User:Lady Kyashira/Origins Misc: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 17:36, 8 January 2021

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"You must now report to each Bureau leader before carrying out your task."

―Al Mualim.^[src]

An Assassin bureau, or Hidden Ones bureau was a command center used by the Assassin Brotherhood and its precursor organization, the Hidden Ones, most often located within cities where they also served as safe houses. Bureaus typically doubled as shops as well; more than mere fronts for the Assassins, these stores usually traded in genuine merchandise such as silks, carpets, and pottery, generating income for the Brotherhood. Their primary function nevertheless was to act as bases of operation through which missions could be processed and overseen.

A tradition that dated back to at least the 1st century BCE, bureaus were an integral component of the Assassins' operational structure. During the time of the 12th century Levantine Assassins, they were run by Assassins ranked Rafiq or higher, and cities in the Levant such as Acre, Damascus, and Jerusalem had one per district. Throughout the ages, not all Assassin Guilds utilized the bureau as an administrative unit, at times relying on other organizational methods such as Dens, but the system remained in use into the 20th century. It was rendered obsolete only in the Great Purge of 2000 which decimated the Assassin population and forced them to rely almost exclusively on mobile cells.

Function

Bureaus acted as sanctuaries for members of the Assassin Order, where their users could physically and mentally prepare themselves for a mission, allowing them to restock on weapons, sleep or meditate. It also allowed Assassins a place to wait for the appropriate moment to strike, or for the dust to settle after an assassination.^[1]

Inside each bureau resided a leader, who held either the rank of Rafiq or higher. They would often give Assassins useful information on where to learn more about assassination targets. Once the strike had been planned and approved by the bureau leader, an Assassin was given a feather to soak in the blood of their target as proof of their success.^[1]

Building

The exterior of the building was typically quite discreet, resembling that of common construction, although they did not have any obvious windows or doors.

The entrance was usually located on the roof, which could be reached by either climbing the walls or via a ladder located in an entry alley, for instance. This was likely to be a measure to prevent curious civilians (or more importantly, the city guards), from stumbling upon it.^[1]

Main chamber

The main chamber served as the entrance hall to the bureau, and was a small living area comprised of two fountains, potted plants and several pillows and carpets. This place was intended as a location for Assassins to rest before and after assassinations.

The walls were decorated with hanging carpets and the Assassin insignia, while the ceiling was grated with an opening that acted as an entrance into the Bureau. When the city guards were on alert, the opening was closed with a grated panel.^[1]

Leader's chamber

A bureau leader's chamber was adjacent to the main chamber. From behind a desk, each leader addressed those who would come to speak with them, while also studying and attending to the Assassin Order's operations in that respective city.

Behind the desk were bookshelves and closets, where registries of missions were kept. The books and scrolls the leader had access to were also located in this area.

Across the room, a raised walkway held weapons, books, and other items that could assist Assassins in their missions.^[1]

History

Ptolemaic Egypt

One of first bureaus was founded in Memphis, Egypt sometime in 44 BCE after the creation of the Hidden Ones by Bayek and Aya. These first bureaus were very similar to the way the Levantine Brotherhood would eventually come to be made; secluded with the only entry point being on the roof.^[2]

Sometime between 44 BCE and 38 BCE, a bureau was established in Sinai by one of Bayek's first Hidden Ones, Tahira. The Sinai bureau had a secret exit that backed onto mountains. Unfortunately, the Sinai bureau was destroyed by fire and the Hidden Ones of Sinai fled to the mountains of the Arsinoe Nome, where they made a new bureau.^[3]

Roman period

During the Roman period, the Hidden Ones extended its influence with the expansion of the Roman Empire and established six bureaus in the province of Britannia, as well as in Cologne.^[4]

Golden Age of Piracy

During the early 18th century, the bureaus spread throughout the major cities in the West Indies varied in size and description; the bureaus in Havana and Kingston held at least one building and had a surrounding courtyard or walls, the Nassau bureau consisted of a small collection of buildings, and the Cayman 'ghost' bureau had no defined buildings or areas to speak of.^[5]

After killing the traitorous Duncan Walpole in 1715, Edward Kenway recovered and subsequently sold a map detailing the four bureaus' locations to the Templars operating in the region, unwittingly putting the Assassins stationed there in danger. Edward eventually traveled to the four bureaus and made amends for disclosing their locations; in doing so, he assisted the bureau Masters in various ways, in return for a collection of keys that would grant him access to a set of Templar Armor.^[5]

Known bureau locations

Ptolemaic Egypt / Roman Republic

Roman Empire

Medieval period

Ravensthorpe

Trivia

Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad could return to a bureau any time to restock on throwing knives.
A bureau's entrance would be closed when social status was exposed to prevent guards from discovering the Bureau and subsequently violating a tenet of the Creed.
During the Third Crusade, the Acre bureau was lined with books, while the Damascus bureau was lined with pottery.
- Accompanying this, there was also a chess board inside the Assassin bureau of Damascus.

Gallery

Concept art of the bureau in Damascus

Appearances

Assassin's Creed (first appearance)
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
Assassin's Creed: Origins
- The Hidden Ones
Assassin's Creed: Valhalla

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 ^1.3 ^1.4 Assassin's Creed
↑ Assassin's Creed: Origins
↑ Assassin's Creed: Origins – The Hidden Ones
↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla
↑ ^5.0 ^5.1 Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

[AC-1] 1.0 ^1.1 ^1.2 ^1.3 ^1.4 Assassin's Creed

[ACO-2] Assassin's Creed: Origins

[THO-3] Assassin's Creed: Origins – The Hidden Ones

[ACV-4] Assassin's Creed: Valhalla

[AC4-5] 5.0 ^5.1 Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Era|Culture}}
+{{Era|Locations|Assassins|Good}}
-{{Pre-release}}
+{{Spoilerhd|10 February 2021}}
-{{Spoilerhd}}
+{{Update|''[[Assassin's Creed: The Fall]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]]''}}
-Ship stories narrated by [[Bragi]] and [[Dag]], [[Vikings]] who followed [[Eivor]].
+{{Revamp}}
+{{Quote|You must now report to each Bureau leader before carrying out your task.|Al Mualim.|Assassin's Creed}}
+[[File:AC1 Assassin bureau.png|thumb|250px|Altaïr in an Assassin bureau in Damascus]]
+An '''Assassin bureau''', or '''Hidden Ones bureau''' was a command center used by the [[Assassins|Assassin Brotherhood]] and its precursor organization, the [[Hidden Ones]], most often located within cities where they also served as safe houses. Bureaus typically doubled as shops as well; more than mere fronts for the Assassins, these stores usually traded in genuine merchandise such as silks, carpets, and pottery, generating income for the Brotherhood. Their primary function nevertheless was to act as bases of operation through which missions could be processed and overseen.
-<tabber>
+A tradition that dated back to at least the 1st century BCE, bureaus were an integral component of the Assassins' operational structure. During the time of the 12th century [[Levantine Brotherhood of Assassins|Levantine Assassins]], they were run by Assassins ranked Rafiq or higher, and cities in the [[Levant]] such as [[Acre]], [[Damascus]], and [[Jerusalem]] had one per district. Throughout the ages, not all [[Assassin Guild]]s utilized the bureau as an administrative unit, at times relying on other organizational methods such as [[Assassin Dens|Dens]], but the system remained in use into the 20th century. It was rendered obsolete only in the [[Great Purge]] of 2000 which decimated the Assassin population and forced them to rely almost exclusively on mobile [[Assassin cell|cells]].
-|-|1=
-*'''Bragi:''' ''[[Onarr the Ugly]] was an excellent sailor, who could pilot a long-ship entirely on his own, and this is why King [[Sigvaldi]] kept him around. In all other matters, Onarr was a cruel, anxious, and humourless man. He was one of the most unlikable people I have ever known. One year, I recall we had invited some Karls from the {{Wiki|Yngling}} clan to dine with us. As we were serving ale, we came to find that we had none left. It so happened that the ale had run out just before reaching Onarr's horn. This raised in him a word-storm and he accussed Sigvaldi of treachery. Every man in the longhouse jeered at Onarr for raising such a fuss. This made Onarr angrier than before, and he stormed out. A short time later we heard him yelling through door of the hall, "I set this scorn pole upon the men of Yngling for their dishonor!" We looked outside and saw that Onarrhad severed one of the heads of the Yngling's [[horse]]s and stuck it upon a hazel branch. When he saw us gathering at the door, the Yngling Karls among us, Onarr panicked and ran. He was not seen for many months.''
-|-|2=
+==Function==
-*'''Bragi:''' ''Some years ago I took to sea with a sword-dancer called [[Egil]]. A brooding warrior with a face of stone and oak-hard arms. One a raid in [[Courland]], we shored up along the edge of a forest and explored until we came to peopled parts. A large farm. It was night and all were asleep so we set about plundering the place in the quiet of eve, taking sheep and goats as we pleased. It was then that Egil saw a farm-hand and pressed the boy for the family's hidden silver. The farm-hand squawked like a crow. Being hid beneath an anvil at the smith's forge, the silver was no trouble to lift. In secret, we took it and the boy back to the ship. It was then that Egil grew sad, for when the farmers woke with the crack of day, they would know they had been robbed, but not by whom. So Egil ordered three of us to follow him, back the sleep-hushed hamlet. As we burned the houses, Egil shouted his name... "I am Egil, son of [[Skallagrim]]! An I am the man who deprives you of everything but your life! I never sailed with Egil again.''
+Bureaus acted as sanctuaries for members of the Assassin Order, where their users could physically and mentally prepare themselves for a mission, allowing them to restock on weapons, sleep or meditate. It also allowed Assassins a place to wait for the appropriate moment to strike, or for the dust to settle after an assassination.<ref name="AC">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref>
-|-|3=
+Inside each bureau resided a leader, who held either the rank of [[Rafiq]] or higher. They would often give Assassins useful information on where to learn more about [[assassination targets]]. Once the strike had been planned and approved by the bureau leader, an Assassin was given a [[Feathers|feather]] to soak in the blood of their target as proof of their success.<ref name="AC" />
-*'''Dag:''' ''Have you heard me tell the tale of the six [[Christianity|Christian]] missionaries I lured away from their faith, into the worship of almighty [[Thor]]?''
-*'''Bragi:''' ''You showed them how to turn their crosses into hammers, simply by flipping them over. And they fainted with joy. That tale?''
-*'''Dag:''' ''Ah, yes. Yes indeed.''
-|-|4=
+==Building==
-*'''Bragi:''' ''There was a woman called [[Nal]] who came by ship to [[Fornberg]] unheralded, demanding to meet King [[Sigvaldi]], [[Styrbjorn]]'s father. Nal was from [[Gautland]]. She was tall and rugged and strong, and everyone who walked near her said she smelled of men's blood. When her message was sent to our King, Nal was made to wait a full day. Yet she did not complain. She watched the waves and sang songs. Night came and went and still Nal sat by the shore of the fjord, singing her songs. She skipped rocks with children and smiled. As the afternoon of the second day approached, King Sigvaldi's messenger reappeared. They spoke quietly together. At last the messenger stood back and waved to some men nearby. Three men bearing three chests of silver approached quickly. They set the chests of silver in Nal's ship and stood back. Then Nal stepped forward, swinging a large bloodied sack before her. Nal opened the sack and emptied it on the shore. Seven pair of hands tumbled to the ground. Nal then mounted her ship and sailed away.''
+[[File:AC1 Bureau Side Chamber.png|thumb|250px|left|A Third Crusade bureau's main chamber]]
+The exterior of the building was typically quite discreet, resembling that of common construction, although they did not have any obvious windows or doors.
-|-|5=
+The entrance was usually located on the roof, which could be reached by either climbing the walls or via a ladder located in an entry alley, for instance. This was likely to be a measure to prevent curious [[civilians]] (or more importantly, the city [[guards]]), from stumbling upon it.<ref name="AC" />
-*'''Dag:''' ''We all remember when Eivor gave Orders to attack [[Kjotve]]'s clan in [[Avaldsnes]]. I knew even then, our chance at victory was slim. It was a fools errand. But Eivor demanded we strike, and I am not one to disobey my superior. Such is the mark of an honorable man. You all know what followed. We set upon Kjotve's men, and were overwhelmed. You lot were captured and fit to be butchered. And Eivor here, carried off to be sold into slavery, a fate worse than a fine death. But there is one fact you do not know! In the initial fight, I came upon Kjotve, cowering in an empty house. He did not see me, and I came within two arms length of him. I could have slain him! A fast stroke of my axe, ending our troubles. But I held back! Why? Because I remembered my oath to Eivor! Yes, years ago, Eivor had staked a claim on Kjotve's life. So  Ileft the bacraut alone. Yes.''
-*'''Eivor:''' ''A pity, Dag, there is no one living who can verify this incredible tale.''
-</tabber>
+===Main chamber===
+The main chamber served as the entrance hall to the bureau, and was a small living area comprised of two fountains, potted plants and several pillows and carpets. This place was intended as a location for Assassins to rest before and after assassinations.
+The walls were decorated with hanging carpets and the [[Assassin insignia]], while the ceiling was grated with an opening that acted as an entrance into the Bureau. When the city guards were on alert, the opening was closed with a grated panel.<ref name="AC" />
+===Leader's chamber===
+[[File:AC1 Bureau Main Chamber.png|thumb|250px|The Bureau leader's chamber]]
+A bureau leader's chamber was adjacent to the main chamber. From behind a desk, each leader addressed those who would come to speak with them, while also studying and attending to the Assassin Order's operations in that respective city.
+Behind the desk were bookshelves and closets, where registries of missions were kept. The books and scrolls the leader had access to were also located in this area.
+Across the room, a raised walkway held weapons, books, and other items that could assist Assassins in their missions.<ref name="AC" />
+{{-}}
+==History==
+===Ptolemaic Egypt===
+[[File:ACO Hidden Ones Bureau.jpg|thumb|250px|left|The Hidden Ones bureau in Memphis]]
+One of first bureaus was founded in [[Memphis]], [[Egypt]] sometime in 44 BCE after the creation of the [[Hidden Ones]] by [[Bayek]] and [[Amunet|Aya]]. These first bureaus were very similar to the way the [[Levantine Brotherhood of Assassins|Levantine Brotherhood]] would eventually come to be made; secluded with the only entry point being on the roof.<ref name="ACO">''[[Assassin's Creed: Origins]]''</ref>
+Sometime between 44 BCE and 38 BCE, a bureau was established in [[Sinai]] by one of Bayek's first Hidden Ones, [[Tahira]]. The Sinai bureau had a secret exit that backed onto mountains. Unfortunately, the Sinai bureau was destroyed by fire and the Hidden Ones of Sinai fled to the mountains of the [[Arsinoe Nome]], where they made a new bureau.<ref name="THO">''Assassin's Creed: Origins'' – ''[[The Hidden Ones (DLC)|The Hidden Ones]]''</ref>
+===Roman period===
+During the [[Roman Empire|Roman]] period, the Hidden Ones extended its influence with the expansion of the Roman Empire and established six bureaus in the province of [[Great Britain|Britannia]], as well as in [[Cologne]].<ref name="ACV">''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]]''</ref>
+===Golden Age of Piracy===
+[[File:AC4 Assassin Bureau.png|thumb|250px|The Assassin bureau in Havana]]
+During the early 18th century, the bureaus spread throughout the major cities in the [[Caribbean|West Indies]] varied in size and description; the bureaus in Havana and Kingston held at least one building and had a surrounding courtyard or walls, the Nassau bureau consisted of a small collection of buildings, and the Cayman 'ghost' bureau had no defined buildings or areas to speak of.<ref name="AC4">''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]''</ref>
+After killing the traitorous [[Duncan Walpole]] in 1715, [[Edward Kenway]] recovered and subsequently sold a map detailing the four bureaus' locations to the [[Templars]] operating in the region, unwittingly putting the Assassins stationed there in danger. Edward eventually traveled to the four bureaus and made amends for disclosing their locations; in doing so, he assisted the bureau [[Master Assassin|Masters]] in various ways, in return for a collection of keys that would grant him access to a set of [[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag outfits#Templar armor|Templar Armor]].<ref name="AC4" />
+==Known bureau locations==
+===Ptolemaic Egypt / Roman Republic===
+*[[Alexandria]]
+*[[Memphis]]
+*[[Rome]]
+===Roman Empire===
+*[[Camulodunum]]
+*[[Cologne]]
+*[[York|Eboracum]]
+*[[London|Londinium]]
+*[[Leicester|Ratae]]
+*[[Temple of Ceres]]
+*[[Winchester|Venta Belgarum]]
+===Medieval period===
+*[[Ravensthorpe]]
+==Trivia==
+*[[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] could return to a bureau any time to restock on [[throwing knives]].
+*A bureau's entrance would be closed when [[Social Stealth|social status]] was exposed to prevent guards from discovering the Bureau and subsequently violating a tenet of [[the Creed]].
+*During the Third Crusade, the Acre bureau was lined with books, while the Damascus bureau was lined with pottery.
+**Accompanying this, there was also a chess board inside the Assassin bureau of Damascus.
+==Gallery==
+<gallery position="center" widths="180" captionalign="center">
+AC bureau concept.png|Concept art of the bureau in Damascus
+</gallery>
 ==Appearances==
+*''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' {{1st}}
+*''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]''
+*''[[Assassin's Creed: Origins]]''
+**''[[The Hidden Ones (DLC)|The Hidden Ones]]''
 *''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]]''
 ==References==
-*{{Youtube|video=CecNSg-_TQg|text=Assassin's Creed Valhalla - All Ship Stories from the demo|channel=AccessAnimus|channelname=Access The Animus|quote=|archiveurl=}}
+{{Reflist}}
+{{AC}}

User:Lady Kyashira/Origins Misc: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 17:36, 8 January 2021

Contents

Function