Accipiter

Accipiter was an Alemanni general and a member of the Liberalis Circulum, a group of Hidden Ones operating in the Roman Empire during the 3rd century. He was the cousin of fellow Liberalis Circulum member Aquilus.

By 259 CE, Accipiter was in a leading position of the Alemanni forces, leading them in battle against the Romans across Gaul, hoping to conquer the region.

Biography

Finding the Ankh

Accipiter sitting next to a wounded Aquilus

While in Germania in 259 CE, Accipiter came across the Isu artifact known as the Ankh and arranged a meeting with his cousin Aquilus, who lived in Lugdunum, to give him the artifact for safekeeping. However, upon arriving in Gaul, Accipiter and his forces found themselves fighting a small army of Romans. After the Alemans won the battle, Accipiter discovered Aquilus unconscious inside General Gracchus' tent, and subsequently took him back to his home to tend to his wounds.

When Aquilus regained consciousness, Accipiter told him about the battle that had taken place, and the next morning the two traveled a short distance towards Aquilus' destination. They stopped near a river, where Accipiter gave Aquilus the Ankh. After Aquilus made an urgent request to the Aleman to spare his hometown of Lugdunum from conquest, the two parted ways and Accipiter returned to the Alemanni.

Threatening Lugdunum

Later that year, Accipiter participated in another battle with an army of Romans, slaying numerous Roman soldiers. The Alemanni celebrated their victory that night, where Accipiter was greeted by Cuervo, an Iberian member of the Liberalis Circulum whom he did not recognize at first. Cuervo explained that he had been traveling to Lugdunum and that he knew of the Alemanni's plans to conquer Gaul. Emphasizing Ludgunum's importance to the Liberalis Circulum, Cuervo suggested that Accipiter come to an agreement with the Prefect of Lugdunum to spare the city from ransacking, to which Accipiter agreed.

Accipiter meeting with the prefect to ensure Lugdumun's safety

Accipiter met with the Prefect of Lugdunum outside his city, demanding a ransom in exchange for the city's safety. Though reluctant at first, the prefect gave Accipiter his demand after hearing threats from the Aleman general. The prefect was then joined by another man, who whispered that the preparations for Aquilus' arrest and trial were ready. Accipiter overheard the discussion and, after giving all the money he had received to his men, rushed off to Lugdunum to find his cousin.

Rescuing Valeria

Searching through Aquilus' villa, Accipiter only found the housemaid present, who informed him that both Aquilus and his wife Valeria had been taken by Roman guards to trial in Rodumna. Picking up the Romans' trail, Accipiter eventually ambushed the Roman convoy holding Aquilus and Valeria captive. One of the Roman guards, upon spotting the Aleman, slit Aquilus' throat, but they all met an expedient death from Accipiter's bow.

Accipiter and Valeria discussing the Ankh

His rescue mission only partially successful, Accipiter wrapped his cousin's body in a cloth before fleeing the scene with Valeria, who was unknowingly pregnant with Aquilus' child. After setting up camp for the night, Accipiter and Valeria discussed the Ankh, which was now in the latter's possession. The Aleman requested that Valeria personally hide the artifact somewhere safe, as Accipiter himself was too occupied with his conquests and did not want to risk the Ankh falling in the wrong hands.

Personality and traits

Accipiter was both a barbarian general and a loyal supporter of his family. Despite being on opposite sides from the Gallo-Roman member of the Liberalis Circulum, Aquilus, Accipiter not only took responsibility for his cousin's life on the battlefield, but also swore to spare Aquilus' hometown.

Accipiter was a talented commander, having led attacks across the Danube and the Rhine. He also understood the value of attrition warfare – he had spent a significant proportion of his military career attacking Roman camps and fortifications. Aside from his mercy toward his cousin and Lugdunum, Accipiter won many victories for himself and his people through his tactics and prowess on the battlefield.

Behind the scenes

Accipiter is a character introduced in Assassin's Creed 2: Aquilus, the second volume of the Assassin's Creed comic series published by Les Deux Royaumes. In the comic, he is presented as an ancestor of Jonathan Hawk, a non-canon modern-day Assassin.

Etymology

"Accipiter" is Latin for "hawk", presumably derived from the verb accipiō meaning "to take, to seize".

Gallery

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  A close-up of Accipiter
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  Accipiter in the midst of a battle
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  Accipiter taunting the prefect
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  Accipiter rushing towards Lugdunum
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  Accipiter trying to rescue his cousin

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed 2: Aquilus (first appearance)
• Assassin's Creed 3: Accipiter