Niccolò Machiavelli

"I am an Assassin. Trained in the ancient ways to safeguard mankind's evolution. Just like you, and each one of us here."

―Niccolò to Ezio Auditore upon their first meeting.

Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli (1469 – 1527) was an Italian philosopher and writer, and a member of the Italian Brotherhood of Assassins. Considered one of the main founders of modern political science, he was a diplomat, political philosopher, musician, and playwright, but foremost, he was a civil servant of the Florentine Republic.

With the Assassin Order, Niccolò primarily worked with his ally Ezio Auditore da Firenze, and helped him with driving the Orsi brothers from Forlì and with removing the monk Girolamo Savonarola from power in Florence to obtain the "Apple of Eden" - an ancient artifact - from him.

Two years later, Machiavelli took up the position of leader of the Italian Assassins, after the death of previous leader Mario Auditore. Once again joined by Ezio, they fought against the corrupted Borgia family, which ruled over Rome. Eventually successful in their goal, Machiavelli joined Ezio and Leonardo da Vinci in chasing Cesare Borgia in Valencia.

Machiavelli then focused on his duties in the Florentine government, leading the Florentine militia until he was defeated, arrested and deprived of office.

Characteristics and personality

"When did you become so cynical?"

―Ezio Auditore to Niccolò.

Niccolò speaking with Ezio in Rome

Niccolò possessed a rather intricate personality. He was a mysterious individual, secretive in his ways, which resulted in his fellow Assassin, La Volpe, questioning his loyalty to the Assassin Order.

A usually cautious man, Niccolò was often astounded by Ezio Auditore's brash and headstrong actions. He was also opportunistic, easily seeing the actions which benefited the Order the most. This was clearly shown when Ezio infiltrated the Castel Sant'Angelo for the first time, and Niccolò insisted that Ezio prioritize assassinating the Templars Cesare and Rodrigo, rather than rescuing Ezio's lover Caterina Sforza.

Niccolò also, from time to time, verbally sparred with Ezio, usually openly contradicting his views. When Ezio suggested that the Order appeal to the citizens of Rome for aid, Niccolò quickly opposed this idea, stating that relying on the people was "like building on the sand."

Niccolò often had little patience for those who did not follow his plans, and was quick to do things on his own should he see fit. He rarely worked alongside Ezio or other Assassins, preferring to do everything his own way so long as it ended in a beneficial result for the Order (such as making deals with Borgia guards, an act which other Assassins would see as conspiring with the enemy).

He could sometimes be seen to display a dry, almost uncaring sense of humour. While rarely laughing, he would often make sarcastic quips, particularly to Ezio. He also found it amusing to laugh at Ezio's misfortune when his money was stolen by a thief, partly because it supported a pessimistic point of his that trusting the citizens was a waste of time, shortly after debating it with Ezio.

While not as brash or flamboyant in his fighting style as Ezio, Niccolò was nonetheless a skilled fighter and swordsman. Although never assassinating targets, he usually carried a blade with him for both defensive and offensive means. In various different battles with Ezio, he is seen being capable of performing the same killing techniques as him, as opposed to the dogmatic style of simply swinging his sword at the enemy.

Trivia

• In line with his real-life counterpart, the in-game Niccolò stated during the Bonfire of the Vanities that he found mercenaries unreliable, as they fought only for payment, not loyalty.
  • However, in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, Niccolò openly admitted to Ezio that the mercenaries that aided him in the Colosseo were sent by him.
• Despite being only 19 when he first met Ezio Auditore, Niccolò acted very mature towards the elder Assassin.
• The clothes Niccolò wore in Assassin's Creed II and at the beginning of Brotherhood were based on the clothes seen in various pieces of artwork and statues depicting him.
• If Ezio chose to do nothing during the moment where Savonarola tried to silence the crowd in the Bonfire of the Vanities, Niccolò would step in throw a knife at Savonarola's hand.
  • According to Assassin's Creed: Renaissance, it was Niccoló who threw the knife.
• Historically, Niccolò had good relations with the Borgia family. In 1502, he was sent on a diplomatic mission to Cesare Borgia. He called Rodrigo Borgia a very successful politician, because he was the prototype of a leader who had no scruples to reach his target, and historically, it is also said that Niccolò greatly admired Cesare. For obvious reasons this wasn't the case in the game, but Machiavelli did mention that Cesare Borgia was a capable leader.
• In Brotherhood, it was suggested that Niccolò's later works, mainly The Prince, were inspired by Ezio.

Gallery

Art

• 
  Niccolò with a longsword
• Database entry
  Database entry
• Concept art
  Concept art
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  Original concept art for Machiavelli as shown at the Assassin's Creed Art Exhibition

Screenshots

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  Niccoló and Ezio finding the corpses of Borgia guards
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  Niccoló at the Assassin meeting in Monteriggioni
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  Niccolò and Ezio in Rome
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  Niccolò meeting with a contact
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  Niccoló speaking with the guild leaders
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  Niccolò and Ezio initiating Claudia into the Order