Aquila

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The Aquila was a Continental Navy vessel during the American Revolutionary War that gained the nickname "Ghost of the North Seas". She was captained by the Assassin Ratonhnhaké:ton, with Robert Faulkner as his first mate. The ship was used to sail across the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Seaboard of North America,^[1] and to trade with overseas merchants.^[2]

The vessel's broadside cannons could be loaded with five types of projectiles; including the standard round shots, chain-shots to disable enemy ships, grapeshot, shrapnel shells, and heated shots to start fires.

The Aquila was also armed with swivel cannons that could be aimed at specific targets,^[3] such as another ship's captain or gunpowder reservoir.^[4]

As well as being able to be upgraded with new ammunition for cannons and fortifications to protect against enemy fire, The Aquila could be upgraded with a Naval Ram. This allowed Ratonhnhaké:ton to ram enemy ships more effectively, causing much more damage to the enemy instead of The Aquila itself.

History

The Aquila was constructed in 1749 in Brest, France, and became the flagship of the Assassin navy. While her design was similar to a schooner in terms of speed, she also could carry a large variety of artillery.

In 1754, the Assassins spread the word that the Aquila was destroyed in a storm while pursuing a Templar ship. In reality the ship only sustained minor damage, but it was afterwards used as a secret weapon against Templar fleets for several years. This illusion was spread partially by avoiding major harbours, and partially due to exceptional sailing ability by its Captain at the time, Robert Faulkner.

In 1768, three British frigates caught the Aquila in a trap and all-but destroyed the ship. Both the Aquila and Faulkner survived, however, and managed to escape to the Davenport Homestead, where they would remain until the arrival of the Assassin Ratonhnhaké:ton, who would pay to repair the Aquila.

Once repaired, Ratonhnhaké:ton and Faulkner, who had found a crew for the Aquila, sailed to Martha's Vineyard in search of cannons and officers. Faulkner recruited some of his old shipmates as gunnery officers, and also helped Ratonhnhaké:ton to learn how to sail the Aquila as captain. After practicing firing the cannons at an old wreck, the Aquila saw its first fight in years, against a patrol of British gunboats and a frigate.

Trivia

"Aquila", the Latin word for "eagle", is a reference to the eagle motif of the Assassins.
Continuing the eagle theme, the Aquila has an eagle shaped figurehead
Aquila is also the name of a constellation, with its brightest star known as "Altair".
In an interview, Mission Director Philippe Bergeron stated that Connor could freeroam the seas with the ship between missions. However, this is not possible in game.
The Aquila could be customized with various color schemes if the Special Edition of the game is bought.^[2]
The Aquila could be upgraded by Connor to make it more effective at sea.