Machine Gun
The Chariot Machine Gun is a ballistic weapon, and one of the War Machines featured in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood. Designed by Leonardo da Vinci for use by the Borgia forces, this 16th century machine gun is placed on a horse-drawn chariot, so that one can shoot at any targets that come within range. It is immensely powerful, slaying men and horses alike with a single shot.
In 1503, Leonardo was forced to create blueprints for a rapid-firing gun, and subsequently tasked Ezio Auditore da Firenze with its destruction. After assassinating the Overseer entrusted with its location, Ezio traveled to Colli Albani where he managed to remain undetected and burn the blueprints for the chariot before setting off barrels of gunpowder, destroying the main prototype. After witnessing another horse-drawn prototype ride off in attempt to salvage the project, Ezio chased after the carriage on horseback, avoiding being gunned down by the the weapon before hijacking the chariot and fending off numerous mounted arquebusiers.
After losing the pursuers, Ezio ignited the gunpowder laden chariot with his pistol. The resulting explosion destroyed the machine gun, whilst Ezio rode to safety on the horses from the carriage.
Trivia
- Despite it needing a driver and a gunman, Ezio spends the first part of the escape steering the chariot, then later takes over as gunman, much as he does with the Naval Cannon. However, this didn't come without drawbacks, and the horses often sent Ezio crashing into buildings.
- When Ezio hijacks the chariot, he kills the gunman with his left hidden blade, and the driver with right. If players haven't bought the double blade, he still kills the driver as though he has.
- Despite being called a machine gun, it cannot fire in full-automatic. It is only a "machine" gun in the sense that one can fire several bullets at a time without having to reload, however, it essentially only functions as a large semi-automatic gun.
- Interesting enough, the chariot is exploded after the shot, whereas earlier in the mission it takes several seconds for barrels to explode after a precise shot.
- When gunning down a horse the bullet(s) do not kill them, they simply fall over a get back up after being shot, similar to when a horse is cut down with a melee weapon.
- Leonardo da Vinci also designed an eight-barreled machine gun, designed to be carried by two people, though this variation is not featured in the game.
- A miniature replica of the weapon can be found at the Armory in Ezio's Hideout.