Economy

Economy is a new gameplay mechanics added to Assassin's Creed II, and it's a major part of the game.

Upgrades

Training for long weapons, two-handed weapons and ranged weapons need to be bought with money. This is paid to the trainers/sparring partners at the Auditore villa at Monteriggioni.

Auditore Villa

A prominent building in Monteriggioni, the Auditore villa was built by Mario's great grandfather (Ezio's great, great grandfather). It features a large assassin logo in a fountain near the stairs to the villa. The villa and the city of Monteriggioni are introduced to the player in a state of disrepair, with many buildings in poor condition. Mario explains that he has neither the time nor the money to fix up the place. The villa is not directly upgraded, but is cleaned up along with Monteriggioni as Ezio spends money on uprgades to the city.

Any money spent on Monteriggioni increases its value. The city is able to earn more money as Ezio upgrades it. This money is available to Ezio in the chest behind where Claudia sits. Being the landlord of Monteriggioni, Ezio is entitled to discounts at the stores in the city.