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Altaïr stabbing a crusader with the Hidden Blade.

"The hidden blade has been a constant companion of ours over the years. Some would say it defines us - and they would not be entirely wrong. Many of our successes would not have been possible without it."

―Altaïr's Codex, Page 13^[src]

The iconic weapon of the Assassin's Creed series, the Hidden Blade is used both for stealth assassinations and for regular combat.

Assassin's Creed

Although Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad already has this weapon at the start of the game, he loses it when he is demoted to Novice. At his first promotion to Rank 2, however, he earns it back (along with his sword) so that he may perform his first assassination on Tamir, the black marketeer, in Damascus.

Basic Usage

Main article: Assassination Techniques

thumb|300px|right|A video guide for the hidden blade in Assassin's Creed. This weapon is mostly used for stealthy, low profile assassinations upon guards. An unaware soldier may be assassinated without drawing too much attention, with stealth assassinations being possible from both behind and in front of the target. Altaïr rams the blade into the victim's abdomen (front) or through his spine (back). When stealth is not a priority, Altaïr may perform a high profile assassination. This involves sprinting towards the target, jumping and thrusting the blade into the victims throat, or major arteries in the neck. Alternatively, if approaching from behind, Altaïr may push the target onto his knees and stab him in the neck.

The hidden blade is the only weapon that Altaïr may wield while sprinting. When Altaïr is close enough to the victim during a foot pursuit, he may carry out an assassination. Altaïr will perform a running leap, landing on his victim from behind and burying the blade in the neck. This feature makes it an ideal choice for running down assassination targets who flee such as Talal, the slave trader, in Jerusalem.

Both low and high profile assassinations are capable of failure. A guard wary of your actions may catch your arm when you attempt the kill and throw you back. However, attacks from behind and attacks made upon guards who are prone on the ground will never fail, no matter the circumstances.

Air Assassination

File:Altaïr using the hidden blade.jpg

Altaïr performing an air assassination.

In a 2007 demo of the William V of Montferrat mission, Jade Raymond introduced a move called "air to assassinate" that combines some of Altaïr's acrobatic skills with his hidden blade. Due to this, all forms of Air to Assassinate draw attention of nearby guards, even when performed in low profile.

From higher ground above a target, such as a nearby roof or beam, Altaïr leaps directly onto his victim and stabs him in the throat. Although the move was not covered in the manual or in-game tutorials, air to assassinate does exist, and the controls were documented by "Stabguy" on The Hidden Blade website. Note that in Assassin's Creed II, Air to Assassinate was renamed Air Assassination and included as a required tutorial with simplified controls.

Combat

The hidden blade can also be used while in combat. An enemy who has been grabbed and thrown (or counter thrown with a grab break) can easily be killed while he lies on the ground. Using the blade in combat against large groups is challenging, as Altaïr is unable to block any attack.

Additionally, the time frame in which Altaïr can counter-attack is extremely small, especially in comparison to that of the sword and the short blade. Successfully countering enables one of several different – and always lethal – counter-attacks, in which Altaïr stabs his opponent in the chest, head, abdomen, base of the skull, or spine.

It is also possible to assassinate the enemy in combat, while he is caught in a moment of inattention, has his back turned, is grappling with a vigilante, or if he is taunting Altaïr. Attempting an assassination at any other time will fail, as the enemy will always be able to block the attack.

Mechanism

File:Assassinscreedbladema5.png

The hidden blade ring mechanism.

The hidden blade is commonly worn on the left hand. The blade is integrated into the vambrace, and when not in use, sits retracted inside the slide mechanism. Though not fully or officially understood as to how the blade functions, there are a number of theories:

When the Assassin flicks his wrist, the blade is ejected with the combined force of the arm and gravity. The user is "unhinging" or "releasing" the blade, which is normally kept locked in place. If the Assassin keeps pulling with his arm on the mechanism, the blade stays out and can be used in open combats.
A ring mechanism is attached to the Assassin's finger, and opening the hand ejects the blade. This, however, raises the question as to why the blade does not activate every time he opens his hand, and how he can hold the blade in his fist without it retracting.
A combination of the former two theories is used, wherein the blade won't eject or retract without the use of both systems. This would explain why Assassins flick their wrist and open their hand to eject the blade, why they can close their fist without the blade retracting, and why there is no fear of an unexpected stabbing.
The blade functions on a spring-retraction system, where the blade is never truly locked when it is released, and would therefore return if not held in place.
The mechanism functions in the same system as the modern, full-automatic switchblade knives. There are two springs of equal strength present, and the inertia from the pull/push of one spring is enough to overcome the resistance of the other spring, allowing the blade to lock into place.

Roles on the Field

Informant missions

The hidden blade is also used for some of the investigations given to you by informants, wherein you are asked to stealthily assassinate a number of targets. If any guard even once confronts you, the mission is failed. If you attack the targets or the guards with fists, or any high profile weapon, you will fail the mission. Because of this, you may only use throwing knives and/or the hidden blade to assassinate your targets.

Interrogation missions

During Interrogation missions, after successfully interrogating the target, Altaïr is forced to kill them, so they cannot reveal his plans to the enemy. He will bury the blade in their stomach to kill them, then gently lower their body onto the ground so as not to draw further attention to himself.

Save Citizen missions

In the optional Save Citizen missions involving rescuing citizens from soldiers threatening to kill them, this weapon will come in handy. Successfully and stealthily used, you may take out three of the soldiers before they notice you, draw their weapons, and engage you in a swordfight. Also, the Save Citizen missions are commonly located in alleyways or dark corners, so it is possible to begin the mission by starting from an elevated position and performing an air-to-assassinate.

Assassinations

The hidden blade is used in every storyline assassination you perform. Even if you begin by attacking the enemy with a sword, you will always finish them off with the hidden blade before it cuts to the death cutscene.

Assassin's Creed: Lineage

In Assassin's Creed: Lineage, the hidden blade wielded by Giovanni Auditore had been modified since Altaïr's time, with the blade base raised higher on the arm, to allow one to operate it without the need to sacrifice one's ring finger.

As outlined in the Codex, this revised hidden blade had been designed by Altaïr so that the Assassins, who he intended to go undercover, could not be identified by the lack of a ring finger. Furthermore, the mechanism did not require a wrist "flick" to extend the blade, thus the user could retract the blade without any wrist or hand movement.

Additionally, as pictured, the weapon could be used with a clenched fist (though only Giovanni Auditore has been depicted as using a clenched fist, while Ezio would use the "traditional" open hand, as did Altaïr).

While there is a rotating wheel atop the rear portion of the mechanism's housing, its function has not been identified, and there are no known schematics or explanations for the mechanism. There are also no shots of it operating during Lineage, and it would often be shown on the actor's arm either sheathed or already extended.

Assassin's Creed II

"The blade is designed to ensure the commitment of whomever wields it."

―Leonardo da Vinci^[src]

In Assassin's Creed II, Ezio Auditore possesses two hidden blades, whereas Altaïr has only one. His first blade would be inherited from his father, which, along with the corresponding Codex page, the Assassin's Robes and a common sword, had been hidden in Giovanni's secret room. After he had gained proficiency with the first, Ezio would gain the second blade from Leonardo da Vinci, who constructed it based upon designs detailed in Altaïr's Codex.

Ezio's first hidden blade had become inoperative since Giovanni had faced Rodrigo Borgia's men (in Assassin's Creed: Lineage), when a single sword strike against the blade had dislodged it from the bracer and mechanism. Thus, upon suggestion by fellow Assassin Paola, Ezio brought the blade and bracer to his friend Leonardo to have it repaired.

File:Demond blade2.jpg

The blade given to Desmond by Lucy.

During a Templar attack on their hideout, Desmond Miles received a similar (if not identical) model of the hidden blade from Lucy Stillman. This he used to face Warren Vidic's henchmen, though its Poison Blade and Pistol upgrades are seemingly absent or inoperable.

Combat

thumb|right|300px|A video guide for the hidden blade in Assassin's Creed II. In Assassin's Creed II, the use of the hidden blade in combat has been improved. It can be used similarly to a regular weapon, and is capable of breaking an enemy's defense. It attacks fairly quickly, particularly after the acquisition of the second blade, allowing Ezio to unleash a constant barrage of strikes, which can be used to kill an enemy or suppress their ability to attack. Unlike other weapons, no enemy can counter-attack the hidden blade.

The hidden blade also allows you to attack very quickly, and gives you more freedom in movement rather than the other weapons. For example, Ezio can easily strafe a 180 degree arch in the time it takes for the enemy to attack. This is barely possible (except from very close range) with the sword or dagger. It also allows Ezio to quickly flee from a battle without having to take the time to sheathe his weapon.

While the counter-kill timing window of the hidden blade is very short (a fraction of a second), skillful timing will be rewarded. Except in cases of enemy special attacks (such as that of a Brute or Seeker), a successfully timed counter will always kill the guard against which it is performed, even if the guard has high health or is a high-ranking soldier. Brutes in particular are very vulnerable and easy to counter kill with the hidden blades.

Upgrades

File:Hidden Blade Gun Design by arceus2012.jpg

The hidden blade with a pistol upgrade.

Ezio would acquire several Codex pages that, upon decryption, detailed upgrades for the hidden blade, which Leonardo da Vinci was able to implement. The first of these improvements was the addition of a metal plate on top of the vambrace that, unlike in the original Assassin's Creed, would allow one to safely deflect enemy attacks with the blades.

The other upgrades include the Poison blade, which may be used to stab an enemy and leave them to die slowly, and the Pistol, which is able to kill from a distance. Ezio can buy poison for the blade from Doctors and ammunition for the pistol at Blacksmiths.

Additionally, both blades may be supplemented with various vambraces, allowing Ezio to block heavier attacks.

Techniques

Main article: Assassination Techniques

Later on, Ezio is able to learn a variety of assassination techniques, from instructions detailed in the Codex.

Double Assassination

File:Double assassination.jpg

Ezio performing a double assassination between two guards.

Due to the addition of the second hidden blade, Ezio is able to kill two enemies at once. This technique may be performed on the ground (from behind or between two guards) or from above, as elaborated mentioned below.

File:Air assassination.jpg

An Air Assassination in process.

Air Assassination

As previously mentioned, this technique is similar to Assassin's Creed's Air to Assassinate, and allows Ezio to kill an enemy by leaping onto them from above. He may also perform a Double Air Assassination, and kill two enemies from above at once, as long as they are close to each other. However, this technique is easily noticed by guards, and they will immediately attack upon witnessing it.

Hiding Spot Assassination

File:956856 20090525 790screen003.jpg

Ezio performing a Hiding Spot assassination.

Ezio may now assassinate enemies whilst hiding. Particularly useful against Seekers, Ezio may perform an assassination from hay stacks, benches, wells or any other hiding spot.

Ledge Assassination

File:AC2 Rooftop archer.jpg

Ezio pulling an archer from a rooftop

This technique may be performed on any enemy standing above a ledge from which Ezio may hang, and is particularly used against archers. Depending whether it is done in high or low profile, he will either pull the guard from the roof, and jump up to stab him in the chest.

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

File:Acbeziohiddenblades.jpg

Ezio's new hidden blades in Brotherhood.

In the beginning of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, Ezio's two hidden blades from Assassin's Creed II are equipped as he escapes the Vatican. After he returns to Monteriggioni, however, he removes his hidden blades, and is only able to salvage the first blade and bracer during the Siege of Monteriggioni. Upon his arrival in Rome, he is equipped with a single hidden blade, though its bracer has been replaced, courtesy of Machiavelli.

Later on, however, Leonardo da Vinci is again able to reconstruct a second hidden blade for him, along with a new upgrade, Poison Darts. The dart gun is something of a combination of the poison blade and pistol upgrades, allowing one to use the effects of poison from a distance.

Additionally, Ezio's Assassin recruits are each equipped with a single hidden blade, as the right to use two hidden blades is only reserved for the most trusted of Assassins or those who have earned the rank of the Master Assassin. However, when an apprentice does reach the rank of Master Assassin, they still do not gain a second hidden blade.

Desmond, in turn, wields a single hidden blade without a bracer, with only three straps to attach it to his arm.

File:Hidden Blade.png

The second hidden blade, purchasable from Leonardo.

Combat

In Assassins Creed: Brotherhood, combat with the hidden blade has again improved. The time segment where you can counter with the hidden blade is slightly increased, allowing for more counter kills.

Also, a new ability called execution streaks are introduced, allowing Ezio to perform multiple instant kills after killing a single guard. Each kill must be quickly followed up with another, however, in order to keep the streak going. Being attacked cancels the streak, requiring Ezio to start another one.

Trivia

Assassin's Creed

Darius, the first to wield a Hidden Blade.

In the E3 teaser trailer of the game (as well as in certain concept art), Altaïr can be seen pushing a button to operate his hidden blade. In the actual games, however, no such button or other trigger mechanism exists.
On one of the Codex Pages, it states that the blade has to be connected or linked with the user, thus explaining why Altaïr had his ring finger removed.
- In an Assassin's Creed Developer Diary video, Jade Raymond tells us about Altair's lack of his ring finger, which is due to the initiation ceremony when a novice is promoted to an Assassin. The ring finger of the left hand is cut off, the hidden blade is installed and the new born Assassin is ready to complete the missions bestowed upon him or her.
Altaïr opens his hand and spreads his fingers whenever the blade is extended. Similarly, he never uses the blade with his hand clenched in a fist, and all stabbing moves or assassinations are performed with an open hand.
Malik Al-Sayf was equipped with a hidden blade before he lost his arm, however he did not have an amputated finger. This is most likely an oversight.

Assassin's Creed II

Patrice Desilets, the creative director of the game, stated that the addition of a second blade in Assassin's Creed II also had a lucid reason: it's Assassin's Creed II, so there are 2 blades.
The first recorded usage of the Hidden Blade by an Assassin was Darius, when he assassinated Xerxes of Persia. However, his ring finger is still intact and he wields it on his right hand.
According to the Codex, since the hidden blade was constructed from a rare metal, dual blades were only given to trusted Assassins.
The original design of Ezio's second hidden blade in Assassin's Creed II was displayed as a brown glove, however, in-game, it was replaced with a second bracer. However, in Brotherhood, his second hidden blade includes a glove, until a bracer is purchased.

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

When Ezio faints and awakens in Rome, it is unexplained why or how he lost his father's hidden blade bracer. It simply disappears and he is given a new one.
When Ezio purchases the second hidden blade by Leonardo, it resembles the design for the gloved hidden blade from the E3 trailer of Assassin's Creed II, until you buy armor for it.
It is unknown why the Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood art of Ezio depicts him with a secondary hidden blade bracer identical to his primary one, as in-game, no such second bracer exists.

Others

In the Assassin's Creed novels (Assassin's Creed: Renaissance and Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (novel), unleashing the hidden blade required an activation switch.
In the film Smokin' Aces, one of the assassins sports a weapon similar to the hidden blade.
In the movie G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Storm Shadow uses a weapon similar to the hidden blade, though it is limited by the fact it must be operated with both hands.
In the Mortal Kombat: Rebirth trailer, Dr. Alan Zane, a.k.a. Baraka has similar forearm hidden blades.
In Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny, the character Dampierre fights with two similar hidden blades, although much bigger in size.

@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 ==''Assassin's Creed''==
-Although [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] already has this weapon at the start of the game, he loses it when he is demoted to [[Novice]]. At his first promotion to [[rank]] 2, however, he earns it back (along with his [[sword]]) so that he may perform his first assassination on [[Tamir]], the black marketeer, in [[Damascus]].
+Although [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] already has this weapon at the start of the game, he loses it when he is demoted to [[Novice]]. At his first promotion to [[Rank]] 2, however, he earns it back (along with his [[sword]]) so that he may perform his first assassination on [[Tamir]], the black marketeer, in [[Damascus]].
-===Basic usage===
+===Basic Usage===
-[[Video:12 Ways to Wield the Hidden Blade|thumb|300px|right|Video tutorial on usage of the Hidden Blade.]]
+{{main|Assassination Techniques}}
-This weapon is mostly used for stealthy, low profile assassinations upon soldiers. An unaware soldier may be assassinated without drawing too much attention, with stealth assassinations being possible from both behind and in front of the target. Altaïr rams the blade into the victim's abdomen (front) or through his spine (back). When stealth is not a priority, Altaïr may perform a high profile assassination. This involves Sprinting towards the target at hand, jumping and thrusting the blade into the victims throat, or major arteries in the neck. Also, Altaïr will perform another assassination by pushing the target onto his knees and stabbing him in the neck when approached from behind.
+[[Video:12 Ways to Wield the Hidden Blade|thumb|300px|right|A video guide for the hidden blade in ''Assassin's Creed''.]]
+This weapon is mostly used for stealthy, low profile assassinations upon [[guards]]. An unaware soldier may be assassinated without drawing too much attention, with stealth assassinations being possible from both behind and in front of the target. Altaïr rams the blade into the victim's abdomen (front) or through his spine (back). When stealth is not a priority, Altaïr may perform a high profile assassination. This involves sprinting towards the target, jumping and thrusting the blade into the victims throat, or major arteries in the neck. Alternatively, if approaching from behind, Altaïr may push the target onto his knees and stab him in the neck.
-The Hidden Blade is the only weapon that Altaïr may wield while sprinting. When Altaïr is close enough to the victim during a foot pursuit, the button on the ''weapon hand ''button on the HUD will change to "assassinate", which can be pressed to carry out the assassination. Altaïr will perform a running leap, landing on his victim from behind and burying the blade in the neck. This feature makes it an ideal choice for running down targets who flee such as [[Talal]], the slave trader, in [[Jerusalem]].
+The hidden blade is the only weapon that Altaïr may wield while sprinting. When Altaïr is close enough to the victim during a foot pursuit, he may carry out an assassination. Altaïr will perform a running leap, landing on his victim from behind and burying the blade in the neck. This feature makes it an ideal choice for running down [[assassination targets]] who flee such as [[Talal]], the slave trader, in [[Jerusalem]].
-[[File:Altaïr_using_the_hidden_blade.jpg|thumb|left|280px|Altaïr performing an air assassination.]]
+Both low and high profile assassinations are capable of failure. A guard wary of your actions may catch your arm when you attempt the kill and throw you back. However, attacks from behind and attacks made upon guards who are prone on the ground will never fail, no matter the circumstances.
-Both low and high profile assassinations may fail. A guard wary of your actions may catch your arm when you attempt the kill and throw you back. Attacks from behind and attacks made upon guards who are prone on the ground will never fail, no matter the circumstances. Be aware, of course, that you will lose one third of your [[synchronization]] if you assassinate innocent civilians with the Hidden Blade, just as with any other weapon. However once you complete the game and replay a memory block, you will not lose synchronization if you kill innocent civilians.
 ===Air Assassination===
-In a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blXy3W2O2PE 2007 demo] of the [[William of Montferrat|William V of Montferrat]] mission, [[Jade Raymond]] introduced a move called ''air to assassinate'' that combines some of Altaïr's acrobatic skills with his Hidden Blade. From higher ground above a target such as a nearby roof or beam, Altaïr leaps directly onto his victim and stabs him in the throat. Although the move was not covered in the manual or in-game tutorials, air to assassinate does exist within ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' and the controls were documented by "Stabguy" on [http://www.thehiddenblade.com/air-assassinate-guide The Hidden Blade] website. All forms of air to assassinate draw attention of nearby guards, even when performed in low profile. Note that in ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', ''Air to Assassinate'' was renamed ''Air Assassination'' and included as a required tutorial with simplified controls.
+[[File:Altaïr_using_the_hidden_blade.jpg|thumb|left|280px|Altaïr performing an air assassination.]]
+In a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blXy3W2O2PE 2007 demo] of the [[William of Montferrat|William V of Montferrat]] mission, [[Jade Raymond]] introduced a move called "''air to assassinate''" that combines some of Altaïr's acrobatic skills with his hidden blade. Due to this, all forms of Air to Assassinate draw attention of nearby guards, even when performed in low profile.
-===In combat===
+From higher ground above a target, such as a nearby roof or beam, Altaïr leaps directly onto his victim and stabs him in the throat. Although the move was not covered in the manual or in-game tutorials, air to assassinate does exist, and the controls were documented by "Stabguy" on [http://www.thehiddenblade.com/air-assassinate-guide The Hidden Blade] website.  Note that in ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', ''Air to Assassinate'' was renamed ''Air Assassination'' and included as a required tutorial with simplified controls.
-The Hidden Blade can also be used while in combat. An enemy who has been grabbed and thrown (or counter thrown with a grab break) can easily be killed while he lies on the ground. Using the Hidden Blade in combat against large groups is challenging, as Altaïr cannot block ''any'' attack, but Ezio can. The time frame in which Altaïr can counter-attack is extremely small compared to the sword and the short blade, but successfully countering enables one of several different – and always lethal – counter-attacks in which Altaïr stabs his opponent in the chest, head, abdomen, base of the skull, or spine. It is also possible to assassinate the enemy in combat, while he is caught in a moment of inattention or grappling with a vigilante, or if he is taunting Altaïr (this is documented on The Hidden Blade as the "taunting penalty"), but any other time it will fail because the enemy will always block the attack. It is also possible to assassinate your targets even if they are aware of you by getting behind them and assassinating them.
-===Mechanism===
+{{-}}
-[[File:Assassinscreedbladema5.png|thumb|The ring mechanism.]]
+===Combat===
-The hidden blade is worn on the left hand. The blade is integrated into the vambrace, and when not in use, sits retracted inside of the slide mechanism. Though not fully or officially understood, as to ''how'' the blade functions, there are a number of theories. One being that when the Assassin flicks his wrist, the blade is ejected with the combined force of the arm and gravity. The user is "unhinging" or "releasing" the blade which is kept locked in place. If the Assassin keeps pulling with his arm on the mechanism, the blade stays out and can be used in open combats. Another popular theory is that a ring mechanism is used and that opening the hand ejects the blade, but this raises the question that why the blade does not activate every time he opens his hand, say when leaping for a ledge, and how he can hold the blade in his fist without it retracting. Another, more sensible theory is that it uses both mechanisms to operate the blade and that the blade wont eject or retract without both systems being used. One being the flicking of the wrist, and the ring mechanism. This explains why assaasins flick their wrist and open their hand to eject the blade and why they can close their fist without the blade retracting and why there is no fear of an unexpected stabbing.
+The hidden blade can also be used while in combat. An enemy who has been grabbed and thrown (or counter thrown with a grab break) can easily be killed while he lies on the ground. Using the blade in combat against large groups is challenging, as Altaïr is unable to block ''any'' attack.
-The true mechanics behind the retraction of the blade yet remains a mystery. To retract the weapon, the Assassin loosens his wrist. At this point, the blade returns to the vambrace seemingly of its own accord. Some other theories on the blade's mechanics exist, with some maintaining that the blade works on a spring-retraction system, and with others stating that the blade is never truly locked when it is released, and therefore the blade will return if it is not hold in place.
+Additionally, the time frame in which Altaïr can counter-attack is extremely small, especially in comparison to that of the sword and the short blade. Successfully countering enables one of several different – and always lethal – counter-attacks, in which Altaïr stabs his opponent in the chest, head, abdomen, base of the skull, or spine.
-It is probable that it works on the same system as modern full automatic [[switchblade]] knives. There are two springs of equal strength present. The inertia from the pull/push of one spring is enough to overcome the resistance of the other spring for the blade to lock into place.
+It is also possible to assassinate the enemy in combat, while he is caught in a moment of inattention, has his back turned, is grappling with a vigilante, or if he is taunting Altaïr. Attempting an assassination at any other time will fail, as the enemy will always be able to block the attack.
-In the E3 teaser trailer of the game it is seen that Altaïr is pushing a button to operate his hidden blade but in the actual game no such button exists and he does not seem to push anything with his other hand.
+===Mechanism===
+[[File:Assassinscreedbladema5.png|thumb|The hidden blade ring mechanism.]]
+The hidden blade is commonly worn on the left hand. The blade is integrated into the vambrace, and when not in use, sits retracted inside the slide mechanism. Though not fully or officially understood as to ''how'' the blade functions, there are a number of theories:
-In Assassin's Creed Brotherhood, when Ezio woke up in Rome, he got a new hidden blade. When he tested it, it looks like he pushed a button then flicks his wrist.
+#When the Assassin flicks his wrist, the blade is ejected with the combined force of the arm and gravity. The user is "unhinging" or "releasing" the blade, which is normally kept locked in place. If the Assassin keeps pulling with his arm on the mechanism, the blade stays out and can be used in open combats.
+#A ring mechanism is attached to the Assassin's finger, and opening the hand ejects the blade. This, however, raises the question as to why the blade does not activate every time he opens his hand, and how he can hold the blade in his fist without it retracting.
+#A combination of the former two theories is used, wherein the blade won't eject or retract without the use of both systems. This would explain why Assassins flick their wrist and open their hand to eject the blade, why they can close their fist without the blade retracting, and why there is no fear of an unexpected stabbing.
+#The blade functions on a spring-retraction system, where the blade is never truly locked when it is released, and would therefore return if not held in place.
+#The mechanism functions in the same system as the modern, full-automatic switchblade knives. There are two springs of equal strength present, and the inertia from the pull/push of one spring is enough to overcome the resistance of the other spring, allowing the blade to lock into place.
-===Role in investigations and missions===
+===Roles on the Field===
 ====Informant missions====
-The Hidden Blade is also used for some of the [[investigation]]s given to you by [[informants]]. You are asked to stealthily assassinate a number of targets. If any guard even once confronts you, the mission is failed. If you attack the targets or the guards with [[fists]], the [[short blade]], the [[sword]], or any other high profile weapon, you will fail the mission. Because of this, you may '''only''' use [[throwing knives]] and/or the Hidden Blade to assassinate your targets.
+The hidden blade is also used for some of the [[investigation]]s given to you by [[informants]], wherein you are asked to stealthily assassinate a number of targets. If any guard even once confronts you, the mission is failed. If you attack the targets or the guards with [[fists]], or any high profile weapon, you will fail the mission. Because of this, you may '''only''' use [[throwing knives]] and/or the hidden blade to assassinate your targets.
 ====Interrogation missions====
@@ Line 44: / Line 50: @@
 ====Save Citizen missions====
-In the optional [[Save Citizen]] missions to save citizens from soldiers threatening to kill them, this weapon will come in handy. Successfully and stealthily used, you might take out three of the soldiers before they notice you, draw their weapons, and engage you in a swordfight. Also, the Save Citizen missions are commonly located in alleyways or dark corners, so it is possible to begin the mission by starting from an elevated position and performing an air-to-assassinate.
+In the optional [[Save Citizen]] missions involving rescuing citizens from soldiers threatening to kill them, this weapon will come in handy. Successfully and stealthily used, you may take out three of the soldiers before they notice you, draw their weapons, and engage you in a swordfight. Also, the Save Citizen missions are commonly located in alleyways or dark corners, so it is possible to begin the mission by starting from an elevated position and performing an air-to-assassinate.
 ====Assassinations====
 The hidden blade is used in every storyline assassination you perform. Even if you begin by attacking the enemy with a sword, you will always finish them off with the hidden blade before it cuts to the death cutscene.
-==''Assassin's Creed II''==
-[[File:Lineage Hidden Blade.png|thumb|300px|Giovanni's (later Ezio's) Hidden Blade in ''Lineage''.]]
-{{quote|The blade is designed to ensure the commitment of whomever wields it.|[[Leonardo da Vinci]]|Assassin's Creed II}}
+==''Assassin's Creed: Lineage''==
+[[File:Lineage Hidden Blade.png|thumb|300px|Giovanni's (later Ezio's) hidden blade.]]
+In ''[[Assassin's Creed: Lineage]]'', the hidden blade wielded by [[Giovanni Auditore]] had been modified since Altaïr's time, with the blade base raised higher on the arm, to allow one to operate it without the need to sacrifice one's ring finger.
-In ''Assassin's Creed II'', [[Ezio Auditore]] possesses two hidden blades, whereas Altaïr has only one. In addition, unlike Altaïr who had to sacrifice his ring finger, both of Ezio's ring fingers are intact due to a design that raised the base of the weapon itself, as outlined in the Codex.
+As outlined in the Codex, this revised hidden blade had been designed by Altaïr so that the Assassins, who he intended to go undercover, could not be identified by the lack of a ring finger. Furthermore, the mechanism did not require a wrist "flick" to extend the blade, thus the user could retract the blade without any wrist or hand movement.
-This revised hidden blade had been designed by Altaïr (presumably through using the Apple of Eden) so that the Assassins, who he intended to go undercover, could not be identified by the lack of a ring finger. Furthermore, the mechanism did not require a wrist "flick" to extend the blade, thus the user could retract the blade without any wrist or hand movement, and as pictured the weapon could be used with a clenched fist (Giovanni has only been depicted as using a clenched fist, while Ezio would use the "traditional" open hand as did Altaïr).
+Additionally, as pictured, the weapon could be used with a clenched fist (though only [[Giovanni Auditore]] has been depicted as using a clenched fist, while Ezio would use the "traditional" open hand, as did Altaïr).
-[[File:Double_assassination.jpg|thumb|left|300px|A Double Assassination from directly in between two guards.]]While there is a forward/downward-rotating wheel atop the rear portion of the mechanism's housing, its function has not been identified, and there are no known schematics or explanations for the mechanism. In ''[[Assassin's Creed: Lineage]]'', there were no shots of it operating while explicitly being worn on the actor's arm without gimmicks (such as an open-ended rear housing through which the blade could be pushed or pulled), so it is probable that no actual working prop exists that operates as depicted.
+While there is a rotating wheel atop the rear portion of the mechanism's housing, its function has not been identified, and there are no known schematics or explanations for the mechanism. There are also no shots of it operating during ''Lineage'', and it would often be shown on the actor's arm either sheathed or already extended.
-Ezio's first blade would be inherited from his father, which, along with the corresponding Codex page, the Assassin's Robes and a common sword, had been in Giovanni's secret room after his arrest. The weapon had become inoperative ever since [[Giovanni Auditore]] had fought [[Rodrigo Borgia]]'s
-[[File:Screenshot-of-Assassins-Creed-2.jpg|thumb|270px|a double assassination ]]men (in ''Assassin's Creed: Lineage''), when a single sword strike against the blade had dislodged it from the bracer and mechanism, but Ezio brought it to his friend [[Leonardo da Vinci]] to repair it.Later on, Ezio would acquire another Codex page which upon decryption by Leonardo detailed the construction of a hidden blade with a metal plate on the top side of the vambrace, allowing the wielder to safely deflect enemy attacks and thus to properly engage in armed conflict with the blades.[[File:Demond_blade2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The blade given to Desmond by Lucy.]]
+==''Assassin's Creed II''==
+{{quote|The blade is designed to ensure the commitment of whomever wields it.|[[Leonardo da Vinci]]|Assassin's Creed II}}
+In ''Assassin's Creed II'', [[Ezio Auditore]] possesses two hidden blades, whereas Altaïr has only one.  His first blade would be inherited from his father, which, along with the corresponding Codex page, the Assassin's Robes and a common sword, had been hidden in Giovanni's secret room. After he had gained proficiency with the first, Ezio would gain the second blade from [[Leonardo da Vinci]], who constructed it based upon designs detailed in Altaïr's Codex.
-At the end of the game, [[Desmond Miles]] receives from [[Lucy Stillman]] a similar model of the Hidden Blade (if not the same one) used by Desmond to face [[Warren Vidic]]'s henchmen, but the Poison Blade and Gun are seemingly absent and/or inoperable, possibly due to the fact that the hidden blade that is given still needs improvements from a skilled engineer such as Leonardo, or the fact that lead bullets or the certain alloy used to make the hollowed out blade isn't available anymore.
+Ezio's first hidden blade had become inoperative since Giovanni had faced [[Rodrigo Borgia]]'s men (in ''Assassin's Creed: Lineage''), when a single sword strike against the blade had dislodged it from the bracer and mechanism. Thus, upon suggestion by fellow Assassin [[Paola]], Ezio brought the blade and bracer to his friend Leonardo to have it repaired.
-===In combat===
+[[File:Demond_blade2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The blade given to Desmond by Lucy.]]
-In ''Assassin's Creed II'', the use of the hidden blade in combat is more classical. It can be used like a regular weapon, and is capable of breaking an enemy's defense. It attacks fairly fast, becoming faster after the acquirement of the second blade, allowing Ezio to unleash a constant barrage of strikes, suppressing a foe's ability to attack or killing them before they can attack. While attacking with the hidden blade, enemies cannot counter-attack, unlike when you attack with swords, maces and smaller weapons. Unlike the first game, it is also possible to block attacks while using the Hidden Blade once he has the upgraded vambrace.
+During a Templar attack on their [[hideout]], [[Desmond Miles]] received a similar (if not identical) model of the hidden blade from [[Lucy Stillman]]. This he used to face [[Warren Vidic]]'s henchmen, though its [[Poison Blade]] and [[Pistol]] upgrades are seemingly absent or inoperable.
-[[Video:---The Guide to the Hidden Blade---|thumb|right|400px|Video Guide to the Hidden Blade.]]
+{{-}}
-The hidden blade also allows you to attack very quickly and gives you more freedom in movement rather than the other weapons. For example, Ezio can easily strafe a 180 degree arch in the time it takes for the enemy to attack. This is barely possible except from very close range range with the sword or dagger. It also allows Ezio to quickly flee from a battle without having to take the time to sheath his weapon.
+===Combat===
+[[Video:---The Guide to the Hidden Blade---|thumb|right|300px|A video guide for the hidden blade in ''Assassin's Creed II''.]]
+In ''Assassin's Creed II'', the use of the hidden blade in combat has been improved. It can be used similarly to a regular weapon, and is capable of breaking an enemy's defense. It attacks fairly quickly, particularly after the acquisition of the second blade, allowing Ezio to unleash a constant barrage of strikes, which can be used to kill an enemy or suppress their ability to attack. Unlike other weapons, no enemy can counter-attack the hidden blade.
-Veterans of ''Assassin's Creed'' combat may want to challenge themselves by using the Hidden Blade(s) in combat. While the counter-kill timing window is very short (a fraction of a second), skillful timing will be rewarded nicely; except for against the [[Brutes]]' smashes which knock Ezio's weapon away (does not work against Hidden Blades) and [[Seekers]]' (sweep Ezio's feet) special attacks, a successfully timed counter will always kill the guard against which it is performed, even if the guard has high health and/or is a high-ranking soldier. In addition, Brutes are very vulnerable and easy to combo kill with the hidden blades. Even a 3 hit combo can be used to kill a brute: see 1:44 in the video to the left.
+The hidden blade also allows you to attack very quickly, and gives you more freedom in movement rather than the other weapons. For example, Ezio can easily strafe a 180 degree arch in the time it takes for the enemy to attack. This is barely possible (except from very close range) with the sword or dagger. It also allows Ezio to quickly flee from a battle without having to take the time to sheathe his weapon.
-In addition, he can repeatedly hit his opponent in a wild fashion and eventually break through their defenses and slash their throat or stab them in the chest repeatedly, while sometimes it does a short cinematic, if you are in open combat or in an odd position like on a ledge then it just does it in normal view. It also does this sometimes for no reason, and may be a possible glitch.
+While the counter-kill timing window of the hidden blade is very short (a fraction of a second), skillful timing will be rewarded. Except in cases of enemy special attacks (such as that of a [[Brute]] or [[Seeker]]), a successfully timed counter will always kill the guard against which it is performed, even if the guard has high health or is a high-ranking soldier. Brutes in particular are very vulnerable and easy to counter kill with the hidden blades.
 ===Upgrades===
-[[File:Hidden_Blade_Gun_Design_by_arceus2012.jpg|thumb|Pistol]]
+[[File:Hidden_Blade_Gun_Design_by_arceus2012.jpg|thumb|The hidden blade with a pistol upgrade.]]
-The second Hidden Blade is acquired later and the main blade gets upgraded with the [[poison blade]] and the [[pistol]] installed. Also, both blades get vambraces allowing Ezio to block heavier attacks with the hidden blades. Ezio can buy poison for the blade from [[Doctors]] and ammunition for the pistol at [[Blacksmiths]].
+Ezio would acquire several Codex pages that, upon decryption, detailed upgrades for the hidden blade, which Leonardo da Vinci was able to implement. The first of these improvements was the addition of a metal plate on top of the vambrace that, unlike in the original ''Assassin's Creed'', would allow one to safely deflect enemy attacks with the blades.
+The other upgrades include the [[Poison blade]], which may be used to stab an enemy and leave them to die slowly, and the [[Pistol]], which is able to kill from a distance. Ezio can buy poison for the blade from [[Doctors]] and ammunition for the pistol at [[Blacksmiths]].
+Additionally, both blades may be supplemented with various [[Armor|vambraces]], allowing Ezio to block heavier attacks.
 ===Techniques===
+{{main|Assassination Techniques}}
+Later on, Ezio is able to learn a variety of assassination techniques, from instructions detailed in the Codex.
+====Double Assassination====
+[[File:Double_assassination.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ezio performing a double assassination between two guards.]]
+Due to the addition of the second hidden blade, Ezio is able to kill two enemies at once. This technique may be performed on the ground (from behind or between two guards) or from above, as elaborated mentioned below.
+{{-}}
 [[File:Air_assassination.jpg|thumb|left|250px|An Air Assassination in process.]]
-Later on, Ezio can assassinate enemies below with an Air Assassination, a Double Air Assassination if the target is adjacent to another, by leaping from a platform onto the victim. This, however, is easily noticeable by [[guards]] and they will attack once they see you doing it. It is possible to assassinate two guards at the same time (at ground level) by standing between them and piercing both their throats.
+====Air Assassination====
+As previously mentioned, this technique is similar to ''Assassin's Creed'''s Air to Assassinate, and allows Ezio to kill an enemy by leaping onto them from above. He may also perform a Double Air Assassination, and kill two enemies from above at once, as long as they are close to each other. However, this technique is easily noticed by guards, and they will immediately attack upon witnessing it.
+{{-}}
-[[File:956856_20090525_790screen003.jpg|thumb|Ezio performing a 'Hiding Spot' assassination.]]
+====Hiding Spot Assassination====
-At the same time Ezio learns the aforementioned techniques, he also learns how to assassinate enemies that are standing on ledges above him, as well as how to assassinate targets from a hiding spot (e.g. Hay, Wells and Benches).
+[[File:956856_20090525_790screen003.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ezio performing a Hiding Spot assassination.]]
+Ezio may now assassinate enemies whilst hiding. Particularly useful against Seekers, Ezio may perform an assassination from hay stacks, benches, wells or any other hiding spot.
+{{-}}
-There are also other techniques that aren't actually part of what Ezio learns, but rather what players use to kill guards. One example would be side-stepping around a guard right after he attacks and then doing a instant kill to their backs with the hidden blade. Also, one can may grab an enemy and strike or throw him so that he falls, and then run to his body to perform a instant kill using the hidden blade before he can get back to his feet. A flashier and possibly quicker alternative is to perform an Air Assassination while running up a nearby wall or other vertical surface (i.e. a pillar). This sort of Air Assassination may also be attempted against standing enemies, though the chance of success is low if the enemy is aware of Ezio's presence during Open Conflict.
+====Ledge Assassination====
+[[File:AC2 Rooftop archer.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Ezio pulling an archer from a rooftop]]
+This technique may be performed on any enemy standing above a ledge from which Ezio may hang, and is particularly used against [[archers]]. Depending whether it is done in high or low profile, he will either pull the guard from the roof, and jump up to stab him in the chest.
+{{-}}
-Ezio can also perform special combo kill animations and counter kill animations with the dual hidden blades.
 ==''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood''==
 [[File:Acbeziohiddenblades.jpg|thumb|250px|Ezio's new hidden blades in ''Brotherhood''.]]
-In the beginning of ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'', Ezio's two hidden blades are equipped as he escapes the [[Vatican]]. After he returns to [[Monteriggioni]], he removes his armor, hidden blades, and Assassin robes as he takes a rest. He places his [[Giovanni Auditore |father's hidden]] blade on a table, while he is sleeping with [[Caterina Sforza]]. As a cannon strikes his room the next morning, Ezio quickly puts on light clothing and his hidden blade and bracer and runs into the battle. After he and the villagers have escaped, Ezio journeys to Rome, where he faints due to injuries.
+In the beginning of ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'', Ezio's two hidden blades from ''Assassin's Creed II'' are equipped as he escapes the [[Vatican]]. After he returns to [[Monteriggioni]], however, he removes his hidden blades, and is only able to salvage the first blade and bracer during the [[Siege of Monteriggioni]]. Upon his arrival in Rome, he is equipped with a single hidden blade, though its bracer has been replaced, courtesy of [[Machiavelli]].
+Later on, however, Leonardo da Vinci is again able to reconstruct a second hidden blade for him, along with a new upgrade, [[Poison Darts]]. The dart gun is something of a combination of the poison blade and pistol upgrades, allowing one to use the effects of poison from a distance.
-In 1503, Ezio has two new Hidden Blades and bracers on each forearm (yet despite the image to the right and other images, only the bracer on his left arm matches the other new parts of his robes). The bracers and the blades are completely different in appearance, but they still function the same with the same codex adjustments to them. During the beginning of the game, Ezio has only a new, single hidden blade courtesy of [[Machiavelli]] since he lost both of his previous blades during the [[Siege of Monteriggioni]]. However, later on in the game, he meets up with Leonardo da Vinci and asks him to rebuild a new second hidden blade (though this time money is required for materials) that has a more discreet appearance of a glove. A new upgrade is the [[poison darts]] which can be shot from the pistol.
+Additionally, [[Apprentices|Ezio's Assassin recruits]] are each equipped with a single hidden blade, as the right to use two hidden blades is only reserved for the most trusted of Assassins or those who have earned the rank of the [[Master Assassin]]. However, when an apprentice does reach the rank of Master Assassin, they still do not gain a second hidden blade.
-[[File:Hidden_Blade.png|frame|left|The Hidden Blade as seen in concept images of ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood''.]]
-[[Assassin apprentices|Ezio's apprentices]] are each equipped with a hidden blade. The right to use two hidden blades is only reserved for the most trusted of Assassins or those who have earned the rank of the [[Master Assassin]]. However, when an apprentice does reach the rank of Master Assassin, they still do not gain a second hidden blade.
 Desmond, in turn, wields a single hidden blade without a bracer, with only three straps to attach it to his arm.
+[[File:Hidden_Blade.png|frame|left|The second hidden blade, purchasable from Leonardo.]]
 ===Combat===
-In ''Assassins Creed: Brotherhood'', combat with the hidden blade becomes much easier. The time segment where you can counter with the hidden blade is slightly increased. A new ability called execution streaks are introduced, allowing Ezio to perform multiple instant kills after he kills a guard. Each kill must be quickly followed up with another in an execution streak to keep the streak going. Being hit cancels the streak, requiring Ezio to get another one started. Overall, combat with the hidden blade is much easier and more rewarding than Assassins Creed 2's combat.{{-}}
+In ''Assassins Creed: Brotherhood'', combat with the hidden blade has again improved. The time segment where you can counter with the hidden blade is slightly increased, allowing for more counter kills.
+Also, a new ability called execution streaks are introduced, allowing Ezio to perform multiple instant kills after killing a single guard. Each kill must be quickly followed up with another, however, in order to keep the streak going. Being attacked cancels the streak, requiring Ezio to start another one.
+{{-}}
 ==Trivia==
 ===''Assassin's Creed''===
 [[File:Zw-darius.png|thumb|Darius, the first to wield a Hidden Blade.]]
-**The trigger mechanism of the hidden blade is never visible in-game, despite being shown in certain concept art.
+*In the E3 teaser trailer of the game (as well as in certain concept art), Altaïr can be seen pushing a button to operate his hidden blade. In the actual games, however, no such button or other trigger mechanism exists.
-*On one of the [[Codex Pages]], it states that the blade has to be connected or linked with the user, thus explaining part of why Altaïr had his ring finger removed.
+*On one of the [[Codex Pages]], it states that the blade has to be connected or linked with the user, thus explaining why Altaïr had his ring finger removed.
 **In an ''Assassin's Creed'' [http://www.gametrailers.com/video/developer-diary-assassins-creed/13648 Developer Diary] video, Jade Raymond tells us about Altair's lack of his ring finger, which is due to the initiation ceremony when a novice is promoted to an Assassin. The ring finger of the left hand is cut off, the hidden blade is installed and the new born Assassin is ready to complete the missions bestowed upon him or her.
 *Altaïr opens his hand and spreads his fingers whenever the blade is extended. Similarly, he never uses the blade with his hand clenched in a fist, and all stabbing moves or assassinations are performed with an open hand.
@@ Line 131: / Line 162: @@
 *In the ''Mortal Kombat: Rebirth'' trailer, Dr. Alan Zane, a.k.a. Baraka has similar forearm hidden blades.
 *In ''Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny'', the character Dampierre fights with two similar hidden blades, although much bigger in size.
@@ Line 144: / Line 174: @@
 [[Category:Assassin's Creed II Weapons]]
 [[Category:Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood Weapons]]
-[[Category:assassin's weapons]]

Hidden Blade: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 14:05, 1 January 2011

Contents

Assassin's Creed

Basic Usage

Air Assassination

Combat

Mechanism

Roles on the Field

Informant missions

Interrogation missions

Save Citizen missions

Assassinations

Assassin's Creed: Lineage

Assassin's Creed II

Combat

Upgrades

Techniques

Double Assassination

Air Assassination

Hiding Spot Assassination

Ledge Assassination

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

Combat

Trivia

Assassin's Creed

Assassin's Creed II

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

Others

Navigation menu

Hidden Blade: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 14:05, 1 January 2011

Assassin's Creed

Basic Usage

Air Assassination

Combat

Mechanism

Roles on the Field

Informant missions

Interrogation missions

Save Citizen missions

Assassinations

Assassin's Creed: Lineage

Assassin's Creed II

Combat

Upgrades

Techniques

Double Assassination

Air Assassination

Hiding Spot Assassination

Ledge Assassination

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

Combat

Trivia

Assassin's Creed

Assassin's Creed II

Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood

Others

Navigation menu

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