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{{DISPLAYTITLE:''{{PAGENAME}}''}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''{{PAGENAME}}''}}{{Era|Transportation|Assassins|Featured}}
{{Era|Transportation|Assassins|Featured}}
{{Otheruses|the ship Aquila|[[Aquila (disambiguation)]]}}
{{Quote|Who is she? Why the ''Aquila'', boy! The Ghost of the North Seas! ... She's a ship, boy, and make no mistake about it!|Robert Faulkner to Connor regarding the ''Aquila'', 1770.|Assassin's Creed III}}
{{Quote|Who is she? Why the ''Aquila'', boy! The Ghost of the North Seas! ... She's a ship, boy, and make no mistake about it!|Robert Faulkner to Connor regarding the ''Aquila'', 1770.|Assassin's Creed III|Training Begins}}
[[File:AC3 Aquila Homestead Bay.png|250px|thumb|The ''Aquila'' in the bay of Davenport Homestead]]
{{Ship Infobox
The '''''Aquila''''' was an [[Assassins|Assassin]] [[Brig|brig]] that served as as the flagship for the [[American Brotherhood of Assassins|Colonial Brotherhood]]'s burgeoning fleet throughout the latter half of the eighteenth century. Constructed by the [[Parisian Brotherhood of Assassins|Parisian Brotherhood]] in 1749, it was a highly exceptional brig for its time, boasting more firepower than its size would suggest, yet being swifter than any [[schooner]]. With the Assassin sailor [[Robert Faulkner]] at the helm, it came to be feared as the '''Ghost of the North Seas''' for its uncanny ability to strike from the cover of fog before disappearing.
|image = AC3 Aquila Homestead Bay.png
|caption = The ''Aquila'' in the bay of Davenport Homestead
|name = ''Aquila''
|battles = *{{Wiki|Battle of Gloucester (1775)|Battle of Gloucester}}
*{{Wiki|Frederica naval action}}
*[[Battle of the Chesapeake]]
*[[Rebellion against King Washington]] {{C|alternate reality}}
|service = 1749 - ?
|status = Unknown
|affiliates = [[Assassins]]
|database = [[Database: The Aquila|The Aquila]]
|type = [[Brig]]
|displacement =
|length =
|armaments =
*60 {{Wiki|Broadside (naval)|broadside cannons}}
*6 [[swivel gun]]s
*Naval ram
|crew =
}}
The '''''Aquila''''' was an [[Assassins|Assassin]] [[brig]] that served as the flagship for the [[American Brotherhood of Assassins|Colonial Brotherhood]]'s burgeoning fleet throughout the latter half of the 18th century.


During the [[American Revolutionary War]], the vessel was captained by the Colonial Assassin [[Ratonhnhaké:ton]], with Robert Faulkner as his first mate. Under their command, the ''Aquila'' helped to eliminate [[Continental Army]] captain and [[Templars|Templar]] [[Nicholas Biddle]], who had been raiding locations along the coast. The pair also patrolled several trade routes along the eastern seaboard and the [[Caribbean Sea]], engaging in multiple [[Privateers|privateer]] contracts. Crucially, the ''Aquila'' participated in the [[Battle of the Chesapeake]] where it was instrumental in the [[France|French]] victory.<ref name="AC3">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]''</ref>
Constructed by the [[Parisian Brotherhood of Assassins|Parisian Brotherhood]] in 1749, it was a highly exceptional brig for its time, boasting more firepower than its size would suggest, yet being swifter than any [[schooner]]. With the Assassin sailor [[Robert Faulkner]] at the helm, it came to be feared as the '''Ghost of the North Seas''' for its uncanny ability to strike from the cover of fog before disappearing.
 
During the [[American Revolutionary War]], the vessel was [[captain]]ed by the Colonial Assassin [[Ratonhnhaké:ton]], with Robert Faulkner as his first mate. Under their command, the ''Aquila'' helped to eliminate [[Continental Army]] naval captain and [[Templars|Templar]] [[Nicholas Biddle]], who had been [[raid]]ing locations along the coast. The pair also patrolled several trade routes along the eastern seaboard and the [[Caribbean Sea]], engaging in multiple [[Privateers|privateer]] contracts. Crucially, the ''Aquila'' participated in the [[Battle of the Chesapeake]] where it was instrumental in the [[France|French]] victory.


==History==
==History==
{{Quote|She's still the fastest in the Atlantic – sure she needs some attention... minor things mostly but with a little affection she'll fly again.|Robert Faulkner discussing the repairs needed on the ''Aquila'', 1770.|Assassin's Creed III}}
===Construction and early history===
In 1748, the Colonial [[Mentor]] [[Achilles Davenport]] asked the Swedish Brotherhood to build a brig to fight the Templars across the [[Atlantic Ocean]]. At that time however, King Frederik I of [[Sweden]] was building his navy with the funding of [[George II of Great Britain|George II of England]] in [[Stockholm]]'s dockyard. Thus, the Swedish Assassins could not accept comply, since the dockyard was full of Templar agents, and instead recommended that the [[French Assassins]] construct the ship.<ref name="ACRG">''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]''</ref>
{{Quote|The Assassin Council is pleased to inform you that the construction of your ship is complete. She was made by the finest shipbuilders in Brest. We have named her the ''Aquila'', a constellation whose brightest star is named Altaïr. She awaits you and your crew.|[[Nicolas de Saint-Prix]] in a letter to Achilles Davenport, 1749.|Assassin's Creed: Rogue|War Letters}}
In 1748, the Colonial Assassins' [[Mentor]] [[Achilles Davenport]] asked the [[Swedish Brotherhood of Assassins|Swedish Brotherhood]] to build a brig to fight the Templars across the [[Atlantic Ocean]]. At that time however, King [[Frederick I of Sweden|Frederik I]] of [[Sweden]] was building his navy in [[Stockholm]]'s dockyard with the funding of King [[George II of Great Britain|George II of England]]. Thus, the Swedish Assassins could not accept, since the dockyard was full of Templar agents, and instead recommended that the [[French Assassins]] construct the ship.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' – [[War Letters]]: "The Swedish Levant Company"</ref>


Later that year, Achilles asked [[Gaspar Velasquez]], a [[Spain|Spanish]] shipbuilder and ally to the Assassin Order, to construct the ship. Although Gaspar soon began working on the blueprints for the brig, the threat of the [[British Rite of the Templar Order|British Templars]] meant that he was unable to fully finish the project. The plans were then sent directly to the French [[Assassin Council]]. In 1749, the ship was completed in [[Brest]] and subsequently sent to the Colonies to serve the Colonial Brotherhood.<ref name="ACRG" /><ref name="The Essential Guide">''[[Assassin's Creed: The Essential Guide]]''</ref>
Later that year, Achilles asked [[Gaspar Velasquez]], a [[Spain|Spanish]] shipbuilder and ally to the Assassin Order, to construct the ship. Although Gaspar soon began working on the blueprints for the brig, the threat of the [[British Rite of the Templar Order|British Templars]] meant that he was unable to fully finish the project. The plans were then sent directly to the French [[Assassin Council]].<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' – [[War Letters]]: "Mediterranean Defence"</ref> In 1749, the ship was completed in [[Brest]] and subsequently sent to the Colonies to serve the Colonial Brotherhood.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' – [[War Letters]]: "The Ghost of the North"</ref><ref name="The Essential Guide">''[[Assassin's Creed: The Essential Guide]]''</ref>


Around 1750, Achilles served as captain of the ''Aquila'', where in the same year he rescued the veteran sailor Robert Faulkner. Faulkner was grateful for his aid and, with the help of [[Louis-Joseph Gaultier, Chevalier de la Vérendrye]], offered his services in creating a shipping route designed to connect the Colonial Brotherhood with the European branches of the Order. By 1753, Faulkner had been recruited into the Order and appointed first mate of the ''Aquila''.<ref name="ACRG" />
Around 1750, Achilles served as captain of the ''Aquila'', where in the same year he rescued the veteran sailor Robert Faulkner. Faulkner was grateful for his aid and, with the help of [[Louis-Joseph Gaultier, Chevalier de la Vérendrye]], offered his services in creating a shipping route designed to connect the Colonial Brotherhood with the European branches of the Order.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' – [[War Letters]]: "The Stalwart"</ref> By 1753, Faulkner had been recruited into the Order and appointed first mate of the ''Aquila''.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[Database: Robert Faulkner]]</ref>


While small in design, the ''Aquila'' was a fast ship for its size, capable of twelve knots in good wind, according to Faulkner, making her one of the fastest in her region of service. Armed with heavy [[cannons]] and accurate swivel guns, the ''Aquila'' had a versatile and powerful arsenal that made her a force to be reckoned with.<ref name="AC3" />
While small in design, the ''Aquila'' was a fast ship for its size, capable of twelve knots in good wind, according to Faulkner, making her one of the fastest in her region of service. Armed with heavy [[cannons]] and accurate swivel guns, the ''Aquila'' had a versatile and powerful arsenal that made her a force to be reckoned with.<ref name="The Hard Way">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[The Hard Way]]</ref>
 
===Near-destruction===
{{Quote|She's still the fastest in the Atlantic—sure she needs some attention... minor things mostly but with a little affection she'll fly again.|Robert Faulkner discussing the repairs needed on the ''Aquila'', 1770.|Assassin's Creed III|Training Begins}}
[[File:Journey to the New World 20.png|thumb|250px|left|The ''Aquila'' pursuing the ''Providence'']]
In 1754, by which point she had become the Assassin fleet's flagship, the ''Aquila'' pursued the ''[[Providence]]'', which transported the Templar [[Haytham Kenway]] from [[London]] to the [[United States|Thirteen Colonies]]. The ''Aquila'' was able to track the ''Providence'' thanks to a trail of cargo dumped into the ocean by [[Louis Mills]], an Assassin who worked as a sailor aboard the [[merchant]] ship. However, after engaging the ''Providence'', its quarry escaped by sailing into a storm while the ''Aquila'' appeared to sink.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[Journey to the New World]]</ref>
 
In reality, the ''Aquila'' escaped the storm with only minor damages and the Assassins spread rumors of her destruction to deceive the Templars. After being repaired and refitted for combat, she plagued Templar fleets for the next decade, earning herself the moniker of "Ghost of the North Seas"; an illusion spread both by the ship avoiding major harbors and by the exceptional sailing ability of her acting captain, Robert Faulkner.<ref name="Database">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[Database: The Aquila]]</ref>


[[File:AC3 Aquila Wreck.png|thumb|250px|''Aquila'', in disrepair, in the Davenport Homestead's harbor]]
[[File:AC3 Aquila Wreck.png|thumb|250px|''Aquila'', in disrepair, in the Davenport Homestead's harbor]]
In 1754, by which point she had become the flagship of the Assassin fleet, the Assassins spread the word that the ''Aquila'' had been destroyed after suffering heavy damage pursuing the ''[[Providence]]'', which was transporting the Templar [[Grand Master of the Templar Order|Grand Master]] [[Haytham Kenway]], through a storm. In reality, she had only sustained minor damage and was soon refitted for combat.<ref name="AC3" />
Eventually, the Templars uncovered the fact that the ''Aquila'' had not been destroyed and, in 1768, three [[Royal Navy|British frigates]] ambushed the ship, nearly destroying it. Both the ''Aquila'' and Faulkner survived and managed to escape to the [[Davenport Homestead]],<ref name="Database" /> where they would remain until the arrival of the Assassin-in-training Connor, who elected to defray the cost of the vessel's repairs.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[Training Begins]]</ref> Coincidentally, Connor had invited lumberjacks [[Terry]] and [[Godfrey]] to live on the Homestead, so the ''Aquila'' had the resources necessary for repairs.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[River Rescue]]</ref>


Over the next decade, the ''Aquila'' plagued the Templar fleets, earning herself the moniker of "''Ghost of the North Seas''", an illusion spread both by the ship avoiding major harbors and by the exceptional sailing ability of her acting captain, Robert Faulkner.<ref name="AC3" />
===Rebuilding and flagship of the Colonial Brotherhood===
{{Quote|Ha ha! The ''Aquila'' flies again. D'ya feel it, lad?!|Robert Faulkner to Connor, during the ''Aquila''{{'}}s first voyage after its rebuilding, 1773.|Assassin's Creed III|The Hard Way}}
After six months, Connor and Faulkner found a crew for the ''Aquila'' and sailed to [[Martha's Vineyard]] in search of cannons and officers. Faulkner recruited two of his old shipmates, [[David Clutterbuck|David]] and [[Richard Clutterbuck]], as gunnery officers, and tutored Connor in sailing the ''Aquila'' as captain. After practicing to fire the cannons at an old shipwreck, the ''Aquila'' saw her first fight in years against a patrol of [[United Kingdom|British]] [[gunboat]]s and a [[frigate]].<ref name="The Hard Way" />


Eventually, the Templars uncovered the fact that the ''Aquila'' had not been destroyed and, in 1768, three [[Royal Navy|British frigates]] ambushed the ship, nearly destroying it. Both the ''Aquila'' and Faulkner survived and managed to escape to the [[Davenport Homestead]], where they would remain until the arrival of the Assassin-in-training Connor, who elected to defray the cost of the vessel's repairs. Coincidentally, he had invited lumberjacks [[Terry]] and [[Godfrey]] to live on the Homestead, so the ''Aquila'' had the resources necessary for repairs.<ref name="AC3" />
Following this battle, Connor used the ''Aquila'' to defend trade routes along the Colonial seaboard and the [[Caribbean]]. The ''Aquila'' was called upon to defend a number of trading vessels, such as the ''[[Henderson]]'' and ''[[Independence]]'', securing trade routes for the colonists and reducing the risk for merchants.<ref name="AC3">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]''</ref>
 
After six months, Connor and Faulkner found a crew for the ''Aquila'' and sailed to [[Martha's Vineyard]] in search of cannons and officers. Faulkner recruited some of his old shipmates, [[David Clutterbuck|David]] and [[Richard Clutterbuck]], as gunnery officers, and tutored Connor in sailing the ''Aquila'' as captain. After practicing to fire the cannons at an old shipwreck, the ''Aquila'' saw her first fight in years against a patrol of [[United Kingdom|British]] [[Gunboat|gunboats]] and a [[frigate]].<ref name="AC3" />


[[File:ACIII-Frenchinvolvement 9.png|thumb|left|250px|Connor and Faulkner on deck]]
[[File:ACIII-Frenchinvolvement 9.png|thumb|left|250px|Connor and Faulkner on deck]]
Following this battle, Connor used the ''Aquila'' to defend trade routes along the Colonial seaboard and the Caribbean. The ''Aquila'' was called upon to defend a number of trading vessels, such as the ''[[Henderson]]'' and ''[[Independence]]'', securing trade routes for the colonists and reducing the risk for merchants.<ref name="AC3" />
Privateers and English frigates were terrorizing the coast, and the ''Aquila''{{'}}s patrols put her in a premier position to eliminate the threats. Gunboats and frigates were among the privateers' favored ships, though they occasionally had a few larger ships to rival the ''Aquila'', such as the ''[[Dartmoor]]'', ''[[Saint James (Ship)|Saint James]]'', and ''[[Prospector]]''. While these battles were relatively brief, their effects were far-reaching.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[Sinking a Secret]]</ref><ref>''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[Dread of Night]]</ref><ref>''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[Raiding the Prospector]]</ref>


Privateers and English frigates were terrorizing the coast, and the ''Aquila''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s patrols put her in a premier position to eliminate the threats. Gunboats and frigates were among the privateers' favored ships, though they occasionally had a few larger ships to rival the ''Aquila'', such as the ''Dartmoor'', ''[[Saint James]]'', and ''[[Prospector]]''.<ref name="AC3" />
[[Civilian]] traders were affected by the patrols of the ''Aquila'' and her crew, as they were less likely to lose goods to the raiders. This meant that prices to trade goods were lowered across the Colonies, making the ''Aquila'' not only a military force, but an indirect economic one as well.<ref name="AC3" />


While these battles were relatively brief, their effects were far-reaching. Civilian traders were affected by the patrols of the ''Aquila'' and her crew, as they were less likely to lose goods to the raiders. This meant that prices to trade goods were lowered across the Colonies, making the ''Aquila'' not only a military force but an indirect economic one as well.<ref name="AC3" />
The ship also served as transport for her captain when Connor sought out Captain [[William Kidd]]'s [[Rings of Eden|hidden treasure]] and traveled in pursuit of Templars. Often, this meant the ''Aquila'' waited offshore while Connor went ashore in a rowboat to explore the maps [[Peg Leg]] had given him in exchange for [[trinkets]].<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[Fort Wolcott (memory)|Fort Wolcott]]</ref><ref>''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[Dead Chest's Treasure]]</ref><ref>''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[The Ghost Ship]]</ref><ref>''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[The Mad Doctor's Castle]]</ref>


[[File:ACIII-Bitterend 7.png|thumb|250px|Connor and Haytham hunting the ''Welcome'']]
[[File:ACIII-Bitterend 7.png|thumb|250px|Connor and Haytham hunting the ''Welcome'']]
The ship also served as transport for her captain when Connor sought out the [[Shards of Eden|hidden treasure]] of Captain [[William Kidd]] and traveled in pursuit of Templars. Often, this meant the ''Aquila'' waited offshore while Connor went ashore in a rowboat to explore the maps [[Peg Leg]] had given him in exchange for [[trinkets]].<ref name="AC3" />
These locales varied greatly, from a jungle beach to the frigid North. However, on some occasions, the ''Aquila'' was directly used in hunting a Templar. In 1778, Connor and his father Haytham Kenway, during their brief armistice, used the ''Aquila'' in their pursuit of [[Benjamin Church]] and the ''[[Welcome]]'' in the Caribbean Sea, eventually boarding the ship, retrieving her stolen cargo for the [[Patriots]] at [[Valley Forge]], and killing her passengers. In the process, the ''Aquila'' decimated the ''Welcome'' and her crew, proving to be a resounding victory for her captain.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[A Bitter End]]</ref>
 
The ''Welcome'' was not her only prey—Nicholas Biddle had been raiding Martha's Vineyard in the [[USS Randolph|USS ''Randolph'']]. Issues first arose when [[privateer]] frigates threatened merchant vessels near the Vineyard, and the ''Aquila'' successfully found and defeated their [[fort]] headquarters.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[The Chase]]</ref> When another merchant vessel was threatened, the ''Randolph'' was spotted leading the privateers, though she escaped under the cover of a storm.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[The Rescue (III)|The Rescue]]</ref>


These locales varied greatly, from a jungle beach to the frigid north. However, on some occasions, the ''Aquila'' was directly used in hunting a Templar. Haytham Kenway and Connor, during their brief armistice, used the ''Aquila'' in the hunt for [[Benjamin Church]] and the ''[[Welcome]]'' in the Caribbean Sea, eventually boarding the ship, retrieving her stolen cargo for the [[Patriots]] at [[Valley Forge]], and killing her passenger. In the process, the ''Aquila'' had decimated the ''Welcome'' and her crew, proving to be a resounding victory for her captain.<ref name="AC3" />
For several years thereafter between 1776 and 1778, Connor and the ''Aquila'' hunted Biddle and the ''Randolph'', thought to be the party responsible for inciting the privateers to raid the Vineyard and the ships visiting it. The ship's hunt was delayed by needing to help ''[[La Belladonna]]'', a vessel vital to the war effort, and other constraints on her captain's time.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[French Involvement]]</ref>


[[File:ACIII-Biddlehideout 3.png|left|250px|thumb|The ''Aquila'' firing at a Man-of-War under Biddle's command]]
[[File:ACIII-Biddlehideout 3.png|left|250px|thumb|The ''Aquila'' firing at a Man-of-War under Biddle's command]]
The ''Welcome'' was not her only prey – Nicholas Biddle had been raiding Martha's Vineyard in the [[USS Randolph|USS ''Randolph'']]. Issues first arose when privateer frigates threatened merchant vessels near the Vineyard, and the ''Aquila'' successfully found and defeated their [[Forts|fort]] headquarters.<ref name="AC3" />
Eventually, in March 1778, Connor and the ''Aquila'' managed to corner the ''Randolph'' near [[the Bahamas]]. The ''Aquila'' proved the hardier ship compared to the larger ''Randolph''; Connor's superior seamanship and the ''Aquila''{{'}}s firepower allowed her and her captain to disable the ''Randolph'', kill her captain, and scuttle her, securing the Vineyard and stopping the Templars from encouraging further attacks. With Biddle out of the way, the seaboard was safe once more for neutral traders to conduct business with the Colonies.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[Biddle's Hideout]]</ref>
 
When another merchant vessel was threatened, the ''Randolph'' was spotted leading the privateers, though she escaped in the cover of a storm. For several years thereafter between 1776 and 1778, Connor and the ''Aquila'' hunted Biddle and the ''Randolph'', thought to be the party responsible for inciting the privateers to raid the Vineyard and the ships visiting it.<ref name="AC3" />


The ship's hunt was delayed by needing to help ''[[La Belladonna]]'', a vessel vital to the war effort, and other constraints on her captain's time. Eventually, however, in 1778, Connor and the ''Aquila'' managed to corner the ''Randolph''.<ref name="AC3" />
Prior to the [[Battle of the Chesapeake|Battle of Chesapeake Bay]] in September 1781, General [[Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette|Marquis de Lafayette]] requested that the ''Aquila'' give support in the battle. The French [[François-Joseph Paul de Grasse|Admiral de Grasse]] believed that he would receive a large fleet and experienced captains as reinforcements, but was instead met only by the ''Aquila'' and her captain. While irritated at the concept, de Grasse gave Connor two frigates for assistance, the ''Marsellois'' and the ''Saint Espirit'', and asked them to engage the encroaching fleet.<ref name="Battle of the Chesapeake">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[Battle of the Chesapeake (memory)|Battle of the Chesapeake]]</ref>


The ''Aquila'' proved the hardier ship compared to the larger ''Randolph''; Connor's superior seamanship and the ''Aquila''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s firepower allowed her and her captain to disable the ''Randolph'', kill her captain, and scuttle her, securing the Vineyard and stopping the Templars from encouraging further attacks. With Biddle out of the way, the seaboard was safe once more for neutral traders to conduct business with the Colonies.<ref name="AC3" />
[[File:ACIII-BattleofChesapeake 16.png|250px|thumb|The ''Aquila'' sailing in the Battle of the Chesapeake]]
During the battle, the trio of ships sank several gunboats and at least four English frigates, before the ''Marsellois'' was destroyed by an English vessel midway through the battle. Once all of the English frigates had been destroyed, a [[Man O' War]] sailed into the battle and sank the ''Saint Espirit'', before disabling the ''Aquila''{{'}}s guns. Due to lacking any other means of attack, Connor decided to destroy the Man O' War by ramming it, getting on board, and killing its captain. Ultimately proving successful, the battle ended with the French as the victors.<ref name="Battle of the Chesapeake" />


[[File:ACIII-BattleofChesapeake 16.png|250px|thumb|The ''Aquila'' sailing in the battle at the Chesapeake]]
Connor also loaned the ''Aquila'' to his [[Assassin apprentices|apprentices]] for various [[Contracts (Colonial Assassins)|contracted missions]]. The ship was present at the {{Wiki|Battle of Gloucester (1775)|Battle of Gloucester}} in 1775, the {{Wiki|Frederica naval action}} of 1778, and also aided [[Caesar Rodney]] in holding control of the {{Wiki|Delaware River}}.<ref name="AC3" />
When the [[Battle of the Chesapeake|Battle of Chesapeake Bay]] began, General [[Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette|Marquis de Lafayette]] requested the ''Aquila'' give support in the battle. The French [[François-Joseph Paul de Grasse|Admiral de Grasse]] believed that he would receive a large fleet and experienced captains, but instead he received only the ''Aquila'' and her captain.<ref name="AC3" />
 
While irritated at the concept, de Grasse gave Connor two frigates for assistance, the ''Marsellois'' and the ''Saint Espirit'', and asked them to engage the encroaching fleet. During the battle, the trio of ships sank several gunboats and at least four English frigates, before the ''Marsellois'' was destroyed by an English vessel midway through the battle.<ref name="AC3" />
 
Once all of the English frigates had been destroyed, a [[Man O' War]] sailed into the battle and sank the ''Saint Espirit'', before she managed to disable the ''Aquila''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s guns. Due to lacking any other means of attack, Connor decided to destroy the Man O' War by ramming her, getting on board in personal combat, and killing her captain. Ultimately proving successful, the battle ended with the French as the victors.<ref name="AC3" />
 
Connor also loaned the ''Aquila'' to his [[Assassin apprentices|apprentices]] for various [[Contracts (Colonial Assassins)|contracted missions]]. The ship was present at the {{Wiki|Battle of Gloucester (1775)|Battle of Gloucester}} in 1775 and the {{Wiki|Frederica naval action}} of 1778, and she also aided [[Caesar Rodney]] in holding control of the {{Wiki|Delaware River}}.<ref name="AC3" />


==Alternate timeline==
==Alternate timeline==
{{Dialogue2|Ratonhnhaké:ton|You'll get your ship back.|Faulkner|Ah! ... The goddamn wharf's too heavily guarded.|I can change that, if you'll tell me what needs to be done.|Ratonhnhaké:ton offering to help Faulkner reclaim the ''Aquila''.|The Tyranny of King Washington: The Betrayal|Aquila Unchained}}
[[File:Escape to New York 10.png|thumb|left|250px|The ''Aquila'' approaching New York]]
[[File:Escape to New York 10.png|thumb|left|250px|The ''Aquila'' approaching New York]]
In an alternate timeline created by an [[Apple of Eden 3|Apple of Eden]], the ''Aquila'' and Faulkner were located in [[Boston]]. When [[George Washington]] crowned himself the King of the [[United States]], [[Benjamin Franklin]] had the ship confiscated.<ref name="Betrayal">''[[The Tyranny of King Washington: The Betrayal]]''</ref>
In an [[Calculations|alternate timeline]] created by an [[Apple of Eden 3|Apple of Eden]], the ''Aquila'' and Faulkner were located in [[Boston]]. When [[George Washington]] crowned himself the King of the [[United States]], [[Benjamin Franklin]] had the ship confiscated. However, Ratonhnhaké:ton eventually freed Franklin from Washington's influence and suggested acquiring the ''Aquila'' to reach Washington's [[New York Pyramid|palace]] in [[New York City|New York]].<ref name="Aquila Unchained">''[[Assassin's Creed III]] – [[The Tyranny of King Washington: The Betrayal]]'' – [[Aquila Unchained]]</ref>


However, Franklin was eventually freed from Washington's influence by Ratonhnhaké:ton, and suggested acquiring the ''Aquila'' to reach Washington's [[New York Pyramid|palace]] in [[New York City|New York]]. Franklin and the Assassin struck a bargain with Faulkner, having him gather a crew while Ratonhnhaké:ton untied the ship's moorings and assassinated the snipers guarding her. Faulkner's crew stormed the docks and swam to the ''Aquila'', which had gone adrift. Ratonhnhaké:ton held off the soldiers firing on the sailors, and eventually climbed on board with [[Kanen'tó:kon]] to sail for New York.<ref name="Betrayal" />
Franklin and the Assassin struck a bargain with Faulkner, having him gather a crew while Ratonhnhaké:ton untied the ship's moorings and assassinated the snipers guarding her.<ref name="Aquila Unchained" /> Faulkner's crew stormed the docks and swam to the ''Aquila'', which had gone adrift. Ratonhnhaké:ton held off the soldiers firing on the sailors, and eventually climbed on board with [[Kanen'tó:kon]] to sail for New York.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed III]] – [[The Tyranny of King Washington: The Betrayal]]'' – [[Escape to New York]]</ref>


[[File:Dark Waters 8.png|thumb|250px|The ''Aquila'' ramming an American Man O' War]]
During the approach, the ''Aquila'' was attacked by Washington's fleet. Ratonhnhaké:ton took the wheel and destroyed the attackers before taking their flags to sail into the lower bay unimpeded. The ''Aquila'' then navigated through the [[naval mine]]s and launched a surprise attack on the remaining ships.<ref name="Dark Waters">''[[Assassin's Creed III]] – [[The Tyranny of King Washington: The Redemption]]'' – [[Dark Waters]]</ref>
During the approach, the ''Aquila'' was attacked by Washington's fleet. Ratonhnhaké:ton took the wheel and destroyed the attackers before taking their flags to sail into the lower bay unimpeded. The ''Aquila'' then navigated through the [[naval mines]] and launched a surprise attack on the remaining ships.<ref name="Redemption">''[[The Tyranny of King Washington: The Redemption]]''</ref>


However, the ship's ammunition was depleted shortly after, with more of the King's ships on their way. Ratonhnhaké:ton ordered everyone to jump overboard as he rammed the Man O' War in the lower bay, providing distraction for the others, but also destroying the ''Aquila'' in the process.<ref name="Redemption" />
[[File:Dark Waters 8.png|thumb|250px|The ''Aquila'' ramming the Man O' War]]
However, the ship's ammunition was depleted shortly after, with more of the King's ships on their way. Ratonhnhaké:ton ordered everyone to jump overboard as he rammed the Man O' War in the lower bay, providing distraction for the others to reach the shore safely, but also destroying the ''Aquila'' in the process.<ref name="Dark Waters" />


==Crew==
==Armaments==
*Robert Faulkner – First mate (1753 – 1754, 1770 – ?), Acting captain (1754 – 1768)
{{Quote|We've fitted her with a modest amount of guns to start but rest assured there's ample room to add more should you feel the need.|Robert Faulkner on the ''Aquila''{{'}}s first fitting under Connor, 1773.|Assassin's Creed III}}
*Ratonhnhaké:ton – Captain (1770 – ?)
Although relatively well built, even when initially repaired by Connor, the ''Aquila'' underwent several major improvements during his captaincy. In addition to the warship's standard {{Wiki|round shot}} and [[swivel gun]]s, the ''Aquila'' was eventually upgraded to include several more projectile types: {{Wiki|chain-shot}} to destroy a ship's sails, disabling them; {{Wiki|grapeshot}} to target the crew; and {{Wiki|heated shot}} to start fires among the hull.<ref name="AC3" />
*David Clutterbuck – Gunnery officer (1773 – ?)
*Richard Clutterbuck – Gunnery officer (1773 – ?)
*Numerous unnamed sailors


==Armaments==
{{Quote|We've fitted her with a modest amount of guns to start but rest assured there's ample room to add more should you feel the need.|Robert Faulkner on the ''Aquila''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s first fitting under Connor, 1773.|Assassin's Creed III}}
[[File:ACIII-Chase 6.png|thumb|250px|left|The ''Aquila'' firing heated shot upon a fort]]
[[File:ACIII-Chase 6.png|thumb|250px|left|The ''Aquila'' firing heated shot upon a fort]]
Although relatively well built, even when initially repaired by Connor, the ''Aquila'' underwent several major improvements during his captaincy.<ref name="AC3" />
The ''Aquila'' also received improvements in her hull strength via reinforcements, an improved rudder for sharper turns, and the addition of a naval ram. Fully upgraded, the ''Aquila'' was armed with 60 main cannons, thirty on each side. This would have made her equivalent in firepower to a third-rate ship of the line, which meant that she would have been a smaller ship of the line but larger than a frigate. Most contemporary sixty-gun ships carried those guns on only two decks; however, the ''Aquila'' carried them on two dedicated gun decks with a few cannons and the swivel guns also present on the weather deck.<ref name="AC3" />


In addition to the warship's standard {{Wiki|round shot}} and {{Wiki|swivel gun}}s, the ''Aquila'' was eventually upgraded to include several more projectile types: {{Wiki|chain-shot}} to destroy a ship's sails, disabling them; {{Wiki|grapeshot}} to target the crew; and {{Wiki|heated shot}} to start fires among the hull.<ref name="AC3" />
==Notable conflicts==
During the American Revolution, the ''Aquila'' sunk and destroyed several ships under the command of the Templars, privateers, and the Royal Navy.  
*''[[Dartmoor]]'' – Sunk during a skirmish along with her fleet.
*''[[Greyhound]]'' – Sunk during a skirmish along with her fleet.
*''[[Leviathan]]'' – Sunk while in pursuit of a [[Templar]] emissary.
*''[[Orpheus (Ship)|Orpheus]]'' – Sunk during a skirmish along with her fleet.
*''[[Prospector]]'' – Sunk during a skirmish.
*''[[Welcome]]'' – Captured while in pursuit of [[Benjamin Church]].
*''[[Randolph]]'' – Destroyed while in pursuit of [[Nicholas Biddle]].
*''[[Saint James (Ship)|Saint James]]'' – Sunk during a skirmish.
*''[[Somerset]]'' – Sunk during a skirmish.
*''[[Windermere]]'' – Sunk during a skirmish.


The ''Aquila'' also received improvements in her hull strength via reinforcements, an improved rudder for sharper turns, and the addition of a naval ram. Fully upgraded, the ''Aquila'' was armed with 60 main cannons, thirty on each side.<ref name="AC3" />
==Crew==
 
*[[Achilles Davenport]] – Captain (c. 1750)
This would have made her equivalent in firepower to a third-rate ship of the line, which meant that she would have been a smaller ship of the line but larger than a frigate. Most contemporary sixty-gun ships carried those guns on only two decks; however, the ''Aquila'' carried them on two dedicated gun decks with a few cannons and the swivel guns also present on the weather deck.<ref name="AC3" />
*[[Robert Faulkner]] – First mate (1753 – 1754; 1770 – ?); Acting captain (1754 – 1768)
*[[Ratonhnhaké:ton]] – Captain (1770 – ?)
*[[David Clutterbuck]] – Gunnery officer (1773 – ?)
*[[Richard Clutterbuck]] – Gunnery officer (1773 – ?)


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Aquila is Latin and Italian for "[[Eagles|eagle]]", and it was a reference to the eagle motif of the Assassins.
*"Aquila" is Latin and Italian for 'eagle', and it was a reference to the eagle motif of the Assassins.
**Continuing the eagle theme, the ''Aquila'' had an eagle-shaped figurehead.
**Continuing the eagle theme, the ''Aquila'' had an eagle-shaped figurehead.
**"Aquila" is also the name of a {{Wiki|Aquila (constellation)|constellation}}, with its brightest star known as "{{Wiki|Altair}}", the namesake of [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]].
**'Aquila' is also the name of a [[Aquila (constellation)|constellation]], with its brightest star known as "{{Wiki|Altair}}", the namesake of [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]].
*Prior to ''[[Assassin's Creed III]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s release, Mission Director [[Philippe Bergeron]] stated in interview that Connor would be able to freeroam the seas aboard the ''Aquila'' between missions. However, this was not possible in the final version of the game. Such a feat would later be possible in ''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]''.
*Prior to ''[[Assassin's Creed III]]''{{'}}s release, Mission Director [[Philippe Bergeron]] stated in interview that Connor would be able to freeroam the seas aboard the ''Aquila'' between missions.{{Cite|19 Dec 2023}} However, this was not possible in the final version of the game. Such a feat would later be possible in ''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]''.
*The ''Aquila'' had lifts attached to her central mast, with the pulley handles shaped like [[Assassin insignia]]s.
*The ''Aquila'' had lifts attached to her central mast, with the pulley handles shaped like [[Assassin insignia]]s.
*By the number of guns the ''Aquila'' would be considered a {{Wiki|third-rate}} ship-of-the-line. While not as massive as a first- or second-rate ships, third-rate ships were considered to possess the ideal balance of speed and firepower for a warship.
*By the number of guns the ''Aquila'' would be considered a {{Wiki|fourth-rate}} ship-of-the-line. While not as massive as a first- or second-rate ships, third-rate and fourth-rate ships were considered to possess the ideal balance of speed and firepower for a warship.
*In order to show how advanced the upgrades are, the ''Aquila'' adds cannons on the top deck, something usually never done on ships because it can be a problem while maneuvering the sails. The ''[[Jackdaw]]'' and the ''[[Morrigan]]'' do the same.
*The ''Aquila'' typically flew the British flag, even during the Battle of the Chesapeake when she fought alongside French ships.
*The ''Aquila'' typically flew the British flag, even during the Battle of the Chesapeake when she fought alongside French ships.
*The ''Aquila''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s wheel and figurehead could be obtained by Connor's grandfather, [[Edward Kenway]], during his time of [[piracy]] in the early 18th century, and the Templar [[Shay Cormac]], during the [[Seven Years' War]].
*Unlike the ''Jackdaw'' in ''Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag'' and the ''Morrigan'' in ''Assassin's Creed: Rogue'', the ''Aquila''{{'}}s appearance is not customizable. However, in both of the aforementioned games, her sails, wheel, and figurehead are available as cosmetic items for the player's ship through [[Animus mod]]s.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<tabber>
<tabber>
Development=
Development=
<gallery captionalign="center" position="center" spacing="small" widths="180">
<gallery captionalign="center" position="center" widths="180">
AC3 naval ships.jpg|Naval battle concept art
AC3 naval ships.jpg|Naval battle concept art
Naval Battle concept illustration by Max Qin.jpg|Naval battle concept art
Naval Battle concept illustration by Max Qin.jpg|Naval battle concept art
Aquila Cannons.jpg|Concept art of ''Aquila'''s cannons firing
Aquila Cannons.jpg|Concept art of ''Aquila''{{'}}s cannons firing
AC3 CA SP 29 Naval Mines.jpg|Concept art of the ''Aquila'' navigating through naval mines
AC3 CA SP 29 Naval Mines.jpg|Concept art of the ''Aquila'' navigating through naval mines
AC3 CA SP 30 Naval TropicalStorm.jpg|Concept art of the ''Aquila'' navigating a tropical storm
AC3 CA SP 30 Naval TropicalStorm.jpg|Concept art of the ''Aquila'' navigating a tropical storm
Line 113: Line 148:
AC3 CA SP 27 Naval NorthAmericanLandscape.jpg|The ''Aquila'' docked off the North American coastline
AC3 CA SP 27 Naval NorthAmericanLandscape.jpg|The ''Aquila'' docked off the North American coastline
Aquila passage concept.jpg|The ''Aquila'' entering a narrow passage
Aquila passage concept.jpg|The ''Aquila'' entering a narrow passage
Aquila lower decks concept art.jpg|Concept art of the ''Aquila'''s lower decks
Aquila lower decks concept art.jpg|Concept art of the ''Aquila''{{'}}s lower decks
AC3 Render SP 22 Aquila Crew.jpg|The crew of the ''Aquila'' and a British Marine
AC3 Render SP 22 Aquila Crew.jpg|The crew of the ''Aquila'' and a British Marine
Aquila concept model.jpg|Concept model of the ''Aquila''
Aquila concept model.jpg|Concept model of the ''Aquila''
Line 119: Line 154:
</gallery>
</gallery>
|-|Screenshots=
|-|Screenshots=
<gallery captionalign="center" position="center" spacing="small" widths="180">
<gallery captionalign="center" position="center" widths="180">
Journey to the New World 20.png|The ''Aquila'' pursuing the ''Providence''
ACIII-Pavingtheway 1.png|The ''Aquila'' at sea
ACIII-Pavingtheway 1.png|The ''Aquila'' at sea
A Call for Help 1.png|Connor at the helm of the ''Aquila''
A Call for Help 1.png|Connor at the helm of the ''Aquila''
Line 136: Line 170:
*''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' {{1st}}
**''[[The Tyranny of King Washington]]''
**''[[The Tyranny of King Washington]]''
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Forsaken]]''
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' {{Mo}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Scroll box|content={{Reflist}}}}
{{AC3}}
{{AC3}}
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[[es:Aquila]]
[[es:Aquila]]
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[[ru:Аквила]]
[[ru:Аквила]]
[[zh:天鹰号]]
[[zh:天鹰号]]
[[Category:Ships]]
[[Category:Brigs]]
[[Category:Assassin ships]]
[[Category:Assassin ships]]
[[Category:Privateer ships]]
[[Category:Privateer ships]]
[[Category:Brigs]]
[[Category:Ghost ships]]
[[Category:Ships]]

Latest revision as of 14:56, 30 October 2025

This article is about the ship Aquila. For other uses, see Aquila (disambiguation).
"Who is she? Why the Aquila, boy! The Ghost of the North Seas! ... She's a ship, boy, and make no mistake about it!"
―Robert Faulkner to Connor regarding the Aquila, 1770.[src]-[m]

The Aquila was an Assassin brig that served as the flagship for the Colonial Brotherhood's burgeoning fleet throughout the latter half of the 18th century.

Constructed by the Parisian Brotherhood in 1749, it was a highly exceptional brig for its time, boasting more firepower than its size would suggest, yet being swifter than any schooner. With the Assassin sailor Robert Faulkner at the helm, it came to be feared as the Ghost of the North Seas for its uncanny ability to strike from the cover of fog before disappearing.

During the American Revolutionary War, the vessel was captained by the Colonial Assassin Ratonhnhaké:ton, with Robert Faulkner as his first mate. Under their command, the Aquila helped to eliminate Continental Army naval captain and Templar Nicholas Biddle, who had been raiding locations along the coast. The pair also patrolled several trade routes along the eastern seaboard and the Caribbean Sea, engaging in multiple privateer contracts. Crucially, the Aquila participated in the Battle of the Chesapeake where it was instrumental in the French victory.

History[edit | edit source]

Construction and early history[edit | edit source]

"The Assassin Council is pleased to inform you that the construction of your ship is complete. She was made by the finest shipbuilders in Brest. We have named her the Aquila, a constellation whose brightest star is named Altaïr. She awaits you and your crew."
―Nicolas de Saint-Prix in a letter to Achilles Davenport, 1749.[src]-[m]

In 1748, the Colonial Assassins' Mentor Achilles Davenport asked the Swedish Brotherhood to build a brig to fight the Templars across the Atlantic Ocean. At that time however, King Frederik I of Sweden was building his navy in Stockholm's dockyard with the funding of King George II of England. Thus, the Swedish Assassins could not accept, since the dockyard was full of Templar agents, and instead recommended that the French Assassins construct the ship.[1]

Later that year, Achilles asked Gaspar Velasquez, a Spanish shipbuilder and ally to the Assassin Order, to construct the ship. Although Gaspar soon began working on the blueprints for the brig, the threat of the British Templars meant that he was unable to fully finish the project. The plans were then sent directly to the French Assassin Council.[2] In 1749, the ship was completed in Brest and subsequently sent to the Colonies to serve the Colonial Brotherhood.[3][4]

Around 1750, Achilles served as captain of the Aquila, where in the same year he rescued the veteran sailor Robert Faulkner. Faulkner was grateful for his aid and, with the help of Louis-Joseph Gaultier, Chevalier de la Vérendrye, offered his services in creating a shipping route designed to connect the Colonial Brotherhood with the European branches of the Order.[5] By 1753, Faulkner had been recruited into the Order and appointed first mate of the Aquila.[6]

While small in design, the Aquila was a fast ship for its size, capable of twelve knots in good wind, according to Faulkner, making her one of the fastest in her region of service. Armed with heavy cannons and accurate swivel guns, the Aquila had a versatile and powerful arsenal that made her a force to be reckoned with.[7]

Near-destruction[edit | edit source]

"She's still the fastest in the Atlantic—sure she needs some attention... minor things mostly but with a little affection she'll fly again."
―Robert Faulkner discussing the repairs needed on the Aquila, 1770.[src]-[m]
The Aquila pursuing the Providence

In 1754, by which point she had become the Assassin fleet's flagship, the Aquila pursued the Providence, which transported the Templar Haytham Kenway from London to the Thirteen Colonies. The Aquila was able to track the Providence thanks to a trail of cargo dumped into the ocean by Louis Mills, an Assassin who worked as a sailor aboard the merchant ship. However, after engaging the Providence, its quarry escaped by sailing into a storm while the Aquila appeared to sink.[8]

In reality, the Aquila escaped the storm with only minor damages and the Assassins spread rumors of her destruction to deceive the Templars. After being repaired and refitted for combat, she plagued Templar fleets for the next decade, earning herself the moniker of "Ghost of the North Seas"; an illusion spread both by the ship avoiding major harbors and by the exceptional sailing ability of her acting captain, Robert Faulkner.[9]

Aquila, in disrepair, in the Davenport Homestead's harbor

Eventually, the Templars uncovered the fact that the Aquila had not been destroyed and, in 1768, three British frigates ambushed the ship, nearly destroying it. Both the Aquila and Faulkner survived and managed to escape to the Davenport Homestead,[9] where they would remain until the arrival of the Assassin-in-training Connor, who elected to defray the cost of the vessel's repairs.[10] Coincidentally, Connor had invited lumberjacks Terry and Godfrey to live on the Homestead, so the Aquila had the resources necessary for repairs.[11]

Rebuilding and flagship of the Colonial Brotherhood[edit | edit source]

"Ha ha! The Aquila flies again. D'ya feel it, lad?!"
―Robert Faulkner to Connor, during the Aquila's first voyage after its rebuilding, 1773.[src]-[m]

After six months, Connor and Faulkner found a crew for the Aquila and sailed to Martha's Vineyard in search of cannons and officers. Faulkner recruited two of his old shipmates, David and Richard Clutterbuck, as gunnery officers, and tutored Connor in sailing the Aquila as captain. After practicing to fire the cannons at an old shipwreck, the Aquila saw her first fight in years against a patrol of British gunboats and a frigate.[7]

Following this battle, Connor used the Aquila to defend trade routes along the Colonial seaboard and the Caribbean. The Aquila was called upon to defend a number of trading vessels, such as the Henderson and Independence, securing trade routes for the colonists and reducing the risk for merchants.[12]

Connor and Faulkner on deck

Privateers and English frigates were terrorizing the coast, and the Aquila's patrols put her in a premier position to eliminate the threats. Gunboats and frigates were among the privateers' favored ships, though they occasionally had a few larger ships to rival the Aquila, such as the Dartmoor, Saint James, and Prospector. While these battles were relatively brief, their effects were far-reaching.[13][14][15]

Civilian traders were affected by the patrols of the Aquila and her crew, as they were less likely to lose goods to the raiders. This meant that prices to trade goods were lowered across the Colonies, making the Aquila not only a military force, but an indirect economic one as well.[12]

The ship also served as transport for her captain when Connor sought out Captain William Kidd's hidden treasure and traveled in pursuit of Templars. Often, this meant the Aquila waited offshore while Connor went ashore in a rowboat to explore the maps Peg Leg had given him in exchange for trinkets.[16][17][18][19]

Connor and Haytham hunting the Welcome

These locales varied greatly, from a jungle beach to the frigid North. However, on some occasions, the Aquila was directly used in hunting a Templar. In 1778, Connor and his father Haytham Kenway, during their brief armistice, used the Aquila in their pursuit of Benjamin Church and the Welcome in the Caribbean Sea, eventually boarding the ship, retrieving her stolen cargo for the Patriots at Valley Forge, and killing her passengers. In the process, the Aquila decimated the Welcome and her crew, proving to be a resounding victory for her captain.[20]

The Welcome was not her only prey—Nicholas Biddle had been raiding Martha's Vineyard in the USS Randolph. Issues first arose when privateer frigates threatened merchant vessels near the Vineyard, and the Aquila successfully found and defeated their fort headquarters.[21] When another merchant vessel was threatened, the Randolph was spotted leading the privateers, though she escaped under the cover of a storm.[22]

For several years thereafter between 1776 and 1778, Connor and the Aquila hunted Biddle and the Randolph, thought to be the party responsible for inciting the privateers to raid the Vineyard and the ships visiting it. The ship's hunt was delayed by needing to help La Belladonna, a vessel vital to the war effort, and other constraints on her captain's time.[23]

The Aquila firing at a Man-of-War under Biddle's command

Eventually, in March 1778, Connor and the Aquila managed to corner the Randolph near the Bahamas. The Aquila proved the hardier ship compared to the larger Randolph; Connor's superior seamanship and the Aquila's firepower allowed her and her captain to disable the Randolph, kill her captain, and scuttle her, securing the Vineyard and stopping the Templars from encouraging further attacks. With Biddle out of the way, the seaboard was safe once more for neutral traders to conduct business with the Colonies.[24]

Prior to the Battle of Chesapeake Bay in September 1781, General Marquis de Lafayette requested that the Aquila give support in the battle. The French Admiral de Grasse believed that he would receive a large fleet and experienced captains as reinforcements, but was instead met only by the Aquila and her captain. While irritated at the concept, de Grasse gave Connor two frigates for assistance, the Marsellois and the Saint Espirit, and asked them to engage the encroaching fleet.[25]

The Aquila sailing in the Battle of the Chesapeake

During the battle, the trio of ships sank several gunboats and at least four English frigates, before the Marsellois was destroyed by an English vessel midway through the battle. Once all of the English frigates had been destroyed, a Man O' War sailed into the battle and sank the Saint Espirit, before disabling the Aquila's guns. Due to lacking any other means of attack, Connor decided to destroy the Man O' War by ramming it, getting on board, and killing its captain. Ultimately proving successful, the battle ended with the French as the victors.[25]

Connor also loaned the Aquila to his apprentices for various contracted missions. The ship was present at the Battle of Gloucester in 1775, the Frederica naval action of 1778, and also aided Caesar Rodney in holding control of the Delaware River.[12]

Alternate timeline[edit | edit source]

Ratonhnhaké:ton: "You'll get your ship back."
Faulkner: "Ah! ... The goddamn wharf's too heavily guarded."
Ratonhnhaké:ton: "I can change that, if you'll tell me what needs to be done."
—Ratonhnhaké:ton offering to help Faulkner reclaim the Aquila.[src]-[m]
The Aquila approaching New York

In an alternate timeline created by an Apple of Eden, the Aquila and Faulkner were located in Boston. When George Washington crowned himself the King of the United States, Benjamin Franklin had the ship confiscated. However, Ratonhnhaké:ton eventually freed Franklin from Washington's influence and suggested acquiring the Aquila to reach Washington's palace in New York.[26]

Franklin and the Assassin struck a bargain with Faulkner, having him gather a crew while Ratonhnhaké:ton untied the ship's moorings and assassinated the snipers guarding her.[26] Faulkner's crew stormed the docks and swam to the Aquila, which had gone adrift. Ratonhnhaké:ton held off the soldiers firing on the sailors, and eventually climbed on board with Kanen'tó:kon to sail for New York.[27]

During the approach, the Aquila was attacked by Washington's fleet. Ratonhnhaké:ton took the wheel and destroyed the attackers before taking their flags to sail into the lower bay unimpeded. The Aquila then navigated through the naval mines and launched a surprise attack on the remaining ships.[28]

The Aquila ramming the Man O' War

However, the ship's ammunition was depleted shortly after, with more of the King's ships on their way. Ratonhnhaké:ton ordered everyone to jump overboard as he rammed the Man O' War in the lower bay, providing distraction for the others to reach the shore safely, but also destroying the Aquila in the process.[28]

Armaments[edit | edit source]

"We've fitted her with a modest amount of guns to start but rest assured there's ample room to add more should you feel the need."
―Robert Faulkner on the Aquila's first fitting under Connor, 1773.[src]

Although relatively well built, even when initially repaired by Connor, the Aquila underwent several major improvements during his captaincy. In addition to the warship's standard round shot and swivel guns, the Aquila was eventually upgraded to include several more projectile types: chain-shot to destroy a ship's sails, disabling them; grapeshot to target the crew; and heated shot to start fires among the hull.[12]

The Aquila firing heated shot upon a fort

The Aquila also received improvements in her hull strength via reinforcements, an improved rudder for sharper turns, and the addition of a naval ram. Fully upgraded, the Aquila was armed with 60 main cannons, thirty on each side. This would have made her equivalent in firepower to a third-rate ship of the line, which meant that she would have been a smaller ship of the line but larger than a frigate. Most contemporary sixty-gun ships carried those guns on only two decks; however, the Aquila carried them on two dedicated gun decks with a few cannons and the swivel guns also present on the weather deck.[12]

Notable conflicts[edit | edit source]

During the American Revolution, the Aquila sunk and destroyed several ships under the command of the Templars, privateers, and the Royal Navy.  

Crew[edit | edit source]

Trivia[edit | edit source]

  • "Aquila" is Latin and Italian for 'eagle', and it was a reference to the eagle motif of the Assassins.
    • Continuing the eagle theme, the Aquila had an eagle-shaped figurehead.
    • 'Aquila' is also the name of a constellation, with its brightest star known as "Altair", the namesake of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad.
  • Prior to Assassin's Creed III's release, Mission Director Philippe Bergeron stated in interview that Connor would be able to freeroam the seas aboard the Aquila between missions. [citation needed] However, this was not possible in the final version of the game. Such a feat would later be possible in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag and Assassin's Creed: Rogue.
  • The Aquila had lifts attached to her central mast, with the pulley handles shaped like Assassin insignias.
  • By the number of guns the Aquila would be considered a fourth-rate ship-of-the-line. While not as massive as a first- or second-rate ships, third-rate and fourth-rate ships were considered to possess the ideal balance of speed and firepower for a warship.
  • In order to show how advanced the upgrades are, the Aquila adds cannons on the top deck, something usually never done on ships because it can be a problem while maneuvering the sails. The Jackdaw and the Morrigan do the same.
  • The Aquila typically flew the British flag, even during the Battle of the Chesapeake when she fought alongside French ships.
  • Unlike the Jackdaw in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag and the Morrigan in Assassin's Creed: Rogue, the Aquila's appearance is not customizable. However, in both of the aforementioned games, her sails, wheel, and figurehead are available as cosmetic items for the player's ship through Animus mods.

Gallery[edit | edit source]

  • Naval battle concept art
    Naval battle concept art
  • Naval battle concept art
    Naval battle concept art
  • Concept art of Aquila's cannons firing
    Concept art of Aquila's cannons firing
  • Concept art of the Aquila navigating through naval mines
    Concept art of the Aquila navigating through naval mines
  • Concept art of the Aquila navigating a tropical storm
    Concept art of the Aquila navigating a tropical storm
  • Concept art of the Aquila hiding from enemy ships in the mist
    Concept art of the Aquila hiding from enemy ships in the mist
  • Aquila Caribbean concept
    Aquila Caribbean concept
  • Concept art of a rescue boat leaving the Aquila
    Concept art of a rescue boat leaving the Aquila
  • North America Stormy Day by Max Qin
    North America Stormy Day by Max Qin
  • Tropical Storm by Max Qin
    Tropical Storm by Max Qin
  • Naval Battle by Max Qin
    Naval Battle by Max Qin
  • The Perfect Storm by Max Qin
    The Perfect Storm by Max Qin
  • The Aquila docked off the North American coastline
    The Aquila docked off the North American coastline
  • The Aquila entering a narrow passage
    The Aquila entering a narrow passage
  • Concept art of the Aquila's lower decks
    Concept art of the Aquila's lower decks
  • The crew of the Aquila and a British Marine
    The crew of the Aquila and a British Marine
  • Concept model of the Aquila
    Concept model of the Aquila
  • Connor and his crew aboard the Aquila
    Connor and his crew aboard the Aquila

  • The Aquila at sea
    The Aquila at sea
  • Connor at the helm of the Aquila
    Connor at the helm of the Aquila
  • Connor calling an attack on enemy vessels
    Connor calling an attack on enemy vessels
  • Faulkner commanding the crew
    Faulkner commanding the crew
  • The crew preparing for battle
    The crew preparing for battle
  • The crew boarding an enemy vessel
    The crew boarding an enemy vessel
  • The Aquila firing several chain-shots
    The Aquila firing several chain-shots
  • The Aquila during the Battle of Chesapeake Bay
    The Aquila during the Battle of Chesapeake Bay
  • The Aquila firing on a British fort
    The Aquila firing on a British fort

Appearances[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Assassin's Creed: Rogue – War Letters: "The Swedish Levant Company"
  2. ↑ Assassin's Creed: Rogue – War Letters: "Mediterranean Defence"
  3. ↑ Assassin's Creed: Rogue – War Letters: "The Ghost of the North"
  4. ↑ Assassin's Creed: The Essential Guide
  5. ↑ Assassin's Creed: Rogue – War Letters: "The Stalwart"
  6. ↑ Assassin's Creed III – Database: Robert Faulkner
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Assassin's Creed III – The Hard Way
  8. ↑ Assassin's Creed III – Journey to the New World
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Assassin's Creed III – Database: The Aquila
  10. ↑ Assassin's Creed III – Training Begins
  11. ↑ Assassin's Creed III – River Rescue
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 Assassin's Creed III
  13. ↑ Assassin's Creed III – Sinking a Secret
  14. ↑ Assassin's Creed III – Dread of Night
  15. ↑ Assassin's Creed III – Raiding the Prospector
  16. ↑ Assassin's Creed III – Fort Wolcott
  17. ↑ Assassin's Creed III – Dead Chest's Treasure
  18. ↑ Assassin's Creed III – The Ghost Ship
  19. ↑ Assassin's Creed III – The Mad Doctor's Castle
  20. ↑ Assassin's Creed III – A Bitter End
  21. ↑ Assassin's Creed III – The Chase
  22. ↑ Assassin's Creed III – The Rescue
  23. ↑ Assassin's Creed III – French Involvement
  24. ↑ Assassin's Creed III – Biddle's Hideout
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Assassin's Creed III – Battle of the Chesapeake
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Assassin's Creed III – The Tyranny of King Washington: The Betrayal – Aquila Unchained
  27. ↑ Assassin's Creed III – The Tyranny of King Washington: The Betrayal – Escape to New York
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Assassin's Creed III – The Tyranny of King Washington: The Redemption – Dark Waters

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