User:TheSt0ryTeller/Sandbox2

"My story is one of many thousands, and the world will not suffer if it ends too soon."

- Ezio in a letter to his sister, Claudia.

The end of an era was an event during the early 16th century, where an elderly Ezio Auditore, wiser and now the Grand Master of the Assassin Order, embarked on a journey to discover the answers left by the great Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad and unveil the weapon hidden in his library beneath Masyaf, which would be the one thing to end the feud between the Templars and Assassins.

The journey
"When I first set out from Roma ten months ago, I did so with a single purpose - to discover what our father did not."

- Ezio in a letter to Claudia.

In 1509, Ezio Auditore scanned through old documents that had belonged to his his late uncle, Mario Auditore. Among them was a letter from Ezio's father, Giovanni. Inside the letter, Giovanni made mention of a locked library hidden below a fortress in the Syrian mountain city of Masyaf the birthplace of the legendary Assassin Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad. Ezio, unknowing what or whom would be there to greet him, set out on a pilgrimage to Masyaf in late 1510.

Arriving in Syria and finding himself in need of rest, Ezio sought shelter in the coastal city of Acre. While there, the people warned him of mercenaries and bandits that had taken control of Masyaf. Ezio, before leaving, wrote a letter to his sister back in Rome, detailing of what obstacles he suspected to be on the road ahead and explaining his last wishes if he should die. Travelling through the mountains Ezio soon arrived in the city by 1511, finding it ruins and the fortress under the control of Byzantine Templars, confirming his suspicions.

Escaping death
Attempting to fight the Byzantine soldiers, Ezio was soon distracted by a vision of Altaïr, and was overpowered. Dragged to the fortress watchtower, Leandros, the Templar in command, intended to hang Ezio with a noose. Led out onto a plank by Leandros, Ezio saw another vision of Altaïr, as the noose was placed around his neck. Quickly, Ezio knocked Leandros and, after untying his hands, threw the rope around Leandros' neck.

With the noose now around his shoulder, Ezio threw it off and fell safely to a wooden platform below. Following the "spirit" of Altaïr, Ezio was led back to the equipment that was taken from him during the battle. Ezio continued to move along Masyaf's fortress and found himself upon the top of the fortress itself. At the top, he kicked a statue of an eagle down to the ground and watched as it collided with the ground, creating a crater which showed way into a tunnel, and Ezio then performed a Leap of Faith into the strange tunnel.

Discovering guards and a worker trying to break into a door, Ezio slithered through, taking the lives of the guards and only sparing the worker in order to acquire answers. Approaching not only the worker, but also the door, Ezio questioned the worker who was quick to plead for mercy. The worker spoke of a journal that the Templars had in their possession, and explained that the Templars had also acquired one of five keys needed to unlock the door. Ezio gave the worker a pouch and told him to seek work elsewhere.

Then, the Assassin left the fortress and tailed a group of Templars that would lead him to Leandros. Finding Leandros preparing to flee Masyaf in a carriage, Ezio revealed himself. Killing several soldiers, Ezio lunged after Leandros' carriage as it drove away. Able to cling onto the rope connecting to Leandros' carriage.

Assassination of Leandros
Climbing up the rope towards the rear of the carriage, Ezio was able to climb onto it. However, as this happened Leandros jumped onto another carriage, driven by a Byzantine soldier, as Ezio's carriage fell and crashed. However, Ezio was able to grab onto another Byzantine carriage that drove past him and quickly take control of it. Crashing into Leandros, the two battled until they reached a small mountain settlement. Driving ahead, Leandros had a guard throw a bomb at Ezio's carriage, hurdling Ezio off the cliff. However, Ezio was able to grab onto a small outcropping before falling of the edge.

Leandros quickly retreated as Ezio fought through guards after he had recovered from the crash. Managing his way through the village, Ezio dealt with any Byzantines that got in his way. Ezio once again confronted Leandros, the gate closing down, trapping Ezio inside but also Leandros. Leandros once again, tried to flee but in the end, it's no use. After traversing through more of the village, Ezio soon once again faced a frustrated Leandros and was quick to stab him viciously with his blade.

In death, Leandros told Ezio of what he knew, such as something about a "Grand Temple" but much remained unknown, giving Ezio the journal, Leandros passed leaving Ezio with more questions then answers.

The Ottoman Assassins
"Many generations of men have ruled the city. But they have never subdued her. She always bounces back."

- Yusuf Tazim to Ezio about the city of Constantinople.

Arrivng in Constantinople by ship, Ezio read through the journal, learning much of Altaïr's life and about the keys. Arriving at the city's port, Ezio met a young man who informed Ezio he was a student. The two discussed the city of Constantinople and, briefly talked about Ezio's journey. Ezio was about to explain what he did during his youth, until he noticed a young woman. However, Ezio bid the young man farewell. Marveled by the city, Ezio was greeted by another Assassin. Seeming to already know him, the Assassin introduced himself, Yusuf Tazim, Mentor the Ottoman Assassins.

Exploring through the city, Yusuf told Ezio of the Byzantine Templar threat, with their army growing in numbers day by day. Yusuf, noticing Ezio hadn't had the Hookblade, tried to explain of the capabilities it possessed. For a "first climb", Yusuf and Ezio scaled the walls of the Galata Tower and soon reached the top. Together they basked in the city's glow and discussed its history, concluding that it is a fine place to live. Following Yusuf, Ezio learned how to craft bombs and ride across the Ziplines, allowing faster travel across Constantinople.

After Ezio learned the techniques of the Hookblade, an alarmed apprentice came sprinting up to the Mentor, claiming that two of their own dens were under attack. Ezio rushed to the Galata Assassin Den, and aided his fellow Assassins in defense of the den. The battle soon ended, and the Assassins proved victorious. After successfully defending the Galata den, Ezio made his way to the edge of the district, where he took a ferry to the Imperial North district. Once there, he rushed to the Den in an attempt to help Yusuf, but was too late and the Templars had taken over the Den. In an attempt to retake their dens, Ezio, Yusuf, and a few apprentices made their way into the district. The apprentices charged up and down the rooftops, killing all guards in sight as the first part of their attack. Next, Ezio identified the Captain using his Eagle Sense, and tailed the guard. From there, Ezio silently assassinated the guard, making sure not to cause any conflict within the district. With the Captain dead, Ezio scaled the Den and lit a flame to indicate that the Templar's oppression over the district was over.

The first key
Following the liberation of an imprisoned man, and his recruitment to the Assassins, Ezio went back to the Assassin Den and spoke to the apprentice who was waiting for him inside. The apprentice informed Ezio that two Assassins had mysteriously "disappeared," knowing that they were killed.

Over time, Ezio and the Apprentice tracked down the killer and chased him, but were not quick enough and lost him after he threw a smokebomb. After finding Yusuf and learning how to use the smokebombs, Ezio left the Den and went to the location of Niccolò Polo's old trading post. Upon arrival, Ezio saw a familiar face, the attractive young female he had met on the boat, an Italian, like him.Learning her name of Sofia, Ezio took a look around the shop and located a tunnel leading to catacombs underneath the city. Exploring the catacombs and avoiding the guards' gaze, Ezio soon found a hidden door. Inside of the door, he found a Masyaf Key, the first of five, and a map. Leaving the chambers, Ezio showed Sofia his findings and watched how she reacted to the map. Once he had left Sofia's shop, Ezio made his way back to his hideout. There, he watched a memory of Altaïr flash from the Key and witnessed the legendary Assassin defend Masyaf and save his master from a traitorous Assassin. Once he had helped the Romani unleash a "curse" amongst the citizens, Ezio and an apprentice soon put Vali, a killer, to rest.

Protecting Suleiman I
At the Hippodrome, Ezio spoke to Yusuf about the Byzantines and their affiliation with the Templars. During their discussion, Yusuf explained the Byzantines' plans to infiltrate an upcoming festivity and murder the Prince, Suleiman I, to Ezio. Reluctant to let Ezio deal with Ottoman affairs, Yusuf allowed Ezio to aid them, telling Ezio of their plan to disguise themselves as "entertainers."

Learning of Italian minstrels already at Topkapı Palace, Ezio and a few other Assassins rushed to the palace and took care of the minstrels, knocking them unconscious and stripping them of their clothing. Managing to play a song so humorously bad, Ezio and his fellow Assassins gained entry to the small party. Once at the party, Ezio searched through the small group of civilians gathering around him to hear him play the lute, using his Eagle Sense to determine the Byzantine among them.

Identifying the Byzantine to the Assassins, an apprentice swarmed in and took care of the man. This repeated with another Byzantine later on in the evening. The two Assassins discovered that Suleiman was not in that courtyard, so they moved onto the next one, locating the young prince at last.

The two quickly split up, with Ezio playing the lute to distract the civilians while secretly identifying Byzantines, and Yusuf and other Assassins emerging from shadows to eliminate them. Following Suleiman, Ezio performed a song at every group that he visited.

With all of the hidden Byzantines eliminated, they attempted one last attack, aiming to end the prince's life. Their plan failed and Suleiman properly introduced himself to Ezio, knowing they had met on the boat. Telling Ezio to meet him at the palace's courtyard, Suleiman departed from the party and Ezio removed his minstrel clothing.

Infiltrating the Janissary camp
Meeting up with Suleiman who had just finished a match with Ahmet, Ezio spoke to the Prince about the weaponry that Manuel Palaiologos, a business associate of Tarik, had obtained. A worried Suleiman explained that if the heir to former Emperor Constantine Palaiologos had a whole militia at his disposal, the possibility of an uprising was inevitable.

Ezio set out to learn what he could of the weapons from Tarik who would be hidden inside the Janissary camp. Before leaving, Suleiman told Ezio that when the chance arises, kill Tarik which Ezio questioned. Suleiman responded that treason against his grandfather, Bayezid II, should not go unpunished. Leaving the area, Ezio soon took care of a Janissary and stripped him of the armor, giving him access into the camp.

Assassinating Tarik
Entering the camp undetected, another guard arrived, informing the whole camp that they had found the dead body of a Janissary, the one Ezio killed. Carefully avoiding detection, Ezio made his to the main camp, where he was able to spy on Tarik and a Janissary. The Janissary informed Tarik the weapons had arrived in Cappadocia. Tarik remarked his plan was falling into place before going to watch his men sparring. Concluding Tarik was indeed loyal to the Templars, Ezio traversed on the scaffolding and air assassinated him.

As Tarik died he explained he was never loyal to the Byzantines, but preparing to attack them when they vulnerable. Providing evidence, Tarik gave Ezio a map which would lead to the headquarters of the Templars in Cappadocia. Ezio then asked for forgiveness before Tarik asked Ezio to reclaim the honour he had lost. Once Tarik was dead, Ezio immediately fled the encampment.

Returning to Suleiman in Topkapı Palace, Ezio explained to him that Tarik was no traitor. Suleiman expressed his regret in ordering Ezio to kill Tarik when given the chance. However, Ahmet arrived and interrupted, exclaiming that the Janissaries believed he had Tarik killed due to their hatred for each other. Noticing Ezio, Ahmet apologised for interrupting. Not wanting his uncle to know Ezio's true identify, he addressed the Assassin as "Marcello" instead. Suleiman then told Ezio that his ship was ready and that he could leave at his own will at any moment.

Infiltration and exploration
Arriving at the underground Templar city of Cappadocia on a ship captained by his fellow Assassin, Piri Reis, Ezio left the ship and began to climb a set of stone staircases leading up a cliff. He then made his way into the city, and scaled a large rock formation in the center in order to gain a visual of the whole area. Once he was on the ground again, Ezio made his way onto the city streets, where he began to attempt to locate Tarik's Ottoman spies.

He quickly located one; however, the spy, Dilara, attempted to flee, only to be cornered by a door. Ezio introduced himself as one of Tarik's men, and talked briefly with the spy, who told him to find her later.

Assassinating Shahkulu
After exploring Cappadocia and meeting Dilara, Ezio learned that she had been captured and imprisoned by Shahkulu, a renegade Turk. The Assassin made his way to Dilara's cell, only to observe Shahkulu meeting with a fellow Templar, Manuel Palaiologos. The two discussed their soldiers' training with firearms, before Shahkulu ordered Dilara to be brought to the chapel. However, Shahkulu nor either of his two remaining guards had the key to her cell, and Ezio learned that a guard at the city market had the key. Upon stealing the key from the city guardsman and making his way back to Dilara, Ezio liberated the spy from her cell, and the latter immediately left Ezio and set off to kill Shahkulu. Ezio caught up to Dilara observing one of Shahkulu's torture sessions where one of her fellow Ottoman spies, Janos was being beaten. Dilara briefly talked with Ezio, and informed him of the rescue he needed to undertake.

Ezio then scaled walls and assassinated several gunmen situated around the torture room on various levels. With the gunmen dead, Ezio air-assassinated Shahkulu, only to see the renegade get up. However, the Assassin bested Shahkulu and his men, and reunited Janos and Dilara.

Templar weapons depot
While in Cappadocia searching for Manuel, Ezio spotted two workers moving crates of gunpowder using a crane. He then made his way to the Templar weapons depot, and engaged in numerous battles with multiple Byzantines. However, Ezio bested these Byzantines, and destroyed the weapons depot, causing a large explosion. The large effect of this explosion caused Manuel to emerge to investigate the issue. Manuel then began to make a speech to his men, telling them not to fear anyone. However, his speech was cut short when he caught sight of the Assassin; Manuel began to flee, and called for his guards to eliminate Ezio.

Confrontation with Manuel
"Ah, but I am not the only one with this vision, Assassin. The dream of our Order is universal. Ottoman, Byzantine... these are only labels. Costumes and facades. Beneath these trappings, all Templars are part of the same family."

- Manuel's last words. Ezio pursued Manuel through the city and soon confronted him at the docks. Manuel accused Ezio was taking advantage of poor and desperate people. Manuel continued to argue that he fought for peace and dignity and without power the people would live in chaos. Ezio ignored this and duelled Manuel and was able to best him. In his dying moments, Manuel gave the fifth Masyaf to Ezio and claimed that despite the façades and labels all Templars had the same goal and ideology, before finally dying.

Escape
After defeating Manuel in combat and recovering the Masyaf key he had held, Prince Ahmet arrived by ship. Revealing he was the true leader of the Templars and sought the keys to open the library and ensure true peace, Ahmet demanded the keys from Ezio. Though Ezio refused. Ahmet then threatening Ezio, by implying he would kill Sofia.

Ezio demanded Ahmet leave her alone. However, Ahmet then left Cappadocia by ship. With Ahmet now gone from Cappadocia, Ezio began to escape the city in an attempt to reach Constantinople in time to save Sofia. With the city in a state of chaos due to the fumes from the explosion Ezio was barely able to escape the underground city before reaching his ship. As it sailed for Constantinople, Ezio relived another memory of Altaïr, taking place during the Mongol siege of Masyaf.

Revelation in Masyaf
Once more taking refuge in Acre with Sofia, Ezio wrote a letter to his sister, claiming that all was well and he had developed serious feelings for Sofia. Once he and Sofia were ready, they left Acre and arrived at Masyaf by mid 1512, after weeks of travelling. At Masyaf, Ezio explained the meaning of the Assassin's Creed to Sofia. Upon arriving at the entrance of the library, Ezio placed the keys in a specific order. Once in the correct places, the door had opened and Ezio gained access to the library

Walking through a small passageway, Ezio discovered that there were no books in the library, only what remained of legendary Grand Master, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad. Noticing the skeleton was holding a sixth last key, Ezio grabbed it and viewed the death of Altaïr, whom sealed himself away in the library and locked away his Apple, before finally passing away at age 92. Finding the Apple Altaïr had hidden in the library, Ezio decided to leave it alone. However, Ezio called out to an individual named Desmond.

Telling Desmond that he did not know who he was, only that he was listening, Ezio said that he had lived his life to the best of his abilities, but never understood it's purpose. As an image of Desmond appeared, due to the Apple's power, Ezio touched it. 500 years later, this message allowed Desmond, Ezio's future descendant who was able to listen to Ezio's message through a machine called the Animus, enter the Nexus of time.

Aftermath
"I cannot seem to leave my past behind me."

- Ezio to Sofia during his later years.

Leaving not only Masyaf, but his life as an Assassin behind, Ezio and Sofia spent their days in Florence, in a comfortable villa on the outskirts of the city. There, they eventually raised two kids, Marcello and Flavia Auditore. Ezio's days would later end in the year 1524 at the age of 65, after a Chinese Assassin, Shao Jun, had left after studying Ezio's means of leadership.