Romani
- "Yes, we're with you."
- ―A Romani's greeting to Ezio.[src]
The Romani, also called Gypsies, were a faction for hire, consisting of dancers, fire breathers, street performers and musicians. With their spirited performances, they were sure to make an impression – and distract anyone.
History
west, eventually reaching as far as Eastern Europe and northern Africa.
However, the Romanies were a fiercely independent culture who refused to assimilate to their host nations. Although these difficult relations did cause them to endure hardship, the Romani were able to retain a rich and varied culture all their own.
The Romanies are referred to in much of the English-speaking world as Gypsies, a corruption of the name "Little Egyptians" from the mistaken belief they came from Egypt and generally considered offensive. They call themselves Romani, coming from the word in their language (Romanes) for "the people." Many ethnicities exist within the group, including the Roma that most likely occupied the Middle East.
Byzantine theft
- "For centuries my people have been slandered and insulted, labeled witches and warlocks. Well, so be it. We will not run from these lies any more, but embrace them. Encourage these rumors, for it is better to be infamous than ignored."
- ―The Romani leader explains their plan to Ezio.[src]
In 1511, six month's worth of profit was stolen from the Romani by Byzantines. While in deep melancholy, the Romani received a visit from the Assassin Ezio Auditore. After arriving, Ezio offered to help the Romani as they attempted to gain infamy in the city, claiming it was better than being ignored.
The Romani leader explained their plan to Ezio, in which he would have to stealthily assassinate each guard who held the chest, to present the idea that the chest was cursed. Ezio agreed, and left the headquarters to rendezvous with a group of Romani in the streets.
After he met up with a group of Romani in the streets, Ezio tailed each guard around the city, assassinating each guard as they carried the chest with poison, to maintain the myth that the chest was cursed. He weaved his way around the city with his group of Romani, and took care of each guard, though making sure to remain stealthy. Eventually, the guards fled, confused and scared at the mysterious deaths. Ezio then picked up the chest, and reunited with the leader of the Romani.
As Ezio walked the leader of the Romani back to their headquarters, the Romani leader informed the Assassin of the origins of her people. Once they reached the headquarters, Ezio set the chest of profits down, and the Romani thanked him, telling him the Romanies were available if he needed anything.
Internal conflict
- "A heated conflict is brewing between two factions of Romanies. One group has banded together against a woman they call Mirela, accusing her of swindling the poor on dozens of occasions. As we speak, they are on their way to exile this trickster, by force if necessary."
- ―An Assassin Apprentice to Ezio Auditore.[src]
Later that same year of 1511, a heated internal conflict began to form among the Romanies. A group of Romani wanted to exile a fellow Romani named Mirela Djuric, for they believed she was stealing from the poor. One of the members of this group then decided to confront Mirela at a small meeting.
On the Romani's way to the meeting, she was attacked by numerous Byzantine assassins. However, Ezio Auditore and one of his Assassin Apprentices followed the Romani, and warded off the attackers.
Once she had reached the meeting, a Romani confronted Mirela about her deeds, and yelled at her. However, Mirela discreetly threatened the group of Romanies, before brushing past and stealthily poisoning the Romani who had confronted her.
Observing the killing, a group of soldiers then rushed to the scene, and attempted to arrest the Romani women on the charges of murder. Ezio and his Apprentice then emerged, and disarmed the soldiers, preventing them from harming the Romanies.
Later that year, Mirela was spotted buying datura, a deadly poison, by Ezio's Apprentice. The recruit then met with Ezio and informed him of the situation, before Ezio left to flush out Mirela and assassinate her. Once he had located Mirela, she used a smoke bomb to obstruct the Assassin's path. Though hindered briefly at first, Ezio was able to hunt down and assassinate Mirela after a lengthy chase through the city, poisoning her whilst his Apprentice her arms still.
Characteristics
For 150 Akçe, Ezio could hire a group of four Romani, who could assist him. He would find these groups randomly on the streets of Constantinople, where they would be available. When not with him, they were street performers who were able to dance and play music, breathe fire, and provide other sources of entertainment.
However, the Romani could not perform any methods of freerunning, and were unarmed. When combat arose, they would quickly flee from the area. Thus, they were unable to assist Ezio if he engaged in combat, but were able to distract guards. However, they will fight against civilians, should Ezio steal from them and get caught.
When distracting a guard, a Romani would often flirt and make gestures with her hands to the guard using her clothing. This would attract nearby guards' attention, and cause them to abandon their posts to approach the Romani. The Romani were also able to remain with Ezio, and help him blend in with the local crowd, making them useful when Ezio needed to access a restricted area.
Trivia
- The Romani replaced the Courtesans in Assassin's Creed: Revelations, as prostitutes were not accepted in Ottoman society.
Gallery
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A group of Romani. -
Artwork of the Romani headquarters.
Source
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