Charles Darwin

"I am used to people challenging my ideas. In fact, I live for it... The cut and thrust of spirited debate!"

―Charles Darwin, 1868.

Charles Robert Darwin (1809 – 1882) was an English naturalist and geologist, best known for his contributions to evolutionary theory. He is an ancestor to Vanessa.

Biography

Early life

Due to his interests in nature, Charles Darwin neglected his education in medicine at the University of Edinburgh, much to his father's irritation. In turn, his father sent him to Christ's College at the University of Cambridge, in hopes of turning him into an Anglican parson. This did not stop Darwin's passion for the natural sciences, and instead intensified it, preferring his collection of beetles instead of studying.

Darwin's detailed journal of his voyage aboard HMS Beagle made him famous in scientific circles. Upon his return, his father helped Darwin invest so that he could function as a self-funded gentleman scientist. However, his successes and overwork came to a toll on his physical health and Darwin easily caught illnesses and plagues.

Eventually, Darwin managed to publish his work On the Origin of Species by 1859.

Working with the Frye twins

"My brother and I will make sure that you can continue your work in peace."

―Evie Frye to Darwin, 1868.

Darwin and Jacob Frye at the Starrick Brewing Company distillery

In 1868, Darwin investigated the factory producing Starrick's Soothing Syrup, aware of the drug's effects on the London populace. He tried to sneak inside, only to find the gate locked and the Templar-affiliated Blighters arriving. The scientist hid himself and watched as the Assassin Jacob Frye eliminated the guards before taking the opportunity to open the lock.

Sharing the same goal in stopping the Syrup's production, Darwin and Jacob entered the factory together and discovered that the Syrup contained the drug opium, explaining its highly addictive nature. They proceeded to turn the pressure lever for the distillation tanks to burst and release gas, causing the entire factory to catch fire within moments.

Fortunately, Darwin and Jacob were able to escape the now-burning building. Darwin then introduced himself to the young Assassin and revealed a book he had found inside the factory before its destruction, which indicated that large batches of the Syrup were being sent to Lambeth Asylum. The scientist subsequently asked Jacob to meet him at the asylum to continue their investigation.

Darwin arguing with Richard Owen

Outside the asylum, Darwin confronted Richard Owen, accusing him of writing an anonymous article that insulted his name and reputation, but Owen brushed him off and drove off in a carriage. Jacob came by shortly afterwards, and Darwin urged him to pursue Owen, as he knew who was producing the Syrup. Jacob returned after having intimidated Owen into revealing that the Syrup's producer was Doctor John Elliotson. The Assassin then proceeded to infiltrate Lambeth Asylum and eliminate Elliotson, ending production of the Syrup.

Darwin later ran into Jacob again, as well as his twin sister Evie, and asked for their help in recovering an important fossil from a colleague of his named Dr. Schwartz. Though the Fryes were able to recover the fossil, they informed Darwin that Schwartz had been killed by the Templars.

Another time, Darwin joined the Frye twins in investigating a toxic plant in one of Westminster's parks that was making people delirious. Discovering the Blighters to be responsible, they hijacked their flower carriage and destroyed it. Along the way, the Fryes told Darwin more about the nature of their conflict with the Templars, including the fact that Elliotson had been a member of the organization. The scientist did not probe them for further details, and encouraged the Assassins to continue their fight.

Darwin with Jacob, Evie, and Florence Nightingale

Later, Darwin asked one of the Frye twins to fetch him a newspaper, which led them to discover that the Templars were paying vendors to spread anti-Darwin propaganda. After they warned the biologist of it, the Assassins tore down caricature posters of Darwin and destroyed the printing shop making them. The Templars retaliated by having a corrupt police officer "arrest" Darwin, but he was soon rescued by Jacob and Evie, who had been informed of the incident by Florence Nightingale.

Later life and death

By the 1870s, Darwin became one of the most popular biologists in the world thanks to his theory of evolution and unified life sciences which explained the diversity on the planet. On the Origin of Species had by then become mass-published and spread to even Cairo, Egypt. Darwin died in 1882 and was honored with a burial in the Westminster Abbey.

Legacy

In November 2013, Abstergo Entertainment employee Kama Neron discussed possible locations for the company's future projects in an email chain started by their Chief Creative Officer Olivier Garneau. As Neron abhorred violence, they suggested focusing on moments in history that reflected people's ingenuity, like Charles Darwin aboard the Beagle. Though Abstergo had access to a descendant of Darwin since 1998, Neron was still shut down by Evan Dean as it wasn't an interesting enough prospect.

Gallery

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  Promotional art of Darwin
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  Database Image of Darwin
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  Promotional art of Darwin
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  A Venerable Orang-outang published by The Hornet, a satirical magazine
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  Darwin and Jacob outside Lambeth Asylum

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy (first mentioned)
• Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (mentioned only)
• Assassin's Creed: Syndicate (first appearance)
• Echoes of History (mentioned only)
• Assassin's Creed: The Engine of History – The Resurrection Plot (mentioned only)