Machine Gun
The Chariot Machine Gun was a ballistic weapon and one of the War Machines. Designed by Leonardo da Vinci for use by the Borgia forces, this 16th century machine gun was placed on a horse-drawn chariot so that one could shoot at any targets that came within range. It was immensely powerful, slaying men and horses alike with a single shot.
History
In 1503, Leonardo was forced to create blueprints for a rapid-firing gun, and subsequently tasked his friend, the Assassin Ezio Auditore 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 weapon before hijacking the chariot and fending off numerous mounted arquebusiers.
After losing the pursuers, Ezio detached the prototype from the horses of the carriage and ignited the gunpowder laden chariot with his pistol. The resulting explosion destroyed the machine gun, whilst Ezio rode to safety.
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 with the right hidden blade.
- 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.
- Successfully using and destroying the Machine Gun grants the player the "Bang!" achievement.
- When gunning down a horse bullets do not kill them, they simply fall over and get back up after being shot, similar to when a horse is cut down with a melee weapon.
- A miniature replica of the weapon can be found at the Armory in Ezio's Hideout.
- In the Machine Gun's memory description, it is said that the Machine Gun can kill one hundred men in mere seconds.