Economy
Economics is a new gameplay mechanic added to Assassin's Creed II and is a major part of both that game and of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood.
Money: Florins
Money is the heart of the AC economic system. Measured in florins (ƒ), money can be obtained during the course of regular gameplay by completing story missions or Assassination Contracts, or by a variety of other means noted below.
Be advised that thieves can steal from you without you noticing. If you see a red money bag moving through your mini map, you have been stolen from. You will have to tackle or kill the thief in order to get back your money, also using a throwing knife on a thief can get your money back, but only in Assassin's Creed II, as this now kills the thief in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood.
Earning Money
Ezio has a number of options for earning money, some respectable, some less so.
Looting and Robbing
- Main article: Pickpocketing
Ezio can obtain money, and sometimes other useful items, by looting treasure chests and dead bodies, Pickpocketing civilians is another way to acquire a few florins at a time. Significantly more can be had by tackling other pickpockets (before they tackle you!) or the Borgia Messengers.
Upgrading Monteriggioni (AC II)
- Main article: Monteriggioni
The city of Monteriggioni is introduced to the player in a state of disrepair, with many buildings in poor condition or closed completely; leaving Ezio with the task of restoring it. Though the villa is not directly upgraded, it is cleaned up and improved along with the rest of Monteriggioni as Ezio spends money on renovations and upgrades for it. Any money spent on Monteriggioni increases its value. The city gains a higher income from rent and taxes as Ezio upgrades it, the profit of which can be retrieved from the chest behind Claudia's desk. As the landlord of Monteriggioni, Ezio is entitled to discounts at the stores in the city.
Upgrading Rome (AC: Brotherhood)
- Main article: Rome
When Ezio arrives in Rome he finds the city and a state of disrepair after an extended period of Borgia rule. He vows to help to return the city to its former glory. Ezio first must destroy the Borgia towers around Rome and after this he is able to buy shops, repair Aqueducts, restore sewer tunnels, and renovate landmarks. Income gained from rent generated by restored city buildings will be deposited in banks for Ezio to collect, and upon restoring the city of Rome completely, Ezio receives the Auditore cape for his efforts.
Trading (AC: Brotherhood)
- Main article: Trading Items
In Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood money is not the only treasure to be found in chests or the pockets of defeated enemies. Gems, spices and other exotic items can be looted and sold at shops for additional income.
Spending Money
There are any number of ways to spend money in the game.
Hiring Factions
Ezio can use his acquired florins to hire thieves, courtesans and mercenaries throughout Italy to distract or kill enemies.
Blacksmiths: Armor and Weapons
Ezio can buy - or get repaired - armor and weapons at blacksmiths. Upgrading armor and weapons provides better resistance to attacks, or larger damage bonuses in combat. Most armor and weapons in the game need to be bought this way: exceptions include Altaïr's armor in AC II or the Armor of Brutus in Brotherhood; the Hidden Blades (whose upgrades are provided by Leonardo da Vinci); and the first two swords Ezio uses. Aside from purchasing armor and weapons, blacksmiths also sell ammunition like throwing knives, bullets for your gun, and bolts for your crossbow, plus smoke bombs.
Doctors: Medicine and Poison
Doctors sell both medicine and poison, as well as offering instant healing services.
Tailors: Pouches and Clothing
Buying additoinal pouches at tailors shops allows Ezio to carry more equipment -- more medicine, smoke bombs etc. Ezio can also get his clothes dyed in new colors to change his appearance.
Art Merchants: Maps and Paintings
Art merchants sell treasure maps -- useful investments in the search for more florins -- and artwork to enhance the value of Ezio's hideout in either Monteriggioni or Rome's Tiber Island.
Buying Combat Skills (AC II)
Training for long weapons, two-handed weapons and ranged weapons need to be bought with money. This is paid to the trainers at the Villa Auditore at Monteriggioni.
Throwing it Away
You can "equip" the Throw Coins ability, which is fairly self-explanatory: you toss a handful of florins to attract a crowd of greedy people, and distract both guards and targets alike.
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