Blending

File:Blending.png

Altaïr blending to avoid attention of guards.

Blending was the stealthiest method of movement, that every Assassin had to learn.

Third Crusade

When blending, Altaïr moved very slowly, so as not to arouse suspicion. If he was on foot, he would lower his head, fold his hands, and imitate a scholar. Altaïr could even blend into a group of Scholars for extra security, however if he did so, he was bound to follow wherever the group walked until he exited the blend. If he was on a horse, he would bow his head and slow the horse to a walk. When guards were Informed (alert with drawn swords), blending was the best way of avoiding attention.

Usage

To blend, while in low profile, hold the Feet button ( on PS3, A on Xbox 360, or the Space Bar on the PC's default layout). Informed guards are much less likely to notice you if you blend.

When not to blend

Blending was not always effective, such as when:

• Approaching a Templar (they always recognize Altaïr very quickly).
• Approaching a stationary guard or guards, such as those in front of city gates. They would always push Altaïr back, even if he blended. If he joined a group of scholars, however, they would always let you pass through.
• Being chased by guards. Blending alone did not act as a hiding spot. He could, however, use a group of scholars as he would any other hiding spot.
• Standing on a rooftop. Archers would remind him that it's socially unacceptable to be up there, even if he Blended.
• Approaching an archer in the Kingdom. Kingdom archers attentively defended the area around their post, including the ground.

Scholars

File:Blending.jpg

Altaïr blending with a group of scholars.

Main article: Scholars

Altaïr could get more scholars to help him (as well as vigilantes), by Saving Citizens. Although for more scholars to walk around, the potential-victim had to be male, since saved females called vigilantes instead. Scholars patrolled the 3 cities in groups of four, moving in a diamond formation. If Altaïr approached an unaware group and blended, he would lower his head, join the group, and walk with them automatically. He could leave them at any time.

Hiding

When blending in a group of scholars, Altaïr was even better concealed than when he blended normally. If Altaïr was being chased by guards and he broke their line of sight, he was able to use scholars as he would any hiding spot. By approaching them, Blending, and joining the group, he was in effect entering a moving hiding spot.

Passing through

In addition, guards would always step aside to allow a group of scholars through, even in situations where they would not do the same if it were just Altaïr blending. This could prove very useful for getting into restricted areas.

Italian Renaissance

thumb|300px|right|Paola teaching Ezio how to blend. Paola taught Ezio how to blend in with the crowd. As an updated version of blending with scholars, he could now hide within any group of civilians, as long as there were at least 4 of them (with the exception of hired courtesans, who only require a minimum of 2). To blend into the crowd, he simply walked into the middle of their group and followed them.

When Ezio was blending he seems to become duller and lose a lot of color, to indicate that he was hiding. A shadow of gray under the group that he was currently blending with indicates the boundary in which he must stay, so as to remain unseen.

Usage

In this game, there is no button meant for blend. Instead, you automatically blend when you walk into a group of people (courtesans, priests, common folk etc.) or when moving with the crowd. You can also steal money by hold the Feet button ( on PS3, A on Xbox 360 or the Space Bar on the PC's default layout) while in Low Profile.

The green circle around the map indicates that Ezio is hidden. Leaving the group would allow Ezio to be hidden for just a little longer until he was seen again. Please note that pressing the button for High Profile will cause the blend to be removed, even when still in the group.

Courtesans

Main article: Courtesans

After Paola taught Ezio how to blend and steal, he would be able to hire some Courtesans to help him blend for the cost of 150 florins. They acted very similar to the scholars in terms of usage; however, inversely, they would follow his movements instead him following theirs. This was the fastest way of blending, at the cost of some florins. However, they could be easily lost if there were guards nearby, as they did not fare well in combat.

In Rome

Blending returned after the Siege of Monteriggioni, with nearly the same function as before the Siege. Available in both single and multiplayer, the only change to the mechanic is that the player is no longer required to manually follow the crowd, and may simply allow the civilians to lead their character, much as scholars did in Assassin's Creed.

Trivia

• A bug in Assassin's Creed II gives the player a never-ending blend ability. If walking onto a non-standable surface while blending, the player will stay in blend-mode until Ezio stands up. For info and a tutorial on this, visit folowing links: Superblending and Hyperblending.
• It's possible to blend with only one person. If you manage to find one of the three factions (Courtesans, Mercenaries, or Thieves) near water or on a roof, push all of them off but leave one. Move closer to the remaining one and you will blend.
• While playing the first and the second repressed memory, Ezio is able to blend despite not visiting Paola to the time.