To make this blog easier to read so that I can also add in new time frames whenever I can think of something I've set it up with tabs. Just click the period name to view the details I've included if you would like to hear my ideas :)
1300-1315
Location
- Paris - Capital of the kingdom of France and a great place for our Assassin to come from.
- Avignon - A city in southeastern France. Is also known as the City of Popes. The Roman Curia (Administration of the Holy See) was moved here in 1309
- Poitiers - A city in western France. For a few years prior to Avignon this city held the Papal Court.
Assassins
- Enguerran de Marigny 1260-1315 (Minister of France) - Carried out many missions for Philip. Was accused of sorcery by Charles of Valois and executed.
- John of Paris 1255-1306 (French Philosopher) - Was considered to be one of the best theologians at the Convent of St. James
Templar
- Jacques de Molay (Grandmaster of the Templar Order) - The "Last" Grandmaster of the Templar Order. Was arrested by Philip IV in 1307 after attending Catherine of Courtenay's funeral. Burned to death in 1314.
- Raymond Bertrand de Got 1264-1314 (Pope Clement V) - Disolved the Templar Order. I see a decent backstory of him as the true grandmaster and Jacques as a diversion.
- Guillaume de Nogaret 1260-1313 - There is a belief that he poisoned Benedict XI. Was also responsible for the death of Boniface VIII.
- Geoffroi de Charney ?-1314 (Preceptor of Normandy) - One of the highest ranking Templar at the time. Was arrested in 1307 by Philip and burned at the stake.
- Pierre Flote ?-1302 (French Legalist) - Was considered one of the best lawyers of his time.
- Charles of Valois 1270-1325 (Count of Valois, Anjou, Maine, Titular Emperor Constantinople) - The younger brother of Philip IV. Was known as the 'King of the Cap'. Greedy and Ambitious he was never able to obtain a crown. Was said he was the "Son of a king, brother of a king, uncle of three kings, father of a king, but never king himself."
- Catherine of Courtenay 1274-1307 (Titular Empress Constantinople) - Married Charles of Valois in 1301. After her death Jacques de Molay served as one of her pallbearers.
- Louis X 1289-1316 (King of France) - Succeeded his Father in 1314. An avid Tennis Player, died under odd circumstances after drinking a large quantity of cooled wine. Brought about several reforms. Stated that all men are born free, he gave serf's the opportunity to "buy" their freedom.
Famous Inclusion
- Benedetto Gaetani 1235-1303 (Pope Boniface VIII) - Fueded heavily with King Philip IV of France. Was kidnapped by Guillaume de Nogaret and Sciarrillo Colonna. When he was finally released he died not long after from being beaten.
- Nicola Boccasini 1240-1304 (Pope Benedict XI) - Successor to Boniface. There is a belief he was poisoned by Guillaume de Nogaret for excommunicating him.
- Philip IV 1268-1314 (King of France) - King of France, was in great debt to the Templars. Had the last two masters of the templar put to death. Died during a hunting accident. Believed at the time to be the curse for the destruction of the Templars (Killed by them more like it I think)
- Joan I of Navarre (Queen of France) - Queen Consort of Philip IV and mother to the successor Louis X.
- Isabella of France 1295-1358 (Princess France/Queen England) - known as the She-wolf of France. Arrived in England when she was 12. I am somewhat seeing a few missions where you will be protecting her from Templar Agents. Was renowned for being very beautiful.
- Giacomo Colonna 1270-1329 (Sciarrillo Colonna) - Was reported to have slapped Pope Boniface during his capture at Anagni, which became known as the "Slap of Anagni".
- Pihilip V 1292-1322 (King of France) - The younger brother of Louis X and son of Philip IV. Was a very popular and strong king.
- Foulques de Villaret (Grandmaster of the Knights Hospitaller)
Main Assassin Character
- The family death story has to be frank been done to death. 1282-1284 the year the Assassin is born. Grew up in an aristocratic family of Paris. When he turned 12 becoming estranged from his father for not wishing to marry somebody he did not love. He ran away from his family and was found by John of Paris who took him under his wing and taught him of the assassin ways and trained him.
1560-1583
Location
- Kyoto - The seat of imperial power and at the time capital of Japan.
- Shizugatake - Shibata Katsui's fortress layed here where he finally perished.
Assassins
- Akechi Mitsuhide 1528-1582 - A general who served Nobunaga but eventually betrayed and killed him. He is recorded as being killed within the next 2 weeks however a rumor has it that he survived and became a monk
- Kichō 1530?-? - More commonly known as Nōhime. The wife of Nobunaga albeit the belief is that she was a spy or an assassin. She was the daughter of Saitō Dōsan.
- Saitō Dōsan 1494-1556 (daimyo) - Including him here simply for backstory to Nōhime. He was her father. He was defeated in battle and killed by his own son.
- Tsuda Nobusumi 1555-1583 (ninja) - He was a nephew of Nobunaga. He died in the battle of Osaka at the hands of his cousin Nobutaka.
- Hosokawa Tama 1563-1600 - She was known as Gracia her Catholic baptism name. The daughter of Akechi Mitsuhide.
Templar
- Oda Nobunaga 1534-1582 (Daimyo) - Betrayed by his general Mitsuhide and killed. Was days from becoming shogun.
- Mori Ranmaru 1565-1582 (Nobunaga's attendant) - Loyal attendent who followed his lord into death by seppuku.
- Saitō Yoshitatsu 1527-1561 (Daimyo) - The eldest son of Saitō Dōsan. He rebelled against his father and defeated him. He then had him beheaded. A perfect first target to assassinate.
- Oda Nobutada 1557 -1582 (Samurai) - The eldest son of Nobunaga. After his father's death he was hunted and killed by Mitsuhide.
- Oda Nobutaka 1558-1583 (Samurai) - Third son of Nobunaga. After his fathers death he allied with another of his fathers allies but was defeated. He later committed sepuku while a prisoner.
- Shibata Katsui 1522-1583 (Samurai) - A general of Nobunaga who after he died battled with Hideyoshi for control. He was defeated and he and his wife Oichi committed seppuku to escape burning to death.
Famous Inclusion
- Toyotomi Hideyoshi 1536-1598 (Kampaku/regent) - One of Nobunaga's generals, he was peasant born and rose up the ranks to general. When Nobunaga was killed he hunted down Mitsuhide and had him killed, afterwards as he was not of noble birth he was granted the title of Kampaku. He was known as the second "Great Unifier". It was said he had an extra finger on each hand.
- Emperor Ōgimachi 1517-1593 (Emperor) - I am listing him under this name as opposed to using his personal name of Michihoto because of Japanese tradition. During this time of history the emperor is basically a figure head with no power. He abdicated to allow his grandson to become emperor in 1586.
- Oichi-no-kata 1547-1583 - The younger sister of Nobunaga. One of her daughters became wife of a shogun and one of her children a consort to the emperor.
- Maeda Toshiie 1539-1599 (General) - One of the head generals for Nobunaga, after his death he servered Hideyoshi later serving as a coregent for the young Hideyori until his death.
- Ashikaga Yoshiaki 1536-1597 (Shogun) - The 15th and last Ashikaga Shogun. He was expelled in 1573 and became a Buddhist Monk.
- Joao Rodrigues 1561-1633 (Missionary) - Arrived in 1577 aboard a ship from Portugal. He quickly picked up the japanese language and served as an interpreter for the Jesuit's.
Main Assassin Character
- Multiple options for a back story. The typical family tragedy story, the son of one of the defeated daimyo. A monk that was away from the monastery when it was attacked with the people slaughtered and the monastery burned. A displaced peasant who seeks out training to fight back. A member of one of the prominent Ninja tribes (Iga/Koga come to mind). Just going off the customary naming style of other characters, Iiguru no Hikou is a generic translation to "Flying Eagle" to give you a hint of a name.
Custom Weaponry
- I personally would prefer these weapons for the character on top of the typical hidden blade/pistol/poison)
- Wakizashi/Katana combo (Referred to as daishō, a couple dual sword style)
- Tantō (a knife/dagger)
- Throwing Stars (Instead of throwing knives)
- Kusarigama (A sickle attached to a chain)
1425-1450
Location
- Orléans - Was under siege between 1428-29. Jeanne's first major victory as well as being a vastly important city in the war. This also counted as a crossroads of sorts where the city laid on the borders of English controlled France and French controlled France.
- Rouen - The historic capital city of the Normandy region. Jeanne was executed within the city. This was also the seat of John Platagenet while he was regent of France.
Assassins
- Jean d'Orléans 1402-1468 - Known as the Bastard of Orléans. He was the illegitamite son of the former duke of Orléans, Louis. With his half-brother Charles in prison he served during the war for Charles VII.
Templar
- Pierre Cauchon 1371-1442 (Bishop) - A bishop of the the Beauvais Diocese. He was well known for holding English interests more strongly then French. When Jeanne d'Arc was captured by the Burgundians he played a role in the English negotiations for her. Afterwards he announced her a witch in a mock trial and had her burned at the stake.
- John of Lancaster 1389-1435 (Duke of Bedford) - Was also known as John Platagenet (Nobility have no surnames however). Was the son of King Henry IV. He served as regent of France for his nephew the king Henry VI.
- Thomas Montacute 1388-1428 (Earl of Salisbury) - An English noblemen, he spent most of his life as a soldier. During the seige of Orléans a cannonball hit a window he was standing near and he died days later from the injuries.
- Gilles de Montmororency-Laval 1404-1440 (Baron de Rais) - More popularly known as Gilles de Rais. He was a companion of Jeanne d'Arc. In 1434/35 he retired from the military. From 1432 up until it's uncovering in 1440 he spent the time as a prolific serial killer. They first started at Champtocé-sur-Loire (a nice place for a side mission). There is a controversy in historians with the belief that he might not have actually done this but was a victim of an inquisition by the church.
- Georges de la Trémoille 1382-1446 (Grand Chamberlain) - During low points in the war historical consesus holds that he undermined two of the best French military commanders. Is believed to have thought of personal advancement far higher then that of public interest. There is belief that he was responsible for the lack of royal support to Jeanne d'Arc that doomed her military actions
- Philip III 1396-1467 (Duke of Burgundy) - His troops were responsible for the capture of Jeanne d'Arc.
Famous Inclusion
- Jeanne d'Arc 1412-1431 - Known as "La Pucelle d'Orléans"(The Maid of Orléans). At some point in her life she gained control of a Piece of Eden (The Sword). The Templar captured her in 1430 and had her killed to gain control of the sword. Broke the siege of Orléans after only 9 days.
- Charles VII 1403-1461 (King of France) - Was recrowned king in 1429 thanks to the recapture of the city of Reims.
- Charles of Orléans 1394-1465 (Duke of Orléans) - Was one of the few people with a claim to the French crown, the others being Charles VII and Henry VI. However he had been captured in 1415 and spent 24 years as a prisoner. He was finally able to return to Orléans in 1440 to much celebration by the citizens.
- Jean de Brosse 1375-1433 (Lord of Boussac) - A French military leader, he along with his cousin went with Jeanne d'Arc to lift the seige on Orléans. After her capture he attempted to take Rouen but failed. Upon his return to Boussac after the failure he never left and eventually died.
- Louis de Culant 1360-1444 (Lord of Culant, Admiral) - A French naval admiral. along with his cousin he followed Jeanne d'Arc along land for battles.
- Henry VI 1421-1471 (King of England) - Crowned King of both England and France. He was though of as peaceful and pious which were not traits to have during a war.
- Étienne de Vignolles 1390-1443 (Lord of Montmorillon) - More famously known by the name La Hire. A French Military Commander. He was a close comrade of Jeanne d'Arc.
- Nicholas Jenson 1420-1480 - A French Engraver, Printer, Type designer. The type face he invented is still to this day used as the basis for numerous fonts.
Main Assassin Character
- A peasant or the son of a farmer, displaced by the war and having lost his parents. Maybe their deaths or even just misplaced and left on his own. Nothing that would make the assassin remarkable or hint at a greater destiny.
Custom Weaponry
- This time setting takes place prior to that of Ezio's so the Hidden Blade is pretty much the only wrist attached device to use. Can double it up and use two of course.
- Long Sword (Not a Rapier which became popular later on historically but a more European knight styled sword which is generally classified as a heavy sword in the other games)
- Crossbow
- Throwing Knives
1618-1648
Location
- Brandenburg - Instead of using a city this setting will take place in the Principality. Berlin, Cölln, Frankfurt, Stettin, Patsdom, Brandenburg, Magdeburg to name a few areas.
- Osnabrück - This city is within Westphalia but is very important to the end of the war. The treaty between the Emperor, the Empire, Sweden and her allies was signed here.
- Prague Castle - Like Osnabrück this place did hold importance as well. The Peace of Prague signed in 1625. This brought an effective end to the civil war between the protestants and emperor Ferdinand.
Assassins
- None to list, 1-2 perhaps but I am having trouble tracking down people of the era who would fit well under the creed. As it is creating these from scratch like Achilles Davenport would work perfectly well.
Templar
- Adam Graf von Shwarzenberg 1583-1641 (Official) - A Catholic, he pushed for Brandenburg to join the Emperor's side but was not listened to. When George William finally retired he ruled Brandenburg in his place as a virtual dictator.
- Ferdinand II 1578-1637 (Holy Roman Emperor) - King of Bohemia and Hungary. His policies led to the start of the thirty years war as he tried to remove previous liberties granted by the last emperor. Religious freedom being one of them.
- Albrecht Wenzel Eusebius von Wallenstein 1583-1635 (Military Leader) - A very ambitious general of the Empire. He turned the war in favor of the Empire, however dissatisfied with Ferdinand's rule he considered allying with the Protestants. He was assassinated by an army official Walter Devereux with Imperial Approval.
- Gustavus Adolphus Magnus 1594-1632 (King of Sweden) - Is regarded to be one of the greatest military commanders of all time. He was set to make himself a major European leader but was killed at the Battle of Lützen (This isn't within the Brandenburg lands but is just outside the southern areas. 150km south of Berlin)
- Gottfried Heinrich Grav zu Pappenheim 1594-1632 (Field Marshal HRE) - Serving under the Emperor in the war. He along with Johann Tserclaes were responsible for the sacking of Magdeburg in 1629-30 which resulted in over 5/6th of the population being killed and the city nearly destroyed by fire. He later was killed during the battle of Lützen
Johann Tserclaes 1559-1632 (Count of Tilly) - Commander of the Catholic League. Along with Wallenstein he was one of the two military leaders for the Emperor. He along with Pappenheim were responsible for the sacking of Magdeburg in 1629-30. He was later injured during the Battle of Rain by a cannon ball and died of Tetanus a couple weeks later.
Famous Inclusion
- George William 1595-1640 (Margrave Brandenburg, Duke Prussia) - An Elector with his position as Margrave, he attempted to keep Brandenburg out of the war taking place in the rest of the Holy Roman Empire. However he finally conceded and joined in on the Protestant side with his brother-in-law Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. After Sweden was defeated he signed a peace treaty with the Emperor and eventually withdrew to his Prussian holdings.
- Frederick William 1620-1688 (Mragrave Brandenburg, Duke Prussia) - The son of George William, he was known as the "Great Elector". Felt that trade was vastly important and promoted it vigorously. It was also known that he adopted a policy of religious tolerance that greatly helped his country.
- Louise Henrietta of Nassau 1627-1667 (Countessa Nassau) - 1646 she was married to Frederick William. Her son also with the name of Frederick became the first king of Prussia. A mission idea would be Frederick William requesting you ride out and escort her entourage safely back to Potsdam?
- Louise Charlotte of Brandenburg 1617-1676 (Duchess Consort Courland) - The daughter of George William, she was married to Duke Jacob Ketttler in 1645 and was attributed to have had a large influence over policy.
- Gustav Horn 1592-1657 (Field Marshal) - A swedish soldier serving Gustavus. After the formers death he commanded the Swedish forces in the HRE. In 1634 he was taken prisoner however and held until 1642 in Burghausen Castle.
- John George I 1585-1656 (Saxon Elector) - Prince of the Electorate of Saxony. Sued for peace and brought about the Peace of Prague.
Main Assassin Character
- There really aren't any great backstories screaming out for this era other than being born at the turn of the century 1600. For the last 100 years prior the spread of Lutheranism has been heavy in the area. Martin Luther being German and the whole time period basically being a war between Protestants and Catholics.
Custom Weaponry
- Dual hidden Blades/Pistol/Poison as this takes place after Ezio's time.
- Rapier (This was the height of popularity for this weapon)
- Crossbow (Making the next historical time period with the ranged weapon I would have placed here)
- Throwing Knives
1705-1735
Location
- London - A starting place for the assassin. Restricting it to a smaller portion of the cities poorer districts. Before eventually leaving to the West Indies.
- West Indies - Not one specific Island but several, The main character to have a boat to wage war against the Templar owned West India Trading Company
- Hide Away - Not the actual name but a base of operations with a dock to house the assassin's boat. Similar to that of Connor and the Aquila.
Assassins
- To keep things a little simple, Pirates would technically count as an ally to the Assassins but not actually be assassins. Another unnamed historical for an assassin perhaps the pirate father I mention under the assassin character.
Templar
- Benjamin Hornigold ?-1719 - Former pirate, he betrayed and turned pirate hunter after 1718. A hurricane wrecked his ship in 1719 and he died.
- Woodes Rogers 1679-1732 - Former captain, he served as the first Governor of the Bahamas. On his second tenure as Governor he died in 1732.
- Henry Bentinck 1682-1726 (Duke of Portland) - Governor of Jamaica. Not a prestigious post but he took it in 1721. He died in 1726.
- Jonathan Barnet ?-? (Captain) - Captain of the ship Albion, he was a pirate hunter who hunted down and captured Calico Jack.
- West Indies Trading Company - There were about 10 Directors and roughly 50 governors, but I am having a difficult time finding any information on them with my laggy internet. So this could greatly extend the list of Templar.
Famous Inclusion
- Edward Teach 1680-1718 - The world renowned Blackbeard.
- Stede Bonnet 1688-1718 - A pirate and colleague of Blackbeard. He was known as "The Gentleman Pirate" because of his wealthy upbringing. He was captured and hanged a month later in Charleston.
- Jack Rackham 1682-1720 - More popularly known as Calico Jack. Unusual for pirates he had 2 female crewmen. In 1720 he was captured by Jonathan Barnet and hanged in Port Royale.
- Anne Bonny 1702-? - A famous pirate as well as crew member and lover of Jack Rackham. She was to be executed along with Mary and Jack but was pregnant. Afterwards she vanished from records.
- Mary Read ?-1721 - An English pirate who served as a crew member with Jack Rackham. She was to be executed along with Anne and Jack but was pregnant. She died from complications not long after.
Main Assassin Character
- Abandoned as a child and raised as an orphan to grow up as a pickpocket and a thief on the streets of London sounds like one of the best back stories for an assassin in this time period. Another could be that his father was a pirate captain on shore with a prostitute who then raised him. These are mostly to explain a background where the person could conceivably pickup a good portion of the assassin skills.
Custom Weaponry
- Dual Blades, Pistol/Poison
- Cutlass (A larger blade then a rapier with a slight curve. Are renowned among pirate usages)
- Dual Flintlock Pistols (Another well known weapon at the time, slow firing and taking time to reload. The accuracy is not great that far away and the reload makes them poor for anything other than a quick first volley)