Benedict Arnold: Difference between revisions
imported>Darman36 |
imported>Gener4l Cl4ank4 mNo edit summary |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Era|Individuals}}{{WP-REAL}} | {{Era|Individuals}}{{WP-REAL}} | ||
{{Quote|This must be some sort of plot to expose the fort. I | {{Quote|This must be some sort of plot to expose the fort. I am a Patriot through and through, Connor.|Benedict Arnold explaining his allegiance to Connor, 1780.|Assassin's Creed III|Battle of West Point (memory)}} | ||
{{Character Infobox | {{Character Infobox | ||
| image = ACIII-Arnold.png | | image = ACIII-Arnold.png | ||
| birth = 14 January 1741<br>{{Wiki|Norwich, Connecticut}}, [[United States|British America]] | | birth = 14 January 1741<br>{{Wiki|Norwich, Connecticut}}, [[United States|British America]] | ||
| death = 14 June 1801 | | death = 14 June 1801 {{c|aged 60}}<br>[[London]], [[United Kingdom]] | ||
| affiliates = [[Continental Army]]<br>[[British Army]]<br>[[Freemasons]] | | affiliates = [[Continental Army]]<br>[[British Army]]<br>[[Freemasons]] | ||
| species = [[Human]] | | species = [[Human]] | ||
| database = [[Database: Benedict Arnold|Benedict Arnold]]<br>[[Database: Traitor of the Revolution|Traitor of the Revolution]] | | database = [[Database: Benedict Arnold|Benedict Arnold]]<br>[[Database: Traitor of the Revolution|Traitor of the Revolution]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Benedict Arnold''' (1741 – 1801) was a Major General in the [[Continental Army]] who ultimately defected to the [[British Army]]. Initially considered a war hero, Arnold was given command of the fort at [[West Point]], where he was exposed as a traitor when the [[Assassins|Assassin]] [[Ratonhnhaké:ton|Connor]] discovered his plans to surrender the stronghold to the British. Since then, his name has become synonymous with traitor and treason. | '''Benedict Arnold''' (1741 – 1801) was a Major General in the [[Continental Army]] who ultimately defected to the [[British Army]] during the [[American Revolutionary War]]. Initially considered a war hero, Arnold was given command of the fort at [[West Point]], where he was exposed as a traitor when the [[Assassins|Assassin]] [[Ratonhnhaké:ton|Connor]] discovered his plans to surrender the stronghold to the British. Since then, his name has become synonymous with traitor and treason in the United States. | ||
==Biography== | ==Biography== | ||
===Early career=== | ===Early career=== | ||
Arnold was considered a brave and caring commander. He led the {{Wiki|Capture of Fort Ticonderoga|capture}} of [[Fort Ticonderoga]] in [[New York]] in May 1775, and was alerted by the [[American Brotherhood of Assassins|Colonial Assassins]] when it emerged there was a hill overlooking the fort which would prove advantageous to the British if they placed [[cannon]]s there, prompting a {{Wiki|Siege of Fort Ticonderoga (1777)|withdrawal}}. He became a war hero after his leg was crippled at the {{Wiki|Battles of Saratoga|Second Battle of Saratoga}} in 1777.<ref name=" | Arnold was considered a brave and caring commander. He led the {{Wiki|Capture of Fort Ticonderoga|capture}} of [[Fort Ticonderoga]] in [[New York]] in May 1775, and was alerted by the [[American Brotherhood of Assassins|Colonial Assassins]] when it emerged there was a hill overlooking the fort which would prove advantageous to the British if they placed [[cannon]]s there, prompting a {{Wiki|Siege of Fort Ticonderoga (1777)|withdrawal}}.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[Contracts (Colonial Brotherhood)|Contracts]]: "Weakness at Ticonderoga"</ref> He became a war hero after his leg was crippled at the {{Wiki|Battles of Saratoga|Second Battle of Saratoga}} in 1777.<ref name="Database">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[Database: Benedict Arnold]]</ref> | ||
However, Arnold had a propensity for arguing with his superiors, meaning he was often passed over for promotions, although Washington's attitude towards him was favorable. By 1780, when he was given command of West Point, he planned to give up the fort for a payment of £20,000 and a commission as a Brigadier General in the British Army.<ref name=" | However, Arnold had a propensity for arguing with his superiors, meaning he was often passed over for promotions, although Washington's attitude towards him was favorable. By 1780, when he was given command of West Point, he planned to give up the fort for a payment of £20,000 and a commission as a Brigadier General in the British Army.<ref name="Database"/> | ||
===Investigation by Connor=== | ===Investigation by Connor=== | ||
In 1780, the Assassin Connor was asked by [[George Washington]] to expose a rumored plot to overthrow West Point. Reluctantly agreeing, Connor worked undercover for Washington while flushing out [[United Kingdom|British]] spies.<ref name=" | In 1780, the Assassin Connor was asked by [[George Washington]] to expose a rumored plot to overthrow West Point. Reluctantly agreeing, Connor worked undercover for Washington while flushing out [[United Kingdom|British]] spies.<ref name="Traitor in Our Midst">''[[Assassin's Creed III]] – [[Benedict Arnold (DLC)|Benedict Arnold]]'' – [[Traitor in Our Midst]]</ref> | ||
Investigating the Major General, Connor eavesdropped on Arnold as he discussed plans with John Anderson—secretly Major [[John André]] of the British Army—to deliver a letter to the British General Henry Clinton. Once the conversation ended, Benedict went back to the fort while his associate met up with British Regulars to acquire a uniform.<ref name=" | Investigating the Major General, Connor eavesdropped on Arnold as he discussed plans with John Anderson—secretly Major [[John André]] of the British Army—to deliver a letter to the British General Henry Clinton. Once the conversation ended, Benedict went back to the fort while his associate met up with British Regulars to acquire a uniform.<ref name="A Spy Among Us">''[[Assassin's Creed III]] – [[Benedict Arnold (DLC)|Benedict Arnold]]'' – [[A Spy Among Us]]</ref> | ||
[[File:ACIII-BA-Westpoint 1.png|thumb|250px|left|Connor confronting Arnold over his betrayal]] | [[File:ACIII-BA-Westpoint 1.png|thumb|250px|left|Connor confronting Arnold over his betrayal]] | ||
Anderson | Anderson later came back to the fort, but was caught when Connor stopped two Continental soldiers from killing him. Connor then pulled out a note from André's person, which revealed the plans for a sum of twenty thousand pounds to go to Arnold in exchange for the fort at West Point.<ref name="A Spy Among Us"/> | ||
Unaware he | Unaware he had been compromised, Benedict waited for André's return and also for the Regulars to arrive with his money. However, Connor arrived first and exposed Arnold for the traitor he was, right as the Regulars arrived, at which point Benedict fled the fort while the British began their [[Battle of West Point|assault]].<ref name="Battle of West Point">''[[Assassin's Creed III]] – [[Benedict Arnold (DLC)|Benedict Arnold]]'' – [[Battle of West Point (memory)|Battle of West Point]]</ref> | ||
===Defection to the British Army=== | ===Defection to the British Army=== | ||
Although Connor foiled the attack, he failed to reach Arnold, as the latter had sailed away from West Point on the ''[[HMS Vulture|Vulture]]''. Ultimately, | Although Connor foiled the attack, he failed to reach Arnold, as the latter had sailed away from West Point on the ''[[HMS Vulture|Vulture]]''.<ref name="Battle of West Point"/> Ultimately, Arnold defected to the British not long after, where he assumed the agreed role of Brigadier General in the British Army. However, as he had not delivered the British the fort, he was only paid £6,000. Arnold also found it hard to shake off his treacherous image, which had superseded that of him as a war hero.<ref name="Database"/> | ||
Afterwards, Arnold was spotted leading troops in [[Connecticut]] | Afterwards, Arnold was spotted leading troops in [[Connecticut]]; Connor's [[Assassin apprentice|apprentices]] were [[Contracts (Colonial Brotherhood)|contracted]] to kill him during the {{Wiki|Battle of Groton Heights}}, but they did not get close enough.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[Contracts (Colonial Brotherhood)|Contracts]]: "Benedict Arnold in Connecticut"</ref> Following Arnold's plot, the Continental Army was placed in an uneasy position, in which they began to question the loyalty of their troops and officers.<ref name="Database"/> | ||
==Alternate timeline== | ==Alternate timeline== | ||
{{Quote|Please. Washington, he's gone mad. You, you have to bring him down. He's no more a man but a monster.|Benedict Arnold's dying words to Ratonhnhaké:ton.|The Tyranny of King Washington: The Infamy|Justice Served}} | |||
[[File:ACIII-Warn 16.png|thumb|250px|Arnold and Washington during the attack on Kanatahséton]] | [[File:ACIII-Warn 16.png|thumb|250px|Arnold and Washington during the attack on Kanatahséton]] | ||
In an altered reality | In an altered reality where Washington ruled America as a king with an [[Apple of Eden 3|Apple of Eden]], Arnold served as his right-hand man with [[Israel Putnam]]. Arnold's particular duties involved him supervising the [[Frontier]] and suppressing any resistance, often carting the native people off as laborers.<ref name="Justice Served">''[[Assassin's Creed III]] – [[The Tyranny of King Washington: The Infamy]]'' – [[Justice Served]]</ref> | ||
Benedict was present during the burning of [[Kanatahséton]], riding at Washington's side. Washington expressed doubts about his resolve and powers, but he was assured by both his generals when they reaffirmed their loyalty.<ref name="Warn the Village">''[[Assassin's Creed III]] – [[The Tyranny of King Washington: The Infamy]]'' – [[Warn the Village]]</ref> | |||
Arnold also witnessed the duel between his monarch and Ratonhnhaké:ton, and after Washington beat his opponent into submission and fired two pistols at him at point-blank range, Arnold handed the king a musket to kill Ratonhnhaké:ton; however, the [[Kanien'kehá:ka]] survived the encounter.<ref name="Warn the Village" /> | |||
Following General Putnam from Valley Forge, who had urgent need to speak to Arnold, | For the next five months, Arnold ruled over the Frontier in Washington's name from a secluded fort not far from [[Valley Forge]]. Arnold eventually discovered the location of the rebellious natives that had aided Ratonhnhaké:ton and sent his men after them. When Arnold's men found and killed the other survivors of the attack on the village, including its [[Oiá:ner|clan mother]], Ratonhnhaké:ton resolved to track him down and assassinate him.<ref name="Path of Revenge">''[[Assassin's Creed III]] – [[The Tyranny of King Washington: The Infamy]]'' – [[Path of Revenge]]</ref> | ||
Following General Putnam from Valley Forge, who had urgent need to speak to Arnold, Ratonhnhaké:ton unleashed a bear to distract the guardsmen posted outside Arnold's fortress, and snuck inside.<ref name="Justice Served"/> | |||
[[File:Justice Served 8.png|thumb|left|250px|Ratonhnhaké:ton with a dying Arnold]] | [[File:Justice Served 8.png|thumb|left|250px|Ratonhnhaké:ton with a dying Arnold]] | ||
Arnold was pacing outside the main building when | Arnold was pacing outside the main building when Ratonhnhaké:ton took his life. Before he died, Arnold seemed to change and regretted the acts he had done for King Washington. When Ratonhnhaké:ton declared his treachery at West Point deserved this reprisal, Arnold denied ever setting foot in West Point.<ref name="Justice Served"/> | ||
Grabbing | Grabbing Ratonhnhaké:ton's arm, he confirmed Washington's power to control came from his scepter, and he urged his killer to go to [[Boston]] and find [[Benjamin Franklin]] to defeat the Mad King. However, he said that Franklin needed to be freed from something first.<ref name="Justice Served"/> | ||
Yet, despite | Yet, despite Ratonhnhaké:ton's questions as to what Franklin needed to be freed from, Arnold was unable to answer, dying from his wounds. Afterwards, Putnam captured the rebel and sardonically remarked that it was a shame Arnold had died, before revealing his intentions to take Ratonhnhaké:ton to Boston and present him to the King. Arnold's final words set in motion the search for Benjamin Franklin and, by extension, the downfall of King Washington.<ref name="Justice Served"/> | ||
==Behind the scenes== | ==Behind the scenes== | ||
Benedict Arnold is a historical figure and character introduced in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Initiates]]'' via the | Benedict Arnold is a historical figure and character introduced in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Initiates]]'' via the database. He later made his physical appearance debut in ''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'', voiced by [[Graham Cuthbertson]], who reprised his role in the downloadable expansion ''[[The Tyranny of King Washington]]''. | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery captionalign="center" position="center | <gallery captionalign="center" position="center" widths="180"> | ||
ArnoldTrumbull.jpg|Benedict Arnold's [[database]] portrait | ArnoldTrumbull.jpg|Benedict Arnold's [[database]] portrait | ||
ACIII-BA-Traitor 7.png|Arnold's first meeting with Connor | |||
ACIII-BA-ASpy 1.png|Arnold meeting with "John Anderson" | |||
ACIII-Warn 8.png|Arnold riding with King Washington | |||
Justice Served 9.png|Arnold's final moments in the alternate timeline | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
Revision as of 21:31, 10 September 2025
Benedict Arnold (1741 – 1801) was a Major General in the Continental Army who ultimately defected to the British Army during the American Revolutionary War. Initially considered a war hero, Arnold was given command of the fort at West Point, where he was exposed as a traitor when the Assassin Connor discovered his plans to surrender the stronghold to the British. Since then, his name has become synonymous with traitor and treason in the United States.
Biography
Early career
Arnold was considered a brave and caring commander. He led the capture of Fort Ticonderoga in New York in May 1775, and was alerted by the Colonial Assassins when it emerged there was a hill overlooking the fort which would prove advantageous to the British if they placed cannons there, prompting a withdrawal.[1] He became a war hero after his leg was crippled at the Second Battle of Saratoga in 1777.[2]
However, Arnold had a propensity for arguing with his superiors, meaning he was often passed over for promotions, although Washington's attitude towards him was favorable. By 1780, when he was given command of West Point, he planned to give up the fort for a payment of £20,000 and a commission as a Brigadier General in the British Army.[2]
Investigation by Connor
In 1780, the Assassin Connor was asked by George Washington to expose a rumored plot to overthrow West Point. Reluctantly agreeing, Connor worked undercover for Washington while flushing out British spies.[3]
Investigating the Major General, Connor eavesdropped on Arnold as he discussed plans with John Anderson—secretly Major John André of the British Army—to deliver a letter to the British General Henry Clinton. Once the conversation ended, Benedict went back to the fort while his associate met up with British Regulars to acquire a uniform.[4]
Anderson later came back to the fort, but was caught when Connor stopped two Continental soldiers from killing him. Connor then pulled out a note from André's person, which revealed the plans for a sum of twenty thousand pounds to go to Arnold in exchange for the fort at West Point.[4]
Unaware he had been compromised, Benedict waited for André's return and also for the Regulars to arrive with his money. However, Connor arrived first and exposed Arnold for the traitor he was, right as the Regulars arrived, at which point Benedict fled the fort while the British began their assault.[5]
Defection to the British Army
Although Connor foiled the attack, he failed to reach Arnold, as the latter had sailed away from West Point on the Vulture.[5] Ultimately, Arnold defected to the British not long after, where he assumed the agreed role of Brigadier General in the British Army. However, as he had not delivered the British the fort, he was only paid £6,000. Arnold also found it hard to shake off his treacherous image, which had superseded that of him as a war hero.[2]
Afterwards, Arnold was spotted leading troops in Connecticut; Connor's apprentices were contracted to kill him during the Battle of Groton Heights, but they did not get close enough.[6] Following Arnold's plot, the Continental Army was placed in an uneasy position, in which they began to question the loyalty of their troops and officers.[2]
Alternate timeline
In an altered reality where Washington ruled America as a king with an Apple of Eden, Arnold served as his right-hand man with Israel Putnam. Arnold's particular duties involved him supervising the Frontier and suppressing any resistance, often carting the native people off as laborers.[7]
Benedict was present during the burning of Kanatahséton, riding at Washington's side. Washington expressed doubts about his resolve and powers, but he was assured by both his generals when they reaffirmed their loyalty.[8]
Arnold also witnessed the duel between his monarch and Ratonhnhaké:ton, and after Washington beat his opponent into submission and fired two pistols at him at point-blank range, Arnold handed the king a musket to kill Ratonhnhaké:ton; however, the Kanien'kehá:ka survived the encounter.[8]
For the next five months, Arnold ruled over the Frontier in Washington's name from a secluded fort not far from Valley Forge. Arnold eventually discovered the location of the rebellious natives that had aided Ratonhnhaké:ton and sent his men after them. When Arnold's men found and killed the other survivors of the attack on the village, including its clan mother, Ratonhnhaké:ton resolved to track him down and assassinate him.[9]
Following General Putnam from Valley Forge, who had urgent need to speak to Arnold, Ratonhnhaké:ton unleashed a bear to distract the guardsmen posted outside Arnold's fortress, and snuck inside.[7]
Arnold was pacing outside the main building when Ratonhnhaké:ton took his life. Before he died, Arnold seemed to change and regretted the acts he had done for King Washington. When Ratonhnhaké:ton declared his treachery at West Point deserved this reprisal, Arnold denied ever setting foot in West Point.[7]
Grabbing Ratonhnhaké:ton's arm, he confirmed Washington's power to control came from his scepter, and he urged his killer to go to Boston and find Benjamin Franklin to defeat the Mad King. However, he said that Franklin needed to be freed from something first.[7]
Yet, despite Ratonhnhaké:ton's questions as to what Franklin needed to be freed from, Arnold was unable to answer, dying from his wounds. Afterwards, Putnam captured the rebel and sardonically remarked that it was a shame Arnold had died, before revealing his intentions to take Ratonhnhaké:ton to Boston and present him to the King. Arnold's final words set in motion the search for Benjamin Franklin and, by extension, the downfall of King Washington.[7]
Behind the scenes
Benedict Arnold is a historical figure and character introduced in Assassin's Creed: Initiates via the database. He later made his physical appearance debut in Assassin's Creed III, voiced by Graham Cuthbertson, who reprised his role in the downloadable expansion The Tyranny of King Washington.
Gallery
-
Benedict Arnold's database portrait -
Arnold's first meeting with Connor -
Arnold meeting with "John Anderson" -
Arnold riding with King Washington -
Arnold's final moments in the alternate timeline
Appearances
- Assassin's Creed: Initiates (first mentioned) (mentioned in Database entry only)
- Assassin's Creed III (mentioned only)
- Benedict Arnold (first appearance)
- The Tyranny of King Washington: The Infamy
References
- ↑ Assassin's Creed III – Contracts: "Weakness at Ticonderoga"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Assassin's Creed III – Database: Benedict Arnold
- ↑ Assassin's Creed III – Benedict Arnold – Traitor in Our Midst
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Assassin's Creed III – Benedict Arnold – A Spy Among Us
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Assassin's Creed III – Benedict Arnold – Battle of West Point
- ↑ Assassin's Creed III – Contracts: "Benedict Arnold in Connecticut"
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Assassin's Creed III – The Tyranny of King Washington: The Infamy – Justice Served
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Assassin's Creed III – The Tyranny of King Washington: The Infamy – Warn the Village
- ↑ Assassin's Creed III – The Tyranny of King Washington: The Infamy – Path of Revenge