Romani

"Yes, we're with you."

―A Romani's greeting to Ezio.

The Romanies, or Romani, were an underworld faction available for hire in Constantinople during the Renaissance, alongside the thieves and mercenaries.

History

Origins

"My people are from eastern Persia and beyond. Yet, somehow we have become citizens of a land we have never seen."

―The Romani leader to Ezio Auditore on the misconception that her people are from Egypt.

The Romani were semi-nomadic, stateless people originally from the eastern reaches of Persia and southern Asia. Over many centuries, their population migrated west, eventually reaching as far as Eastern Europe and northern Africa.

However, the Romanies were a fiercely independent culture who refused to assimilate to their host nations. Although these difficult relations did cause them to endure hardship, the Romani were able to retain a rich and varied culture all their own.

Also referred to as Gypsies, the rather unflattering term "Romani" arose from the misconception that they and the Romanian people belonged to the same ethnicity. The Romani themselves found this misapprehension humorous, and laughed at the wrongful association.

Byzantine theft

"For centuries my people have been slandered and insulted, labeled witches and warlocks. Well, so be it. We will not run from these lies any more, but embrace them. Encourage these rumors, for it is better to be infamous than ignored."

―The Romani leader explains their plan to Ezio.

File:Curse of the Romani.png

The Romani leader explains the plan to Ezio.

In 1511, six month's worth of profit was stolen from the Romani by Byzantines. While in deep melancholy, the Romani received a visit from the Assassin Ezio Auditore. After arriving, Ezio offered to help the Romani as they attempted to gain infamy in the city, claiming it was better than being ignored.

The Romani leader explained their plan to Ezio, in which he would have to stealthily assassinate each guard who held the chest, to present the idea that the chest was cursed. Ezio agreed, and left the headquarters to rendezvous with a group of Romani in the streets.

After he met up with a group of Romani in the streets, Ezio tailed each guard around the city, assassinating each guard as they carried the chest. He weaved his way around the city with his group of Romani, and took care of each guard, though making sure to remain stealthy. Eventually, the guards fled, claiming the chest was cursed. Ezio then picked up the chest, and reunited with the leader of the Romani.

As Ezio walked with the leader of the Romani back to their headquarters, the Romani leader informed the Assassin of the origins of her people. Once they reached the headquarters, Ezio set the chest of profits down, and the Romani thanked him, telling him the Romanies were available if he needed anything.

Characteristics

For 150 akçe, Ezio could hire a group of four Romanies, who could assist him. He would find these groups randomly on the streets of Constantinople, where they would be available. When not with him, they were street performers who were able to dance and play music, breathe fire, and provide other sources of entertainment.

However, the Romani could not perform any methods of freerunning, and were unarmed. When combat arose, they would quickly flee from the area. Thus, they were unable to assist Ezio if he engaged in combat, but were able to distract guards. However, they will fight against civilians, should Ezio steal from them and get caught.

When distracting a guard, a Romani would often flirt and make gestures with her hands to the guard using her clothing. This would attract nearby guards' attention, and cause them to abandon their posts to approach the Romanies. The Romanies were also able to remain with Ezio, and help him blend in with the local crowd, making them useful when Ezio needed to access a restricted area.

Trivia

• The Romani replaced the Courtesans in Assassin's Creed: Revelations, who were not accepted in Ottoman society.

Gallery

• 
  A group of Romani.
• Artwork of the Romani headquarters.
  Artwork of the Romani headquarters.

Source

• Assassin's Creed: Revelations