Richard I of England
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- "We enter this world kicking and screaming. Violent and unstable from birth, that permanent peace is impossible though we all wish it."
- ―Richard at Arsuf.[src]
Richard I of England (8 September 1157 - 6 April 1199), or Richard the Lionheart, was the king of England from 1189 to his death in 1199. He was the leader of the Crusader army during the Third Crusade, and was considered a great military leader and warrior.
Biography
Richard was the third of five brothers, and so was not expected to be king: he was raised in northern France (which then belonged to the King of England) but when his older brothers died without issue Richard became heir apparent. As a result he spoke very little English: in the game he speaks with a French accent.
Even before the became king, Richard had earned the nickname Lionheart for his ferocity and utter fearlessness in battle.
Richard landed in Acre in 1191, quickly forcing that city to surrender to the Crusaders. The events of Assassin's Creed occur after Acre's surrender, when Richard and his forces prepare to move south to Jaffa and then Jerusalem.
Assassin's Creed
Richard is first seen in Assassin's Creed as he departs Acre with his army to move south. Richard left William of Montferrat as Regent Lord of Acre, unaware than William was secretly part of the Templar conspiracy and intended to betray the king. William was killed by the assassin Altaïr soon after Richard left Acre.
Under Richard, the Crusaders eventually reached Arsuf where they engaged Saladin's army. Here they were approached by Altaïr, the assassin responsible for killing not only William of Montferrat but the Grand Masters of the Knights Hospitalier and Teutonic as well. Altaïr claimed Robert de Sable, Grand Master of the Knights Templar and one of the generals working alongside Richard, intended to betray the King; Robert insisted Altaïr's story was merely a ruse to keep Richard from interfering in the assassin's mission.
Richard left the decision in the hands of God, leaving Robert and his Templars to fight Altaïr in trial by combat. Altaïr proved the victor, and so Richard accepted the assassin's version of events. Richard and Altaïr then discussed the politics and philosophy of war and peace, in which Richard admitted he wasn't yet ready for peace with Saladin.
Characteristics and personality
Richard was a man strong in faith, and relied upon God for crucial decisions. He did, however, seem tolerant towards non-believers, as Altaïr denying the help of God over his victory against Robert did not trouble him.
Richard believed that mankind could never change. In his mind, the only way for him to have brought peace was for his men to crush the enemy: Saladin and the Saracens.
Trivia
- When you observe King Richard through Eagle Vision he appears to be red, which implies that he is an enemy, even though he appears to be friendly towards Altaïr.
- Richard can be attacked, but he will not die. In order for you to do this, you have to throw one soldier to him. He will fall down. Then that soldier will stand up and try to attack you from inside the barrier. He will hit Richard and force him out of the barrier. You can attack him, but not kill him.
