Donato Mancini

"Donato Mancini is Cesare's finest horseman, perhaps better than Cesare himself."

―Fiora Cavazza.

Donato Mancini (1473 - 1503) was a Templar active during the Renaissance in Rome. While under the direct employ of Cesare Borgia, he was often described as a confident and capable horseman.

His genetic memories were later used by Abstergo Industries for the training of the Animus recruits, under the title of the Captain.

Biography

Rigged Race

"The beating is savage! Humiliating! The crowd laughs. I do not. Donato truly was the champion today."

―Fiora, on the race's outcome.

In 1503, during a private horse race held by the Borgia, Fiora Cavazza was sent to Donato to either bribe or threaten him into allowing Cesare to win.

She presented Donato with a fine set of armor, which he eagerly tried on. However, as she relayed Cesare's threat, the Captain only remarked that he was not surprised, and that "the winner will win the race. There are no other factors."

Donato rode fairly and well in the competition, despite the interference of one of Cesare's officers, Teodor Viscardi, who charged him in the middle of the race and attempted to attack him with a blade. Donato only dodged the thrust and spurred his horse forward to win, claiming his victory before a silent audience.

Upon her orders, Fiora then sent a group of mercenaries to beat Donato violently, much to the crowd's amusement, though she lamented that Donato had been the race's true winner.

Death

Ezio: "Who did this?"

Rocco: "Donato Mancini. I rode against his horse in the races and made the mistake of winning."

File:Donatocorridor.jpg

Ezio lays Donato to rest.

Later that same year, when a merchant named Rocco defeated Donato in a race, the Captain responded angrily by destroying the merchant's stand and threatening his life.

Ezio Auditore came across the merchant shortly after this, and decided to aid him. Seeking out Donato in the Circo Massimo, Ezio discovered him practicing his horsemanship along with his other soldiers. The Assassin proceeded to kill only Donato, sparing the lives of his guards.

Dialogue of Donato's demise

File:Donatodeath.jpg

Donato facing Ezio in battle.

Ezio encounters a merchant in the Antico District of Rome. He is examining what is left of his broken stand.

• Ezio: This was your stand?
• Merchant: Si (Yes). Everything has been broken.
• Ezio: Who did this?
• Merchant: Donato Mancini. I rode against his horse in the races and made the mistake of winning. You, though, everyone is talking about you! How you fight against the Borgia's men. Donato has demanded I meet him alone, I fear he intends to kill me.
• Ezio: Where can I find him?
• Merchant: Grazie a Dio! (Thank God!) He is waiting at the Circo Massimo (Circus Maximus). That's where they hold their private races.

Ezio arrives at the Circus Maximus and overhears Mancini's plans for the merchant.

• Donato: Where is Rocco?!

No one keeps me waiting!

You're dead, Rocco, you hear me!

Ezio assassinates Donato Mancini and lays him to rest.

• Ezio: Requiescat in pace. (Rest in peace.)

Database Entry

Date of Birth: 1473
Profession: Captain

A veteran soldier under the Borgia, Donato also served in the city guard. The chroniclers at court describe him as a cold, loyal enforcer and an expert rider.

I'm not able to get in very far, but the Abstergo servers contain a small piece of data about him: "One of Cesare's top horsemen, Donato Mancini's skill is only surpassed by his ego."

That Cesare sure knows how to pick 'em.

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