Richard I of England

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Richard I of England (8 September 1157 - 6 April 1199), or Richard the Lionheart was the king of England in 1191. He is the leader of the Crusader army during the Third Crusade. He also ruled as Duke of Normandy, Duke of Aquitaine, Duke of Gascony, Lord of Ireland, Lord of Cyprus, Count of Anjou, Count of Maine, Count of Nantes and Overlord of Brittany at various times during the same period. He was known as Cœur de Lion, or Richard the Lionheart, even before his accession, because of his reputation as a great military leader and warrior. The Muslims (referred to as Saracens at the time) called him Melek-Ric or Malek al-Inkitar (King of England).

Biography

Background

At the beginning of Assassin's Creed, Richard and his army have just taken the port city of Acre. His ultimate goal is to lead his army into the city of Jerusalem so that he can free the holy land in the name of the Christian faith.

With a base of operations established in Acre, the Crusaders prepare to march south. However, Saladin, leader of the Islamic army, currently rules the city of Jerusalem. Stinging from his army’s defeat at Acre, he will not allow Richard to humiliate him again. The Muslim forces are massing in the ruins of Arsuf, intending to ambush the Crusaders and prevent them from reaching Jerusalem. These war manoeuvres have left the rest of the Holy Land wide open. While Richard and Saladin battle one another, the men left to govern in their stead have begun taking advantage of their new found positions of power. Exploitation, manipulation, and provocation rule the day.

Richard is completely unaware of his men's intentions by being so involved in this war against Saladin. Richard's only goal is to reclaim the holy city of Jerusalem in the name of God and for Christains. When he argues with William, he reminds him that he made a promise to God to fight for the Crusader army.

Assassin's Creed

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Richard arguing with William.

King Richard appears in the first Assassin's Creed as the leader of the Crusader Army who is fighting Saladin in the Holy Land, and has decided to attempt to take back Jerusalem for Christianity. Several of his lieutenants are Robert de Sable, Grand Master of the Templars , Garnier de Naplouse, Grand Master of the Hospitaliers, William of Montferrat, Regent lord of Acre and Sibrand, Grand Master of the Knights Teutonic.

Richard the Lionheart makes a brief appearance during two missions in the game. First when he is seen arguing with William, and then, near the end of the game at Arsuf, where he personally confronts Altaïr. He was unaware of the Templars' plan to betray him by using the Piece of Eden and conquering the Holy Land in the Templar name. After Altaïr had assassinated everyone but Robert, Robert attempted to convince Richard to ally himself with Saladin against the Assassins, their common enemies. Altaïr learned of Robert's plans and personally rode to Arsuf to tell Richard of the Templars' betrayal.

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Richard hears Altaïr at Arsuf

After a fierce battle with Saracen and Crusader soldiers, he found King Richard, Robert and other elite soldiers of the army. When Altaïr told the king of Robert's treason and Robert denying it, Richard didn't know who to trust after Altaïr asked Richard if he was actually truly surprised by his subjects' plan of betrayal: he wasn't, but he still didn't trust Altaïr. So he let "the Lord" decide who was the one who told the truth, by letting Altaïr and Robert fight each other to see which one has "God's support". Altaïr's efficiency with the Hidden Blade proved superior to the Templars sword skills, and King Richard believed him after. They discussed with each other about the politics and philosophy of war and peace, in which Richard told Altaïr he wasn't ready for peace with Saladin yet, before Altaïr went back to Masyaf to combat Al Mualim.

Characteristics and personality

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Richard the Lionheart

Richard is a man strong in faith, and relies on God for crucial decisions. He, however, seems tolerant towards non-believers, as Altaïr denying the help of God over his victory against Robert did not trouble him.

However, Richard is a strong military leader, and isn't afraid to use his sword to answer his problems. Richard scored a major victory for Crusader army by capturing the city Acre. Later, towards the end of the game, Richard is to do battle against Saladin at the Battle of Asruf. When confronted by Altaïr about Robert's betrayal, he relies on God to help decide who to believe. He decides the best way to believe which one is telling the truth, decides the decision will be made in combat. "Surely God will side with one whose cause is righteous!"

Richard believes that mankind cannot ever change; "We enter this world kicking and screaming. Violent and unstable from birth, that permanent peace is impossible though we all wish it". In his mind, the only way for him to bring peace is tof his men to crush the enemy: Saladin and the Saracen. Richard was given the name "Lionheart" because of his kindness to his prisoners and because he was fierce in combat. Some his men said "He fought like an uncaged lion."