Cryptic Messages

The Cryptic Messages refer to a number of images and texts scrawled onto Desmond Miles's cell at Abstergo by the previous occupant.

Abstergo
When Abstergo finally recovered the information they needed from Desmond Miles, they left him in the Abstergo laboratory. Alone, Desmond discovered he had gained Eagle Vision (via the bleeding effect ), which enabled him to perceive a number of markings around the laboratory and within his bedroom. Desmond quickly realized they were painted in blood by his predecessor in the Animus. Known only as Subject 16, this man was in the Animus so long that he went mad and took his own life after the symbols were drawn.

Messages
The messages appear along the walls and floors of the Animus room, and above Desmond's bed in his quarters.

Glyphs
When Desmond next entered the Animus, he discovered the messages were pointing him to files that Subject 16 had secretly planted in the Animus software. Once unlocked, these files provided information about the Templars, Assassins and Pieces of Eden throughout history.

Trivia

 * When Desmond sleeps between Animus sessions in Assassin's Creed, and during the introductory narration of Assassin's Creed II, there are flashes of the cryptic messages.
 * At the very start of Assassin's Creed II, if you view the Animus lab in Eagle Vision you'll find all of the cryptic messages from the ending of Assassin's Creed perfectly reproduced.
 * 20 of the images painted on the walls form the shape of the Glyphs in Assassin's Creed II.
 * The 'Eden Pyramid' and 'Letter Square' symbols also appear in the Lair of Romulus of Catacombe di Roma in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, although it is not clear who left them there.
 * Technically the 'Pentagram' is a Pentacle (as the star is encircled), but it is described as a Pentagram in the official game guide.