János Libényi

János Libényi (1831 – 1853) was a Hungarian tailor who attempted to assassinate the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph in 1853. He was an associate of Oscar Kane, an Assassin turncoat and a member of the Templar Order.

Biography

Early life

As a young adult, János and his sister Margit Libényi saw their people rebel against their government during the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. After Margit decided to aid the rebels in their objectives, she was captured alongside other Hungarian women, beaten and tortured by Austrian troops, under the orders of Baron Julius Jacob von Haynau and Emperor Franz Joseph I. Both János and his sister later left Hungary and made their way towards Vienna.

Working in Vienna

While in Vienna, János worked as a tailor but was subjected to extortion by the baron's lawyer, Karl Mayr. During his stay, he also became acquainted with the "Magus," who instilled rebellious thoughts into his head. Mayr's extortion eventually proved too costly for János, and his tailor shop was nearly forced to close down.

One night, he met with his friend Joseph Ettenreich at the tavern Nachzehrer Cellar to discuss his woes. However, once another acquaintance, "Jack Straw," came, János was told that Mayr had been killed and was advised to push back against the fines he had been receiving. Elated, János ordered drinks for the entire bar in celebration.

Assassination attempt and death

Nevertheless, János still felt enraged at Emperor Franz Joseph I and planned an attempt on his life, partly due to the Magus' influence. However, he acted earlier than expected as he followed the emperor on his walk through Vienna and stabbed him in the neck. Numb, he was restrained quickly by his friends Joseph and Jack and taken into custody by Austrian troops. He was later hanged for the crime of attempted regicide.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: The Engine of History – The Magus Conspiracy