User:AssassinRome/sandbox/BirthAssassin
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The birth of an Assassin was an event during the Renaissance in which Ezio Auditore da Firenze was forced out of his home and had become a wanted man ever since. Driven by the thirst for vengeance, Ezio prepared himself to exact revenge on those responsible for the death of his family by training to become an Assassin.
Florence
Surviving
- Ezio: "And why are you going to teach me how to kill?"
- Paola: "I'm not. I'm going to teach you how to survive."
- —Ezio questions Paola's actions.[1]
Shortly after fleeing the execution of his father and brothers, Ezio met iwith Annetta, the housemaid of the Auditore family. Rushing over to Ezio, he asked the whereabouts of his mother and sister, to which the Annetta replied that they were safe in her sister's house. [1]
He instructed Annetta to return to her sister, where they would meet up, deciding it was dangerous to travel with him, given his current status. As Annetta left, Ezio took his own path, hidden from the crowd, and made his way to the meeting place. He made his way safely to the meeting place, and entered the building.
To Ezio's surprise, he saw several courtesans, entertaining the men inside. Ezio questioned whether they were in the right building, to which Annetta reassured Ezio that this was her sister's house. Annetta's sister, Paola, then arrived and kindly greeted Ezio and asked him if he had any intention of staying, to which he replied that he planned to exact revenge on Uberto Alberti before doing anything else. Paola understood Ezio's desire for vengeance, but warned him of the danger that he faced when going up against an official. However Ezio angrily told her not to lecture him[1]
However, Paola assured Ezio she could make him a killer. Ezio questioned her decision, before shorly learning from Paola how blend in with the crowd, to be hidden in plain sight and remain unnoticed. She began training him by having him blend amongst her own courtesans, and after Ezio succeeded, continued training him by having him walk amongst the citizens of Florence, to see if he can circle the district without the guards learning of his presence.[1]
Ezio was successful, and Paola proceeded to teach him even further, instructing him how to pickpocket from the people. Ezio successfully finished his training. Paola then told Ezio that he must find a suitable weapon, and asked if he knew where to find one. He replied that he did not, but Paola said otherwise, and showed Ezio his father's blade and bracer that she took from him using the same skills she had taught him. Ezio mentioned that it was broken, and was not in working condition.[1]
He continued, and mentioned that he did not know who can fix the weapon. Paola then mentioned his family's old friend, Leonardo da Vinci, and said that he was much more than a painter, and that he could help repair Ezio's weapon. Ezio agreed to this, and prepared to leave, but before doing so, he questioned Paola as to why she freely gave his aid to a stranger like him. She replied that she too, knows the pain of betrayal, and shows a scar that serves as a reminder of the treachery she experienced. She returned inside the brothel, as Ezio left to meet up with Leonardo.[1]
The Hidden Blade
- "The blade. I managed to decode that parchment of yours. It showed me exactly what to do. Now all that's left is to remove your ring finger."
- ―Leonardo to Ezio, about the Hidden Blade[2]
Arrived at Leonardo's workshop, Leonardo joyfully greeted Ezio. Ezio explained he something repaired. Leonardo promised he would. Showing Leonardo the blade, he was fascinated by the advanced construction of the weapon despite it's age. Although Leonardo declared there was no way to fix it, he noticed the original instructions that came along with the blade as Ezio reached for it. Astounded by the encryption of the document, Leonardo instructed Ezio to sit down and wait while he deciphered the original plan.
Subsequently he successfully finished the blade. Leonardo then informed Ezio the blade required the sacrifice of one's ring finger. However, he admitted it was joke, as the blade was modified so the sacrifice was no longer required. Leonardo presented the blade to Ezio, who was deeply amazed by the blade. Leonardo then requested Ezio that if he finds more of the encrypted pages, he should bring them to him, so he can decipher the pages and upgrade his hidden blade if he sees any schematics hidden in the page.[2]
As they were about to bid each other farewell, someone knocked on the workshop's door loudly, followed Florentine Guard demanding Leonardo open the door immediately. Leonardo told Ezio to hide, while he talked to the guard. As he went outside, the guard questioned him regarding the presence of Ezio Auditore, due to his wanted status. Leonardo remarked that he did not know anyone by that name, but the guard reprimanded him, for his friendship with the Auditore Family was well-known amongst his neighbors, and that one of them told the guards regarding this.[2]
Leonardo continued to deny the guard's claims, and because of this, the guard lost his patience, and started to beat Leonardo to the ground, demanding answers from him. Ezio, who saw the beating from afar, proceeded to aid Leonardo, sneaking behind the guard and performing his first assassination with the blade. Leonardo thanked Ezio his aid, and remarked that he has been harassed more than once, but has gotten quite used to it. Leonardo quickly requested Ezio to carry the body back to his workshop, remarking that the city gives them to him for research. Bringing the body inside Ezio thanked Leonardo his aid before bidding farewell.[2]
Revenge and Justice
- "The Auditore are not dead! I'm still here! Me! Ezio, Ezio Auditore!"
- ―Ezio, after assassinating Uberto Alberti[3]
Returning to the brothel, Ezio revealed the repaired blade to Paola, with she deemed impressive. He stated that he has grown quite fond of it. Now that he had the weapon he needed, Paola and Ezio both agree that it is time to exact revenge on Uberto Alberti. Paola tells him that he is at the Basilica of Santa Croce, to watch the unveiling of Verrochio's latest work. Ezio prepared to leave, and requested Paola to watch over his mother and sister while he is away, which she assured him she would. Once they bid their farewells, Ezio left the brothel and back into the city streets, making his way to the basilica.[3]
Overlooking the outer courtyard of the basilica, Ezio notices Uberto Alberti and Lorenzo Medici, conversing about Alberti's actions regarding the execution of the Auditore and his alliance with the one of the enemies of the Medici, the Pazzi Family. Ezio looked on, and saw the two of them enter the basilica. With vengeance clouding his thoughts, Ezio prepared to enter the basilica.[3]
Quietly entering the building, Ezio scouts Alberti's whereabouts, and sees him, conversing with people in the exhibition. They began to talk about the Auditore, stating that their evil deeds must be punished further, one of them even stating about removing them from the pages of history and Alberti's claims of Ezio being caught in under a week. Wanting to hear no more of their slander, Ezio approached Alberti forward, the crowd stunned by his sudden appearance, none more so than Alberti.[3]
Before he could call the guards, Alberti was violently stabbed in the chest multiple times by Ezio, whose mind was clouded by blind rage. With his last breath, Alberti pleaded that Ezio would have done the same as him to save the ones he loved. Ezio agreed, and snarled to the dying man that he would, and now had. His frenzy ended and the violence stopped. As Alberti lay dead on the floor, the crowd was left in shock of what they had just witnessed first hand, and as they looked on.[3]
Ezio then exclaimed, in a enraged and proud manner, to the people who spoke ill of his family that he was still alive, and that the spirit of the Auditore still lives on through him. He took from Alberti, a letter meant for Alberti's wife, and the evidence he gave to him, and within it was a list of men, possibly members of the conspiracy against his family. As he pockets the letters, guards storm the basilica, their weapons ready to fight. Ezio fled the basilica, in an effort to lose the tailing guards, but their agility was no comparison for Ezio's. Successful, Ezio immediately makes his way back to the brothel, and informs Paola of his success.[3]
Arrivederci Firenze
Ezio returns to the brothel, who was embraced by Paola, proud of the boy's achievement. Ezio stated that it was time to leave Florence, but she warns him of his current status, and says that the guards will not allow him and his family to easily leave the city. She instructs Ezio to lower his notoriety, either by taking down the posters with his image, bribing the heralds that speak of his presence, or by assassinating the officials that bear false witness against him. He successfully does so, and then returns to the brothel.[4]
Ezio asks Paola to fetch his mother and sister, so that they can leave. She does so by instructing her courtesans to go get them. Claudia arrives, who eagerly greets Ezio by giving him a warm hug. As their mother arrive, Claudia mentions that their mother hasn't spoken a single word since the government captured their family, and says that their father should settle things once he returns.
She asks Ezio where is their father, and their brothers, but Ezio sadly mentions that "something's happened". Claudia was shocked, saddened by the lost of the rest of their family. As she cries, Ezio comforts her, saying that she must be strong, and asks her to watch over their mother. She stops crying, and agrees to watch over her.[5]
As the two sit down, Ezio thanks Paola for all her help. When she asks where he and his family would go, he mentions that his uncle owned a villa near Monteriggioni. The two then bid each other farewell, as Ezio and his family prepare to leave the brothel. After a long walk, they managed to make their way out of Florence without the guards noticing. As they walk, Claudia asks questions to Ezio, but all he could answer was "I don't know". When asked what of the remains of their family, Ezio states that they were given a proper burial. After this, they continue to walk, and slowly made their way out of Florence.[5]
Tuscany
Skirmish in the Countryside
- Vieri: "What sorcery is this!?"
- Mario: "Ha ha ha! Not sorcery boy! Skill!"
- —Mario Auditore taunting Vieri de' Pazzi[6]
After a long walk journey from Florence, Ezio and his family finally made it to Monteriggioni, within in view of the city on the outskirts.. As they move forward however, they were greeted by Ezio's old rival, Vieri de' Pazzi, whom was accompanied by his followers. Ezio demanded to know what was his business with his family, to which he replied he wanted many things; one being Ezio's death and the women captured. With only his hidden blade to defend himself, Ezio fought the soldiers, and stood triumphant.[6]
Vieri, enraged by his rival's success, commanded all his men to finish what he started, and leave no prisoners behind. As they were about to strike, throwing knives from every corner started flying, successfully killing all of Vieri's soldiers. Vieri, shocked, exclaimed it was a product of some sorcery, but a man from the shadows reassures him that it was due to skill. Just then, a arrow disarmed Vieri a man with several mercenaries appeared from a obscured area, and attacked Vieri's men. The man tossed Ezio a sword to defend himself with, and proceeded to aid him.[6]
Vieri ordered all of his men to attack, while he, out of fear, fled Monteriggioni. As the soldiers charge, so too did the mercenaries, and with the aid of Ezio, managed to fend them all off. Ezio thanked the man, and was about to return the sword given to him, but the man, who addresses Ezio by name, reassured him to keep the sword. Surprised, Ezio asked the man if they met before, much to the man's surprise. He introduces himself as Mario Auditore, Ezio's uncle, and then warmly hugs his nephew. He instructs Ezio and the rest of his family to come meet him at Monteriggioni, where he'll show them the famous Villa Auditore.[6]
Relocation
- "You want to leave, Ezio? To throw away everything your father fought and died for? To deny your heritage? Fine! Come Vuoi! Arrivederci e buona fortuna! (So be it! Goodbye and Good Luck!)"
- ―Mario to Ezio, furious of his decision to leave[7]
After providing Ezio and his family with the history of Monteriggioni, Mario tells them where they'll be staying, pointing them their independent rooms, much to Ezio's confusion. He explains that he and his family do not wish to stay, as they were about to leave the country, and continue to live their lives in secrecy. Mario had thought Ezio came to Monteriggioni to train and prepare to take on his father's job, again to Ezio's confusion, who exclaimed that his father was a simple banker. Mario, stunned to learn his now-deceased brother failed to tell his children of his true work, instructed Ezio to go and upgrade his equipment while he takes some time to think about the situation at hand.[8]
After fetching the equipment, and a brief encounter with his family, Ezio heads over to his uncle's study, to tell him that he has done what he requested. Mario then tells him to go and prepare for training. Ezio disagrees, and continues to try and convince his uncle to let him and his family leave in peace. Mario reminds him of the fact that he barely fended off Vieri and his men, and that if he is to encounter them again, and he and his family will stand no chance of self-defense. With this, Ezio agrees, and prepares to train.[7]
In the scope of two years, Ezio trained vigorously and robustly at Monteriggioni, fighting under the guidance of his uncle and his mercenaries. All the while, Mario tells him the history of the Assassins and their long-time rivals, the Templars, who was thought to be disbanded in France, but in truth merely went underground, where they continued their work. Ezio's father, Giovanni, was one of the Assassins, who worked in secrecy during his time in Florence.[7]
Mario also mentions the Codex, a parchment written in arcane text, which Giovanni tirelessly deciphered during his time. He knew of the secrets it contained, holding knowledge of both the history and improvements of their brotherhood, and an ancient prophecy involving both sides, all of it told and written by the Assassins of the Third Crusade. Although they still lacked many of the pages, Mario believes this is one of the reasons why his brother was killed. Ezio found all of this to be impossible to believe, and thought it was of some man's insane fantasy, but after searching Mario's library for more information, he knew of the truth, and soon came to believe the words told to him by his uncle.[7]
By the year 1478, the final part of Ezio's training has come. His final test was to fight his uncle in combat, using all of the knowledge he gained in combat for the past two years. After a well-fought battle, Ezio has managed to defeat his uncle. With this, Ezio's training was finally finished, and was congratulated by his uncle. Ezio thanked his uncle for all the training and skills he'd been given during his time at Monteriggioni, which Mario replied was simply his duty as family. Ezio expressed a sense of satisfaction at having stayed, which Mario took to mean that his nephew had finally reconsidered leaving. However, Ezio persisted, and told him of his plans to set sail for Spain within three days; Mario insisted he had given such skills to Ezio so he would be better prepared to fight back against the Templars; Ezio replied that he would fight their enemies, but only if they found him. Mario, furious at what he saw as Ezio's willingness to both deny his heritage and abandon everything his father had fought and died to preserve, lets Ezio make his own decisions, and returns back to the Villa.[7]
Surprised at the outburst, Ezio asks one of his uncle's mercenary lieutenants why he is so upset, to which he is answered that Vieri de' Pazzi has been harassing Monteriggioni since Ezio's arrival, and that Mario has been bombarded with problems that has taken a toll on his temper. Ezio then went to his uncle's study, but only saw another one of his men. He asked him where is Mario now, to which he replies that he and his men left Monteriggioni to attack San Gimignano and slay Vieri.[7]
With this, Ezio prepares to leave for San Gimignano and join his uncle on the attack
A Score to settle
- Ezio: "What are you and your allies planning? Is this what my father discovered? Is this why he was killed!?"
- Vieri: "I'm sorry, were you hoping for a confession?"
- —Vieri de' Pazzi's last words to Ezio[9]
Ezio met up with his uncle at the countryside. Mario asks him why he has come, to which Ezio replies that he wishes to join them in their attack, for he feels that he is responsible for the deeds of Vieri. Mario tells him that it was not because of him that Vieri attacked Monteriggioni, but because of the fact that he and his family are Templars, and that they are Assassins. Ezio wishes to help either way, to which Mario agrees. Mario explained his plan; though Vieri appeared to be expecting them, having closed the gates and set his men to guard them, the city was too large for his men to cover effectively, so Mario leads Ezio and his mercenaries to the side of the city walls, just beyond the poorly defended southern gate, where they intended to attack.[9]
After reaching the city walls, Mario instructs Ezio about his role on the attack. He instructs him to climb the city's walls, kill the city archers, and open the gates as he and his men dispatch the soldiers outside of the city. Mario hands him some throwing knives to help him in disposing the archers. With this, they begin to initiate their plans, and successfully pull it off without any troubles. After gaining safe passage inside the castle, Mario and his men advance further into the city, while he instructs Ezio to meet up with him later, and then hands him some of his men.[9]
Ezio meets up with Mario at the center of the city after disposing some the city guards. Mario tells him to go on ahead and scout the area for Vieri while he and his men deal with the soldiers. Ezio agrees to this, and quickly leaves to search for Vieri. He manages to locate Vieri, and sees him, his father, and both men's uncle, Jacopo de' Pazzi, conversing with a man dressed in black. They were discussing plans on some sort of attack, but did not discuss any further details, other than each Pazzi's role. After this, the men bid their farewells, and left San Gimignano.[9]
Before Vieri could set foot outside the city gates, one of his men reports that Mario and his men have began to invade the city in search of him. Vieri then enthusiastically leads his men to meet Mario's militia. Mario and his men make their way to Vieri, but has retreated to the top of the archer tower on the city walls. While he watched his men fought Mario, Ezio silently climbed the archer tower Vieri was on from the back. He was quickly discovered by Vieri and, although he had his men with him, Ezio was successful in assassinating his long time rival.[9]
Although Ezio demanded answers from Vieri in his dying moment, he spoke no knowledge of their plans, and died sneering in Ezio's face. Furious, Ezio began to sleight the corpse of Vieri, shouting and yelling to the body about the past deeds Vieri has committed to his family. Mario quickly intervened, telling Ezio to stop it and show respect. Ezio quickly objected to this, questioning the nature of showing respect to the enemy while they have showed none. Mario tells him off, saying that they are not like their enemy, and that he should not follow their ways.[9]
After showing respect to the corpse of Vieri, Mario hands Ezio a letter, and tells him to read it when he has the time. He tells Ezio that their work there is done, and that they should return to the villa. Ezio agrees to this, but before doing so, he took from the body of Vieri another one of the Codex Pages, and keeps it for later use. After this, Ezio leaves with Mario and his men back to Monteriggioni.[9]
The Spaniard and the Codex
- Ezio: "The Pazzi answers to another; a Spaniard"
- Mario: "He is Rodrigo Borgia; one of the most powerful men in all of Europe, and leader of the Templar Order."
- Ezio: "Which makes him responsible for the murder of my father and brothers"
- Mario: "Yes, and he will kill you too, given the chance"
- —Mario and Ezio, after the attack on San Gimignano[10]
After the attack, and successfully killing Vieri, Ezio and Mario return to the villa, and celebrates with the Mercenaries of Mario. Calling Ezio their champion, Mario and his men were proud to exclaim that their work has laid rest to the chaos that has plagued Tuscany, and that they are finally able to rest their weary bodies.[10]
Mario tells Ezio to inform him what he has learned while walking back to the villa, to which Ezio agrees. Ezio tells him that the Pazzi answered to another man, a Spaniard. Mario told him of the man's identity, revealing his name to be Rodrigo Borgia, one of the most powerful men in Europe, and also the leader of the Templar Order. Ezio exclaims that because of the man's position, he is the one responsible for the death of his father and brothers. Before he makes Borgia a target, however, Ezio says that all of the major conspirators, listed down by his father, will fall by his blade before the Spaniard.[10]
Mario asks him who will be the next victim, to which he replies the name of Francesco de' Pazzi, proudly exclaiming that the fate befallen to his son shall fall on him as well. Ezio states that his next destination is Florence, where the Pazzi have been rumored to be located. Mario agrees to this, and lets Ezio do his work, but before letting him leave, he informs Ezio more of the Codex pages. He tells him of its history, that it was once written by an assassin who held a Piece of Eden named Altaïr, and that it contained an ancient prophecy hidden beneath its supposed message.[10]
Aftermath
After locating more of the Codex pages, checking on Claudia and learning of the ancient Sanctuary built by his great-great-grandfather Domenico Auditore,[10] Ezio left Monteriggioni, and made his way back to Florence, after two years of absence. It was there that he learnt more of the Spaniard and the Pazzi's plans.[11]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Assassin's Creed II - Sequence 2: Escape Plans - Fitting In
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Assassin's Creed II - Sequence 2: Escape Plans - Ace Up My Sleeve
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Assassin's Creed II - Sequence 2: Escape Plans - Judge, Jury, Executioner
- ↑ Assassin's Creed II - Sequence 2: Escape Plans - Laying Low
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Assassin's Creed II - Sequence 2: Escape Plans - Arrivederci
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Assassin's Creed II - Sequence 3: Requiescat in Pace - Roadside Assistance
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 Assassin's Creed II - Sequence 3: Requiescat in Pace - Practice Makes Perfect
- ↑ Assassin's Creed II - Sequence 3: Requiescat in Pace - Casa Dolce Casa
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 Assassin's Creed II - Sequence 3: Requiescat in Pace - What Goes Around
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 Assassin's Creed II - Sequence 3: Requiescat in Pace - A Change of Plans
- ↑ Assassin's Creed II - Sequence 4: The Pazzi Conspiracy - Practice What You Preach