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==Preface==
==Introduction==
The year is 2016.
“The historical elements of the narrative text about the Assassins and their Brotherhood are quite intriguing. It’s fascinating to learn how individuals became part of this secretive organization.


The Assassin Brotherhood has been waging a secret war against their sworn enemy, the Templar Order, for thousands of years. The Templars aim to create a perfect society ruled by order and discipline, a goal that is in direct opposition to the ideals of the Brotherhood, which strive to defend the free will of humankind.
There were two ways to become an Assassin in the past: being born into an Assassin family, or being actively recruited due to one’s potential and skills. It’s noteworthy how the Brotherhood valued lineage, allowing those born into Assassin families to begin training at a young age. This practice might have maintained a sense of continuity and preserved their traditions over time.


Central in the conflict between the Assassins and the Templars are the Pieces of Eden — extremely rare and powerful technological artifacts created by an advanced precursor civilization. It is believed that such artifacts could contain extensive knowledge or be used as weapons. Although the fight for their possession continues to this day, the Templars have been successful in collecting many of them.
On the other hand, the recruitment process adds another layer of interest to the story. Imagine being sought out and identified as someone with exceptional abilities, seen as a potential asset to the Brotherhood’s cause. It indicates that the Assassins sought to expand their ranks with promising individuals, potentially adding diverse skills and perspectives to their organization.


A chance for the Brotherhood to regain lost ground in the war is the Animus device, a technology stolen from the Templars allowing for the exploration of memories encoded in human DNA. Using the Animus, the Assassin Brotherhood has a chance to locate other Pieces of Eden and deny the Templars from acquiring them first.
The initiation ceremony stands out as a significant rite of passage for the Assassins. It marks the pivotal moment when an apprentice becomes a fully fledged member of the Brotherhood. Being granted the iconic weapon, the Hidden Blade, and receiving the traditional garb, including the beaked hood, must have been a symbol of pride and belonging for the newly initiated Assassins.


This is why the last to join this conflict are the modern day descendants of Brotherhood members who fought this covert war over the centuries. By entering the Animus, they can explore the memories of their ancestors, acquire information concerning the Pieces of Eden, and gain unique skills that would normally take years to master. It is only by doing so that the Assassin Brotherhood may gain an edge and turn the tide against their enemies.
It’s intriguing to see how the Brotherhood evolved over time. As the guilds within the Brotherhood fragmented in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the formal initiation ceremonies gradually fell out of practice. This suggests that internal dynamics and organizational structure changes may have influenced how they inducted new members.


Live thousands of lives, find the Pieces of Eden, choose your destiny.
Finally, the novices’ journey to becoming confirmed full members adds
a sense of progression and dedication to the narrative. The fact that
novices operated under supervision before earning their full membership shows that the Assassins were deliberate in their approach to training and integrating new elements into their ranks. Overall, exploring the historical nuances of the Assassins and their Brotherhood sheds light on how this clandestine organization operated and adapted over time. It provides an intriguing glimpse into their secretive world and the methods they employed to strengthen their cause and uphold their principles.”


==Files==
- Excerpt from “The Assassin Cult and Its Evolution”, by Dr Matthew Renter
<tabber>
|-|01=
;FILE_01: <Pawns in a Secret War>
The alarm neutralized and the lock picked, Inez opened the door to the warehouse. She'd taken off her leather jacket, covered in pins and chains and other things that might jangle the lone security guard awake. Maybe this score would get her off her friend's couch. The crates were piled high to the ceiling, lost in bright fluorescence, stacked like a very neat child's building blocks. She took the small flashlight out of her pocket and recited the aisle and tier where the box she was supposed to take sat. This was a rental facility, or so she was told, and light on security. Turned out to be anything but. She'd scaled the shelf to the fifth tier, about twenty feet up, her shoes gripping the shelf below. She found the box. It looked like a pen case but small, which was good because Inez wasn't big. In her head, she hummed a punk tune from the night before and for a moment, reconsidered how much she'd drank as her stomach turned while looking back down. Also, there were two men walking down the aisle between the shelves. They hadn't seen her yet, but she could tell they weren't rent-acops. It was the submachine guns that gave it away.


This is what she got for taking a job proffered at a party in Wicker Park. Way too artsy a crowd for her. She held her breath, tried very hard not to swear, and waited for the men to pass. When they did, she cat-climbed down to the concrete floor, crept around the end of the aisle, and saw them in front of the door she'd opened. The door she hadn't closed all the way because… hangover. About 400 pounds of muscles nullified that exit. She'd have to find another way out.
==Kassandra==
“I am Kassandra, the Eagle Bearer, a descendant of King Leonidas I, the legendary Greek warrior king who once led the fierce city state of Sparta. I was raised by the Spartan General Nikolaos, who put me through the same rigorous training as my male companions and forged me into a formidable combatant. Yet, fate took an unexpected turn during a pilgrimage to the Oracle of Delphi, where my younger brother Alexios received a foreboding prophecy, destined to bring darkness upon our world.


The skylight it was. The panels were open and she'd considered going in through the roof anyway. So, hell, why not? Worst that could happen is she falls, gets caught, and spends more time in jail, right?
The Spartan Ephors, adhering to the Oracle’s warning, ordered Alexios’ execution at the cliffs of Mount Taygetos. In a moment of instinctual defiance, I saved my brother's life, but at the cost of a venerable Spartan elder’s own. Retribution followed swiftly
and I, too, was cast down from that treacherous precipice.


She made it to the skylight and was levering open one of the panels when the first bullet starred the glass in front of her. No more being careful, she hauled her ass through the window, sneakers finding traction on the roof and bolted for the fire escape… which, of course, had another slab of guard meat coming up it just then. This was some serious security. The man fired at her, spent brass moving in seeming slow-mo as the muzzle flashed. But Inez had run to the edge by then, said screw it, and jumped to the next roof, which she was not at all sure she'd make it to until she landed. From there, she ran off the edge of that roof and caught a light pole down to the street. Before she had time to pat herself on the back, there was another of the guards with a gun right in her face.
Against all odds, I survived. I ran far from Sparta’s clutches, seeking solace and a new beginning on the island of Kephallonia, a true haven on Earth for pariahs and misfits. Alone and isolated, I honed my talents and abilities and became a mercenary known as Misthios. Although I did not know its true power then, I used to wield the Spear of Leonidas, a Piece of Eden left behind by the gods themselves.


"You Descendants think you're untouchable. The Templars think otherwise." He was about to pull the trigger. Then, she was covered in blood. Someone had stepped around the edge of an alley with a silenced pistol. He wore black, nondescript clothes and was maybe a few years older than Inez. Automatic fire raked the alley behind him as he fired at the guard coming down the fire escape. Inez turned, some instinct telling her that the other guards were outside by now and, sure enough, two positioned themselves behind the loading dock and took a bead on her would-be rescuer. He saw one in time to pop him, but the other, well, Inez hadn't fired a gun since one of her mom's interchangeable boyfriends taught her, but she had a knack and put two rounds into the other guard's chest. Then, she dropped the gun, screamed, and started shaking. She didn't make it far out of the alley, or the street beyond before her rescuer pulled her down. Everything moved as if through a world of transparent syrup.
Later, the clash between the brutal Spartan ideals and the progressive values of democracy and enlightenment promoted by the Athenians became inevitable, breaking out in the tumultuous Peloponnesian War.


She watched her hand open a car door, getting in on the passenger side. The guy gunned the already humming engine. He turned to her, face awash in the street's wet neon refracted through beaded rain on the windshield and said, "You ever consider more steady work?" That's when she finally breathed again then said, "What the hell is a Templar?"
My journey intertwined with such an epic conflict as I sought to reunite with my lost family. During that period, I learned of the Cult of Kosmos, an insidious, secretive society manipulating prophecies through the Oracle of Delphi to wreak havoc and fear. To my dismay, their champion, Deimos, was none other than my lost brother, Alexios, raised as a weapon to ruthlessly oppose all who resisted the Cult’s vision.


|-|02=
In my relentless pursuit of truth and redemption, I crossed paths with Pythagoras, who revealed a bewildering truth: Alexios and I bore the ancient Isu bloodline, and one of us had the solemn duty to safeguard the knowledge of Atlantis and undertake a quest to collect Isu artifacts. Given my brother’s absence, such a responsibility fell to me. I was given the Staff of Hermes, which granted me the larger-than-life longevity needed to fulfill my role as the guardian of ancient knowledge and balance between order and chaos.
;FILE_02: <A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE>
Her rescuer, if she could call him that, took sharp turns with the car, doubled back the way they'd come, then pulled into a public garage. He told her to get out and follow him. Now was the time to run if she was going to do it.<br>"You want to bolt? Go for it. We won't stop you. We just have an offer for you."


It was that "we" more than anything else that stopped Inez, though she didn't love the idea of having those. What did he call them, Templars? Yeah, of having them on her again. Finally. She said, "Who are you? The thief fairy? You come out of the sky and bless the wicked?"<br>He smiled, like maybe he was exactly that. "I'm Royce."
Long before the Brotherhood was born, I embodied the spirit of later proto-Assassins, driven by values of fraternity, free will, and the firm conviction that humanity should shape its own destiny. Alongside my loyal avian companion, Ikaros, I ventured into a life of discovery, unveiling the truths concealed beneath the veils of manipulation and power.


He gestured for her to follow him, and she did, carefully. The fluorescents slung from the ceiling of the garage made all white people look dead, Inez thought, and they made this Royce look doubly so. "You said ‘we.' Is that the royal we or do you have an invisible friend?"
As I trod the path destined to etch my own legacy, my values converged with those that would shape the future Brotherhood in ages yet to come.”


They passed several cars. Royce took a fob from his pocket and deactivated the alarm on a plain sedan. He opened the driver's door. "My friends can be pretty invisible when they want." He smiled in a way she knew other women would find appealing. Maybe she did too. "But the ‘we' I'm talking about is the organization I work for."
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:700px; text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="2" |Kassandra
|-
!Dates
|circa 458 BCE - unknown
|-
!Location
|Sparta, Greece
|-
!Time Frame
|Ancient Greece
|-
!Affiliation
|Misthios (mercenary)
|-
!Key Allies
|Myrrine, Sokrates, Herodotus, Barnabas, Ikaros
|-
!Main Opponents
|Cult of Kosmos, Deimos
|}


"And they are? Let me guess… first name Rolls?" Her eyes scanned the parking garage. She started calculating how fast he could run versus how fast she could.<br>"Get in and I'll tell you," Royce said.
===Adventure Hooks===
#After defending a village from a group of brutal outlaws, the Witnesses
find among the bandits’ belongings a cache filled with scrolls. The writings
hold crucial information about the inner workings and plans of the Cult of
Kosmos — the Cult aims to manipulate a general and statesman of Thebes
to gain control over his army.
#Rumors circulate about a forbidden ritual of Deimos and Phobos that
grants its participants the power to cast fear into the hearts of mortals.
In order to prevent any attempt to perform this ritual, the Witnesses must
delve into the ancient ruins of the Mountain Temple of Poseidon, west of
Mytilene on the island of Lesbos. Once there, they discover that the ritual
is nothing but a pantomime, and the source of the dark power attributed to
it is an apparently magical prong used as a ritual dagger instead.
#An informer reports that the Cult of Kosmos is gathering a powerful and
mysterious army at Fort Tiryns, near the city of Argos. The Witnesses must
infiltrate the fortified stronghold and engage in an epic battle against a
small but deadly troop of Cult champions who all bear an uncanny resemblance
to Kassandra’s brother Alexios.
#A shadowy figure recruits a team of relentless mercenaries to hunt down
Kassandra and her allies for reasons unknown. The Witnesses must first
avoid getting killed, and then uncover the truth behind the mercenaries’
employer: a vengeful widow who is trying to eliminate Kassandra, who in
the guise of the mercenary Misthios took her husband’s life.
#While delving into the underground catacombs of Korinth in their pursuit of
the Cult of Kosmos, the Witnesses discover a hidden chamber. Inside, a cryptic
tablet rests on a lectern, unveiling the precise whereabouts of a concealed
tomb. Amidst scattered notes, the possibility arises that this tomb might be
the long-lost resting place of King Agamemnon, dubbed ‘the first servant of
Kosmos.’ The records of the Cult of Kosmos also mention a formidable suit of
armor previously unearthed from the same location, hinting at the existence
of other relics of immense power yet to be discovered.


She did. She'd look back on that decision, her hand pulling open the passenger's side door, sitting as if on automatic pilot, later and wish sometimes she hadn't. Wished she had run. But, right there in the moment, she got in. He locked the doors immediately, pulled out of the parking space like a stunt driver, all squeals and burning rubber, then said, "I'm an Assassin."
===THE FORGE OF FATE===
'''Time Frame:''' Ancient Greece


Well, Inez thought, that was just great.
'''Location:''' Epidauros, Argolis, Greece - 442 BCE


The gate raised without him stopping. The man working in the little booth nodded solemnly, and they were back on the street. LaSalle, she thought, but it had all happened so fast. Chicago's skyline wasn't visible here, which meant they were in it. Flakes caught in the headlights. Slush pulled neon from the windows and stretched it across the streets.
'''Description:''' While walking through the market of Epidauros, a blind
man begging for a few drachmae delivers a cryptic
message intertwined with the Witnesses’ destiny. It’s
a prophecy that leads the characters to the forgotten
Foundry of Hephaistos in the heart of a volcanic island.<br>There, the fragment of an unfinished weapon, a mighty Shard
of Eden, awaits. However, the prophecy failed to mention the
indestructible guardians lying dormant within the temple —
and the Cult of Kosmos hot on the trail of the Witnesses.


Inez said nothing. Best to let this Royce give something away.<br>They were under the full industrial gothic of Lower Wacker now.
As the late afternoon light begins to stain the tranquil town of Epidauros with an
amber hue, you meander amidst the colorful canopies of the market stalls. Merchants
hawk exotic spices, gleaming trinkets, and fresh catches from the Aegean sea. An old
blind man, dressed in tattered garments resembling those of a priest, begs passers by
for some coin, muttering incoherently to himself. As you pass by, he suddenly jumps to
his feet, imploring you to stop and listen, his voice hoarse and urgent.


"You don't talk much," Royce said.<br>"It's my first kidnapping."
“Children of fate, listen well, for the strands of destiny weave an unseen tapestry.
The path to your obscured purpose lies within the gray breath of the son cast off
the mount. Seek his ember lair within the womb of the floating rock. There, iron
and metal once toiled, shaping the glowing shard of a treasure yearning to meet
with the one commanded by ancient fate.” And then, as though a spell has been
broken, the old man begins to mutter to himself once more. He looks at you as
though it’s the first time he has seen you, and begs you for a coin.


Royce laughed. "I'm not kidnapping you. You can leave after you hear me out."<br>"And those other guys back there? The dead ones? They just wanted to hug me, right?"
The next morning, you spot a single, thin trail of smoke rising up through the
clear blue sky. Climbing to a vantage point, you can see the smoke emanating
from the volcano that looms at the center of an island not far off the coast. The
gray breath… The floating rock… The old man’s prophecy rings true, guiding you
toward the island.


"The Templars? No. They wanted to recruit you, initially. You're a descendant in a line of people who've fought a war for millennia. All their memories are in you and the Templars want them. So do we. Neither side meant for it to happen the way it did."<br>She sighed. He was a nut. "So, you're a Shirley McLain past-life kinda of assassin, got it."
====Key Objectives====
<tabber>
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


He turned. She tracked the name of the street in case she had to bail. "You're called a Descendant. Your DNA holds the memories of past Assassins. We need that knowledge. The Templars would like it too."<br>"And me without my crystals."<br>"I'm going to take you to a safehouse and introduce you to my cell. After that, you decide. Sound alright?"
;Challenges
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


She sighed again and looked out at Chicago's wintry blur. "Sure. Pretty fast for me to meet your mom, but why not?"<br>He nodded. "My cell surveilled you. Said you were a smart ass."
;Weaknesses
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


"Well," Inez said, "at least they got something right."
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


|-|03=
;Challenges
;FILE_03: <THREE-TRAINING>
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Inez stood in bare room inside a building she hadn't ever noticed before in the city. It was as if the building didn't want to be seen, so boring and average that it faded into the background. She and four other "recruits" stood at the edge of a large, dojo-like mat. A black, muscular woman stood in the center. Her name was Doria, and she had serious eyes. Inez had seen eyes like that before in some of her less-savory contacts. Eyes that burned like cigarette coals through a napkin. She kept her hair scalp-short for fighting. Inez hoped that wasn't part of the deal she'd made on acceptance here.


"Templars are our enemy. By joining us, they become your enemy. Anyone who has second thoughts should leave now. Not all of you will live to see the end of the year," said Doria.
;Weaknesses
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


"And if we do?" said Inez.
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


"You'll feel buoyed by a cause higher than yourself. You become both history and the future."
;Challenges
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


A big boy from Iowa raised his hand. "Sounds religious."
;Weaknesses
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


The woman paced the mat like something in a cage, only there were no bars. She might leap and attack at any moment. "Meaning is inherently religious, but we are not. We work towards a tangible end. Teleology, you understand?"
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


"Tele-what?" Inez asked.
;Challenges
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


"The idea that something or something works towards a predetermined purpose."
;Weaknesses
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


"Sounds like philosophy," Inez said.
</tabber>


"This is not about philosophy," she said. "This isn't spiritual, and it's not enlightening. This is about how to kill or incapacitate your opponent as quickly as possible. Because, if you don't, they'll do the same to you. That's our war with the Templars summed up."
====Setbacks====
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Doria's eyes wandered around the room. She settled on the Iowa boy with the fullback build. He smiled. She gestured for him to come onto the mat. He did. "You think you can take me?" she said.
====Pieces of Eden====
;SHARD OF EDEN
'''Known Owners:''' Unknown


He looked around at the other recruits, met Inez's eyes. Inez shook her head. The man turned back. "I think you'll kick my ass."
'''Current Status:''' Unknown


She smiled. "You're smarter than you look, Iowa." She pointed at Inez. "You, scrawny girl. Come here." Inez stepped forward with caution.
The Shards of Eden are relics of Isu technology, echoing the awe-inspiring power
of the original Pieces of Eden from which they were derived. Though fragmented,
these artifacts remain potent, retaining a fraction of the formidable power and
unique qualities that once flowed through them.


"You think you can take her?" Doria asked Iowa as she pointed at Inez. The guy laughed. "Yeah, probably."
==Bayek and Aya==
“I am Bayek. I was born and raised in the
remote oasis of Siwa, near the Egyptian-
Libyan border. In my veins flows the blood
of a Berber-Egyptian heritage. I bear
the responsibility of being the last of the
Medjay, the guardians of Egypt’s ancient
kingdom, its people, and its cherished
way of life. Alongside me walks Aya of
Alexandria, my beloved wife, who has
embraced the Medjay path despite not
belonging to the bloodline.


"So, do it." Doria said.
We were in the sacred temple in Siwa
when tragedy struck. Soldiers came,
demanding access. I refused to grant
it to th+em, driven by my dedication to
protect the sanctity of our land. Little
did I know that this act of defiance
would lead to the murder of our young
son. Consumed by grief, Aya and I found
ourselves torn apart, our pain driving
a wedge between us. Deep within, I
nurtured a flicker of hope — I believed
that by avenging our son’s death I could
restore what was lost and reunite with
my mourning wife.


And like that, he flung his fist at her. But it was a roundhouse, slow enough that she instinctively ducked under him, hit the mat, and kicked one leg out into his groin. Two-hundred pounds of corn-fed fullback hit the mat beside her. It was not Inez's first rodeo with handsy men.
In the twists and turns of fate, my path
led me back to Alexandria, where I once
again crossed paths with Aya. With persuasive
words she urged me to look beyond
my own personal quest for revenge,
and consider the greater tapestry of our
troubled times. Aya saw in Cleopatra the
key to freeing Egypt from the shackles
of oppression, and she pledged her support
to aid her in reclaiming the throne.
Together, we set forth on a mission to
hunt down the Order of the Ancients, a
shadowy organization pulling the strings
of power in Egypt.


"Good," Doria said. "You took out a slightly above average man," she laughed. Then, she kicked Inez. No warning. She moved from five feet away right next to her in a hummingbird's heartbeat. Inez almost dodged the blow. Almost. Doria's foot planted itself in her stomach. She was back on the mat, stunned. Her stomach tried to crawl up her esophagus. Her head did a Tilt-a-Whirl around the other faces. She retched.
As I ventured deeper into the heart of this mission, a profound realization dawned
upon me. The people of Egypt deserved the freedom to determine their own destiny.
They needed champions to rise against their oppressive rulers. My thirst for vengeance
gradually transformed into an unyielding resolve to champion righteousness,
seeking to safeguard the people’s rights.


"Getting up is lesson two. You aren't ready for that yet," said the woman.
Eventually, Cleopatra chose to ally with Julius Caesar, who was under the sway of the
nefarious Order of the Ancients. Blinded by ambition, she dismissed Aya and me. In
her actions we saw not just a personal betrayal, but a disloyalty to what we personally
held dear — the safety and freedom of Egypt and its people. We resolved to continue
our struggle, even if that meant standing against Cleopatra’s allies, as we understood
that our quest for justice would benefit the entirety of the land and strike a resounding
blow against the Order of the Ancients.


Inez would have agreed, but she just passed out.
With this goal in mind, we established a new organization; one founded not on bloodline
alone but on a shared vision of justice. The Hidden Ones came into being, an organization
destined to withstand the test of time. It would evolve and adapt, eventually
blossoming into the revered Brotherhood of Assassins. Aya, embracing her newfound
identity as Amunet, would emerge as one of the Brotherhood’s most illustrious and
celebrated Assassins, honored for her unwavering dedication to the cause.


|-|04=
Thus, I, Bayek, stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Hidden Ones
;FILE_04: <THE FIRST ANIMUS JOB>
and the Brotherhood. Our creed, etched in the annals of history, champions justice,
Inez smelled the stink of London, heard its cacophony, carriage wheels on stone roads, gulls crying at a gray sky, accents she could barely untangle. Her nose filled with the rot of fish from the docks. To the north, a palace made of glass stood where she knew was a parking lot today. The reality of it all shook her. They'd explained how it worked before they put her in the machine, but the "being here" of it was the difference between watching baseball and being in the majors. Royce explained how inhabiting the memories of an ancestor might feel like body-dislocation. That didn't even begin to cover it.
freedom, and the liberation of the oppressed. Through the passage of time, our legacy
endures as we persist in our quest for a world where righteousness prevails and
tyranny falls under the blows of our blades.”


This was not her body. Not her world. She saw with other eyes. Smelled with wider nostrils. She could feel the lack of her breasts and the bulge in her pants. A chill rode her spine like a chemical burn. People seemed smaller. Then, she realized it was she who was taller.
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:700px; text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="2" |BAYEK AND AYA
|-
!Dates
|Circa 80 BCE - unknown
|-
!Location
|Egypt, Rome
|-
!Time Frame
|Ptolemaic Egypt
|-
!Affiliation
|The Hidden Ones
|-
!Key Allies
|Phoxidas, Brutus, Cassius, Hepzefa, Apollodorus, Tahira
|-
!Main Opponents
|Order of the Ancients, Julius Caesar, Flavius Metellus, Lucius Septimius, Martellus, Bion
|}


Of all her high school Dickensian imaginings, the actual city, the Smoke, came not at all close to this reality. The air hung heavy with grit, and breathing it irritated her senses.  
===Adventure Hooks===
#Rumors in the bustling city of Memphis speak of a secret, ancient oasis
hidden near the small village of Nitria in the middle of the Saqqara Nome.
This forgotten place is said to hold a source of divine power secured there
by the goddess Ma’at herself. To reach the hidden sanctuary and uncover
its secrets, the Witnesses must battle through a dangerous sandstorm
that protects the oasis in the middle of the rocky desert and beat rival
treasure hunters too.
#A noble Alexandrian family approaches the Hidden Ones, desperate to
retrieve a precious relic. The artifact was recently stolen by someone
who mistook it for a lost Piece of Eden. The Witnesses must navigate the
sprawling streets of the great city, and penetrate the intricate underworld
of black market merchants to find the member of the Order of the
Ancients who commissioned the theft.
#Dark forces loom over the once-vibrant city of Memphis, as mysterious
cultists tighten their grip on its unsuspecting inhabitants. Tasked with
infiltrating the newborn Isfet cult, the Witnesses must investigate the
bustling markets, shady back alleys, and opulent temples of Memphis
to gather information about the cult, identify the cult’s inner circle, and
assassinate them before they unleash chaos and bloodshed upon the city.
#The Great Library of Alexandria is surely known as one of Egypt’s many
wonders. The Witnesses receive a mysterious plea for help from within the
library halls. Tasked with protecting a valuable manuscript containing ancient
Isu knowledge, they must deal with a cunning Order of the Ancients
scholar who is also on the trail of the manuscript.
#A trusted affiliate of the Hidden Ones suddenly disappears, leaving behind
a single clue: the words “Hidden One” written in blood on the floor
of their home. The Witnesses must uncover the truth behind the disappearance:
a disloyal branch of the Hidden Ones that seeks to undermine
the characters’ bureau.


Last night, this man she inhabited met a contact in a public house. She recalled it from his point of view. The other man's bulbous, veined nose. The kind of veins you get from drinking. Her father had them. The man whose body was now hers, Jacob Frye, had thoughts which bled into her own until they became a mélange she could not easily separate. Even his accent rolled from her lips as she mouthed his thoughts before a dollymop… and how did she know that word?… stared from gaudy, painted eyelids, causing Inez to stop. Talking to oneself wasn't acceptable in any era, apparently.
===ECHOES OF BETRAYAL===
'''Time Frame:''' Ptolemaic Egypt


She piloted the body through a dense throng of people gathered round a plinth atop which stood some bronze hero. Her boots… his boots… clicked on cobblestone, and she had ears keen enough to hear them above the din. She felt as if she'd possessed someone or perhaps, he possessed her.
'''Location:''' City of Alexandria, Egypt - 30 BCE


She found herself wending down roads and alleys. Boot leather on cobblestone, flagstone, dirt. Names came to her as she passed, of public houses and shopfronts, of the streets themselves, but they came at the same once-removed as the body. The man she inhabited rolled his shoulders and neck as he entered a specific pub called The Spotted Fawn. The stale smell of ale spilled, of cheap perfume, of the place's dank, sweaty walls. Her eyes found a man in a corner table. His eyes hooded by a heavy, prominent brow. She knew this was her target. Took a seat at the bar and blended in. Waited. She watched the man in a mirror behind the bar, a mirror world where left was right. She read his body, his face. How soon would he go to the loo, and why did she think of it as the loo now, herself? That was something she only ever heard on TV.
'''Description:''' It’s the year 724 since the foundation of Rome, and the
Republic is facing its last civil war. Following the victory
at the Battle of Actium, the Roman army led by the adopted
son of Julius Caesar, Octavian, reaches Alexandria,
in pursuit of Marcus Antonius and his remaining forces.
The city is swarming with Octavian’ red-clad soldiers.
Cleopatra and Antonius’ remaining troops are deserting
or being overpowered, and the walls of the Royal Palace
will not keep Octavian at bay for much longer.


Soon. Soon, his bladder would take control and move him to the bathroom like a puppet. She rose and went there first, quietly, the back hall leading to the alley and the loo lit poorly by a lantern. She stepped in. Waited.
Wisps of smoke drift towards the purple sky, which reflects the incandescent
glow of the fires that have started burning in the city where the clashes are
fiercest — the troops of Octavian are capturing Alexandria. The Queen’s
militia and Antonius’ troops are succumbing. The sound of conflict is getting
closer and closer, and you don’t have much time to complete your mission.
You stealthily enter the Royal Palace looking for the Queen, to put an end to
her Roman lover’s life.


The moment the man came in, she grabbed his throat so he couldn't scream, then dragged him inside. A kick to his stomach doubled him over. She had a fist of his hair in her hand and she pulled his head forward so her blade could slide beneath the skull and into his brain. He spasmed once and was still. It was done.
====Key Objectives====
<tabber>
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


To be sure, she checked his eyes, then slipped out. In the alley, she wanted to retch again. Though this time not for the bodily displacement but for what she'd done. What she knew she'd do in the future and, in that future, to people who weren't already a century dead and gone.
;Challenges
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


She came up panting from the machine they called the Animus. Sweat in her eyes like salt. She wiped it away. Royce was there with a med-tech. "Your heart rate's too fast," Royce said, "You'll have to even that out as you get used to this."
;Weaknesses
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Get used to this. The words hung there in her mind beyond the afterimage of a spectral London. And knowing she would get used to this both thrilled and shamed her.
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


|-|05=
;Challenges
;FILE_05: <THE HIDEOUT>
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Light through the mullioned window caused a grid-like shadow on the table onto which Inez tossed her olive drab duffel bag. Dust motes scattered on impact, finding a thin strip of light through the boarded windows of the old house. Inez and the others in her cell pulled drop cloths off old chairs, tables, and wardrobes. A shrouded candelabra hanged in the main dining room. One room after another was a dead museum to some American life trapped forever in the 1950s.


"You get this from the Addams Family?" Inez asked Royce.
;Weaknesses
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


"Place smells like my grandmother", Iowa said, setting down his bag.
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Royce looked around wistfully. "My cell started in a place like this. You'll get used to it. Besides, the vintage décor helps immerse you in history."
;Challenges
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


"And immersing ourselves in history is what we do," Inez said, imitating Royce's oft-used maxim.
;Weaknesses
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


"This place should be condemned," Junko, the tech wizard, said. She's a girl with rimless glasses, flat, black hair, and eyes meant for drilling.


"It is, Junko," Royce said. "But we own it. And we own anyone who might have interest in it. Let me show you downstairs."
</tabber>


"Great," said Inez. "Always wanted a dungeon."
====Setbacks====
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Royce let that slide, his hand on the fireplace mantle. He did something to it which caused a metallic click. "Follow me," he said as the entire fireplace swung out. Neat trick, if it's functional.
====Notables NPCs====
;Name
Description


Below sat the kind of room a superhero vigilante might keep in secret. Everything was stainless steel and serious looking.
;Name
Description


There was no personal touch to any of it. A weapons cabinet holding firearms. A rack holding melee weapons. It was like shopping in a computer RPG. Level up. Upgrade your gear. But this was no game, Inez knew.
====Pieces of Eden====
;SWORD OF DAMOKLES
'''Known Owners:''' Deimos, Kassandra, Marcus Antonius


Inez remembered the man she shot during a botched mission. That one hurt. Didn't even puke afterwards. But still, thinking of it put knots in her gut. He was just a dad. Collateral damage.
'''Current Status:''' Unknown


"Inez?" Royce said, "You listening?"
Forged by the Isu scientist Hephaistos during the War of Unification, the sword
possessed extraordinary capabilities, granting formidable powers in battle and
augmenting the leadership qualities of its wielder. During the late 5th century
BCE, it ended in the possession of the enigmatic Cult of Kosmos. They entrusted
this legendary weapon to one of their champions, Deimos, grandson of Spartan
King Leonidas and a direct descendant of the Precursors. Due to his unique
lineage, Deimos was able to harness the sword’s potential to its fullest extent.
When Kassandra defeated him in combat, the sword fell from the height of Mount
Taygetos, apparently losing parts of its immense power.


"Protocols," she said. "Leave in pairs. Never take the same route home twice."
==Basim Ibn Ishaq==
I am Basim Ibn Ishaq, born in the Abbasid Caliphate. My early years were spent in opulent
Baghdad, but I grew up as a street thief, surviving by wit and cunning alone, together
with my comrades in the shadows. Plagued by vivid hallucinations of a fearsome djinn
from a young age, I harbored a deep-seated desire to unravel the mysteries surrounding
these haunting visions. Eventually, my quest led me to the Hidden Ones, a secretive order
of assassins dedicated to justice, operating covertly to uphold the greater good.


Royce eyed her as one might a recently bought thoroughbred that was showing signs of early weakness.
In a reckless attempt to earn favor with the Hidden Ones, I chose to pilfer a mysterious
artifact meant for the Caliph. Unbeknownst to me, this decision thrust me into a vast conspiracy
orchestrated by the Levantine branch of the Order of the Ancients. Forced to flee
the Caliph’s palace, I was horrified to discover that my actions had triggered a ruthless
reprisal, resulting in the massacre of my fellow street thieves. Amidst the chaos, it was
Roshan, a member of the Hidden Ones, who rescued me, and together we fled Baghdad,
seeking refuge within the fortress of Alamut. In the sanctuary of Alamut, I found solace
and a newfound sense of purpose among the Hidden Ones. Through rigorous training, I
transitioned from a young thief to a skilled warrior. Entrusted with missions abroad on
behalf of the Hidden Ones, I ascended to the leadership of the Constantinople bureau,
mentoring the aspiring assassin Hytham as my apprentice along the way.


"I got it, Royce, ok?"
In the year 870, amidst our numerous assignments, I encountered Sigurd Styrbjornsson.
Recognizing a chance to advance my covert objectives, I trailed the Viking to Norway,
intent on unveiling the presence of the Order of the Ancients in the distant north. In
Norway, I crossed paths with Sigurd’s foster sister, Eivor, and, impressed by her deeds,
I entrusted her with a Hidden Blade as a symbol of our alliance. Together with Eivor’s
Raven Clan, Hytham and I founded a bureau in the settlement of Ravensthorpe,
England, with the aim of revitalizing the presence of the Hidden Ones on the island.


Royce sat at a bank of computer screens, each showing a CCTV view of the outside. He turned the swivel chair towards her and the others. "Not ok. Getting it isn't enough. It must be second nature. It must be a part of you."
As Hytham and Eivor relentlessly pursued the Order of the Ancients throughout the
land, I embarked alongside Sigurd Styrbjornsson on a quest to find the elusive Saga
Stone, driven by a desire to uncover the answers I had sought throughout my life.”
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:700px; text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="2" |BASIM IBN ISHAQ
|-
!Dates
|Circa 844 CE - unknown
|-
!Location
|Abbasid Caliphate, Eastern Europe, Norway
|-
!Time Frame
|Golden Age of Baghdad
|-
!Affiliation
|The Hidden Ones
|-
!Key Allies
|Roshan, Rebekah, Rayhan, Fuladh, Ali ibn
Muhammad, Hytham
|-
!Main Opponents
|The Order of the Ancients
|}


The crew exchanged looks. Inez couldn't read their faces, after all, they've been training to present only the emotions they want the world to see. But Inez did get it. After she killed that man… she got it and, in so doing, knew she could never come back to whoever it was that she had been before.
===Adventure Hooks===
#The Brotherhood has been keeping an eye on Al Ghul’s excavation sites in
the desert. Something important has been uncovered at one of the sites,
perhaps a Precursor Artifact. The Witnesses must intercept the caravan
bringing the discovery to Baghdad before it ends up in the Order’s hands.
#An old relic with a long association with the Hidden Ones, thought lost for
centuries, has resurfaced in Baghdad in the possession of a powerful slave
trader. The greedy man is selling the artifact for an over-inflated price and
refuses to return it to the Hidden Ones. The Witnesses are tasked with retrieving
the relic from the merchant’s palace while seizing the opportunity
to put an end to his evil network.
#A deadly plague is running rife in a Baghdad district and threatening to
spread to the rest of the city. Rumors point the Witnesses to the house
of a Persian alchemist, who is seemingly immune to the disease and is
trying to cure it. The Witnesses enter the afflicted district and find the
alchemist’s laboratory, discovering that the Persian has actually been
poisoning everybody in the neighborhood instead of curing them. The
Witnesses must stop this mad scheme and attempt to reproduce an antidote
they find in the laboratory.
#A member of the Order appears to have met with a corrupt official known
for his collection of rare artifacts. The official has recently acquired an old
papyrus map that leads to an ancient temple beneath Baghdad – an Isu
Vault. The Witnesses must infiltrate the official’s estate, decode the map
before destroying it, and then find the Isu Vault.
#An attempt by the Hidden Ones to aid the Zanj Rebellion ends in disaster,
resulting in the capture of numerous rebels. A traitor within their ranks has
been selling crucial information to the Order of the Ancients. Every secret,
from rebel movements and strategies to the identities of the Hidden Ones, is
now at stake. The Witnesses must rescue the prisoners, identify the traitor,
and turn the tables on whoever he has been leaking information to.


"Rubicon crossed, Royce." She looked at the others again. "We're all in or we would have bolted by now."
===THE HOUSE OF FOLLY===
'''Time Frame:''' Golden Age of Baghdad


Royce took a moment to absorb the proposition, doing so, and nodded. "Right. Then let's have a look at the cabinet of toys." He walked over to the gun locker, his eyes bright as he opened it to reveal racks of heavily-modded rifles and submachine guns. His smile was like a kid on Christmas morning. And Inez, despite herself, found it all exciting.
'''Location:''' City of Baghdad, Abbasid Caliphate - 862 CE


'''Description:''' As the Hidden Ones strive to thwart the Order of the
Ancients in Baghdad, a critical message reaches them
from an agent sent to spy on a remote desert excavation
south of the Round City. The urgent communication reveals
disturbing news: the Order of the Ancients controls
a mysterious machine of unknown purpose, built within
a vast underground chamber. Constructed in secrecy by
a master inventor of the Order, this device aims to expand
upon the groundbreaking work of Hassan at the House of
Wisdom in Baghdad. Much like Hassan’s Alruh, this machine
is designed to unravel the mysteries encoded within
the Memory Seals left behind by Those Who Came Before.<br>The Witnesses are tasked with infiltrating the site, penetrating
the depths of the underground temple, and neutralizing
all threats within. However, upon entering the
chamber, the machine suddenly springs to life, ensnaring
them in a swirling vortex of energy. In an instant,
they are thrust into a distant memory, one from which
escape may prove impossible.


|-|06=
Rayhan, one of Alamut’s mentors, enters the room with urgency, holding a note
tightly in his hand. “Alert the others – you must depart at once,” he declares.
“A message from one of our spies has arrived. They’ve discovered something
significant in the desert: an underground temple housing mysterious machinery,
under the control of the Order of the Ancients!”


|-|07=
Soon after, you find yourself under the unforgiving desert sun, the rhythmic
;FILE_07: <UNTITLED N.2>
footsteps of your camels the only sound echoing across the sand. After what feels
The sound you hear from a bullet is it breaking the sound barrier. Once you've heard it, it's already gotten to you. This last one missed, and for that, Inez thanked any god or primal entity who would listen.
like an eternity, your mounts obediently kneel as you dismount, climbing a dune
to gain a vantage point overlooking the dig site.


This was not supposed to turn into a firefight. But here she was, again. Stealth took them only so far, and now she huddled behind the front of a sedan. Specifically, she crouched behind the front because she knew only the engine block could stop a high-powered round. What you see in the movies, with action heroes hiding behind car doors and that? None of that is real. You hide behind that and anything that hits goes through the car and then you.
Hidden from the eyes of the armed guards patrolling the area, you watch in
secret. Tents flap gently in the scorching breeze, while workers go to and fro, operating
pulleys and carts laden with sand and debris. As the sun begins its descent,
casting an amber glow over the desert, your mission commences…


Those thoughts weren't supposed to come up. This was not supposed to be a firefight. It was supposed to be a simple snatch and grab on an unguarded subject. Royce joked it was now, "recon in force." He was military, she knew, but what branch of secret elite team she didn't know. She didn't know much about any of her crew or they about her. How it had to be. Protocol.
====Key Objectives====
<tabber>
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


She heard the bolt go back on a Kalashnikov, indicating a reload. She used this chance to dash across the snowy street and reposition herself on the shooter's flank, which afforded a clean shot. Her MP7 took him out. Two in the chest, one cleaving part of his head off.
;Challenges
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Inez then got behind the engine block of another car. They were in a parking garage, and Inez figured they'd been led into a trap. Bad things happened in parking garages, as far as Inez could tell. Maybe that was a life lesson. Probably not.
;Weaknesses
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


As it happened, the car she took cover behind also carried a Templar. Bad luck. No way to know. He came out of the driver's side door with an old UZI. Inez popped back over the hood, showing the smallest profile she could. He fired. So did she. Her bullet landed in his throat. His bullets pinged off a support column behind her, ricocheted, and lodged a fragment in her right leg.
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


She heard covering fire from Royce's and Iowa's weapons. Reiko appeared at her side and nodded at the wound. "Need help?" Inez nodded in return as if she'd just been asked if she'd like breakfast in a fine hotel restaurant. She let Reiko help her up and they three-legged it to the stairs where Iowa was holding the door open.
;Challenges
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


He flipped Inez over one of his big shoulders like a sack of potatoes. Royce was last, reloading his sub machine gun as he hit the door. "We're out of here," he said.
;Weaknesses
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


As Royce turned his head, Inez, now on Iowa's shoulder and looking back at the Templars firing at them, saw a red bead on Royce's temple. She fired from that position, a ridiculous Hail Mary burst from the MP7 she knew couldn't possibly hit the guy. But it did. Her shots got off first, clipping the man in the shoulder, and Royce's head remained intact.
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


"Sometimes," she thought, "dumb luck saves your ass."
;Challenges
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


|-|08=
;Weaknesses
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


|-|09=
;FILE_09: <RELIC HUNTERS>
A nowhere desert at night. Sand and grit scoured the windows of a box car diner. A group was outside, digging in an old, Civil War era cemetery. The group was made up of Inez, Iowa, Reiko, and Royce. Each took a turn with the shovel. Currently, Iowa was taking a leak in the abandoned diner. Inez worked the shovel, her arm muscles hurting. Six feet down is more than you think. "Grave robbing," Inez thought to herself, "isn't what I'd prefer to be doing on a Saturday night, but here I am." She's here because in that coffin was a Piece of Eden. Not a metaphor, as Inez understood it.


Her shovel hit the old, wooden casket, thumping a hello from here to wherever the desert winds might carry such a noise.
</tabber>


Royce got into the tow truck they "borrowed" and let the rope down on the winch. Inez fixed it to the coffin by the handles. There was no smell but dust and time. She hoped the body didn't fall out on the way up. With everything ready, Reiko gave her a hand up and out of the grave.
====Setbacks====
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Inez watched Iowa keep the coffin level as it rose. Royce pulled ground. Once there, Reiko picked up a prybar, but Royce told her to wait until he could see. Getting out of the driver's side, he joined the rest of them. He nodded and Reiko knelt down, putting the prybar in and leveraging it.
{{IUNote
|Title=THE ALRUH
|Text=“This is my Great Work. I call it Alruh. It will take you on a journey to another realm.” - Fazil Fahim al-Kemsa to Basim Ibn Ishaq<br><br>The Alruh, a creation of Hassan (also known as The Doctor), was a machine concealed beneath the House of Wisdom in Baghdad. Designed to unlock the secrets encoded within Memory Seals, it served as a gateway to a paradisiacal past. However, while partially functional, the Alruh’s progress was hindered, leading to frustration within the Order of the Ancients. Its full potential remained elusive, with only glimpses of its capabilities witnessed through partial experiences.}}
{{IUNote
|Title=The Efficacy of Our Discovery
|Text=My dear Al-Rabisu,<br>Work on the device progresses wonderfully. The engineer will unwittingly provide us the key to unlock its infinite potential. The new parts I mentioned last time are en route to the House of Wisdom. The Hour of our Order is at hand.<br>– Al-Azhdaha}}


There was squeaking and a cough of dust. After a moment, the dust cleared, showing that there was a dead fellow in there, sure enough. Inez noted that it was all bones and cloth fragments, aside from the thing he was buried holding. It was a leather satchel about the size of a bowling bag. Keiko tossed it up to Royce, who opened it.
==Eivor Varinsdottir==
I am Eivor Varinsdottir, the Wolf-kissed, a Viking shieldmaiden and jarlskona from
Norway. In the late 9th century, I embarked on daring raids that would shape the
destiny of what would become England. But my story goes beyond mortal bounds, for
I am believed to be the reincarnation of the Isu Odin, the chief of the Æsir and a god
revered in Norse mythology.


And that is when Inez first saw a Piece of Eden. Even out of the bag, it didn't look like much. It didn't look, like, you know, the Grail or anything. Or, if it did, it was the Grail Indy found. What was like this thing? It was a small box made of wood, once finely inlaid but weathered to the point of being paintless. A wooden box. It looked old but worthless. She said as much.
My journey began in the embrace of noble parents, Rosta and Varin, who pledged their
allegiance to jarl Styrbjorn Sigvaldisson of the Raven Clan. Tragedy struck when they
were killed during a raid on Heillboer, perpetrated by Kjotve the Cruel and his Wolf
Clan. Left without kin, I found sanctuary in Styrbjorn’s household, and I was raised
alongside his son, Sigurd. The flames of retribution burned inside me as I dreamed to
avenge my parents and seek glory in their name.


Royce smiled. He held it in between his palms as if communing with it. "Fortune and glory, kid. Fortune and glory."
As I grew into adulthood, I often waged raids on settlements affiliated with Kjotve, while
Sigurd embarked on his own adventures across Europe. In the year 872, the return of
Sigurd to Norway led to a pivotal encounter that would forever change my path — I met
Basim Ibn Ishaq and Hytham, two members of the mysterious Hidden Ones. They bestowed
upon me the Hidden Blade, a weapon of stealth and precision that would become
my ally in the battle against our enemies. With their guidance and the aid of the army of
Guthorm the Wise, I was able to strike down Kjotve, finally avenging my parents.


"Please, Royce," Reiko said.
But my journey was far from over. Opposing Styrbjorn’s decision to yield his kingdom
to Harald Fairhair, many of the Raven Clan, including Sigurd, followed me to England.
We settled in Ledecestrescire and founded Ravensthorpe, a sanctuary where we built
our strength and forged alliances with the various kingdoms across the land. The
Great Summer Army, the Sons of Ragnar, and Clan Hemmingsons were among the
allies we gained, solidifying our position and preparing for the challenges ahead.


"Sorry," he said. "This is it. This is what we want."
I took up arms alongside Hytham to rid England of the Order of the Ancients, a sinister
organization threatening our newfound home. Little did I know that the Grand
Maegester Alfred of Wessex secretly aided our cause, using our actions to further his
own agenda, unknowingly paving the way for the emergence of the Templar Order.


‘Really impressive, Royce," Inez said and then everyone, including Royce, laughed.
A year later, as the jarlskona of my clan, I received an invitation from my maternal
cousin, Bárid mac Ímair, to join him in Dublin. There, I aided him in securing his
throne through an alliance with Flann Sinna, the High King of Ireland. I also confronted
the Children of Danu, a druidic cult determined to preserve their own faith against
the encroachment of Norse and Christian beliefs.


|-|10=
Years passed, and I participated in the second Viking siege of Paris, alongside
;FILE_10: <UNTITLED N.3>
Sigfred’s Elgring Clan. We clashed with Charles the Fat, defending England from his
Her heart thundered in the cathedral of her ribs as it hadn't since she was a thief. In those days, a chase like this was rare. Usually, she didn't get caught and didn't have to bolt. These days, chases were common. But she really did wish the freerunners she used to hang with could see this. She took the stairs down into the subway like a gazelle, hit the turnstile like an Olympic gymnast, then used that like a mount and came up off it with her legs kicking out, right into a Templar's chest. He went down and Inez landed on his chest to punctuate things.
avid pursuit of conquest. Amid the struggle, I uncovered a conspiracy orchestrated
by the Bellatores Dei, a fanatical group seeking to purge Francia of its pagan roots.


The train was just coming into the station with a long squeal of its brakes. There was little to no crowd here at Jefferson Park at 2:53 AM, but she bolted for the open doors of the train and then begged them to close. But it was too late. She saw pursuers boarding the other cars.
My name, Eivor Varinsdottir, the Wolf-kissed, echoes in the annals of history. My journey
is entwined with valor, strife, and the mysteries of the gods, leaving an indelible
mark on the tapestry of Norse legend.”
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:700px; text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="2" |EIVOR VARINSDOTTIR
|-
!Dates
|847 CE - unknown
|-
!Location
|Europe
|-
!Time Frame
|Viking Age
|-
!Affiliation
|The Hidden Ones
|-
!Key Allies
|Sigurd Styrbjornsson, Valka, Hytham,
Deirdre Na Linni
|-
!Main Opponents
|Kjotve the Cruel, Alfred the Great, Rued,
Fulke, Order of the Ancients, the Zealots, the
Sons of Ragnar, the Children of Danu, the
Descendants of the Round Table
|}
===Adventure Hooks===
#The Witnesses are tasked with forging an alliance with a powerful Viking
clan in a neighboring land. However, they soon discover that the clan’s
leader has been compromised by the Order of the Ancients. To forge an
alliance, the Witnesses must prove the leader’s connection with the Order
of the Ancients and dispel their influence over his clan.
#The Witnesses uncover an underground network of Saxon smugglers and
thieves that is unknowingly aiding the Order of the Ancients. They must
infiltrate the network, gain the trust of its key members and assassinate
them, all the while remaining undetected by the Order of the Ancients
agents who are using the network for their own nefarious plans.
#A series of mysterious disappearances plague a village south of
Ravensthorpe. Investigations reveal that a secretive cult of Welsh druids
has been abducting people to experiment on them with an ancient artifact.
The Witnesses must track down the druids’ refuge in the forest, rescue the
captives, and take the artifact out of the cult’s dangerous hands.
#The Witnesses receive a distress call from a fellow Hidden One in a distant
land. The Witnesses must set sail and start a perilous journey across freezing
seas to rescue their comrade from hostile pirates who seek to exploit
the assassin’s knowledge and power.
#In the mystical lands of Ireland, the Witnesses discover a Roman cemetery.
Inside a tomb lies a unique relic that holds the key to uncovering the lost
history of the Hidden Ones. The Witnesses must decipher cryptic puzzles,
ward off supernatural guardians, and protect the relic from falling into the
hands of the Descendants of the Round Table.
===THE CURSED TREASURE===
'''Time Frame:''' Viking Age


She could run out at the last second, but she was pretty sure they had someone covering the train. Someone who'd drop her before the doors closed behind her. So, she stayed. Opt for the devil you know and, in this case, the devils that probably have the order to take her alive, if at all possible. That was something, anyway.
'''Location:''' Warwick Burh, River Avon (England) - 872 CE


She looked to the cars ahead of her through a series of subway windows. People were pushing down the aisle, their eyes on her. It was the same behind her. She figured that this car was as good as any to start a tussle in. She stretched on her toes, letting her back stiffen, then uncoiled vertebrae while exhaling. She then did a small runner's jog-in-place move and started gauging the angles in the train, the height of people seated and standing, various vectors she might try when they get inside.
'''Description:''' On the trail of a Shroud of Eden, the Order of the Ancients
has settled in the Warwick Burh (fortress) on the River
Avon, the residence of one of the wealthiest merchant
families in the area. The Hidden One bureau leader,
Basim, has recently traveled to Bulgar to meet Sigurd and
his companions, intending to gather a few capable allies
to infiltrate the castle and recover the Piece of Eden.


The first to arrive were a pair from the back car. It was a guy maybe six foot tall and a shorter woman. From ahead, two men, wide looking, started closing in. She waited until they were close. In fact, she waited until one of the broad men grabbed at her, getting purchase on her jean jacket. She slid out of it the way she'd practiced, stomped onto the guy's instep, and launched herself up under his chin for a KO the only way she knew how. Then the other grabbed at her shoulders, but she wasn't there. She jumped up on a seat, ran on the wall and windows of the car, right past broad man number two and into the next car, where she hit something solid and human.
The cold sky turns to hues of fire and gold as the sun sets while the river flows
serenely through the quiet valley. From the small village of herders on the Avon
Trail, you have been studying the castle for the past few days. From there, you
can admire the sturdy walls of the burh overhanging the river and the warriors
who patrol them day and night. The Order of the Ancients still occupies the place,
meaning they have yet to find the artifact or perhaps the fortress has become
their new base of operations in the province. There is nothing more to be learned
from afar. The time to act has come.


Someone was bear-hugging her. It was a very big woman she didn't notice before. The squeezing forced air out of her lungs. Air that she needed to stay conscious. She felt a rib give. She could feel herself slipping into a warm, black unconsciousness. She couldn't…
{{IUNote
|Title=Consus
|Text=
In ancient times, there lived a brilliant scientist known
as Consus, also known as Prometheus. He was a gifted
Precursor whose talent was crucial in creating the enigmatic
Pieces of Eden. Working alongside Hephaistos, he contributed
to crafting the powerful Swords of Eden.<br><br>However, as the war unfolded, Consus recognized the urgent
need for advanced medical technology. He set his mind to
design a remarkable device called the Shroud of Eden. This
ingenious creation had the ability to scan and reconstruct a
body, effectively healing injuries and restoring it to a predetermined
state. It had one limitation, though – the Shroud
could not reverse death itself.<br><br>As Consus approached the end of his natural life, he
hatched a daring plan to overcome mortality. He decided
to transfer his consciousness into the Shroud, hoping to
evade the clutches of death. The transfer was a success,
but it had an unforeseen consequence — Consus found
himself trapped within the artifact, where he was eventually
forgotten by time and history.<br><br>Centuries later, during the research conducted by the
Capitoline Triad in their quest to survive the impending Toba
Catastrophe, the Isu Juno stumbled upon the lost artifact.
Discovering Consus trapped within the Shroud, Juno saw the
opportunity to exploit his vast knowledge. She experimented
with transferring Isu consciousness into artificial bodies, a
daring endeavor that ultimately failed.<br><br>Throughout the ages, Consus managed to possess different
users of the Shroud, offering them invaluable guidance and
counsel. His wisdom proved instrumental to those fortunate
enough to possess the powerful artifact.<br><br>However, fate took an unexpected turn in 2014. The Shroud
faced destruction, and with it, Consus’ consciousness appeared
to be lost forever.
}}


Suddenly, electricity was running through the woman and, because she was hugging Inez, it ran through her, too. Fifty thousand volts, but all of them at low enough amperage not to kill you. Inez fell to the ground, flapping about helplessly like a fish out of water.
====Key Objectives====
<tabber>
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Rieko quickly put away the taser and slipped something under Inez's nose, a noxious potion that seemed to numb the electricity. Inez tried to gather herself. She watched as Reiko's hands wrapped her belt around the handle and bar inside the door so it wouldn't open.
;Challenges
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Reiko gathered half of Inez under her arm, and the two hobbled through a car filled with people more-than-willing to avoid them. They both hoped that they would not die at the next stop.
;Weaknesses
</tabber>
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==Page 28==
;Challenges
Abstergo Ent [Brahman version 2.00.3145]<br>
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<F> Copyright 1985-2016 Abstergo Corp.<br>
F:\CLOUD<br>
cloud> open cloud.br-london.co.uk<br>
Connected to br-london.co.uk<br>
220 psiweb1 Abstergo CLOUD Service «Version 1.2><br>
User < br-london.co.uk; «none>>; anonymous 214 Anonymous access allowed, send identity <e-mail name> as<br>
Password:<br>
370-Welcome to Abstergo Cloud site. 370-Please change to the correct directory for your country<br>
cloud> ed oh 250 CWD command successful.<br>
cloud> put c: temp \test.txt<br>
200 PORT command successful. 150 Opening ASCII mode data connection Testixt. cloud: 23 bytes sent in 0.01 Seconds 2.30 Kbytes/sec.<br>
cloud> transferring...<br>
Abstergo link confirmed.<br>
Cloud sync confirmed.<br>
Upload in progress.<br>
Do not disconnect...


==Setting Overview==
;Weaknesses
<opening cloud.ai-corp.ca> <uploading data from the Abstergo Corp database><br>
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<please wait...><br>
<Reading the loaded SD card> </Installing AsBr16_patch.><br>
<With the database you are about to open, you will learn all you need to know about the modern-day world and its ancient roots><br>
<synchronizing...>


===THE ASSASSIN BROTHERHOOD===
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{{Quote|To say that everything is permitted is to understand that we are the architects of our actions and that we must live with their consequences, whether glorious or tragic.|Ezio Auditore}}
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The Assassins are an ancient and secretive organization dedicated to protect mankind's freedom of choice. They believe that only free will can allow humanity to thrive and survive, as it allows for the birth of new ideas and innovations.


To achieve such noble goal, the Brotherhood fights for the oppressed, secretly assassinating any tyrant or dictator who threatens the freedom of their people. Throughout their long history, this ideology has set the Assassins up in direct opposition to a powerful and equally secretive organization – the Templars, who believe that the only way to ensure the survival of humanity is to remove free will, thus saving mankind from itself.
;Challenges
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The Brotherhood's ideals were conceived thousands of years ago, in Ancient Greece, although their first incarnation – the Hidden Ones – was established in Egypt at the end of the Ptolemaic Kingdom.
;Weaknesses
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====THE HIDDEN ONES - ORIGINS====
{{Quote|We must continue the fight and defend the free will of the people. And no matter how small, our brotherhood is the only hope and our kingdom needs no crowns.|Bayek of Siwa 47 BCE}}
The Hidden Ones were a group of freedom fighters founded in Egypt in 47 BCE by Bayek of Siwa, a Medjay, and his wife, Aya of Alexandria (later known as Amunet). Their goal was to combat the tyranny and corruption present in Egypt at that time. While they fought against oppressive rulers, they also sought to maintain peace and justice by targeting those who threatened the population, striking as quickly and lethally as desert cobras.


They opposed the Order of the Ancients, a conspiratorial group of powerful figures who might be seen as one of the earliest  incarnations of the Templars. The Order exerted their influence discreetly, manipulating local rulers for personal gain; their meddling contributed to much of the chaos of the declining days of the Ptolemies. The Hidden Ones sought to counteract the Orders' nefarious activities and restore order to Egypt.
</tabber>


====Setbacks====
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====MODERN DAY BROTHERHOOD====
====Notables NPCs====
{{Quote|The Templars might have deeper pockets than us, but they've got no ambition, no passion, no competitive edge! That's why, even with all their resources, anything they can do, I can do better. Faster, too.|Rebecca Crane}}
;Aleksi
Tall and beefy, with scars all over his arms and face, Aleksi is
a captain of the Order of the Ancients operating in England.
Before losing his mind to the Shroud, he used to be a ruthless
commander, taking pleasure in hunting down and executing
as many Hidden Ones as possible.


The modern day Brotherhood is organized into small cells of Assassins, usually located in major cities or strategic sites, but also in isolated compounds outside urban centers with more substantial Templar presence. In general, modern cells function differently than the guilds of the past and can be described as solitary units of freedom fighters training and living off the grid.
====Pieces of Eden====
;SHROUD OF EDEN #UNKNOWN_1
'''Known Owners:''' Unknown, Aleksi


The leader of the Brotherhood is called the Mentor. At one time, each Guild had its own Mentor. However, by the twentieth century, the entire Brotherhood was overseen by a single leader. The identity and location of the Mentor was kept secret, even from the Assassins.
'''Current Status:''' Unknown


Gavin Banks and William Miles both served as Mentors after the Great Purge, sharing the responsibility. At that time, the Brotherhood was recovering, struggling to re-establish itself in the wake of the Templar Order's devastating blow.
The Shrouds of Eden (see page 185 of Assassin’s Creed - Animus Handbook) are
rare artifacts with mysterious healing capabilities whose earliest appearance can
be traced back to Greek mythology. This specific Shroud represents one of Juno’s
first failed experiments to clone the technology developed by Consus. The result is
a Shroud of Eden that maintains the original’s extraordinary healing properties,
significantly improving the wearer’s physical faculties, but retains fragments of
the consciousnesses of the Isu Consus and Juno. Both consciousnesses can speak
with the wearer and attempt to possess them. For this reason, wearing the Shroud
of Eden can be dangerous, eventually leading to insanity and death.


Miles returned to the Brotherhood as sole Mentor in 2015, although it was with great reluctance that he adopted that title.
==Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad==
“I, Altaïr, was born into a lineage of Assassins, destined to follow the path of the
Creed. I ascended the ranks swiftly, achieving the esteemed title of Master Assassin at
a mere twenty-five years of age. My accomplishment marked me as the youngest ever
to attain such a position at that time.


====ASSASSIN TRAINING====
Amidst the chaos of the Third Crusade, a
Becoming an Assassin requires rigorous training. Apprentices must learn to observe a situation in great detail, as being well informed means being able to make the best possible decision. This is more than just watching — it means taking note of the context of a situation, absorbing as many details as possible, and collecting information via the gathering of intelligence.
sacred mission was bestowed upon me. I
was entrusted with acquiring an ancient
artifact known as the Apple of Eden, the
Templar Treasure hidden behind the
walls of Jerusalem. However, blinded by
my arrogance I deviated from the principles
I held dear, breaching all three
tenets of the Creed. My actions led to
the exposure of the Assassin community
in Masyaf, leaving them vulnerable to a
devastating Templar assault.


Once the action starts, furtiveness is an Assassin's greatest tool. Being able to reach a target covertly, deal with it quickly and efficiently, then slip away without anyone noticing is fundamental. Apprentices extensively practice the art of "hiding in plain sight", learning how to blend in a crowd, to move away or disappear completely.
As a consequence of my transgressions,
I was swiftly demoted to the lowly rank
of Novice. My honor was tarnished,
and I sought to atone for my grievous
errors. To reclaim my place among the
Brotherhood I embarked on a perilous
journey to stop the Templars from
seizing control of the Holy Land. It was
a treacherous path, one that required
me to skillfully manipulate both the
Saracens and the Crusaders, pitting
them against each other, like pieces on
a grand chessboard.


Trainees are also taught to take advantage of the shadows and find alternative routes to reach their destination. ‘Freerunning' is their main asset here — an acrobatic form of movement that involves navigating fluidly across an urban or natural landscape, climbing vertical surfaces such as walls, leaping horizontally or vertically, diving, vaulting, swinging from handholds, dropping, and rolling. While equipment is not required, the Brotherhood has developed various gear over the years to enhance an Assassin's ability. Tools such as hooked blades, whips, orbthe grappling hook and rope launcher extension to the Assassin's gauntlet have all been used to aid freerunning.
While I was unraveling this intricate
web of deceit and manipulation, I encountered
a shocking revelation — my
trusted Mentor Al Mualim was in league
with the Templars. He sought to harness the power of the Apple for his own, nefarious purposes. To protect the Creed
and preserve the delicate balance of power, I had no choice but to confront him. Al
Mualim fell by my blade, and the Apple was retrieved, unveiling the hidden locations
of other Pieces of Eden scattered across the globe.


Finally, all apprentices undergo extensive weapons and combat training, typically with blades. The original Medjay background of Bayek and Aya influenced how they trained the Hidden Ones, and their style can still be recognized in how a modern Assassin moves today. Yet, no single fighting style can be said to be typical among members of the Brotherhood. Other than the Hidden Blade, the Assassins make use of whatever weapon or technique they excel at. The clandestine nature of the Brotherhood makes it difficult to instruct all trainees in the same way; many initiates must learn what they can from fellow crew members and cell mentors, and often must do so in do-or-die circumstances.
In time, age and experience brought me wisdom, and I ascended to the position of
Mentor within the Levantine Brotherhood. Driven by my newfound understanding,
I initiated a series of reforms, transforming the Brotherhood into a more egalitarian
and inclusive organization. I dedicated considerable time to the refinement of our
equipment and delved deep into the secrets hidden within the Apple of Eden.


Not all Assassins are trained to be fighters, although they all share a basic level of competence in self-defense. Initiates are often encouraged to develop their interests into strengths for the Brotherhood, for the more diverse and complementary the knowledge and specialization of the trainees, the more a group of Assassins will be helpful to the cause. Engineering, medicine, history, sleight of hand, computer hacking, or combat – everything might serve the cause at the right moment.
I compiled my vast knowledge and insights into a meticulously encoded collection
I named the Codex. it contains a wealth of wisdom gleaned from the experiences of
my life, as well as the profound knowledge imparted by the Apple. This invaluable
resource chronicles my journey and may serve as a beacon of guidance for future
generations of Assassins.


=====The Doctrine=====
Thus, I, Altaïr, through trials and tribulations, evolved from a young and headstrong
{{Quote|You cannot know anything. Only suspect. You must expect to be wrong, to have overlooked something.|Malik Al-Sayf}}
Assassin to a wise and revered Mentor. My legacy lives on in the reforms I instituted,
To help the Assassins put their philosophy into practice the Brotherhood developed a protocol, maintained by three simple rules — the Three Tenets.
the Codex I crafted, and the profound impact I left upon the Creed. May the wisdom
;I. Stay your blade from the flesh of the innocent
and knowledge I have gathered guide those who come after me, and may the
Your goal is to ensure peace in all things. The Brotherhood believes that by assassinating the evil and the corrupt they will ultimately bring peace, freedom, and security to the people. Killing innocents could stir up anger and dissent among those who you are supposed to save and protect.
Brotherhood forever remain a beacon of hope in the eternal struggle against the forces
{{Quote|There is freedom, and there is the life of innocents. Both must be balanced on the scale.|Bayek of Siwa}}
that seek to control and oppress humanity.”
;II. Hide in plain sight
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:700px; text-align:center"
You must be unseen. Assassins must get close to their targets stealthily and be gone as quickly as possible in order to perform awe-inspiring, public killings.
|-
{{Quote|Let the people mask you such that you become one with the crowd.|Al Mualim}}
! colspan="2" |ALTAÏR IBN-LA’AHAD
;III. Never compromise the Brotherhood
|-
Your individual actions must never bring harm to all. Should an Assassin fail in their duty and be captured or followed, they must avoid giving away anything that could be traced back to the Brotherhood or bring harm to its members.
!Dates
{{Quote|Its meaning should be obvious. Your actions must never bring harm upon us — direct or indirect!|Al Mualim}}
|1165 - 1257 CE
The Three Tenets appear simple, but in fact they present all Assassins with a complex and challenging set of ethical puzzles when they are applied to the usual methods employed by the Brotherhood.
|-
!Location
|Masyaf, Syria, China
|-
!Time Frame
|The Levant
|-
!Affiliation
|Levantine Brotherhood
|-
!Key Allies
|Maria Thorpe (wife), Darim and Sef (sons),
Malik Al-Sayf
|-
!Main Opponents
|Robert de Sablé, Abbas Sofian, Al Mualim,
Genghis Khan
|}
===Adventure Hooks===
#Rumors from the mountain villages west of Masyaf tell of
strange, awful barks in the night and of cattle disappearing
mysteriously, leaving only trails of blood. Recently,
even some children have disappeared from their beds. The
few eyewitnesses tell of a humanoid demon with the head
of a hyena and hypnotizing yellow eyes.
#A high-ranking Templar is visiting Jerusalem, providing an
opportunity for the Assassins to eliminate this key figure
and whoever he’s come to the Holy Land to make a deal
with. However, the target is kept under strict surveillance.
The Witnesses must find a way to bypass the Templar guards
and complete the assassination undetected.
#A fellow Assassin has recently gone rogue and is now
working with the Templars. The Witnesses are tasked with
locating and killing their former ally. However, they will
soon discover that not all is what it seems. Misleading information
about the supposed treachery was orchestrated by a
Templar double agent within the Brotherhood’s ranks.
#The Witnesses intercept a coded message indicating the
presence of a secret Templar training facility in Damascus.
The Witnesses must gather intelligence and launch an audacious
raid on the facility to destroy the Templar forces while
they remain few in number.
#A powerful and mysterious individual has appeared in Acre,
claiming he has come into possession of ancient, divine
knowledge that allows him to heal the needy. The Witnesses
are tasked with determining the truth behind his claims and
the possible presence of a Shroud of Eden.
===THE “BEARING HEAVEN” TEMPLE===
'''Time Frame:''' The Levant


In light of this dissonance, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad developed the Three Ironies, a corollary set of observations into the contradictory nature of the Assassin Brotherhood that he included in a series of writings known as the Codex:
'''Location:''' Pagoda of Chengtian Temple,
;I. THE ASSASSINS SEEK TO PROMOTE PEACE, BUT COMMIT MURDER.
Western Xia (China) - 1227 CE
;II. THE ASSASSINS SEEK TO OPEN THE MINDS OF MEN; BUT REQUIRE OBEDIENCE TO RULES.
;III. THE ASSASSINS SEEK TO REVEAL THE DANGER OF BLIND FAITH, YET PRACTICE IT THEMSELVES.


As Altaïr points out, Assassins bend their own rules in order to accomplish their work for the greater good. But this must not be seen as paradoxical, but rather serve to illustrate the Brotherhood's willingness to embrace contradiction, a way to introduce an element of uncertainty into Assassin ideology, and therefore help prevent episodes of fanaticism and zealotry among its members.
'''Description:''' Genghis Khan, the Mongol warlord, dies at the hand
of the Brotherhood who correctly believed that his
conquests were also due to a powerful Piece of Eden
(Sword of Eden #2) that allowed him to enslave and
conquer half the world. After the deed, Altaïr hides in
the Pagoda of Chengtian Temple (the ‘Bearing Heaven’
Temple), where a group of Tangut monks and a couple
of former Assassins give him shelter. All the while, the
formidable general Tolui Khan, Genghis Khan’s fourth
and youngest son, dispatches mounted troops to find
his father’s assassins.<br><br>Altaïr and his companions must rest before leaving the
Temple at the crack of dawn, carrying the Sword with
them. Unfortunately, they don’t know that several of the
monks are secretly spying for Genghis Khan.


Indeed, beliefs should constantly be challenged in order to make sure the right path is not being followed for the wrong reasons.
It’s been a long and exhausting ride. You were sure that you spotted the Khan’s
horsemen behind you a few times, but you’re confident you lost them before you
reached the sanctuary of the temple. You are gathered in a warm hut at the foot
of the towering pagoda, enjoying a flower-scented tea at the end of a humble but
invigorating meal. The monks were more than hospitable, and you’ve been chatting
amiably with Shengtong, the beautiful Assassin who appears to be running
the kitchen. You told her all about what happened in Xingqing, but now fatigue
begins to weigh upon your eyelids. As the sky darkens and the birds stop singing,
you all fall asleep, one by one.


{{Quote|The Creed of the Assassin Brotherhood teaches us that nothing is forbidden to us. Once, I thought that meant we were free to do as we would. To pursue our ideals, no matter the cost. I understand now. Not a grant of permission. The Creed is a warning. Ideals too easily give way to dogma. Dogma becomes fanaticism. No higher power sits in judgement of us. No supreme being watches to punish us for our sins. In the end, only we ourselves can guard against our obsessions. Only we can decide whether the road we walk carries too high a toll. We believe ourselves redeemers, avengers, saviors. We make war on those who oppose us, and they in turn make war on us. We dream of leaving our stamp upon the world… even as we give our lives in a conflict that will be recorded in no history book. All that we do, all that we are, begins and ends with ourselves.|Arno Dorian}}
====Key Objectives====
<tabber>
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====The Great Purge====
;Challenges
{{Quote|The modern-day Assassins are weak. It is only a matter of time before I catch the last of them, and kill them. But it is not enough for them to die. I want them to know how weak they truly are, and I want everyone to see them suffer. So on the day they finally meet me, they will welcome the death I offer them.|Juhani Otso Berg}}
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In the year 2000, Daniel Cross, an Assassin who had been turned into a sleeper agent by Templar conditioning, struck at the heart of the Brotherhood, slaying the last Assassin Mentor. This act was followed by the Great Purge, a Templar assault that almost destroyed the Brotherhood of Assassins. Following the attack, the Brotherhood was weakened, surviving members scattered in small, isolated cells for over ten years. As testament to the strength of their conviction and training, these Assassins were still able to counter various serious threats.


===The Templar Order===
;Weaknesses
{{Quote|The people never have the power. Only the illusion of it. And here's the real secret: they don't want it. The responsibility is too great to bear. It's why they're so quick to fall in line as soon as someone takes charge. They want to be told what to do. They yearn for it. Little wonder, that, since all mankind was built to serve.|Haytham Kenway}}
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The Templar Order seeks to create a perfect society by imposing a rigid structure upon the world. Discipline and authority form the cornerstone of Templar's strategy, positioning them in direct opposition to the Assassin Brotherhood's approach. They consider free will and unbridled innovation to be detrimental and firmly believe that the world can achieve stability and peace only through their enlightened guidance.


In practical terms, the Templars support the centralized leadership of the authoritarian governments of the world, taking action to shape and control society as needed and exploiting revolts and revolutions to their advantage, like puppeteers behind the scenes.
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Their ideology revolves around the idea that only structure and order will allow humankind to transcend its more primitive tendencies, and that free will and autonomy leads to a chaotic, unharmonious society. In short, the unwashed masses cannot be trusted to govern themselves. Paradoxically, the ultimate goal of the Templars seems to parallel that of the Assassins — the survival of mankind. It is their means of achieving that goal that make all the difference.
;Challenges
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The Templar Order has existed in one form or another for millennia. Little is known about its history before the 5th century BCE, but archeological evidence suggests that it rose to power as a secret society in Persia, Egypt, and beyond. Initially known to initiates as the Order of the Ancients, they started to operate openly in the Middle Ages, when the Order of the Knights Templar was officially recognized at the Council of Troyes in 1129. By the end of the 13th century, the Order had been greatly weakened by the Assassin Brotherhood and their allies, until they were eventually forced to return to the shadows after publicly being denounced as heretics.
;Weaknesses
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Diminished but not destroyed, the Templars continued to influence mankind from the shadows, manipulating history's most influential figures. With their help, they would carry on their age-old quest, helping humanity to reach its full potential through technical and scientific development.
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=====Modern Day Templars=====
;Challenges
At the dawn of the 20th century, the Templars felt that a new era was about to begin — a time where scientific progress would not only flourish, but also change the very fabric of society. In 1910, the Order's leaders designed the Plan. 27 years later, a group of influential Templar industrialists founded Abstergo Industries, a multinational corporation that would become the public face of the Order.
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For the second time in its millennia-old history, the Order was at least in some small way made public. The Templars, however, would not repeat the mistakes of the past. They determined that Abstergo would be used as a front, and take full advantage of the vast resources the company would provide, while the Templars would continue to operate behind the scene, never revealing their identity or real agenda.
;Weaknesses
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Today, Abstergo Industries is one of the largest and most powerful corporations in the world.


{{IUNote
</tabber>
|Title=CHILDREN OF CAIN
|Text=While the origins of the Templar Order have long been forgotten, some speculate that one of its founding members was Cain, the mythical figure who killed his own brother, Abel. Further conjecture would posit that Cain actually murdered his brother not out of jealousy, but in order to acquire a Piece of Eden — one of the highly advanced technological devices left behind by the First Civilization.<br><br>Evidence might suggest that some Templars of olden days considered themselves the Children of Cain. Several even espoused the belief that their emblem, the red cross pattée, was the mark of Cain.}}


====Abstergo Industries====
====Setbacks====
{{Quote|We are committed to researching, developing, and providing high-quality products that enrich, entertain, and shape the lives of our customers. We build programs that re-examine the past, improve the present, and define the future.|Abstergo Industries Mission Statement}}
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In the modern day, Abstergo Industries operates within several business areas, including pharmaceuticals and communications. The company has been responsible for the majority of corporate research and development achievements of the Western world, greatly contributing to the technological and economic advancement of mankind.
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Behind the scenes, Abstergo has developed a three-part, Templar-directed initiative that non-initiate Abstergo employees are not privy to: to destroy the Assassin Brotherhood, to acquire Precursor technology, and to establish a New World Order. To accomplish this plan, Abstergo has spent enormous capital, investing in foreign governments and funding major corporations, quietly strengthening its influence over the dissemination of knowledge as well as accumulating resources and gathering data.
====Notables NPCs====
;Shengtong
Shengtong is a beautiful, middle-aged woman
with long, dark hair, a deep scar under her left
eye, and a missing ring finger that reveals her
former affiliation to the Brotherhood. She was
once a formidable Assassin, but was driven to
the edge of insanity when the Brotherhood prevented
her from avenging her partner’s death to
serve a higher purpose. She was sent to Chengtian
Pagoda to train and learn from a former
Assassin, a wise man named Wu. Shengtong’s
implacable thirst for vengeance soon turned
to resentment. When the war came, she allied
with the Khanate. Wu discovered her betrayal
but before he could warn the Brotherhood she
ruthlessly cut him down. Shengtong has been
secretly training other monks in the ways of the
Assassins for General Tolui Khan.


====Structure of the Templar Order====
====Pieces of Eden====
The Templar Order has always been directed by an Inner Sanctum, a secret council of nine members sometimes referred simply as ‘The Nine'. Still in charge today, the Inner Sanctum is swathed in secrecy — only its members know what is discussed in the council, and their identity is unknown even to other Templars. Every member of the Inner Sanctum knows about the plans for the creation of a New World Order, and is fully aware of Abstergo's secret projects and initiatives.
;SWORD OF EDEN #2
'''Known Owners:''' Genghis Khan, Hülegü Khan


Above the Inner Sanctum sit the three Guardians, individuals tasked with reviewing every decision made by the Inner Sanctum. Once approved by the Guardians, a proposition is then passed to the General of the Cross, who has final approval. The identity of all these individuals is usually kept secret, although it is known that Alan Rikkin was a member of both the Nine as well as a Guardian until his demise in 2016. Several other governing bodies influence Templar operations. For example, the Council of Elders guides, but does not dictate directly, the operations of the Order through its influence over the allocation of Templar resources.
'''Current Status:''' Unknown


{{IUNote
Forged by the skilled hands of Hephaistos, this Sword of Eden crafted in the shape
|Title=THE BLACK CROSS
of a saber emerged as a formidable weapon during the War of Unification. The
|Text=The Black Cross was a secret inquisitorial position that solely answered to the Inner Sanctum. They were enforcers, tasked with keeping members of the Order in line with the philosophy of the secret society. They were empowered to excise any Templar who became corrupted. In time, they reached almost legendary status among Templars, who admired and feared them in equal measure, but the position eventually became defunct with the death of the last known enforcer, Albert Bolden, in 1927. Juhani Otso Berg independently reconstituted the position of the Black Cross in 2016 in order to restore the integrity of modern Templars, including its high-ranking members. Otso Berg secretly took the mantle for himself, the first Black Cross to be an actual member of the Inner Sanctum.}}
sword found its way into the hands of renowned leaders such as Genghis Khan
and his successors. Like its counterparts, this Sword of Eden granted extraordinary
powers to its wielder, while also enhancing their innate charisma and
leadership qualities.


====Precursor Research====
==Ezio Auditore==
One main focus of Templar research is the study of the Precursors, a civilization also known as the Isu. Predating humankind, Isu civilisation was a rigidly structured, analytical, and orderly society, focused on rational design. The Templar Order uses the Animus technology developed by Abstergo to uncover as much information related to the Precursor civilization as possible. The Templar Order especially covets the so-called Pieces of Eden, powerful artifacts created by the Precursors to control humanity.
“All my life, a fire of passion blazed in the depths of my soul, an energy that pushed me
along an extraordinary path that eventually transformed me from a carefree youth
into a respected leader among the noble Assassins. I was born into a family intertwined
with the Brotherhood, but I wasn’t aware of this heritage until my seventeenth
year. It was then that the specter of tragedy fell upon us, when my father and brothers
met their untimely demise at the merciless hands of executioners.


===The First Civilization===
I was rescued by my wise and noble uncle, Mario, who extended his guiding hand and
{{Quote|They're gifts, Mr. Miles. From those who came before.|Dr. Warren Vidic on the Pieces of Eden, 2012}}
welcomed me into the fold of the Assassins in the peaceful refuge of Monteriggioni.
Little is known about the Isu, the Precursors, or Those Who Came Before, but their civilization spanned the entire planet before mankind even appeared. This ancient race, now extinct, was so advanced that modern day scientists — at least the few fortunate enough to have come across their technology — have not yet even begun to fathom the full extent of their function.
There, I learned the ways of our esteemed order under his watchful gaze, honing my
skills and expanding my knowledge. Alas, that serene interlude didn’t last, as we were
soon besieged by the insidious Borgia, a powerful family owning its allegiance to our
sworn enemy, the Templar Order. In their ruthless quest for power, they took the life of
my dear uncle and wrested an Apple of Eden from our protective custody.


It is exactly the products of such technology that the Templar Order is bent on finding. In particular, they seek the artifacts known as the Pieces of Eden — incredibly complex devices that the Isu created to enforce obedience on humankind. In fact, while archeological evidence is scanty, all data gathered so far (mainly by the Templars) seem to indicate that the Precursors employed humans as slaves.
Fueled by an unyielding determination to resist the corrupting influence of the
Templars in Rome, I brought new companions to our cause. For many years, I poured
my heart and soul into dismantling the Borgia’s iron grip on the city, sparing no effort
in liberating its people from their clutches.


While the full and direct enslavement of humankind is not something the Templars desire, the fact that most of the Pieces of Eden seems built to achieve the mental and physical control of human thoughts, emotions, and behavior, makes them an invaluable instrument towards the Order's goal of creating a society based on the choices of an enlightened few.
Yet, my ambitions extended far beyond the confines of Italy. A thirst for knowledge
consumed me, compelling me to undertake a monumental task: the search for and
reassembly of the scattered pages of Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad’s Codex. I embarked on this
quest to enrich the Brotherhood’s techniques and uncover lost wisdom. The journey took me to the vast expanses of the Middle East, where I faced a desperate race against
the Templars, as they too vied to possess the fabled treasures concealed within Altaïr’s
long-lost library.


To find the Pieces of Eden, the Templar Order employs the Animus device developed by Abstergo Industries. By probing the past, the Templars are sure they will discover the whereabouts of these lost treasures one after the other.
In the year 1512, standing at the threshold of that sacred library, I felt anticipation ripple
through my veins. However, what lay inside defied my expectations. No volumes
awaited, only the remnants of Altaïr himself, the lingering echoes of the Apple of Eden,
and a Memory Seal etched with his final recollections.


====The truth about the Isu====
With trepidation, I activated the Apple, unearthing its hidden truths. In that moment,
The human race is the result of extensive scientific experimentation by members of the Precursor civilization. By accelerating the natural evolutionary process of mankind and altering its genetic makeup by mixing it with their own, the Isu created a race in their image, albeit one possessing a shorter lifespan. Even if gifted with only five senses, humans were designed to flourish in challenging conditions, a characteristic that enabled them to adapt to their environment and survive.
a message from the enigmatic Precursors revealed itself, casting a blinding light on
my purpose. I, Ezio Auditore da Firenze, recognized my role as a conduit between
these ancient beings and a future generation of Assassins. It became clear that destiny
had chosen me to transmit knowledge and vital information from one era to the
next. Overwhelmed, I meticulously transcribed my experiences and the profound
message from the Precursors onto the sacred pages of the Prophet’s Codex.


Mankind looked up to the Isu as gods, but in truth humans were merely a subservient workforce. By limiting human potential, and employing the Pieces of Eden, humanity was kept pliant and obedient.
Upon my return from the Masyaf library, I made a solemn decision. I chose to withdraw
from the active duties of the Brotherhood, finding solace and love in the embrace
of Sofia Sartor, a remarkable woman who had captured my heart. Together, we chose
a life free from the shadows, raising a family and savoring the tranquility that had
long eluded me. Although my days as an active Assassin had drawn to a close, the
flame of passion and purpose continued to burn brightly within, forever reminding me
of the extraordinary odyssey that had shaped me into the man I had become.”
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:700px; text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="2" |EZIO AUDITORE
|-
!Dates
|1459 - 1524 CE
|-
!Location
|Italy
|-
!Time Frame
|Italian Renaissance
|-
!Affiliation
|Italian Brotherhood
|-
!Key Allies
|Mario Auditore, Claudia Auditore, Sofia
Sartor, Leonardo da Vinci, Bartolomeo
D’Alviano, Niccolò Machiavelli, Caterina
Sforza, La Volpe, Yusuf Tazim, Lorenzo de’
Medici, Suleiman I, Piri Reis
|-
!Main Opponents
|Rodrigo Borgia, Cesare Borgia, Juan Borgia,
the Pazzi family, the Barbarigo family,
Prince Ahmet, Manuel Palaiologos
|}
===Adventure Hooks===
#An unknown artist of unparalleled genius who signs his work only as “The
Open Eye” creates incredible paintings concealing hidden messages that
are said to lead to an unknown Precursor vault. The Witnesses must infiltrate
the artistic salons of Venice, uncover the artist’s true identity, and
decode the paintings to find the vault before the Templars do.
#The Witnesses explore a long-forgotten sanctuary in the Roman countryside.
As they prowl its ancient halls, they uncover its history, revealing the legacy
of a secret circle of guardians founded by Romulus: the Shields of Mars.
Intriguingly, this circle shared many principles with the Assassin Brotherhood.
Empowered by this knowledge, the Witnesses embark on a quest to retrieve a
Piece of Eden, fortifying the Brotherhood’s foothold in the region while uncovering
the truth behind Romulus and his connection to the Assassins.
#A deadly tournament is held in Rome, attracting skilled combatants from
Italy – and beyond! The Witnesses are invited to participate but soon discover
that the event is secretly a front for recruitment into the Templar
Order. They must participate in the deadly matches to discover the Templar
plot and free some of the captured fighters used as bait.
#A prominent member of the Medici family has gone missing in Florence,
and rumors suggest their abduction is linked to the Templar Order. The
Medici hire the Witnesses to investigate, providing the first in a long trail of
clues that will uncover a conspiracy that threatens to destabilize the ruling
family and Florence itself.
#A band of thieves known as the “Merletti Neri” has stolen a Precursor Relic
from the Brotherhood’s hidden vault in Monteriggioni. The Witnesses must
track down the thieves, recover the artifact, and unravel the connection
between the thieves and the Templars.
===TEMPLAR RAID AT GINESTRA FIORITA===
'''Time Frame:''' Italian Renaissance


Eventually, following centuries of slavery, humanity rose up against their masters. The Isu were heavily outnumbered by their slaves, but Precursor technology was superior. This uprising raged on for a decade before the Precursor civilization was effectively destroyed by the Toba Catastrophe – a cataclysmic coronal mass ejection some seventy-thousand years BCE – despite several attempts to prevent the disaster. Mankind survived, rebuilt and flourished; the surviving Isu died out over the millennia, their civilization doomed as their number diminished.
'''Location:''' Ginestra Fiorita, Rome, Italy - 1504 CE


Different cultures across the world share thematically similar mythologies, testament to the Isu's continued influence over humanity, even in the twilight of their own civilization. Knowledge of the Precursor civilization has spread beyond the Brotherhood and the Order as outsiders have inadvertently uncovered mysterious artifacts and knowledge.
'''Description:''' A few days ago, the efforts of the Brotherhood in the
territories bordering Rome led to the recovery of a
Piece of Eden — a Precursor relic (a Memory Seal)
buried in a ruin of an Etruscan temple dedicated to the
god Laran. The information hidden in this relic must
not fall into the hands of the Templars. Bella, a young
initiate, is transporting the Piece of Eden to Rome and
has arranged a secret meeting with Ezio Auditore at one
of the Brotherhood’s hideouts. The Ginestra Fiorita is a
brothel belonging to Madame Rosa, and is used as a base
of operations for a cell of Assassins led by Ezio Auditore
himself. Before the meeting can start, the building is
attacked by a group of Templars who seem to have been
warned of the activities of the Brotherhood.


====The Vaults====
The Ginestra Fiorita is a two-story building with a well-kept and decent
The Templars have already located a number of sites that have been identified as the center of important Precursor activity. A disproportionate number of these so-called Isu Vaults are located in and around Rome, although they are found all over the world.
appearance, located in one of the wealthiest districts of Rome. Its balconies are
decorated with ginestre, broom flowers, whose bright yellow elegantly matches
the gooseberry color of the curtains embellishing the structure both inside and
out. As soon as you enter, the scent of fruity and floral essential oils hits you,
almost as much as the beauty of Madame Rosa’s workers. A young, long-haired
boy named Michele leads you to a sumptuous waiting room, offering you
seasonal fruit and fresh water while you make yourself at home. Before you
can enquire whether Bella has arrived yet, the doors of the Ginestra Fiorita are
smashed open by attacking soldiers! In a matter of seconds, the calm of the
brothel has been shattered.


According to the information gathered, these Vaults were centers of research and planning, aimed at exploring methods of preservation of the world and its people in the face of catastrophe. They were built underground so as to be removed from any disturbance on the surface, as well as to be more secure in the event that a disaster was not averted.
====Key Objectives====
<tabber>
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


One of the most important Vaults was the one called the Grand Temple. Here, the Precursor scientists Minerva, Juno, and Jupiter (the ‘Capitoline Triad') labored searching for methods to avert or cope with the incoming natural disaster that would become the Toba Catastrophe. They worked in the underground temple for years in vain, researching and testing various potential solutions that were developed in a network of secondary temples or vaults.
;Challenges
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


===Animus Technology===
;Weaknesses
{{Quote|Animus technology functions in much the same way a simulator/projector does. Your consciousness will tap into the genetic coding in such a way that everything will appear to all your senses as three-dimensional, putting you in the heart of the action. It's adaptive, so as the memories unfold, the "program" you experience begins to change subtly. They will appear to you as glitches and let you explore a memory much more closely|The Abstergo Entertainment Employee Handbook, 2014}}
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The first Animus was developed in the 1970s and 80s, under the direction of Abstergo Industries' Dr Warren Vidic, one of the leading experts on genetic memory. His revolutionary work was inspired by his study of Precursor technology, and aimed at creating an empirical way to analyze and investigate genetic memories by use of a virtual reality simulation.


In time, the Animus technology was refined into an accurate tool allowing its user to truly interface with history itself. As users improve their synchronization level within a simulation, the Animus allows them to delve deeper and deeper into genetic memories, unlocking secrets that would otherwise remain buried in the sands of time.
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


But the Order found other uses for Doctor Vidic' ground-breaking technology. The Templars first developed the Animi Training Program, which made use of the virtual experience simulator to train and picked Abstergo employees to better face Assassins. Then, Abstergo started secretly collecting genetic memories from the unknowing public through the worldwide release of an Animus entertainment console capable of stealing data from the genetic memory of users and storing it for potential use.
;Challenges
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


====Animus models====
;Weaknesses
The Data Dump Scanner (DDS) was a program created by Abstergo Industries as part of Project Legacy, intended for use as part of the Animi Training Program. The software enables users to experience any pre-recorded memory, not just those to which they have a genetic link.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


The Animus Omega was ostensibly used by Abstergo employees to view memories taken from Subject 17, Desmond Miles, but in truth was secretly being used to find more information about Precursor civilization. The Omega dates to 2013.


Sold to the general public in 2012 as an entertainment console, the Animus Console enabled its users to experience carefully edited memories as a form of immersive, educational games. Again, the Console had an ulterior motive – as a way to influence the public to think more like the Templar Order.
</tabber>


The Brahman V.R., produced in 2013 in collaboration with Mysore Tech, was another mass-marketed entertainment device. Unbeknownst to its users, it harvested their genetic memories for use by Abstergo Industries.
====Setbacks====
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Templar scientist Álvaro Gramática developed the Helix in 2014, using Animus technology alongside DDS software to create a narrative sympathetic to the Order for use as propaganda. The program was also used to mine genetic memories for information regarding Precursor artifacts. Assassins and their sympathizers took advantage of its cloud-based nature to hack into it and interfere with the Helix program.
====Notables NPCs====
;Bella
Bella is a smart and sassy young initiate, who
worked as an accountant for Madame Rosa’s various
establishments.


One of the limiting factors of Animus technology was that the genetic memories of a subject stopped when the subject passed their genetic memories on to their descendants. To overcome this limitation, in 2016, a classified Abstergo experiment combined this source DNA with written accounts, letters, DNA samples from eyewitnesses and so on to generate algorithms of "probable paths", referred to as "extrapolated memories". These were projected simulations of genetic memories that extended beyond the moment of procreation.
====Pieces of Eden====
;MEMORY SEAL
'''Known Owners:''' Unknown


===Other Factions===
'''Current Status:''' Unknown
{{Quote|Each vault's knowledge was transmitted to a single place. It was our duty – mine, Minerva's, and Juno's – to sort and sample all that was collected.|Jupiter}}
In the secret war, a number of factions pursue their own agenda independently, without pledging allegiance to either the Assassins or the Templars.


====Erudito====
The Memory Seal is an obscure Precursor relic, apparently capable of storing
The Erudito is a collective composed of hackers who aim to boycott Abstergo Industries, using cutting-edge technology to spread uncomfortable, hidden truths about the corporation and its connections with the Templar Order.
recorded memories. The small, circular object seems made of wrought metal and
stone, resembling ancient Phaistos Disks, featuring symbols, stylized icons, and
geometrical shapes.


For example, when Abstergo Industries introduced a revolutionary Animus technology as a commercial entertainment product, Erudito hacked several users' accounts to reprogram a number of playable memories that Abstergo manipulated to reveal the real story hidden behind them.
==Shao Jun==
“I, Shao Jun, shall recount the tale of my life.
I was born into the bonds of royal captivity, destined to become an imperial concubine.
I was esteemed for my agility and discretion, and during my travels as a companion
to Emperor Zhengde, my talents were honed in the art of espionage. Little did I know
that his demise would reveal a secret war between the Templar faction known as the
Eight Tigers and the Brotherhood of Assassins.


====INSTRUMENTS OF THE FIRST WILL====
At the tender age of sixteen, I was liberated from my gilded cage by the Assassins,
Also known as the "Juno cult", the Instruments of the First Will were a secretive group that not only included Templars, but Assassins and civilians as well. Devoted to Juno, the cult are committed to their fanatical mission to bring the Isu back to life and re-establish the Precursors at the head of a newly enslaved human species.
forever grateful to those who had delivered me from my plight. Immersed in the ways
of the Brotherhood, I vowed to return and liberate my fellow concubines from their
chains. But, alas, I arrived too late, for the cruel hand of the new emperor had tortured
and extinguished the lives of most, revealing his sadistic nature to the world.


Even in the modern day, the Instruments were able to operate unnoticed for many years, infiltrating the Templar Order, and attracting members of the Brotherhood and Erudito to their cause.
The Emperor Jiajing unleashed a ruthless campaign to obliterate the Brotherhood in
China, aided by the treacherous Eight Tigers led by the cunning Zhang Yong. Many of my
brethren were killed, forced into hiding or compelled to flee to foreign lands for their safety.
Determined to find new allies, I embarked on a perilous journey to Italy, where I sought the
counsel of the legendary Ezio Auditore, who had retired from active duty in 1524. His sage
advice guided me on the path to rebuilding the Brotherhood in my homeland.


====THE INITIATES====
Two years later, armed with newfound knowledge and resolve, I returned to China,
An underground, unaffiliated group of anonymous individuals, privately funded by citizens looking for the truth, the Initiates are determined to expose the existence and operations of both the Brotherhood and the Templar Order. The collective sends any information they gather over a private and secure network known as the Outernet.
embarking on a mission to eliminate the Eight Tigers. One by one, their reign of terror
crumbled before my unyielding blade. With each life extinguished, the Chinese
Brotherhood grew stronger, and I, Shao Jun, ascended to the honored position of
Mentor, guiding my fellow Assassins with unwavering determination.


==Timeline==
At the culmination of my crusade, I struck with precision and cunning, ensuring the
;UNKNOWN [BCE]:
demise of Emperor Jiajing, whose reign of tyranny had plagued our land for far too long.
*By genetically modifying existing species, the Isu create the first humans.
The Chinese Brotherhood stood tall once more, the flame of justice burning brightly
in our hearts.”
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:700px; text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="2" |SHAO JUN
|-
!Dates
|1505–unknown
|-
!Location
|China
|-
!Time Frame
|Ming Dynasty
|-
!Affiliation
|Chinese Brotherhood
|-
!Key Allies
|Zhu Jiuyuan, Wang Yangming, Ezio Auditore
|-
!Main Opponents
|Jiajing, Zhang Yong
|}


;CIRCA 75,010 BCE
===Adventure Hooks===
*After stealing an Apple of Eden, Eve awakens Adam, sparking the human uprising against the Isu race.
#A powerful merchant, rumored to be a spy for the Order, is consolidating
*The Isu Saturn, Juno's father, was one of the first victims of the conflict. The death of Saturn marks the beginning of the eternal vengeance Juno swore against the human race.
his power in China through the silver trade with European Templar affiliates.
The Brotherhood sends the Witnesses to infiltrate his palace, uncover
his secret alliance to the Order, and assassinate him to prevent the western
Templars from entering the region.
#A hidden sanctuary, believed to hold a legendary treasure and ancient
knowledge, has been discovered in the remote Lingtong Temple, in the
Fujian Province. The Witnesses are tasked with exploring the sanctuary,
battling an Isu guardian, and discovering a secret message left by the
First Civilization.
#The Witnesses are summoned in Ningbo in north-east Zhejiang province to
investigate a series of mysterious assassinations that have targeted some
of their key allies. The Witnesses discover a branch of rogue Assassins who
have turned against the Brotherhood to side with the Portuguese Rite of the
Templar Order. They must thwart their deadly mission, while ensuring the
reputation of the Brotherhood remains intact.
#A legendary sword said to be once wielded by Hulegu Khan, and Genghis
Khan before him, has resurfaced in the hands of the Xu brothers – heads
of a pirate syndicate – in Shuangyu. The Witnesses must infiltrate the syndicate
to steal the sword and prevent its misuse by the pirate lords, whose
marauding ambitions threaten to destabilize the whole region.
#The Witnesses are sent to a war-torn province where two rival factions
vie for power. Both sides seek the aid of the Assassins, and the Witnesses
must carefully evaluate the political landscape, choosing which clan to
support while potentially unraveling a Templar plot to exploit the chaos
for their own gain.
===THE LOST BOX===
'''Time Frame:''' Ming Dynasty


;CIRCA 75,010-75,000 BCE
'''Location:''' Shangchuan Island, Chuanshan Archipelago,
*The Human-Isu war.
China - 1552


;CIRCA 75,000 BCE
'''Description:''' The Spanish missionary Francis Xavier arrived in China
*The Toba Catastrophe. A massive solar flare hits the Earth, devastating both Isu and human populations. Few Isu survive, leading to their gradual extinction. The surviving members of the human race build new civilizations.
to spread the Jesuit doctrine, but finds himself trapped
on Shangchuan Island, 14 km south of the mainland.
The island serves as a refuge for Chinese smugglers and
a hub for Portuguese traders, offering Xavier a possible
means to reach mainland China. Unfortunately, no one
has been willing to assist him thus far. To complicate
matters further, Xavier gets robbed, with most of his possessions
taken by a smuggler who has since fled to Macau.<br><br>
As rumors about the event start circulating, Shao Jun receives
word of a peculiar golden box that the priest fought
tooth and nail to protect and was able to keep from his
robbers. Believing that this might be the same Precursor
Box that her mentor Ezio Auditore entrusted her with
more than three decades before, she immediately gathers
a crew and sets sail for Shangchuan. But Shao Jun
is not the only one seeking the relic: A small contingent
of Knights from the Order of Saint Benedict of Aviz, led
by a prominent member of the Portuguese Rite of the
Templar Order, is also hot on the trail of Francis Xavier.
Upon reaching the small chapel where the priest had
sought refuge, the Witnesses are met with a grim sight.
The chapel has been ransacked, and Francis Xavier lies
mortally wounded, surrounded by the lifeless bodies of
his fellow missionaries. To their dismay, there is no sign
of the artifact they sought; the Knights of Aviz have beaten
them to it. An informant brings word that the Knights
are leaving for Nagasaki at dawn, aboard a Black Ship.
There isn’t much time – the Assassins must be quick.


;754 BCE
Underneath a sliver of moonlight piercing through the cloudy winter sky, a dense
*Romulus and Remus, two twin Demigods descendants of the Isu Mars, retrieve a Piece of Eden, the Sword of Mars, from the god's temple. The artifact could convey extraordinary powers, turning its wielder into a mythical leader.
mist drifts across the tranquil waters of Shangchuan’s harbor. The sea lies calm and
undisturbed beneath the silent glide of your rowboats. The soft glow of dawn begins
to illuminate the horizon, so it won’t be long before the sailors of the Templars’ ship
will clamber aboard their rowboats to return aboard and prepare to leave. Time slips
away, and Shao Jun recalls the wisdom of her master Zhu Jiuyuan: “Pluck flowers as
they bloom, wait and you will have only the twigs.” Approaching the Black Ship, the
only audible sounds are the gentle lapping of waves and the faint creaking of rigging.


;753 BCE
====Key Objectives====
*Romulus and Remus fight to the death due to the brothers' irreconcilable views about Rome and the Sword of Mars. Romulus kills Remus and becomes the first king of Rome.
<tabber>
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
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;717 BCE
;Challenges
*After decades of reign, Romulus understands his brother's vision in favor of free will and realizes that Rome has become a city corrupted by the desire for order and supremacy. As his opponents plot to kill him in the shadows, Romulus disappears, taking the Sword of Mars to the Precursor civilization's temple to prevent the artifact from being used again. He then instructs his followers to act in secret to defend free will.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


;480 BCE
;Weaknesses
*Betrayed by the mysterious Cult of Kosmos, Leonidas, King of Sparta, is killed at Thermopylae making a last stand against the invading Persian army. Leonidas' broken spear, an Isu artifact, is passed down to his daughter Myrrine.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


;465 BC:
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
*The Persian king Xerxes I is killed by the Assassin Darius, marking the first recorded use of the Hidden Blade.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


;431-406 B CE
;Challenges
*The Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta is the first act of covert manipulation by the Cult of Kosmos, a powerful group who attempts to command the course of history. The Spartan mercenary Kassandra, granddaughter of Leonidas, thwarts the cult, destroying the Precursor artifact they employed as part of their plan.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


;CIRCA 47 BCE
;Weaknesses
*The Order of the Ancients forges an alliance between Caesar and Cleopatra, which links the two mighty empires of Rome and Egypt under their control.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


;47 BCE
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
*Bayek of Siwa and Aya establish the Hidden Ones, a group dedicated to covertly stop those who would overrule humanity's free will. The headquarters in Memphis and Rome are founded.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


;40 BCE
;Challenges
*Bayek and Aya agree that the Hidden Ones must keep their identities secret, and their activities should never endanger the lives of innocents, starting the tenets of the Assassin's Creed as we know it.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


;30 BCE
;Weaknesses
*Helped by her former friend Amunet (Aya), Cleopatra ends the war that threatened to destroy Egypt and its people by taking her own life.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


;1090 CE
*Although their rites and practices remain secretive, at the behest of their leader Hasan, the Brotherhood begins to act openly, hoping to inspire others in fighting oppression.


;1129 CE
</tabber>
*At the Council of Troyes, the Order of the Knights Templar is publicly recognized. Hugues de Payens is the first public Grand Master.


;1257-69 CE
====Setbacks====
*After training under Altair Ibn-La'Ahad and his son Darim, Niccolò and Matteo Polo set up the first Assassin Guilds in the West, in Constantinople and Venice.
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


;1307 CE
====Notables NPCs====
*The King of France, Philip IV, brands the Knights Templar as heretics. Their Temple in Paris is besieged, and over sixty Templars are arrested including Grand Master Jacques de Molay.
;João Machado
A young man dressed like a priest, wearing
a large, gilt cross decorated with
green enamel around his neck. He’s a
Commander of the Knights of Aviz, and apprentice
to the Templar Seneschal Gaspar
Vilela (Grand Cross of the Knights of Aviz).
;The Knights of Aviz
These elite Knights of the Order of Saint Benedict
of Aviz blindly serve their Commander João
Machado and are ready to protect his life with
their own. They are probably among the best
sworders Aviz has ever seen, and they have mastered
specific, exceptional tandem tactics to fight
together against their enemies.


;1314 CE
====Pieces of Eden====
*The last public Grand Master, Jacques de Molay, is burnt at the stake. At his final behest, his nine most trusted men are dispatched around the world to continue the Templars' goals in secret.
;PRECURSOR BOX
'''Known Owners:''' Ezio Auditore, Shao Jun, Zhang Yong, João Machado,
Shay Cormac, William Sleeman, Ulysses S. Grant,
Anastasia Nikolaevna


;1512 CE
'''Current Status:''' In the possession of Álvaro Gramática
*Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's secret library in Masyaf is opened by Ezio Auditore. There, he witnesses the Isu Minerva's message about the Toba Catastrophe, and her warning of a Second Disaster to come.


;1766 CE
==Edward Kenway and Adéwalé==
*Aveline de Grandpré faces the Templar Order in Louisiana.
“I, Edward Kenway, shall regale you with the tale of my audacious exploits in the
treacherous waters of the 1700s. ‘Twas my own cunning that led me to the Assassins,
by way of impersonating the ill-fated Duncan Walpole, an Assassin I dispatched with
little remorse. With the Brotherhood of Assassins at my back, I unleashed the full might
of my skills and my ship, the legendary Jackdaw, upon the wretched Spaniards and the
conniving British Templars who dared to thwart the glory of piracy in the Caribbean.


;1788 CE
In my relentless pursuit of fame and fortune, I uncovered their dark designs to unearth
*Mysterious supernatural activities put the New Orleans Bureau of the Brotherhood on edge.
a fabled Precursor site, a place they called the Observatory. ‘Twas there that the
enigmatic Bartholomew Roberts, a pirate bearing the essence of the Precursor known
as Aita, awaited his destiny. Though I embraced much of the Creed and adopted the
Brotherhood’s fearsome weaponry, I refrained from formally joining their ranks, until
the harsh lessons of life threatened to rob me of all I held dear. ‘Twas then that I
sought redemption, training in the ways of the Assassins.


;1917 CE
Having secured a pardon for my piratical escapades, I returned to England, where I
*In the midst of World War I, the British spy and Templar Agent Jeremiah Davies allies with the Assassin's Brotherhood to keep the Instruments of the First Will activities in Egypt.
ascended to the title of co-leader of the British Brotherhood. I tirelessly hunted down
Precursor sites and unearthed valuable knowledge about the elusive Grand Temple. I
even discovered the Shroud of Eden, which I deemed too potent for the prying eyes of
both Assassins and Templars.


;1937 CE
Ever vigilant, I instilled the ways of the Brotherhood in my son, Haytham, from a tender
*The Templar Order founds Abstergo Industries as a public front.
age. The lad was destined to walk the path of an Assassin, guided by my seasoned
hand. Alas, fate dealt me a cruel blow, for one ill-fated night, Templar interlopers
claimed my life, leaving my beloved daughter, Jenny, in their clutches.


;1942 CE
Such was the tale of Edward Kenway, the bold Welsh pirate who sailed the seas, embraced
*A Brotherhood cell moves through occupied France on the trail of suspicious Templar activities.
the ways of the Assassins, and met his untimely demise at the hands of his sworn enemies.”
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:700px; text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="2" |EDWARD KENWAY
|-
!Dates
|1693 - 1735 CE
|-
!Location
|Caribbean
|-
!Time Frame
|Golden Age of Piracy
|-
!Affiliation
|British Brotherhood
|-
!Key Allies
|Adéwalé, Blackbeard, James Kidd/Mary Read,
Benjamin Hornigold, Calico Jack, Ah Tabai
|-
!Main Opponents
|Bartholomew Roberts, Laureano de Torres y
Ayala, Julien du Casse, Woodes Rogers
|}


;JANUARY 1943 CE
“Listen up, mates! Gather ‘round and lend an ear as I, Adéwalé, spill me tale of audacity
*A Brotherhood cellreaches Saint Bertin. The Seneschal Templar Heinz Müller, leading a platoon of German soldiers, is tearing the Abbey apart, looking for something hidden beneath it.
and fury. I was a severe Trinidadian slave, snatched from the clutches of oppression
by none other than Edward Kenway himself. I took on duties as his quartermaster on
the Jackdaw. Now, let me make it clear from the start. Piracy seemed like the perfect
means to disrupt tyranny and control. But deep down, it didn’t sit right with me. It felt
like dishonest work, a betrayal of me own principles. So, I sought a greater purpose,
an’ joined the Maroon rebellion in Port-au-Prince, takin’ command of the Experto
Crede, a cursed slave ship.


;FEBRUARY 1943 CE
Around 1720, I found meself standin’ shoulder to shoulder with the West Indies
*Die Glocke, an early ancestor of the Animus powered by an Apple of Eden, is tested on the British Assassin Eddie Gorm.
Brotherhood. Trainin’ under the watchful eye of the wise Mentor Ah Tabai. I urged
Edward Kenway to join our ranks, and after some resistance, he finally saw the
light.Serving the Brotherhood was no easy task. I fought tooth and nail against
the Templar scum, fendin’ off their relentless attacks. I rescued Edward from the
clutches of Port Royal’s damnation, makin’ sure he stayed in the fight, an’ stood by
the Assassins at the Observatory.


;OCTOBER 1943 CE
The fires of conflict engulfed the Seven Years’ War, an’ I stood tall with our French
*Project Rainbow, more commonly known as the Philadelphia Experiment, is an attempt by the Assassins and Templars to use Die Glocke to change history and avert the dreadful events of World War II. The experiment fails, but the scientific knowledge acquired becomes key to the subsequent development of the Animus.
allies. We struck a mighty blow against the British Royal Navy at Louisbourg, earnin’
the wrathful gaze of them Templars. Oh, they were thirstin’ for our blood, those
accursed dogs. But fate had other plans for me. In a chase led by that treacherous
Shay Cormac and Haytham Kenway, the Experto Crede was forced to beach, lest me
crew face certain death. An’ there I stood, facin’ off against the combined might of
Haytham and Shay, fightin’ like a cornered lion.


;1976 CE
But alas, it was not to be. They cooperated, distractin’ and overpowerin’ me with
*Thanks to the newly discovered evidence of triple-helix DNA, Dr Warren Vidic begins drafting blueprints for the first Animus.
a wicked ferocity. I fell, my blood spillin’ upon the earth, my spirit unyielding, even
in defeat.Remember the name Adéwalé, me brethren, as a symbol of resistance
against oppression!”
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:700px; text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="2" |ADÉWALÉ
|-
!Dates
|1692 – 1758 CE
|-
!Location
|Caribbean
|-
!Time Frame
|Golden Age of Piracy
|-
!Affiliation
|West Indies Brotherhood
|-
!Key Allies
|Edward Kenway, Ah Tabai, Achilles Davenport,
Bastienne Josèphe, Augustin Dieufort
|-
!Main Opponents
|Marquis de Fayet
|}


;1977 CE
===Adventure Hooks===
*Using blueprints stolen from Abstergo by William Miles, an Assassin Cell constructs their own version of the Animus.
#The pirate Black Caesar is looking for help in Nassau to free a group of shipmates
imprisoned in a fearsome slaver vessel. The Witnesses must board
the ship, free the captives, and confront the slaver captain in a thrilling
battle during a storm on the high seas.
#The Witnesses unearth a hidden network of liberated slaves active across
the Caribbean. However, this newfound community is threatened by an
infiltrator working for the Templars. The Witnesses must uncover the infiltrator’s
identity, expose their treachery, and protect the emancipated
people’s hard-won freedom.
#A nameless pirate hunter, driven by a personal vendetta against pirates
and Assassins alike, is closing in on the Witnesses’ crew. The Witnesses
must evade capture, outsmart the hunter’s tactics, and uncover their motivations.
In a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, they must protect their
pirate comrades and confront the hunter before their ship is destroyed.
#The Witnesses find themselves entangled in a deadly race against rival
pirate crews to locate a fabled treasure buried on a treacherous island. As
they navigate dangerous waters and explore hidden caves, they must stay
one step ahead to claim the treasure for the Brotherhood to support their
war against the slave trade.
#The Witnesses receive a distress call from a remote Maroon community,
a refuge for escaped slaves. The community is threatened by a Templarled
expedition aiming to wipe them out. The Witnesses must rally the
Maroons, fortify their defenses, and fight alongside them to fend off the
Templar assault, to preserve their freedom and way of life.
===THE BOARDING OF THE BLACK IVORY===
'''Time Frame:''' Golden Age of Piracy


;1978 CE
'''Location:''' Caribbean Sea - 1722 CE
*The first Animus device is built. Abstergo launches the discipline of DNA Memory Research.


;1980 CE
'''Description:''' Plowing through Caribbean waters aboard the Jackdaw,
*Abstergo first uses Animus 1.0 on a human subject, Subject 1, in a dangerous and excruciating procedure. Dr Vidic volunteers to be Subject 2.
Edward and Adéwalé are in pursuit of the Black Ivory,
*Overseen by Dr Vidic, Abstergo Industries launches the Animus Project. Its goal: to explore genetic memories to gather information about the Assassins and the Pieces of Eden.
a ship of the Royal African Company. The infamous
ship carries hundreds of slaves in its cargo hold. The
chase has been going on for hours, and Edward and
Adéwalé await the right moment to storm the ship and
free its prisoners.


;2000 CE
A spray of saltwater fills the air from the Jackdaw’s mighty bow as she cuts
*The Great Purge begins when a Templar sleeper agent, Daniel Cross, kills the Mentor of the Brotherhood. Using intelligence passed to them by Cross, the Templar Order attacks the Brotherhood across the world. Only Assassin Cells unknown to Cross survive.
through the sea, and one of the crew shouts, “With this wind, we should reach
 
them lily-livered scallywags before dawn.” The darkness of the night will help
;2011 CE
with the boarding.
*Subject 16, Clay Kaczmarek, is abducted by Abstergo and placed in the Animus.
 
;2012 CE
*Under the guidance of Rebecca Crane and Lucy Stillman, the Assassin Brotherhood produces their own Animus. Upgraded and refined, Animus 2.0 – nicknamed "Baby" – is shaped like a chair.
*Abstergo begins the Animi Training Program, employing Animus technology to train employees to fight the Assassin Brotherhood.
 
;1-2 SEPTEMBER 2012 CE
*Subject 17, Desmond Miles, is kidnapped by Abstergo and forced to relive the genetic memories of his ancestor, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad.
 
;8-9 SEPTEMBER 2012 CE
*After escaping from Abstergo, Desmond meets with the Assassins. He uses their Animus to relive the genetic memories of his ancestor Ezio Auditore, including the message about the upcoming Second Disaster received from the Isu Minerva.
 
;21 DECEMBER 2012 CE
*Defying Minerva, Desmond Miles activates the Eye, dying in the process. He averts the Second Disaster but releases Juno, who had been imprisoned by the Precursors.
 
;LATE 2012 CE
*Following Desmond's death, his father William vanishes, leaving Gavin Banks to rebuild the Brotherhood. The remaining Assassin Cells continue to fight the Templar Order from the shadows.
 
;2013 CE
*Abstergo creates Animus Omega, allowing any user to witness genetic memories. They soon employ the technology as a game console.
*Abstergo Entertainment signs a deal with Indian company Mysore Tech to develop Brahman V.R., a device with the hidden functionality of uploading the genetic memories of its users into the Abstergo Cloud.
 
;2014 CE
*Helix, a Cloud-based version of the Animus is launched, enabling public users to access carefully edited and curated memories within Abstergo's genetic memory servers. Abstergo secretly mines the user-uploaded genetic memories to find Ancestors who have come into contact with Pieces of Eden or whose bloodlines are associated with the Precursor civilization.
*A group of Assassins hacks the Helix Project to find potential allies.
 
;2014-15 CE
*A widespread commercial success, the Animus V.R. (a version of the Brahman V.R.) is now available in various models at different prices, ranging from basic to highly sophisticated.
 
==SEQUENCE BLUEPRINTS==
===Two Friends in Need!===
'''Location:''' Abandoned Railroad Station, London, UK
 
'''Description:''' Two Assassins from a different cell from that of the Crew are currently camped in an abandoned train station in the suburbs, to spy on an Abstergo storehouse. Their techie informs the PCs' cell that Abstergo agents are suspiciously moving toward the location, and she's not able to communicate with the two to warn them. The PCs are the closest to the station and must intervene quickly.


====Key Objectives====
====Key Objectives====
<tabber>
<tabber>
|-|1 - WARN THE ASSASSINS=
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
The PCs must reach the railroad station fast, ensuring they reach their companions before the Abstergo agents.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


;Challenges
;Challenges
*''Fast and Furious''<br>The PCs are driving fast through London's traffic on their van. Given the high speed, any Approach check made to overcome this Challenge requires 1 additional Raise.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''Brotherhood''<br>The PCs must convince the two Assassins they are members of the Brotherhood too and that they must leave immediately.


;Weaknesses
;Weaknesses
*''Stealing Motorbikes (minor)''<br>If the PCs possess or manage to steal motorbikes or other vehicles that can move swiftly through the traffic, they overcome the Fast and Furious Challenge.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


|-|2 - FREE RUN!=
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
The Abstergo agents surrounded the place. The Assassins must escape using their free running abilities.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


;Challenges
;Challenges
*''Climb for your life''<br>The PCs must rapidly climb the steel structure to escape. The metal framework is rusty and wet and most of the holds are slippery. Any Approach check made to climb requires 1 additional Raise.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''Leap of Faith''<br>As the chase continues, a chance for the PCs to lose their pursuers presents itself when they reach a riverbank. By reaching an elevated position they can leap into the cold water ending the chase.


;Weaknesses
;Weaknesses
*''Communication disruption (minor)''<br>The PCs might find a way to jam communications between the approaching Abstergo agents. If they do so they can gain a significant tactical advantage. For the rest of the Sequence, when any of the PCs makes a Reaction check in response to encounters with Abstergo agents, they can reroll up to 1 Abstergo results.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
 
</tabber>
 
====Setbacks====
*''FLYING BULLETS (MINOR)''<br>Bullets start flying. The PC must make a Reaction check to avoid being injured.
*''DAMAGED GEAR (MINOR)''<br>In the chaos of escaping, one of the Descendants breaks or loses a piece of equipment (it must be removed from their Gear).
*''A FRIENDS IS WOUNDED (MAJOR)''<br>One of the two rescued friends is injured by a stray bullet or in a hard fall. Someone will have to help him in order to escape. For the rest of the Sequence, any Approach check made by whoever helps one of them requires 1 additional Raise.
*''THEY'RE ONTO US! (MAJOR)''<br>The PCs have been reached by Abstergo agents. For the rest of the Sequence, at the end of an Approach Check the PCs must make an additional Reaction check to avoid them.


===Sabotaging the Abstergo Research Lab===
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
'''Location:''' Abstergo research lab, London, UK
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
 
'''Description:''' The Assassins' network has intercepted important information
regarding a blood sample. Abstergo got their hands on the DNA of one of the first Assassins, who came into contact with several unknown pieces of Eden. The Descendants must recover the sample and replace it with a fake one. To hide the true target of your raid, they must kidnap Dr. Kamala Khatri, a leading scientist in genetics and bioinformatics. She's not a member of the Templars and they could convert her to their side.
 
====Key Objectives====
<tabber>
|-|1 - ACCESS THE STRUCTURE AND AVOID DETECTION=
Accessing the lab undetected is the first goal to be achieved. There are multiple ways to do this. The Descendants could enter from the front door with a solid fake ID and disguise. The same thing for the cargo area, but in that case, they need a proper vehicle, too. On the other hand, the Descendants could cut the lights and coms and rush their way into the structure by emergency exits or the heliport entrance on the roof.


;Challenges
;Challenges
*''Main Entrance Security''<br>At the entrance to the facility, there is a sizable, guarded area with a metal detector and turnstiles accessible via biometric badges. It is possible to obtain visitor badges only by providing a valid explanation. However, visitor badges do not allow access to internal laboratories.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''Security Guards''<br>Several security guards move around the building, each monitored by radio and equipped with a gun, a taser, and a biometric badge to access the various areas of the structure. They are unlikely to stop anyone inside holding an appropriate access badge, unless acting suspiciously.
*''Control Center and Surveillance System''<br>4 security guards and the security manager monitor the entire surveillance network from the facility's control center. If they notice something wrong, they will first send some guards to check, or in the case of an obvious problem, they will activate the General Alarm Setback.


;Weaknesses
;Weaknesses
*''Inside Job (major)''<br>If the Descendants find a way to be accompanied by someone who works within the structure, it will be much easier to enter.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


|-|2 - SWITCH THE SAMPLES=
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
Once they get to the laboratory, the Descendants must exchange the real sample for the corrupted sample provided by the Brotherhood. It is essential to hurry and leave no trace. Dr. Khatri will be in the laboratory with some colleagues.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


;Challenges
;Challenges
*''Get Rid of the Scientists''<br>Convincing the scientists to let the PCs work unwatched in their lab is a problem. A compelling story may not be enough, and the Descendants will need to make an Approach check with a 2 Raises to do it. Otherwise, knocking them out would be much easier, and any Approach check will have 1 free Raise.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''Disable Lab Security''<br>The laboratory has a surveillance and recording system for each system and terminal in the room.


;Weaknesses
;Weaknesses
*''Dr. Khatri Collaboration (major)''<br>The unconditional help of Dr. Khatri would allow the exchange to be carried out without raising any suspicion.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


|-|3 - KIDNAP THE LEAD RESEARCHER AND GET OUT=
Depending on how this mission has been tackled, different types of Challenges may be necessary, such as dealing with security guards or the surveillance system. In addition to the Convince Dr. Khatri Challenge, you can add any Challenge from the first Key Objective or from the Special if the General Alarm Setback is triggered.
;Challenges
*''Convince Dr. Khatri''<br>Taking her away won't be easy. Since she is unlikely to trust her captors, she will cooperate until an opportunity to get rid of the Descendants presents itself. Therefore, any Approach check made will require 1 Raise as long as she is with the Descendants.
;Weaknesses
*''Dr. Khatri Collaboration (major)''<br>The unconditional help of Dr. Khatri would remove any additional Raise due to her presence and possibly present a way out with her car. Special: If the General Alarm Setback is triggered, add 1 of the following Challenges to those required to complete any Key Objective during this Sequence:
**''Gunfight''<br>The Descendants must face a few armed security guards, dodging their bullets.
**''Closed Security door''<br>The path is blocked and the PCs have to find a way to open the security door.


</tabber>
</tabber>


====Setbacks====
====Setbacks====
*''A SUSPICIOUS SECURITY GUARD (MINOR)''<br>A security guard takes an interest in the PCs and starts asking uncomfortable questions.
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''FLYING BULLETS (MINOR)''<br>Bullets start flying. The PC must make a Reaction check to avoid being injured.
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''GENERAL ALARM (MAJOR)''<br>The alarm rings loudly and panic erupts among the workers of the facility. For the rest of the Memory, at the end of an Approach check, the players must make an additional Reaction check to avoid security.


====Notables NPCs====
====Notables NPCs====
;Lead researcher Kamala Khatri
;Name
A leading scientist in genetics and bioinformatics, Dr. Khatri is a pragmatic person who can keep calm in tense situations, and can think and react quickly.
Description
;Name
Description


===Face the Writhing Dread===
====Pieces of Eden====
'''Time Frame:''' Ancient Greece
;PIRATE RING OF EDEN
'''Known Owners:''' Unknown pirate, Captain “Keelhauling” Jeff


'''Location:''' Town of Eresos, Petrified Valley, Lesbos, Greece- 442 BCE
'''Current Status:''' Unknown


'''Description:''' In the Petrified Valley lurks the Writhing Dread, a gorgon
Crafted by Idun, an esteemed member of the Æsir lineage of the Isu, the Rings of
created by Juno and Aita, as part of the Olympus Project. Mutated by the Prize of the Medusa, an Atlantean artifact, the gorgon is now the guardian of the key to Atlantis itself.<br><br>In the gorgon's lair the Witnesses first find many stone statues representing warriors, all captured in extremely realistic and dynamic poses. Then, the statues start to move towards them, weapons in hand and ready for battle.<br><br>The gorgon itself wields the Harpe of Perseus, a sword granting extraordinary powers.
Eden were a revolutionary invention that harnessed the power of electromagnetic
fields. These remarkable rings possessed the ability to deflect projectiles with
precision while also effectively neutralizing energy-based weapon discharges.
However, wearing the Rings did not provide absolute immunity, and the Isu often
employed them alongside shielding devices for enhanced protection and defense.


====Key Objectives====
==Ratonhnhaké:ton (Connor)==
<tabber>
“I humbly share my story, born as the unfortunate offspring of the British Templar
|-|1 - DESTROY THE STONE WARRIORS=
Haytham Kenway and Kaniehtí:io, my beloved mother. The burden of this truth
The Writhing Dread animates the stone warriors, all the while protecting itself
weighs heavily on my spirit, for I believe that the Templar Order was directly responsible
with a golden barrier of impenetrable force.
for my village’s destruction, and my mother’s demise during the Seven Years’ War.


;Challenges
In the turbulent years of my adolescence, destiny set me on a path fraught with challenges.
*''Charge of the Stone Warriors''<br>A group of warriors charges, swinging their stone weapons with deadly intent.
At this time, I chanced upon a cursed relic, a Piece of Eden concealed inside a
*''Throwing Spears''<br>Stone spears are thrown at the Witnesses.
Crystal Ball. The relic showed me a vision of flying like an eagle, while ominous whispers
compelled me to seek a sign. The vision lit my spirit with a sacred fire, binding me
to the duty of safeguarding my homeland from the insidious grasp of the Templars.


;Weaknesses
Fueled by a ferocious thirst for justice, I embarked on a hunt that brought me to meet
*''Bludgeoning Force (minor)''<br>Blunt force is particularly effective against the stone warriors — destroying them this way is much easier. In this case, any Approach check has 1 Free Raise.
Achilles, a former chief of the Assassins. I prayed to him to share his wisdom and
skills, dreaming of standing against the Templars and fighting for America’s liberty
and independence. In the year 1770, after harrowing trials and tribulations, I was
reborn as the Assassin I was meant to be, embracing a new name — Connor.


|-|2 - DEFEAT THE STONE CHAMPION=
Unyielding in my resolve, I fought ceaselessly to reclaim the nascent nation from
Once many stone warriors lie shattered on the ground, a mighty stone champion descends into the gorgon's lair. The huge warrior is as powerful as he is fast and engages the Witnesses in frantic melee combat, while the Writhing Dread tries to target them with her gaze.
the Templar’s poisoning roots. I joined the American Patriots, seeking to cast off the
shackles of the British dictators, and I became an agent of their Revolution. However,
the shadows of disillusionment soon fell over my path like tempestuous clouds as I witnessed
the cruel, horrific treatment inflicted upon my fellow Natives by those whose
freedom I was fighting for. Desperately chasing after my visions of freedom and unity,
I even went as far as trying to reconcile myself with my father, the esteemed Grand
Master of the Colonial Rite. Yet, the ethical and moral divide between us eventually
forced me to use my hidden blade against him.


;Challenges
Thanks also to my efforts, the Revolution granted political rights for men and women,
*''Flurry of Blows''<br>The stone champion sprints towards the Witnesses, weapons in hand, with astonishing speed despite its towering size.
freeing them from the grasp of the Templars. Still, my spirit could not escape the burden
*''Mighty Foe''<br>The stone champion is a tough adversary, apparently lacking vital points to strike. Defeating it requires at least 2 separate Approach checks with 1 Raise.
of failure, for the marginalized and indigenous communities remained entangled
in the oppressive web of inequality. My loyalty to the Creed demanded a bitter toll,
where the sacrifice of a worthy few became the price to pay for protecting the many.


;Weaknesses
In the end, I found relief in the embrace of a woman. Our union became a safe harbor
*''Bludgeoning Force (minor)''<br>Blunt force is particularly effective against the stone champion. In this case, any Approach check has 1 Free Raise.
that gave birth to three precious souls. I nurtured the intuitive connection to the land
*''Fragile Surroundings (major)''<br>The Witnesses might try to damage the lair, to let parts of it collapse on the stone champion. If they succeed, the impact destroys it and the characters overcome the Mighty Foe Challenge.
of my youngest daughter, Io:nhiòte, teaching her the ancient ways of tracking and
hunting. In the pictographs of my existence, I acknowledge the many limitations and
disillusionments that mar my noble intentions, looking forward to those brief moments
of contentment that still light a flicker of hope in a world drenched in injustice.”
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:700px; text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="2" |RATONHNHAKÉ:TON (CONNOR)
|-
!Dates
|1756 CE - unknown
|-
!Location
|Mohawk Valley, North America
|-
!Time Frame
|American Revolutionary War
|-
!Affiliation
|Colonial Brotherhood
|-
!Key Allies
|George Washington, Benjamin Franklin,
Achilles Davenport, Samuel Adams, Marquis
de Lafayette
|-
!Main Opponents
|Haytham Kenway, Charles Lee
|}
===Adventure Hooks===
#Subjugated by an Apple of Eden, Benjamin Franklin is creating a weapon
that could tilt the balance of power of the entire revolution. The Witnesses
venture on a scavenger hunt taking them from Boston to New York, deciphering
cryptic clues left behind by Franklin’s subconscious. As they discover
the secret laboratory hidden beneath New York and destroy the weapon,
the Witnesses must also free Benjamin Franklin from the Apple’s control.
#In the port of Boston, sailors whisper of a ghost ship haunting the East
Coast. The ship is said to be manned by the vengeful spirits of enslaved
people who perished during the Middle Passage. The Witnesses set sail on
a perilous expedition to find the ghost ship, defying the rumors of a supernatural
threat and searching for the truth behind the sinister story.
#The Witnesses discover that an important heirloom linked to the heritage and
traditions of Ratonhakè:ton’s tribe has been stolen by a group of French fur
traders. Tracking down the traders will plunge the Witnesses into the seedy
underbelly of colonial society across the wild frontier, north-west of Fort
Duquesne, until they retrieve the stolen relic and restore the tribe’s honor.
#One of the Witnesses’ allies finds herself embroiled in a dangerous game
of espionage, as she infiltrates both the Templar and British ranks in
Philadelphia. The Witnesses must assist their ally in maintaining her secret
identity, engaging in an adventure of intrigue and deception.
#The Colonial Brotherhood informs the Witnesses of a group of loyalists
who fled to the northern lands of Canada and are suspected to possess an
Apple of Eden. As winter approaches, the Witnesses must reach the frozen
territories of Nova Scotia to find the loyalist group in Port Roseway,
before they can leave for Britain.
===THE BATTLE OF THE WABASH===
'''Time Frame:''' American Revolutionary War


|-|3 - KILL THE WRITHING DREAD=
'''Location:''' Wabash River, Northwest Territory (Fort Recovery,
The Writhing Dread continues to bombard the Witnesses with energy beams and its lethal gaze, as it lies protected behind the energy shield of Perseus' blade.
Ohio) - 1791 CE


;Challenges
'''Description:''' From the mid-1770s, American settlers began to push
*''Force Shield''<br>The shield around the gorgon is an Isu marvel, and it seems impenetrable. Overcoming it requires at least 3 separate Approach checks with 1 Raise.
into the lands west of the Thirteen Colonies, eager to get
*''Lethal Blow''<br>Once the defenses of the gorgon have been eliminated, it is time to inflict the coup de grace. This requires at least 2 separate Approach checks.
their hands on the rich territories of Native Americans,
beginning a cycle of violence.<br><br>In November 1791, on the eve of the Battle of the Wabash
River – an event that will also be remembered in history
as St. Clair’s Defeat, or the Battle of a Thousand Slain
– the leaders of the most prominent Native American
tribes of the Northwest Territory gather to organize an
attack on General Arthur St. Clair’s forces, who have
established a camp on a high hill near the headwaters
of the Wabash River. Ratonhnhaké:ton (Connor) and
the Witnesses arrive up at the longhouse to appease the
spirits and obtain permission to go to a parley with the
American general to try to avoid bloodshed.


;Weaknesses
In the longhouse, the crackling of the flames is drowned out by chatter in the
*''Fragile Surroundings (minor)''<br>The Witnesses may try to collapse the fragile structure on the gorgon. If the Witnesses succeed, the impact crushes the protective shield, overcoming the Force Shield Challenge. Unfortunately, it is not sufficient to inflict the Lethal Blow on the creature, as she can teleport herself to safety.
diverse languages of the tribes gathered here. As you enter, a breath of icy wind
sneaks into the hut with a few flakes of white snow. Many people turn in your direction,
some with looks of admiration, others of disdain, and others just curious
to know who this young man is that everyone is staring at.


</tabber>
====Key Objectives====
<tabber>
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


====Setbacks====
;Challenges
*''BOLT OF ENERGY (MINOR)''<br>The crackling sound fills the air as an energy beam spreads towards the Witness. The Witness must make a Reaction check to avoid the energy bolt.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''PETRIFYING GAZE (MAJOR)''<br>The gorgon's eyes emit a ray capable of turning living beings to stone. For the rest of the Sequence, any Approach check the targeted Witness makes require 1 additional Raise. If a Witness suffers this Setback a second time, they become Broken.


====Notables NPCs====
;Weaknesses
;Ligeia
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
A member of the Daughters of Artemis, Ligeia was considered a good hunter, but also a daredevil, for she tended to rush into battle, heedless of the danger. She is the current Writhing Dread.
 
{{IUNote
|Title=MEDUSA AND THE WRITHING DREAD
|Text=The Writhing Dread was created by Aita and Juno as part of the Olympus Project in the Isu city of Atlantis. Alongside other creatures in the project, it was considered an instrument to strike fear in humankind if they ever revolted against their creators. The gorgon was meant to guard the artifact placed in its body, the Prize of Medusa. The beast was then relocated to the Petrified Temple, an Isu vault on one of the islands of what would later become Lesbos, Greece.<br><br>"''It's a cycle. Kill the creature, become the creature.''" - Zetes the Retired describing the Writhing Dread}}
 
===Memory Glitch===
'''Time Frame:'''  Roman Kingdom
 
'''Location:''' Rome - 716 BCE


'''Description:''' The Witnesses are walking along the streets of ancient
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
Rome, when suddenly they all hear the field tech's alarmed voice in their ears: “Assassins! The Roman Kingdom Simulation is collapsing, You are inside a mess of broken code, if you don't get out quickly I don't know what time period you'll end in!”<br><br>As the field tech finishes speaking, the Witnesses see a red waveline starting to flow through the simulation, changing the landscape dramatically as it traverses it.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
 
====Key Objectives====
<tabber>
|-|1 – REACH THE PANTHEON=
Suddenly everything around the Witnesses changes, as screams and chaos violently overwrite the quiet city of Rome from 716 BCE. In an instant, the PCs find themselves in one of the darkest moments of Roman history, the sack of 1527, when imperial troops in the pay of Charles V of Habsburg entered the city and started looting it. The Witnesses get out as soon as possible. The portal they must reach in order to escape this memory rift is situated on top of the Pantheon, one of the tallest buildings in the area.


;Challenges
;Challenges
*''Running mob''<br>Terrified citizens are running through the area, making it extremely difficult, if not downright dangerous, to move about the city.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''Landsknechts''<br>Soldiers are pillaging the Eternal City, making it difficult for the PCs to reach the Pantheon. They are many and well-armed, and defeating them requires at least 3 separate Approach checks with 1 Raise. Also, since they are looting, they are very focused on their surroundings. For this reason, any Stealth check made to overcome this Challenge requires 2 Raises.


;Weaknesses
;Weaknesses
*''I'm not paid enough! (minor)''<br>The landsknechts are here to sack and pillage, as they haven't been paid in a while, meaning they have no interest in facing strong and deadly opponents. Witnesses can easily overcome the Landsknechts Challenge if they take a forceful and convincing stand.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


|-|2 - GET THROUGH THE TIME RIFT=
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
When the Witnesses reach the Pantheon, they encounter many pillagers piling up their loot in the piazza. Above the Pantheon's imposing structure, the time rift is swirling high. the WItnesses must jump through it as soon as possible, as it may vanish at any moment and trap them here.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


;Challenges
;Challenges
*''Climb''<br>To reach the time rift, the Witnesses must make a tough climb.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''Jump''<br>The rift is suspended a few feet over the roof of the Pantheon. To reach it, the Witnesses need to make a perfect jump. Therefore, any Approach check made to reach the rift requires 1 Raise.


;Weaknesses
;Weaknesses
*''Scaffolding (minor)''<br>If the Witnesses go to the back of the Pantheon, they can find scaffolding used for some renovation work, which allows them to overcome the Climb Challenge. As the WItnesses jump across the rift, they feel a tingling sensation traveling through their bodies, and everything goes white. For a long moment they remain suspended in the void. But then, the buzz of chatter fills their ears, and as the Animus reloads the Simulation, the WItnesses realize they're back in the correct Time Frame.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
 


</tabber>
</tabber>


====Setbacks====
====Setbacks====
*''IMPERIAL ARMY (MINOR)''<br>A group of pillagers from the Imperial Army see the Witnesses and start  hooting. The Witnesses must make a Reaction check to avoid gunshots.
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''A SUSPICIOUS PILLAGER (MINOR)''<br>One or more pillagers notice something's not quite right and start investigating.
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''DESYNC GLITCH (MAJOR)''<br>Something is definitely wrong with this memory. A major glitch in the simulation erodes the Witness' Synchronization, lowering their Sync level by 1.
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


==The Pieces of Eden==
====Notables NPCs====
{{Quote|Sometimes I feel so disconnected from everything out there. Nearly a decade of my life gone, searching for those Pieces of Eden|Lucy Stillman}}
;Name
In line with the early human belief that the Isu were gods, the Pieces of Eden have often been considered mystical or magical items, or even of alien origin. In fact, they are immensely powerful, technologically sophisticated devices designed by the Precursors.
Description
;Name
Description
;Name
Description
;Name
Description


The main purpose of most of the Pieces of Eden is to control human emotions, thoughts, and behavior. The artifacts are designed to work with humanity's genetically engineered physiology by affecting a network of neurotransmitters in the human brain.
====Pieces of Eden====
;MIHŠIHKINAAHKWA’S APPLE OF EDEN
'''Known Owners:''' Little Turtle (Mihšihkinaahkwa)


The Templar's goal of unifying the world order under one rule to impose peace motivates their aggressive drive to acquire as many of the Pieces of Eden as possible.
'''Current Status:''' Unknown


===The Apples of Eden===
==Arno Dorian==
My fascination with the enigmatic Apples of Eden continues to deepen. Apparently, these remarkable spheroidal artifacts, meticulously crafted by the Precursors, were devised to exert control over humankind, exploiting the intricate genetic composition of our species. Our very nature makes us uniquely susceptible to the profound influence wielded by these objects.
“I, Arno Victor Dorian, will recount the tumultuous tale of my life. The son of an
Assassin, I was born into a world of intrigue and shadows. I was raised by my father
Charles in Versailles, as my mother Marie left us upon discovering his clandestine
activities, until the fateful day when he was killed, his life cruelly taken by the hand of
a Templar, Shay Cormac.


Delving into the annals of time, we journey back to approximately 75,010 BCE when Eve, a unique Isu-human hybrid, harnessed the power of her mixed heritage to resist the mind-altering properties embedded within the Apples of Eden. In a courageous act, Eve and her companion Adam liberated other humans from the clutches of enslavement, igniting the spark of the rebellion against their creators that culminated in the sprawling conflict known as the Human-Isu war. This act of defiance has interlaced with the tapestry of human mythology, giving birth to the legend of Adam and Eve banished from the idyllic Garden of Eden for their audacity to partake in the forbidden fruit.
I was then adopted by a Templar Grand Master, Francois de la Serre, and my upbringing
brought me close to his daughter Élise, a connection destined to blossom into a secret
love as we matured into adulthood. But fate had a treacherous design for us both.


The powers harbored within the Apples of Eden are vast, and capable of reshaping reality through the mere force of thought. Historical records reveal the futile endeavors of the Isu, who sought to exploit this potential by launching an Apple of Eden into Earth's celestial orbit in the grand ambition to manipulate human consciousness, implanting the belief that our world would be shielded from the imminent Toba Catastrophe. However, even the mighty Apples could not alter the course of destiny.
In the year 1789 I languished within the confines of the Bastille, falsely accused of my
adoptive father’s murder. There, the veils of deception began to unravel when I met
Pierre Bellec, a Master Assassin, who revealed the truth of my ancestral Assassin
heritage. Under his guidance, I honed my skills, preparing to avenge my biological
and adoptive fathers’ deaths.


Beyond their reality-altering capabilities, these artifacts also seem to be invaluable repositories of ancient knowledge, encapsulating an astonishing wealth of Precursor information. Some Apples can also track the elusive fragments of other Isu artifacts scattered across the globe. As the 21st century unfolds, we can confirm the existence of multiple Apples of Eden out there.
Emerging from the darkness of the Bastille, I embraced the mantle of the
Brotherhood, my purpose infused with righteous fury. Though Élise was a member
of the Templar Order, she perceived the dangers lurking within its ranks, and she
joined forces with me to expose those who manipulated the turbulent tides of the
French Revolution for nefarious gains.


====Apple 2====
Eventually, a series of unfortunate events led to the demise of the Parisian
'''Known Owners:''' Bayek, Al Mualim, Altaïr, Elizabeth I, and Gandhi
Brotherhood Mentor, Honoré Mirabeau, killed by Bellec. This thrust me into a harrowing
duel with my former teacher — I emerged victorious from that clash, but
carrying a heavy burden.


'''Current Status:''': Destroyed
The Brotherhood exiled me, deeming my actions to be part of a personal vendetta.
Yet, fate guided my steps back towards Élise’s side. Together, we unraveled
the machinations of the new Templar Grand Master, François-Thomas Germain.
We faced him beneath the hallowed grounds of the Parisian Temple, where both
Germain and my beloved Élise met their end.


The Apple of Eden was originally recovered from the Order of the Ancients by Bayek, who hid it within Aya's hideout in Alexandria. The former Mentor of the Assassins of Masyaf, Al Mualim, obtained it in the 12th century, but Altaïr exposed his treachery and recovered the Apple. Subsequently, the Apple passed through the hands of Queen Elizabeth I and later Gandhi, who was tragically assassinated by Templar agents seeking the artifact for themselves. The Apple was finally destroyed in 2011 in an accident at an Abstergo facility beneath Denver International Airport.
Consumed by grief, I abandoned the Assassin’s path, seeking peace in solitude.
However, the relentless tide of revolutionary France refused to release its grip upon
me. Compelled to action, I intervened, thwarting Napoleon Bonaparte’s insidious
schemes to unearth a hidden Precursor Temple beneath the Basilica of Saint-Denis
and seize the Apple of Eden concealed within.


====Apple 4====
Guided by Élise’s poignant final wish, I devoted myself to bridging the chasm that
'''Known Owners:''' Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Adolf Hitler
divided the Templar and Assassin factions. In honor of her memory, I pledged to forge
a path of unity. May my actions serve as a beacon of hope, illuminating a future where
the clash of blades is replaced by a shared purpose.”
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:700px; text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="2" |ARNO DORIAN
|-
!Dates
|1768 CE - unknown
|-
!Location
|France
|-
!Time Frame
|French Revolution
|-
!Affiliation
|Parisian Brotherhood
|-
!Key Allies
|Elise de la Serre, Honoré Mirabeau
|-
!Main Opponents
|François-Thomas Germain, Pierre Bellec,
Robespierre
|}
===Adventure Hooks===
#A hidden chamber containing a Precursor artifact is uncovered in the catacombs
of Paris. The Witnesses must descend into the gloomy catacombs,
outsmart the Templars also aware of its existence, and prevent the artifact
from falling into the wrong hands.
#One of the wealthiest families is hosting a masquerade ball, purportedly
to act as a meeting ground for influential Templars. The Witnesses
must infiltrate the event, gather intelligence, and expose the Templars’
plans while maintaining their cover amidst the opulence and intrigue of
Parisienne high society.
#A mysterious epidemic sweeps through Paris, and the Witnesses must
investigate its causes. As they proceed with their mission, they make a
shocking discovery: the epidemic is not the work of the Templar Order,
as they suspected, but rather a sinister collaboration between a rogue
faction within the Assassins and the Instruments of the First Will. The
Witnesses must uncover the truth behind this unexpected alliance and
put an end to their deadly scheme.
#Pauline de Lézardière, a renowned historian, has uncovered a secret manuscript
containing valuable information about ancient artifacts stolen
during the Viking invasions of Paris. This discovery has attracted the attention
of the Templar Order. The Witnesses must protect Pauline from the
pursuing Templars, decipher the hidden messages within the manuscript,
and use the knowledge gained to cripple the Order.
#A trusted member of the Assassin Brotherhood has been captured
by the Templars, and the Witnesses receive a desperate plea for help.
Determined to save their comrade, they launch a daring rescue mission,
only to discover that it was an elaborate trap, meticulously orchestrated
by the Templars to catch the Witnesses. Now ensnared in the Templar
web, the Witnesses must use their cunning, skills, and resourcefulness to
escape their captors and turn the tables.
===THE LOST JEWEL===
'''Time Frame:''' French Revolution


'''Current Status:''' Unknown, probably owned by the Assassins
'''Location:''' Paris, France - 1792 CE


This ancient and mysterious Apple has been in the possession of history's most infamous visionaries, intriguers, and warmongers, and has remained at the heart of the Templars' pursuit of power. It's existence was first recorded in 10th-century China, but it didn't resurface until the 19th century when it was discovered by Nikola Tesla. Tesla intended to use it as part of his grand vision of harnessing its energy to power the world for free, but the Templar Thomas Edison thwarted his ambition, acquiring the Apple for himself. The Apple ended up in the hands of various influential figures, including Mark Twain and Henry Ford. Ford effectively ensured the triumph of Capitalism by employing the Apple's power to manipulate workers in his factories, before sending it to Adolf Hitler in 1933 at the insistence of the Templars. With the Apple, Hitler was able to seize power and launched a world war that ultimately served the Templar's industrial interests. Later, the Templars kidnapped Tesla to help them create a proto-Animus called Die Glocke. ‘Project Rainbow', in temporary alliance with the Assassins in 1943, was a misguided mission to prevent the worst atrocities of World War II.
'''Description:''' During the early stages of the Reign of Terror, while
king Louis XVI and his family are held captive in the
Square du Temple, a remarkable robbery takes place
when the Hôtel du Garde-Meuble de la Couronne (the
Royal Storehouse) is burgled by a gang of thieves. The
thieves manage to steal most of the Crown Jewels in one
of the largest thefts ever recorded, and in the following
days, they organize a clandestine auction to resell their
ill-gotten gains to the highest bidder.<br><br>Among the crown jewels stolen is a Piece of Eden, the Hope
Diamond. The gem in question has extraordinary beauty
and dimensions, but these peculiarities are obscured by a
curse that afflicts its owners. Legend has it that whoever
wears it eventually meets an unpleasant end. Through an
informant, the Assassins have learned of the auction and
of the Templar’s interest in certain lots. They cannot let
the Piece of Eden end up in Templar hands.


====Apple 7====
The mud squelches under your boots as you enter the slums of southern Paris.
'''Known Owners:''' Charles Pearson, Cavanagh, and Sir David Brewster
The silence is broken by barking dogs and the slurred cries of some drunk
dragging his sodden form off to a gutter to sleep. Among these gloomy alleys, the
revolutionary uprisings of the city seem to belong to another nation.


'''Current Status:''' Destroyed
The hustle and bustle echoing around the corner signals that you have reached
your destination, La Limace Noir, a popular dance hall. According to an informant,
a clandestine auction is being held in the cellar of the crowded guinguette,
and the Hope Diamond, a Piece of Eden with unknown powers, is up for sale. You
must recover the diamond and keep it out of the greedy clutches of the Templar.


Cavanagh, a British Templar, sought out this Apple of Eden while building the world's first underground railway in the mid-nineteenth century. Cavanagh was slain and the Apple stolen by his rival, Templar Grand Master Crawford Starrick. At Starrick's behest, scientist David Brewster attempted to unlock its secrets. The Apple was destroyed and Brewster slain when an experiment in his Croydon laboratory backfired in 1868.
====Key Objectives====
<tabber>
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


===The Staves of Eden ===
;Challenges
During my extensive research on the Staves of Eden at Abstergo Industries, I have discovered many fascinating aspects of these artifacts. Resembling scepters, the Staves embody a sense of authoritative power, representing sovereignty in various contexts. Through their unique design, all Staves display the ability to command and govern, exerting control over the thoughts and actions of individuals. The enigmatic properties of the Staves extend further, as they have the potential to conceal the presence of the bearer and even enable levitation. However, the true nature of these effects remains shrouded in mystery, leaving us to ponder whether they are tangible manifestations or intricately crafted manipulations of perception. It is also noteworthy that the tip of a Staff can be utilized as a spear, adding to its versatility as both a symbol of authority and a deadly weapon. Throughout our research, we have encountered only four Staves of Eden, each possessing a captivating history, further deepening the intrigue surrounding these powerful artifacts.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


====The Scepter of Alexander the Great====
;Weaknesses
'''Known Owners:''' Alexander the Great, Flavius Metellus
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


'''Current Status:''' Unknown
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Alexander the Great used this Staff of Eden, gifted him by the Order of the Ancients, to consolidate power in Macedonia and massively expand his empire over the Middle East and beyond. After his death, the Scepter was interred in his tomb in Alexandria. In 47 BCE the Scepter was stolen by two members of the Order of the Ancients, Flavius and Septimius, who intended to use it to unlock an Isu Vault in Siwa. The Scepter was then taken to Rome, where Septimius presented it to the local Order of the Ancients before being slain by Aya.
;Challenges
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


===The Swords of Eden ===
;Weaknesses
In our database here at Abstergo, I've found much information focused on some of the artifacts left by the Precursors that I personally find to be among the most fascinating — the Swords of Eden. We have all the reasons to believe that these remarkable artifacts were originally crafted by the esteemed Precursor scientist Hephaestus, and were explicitly designed to amplify strength during battle and enhance leadership.
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


As correctly reported by my predecessors, a notable ability associated with these Swords is the capacity to unleash powerful energy blasts. Through analysis and research on the field, we have confirmed the existence of a few distinct Swords of Eden, each with its own intriguing history, often tied to myths about famous heroes and conquerors. Legendary figures such as Attila the Hun and Genghis Khan are believed to have wielded these powerful artifacts, further supporting their historical significance. Through our unwavering search for knowledge, I continue to delve into the puzzles surrounding the Swords of Eden, unearthing their undeniable impact on the course of human history.


====Sword of Eden 1 ====
</tabber>
'''Known Owners:''' Jeanne d'Arc, François-Thomas Germain, Arno Dorian,
Simon Hathaway


'''Current Status:'''Abstergo Industries' HQ, England, Rikkin's office
====Setbacks====
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX


Before his arrest, the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, Jacques de Molay, concealed a peculiar Sword of Eden. The artifact was enhanced by a small red stone known as the Heart, a gem that de Molay was able to hide. Later on, the Heart fell into the hands of Joan of Arc, who wore it around her neck, utilizing its unique energy to amplify the powers of the Sword she eventually acquired. However, following Joan's execution, the Heart was lost when her executioner callously threw it into the Seine. At the time of the French Revolution, the Sword suffered significant damage during a fierce clash involving Grand Master François-Thomas Germain, Arno Dorian, and Élise de la Serre, probably because it was missing the Heart. Many centuries later, the Sword found its place in the office of Alan Rikkin, Master Templar and CEO of Abstergo Industries. Simon Hathaway, an Inner Sanctum member and Head of Abstergo's Historical Research department, employed the Animus to locate and retrieve the Heart from the waters of the Seine, reviving the Sword's dormant power. After Alan Rikkin met his demise at the hands of the Assassin Callum Lynch, the Sword was placed among the collection of artifacts of the Templar Order.
====Notables NPCs====
 
;Name
====Durendal ====
Description
'''Known Owners:''' Roland, Eivor
;Name
 
Description
'''Current Status:'''Unknown


This legendary sword was said to be impossible to destroy, and able to carve through solid rock. It was wielded by Roland, the most famous Paladin in the service of Charlemagne.
====Pieces of Eden====
 
;HOPE DIAMOND
====Harpe of Perseus ====
'''Known Owners:''' Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, Louis XIV, Louis XVI, Marie
'''Known Owners:''' Medusa, Ligeia, Kassandra
Antoniette, Jean Le Chien


'''Current Status:''' Unknown
'''Current Status:''' Unknown


The Harpe was a legendary sword attributed to Perseus, the Greek hero renowned for slaying Medusa and founding the city of Mycenae. It held great significance in the saga of the Writhing Dread. During the tumultuous period of the Peloponnesian War, the Harpe found its way into the possession of Ligeia, the most recent victim to be transformed into the gorgon. When Kassandra emerged victorious over Ligeia she claimed the coveted sword for herself.
The history of this massive diamond is surrounded in mystery. The first known
buyer was Jean-Baptiste Tavernier. The stone, also called French Blue (Le bleu de
France), was sold to King Louis XIV of France in 1668. In 1792, during the French
Revolution, the Hope Diamond was stolen from the royal treasury, alongside the
other French Crown Jewels.


===The Shrouds of Eden ===
This Piece of Eden possesses unknown powers and abilities but is said to carry a
The study of the groundbreaking work of the Isu scientist Consus on the Shrouds of Eden is considered to be one of the keys to unlocking the secrets of many other Precursor artifacts. Differently from all other Isu creations, the Shrouds resemble pieces of ordinary cloth, possessing extraordinary capabilities of restoration and healing. As we learned, the original Shroud, designed by Consus himself, probably served as a vessel for his consciousness to allow a temporary possession of a living user's body. We also know that several Shrouds were made, although we do not know how many, nor we know much about their powers.
curse, leading to an early, violent death for anyone wearing it.


The original Shroud used to be contained within a plain wooden box and can be described as a white cloth stained with blood and bearing the faint imprint of a human shape. Its most renowned owner was probably Jesus of Nazareth, who utilized its powers to heal many followers in his time. Other instances of Shrouds recorded in history include the legendary Golden Fleece of Grecian myth, and Joseph's coat of many colors.
==Jacob & Evie Frye==
“Let me tell ya a story ‘bout the blood that runs through our veins, the Frye twins, Jacob
and Evie, born of Assassin lineage. We were raised in the bosom of the Brotherhood,
molded by our old man’s wisdom, layin’ the groundwork for what was to come.


All Shrouds are known to be able to mend wounds, reverse defects, and even amplify an individual's healing prowess and strength, as long as a user maintains contact with one of them. However, despite their astonishing capabilities, Shrouds cannot reverse death — while they can temporarily revive and animate deceased bodies, proper restoration of life remains beyond their reach. Finally, it has been reported that using these artifacts can have dire consequences, as individuals who utilize the Shrouds may be driven to madness or experience physical deterioration.
Now, my dear brother Jacob, he was always one to buck the system. Our paths diverged
on how we approached the “Assassin game”. Me, Evie, I valued knowledge
and stayin’ hidden, seein’ those Pieces of Eden as the key to everythin’. The fate of the
world depended on ‘em, in my eyes. Jacob, though, was impulsive, and couldn’t resist
divin’ headfirst into danger, not a thought for the consequences.


Our research at Abstergo is shedding some light on the way the Shrouds work. When applied to a body, these artifacts scan for damage and initiate cellular-level reconstruction, even in cases of partial decomposition. This intriguing discovery has sparked further investigation into the possibility of reconstructing actual Isu individuals from existing DNA samples. Our ongoing research into the Shrouds of Eden and the groundbreaking work of Consus continues to unravel the mysteries surrounding these artifacts and their profound influence on our understanding of the Isu civilization.
But despite our differences, it was like a bloody orchestra when we worked together.
We complemented each other’s strengths and made up for the other’s weaknesses.
And that’s when the Frye twins became a force to be reckoned with, a sight that struck
fear deep into our enemies’ hearts.


====Shroud of Eden 2 ====
Our tale is woven into the fabric of the Brotherhood. We carved our way through
'''Known Owners:''' Edward Kenway, Crawford Starrick, Álvaro Gramática
history, hell-bent on seekin’ justice, freein’ mankind from the Templars’ iron grip.
Remember, the Frye twins’ bravery will forever be a light in the darkness, provin’ that
even the oppressed can rise against their oppressors!”


'''Current Status:''' In the hands of Álvaro Gramática
“Now, gather ‘round, listen up! It’s Jacob speakin’ here, spillin’ the beans ‘bout our
adventures. Evie and I said sod it to our mentor’s advice and set up shop in the grand
ol’ city of London, ready to give those Templar bastards a good thrashin’.


This Shroud of Eden was discovered in the early 18th century by Assassin Edward Kenway, who hid it within the Tower of London. Kenway left clues to the Shroud's whereabouts in his journal, enabling it to be found by future Assassins.
We teamed up with a bloke named Henry Green, a true Assassin, and we had our
own little mission goin’. Our plan? Stick it to the Templar-backed Blighters and rid
the city of their filth.


British Templar Grand Master Crawford Starrick found the Shroud in 1868, using it to render himself nearly invincible, but the Assassins were hot on his heels. Starrick was defeated, the artifact returned to the Tower of London once more.
That’s when the real fun began. We formed the Rooks, a gang of fierce fighters
ready to shank the Templars and their cronies. Yours truly, Jacob Frye, led the
charge, bashin’ heads, and takin’ names. We fought for justice, breakin’ the chains
of the poor sods workin’ in factories, treated like dirt. We made ‘em reckon with
the power of the people.


The Shroud remained hidden until 2015. Its reappearance sparked a race between the Assassins and Templars.
While I was raisin’ hell, Evie, the clever one, had her sights on them Pieces of Eden.
She was all in to keep the Templars from gettin’ their grubby hands on that Shroud of
Eden, a powerful artifact they were itchin’ for.


===Precursor Relics ===
But here’s the kicker, mates. Even with our different approaches and personal missions,
Many other Precursor relics exist, from the Memory Seals used to record messages by the Capitoline Triad to the Masyaf Keys, on which Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad encoded his own memories. They don't possess the same powers of influencing and controlling displayed by the Pieces of Eden, yet such artifacts have been researched extensively by Templars and Assassins alike. Lesser still than the Precursor relics are later documentation and transcription of Precursor knowledge and information, which are nonetheless the subject of covetous attention. Both the Assassins and the Templars are convinced that, if they can decipher such writing, it will give greater insight into the Precursor civilisation. The Voynich Manuscript, Nicholas Flamel's two-part book of Abraham, as written by Abraham of Würzburg, are two such examples. All of these man-made relics must be unlocked or translated with some sort of key, such as a Precursor Box.
the Frye twins left a mark on history. We set London on fire, liberatin’ the city
from a century of Templar tyranny. We even saved the bloody Queen, herself. The
Crown couldn’t ignore our dash an’ derring-do, and knighted us for it. The British
Brotherhood rose to new heights, all thanks to us.


====Prize of the Medusa ====
Evie, always wanderin’ like a restless soul, buggered off to India after tyin’ the knot
'''Known Owners:''' Medusa, Ligeia, Kassandra
with Henry Green. She got mixed up with the Indian Brotherhood, fightin’ the good
fight over there. But she couldn’t resist a return to London in 1872. Her and Henry
tried to help this bloke Abberline, tryin’ to stop some Templar scumbag from nickin’
pages outta the Voynich manuscript in the British Museum. Didn’t quite succeed,
but it didn’t stop ‘em from headin’ back to India, trainin’ British Assassins and
teachin’ ‘em every trick from the Indian Brotherhood.


'''Current Status:''' In the Gateway to the Lost City, sealed alongside Atlantis
So there ya have it, mates. The epic tale of the Frye twins, kickin’ arse, makin’ history,
{{Quote|… wield fear as a weapon, may our enemies crumble …|An Isu voice that emanated from the artifact
and turnin’ the tide against them Templar wankers. We’re legends, and ain’t nobody
when Kassandra took it}}
takin’ that away from us.”
The Atlantis artifacts were a number of leftover technological devices created as part of the Olympus Project by the Isu Aita and Juno. The Prize of the Medusa was one such object, not only serving as a key to seal the gateway to Atlantis, but also turning its user into the Writhing Dead, a Gorgon capable of petrifying its victims. The Prize of the Medusa was handed from guardian to guardian until seized by Kassandra.
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:700px; text-align:center"
 
====Prophecy Disks ====
The intended use of the Prophecy Disks is unclear. Audio-visual messages can be recorded on these disks, which then separate in two – an amulet is then required to activate the message. The Assassin Aveline de Grandpré discovered both parts of such a disk in the Precursor ruins beneath the Mayan city of Chichen Itza, which were then activated with an amulet, The Heart of the Brotherhood.
 
====Precursor Boxes ====
Precursor Boxes can be used to activate other Pieces of Eden. When triggered, boxes have been known to exhibit all sorts of different effects, such as projecting holograms of maps, deciphering Precursor writing or even imprinting memories from previous owners onto the user.
 
Although intended to be used in conjunction with an Isu manuscript or another Piece of Eden, it is possible to activate a Precursor Box with a high enough charge of electricity. However, this does risk damaging the artifact.
 
One particular Precursor Box was given by Ezio Auditore to Shao Jun, a Chinese Assassin, when she sought out his advice in 1524. Since then the Box has resurfaced a number of times, in both Assassin and Templar hands, amongst them Shay Cormac. Álvaro Gramática, Templar and scientist, used the Box in 2016 as part of the Phoenix Project, to help him comprehend the Shroud of Eden he had also obtained.
 
Many Precursor Boxes have been found, although it is unknown how many have survived.
 
==Skills==
{| class="wikitable sortable" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="800px" style="text-align:center;"
! width="1%" |'''Skill'''
! width="5%" |'''Description'''
|-
|Alert
|When you make a Reaction check, you can reroll up to 2 Abstergo results.
|-
|Animal companion
|Your will and that of your animal's become as one, allowing you to see through its eyes and command its movements. Additionally, the companion can aid you in combat or act as a distraction, diverting people's attention from you.<br>Finally, when you make an Action or Stealth check, you may reroll 1 Abstergo result.
|-
|Arm-twisting
|Whenever you make a Social check in a situation where you called upon your intimidation abilities, you can consider up to 2 Action results as 1 additional match each.
|-
|Assassination
|Whenever you make a Stealth check in a situation where you called upon your assassination abilities, you can consider up to 2 Wits results as 1 additional match each.
|-
|-
|Brotherhood training
! colspan="2" |JACOB & EVIE FRYE
|Whenever you use a hidden-weapon, you can consider 1 Creed result as 1 additional match. This is in addition to any match granted by the activation of a Signature Gear (Hidden-weapon).
|-
|-
|Charmer
!Dates
|Whenever you make a Social check in a situation where you called upon your seduction abilities, you can add 1 match. Additionally, whenever you make a Social check, you can use 2 Wits results to get extra info from someone or something involved in the Scene.
|1847 CE - unknown
|-
|-
|Cunning
!Location
|Whenever you make a Wits check during a tinkering activity, you have 1 Free Raise.
|London, England
|-
|-
|Deceptive movements
!Time Frame
|Whenever you make an Action check in a situation where you called upon your deceptive abilities, you can consider up to 2 Social results as 1 additional match each.
|Industrial Revolution
|-
|-
|Eagle Sense
!Affiliation
|Eagle Sense heightens your senses to the point where you can detect the heartbeat of your target in the area, or even foresee the target’s next action. Additionally, you can peer into the memories of your targets upon killing them, obtaining all the information they can offer.
|British Brotherhood
|-
|-
|Eagle Vision
!Key Allies
|Eagle Vision is an extrasensory perception, or "sixth sense", and one of your Isu genes' gifts. You can easily spot allies, enemies, objectives, sources of information, and targets within a short range. Additionally, when you make an Approach check, you can count 1 Wits result as 1 additional match.
|Henry Green (Jayadeep Mir), Alexander
Graham Bell, Frederick Abberline
|-
|-
|Free running
!Main Opponents
|Whenever you are freerunning, you can add 1 match to any related Action check. Additionally, whenever you make an Action check, you can use 2 Stealth results to disappear from sight.
|Crawford Starrick, Lucy Thorne
|-
|Grit
|Whenever you make a Wits check, you can consider up to 1 Action result as 1 additional match.
|-
|Hide in plain sight
|Whenever you make a Stealth check, you can consider up to 1 Social result as 1 additional match.
|-
|Hypnotic
|Whenever you make a Social check, you can consider up to 1 Stealth result as 1 additional match.
|-
|Natural born fighter
|Whenever you make an Action check during combat, you have 1 Free Raise.
|-
|Nimble
|Whenever you make a Stealth check while infiltrating, you have 1 Free Raise.
|-
|Observant
|Whenever you make a Wits check in a situation where you called upon your investigation abilities, you can consider up to 2 Stealth results as 1 additional match each.
|-
|Poker face
|Whenever you make a Social check while you are in a deceptive situation, you have 1 Free Raise.
|-
|Sapper
|Whenever you are trying to sabotage a device, you can add 1 match to any related Wits check. Additionally, whenever you make any Action or Stealth check, you can use 2 Wits results to create a decoy or distraction in the Scene.
|-
|Sleight of hand
|Whenever you are trying to hide a small item or steal it from others, you can add 1 match to any related Stealth check. Additionally, whenever you make any Action or Social check, you can use 2 Stealth results to steal a small item from someone involved in the Scene.
|-
|Strategic moves
|Whenever you make an Action check, you can consider up to 1 Wits result as 1 additional match.
|}
|}
===Adventure Hooks===
#A new secret society known as the “Enlightened Circle” threatens to reshape
London’s power dynamics. The Witnesses are hired by a wealthy
benefactor to investigate the society’s activities, infiltrate their ranks, and
dismantle their operations before they gain too much influence.
#A notorious gang leader has risen to power in the East End, and the
Brotherhood suspects he has been maneuvered into position by the
Templars to be their pawn in the slums. The Witnesses are tasked with infiltrating
his gang, gaining the leader’s trust, and eventually bringing him
down once they’ve learnt the identity of his Templar connection.
#David Hughes, an established scientist, has just returned from America
with a revolutionary device that could have potentially devastating consequences
were it to fall into the wrong hands. The Witnesses must retrieve
the device and safeguard it from Templar agents.
#A mysterious ancient artifact has been exhibited at the British Museum,
attracting the attention of both the Brotherhood and the Templars. The
Witnesses must swap the artifact for a counterfeit copy to fool the Templars
and hide the real artifact in a secret location.
#A renowned detective has gone missing while investigating a series
of occult rituals taking place in the darkest corners of the city. The
Witnesses are hired by his concerned wife to unravel the mystery, uncover
the truth behind the rituals, and rescue the detective from the
clutches of a malevolent cult inspired by a perverted version of the
Calves’ Head Club secret society.
===ALICE’S RETURN===
'''Time Frame:''' Industrial Revolution


==Witness Cards==
'''Location:''' City of London, England - 1869 CE
===Roman Kingdom===
 
'''Description:''' Jacob and Evie once discovered an underground chamber
in a former bank vault, set up by three Assassins:
Michel Reuge, Lavinia, and Alice. The chamber was
used to store a sealed Isu sarcophagus containing the
Aegis, ancient armor that supposedly belonged to the
Isu Minerva. The keys required to open the sarcophagus
were found in a series of music boxes scattered around
London, as well as parts of a diary compiled by Michel
Reuge. They discovered Alice’s obsession with opening
the sarcophagus eventually led her to betray her companions
to the Templars.<br><br>About a year after discovering the chamber, the
Witnesses are contacted by Evie and Jacob’s collaborator,
Chief Inspector Frederick Abberline of the London
Metropolitan Police, about a bomb that has gone off in
Southwark. From eyewitness accounts, they learn that
the bomb was a small box that, once opened, played a
melody before exploding. This detail immediately reminds
the siblings of the music boxes they found in the
past. Suspecting the involvement of the Templars, they
return to the chamber.
 
====Key Objectives====
<tabber>
<tabber>
|-|Romulus=
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
{{ACRPG Card
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
|image=
|id=Romulus
|description=
|quote=Words instruct, illustrations lead.
|action=2
|stealth=3
|wits=2
|social=1
|gear=Shield(signature gear)<br>Sword(signature gear)<br>King's Armor<br>Spear<br>Mars Medallion<br>Sling
|trait1=Veteran
|trait2=Resolute
|hindrance=Aggresive
|languages=Ancient Greek, Etruscan, Latin
}}


|-|Prima=
;Challenges
{{ACRPG Card
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
|image=
|id=Prima
|description=
|quote=We're made by the storms we walk through.
|action=2
|stealth=2
|wits=2
|social=2
|gear=Sickle (signature gear)<br>Concealed Blade(signature gear)<br>Sling<br>Book of Laws<br>"Shields of Mars" Armlet<br>Jewels
|trait1=Swift
|trait2=Cunning
|hindrance=Reckless
|languages=Ancient Greek, Latin, Sabine
}}


|-|Venator=
;Weaknesses
{{ACRPG Card
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
|image=
|id=Venator
|description=
|quote=Be the predator, not the prey.
|action=2
|stealth=1
|wits=2
|social=3
|gear=Bow and Arrows (signature gear)<br>Dagger (signature gear)<br>Waterskin<br>Bait<br>Bedroll<br>Rope
|trait1=Patient
|trait2=Hunter
|hindrance=Irascible
|languages=Latin
}}


|-|Warden of Fire=
|-|XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX=
{{ACRPG Card
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
|image=
|id=Warden of Fire
|description=
|quote=The gods only, I do serve.
|action=3
|stealth=2
|wits=2
|social=1
|gear=Vestal Torch (signature gear)<br>Medicinal Herbs (signature gear)<br>Flint<br>Oil Flask<br>Sling<br>Temple Scrolls
|trait1=Fervent
|trait2=Erudite
|hindrance=Piety
|languages=Etruscan, Latin, Oscan
}}
</tabber>


===Ancient Greece===
;Challenges
<tabber>
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
|-|Kassandra=
{{ACRPG Card
|image=
|id=Kassandra
|description=
|quote=If I was your punishment, you’d already be dead.
|action=2
|stealth=2
|wits=2
|social=2
|gear=Spear of Leonidas (signature gear)<br>Misthios Armor (signature gear)<br>Bow and Arrows<br>Greek Fire Bottle<br>Phobos (Horse)<br>Ikaros (Eagle)
|trait1=Agile
|trait2=Spartan
|hindrance=Merciful
|languages=Ancient Greek, Laconic
}}


|-|Xenia=
;Weaknesses
{{ACRPG Card
*''XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
|image=
|id=Xenia
|description=
|quote=I have an appetite for rare treasures.
|action=2
|stealth=3
|wits=2
|social=1
|gear=War Hammer (signature gear)<br>Smuggled Documents (signature gear)<br>Armour<br>Nautical Maps<br>Spyglass<br>Drachmae Pouch
|trait1=Connected
|trait2=Pirate
|hindrance=Greed
|languages=Ancient Greek
}}


|-|Herodotos=
{{ACRPG Card
|image=
|id=Herodotos
|description=
|quote=I'm a storyteller, or I was. This war is forcing us all to new extremes.
|action=3
|stealth=2
|wits=1
|social=2
|gear=Maps and Documents (signature gear)<br>Greek Fire Bottle (signature gear)<br>Quarterstaff<br>Scroll Satchel<br>Lockpicking Kit<br>Dagger
|trait1=Scholar
|trait2=Observant
|hindrance=Neutrality
|languages=Ancient Greek, Attic, Doric, Laconic
}}


|-|The Nemean Claw=
{{ACRPG Card
|image=
|id=The Nemean Claw
|description=
|quote=I was born to bear these sword and shield.
|action=1
|stealth=3
|wits=2
|social=2
|gear=Sword (signature gear)<br>Shield (signature gear)<br>Armor<br>Javelin<br>Bounty Scrolls<br>Ares Medallion
|trait1=Bold
|trait2=Pit Fighter
|hindrance=Selfish
|languages=Ancient Greek
}}
</tabber>
</tabber>


===World War II===
====Setbacks====
<tabber>
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
|-|Major Gallagher=
*''XXXXXXXXXXX''<br>XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
{{ACRPG Card
|image=
|id=Major Gallagher
|description=
|quote=I'm going to kill you with my tea cup.
|action=1
|stealth=2
|wits=2
|social=3
|gear=Kukri Knife (signature gear)<br>BHP (Pistol) (signature gear)<br>Sten (Subachine Gun)<br>Green Beret<br>Anti-gas Cape<br>Leica III Camera
|trait1=Vigorous
|trait2=Green beret
|hindrance=Honor
|languages=English, German
}}


|-|The Ambassador=
====Notables NPCs====
{{ACRPG Card
;Alice
|image=
Alice was a member of the Assassin Brotherhood. She discovered
|id=The Ambassador
a sealed sarcophagus near Bath along with Lavinia and
|description=
Michel Reuge, and became obsessed with opening it. The obsession
|quote=When injustice is legitimized, insurgence becomes duty.
was such that she betrayed her companions in favor of
|action=2
the Templars, who imprisoned and tortured her instead. Wholly
|stealth=2
consumed by her madness, Alice continued to hum the melodies
|wits=2
produced by the music boxes she knew were the key to
|social=2
open the sarcophagus.
|gear=Webley Revolver (signature gear)<br>Lebel Model 1886 Rifle (signature gear)<br>Bolo Knife<br>Mask<br>Frangible Grenade M1<br>Jack Knife
|trait1=Ferocious
|trait2=Swift
|hindrance=Vengeance
|languages=English, French, German, Polish, Russian
}}
 
|-|Nancy Drake=
{{ACRPG Card
|image=
|id=Nancy Drake
|description=
|quote=Freedom is probably the only thing worth dying for.
|action=2
|stealth=2
|wits=2
|social=2
|gear=Berthier Mle 92 Rifle (signature gear)<br>Luger P08 (signature gear)<br>M24 Stielhandgranate<br>Nebelhand Granate<br>Morphine<br>Fairbairn Sykes (Knife)
|trait1=Ruthless
|trait2=Saboteur
|hindrance=Revenge
|languages=English, French, German
}}
 
|-|Reboante=
{{ACRPG Card
|image=
|id=Reboante
|description=
|quote=One must take sides, since there’s no courage in neutrality.
|action=1
|stealth=1
|wits=3
|social=3
|gear=Submachine Gun (signature gear)<br>Explosives Tools (signature gear)<br>Stiletto Knife<br>Wine<br>Stielhandgranate<br>Wire Cutters
|trait1=Selfless
|trait2=Combatant
|hindrance=Passionate
|languages=French, Hebrew, Italian
}}
</tabber>


===Viking Age===
Alice has escaped captivity and although more than twenty years
<tabber>
have passed, her obsession has not abated, and she immediately
|-|Eivor=
hatches a plan to return to the vault.
{{ACRPG Card
|image=
|id=Eivor
|description=
|quote=...my destiny is mine to weave.
|action=2
|stealth=2
|wits=2
|social=2
|gear=Raven's Clan Armor (signature gear)<br>Hidden Blade (signature gear)<br>Bow and Arrows<br>Two Axes<br>Rope<br>Odin's Pendant
|trait1=Cunning
|trait2=Tough
|hindrance=Honor
|languages=English, French, Norse
}}


|-|Valka=
====Pieces of Eden====
{{ACRPG Card
;AEGIS OF MINERVA
|image=
'''Known Owners:''' Minerva, Evie Frye
|id=Valka
|description=
|quote=I need silence to hear the songs of nature.
|action=3
|stealth=2
|wits=1
|social=2
|gear=Hallucinogenic Herbs (signature gear)<br>Alchemical Powders (signature gear)<br>Fortune-telling Runes<br>Bone Dagger<br>Seer Attire<br>Ritual Paints
|trait1=Wise
|trait2=Respected
|hindrance=Superstitious
|languages=Norse
}}


|-|The Dragon Knight=
'''Current Status:''' Unknown
{{ACRPG Card
|image=
|id=The Dragon Knight
|description=
|quote=I will fight against those who deny freedom to others.
|action=1
|stealth=3
|wits=2
|social=2
|gear=Knight Armor (signature gear)<br>Claíomh Solais (Sword) (signature gear)<br>Wineskin<br>Scutum (Shield)<br>Seax (Knife)<br>Merlin (Horse)
|trait1=Stoic
|trait2=Sturdy
|hindrance=Brash
|languages=English, Norse
}}


|-|Hytham=
As the ancient tales go, the Aegis was said to have been worn in battle by the
{{ACRPG Card
Isu Minerva herself. Many millennia passed, the skilled Assassin Michel Reuge
|image=
discovered the elusive Aegis in the vicinity of Bath, England. Recognizing its
|id=Hytham
significance, he stashed the artifact in an abandoned bank vault beneath London.
|description=
|quote=It is not about worth, it is a matter of devotion to the creed.
|action=2
|stealth=1
|wits=2
|social=3
|gear=Hidden Blade (signature gear)<br>Saif (Sword) (signature gear)<br>Dagger<br>Smoke Bombs<br>Throwing Daggers<br>Acolyte Robes
|trait1=Disciplined
|trait2=Vigilant
|hindrance=Idealist
|languages=Byzantine Greek, English, Latin, Norse
}}
</tabber>

Revision as of 03:09, 15 November 2024

Introduction

“The historical elements of the narrative text about the Assassins and their Brotherhood are quite intriguing. It’s fascinating to learn how individuals became part of this secretive organization.

There were two ways to become an Assassin in the past: being born into an Assassin family, or being actively recruited due to one’s potential and skills. It’s noteworthy how the Brotherhood valued lineage, allowing those born into Assassin families to begin training at a young age. This practice might have maintained a sense of continuity and preserved their traditions over time.

On the other hand, the recruitment process adds another layer of interest to the story. Imagine being sought out and identified as someone with exceptional abilities, seen as a potential asset to the Brotherhood’s cause. It indicates that the Assassins sought to expand their ranks with promising individuals, potentially adding diverse skills and perspectives to their organization.

The initiation ceremony stands out as a significant rite of passage for the Assassins. It marks the pivotal moment when an apprentice becomes a fully fledged member of the Brotherhood. Being granted the iconic weapon, the Hidden Blade, and receiving the traditional garb, including the beaked hood, must have been a symbol of pride and belonging for the newly initiated Assassins.

It’s intriguing to see how the Brotherhood evolved over time. As the guilds within the Brotherhood fragmented in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the formal initiation ceremonies gradually fell out of practice. This suggests that internal dynamics and organizational structure changes may have influenced how they inducted new members.

Finally, the novices’ journey to becoming confirmed full members adds a sense of progression and dedication to the narrative. The fact that novices operated under supervision before earning their full membership shows that the Assassins were deliberate in their approach to training and integrating new elements into their ranks. Overall, exploring the historical nuances of the Assassins and their Brotherhood sheds light on how this clandestine organization operated and adapted over time. It provides an intriguing glimpse into their secretive world and the methods they employed to strengthen their cause and uphold their principles.”

- Excerpt from “The Assassin Cult and Its Evolution”, by Dr Matthew Renter

Kassandra

“I am Kassandra, the Eagle Bearer, a descendant of King Leonidas I, the legendary Greek warrior king who once led the fierce city state of Sparta. I was raised by the Spartan General Nikolaos, who put me through the same rigorous training as my male companions and forged me into a formidable combatant. Yet, fate took an unexpected turn during a pilgrimage to the Oracle of Delphi, where my younger brother Alexios received a foreboding prophecy, destined to bring darkness upon our world.

The Spartan Ephors, adhering to the Oracle’s warning, ordered Alexios’ execution at the cliffs of Mount Taygetos. In a moment of instinctual defiance, I saved my brother's life, but at the cost of a venerable Spartan elder’s own. Retribution followed swiftly and I, too, was cast down from that treacherous precipice.

Against all odds, I survived. I ran far from Sparta’s clutches, seeking solace and a new beginning on the island of Kephallonia, a true haven on Earth for pariahs and misfits. Alone and isolated, I honed my talents and abilities and became a mercenary known as Misthios. Although I did not know its true power then, I used to wield the Spear of Leonidas, a Piece of Eden left behind by the gods themselves.

Later, the clash between the brutal Spartan ideals and the progressive values of democracy and enlightenment promoted by the Athenians became inevitable, breaking out in the tumultuous Peloponnesian War.

My journey intertwined with such an epic conflict as I sought to reunite with my lost family. During that period, I learned of the Cult of Kosmos, an insidious, secretive society manipulating prophecies through the Oracle of Delphi to wreak havoc and fear. To my dismay, their champion, Deimos, was none other than my lost brother, Alexios, raised as a weapon to ruthlessly oppose all who resisted the Cult’s vision.

In my relentless pursuit of truth and redemption, I crossed paths with Pythagoras, who revealed a bewildering truth: Alexios and I bore the ancient Isu bloodline, and one of us had the solemn duty to safeguard the knowledge of Atlantis and undertake a quest to collect Isu artifacts. Given my brother’s absence, such a responsibility fell to me. I was given the Staff of Hermes, which granted me the larger-than-life longevity needed to fulfill my role as the guardian of ancient knowledge and balance between order and chaos.

Long before the Brotherhood was born, I embodied the spirit of later proto-Assassins, driven by values of fraternity, free will, and the firm conviction that humanity should shape its own destiny. Alongside my loyal avian companion, Ikaros, I ventured into a life of discovery, unveiling the truths concealed beneath the veils of manipulation and power.

As I trod the path destined to etch my own legacy, my values converged with those that would shape the future Brotherhood in ages yet to come.”

Kassandra
Dates circa 458 BCE - unknown
Location Sparta, Greece
Time Frame Ancient Greece
Affiliation Misthios (mercenary)
Key Allies Myrrine, Sokrates, Herodotus, Barnabas, Ikaros
Main Opponents Cult of Kosmos, Deimos

Adventure Hooks

  1. After defending a village from a group of brutal outlaws, the Witnesses

find among the bandits’ belongings a cache filled with scrolls. The writings hold crucial information about the inner workings and plans of the Cult of Kosmos — the Cult aims to manipulate a general and statesman of Thebes to gain control over his army.

  1. Rumors circulate about a forbidden ritual of Deimos and Phobos that

grants its participants the power to cast fear into the hearts of mortals. In order to prevent any attempt to perform this ritual, the Witnesses must delve into the ancient ruins of the Mountain Temple of Poseidon, west of Mytilene on the island of Lesbos. Once there, they discover that the ritual is nothing but a pantomime, and the source of the dark power attributed to it is an apparently magical prong used as a ritual dagger instead.

  1. An informer reports that the Cult of Kosmos is gathering a powerful and

mysterious army at Fort Tiryns, near the city of Argos. The Witnesses must infiltrate the fortified stronghold and engage in an epic battle against a small but deadly troop of Cult champions who all bear an uncanny resemblance to Kassandra’s brother Alexios.

  1. A shadowy figure recruits a team of relentless mercenaries to hunt down

Kassandra and her allies for reasons unknown. The Witnesses must first avoid getting killed, and then uncover the truth behind the mercenaries’ employer: a vengeful widow who is trying to eliminate Kassandra, who in the guise of the mercenary Misthios took her husband’s life.

  1. While delving into the underground catacombs of Korinth in their pursuit of

the Cult of Kosmos, the Witnesses discover a hidden chamber. Inside, a cryptic tablet rests on a lectern, unveiling the precise whereabouts of a concealed tomb. Amidst scattered notes, the possibility arises that this tomb might be the long-lost resting place of King Agamemnon, dubbed ‘the first servant of Kosmos.’ The records of the Cult of Kosmos also mention a formidable suit of armor previously unearthed from the same location, hinting at the existence of other relics of immense power yet to be discovered.

THE FORGE OF FATE

Time Frame: Ancient Greece

Location: Epidauros, Argolis, Greece - 442 BCE

Description: While walking through the market of Epidauros, a blind man begging for a few drachmae delivers a cryptic message intertwined with the Witnesses’ destiny. It’s a prophecy that leads the characters to the forgotten Foundry of Hephaistos in the heart of a volcanic island.
There, the fragment of an unfinished weapon, a mighty Shard of Eden, awaits. However, the prophecy failed to mention the indestructible guardians lying dormant within the temple — and the Cult of Kosmos hot on the trail of the Witnesses.

As the late afternoon light begins to stain the tranquil town of Epidauros with an amber hue, you meander amidst the colorful canopies of the market stalls. Merchants hawk exotic spices, gleaming trinkets, and fresh catches from the Aegean sea. An old blind man, dressed in tattered garments resembling those of a priest, begs passers by for some coin, muttering incoherently to himself. As you pass by, he suddenly jumps to his feet, imploring you to stop and listen, his voice hoarse and urgent.

“Children of fate, listen well, for the strands of destiny weave an unseen tapestry. The path to your obscured purpose lies within the gray breath of the son cast off the mount. Seek his ember lair within the womb of the floating rock. There, iron and metal once toiled, shaping the glowing shard of a treasure yearning to meet with the one commanded by ancient fate.” And then, as though a spell has been broken, the old man begins to mutter to himself once more. He looks at you as though it’s the first time he has seen you, and begs you for a coin.

The next morning, you spot a single, thin trail of smoke rising up through the clear blue sky. Climbing to a vantage point, you can see the smoke emanating from the volcano that looms at the center of an island not far off the coast. The gray breath… The floating rock… The old man’s prophecy rings true, guiding you toward the island.

Key Objectives

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Challenges
  • XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Weaknesses
  • XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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Challenges
  • XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Weaknesses
  • XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Challenges
  • XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Weaknesses
  • XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Challenges
  • XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Weaknesses
  • XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Setbacks

  • XXXXXXXXXXX
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
  • XXXXXXXXXXX
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
  • XXXXXXXXXXX
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
  • XXXXXXXXXXX
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Pieces of Eden

SHARD OF EDEN

Known Owners: Unknown

Current Status: Unknown

The Shards of Eden are relics of Isu technology, echoing the awe-inspiring power of the original Pieces of Eden from which they were derived. Though fragmented, these artifacts remain potent, retaining a fraction of the formidable power and unique qualities that once flowed through them.

Bayek and Aya

“I am Bayek. I was born and raised in the remote oasis of Siwa, near the Egyptian- Libyan border. In my veins flows the blood of a Berber-Egyptian heritage. I bear the responsibility of being the last of the Medjay, the guardians of Egypt’s ancient kingdom, its people, and its cherished way of life. Alongside me walks Aya of Alexandria, my beloved wife, who has embraced the Medjay path despite not belonging to the bloodline.

We were in the sacred temple in Siwa when tragedy struck. Soldiers came, demanding access. I refused to grant it to th+em, driven by my dedication to protect the sanctity of our land. Little did I know that this act of defiance would lead to the murder of our young son. Consumed by grief, Aya and I found ourselves torn apart, our pain driving a wedge between us. Deep within, I nurtured a flicker of hope — I believed that by avenging our son’s death I could restore what was lost and reunite with my mourning wife.

In the twists and turns of fate, my path led me back to Alexandria, where I once again crossed paths with Aya. With persuasive words she urged me to look beyond my own personal quest for revenge, and consider the greater tapestry of our troubled times. Aya saw in Cleopatra the key to freeing Egypt from the shackles of oppression, and she pledged her support to aid her in reclaiming the throne. Together, we set forth on a mission to hunt down the Order of the Ancients, a shadowy organization pulling the strings of power in Egypt.

As I ventured deeper into the heart of this mission, a profound realization dawned upon me. The people of Egypt deserved the freedom to determine their own destiny. They needed champions to rise against their oppressive rulers. My thirst for vengeance gradually transformed into an unyielding resolve to champion righteousness, seeking to safeguard the people’s rights.

Eventually, Cleopatra chose to ally with Julius Caesar, who was under the sway of the nefarious Order of the Ancients. Blinded by ambition, she dismissed Aya and me. In her actions we saw not just a personal betrayal, but a disloyalty to what we personally held dear — the safety and freedom of Egypt and its people. We resolved to continue our struggle, even if that meant standing against Cleopatra’s allies, as we understood that our quest for justice would benefit the entirety of the land and strike a resounding blow against the Order of the Ancients.

With this goal in mind, we established a new organization; one founded not on bloodline alone but on a shared vision of justice. The Hidden Ones came into being, an organization destined to withstand the test of time. It would evolve and adapt, eventually blossoming into the revered Brotherhood of Assassins. Aya, embracing her newfound identity as Amunet, would emerge as one of the Brotherhood’s most illustrious and celebrated Assassins, honored for her unwavering dedication to the cause.

Thus, I, Bayek, stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Hidden Ones and the Brotherhood. Our creed, etched in the annals of history, champions justice, freedom, and the liberation of the oppressed. Through the passage of time, our legacy endures as we persist in our quest for a world where righteousness prevails and tyranny falls under the blows of our blades.”

BAYEK AND AYA
Dates Circa 80 BCE - unknown
Location Egypt, Rome
Time Frame Ptolemaic Egypt
Affiliation The Hidden Ones
Key Allies Phoxidas, Brutus, Cassius, Hepzefa, Apollodorus, Tahira
Main Opponents Order of the Ancients, Julius Caesar, Flavius Metellus, Lucius Septimius, Martellus, Bion

Adventure Hooks

  1. Rumors in the bustling city of Memphis speak of a secret, ancient oasis

hidden near the small village of Nitria in the middle of the Saqqara Nome. This forgotten place is said to hold a source of divine power secured there by the goddess Ma’at herself. To reach the hidden sanctuary and uncover its secrets, the Witnesses must battle through a dangerous sandstorm that protects the oasis in the middle of the rocky desert and beat rival treasure hunters too.

  1. A noble Alexandrian family approaches the Hidden Ones, desperate to

retrieve a precious relic. The artifact was recently stolen by someone who mistook it for a lost Piece of Eden. The Witnesses must navigate the sprawling streets of the great city, and penetrate the intricate underworld of black market merchants to find the member of the Order of the Ancients who commissioned the theft.

  1. Dark forces loom over the once-vibrant city of Memphis, as mysterious

cultists tighten their grip on its unsuspecting inhabitants. Tasked with infiltrating the newborn Isfet cult, the Witnesses must investigate the bustling markets, shady back alleys, and opulent temples of Memphis to gather information about the cult, identify the cult’s inner circle, and assassinate them before they unleash chaos and bloodshed upon the city.

  1. The Great Library of Alexandria is surely known as one of Egypt’s many

wonders. The Witnesses receive a mysterious plea for help from within the library halls. Tasked with protecting a valuable manuscript containing ancient Isu knowledge, they must deal with a cunning Order of the Ancients scholar who is also on the trail of the manuscript.

  1. A trusted affiliate of the Hidden Ones suddenly disappears, leaving behind

a single clue: the words “Hidden One” written in blood on the floor of their home. The Witnesses must uncover the truth behind the disappearance: a disloyal branch of the Hidden Ones that seeks to undermine the characters’ bureau.

ECHOES OF BETRAYAL

Time Frame: Ptolemaic Egypt

Location: City of Alexandria, Egypt - 30 BCE

Description: It’s the year 724 since the foundation of Rome, and the Republic is facing its last civil war. Following the victory at the Battle of Actium, the Roman army led by the adopted son of Julius Caesar, Octavian, reaches Alexandria, in pursuit of Marcus Antonius and his remaining forces. The city is swarming with Octavian’ red-clad soldiers. Cleopatra and Antonius’ remaining troops are deserting or being overpowered, and the walls of the Royal Palace will not keep Octavian at bay for much longer.

Wisps of smoke drift towards the purple sky, which reflects the incandescent glow of the fires that have started burning in the city where the clashes are fiercest — the troops of Octavian are capturing Alexandria. The Queen’s militia and Antonius’ troops are succumbing. The sound of conflict is getting closer and closer, and you don’t have much time to complete your mission. You stealthily enter the Royal Palace looking for the Queen, to put an end to her Roman lover’s life.

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Notables NPCs

Name

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Name

Description

Pieces of Eden

SWORD OF DAMOKLES

Known Owners: Deimos, Kassandra, Marcus Antonius

Current Status: Unknown

Forged by the Isu scientist Hephaistos during the War of Unification, the sword possessed extraordinary capabilities, granting formidable powers in battle and augmenting the leadership qualities of its wielder. During the late 5th century BCE, it ended in the possession of the enigmatic Cult of Kosmos. They entrusted this legendary weapon to one of their champions, Deimos, grandson of Spartan King Leonidas and a direct descendant of the Precursors. Due to his unique lineage, Deimos was able to harness the sword’s potential to its fullest extent. When Kassandra defeated him in combat, the sword fell from the height of Mount Taygetos, apparently losing parts of its immense power.

Basim Ibn Ishaq

I am Basim Ibn Ishaq, born in the Abbasid Caliphate. My early years were spent in opulent Baghdad, but I grew up as a street thief, surviving by wit and cunning alone, together with my comrades in the shadows. Plagued by vivid hallucinations of a fearsome djinn from a young age, I harbored a deep-seated desire to unravel the mysteries surrounding these haunting visions. Eventually, my quest led me to the Hidden Ones, a secretive order of assassins dedicated to justice, operating covertly to uphold the greater good.

In a reckless attempt to earn favor with the Hidden Ones, I chose to pilfer a mysterious artifact meant for the Caliph. Unbeknownst to me, this decision thrust me into a vast conspiracy orchestrated by the Levantine branch of the Order of the Ancients. Forced to flee the Caliph’s palace, I was horrified to discover that my actions had triggered a ruthless reprisal, resulting in the massacre of my fellow street thieves. Amidst the chaos, it was Roshan, a member of the Hidden Ones, who rescued me, and together we fled Baghdad, seeking refuge within the fortress of Alamut. In the sanctuary of Alamut, I found solace and a newfound sense of purpose among the Hidden Ones. Through rigorous training, I transitioned from a young thief to a skilled warrior. Entrusted with missions abroad on behalf of the Hidden Ones, I ascended to the leadership of the Constantinople bureau, mentoring the aspiring assassin Hytham as my apprentice along the way.

In the year 870, amidst our numerous assignments, I encountered Sigurd Styrbjornsson. Recognizing a chance to advance my covert objectives, I trailed the Viking to Norway, intent on unveiling the presence of the Order of the Ancients in the distant north. In Norway, I crossed paths with Sigurd’s foster sister, Eivor, and, impressed by her deeds, I entrusted her with a Hidden Blade as a symbol of our alliance. Together with Eivor’s Raven Clan, Hytham and I founded a bureau in the settlement of Ravensthorpe, England, with the aim of revitalizing the presence of the Hidden Ones on the island.

As Hytham and Eivor relentlessly pursued the Order of the Ancients throughout the land, I embarked alongside Sigurd Styrbjornsson on a quest to find the elusive Saga Stone, driven by a desire to uncover the answers I had sought throughout my life.”

BASIM IBN ISHAQ
Dates Circa 844 CE - unknown
Location Abbasid Caliphate, Eastern Europe, Norway
Time Frame Golden Age of Baghdad
Affiliation The Hidden Ones
Key Allies Roshan, Rebekah, Rayhan, Fuladh, Ali ibn

Muhammad, Hytham

Main Opponents The Order of the Ancients

Adventure Hooks

  1. The Brotherhood has been keeping an eye on Al Ghul’s excavation sites in

the desert. Something important has been uncovered at one of the sites, perhaps a Precursor Artifact. The Witnesses must intercept the caravan bringing the discovery to Baghdad before it ends up in the Order’s hands.

  1. An old relic with a long association with the Hidden Ones, thought lost for

centuries, has resurfaced in Baghdad in the possession of a powerful slave trader. The greedy man is selling the artifact for an over-inflated price and refuses to return it to the Hidden Ones. The Witnesses are tasked with retrieving the relic from the merchant’s palace while seizing the opportunity to put an end to his evil network.

  1. A deadly plague is running rife in a Baghdad district and threatening to

spread to the rest of the city. Rumors point the Witnesses to the house of a Persian alchemist, who is seemingly immune to the disease and is trying to cure it. The Witnesses enter the afflicted district and find the alchemist’s laboratory, discovering that the Persian has actually been poisoning everybody in the neighborhood instead of curing them. The Witnesses must stop this mad scheme and attempt to reproduce an antidote they find in the laboratory.

  1. A member of the Order appears to have met with a corrupt official known

for his collection of rare artifacts. The official has recently acquired an old papyrus map that leads to an ancient temple beneath Baghdad – an Isu Vault. The Witnesses must infiltrate the official’s estate, decode the map before destroying it, and then find the Isu Vault.

  1. An attempt by the Hidden Ones to aid the Zanj Rebellion ends in disaster,

resulting in the capture of numerous rebels. A traitor within their ranks has been selling crucial information to the Order of the Ancients. Every secret, from rebel movements and strategies to the identities of the Hidden Ones, is now at stake. The Witnesses must rescue the prisoners, identify the traitor, and turn the tables on whoever he has been leaking information to.

THE HOUSE OF FOLLY

Time Frame: Golden Age of Baghdad

Location: City of Baghdad, Abbasid Caliphate - 862 CE

Description: As the Hidden Ones strive to thwart the Order of the Ancients in Baghdad, a critical message reaches them from an agent sent to spy on a remote desert excavation south of the Round City. The urgent communication reveals disturbing news: the Order of the Ancients controls a mysterious machine of unknown purpose, built within a vast underground chamber. Constructed in secrecy by a master inventor of the Order, this device aims to expand upon the groundbreaking work of Hassan at the House of Wisdom in Baghdad. Much like Hassan’s Alruh, this machine is designed to unravel the mysteries encoded within the Memory Seals left behind by Those Who Came Before.
The Witnesses are tasked with infiltrating the site, penetrating the depths of the underground temple, and neutralizing all threats within. However, upon entering the chamber, the machine suddenly springs to life, ensnaring them in a swirling vortex of energy. In an instant, they are thrust into a distant memory, one from which escape may prove impossible.

Rayhan, one of Alamut’s mentors, enters the room with urgency, holding a note tightly in his hand. “Alert the others – you must depart at once,” he declares. “A message from one of our spies has arrived. They’ve discovered something significant in the desert: an underground temple housing mysterious machinery, under the control of the Order of the Ancients!”

Soon after, you find yourself under the unforgiving desert sun, the rhythmic footsteps of your camels the only sound echoing across the sand. After what feels like an eternity, your mounts obediently kneel as you dismount, climbing a dune to gain a vantage point overlooking the dig site.

Hidden from the eyes of the armed guards patrolling the area, you watch in secret. Tents flap gently in the scorching breeze, while workers go to and fro, operating pulleys and carts laden with sand and debris. As the sun begins its descent, casting an amber glow over the desert, your mission commences…

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THE ALRUH

“This is my Great Work. I call it Alruh. It will take you on a journey to another realm.” - Fazil Fahim al-Kemsa to Basim Ibn Ishaq

The Alruh, a creation of Hassan (also known as The Doctor), was a machine concealed beneath the House of Wisdom in Baghdad. Designed to unlock the secrets encoded within Memory Seals, it served as a gateway to a paradisiacal past. However, while partially functional, the Alruh’s progress was hindered, leading to frustration within the Order of the Ancients. Its full potential remained elusive, with only glimpses of its capabilities witnessed through partial experiences.

The Efficacy of Our Discovery

My dear Al-Rabisu,
Work on the device progresses wonderfully. The engineer will unwittingly provide us the key to unlock its infinite potential. The new parts I mentioned last time are en route to the House of Wisdom. The Hour of our Order is at hand.
– Al-Azhdaha

Eivor Varinsdottir

I am Eivor Varinsdottir, the Wolf-kissed, a Viking shieldmaiden and jarlskona from Norway. In the late 9th century, I embarked on daring raids that would shape the destiny of what would become England. But my story goes beyond mortal bounds, for I am believed to be the reincarnation of the Isu Odin, the chief of the Æsir and a god revered in Norse mythology.

My journey began in the embrace of noble parents, Rosta and Varin, who pledged their allegiance to jarl Styrbjorn Sigvaldisson of the Raven Clan. Tragedy struck when they were killed during a raid on Heillboer, perpetrated by Kjotve the Cruel and his Wolf Clan. Left without kin, I found sanctuary in Styrbjorn’s household, and I was raised alongside his son, Sigurd. The flames of retribution burned inside me as I dreamed to avenge my parents and seek glory in their name.

As I grew into adulthood, I often waged raids on settlements affiliated with Kjotve, while Sigurd embarked on his own adventures across Europe. In the year 872, the return of Sigurd to Norway led to a pivotal encounter that would forever change my path — I met Basim Ibn Ishaq and Hytham, two members of the mysterious Hidden Ones. They bestowed upon me the Hidden Blade, a weapon of stealth and precision that would become my ally in the battle against our enemies. With their guidance and the aid of the army of Guthorm the Wise, I was able to strike down Kjotve, finally avenging my parents.

But my journey was far from over. Opposing Styrbjorn’s decision to yield his kingdom to Harald Fairhair, many of the Raven Clan, including Sigurd, followed me to England. We settled in Ledecestrescire and founded Ravensthorpe, a sanctuary where we built our strength and forged alliances with the various kingdoms across the land. The Great Summer Army, the Sons of Ragnar, and Clan Hemmingsons were among the allies we gained, solidifying our position and preparing for the challenges ahead.

I took up arms alongside Hytham to rid England of the Order of the Ancients, a sinister organization threatening our newfound home. Little did I know that the Grand Maegester Alfred of Wessex secretly aided our cause, using our actions to further his own agenda, unknowingly paving the way for the emergence of the Templar Order.

A year later, as the jarlskona of my clan, I received an invitation from my maternal cousin, Bárid mac Ímair, to join him in Dublin. There, I aided him in securing his throne through an alliance with Flann Sinna, the High King of Ireland. I also confronted the Children of Danu, a druidic cult determined to preserve their own faith against the encroachment of Norse and Christian beliefs.

Years passed, and I participated in the second Viking siege of Paris, alongside Sigfred’s Elgring Clan. We clashed with Charles the Fat, defending England from his avid pursuit of conquest. Amid the struggle, I uncovered a conspiracy orchestrated by the Bellatores Dei, a fanatical group seeking to purge Francia of its pagan roots.

My name, Eivor Varinsdottir, the Wolf-kissed, echoes in the annals of history. My journey is entwined with valor, strife, and the mysteries of the gods, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of Norse legend.”

EIVOR VARINSDOTTIR
Dates 847 CE - unknown
Location Europe
Time Frame Viking Age
Affiliation The Hidden Ones
Key Allies Sigurd Styrbjornsson, Valka, Hytham,

Deirdre Na Linni

Main Opponents Kjotve the Cruel, Alfred the Great, Rued,

Fulke, Order of the Ancients, the Zealots, the Sons of Ragnar, the Children of Danu, the Descendants of the Round Table

Adventure Hooks

  1. The Witnesses are tasked with forging an alliance with a powerful Viking

clan in a neighboring land. However, they soon discover that the clan’s leader has been compromised by the Order of the Ancients. To forge an alliance, the Witnesses must prove the leader’s connection with the Order of the Ancients and dispel their influence over his clan.

  1. The Witnesses uncover an underground network of Saxon smugglers and

thieves that is unknowingly aiding the Order of the Ancients. They must infiltrate the network, gain the trust of its key members and assassinate them, all the while remaining undetected by the Order of the Ancients agents who are using the network for their own nefarious plans.

  1. A series of mysterious disappearances plague a village south of

Ravensthorpe. Investigations reveal that a secretive cult of Welsh druids has been abducting people to experiment on them with an ancient artifact. The Witnesses must track down the druids’ refuge in the forest, rescue the captives, and take the artifact out of the cult’s dangerous hands.

  1. The Witnesses receive a distress call from a fellow Hidden One in a distant

land. The Witnesses must set sail and start a perilous journey across freezing seas to rescue their comrade from hostile pirates who seek to exploit the assassin’s knowledge and power.

  1. In the mystical lands of Ireland, the Witnesses discover a Roman cemetery.

Inside a tomb lies a unique relic that holds the key to uncovering the lost history of the Hidden Ones. The Witnesses must decipher cryptic puzzles, ward off supernatural guardians, and protect the relic from falling into the hands of the Descendants of the Round Table.

THE CURSED TREASURE

Time Frame: Viking Age

Location: Warwick Burh, River Avon (England) - 872 CE

Description: On the trail of a Shroud of Eden, the Order of the Ancients has settled in the Warwick Burh (fortress) on the River Avon, the residence of one of the wealthiest merchant families in the area. The Hidden One bureau leader, Basim, has recently traveled to Bulgar to meet Sigurd and his companions, intending to gather a few capable allies to infiltrate the castle and recover the Piece of Eden.

The cold sky turns to hues of fire and gold as the sun sets while the river flows serenely through the quiet valley. From the small village of herders on the Avon Trail, you have been studying the castle for the past few days. From there, you can admire the sturdy walls of the burh overhanging the river and the warriors who patrol them day and night. The Order of the Ancients still occupies the place, meaning they have yet to find the artifact or perhaps the fortress has become their new base of operations in the province. There is nothing more to be learned from afar. The time to act has come.

Consus

In ancient times, there lived a brilliant scientist known

as Consus, also known as Prometheus. He was a gifted Precursor whose talent was crucial in creating the enigmatic Pieces of Eden. Working alongside Hephaistos, he contributed to crafting the powerful Swords of Eden.

However, as the war unfolded, Consus recognized the urgent need for advanced medical technology. He set his mind to design a remarkable device called the Shroud of Eden. This ingenious creation had the ability to scan and reconstruct a body, effectively healing injuries and restoring it to a predetermined state. It had one limitation, though – the Shroud could not reverse death itself.

As Consus approached the end of his natural life, he hatched a daring plan to overcome mortality. He decided to transfer his consciousness into the Shroud, hoping to evade the clutches of death. The transfer was a success, but it had an unforeseen consequence — Consus found himself trapped within the artifact, where he was eventually forgotten by time and history.

Centuries later, during the research conducted by the Capitoline Triad in their quest to survive the impending Toba Catastrophe, the Isu Juno stumbled upon the lost artifact. Discovering Consus trapped within the Shroud, Juno saw the opportunity to exploit his vast knowledge. She experimented with transferring Isu consciousness into artificial bodies, a daring endeavor that ultimately failed.

Throughout the ages, Consus managed to possess different users of the Shroud, offering them invaluable guidance and counsel. His wisdom proved instrumental to those fortunate enough to possess the powerful artifact.

However, fate took an unexpected turn in 2014. The Shroud faced destruction, and with it, Consus’ consciousness appeared to be lost forever.

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Notables NPCs

Aleksi

Tall and beefy, with scars all over his arms and face, Aleksi is a captain of the Order of the Ancients operating in England. Before losing his mind to the Shroud, he used to be a ruthless commander, taking pleasure in hunting down and executing as many Hidden Ones as possible.

Pieces of Eden

SHROUD OF EDEN #UNKNOWN_1

Known Owners: Unknown, Aleksi

Current Status: Unknown

The Shrouds of Eden (see page 185 of Assassin’s Creed - Animus Handbook) are rare artifacts with mysterious healing capabilities whose earliest appearance can be traced back to Greek mythology. This specific Shroud represents one of Juno’s first failed experiments to clone the technology developed by Consus. The result is a Shroud of Eden that maintains the original’s extraordinary healing properties, significantly improving the wearer’s physical faculties, but retains fragments of the consciousnesses of the Isu Consus and Juno. Both consciousnesses can speak with the wearer and attempt to possess them. For this reason, wearing the Shroud of Eden can be dangerous, eventually leading to insanity and death.

Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad

“I, Altaïr, was born into a lineage of Assassins, destined to follow the path of the Creed. I ascended the ranks swiftly, achieving the esteemed title of Master Assassin at a mere twenty-five years of age. My accomplishment marked me as the youngest ever to attain such a position at that time.

Amidst the chaos of the Third Crusade, a sacred mission was bestowed upon me. I was entrusted with acquiring an ancient artifact known as the Apple of Eden, the Templar Treasure hidden behind the walls of Jerusalem. However, blinded by my arrogance I deviated from the principles I held dear, breaching all three tenets of the Creed. My actions led to the exposure of the Assassin community in Masyaf, leaving them vulnerable to a devastating Templar assault.

As a consequence of my transgressions, I was swiftly demoted to the lowly rank of Novice. My honor was tarnished, and I sought to atone for my grievous errors. To reclaim my place among the Brotherhood I embarked on a perilous journey to stop the Templars from seizing control of the Holy Land. It was a treacherous path, one that required me to skillfully manipulate both the Saracens and the Crusaders, pitting them against each other, like pieces on a grand chessboard.

While I was unraveling this intricate web of deceit and manipulation, I encountered a shocking revelation — my trusted Mentor Al Mualim was in league with the Templars. He sought to harness the power of the Apple for his own, nefarious purposes. To protect the Creed and preserve the delicate balance of power, I had no choice but to confront him. Al Mualim fell by my blade, and the Apple was retrieved, unveiling the hidden locations of other Pieces of Eden scattered across the globe.

In time, age and experience brought me wisdom, and I ascended to the position of Mentor within the Levantine Brotherhood. Driven by my newfound understanding, I initiated a series of reforms, transforming the Brotherhood into a more egalitarian and inclusive organization. I dedicated considerable time to the refinement of our equipment and delved deep into the secrets hidden within the Apple of Eden.

I compiled my vast knowledge and insights into a meticulously encoded collection I named the Codex. it contains a wealth of wisdom gleaned from the experiences of my life, as well as the profound knowledge imparted by the Apple. This invaluable resource chronicles my journey and may serve as a beacon of guidance for future generations of Assassins.

Thus, I, Altaïr, through trials and tribulations, evolved from a young and headstrong Assassin to a wise and revered Mentor. My legacy lives on in the reforms I instituted, the Codex I crafted, and the profound impact I left upon the Creed. May the wisdom and knowledge I have gathered guide those who come after me, and may the Brotherhood forever remain a beacon of hope in the eternal struggle against the forces that seek to control and oppress humanity.”

ALTAÏR IBN-LA’AHAD
Dates 1165 - 1257 CE
Location Masyaf, Syria, China
Time Frame The Levant
Affiliation Levantine Brotherhood
Key Allies Maria Thorpe (wife), Darim and Sef (sons),

Malik Al-Sayf

Main Opponents Robert de Sablé, Abbas Sofian, Al Mualim,

Genghis Khan

Adventure Hooks

  1. Rumors from the mountain villages west of Masyaf tell of

strange, awful barks in the night and of cattle disappearing mysteriously, leaving only trails of blood. Recently, even some children have disappeared from their beds. The few eyewitnesses tell of a humanoid demon with the head of a hyena and hypnotizing yellow eyes.

  1. A high-ranking Templar is visiting Jerusalem, providing an

opportunity for the Assassins to eliminate this key figure and whoever he’s come to the Holy Land to make a deal with. However, the target is kept under strict surveillance. The Witnesses must find a way to bypass the Templar guards and complete the assassination undetected.

  1. A fellow Assassin has recently gone rogue and is now

working with the Templars. The Witnesses are tasked with locating and killing their former ally. However, they will soon discover that not all is what it seems. Misleading information about the supposed treachery was orchestrated by a Templar double agent within the Brotherhood’s ranks.

  1. The Witnesses intercept a coded message indicating the

presence of a secret Templar training facility in Damascus. The Witnesses must gather intelligence and launch an audacious raid on the facility to destroy the Templar forces while they remain few in number.

  1. A powerful and mysterious individual has appeared in Acre,

claiming he has come into possession of ancient, divine knowledge that allows him to heal the needy. The Witnesses are tasked with determining the truth behind his claims and the possible presence of a Shroud of Eden.

THE “BEARING HEAVEN” TEMPLE

Time Frame: The Levant

Location: Pagoda of Chengtian Temple, Western Xia (China) - 1227 CE

Description: Genghis Khan, the Mongol warlord, dies at the hand of the Brotherhood who correctly believed that his conquests were also due to a powerful Piece of Eden (Sword of Eden #2) that allowed him to enslave and conquer half the world. After the deed, Altaïr hides in the Pagoda of Chengtian Temple (the ‘Bearing Heaven’ Temple), where a group of Tangut monks and a couple of former Assassins give him shelter. All the while, the formidable general Tolui Khan, Genghis Khan’s fourth and youngest son, dispatches mounted troops to find his father’s assassins.

Altaïr and his companions must rest before leaving the Temple at the crack of dawn, carrying the Sword with them. Unfortunately, they don’t know that several of the monks are secretly spying for Genghis Khan.

It’s been a long and exhausting ride. You were sure that you spotted the Khan’s horsemen behind you a few times, but you’re confident you lost them before you reached the sanctuary of the temple. You are gathered in a warm hut at the foot of the towering pagoda, enjoying a flower-scented tea at the end of a humble but invigorating meal. The monks were more than hospitable, and you’ve been chatting amiably with Shengtong, the beautiful Assassin who appears to be running the kitchen. You told her all about what happened in Xingqing, but now fatigue begins to weigh upon your eyelids. As the sky darkens and the birds stop singing, you all fall asleep, one by one.

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Notables NPCs

Shengtong

Shengtong is a beautiful, middle-aged woman with long, dark hair, a deep scar under her left eye, and a missing ring finger that reveals her former affiliation to the Brotherhood. She was once a formidable Assassin, but was driven to the edge of insanity when the Brotherhood prevented her from avenging her partner’s death to serve a higher purpose. She was sent to Chengtian Pagoda to train and learn from a former Assassin, a wise man named Wu. Shengtong’s implacable thirst for vengeance soon turned to resentment. When the war came, she allied with the Khanate. Wu discovered her betrayal but before he could warn the Brotherhood she ruthlessly cut him down. Shengtong has been secretly training other monks in the ways of the Assassins for General Tolui Khan.

Pieces of Eden

SWORD OF EDEN #2

Known Owners: Genghis Khan, Hülegü Khan

Current Status: Unknown

Forged by the skilled hands of Hephaistos, this Sword of Eden crafted in the shape of a saber emerged as a formidable weapon during the War of Unification. The sword found its way into the hands of renowned leaders such as Genghis Khan and his successors. Like its counterparts, this Sword of Eden granted extraordinary powers to its wielder, while also enhancing their innate charisma and leadership qualities.

Ezio Auditore

“All my life, a fire of passion blazed in the depths of my soul, an energy that pushed me along an extraordinary path that eventually transformed me from a carefree youth into a respected leader among the noble Assassins. I was born into a family intertwined with the Brotherhood, but I wasn’t aware of this heritage until my seventeenth year. It was then that the specter of tragedy fell upon us, when my father and brothers met their untimely demise at the merciless hands of executioners.

I was rescued by my wise and noble uncle, Mario, who extended his guiding hand and welcomed me into the fold of the Assassins in the peaceful refuge of Monteriggioni. There, I learned the ways of our esteemed order under his watchful gaze, honing my skills and expanding my knowledge. Alas, that serene interlude didn’t last, as we were soon besieged by the insidious Borgia, a powerful family owning its allegiance to our sworn enemy, the Templar Order. In their ruthless quest for power, they took the life of my dear uncle and wrested an Apple of Eden from our protective custody.

Fueled by an unyielding determination to resist the corrupting influence of the Templars in Rome, I brought new companions to our cause. For many years, I poured my heart and soul into dismantling the Borgia’s iron grip on the city, sparing no effort in liberating its people from their clutches.

Yet, my ambitions extended far beyond the confines of Italy. A thirst for knowledge consumed me, compelling me to undertake a monumental task: the search for and reassembly of the scattered pages of Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad’s Codex. I embarked on this quest to enrich the Brotherhood’s techniques and uncover lost wisdom. The journey took me to the vast expanses of the Middle East, where I faced a desperate race against the Templars, as they too vied to possess the fabled treasures concealed within Altaïr’s long-lost library.

In the year 1512, standing at the threshold of that sacred library, I felt anticipation ripple through my veins. However, what lay inside defied my expectations. No volumes awaited, only the remnants of Altaïr himself, the lingering echoes of the Apple of Eden, and a Memory Seal etched with his final recollections.

With trepidation, I activated the Apple, unearthing its hidden truths. In that moment, a message from the enigmatic Precursors revealed itself, casting a blinding light on my purpose. I, Ezio Auditore da Firenze, recognized my role as a conduit between these ancient beings and a future generation of Assassins. It became clear that destiny had chosen me to transmit knowledge and vital information from one era to the next. Overwhelmed, I meticulously transcribed my experiences and the profound message from the Precursors onto the sacred pages of the Prophet’s Codex.

Upon my return from the Masyaf library, I made a solemn decision. I chose to withdraw from the active duties of the Brotherhood, finding solace and love in the embrace of Sofia Sartor, a remarkable woman who had captured my heart. Together, we chose a life free from the shadows, raising a family and savoring the tranquility that had long eluded me. Although my days as an active Assassin had drawn to a close, the flame of passion and purpose continued to burn brightly within, forever reminding me of the extraordinary odyssey that had shaped me into the man I had become.”

EZIO AUDITORE
Dates 1459 - 1524 CE
Location Italy
Time Frame Italian Renaissance
Affiliation Italian Brotherhood
Key Allies Mario Auditore, Claudia Auditore, Sofia

Sartor, Leonardo da Vinci, Bartolomeo D’Alviano, Niccolò Machiavelli, Caterina Sforza, La Volpe, Yusuf Tazim, Lorenzo de’ Medici, Suleiman I, Piri Reis

Main Opponents Rodrigo Borgia, Cesare Borgia, Juan Borgia,

the Pazzi family, the Barbarigo family, Prince Ahmet, Manuel Palaiologos

Adventure Hooks

  1. An unknown artist of unparalleled genius who signs his work only as “The

Open Eye” creates incredible paintings concealing hidden messages that are said to lead to an unknown Precursor vault. The Witnesses must infiltrate the artistic salons of Venice, uncover the artist’s true identity, and decode the paintings to find the vault before the Templars do.

  1. The Witnesses explore a long-forgotten sanctuary in the Roman countryside.

As they prowl its ancient halls, they uncover its history, revealing the legacy of a secret circle of guardians founded by Romulus: the Shields of Mars. Intriguingly, this circle shared many principles with the Assassin Brotherhood. Empowered by this knowledge, the Witnesses embark on a quest to retrieve a Piece of Eden, fortifying the Brotherhood’s foothold in the region while uncovering the truth behind Romulus and his connection to the Assassins.

  1. A deadly tournament is held in Rome, attracting skilled combatants from

Italy – and beyond! The Witnesses are invited to participate but soon discover that the event is secretly a front for recruitment into the Templar Order. They must participate in the deadly matches to discover the Templar plot and free some of the captured fighters used as bait.

  1. A prominent member of the Medici family has gone missing in Florence,

and rumors suggest their abduction is linked to the Templar Order. The Medici hire the Witnesses to investigate, providing the first in a long trail of clues that will uncover a conspiracy that threatens to destabilize the ruling family and Florence itself.

  1. A band of thieves known as the “Merletti Neri” has stolen a Precursor Relic

from the Brotherhood’s hidden vault in Monteriggioni. The Witnesses must track down the thieves, recover the artifact, and unravel the connection between the thieves and the Templars.

TEMPLAR RAID AT GINESTRA FIORITA

Time Frame: Italian Renaissance

Location: Ginestra Fiorita, Rome, Italy - 1504 CE

Description: A few days ago, the efforts of the Brotherhood in the territories bordering Rome led to the recovery of a Piece of Eden — a Precursor relic (a Memory Seal) buried in a ruin of an Etruscan temple dedicated to the god Laran. The information hidden in this relic must not fall into the hands of the Templars. Bella, a young initiate, is transporting the Piece of Eden to Rome and has arranged a secret meeting with Ezio Auditore at one of the Brotherhood’s hideouts. The Ginestra Fiorita is a brothel belonging to Madame Rosa, and is used as a base of operations for a cell of Assassins led by Ezio Auditore himself. Before the meeting can start, the building is attacked by a group of Templars who seem to have been warned of the activities of the Brotherhood.

The Ginestra Fiorita is a two-story building with a well-kept and decent appearance, located in one of the wealthiest districts of Rome. Its balconies are decorated with ginestre, broom flowers, whose bright yellow elegantly matches the gooseberry color of the curtains embellishing the structure both inside and out. As soon as you enter, the scent of fruity and floral essential oils hits you, almost as much as the beauty of Madame Rosa’s workers. A young, long-haired boy named Michele leads you to a sumptuous waiting room, offering you seasonal fruit and fresh water while you make yourself at home. Before you can enquire whether Bella has arrived yet, the doors of the Ginestra Fiorita are smashed open by attacking soldiers! In a matter of seconds, the calm of the brothel has been shattered.

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Notables NPCs

Bella

Bella is a smart and sassy young initiate, who worked as an accountant for Madame Rosa’s various establishments.

Pieces of Eden

MEMORY SEAL

Known Owners: Unknown

Current Status: Unknown

The Memory Seal is an obscure Precursor relic, apparently capable of storing recorded memories. The small, circular object seems made of wrought metal and stone, resembling ancient Phaistos Disks, featuring symbols, stylized icons, and geometrical shapes.

Shao Jun

“I, Shao Jun, shall recount the tale of my life. I was born into the bonds of royal captivity, destined to become an imperial concubine. I was esteemed for my agility and discretion, and during my travels as a companion to Emperor Zhengde, my talents were honed in the art of espionage. Little did I know that his demise would reveal a secret war between the Templar faction known as the Eight Tigers and the Brotherhood of Assassins.

At the tender age of sixteen, I was liberated from my gilded cage by the Assassins, forever grateful to those who had delivered me from my plight. Immersed in the ways of the Brotherhood, I vowed to return and liberate my fellow concubines from their chains. But, alas, I arrived too late, for the cruel hand of the new emperor had tortured and extinguished the lives of most, revealing his sadistic nature to the world.

The Emperor Jiajing unleashed a ruthless campaign to obliterate the Brotherhood in China, aided by the treacherous Eight Tigers led by the cunning Zhang Yong. Many of my brethren were killed, forced into hiding or compelled to flee to foreign lands for their safety. Determined to find new allies, I embarked on a perilous journey to Italy, where I sought the counsel of the legendary Ezio Auditore, who had retired from active duty in 1524. His sage advice guided me on the path to rebuilding the Brotherhood in my homeland.

Two years later, armed with newfound knowledge and resolve, I returned to China, embarking on a mission to eliminate the Eight Tigers. One by one, their reign of terror crumbled before my unyielding blade. With each life extinguished, the Chinese Brotherhood grew stronger, and I, Shao Jun, ascended to the honored position of Mentor, guiding my fellow Assassins with unwavering determination.

At the culmination of my crusade, I struck with precision and cunning, ensuring the demise of Emperor Jiajing, whose reign of tyranny had plagued our land for far too long. The Chinese Brotherhood stood tall once more, the flame of justice burning brightly in our hearts.”

SHAO JUN
Dates 1505–unknown
Location China
Time Frame Ming Dynasty
Affiliation Chinese Brotherhood
Key Allies Zhu Jiuyuan, Wang Yangming, Ezio Auditore
Main Opponents Jiajing, Zhang Yong

Adventure Hooks

  1. A powerful merchant, rumored to be a spy for the Order, is consolidating

his power in China through the silver trade with European Templar affiliates. The Brotherhood sends the Witnesses to infiltrate his palace, uncover his secret alliance to the Order, and assassinate him to prevent the western Templars from entering the region.

  1. A hidden sanctuary, believed to hold a legendary treasure and ancient

knowledge, has been discovered in the remote Lingtong Temple, in the Fujian Province. The Witnesses are tasked with exploring the sanctuary, battling an Isu guardian, and discovering a secret message left by the First Civilization.

  1. The Witnesses are summoned in Ningbo in north-east Zhejiang province to

investigate a series of mysterious assassinations that have targeted some of their key allies. The Witnesses discover a branch of rogue Assassins who have turned against the Brotherhood to side with the Portuguese Rite of the Templar Order. They must thwart their deadly mission, while ensuring the reputation of the Brotherhood remains intact.

  1. A legendary sword said to be once wielded by Hulegu Khan, and Genghis

Khan before him, has resurfaced in the hands of the Xu brothers – heads of a pirate syndicate – in Shuangyu. The Witnesses must infiltrate the syndicate to steal the sword and prevent its misuse by the pirate lords, whose marauding ambitions threaten to destabilize the whole region.

  1. The Witnesses are sent to a war-torn province where two rival factions

vie for power. Both sides seek the aid of the Assassins, and the Witnesses must carefully evaluate the political landscape, choosing which clan to support while potentially unraveling a Templar plot to exploit the chaos for their own gain.

THE LOST BOX

Time Frame: Ming Dynasty

Location: Shangchuan Island, Chuanshan Archipelago, China - 1552

Description: The Spanish missionary Francis Xavier arrived in China to spread the Jesuit doctrine, but finds himself trapped on Shangchuan Island, 14 km south of the mainland. The island serves as a refuge for Chinese smugglers and a hub for Portuguese traders, offering Xavier a possible means to reach mainland China. Unfortunately, no one has been willing to assist him thus far. To complicate matters further, Xavier gets robbed, with most of his possessions taken by a smuggler who has since fled to Macau.

As rumors about the event start circulating, Shao Jun receives word of a peculiar golden box that the priest fought tooth and nail to protect and was able to keep from his robbers. Believing that this might be the same Precursor Box that her mentor Ezio Auditore entrusted her with more than three decades before, she immediately gathers a crew and sets sail for Shangchuan. But Shao Jun is not the only one seeking the relic: A small contingent of Knights from the Order of Saint Benedict of Aviz, led by a prominent member of the Portuguese Rite of the Templar Order, is also hot on the trail of Francis Xavier. Upon reaching the small chapel where the priest had sought refuge, the Witnesses are met with a grim sight. The chapel has been ransacked, and Francis Xavier lies mortally wounded, surrounded by the lifeless bodies of his fellow missionaries. To their dismay, there is no sign of the artifact they sought; the Knights of Aviz have beaten them to it. An informant brings word that the Knights are leaving for Nagasaki at dawn, aboard a Black Ship. There isn’t much time – the Assassins must be quick.

Underneath a sliver of moonlight piercing through the cloudy winter sky, a dense mist drifts across the tranquil waters of Shangchuan’s harbor. The sea lies calm and undisturbed beneath the silent glide of your rowboats. The soft glow of dawn begins to illuminate the horizon, so it won’t be long before the sailors of the Templars’ ship will clamber aboard their rowboats to return aboard and prepare to leave. Time slips away, and Shao Jun recalls the wisdom of her master Zhu Jiuyuan: “Pluck flowers as they bloom, wait and you will have only the twigs.” Approaching the Black Ship, the only audible sounds are the gentle lapping of waves and the faint creaking of rigging.

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Notables NPCs

João Machado

A young man dressed like a priest, wearing a large, gilt cross decorated with green enamel around his neck. He’s a Commander of the Knights of Aviz, and apprentice to the Templar Seneschal Gaspar Vilela (Grand Cross of the Knights of Aviz).

The Knights of Aviz

These elite Knights of the Order of Saint Benedict of Aviz blindly serve their Commander João Machado and are ready to protect his life with their own. They are probably among the best sworders Aviz has ever seen, and they have mastered specific, exceptional tandem tactics to fight together against their enemies.

Pieces of Eden

PRECURSOR BOX

Known Owners: Ezio Auditore, Shao Jun, Zhang Yong, João Machado, Shay Cormac, William Sleeman, Ulysses S. Grant, Anastasia Nikolaevna

Current Status: In the possession of Álvaro Gramática

Edward Kenway and Adéwalé

“I, Edward Kenway, shall regale you with the tale of my audacious exploits in the treacherous waters of the 1700s. ‘Twas my own cunning that led me to the Assassins, by way of impersonating the ill-fated Duncan Walpole, an Assassin I dispatched with little remorse. With the Brotherhood of Assassins at my back, I unleashed the full might of my skills and my ship, the legendary Jackdaw, upon the wretched Spaniards and the conniving British Templars who dared to thwart the glory of piracy in the Caribbean.

In my relentless pursuit of fame and fortune, I uncovered their dark designs to unearth a fabled Precursor site, a place they called the Observatory. ‘Twas there that the enigmatic Bartholomew Roberts, a pirate bearing the essence of the Precursor known as Aita, awaited his destiny. Though I embraced much of the Creed and adopted the Brotherhood’s fearsome weaponry, I refrained from formally joining their ranks, until the harsh lessons of life threatened to rob me of all I held dear. ‘Twas then that I sought redemption, training in the ways of the Assassins.

Having secured a pardon for my piratical escapades, I returned to England, where I ascended to the title of co-leader of the British Brotherhood. I tirelessly hunted down Precursor sites and unearthed valuable knowledge about the elusive Grand Temple. I even discovered the Shroud of Eden, which I deemed too potent for the prying eyes of both Assassins and Templars.

Ever vigilant, I instilled the ways of the Brotherhood in my son, Haytham, from a tender age. The lad was destined to walk the path of an Assassin, guided by my seasoned hand. Alas, fate dealt me a cruel blow, for one ill-fated night, Templar interlopers claimed my life, leaving my beloved daughter, Jenny, in their clutches.

Such was the tale of Edward Kenway, the bold Welsh pirate who sailed the seas, embraced the ways of the Assassins, and met his untimely demise at the hands of his sworn enemies.”

EDWARD KENWAY
Dates 1693 - 1735 CE
Location Caribbean
Time Frame Golden Age of Piracy
Affiliation British Brotherhood
Key Allies Adéwalé, Blackbeard, James Kidd/Mary Read,

Benjamin Hornigold, Calico Jack, Ah Tabai

Main Opponents Bartholomew Roberts, Laureano de Torres y

Ayala, Julien du Casse, Woodes Rogers

“Listen up, mates! Gather ‘round and lend an ear as I, Adéwalé, spill me tale of audacity and fury. I was a severe Trinidadian slave, snatched from the clutches of oppression by none other than Edward Kenway himself. I took on duties as his quartermaster on the Jackdaw. Now, let me make it clear from the start. Piracy seemed like the perfect means to disrupt tyranny and control. But deep down, it didn’t sit right with me. It felt like dishonest work, a betrayal of me own principles. So, I sought a greater purpose, an’ joined the Maroon rebellion in Port-au-Prince, takin’ command of the Experto Crede, a cursed slave ship.

Around 1720, I found meself standin’ shoulder to shoulder with the West Indies Brotherhood. Trainin’ under the watchful eye of the wise Mentor Ah Tabai. I urged Edward Kenway to join our ranks, and after some resistance, he finally saw the light.Serving the Brotherhood was no easy task. I fought tooth and nail against the Templar scum, fendin’ off their relentless attacks. I rescued Edward from the clutches of Port Royal’s damnation, makin’ sure he stayed in the fight, an’ stood by the Assassins at the Observatory.

The fires of conflict engulfed the Seven Years’ War, an’ I stood tall with our French allies. We struck a mighty blow against the British Royal Navy at Louisbourg, earnin’ the wrathful gaze of them Templars. Oh, they were thirstin’ for our blood, those accursed dogs. But fate had other plans for me. In a chase led by that treacherous Shay Cormac and Haytham Kenway, the Experto Crede was forced to beach, lest me crew face certain death. An’ there I stood, facin’ off against the combined might of Haytham and Shay, fightin’ like a cornered lion.

But alas, it was not to be. They cooperated, distractin’ and overpowerin’ me with a wicked ferocity. I fell, my blood spillin’ upon the earth, my spirit unyielding, even in defeat.Remember the name Adéwalé, me brethren, as a symbol of resistance against oppression!”

ADÉWALÉ
Dates 1692 – 1758 CE
Location Caribbean
Time Frame Golden Age of Piracy
Affiliation West Indies Brotherhood
Key Allies Edward Kenway, Ah Tabai, Achilles Davenport,

Bastienne Josèphe, Augustin Dieufort

Main Opponents Marquis de Fayet

Adventure Hooks

  1. The pirate Black Caesar is looking for help in Nassau to free a group of shipmates

imprisoned in a fearsome slaver vessel. The Witnesses must board the ship, free the captives, and confront the slaver captain in a thrilling battle during a storm on the high seas.

  1. The Witnesses unearth a hidden network of liberated slaves active across

the Caribbean. However, this newfound community is threatened by an infiltrator working for the Templars. The Witnesses must uncover the infiltrator’s identity, expose their treachery, and protect the emancipated people’s hard-won freedom.

  1. A nameless pirate hunter, driven by a personal vendetta against pirates

and Assassins alike, is closing in on the Witnesses’ crew. The Witnesses must evade capture, outsmart the hunter’s tactics, and uncover their motivations. In a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, they must protect their pirate comrades and confront the hunter before their ship is destroyed.

  1. The Witnesses find themselves entangled in a deadly race against rival

pirate crews to locate a fabled treasure buried on a treacherous island. As they navigate dangerous waters and explore hidden caves, they must stay one step ahead to claim the treasure for the Brotherhood to support their war against the slave trade.

  1. The Witnesses receive a distress call from a remote Maroon community,

a refuge for escaped slaves. The community is threatened by a Templarled expedition aiming to wipe them out. The Witnesses must rally the Maroons, fortify their defenses, and fight alongside them to fend off the Templar assault, to preserve their freedom and way of life.

THE BOARDING OF THE BLACK IVORY

Time Frame: Golden Age of Piracy

Location: Caribbean Sea - 1722 CE

Description: Plowing through Caribbean waters aboard the Jackdaw, Edward and Adéwalé are in pursuit of the Black Ivory, a ship of the Royal African Company. The infamous ship carries hundreds of slaves in its cargo hold. The chase has been going on for hours, and Edward and Adéwalé await the right moment to storm the ship and free its prisoners.

A spray of saltwater fills the air from the Jackdaw’s mighty bow as she cuts through the sea, and one of the crew shouts, “With this wind, we should reach them lily-livered scallywags before dawn.” The darkness of the night will help with the boarding.

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Pieces of Eden

PIRATE RING OF EDEN

Known Owners: Unknown pirate, Captain “Keelhauling” Jeff

Current Status: Unknown

Crafted by Idun, an esteemed member of the Æsir lineage of the Isu, the Rings of Eden were a revolutionary invention that harnessed the power of electromagnetic fields. These remarkable rings possessed the ability to deflect projectiles with precision while also effectively neutralizing energy-based weapon discharges. However, wearing the Rings did not provide absolute immunity, and the Isu often employed them alongside shielding devices for enhanced protection and defense.

Ratonhnhaké:ton (Connor)

“I humbly share my story, born as the unfortunate offspring of the British Templar Haytham Kenway and Kaniehtí:io, my beloved mother. The burden of this truth weighs heavily on my spirit, for I believe that the Templar Order was directly responsible for my village’s destruction, and my mother’s demise during the Seven Years’ War.

In the turbulent years of my adolescence, destiny set me on a path fraught with challenges. At this time, I chanced upon a cursed relic, a Piece of Eden concealed inside a Crystal Ball. The relic showed me a vision of flying like an eagle, while ominous whispers compelled me to seek a sign. The vision lit my spirit with a sacred fire, binding me to the duty of safeguarding my homeland from the insidious grasp of the Templars.

Fueled by a ferocious thirst for justice, I embarked on a hunt that brought me to meet Achilles, a former chief of the Assassins. I prayed to him to share his wisdom and skills, dreaming of standing against the Templars and fighting for America’s liberty and independence. In the year 1770, after harrowing trials and tribulations, I was reborn as the Assassin I was meant to be, embracing a new name — Connor.

Unyielding in my resolve, I fought ceaselessly to reclaim the nascent nation from the Templar’s poisoning roots. I joined the American Patriots, seeking to cast off the shackles of the British dictators, and I became an agent of their Revolution. However, the shadows of disillusionment soon fell over my path like tempestuous clouds as I witnessed the cruel, horrific treatment inflicted upon my fellow Natives by those whose freedom I was fighting for. Desperately chasing after my visions of freedom and unity, I even went as far as trying to reconcile myself with my father, the esteemed Grand Master of the Colonial Rite. Yet, the ethical and moral divide between us eventually forced me to use my hidden blade against him.

Thanks also to my efforts, the Revolution granted political rights for men and women, freeing them from the grasp of the Templars. Still, my spirit could not escape the burden of failure, for the marginalized and indigenous communities remained entangled in the oppressive web of inequality. My loyalty to the Creed demanded a bitter toll, where the sacrifice of a worthy few became the price to pay for protecting the many.

In the end, I found relief in the embrace of a woman. Our union became a safe harbor that gave birth to three precious souls. I nurtured the intuitive connection to the land of my youngest daughter, Io:nhiòte, teaching her the ancient ways of tracking and hunting. In the pictographs of my existence, I acknowledge the many limitations and disillusionments that mar my noble intentions, looking forward to those brief moments of contentment that still light a flicker of hope in a world drenched in injustice.”

RATONHNHAKÉ:TON (CONNOR)
Dates 1756 CE - unknown
Location Mohawk Valley, North America
Time Frame American Revolutionary War
Affiliation Colonial Brotherhood
Key Allies George Washington, Benjamin Franklin,

Achilles Davenport, Samuel Adams, Marquis de Lafayette

Main Opponents Haytham Kenway, Charles Lee

Adventure Hooks

  1. Subjugated by an Apple of Eden, Benjamin Franklin is creating a weapon

that could tilt the balance of power of the entire revolution. The Witnesses venture on a scavenger hunt taking them from Boston to New York, deciphering cryptic clues left behind by Franklin’s subconscious. As they discover the secret laboratory hidden beneath New York and destroy the weapon, the Witnesses must also free Benjamin Franklin from the Apple’s control.

  1. In the port of Boston, sailors whisper of a ghost ship haunting the East

Coast. The ship is said to be manned by the vengeful spirits of enslaved people who perished during the Middle Passage. The Witnesses set sail on a perilous expedition to find the ghost ship, defying the rumors of a supernatural threat and searching for the truth behind the sinister story.

  1. The Witnesses discover that an important heirloom linked to the heritage and

traditions of Ratonhakè:ton’s tribe has been stolen by a group of French fur traders. Tracking down the traders will plunge the Witnesses into the seedy underbelly of colonial society across the wild frontier, north-west of Fort Duquesne, until they retrieve the stolen relic and restore the tribe’s honor.

  1. One of the Witnesses’ allies finds herself embroiled in a dangerous game

of espionage, as she infiltrates both the Templar and British ranks in Philadelphia. The Witnesses must assist their ally in maintaining her secret identity, engaging in an adventure of intrigue and deception.

  1. The Colonial Brotherhood informs the Witnesses of a group of loyalists

who fled to the northern lands of Canada and are suspected to possess an Apple of Eden. As winter approaches, the Witnesses must reach the frozen territories of Nova Scotia to find the loyalist group in Port Roseway, before they can leave for Britain.

THE BATTLE OF THE WABASH

Time Frame: American Revolutionary War

Location: Wabash River, Northwest Territory (Fort Recovery, Ohio) - 1791 CE

Description: From the mid-1770s, American settlers began to push into the lands west of the Thirteen Colonies, eager to get their hands on the rich territories of Native Americans, beginning a cycle of violence.

In November 1791, on the eve of the Battle of the Wabash River – an event that will also be remembered in history as St. Clair’s Defeat, or the Battle of a Thousand Slain – the leaders of the most prominent Native American tribes of the Northwest Territory gather to organize an attack on General Arthur St. Clair’s forces, who have established a camp on a high hill near the headwaters of the Wabash River. Ratonhnhaké:ton (Connor) and the Witnesses arrive up at the longhouse to appease the spirits and obtain permission to go to a parley with the American general to try to avoid bloodshed.

In the longhouse, the crackling of the flames is drowned out by chatter in the diverse languages of the tribes gathered here. As you enter, a breath of icy wind sneaks into the hut with a few flakes of white snow. Many people turn in your direction, some with looks of admiration, others of disdain, and others just curious to know who this young man is that everyone is staring at.

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Notables NPCs

Name

Description

Name

Description

Name

Description

Name

Description

Pieces of Eden

MIHŠIHKINAAHKWA’S APPLE OF EDEN

Known Owners: Little Turtle (Mihšihkinaahkwa)

Current Status: Unknown

Arno Dorian

“I, Arno Victor Dorian, will recount the tumultuous tale of my life. The son of an Assassin, I was born into a world of intrigue and shadows. I was raised by my father Charles in Versailles, as my mother Marie left us upon discovering his clandestine activities, until the fateful day when he was killed, his life cruelly taken by the hand of a Templar, Shay Cormac.

I was then adopted by a Templar Grand Master, Francois de la Serre, and my upbringing brought me close to his daughter Élise, a connection destined to blossom into a secret love as we matured into adulthood. But fate had a treacherous design for us both.

In the year 1789 I languished within the confines of the Bastille, falsely accused of my adoptive father’s murder. There, the veils of deception began to unravel when I met Pierre Bellec, a Master Assassin, who revealed the truth of my ancestral Assassin heritage. Under his guidance, I honed my skills, preparing to avenge my biological and adoptive fathers’ deaths.

Emerging from the darkness of the Bastille, I embraced the mantle of the Brotherhood, my purpose infused with righteous fury. Though Élise was a member of the Templar Order, she perceived the dangers lurking within its ranks, and she joined forces with me to expose those who manipulated the turbulent tides of the French Revolution for nefarious gains.

Eventually, a series of unfortunate events led to the demise of the Parisian Brotherhood Mentor, Honoré Mirabeau, killed by Bellec. This thrust me into a harrowing duel with my former teacher — I emerged victorious from that clash, but carrying a heavy burden.

The Brotherhood exiled me, deeming my actions to be part of a personal vendetta. Yet, fate guided my steps back towards Élise’s side. Together, we unraveled the machinations of the new Templar Grand Master, François-Thomas Germain. We faced him beneath the hallowed grounds of the Parisian Temple, where both Germain and my beloved Élise met their end.

Consumed by grief, I abandoned the Assassin’s path, seeking peace in solitude. However, the relentless tide of revolutionary France refused to release its grip upon me. Compelled to action, I intervened, thwarting Napoleon Bonaparte’s insidious schemes to unearth a hidden Precursor Temple beneath the Basilica of Saint-Denis and seize the Apple of Eden concealed within.

Guided by Élise’s poignant final wish, I devoted myself to bridging the chasm that divided the Templar and Assassin factions. In honor of her memory, I pledged to forge a path of unity. May my actions serve as a beacon of hope, illuminating a future where the clash of blades is replaced by a shared purpose.”

ARNO DORIAN
Dates 1768 CE - unknown
Location France
Time Frame French Revolution
Affiliation Parisian Brotherhood
Key Allies Elise de la Serre, Honoré Mirabeau
Main Opponents François-Thomas Germain, Pierre Bellec,

Robespierre

Adventure Hooks

  1. A hidden chamber containing a Precursor artifact is uncovered in the catacombs

of Paris. The Witnesses must descend into the gloomy catacombs, outsmart the Templars also aware of its existence, and prevent the artifact from falling into the wrong hands.

  1. One of the wealthiest families is hosting a masquerade ball, purportedly

to act as a meeting ground for influential Templars. The Witnesses must infiltrate the event, gather intelligence, and expose the Templars’ plans while maintaining their cover amidst the opulence and intrigue of Parisienne high society.

  1. A mysterious epidemic sweeps through Paris, and the Witnesses must

investigate its causes. As they proceed with their mission, they make a shocking discovery: the epidemic is not the work of the Templar Order, as they suspected, but rather a sinister collaboration between a rogue faction within the Assassins and the Instruments of the First Will. The Witnesses must uncover the truth behind this unexpected alliance and put an end to their deadly scheme.

  1. Pauline de Lézardière, a renowned historian, has uncovered a secret manuscript

containing valuable information about ancient artifacts stolen during the Viking invasions of Paris. This discovery has attracted the attention of the Templar Order. The Witnesses must protect Pauline from the pursuing Templars, decipher the hidden messages within the manuscript, and use the knowledge gained to cripple the Order.

  1. A trusted member of the Assassin Brotherhood has been captured

by the Templars, and the Witnesses receive a desperate plea for help. Determined to save their comrade, they launch a daring rescue mission, only to discover that it was an elaborate trap, meticulously orchestrated by the Templars to catch the Witnesses. Now ensnared in the Templar web, the Witnesses must use their cunning, skills, and resourcefulness to escape their captors and turn the tables.

THE LOST JEWEL

Time Frame: French Revolution

Location: Paris, France - 1792 CE

Description: During the early stages of the Reign of Terror, while king Louis XVI and his family are held captive in the Square du Temple, a remarkable robbery takes place when the Hôtel du Garde-Meuble de la Couronne (the Royal Storehouse) is burgled by a gang of thieves. The thieves manage to steal most of the Crown Jewels in one of the largest thefts ever recorded, and in the following days, they organize a clandestine auction to resell their ill-gotten gains to the highest bidder.

Among the crown jewels stolen is a Piece of Eden, the Hope Diamond. The gem in question has extraordinary beauty and dimensions, but these peculiarities are obscured by a curse that afflicts its owners. Legend has it that whoever wears it eventually meets an unpleasant end. Through an informant, the Assassins have learned of the auction and of the Templar’s interest in certain lots. They cannot let the Piece of Eden end up in Templar hands.

The mud squelches under your boots as you enter the slums of southern Paris. The silence is broken by barking dogs and the slurred cries of some drunk dragging his sodden form off to a gutter to sleep. Among these gloomy alleys, the revolutionary uprisings of the city seem to belong to another nation.

The hustle and bustle echoing around the corner signals that you have reached your destination, La Limace Noir, a popular dance hall. According to an informant, a clandestine auction is being held in the cellar of the crowded guinguette, and the Hope Diamond, a Piece of Eden with unknown powers, is up for sale. You must recover the diamond and keep it out of the greedy clutches of the Templar.

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Notables NPCs

Name

Description

Name

Description

Pieces of Eden

HOPE DIAMOND

Known Owners: Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, Louis XIV, Louis XVI, Marie Antoniette, Jean Le Chien

Current Status: Unknown

The history of this massive diamond is surrounded in mystery. The first known buyer was Jean-Baptiste Tavernier. The stone, also called French Blue (Le bleu de France), was sold to King Louis XIV of France in 1668. In 1792, during the French Revolution, the Hope Diamond was stolen from the royal treasury, alongside the other French Crown Jewels.

This Piece of Eden possesses unknown powers and abilities but is said to carry a curse, leading to an early, violent death for anyone wearing it.

Jacob & Evie Frye

“Let me tell ya a story ‘bout the blood that runs through our veins, the Frye twins, Jacob and Evie, born of Assassin lineage. We were raised in the bosom of the Brotherhood, molded by our old man’s wisdom, layin’ the groundwork for what was to come.

Now, my dear brother Jacob, he was always one to buck the system. Our paths diverged on how we approached the “Assassin game”. Me, Evie, I valued knowledge and stayin’ hidden, seein’ those Pieces of Eden as the key to everythin’. The fate of the world depended on ‘em, in my eyes. Jacob, though, was impulsive, and couldn’t resist divin’ headfirst into danger, not a thought for the consequences.

But despite our differences, it was like a bloody orchestra when we worked together. We complemented each other’s strengths and made up for the other’s weaknesses. And that’s when the Frye twins became a force to be reckoned with, a sight that struck fear deep into our enemies’ hearts.

Our tale is woven into the fabric of the Brotherhood. We carved our way through history, hell-bent on seekin’ justice, freein’ mankind from the Templars’ iron grip. Remember, the Frye twins’ bravery will forever be a light in the darkness, provin’ that even the oppressed can rise against their oppressors!”

“Now, gather ‘round, listen up! It’s Jacob speakin’ here, spillin’ the beans ‘bout our adventures. Evie and I said sod it to our mentor’s advice and set up shop in the grand ol’ city of London, ready to give those Templar bastards a good thrashin’.

We teamed up with a bloke named Henry Green, a true Assassin, and we had our own little mission goin’. Our plan? Stick it to the Templar-backed Blighters and rid the city of their filth.

That’s when the real fun began. We formed the Rooks, a gang of fierce fighters ready to shank the Templars and their cronies. Yours truly, Jacob Frye, led the charge, bashin’ heads, and takin’ names. We fought for justice, breakin’ the chains of the poor sods workin’ in factories, treated like dirt. We made ‘em reckon with the power of the people.

While I was raisin’ hell, Evie, the clever one, had her sights on them Pieces of Eden. She was all in to keep the Templars from gettin’ their grubby hands on that Shroud of Eden, a powerful artifact they were itchin’ for.

But here’s the kicker, mates. Even with our different approaches and personal missions, the Frye twins left a mark on history. We set London on fire, liberatin’ the city from a century of Templar tyranny. We even saved the bloody Queen, herself. The Crown couldn’t ignore our dash an’ derring-do, and knighted us for it. The British Brotherhood rose to new heights, all thanks to us.

Evie, always wanderin’ like a restless soul, buggered off to India after tyin’ the knot with Henry Green. She got mixed up with the Indian Brotherhood, fightin’ the good fight over there. But she couldn’t resist a return to London in 1872. Her and Henry tried to help this bloke Abberline, tryin’ to stop some Templar scumbag from nickin’ pages outta the Voynich manuscript in the British Museum. Didn’t quite succeed, but it didn’t stop ‘em from headin’ back to India, trainin’ British Assassins and teachin’ ‘em every trick from the Indian Brotherhood.

So there ya have it, mates. The epic tale of the Frye twins, kickin’ arse, makin’ history, and turnin’ the tide against them Templar wankers. We’re legends, and ain’t nobody takin’ that away from us.”

JACOB & EVIE FRYE
Dates 1847 CE - unknown
Location London, England
Time Frame Industrial Revolution
Affiliation British Brotherhood
Key Allies Henry Green (Jayadeep Mir), Alexander

Graham Bell, Frederick Abberline

Main Opponents Crawford Starrick, Lucy Thorne

Adventure Hooks

  1. A new secret society known as the “Enlightened Circle” threatens to reshape

London’s power dynamics. The Witnesses are hired by a wealthy benefactor to investigate the society’s activities, infiltrate their ranks, and dismantle their operations before they gain too much influence.

  1. A notorious gang leader has risen to power in the East End, and the

Brotherhood suspects he has been maneuvered into position by the Templars to be their pawn in the slums. The Witnesses are tasked with infiltrating his gang, gaining the leader’s trust, and eventually bringing him down once they’ve learnt the identity of his Templar connection.

  1. David Hughes, an established scientist, has just returned from America

with a revolutionary device that could have potentially devastating consequences were it to fall into the wrong hands. The Witnesses must retrieve the device and safeguard it from Templar agents.

  1. A mysterious ancient artifact has been exhibited at the British Museum,

attracting the attention of both the Brotherhood and the Templars. The Witnesses must swap the artifact for a counterfeit copy to fool the Templars and hide the real artifact in a secret location.

  1. A renowned detective has gone missing while investigating a series

of occult rituals taking place in the darkest corners of the city. The Witnesses are hired by his concerned wife to unravel the mystery, uncover the truth behind the rituals, and rescue the detective from the clutches of a malevolent cult inspired by a perverted version of the Calves’ Head Club secret society.

ALICE’S RETURN

Time Frame: Industrial Revolution

Location: City of London, England - 1869 CE

Description: Jacob and Evie once discovered an underground chamber in a former bank vault, set up by three Assassins: Michel Reuge, Lavinia, and Alice. The chamber was used to store a sealed Isu sarcophagus containing the Aegis, ancient armor that supposedly belonged to the Isu Minerva. The keys required to open the sarcophagus were found in a series of music boxes scattered around London, as well as parts of a diary compiled by Michel Reuge. They discovered Alice’s obsession with opening the sarcophagus eventually led her to betray her companions to the Templars.

About a year after discovering the chamber, the Witnesses are contacted by Evie and Jacob’s collaborator, Chief Inspector Frederick Abberline of the London Metropolitan Police, about a bomb that has gone off in Southwark. From eyewitness accounts, they learn that the bomb was a small box that, once opened, played a melody before exploding. This detail immediately reminds the siblings of the music boxes they found in the past. Suspecting the involvement of the Templars, they return to the chamber.

Key Objectives

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Notables NPCs

Alice

Alice was a member of the Assassin Brotherhood. She discovered a sealed sarcophagus near Bath along with Lavinia and Michel Reuge, and became obsessed with opening it. The obsession was such that she betrayed her companions in favor of the Templars, who imprisoned and tortured her instead. Wholly consumed by her madness, Alice continued to hum the melodies produced by the music boxes she knew were the key to open the sarcophagus.

Alice has escaped captivity and although more than twenty years have passed, her obsession has not abated, and she immediately hatches a plan to return to the vault.

Pieces of Eden

AEGIS OF MINERVA

Known Owners: Minerva, Evie Frye

Current Status: Unknown

As the ancient tales go, the Aegis was said to have been worn in battle by the Isu Minerva herself. Many millennia passed, the skilled Assassin Michel Reuge discovered the elusive Aegis in the vicinity of Bath, England. Recognizing its significance, he stashed the artifact in an abandoned bank vault beneath London.

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