Mercenary

"I fight at your side, anytime!"

―Mercenaries's greeting to Ezio

The Mercenaries, known as the Condotierri in Italian, are one of the three factions of Assassin's Creed II helping the main character Ezio (the other two being the Courtesans and the Thieves).

The Mercenaries in Tuscany are led by Mario Auditore, Ezio's uncle. In Florence, the Mercenaries are led by Niccolò Machiavelli. In Venice, the Mercenaries are led by Bartolomeo d'Alviano.

The idea of hiring mercenaries is to help you in battle, fighting your enemies in open areas. The Mercenaries are almost like Brutes to an extent, as they carry heavy weapons and a few long weapons as well. Despite this, they also use a variety of Longswords in battle. Unlike many Guards however, Mercenaries do not wear much armor and are not very agile, making them easier to kill.

Trivia

• While distributing Bartolomeo's men to specific spots throughout the Castello district to distract Silvio, his men act like normal guards instead of Brutes, even being able to sprint.
• During the mission to assassinate Viere Da Pazzi, Mario refers to his mercinaries as assassins, although they do not appear to actually be assassins due to not carrying any of the assassins equipment.
• It's ironic that Niccolo Machiavelli is portrayed as the leader of Florence's mercenaries when he was strongly against the use of mercenaries in real life.

Gallery

• 
  Mercenaries in Venice.
• Ezio in battle with Mercenaries on his side.
  Ezio in battle with Mercenaries on his side.