Cesare Borgia's pistol
Cesare Borgia's pistol was a golden wheellock pistol made by Leonardo da Vinci under duress for the Templar Cesare Borgia. It was considered to be of rare precision for including a number of innovations never seen on weapons of the era.[1]
History
Cesare first unveiled the firearm during the Siege of Monteriggioni in 1500, when he took it from fellow Templar Octavian de Valois used it to execute Mario Auditore while inviting the Auditore to confront them in Rome.[2]
In August 1503, Octavian de Valois used the gun to threaten Ezio Auditore and Bartolomeo d'Alviano into compliance, by holding Pantasilea Baglioni hostage. Ezio fired his Hidden Gun into the air, signaling the start of the counterattack to the mercenaries and startling Octavian into fleeing further into Castra Praetoria with his prisoner.[3] Ezio chased after Octavian, though the Templar noticed Ezio and shot at him, but the Assassin was able to evade it and, moments later, assassinate his enemy.[4]
By 1507, the pistol had been returned to Cesare's hands and he took it with himself to Viana Castle. There, a group of Assassins put Ezio's plan[5] of sabotaging it into motion, allowing their Mentor to approach the Templar without having to worry about it.[6]
Appearances
- Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (first appearance)
- Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood of Venice