable weapon during the War of Unification. The sword found its way into the hands of renowned leaders such as Genghis Khan and his successors. Like its counterparts, this Sword of Eden granted extraordinary powers to its wielder, while also enhancing their innate charisma and leadership qualities.
|-|Bull Shark=
So-called because of their short snouts and their tendency to head-butt prey, [[bull sharks]] are commonly found in warm, shallow waters. They are extremely aggressive and dangerous to [[Humans|humans]]. The females are larger than the males, and adults measure well over seven feet (2.15m) long.
==Ezio Auditore==
Bull sharks can be found in the Dry Tortuga, Gibara, and Punta Guarico regions.
“All my life, a fire of passion blazed in the depths of my soul, an energy that pushed me along an extraordinary path that eventually transformed me from a carefree youth into a respected leader among the noble Assassins. I was born into a family intertwined with the Brotherhood, but I wasn’t aware of this heritage until my seventeenth year. It was then that the specter of tragedy fell upon us, when my father and brothers met their untimely demise at the merciless hands of executioners.
I was rescued by my wise and noble uncle, Mario, who extended his guiding hand and welcomed me into the fold of the Assassins in the peaceful refuge of Monteriggioni. There, I learned the ways of our esteemed order under his watchful gaze, honing my skills and expanding my knowledge. Alas, that serene interlude didn’t last, as we were soon besieged by the insidious Borgia, a powerful family owning its allegiance to our sworn enemy, the Templar Order. In their ruthless quest for power, they took the life of my dear uncle and wrested an Apple of Eden from our protective custody.
|-|Capuchin Monkey=
Found throughout Central and [[South America]], [[capuchin monkey]]s are small and highly intelligent. They eat almost anything -- nuts, fruits, small birds, frogs, clams, etc. Many [[Piracy|pirates]] favored capuchins as pets.
Fueled by an unyielding determination to resist the corrupting influence of the Templars in Rome, I brought new companions to our cause. For many years, I poured my heart and soul into dismantling the Borgia’s iron grip on the city, sparing no effort in liberating its people from their clutches.
Capuchins can be found in Matanzas and Misteriosa.
Yet, my ambitions extended far beyond the confines of Italy. A thirst for knowledge consumed me, compelling me to undertake a monumental task: the search for and reassembly of the scattered pages of Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad’s Codex. I embarked on this quest to enrich the Brotherhood’s techniques and uncover lost wisdom. The journey took me to the vast expanses of the Middle East, where I faced a desperate race against the Templars, as they too vied to possess the fabled treasures concealed within Altaïr’s long-lost library.
|-|Great White Shark=
The largest predatory fish in the world, the [[Great white sharks|great white]]'s lethal aspect is due to its nearly 300 serrated teeth arranged in rows. Great whites have been known to attack [[humans]], but usually more out of curiosity than hunger -- "sample biting" and then releasing their victims. The great white reaches an average length of 15 feet (4.6m).
In the year 1512, standing at the threshold of that sacred library, I felt anticipation ripple through my veins. However, what lay inside defied my expectations. No volumes awaited, only the remnants of Altaïr himself, the lingering echoes of the Apple of Eden, and a Memory Seal etched with his final recollections.
Great white sharks can be found in the Cruz and Serranilla regions.
With trepidation, I activated the Apple, unearthing its hidden truths. In that moment, a message from the enigmatic Precursors revealed itself, casting a blinding light on my purpose. I, Ezio Auditore da Firenze, recognized my role as a conduit between these ancient beings and a future generation of Assassins. It became clear that destiny had chosen me to transmit knowledge and vital information from one era to the next. Overwhelmed, I meticulously transcribed my experiences and the profound message from the Precursors onto the sacred pages of the Prophet’s Codex.
|-|Humpback Whale=
Known for emitting complex sequences of haunting moans, the [[Humpback whale|humpback]] is a large whale that reaches up to 62 feet (19 meters) in length. They migrate from the poles to the equator seasonally and travel in pods.
Upon my return from the Masyaf library, I made a solemn decision. I chose to withdraw from the active duties of the Brotherhood, finding solace and love in the embrace of Sofia Sartor, a remarkable woman who had captured my heart. Together, we chose a life free from the shadows, raising a family and savoring the tranquility that had long eluded me. Although my days as an active Assassin had drawn to a close, the flame of passion and purpose continued to burn brightly within, forever reminding me of the extraordinary odyssey that had shaped me into the man I had become.”
Humpback whales can be found in the Castillo De Jagua and Navassa regions.
|Mario Auditore, Claudia Auditore, Sofia Sartor, Leonardo da Vinci, Bartolomeo D’Alviano, Niccolò Machiavelli, Caterina Sforza, La Volpe, Yusuf Tazim, Lorenzo de’ Medici, Suleiman I, Piri Reis
|-
!Main Opponents
|Rodrigo Borgia, Cesare Borgia, Juan Borgia, the Pazzi family, the Barbarigo family, Prince Ahmet, Manuel Palaiologos
|}
===Adventure Hooks===
#An unknown artist of unparalleled genius who signs his work only as “The Open Eye” creates incredible paintings concealing hidden messages that are said to lead to an unknown Precursor vault. The Witnesses must infiltrate the artistic salons of Venice, uncover the artist’s true identity, and decode the paintings to find the vault before the Templars do.
#The Witnesses explore a long-forgotten sanctuary in the Roman countryside. As they prowl its ancient halls, they uncover its history, revealing the legacy of a secret circle of guardians founded by Romulus: the Shields of Mars. Intriguingly, this circle shared many principles with the Assassin Brotherhood. Empowered by this knowledge, the Witnesses embark on a quest to retrieve a Piece of Eden, fortifying the Brotherhood’s foothold in the region while uncovering the truth behind Romulus and his connection to the Assassins.
#A deadly tournament is held in Rome, attracting skilled combatants from Italy – and beyond! The Witnesses are invited to participate but soon discover that the event is secretly a front for recruitment into the Templar Order. They must participate in the deadly matches to discover the Templar plot and free some of the captured fighters used as bait.
#A prominent member of the Medici family has gone missing in Florence, and rumors suggest their abduction is linked to the Templar Order. The Medici hire the Witnesses to investigate, providing the first in a long trail of clues that will uncover a conspiracy that threatens to destabilize the ruling family and Florence itself.
#A band of thieves known as the “Merletti Neri” has stolen a Precursor Relic from the Brotherhood’s hidden vault in Monteriggioni. The Witnesses must track down the thieves, recover the artifact, and unravel the connection between the thieves and the Templars.
===TEMPLAR RAID AT GINESTRA FIORITA===
|-|Killer Whale=
'''Time Frame:''' Italian Renaissance
Called the Grampus by sailors in the 18th century, the [[killer whale]], or Orca, is part of the dolphin family. Known for their ferociously deadly predation, killer whales feast on [[seal]]s, sea-lions and even other whales. They hunt in pods in the manner of [[Wolves|wolf packs]] and are found throughout the [[Earth|world]]'s seas.
'''Location:''' Ginestra Fiorita, Rome, Italy - 1504 CE
Killer whales can be found in the Cruz and Conttoyor regions.
</tabber>
'''Description:''' A few days ago, the efforts of the Brotherhood in the territories bordering Rome led to the recovery of a Piece of Eden — a Precursor relic (a Memory Seal) buried in a ruin of an Etruscan temple dedicated to the god Laran. The information hidden in this relic must not fall into the hands of the Templars. Bella, a young initiate, is transporting the Piece of Eden to Rome and has arranged a secret meeting with Ezio Auditore at one of the Brotherhood’s hideouts. The Ginestra Fiorita is a brothel belonging to Madame Rosa, and is used as a base of operations for a cell of Assassins led by Ezio Auditore himself. Before the meeting can start, the building is attacked by a group of Templars who seem to have been warned of the activities of the Brotherhood.
<tabber>
|-|Red Howler Monkey=
The Ginestra Fiorita is a two-story building with a well-kept and decent appearance, located in one of the wealthiest districts of Rome. Its balconies are decorated with ginestre, broom flowers, whose bright yellow elegantly matches the gooseberry color of the curtains embellishing the structure both inside and out. As soon as you enter, the scent of fruity and floral essential oils hits you, almost as much as the beauty of Madame Rosa’s workers. A young, long-haired boy named Michele leads you to a sumptuous waiting room, offering you seasonal fruit and fresh water while you make yourself at home. Before you can enquire whether Bella has arrived yet, the doors of the Ginestra Fiorita are smashed open by attacking soldiers! In a matter of seconds, the calm of the brothel has been shattered.
Red howler monkeys can be located on Isla Providencia.
</tabber>
====Key Objectives====
<tabber>
<tabber>
|-|1 - DEFEAT THE ATTACKERS=
|-|Adéwalé=
Swordsmen carrying torches burst through the front doors, swiftly setting alight to the curtains and carpets. You must defeat them quickly before everything burns down.
Born: 1692, [[Trinidad]]<br>
Died: Unknown
;Challenges
Born to [[Slavery|enslaved]] {{Wiki|Ogoni people|Ogoni}} parents in {{Wiki|Yorubaland|Yoruba}}, [[Adéwalé]] was sold to the owner of a prosperous [[plantation]] before his teens. He remained on this plantation, working the fields, until his mid teens, always scheming of ways to escape his predicament, but uneasy with the prospect of living life as a fugitive.
*''Swordsmen''<br>The attackers engage anyone who crosses their path, not making distinctions between you, patrons and workers. To save anyone targeted by them, the Witnesses must make at least 2 Approach checks with 1 Raise.
*''Crossbowmen''<br>2 groups of crossbowmen wait outside the building, shooting at anyone trying to escape. To eliminate them all, the Witnesses must make at least 2 separate Approach checks.
;Weaknesses
Then fortune struck, giving Adéwalé the sign he needed. At some point near his 16th birthday, a group of buccaneers raided the [[plantation]], robbing it of raw cane, refined [[sugar]], and as many [[real]]es as they could find. Seeing in this an opportunity, Adé grabbed a crate of sugar and hauled it aboard one of the longboats the buccaneers had rowed ashore. Surprised to see a slave among them, the buccaneers were nevertheless thankful for the aid, and welcomed Adé among them.
*''Weakness (minor)''<br>The brothel holds ample stocks of perfumes and essential oils. They are highly flammable. If the Witnesses throw them at the attackers, any Approach check to overcome the Swordsmen Challenge has 1 Free Raise.
|-|2 - BRING EVERYONE TO SAFETY=
Adé sailed with this first group of men for many years, quickly learning the ways of a seaman, grateful for the chance to develop his own skills and chase his own passions. And though his life among buccaneers was not free of the usual bigotry of the era, Adé found the prejudice to be more confrontational than restrictive.
Smoke and intense heat envelops the building. The attackers are all dead or have departed, but someone remains still trapped upstairs.
The flames are devouring the intricate wooden furniture, the precious silks draped on the mannequins, and the majestic gooseberry-colored curtains, quickly enveloping everything. The scent of essential oils has been replaced by dense smoke that chokes and blinds you. A supporting beam collapses over the brothel’s main entrance, dividing you from the remaining soldiers outside, but also cutting off your escape. You know that there is a door out onto the roof, but the flames are already licking up the stairs. As you look for an alternative way out, you hear someone calling for help from upstairs.
In 1715, misfortune struck a cruel blow when the ship Adé was aboard, struck a shallow sandbar near the port of [[Havana]]. The buccaneers—mostly [[United Kingdom|British]] at the time—tried desperately to free the trapped vessel, but after catching sight of an approaching [[Spain|Spanish]] [[Man O' War|Galleon]], abandoned ship only to be torn apart by schools of circling [[bull shark]]s. Adé made peace with his fate, and stood his ground.
;Challenges
Taken to [[Havana]] for questioning and inspection, Spanish authorities eventually decided to send Adéwalé to Spain, where they felt he would make an excellent interpreter, owing to his fluent command of Spanish, [[England|English]], and [[France|French]]. Some weeks later, they loaded him into of the Galleons that made up their perennial [[Spanish Treasure Fleet|treasure convoy]], en route to [[Seville]].
*''Debris Blocking the Way''<br>The stairs are starting to collapse in the fire. You need to find a different way to reach the second floor.
*''Flash Point''<br>If they don’t take specific precautions, when the Witnesses open the door leading to the room whence the call for help comes, a burst of flames threatens to envelop them. In this case, the Witnesses make a Reaction check. Bella lies unconscious in a corner, the Piece of Eden held tight in her hands.
;Weaknesses
|-|Ah Tabai=
*''Wet Blanket (minor)''<br>If a Witness uses water to wet their clothes or wets fabric to cover themselves with, they will be protected against the intense heat. Any Approach check made to face the flames has 1 Free Raise.
Named for the [[Maya]]n god of hunting, [[Ah Tabai]]'s given name remains a mystery, and very little is known about his earliest decades. The only child he is known to have fathered died before the age of ten.
</tabber>
What little else we know about him comes from his own mouth; from the stories he told those who knew him. When speaking about his own past, he avoids personal details in favor of abstractions and hints. He frequently speaks of his love and admiration for the tragic history of his people, and used these stories to illustrate the complex intersections of cultures and religions, frequently pointing out the fact that "From within and without come enemies and allies alike. Nothing in life is guaranteed, except surprise..."
====Setbacks====
It is not known how early Ah Tabai acquired the title of Mentor, nor how large his impact was on the [[Assassins]] of the [[Caribbean|West Indies]]. However, that he maintained semi-regular contact with the [[American Brotherhood of Assassins|Assassins in the British colonies]] to the north, in various parts of [[Europe]] and [[Africa]], and in [[China]]. He was instrumental in opening his branch to men and women from all walks of life - mostly Europeans, Africans, and those Native to the area.
*''AN INNOCENT IS KILLED (MINOR)''<br>One of the patrons, a servant or a brothel worker, is slain. If a number of innocents equal to the number of Witnesses are killed, the Witnesses lose 1 Sync level.
*''FALLING DEBRIS (MINOR)''<br>A piece of burning wood falls from the ceiling. The Witness must make a Reaction check.
*''FLYING BOLTS (MINOR)''<br>Crossbow bolts start flying left and right. The Witness must make a Reaction check to avoid being injured.
*''SMOKE (MINOR)''<br>Smoke fills the air, making the Witnesses’ eyes water and causing difficulty breathing. For the rest of the Sequence, all Wits checks require 1 additional Raise.
*''ON FIRE! (MAJOR)''<br>The clothing of the Witnesses catch fire. Until the Witnesses extinguish the flames, all their Approach checks require 1 additional Raise.
====Notables NPCs====
As a native Mayan himself, rumors and stories of the ancient [[Observatory (Isu)|Observatory]] were not foreign to Ah Tabai. So when in 1713 rumors of [[Bartholomew Roberts|a new "Sage"]] began to surface, Ah Tabai took it upon himself to locate the man, believing the Assassins should be the protectors of the ancient and mysterious place. He sent word far and wide to as many Assassin outposts as possible, hoping their network of spies and informants would lead them to their prize. But after two years, there was no word.
;Bella
Bella is a smart and sassy young initiate, who worked as an accountant for Madame Rosa’s various establishments.
====Pieces of Eden====
Then, in early 1715, an experienced British Assassin named [[Duncan Walpole]] arrived at Ah Tabai's encampment, initially expressing a desire to train under the Mentor directly. Ah Tabai found the request odd but flattering, for Walpole had already achieved a level of Mastery few assassins ever reached. After many months of intensive training, Ah Tabai came to consider Duncan Walpole as one of his most trusted colleagues.
;MEMORY SEAL
'''Known Owners:''' Unknown
'''Current Status:''' Unknown
Then in June of 1715, word arrived that the [[Templars]] had located and imprisoned the [[Sages|Sage]] on [[Spain|Spanish]] lands in the far south. Seeing an opportunity to cripple his arch-enemies, Ah Tabai entrusted Duncan Walpole with the task of rallying various Assassins around the West Indies and leading an assault on the Templar prison ship en route to [[Havana]]. Duncan Walpole agreed to this task... and was never heard from again.
The Memory Seal is an obscure Precursor relic, apparently capable of storing recorded memories. The small, circular object seems made of wrought metal and stone, resembling ancient Phaistos Disks, featuring symbols, stylized icons, and geometrical shapes.
It was only after [[Edward Kenway]]'s disastrous meddling in Havana that Ah Tabai was made aware of the full extent of Walpole's betrayal.
==Shao Jun==
|-|Anne Bonny=
“I, Shao Jun, shall recount the tale of my life. I was born into the bonds of royal captivity, destined to become an imperial concubine. I was esteemed for my agility and discretion, and during my travels as a companion to Emperor Zhengde, my talents were honed in the art of espionage. Little did I know that his demise would reveal a secret war between the Templar faction known as the Eight Tigers and the Brotherhood of Assassins.
Born: 1702, [[Ireland]]<br>Died: Unknown
At the tender age of sixteen, I was liberated from my gilded cage by the Assassins, forever grateful to those who had delivered me from my plight. Immersed in the ways of the Brotherhood, I vowed to return and liberate my fellow concubines from their chains. But, alas, I arrived too late, for the cruel hand of the new emperor had tortured and extinguished the lives of most, revealing his sadistic nature to the world.
[[Anne Bonny|Anne]] was barely a teen when she left her native [[County Cork|Cork]] in [[Ireland]] for the [[United Kingdom|British]] colonies, and by sixteen she was en route to [[Caribbean|West Indies]] at side of her new husband, Mr. Jack Bonny, a gentle but sturdy young man in his early 20s.
The Emperor Jiajing unleashed a ruthless campaign to obliterate the Brotherhood in China, aided by the treacherous Eight Tigers led by the cunning Zhang Yong. Many of my brethren were killed, forced into hiding or compelled to flee to foreign lands for their safety. Determined to find new allies, I embarked on a perilous journey to Italy, where I sought the counsel of the legendary Ezio Auditore, who had retired from active duty in 1524. His sage advice guided me on the path to rebuilding the Brotherhood in my homeland.
The pair arrived in [[Nassau]] in April of 1716, settling down with an unclear idea of what shape their lives might take. Jack eventually found work on one of the small [[plantation]]s there, while Anne cultivated her ability to loaf and daydream. Unfortunately, her beauty, aloofness, and complete indifference to propriety made her the object of more romantic attention than she had ever known or cared for.
Two years later, armed with newfound knowledge and resolve, I returned to China, embarking on a mission to eliminate the Eight Tigers. One by one, their reign of terror crumbled before my unyielding blade. With each life extinguished, the Chinese Brotherhood grew stronger, and I, Shao Jun, ascended to the honored position of Mentor, guiding my fellow Assassins with unwavering determination.
Within a year of arriving in Nassau, the Bonnys' marriage was in shambles, a union only in name. While Jack disappeared further into his work, Anne grew more confident and sociable, eventually taking a job as a barmaid at the popular [[Old Avery]] [[tavern]] in the center of Nassau. And though she took on a few lovers in the next few years, it was mostly out of envy and spite that the rabble of Nassau branded Anne a harlot and a tease. But with no high society to shun or shame her, Anne's desirability only increased on the strength of these rumors.
At the culmination of my crusade, I struck with precision and cunning, ensuring the demise of Emperor Jiajing, whose reign of tyranny had plagued our land for far too long. The Chinese Brotherhood stood tall once more, the flame of justice burning brightly in our hearts.”
Known variously by different sources as Thatch, Teach, Theach, Tache, Titche, Teatch, Tack, and more, we are fairly certain [[Edward Thatch]] was born in or around [[Bristol]] and took to the sea at an early age, most likely in his teens. It is also speculated that he arrived in the [[Caribbean|West Indies]] quite soon after leaving England.
#A powerful merchant, rumored to be a spy for the Order, is consolidating his power in China through the silver trade with European Templar affiliates. The Brotherhood sends the Witnesses to infiltrate his palace, uncover his secret alliance to the Order, and assassinate him to prevent the western Templars from entering the region.
#A hidden sanctuary, believed to hold a legendary treasure and ancient knowledge, has been discovered in the remote Lingtong Temple, in the Fujian Province. The Witnesses are tasked with exploring the sanctuary, battling an Isu guardian, and discovering a secret message left by the First Civilization.
#The Witnesses are summoned in Ningbo in north-east Zhejiang province to investigate a series of mysterious assassinations that have targeted some of their key allies. The Witnesses discover a branch of rogue Assassins who have turned against the Brotherhood to side with the Portuguese Rite of the Templar Order. They must thwart their deadly mission, while ensuring the reputation of the Brotherhood remains intact.
#A legendary sword said to be once wielded by Hulegu Khan, and Genghis Khan before him, has resurfaced in the hands of the Xu brothers – heads of a pirate syndicate – in Shuangyu. The Witnesses must infiltrate the syndicate to steal the sword and prevent its misuse by the pirate lords, whose marauding ambitions threaten to destabilize the whole region.
#The Witnesses are sent to a war-torn province where two rival factions vie for power. Both sides seek the aid of the Assassins, and the Witnesses must carefully evaluate the political landscape, choosing which clan to support while potentially unraveling a Templar plot to exploit the chaos for their own gain.
===THE LOST BOX===
If this was indeed the case, Ed Thatch would have seen his fair share of the [[War of Spanish Succession]], a protracted fight between most of the Empires of [[Europe]] that pitted Hapsburg Austia and its British ally against Bourbon France and Spain. In these early years, from 1700 to 1713, Thatch was a privateer or at the very least a merchant seaman, doing his part for the crown—[[Anne, Queen of Great Britain|Queen Anne]] at the time.
'''Time Frame:''' Ming Dynasty
'''Location:''' Shangchuan Island, Chuanshan Archipelago,
But with the [[Peace of Utrecht|Treaty of Utrecht]] bestowing peace upon a troubled [[Europe]] in 1713, Thatch and his fellow sailors found themselves far from home and out of work. Thus, they turned to [[piracy]] as a means of sustaining themselves. In the ensuing years, Thatch befriended a captain named [[Benjamin Hornigold]] and soon after joined his crew as quartermaster, at some point between late 1714 and early 1716.
China - 1552
'''Description:''' The Spanish missionary Francis Xavier arrived in China to spread the Jesuit doctrine, but finds himself trapped on Shangchuan Island, 14 km south of the mainland. The island serves as a refuge for Chinese smugglers and a hub for Portuguese traders, offering Xavier a possible means to reach mainland China. Unfortunately, no one has been willing to assist him thus far. To complicate matters further, Xavier gets robbed, with most of his possessions taken by a smuggler who has since fled to Macau.<br><br>As rumors about the event start circulating, Shao Jun receives word of a peculiar golden box that the priest fought tooth and nail to protect and was able to keep from his robbers. Believing that this might be the same Precursor Box that her mentor Ezio Auditore entrusted her with more than three decades before, she immediately gathers a crew and sets sail for Shangchuan. But Shao Jun is not the only one seeking the relic: A small contingent of Knights from the Order of Saint Benedict of Aviz, led by a prominent member of the Portuguese Rite of the Templar Order, is also hot on the trail of Francis Xavier. Upon reaching the small chapel where the priest had sought refuge, the Witnesses are met with a grim sight. The chapel has been ransacked, and Francis Xavier lies mortally wounded, surrounded by the lifeless bodies of his fellow missionaries. To their dismay, there is no sign of the artifact they sought; the Knights of Aviz have beaten them to it. An informant brings word that the Knights are leaving for Nagasaki at dawn, aboard a Black Ship. There isn’t much time – the Assassins must be quick.
Settling in [[Nassau]], Thatch, Hornigold, and the rest of the "Flying Gang" as these pirates called themselves, began cooking up schemes far larger than most pirates of the era dared dream. Wanting nothing less than a country of their own, they worked to turn Nassau into a place of liberty and freedom for all who desired an escape from the bonds of imperial rule.
Underneath a sliver of moonlight piercing through the cloudy winter sky, a dense mist drifts across the tranquil waters of Shangchuan’s harbor. The sea lies calm and undisturbed beneath the silent glide of your rowboats. The soft glow of dawn begins to illuminate the horizon, so it won’t be long before the sailors of the Templars’ ship will clamber aboard their rowboats to return aboard and prepare to leave. Time slips away, and Shao Jun recalls the wisdom of her master Zhu Jiuyuan: “Pluck flowers as they bloom, wait and you will have only the twigs.” Approaching the Black Ship, the only audible sounds are the gentle lapping of waves and the faint creaking of rigging.
|-|Edward Kenway=
Born: 1693, [[Wales]]<br>Died: ????
====Key Objectives====
[[Edward Kenway|Edward James Kenway]] was born on the 10th of March in [[Swansea]], [[Wales]], to [[Bernard Kenway]] of [[Manchester]] and [[Linette Kenway|Linette Hopkins]] of nearby {{Wiki|Cardiff}}. By Edward's 10th birthday, his father had moved the family to a [[Hatherton|small farm]] just outside [[Bristol]], a nearby port town in the southwest of England.
<tabber>
|-|1 - BOARDING THE BLACK SHIP=
The Black Ship, a carrack, is at anchor off the coast of the Shangchuan Island. The Portuguese will leave for Nagasaki, Japan, soon, and so the Witnesses have little time to board it and fulfill their mission. They must decide whether to hide on the carrack’s lower decks and wait for the right moment to stealthily steal the Precursor Box, or to immediately engage the crew and Templars.
;Challenges
This relocation had a depressing effect on young Edward's mood. He grew restless from a lack of contact with old friends and struggled to find an outlet for his limitless energy. By his teens he was spending more and more time in the city away from his farm, where the lure of excitement overrode prudence. By age sixteen, he had substituted a career as a successful farmer for a life of hopeless tomfoolery, frequently shirking his responsibilities to his family in favor of rough company.
*''Deck Guards''<br>Although tired from the long watch of the night shift, a few ordinary seamen still patrol the ship’s main deck. Two are equipped with loaded arquebuses.
*''Suspicious Boats''<br>If the Witnesses don’t think to hide their rowboats – for example, by scuttling them before climbing onboard – they automatically trigger the We Have Company Setback when the Portuguese sailors arrive from the docks.
*''Stowaways on Board''<br>If the characters prefer to sneak aboard, they will have to take care not to be spotted either by the crew, or by the Knights – João Machado’s three bodyguards who guard his cabin. Because of the elite training of Machado’s bodyguards, all Stealth checks made to escape their surveillance require 1 Raise.
;Weaknesses
In late 1711, at the age of seventeen, Edward met [[Caroline Scott-Kenway|Caroline Scott]], a woman of modest but steady means. Their friendship began cautiously, as Caroline's hand had already been promised to the boorish [[Matthew Hague|son]] of a wealthy [[East India Company]] [[Aubrey Hague|executive]]. But Edward's charms eventually won out, and he and Caroline were married within a year of their meeting; a union that angered [[Emmett Scott|her father]], and got the whole of Bristol talking.
*''Portuguese Sailors (minor)''<br>The Witnesses could opt to change their strategy and retreat to the docks, where they blend in among the inebriated sailors still on leave. In this case, the Witnesses overcome the Deck Guards and Suspicious Boats Challenges. However, characters might have to make Social checks to keep up the charade.
|-|2 - ASSASSINATING THE TEMPLARS=
In the earliest months of their marriage, Edward resolved to do well by his wife and provide for her as he believed a man in his position should. But his grandiose dreams and exaggerated opinion of himself prevented him from taking immediate responsibility for their well-being. And after only a year, he had stumbled back into his worst habits - drinking, fighting and idleness.
Once onboard, the Witnesses discover that below deck, hidden amongst crates of Portuguese wine and rapiers, Chinese silk and porcelain, Japanese lacquerware and katanas, are a dozen crates containing arquebuses, bullets and gunpowder sacks. Nearby, João Machado sleeps in a locked cabin at the ship’s stern; two of his bodyguards stand guard outside in the corridor, while a third rests on an Indian sofa inside the cabin.
In the meantime, the sky has brightened and the thick fog has dissipated, allowing the Witnesses to spot an approaching vessel — a huge junk bearing down on the Black Ship. It’s hard to tell if it’s the Chinese navy, or a pirate ship, but either way it is clear that it is approaching with hostile intent. The crew of the Black Ship springs into action, scrambling to their posts and hastily arming themselves in preparation for the impending confrontation.
It was in this dark period that Edward revived an old idea of joining a [[privateer]]ing fleet sailing for the [[Caribbean|West Indies]], with the aim of making war against the [[Spain|Spanish]] and collecting unchecked sums of gold and cargo. This, he told his wife, was their path to quick riches. Being a sensible and prudent woman, Caroline discouraged these fanciful ideas.
;Challenges
By the summer of 1712, Caroline understood that her husband's departure was inevitable. She wanted no further part of Edward's reckless plan, and so left him to live with her parents. Stunned by this sudden turn, Edward was determined to earn his fortune fast and prove himself as capable as he always claimed he was. He left for the West Indies barely one month later, where he soon fell in with the privateer [[Benjamin Hornigold]] and his quartermaster, [[Edward Thatch|Ed Thatch]].
*''Through the window''<br>A Witness can reach João Machado’s room by climbing the ship’s keel and railings. However, the room’s windows are sealed shut, and the only way in is by crashing through them, alerting the Templar inside.
*''I don’t know you''<br>With sailors running to their stations, somebody might become suspicious of the Witnesses, especially if they are not in disguise. In the latter case any Social check made to deceive the counterpart requires 2 Raises.
;Weaknesses
Edward spent the first half of 1713 sailing with these two seasoned sailors, on regular sweeps of the windward passage. But that year, fate threw him another upset. With the signing of the [[Peace of Utrecht|treaty of Utrecht]], all hostile actions between the major empires came to an end and the prospects of British privateers dried up. Now poor, unemployed, and thousands of miles from home, Edward and his colleagues settled on the island of New Providence in [[the Bahamas]] to reconsider their options.
*''Exploiting the Chaos (minor)''<br>If the Witnesses act quickly enough, they can take advantage of the chaos caused by the approaching ship, and surprise the knights at the door, or the third knight with João Machado inside the cabin. In this case, any Approach check made to assassinate them has 1 Free Raise.
*''Bombing (major)''<br>The firearm crates and gunpowder sacks are right below Machado’s room. The Witnesses might choose to blow up the Black Ship and the Templars all in one. However, if the Witnesses use such an approach before stealing the Precursor Box from the Templars, they automatically trigger both the Make it Burn and Lost Treasure Setbacks.
|-|3 - RETRIEVING THE PRECURSOR BOX=
These were fanciful days for Edward. He discovered in the small town of [[Nassau]] a life quite unlike that which he had left behind. The atmosphere of wild and noisy freedom in this small stateless encampment overwhelmed and captivated him. The drinking, the gaming, the women, the aimless desire to simply live as one pleased. And yet, as carefree as he was, his beloved Caroline was never far from his mind. If he could make something of himself in the West Indies—working a [[sugar]] [[plantation]], perhaps—he might win her back after all his time away.
The Precursor Box currently in João Machado’s possession is destined for his superior, Gaspar Vilela, who awaits the artifact in Nagasaki. It is crucial that the Witnesses recover the relic and leave the ship before it is sunk during the battle.
An explosion rocks the Black Ship. The assault has begun. A cacophony of shouting voices and clanging blades combines with the sound of bullets hissing past you in the air like angry bees. The wooden planks of the main deck creak under the weight of Chinese sailors as they board the carrack. The Precursor Box must be rescued from the Knights of Aviz, and you have no time to spare.
But in absence of true conviction, habit takes hold fast; and it was only a matter of time before Edward set back out to sea with his mates, to live the life they knew best; no longer privateers—legal and sanctioned—but as [[Piracy|pirates]] now, with nary a whit of loyalty to kin and country, earning his fortune by the sword and pistol, praying his end was never too near.
;Challenges
|-|Calico Jack Rackham=
*''Runaway''<br>Once the assault has begun, João Machado and his bodyguards block the door to the cabin with the furniture, before escaping through the window and climbing down to the captain’s jolly boat.
Born: 1682, [[Jamaica]]<br>Died: ????
*''The Brotherhood Won’t Have It''<br>The Commander of the Knights of Aviz is willing to let the box sink to the bottom of the sea rather than let the Witnesses take it, while he’s still clutching it if necessary.
;Weaknesses
Of the few infamous [[Piracy|pirates]] to call the [[Caribbean|West Indies]] his birthplace, [[Jack Rackham]] was born in Jamaica at the height of [[Port Royal]]'s boom as a den of scoundrels. This would likely explain his atrophied moral compass, for he was frequently drunk, rarely serious about anything, and always chasing women. He used his outrageous and offensive charm to keep out of most trouble. But a strategist and fighter he was not.
*''Aye Captain (major)''<br>If a character successfully pretends to be a ship’s officer, he can offer to escort Machado to safety (see the Runaway Challenge), and then calmly take care of him once he’s separated from his bodyguards. In this case, the Templar remains paralyzed by the sense of defeat and does not resist.
Nicknamed "Calico" for his affinity for [[India]]n and [[Asia]]n prints, he was a terrible sailor and a worse pirate, given to flights of fancy and myopic ideas that served only himself, rather than solid strategic thinking. He was likely drunk for half of his adulthood, and had a weakness for women that trumped all basic needs, such as sleeping or eating. His disarming charm, dashing good looks, and his swift wit carried him far, but parties can only last so long before someone has to clean up after them.
</tabber>
|-|Caroline Scott=
Born: 1691, England<br>Died: ????
====Setbacks====
Daughter of [[Emmett Scott|Emmett]] and [[Elizabeth Scott]], [[Caroline Scott-Kenway|Caroline]] was born in [[Bristol]], [[United Kingdom|England]], to a prosperous family of merchants and civil servants. Given a modest education by her father, she furthered her own studies in her own way, taking time to read as often as her familiar duties allowed. Splitting her time between this and helping her mother manage her father's affairs, she grew into a confident and level-headed woman with more skill and intelligence than her situation allowed her to exercise.
*''WE HAVE COMPANY (MINOR)''<br>Everyone onboard the ship is on high alert and looking out for intruders. Until the end of the Sequence, all Stealth checks made to avoid detection require 2 Raises.
*''MAKE IT BURN (MAJOR)''<br>A stray shot causes the gunpowder to ignite and explode. Every Witness in the area must make a Reaction check with 2 Raises. Also, the Black Ship might start to sink.
*''LOST TREASURE (MAJOR)''<br>The Precursor Box falls into the waves, disappearing into the thick foam around the boat’s keel.
====Notables NPCs====
Caroline first met [[Edward Kenway]] outside the [[Auld Shillelagh]], in the aftermath of a drunken altercation. She had arrived to fetch one of her servants and there found Edward escorting [[Rose|the woman]] from the clutches of one of Bristol's more notorious [[Tom Cobleigh|cads]]. Thankful for his kindness, Caroline agreed to a second meeting on more equitable terms, hardly thinking a romance possible.
;João Machado
A young man dressed like a priest, wearing a large, gilt cross decorated with green enamel around his neck. He’s a Commander of the Knights of Aviz, and apprentice to the Templar Seneschal Gaspar Vilela (Grand Cross of the Knights of Aviz).
;The Knights of Aviz
These elite Knights of the Order of Saint Benedict of Aviz blindly serve their Commander João Machado and are ready to protect his life with their own. They are probably among the best sworders Aviz has ever seen, and they have mastered specific, exceptional tandem tactics to fight together against their enemies.
====Pieces of Eden====
And yet—against all odds—that is just what happened. Edward and Caroline grew quite close, and soon fell in love, quite much to the dismay of her father. Emmett Scott had already promised his daughter to the [[Matthew Hague|son]] of a wealthy [[East India Company]] [[Aubrey Hague|executive]], and made his displeasure apparent at every turn. But all his noise was to no avail. Caroline and Edward were married in 1712.
;PRECURSOR BOX
'''Known Owners:''' Ezio Auditore, Shao Jun, Zhang Yong, João Machado, Shay Cormac, William Sleeman, Ulysses S. Grant, Anastasia Nikolaevna
'''Current Status:''' In the possession of Álvaro Gramática
For a time it seemed as though this odd pairing might produce a lasting union. But Edward's deep love for his wife was offset by his uncouth habits and reckless attention to responsibility. Not content to live a life of middle class drudgery, Edward [[Edward Kenway (memory)|dreamed large]], and fixed on the idea that he could sail to the [[Caribbean|West Indies]] and fight as a [[Privateer]] against the [[Spain|Spanish]]. Or, barring that, buy some land and sow a [[sugar]] [[plantation]]. Caroline tried to dissuade her husband, but to no effect.
==Edward Kenway and Adéwalé==
|-|Charles Vane=
“I, Edward Kenway, shall regale you with the tale of my audacious exploits in the treacherous waters of the 1700s. ‘Twas my own cunning that led me to the Assassins, by way of impersonating the ill-fated Duncan Walpole, an Assassin I dispatched with little remorse. With the Brotherhood of Assassins at my back, I unleashed the full might of my skills and my ship, the legendary Jackdaw, upon the wretched Spaniards and the conniving British Templars who dared to thwart the glory of piracy in the Caribbean.
Born: 1680, [[England]]<br>Died: ????
In my relentless pursuit of fame and fortune, I uncovered their dark designs to unearth a fabled Precursor site, a place they called the Observatory. ‘Twas there that the enigmatic Bartholomew Roberts, a pirate bearing the essence of the Precursor known as Aita, awaited his destiny. Though I embraced much of the Creed and adopted the Brotherhood’s fearsome weaponry, I refrained from formally joining their ranks, until the harsh lessons of life threatened to rob me of all I held dear. ‘Twas then that I sought redemption, training in the ways of the Assassins.
A common refrain in any biography of a [[Golden Age of Piracy|Golden Age]] [[Piracy|Pirate]] goes something like this: "Very little is known about this man's early life..." And with [[Charles Vane]] it's no different. It is not known where he was born, or where he grew up, or when he first took to sea. But maybe that's just as well, for it further heightens the mystery of this strange, unstable man.
Having secured a pardon for my piratical escapades, I returned to England, where I ascended to the title of co-leader of the British Brotherhood. I tirelessly hunted down Precursor sites and unearthed valuable knowledge about the elusive Grand Temple. I even discovered the Shroud of Eden, which I deemed too potent for the prying eyes of both Assassins and Templars.
Surely one of the most ornery and unstable of the "Flying Gang", the band of pirates who called [[Nassau]] their home for a time, Charles Vane began his career like most pirates of the era--honestly, as a [[privateer]] sailing for his King. Likely living in Jamaica in 1715, he was one of many aboard [[Henry Jennings]]' assault on a [[Spain|Spanish]] expedition to recover the gold from their [[Spanish Treasure Fleet|ill fated wreck]] in 1715 off the coast of [[Florida]].
Ever vigilant, I instilled the ways of the Brotherhood in my son, Haytham, from a tender age. The lad was destined to walk the path of an Assassin, guided by my seasoned hand. Alas, fate dealt me a cruel blow, for one ill-fated night, Templar interlopers claimed my life, leaving my beloved daughter, Jenny, in their clutches.
Barely a year later it had become impossible to keep up honest work as a privateer, as [[United Kingdom|British]] Governors were skittish about breaking the terms of the [[Peace of Utrecht|Treaty of Utrecht]], which called for a cessation of all aggression between the major empires. Having few other options, Vane sailed to Nassau where many of his former colleagues were now living.
Such was the tale of Edward Kenway, the bold Welsh pirate who sailed the seas, embraced the ways of the Assassins, and met his untimely demise at the hands of his sworn enemies.”
Quick to anger and ferociously mean, Charles Vane quickly earned himself a reputation as a difficult captain to sail under. At some point in 1717 or 1718, an old friend, [[Jack Rackham|"Calico" Jack Rackham]] joined his crew as quartermaster. The two remained partnered for some time, living and working out of Nassau with the likes of [[Benjamin Hornigold]], [[Edward Thatch|Ed Thatch]], and Henry Jennings.
|Adéwalé, Blackbeard, James Kidd/Mary Read, Benjamin Hornigold, Calico Jack, Ah Tabai
|-
!Main Opponents
|Bartholomew Roberts, Laureano de Torres y Ayala, Julien du Casse, Woodes Rogers
|}
“Listen up, mates! Gather ‘round and lend an ear as I, Adéwalé, spill me tale of audacity and fury. I was a severe Trinidadian slave, snatched from the clutches of oppression by none other than Edward Kenway himself. I took on duties as his quartermaster on the Jackdaw. Now, let me make it clear from the start. Piracy seemed like the perfect means to disrupt tyranny and control. But deep down, it didn’t sit right with me. It felt like dishonest work, a betrayal of me own principles. So, I sought a greater purpose, an’ joined the Maroon rebellion in Port-au-Prince, takin’ command of the Experto Crede, a cursed slave ship.
|-|James Kidd=
Born: 1695, England<br>Died: ????
Around 1720, I found meself standin’ shoulder to shoulder with the West Indies Brotherhood. Trainin’ under the watchful eye of the wise Mentor Ah Tabai. I urged Edward Kenway to join our ranks, and after some resistance, he finally saw the light.Serving the Brotherhood was no easy task. I fought tooth and nail against the Templar scum, fendin’ off their relentless attacks. I rescued Edward from the clutches of Port Royal’s damnation, makin’ sure he stayed in the fight, an’ stood by the Assassins at the Observatory.
Even though not yet out of his teens, James Kidd was a cocky and confident lad with a brashness cultivated to counter his youth. He claimed to be the bastard son of the late [[William Kidd]], the infamous privateer-turned-[[Piracy|pirate]] who was captured and hanged by [[United Kingdom|British]] authorities in 1701. Although James had no proof of this connection, his mother always insisted on it, claiming that she spent a single "panicked night of passion" with Captain Kidd just before his departure from London in 1695.
The fires of conflict engulfed the Seven Years’ War, an’ I stood tall with our French allies. We struck a mighty blow against the British Royal Navy at Louisbourg, earnin’ the wrathful gaze of them Templars. Oh, they were thirstin’ for our blood, those accursed dogs. But fate had other plans for me. In a chase led by that treacherous Shay Cormac and Haytham Kenway, the Experto Crede was forced to beach, lest me crew face certain death. An’ there I stood, facin’ off against the combined might of Haytham and Shay, fightin’ like a cornered lion.
Growing up fatherless and with a spendthrift mother did little to improve his prospects at leading a normal life, and at the age of 12 he found employment aboard merchant vessels sailing between the British colonies in [[North America]] and the [[Caribbean|West Indies]]. By the time he was 17 he called [[Jamaica]] his home, where he further honed his skills as a sailor here.
But alas, it was not to be. They cooperated, distractin’ and overpowerin’ me with a wicked ferocity. I fell, my blood spillin’ upon the earth, my spirit unyielding, even in defeat.Remember the name Adéwalé, me brethren, as a symbol of resistance against oppression!”
Although he never sailed with the likes of [[Benjamin Hornigold|Ben Hornigold]], [[Edward Thatch|Ed Thatch]], or [[Edward Kenway]], James was among the first sailors to settle in [[Nassau]], and was a central figure in its development as a pirate republic.
#The pirate Black Caesar is looking for help in Nassau to free a group of shipmates imprisoned in a fearsome slaver vessel. The Witnesses must board the ship, free the captives, and confront the slaver captain in a thrilling battle during a storm on the high seas.
Born: Unknown, [[England]]<br>Died: ????
#The Witnesses unearth a hidden network of liberated slaves active across the Caribbean. However, this newfound community is threatened by an infiltrator working for the Templars. The Witnesses must uncover the infiltrator’s identity, expose their treachery, and protect the emancipated people’s hard-won freedom.
#A nameless pirate hunter, driven by a personal vendetta against pirates and Assassins alike, is closing in on the Witnesses’ crew. The Witnesses must evade capture, outsmart the hunter’s tactics, and uncover their motivations. In a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, they must protect their pirate comrades and confront the hunter before their ship is destroyed.
#The Witnesses find themselves entangled in a deadly race against rival pirate crews to locate a fabled treasure buried on a treacherous island. As they navigate dangerous waters and explore hidden caves, they must stay one step ahead to claim the treasure for the Brotherhood to support their war against the slave trade.
#The Witnesses receive a distress call from a remote Maroon community, a refuge for escaped slaves. The community is threatened by a Templarled expedition aiming to wipe them out. The Witnesses must rally the Maroons, fortify their defenses, and fight alongside them to fend off the Templar assault, to preserve their freedom and way of life.
===THE BOARDING OF THE BLACK IVORY===
'''Time Frame:''' Golden Age of Piracy
'''Location:''' Caribbean Sea - 1722 CE
Of all the infamous [[Caribbean|West Indies]] [[Piracy|pirates]], [[Mary Read]] stands out as one of the most mysterious and inscrutable. No one is sure when she was born, with most speculation ranging over almost a decade, between 1685 and 1695. According to [[Charles Johnson]]—a frequently unreliable source—her mother began dressing Mary in boy's clothes from a very early age, with the hope of passing her off as another man's son.
'''Description:''' Plowing through Caribbean waters aboard the Jackdaw, Edward and Adéwalé are in pursuit of the Black Ivory, a ship of the Royal African Company. The infamous ship carries hundreds of slaves in its cargo hold. The chase has been going on for hours, and Edward and Adéwalé await the right moment to storm the ship and free its prisoners.
In her teens, Mary evidently harnessed her skill for disguise to secure a job aboard a [[ship]]. Taking to sea, she worked her way forward until she found a position in the [[Royal Navy|British Navy]]. Still disguised as a man, she saw action in battle, though owing to the conflicting reports of her birth, which battle is uncertain. It was during these skirmishes that Mary met her first husband—so the author of the "General History of Pyrates" claims—a Flemish soldier who had evidently fought beside her.
A spray of saltwater fills the air from the Jackdaw’s mighty bow as she cuts through the sea, and one of the crew shouts, “With this wind, we should reach them lily-livered scallywags before dawn.” The darkness of the night will help with the boarding.
But this union was not fated to remain intact, as Mary's husband was killed soon after their marriage. With few reasons to remain in [[Europe]], Mary sailed for the West Indies. It is unclear what transpired in the years following, but it is almost certain that she resumed the practice of dressing as a man. It is also assumed Mary continued working aboard ships, improving her skills as a sailor and swordsman.
====Key Objectives====
By 1715 or 1716, it was likely she had visited her fellow sailors in [[Nassau]], though perhaps not for the same reasons...
<tabber>
|-|1 - BOARDING!=
The crew of the Black Ivory is prepared to resist boarding, and their captain, Tom Phillips, is on the deck, barking orders. Boarding the ship shouldn’t be too difficult.
As the Jackdaw pulls alongside the enemy vessel, the men begin to sing as they get into position for the assault. The pirate song, a hymn of freedom, reaches the ship’s holds, and soon, the muffled sound of the voices of dozens of slaves echoes through the Black Ivory. Though superior in number, it is with terror on their faces that the hired men of the Royal African Company draw their rifles and swords.
|-|Opía Apito=
Born: 1695, Cuba<br>Died: Unknown
;Challenges
Born in [[Cuba]], [[Assassin bureau]] leader [[Opía Apito]] was raised Taíno, among her mother's people, never knowing her father, a [[Spain|Spaniard]].
*''Musket Shots''<br>As the two vessels come alongside, the men of the Royal African Company open fire on the Jackdaw. All the Witnesses on the main deck must make a Reaction check.
*''Jump from the Rigging''<br>A spectacular way to board the enemy ship is to jump holding a line from the Jackdaw’s masts towards the Black Ivory’s main deck.
*''Gangplanks''<br>As soon as the two ships are abreast, the crew throws out planks connecting the two ships.
;Weaknesses
At twelve, her village was [[raid]]ed by the Spanish. Most of her community was kidnapped and killed. But Opía, the lone free survivor, fought and ran. She survived in hiding for close to a decade.
*''Ram the Black Ivory (major)''<br>If the Witnesses decide to ram the Black Ivory with the Jackdaw, they overcome any Challenge made to complete the Boarding! Key Objective. However, this damages the Black Ivory and from now on any Approach check made to maneuver the ship requires 1 additional Raise.
|-|2 - COMMANDEER THE BLACK IVORY=
Much of what we know of Opía is inseparable from legend. Her name, possibly self-given, is an amalgam of the Taíno words for "eternity" and "ghost." She claimed to be a direct descendant of the warrior {{Wiki|Hatuey}}, who stood against the Spanish in the 16th Century. She was guided throughout her life by the mantra, ''Aji aya bom''—better dead than a [[Slavery|slave]].
Once the boarding of the Black Ivory has begun, the battle becomes bloody. The ferocity and experience of the pirate crew faces the numerical superiority of the Royal African Company.
Suddenly, lights illuminate the dark ocean in the distance. The unmistakable sound of a cannon volley fills the air. Plumes of water from the missed shots splash the deck of both ships. They were damned close, making it immediately clear that a new enemy is closing in!
In her early twenties, she was hired by the [[Assassins]] as a guide, and was soon [[Initiation into the Assassin Order|adopted]] into their [[Assassin rank|ranks]]. She delighted in a characteristic Taíno approach to strategy: preferring to harm the enemy by taking something from him in battle, that he might live to notice it missing. But as an Assassin she did not shrink from violence.
The approaching enemy vessel is His Majesty’s Hired Vessel Royal Bounty, a British privateer with tremendous firepower. Its captain, “Keelhauling” Jeff, is a Templar who hunts down pirates threatening the British slave trade. Aware of the movements of the Assassin Brotherhood in the Caribbean Sea, he has used the Black Ivory as bait in order to eliminate Edward Kenway and Adéwalé once and for all.
True to her name, once promoted to Assassin Bureau leader, she built an agile and highly effective "ghost" bureau near the [[Cayman Islands]], with virtually no physical footprint to speak of. We might regard it today as an early example of a terrorist cell, but she left no records and no descendants, and until now, history has held no record of it.
The Witnesses must quickly seize the Black Ivory before the guns of the Royal Bounty shred both ships to pieces.
|-|Rhona Dinsmore=
Born: 1688, Scotland<br>Died: Unknown
;Challenges
Born in [[Scotland]], [[Rhona Dinsmore]] was made for adventure. After suffering the lows of a troubled household–an absent father and a drunkard of a mother–Dinsmore left her home in Glasgow in her mid-teens. At nineteen, she found work amongst [[merchant]]s in [[Bristol]] and remained at that post for nearly two years.
*''Revive the Crew Spirit''<br>After a moment of uncertainty, the fighting resumes. The sound of swords and pistol shots, shouts of encouragement and curses fill the silence of the night again, but a sense of grim fatalism envelops all the combatants. Raising the spirits of the Witnesses’ crew requires the Witnesses to make an Approach check with 1 Raise.
*''Fighting the Mariners''<br>Despite a shattered morale, the sailors of the Black Ivory fight on, as they have little alternative. The Witnesses must make at least 2 separate Approach checks to break their spirit. If the Revive the Crew Spirit Challenge was successfully overcome, any Approach check made to complete this Challenge has 1 Free Raise.
;Weaknesses
By twenty-one, Dinsmore was trapped in a terrible marriage. She fled again and sought refuge in [[Boston]], where she remained for six months, before moving on to the warmer climes of [[Jamaica]]. There she found it exceedingly difficult to find work among farmers, and finally took to the sea, ultimately finding her calling within the [[Assassins|Assassin Brotherhood]].
*''Break the Chains (major)''<br>If the slaves in the hold are freed while the assault on the Black Ivory is still underway, the ship’s crew will be quickly overwhelmed, leading to their surrender in short order. In this case, the Witnesses achieve the current Key Objective.
|-|3 - FACE THE ENGLISH SHIP=
|-|Stede Bonnet=
Once the Witnesses have taken control of the Black Ivory, dealing with the Royal Bounty becomes the pressing concern. Using both the Jackdaw and the Black Ivory it may be possible to deal with the superior firepower of the new threat.
Born: 1688, Barbados
Died: ????
You see the Black Ivory’s captain, Tom Phillips, holding off two pirates with his cutlass and pistol, held in his offhand like a club. You watch him as he begins barking the first few words of what surely would have been a biting challenge before they choke in his throat. Behind him, one of his men hits him on the head with a gaff, knocking him unconscious — the surviving crew members of the Black Ivory have had enough of the bloodshed. The battle is over! However, your celebrations are interrupted by yet more cannon shots, fired high, shearing away the Jackdaw’s nest.
Born into plentitude and wealth on Barbados, Stede Bonnet seemed destined for a life of pleasure and ease. The son of a successful and influential plantation owner, his early life was marked by tragedy when his parents died suddenly, leaving seven year-old Stede orphaned and in a perpetual state of melancholy.
Special: Until this Key Objective is completed, at the end of each Approach check, the Witnesses must make an additional Reaction check due to the Royal Bounty’s superior firepower.
His inheritance of some 400 acres of land softened the blow caused by the loss of his parents, and by the time Stede was in his late teens, he had already restored the sugar plantation to a profitable state. He married young and set about starting a family as soon as possible, but owing to what some called a "disorder of the mind" he never found solace or comfort in these domestic trappings.
;Challenges
To further complicate his unease, his firstborn son died in infancy, further amplifying his grief and stiming his restlessness. As a means of coping, he dreamed of going to sea and sailing about the world, meeting people, living life as a man free of the obligations thrust upon him.
*''Take Position''<br>It is necessary to bring the two ships into a favorable position, for example by flanking the enemy ship and moving out of the line of fire of its cannons. This requires at least 2 separate Approach checks with 1 Raise.
*''Fire Away''<br>If both ships are in position, a well-aimed salvo of gunfire from both vessels may prove enough to inflict significant damage to the Royal Bounty. If the previous Challenge was completed successfully, any Approach check made to complete this Challenge has 1 Free Raise.
;Weaknesses
When Bonnet's ship was apprehended by the British Navy on suspicion of piracy, he was rescued by the pirate Edward Kenway who, with the help of Blackbeard and others, eventually influenced the affable and impressionable merchant into going on the account himself.
*''Eagle Vision (minor)''<br>Thanks to the supernatural capabilities of the Assassins, the Witnesses can anticipate where cannon volleys will hit. If they employ their Eagle Vision Skill, the Witnesses can face the Take Position Challenge with no Raise.
|-|KILL CAPTAIN “KEELHAULING” JEFF=
|-|Upton Travers=
The Witnesses have reached the enemy ship. It’s time to eliminate the Templar threat once and for all.
Born: 1688, England<br>Died: Unknown
As the vessels cut through the water and get closer and closer to the enemy ship, you see a glow. For a moment, you wonder what strange new weapon this might be. Has the Royal Bounty caught fire? But no, it’s a golden glow enveloping a figure on the English vessel. What if the Templar Captain has got his hands on a Piece of Eden?
[[Upton Travers]] was born in [[United Kingdom|England]], in 1688, two years ahead of his brother, [[Vance Travers]]. Together, they traveled to the [[Caribbean|West Indies]] in search of their fortune. There they established a [[smuggling]] business, which they used to fund their growing involvement with the [[Assassins|Assassin brotherhood]].
;Challenges
Although Vance was the more charismatic of the two Assassin brothers, Upton made up for it with his measured, sensible responses to life's challenges.
*''Jump from the Rigging''<br>The only way to get aboard the Royal Bounty is to jump holding a line from the masts and launch towards the enemy deck.
*''Force Shield''<br>The shield around Captain Jeff is an Isu marvel. It is seemingly impenetrable, requiring at least 3 separate Approach checks with 1 Raise.
*''Killing Blow''<br>Once the force shield is eliminated, it is time to end the Templar.
;Weaknesses
However, every man has a breaking point, and Upton found his after Vance took up with the [[China|Chinese]] "Pirate Queen," [[Jing Lang]], a [[Templars|Templar]], and sought to steal the treasure on which they had staked their retirement before finally attempting fratricide.
*''Powder Keg (minor)''<br>Detonating a keg of gunpowder at the right moment can overcome the Force Shield Challenge.
Depressed, Upton turned to [[alcohol]], which may have been a factor in his retaliation. He ultimately had both Jing Lang and his brother dispatched with the help of Edward Kenway.
</tabber>
</tabber>
====Setbacks====
<tabber>
*''FLYING BULLETS (MINOR)''<br>Bullets start flying. The Witness must make a Reaction check to avoid being injured.
|-|Bartholomew Roberts=
*''CANNON BALL! (MAJOR)''<br>A cannon shot impacts in the Witnesses’ vicinity, sending splinters flying in all directions. All Witnesses must make a Reaction check with 1 Raise to avoid being injured.
Born: 1682, [[Wales]] <br> Died: ????
====Notables NPCs====
Originally hailing from Wales, little is known about [[Bartholomew Roberts|John Roberts]], the real name of the man who would come to be known as "Black Bart" long after his death.
;Captain Tom Phillips
Captain Tom Phillips is an old sea dog, capable and charismatic. After a career in the British Navy, he decided to work in the much more lucrative b hauling human flesh. He cares little about the nature of his cargo or the safety of his crew. He only cares about putting aside enough money to live out his old age peacefully. Peacefully and with a lot of gold.
;Captain “Keelhauling” Jeff
Lord Jeffrey Bloodworth is an unscrupulous English nobleman with a singleminded interest in hunting piracy to extinction and becoming as beneficial as possible to the Templar cause. He is a decent fencer and compensates for his lack of charisma and leadership with cruelty and ferocity. Captain Jeff is making a name for himself thanks to his habit of keelhauling any prisoner captured.
He recently found a marvelous item among the spoils of a pirate vessel. The treasure was a Ring of Eden, and its protective power helped him defeat any enemy he faced.
Most assume he went to sea at a very young age -- at 13 or so -- but there is no record of him in any historical documents until his noted appearance in 1718 aboard a merchant's ship, [[Barbados|Barbadian]] in origin. Just a year later Roberts was pressed into [[piracy]] by the notorious [[Howell Davis]] while working aboard [[Princess|a slave ship]] under Captain Abraham Plumb. Though Roberts had likely not gone to sea with the intent of becoming a pirate, when the opportunity thrust itself upon him, Roberts was reported to have said 'A merry life, and a short one shall be my motto.'
====Pieces of Eden====
A few months later Davis was killed in an ambush on the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] Island of [[Príncipe]], and Roberts was swiftly and unanimously elected to replace him. This was surely a testament to the man's natural charisma and leadership, for he had been a pirate only a few months. It was at this point he took the name "Bartholomew", likely naming himself for the infamous Bartholomew Sharpe, a pirate of some renown who had disappeared just two decades earlier.
;PIRATE RING OF EDEN
'''Known Owners:''' Unknown pirate, Captain “Keelhauling” Jeff
'''Current Status:''' Unknown
One of the most intelligent and strategic pirates of the [[Golden Age of Piracy|Golden Age]], Roberts was a sturdy man, known to dress in fine clothes. Handsome, and carrying himself with a dignified but unpretentious air, he had dark hair to match his dark complexion, likely set from the almost two decades he had spent at sea. He often carried numerous pistols, each tied to one end of long silk sashes, which he kept slung over his shoulder.
Crafted by Idun, an esteemed member of the Æsir lineage of the Isu, the Rings of Eden were a revolutionary invention that harnessed the power of electromagnetic fields. These remarkable rings possessed the ability to deflect projectiles with precision while also effectively neutralizing energy-based weapon discharges. However, wearing the Rings did not provide absolute immunity, and the Isu often employed them alongside shielding devices for enhanced protection and defense.
Roberts' tactical ideas were usually radical, but thoughtfully considered. He never jumped into any scheme rashly, though his ideas seemed almost suicidal to those unacquainted with his methods. Ultimately responsible for the theft of around 400 ships in his three-year career, he bested every other pirate of the era by a factor of ten times or more, although it must be said that at least half of these boats were small periaguas and the like.
==Ratonhnhaké:ton (Connor)==
|-|Benjamin Hornigold=
“I humbly share my story, born as the unfortunate offspring of the British Templar Haytham Kenway and Kaniehtí:io, my beloved mother. The burden of this truth weighs heavily on my spirit, for I believe that the Templar Order was directly responsible for my village’s destruction, and my mother’s demise during the Seven Years’ War.
Born: Mid-1680s, England<br>Died: ????
In the turbulent years of my adolescence, destiny set me on a path fraught with challenges. At this time, I chanced upon a cursed relic, a Piece of Eden concealed inside a Crystal Ball. The relic showed me a vision of flying like an eagle, while ominous whispers compelled me to seek a sign. The vision lit my spirit with a sacred fire, binding me to the duty of safeguarding my homeland from the insidious grasp of the Templars.
[[Benjamin Hornigold]] was likely born in {{Wiki|Norfolk}}, [[England]]. The first recorded instances of him are of his early exploits as a [[Piracy|pirate]] in the [[Caribbean|West Indies]] around 1713-1714.
Fueled by a ferocious thirst for justice, I embarked on a hunt that brought me to meet Achilles, a former chief of the Assassins. I prayed to him to share his wisdom and skills, dreaming of standing against the Templars and fighting for America’s liberty and independence. In the year 1770, after harrowing trials and tribulations, I was reborn as the Assassin I was meant to be, embracing a new name — Connor.
Hornigold was one of the earliest pirates to emerge after the end of the [[War of the Spanish Succession]], and one of the many hundreds of privateers who were left without gainful employment in the ensuing peace. Like many other British mariners, he spent much of his time in [[the Bahamas]], eventually settling in [[Nassau]]. It was from there he launched his career as a full-fledged pirate, though he likely thought of himself as a privateer--in his earliest years, at least.
Unyielding in my resolve, I fought ceaselessly to reclaim the nascent nation from the Templar’s poisoning roots. I joined the American Patriots, seeking to cast off the shackles of the British dictators, and I became an agent of their Revolution. However, the shadows of disillusionment soon fell over my path like tempestuous clouds as I witnessed the cruel, horrific treatment inflicted upon my fellow Natives by those whose freedom I was fighting for. Desperately chasing after my visions of freedom and unity, I even went as far as trying to reconcile myself with my father, the esteemed Grand Master of the Colonial Rite. Yet, the ethical and moral divide between us eventually forced me to use my hidden blade against him.
A skilful sailor and strategist, Hornigold lacked some of the ruthlessness required to be a truly successful pirate, and until 1716, refused to attack English ships out of a sense of loyalty to his home country.
Thanks also to my efforts, the Revolution granted political rights for men and women, freeing them from the grasp of the Templars. Still, my spirit could not escape the burden of failure, for the marginalized and indigenous communities remained entangled in the oppressive web of inequality. My loyalty to the Creed demanded a bitter toll, where the sacrifice of a worthy few became the price to pay for protecting the many.
|-|El Tiburón=
Born: Unknown<br>Died: Unknown
In the end, I found relief in the embrace of a woman. Our union became a safe harbor that gave birth to three precious souls. I nurtured the intuitive connection to the land of my youngest daughter, Io:nhiòte, teaching her the ancient ways of tracking and hunting. In the pictographs of my existence, I acknowledge the many limitations and disillusionments that mar my noble intentions, looking forward to those brief moments of contentment that still light a flicker of hope in a world drenched in injustice.”
Almost nothing is known about [[El Tiburón]] "The Shark" outside of his service as the loyal, mute bodyguard of [[Laureano de Torres y Ayala]], the Grandmaster of the Caribbean Templars and the Governor of Cuba. The Shark's penchant for medieval armor and brutal violence cut a swathe of fear through Havana, leaving citizens and soldiers alike quivering in his blood soaked wake.
|George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Achilles Davenport, Samuel Adams, Marquis de Lafayette
|-
!Main Opponents
|Haytham Kenway, Charles Lee
|}
===Adventure Hooks===
#Subjugated by an Apple of Eden, Benjamin Franklin is creating a weapon that could tilt the balance of power of the entire revolution. The Witnesses venture on a scavenger hunt taking them from Boston to New York, deciphering cryptic clues left behind by Franklin’s subconscious. As they discover the secret laboratory hidden beneath New York and destroy the weapon, the Witnesses must also free Benjamin Franklin from the Apple’s control.
#In the port of Boston, sailors whisper of a ghost ship haunting the East Coast. The ship is said to be manned by the vengeful spirits of enslaved people who perished during the Middle Passage. The Witnesses set sail on a perilous expedition to find the ghost ship, defying the rumors of a supernatural threat and searching for the truth behind the sinister story.
#The Witnesses discover that an important heirloom linked to the heritage and traditions of Ratonhakè:ton’s tribe has been stolen by a group of French fur traders. Tracking down the traders will plunge the Witnesses into the seedy underbelly of colonial society across the wild frontier, north-west of Fort Duquesne, until they retrieve the stolen relic and restore the tribe’s honor.
#One of the Witnesses’ allies finds herself embroiled in a dangerous game of espionage, as she infiltrates both the Templar and British ranks in Philadelphia. The Witnesses must assist their ally in maintaining her secret identity, engaging in an adventure of intrigue and deception.
#The Colonial Brotherhood informs the Witnesses of a group of loyalists who fled to the northern lands of Canada and are suspected to possess an Apple of Eden. As winter approaches, the Witnesses must reach the frozen territories of Nova Scotia to find the loyalist group in Port Roseway, before they can leave for Britain.
===THE BATTLE OF THE WABASH===
|-|Hilary Flint=
'''Time Frame:''' American Revolutionary War
Born: 1682, England<br>Died: 1717, West Indies
'''Location:''' Wabash River, Northwest Territory (Fort Recovery, Ohio) - 1791 CE
[[Hilary Flint]] was born to an aristocratic family, the youngest of three boys. The black [[sheep]] of the family, he sought solitude in his studies. Immersing himself in math and sciences, Flint discovered an abiding interest in [[Bomb|explosives]], earning him the label of "problem child".
'''Description:''' From the mid-1770s, American settlers began to push into the lands west of the Thirteen Colonies, eager to get their hands on the rich territories of Native Americans, beginning a cycle of violence.<br><br>In November 1791, on the eve of the Battle of the Wabash River – an event that will also be remembered in history as St. Clair’s Defeat, or the Battle of a Thousand Slain – the leaders of the most prominent Native American tribes of the Northwest Territory gather to organize an attack on General Arthur St. Clair’s forces, who have established a camp on a high hill near the headwaters of the Wabash River. Ratonhnhaké:ton (Connor) and the Witnesses arrive up at the longhouse to appease the spirits and obtain permission to go to a parley with the American general to try to avoid bloodshed.
To correct his course, his parents enrolled him in military school, where he quicklyexceeded their expetations, working his way into the hearts of both teachers and students, as well as a few secret societies.
In the longhouse, the crackling of the flames is drowned out by chatter in the diverse languages of the tribes gathered here. As you enter, a breath of icy wind sneaks into the hut with a few flakes of white snow. Many people turn in your direction, some with looks of admiration, others of disdain, and others just curious to know who this young man is that everyone is staring at.
After graduation, his connections and easy manner earned him access to [[Templars|Templar]] ranks where his obsession with [[firearm]]s made him an important asset.
====Key Objectives====
Records reveal an ongoing relationship with [[Assassins|Assassin]] [[Rhona Dinsmore]], the full nature of which is uncertain. She vanishes from record after Flint's death at the age of 35.
<tabber>
|-|1 - CONVINCE THE NATIVES TO PARLEY=
Almost 10 years have passed since the day Connor killed two Templars — his father, Haytham, and Charles Lee. The fate of the American nation is no longer of interest to the Assassin, who, on the contrary, often questions his previous actions. Connor’s goal is to convince the three chiefs in command that a path of peace and coexistence is still possible for the Native Nations and the Americans, and he wants to prevent many brave warriors from dying in vain.
Three chiefs sit in the center of the longhouse: Little Turtle of the Miami, Blue Jacket of the Shawnee, and Buckongahelas of the Lenape. After a long silence filled with inquisitive looks, Little Turtle invites you all to sit and give the speech you clearly came to give.
|-|Jing Lang=
Born: 1686, [[China]]<br> Died: 1717, Nassau
;Challenges
Born to Chinese rebels, [[Jing Lang]] came into the world fighting, but survived to become a skilled diplomat with a flair for languages and a taste for discovery.
*''Speech For Peace''<br>To gain permission to visit the enemies’ camp and parley with the American General, the Witnesses must convince the chiefs. However, the chiefs have come to battle the American invaders, and changing their minds will be challenging — any Social check made to convince them may require additional Raises, as explained in the descriptions of the following Challenges.
*''Little Turtle’s Doubt''<br>During the speech, Little Turtle declares he knows Ratonhnhaké:ton’s mind. He claims that the Assassin’s judgment is clouded by an old alliance, perhaps even friendship or admiration for George Washington, a man who is no longer who he once was. Little Turtle insinuates that that man never really existed — if Connor or any other Witness cannot answer back with something convincing, any Social check made during the Speech For Peace Challenge requires 1 additional Raise.
*''Blue Jacket and Buckongahelas''<br>Chiefs Blue Jacket and Buckongahelas don’t trust Ratonhnhaké:ton’s comrades and demand them to talk — if other Witnesses cannot support Connor with something convincing, any Social check made to overcome the Speech For Peace Challenge requires 1 additional Raise.
;Weaknesses
Ambitious, Lang married the son of a General in the [[Qing dynasty]], joining the [[Templars|Templar order]], but severing ties with her family in the process. She served as a diplomatic advisor, until a shift in political tides provoked her escape into [[piracy]].
*''The Indian Prophecy''<br>A story tells how, many years ago, George Washington traveled with some soldiers to reclaim the land promised to them by the British government near the Kanawha River in the Ohio territories. There, they met a sachem who began to tell the story of how Washington, on the day of the Battle of the Monongahela 15 years earlier, had shot at but was never harmed. Taking this as a sign, the sachem prophesied that Washington would become “the leader of the nations” and that an unborn people would respect him as the father of a mighty empire — if a Witness mentions the Indian Prophecy, any Social check made during the Speech For Peace Challenge have 1 Free Raise.
|-|2 - SURVIVE THE AMBUSH=
Over the next decade, she crossed every sea, developing a reputation for brutality that preceded her into most conflicts.
The Witnesses succeed in convincing the Northwestern Indian Confederacy to parley, they can proceed immediately to the enemy camp to speak with General St. Clair. Unfortunately for them, General St. Clair’s men have a Shawnee spy, and welcome the peacemakers with an ambush, surrounding them with drawn bayonets.
You move with peaceful intent towards the hill where the Americans have set camp. Blue coats quickly emerge from the bushes from all directions, surrounding your group. A myriad eyes and rifle barrels point right at you. You must have been betrayed — they knew you were coming. Safe behind his soldiers, General St. Clair addresses you all directly: “I know who you are. I met Connor’s father once. It’s such a pity he can’t see our dream come true because of your stupid Brotherhood, and George.” He pauses for effect. “It doesn’t matter. Little Turtle’s Apple of Eden will be mine in a few hours!” He laughs at the question on your face. “You didn’t know, did you? Do not worry, Assassins, I will take good care of it.” Laughing, he mounts his white horse. “But first, let’s see if it will be of any use to tame these tribes and make them fight for us. It would be a pity to slay them all. You, on the other hand, must die here and now. Soldiers, take aim…” the General abruptly stops his commands as muffled gunshots and screams erupt above the sounds of the rushing water of the Wabash river. Apparently, Little Turtle chose not to wait for your return, and the Natives have attacked the Americans in the middle of their morning meal – the Battle of the Wabash has begun.
In the [[Caribbean|West Indies]], she fell under the spell of a rumored cache of treasure, and feigned a romantic relationship with one-time [[Assassins|Assassin]] [[Vance Travers]] to gain access to it.
“Shoot! Shoot ‘em all!” he screams to the soldiers before hurrying for the camp.
She might have been successful had it not been for Travers' brother, [[Upton Travers|Upton]], an Assassin who schemed to have her killed, betraying his brother in the process. She died at the age of thirty.
;Challenges
|-|Julien du Casse=
*''Shoot ‘em all!''<br>At the beginning of this Scene, all Witnesses surrounded by St. Clair’s soldiers must make a Reaction check with 2 Raises.
Born: 1682, France<br>Died: ????
*''Blue Coats''<br>Soldiers try to shoot at any Witness that survived the first volley. Others draw their blades and attack them in close combat. Given the high number of soldiers ambushing the Witnesses, any Action check made to overcome this Challenge requires 1 Raise.
;Weaknesses
Nephew of the buccaneer [[Jean-Baptiste du Casse|Jean du Casse]], [[Julien du Casse|Julien]] was born in [[Montpellier]], [[France]]. He took after his uncle's example and took to sea at a young age, eventually joining him in a few skirmishes during the [[War of the Spanish Succession]]. Fighting on the side of the French, and by proxy, on behalf of [[Philip V of Spain|King Philip]] of [[Spain]], du Casse's skill as a gunner improved rapidly, even as he grew wildly disillusioned with the monarchy and its obsession with lineage and breeding over raw talent and skill.
*''Backup (minor)''<br>Even if Connor’s plan was approved and he went straight to the American camp, the Witnesses might have decided to split up. If they did, some members followed the group from a distance as a precaution, and now have an opportunity to surprise the soldiers on the river banks. In this case, Reaction checks made to overcome the Shoot ‘em all! Challenge require no Raise.
*''Blue Jacket and Buckongahelas Scouts (major)''<br>If the Witnesses did not persuade Blue Jacket and Buckongahelas to trust them in the previous Scene, the Chiefs sent a small group of Shawnee and Lenape scouts to keep an eye on them. As soon as the bullets start flying, the scouts come out to attack the soldiers. In this case, all Approach checks made to overcome this Key Objective’s Challenges have 1 Free Raise.
|-|3 - RECOVER ST. CLAIR’S RESEARCH=
In 1704, ordered by his superior officers to join his uncle and hundreds of French troops in what would become known as the {{Wiki|Battle of Málaga (1704)|Battle of Vélez-Màlaga}}, du Casse opted instead to desert his post and seek his fortunes in the New World. At first he threw in with [[Slavery|slave traders]] in [[Africa]], and for a year made a modest profit off the venture. But he was never comfortable with the cruelty and detachment the job required, and so departed for the [[Caribbean|West Indies]] in search of yet another vocation.
Inside St. Clair’s tent, a soldier is gathering the General’s personal belongings to take to Fort Jefferson, where he intends to retreat. The battle is not going well for his troops.
You survived the ambush. It’s time to address the second part of the plan. The first place to look for information about the Templar’s plans must be the General’s tent. There, you’re faced with a sweaty soldier hurriedly stuffing the General’s papers, notes, and personal effects into a leather bag. A couple of papers show sketches of an Apple of Eden. Outside, cries of alarm suggest that the American soldiers are completely surrounded.
For the next 10 years, du Casse roamed the West Indies as a [[Mercenaries|hired gun]], working for whomever had the coin and confidence to pay him. Ever prizing the value of intelligence and skill over mere reputation and breeding, du Casse, eventually found his way into the company of [[Laureano de Torres y Ayala|Laureano Torres]] of [[Cuba]], in whom he found a friend and confidant...
;Challenges
|-|Kenneth Abraham=
*''Interrogating the Soldier''<br>If the Witnesses are quick enough, they can capture the soldier and interrogate him about St. Clair’s plans and movements. The subordinate can reveal St. Clair is retreating to Fort Jefferson. The documents in the bag also present information about Little Turtle’s Apple of Eden and rumors about a secret vault in the Prophetstown area.
Born: 1675, England<br>Died: 1715, Kingston
*''Following the Soldier''<br>If the Witnesses are stealthy enough, they can follow the soldier instead of interrogating him – but watch as he is killed by an arrow or a bullet. Searching the documents now scattered in the snow around the fallen bag, the Witnesses discover St. Clair is headed for Fort Jefferson. The documents also present information about Little Turtle’s Apple of Eden and rumors about a secret vault in the Prophetstown area.
*''Panicking Soldiers''<br>The battle brings fear and chaos in the camp. American soldiers are shooting wildly at anyone not wearing a uniform. Whenever the Witnesses move without being stealthy, they must make a Reaction check.
*''Major General Richard Butler''<br>The commander of the levy regiment has been tasked with covering St. Clair’s retreat. Having identified and recognized Connor and his allies, he leads a cavalry charge against them.
;Weaknesses
Born to an upper class family and educated in boarding schools from age five, [[Kenneth Abraham]] learned to fight for himself at an early age. Upon graduation, he entered the [[British Army|army]] and rose through the ranks, finally meeting the rank of Commander.
*''Chaos Reigns (minor)''<br>The Witnesses can take advantage of the confusion caused by the native attack. Stealth checks made to move through the camp enjoy 1 Free Raise.
*''Blue Coats (minor)''<br>The Witnesses can steal uniforms from hastily abandoned tents or fallen soldiers to blend in with the American forces. In this case, they overcome the Panicking Soldiers Challenge.
His embrace of order and disciple drew him into the fold of the [[Templars|Templar Order]], which offered him influence beyond that offered by his military career. From the age of thirty, he ascended its ranks in parallel to those of his military career by devoting himself to the [[New World Order|promotion of order]] and peace.
</tabber>
In 1715, the Assassin Anto infiltrated a Ball held by Abraham on his plantation, together with the pirate Edward Kenway. There, Abraham was assassinated by the pair, confronted in his final moments by the nemesis he had tried and failed to defeat.
====Setbacks====
He remained, until his death, determined to rid the world of unpredictable and disorderly elements.
*''AN INNOCENT IS KILLED (MINOR).''<br>Numerous camp followers crowd the American detachment, including women and children. If a number of innocents equal to the number of Witnesses are killed, the Witnesses lose 1 Sync level.
*''FLYING SHOTS (MINOR)''<br>Bullets and arrows start flying. The Witness must make a Reaction check to avoid being injured.
*''MISTAKEN IDENTITY (MINOR)''<br>If the Witnesses are disguised as American soldiers, they risk being attacked once the Natives enter the camp. The Witnesses must make a Reaction check.
====Notables NPCs====
|-|Laureano Torres y Ayala=
;Little Turtle
Born: 1645, [[Cuba]]<br>Died: ????
Sagamore Little Turtle (Mihšihkinaahkwa), Chief of the Miami people in the Northwest Territory, is one of the most famous Native American military leaders. In the 1790s, he led a confederation of Native warriors to several significant victories against the American military forces in the socalled Northwest Indian Wars, most notably “St. Clair’s Defeat” in 1791.
;Blue Jacket
Predecessor of the famous Shawnee leader Tecumseh and war chief of the Shawnee people, Blue Jacket (Weyapiersenwah) is known as the fierce protector of the Shawnee settlements in the Northwest Territory.
;Buckongahelas
Preeminent Lenape chief, councilor, and combatant, Buckongahelas has fought in the Northwest Territory since the days of the Seven Years’ War in 1754, and later took part in the Battle of the Wabash with the allied chiefs Little Turtle and Blue Jacket.
;Arthur St. Clair
Scottish-American soldier and politician, St. Clair formerly served in the British Army during the French and Indian War (Seven Years’ War). During the American Revolutionary War, he became major general of the Continental Army and later served as President of the Continental Congress, before becoming governor of the Northwest Territory in 1788. In 1791, during the attempt to conquer the Northwest Territory, St. Clair and his American forces faced the worst defeat ever recorded at the hands of the Native Americans in the battle that later became known as “St. Clair’s Defeat”, in which he lost almost a thousand men.
====Pieces of Eden====
Born in [[Havana]], but raised in [[Madrid]], [[Spain]], [[Laureano de Torres y Ayala|Laureano]] was of noble stock, the son of Tomas Torres y Ayala and Elvira de Quadros Castellanos. He joined the [[Spanish Army|Spanish army]] in his late teens, and was later appointed as the governor of Spain's territories in [[Florida]], a post he held from 1693 to 1699. He then returned to [[Europe]] to participate in the [[War of the Spanish Succession]].
;MIHŠIHKINAAHKWA’S APPLE OF EDEN
'''Known Owners:''' Little Turtle (Mihšihkinaahkwa)
'''Current Status:''' Unknown
In 1708, Torres was appointed as the governor of Cuba, a post he held for three years until he was accused of and arrested for corruption. He was acquitted of these charges, however, and managed to win a re-election bid in 1713.
==Arno Dorian==
During his time in Cuba, he made many lasting improvements to the city, fortifying the island's defenses and introducing the production of tobacco there. He remained Governor until 1716, after which point he retired and devoted his life to charitable functions, such as building hospitals.
“I, Arno Victor Dorian, will recount the tumultuous tale of my life. The son of an Assassin, I was born into a world of intrigue and shadows. I was raised by my father Charles in Versailles, as my mother Marie left us upon discovering his clandestine activities, until the fateful day when he was killed, his life cruelly taken by the hand of a Templar, Shay Cormac.
I was then adopted by a Templar Grand Master, Francois de la Serre, and my upbringing brought me close to his daughter Élise, a connection destined to blossom into a secret love as we matured into adulthood. But fate had a treacherous design for us both.
|-|Laurens Prins=
Born: 1630s, Amsterdam<br>Died: 1717, Kingston
In the year 1789 I languished within the confines of the Bastille, falsely accused of my adoptive father’s murder. There, the veils of deception began to unravel when I met Pierre Bellec, a Master Assassin, who revealed the truth of my ancestral Assassin heritage. Under his guidance, I honed my skills, preparing to avenge my biological and adoptive fathers’ deaths.
[[Laurens Prins]] (often anglicized as Laurence Prince) was a [[Netherlands|Dutchman]] from [[Amsterdam]] who spent the majority of his life in and around the [[Caribbean|West Indies]]. Operating out of [[Port Royal]], Prins saw an incredible amount of action and adventure in his long life.
Emerging from the darkness of the Bastille, I embraced the mantle of the Brotherhood, my purpose infused with righteous fury. Though Élise was a member of the Templar Order, she perceived the dangers lurking within its ranks, and she joined forces with me to expose those who manipulated the turbulent tides of the French Revolution for nefarious gains.
Sailing as a [[privateer]] in the early days of the [[Golden Age of Piracy]] (1650s) he developed a reputation for courage fighting the [[Spain|Spanish]] on behalf of the [[United Kingdom|British]] crown, sometimes bearing a {{Wiki|letter of marque}}, often without. He even played a pivotal role in Sir [[Henry Morgan]]'s infamous {{Wiki|Henry Morgan's Panama expedition|raid}} on [[Panama City|Panama]] in 1671, for which he was roundly celebrated.
Eventually, a series of unfortunate events led to the demise of the Parisian Brotherhood Mentor, Honoré Mirabeau, killed by Bellec. This thrust me into a harrowing duel with my former teacher — I emerged victorious from that clash, but carrying a heavy burden.
Prins eventually retired from privateering and settled in a large acreage of land in [[Jamaica]]. Around this time he entered into the [[Slavery|slave trade]] as a means of bolstering his wealth, an occupation he pursued well into his seventies.
The Brotherhood exiled me, deeming my actions to be part of a personal vendetta. Yet, fate guided my steps back towards Élise’s side. Together, we unraveled the machinations of the new Templar Grand Master, François-Thomas Germain. We faced him beneath the hallowed grounds of the Parisian Temple, where both Germain and my beloved Élise met their end.
In 1717, his flagship [[Slave ships|slave galley]], The [[Whydah]], was attacked and captured by the [[Piracy|pirate]] [[Samuel Bellamy|"Black Sam" Bellamy]]. He managed to survive the encounter, and fell back into his old occupation until his death some months later.
Consumed by grief, I abandoned the Assassin’s path, seeking peace in solitude. However, the relentless tide of revolutionary France refused to release its grip upon me. Compelled to action, I intervened, thwarting Napoleon Bonaparte’s insidious schemes to unearth a hidden Precursor Temple beneath the Basilica of Saint-Denis and seize the Apple of Eden concealed within.
|-|Lucia Márquez=
Born: 1689, Spain<br>Died: 1715, Pinos Isle
Guided by Élise’s poignant final wish, I devoted myself to bridging the chasm that divided the Templar and Assassin factions. In honor of her memory, I pledged to forge a path of unity. May my actions serve as a beacon of hope, illuminating a future where the clash of blades is replaced by a shared purpose.”
Born in [[Spain]], [[Lucia Márquez]] never knew her father. By the age of twelve she was supporting herself and her sisters on the streets, begging, borrowing, and stealing anything she could, all the while developing the skills of a master [[thief]].
|François-Thomas Germain, Pierre Bellec, Robespierre
|}
===Adventure Hooks===
#A hidden chamber containing a Precursor artifact is uncovered in the catacombs of Paris. The Witnesses must descend into the gloomy catacombs, outsmart the Templars also aware of its existence, and prevent the artifact from falling into the wrong hands.
#One of the wealthiest families is hosting a masquerade ball, purportedly to act as a meeting ground for influential Templars. The Witnesses must infiltrate the event, gather intelligence, and expose the Templars’ plans while maintaining their cover amidst the opulence and intrigue of Parisienne high society.
#A mysterious epidemic sweeps through Paris, and the Witnesses must investigate its causes. As they proceed with their mission, they make a shocking discovery: the epidemic is not the work of the Templar Order, as they suspected, but rather a sinister collaboration between a rogue faction within the Assassins and the Instruments of the First Will. The Witnesses must uncover the truth behind this unexpected alliance and put an end to their deadly scheme.
#Pauline de Lézardière, a renowned historian, has uncovered a secret manuscript containing valuable information about ancient artifacts stolen during the Viking invasions of Paris. This discovery has attracted the attention of the Templar Order. The Witnesses must protect Pauline from the pursuing Templars, decipher the hidden messages within the manuscript, and use the knowledge gained to cripple the Order.
#A trusted member of the Assassin Brotherhood has been captured by the Templars, and the Witnesses receive a desperate plea for help. Determined to save their comrade, they launch a daring rescue mission, only to discover that it was an elaborate trap, meticulously orchestrated by the Templars to catch the Witnesses. Now ensnared in the Templar web, the Witnesses must use their cunning, skills, and resourcefulness to escape their captors and turn the tables.
===THE LOST JEWEL===
At the age of seventeen, she was caught stealing a [[horse]] belonging to a high-ranking [[Templars|Templar]], and wisely opted for training over jail time.
'''Time Frame:''' French Revolution
'''Location:''' Paris, France - 1792 CE
The Templar life gave Marquez the focus she needed and she never found herself at a lack of challenge or adventure.
'''Description:''' During the early stages of the Reign of Terror, while king Louis XVI and his family are held captive in the Square du Temple, a remarkable robbery takes place when the Hôtel du Garde-Meuble de la Couronne (the Royal Storehouse) is burgled by a gang of thieves. The thieves manage to steal most of the Crown Jewels in one of the largest thefts ever recorded, and in the following days, they organize a clandestine auction to resell their ill-gotten gains to the highest bidder.<br><br>Among the crown jewels stolen is a Piece of Eden, the Hope Diamond. The gem in question has extraordinary beauty and dimensions, but these peculiarities are obscured by a curse that afflicts its owners. Legend has it that whoever wears it eventually meets an unpleasant end. Through an informant, the Assassins have learned of the auction and of the Templar’s interest in certain lots. They cannot let the Piece of Eden end up in Templar hands.
She died at the age of twenty-six on [[Isla de la Juventud|Pinos Isle]], wise beyond her years, on the order of the [[Taíno|Taino]] [[Assassins|Assassin]], [[Opía Apito]].
The mud squelches under your boots as you enter the slums of southern Paris. The silence is broken by barking dogs and the slurred cries of some drunk dragging his sodden form off to a gutter to sleep. Among these gloomy alleys, the revolutionary uprisings of the city seem to belong to another nation.
|-|The Sage=
Historic archives contain scattered references to individuals known as "Sages", but they are few and far between. Each citation seems to refer to a different person living in a vastly different time and location.
The hustle and bustle echoing around the corner signals that you have reached your destination, La Limace Noir, a popular dance hall. According to an informant, a clandestine auction is being held in the cellar of the crowded guinguette, and the Hope Diamond, a Piece of Eden with unknown powers, is up for sale. You must recover the diamond and keep it out of the greedy clutches of the Templar.
The earliest example was found in a Sumerian clay tablet in cuneiform script, while the latest survives only as a footnote in one of Laureano Torres's own journals, dated January 1704. In all – according to exhaustive research – seven different "Sages" seem to have graced the world's stage in the past twelve hundred years. But the real number is likely higher.
====Key Objectives====
Perhaps, the strangest aspect connecting each of these various sightings is the fact that, in every case, visual descriptions of each Sage are remarkably similar. So similar, in fact, that one wouldn't be faulted for assuming they ware talking about a single, immortal man. However, in two of the seven citations, explicit mention is made of their death and burial.
<tabber>
|-|1 - JOIN THE AUCTION AT LA LIMACE NOIR=
To access the cellars beneath La Limace Noir, the Witnesses might try several different approaches. At the main entrance of the guinguette, patrons are chatting and drinking, unaware of the shady activities that are unfolding below. The cellars have two entrances. The first entrance is accessible directly from the main hall, in plain sight and heavily guarded. The second is hidden in a drainage tunnel opening on the banks of the Seine, known only to Jean Le Chien, manager of La Limace Noir and organizer of the auction. Four guards stand watch.
;Challenges
Is this therefore some bizarre form of reincarnation? Or some simpler explanation that is presently unknown? More research is required.
*''Fake it Til You Make It''<br>The Witnesses might trick the doorman at the entrance, convincing them that the Witnesses have every right to be at the auction. Any Approach check made requires 1 Raise.
*''Yes, I Know Them!''<br>The Witnesses might also locate someone in possession of a proper invitation to the auction and persuade them to vouch for them.
*''Stealth Your Way In''<br>A final possibility is to sneak inside unseen via the second entrance. It is imperative to distract the four thugs guarding the entrance. Any Approach check made to overcome this Challenge requires 2 Raises.
;Weaknesses
|-|Vance Travers=
*''I’m With the Brotherhood (major)''<br>Secret as it is, in some circles the Assassin Brotherhood is a name whispered with awe and respect. Identifying themselves brazenly as members of the Brotherhood is a decidedly risky move, but it may work. However, Templars also are present at the event, and the fact that one or more Assassins are openly participating in the auction would immediately alert them. In this case, the Witnesses trigger the We Were Waiting for You Setback automatically.
Born: 1690, England<br>Died: 1717, Nassau
|-|2 - STEAL THE PIECE OF EDEN=
Born in [[England]], the passionate, creative, yet incredibly gullible [[Vance Travers]], found a life for himself amongst the [[Assassins|Assassin's Brotherhood]] in the [[Caribbean|West Indies]], where he ran a successful smuggling enterprise, with his older brother, [[Upton Travers|Upton]].
At the end of the auction, all the precious items are placed inside a wooden crate located in a strongroom at the back of the cellars, until payment is made. Since the Assassin Brotherhood cannot afford to pay for the Hope Diamond, the Witnesses must find another way to obtain the jewel.
;Challenges
Business took a turn for the worse after he met and fell in love with the [[Templars|Templar]], [[Jing Lang]], who persuaded him to divulge knowledge of the location of buried treasure with which he and Upton planned to fund their retirement.
*''Jean Le Chien''<br>Many eyes are focused on the cellars tonight, and remaining unnoticed is even more difficult than entering. Jean Le Chien is keen to get to know each person inside his lair, especially those new to him.
*''Guards''<br>4 thugs guard the entrance to the strongroom. They received specific and thorough orders: “No one is allowed to enter here”. Any Social check made to overcome this Challenge requires 2 Raises.
*''Templars''<br>The biggest threat is represented by the Templars led by Justine Delarue. 4 Templars accompany Justine inside the cellars, while an equal number wait outside. Should the Witnesses face them openly, they automatically trigger the We Were Waiting for You Setback.
;Weaknesses
Paranoid, Travers developed delusions that his brother plotted to steal his treasure and Jing's heart. He broke from [[the Creed]] and, after a failed attempt at fratricide, was killed by [[Edward Kenway]].
*''Fire up! (minor)''<br>Using candles and oil lamps for lighting in the cellar creates a highly hazardous situation in the event of a fire. The cellar’s natural dampness would swiftly lead to the space being inundated with smoke, severely limiting visibility and making breathing difficult. This would undoubtedly lead to widespread confusion. Consequently, concealing tracks and hiding within the cellars becomes relatively easy. On the other hand, all Wits checks require 1 additional Raise.
[[Woodes Rogers]] was born into money, to a seafaring family with deep roots in both {{Wiki|Poole}} and [[Bristol]], England. His early life was a picture of industriousness and ambition, and by the age of 18 he was an apprentice Mariner.
====Setbacks====
Upon his father's death at sea in 1706, Woodes inherited his family's prosperous shipping company, which he took to managing with great passion. Between 1704 and 1707 Rogers' fortunes and family grew, and by the time he was twenty-seven his marriage to Sarah Whetstone had produced one son and two daughters.
*''AN INNOCENT IS KILLED (MINOR)''<br>One of the guests or servants are killed. If a number of innocents equal to the number of Witnesses are killed, the Witnesses lose 1 Sync level.
*''LET’S GET THE PARTY STARTED (MAJOR)''<br>The Witnesses have been discovered, and now Jean Le Chien’s thugs are onto them. For the rest of the Sequence, at the end of an Approach check, the Witnesses must make an additional Reaction check to avoid the attacks of Jean Le Chien’s thugs.
*''WE WERE WAITING FOR YOU (MAJOR)''<br>If this Setback is triggered, one of the following Challenges can be used during any Key Objective completion in this Sequence:
**''Templar Warriors''. A few armed Templars join in with the intent to eliminate the Assassins and their allies.
**''Justine Delarue''. The Templar Knight Justine is a skilled fighter, and she has trained all her life to fight against the Brotherhood. This Challenge requires at least 2 separate Approach checks with 1 Raise in order to be overcome.
====Notables NPCs====
By the end of 1707, however, his business had suffered great losses by [[raid]]ing [[France|French]] forces, giving Rogers the idea to recoup these dreadful losses himself. Knocking about Bristol in search of a partner for this endeavor, he soon found himself in the company of [[William Dampier]], an old friend and unlucky [[Captain]] who suggested setting out on a [[privateer]]ing expedition, one that would range far and wide about the [[Americas|New World]]. In 1708, Rogers made the necessary arrangements and set out as Captain of his own vessel, on a difficult voyage that would last over three years.
;Jean Le Chien
A man of many talents, Jean has built a reputation as a reliable person within the Parisian criminal underworld. Expert in smuggling, fencing, and the occasional burglary, he runs a guinguette called La Limace Noir as a front for his illicit activities.
;Templar Knight Justine Delarue
The youngest daughter of a disgraced French nobleman, Justine was adopted at a young age by a Master Templar who shaped her into a hammer ready to crush the Assassins. Trained to anticipate the Brotherhood’s techniques and skilled at exploiting its weaknesses, she never hesitates. She is a fearsome foe for any Assassin.
====Pieces of Eden====
Along this course Rogers met with many successes and failures. In 1709, off the western coast of [[South America]], he found and rescued a marooned sailor by the name of {{Wiki|Alexander Selkirk}}, a sailor who had spent nearly 4 years living in isolation and who would serve as the inspiration for the book "{{Wiki|Robinson Crusoe}}" just a few years later.
;HOPE DIAMOND
'''Known Owners:''' Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, Louis XIV, Louis XVI, Marie Antoniette, Jean Le Chien
'''Current Status:''' Unknown
Soon after Selkirk's recovery, Rogers' fleet engaged an enemy vessel in open combat—a skirmish that earned him a [[pistol]] shot to the left side of his face and a mangled heel. Neither wound was enough to remove him from command however, and he continued serving as captain until his return to England in late 1711. To commemorate this return, he had an operation to remove the offending bullet from his upper palate.
The history of this massive diamond is surrounded in mystery. The first known buyer was Jean-Baptiste Tavernier. The stone, also called French Blue (Le bleu de France), was sold to King Louis XIV of France in 1668. In 1792, during the French Revolution, the Hope Diamond was stolen from the royal treasury, alongside the other French Crown Jewels.
Now in poor health but high spirits, he set about writing his memoirs. Upon their publication a few years, they were an immediate success, and proved a great source of income. But this brief glory was offset by the sudden death of his son, a tragedy compounded some months later by his wife's decision to leave him. Also at this time, Rogers was sued by former shipmates for allegedly hoarding goods and money plundered from enemy vessels. Rogers assembled a defense, but lost the case.
This Piece of Eden possesses unknown powers and abilities but is said to carry a curse, leading to an early, violent death for anyone wearing it.
In 1713, itching to return to sea, he organized passage to [[Madagascar]] claiming to be a [[merchant]] in the [[Slavery|slave trade]], but with the intended purpose of reconnoitering the rumored [[Piracy|pirate]] colonies established there. When he arrived in Madagascar after months of hard sailing, he found that the legends of the pirate town "[[Libertalia]]" had been exaggerated one-hundredfold. The pirates in Madagascar were sickly and few and desperate for help. After spending just a few months here, Rogers set sail for England, a failure in his own mind.
==Jacob & Evie Frye==
And yet, never one to give up hope, Woodes Rogers reoriented his attentions to the [[Caribbean|West Indies]], eventually lobbying King [[George I of Great Britain|George]] for a commission to hunt pirates in the Caribbean. On this score, he succeeded. After a few diligent years of making his case, King George appointed Woodes Rogers as the Governor of [[the Bahamas]]. Now, at last, he would make his mark, and bring justice to a land where chaos had taken root...
“Let me tell ya a story ‘bout the blood that runs through our veins, the Frye twins, Jacob and Evie, born of Assassin lineage. We were raised in the bosom of the Brotherhood, molded by our old man’s wisdom, layin’ the groundwork for what was to come.
Now, my dear brother Jacob, he was always one to buck the system. Our paths diverged on how we approached the “Assassin game”. Me, Evie, I valued knowledge and stayin’ hidden, seein’ those Pieces of Eden as the key to everythin’. The fate of the world depended on ‘em, in my eyes. Jacob, though, was impulsive, and couldn’t resist divin’ headfirst into danger, not a thought for the consequences.
</tabber>
But despite our differences, it was like a bloody orchestra when we worked together. We complemented each other’s strengths and made up for the other’s weaknesses. And that’s when the Frye twins became a force to be reckoned with, a sight that struck fear deep into our enemies’ hearts.
Our tale is woven into the fabric of the Brotherhood. We carved our way through history, hell-bent on seekin’ justice, freein’ mankind from the Templars’ iron grip. Remember, the Frye twins’ bravery will forever be a light in the darkness, provin’ that even the oppressed can rise against their oppressors!”
“Now, gather ‘round, listen up! It’s Jacob speakin’ here, spillin’ the beans ‘bout our adventures. Evie and I said sod it to our mentor’s advice and set up shop in the grand ol’ city of London, ready to give those Templar bastards a good thrashin’.
We teamed up with a bloke named Henry Green, a true Assassin, and we had our own little mission goin’. Our plan? Stick it to the Templar-backed Blighters and rid the city of their filth.
That’s when the real fun began. We formed the Rooks, a gang of fierce fighters ready to shank the Templars and their cronies. Yours truly, Jacob Frye, led the charge, bashin’ heads, and takin’ names. We fought for justice, breakin’ the chains of the poor sods workin’ in factories, treated like dirt. We made ‘em reckon with the power of the people.
While I was raisin’ hell, Evie, the clever one, had her sights on them Pieces of Eden. She was all in to keep the Templars from gettin’ their grubby hands on that Shroud of Eden, a powerful artifact they were itchin’ for.
But here’s the kicker, mates. Even with our different approaches and personal missions, the Frye twins left a mark on history. We set London on fire, liberatin’ the city from a century of Templar tyranny. We even saved the bloody Queen, herself. The Crown couldn’t ignore our dash an’ derring-do, and knighted us for it. The British Brotherhood rose to new heights, all thanks to us.
Evie, always wanderin’ like a restless soul, buggered off to India after tyin’ the knot with Henry Green. She got mixed up with the Indian Brotherhood, fightin’ the good fight over there. But she couldn’t resist a return to London in 1872. Her and Henry tried to help this bloke Abberline, tryin’ to stop some Templar scumbag from nickin’ pages outta the Voynich manuscript in the British Museum. Didn’t quite succeed, but it didn’t stop ‘em from headin’ back to India, trainin’ British Assassins and teachin’ ‘em every trick from the Indian Brotherhood.
So there ya have it, mates. The epic tale of the Frye twins, kickin’ arse, makin’ history, and turnin’ the tide against them Templar wankers. We’re legends, and ain’t nobody takin’ that away from us.”
|Henry Green (Jayadeep Mir), Alexander Graham Bell, Frederick Abberline
|-
!Main Opponents
|Crawford Starrick, Lucy Thorne
|}
===Adventure Hooks===
#A new secret society known as the “Enlightened Circle” threatens to reshape London’s power dynamics. The Witnesses are hired by a wealthy benefactor to investigate the society’s activities, infiltrate their ranks, and dismantle their operations before they gain too much influence.
#A notorious gang leader has risen to power in the East End, and the Brotherhood suspects he has been maneuvered into position by the Templars to be their pawn in the slums. The Witnesses are tasked with infiltrating his gang, gaining the leader’s trust, and eventually bringing him down once they’ve learnt the identity of his Templar connection.
#David Hughes, an established scientist, has just returned from America with a revolutionary device that could have potentially devastating consequences were it to fall into the wrong hands. The Witnesses must retrieve the device and safeguard it from Templar agents.
#A mysterious ancient artifact has been exhibited at the British Museum, attracting the attention of both the Brotherhood and the Templars. The Witnesses must swap the artifact for a counterfeit copy to fool the Templars and hide the real artifact in a secret location.
#A renowned detective has gone missing while investigating a series of occult rituals taking place in the darkest corners of the city. The Witnesses are hired by his concerned wife to unravel the mystery, uncover the truth behind the rituals, and rescue the detective from the clutches of a malevolent cult inspired by a perverted version of the Calves’ Head Club secret society.
===ALICE’S RETURN===
'''Time Frame:''' Industrial Revolution
'''Location:''' City of London, England - 1869 CE
'''Description:''' Jacob and Evie once discovered an underground chamber in a former bank vault, set up by three Assassins: Michel Reuge, Lavinia, and Alice. The chamber was used to store a sealed Isu sarcophagus containing the Aegis, ancient armor that supposedly belonged to the Isu Minerva. The keys required to open the sarcophagus were found in a series of music boxes scattered around London, as well as parts of a diary compiled by Michel Reuge. They discovered Alice’s obsession with opening the sarcophagus eventually led her to betray her companions to the Templars.<br><br>About a year after discovering the chamber, the Witnesses are contacted by Evie and Jacob’s collaborator, Chief Inspector Frederick Abberline of the London Metropolitan Police, about a bomb that has gone off in Southwark. From eyewitness accounts, they learn that the bomb was a small box that, once opened, played a melody before exploding. This detail immediately reminds the siblings of the music boxes they found in the past. Suspecting the involvement of the Templars, they return to the chamber.
====Key Objectives====
<tabber>
<tabber>
|-|1 - DANGEROUS TUNNELS=
|-|Devils Podcast Fragment=
The Witnesses must enter the vault and investigate.
[[File:Animus Hub DB Image 6.png|thumb|200px]]
An incomplete audio clip from The Devils of the Caribbean Podcast reconstructed from recovered files.
As soon as you reach Reuge’s underground vault, you immediately realize that something is wrong. Someone is down there. The sound of a melody echoes through the tunnels.
|-|Warning from Ego=
[[File:Animus Hub DB Image 6.png|thumb|200px]]
An audio message from Ego, easily intercepted by the Dark Animus with no need for further decryption.
;Challenges
In it, she warns the nascent Eagle that she knows of his every movement within the mainframe, threatening to pierce him clean from the sky.
*''Boobytraps''<br>While navigating the tunnels a Wits check is required to avoid Alice’s explosive traps. On a failure, all Witnesses must make a Reaction check.
*''Collapsed Tunnel''<br>The main tunnel leading to the chamber has been partially blocked by debris caused by a collapse. The Witnesses need to climb through a very tight passage to avoid the debris.
;Weaknesses
|-|Retrieved Audio=
*''Controlled Explosion (minor)''<br>With the use of a disarmed boobytrap, it is possible to clear the debris partially blocking the passage. In this case, the Witnesses overcome the Collapsed Tunnel Challenge.
[[File:Animus Hub DB Image 6.png|thumb|200px]]
Audio memory obtained from an Animus memory fragement in which Sebastían Vizcaíno recovers from wounds sustained during a confrontation.
|-|2 - KILL ALICE=
|-|Guided Meditation Audio=
Once the Witnesses enter the underground chamber, they find Alice there, driven mad by her obsession with the sarcophagus.
[[File:Animus Hub DB Image 6.png|thumb|200px]]
An audio file for a guided wellness meditation.
The vault is filled with thick, white smoke, and a discordant tune echoes loudly throughout the chamber. A female voice hums along to the melody, unmistakably that of Alice. The smoke hides her from your view, and you hear the tinkling sound of something metallic clattering on the floor.
Special. Visibility and hearing are severely hindered. Until this Key Objective is completed, any Approach check made requires 1 Raise.
;Challenges
*''Caltrops''<br>Alice has littered the floor with small, sharp spikes. Moving in poor visibility can be very dangerous. If a Witness fails this Challenge, they trigger the Hinder Setback automatically.
*''Sharp Blades''<br>After the explosions, Alice charges the Witnesses brandishing knives.
*''Killing Blow''<br>Alice won’t relent until she gets what she’s looking for.
;Weaknesses
*''Eagle Vision (minor)''<br>Using the Eagle Vision Skill allows a Witness to see precisely where Alice is, canceling any Raise required due to poor visibility and hearing. It also overcomes the Caltrops Challenge.
If Alice is defeated, read the following:
:Struck by a lethal blow, Alice finally collapses on the ground, dying. She finds the strength to utter her last words, directed to someone who is not there: “See, Michel? I told you it could be done, the puzzle could be solved. I could solve it. If only you gave me the time I needed then…”
</tabber>
</tabber>
====Setbacks====
*''UNHEALTHY AIR (MINOR)''<br>Strange fumes and dust thrown up by recent collapses have polluted the air, making it difficult to breathe.
*''HINDER (MAJOR)''<br>For the rest of the Sequence, all Action and Stealth checks made by the Witnesses who triggered this Setback require 1 additional Raise.
====Notables NPCs====
;Alice
Alice was a member of the Assassin Brotherhood. She discovered a sealed sarcophagus near Bath along with Lavinia and Michel Reuge, and became obsessed with opening it. The obsession was such that she betrayed her companions in favor of the Templars, who imprisoned and tortured her instead. Wholly consumed by her madness, Alice continued to hum the melodies produced by the music boxes she knew were the key to open the sarcophagus.
Alice has escaped captivity and although more than twenty years have passed, her obsession has not abated, and she immediately hatches a plan to return to the vault.
====Pieces of Eden====
;AEGIS OF MINERVA
'''Known Owners:''' Minerva, Evie Frye
'''Current Status:''' Unknown
As the ancient tales go, the Aegis was said to have been worn in battle by the Isu Minerva herself. Many millennia passed, the skilled Assassin Michel Reuge discovered the elusive Aegis in the vicinity of Bath, England. Recognizing its significance, he stashed the artifact in an abandoned bank vault beneath London.
Purchased from any General Store for 1200 Reales<section end="NAME"/>
Spanish Cup-hilt Rapiers<section begin="NAME"/>
Rapier
Common
17
2
N/A
Found in treasure chest in Havana<section end="NAME"/>
Officer's Smallswords<section begin="NAME"/>
Rapier
Common
13
2
N/A
Default swords<section end="NAME"/>
German Rapiers<section begin="NAME"/>
Rapier
Common
22
2
N/A
Found in treasure chest on Crooked Island<section end="NAME"/>
Privateer's Cutlasses<section begin="NAME"/>
Cutlass
Common
25
2
N/A
Found in Treasure Chest on Florida island<section end="NAME"/>
NAME<section begin="NAME"/>
<section end="NAME"/>
Name
Description
Lightserver's Blades
Sleek black blades with gold filigree, hones to deadly edges.
Dragon's Fang Swords
A sword with a light, graceful design featuring a mystic jade edge.
Blades of the Damned
A pair of swords glowing with hellfire and brimstone, fierce and powerful.
Serpent's Fang Cutlasses
A pair of sharp, serpentine swords inspired by sea monster fangs, lit with neon patterns.
The Fortune
A pair of unique swords once used by the infamous pirate, Edward Kenway.
Dual Cleavers
A pair of simple meat cleavers typically used by butchers and made infamous by pirates as weapons of war.
Order of Gold
Adorned with intricate patterns, these blades are a rare and deadly curiosity.
Ezio's Swords
A pair of swords once owned by the legendary Assassin mentor, Ezio Auditore da Firenze.
Altaïr's Swords
A pair of swords once owned by the legendary Assassin mentor, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad.
Naoe's Shadowblade
A balanced katana shaped by shinobi combat principles, favoring fluid movement and rapid follow-up strikes. Performs best with evasive tactics.
Dark Animus Corsair Pistol Swords
These blades dance with strange light, like tears in the fabric of the world.
Spring-Steel Swords
A pair of swords that look unremarkable at first glance, but have the strength to deflect bullets if wielded properly.
Blades of Toledo
A sleek pair of swords Edward Kenway acquired in the famous city of Toledo.
Le Bourgeoys Blades
The only pair of pistol swords with a genuine original flintlock attached.
Persian Scimitars
A beautiful and deadly pair of Persian scimitars, replete with embedded diamonds.
Matched Golden Swords
A pair of legendary golden swords, praised far and wide for their exquisite beauty.
Masterwork Blades
A pair of beautifully balanced swords forged by a master craftsman.
Espada Ancha
Versatile soldier's swords, unremarkable in appearance but trustworthy in a fight.
French Court Swords
A pair of swords famous for having a perfect balance between speed and power.
Pirate Scimitars
A pair of devastating scimitars, praised from Barbados to Boston.
British Colonial Cutlasses
A pair of cutlasses popular among the settlers of the British colonies in North America.
Scottish Broadswords
Heavy broadswords that emphasize damage over finesse.
Standard Pistol Swords
A pair of rare pistol swords, capable of firing a gunshot in the right circunstances.
Captain Drake's Swords
A pair of silver broadswords rumored to have been used by the legendary privateer, Sir Francis Drake.
Ferraro's Rapiers
A pair of rapiers that belonged to the Italian diplomat, Ruggiero Ferraro.
Officer's Rapiers
A pair of extremely light rapiers praised for their swiftness.
German Rapiers
A pair of traditional German rapiers typically used by Prussian court officers.
Privateer's Cutlasses
A pair of cutlasses appreciated for their versatility by privateers throughout the West Indies.
British Cutlasses
A pair of light cutlasses made popular by British privateers.
French Dress Swords
A pair of elegant swords made popular by French court officers.
Spanish Cup-hilt Rapiers
A pair of cheap yet efficient Spanish rapiers.
Officer's Smallswords
A pair of small swords popular among officers in the British Army.
Rustborne Swords
Versatile blades with integrated flintlocks, their bronze-hued surfaces worn by time and battle. Perfect for Assassins who strike swiftly, both in melee and from a distance.
bought from secret General Store on unmarked island in the north-west of Gibara region at Coordinates 550, 638 (22000 Reales)<section end="NAME"/>
Rustic Flintlocks<section begin="NAME"/>
Legendary
22
1.20
After a Perfect Dodge, quick shooting immediately does not consume ammunition
obtained from in-game online store for free (on map press Options-Button to access the store).<section end="NAME"/>
Peaceful Means<section begin="NAME"/>
Legendary
20
1.00
Pistol shots are quieter
Purchased from Treasure Dealer for 3 Capuchin Monkey Pelt, 4 Iguana Leather, and 20 Rum Barrels.<section end="NAME"/>
Cannon-Barrel Pistols<section begin="NAME"/>
Rare
21
1.12
N/A
from locked chest in Jiguey (535, 511). It's a locked underwater chest, loot the key from the pirate leader on the beach inside Jiguey, in the same cave as the chest.<section end="NAME"/>
Captain Morgan's Pistols<section begin="NAME"/>
Rare
20
1.50
N/A
Found in underwater treasure chest on Black Island<section end="NAME"/>
Found in treasure chest on Great Inagua<section end="NAME"/>
Spanish Officer Pistols<section begin="NAME"/>
Rare
24
1.00
N/A
Purchased from Level II General Store for 5500 Reales<section end="NAME"/>
Pirate Blunderbusses<section begin="NAME"/>
Rare
20
1.00
N/A
Purchased from Level II General Store for 6000 Reales<section end="NAME"/>
Baldwin's Golden Pistols<section begin="NAME"/>
Rare
26
1.00
N/A
Complete Plantain!<section end="NAME"/>
Standard Wheellock Pistols<section begin="NAME"/>
Common
20
1.12
N/A
purchasable from any General Store (800 Reales)<section end="NAME"/>
Common Flintlock Pistols<section begin="NAME"/>
Common
20
1.00
N/A
Default pistols<section end="NAME"/>
NAME<section begin="NAME"/>
<section end="NAME"/>
Name
Description
Dark Animus Corsair Flintlocks
Truth and thunder in the palm of your hand.
Darkworker's Pistols
Hand-carved ebony with gold-plated iron forming a lethal union.
Dragon's Roar Pistols
Sleek pistols imbued with ornate scrollwork and glowing jade.
Diabolist's Pistols
A set of pistols wreathed in infernal flames, emitting an aura of destruction.
Fury of the Deep Pistols
Silvery, steel pistols adorned with deep-sea patterns and neon highlights.
Golden Flintlock Pistols
A set of legendary, golden flintlock pistols, famed for their extraordinary precision.
Gargoyle's Breath
Monstrous, leering faces adorn the grips of these pistols.
Captain Drake's Flintlocks
A set of flintlock pistols once owned and used by captain and knight, Sir Francis Drake.
Rustic Flintlocks
Firearms with rustic patinas, showing the marks of countless skirmishes. Compact, reliable, and ready for close encounters or unexpected duels.
Peaceful Means
The method by which many disputes can be swiftly resolved.
Cannon-Barrel Pistols
A set of pistols forged to resemble ship cannons.
Captain Morgan's Pistols
A set of flintlock pistols once owned and used by Captain Morgan.
Captain's Wheellock Pistols
A rare set of old wheellock pistols, coveted by soldiers for their sturdiness and sentimental value.
Spanish Officer Pistols
A set of pistols, praised throughout the West Indies for their stability.
Pirate Blunderbusses
A set of bulky blunderbusses, popular among pirates for their brashness.
Baldwin's Golden Pistols
Inextricably tied to the fall of the Baldwin name, these pistols claimed the lives of at least two of their owners' family. They are likely to claim many more.
Standard Wheellock Pistols
A set of wheellock pistols, perfect for reaching targets at great distances.
Common Flintlock Pistols
A set of typical flintlock pistols, found all across the West Indies.
Rendered in miniature, that its gaze might ward the steps of its keeper across land and sea.
Health slowly regenerates while out of combat
Found in underwater chest between pair of unnamed island south of San Ignacio wreck
Stormrunner Pendant
Rare
A lightweight circular pendant painted in striking blue and red pigments. Its design captures the spirit of relentless motion and high adrenaline, carried by travelers who refuse to tire, whether sprinting through crowded markets or scaling towering keeps.
Increases the amount of healing from food, drink, and remedies
Found in underwater chest off the coast of Nassau, at coordinates 615, 767
Hunter's Amulet
Rare
An amulet of good fortune favored by hunters.
Animals' range of detection is reduced
Buried treasure chest on Santanillas
Bloody Spanish Medal
Rare
One of Laurens Prins' trophies from his time as a soldier.
Reduces damage from Spanish soldiers
Inside Laurens Prins' Manor
Anchor Medallion
Rare
A lucky anchor medallion favored by sharp-eyed sailors.
Increases the rewards from floating loot
Found in a treasure chest on Sacrifice Island
Lock of Hair
Rare
A lock of Caroline's hair kept as a lucky keepsake.
Restore some health after a perfect parry
Complete Wayward Souls
Cross Pendant
Rare
A bejeweled cross once worn by the wealthiest citizen in Kingston.
Reduces damage from British soldiers
Complete Tithes Paid
Exotic Sea Shells
Rare
A string of sea shells gathered from around the world.
Increases the wildlife products gained from skinning animals
Found in treasure chest in southeast Havana
Small Goblet
Rare
A sacred grail said to prolong its owner's life.
Increases the amount of healing from food, drink, and remedies
Complete The Other Cheek
Jackdaw Totem
Rare
Carved by an unknown sculptor, it represents protection and gratitude.
Falling from high places no longer damages Edward
Complete A World Without Gold
Lodestone
Rare
A naturally magnetized piece of mineral.
Loots nearby Corpses and Curios automatically
Purchased from a Level II General Store for 7000 Reales
Folded Palm
Rare
A gambler's trinket meant to bring good fortune.
Gain reales after each Takedown
Complete Spiteful Soldier
Found Coin
Rare
A large gold coin turned into a good luck charm.
Increase the amount of Reales gained
Complete Art Lover I
Rabbit's Foot
Common
A lucky charm for warding off misfortune.
Chance of staggering an enemy following a successful parry
The course of the 18th Century saw the British Empire become the world's leading colonial power, with France and Spain as its primary rivals. After siding with the Netherlands and Austria in the War of the Spanish Succession, the British Empire expanded, gaining territories from both Spain and France, and taking over control of the Atlanticslave trade in Spanish America.
For a handful of coin, "Dancers" can be employed to distract guards and interfere with ongoing fights. They might also have some incredible stories of their own to tell, if only you'd bother to listen.
Sailors flush with rum and the heat of the sun, these Drunkards can be useful in a few ways. First as blend groups that allow Edward to hide in plain sight, and secondly as allies in the event of a scuffle. But remember to bring a bit of coin if you want them to fight alongside you, as these pirates won't risk their lives for free.
Already a global power, the Spanish defeated powerful adversaries such as the Aztecs and Incas in the Americas by exploiting existing conflicts and rivalries between tribes and nations between the 15th and 18th centuries.
Acquisitive and protective of the supply of precious metals its new colonies afforded it, the Spanish Empire enthusiastically participated in the Atlantic slave trade and defended its trade routes aggressively.
Even after its defeat in the War of the Spanish Succession, the 18th century was nevertheless one of prosperity for the Spanish Empire, as their trade reputation grew steadily under Bourbon oversight, and continued to grow at an extraordinary rate until the 1780s.
Often used interchangeably, there are a number of important distinctions to make between these different kinds of swashbucklers...
Pirates: Criminals on the open sea who use coercion, intimidation and violence to rob innocent people of their cargo and transport. The term pirate is a catch-all and may be used generally to refer to all who perform acts of larceny on the open ocean. Pirates have been a problem since the advent of long-distance ocean travel; every age has seen its share of pirates, and every age has cursed their name and romanticized their cause. During the so-called "Golden Age of Piracy" (roughly 1650 to 1725), the majority of pirates were from the British Isles. Most were young men in their 20s and almost all had already gained some experience as sailors prior to falling into piracy.
Buccaneers: Though often used as a synonym for Pirates now, the term Buccaneer refers more specifically to a group of pirates who lived and operated in the West Indies in the middle of the 17th century. Best known for attacking settlements and fortifications on land in large groups, the Buccaneers derived their name from the French Boucanier -- an instrument used for smoking strips of meat over an open fire, a favorite sort of sustenance for these terrestrial pirates.
Privateers: Non-commissioned sailors who attack and rob, having been given a Letter of Marque by their King or a royal official such as a Governor. Thus the distance between a Pirate and a Privateer is but a hair's breath of difference -- Pirates simply sail for one monarch fewer.
Taíno refers to a group of related languages and cultures widespread across the Caribbean at the time of European arrival. Broadly speaking, they consisted of the Ciboney or Western Taíno of Cuba, Jamaica and the Bahamas; the Classic Taíno of Hispaniola and Borikén (the indigenous name of Puerto Rico); and the Eastern Taíno of the Antilles.
A Taíno cacique or chief demonstrated rank by carrying an object forged from guanín, a unique indigenous alloy made out of copper, silver, and gold, noted for its lustrous shine. The term "tabaco" from which we also derive from a Taíno word, as tobacco was cultivated on the islands and its usage noted by Spanish explorers. Other English words with a Taíno origin include barbecue, canoe, hurricane, iguana, and potato.
Other, non-Taíno indigenous groups of the island include the Ciguaya, Macorix, and Kalinago or Caribs, for whom the Caribbean Sea is named.
There were several attempts to found a town near the Havana Bay in the early 1500s. A settlement was established by the SpanishConquistadorDiego Velázquez de Cuéllar around 1514. The city sits on a bay that opens to the Gulf Stream and thus became a natural stopping point between Europe and the Americas.
In the earliest stages of the golden age of piracy Havana was burnt to the ground by Frenchcorsair, Jacques de Sores. By the 1700s, Havana had become a large, heavily fortified port city where Spanish treasure ships would dock on their way to Europe. Pirates lurked on the approaches to the city, hoping to capture these same ships.
Originally founded as another Charles-Towne, the city was renamed Nassau in honor of King William III of the house of Orange-Nassau. This city has a particularly colorful past: In 1706 the city's officially appointed Governor skipped town, thus severing the Crown's direct control over the Bahamas.
The islands languished for almost a decade in the hands of Britishcitizens with little or no interest in Statesmanship. By 1713, the entire region had become a haven for pirates and it was in this period that Benjamin Hornigold declared Nassau to be a pirate republic. He proclaimed himself governor and thereafter every pirate of any sense and reputation used Nassau as a base of operation, transforming this small city of barely 1000 residences into a "nest of infamous bastards", according to the Governor of Bermuda.
Dating generally from the MayanClassic period (AD 250 - 900), most Mayan ruins can be found throughout the Yucatán peninsula and Central America. Mayan Temples have steep stone steps and a platform at the top for wooden crowning structures. Mayan architecture is composed with a sophisticated eye to decoration, often using wall paintings and elaborate bas-relief stone carvings. Mayan arches forego the use of a keystone, instead creating a triangle-like arch known as a corbel vault.
A dominating presence on Havana's Plaza de San Francisco, the Basilica Menor de San Francisco de Asis dates from 1580s. Originally, a statue of St. Francis of Assisi stood atop the bell tower, but this was blown off in a cyclone in 1846. Baroque features were added to the basilica in 1730.
The Governor's Mansion housed the acting Spanish governor in addition to prison facilities. A new governor's mansion was constructed across the square in 1791.
This drinking spot, named after "The King of Pirates" Henry Avery, was highly popular among gritty seafarers in the early 18th century. Legend had it that Avery himself once had a financial stake in several establishments throughout the West Indies, but that appears to be nothing more than self-promotion.
More of a display of his imaginative and technical skills than an actual historic representation, this dramatic painting by Willem van de Velde II depicts a battle with Barbary corsairs from north Africa.
This painting by Luca Giordano was commisioned by King Philip V of Spain for display in the French court.
Gold-work from the Isthmus, representing a crowned half-human, half-bat figure flanked by four crocodile heads.
Today is my birthday.
Brandish every Cask, Bottle and Barrel of Alcohol. Everyone is to partake and sing my Praises. To ensure that this Do goes splendidly, I will take charge of the Stores and require its Key.
My Father will be most gratified at your swift fulfilment of my Commands.
- Emmerson Beckford
I, Thomas Cecil, hereby report that the following is a true Manifest of all the Goods, Wares and Merchandize, of the Marks, Numbers and Contents of each Package on board the Endeavor which Cargo was received at the Trading Post of Andreas Island from whence the Craft Sailed for the Plantation of Cat Island.
Sugar - 110 Barrels
Molasses - 25 Barrels
Tobacco - 15 Barrels
John,
It is done. Accompanying this Letter you will find the Will, fully notarized by myself and with the old Man's signature. It will survive the scrutiny of any English Court, I assure you.
Arrangements for your Daughter's removal are also underway. My Associates in the Royal Navy tell me she will be apprehended within the Month. In fact, I hear they have solicited the most reputable Pirate Hunter Lieutenant Maynard for the Task.
Courage my Friend. After so many long Years, we are almost there,
Thomas Barehaire Esq.
In the Name of God, I, Theodore Rupert Braddock, being of sound Mind and Memory, do declare this my last Will and Testament, in Manner and Form following, revoking all former Wills by me made.
As touching such worldly Estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this Life, I give, devise, and bequeath all my Goods unto my well-beloved Son-in-Law, John Baldwin, Husband of my late daughter Elizabeth, to have and to hold the same unto him, his Heirs, and Assigns forever.
I do nominate, constitute, and appoint my said Son-in-Law, John Baldwin, to be the sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament, charging him to see this my Will performed according to my true Intent and Meaning.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal, this Second day of January in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Twenty.
Signed, sealed, published, and declared by the said Theodore Rupert Braddock as and for his last Will and Testament, in the presence of us, who, at his Request and in his Presence, and in the Presence of each other, have subscribed our Names as Witnesses hereto.
Theodore Rupert Braddock
Witnessed by:
Thomas Barehaire, Esquire
John Baldwin
Thom,
Don't go getting all uncharitable about this, I did it for your own Good. I knew we might strike some Trouble along the way, so I hid your Share with the original Will in the Likelihood we ever need the old Man's Signature again.
The Locket's here too. I want it kept, no matter what you think. There is no one left to know of it's Significance, at any Rate. I'll recover it from you when all this is over, and include a Crate of Rum for the Inconvenience.
Chin up Man! We're Home free!
John.
Vance,
I had to leave early. My Order requires a Report and there cannot be a Delay. I'll be waiting by the Tavern at the usual Time. Come with both pieces of the Map.
Jing Lang
A letter to Lauren Prins, [sic] congratulating him on acquiring The Sage.
1. Cato, 35 years, superior carpenter and ship caulker.
2. York, 16 years, field hand.
3. Nero, 25 years, stone cutter.
4. Bess, 28 years, field cook, water carrier.
5. Esther, 31 years, midwife.
6. Gracey, 14 years, good house girl and child's nurse.
7. Anthony Morgan, about 30 years, fine engineer and field hand.
8. Sarah Morgan, 32 years, good field hand; tonsils occasionally inflamed.
9. Infant, 2 months.
10. Anthony, 3 years.
11. Stephen, 5 years.
12. Nace, 9 years.
13. Sophy, 12 years, likely.
You, Mr Thomas Stell, Ensign, stand charged for Dereliction of Duty.
On Tuesday last you were tasked to deliver a Prisoner to the Church at the center of Kingston, but were discovered to be in a shameful and drunken State, having abandoned your Post.
You are dismissed forthwith from Service, being no longer entitled to Pay or Protection from the Royal Navy.
Know all, by these Present, that I, Alvin of the Village of Grand Cayman, in consideration of the Sum of Forty-Two Reales in Hand, paid to me by Vargas of the Village of Grand Cayman, the Receipt of where I do acknowledge, have in turn sold and delivered in measured Weight One-Hundred-and-Thirty-Six Pounds of Mutton Snapper unto said Vargas.
In witness whereof I have set my Hand the Fifth Day of May 1716. Signed, sealed and delivered in the present of
All and Sundry, viz.
- Alvin of Grand Cayman
A debonair portrait of Julien Du Casse, the infamous mercenary.
Hangs above the bed in the Mansion at Great Inagua.
A vivid portrait of Laurens Prins, the reprehensible slaver.
Hangs in the hall of the Mansion at Great Inagua.
The schooner was a class of ship used as a general sailing vessel by both navies and civilian operators, providing light firepower and ample speed.
The brig was a class of ship bearing two square-rigged masts, and represented a compromise between larger, more powerful ships, and the faster, but less well-armed ones.
The man o' war was a type of large warship purpose built for warfare, boasting multiple gun decks, and crewed by heavily armed professional soldiers.
El Dorado was a brig that formed part of the Spanish Treasure Fleet.
The fleet was destroyed in a hurricane, with the El Dorado its lone surviving vessel.
The Jackdaw was a brig captained by the pirate-turned-Assassin Edward Kenway, who named it after the small, swift bird of his native Wales.
The ship was known as El Dorado before Edward and his future quartermaster Adéwalé captured it from its fleet.
The Royal Fortune was a man o' war captained by the pirate and Sage Bartholomew Roberts, who elected to keep and renamed it after he captured it as the Nosso Senhor da Compreensão from the Portuguese Navy.
The Ranger was a brig formerly owned by the pirate Benjamin Hornigold before he passed it on to his colleague, Charles Vane.
A miniature ship model of a Spanish Brig.
A miniature ship model of a Spanish Cutter.
A miniature ship model of a Spanish Schooner.
A miniature ship model of a Spanish Frigate.
A miniature ship model of a Spanish man o' war.
A miniature ship model of an English Brig.
A miniature ship model of an English Cutter.
A miniature ship model of an English Schooner.
A miniature ship model of an English Frigate.
A miniature ship model of an English man o' war.
A miniature ship model of the El Dorado.
A miniature ship model of the Jackdaw.
A miniature ship model of the Revenge.
In the Americas, the term ‘black panther’ generally refers to a melanistic jaguar. They are not a separate species, but a color morph of the spotted form. Black jaguars form less than ten percent of jaguars.
Black jaguars can be found in Isla Providencia and Pinos Isle.
The cat is a small carnivorous mammal with a flexible body, sharp claws, and quick reflexes. Cats have long been domesticated, and are favored as pets for their affectionate independence, and playful natures.
Sailors often keep cats aboard ships to deal with rats and other vermin.
The Crocodile is a large, tropical-dwelling tetrapod. Crocodiles can measure up to 15 feet long, weigh 2000 pounds, and live to be 70 years old. This prehistoric-looking predator preys on birds, fish, insects and other reptiles.
Crocodiles have been known to indulge in cannibalistic behaviour. Because of this, they live in groupings of the same size.
Not to be confused with alligators, crocodiles are bigger, lighter in color, and have narrower snouts. Although known to attack humans, the crocodile is more likely to flee than to react aggressively when approached.
Crocodiles are most commonly found in Nassau, Long Bay, and Matanzas.
Deer are large hoofed ruminants notable for having two large and two small hooves on each foot. Males have antlers while the females do not, with the exception of a single species where the females also grow antlers. Deer are selective feeders, eating plant food low in fiber content and high in protein such as young grass, herbs, woody shoots, and bark.
Various subspecies of deer can be found in the Caribbean bioregion. The red brocket deer, for example, is found in Trinidad and Tobago and the Key deer, introduced by colonists, inhabits the Florida Keys.
Deer are most commonly found in Kingston, Salt Lagoon, and Santanillas.
Frigate birds are large seabirds with long wings, forked tails, and slender bodies. They generally inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans, often nesting on remote islands. Frigate birds are skilled fliers, and are known to steal food from other seabirds.
Found across the world in tropical and temperate waters, the hammerhead's unusual head shape gives it increased sensory ability to detect its prey. The hammerhead does not attack humans, although it can be lethal if provoked.
Hammerhead sharks can be found in the Eleuthera and Gibara regions.
Considered one of the loudest animals on earth, the small-sized Howler Monkey generates a siren-like howl that can be heard from a distance of 3 miles (5km). They are not aggressive and are popular as pets in The West Indies.
Howler monkeys are most commonly found in Kingston, Cape Bonavista, and Long Bay.
The hutia is a large rodent unique to the Caribbean basin which varies in size, and can form distinct species from island to island. Hutias are often hunted by locals to be eaten in a spiced stew.
Hutias are most commonly found in Cayman Sound and Long Bay.
Iguanas are large, herbivorous lizards found throughout the Caribbean islands. The common iguana eats only leaves, flowers and fruit. Despite their at times fierce appearance they are not aggressive, and typically flee when threatened. However, they can lash their tails and bite if provoked.
Iguana are found in Great Inagua, Andreas Island, and Abaco Island.
The largest feline in the Western hemisphere, the jaguar is distinguished by its compact and powerful build, its agility, and its unique killing method of biting directly into the skull to pierce the brain. The Mayans believed that the jaguars could carry messages to and from the afterworld.
Jaguars are most commonly found in Cape Bonavista, Long Bay, Tulum, and Principe.
Also called a medusa, the jellyfish isn't technically a fish—it is a free-swimming non-vertebrate found in every sea across the world. Jellyfish consist of a gelatinous bell with trailing tentacles capable of stinging prey. Jellyfish stings are in most cases harmless to humans, but some can be extremely serious, even lethal.
Although related to sharks, manta rays are harmless. They can be quite large (up to 30 ft (9m) wide) and feed on small fish and plankton, funneling food into their mouth using cephalic flaps extending from the eyes. Manta rays, which are found all over the world, have the unique ability to leap from the water into the air to escape attackers.
Monkeys in the Caribbean are primarily an introduced African species called the green monkey, although up to the 17th Century these still shared territory with the now extinct Jamaican monkey. Both species were omnivores that ate a variety of foraged foods including fruit, seeds, flowers, insects, and smaller animals like frogs and birds.
Monkeys were viewed as pests by farmers as they continually raided crops, but were favoured by locals and sailors who adopted them as mischievous, intelligent pets.
The ocelot is a wild cat that typically has yellow fur with dark stripes in the manner of a jaguar. Ocelots are nocturnal and range from the size of domestic cats up to four feet (1.2 meters) in length.
Ocelot hides are coveted by leather workers for their ease of working, patterned fur, soft texture, and durability.
Ocelots can be found in Cumberland Bay and Abaco Island.
The Caribbean basin provides an excellent climate for both land and sea turtles. Turtles are reptiles with a hard, protective upper shell called a carapace. Although they are natural swimmers and can stay submerged for up to 7 hours while resting, turtles breathe air. Despite being awkward and slow moving on land, they go ashore to lay their eggs.
White coats in animals can be due to a specific genetic mutation or albinism. The genetic mutation that yields a white jaguar also results in a more aggressive animal, making them dangerous as well as rare.
White jaguars can be found at Great Inagua.
The wild pig, or boar, is a large cousin of the domesticated pig covered by hairy bristles. They were introduced by Europeans to the Caribbean basin (Columbus himself brought eight pigs with him from Spain). Wild pigs flourished in the island environment and were hunted by sailors and pirates to provide salted pork on their voyages.
Wild pigs are most commonly found in Nassau, Great Inagua, and Cape Bonavista.
So-called because of their short snouts and their tendency to head-butt prey, bull sharks are commonly found in warm, shallow waters. They are extremely aggressive and dangerous to humans. The females are larger than the males, and adults measure well over seven feet (2.15m) long.
Bull sharks can be found in the Dry Tortuga, Gibara, and Punta Guarico regions.
Found throughout Central and South America, capuchin monkeys are small and highly intelligent. They eat almost anything -- nuts, fruits, small birds, frogs, clams, etc. Many pirates favored capuchins as pets.
Capuchins can be found in Matanzas and Misteriosa.
The largest predatory fish in the world, the great white's lethal aspect is due to its nearly 300 serrated teeth arranged in rows. Great whites have been known to attack humans, but usually more out of curiosity than hunger -- "sample biting" and then releasing their victims. The great white reaches an average length of 15 feet (4.6m).
Great white sharks can be found in the Cruz and Serranilla regions.
Known for emitting complex sequences of haunting moans, the humpback is a large whale that reaches up to 62 feet (19 meters) in length. They migrate from the poles to the equator seasonally and travel in pods.
Humpback whales can be found in the Castillo De Jagua and Navassa regions.
Called the Grampus by sailors in the 18th century, the killer whale, or Orca, is part of the dolphin family. Known for their ferociously deadly predation, killer whales feast on seals, sea-lions and even other whales. They hunt in pods in the manner of wolf packs and are found throughout the world's seas.
Killer whales can be found in the Cruz and Conttoyor regions.
Red howler monkeys can be located on Isla Providencia.
Born to enslavedOgoni parents in Yoruba, Adéwalé was sold to the owner of a prosperous plantation before his teens. He remained on this plantation, working the fields, until his mid teens, always scheming of ways to escape his predicament, but uneasy with the prospect of living life as a fugitive.
Then fortune struck, giving Adéwalé the sign he needed. At some point near his 16th birthday, a group of buccaneers raided the plantation, robbing it of raw cane, refined sugar, and as many reales as they could find. Seeing in this an opportunity, Adé grabbed a crate of sugar and hauled it aboard one of the longboats the buccaneers had rowed ashore. Surprised to see a slave among them, the buccaneers were nevertheless thankful for the aid, and welcomed Adé among them.
Adé sailed with this first group of men for many years, quickly learning the ways of a seaman, grateful for the chance to develop his own skills and chase his own passions. And though his life among buccaneers was not free of the usual bigotry of the era, Adé found the prejudice to be more confrontational than restrictive.
In 1715, misfortune struck a cruel blow when the ship Adé was aboard, struck a shallow sandbar near the port of Havana. The buccaneers—mostly British at the time—tried desperately to free the trapped vessel, but after catching sight of an approaching SpanishGalleon, abandoned ship only to be torn apart by schools of circling bull sharks. Adé made peace with his fate, and stood his ground.
Taken to Havana for questioning and inspection, Spanish authorities eventually decided to send Adéwalé to Spain, where they felt he would make an excellent interpreter, owing to his fluent command of Spanish, English, and French. Some weeks later, they loaded him into of the Galleons that made up their perennial treasure convoy, en route to Seville.
Born: 1660s, Yucatan Peninsula
Died: c.1745, Yucatan Peninsula
Named for the Mayan god of hunting, Ah Tabai's given name remains a mystery, and very little is known about his earliest decades. The only child he is known to have fathered died before the age of ten.
What little else we know about him comes from his own mouth; from the stories he told those who knew him. When speaking about his own past, he avoids personal details in favor of abstractions and hints. He frequently speaks of his love and admiration for the tragic history of his people, and used these stories to illustrate the complex intersections of cultures and religions, frequently pointing out the fact that "From within and without come enemies and allies alike. Nothing in life is guaranteed, except surprise..."
It is not known how early Ah Tabai acquired the title of Mentor, nor how large his impact was on the Assassins of the West Indies. However, that he maintained semi-regular contact with the Assassins in the British colonies to the north, in various parts of Europe and Africa, and in China. He was instrumental in opening his branch to men and women from all walks of life - mostly Europeans, Africans, and those Native to the area.
As a native Mayan himself, rumors and stories of the ancient Observatory were not foreign to Ah Tabai. So when in 1713 rumors of a new "Sage" began to surface, Ah Tabai took it upon himself to locate the man, believing the Assassins should be the protectors of the ancient and mysterious place. He sent word far and wide to as many Assassin outposts as possible, hoping their network of spies and informants would lead them to their prize. But after two years, there was no word.
Then, in early 1715, an experienced British Assassin named Duncan Walpole arrived at Ah Tabai's encampment, initially expressing a desire to train under the Mentor directly. Ah Tabai found the request odd but flattering, for Walpole had already achieved a level of Mastery few assassins ever reached. After many months of intensive training, Ah Tabai came to consider Duncan Walpole as one of his most trusted colleagues.
Then in June of 1715, word arrived that the Templars had located and imprisoned the Sage on Spanish lands in the far south. Seeing an opportunity to cripple his arch-enemies, Ah Tabai entrusted Duncan Walpole with the task of rallying various Assassins around the West Indies and leading an assault on the Templar prison ship en route to Havana. Duncan Walpole agreed to this task... and was never heard from again.
It was only after Edward Kenway's disastrous meddling in Havana that Ah Tabai was made aware of the full extent of Walpole's betrayal.
Born: 1702, Ireland Died: Unknown
Anne was barely a teen when she left her native Cork in Ireland for the British colonies, and by sixteen she was en route to West Indies at side of her new husband, Mr. Jack Bonny, a gentle but sturdy young man in his early 20s.
The pair arrived in Nassau in April of 1716, settling down with an unclear idea of what shape their lives might take. Jack eventually found work on one of the small plantations there, while Anne cultivated her ability to loaf and daydream. Unfortunately, her beauty, aloofness, and complete indifference to propriety made her the object of more romantic attention than she had ever known or cared for.
Within a year of arriving in Nassau, the Bonnys' marriage was in shambles, a union only in name. While Jack disappeared further into his work, Anne grew more confident and sociable, eventually taking a job as a barmaid at the popular Old Averytavern in the center of Nassau. And though she took on a few lovers in the next few years, it was mostly out of envy and spite that the rabble of Nassau branded Anne a harlot and a tease. But with no high society to shun or shame her, Anne's desirability only increased on the strength of these rumors.
orn: 1680, England Died: ????
Known variously by different sources as Thatch, Teach, Theach, Tache, Titche, Teatch, Tack, and more, we are fairly certain Edward Thatch was born in or around Bristol and took to the sea at an early age, most likely in his teens. It is also speculated that he arrived in the West Indies quite soon after leaving England.
If this was indeed the case, Ed Thatch would have seen his fair share of the War of Spanish Succession, a protracted fight between most of the Empires of Europe that pitted Hapsburg Austia and its British ally against Bourbon France and Spain. In these early years, from 1700 to 1713, Thatch was a privateer or at the very least a merchant seaman, doing his part for the crown—Queen Anne at the time.
But with the Treaty of Utrecht bestowing peace upon a troubled Europe in 1713, Thatch and his fellow sailors found themselves far from home and out of work. Thus, they turned to piracy as a means of sustaining themselves. In the ensuing years, Thatch befriended a captain named Benjamin Hornigold and soon after joined his crew as quartermaster, at some point between late 1714 and early 1716.
Settling in Nassau, Thatch, Hornigold, and the rest of the "Flying Gang" as these pirates called themselves, began cooking up schemes far larger than most pirates of the era dared dream. Wanting nothing less than a country of their own, they worked to turn Nassau into a place of liberty and freedom for all who desired an escape from the bonds of imperial rule.
Born: 1693, Wales Died: ????
Edward James Kenway was born on the 10th of March in Swansea, Wales, to Bernard Kenway of Manchester and Linette Hopkins of nearby Cardiff. By Edward's 10th birthday, his father had moved the family to a small farm just outside Bristol, a nearby port town in the southwest of England.
This relocation had a depressing effect on young Edward's mood. He grew restless from a lack of contact with old friends and struggled to find an outlet for his limitless energy. By his teens he was spending more and more time in the city away from his farm, where the lure of excitement overrode prudence. By age sixteen, he had substituted a career as a successful farmer for a life of hopeless tomfoolery, frequently shirking his responsibilities to his family in favor of rough company.
In late 1711, at the age of seventeen, Edward met Caroline Scott, a woman of modest but steady means. Their friendship began cautiously, as Caroline's hand had already been promised to the boorish son of a wealthy East India Companyexecutive. But Edward's charms eventually won out, and he and Caroline were married within a year of their meeting; a union that angered her father, and got the whole of Bristol talking.
In the earliest months of their marriage, Edward resolved to do well by his wife and provide for her as he believed a man in his position should. But his grandiose dreams and exaggerated opinion of himself prevented him from taking immediate responsibility for their well-being. And after only a year, he had stumbled back into his worst habits - drinking, fighting and idleness.
It was in this dark period that Edward revived an old idea of joining a privateering fleet sailing for the West Indies, with the aim of making war against the Spanish and collecting unchecked sums of gold and cargo. This, he told his wife, was their path to quick riches. Being a sensible and prudent woman, Caroline discouraged these fanciful ideas.
By the summer of 1712, Caroline understood that her husband's departure was inevitable. She wanted no further part of Edward's reckless plan, and so left him to live with her parents. Stunned by this sudden turn, Edward was determined to earn his fortune fast and prove himself as capable as he always claimed he was. He left for the West Indies barely one month later, where he soon fell in with the privateer Benjamin Hornigold and his quartermaster, Ed Thatch.
Edward spent the first half of 1713 sailing with these two seasoned sailors, on regular sweeps of the windward passage. But that year, fate threw him another upset. With the signing of the treaty of Utrecht, all hostile actions between the major empires came to an end and the prospects of British privateers dried up. Now poor, unemployed, and thousands of miles from home, Edward and his colleagues settled on the island of New Providence in the Bahamas to reconsider their options.
These were fanciful days for Edward. He discovered in the small town of Nassau a life quite unlike that which he had left behind. The atmosphere of wild and noisy freedom in this small stateless encampment overwhelmed and captivated him. The drinking, the gaming, the women, the aimless desire to simply live as one pleased. And yet, as carefree as he was, his beloved Caroline was never far from his mind. If he could make something of himself in the West Indies—working a sugarplantation, perhaps—he might win her back after all his time away.
But in absence of true conviction, habit takes hold fast; and it was only a matter of time before Edward set back out to sea with his mates, to live the life they knew best; no longer privateers—legal and sanctioned—but as pirates now, with nary a whit of loyalty to kin and country, earning his fortune by the sword and pistol, praying his end was never too near.
Born: 1682, Jamaica Died: ????
Of the few infamous pirates to call the West Indies his birthplace, Jack Rackham was born in Jamaica at the height of Port Royal's boom as a den of scoundrels. This would likely explain his atrophied moral compass, for he was frequently drunk, rarely serious about anything, and always chasing women. He used his outrageous and offensive charm to keep out of most trouble. But a strategist and fighter he was not.
Nicknamed "Calico" for his affinity for Indian and Asian prints, he was a terrible sailor and a worse pirate, given to flights of fancy and myopic ideas that served only himself, rather than solid strategic thinking. He was likely drunk for half of his adulthood, and had a weakness for women that trumped all basic needs, such as sleeping or eating. His disarming charm, dashing good looks, and his swift wit carried him far, but parties can only last so long before someone has to clean up after them.
Born: 1691, England Died: ????
Daughter of Emmett and Elizabeth Scott, Caroline was born in Bristol, England, to a prosperous family of merchants and civil servants. Given a modest education by her father, she furthered her own studies in her own way, taking time to read as often as her familiar duties allowed. Splitting her time between this and helping her mother manage her father's affairs, she grew into a confident and level-headed woman with more skill and intelligence than her situation allowed her to exercise.
Caroline first met Edward Kenway outside the Auld Shillelagh, in the aftermath of a drunken altercation. She had arrived to fetch one of her servants and there found Edward escorting the woman from the clutches of one of Bristol's more notorious cads. Thankful for his kindness, Caroline agreed to a second meeting on more equitable terms, hardly thinking a romance possible.
And yet—against all odds—that is just what happened. Edward and Caroline grew quite close, and soon fell in love, quite much to the dismay of her father. Emmett Scott had already promised his daughter to the son of a wealthy East India Companyexecutive, and made his displeasure apparent at every turn. But all his noise was to no avail. Caroline and Edward were married in 1712.
For a time it seemed as though this odd pairing might produce a lasting union. But Edward's deep love for his wife was offset by his uncouth habits and reckless attention to responsibility. Not content to live a life of middle class drudgery, Edward dreamed large, and fixed on the idea that he could sail to the West Indies and fight as a Privateer against the Spanish. Or, barring that, buy some land and sow a sugarplantation. Caroline tried to dissuade her husband, but to no effect.
Born: 1680, England Died: ????
A common refrain in any biography of a Golden AgePirate goes something like this: "Very little is known about this man's early life..." And with Charles Vane it's no different. It is not known where he was born, or where he grew up, or when he first took to sea. But maybe that's just as well, for it further heightens the mystery of this strange, unstable man.
Surely one of the most ornery and unstable of the "Flying Gang", the band of pirates who called Nassau their home for a time, Charles Vane began his career like most pirates of the era--honestly, as a privateer sailing for his King. Likely living in Jamaica in 1715, he was one of many aboard Henry Jennings' assault on a Spanish expedition to recover the gold from their ill fated wreck in 1715 off the coast of Florida.
Barely a year later it had become impossible to keep up honest work as a privateer, as British Governors were skittish about breaking the terms of the Treaty of Utrecht, which called for a cessation of all aggression between the major empires. Having few other options, Vane sailed to Nassau where many of his former colleagues were now living.
Quick to anger and ferociously mean, Charles Vane quickly earned himself a reputation as a difficult captain to sail under. At some point in 1717 or 1718, an old friend, "Calico" Jack Rackham joined his crew as quartermaster. The two remained partnered for some time, living and working out of Nassau with the likes of Benjamin Hornigold, Ed Thatch, and Henry Jennings.
Born: 1695, England Died: ????
Even though not yet out of his teens, James Kidd was a cocky and confident lad with a brashness cultivated to counter his youth. He claimed to be the bastard son of the late William Kidd, the infamous privateer-turned-pirate who was captured and hanged by British authorities in 1701. Although James had no proof of this connection, his mother always insisted on it, claiming that she spent a single "panicked night of passion" with Captain Kidd just before his departure from London in 1695.
Growing up fatherless and with a spendthrift mother did little to improve his prospects at leading a normal life, and at the age of 12 he found employment aboard merchant vessels sailing between the British colonies in North America and the West Indies. By the time he was 17 he called Jamaica his home, where he further honed his skills as a sailor here.
Although he never sailed with the likes of Ben Hornigold, Ed Thatch, or Edward Kenway, James was among the first sailors to settle in Nassau, and was a central figure in its development as a pirate republic.
Born: Unknown, England Died: ????
Of all the infamous West Indiespirates, Mary Read stands out as one of the most mysterious and inscrutable. No one is sure when she was born, with most speculation ranging over almost a decade, between 1685 and 1695. According to Charles Johnson—a frequently unreliable source—her mother began dressing Mary in boy's clothes from a very early age, with the hope of passing her off as another man's son.
In her teens, Mary evidently harnessed her skill for disguise to secure a job aboard a ship. Taking to sea, she worked her way forward until she found a position in the British Navy. Still disguised as a man, she saw action in battle, though owing to the conflicting reports of her birth, which battle is uncertain. It was during these skirmishes that Mary met her first husband—so the author of the "General History of Pyrates" claims—a Flemish soldier who had evidently fought beside her.
But this union was not fated to remain intact, as Mary's husband was killed soon after their marriage. With few reasons to remain in Europe, Mary sailed for the West Indies. It is unclear what transpired in the years following, but it is almost certain that she resumed the practice of dressing as a man. It is also assumed Mary continued working aboard ships, improving her skills as a sailor and swordsman.
By 1715 or 1716, it was likely she had visited her fellow sailors in Nassau, though perhaps not for the same reasons...
Born: 1695, Cuba Died: Unknown
Born in Cuba, Assassin bureau leader Opía Apito was raised Taíno, among her mother's people, never knowing her father, a Spaniard.
At twelve, her village was raided by the Spanish. Most of her community was kidnapped and killed. But Opía, the lone free survivor, fought and ran. She survived in hiding for close to a decade.
Much of what we know of Opía is inseparable from legend. Her name, possibly self-given, is an amalgam of the Taíno words for "eternity" and "ghost." She claimed to be a direct descendant of the warrior Hatuey, who stood against the Spanish in the 16th Century. She was guided throughout her life by the mantra, Aji aya bom—better dead than a slave.
In her early twenties, she was hired by the Assassins as a guide, and was soon adopted into their ranks. She delighted in a characteristic Taíno approach to strategy: preferring to harm the enemy by taking something from him in battle, that he might live to notice it missing. But as an Assassin she did not shrink from violence.
True to her name, once promoted to Assassin Bureau leader, she built an agile and highly effective "ghost" bureau near the Cayman Islands, with virtually no physical footprint to speak of. We might regard it today as an early example of a terrorist cell, but she left no records and no descendants, and until now, history has held no record of it.
Born: 1688, Scotland Died: Unknown
Born in Scotland, Rhona Dinsmore was made for adventure. After suffering the lows of a troubled household–an absent father and a drunkard of a mother–Dinsmore left her home in Glasgow in her mid-teens. At nineteen, she found work amongst merchants in Bristol and remained at that post for nearly two years.
By twenty-one, Dinsmore was trapped in a terrible marriage. She fled again and sought refuge in Boston, where she remained for six months, before moving on to the warmer climes of Jamaica. There she found it exceedingly difficult to find work among farmers, and finally took to the sea, ultimately finding her calling within the Assassin Brotherhood.
Born: 1688, Barbados
Died: ????
Born into plentitude and wealth on Barbados, Stede Bonnet seemed destined for a life of pleasure and ease. The son of a successful and influential plantation owner, his early life was marked by tragedy when his parents died suddenly, leaving seven year-old Stede orphaned and in a perpetual state of melancholy.
His inheritance of some 400 acres of land softened the blow caused by the loss of his parents, and by the time Stede was in his late teens, he had already restored the sugar plantation to a profitable state. He married young and set about starting a family as soon as possible, but owing to what some called a "disorder of the mind" he never found solace or comfort in these domestic trappings.
To further complicate his unease, his firstborn son died in infancy, further amplifying his grief and stiming his restlessness. As a means of coping, he dreamed of going to sea and sailing about the world, meeting people, living life as a man free of the obligations thrust upon him.
When Bonnet's ship was apprehended by the British Navy on suspicion of piracy, he was rescued by the pirate Edward Kenway who, with the help of Blackbeard and others, eventually influenced the affable and impressionable merchant into going on the account himself.
Born: 1688, England Died: Unknown
Upton Travers was born in England, in 1688, two years ahead of his brother, Vance Travers. Together, they traveled to the West Indies in search of their fortune. There they established a smuggling business, which they used to fund their growing involvement with the Assassin brotherhood.
Although Vance was the more charismatic of the two Assassin brothers, Upton made up for it with his measured, sensible responses to life's challenges.
However, every man has a breaking point, and Upton found his after Vance took up with the Chinese "Pirate Queen," Jing Lang, a Templar, and sought to steal the treasure on which they had staked their retirement before finally attempting fratricide.
Depressed, Upton turned to alcohol, which may have been a factor in his retaliation. He ultimately had both Jing Lang and his brother dispatched with the help of Edward Kenway.
Originally hailing from Wales, little is known about John Roberts, the real name of the man who would come to be known as "Black Bart" long after his death.
Most assume he went to sea at a very young age -- at 13 or so -- but there is no record of him in any historical documents until his noted appearance in 1718 aboard a merchant's ship, Barbadian in origin. Just a year later Roberts was pressed into piracy by the notorious Howell Davis while working aboard a slave ship under Captain Abraham Plumb. Though Roberts had likely not gone to sea with the intent of becoming a pirate, when the opportunity thrust itself upon him, Roberts was reported to have said 'A merry life, and a short one shall be my motto.'
A few months later Davis was killed in an ambush on the Portuguese Island of Príncipe, and Roberts was swiftly and unanimously elected to replace him. This was surely a testament to the man's natural charisma and leadership, for he had been a pirate only a few months. It was at this point he took the name "Bartholomew", likely naming himself for the infamous Bartholomew Sharpe, a pirate of some renown who had disappeared just two decades earlier.
One of the most intelligent and strategic pirates of the Golden Age, Roberts was a sturdy man, known to dress in fine clothes. Handsome, and carrying himself with a dignified but unpretentious air, he had dark hair to match his dark complexion, likely set from the almost two decades he had spent at sea. He often carried numerous pistols, each tied to one end of long silk sashes, which he kept slung over his shoulder.
Roberts' tactical ideas were usually radical, but thoughtfully considered. He never jumped into any scheme rashly, though his ideas seemed almost suicidal to those unacquainted with his methods. Ultimately responsible for the theft of around 400 ships in his three-year career, he bested every other pirate of the era by a factor of ten times or more, although it must be said that at least half of these boats were small periaguas and the like.
Born: Mid-1680s, England Died: ????
Benjamin Hornigold was likely born in Norfolk, England. The first recorded instances of him are of his early exploits as a pirate in the West Indies around 1713-1714.
Hornigold was one of the earliest pirates to emerge after the end of the War of the Spanish Succession, and one of the many hundreds of privateers who were left without gainful employment in the ensuing peace. Like many other British mariners, he spent much of his time in the Bahamas, eventually settling in Nassau. It was from there he launched his career as a full-fledged pirate, though he likely thought of himself as a privateer--in his earliest years, at least.
A skilful sailor and strategist, Hornigold lacked some of the ruthlessness required to be a truly successful pirate, and until 1716, refused to attack English ships out of a sense of loyalty to his home country.
Born: Unknown Died: Unknown
Almost nothing is known about El Tiburón "The Shark" outside of his service as the loyal, mute bodyguard of Laureano de Torres y Ayala, the Grandmaster of the Caribbean Templars and the Governor of Cuba. The Shark's penchant for medieval armor and brutal violence cut a swathe of fear through Havana, leaving citizens and soldiers alike quivering in his blood soaked wake.
Born: 1682, England Died: 1717, West Indies
Hilary Flint was born to an aristocratic family, the youngest of three boys. The black sheep of the family, he sought solitude in his studies. Immersing himself in math and sciences, Flint discovered an abiding interest in explosives, earning him the label of "problem child".
To correct his course, his parents enrolled him in military school, where he quicklyexceeded their expetations, working his way into the hearts of both teachers and students, as well as a few secret societies.
After graduation, his connections and easy manner earned him access to Templar ranks where his obsession with firearms made him an important asset.
Records reveal an ongoing relationship with AssassinRhona Dinsmore, the full nature of which is uncertain. She vanishes from record after Flint's death at the age of 35.
Born: 1686, China Died: 1717, Nassau
Born to Chinese rebels, Jing Lang came into the world fighting, but survived to become a skilled diplomat with a flair for languages and a taste for discovery.
Ambitious, Lang married the son of a General in the Qing dynasty, joining the Templar order, but severing ties with her family in the process. She served as a diplomatic advisor, until a shift in political tides provoked her escape into piracy.
Over the next decade, she crossed every sea, developing a reputation for brutality that preceded her into most conflicts.
In the West Indies, she fell under the spell of a rumored cache of treasure, and feigned a romantic relationship with one-time AssassinVance Travers to gain access to it.
She might have been successful had it not been for Travers' brother, Upton, an Assassin who schemed to have her killed, betraying his brother in the process. She died at the age of thirty.
Born: 1682, France Died: ????
Nephew of the buccaneer Jean du Casse, Julien was born in Montpellier, France. He took after his uncle's example and took to sea at a young age, eventually joining him in a few skirmishes during the War of the Spanish Succession. Fighting on the side of the French, and by proxy, on behalf of King Philip of Spain, du Casse's skill as a gunner improved rapidly, even as he grew wildly disillusioned with the monarchy and its obsession with lineage and breeding over raw talent and skill.
In 1704, ordered by his superior officers to join his uncle and hundreds of French troops in what would become known as the Battle of Vélez-Màlaga, du Casse opted instead to desert his post and seek his fortunes in the New World. At first he threw in with slave traders in Africa, and for a year made a modest profit off the venture. But he was never comfortable with the cruelty and detachment the job required, and so departed for the West Indies in search of yet another vocation.
For the next 10 years, du Casse roamed the West Indies as a hired gun, working for whomever had the coin and confidence to pay him. Ever prizing the value of intelligence and skill over mere reputation and breeding, du Casse, eventually found his way into the company of Laureano Torres of Cuba, in whom he found a friend and confidant...
Born: 1675, England Died: 1715, Kingston
Born to an upper class family and educated in boarding schools from age five, Kenneth Abraham learned to fight for himself at an early age. Upon graduation, he entered the army and rose through the ranks, finally meeting the rank of Commander.
His embrace of order and disciple drew him into the fold of the Templar Order, which offered him influence beyond that offered by his military career. From the age of thirty, he ascended its ranks in parallel to those of his military career by devoting himself to the promotion of order and peace.
In 1715, the Assassin Anto infiltrated a Ball held by Abraham on his plantation, together with the pirate Edward Kenway. There, Abraham was assassinated by the pair, confronted in his final moments by the nemesis he had tried and failed to defeat.
He remained, until his death, determined to rid the world of unpredictable and disorderly elements.
Born: 1645, Cuba Died: ????
Born in Havana, but raised in Madrid, Spain, Laureano was of noble stock, the son of Tomas Torres y Ayala and Elvira de Quadros Castellanos. He joined the Spanish army in his late teens, and was later appointed as the governor of Spain's territories in Florida, a post he held from 1693 to 1699. He then returned to Europe to participate in the War of the Spanish Succession.
In 1708, Torres was appointed as the governor of Cuba, a post he held for three years until he was accused of and arrested for corruption. He was acquitted of these charges, however, and managed to win a re-election bid in 1713.
During his time in Cuba, he made many lasting improvements to the city, fortifying the island's defenses and introducing the production of tobacco there. He remained Governor until 1716, after which point he retired and devoted his life to charitable functions, such as building hospitals.
Born: 1630s, Amsterdam Died: 1717, Kingston
Laurens Prins (often anglicized as Laurence Prince) was a Dutchman from Amsterdam who spent the majority of his life in and around the West Indies. Operating out of Port Royal, Prins saw an incredible amount of action and adventure in his long life.
Sailing as a privateer in the early days of the Golden Age of Piracy (1650s) he developed a reputation for courage fighting the Spanish on behalf of the British crown, sometimes bearing a letter of marque, often without. He even played a pivotal role in Sir Henry Morgan's infamous raid on Panama in 1671, for which he was roundly celebrated.
Prins eventually retired from privateering and settled in a large acreage of land in Jamaica. Around this time he entered into the slave trade as a means of bolstering his wealth, an occupation he pursued well into his seventies.
In 1717, his flagship slave galley, The Whydah, was attacked and captured by the pirate"Black Sam" Bellamy. He managed to survive the encounter, and fell back into his old occupation until his death some months later.
Born: 1689, Spain Died: 1715, Pinos Isle
Born in Spain, Lucia Márquez never knew her father. By the age of twelve she was supporting herself and her sisters on the streets, begging, borrowing, and stealing anything she could, all the while developing the skills of a master thief.
At the age of seventeen, she was caught stealing a horse belonging to a high-ranking Templar, and wisely opted for training over jail time.
The Templar life gave Marquez the focus she needed and she never found herself at a lack of challenge or adventure.
She died at the age of twenty-six on Pinos Isle, wise beyond her years, on the order of the TainoAssassin, Opía Apito.
Historic archives contain scattered references to individuals known as "Sages", but they are few and far between. Each citation seems to refer to a different person living in a vastly different time and location.
The earliest example was found in a Sumerian clay tablet in cuneiform script, while the latest survives only as a footnote in one of Laureano Torres's own journals, dated January 1704. In all – according to exhaustive research – seven different "Sages" seem to have graced the world's stage in the past twelve hundred years. But the real number is likely higher.
Perhaps, the strangest aspect connecting each of these various sightings is the fact that, in every case, visual descriptions of each Sage are remarkably similar. So similar, in fact, that one wouldn't be faulted for assuming they ware talking about a single, immortal man. However, in two of the seven citations, explicit mention is made of their death and burial.
Is this therefore some bizarre form of reincarnation? Or some simpler explanation that is presently unknown? More research is required.
Born: 1690, England Died: 1717, Nassau
Born in England, the passionate, creative, yet incredibly gullible Vance Travers, found a life for himself amongst the Assassin's Brotherhood in the West Indies, where he ran a successful smuggling enterprise, with his older brother, Upton.
Business took a turn for the worse after he met and fell in love with the Templar, Jing Lang, who persuaded him to divulge knowledge of the location of buried treasure with which he and Upton planned to fund their retirement.
Paranoid, Travers developed delusions that his brother plotted to steal his treasure and Jing's heart. He broke from the Creed and, after a failed attempt at fratricide, was killed by Edward Kenway.
Born: 1679, England Died: ????
Woodes Rogers was born into money, to a seafaring family with deep roots in both Poole and Bristol, England. His early life was a picture of industriousness and ambition, and by the age of 18 he was an apprentice Mariner.
Upon his father's death at sea in 1706, Woodes inherited his family's prosperous shipping company, which he took to managing with great passion. Between 1704 and 1707 Rogers' fortunes and family grew, and by the time he was twenty-seven his marriage to Sarah Whetstone had produced one son and two daughters.
By the end of 1707, however, his business had suffered great losses by raidingFrench forces, giving Rogers the idea to recoup these dreadful losses himself. Knocking about Bristol in search of a partner for this endeavor, he soon found himself in the company of William Dampier, an old friend and unlucky Captain who suggested setting out on a privateering expedition, one that would range far and wide about the New World. In 1708, Rogers made the necessary arrangements and set out as Captain of his own vessel, on a difficult voyage that would last over three years.
Along this course Rogers met with many successes and failures. In 1709, off the western coast of South America, he found and rescued a marooned sailor by the name of Alexander Selkirk, a sailor who had spent nearly 4 years living in isolation and who would serve as the inspiration for the book "Robinson Crusoe" just a few years later.
Soon after Selkirk's recovery, Rogers' fleet engaged an enemy vessel in open combat—a skirmish that earned him a pistol shot to the left side of his face and a mangled heel. Neither wound was enough to remove him from command however, and he continued serving as captain until his return to England in late 1711. To commemorate this return, he had an operation to remove the offending bullet from his upper palate.
Now in poor health but high spirits, he set about writing his memoirs. Upon their publication a few years, they were an immediate success, and proved a great source of income. But this brief glory was offset by the sudden death of his son, a tragedy compounded some months later by his wife's decision to leave him. Also at this time, Rogers was sued by former shipmates for allegedly hoarding goods and money plundered from enemy vessels. Rogers assembled a defense, but lost the case.
In 1713, itching to return to sea, he organized passage to Madagascar claiming to be a merchant in the slave trade, but with the intended purpose of reconnoitering the rumored pirate colonies established there. When he arrived in Madagascar after months of hard sailing, he found that the legends of the pirate town "Libertalia" had been exaggerated one-hundredfold. The pirates in Madagascar were sickly and few and desperate for help. After spending just a few months here, Rogers set sail for England, a failure in his own mind.
And yet, never one to give up hope, Woodes Rogers reoriented his attentions to the West Indies, eventually lobbying King George for a commission to hunt pirates in the Caribbean. On this score, he succeeded. After a few diligent years of making his case, King George appointed Woodes Rogers as the Governor of the Bahamas. Now, at last, he would make his mark, and bring justice to a land where chaos had taken root...
An incomplete audio clip from The Devils of the Caribbean Podcast reconstructed from recovered files.
An audio message from Ego, easily intercepted by the Dark Animus with no need for further decryption.
In it, she warns the nascent Eagle that she knows of his every movement within the mainframe, threatening to pierce him clean from the sky.
Audio memory obtained from an Animus memory fragement in which Sebastían Vizcaíno recovers from wounds sustained during a confrontation.
