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Assassin's Creed 2
Puzzle and Codex Contents and Analysis
Version 1.00
Author: Irvine Tomoe
Email: DarkerCompanion@gmail.com
Date of Submission: November 26, 2009
*******************************
Table of Contents
I. Disclaimer/Spoiler Alert
II. Introduction
III. Puzzle Information and Interpretation
IV. Codex Script and Interpretation - Incomplete
V. Auditore Tomb Script and Interpretation
VI. Speculation
VII. Personal Musings
VIII. Legal Somesuch
IX. Credits
*******************************
I. Disclaimer/Spoiler Alert
Before I say anything else, I have to warn that this file is intended to
provide post-game information. This is not a guide having anything to do with
how to beat the game, or the glyph puzzles. It is assumed that readers have
solved all the glyph puzzles, beaten the game, and in some respects, have
beaten Assassin's Creed 1 as well. I will discuss potentially every major plot
reveal post game, as that is what this entire guide concerns. So if you are
intending to find out the plot yourself, please, stop now. If you are reading
this, and you are about to play Assassin's Creed 2 and you have NOT played
Assassin's Creed 1, stop. Go buy AC1 for 20 bucks and play it first. Unless
you hate it (in which case you will likely dislike the second as well), it
will enrich the experience of the second.
Furthermore, there is a significant amount of speculation on my part in this
file. The first half is examining imagery, references to history, implied
connections and deciphered codes, so most of it is only one step (or less)
away from what is spelled out directly. However, there will be a few
connections I make that may not necessarily be true, so nothing can be taken
as absolute truth . . . I'm sure the Assassins would agree. The speculation
section will be the most distant from fact, as I will tie together a picture
of the state of things in a more linear, definitive fashion, but including
some of my interpretations of the more vague plot points. If you are still
reading, awesome. Moving on.
*******************************
II. Introduction
In all five of the myths, the apples are highly desirable and capable of
what seems to be more than just being a simple fruit. Furthermore, except for
that of Idun, all of the apples are golden. In all five myths are the apples
related to the Gods in one way or another.
----------------------------------Puzzle #2: Sixty-four Squares
----------------------------------This puzzle begins with a number of spinning circle puzzles.
The first: Queen Elizabeth of England,1559
In this image, Queen Elizabeth holds an orb in her hand. The implication is
that this is no simple orb. Upon completion, it is highlighted and identified
as: ID: Piece of Eden 2 - Apple
The second: Emperor Napoleon 1 of France, 1812
In this image, Napoleon's characteristic "hand in jacket" pose implies a Piece
of Eden. Given how well known this pose is, it may imply that the Apple had
begun to influence his behavior. Upon completion, it is highlighted and
identified as: ID: Piece of Eden 1 - Apple
The third: George Washington, United States, 1781
In this image, George Washington is shown in a similar pose to Napoleon, and
the completed puzzle reveals the same result. Upon completion, it is
highlighted and identified as: ID: Piece of Eden 3 - Apple
Interpretation: This puzzle is fairly simple in its implications. It shows
three incredibly influential world leaders and gives evidence that they each
were in possession of an Apple. Queen Elizabeth is considered to be the most
recognizable leader in English history, and her reign has been considered as
veritable golden age for the nation. Napoleon I was similarly one of the most
recognizable leaders of France, as well as being extremely competent in war.
George Washington is the first and the most recognizable of the presidents of
the United States, and he too was a reputable politician and general.
----------------------------------Puzzle #3: Descendents
----------------------------------This puzzle starts with a relevant comment by Subject 16: "Power doesn't
die; its passed on."
A Where's Waldo style puzzle, this includes images of several famous
individuals.
The first: Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Strategic Meeting, 1944
The image is labeled. "HE CARRIED IT WITH HIM. FIND HIS INHERITANCE"
There is a hidden message that goes horizontally across the board. It says:
THE MASONS BROUGHT IT ACROSS THE SEA.
GEORGE WASHINGTON PASSED IT ON.
The Apple one the table is IDed as the Piece of Eden #3.
The second: Houdini Beginning the Chinese Water Torture Cell Escape, 1913
A Morse code message says "They hit him in the stomach."
The Apple is on the water tank IDed as the Piece of Eden #1.
The third: Gandhi During The Salt March, 1930
A Morse code message says "The bullet hit him in the chest."
The Apple is on the end of his walking stick, seemingly invisible, IDed as
the Piece of Eden #2.
Interpretation: A second time, the puzzle reveals that influential world
leaders were in possession of Apples. However, in these pictures, the others
present in the picture seem ignorant of the presence of said apples. This
would imply that that had not just used the apple to gain their power, but to
blind their followers to the presence of the apple. This is particularly
relevant to Houdini, a master of escape and illusion. The power of the apple
would easily allow him trick audiences into believing he had performed his
famous stunts, several of which are still considered "impossible" today.
Also, this puzzle assigns an accusatory tone towards the Templar for the
deaths of Gandhi and Houdini.
The note above Roosevelt's picture is not present in the other pictures. When
considered in the context of the hidden message in his picture, it shows an
important link. Roosevelt was a member of the Freemasons, a fraternal
organization guarded by secrecy. Membership was earned, and one had to rise
through the ranks to attain higher levels of membership and access to greater
secrets. The Freemasons are several centuries old, going as far back as the
16th century. George Washington was also a member of the Freemasons, 150 years
before Roosevelt's time in office. Both Roosevelt's and Washington's apples
are IDed in the pictures as Piece of Eden #3, so it is clear that it was
passed along through the Freemason organization.
The most important clue here, however, is that for over two centuries,
speculation and conspiracy theories have existed claiming that the Freemasons
are a front for the Templar, who were forcefully disbanded. The theories claim
that the Templar, losing their official power, created a new order that they
could control from behind the scenes, and it is certainly a powerful group,
even today, with many important historical figures having been members. It is
worth noting that one conspiracy claims that the Freemasons were responsible
for faking the Apollo 11 moon landing (See Puzzle 11: Apollo). The hidden
message was also encrypted in Masonic code, a form of secret writing used by
the Freemasons to keep their communication from prying eyes.
----------------------------------Puzzle #4: Infinite Knowledge
----------------------------------This puzzle is another Where's Waldo puzzle.
The first: Burning Viet Cong Base Camp, My Tho, Vietnam, 1968
The image is labeled: Its open MOUTH delivers the kiss of death.
The picture shows a soldier in Vietnam with a rocket launcher on his back, set
against a backdrop of destruction. The MOUTH refers to the rocket launcher.
The second: Members of the 2D Infantry Division Advance Under Machine Gun
Fire into the Outskirts of Brest, France, 1944
The image is labeled: Leading the YOUNG to their end.
The picture shows soldiers in France. The YOUNG refers to a soldier in the
background.
There is a hidden message in this picture, encoded in Hexidecimal. Once
deciphered, it says "Antikythera Mechanism, much older than 150 B.C.E."
The third: Union Troops in Formation, Beaufort, South Carolina, 1862
The image is labeled: The Flames from its throat POKE out their eyes.
The picture shows a group of soldiers, many of which have bayonets. The poke
refers to these.
There is a hidden message in this picture, that once decoded says "Ancient
city, Rajasthan, India, irradiated by PoE"
The fourth: The First Pictorial Representation of a Gun, 900
The image is labeled: The MONSTER did not come from man.
An asian picture depicts a horde of demons assaulting a central figure. There
is what looks like a firearm/cannon in the picture, and a demon holds a
blazing golden sphere. This sphere ends the image, and it is IDed as "Piece
of Eden 4 - Apple"
There is a hidden binary message in this picture that translates to
"Sumerian. Me 23."
Ends on a picture of a demon, holding a flaming sphere (ID: Piece of Eden 4
- Apple)
Interpretation: Well, this one is a doozy. It has a lot to say, and makes a
lot of references. First, the overarching theme is of firearms. The labels
imply that guns are not a human creation. With the last picture in mind, it
seems evident that a human used the knowledge in one of the Pieces of Eden to
develop guns. As to their demonic appearance, that same Piece of Eden (being
wielded alongside the guns in the picture) could have been used to convince
the wielder's opponents that they were fighting not humans, but demons. Or
perhaps the presence of a newly invented gun could have brought such terror
that the event went down in history as being a demonic event.
The first hidden message refers to the Antikythera Mechanism, a real life
artifact found in a shipwreck. It is a surprisingly complex tool that seems
to have been used as an astronomical calculator. It was comprised of several
dozen mobile gear parts, and when its calibration is compared to reality, it
is exceedingly accurate. The mechanism's level of technology is considered
to be equivalent to that of somewhere between the 15th and 18th century
clockwork. However, it is estimated to be over 2000 years old, showing levels
of advanced computing technology not believed to have existing during that
period of time. The message implies that it is far older than estimates
predict, implying is ancient technology from "Those Who Came Before", though
not powerful in the sense of the Pieces of Eden.
The second hidden message refers to a combination of myths and scripture.
There is a seemingly difficult to trace study on the internet concerning soil
samples taken from the Indian state of Rajasthan. The study indicates that
they were contained dangerously irradiated dust from a depth indicating that a
radioactive event at least several thousand years ago in this area. This study
itself has been notoriously hard to back up, however, for the purpose of
this explanation, we will take it at face value. Where this ties in is that in
Indian scripture, like most scripture, there is a large amount of metaphoric
imagery, as well as supernatural beings. Unlike many instances of scripture,
however, taken in a science fiction context, the descriptions and powers of
the people and beings seem to resemble not saints and gods, but members of an
advanced civilization, complete with references to flying machines similar to
jets/spaceships, and weapons with the destructive power of an atom bomb. It
is the weapons themselves that tie into this, for in the scripture, there is
implication that there was a terrible war, and being that this is Indian
scripture, it took place in the general area of India.
Allow me to say this in another way: An ancient civilization of incredibly
advanced technology went to war, and phenomenal destruction ensued, including
weapons that match the description of nukes, in the general vicinity of India.
And according to this difficult to trace study, an Indian state have heavily
irradiated soil under several thousand years worth of sediment and dirt.
Suddenly, this seems incredibly relevant.
Finally comes the last hidden message, Sumerian Me 23. In Sumerian mythology,
the gods granted to humanity many dozen "Me" or aspects of humanity. These
are not rules, like commandments, but literal gifts of abilities. Furthermore,
these abilities are embodied within literal objects. Me #23 is "Weapons". A
physical embodiment of a weapon could refer to an object of vastly powerful
combat usefulness, which could match the description of a Piece of Eden.
----------------------------------Puzzle #5: Instruments of Power
----------------------------------This is an image matching puzzle. Its hint is "The power they wielded CUT
down their enemies."
Perseus, Greece
Attila the Hun, Eurasia
Sigmund, Norse
King Arthur, Britannia
Joan of Arc, France
These five include powerful figures from the world's history, well known for
their warrior nature and combat prowess. Each, in turn wields a sword. When
completed, Piece of Eden 25 - The Sword is displayed.
In this puzzle, the hint is "In their hands, the wise LEAN on a great force."
John the Baptist, Jerusalem
Alexander the Great, Macedonia
Shabataka, Egypt
Peter, Jerusalem
Moses, Egypt
The five include important figures from history, with all of them being from
the bible or old world civilizations. In the images, each possesses a staff.
Once completed, Piece of Eden 34 - The Staff is displayed.
Interpretation: This puzzle reveals the first indication that not all Pieces
of Eden are Apples, although we now know that there are multiple apples. The
sword and the staff are both Pieces of Eden here, and one might infer from
the famous figures wielding them that they possess powers relevant to their
purpose.
Amongst the wielders of the sword, there is a mix of contemporary history
and myth.
Perseus, a Greek mythological hero, was in possession of an enchanted
adamantine sword that was granted to him by the Greek god Hermes.
Interestingly, he was granted a plethora of magical items, including winged
boots granting flight (also from Hermes), the shield of Athena (Minerva),
and a helmet of Invisibility from god of the dead, Hades
Sigmund was a hero in Norse mythology, who amongst other things, came to
possess a legendary sword. The Norse god Odin (the leader of their gods),
came to a party he was attending and embedded the sword in a tree, claiming
that only the person who could pull it from the tree could have it. Sigmund
was the only one able to remove it, leading to much jealousy and a fair bit
of murder.
Attila the Hun was a powerful conqueror from 430 A.D. to 450 A.D. He managed
to conquer a significant portion of the known world at the time, and was
well known for his skill in warfare and, in many accounts, his cruelty.
A legend has arisen around him regarding his sword, which was found in the
wilderness. He referred to it as "The Sword of Mars", the Roman god of war,
equivalent to Ares in Greek mythology. Amongst non-Roman accounts, it was
known as the "Sword of the War God".
King Arthur's tale is far too well known to bother explaining it here, but
his possession of the legendary sword Excalibur is evidence enough of its
place here. Its role as being a sword in the stone, only removable by a
specific individual closely parallels Sigmund's sword, indicating a potential
connection. Excalibur was mentioned to have the ability to blind its
opponents, and its scabbard was said to prevent the wielder from bleeding to
death.
The last, chronologically, in the line of individuals in this set is Joan of
Arc. She stands out from the other four in that there is no record of her
sword being in any way spectacular. However, her own life fills this role.
She was an uneducated, poor farm girl who claimed to have received divine
visions instructing her to lead France, her native country, to reclaim its
lost territory from the English. With a lot of convincing, she received
permission to fight with the troops, and her influence, through divine
knowledge, innate skill, or extreme luck, turned the tide time and time
again, resulting in a string of victories that had been preceded by decades
of failures. Nearly every tactical decision she made resulted in a victory
where others had failed, and she predicted enemy movements with an uncanny
degree of accuracy that even veteran military tacticians did not foresee.
She did this in the years when she was only 17 and 18. Ultimately, after
making great strides in France's name, a political conspiracy against her
resulted in her being burned at the stake. It was later officially found
that the trials were performed unlawfully, and that she was innocent of the
charges.
On the subject of the staff puzzle, the individuals depicted all were in a
position of power or leadership at one point.
The first is Moses, of Jewish and Christian scripture. Most relevant to this
topic, while doing God's bidding, he was told by God to perform certain acts
with his brother's staff. This often resulted in supernatural event, and it
soon became common for Moses to use his staff whenever invoking God's power.
Included in these acts are: turning the staff into a snake, invoking
numerous plagues upon Egypt, parting the Red Sea for passage, conjuring
water, and allowing the Israelites to win a battle so long as the staff
was raised high.
The second is Shabataka, an Egyptian king who ruled around the year 700 BC.
Aside from a brief campaign in Jerusalem, there is little linking him to
previous owners of the staff, nor is there significant record of events or a
particular staff in his possession.
Third is Alexander the Great. Like Shabataka, there is no particular
evidence of a staff in his career, however, he led a tremendously successful
campaign that created an empire reaching from Greece to India. He
accomplished this in about ten years, although his conquest eventually slowed
to a standstill. After his death, his empire fell apart within a few short
years, unable to maintain itself.
Saint movement), who also "translated" the texts founding their scripture,
is a certain Joseph Smith, Jr. Joseph Smith, Jr., as well as several other
founding members of the Mormon Order were members of the Freemasons, and
some aspects of Mormon ritual are based upon the rituals of the Freemasons
(See Puzzle 3: Decendents). The take home message, however, is that the
Mormons are implied to be Templar.
----------------------------------Puzzle #7: Keep on Seeking, And You Will Find It
----------------------------------Here, another image matching puzzle appears, with a lengthy hint:
First Plucked From A Tree Guarded By A Snake, Its Powers Perform Miracles.
Then, Worn Across The Ages, Torn Asunder, Hidden Under A Sea of RED,
Reconstruct the Timeline
Joseph, Egypt. C. 1700 B.C.E.
Jason, Greece, Prehistory
Jesus Christ, Jerusalem, c. 30
David and Goliath, Valley of Elah, c. 970 B.C.E.
Christ Disrobed, Jerusalem. c. 30
These images share a slightly more subtle similarity than previous ones. All
but one depict a figure from Christian/Jewish scripture wearing a bright red
cloak or shirt. The fifth of Jason of the Argonauts, battling the hydra to
take the Golden Fleece, a legendary article of clothing made from the fur of
a supernatural ram.
After matching the images, a new picture appears of Jesus crucified on the
cross. Using the scanner, one finds the message "They Took It" written across
the image. Scanning the note on the top of the cross reveals a Templar logo,
and in the bottom corner the scanner reveals Jesus' cloak. Selecting it
solves the puzzle, revealing the message: "Piece of Eden 66: The Shroud".
Interpretation: This puzzle shows that Christianity has two Pieces of Eden
resurfacing time and time again. Along with the Staff from Puzzle 6, the
Shroud shows that it played a part in the lives of several of them.
Furthermore, it implies it was more than a simple cloak by attaching it to
the Golden Fleece.
The quest of Jason is a lengthy one, concerning many aspects of Greek
mythology, however, only a few are relevant to this context. First, the
entire course of his quest is an attempt to get a golden fleece from a foreign
land, so that he may rightfully take his place as king in his own nation.
Later in the story, the fleece itself shows the power to heal the injured,
and protects its wearer from harm. Another relevant thread in the plot is
that Jason had a strong association with the Greek god Hera (Juno). It is
worth noting that one of Jason's companions was Heracles (Hercules in
Roman mythos).(See Puzzle 1: In The Beginning).
The tale of Joseph is an important part of Jewish scripture, as it marks one
of the many points at which Judaism began its spread in the world. However,
one important portion of the tale concerns the beginning, where Joseph's
father, Jacob, grants him alone out of his twelve brothers a beautiful,
colorful cloak. Out of jealousy, the brothers betrayed Joseph, and sold him
into slavery. The cloak is well known for being associated with Joseph's tale.
David and Goliath is another tale in Jewish scripture accounting a battle
between a young boy with little to no combat training and an immensely large
warrior. Despite all odds, David overcame Goliath without so much as a
scratch, and eventually went on to become king of the Hebrew nation, bringing
it into a brief golden age that it has never regained. In the picture, he is
depicted as wearing a bright red shirt. It is interesting to note that David's
King, Saul, offers him the use of his own armor, but David refused, using his
own cloth tunic instead.
The dual images of Jesus both depict him wearing a bright red cloak, defying
the conventional depiction of Jesus' cloak being a beautiful blue. However,
if the cloak were indeed to be the same as the Golden Fleece, it could be in
possession of the same healing powers. This would make sense, given that
several of Jesus' miracles include him healing the disabled, sick, dying, or
dead. The disrobing of Jesus is an important stage in the depiction of his
crucifixion, and if the message at the end of the puzzle is indeed correct,
then this may have been the ultimate purpose of Jesus' death. This might
also be the earliest depiction of the Templar in action.
----------------------------------Puzzle #8: Martyrs
----------------------------------This puzzle is a simple Where's Waldo type puzzle, showing two images.
The first: Czar Nicholas II, Russia
There is binary code in the picture, which, when translated, says "17 July,
1918". This is Nicholas II date of death.
Searching the picture reveals his scepter is the Staff, Piece of Eden 34.
The second: Joan of Arc, France
There is binary in this picture as well. It says "30 May, 1431". This is also
her date of death.Searching the picture reveals her sword is the Piece of
Eden 25.
A pointer with the templar logo appears on a map.
Place Fire over Joan of Arc, and it shows her burning at the stake,
revealing the message "They took it".
Place a photo of Rasputin over Nicholas, and it shows the revolution, with a
red Templar cross overlaid, revealing the message "Rasputin took it to
Tunguska."
Subject 16 notes that without the staff, Nicholas could not control his
subjects, leading to the Russian revolution.
Interpretation: This ties the deaths of two historical figures into the mix.
Joan of Arc was mentioned before as having the sword, and the conspiracy to
have her executed seems that it may have been a Templar plot to get Piece of
Eden 25, the Sword. Whether this is the case or not, the Templar came into
possession of the Sword after her death.
The information on Czar Nicholas is a bit harder to discern. While it says
that Rasputin took it to Tunguska, it does not deliberately state that he
stole it from Nicholas. Rasputin was a close advisor and highly trusted by the
Czar. His status as a mystic, well versed in the ways of the spirits and
magic, might have led Nicholas to trust him with his "magic staff". Czar
Nicholas may not necessarily have been a good leader, but it seems he was
manipulated by the Templar as well.
----------------------------------Puzzle #9: Hat-trick
-----------------------------------
end of Assassin's Creed 1), but a functional, talented operative who will
mindlessly follow instructions.
The logo at the end, with the letters IHSV likely stands for "In Hoc Signa,
Vinces." This is Latin for By This Sign, Conquer, and the original Latin
phrase was a Templar motto.
----------------------------------Puzzle #10: Apollo
----------------------------------An image of the moon appears in this Where's Waldo scanner puzzle. It is
labeled "FIND THE EAGLE".
A hidden code is on the moon in the Masonic script from Puzzle 3: Descendents.
It says:
JOHNSON WAS ONE OF THEM
THE BEES DRONE TOO
FOLLOW THE MONEY
The scanner detects the Apollo landing craft, which then zooms in and begins
a spinning puzzle.
Below the puzzle, a quote is written: With these formidable weapons, the
adversaries of freedom plan to consolidate their territory, the exploit, to
control, and finally to destroy. - JFK
After solving puzzle, a photo appears: Apollo 11 photograph released to the
public.
Scanning it reveals the image in negative, and the message at the top says,
when scanned "Original Unreleased Negative"
Scanning the American flag reveals the Abstergo logo.
Scanning the banner on the moon reveals a Templar standard banner.
Finally, scanning the ground in front of the astronaut reveals a Piece of
Eden. When scanned, it is IDed as "Piece of Eden 5, Apple". Subject 16
comments "With Jack deep underground, it was easy."
Interpretation: This one indicates that, for some reason, a Piece of Eden was
on the moon, and the mission to the moon was created to get it. JFK had been
a serious proponent for going to the moon, however, this decision was based
upon the recommendation of his Vice President, Lyndon B. Johnson. Johnson
would become president after JFK's assassination, and the moon landing
occurred soon after the end of his tenure as president. The hidden message,
along with two other cryptic lines, indicates that President Johnson was a
Templar. Subject 16's comment indicates that JFK was not a Templar, or might
have even been opposed to them. With him out of the way, and Johnson in
power, they engineered the retrieval of Piece of Eden 5 without opposition.
The images revealed by the scanner show that the entire mission wasn't even a
hidden Templar mission under the guise of an American mission. It WAS a
Templar mission, and the photos were doctored later to make it look like an
American mission. It is interesting to note that there is conspiracy theory
accusing the Freemasons of faking the moon landing. Given the information
revealed in Puzzle 3: Descendents, the theory is only half true. It is clear
that they were involved, but rather than fake the moon landing, they just
letter:
===================================
Dear Mr. Edison,
I wanted to thank
several things, I
$5 a day, when in
per instructions,
you for letting me make use of PE4 all these years. Among
was able to convince the workers I was raising their pay to
fact, I gave them a pay cut. But, I had to let PE4 go. As
I've shipped it to Europe.
H. has it, so I assume the war will begin as soon as he can take over. We'll
let him have his fun (Lord knows, that kind of purge will be good for Europe)
and then end it with a bang, as planned. Out of the chaos of war a new order
will emerge! I've enclosed a picture from Florida of you, me and Firestone. We
should attempt to spend more time on the golf course this summer.
Yours, Henry Ford
===================================
Interpretation: At this point, it becomes clear that the slander of Tesla by
Edison fueled by a Templar initiative, of which J.P. Morgan, Thomas Edison and
Henry Ford are all members of. In addition to their regular drive to attain
any Pieces of Eden they can get their hands on, Tesla represents a triplepronged assault on their belief of what the world should be like. He intends
to allow limitless and instantaneous transmission of information, he intends
to offer it for free, and he intends to make electricity free as well, thereby
undercutting the Templar's control of information and one of their sources
of income.
They instituted a dual assault on Tesla; Morgan cutting off his finances and
urging other investors to avoid Tesla, and Edison publicly ruining Tesla's
image. Without money and without people backing him, his finances fell apart.
Further troubling this was that he had a number of mental issues including
depression and eccentric behavior. The puzzle implies that this was a third
method of reducing the threat of Tesla, by using the Piece of Eden to unsettle
his mind.
The second letter reveals an even more catastrophic turn of events. Henry
Ford used the Piece of Eden 4 to manipulate his employees into happily
accepting pay cuts. After he was done with it, he sent it to Europe to H.
(Definitely revealed to be Hitler in Puzzle 17: The Bunker), knowing full
well that Hitler intended to begin a purge and takeover of Europe. This means
not only that Hitler was a Templar, but that the Templar order supported
World War II's existence, and engineered the entire thing. The Piece of Eden,
as often used in other situations, would be used to manipulate people,
allowing his takeover of Germany and the creation of his army. The icing on
the cake is that in the same paragraph as talking about deliberately causing
the largest loss of human life in the world's history, they talk about
playing golf. This provides very good insight into how far the Templar are
willing to go to accomplish their means, and how little they care for the
loss of life in the process.
----------------------------------Puzzle #13: I am become death, the destroy of worlds.
----------------------------------A file labeled Trinity appears, unlocking it reveals the following letter:
===================================
Abstergo Corporation
hordes of enslaved humans). Either way, this puts a whole new spin on the
many myths mentioned earlier in the puzzles concerning half-god individuals.
----------------------------------Puzzle #15: Guardians
----------------------------------The Death Of All Tyrants Will Set The People Free (Shows Assassin Symbol)
Image of the world shows the following names:
Joseph Stalin
Rasputin
Mary I of England
Tomas De Torquemada
Cleopatra
Francois Duvalier
Francisco Pizarro
John Wilkes Booth
Many of these individuals were cruel leaders in their respective countries.
Some of them merely commit gross atrocities, including genocide or
persecution. Cleopatra herself was one of the targets of one of the six
Assassins in the Assassin's tomb, Iltani.
Interestingly, one individual does not fit with the rest. John Wilkes Booth,
while certainly responsible for what many would consider an "atrocious" act
in assassinating Abraham Lincoln, was the only of these individuals who does
not fit the description of tyrant. Despite being a popular actor, Wilkes Booth
was effectively little more than an opponent of a political change with no
financial backing, and little more than a few accomplices for support. In
other words, aside from one act, he did not have a reputation, and no history
book would ever describe him as a tyrant, or even a shadow ruler (like
Rasputin may have been).
----------------------------------Puzzle #16: The Cavalry
----------------------------------The puzzle begins with a letter:
====================
Nikola,
We know what they have done to your lab, to your career. It may be too late
to set things right, but you can help prevent something far worse. They have
taken an object from the Czar, and are conducting experiments in Tunguska to
figure out how to use it. Before they do, we must take it from them, or the
world will be in danger. We do not ask you to risk your life, just that, when
the time comes, you use your electricity to destroy the object.
Regardless of your decision, know that we admire your work greatly and will
bear you no ill will.
We respect your freedom above all else.
=====================
A map appears. When you put the Assassin symbol over the word Tunguska, a
picture of the Staff over the Abstergo logo appears. When touched with the
logo and a picture, it shows an immense explosion.
Interpretation: Whether Tesla and the Assassins were involved with each
other regularly cannot be seen, but at the very least, they contacted him
and asked him to help them in their endeavor against the Templar. The letter
echoes that expressed in Puzzle 8: Martyrs, that the Staff, Piece of Eden 34,
ended up in Tunguska under the control of the Templar. It is worth noting
that the Assassins show a great deal of respect for Tesla, and even more
respect for his right not to help them, if he were to choose not to.
However, the Tunguska event did happen. For those not familiar with this
event, it was a phenomenal explosion that occurred in northern Russia in
1908. It was far larger than the explosions caused by the atomic bombs
dropped on Japan in World War II, however, it was non-nuclear, and did not
cause radioactive fallout. It was also in such a secluded area that no one is
known to have been killed by it, but it was seen by many, for thousands of
miles around. It is unknown how it was caused, and many theories have arisen.
One of the less commonly believed theories is that Nikola Tesla test-fired a
weapon he had been developing, and that it caused Tunguska. Nikola Tesla
had spent many years developing wireless energy, and theorized that by the
same means wireless energy could be accomplished, the same energy could be
used as a long range weapon, theoretically striking anywhere on Earth.
He supposedly test-fired the weapon at the same time as the Tunguska event,
but because the event was kept under wraps by the Russian government, little
information got out for several years, and the test-firing was a "failure".
This letter would imply it was not a failure at all, or a test-fire. That
the Assassins asked him to use "his electricity", it is even more evident
that this is the case.
Theoretically, if the explosion was successful, the Staff should be destroyed.
It is not shown in the ownership of any individuals after this point in time,
nor does Abstergo reference its existence post 1908. However, in Assassin's
Creed 1, an email did say that the destruction of an artifact by an Assassin
agent cause the Tunguska event, and that a survivor was being sought so that
they could use the Animus to examine the situation.
----------------------------------Puzzle #17: The Bunker
----------------------------------A file labeled WWII appears. When opened, a letter appears.
===================================
Abstergo Corporation, May 02, 1945
The war is over, and we are in control, as planned. But a slight concern has
arisen. I received word from our agents in Berlin. H. was supposed to execute
his double inside the bunker and meet C. at the rendezvous point with the
Piece of Eden.
It's been three days and he still hasn't appeared. Something must have gone
awry. Please send instructions.
===================================
An image of Hitler's bunker appears. A message above it says: "We watched
the exit from above. He didn't see us coming."
Subject 16 angrily comments on the picture "They engineered the war, they
engineered the peace. But they weren't going to get away with it. Find our
mark."
A hidden message exists in the picture that says: The Double Was Killed In
the Bunker
A hidden Assassin's logo is on the building. The building is later showed
destroyed, the same logo still visible.
Interpretation: This puzzle indicates that the Templar succeeded in their
goal of gaining control over more of the world than prior to the war. As
Subject 16 says, they started the war, and they ended it. The sole purpose
of the war was to shift the power, and allow them to gain a better foothold
in the world's governments. It had nothing to do with any of the other
factors of the war. However, the Assassins seem to resurface once again in
an attempt to hinder them. Hitler has not appeared to me with C (possibly
Churchill), and this is of some concern to the Templar, as he also had Piece
of Eden 4. Based on the letter, the label on the picture, and the hidden
message, two possibilities occur.
Scenario A) The double was killed in the bunker, Hitler left the bunker, and
was killed from above by the Assassins. The Assassins claimed Piece of Eden
4.
Scenario B) The double was killed in the bunker by the Assassins mistaking
him for Hitler, striking from above as he left the door. Somehow, they did
not realize that had Hitler escaped. However, if he does not return to the
Templar, this means he likely went rogue, possibly with Piece of Eden 4 in
tow.
In Scenario A, the Assassins now have two successful victories against the
Templar; The destruction of the Staff at Tunguska, and the killing of a high
ranking Templar official and procuring Piece of Eden 4, putting the Templar
down 2 Pieces of Eden. Either way, despite their success with the war, the
Templar did not come out unscathed, as either way, they are missing an
Apple.
----------------------------------Puzzle #18: Synapses
----------------------------------A Medical file appears, with the following letter inside:
===================================
Biological Frontier
Issue 1, January 2012
The scientific community is abuzz as the results of a new neurological study
were made public today. What seemed to be big news in itself - that Dr. Yije
We and Dr. P. J. Traunero had discovered a new neurotransmitter - turned out
to be just the tip of the iceberg.
To quote Dr. Wu "Using a prototype Dmri machine, we've been able to examine
the contents of an actual neuron using living tissue. We've found a
substance that appears to be an undiscovered neurotransmitter."
"Here's where it gets crazy. To test our findings, we subjected the neuron
to all kinds of stimuli, but we couldn't get it to release the transmitter.
So, we've discovered an entire mechanism: there are vesicles filled with
neurotransmitter lying dormant and corresponding ion channels, all for no
discernable purpose."
Expressing bafflement that natural selection would create an unnecessary
nearly happened before. Afterwards, he says that the pieces were part of a
whole. This may indicate that the Pieces of Eden are paramount to preventing
or alleviating the catastrophe should it occur a second time.
The portion about the sun being worshipped as a God is interesting. It is
personified, given traits such as being able to watch and wait. However, it
is unlikely that the sun itself is sentient in this manner, although it was
indeed worshipped as a God by many cultures, several of which are displayed
amongst the five pictures. Most important is the inclusion of the word
"waits", indicating that something will happen in the future with the sun.
The part where it shows how small the Earth is compared to the sun is
important, demonstrating how miniscule the Earth really is. If something
extreme were to happen with the sun, it would not be at all unreasonable
to think it could utterly devastate Earth.
The four messages on the sun contain cryptic information. Two of them are
quotes from a Hopi prophecy, describing catastrophic events involving the
sky, and what sounds like smoke/clouds/ash. One of them, "They died in the
fire from the heavens" seems to resonate with what we know of the Ones Who
Came Before. The fourth has, potentially, the most hidden meaning. Toba, 75ka
stands for a gigantic eruption that occurred 75,000 years ago. This eruption
has been detected by examining the layers of dirt under the earth. At this
time, there is a thick layer of ash, found in many parts of the world, with
a layer 15 centimeters thick covering the entirety of India. All evidence
indicates that it was what is called a "mega-colossal" volcanic eruption.
The passage in this puzzle indicates otherwise.
----------------------------------Puzzle #20: The Origin of the Species
----------------------------------An image of God holding a sphere appears, labeled "It Has Been Hidden,
Altered."
Open Your Eyes.
In the image, Jesus wields a sword and wears a red cloak, which glow under
the scan. A staff leans against a sheep, which also glows. As does a sphere
that is in God's hand. When scanning the eye above, Leonardo's Virtruvian Man
appears. This ends the image.
A file called Missing Link appears. The following letter is inside:
===================================
Abstergo Corporation
January 3, 1997
I'm writing in response to your concerns about the rising alarm in the press
and the scientific community. The lack of a transitional ancestor from
archaic hominids to modern mankind (Homo Sapiens) is no longer safe. As you
wrote, we have to act.
We can't let the truth get out, they'll find out about the artifacts. It will
cause too much disruption, too much chaos. Bury our constructed skeletons near
Tim White's expedition in Ethiopia. We'll give them their missing link.
The birth of humanity. The truth makes me sick.
Signed with the Templar logo.
===================================
A cursor with the Apple allows you to shift an ape skeleton into a human
skeleton.
Interpretation: This letter seems to confirm that what Minerva said is true;
humans were created. However, it seems as if we were not created from
scratch, rather, we went through vastly accelerated evolution at the hands
of the Ones Who Came Before, possibly, with the use of an Apple Piece of
Eden. An interesting note is that the image you have to find to progress is
that of Leonardo Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man sketch. The concept behind this
image is that the proportions of the human body are very structured and
organized, that the length of X body part will be equal to Y body part. In
other words, the human body seems designed by an intelligent mind with a
respect for symmetry and mathematics.
This letter also shows that the Templar, at least the ones in the present,
are not entirely unaware of what has happened in the past, and the reality
of the Ones Who Came Before and our origins. To keep this truth (and the
artifacts) safe from prying eyes, they created fake skeletons and planted
them, leading to a scientific discovery of "proof" of human evolution from
apes. The same knowledge seems, at least, to disgust the Templar writing
the letter.
----------------------------------The Truth (video):
----------------------------------The video, as important as it is, is relatively brief in its scope, but its
implications are tremendous. A brief summary is in order:
Two humans, one male and one female, garbed in suits that are shiny,
skintight, flesh colored and adorned with a few markings, run quickly through
a smooth stone structure, surrounded by trees and foliage. They run to a
door, which slides open of its own volition. The interior is full of metal
scaffolding, and the two make a variety of extremely agile and acrobatic
maneuvers to climb to the top. The male bashes out a thick window with an
elbow. The climb up the outside of the building, stopping briefly to look
inside: there are workers, hammering and hauling boxes, as a conveyor belt
runs in the background, flames roaring behind them. Standing closest to the
window is a dark figure, facing away towards the workers, holding a Piece
of Eden Apple in his/her hand. Once they reach the top, the camera pans out,
displaying a strangely shaped skyscraper, which they are on top of. The
female turns to the male and holds out her hand: in it is a Piece of Eden
Apple. She says "Adam, I have it!" The male, Adam, turns to look towards
the camera, and panicked, says "Eve!" The screen fades to black, displaying
a patch of binary code. Eve yells "LOOK OUT!" and the video ends.
The binary says "EDEN"
The video shows, that like many things in Assassin's Creed, myths are not
necessarily fabricated, but merely a fragment of the truth. Adam and Eve do
not seem to be the first humans, merely a pair of humans who seem to have
done something very brave or very stupid: steal a powerful artifact from their
creators. Those Who Came Before seemed to have ingrained in humans a neural
pathway for servitude in the presence of Pieces of Eden. How these two
resisted could be a few things. First, it could be that once they had the
Piece of Eden, they were not susceptible to its suppression. Second, based on
the agile movements and jumps, similar to Altair and Ezio's, they could be
more than human; they could be Assassins . . . or at least, the genetic
offshoot of half-human, half-TWCB (Those Who Came Before). This may have
granted them sufficient resistance to steal the artifact and escape, although
it seems that they are not out of trouble yet, given their speech at the end.
*******************************
IV. Codex Script and Interpretation - Incomplete
The following are the text scripts of the 30 codex pages in the game.
Cryptic clues left by Altair hint at his actions after the first game, and
some tie in strongly with the implications of the puzzles and the plot. Some
of them are merely pictures, so I have attempted to briefly describe the
pictures in text, but that is all I can do for them.
----------------------------------Page 1
----------------------------------I have spent days with the artifact now. Or has it been weeks? Months? I can
no longer be certain . . .
The others come from time to time - offering food or distraction. They say I
should separate myself from these studies . . . Malik has even suggested I
abandon them entirely. But I am not yet ready to turn away. This Apple of
Eden will be understood. It must be . . .
Is it a weapon? Is it a catalogue? Is it somehow both? "He who increaseth
knowledge, increaseth sorrow . . ." The philosophy of such a statement I can
understand . . . But for it to be true - literally true? A society that
waged wars with ideas and information in place of steel and swords . . .
Its function is simple. Elementary, even. Dominion. Control. But the process
. . . the methods and means it employs . . . THESE are fascinating. Those
subjected to its glow are promised all that they desire. It asks only one
thing in return: complete and total obedience. And who can truly refuse? It
is temptation incarnate.
I remember my own moment of weakness when confronted by Al Mualim, my
confidence shaken by his words. He, who had been like a father, was revealed
to be my greatest enemy. Just the briefest flicker of doubt was all he
needed to creep into my mind. But I vanquished his phantoms - restored my
self confidence - and sent him from this world. I freed myself. But now I
wonder . . . Did I really? For here I sit - desperate to understand that
which I swore to destroy.
This is why: The Apple has a tale to tell. I sense the flickers of something
- great and dangerous . . . We are all at risk. It is my duty to do something
about it. I must not - cannot - turn away until I've found the truth.
Interpretation: If one thinks of this in a direct timeline including the end
of Assassin's Creed 1, Altair's treatment of the the Apple reminds me of one
thing: the corrupting influence of The One Ring of Lord of the Rings. Not
implying there is a connection, but it seems a good template to understand
the Apple by. Altair, having sword to destroy the Apple, finds himself
confronted by it and unable to carry out its destruction, seemingly to his
own horror, as if it literally had some sort of influence upon him.
Immediately after, Altair enters into a period of intense study,
uninterrupted by food or anything else, pouring his life into understanding
the Apple and its method of function. Altair himself muses upon how he
seems unable to resist the temptation of that which he sought to destroy.
The influence the Apple may have upon its users may very well be similar
to what The One Ring had upon its users, and this gives strong insight to
what "possessing" an Piece of Eden is like.
While we know from Puzzle 18 that the Piece of Eden functionally controls
humans through a specialized neural pathway, there was no discussion of the
experience of the victim. If Altair's words are to be taken at face value,
the Piece of Eden functions, emotionally, in this manner: The target becomes
convinced that by giving in to the Piece of Eden, all of their desires and
wishes would come true, as long as they are completely subservient to the
Piece of Eden. Of course, none of these desires and wishes will ever come
to fruition through this, but the Piece of Eden can convince them of such.
It is possible that, aside from rare flukes such as Altair and Ezio,
"resisting" a Piece of Eden is impossible. There is willpower and there is
strength of mind, but neurotransmitters and neurons are the bread and butter
of brain function. There is only so much that can be done to resist if one's
own brain betrays you.
----------------------------------Page 2
----------------------------------The second page is an image of Templars and Assassins on a battlefield. It
is difficult to tell by the image, but the Assassins seem to be either in
combat or dead.
Interpretation: I can see little significance in this image, aside from
Altair merely depicting recent events on paper.
----------------------------------Page 3
----------------------------------The third page is an image showing the construction blueprints for a hidden
blade.
Interpretation: Of course, blueprints are certainly something worth
recording, but I can find no hidden meaning in this picture.
----------------------------------Page 4
----------------------------------What follows are the three great ironies of the Assassin Order: (1) Here we
seek to promote peace, but murder is our means. (2) Here we seek to open the
minds of men, but require obedience to a master and a set of rules. (3) Here
we seek to reveal the danger of blind faith, yet we are practitioners
ourselves.
I have no satisfactory answer to these charges, only possibilities . . . Do
we bend the rules in service to a greater good? And if we do, what does it
say of us? That we are liars? That we are frauds? That we are weak? Every
moment is spent wrestling with these contradictions and in spite of all the
years I've had to reflect, still I can find no suitable answer . . . And I
fear that one may not exist.
Nothing is true. Everything is permitted. Does out creed provide the answer,
then? That one may be two things - opposite in every way - simultaneously?
And why not? Am I not proof? We of noble intentions, possessed of barbaric
means? We who celebrate the sanctity of life and then promptly take it from
those we deem our enemies?
he changes the behaviors of the Assassins, but also realizes that it is the
Creed that binds them, not the customs. He then lists a number of rituals of
the Assassins, and gives insight into a few aspects of the Assassin order
not mentioned in the game.
The Assassins are based upon the real world counterpart, the Hashshashin, an
organization in many ways similar to the Assassins. Rumors were just as
common as the facts, but one aspect of their society concerned their
initiation. While highly speculative and based in myth, it is worth
mentioning. According to the rumors, the Hashshashin, when recruiting,
would drug their initiates in a way that would cause them to think they
were dying. Upon awakening, they would find themselves in a beautiful
garden in the Hashshashin fortress, still drugged and delirious, but fed
delicious food and wine by beautiful women (virgins, apparently, and you
know how our earlier civilizations were about virgins). Convinced by the
people there that this was, in fact, heaven, they would come to enjoy their
new found paradise (keep in mind, this garden was a bit out of the ordinary,
as this was the in the desert.)
While in this state, the leader, Hassan-i Sabbah (a real life counterpart of
Al Mualim) would convince the initiate that he was God or a representative of
God, and that the new assassin needed to follow his every command, so that
they could return and live in paradise forever in this mock up of heaven.
This would add a religious slant to the mission of the assassins, increasing
their devotion and zealousness to the cause.
This was not spelled out in the original Assassin's Creed. However, in the
back of Masayf, there was a large garden, more lush than any other in the
Assassin's Creed 1 world, filled with somewhat scantily clad dancing women.
This seems to fit the bill here.
Now, consider Altair's two lines: "Not a false promise of paradise." as well
as "And we shall not manipulate our initiates with lies and parlor tricks."
Altair seems to acknowledge these real world rumors as being true in the in
game Assassin order, and simultaneously dismisses them as unnecessary and
deceptive, showing Altair's leadership style to be very different from Al
Mualim (Al Mualim, a Templar at heart, kept with him his beliefs in
controlling his people through deception and lies). This gives more insight
into the real world and in game Assassin's Orders.
----------------------------------Page 7
----------------------------------I had thought Adha would be the one to lead me to rest, that I might lay
down my blade and live as a normal man. But now I know such dreams are best
left to sleep . . .
Her face. I try to banish it from my mind as I remember the days and nights
during which I chased her Templar captors across the sea. I almost got to
them in time. Almost. If I had only been faster. Instead, I held her lifeless
body in my arms - saw the terror reflected in her fixed, unblinking eyes . . .
I hunted each man - one by one - until all responsible were gone from this
world. But there was no joy in this. No satisfaction or release. Their deaths
did not bring her back. Did not heal my wounds. After that, I was certain I
would never again feel for a woman as I had for her.
I am fortunate to have been wrong.
Interpretation: This gives us insight into the ultimate fate of Adha. Adha
is an individual many Assassin's Creed players may not know. She was
mentioned one time, and only once, in Assassin's Creed 1 by an informant
who knew Altair well, saying something along the lines of "Have you heard
word of Adha? No, well, I'm sure you will find her one day". Adha was
revealed in the Nintendo DS version of Assassin's Creed: Altair's Chronicles
to be a human with powers similar in some ways to the Pieces of Eden. While
not explicitly said, it may even be possible she was somehow a human
embodiment of one. While Altair's original mission was to retrieve this
artifact, known to him initially as "The Chalice", he realized it was a
person and actually fell for her. At the end of the game, the Templar
escaped with her, and he swore to track her down, and we never found out
what happened.
Well, now we know it did not quite end well. Altair, an otherwise emotionless
and cold man, seems to be quite traumatized by the loss of this woman, and
it opens up more ability to sympathize with him emotionally.
----------------------------------Page 8
----------------------------------Why do our instincts insist on violence? I have studied the interactions
between different species. The innate desire to survive seems to demand the
death of the other. Why can they not stand hand in hand? So many believe the
world was created by the hand of a divine power - but I only see the designs
of a madman, bent on celebrating destruction and desperation. Our origins
seem chaotic. Unintended. Purpose and being instilled solely by the passage
of time. Imposed first by nature - and later men . . .
Interpretation: Altair thinks philosophically on the nature of violence and
the violence of nature (I didn't even do that intentionally). While what he
says is not particularly relevant, it does tie into one fact; Minerva states
that humans, built in the image of Those Who Came Before, shared at least one
major trait with their masters: A desire for war. While it is a bit of
circular reasoning, the answer to Altair's question is thus: Our instincts
for violence exist because we were created in the image of a species with
the same instinct for violence. We were designed that way.
Altair then dismisses such designed as insane, but it is worth noting that
following the apocalypse, Minerva stated that the two races were able to put
aside their differences and work together in peace. So while Altair is
correct, that humanity's creators were no more enlightened than humanity in
this regard, both species were able to rise above it in a time of need. I
am sure this would have been of some comfort to him.
----------------------------------Page 9
----------------------------------Over time, and sentence uttered long and loud enough becomes fixed. Becomes
a truth. Provided, of course, you can outlast the dissent and silence your
opponents. But should you succeed - and remove all challengers - then what
remains is, by default, now true.
Is it truth in some objective sense? No. But how does one ever achieve an
objective point of view? The answer is you don't. It is literally,
physically impossible. There are too many variables. Too many fields and
formulae to consider. We can try, of course. We can inch closer and closer
to a revelation. But we'll never reach it. Not ever . . .
And so I have realized, that so long as The Templar exist, they will attempt
to bend reality to their will. They recognize there is no such thing as an
absolutely truth - or if there is - we are hopelessly underequipped to
recognize it. And so in its place, they seek to create their own explanation.
It is the guiding principle of their so-named "New World Order"; To reshape
existence in their own image. It is not about artifacts. Not about men. These
are merely tools. It's about concepts. Clever of them. For how does one wage
war against a concept?
It is the perfect weapon. It lacks a physical form yet can alter the world
around us in numerous, often violent ways. You cannot kill a creed. Even if
you kill all of its adherents, destroy all of its writings - these are a
reprieve at best. Some one, some day, will rediscover it. Reinvent it. I
believe that even we, the Assassins, have simple re-discovered an Order that
predates the Old Man himself . . .
Interpretation: Altair's description of concepts, objectivity, truth and the
like is very interesting to be sure, but potentially the most important
sentence in this entry his is suggestion that the Assassin Order itself is
an idea that has existed long before Al Mualim founded it. Given the presence
of Assassins in the Assassin Sanctuary from before Altair's time, this is
likely, even more likely in consideration of the fact that the Assassin Order
may have drawn its origins from the Assassin Bloodline (See Speculation on
Assassins for more)
----------------------------------Page 10
----------------------------------The tenth page is an image of a man in priestly clothing, with a glowing
halo, preaching and reaching out to the masses. Above, three images exist;
on the left, an apple (the fruit) and on the right, a mechanical device.
In between them is an apple (the fruit) with the mechanical lines overlaying
it, symbolizing the Apple (the Piece of Eden)
Interpretation: This image seems to depict the control granted to a human by
a Piece of Eden, with an interesting artistic depiction of the Piece of Eden
as a combination of fruit and machine (though the true Piece of Eden Apple is
nothing like a fruit). However, given the presence of actual Golden Apples
of Power in mythology, this implies the connection may be more literal.
----------------------------------Page 11
----------------------------------Attis. Dionysus. Horus. Krishna. Mithra. Jesus. Simlilar stories color their
lives. Too similar, I think. Divine birthright. Persecution. Disciples.
Miraculous acts. Resurrection . . .
How is it possible?
Perhaps it isn't . . . merely a single story told over the ages? Borrowed
then changed to fit the times? Evolving as our tools and language do? Is this
tale borne of fact or fiction? A bit of both? Could these figures be the same
person - their life extended and transformed by a Piece of Eden?
Al Mualim spoke of Jesus as a real person - a mortal who had mastered the
arts of manipulation. But what if he was wrong? If these men are real - and
if they have walked amongst us many times before - does it means they'll come
again? Perhaps they are here now? So many questions, and every day, even
more . . .
Interpretation: Altair discusses a myriad of possibilities regarding several
ancient mythological figures. With our knowledge shown in the Puzzles,
implying the presence of a Piece of Eden at play in many myths, the reality
of these stores may be far more simpler than Altair can imagine (especially
since it seems Jesus possessed the Shroud, Piece of Eden 66).
However, in the last paragraph, Altair considers the possibility that these
individuals, at some level, were still more than human. He almost seems to
indicate that they may have been related to Those Who Came Before, as
superhuman beings walking the Earth in the form of man. Another possibility
to consider, certainly.
----------------------------------Page 12
----------------------------------The twelvth page seems to be a depiction of the solar system.
Interpretation: Altair draws the solar system in a fairly advanced manner,
seemingly unrelated to his other pages. Is this an image granted to him by
the Piece of Eden? Its certainly possible.
----------------------------------Page 13
----------------------------------The Hidden Blade has been a constant companion of ours over the years. Some
would even say it defines us - and they would not be entirely wrong. Many of
our successes would not have been possible without it. Still, the device has
begun to show its age - and so I have been researching improvements beyond
ending the need to remove one's finger to weild it.
The first is the addition of a metal plate that can be used to deflect
incoming blows. The other Assassins believe it is forged of a new metal and credit me with the discovery of the formulae (included on this page).
It is better that they not know the truth.
I have also worked with Malik to describe new methods of assassination: from
on high, from ledges, and from hiding places. Basic movements, but critical
nonetheless.
The third and final improvement is the most simple - the provision of a
second blade - identical in every way to the first. Should an Assassin ever
find himself tasked with dispatching two targets, he need only time his
strike in such a way that he might reach both at the same time. These blades
will be limited in number since the metals with which we forge them remain
difficult to obtain. I will need to think carefully about who shall be
allowed to carry two . . .
(This page includes an image of a dual-wielding assassin, dispatching
enemies from a variety of complex directions, as well as the construction
of the new blade cover)
Interpretation: Altair finally seems to have taken time away from his selfabsorbed research into the Piece of Eden to further the goals and technology
of the Assassins, starting with enhancements to the Hidden Blade. It is
revealed he has already changed the law dictating the removal of a finger
for the sake of the hidden blade, so he is true to his intentions to grant
greater freedom to the Assassins.
It is also revealed at this time (possibly years after the original
Assassin's Creed) that Malik, who once hated him, now possibly his closest
confidant, is still with the order, alive and contributing. The entry also
shows that he has developed enhanced technology, and is secretive about the
source of the knowledge (based on his later entries, it is likely he found
the knowledge by using the Piece of Eden.)
----------------------------------Page 14
----------------------------------Man seeks dominion over all that he encounters. I suppose it is a natural
tendency for us to aspire towards mastery of our surroundings. But this
should not include other human beings. Every day more and more are pressed
into service - by deception or by force. Others, though not so firmly
imprisoned, are made to feel as if their lives are worthless. I have seen
the ways in which men persecute women. Heard the cruel words hurled at those
who come from other lands. Watched as those who believe or act differently
are made to suffer . . .
We discuss such things often - watching as we do from the spires of Masyaf.
What can be done to stop this? To encourage tolerance and equality? Some
days we speak of education, believing that knowledge will free us from
immorality. But as I walk to streets and see slaves sent off to auction my heart grows cold. When I see the husband hurl abuses and stones at his
wife, insisting she exists only to serve him - my fists clench. And when I
see children torn from their parents so that another man might profit - sent
off to suffer beneath the desert sun and die . . .
. . . On these days, I do not think that dialogue will make a difference. On
these days, I can think only of how the perpetrators need to die.
Interpretation: Altair examines the cruel realities of his era, specifically,
the terrible treatment humans give to one another. He specifically mentions
slavery, sexism, and discrimination against minorities. It is clear he wishes
to help abolish such terrible behavior, but he seems unsure if it is possible.
He also implies that he is tempted to ignore the path of enlightening the
ignorant, almost giving into the simplicity of just murdering those who
disagree with you.
Whether he acted on these temptations is unknown. Given Altair's consistant
morality and loyalty to freedom and knowledge, it is unlikely he gave in, but
is gives another chance to see that even the good can be tempted by the same
behaviors that the Templars have embraced. Why spend time and effort to show
someone why they should change, when you can just remove threats to your
belief system by force? Two sides of the same coin, and showing how easy
it would be to just flip to the other.
----------------------------------Page 15
----------------------------------The fifteenth page shows an image of an island, Cyprus.
Interpretation: Cyprus is visited in Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines, and an
Assassin base is established there. The Piece of Eden may have been stored
there, eventually.
----------------------------------Page 16
----------------------------------The Apple is more than a catalog of that which precedes us. Within its
twisting, sparkling innards I've caught glimpses of what will be. Such a
thing should not be possible. Perhaps it isn't. Maybe it is simple a
suggestion. How to know? How to be sure?
I contemplate the consequences of these visions: are they images of things to
come - or simple the potential for what might be. Can we influence the
outcome? Dare we try? And in so doing, do we merely ensure that which we've
seen?
I am torn - as always - between action and inaction - unclear as to which if either - will make a difference. Am I even meant to make a difference?
Still, I keep this journal. Is that not an attempt to change - or perhaps
guarantee - what I have seen?
Interpretation: Altair reinforces the notion that the Piece of Eden is a
database of some sorts, though he still seems unable to fully use it (this
may be due to a hesitance on his part to use it too much). He has also
discovered it possesses some form of prescient ability as well, but he is
unsure what it means.
Following this, he muses on consistant time travel/future seeing themes,
such as the future being either THE future, or one of many futures, the idea
that the future is changeable (or do your efforts to change the future CAUSE
the future) and other such things.
The fact that through the Piece of Eden Altair is able to see the future
gives credence to the idea that it may have been the Pieces of Eden which
granted prescience to Those Who Came Before in the first place. It seems
as if such prescience was not necessarily an easy activity, and it may be
that Altair would need advanced training and experience to make full use of
it. Considering that he sees more specific images of the future, he may be
getting more experience as time goes on.
----------------------------------Page 17
----------------------------------Of all the things I've seen, none troubles me more than the image of the
flames . . . Pillars so tall they seem to pierce the heavens. The ground
rumbled and shuddered. Mountains split and crack. Great metal towers
splintered, their innards strewn about the ground . . . And everywhere there
was screaming. A chorus so terrible that even now I feel its echoes still.
What is this madness I have seen? Is it them, I wonder? Those who came
before . . . Is this where they went? Into the fire? Into the dust? Perhaps
this destructive power is what the Templars seek. That they might hold it
over us and command devotion. What hope would we have, then, if they held
such darkness in their hands - that they could murder the world . . .
Interpretation: Altair has seen something in the Piece of Eden, but it could
be two different things. First, he could be seeing the effects of atomic
weaponry. Vast pillars of flame, widespread destruction, and the idea of
"murdering the world" match atomic weaponry. Especially the idea that
Templars might seek to control this weaponry (which they eventually do,
if you recall the Puzzle about the atomic bomb), this codex could be
referring to nuclear weaponry.
It could also be speaking of the apocalypse which brought about the end of
Those Who Came Before. It would also make sense, widespread fiery death
in pillars of immense fire. He also specifically mentions that perhaps
Those Who Came Before may have been lost to this destruction. Either of
these possibilities could be the case.
----------------------------------Page 18
----------------------------------We are obligated to hide. To be silent. To shape the course of history in
secret. But some of my brothers and sisters disagree. They grow angry,
insisting it is a mistake to shroud outselves. They say it slows our work.
But they do not understand the risks. To expose ourselves now would be too
dangerous. I fear we would be branded madmen and attacked. So it goes. So it
always has. If there is one think I know for certain, it is that men to not
learn by being told. Instead they must be shown. They must make the
connections themselves. If I say unto a man, be kind, be tolerant, be of an
open mind - these words will wither and die long before they've affected
change. It would be a waste. And so we must maintain our course.
Interpretation: Altair's comments on the concept of educating draw
dangerously subtle differences between variations of the Creed and the
Templar's intentions. He specifies that you cannot spread wisdom by merely
sharing knowledge, but that active learning must take place. To this end,
the Templar would likely agree; you cannot just tell people things to make
them believe what you want. But rather than find more creative ways to
educate, the Templar would rather just force knowledge (truth or falsehood)
on people instead.
----------------------------------Page 19
----------------------------------Legend speaks of a Golden Fleece. Could the two be related?
. . . I have further refined the metallurgic process, allowing for the
production of a suit of armor the likes of which the world has never
seen . . .
. . . It is possessed of great strength, yet so light as to allow complete
freedom . . .
. . . I alternate between wonder and fear. Here we have crafted something
that will surely change the face of warfare, making those who wear it nigh
invincible . . .
Perhaps it was a mistake to create these pieces. I think it best to erase
the formulae. What if it were to fall into the hands of our enemies?
The risk is too great . . .
(An image is shown of a suit of armor, likely the Armor of Altair)
Interpretation: This is the second mention of the Golden Fleece in the game.
Likely through the use of the Piece of Eden, Altair has developed a
supermetal, exceedingly strong and resilent, maybe even invulnerable, yet
light, possibly lighter than aluminum. This would imply that he created a
metal more advanced than anything developed in modern day. This sort of
technology could be only one thing; a crude recreation of technology
developed by Those Who Came Before. Given this, his thoughts about the
similarity between his armor and the Golden Fleece (Piece of Eden 66)
are shown to be closer to reality than he might think.
----------------------------------Page 20
----------------------------------I have studied the ancient pagan faiths that came before this more recent
obsession with a single, divine creator. They seem to have focused more on
the fundamental forces at play in the world around us and less on arbitrary
moral rules . . .
The sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening. The tides ebb and
flow. Grass grows, withers, dies and then in time, emerges from the ground
once more. The air turns warm then cools and back again. Some hidden energy
keeps us fitted to the ground and pulls us back when we attempt to leave it.
Each of these movements was represented before by a god or goddess. Each
force given face, but recognized as something distinct and powerful. Which
is not to say there were not connections between these forces - a pantheon
of individual spirits - of rules. Invisible hands guiding to progress of
the world around us.
And so here there was an attempt to categorize, study, explain, and understand
the way things work - even if it was flawed. But no more. Now we are asked to
succumb to a far more simplified explanation. How naive to believe there might
be a single answer to every question. Every mystery. That there exists a lone
divine light which rules over all. They say it is a light that brings truth
and love. I say it is a light that blinds us - and forces us to stumble about
in ignorance.
I long for the day when men will turn away from invisible monsters and once
more embrace a more rational view of the world. But these new religions are so
convenient - and promise such terrible punishment should one reject them - I
worry that fear shall keep us stuck to what is surely the greatest lie ever
told.
Interpretation: Another philosophical discourse is created by Altair, this
time on the concept of religion. While interesting, it is not particularly
full of higher implications. One of them is his reinforcement of the idea
that the Judeo/Christian/Islamic faith is based on a lie. However, he does
discuss the concept of multiple Gods associated with various phenomenon, as
well as pantheons of Gods. This may mirror the actual existance of Those
Who Came Before, but I can find little else to be taken from this.
----------------------------------Page 21
----------------------------------One may cultivate extracts from various plants found throughout the region.
More exotic species can sometimes be obtained from traders and travelers,
but their properties are less documented and required further examination.
Traditional alchemical implements can be used to distill the poison. Care
should be used as certain poisons can be absorbed through exposed skin. Many
are those who have lost their lives to carelessness.
knew my parents well, despite them having lived within these walls. It was
our way. Perhaps they were sad, though they showed no sign - it was not
allowed.
For my part, so much of my youth was spent in training, they was little
left to reflect upon the separation. And so when they were finally lost
me, it seemed no different than the passing of two strangers. Al Mualim
been as my father, and his was a weak and dishonest love, though at the
it seemed enough - better, even. Or so I thought.
time
to
had
time
Some day I will have a child - such is the way of our Order. And I will not
make the same mistake. Nor any who call themselves an Assassin. We shall be
allowed to love our children - and, in turn, to be loved. Al Mualim believed
such attachments would weaken us - cause us to falter when our lives were on
the line. But if we truly fight for what is just, does love not make such
sacrifice simpler - knowing that we do so for their gain?
Interpretation: The Altair of Assassin's Creed 1 may have been one of the
coldest, most emotionally detached (except for his arrogance) protagonists I
have ever encountered. The man cared for nothing but his mission. You could
tell him the funniest joke in the world and he would probably hate you that
much more for it.
Yet here we have him, discussing the empowering nature of love for one's
family. Certainly, in his time in study over the many years, he has come to
realize that cutting oneself off emotionally, while having its benefits, may
not necessarily be optimal. To this end, he seeks again to overturn an
Assassin tradition, allowing families to keep their children, and for these
children to know the true love of parents.
As is clearly his way at this point, he seeks once again to allow freedom
within the Assassin Order, removing that which blinds us from reality, and
allowing his peers to experience the powerful emotions that make us human,
rather than removing them to make an even more efficient killing machine.
----------------------------------Page 25
----------------------------------The twenty-fifth page shows a drawing of a templar, fairly feminine in
appearance, potentially depicting Maria.
Interpretation: Again, another page that may have just been Altair's drawing
for his own enjoyment. The Templar depicted looked fairly female, and if he
and Maria were together at this point in time, it is a reasonable thing for
him to draw.
----------------------------------Page 26
----------------------------------I have the answer now. I know the truth. I shall not touch that wretched
thing again. Best that no one do, now or ever. I have tried - at least - to
destroy it, but it will neither bend nor break nor melt. Oh the irony - I
am certain if I asked, the Apple would tell me what need be done. But even
this promise is insufficient. Always it holds one more gift to give. I must
refrain. So it shall be sealed. We will take it to the island - once theirs,
now ours. There is a treasury there - hidden well - and it shall have to
suffice. Risky to separate myself from the artifact that others may discover
it. Riskier still to keep it close. In time I will be tempted. I am weak. We
all are. Who wouldn't be? Oh the things I have seen . . . The tale is here
- inside the text. Not between the lines but beneath them. Where only our
eyes might peer.
Go and see it for yourself. That you might succeed where I and the others
have failed. Time marches on - bringing with it new discoveries and
developments. And so at least one day the doorway might be opened and the
message delivered. They will have their prophet.
Interpretation: It seems that Altair finally found the truth of the Pieces
of Eden, the Apocalypse, and Those Who Came Before. How much he found out is
not clear, but he knows enough that he feels that his search for "the truth"
is fulfilled, but he does not seem happy now that he knows the truth.
While it is unclear how many years have passed since Assassin's Creed 1 and
this entry, it is more than a few and it took him this long to get up the
nerve to destroy the Piece of Eden, even if he failed. This shows just how
much of a hold it had on him, a hold I believe to be more than just Altair's
own curiousity. Even now he speaks of being tempted by it, but he does not
seem certain whether he should distance himself from it. While he knows what
others do not, and he would be best suited for guarding it, he also fears
he may be just as much of a threat, if not more, with it in his possession.
This codex page contains a lot of information that would be relevant to
someone who had not already completed the game, foreshadowing the hidden
vault under the Vatican, the Prophet, and reveals the clue to seeing the
hidden map under the codex.
----------------------------------Page 27
----------------------------------We are growing larger. More make their way to our fortresses every day. Men
and woman. Young and old. From different lands. Of different faiths. Each
tells a similar story - of having discovered the first part of our creed:
that nothing is true.
Too often, though, the revelation undoes them. They lose their morality,
certainty, security. Many are driven mad. We must guide them. Help them to
heal. Their minds must not be filled with more fairy tales, but with
knowledge instead. Let them have answers - and let those answers be
difficult and complex. Such is life.
Interpretation: Altair mentioned a variant of the saying that "Ignorance is
bliss" earlier in his codex. While he seems to believe that this is a true
statement, he feels that despite ignorance bringing happiness, knowledge
must be sought after nonetheless. He reinforces the idea that full
disclosure towards initiates is necessary, mentioning fairy tales (he may
be referencing the Hashshashin initiation rites). He ends with a final
instruction: let those answers be difficult and complex. This is a powerful
statement, showing his devotion to knowledge and education.
----------------------------------Page 28
----------------------------------Success! We have found a way to alter the structure of the hidden blade so
that it can be used to launch small projectiles. It is capable of grievous
damage - even from great distance. I confess, the means by which I came
about the discovery was . . . risky to say the least. But I have found that
in small doses, and with a focused mind, the Apple can be used without ill
effect. Or so I hope.
The knowledge of projectile combat is not new to us, having been observed
amongst our Eastern neighbors. But their weapons were much larger - and
insufficient for our needs. I have now found a way to miniaturize their
designs, embedding their fiery weapon into a form that can be worn on the
wrist.
We have also refined the formula for combustible powder, such that common
ingredients might be used. This is a dangerous bit of knowledge and it is
best shared with only our closest allies . . .
Interpretation: Again, Altair develops advanced technology through
disciplined use of the Piece of Eden. He finally mentions that use of the
Piece of Eden may have negative side effects on the user; this is not
clarified indepth, but it may be that use of the Pieces of Eden by humans
is not intended, and results in potentially disasterous results (likely of
the mental kind). He seems to be taking his possession of the Piece of
Eden very seriously, using it as responsibly as he can, though he fears
that it might still be too dangerous, even with his precautions.
----------------------------------Page 29
----------------------------------A dark tide rises to the east - an army of such size and power that all the
land is made quick with worry. Their leader is a man named Temujin, who has
adopted the title Ghengis Khan. He sweeps across the lands, conquering and
subsuming all who stand in his way. Whatever his motives, he must be
stopped. Were I younger, I might attempt to undertake this work in secret
- as I suspect to presence of a Piece of Eden. But those days are years
gone, now. The mantle must be passed. It is time she and I spoke with our
sons. We will travel there together, that they may be tested and that this
threat might be stopped.
Interpretation: This entry provides a vital link into the timeline of the
codex. If Altair went to combat Ghengis Khan, then this could explain why
the Codex was in the possession of Kublai Khan, brought back to Italy by
Marco Polo. Ultimately, through Marco Polo, the Codex found its way into
the hands of Ezio's great-great grandfather, who spread it across the
nation, though most seems to have come under possession of the Templar.
This is also a sign that Altair still seeks to eliminate the threat of the
Pieces of Eden in the hands of those who would abuse their powers. Even in
his later years, he still stands by his mission to protect humanity from
those who would oppress it.
Finally, this codex confirms that Altair bore at least two children, and
that their mother was still with him in the later years (likely Maria,
given Desmond's dream sequence). While Altair must have had children for
Desmond to be his descendent, this is the first definitive proof that it
happened, and in that sense, it is important.
----------------------------------Page 30
----------------------------------Soon I shall pass from this world. It is my time. All the hours of the day
are now colored by the thoughts and fears borne of this realization. I know
that the elements of my body will return to the Earth. But what of my
consciousness? My identity? That is to say, what of ME? I suspect it will
end. That there is no next world. Nor a return to this one. It will simply
be done. Forever.
Our lives are so brief and unimportant. The cosmos cares nothing for us. For
what we've done; Had we wrought evil instead of good. Had I chosen to abuse
the Apple instead of seal it away. None of it would have mattered. There is
no counting. No reckoning. No final judgement. There is simply silence. And
darkness. Utter and absolute . . . And so I have begun to wonder - might
there not be a way to stop - or at least delay - death's embrace?
Surely the ones who came before were not so frail and feeble as we. But I
have sworn to be done with the artifact. To not gaze into its core. Still:
faced as I am with the prospect of my end, what harm is there I one
last look . . .
Interpretation: Altair, in his last days, muses on the concept of the soul,
heaven, the insignificance of humanity, and other such topics, but
ultimately comes to the idea of extending his own life. His mind immediately
shifts to Those Who Came Before and the Piece of Eden. Despite his oath, he
is tempted again by the Apple, leaving one to wonder how tragic his life
must have been in some ways, constantly tempted by a weapon of power and
knowledge, but resisting its urge for decades.
The last passage again implies another aspect of Those Who Came Before:
their extended lifespan. It seems as if they were capable of living for
long periods of time, but was this a innate aspect of their species, or was
it brought about by effective use of Pieces of Eden?
This last codex entry ends on a uncertain note, with Altair examining the
Piece of Eden one last time, trailing off without telling us the result.
While it is speculation, there is a strong possibility Altair might find
a way to extend his own life, and it is possible we will see him again in
Desmond's time, somehow surviving nearly a thousand years.
That will remain to be seen.
*******************************
V. Auditore Tomb Script and Interpretation
There is a hidden tomb in the game, unlocked if one makes a UPlay account.
It is located in Monterrigioni, the tomb having been built by Ezio's great,
great, grandfather. I would highly recommend making the UPlay account to
see this, as it costs only UPlay points, which are unlocked by doing
"achievements" that are accomplished throughout the game. Inside of the
crypt are engraved plates that tell the tale of the first Auditore.
Venice, 1296
I was raised in a small house by the Venetian lagoon, within sight of the
rough foam-capped waves of the sea. When I was barely old enough to walk,
I became a sailor, navigating the Atlantic first as an apprentice and
then while carrying cargo for my father's patron, Messer Marco Polo. It
was a good life.
Ashore
One day, while ashore in the harbor looking for work, I fell in love. She
was barely twenty, but when I looked into her eyes, the whole world was
reflected back, clearer and brighter than the sun. After that, I still
went to sea, but my heart remained on land with the girl, who had become
my wife, and our young son.
Birthright
One afternoon that summer, Messer Polo called me in his study. My father was
already there, beside an older man, dressed in a strange hooded cape,
watching us. At that moment everything about my life changed, my father
told me that he was an Assassin. Removing his ring, he showed me a strange
marking on his finger, explaining that our family came from an ancient
order that protected and defended mankind. He paused, and then, when I
didn't speak, Messer Polo stepped forward. He told me that the stranger
in the hood would teach me, and in return I would carry him across the
Mediterranean to Spain. And so began my apprenticeship with Dante
Alighieri, one that was to destroy every bit of happiness I would ever have.
A Mentor
In preparation for our voyage, Messer Alighieri met with me repeatedly. At
first, our meetings were about purchasing supplies, but soon they became
about higher things about life, love, honor and justice. He taught me that
society was set up in such a way as to control its members, to stop us
from thinking, from seeing. Soon, I could look past all laws and illusions.
I understood that mankind was being used by its rulers, that we, the
people, deserved freedom. It was then that Dante began showing me pages
from a book that Messer Polo had brought back from the palace of the great
Genghis Khan. The manuscript, the Codex, was about our order, the Assassins.
An Unexpected Farewell
Our planned voyage never took place. While returning to Ravenna to pick up
the remainder of his belongings, Dante died. Dismayed at the loss of my
mentor, I went to inform my father and Messer Polo of the sad news. Before
I could even speak, I was ushered into the study, and my father, his face
white, locked the door behind me. Shocked, I listened in silence as he
spoke. Dante intended to take the codex to Spain where it would be safe.
But he was being watched. The enemy of the Assassins, the Knights Templar,
still existed. I recalled the stories he had told me of the Templars, and
it all became clear. Dante had been murdered. The Templars knew about the
Codex and they knew about us. Shaking my father told me to take the Codex
and leave for Spain at once with my wife and child. As Messer Polo ushered
me out the door, he handed me a small piece of paper with a number on it.
With this number, I could draw on his credit, more Ducats than I had ever
seen in my life, at any bank in Italy.
At Sea
We set sail that night, the ship filled with cargo to sell in the markets at
Barcelona. At first, all was well. Then, to avoid a coming storm, we laid
anchor in the Otranto harbor. Cloaked in darkness, the pirates came. I
didn't see them until they were already boarding my ship. I hid my family
in the hold. Pulling out the Codex, I ran the worn leather cover through
my hands, then, I broke the spine. The pages slid silently onto the floor,
I scattered them into the chests, boxes and containers I was carrying to
market. The men who found us were drunk, I could smell it on their breath.
When they asked for the Codex, I knew who had sent them. Holding back my
rage, I said I had thrown it overboard. They started to laugh. Two held
me down, still grinning, while the rest cut off my wife's clothes. She
begged for mercy until her voice gave out. Once they were done, they
threw her into the sea. They took my cargo and sunk my ship, and left me,
adrift, clinging to a piece of railing. I made it to the beach with my
son. My wife's body washed up on shore the next morning with the tide.
A New Name
Contents:
1. The Ones Who Came Before
A. Speculation on Nature
B. Speculation on Origins
C. Speculation on Members
2. The Event
A. What Might Have Happened
B. When It Might Happen Again
3. Humans
A. Origins
B. Inherited Legacy
4. Assassins
A. Known Assassins
B. The Assassin Bloodline
C. Links to Adam and Eve
D. Half-Gods
E. The Assassin Order
F. Motives of the Assassins
5. Templar
A. Known Templar
B. Organizations and Influence
C. Ultimate Goals
6. Artifacts
A. Known Artifacts and Timelime
B. Artifact Powers
C. Present State of Things
D. Deeper Meaning Behind the Artifacts
------------------------------1. The Ones Who Came Before
------------------------------===A. Speculation on Nature===
The Ones Who Came Before. We know so little about them . . . we don't even
have a convenient name for them. Minerva's imbedded AI scoffed at the use
of the word "God" to describe them, indicating without a doubt that they
worldy and mortal. It is clear that they are of significant potency, but
it seems as if much of this power comes from technology. What, amongst
their clearly vast repertoire of abilities, were actually natural powers,
and which were technological? It seems that, at the very least, they had
extended lifespans. If Assassins are the result of a hybrid between them
and humans (See VI/4/C), then some semblance of an Assassins powers likely
originate from Those Who Came Before. This would mean that Eagle Vision
(better said as a form of ESP that included subtle form of emotion
reading) was derived from them, as well as enhanced agility and learning
aptitude. It also seems that the Pieces of Eden may not respond fully to the
touch of a human; whether this is a design of the Pieces of Eden, or if it
requires a special ability natural to the Ones Who Came Before, it is not
said.
Either way, it is clear that they are a massively advanced, human-like race,
who possessed technology so powerful that early humans could not comprehend
them as anything but Gods. They seemed to be few in number (possible
hundreds or thousands? It is not clear, but Minerva makes it clear that
they were far fewer than humans), and possibly had a low birth rate.
Their minds, while intelligent and more capable than those of humans,
still function in a manner similar to humanity, complete with some level
of emotion, as well as being susceptible to emotions clouding their
judgement. While I will discuss it more in a bit, it seems that in most
ways, they were extremely similar to humanity, but that humanity at the
time could not see past their powers, granting them a divine nature.
===B. Speculation on Origin===
The discussion with Minerva's embedded AI does not reveal anything about the
origins of Those Who Came Before. However, there are two clues that indicate
two different possibilities.
The first is that they were somehow extraterrestrial. The heavy use of space
symbolism in Minerva's chamber may imply that they came from another planet.
It would certainly make sense; they had the technological prowess to
potentially engage in interstellar travel.
The second, and the theory that I personally believe, is a bit more
complicated and contrived. The Ones Who Came Before imply that their
primary difference from humanity is that they "came before". Furthermore,
they created humanity by using their technology to accelerate the
evolution of apes to create humans. Ultimately, the resultant humans were
very similar to the Ones Who Came Before, who stated that they created
humans in "their image". Additionally, they seem to have been capable of
crossbreeding the two species, indicating that they had similar genetic
lineage. In my opinion, this indicates that The Ones Who Came Before
were merely a primate to evolve into civilization far earlier than we
did. If this logic is a bit hard to follow, allow me to put it this way.
A. The Ones Who Came Before created Humans.
B. They did this by advancing the evolution of Apes.
C. Humans (with a genetic template based in Earth primate DNA) were able to
crossbreed with The Ones Who Came Before.
D. For the genetic material of the two species to be close enough to
crossbreed, Those Who Came Before would have to be of a similar genetic
template (with a template based in Earth primate DNA).
E. This would exclude the possibility that they were extraterrestrials.
There are possible arguments against this theory. The most prevalent of
which is that if Those Who Came Before had such advanced technology,
they could FORCE their DNA and human DNA to be compatible. A second
argument against would be that it would be extremely unlikely that two
parallel evolutionary lines descending from different parent ape species
would be able to crossbreed anyway, however I counter this with Minerva's
claim that they made humans in their image. While clearly the two species
are distinct, Those Who Came Before made have used their own evolutionary
path and applied it to early hominids, advancing humans in a way very
similar to their own, resulting in a viable crossbreed potential.
===C. Speculation on Members===
We know of at least three members of the species to which Minerva belongs.
Minerva herself indicates she had many names in her lifetime. She then lists
two others of her kind.
Minerva - Previous names, Merva and Mera
Juno - Previous name Uni
Jupiter - Previous name Tinia
To those with knowledge of ancient Gods, these names should ring many bells.
the fire apocalypse occured, resulting in an ash layer that, found today,
indicates a massive explosion.
Finally, at the end, Lucy speculates on the idea of a geomagnetic reversal.
She says that one theory indicates that a sufficiently large solar flare
could cause the magnetic poles to shift, temporarily weakening the
Earth's magnetic field (which provides protection from stellar radiation
and energy). Once weakened, the massive solar flare would pour through
and incinerate the now undefended Earth. Given the depictions shown
by Minerva, this may very well be exactly what happened, and that it
will happen again.
===B. When It Might Happen Again===
Since Assassin's Creed 1, the end of the Mayan Long Count Calendar has been
posited as being relevant to the game's universe. The predicted date of the
Templar's satellite mind control scheme, the ultimate culmination of their
plans, would occur on the same day as the end of the Mayan Long Count.
Furthermore, a barcode written by Subject 16 showed the numerical
representation of this date.
For those who are not aware, the Mayan Long Count Calendar is a complex
calendar system that is not at all like the one used by the modern world.
It used a base of 18 and 20, rather than a base 10, and it had an
internal limit to how far it could go (akin to a counter reaching 99:99
and going no further). According to the math, this "limit" will be
reached on December 21, 2012, which is indicated in Assassin's Creed 1
to be the day the Templar would launch their satellite. As of AC1, it
was believed this represented the coming "end of the world" that many
associate with the Mayan Long Count. However, one of the previously existing
apocalypse theories about this date was of a geomagnetic reversal triggered
by a solar flare. So now, this has become the forefront expected occurance
on that date, in game. That does not change the fact that this is still
the date for the launch of the satellite. That makes for an interesting
literary plot climax; with days to go until December 21, 2012, Desmond
and Co. strive to do what they need to do, knowing full well that both
a worldwide fire apocalypse AND a mind control apocalypse were about to
occur. They will have to stop both; if they fail to stop either of the
two, all is lost . . . god I can't wait for Assassin's Creed 3.
------------------------------3. Humans
------------------------------===A. Origins===
Through the puzzles and the speech by Minerva at the end of the game, it is
very clear that humans were engineered by Those Who Came Before. Humans were
"made in the image" of Those Who Came Before, paralleling the famed concept
that the Judeo/Islamic/Christian God created man in his image. Thus, humans
look very much like Those Who Came Before.
Humans were created, it seems, by causing accelerated evolution of apes into
the modern day humans through the use of Pieces of Eden. The Templar
discuss how there is an incomplete fossil record; this indicates that up to
a certain point, apes were evolving naturally, but the process was
accelerated many years, possibly millions, in an effort to make humanity.
The Templar seem to find this concept disgusting.
Humanity was not created out of kindness or generosity, however. We were
of their powers came from their technology, or if they were innate. They
were certainly different in some way from humanity, but if they could
produce viable offspring, it would mean that on a physical level, they
were just advanced humans, or the other way around, that humans were an
inferior version.
Evidence, however, indicates that if this is the case, they may have had
physical powers beyond that of humanity. The puzzle seems to portray
Assassins as something unique and distinct from humans AND Those Who Came
Before. If Those Who Came Before had no powers, there would be nothing
differentiating these groups. However, we do know that there is something
more than just human abilities. Altair, Ezio, and Desmond all seem to be
in possession of abilities beyond human capabilities. Foremost is the
most blatant, Eagle Vision. There is no human equivalent to the ability,
and furthermore, not all members of the Assassin Order possess it. For
instance, Lucy Stillman seems unaware of the fingerprints on the keypad
in the beginning of Assassin's Creed 2, or of the writing on the walls.
This would indicate that, despite being an Assassin, she does not possess
Eagle Vision.
In addition to this, who are the most agile characters between the games?
Altair, Ezio, and Desmond. No one seems able to quite match their nimble
abilities, even other members of the Assassin Order. Why is it that Altair
rose to become the most skilled Assassin in his time? Or that Ezio, a
fledgling member by some standards, was chosen to fulfill the goals set
forth by the other Renaissance Assassins? It seems as if they were, on
some level, physically superior, both in natural aptitude and ability to
learn. Keep in mind that an untrained Ezio and his brother Fredericho
casually climbed dangerously tall buildings for fun, with no training,
but abilities on par with that of Altair.
To me, this indicates that Desmond's ancestry, unlike most Assassins, is a
direct line from an original hybrid between humans and Those Who Came
Before. For the sake of definition, this means that there are now two
types of Assassins.
1. Members of the Order of Assassins - These are individuals who are part of
the organization of Assassins. These include the likes of Lucy Stillman
or Shaun Hastings. Highly trained, they possess no supernatural abilities.
2. Members of the Bloodline of Assassins - These are individuals who are not
quite human, possessing some genetic ancestry going back to a different
species, Those Who Came Before. These include Altair, Ezio, and Desmond.
They are also members of the Order of Assassins, but they are distinct
from normal humans.
Henceforth, I will refer to those displaying the hybrid blood as members of
the Assassin Bloodline, rather than the Assassin Order.
What other abilities could this genetic variant possess? For one, what is it
that makes Altair different from all of his Assassin brethren, which Al
Mualim points out? He is able to resist the Apple's mind control. This
stunned Al Mualim, who had not yet encountered this phenomenon. This
would make sense. Humans were genetically designed to be subject to the
controlling powers of the Apple, and it is unlikely that Those Who Came
Before were subject to these effects. Having a hybrid ancestry possibly
allows Altair to resist these effects, in a way that other highly trained
and disciplined Assassins could not. However, he is not entirely immune
to some effects. This could be due to dilution, or only hybrid status, or
it is possible that some of the artifacts powers would indeed influence
train him in the ways of the Assassin, by allowing him to experience the
events of his ancestor, Ezio. This is successful, though he suffers some
side effects. Lucy believes that all it takes is one person sometimes to
win a war, and her hope is that Desmond will be that one person. She also
identifies that the Templar are not the most significant threat, and the
stakes suddenly become much higher.
===F. Motives of the Assassins===
The Assassins have several motives. While the Assassins seem concerned with
countering Templar activities, they also concern themselves with politics
unrelated to the feud. Similarly, while the Templar have an ultimate goal
that, once reached, would bring about their victory, the Assassins have
no such possible victory; their goal is to counter the Templar indefinitely,
and simultaneously maintain peace through strategic assassination. More
specifically . . .
The Assassins believe in the concept of freedom, particularly, freedom to
choose one's own path and actions. While the idea of slavery goes against
their creed, even worse an offense is enforcing ignorance on the masses.
They believe that decisions are key to human life, and that these decisions
must be educated ones, even if the knowledge gained in the process is
painful to the person. The supression of knowledge and wisdom is a popular
tactic of tyrants (not to mention the Templar), and so the Assassins believe
that by eliminating these individuals, freedom of knowledge and choice can
be granted to the masses. The Templar, too, would seek to subjugate humanity
by removing free will, or by manipulating human knowledge to come to the
same result (if you mind control all of humanity into thinking a decision
is the right one, you effectively choose for them). To this end, the
Assassins fight for freedom of knowledge and choice on two fronts, that
of humanity in general, and that of the Templar.
------------------------------5. Templar
------------------------------===A. Known Templar===
I will start with a chronological list of known Templar. Speculated Templar
will be marked with an asterisk.
Prehistory:
Cain - First "Templar", killed Abel for the Piece of Eden. May be Templar in
behavior only. Later Templar use his symbol as their own.
Crusades:
1190 - AC: Altair's Chronicles
Basilisk - Grand Master of the Templar during AC:AC
Master of the Tower
Alaat
Roland Napule
1191 - Assassin's Creed 1
Robert de Sable - Grand Master of the Templar during AC1
Maria - Robert's assistant. Eventually joins the Assassins?
Tamir
Garnier de Naplouse
Talal
Abul Nuqoud
William V of Montferrat
Majd Addin
Jubair al Hakim
Sibrand
Masun - Assassin traitor
Al Mualim - Traitor to the main Templar body, forming his own sect
1191-1192? - Assassin's Creed Bloodlines
Armand Bouchart - Grand Master of the Templar during AC:B
Frederick the Red
Moloch
Shahar
Shalim
1390
Freemasons - Earliest known Masonic text originates from this time.
Freemasons seem to be a Templar organization.
1480 - Assassin's Creed II
Rodrigo Borgia - Grand Master/Leader of the Templar during ACII
Uberto Alberti
Jacopo de' Pazzi
Francesco de' Pazzi
Vieri de' Pazzi
Antonio Maffei
Francesco Salviati
Bernado Baroncelli
Stefano de Bagnone
Emilio Barbarigo
Carlo Grimaldi
Marco Barbarigo
Dante Moro
Silvio Barbarigo
1700s
George Washington - Member of the Freemasons
1800s
Joseph Smith Jr. - Possible Freemason, translated Templar text. Founded
Mormon faith.
1900s
Rasputin - Served as Templar agent, influencing Czar Nicholas II
Thomas Edison
J.P. Morgan
Henry Ford
Harvey Firestone* - Close ally of Ford and Edison
Franklin Delano Roosevelt - Member of the Freemasons
Adolf Hitler - Worked for the Templar. Started WWII for Templar ends.
C (Possibly Churchill) - Was supposed to meet with Hitler after WWII.
O (Probably Oppenheimer*) - Worked under Templar, doing atomic research
Lee Harvey Oswald - Commit JFK assassination under Templar Orders
Z (Possibly Abraham Zapruder*) - Assisted in JFK assassination
Lyndon B. Johnson - Templar agent, president of the U.S.
Buzz Aldrin* - Cryptic message "the bees drone too" may reference Aldrin.
2012 - Modern Day
Allan Rikken - Highest known ranking member of modern Templar
Warren Vidic - Abstergo scientist
AD
AD
AD
AD
PE2
1559 AD - Owned by Queen Elizabeth
1930 AD - Owned by Gandhi
1946 AD - The Templar have Gandhi killed, taking it (TC)
1963 AD - Confirmed to still be in Templar possession (TC)
~2012 AD - Destroyed in the DIA Event
PE3
X-1781 AD - Brought to America by the Masons (TC)
1781 AD - Owned by George Washington (TC)
1944 AD - Owned by Franklin Roosevelt (TC)
1963 AD - Owned by John F. Kennedy (TC?)
November 22, 1963 - Taken from JFK during Assassination (TC)
PE4
~900 AD - In the possession of an unknown Chinese warrior
~1900 AD - Found in Croatia by Nikola Tesla, who kept it
~1900-1908 AD - Stolen by Thomas Edison (TC)
~1914 AD - In the possession of Henry Ford, lent by Edison (TC)
~1914-1945 AD - In the possession of Adolf Hitler (TC)
1945 AD< - Unknown, possibly in the possession of the Assassins
PE5
>1969 AD - Apparently, in the dirt on the moon
1969 AD - Found on the moon, retrieved during Apollo 11 (TC)
PE25 - The Sword
Pre-history - In the possession of Sigmund the Nordic hero
Pre-history - In the possession of Perseus the Nordic hero
~420-450 AD - In the possession of Attila the Hun
~480-900 AD- In the possession of King Arthur at some point
1431 AD - In the possession of Joan of Arc
1431 AD+ - Taken by the Templar, killing Joan in the process (TC)
PE34 - The Staff
~1200 BC - In the possession of Moses and his brother Aaron
700 BC - In the possession of Shabataka
330 BC - In the possession of Alexander the Great
30 AD - In the possession of John the Baptist
31 AD - Passed to the possession of St. Peter, the first pope.
31 AD - 1492 AD - In possession of the popes, as the Papal staff.
1492 AD - 1499 AD - In the possession of Rodrigo Borgia, Pope Alexander (TC)
~1903 - In the possession of Czar Nicholas II of Russia
~1904-1908 - Taken by Rasputin, Nicholas' mystic, to Tunguska (TC)
1908 - Tunguska is utterly destroyed in the Tunguska Event
PE66 - The Shroud
Pre-history - In the possession of Jason the Greek Hero
>1700 BC - In the possession of Jacob, father of Joseph?