Florentine Fiasco

Florentine Fiasco is the first memory in the Bonfire of the Vanities DLC pack for Assassin's Creed II.

Description
Ezio must navigate through an uncommonly confused crowd to the bridge area to meet and discuss matters with Niccolò Machiavelli. Ezio meets Machiavelli in the Oltrano District of Florence, in order to discuss the current events in the city and the rule of Girolamo Savonarola. After their meet up on a bridge that spans the Arno river, the pair made their way to the Palazzo Pitti, they see Florentine and Borgia guards fighting in the streets. They quickly come up with a plan to topple Savonarola's rule.

Return to Florence
Ezio hurries through Florence to meet with Machiavelli at the Oltarno bridge. As he makes his way through the city, he ovehears bits and pieces of civilian conversations. Ezio meets Machiavelli on the Oltarno bridge.
 * Civilian 1: ... If Piero had only a tenth of his father's talent, we'd still have someplace to call home...
 * Civillian 2: ... Never should have welcomed that mad monk into the city. Look at all the misery he's wrought...
 * Civillian 3: ... Don't understand why'd they'd be so willing to accept his oppression...
 * Civillian 4: Sometimes I wish the Assassino (Assassin) would return to Firenze, that we might be free of this tyranny.
 * Civillian 5: He's just a myth, a tale told by parents to their children.
 * Civilian 4: No, my father had seen him in San Gimignano, years ago.
 * Civilian 5: Sure, if you say so.
 * Machiavelli: Salve (Hello) Ezio. You picked a fine time for a homecoming.
 * Ezio: Then it's true? Savonarola has taken control over Firenze?
 * Machiavelli: Yes. No doubt aided by that treacherous artifact.
 * Ezio: We should get to work on retrieving it.
 * Machiavelli: That may be more complicated than you think.
 * Ezio: Hah! When isn't it? Why don't you fill me in on things.
 * Machiavelli: Walk with me.

A sad state of affairs
Ezio and Machiavelli begin to walk Ezio and Machiavelli come across the bodies of several dead Borgia soldiers. Ezio and Machiavelli resume making their way to the Palazzo Pitti, however, they encounter some opposition along the way. Ezio and Machiavelli deal with the attackers and arrive at the Palazzo Pitti.
 * Machiavelli: It all started a few weeks ago. The man everyone once reviled was suddenly the one they worshiped.
 * Ezio: Ah, the Apple?
 * Machiavelli: Only on part. It's not the city he's enthralled, but its leaders: men possessed of influence and power. They, in turn, oppress the citizens and ensure his will is done.
 * Ezio: The people act as if they have no say in the matter.
 * Machiavelli: Rare is the man who is willing to oppose the status quo. And so it falls to us to help them see the truth.
 * Ezio: These bodies bear the emblem of the Borgia...
 * Machiavelli: Yes. The Spaniard keeps sending his soldiers into Firenze, and Firenze keeps sending them back - usually in pieces.
 * Ezio: Then he knows the Apple is here as well... An unfortunate complication.

The Plan

 * Ezio: A direct assault would be dangerous. Especially with the Apple in his possession
 * Machiavelli: True. But what other option is there?
 * Ezio: Aside from the city's leaders, the peoples minds are their own, correct?
 * Machiavelli: Si.
 * Ezio: And they follow Savonarola not by choice, but force and fear?
 * Machiavelli: Si.
 * Ezio: Then I propose we use this to our advantage. If we can silence his lieutenants and stir up discontent, he will be distracted and I will have a chance to strike.
 * Machiavelli: Clever. I'll speak with La Volpe and Paola. They can help to organize the uprising as you free districts.
 * Ezio: Then it's settled. I'll take care of his abettors.

Outcome
Ezio and Machivelli devise a plan to overthrow Savonarola, which involves killing his nine lieutenants and rallying the people with the help of Paola and La Volpe.