Venetian conspiracy

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After learning from a letter taken from one of the Pazzi Conspirators, Ezio Auditore da Firenze learned that the Templar's presence was not limited to Florence only, for the letter made mention of the city of Venice. This, paired with the fact a man from Venice was present during the meeting at the countryside of Tuscany, proved that the Templars intend ill upon the city. With the intention of stopping the Templar's plans, Ezio made his way to the floating city.

Side-Trip to Forli

Trouble at the Mountains

Leonardo: "Venezia! Such a beautiful city! So many sources of inspiration! Ponte di Rialto, Piazza San Marco, L'Arsenale..."

Ezio: "Shh!"

Leonardo: "What's wrong?"

Ezio: "We're not alone"

—Ezio, detecting the presence of Borgia's men

Ezio made his way to the Apennine Mountains, where he managed to catch up with Leonardo da Vinci, who was having trouble with his carriage. Ezio helped him by lifting the carriage as Leonardo fixes the wheel. As he did, Ezio sees from the back of the carriage, a bat-like contraption made of wood. When he asked Leonardo, he revealed that it is an invention that can make man fly. Laughing about the subject, Ezio climbed aboard the carriage along with Leonardo, and then they made their way to Venice.

File:EzioLeo1.jpg

Ezio and Leonardo at the Apennine Mountains

While Leonardo was fantasizing the beautiful sites of Venice, Ezio heard a faint noise. Just then, the silence was broken by soldiers on horseback attacking the carriage, presumed to be Borgia's men who were searching for Ezio. Leonardo hid in the carriage as Ezio tried to fend off the attackers by trying to manoeuvre the carriage into shaking them off.

As he continued to make his way out of the countryside, soldiers lit the small, wooden bridge on fire along the way, but it wasn't enough to hinder Ezio's progress, as he managed to make it through the burning bridge unscathed. Continuing onward, as the soldiers tried to further damage the vessel, Ezio asked Leonardo to go on without him, and told him that he will catch up.

Taking command over the vessel, Leonardo left the mountains, as Ezio fended off the attackers. After a tedious fight, Ezio successfully dispatched all of them. After this, Ezio made his way out of the countryside, and soon found himself in Forli.

Damsel in Distress

Leonardo: "Be careful, Ezio. Do you know who that was?"

Ezio: "My next conquest?"

Leonardo: "I don't think so, Ezio! That's Caterina Sforza, daughter of the Duca di Milano…"

—Leonardo, informing Ezio on whom he just met

It was 1481, and Ezio, made his way through the city and out at the countryside, managed to reach the harbor where Leonardo was waiting for him. Expecting a simple passage to the boat, he was stopped on his tracks by the ferry man, saying that he needed a pass to enter the boat since Leonardo couldn't provide one. Just then, Ezio heard a call for help by a woman who was stranded at a small land form. He got a hold of a gondola and rowed it to the woman's direction. Taking her back to the harbor, she revealed her name to be Caterina Sforza. Caterina, returning the favor to Ezio, talked to the ferryman to grant Ezio safe passage on to the boat.

File:EzioLeo2.jpg

Ezio and Leonardo, en route to Venice, with Caterina Sforza still visible at the background

Leonardo informed Ezio on who she was, after he boarded the boat. He revealed that Caterina Sforza was the husband of Girolamo Riario, the count of Forli, and also the Duke of Milan, Galeazzo Maria Sforza. Leonardo continued, and said that it is best that Ezio should refrain from doing anything that he might regret. Ezio only replied a faint chuckle, and remarked that she is his type of lady. After this, the boat continued en route to Venice.

Venice

Settling in

Ezio arrived at Venice with Leonardo, who was organizing his things along the Ponte di Rialto. As they conversed, the two was greeted by Alvise, who was instructed by Leonardo's employer to give him a short tour of Venice. Ezio and Leonardo walked the streets of Venice, with Alvise as their guide, he who pointed out the city's most famous landmarks, such as the Rialto Bridge, an old church, the Venetian Markets, and the Palazzo dela Seta. Along the tour, they saw guards abusing merchants about their right to sell at their stands, and if neglected, they quickly used force to make them leave.

Alvise explained to Leonardo and Ezio, while looking at the large Palazzo, that the man who resided at the Palazzo's premises, the wealthy Emilio Barbarigo, wanted to unite all of the Venetian Merchants under his banner. He continued, and mentionned that there are some who refuse to cooperate, and often resulted in unwanted violence. Alvise thought of it as nonsense, as Ezio looked on at the Palazzo, seeing the guards abuse their authority even further.

The tour continued, and as they walked further into the city, Ezio caught sight of a woman dressed in rags, rudely knocking him over as he conversed with Leonardo. After this, the tour concluded with Alvise introducing Leonardo to his new workshop, and boasted that they spared no expense in making it as presentable as possible, remarking that it is as if Leonardo never left Florence. Leonardo, giving Alvise a simple thanks, asked Ezio if was going to stay. Ezio replies that he planned to gain an audience with Emilio, the man who lived at the Palazzo.

Leonardo remarked that his door is always open for Ezio if he is in need of help, or assistance in deciphering a Codex page. Ezio and Leonardo then hugged each other brotherly, bidding each other farewell. After this, Leonardo prepared to organize his belongings, as Ezio left for the Palazzo.

The Venetian Thieves

"Don't look so surprised. We know all about you, Ser Ezio. Your work in Florence and the rest of Tuscany. Good work too, if a little unrefined."

―Antonio, on Ezio's work in Florence and Tuscany

Ezio, looking through the small passage to the Palazzo from afar, planned his move to enter the heavily guarded fortress, but saw no other way, other than a window with a gap Ezio can't jump. As he looked for another way, men in rags suddenly ran towards the guards, breaching the Palazzo, thus causing the guards to give chase. As the guards left, however, the same woman Ezio bumped into earlier during the tour, suddenly appeared, and tried to climb the Fortress' walls. The woman amazingly jumped the large gap, but it proved to be a vain effort, as Archers guarding the rooftops opposite the building managed to land an arrow on the woman's thigh, injuring her, and causing her to fall.

The woman, fleeing the Palazzo, came to Ezio, catching her breath. She asked for his assistance, as Ezio recalls her face. When Ezio offered his help, the woman asked him to take her to the water, much to Ezio's confusion. Before he could ask anything, the woman quickly fled after seeing more of the guards headed their way. Ezio followed the woman through the streets of Venice, and along the way, dispatched all of the soldiers that stood in their way. When Rosa was no longer able to continue, she fell to her knees, gasping for her breath. Ezio carried her with him to safety, and as he did, he learned the woman's name; Rosa. When Ezio revealed his, however, he learned that she already knew his name, much to Ezio's confusion.

As he carried Rosa to safety, Ezio reached one of the edges of the canal, with Rosa's friends awaiting her with a gondola in tow. Ezio left her with her friends so they could attend to her needs at the moment. However, they soon learned that there are guards stationed by the canal, ready to finish what they began at the streets of Venice. Ezio took it upon himself to deal with these guards as the gondola carrying Rosa moved through the canal. After Ezio took out one guard after another, the gondola successfully madeit way to safety, as it reached the Venetian Thieves Guild. After positioning the gondola, Rosa's friend tried effortlessly to take her to the other thieves by carrying her, but only inflicted more pain. Out of her rage, she angrily demanded her friend to fetch Antonio. Ezio suggested that it is best to leave Rosa to his care. Both agreed, as both did as they're told.

Ezio carried her to the other men, and carefully placed her on a work table cleared by the thieves. Just then, the man Rosa called for, Antonio, comes to Rosa's aid. He saw the bolt, and carefully examined it. Rosa demanded it to be removed, out of her rage. Antonio then proceeded to break the bolt's lower half, and then pulled the other half out. He then instructed Ezio, who was watching it all unfold, to get a clean piece of cloth, and very quickly, place it on top of the wound after he removes his hand. He successfully did, and the man deemed the effort a success, as the thieves carried Rosa back to the base, who was screaming and loudly cursing Antonio while being taken away.

Antonio then thanked Ezio for his assistance. He revealed that he and his people knew him from his work in Florence and the rest of Tuscany, commenting that it was quite remarkable, if not unrefined. He then asked him to come to his office when he had some spare time, for they had much to discuss.

Preparations

"Our failure at the Palazzo cost us dearly. It will take time to recover. No doubt Emilio will use this pause to strengthen his defences, and continue his oppression of the district. You may not share our motive, but I know you share our goal."

―Antonio, on the failure at the Palazzo della Seta

Ezio came to Antonio's office, who offered him some coffee, a drink still unfamiliar to some of the Italians. Antonio then told him that their efforts have been wasted yet again, remarking that they needed time to recover. He asked Ezio for help, remarking that although he hd a different motive, they both share the same goal. Ezio asked why not just regroup, and try again. Antonio remarked that if they are to act in haste, it would only result in more casualties. He continued, saying that they should resupply, and plan anew. Ezio told him that he can't just sit around and wait. Antonio told him to help instead of wait in order to hasten the preparations, and told him to seek out his men for work. Ezio agreed to this, and proceeded to leave the office, in order to help the thieves.

His first job was from one of Antonio's men to inspect three sectors of the Venice, where they had seen their allies caged by the guards. After inspecting these areas, Ezio was able to set all of the thieves free. He was then instructed by Antonio to get rid of the traitors of the guild, who were reporting their actions to the guards. After successfully doing so, Ezio was then tasked to steal a new shipment of archer uniforms from chests located all over the Middle District. After doing so, he delivered the uniforms to the guild via gondola. The preparations spanned a total of several weeks, with Ezio constantly aiding the guild, all the while learning from them, such as new methods of climbing and scaling buildings and scaffoldings.

By 1485, all of the preparations were deemed complete by Antonio, and then instructed Ezio to meet him at his office, where he would inform him of the plan to takeover the Palazzo dela Seta once more.

The Corrupt Merchant

Ezio: "Do not be afraid."

Emilio: "I feel no fear, assassin. Only regret. I sought unity. Stability. Order."

Ezio: "At too great a cost"

—Ezio to Emilio, moments before dying

Antonio, finally ready to initiate the takeover, filled Ezio in on his role on the attack. He was to dispose of the archers guarding the Palazzo opposite the building, where their archers would pose as the disposed guards. Afterwards, he was instructed to meet him and the others on a nearby area no too far from where he was then. Ezio agreed to this, and after successfully dispatching the guards, he met up with Antonio and Rosa. He was then instructed by Antonio to dispose the guards on the ground level by using his men. Ezio agreed to this, and left to return to the Palazzo's footsteps.

Ezio, with thieves in tow, ordered them to cause a distraction in order to open a way for him. Successfully doing so, Ezio quietly sneaked inside the Palazzo. Scaling the walls using the methods taught to him by Rosa, Ezio managed to reach the top of the Palazzo unscathed and undetected. From there, he was able to observe a brief conversation between his target, Emilio Barbarigo, and another man named Carlo, who, based on his appearance, was a government official. The official thought it was best for Emilio to leave his Palazzo, for the assassin was seen on numerous occasions around Venice, much to Emilio's surprise. He was shocked by the sudden announcement of the assassin's presence, which the official quickly reprimanded.

Emilio remarked that he had been busy because of the constant orders of weapons that he had been receiving. Whatever the case was, the official left, bidding Emilio safety. The Merchant, fearing the assassin's possible presence, ordered his men to fetch him a boat. Wasting no time, Ezio made his way inside the Palazzo, and then slew the old merchant. Before dying, Emilio admitted that he felt no fear, but regret, for he only sought unity and order. The guards that inhabited the Palazzo were then taken down by Rosa and the thieves who posed as archers. Ezio, after speaking words of respect for Emilio's corpse, came along with Rosa to open the Palazzo doors for Antonio and the others.

Antonio gleefully greeted Ezio on his success, and remarked that they are now free of Emilio's tyranny. When asked for what he wanted in return, Ezio only asked for two things; Money, and the full name of a government official by the name of Carlo. He received both from Antonio, a sack of Florins, and the name Carlo Grimaldi, a member of the Council of Ten. After this, Ezio left the Palazzo, as the thieves celebrated on the victory they won.

Meeting at the Streets of Venice

"The plan is this: Doge Mocenigo will die tonight. And once the deed's been done, Marco shall take his place."

―Rodrigo Borgia

After some time of scouring Venice, Ezio located some of the Templar's officers, and eavesdropped on their conversation. He spotted Silvio Barbarigo and Carlo Grimaldi, who, presumed from their greetings, lacked trust for each other. As they moved, so did Ezio. Carlo revealed that he has been trying to befriend and gain the trust of Doge Mocenigo but revealed that Mocenigo kept his personal circle close, and had others giving him suggestions and opinions. Carlo continued, telling him that befriending the Doge was harder than expected, due to the fact that Mocenigo didn't hold him in high regard. Silvio sarcastically wondered aloud why, to which Carlo quickly answered that it was not his fault. Silvio continued to belittle him, calling him that he was coming of as a sycophant to Moncenigo, rather than a friend. Carlo, enraged, angrily answered back to Silvio, telling him that he did not know what it was like to be in his position. Continuing his tirade, Carlo revealed that he was close to recruiting Mocenigo to the their cause, and only asked for more time.

Arriving at the courtyard of the Palazzo Ducale, the two met up with Silvio's cousin, Marco Barbarigo and his personal bodyguard, Dante Moro. He quickly revealed the death of Emilio, telling him that the assassin had managed to strike the merchant in his own Palazzo. He continued, saying that their plans had changed, and revealed that it must happen before the week ends, despite Grimaldi's pleas. He then revealed, as they walk, that Rodrigo Borgia had arrived from Rome in order to dictate the others on their plans. Making their way to the meeting place, the three speculated who was to become the Doge once Mocenigo was dealt with. Favoring themselves, they were quickly reprimanded by Borgia, who told them that it was never up to them to decide. Borgia revealed their new scheme; They planned to murder Doge Mocenigo by nightfall, and after doing so, he was to be replaced by Marco as the new Doge of Venice.

Leaving the poison to Silvio's care, and the poisoning to Carlo's, the group arrived at the Rialto Bridge at the end of their discussion. Marco asked why Borgia has come to Venice, just to handle their plans and roles. He told them that he feels the need to involve himself more directly, due to the Pazzi's failure at Florence. Silvio then reassured him of any worry, and continued by mocking the Pazzi. Borgia, quickly reprimanded him, saying that it was due to the assassin's meddling that brought the Pazzi into rubble, and not because of their arrogance and foolishness. He then continued, saying that they should keep an eye out for the assassin, and be cautious not to underestimate him. After this, he left the plans to the Barbarigo's care, as he returned to Rome.

Ezio, who was observing from afar, quickly lost trace of the Templar's tracks. Concerning himself on the business with Mocenigo, he proceeded to make his way to the Palazzo della Seta, now a den for the thieves he befriended, in order to speak with Antonio.

A Way at the Skyline

Antonio: "It's Impossible! There's no way in and out for men--only birds!"

Ezio: "Yes...Birds...."

Antonio: "Where are you going now!?"

Ezio: "To see my friend, Leonardo"

—Ezio, gaining an idea from Antonio's remarks

Consulting with Antonio, Ezio revealed what he had learned from the meeting. Telling Antonio the Templar's scheme to murder the Doge, Ezio was accompanied to the Palazzo Ducale by Antonio in order to find a way inside. Along the way, Antonio spoke of his past life, his father being a cobbler, and his mother being a simple maid. He spoke of the Noble's true intentions and evils, and that in the end, it is the thieves, mercenaries and whores who are the real nobles of Venice.

They finished their conversation as they arrived at the Palazzo's courtyard. Scouting the area around the Palazzo, they tried to locate a way inside. The two first observed the front gates, but found no way in, for it was guarded by various soldiers, and dealing with them would give enough time for Grimaldi to kill Mocenigo. They then scouted the upper area from a small tower not too far from the Palazzo, but found archers posted all around the rooftops. They took one last gander at the Palazzo from the back, and although they found a convenient way to the roof from the scaffolding, further progress was blocked by metal fences built at the roof. As they looked for another way, they saw Grimaldi and Mocenigo from where they were, with Grimaldi forcing his opinions on the Doge. Fearing the worst, Antonio gave up the search for another way inside.

Once again at the courtyard of the Palazzo, Antonio contemplated on their failure to find a way inside, remarking that only birds are granted safe passage to the impenetrable fortress. Ezio suddenly remembered Leonardo's idea of making man fly, and bid Antonio farewell to see him. Meeting with Leonardo in his workshop, he quickly asked if the machine worked. Leonardo told him that he did not know exactly for it was only a prototype, and that only a madman would be crazy enough to test it. Ezio laughed about the subject, and remarked that Leonardo has found his madman. Leonardo then set up the machine from a tower not too far from his workshop.

Leonardo instructed Ezio on how he can balance his weight with the machine, telling him that he should imitate what the birds do. Bracing himself, Ezio began to take flight. A successful launch at first, the machine began to lower its altitude and eventually crashed before Ezio could even reach a fraction of the Palazzo's distance. Leonardo was astounded by the machine's capability. Ezio felt otherwise, stating that the flight time was very short for him to reach the Palazzo. Leonardo remarked that it was never made for distance. He then made blueprints on how to make the machine fly higher and longer, but to no avail.

Antonio arrived at the workshop to warn Ezio of the lack of time they had. Ezio gave Antonio and Leonardo a formal introduction, and then showed Antonio the machine that was supposed to grant them passage to the Palazzo, but failed to do so. Leonardo told them that it was not his fault, before throwing the schematics he drew to the fireplace out of frustration. As Leonardo calmed himself down, he, Ezio and Antonio, noticed the paper floating up in mid-air. Leonardo was ecstatic at the discovery, and quickly returned to his work table and drew schematics.

Antonio and Ezio took a gander at the designs, and saw immediately what Leonardo intended. The inventor told them to set up open fireplaces across Venice in order for the machine to fly higher as it made it way over the hot air. Antonio told them that his men can set up the equipment, but was concerned about the guards. Ezio then remarked that he would take care of them as his men prepared to handle the equipment. With this, Ezio, Antonio and Leonardo, put their plans into motion, before everything was too late.

Man from Monaco

Ezio: "It takes one assassin to kill another it seems."

Carlo: "We kill thinking it's best for us, do we not, Messer Ezio?"

Ezio: "I do this not for myself."

—Ezio to Carlo, on his dying breath

After disposing of the guards around Venice, Antonio and his men managed to set up the fireplaces all over Venice. Meeting up at the tower where the machine was set up, Ezio prepared to take flight once more. Leonardo bid Ezio good luck, as Antonio warned him of the very short time they had left. With this in mind, Ezio took grasp of the machine, and then jumped off of the tower, preparing for the worst. Guards, who saw the machine from afar, quickly tried to shoot down the "flying demon", but to no avail, as Ezio glided through the skyline, evading the guards fiery bolts.

Flying through the skies of Venice, with hot air beneath him to give him flight, Ezio finally made it at the rooftops of the Palazzo Ducale, but, as he was about to land, the wooden wing of the machine ignited, originating from a fire arrow launched by an archer not too far from where Ezio was. As luck would have it, Ezio landed unscathed at the rooftops, with the machine crashing to a group of guards patrolling the rooftops. Mocenigo heard the disturbance from afar, as he and Grimaldi were playing chess. Carlo reassured him of any worry, as he told the Doge that it was his move.

Ezio, who quietly made his way to the Doge's quarters, arrived too late, for Grimaldi has already succeeded in poisoning Mocenigo. The Doge, confused by Grimaldi's betrayal, began to spit blood as Carlo reprimanded him for ignoring his warnings. Ezio apologized to the Doge before giving chase to Grimaldi, as the Doge, continue to spat blood as he wondered the root of his dead. Grimaldi, shouting the presence of the assassin, exclaimed the death of the Doge, and framed Ezio for this. Catching up with Carlo, Ezio gave the final blow to the councilman, ending his life with the assassin's blade. Before dying, Grimaldi assumes that both he and the assassin was the same, thinking death is the best way to solve their problems. Ezio remarks that it is not his wish for his targets to die, and that he makes sacrifices for the betterment of the people. He then gives his final words to Grimaldi before dying.

Mocenigo, delusional from the poison that Carlo inflicted, barked his final words, angrily shouting at Ezio for killing him. After this, the guards closed in on Ezio's location, but was quickly outsmarted by him, for he managed to escape before they could capture the assassin. After this, he quickly left the area of San Marco before he is spotted once more.