Borgia messenger

"Don't slay the messenger, Good Lord. Have my pouch instead."

―A Borgia Messenger upon being caught.

File:Messenger.jpg

A messenger begs for his life

Borgia Messengers, also known as Borgia Couriers, were presumably messengers for the Borgia. It is thought that they carried important information or funds for Rodrigo Borgia, or that they delivered payment to and from some official or ally. This would explain the significant amount of florins in their possession. Upon spotting Ezio, the messengers took flight, Free Running away from him, performing many acrobatic stunts, such as climbing walls and swinging from posts.

If Ezio managed to catch up to one, he could tackle him or simply throw a throwing knife at him for a considerable amount of florins, with the amount being around 1503 to 1505 per messenger. If Ezio killed a Courier, the Asssassin's notoriety would automatically increase by 50%. Despite this, he could still garner the florins if the body was looted after it was killed. If caught, the messenger begged for his life. Couriers could not be grabbed more than once. After being attacked or left alone for a few moments, the messenger would resume his free-running.

Interestingly, archers began running after the messenger, if he climbed onto a rooftop in during the chase. This is rather ironic, as messengers often called to the guards for help. It has also been shown that it was possible to trip them, or throw them off buildings, sending them falling to their death, without being penalized for it.

For some reason, the messengers often moved rather slowly when on flat ground directly after a free-run up the side of a building. They could easily be taken down by a well-aimed throwing knife from Ezio during one of these periods.

Trivia

• Perotto Calderon worked undercover as a Borgia Messenger for the Assassins.
• It is interesting to note that the usual amount of money gained from a messenger, 1503 florins, is also the recorded year of Rodrigo Borgia's death.
• In Rome, the amount of florins received for capturing a Borgia Messengers was maintained at around 1500 florins. However, Borgia Messengers then also carried valuable goods that could be sold to merchants.
• Also in during Ezio's time in Rome, the frequency of Borgia couriers reduced dramatically, as the city was rebuilt.