Pazzi conspiracy

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"Your day is done Lorenzo! Your entire family dies by my sword!"

―Francesco to Lorenzo, during the events at the Duomo

The Pazzi Conspiracy was an attempt by the Pazzi Family, who was under the influence of the Templar Order, to remove the House of Medici from power in the city of Florence. Led by Rodrigo Borgia, the coup brought Florence into a brief period of civil war, and nearly taking the life of the city's ruler, Lorenzo Medici.

Florence

Reunion

Ezio: "There is someone I need to "see" while I'm here. I cannot approach him publicly.....Would you know a way-"

Leonardo: "La Volpe"

Ezio: "The Fox?"

Leonardo: "Shhhhh!"

—Leonardo and Ezio, during Ezio's visit to Leonardo's workshop

Ezio returns to Florence after two years of absence. He quickly made his way to Leonardo da Vinci's workshop, bringing with him the Codex pages Leonardo was fascinated with. Warmly greeted by Leonardo, Ezio hands the Codex pages to him. As expected, he was able to decipher the page, but only the first. He learns that the page contained new techniques for assassinations and silencing soldiers in several ways.

Leonardo instructs Ezio to practice these new techniques on the small terrace beside his workshop while he deciphers the other page. He instructs his assistant to set up some dummies for training. Ezio agrees to this, and practices the new techniques on the dummies, learning to strike from above, under ledges, and also in hiding places.

Ezio, successful in performing the new methods of assassination, returns to Leonardo, where he is handed a new Hidden Blade, constructed using the Codex page. Before leaving, Ezio tells Leonardo that he is looking for someone, but remarks that he cannot approach this someone publicly. He asks Leonardo if he knows a way to get close, but was quickly silenced before he could say anything else, as if someone was watching. He mentions the name "La Volpe", and tells him that "The Fox" usually dwells in the market not far from Leonardo's workshop.

Telling Ezio to look for La Volpe there, the two bid each other farewell and good fortune, as Leonardo prepares to return to his work, while Ezio leaves for the market.

The Fox and The Eagle

"They call me many things: Murderer. Tagliagole (Cutthroat). Thief. But you may call me La Volpe."

―La Volpe, as he introduced himself to Ezio

Ezio searches the marketplace, in hopes of finding La Volpe, but as he looked on, however, his money pouch was stolen by a thief. Giving chase to the pickpocket, Ezio manages to catch up with the thief in a secluded area near the harbor. Telling the thief that he has no intention of taking his life, Ezio asks for his money back to call it even.

As he asked the thief, he is suddenly greeted by another figure. Ezio asks the man who he is, to which the man replies that he bore many names, but his most famous moniker is La Volpe, the name Leonardo mentioned earlier. Ezio asks how he knew his name, and replies that it is his job to know everything about Florence. Ezio, doubting the man's appearance, asks him if he holds information on the whereabouts of Francesco de' Pazzi.

La Volpe replies that he has heard talk from a caravan that came from Rome, that there is a secret meeting within the Santa Maria Novella. Ezio asks him if he knew a way inside the Novella, to which he replies that he did; an old passage through some old catacombs underneath the Novella. Ezio then asks if he can take him to the location of the secret entrance, to which he says yes. La Volpe instructs him to meet him by the harbor when he is ready to come with, and after doing so, returns Ezio the money stolen from him by one of his men. After this, they proceed to meet up by the harbor.

Meeting by the harbor, La Volpe instructs Ezio to follow him on top of the rooftop. After doing so, La Volpe quickly fled, mockingly telling Ezio to catch up. Trudging the rooftops, Ezio and Volpe raced each other to the Novella, away from the eyes of the people of Florence. After a short run, Ezio and Volpe arrive by the side of the Novella. Volpe tells him where the entrance is; located at the wall by the small terrace on the side of the Novella was a small mechanism. Volpe tells him that if he retracts the mechanism, it will unlock the secret passage, paving Ezio the way into the catacomb.

Ezio thanks Volpe for his assistance as he leaves the area, bidding Ezio good luck. After this, Ezio does what he was instructed; retracting the mechanism and opening the entrance, Ezio quietly makes his way into the catacombs.

Meeting in the Shadows

Rodrigo: "Gentlemen. Tomorrow, a new sun rises over Firenze. May the Father of Understanding guide us"

All: "May the Father of Understanding guide us"

—The Templar men bidding each other farewell after their meeting underneath the Novella

Ezio makes his way into the catacombs, and proceeds to move in further. Activating the old mechanisms still functioning in the catacombs, and dealing with the guards stationed by the Pazzi, Ezio manages to locate the meeting place of the Templars, secluded in a small area that was out of Ezio's reach, with only a small light to guide both the Templars and Ezio's sight. Seeing the Templar men, Ezio eavesdrops on the meeting.

He overhears a prayer being proclaimed by a priest, and as it ends, The group asks a man dressed in red what of the equipment. The man tells them that all of the equipment were present, claiming that their men will want for nothing. One of them asks if it was consents from the pope. Rodrigo tells them that the Pope gave his blessing on the operation, so long as no one is killed. Francesco de' Pazzi then speaks, assuring Borgia and everyone at the meeting that the they are prepared to strike at the Duomo, remarking that it wasn't easy due to the fact that Lorenzo's brother, Giuliano de' Medici keeps changing the plans.

Rodrigo notices Jacopo de' Pazzi's unusual behavior, and when asked if he was worried about the possibility of the Medici suspecting anything, he was interrupted by Francesco, claiming that the Medici are too stupid and arrogant. Jacopo quickly reprimanded him, stating that they should not underestimate their enemies, and mentions the fact that his son was killed because of this. Francesco reassures all of the Templar men that no such thing will happen. Rodrigo then tells them to make due of their promise, as he must attend to his business in Rome. After this, they bid each other farewell, as they prepare for their operation. Ezio, after taking the Assassin's Seal from the catacombs, makes his way out of the Novella.

Arriving on the harbor through the small passage at the sewers, Ezio meets up with La Volpe, and discussed the words spoken by the Templars at the meeting. He makes mention that their plans involve the Medici, and that they plan to do it at the Duomo at Sunday. He also remarks that The Pope has given them support. La Volpe was not surprised by the fact of the Pope giving support, remarking it to be a typical behavior. He suddenly remembers that the Medici will be at the Duomo for Sunday Service, along with the rest of Florence. He then realizes that the Pazzi plan to initiate an attack on the Medici at High Mass, suspecting their intentions to be taking over Florence.

La Volpe, heavily concerned of Ezio's discovery, warns him that if he fails to stop the Pazzi's attack, control over Florence will shift over to the Pazzi, thus putting the lives of the citizens in ruins. Ezio reassures him that it will never come to that. Bidding La Volpe goodbye, Ezio leaves to stop the Pazzi's plans.

Attack at the Duomo

Giuliano: "No! In nome de Dio, vie scongiuro! Pieta! (No, in the name of God, I beg you, mercy!)"

Francesco: "Nessuna pieta, cane maldetto! Muori! Muori! Muori! (No mercy for you, dog! Die, Die, Die!)"

—Francesco, denying Giuliano's pleas for mercy

Arriving at the Duomo, Ezio blends with the crowd as he looks for Francesco de' Pazzi. As he did, he sees the Medici arrive at the Duomo. He sees Lorenzo Medici make his way to the doorsteps of the Duomo. As he did, his brother Giuliano made his way to the Duomo, along with his mistress. It was during this time that Francesco de' Pazzi and the man in red from the meeting appear before the crowd. Before Ezio could act, The man in red slashed Giuliano's neck, causing him to bleed. As Giuliano tried to flee, he was stopped by Francedco.

Lorenzo sees his brother being assaulted, and as he tried to come to his aid, he was stabbed by two priests behind, both are the ones who attended the meeting. Giuliano, pinned to the ground, begged for mercy to Francesco. Enraged Giuliano was violently stabbed by Francesco, denying him of any mercy, stabbing him repeatedly even after death. All the while, Lorenzo fends of his attackers, and prepares to defend himself from the Pazzi guard. Leaving the dagger stabbed to the corpse of Giuliano, Francesco draws his sword, then proceeds to attack Lorenzo.

Planning to stop the attack, Ezio steps in to defend Lorenzo. Fending off both the guards and Francesco, Ezio then comes to the aid of Lorenzo. Thanking him for his assistance, Lorenzo then asks Ezio to help him get back to his home in one piece, to which Ezio agrees. Making their way to Lorenzo's home, they see the people rioting over the attack, with the Medici and Pazzi guards at each other's throats. As they moved, Lorenzo shouted with rage that he will erase Francesco and his family from the pages of history after the family's actions. Ezio tells him to save his strength, or else he'll be delivering a body.

Ezio and Lorenzo managed to make their way at the doorsteps of Lorenzo's house. After one of the Medici guards opened the door, Ezio and Lorenzo made their way inside. Ezio, before leaving, was asked by Lorenzo about why he saved his life. He tells him that he was not the only one who lost a brother to the Pazzi. Introducing himself as Ezio Auditore, Lorenzo knew right away that he was the son of Giovanni, telling the boy that his father was a good man.

Just then, another guard of the Medici arrive, reporting to them that the city is in chaos because of the Pazzi's actions. He tells them that the Pazzi plan to assault the officials at the Palazzo della Signoria and then put their own men into power. Seeing this as a major threat, Lorenzo tries to recover his strength so that he may take matter into his own hand. Instructing Lorenzo to rest, Ezio tells them that he will handle the Pazzi in the name of the Medici. All of them agrees to this, and lets Ezio put an end to the Pazzi. Ezio then leaves for the Palazzo.

Chaos at the Signoria

Ezio: "Now Firenze will judge you for what you've done."

Francesco: "It's over...It's all over"

—Francesco's last words to Ezio

Ezio makes his way to the Signoria, and sees the courtyard in chaos, with both Medici and Pazzi guards fighting each other. Francesco, standing at the balcony, sees Ezio alive and well. Francesco then instructs his men to tighten their security at the balcony. Ezio quietly made his way to Francesco from behind the Signoria, silencing any guard that stood in his way, and eventually made it. Confronted by Ezio, Francesco let out a desperate cry for help, but Ezio remarks that no one will be coming. Francesco, while cursing Ezio, jumps down from the balcony and on to a small bale of flower petals. Ezio then follows him, and after giving chase to Francesco, catches up with him and then proceeds to finish him off.

Speaking words of respect to Francesco as he drew his last breath, Ezio takes the body to the top of the Signoria. As he did, the citizens of Florence rally at the terrace of the Signoria, demanding liberty. Jacopo came on horseback to rally the people further, chanting liberty along with the crowd. As he did, however, the body of Francesco was then hung at the top of the Signoria, with no clothes to cover his body, other than his underwear. The crowd then sees a group of people chanting triumphantly, and along with them was Ezio, who watched it all transpire. Jacopo, shocked of what he saw, immediately fled as the citizens look on in horror. After this, Ezio leaves the scene as the people near him continue to chant, and as the people below him continue to look on in horror.

Family History

Ezio meets up with Lorenzo Medici at the bridge where he fought Vieri de' Pazzi. It is there, that Lorenzo tells him of the event that transpired there; he fell into the river when he was a young boy. Unable to swim, the strong waters continue to push Lorenzo further away from land. Almost certain that his life was at its end, he soon fell into unconsciousness. However he awoke at the sight of his mother weeping by his side. Beside him stood a man, soaked in water, smiling at him. It is there that a friendship began between the Medici and the Auditore families.

Ezio then asks Lorenzo what of Jacopo and the other conspirators. Lorenzo tells him that all of them fled before they could be arrested. Ezio then asks him if he could give the names of the other conspirators to narrow the search down. Lorenzo tells him the following names; Bernardo di Bandino Baroncelli, Stefano da Bagnone, Antonio Maffei, and Archbishop Francesco Salviati. Ezio thanks him for this, but before he could leave, Lorenzo gives him another Codex page, taken from the files of Francesco de' Pazzi as a gift. He remarks that he and Giovanni were always interested with things of antiquity. After receiving this, Ezio and Lorenzo bid their farewells, as the two part ways.

After handing Leonardo the Codex, and receiving a new addition to his arsenal, Ezio returns to Monteriggioni to seek help from his uncle, Mario, and also to deliver the deciphered Codex Pages.

Members

All members of the conspiracy were killed by Ezio, although Jacopo had been fatally wounded by Rodrigo Borgia beforehand.

• Vieri de' Pazzi († in San Gimignano)
• Francesco de' Pazzi († in Florence)
• Jacopo de' Pazzi († in San Gimignano)
• Francesco Salviati († in Tuscany)
• Antonio Maffei († in San Gimignano)
• Bernardo di Bandino Baroncelli († in San Gimignano)
• Stefano da Bagnone († in San Gimignano)