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Glyphs were one of the side quests that Desmond Miles could find in the Animus virtual machine through controlling his ancestor Ezio Auditore da Firenze. They revealed significant details about the history of and conflict between the Assassin and Templar Orders.
The Glyphs were created by Subject 16, Desmond's predecessor in the Abstergo Animus. 16 had discovered 'The Truth' during his prolonged Animus sessions, but he could not share this information during his captivity. Instead, 16 hacked the Animus and hid the file in a number of encrypted fragments which Desmond experiences as Glyphs. In an effort to inform the next Animus subject of the hack, Subject 16 left a number of Cryptic Messages scattered around the Abstergo laboratory in his own blood.[1]
Before Desmond Miles was placed in the Animus, Abstergo had cleaned away Subject 16's messages.[2] These messages were impossible to be seen with the naked eye, but the Bleeding Effect eventually granted Desmond the use of Eagle Vision, which allowed him to perceive 16's cryptic messages. Although Desmond was able to see the messages, he was unable to make any sense of them during his captivity.[3]
During the Escape from Abstergo Industries, Lucy Stillman stole the memory core from the Animus that Subject 16 had tampered with. When this core was transferred to the Animus 2.0, 16's Glyphs were transferred as well.[1]
While reliving the memories of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, Desmond and his fellow Assassins discovered the existence of the Glyphs and surmised how they appeared in the Animus. They eventually reached the conclusion that after Lucy Stillman stole the Animus data core from Abstergo's Animus 1.03, it carried with it the imprinted glyphs originally placed on the core by Subject 16.[1]
While Desmond relived Ezio's memories, he would find numerous symbols that acted as a gateway to activating the glyph file that was contained within. These were the same symbols scrawled by Subject 16 on the floor and walls of the Abstergo laboratory. 16 only wanted Assassins to be able to access these glyphs so scanning a specific symbol in Eagle Vision was the only way to open the glyph, as Eagle Vision is only accessible to those of the Assassin bloodline. Desmond would then solve a number of puzzles that would allow him to access a short clip of The Truth video. Once all the glyphs were solved, these short clips combined to form a complete whole. The puzzles that Desmond would solve described the activities of the Assassins and Templars, and instances where Pieces of Eden have emerged throughout history.[1]
When Shaun Hastings analysed the results of the Glyph puzzles, he discovered the puzzles also contained co-ordinates to additional hidden locations. This led Desmond to another series of puzzles Subject 16 had placed in the Animus, accessible through locations around the city of Rome.[4]
Each Glyph is located on a historical landmark within the Animus. When approaching a landmark with a Glyph, the landmark's Database entry will show an 'Eye' icon. Search the landmark in Eagle Vision for your best chance of revealing the Glyph.
Subject 16 states that "everything we've been brought up to believe is a lie" and explains he has proof. This proof has been split into 20 encrypted pieces and hidden in the Animus software as the Glyphs.
The puzzle to solve involves finding the "core similarity" in each painting. Identify and select the pictures with apples: The Fall, Hercules in the Garden of Hesperides, Atalanta and Hippomenes, Judgement of Paris and Idun and the Apples.
You must solve 3 picture rings: spin the various rings in turn until they form an image. The centre circle of the puzzle is fixed, so work you way from the inside out. Sometimes rotating the thickest circles first makes understanding the correct positions of the smaller ones easier.
Each picture is of a famous historical leader who held an Apple of Eden during their career. These leaders are Queen Elizabeth I (Piece #2), Napoleon Bonaparte (Piece #1) and George Washington (Piece #3).
You are presented with a series of pictures, which you will see normally and then under a red light. When the picture is under the red light, you'll have to search the images for the hidden Apple of Eden. While you're searching the paintings, you will also uncover some hidden Morse or Mason Pigpen symbols that contain a hidden message.
Subject 16 explains that each photo subject was murdered by the Templars and their Piece of Eden stolen.
Like the previous glyph, you need to find the Apple of Eden in each photo.
Like the first Glyph, you need to select the pictures that share a common theme. There are two sets of pictures to solve.
<gallery> cluster5swords.jpg|Swords of Eden
cluster5staves.jpg|Staves of EdenThis is a slightly more difficult variation of the picture rings, last seen in Glyph #2. As you spin a specific ring, another ring in the puzzle will also move. There are 4 rings to solve, each depicting the story of Cain and Abel.
The quote is from the Pearl of Great Price (Moses 5:29-31) and the Morse Code reads "Templar texts adapted by Mr. Smith".
Subject 16 then proclaims the Templar emblem (technically a Maltese Cross) is actually the Mark Of Cain.
The first part of this puzzle is a 'common picture' puzzle. Identify the paintings with a person wearing a red robe: Joseph, Egypt c. 1700 BCE; Jason, Greece Prehistory; Jesus Christ, Jerusalem c. 30; David and Goliath, Valley of Elah c. 970 BCE; Christ Disrobed, Jerusalem c. 30. Each of them once held Piece Of Eden #66, The Shroud.
The second part of the puzzle involves scanning a picture of the crucified Jesus Christ for a Piece of Eden. You will hear a beeping sonar that becomes more rapid as you approach your target. Located around Jesus's legs is the red Shroud. Hidden amongst this picture is the Templar cross, the SPQR logo and the words "They took it".
Similar to the previous Glyph, you need to look for a Piece of Eden using the sonar beeps to guide you.
The next phase of this puzzle involves picking up the flame and placing it over the picture of Joan. Subject 16 explains the Templars killed Joan to recover The Sword. Then place the image of Rasputin over the image of Nicholas. Subject 16 explains that Nicholas used The Staff to maintain power but Rasputin stole The Staff and Nicholas lost control of the populace, resulting in the Russian Revolution.
The first part of this puzzle involves using sonar to locate a Piece of Eden in the photos. (There are no hidden texts in these photos.)
The next puzzle involves solving a Caeser cipher to obtain the access code. The cipher key is easily spotted amongst the images (6=1). The access code is 312.
The unlocked letter reveals the Templars plan to kill John F. Kennedy for "planning to give the vote to everyone". Oswald was the successful assassin but another agent referred to as "Z" was also present to ensure success. Once JFK was down PE1 was used to stage a distraction on the infamous 'Grassy Knoll'. The driver (who was trained with PE2 in the Templar labs) took advantage of the confusion to steal PE3.
The first puzzle involves using sonar to locate and identify the Apollo 11 landing module. It's not actually over the Moon itself, but out in space: around lower left of the picture. Over the Moon is a Mason pigpen cipher that reads "Johnson was one of them. The bee's drone too. Follow the money".
The next puzzle is another picture ring. Spin Ring Five 6 times to the left; twist Ring Two 4 times to the left; twist Ring Four 3 times to the right; twist Ring Three 5 times to the left. Then rotate Ring One around until the puzzle is complete.
The final puzzle involves using sonar to locate the Piece of Eden. As you survey the image you'll find several hidden alterations. The title of the Moon photo reads "Apollo 11 photograph released to public"; underneath it reads "Original unreleased negative." When scanned, the US Flag contains the Abstergo logo, and the white flag contains the Templar Emblem. You can find Piece of Eden #5 next to the astronaut's foot on the left.
This puzzle begins with a letter from Nikola Tesla, before giving you two 'find the Apple' pictures. Unlike previous puzzles, you won't be able to home in on the sonar.
Subject 16 reveals that Tesla found the Fourth Apple in Croatia, but the Templars found the Apple in Tesla's lab and used it to drive Tesla mad.
For the final image, move your cursor over each of the light globes to activate them.
The first puzzle is a Caeser wheel: the key is hidden in the schematics that is also shown on the page, 4=1. The password is thus 240.
For the next map, move your cursor over each of the light globes to deactivate them.
The next puzzle is a 'spot the Apple' picture, showing Mark Twain in Tesla's lab. The Apple is in Twain's hands; there is also a hidden Morse cipher reading "They used it to make Tesla go insane. The organization took his research. Alien Property Custodian Office".
You are then shown a letter from Thomas Edison to a Mr Morgan, both Templars, advising that Tesla intends to use the Fourth Apple to provide free electricity and information networks, which the Templars oppose. Edison thus urges Morgan to cut Tesla's funding.
Now you have a second Caeser wheel to solve: but some of the symbols used on the wheel are obscured. The symbol pattern is fairly simple: dashes represent multiple dots, which represent a tally. The key to the Caeser wheel is split amongst two images: the Model T car (2) and the cover of the newspaper. The code to enter is thus:
The next letter is from Henry Ford to Edison. Edison apparently gave (or at least authorized the use of) the Fourth Apple by Ford, allowing Ford to keep his workers on lower wages. Ford was eventually instructed to give the Apple to "H", who will "take over" and begin a war that will allow a new Templar order to arise from the chaos. The letter also reveals the Templars know H is intending to "purge" Europe and that Ford, at least, supports this idea. The letter also implies Firestone is also a Templar.
The first phase of the puzzle is another partially-obscured Caeser wheel. The two pictures on the left each have the key: one has the number 9 while the other has a triangle rafter highlighted. When you align the wheel, you'll see how the symbols go from triangles to squares and circles. The solution is thus:
You are then shown an Abstergo memo instructing a Templar to give "O" the authorisation to proceed with a real-world verification of his experiments.
The next screen presents you with a big red button. There are no hidden texts here, so move your cursor over the button and fire, revealing a video clip of an atomic explosion.
The final screen presents a 'sonar location' puzzle. Listen to the sounds of the Geiger counter to home in on the access code that completes the puzzle.
Subject 16 is starting to deteriorate. He has visions of holding a rifle at Gettysburg; stabbing a man and getting blood on his waistcoat; of an opera soprano who cries as they copulate; and of speaking at the Forum but no-one listens.
The only puzzle involves selecting the paintings with the common theme. The theme is the union of gods and mortals, and the paintings are: Danaë Visited by Zeus, Jupiter and Io, Leda and the Swan, Cupid and Psyche, and the Rape of Europa.
Subject 16 then reveals the Assassins' abilities are the result of interbreeding between humans and Those Who Came Before.
The first puzzle is a picture ring (of Ivan the Terrible holding his dead son). Twist Ring Three 2 times to the right; twist Ring One 4 times to the right; twist Ring Four 5 times to the right; twist Ring One 5 times to the left; twist Ring Two 5 times to the left; then twist Ring Five 5 times to the right.
The next part is a map of targets murdered by the Assassins. Move your cursor over each one to complete the puzzle.
The puzzle begins with a letter sent to Nikola Tesla from the Assassins, warning of the Templar's plan for Tunguska. A map is then presented with various place names, but only one name marks the correct spot: Tunguska. If your cursor hits any place names other than Tunguska, the names will shuffle again. Move your cursor over the Tunguska text and then a portrait of Nikola Tesla and a picture of The Staff appears; drag the Staff to Tesla to complete the puzzle.
An anonymous memo appears from 1908: the Templars had taken The Staff to Tunguska to conduct experiments on it, but the Assassins recruited Tesla to destroy the artifact. The Assassins knew Tesla's career had been destroyed by the Templars, and so Tesla agreed. The Staff was destroyed before the Templars could take advantage of it.
The Caeser wheel in this puzzle doesn't simply obscure two portions: the order of the symbols in the code box is random and there are some fake symbols to choose from as well. If you look at the symbols in the wheel and count the number of sharp vertices, you'll be able to discern the pattern. On the image with the tank, the < symbol is shown; place that symbol at the top of the wheel to align it correctly. The solution to the wheel is thus:
An Abstergo memo shows that the war has mostly gone to plan by ushering in a new order, but "H" was supposed to meet "C" with the Piece of Eden and didn't make the expected rendezvous on 30 April 1945.
Subject 16 explains that although the Templars ushered in their new order, the Assassins were able to kill Hitler.
The final part of the puzzle involves locating the Assassin emblem in a picture of the Führerbunker. Look in the upper-right corner, over the bunker entrance.
The first phase of the puzzle is a Caeser wheel. The key to the cipher is amongst the black & white brain images, but two necessary symbols are obscured from the wheel. As Shaun explains, the 'trees' are 'ones' and the 'mountains' are 'tens': the values of the wheel are still in order, so you can use that to determine which symbols to select from. The correct key is thus:
You are then presented with an article from the inaugural issue of Biological Frontier from January 2012. This article, by Doctors Yijie Wu and PJ Traunero, describes a unique neurotransmitter that appears exclusively in humans and yet does not react to any sort of stimulation.
The second part of the puzzle involves moving the cursor over the various synapses within the picture. Look amongst the nerve lines for two circular parts.
Subject 16 reveals the neurotransmitter described by Wu & Traunero reacts in the presence of a Piece of Eden.
Subject 16 advises "It happened once before. The Pieces were once part of a whole." Your first puzzle is a 'common theme' picture set: select the five pictures depicting the sun: Nazca Textile c. 200; Aztec Calendar Stone 1427; The Eastern Gate 1816; Book of the Dead c. 1310 BCE.; Sistine Chapel Ceiling Fresco 1512.
Finally you need to locate the Earth within the picture of the Sun. It's located just below and left of the centre. There are also four unencrypted messages in the picture, indicating that "fire from the heavens" caused terrible loss of life.
The first puzzle is a picture ring: twist Ring Five 10 times to the right; twist Ring Four 2 times to the left; twist Ring Three 2 times to the right; twist Ring Two 5 times to the right; and then twist Ring One 3 times to the left.
Next is a picture location puzzle. There are no hidden messages in the picture. Below the eyes at the top of the picture is an image of Vitruvian Man, which is your target.
You will now come to a Caeser wheel that has no values on it whatsoever. The clue is in the Assassin's creed that is displayed: everything is permitted. Submit any combination of symbols to proceed.
You are shown an Abstergo memo from 3 January 1997, instructing that faked fossil evidence must be planted for Tim White to find so the world continues to believe human evolution did not have any assistance.
For the final part of the puzzle, move your Apple cursor over each of the bones in the homonid skeleton. This transmutes the skeleton into a Homo sapiens skeleton.
| Icon | Name | How to obtain | Points | Trophy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tip of the Iceberg | Use your Eagle Vision to scan a Glyph in the environment. | 10
|
Bronze |
|
Vitruvian Man | Unlock all 20 pieces of Subject 16's video. | 20
|
Bronze |
