Shahkulu

Shahkulu (unknown - 1512) was a Turkmen renegade, who became an orphan after an Ottoman attack on his tribe. Homeless, Shahkulu joined the Templar Order and dedicated his life to his new cause. In 1511, he became the leader of the Shahkulu rebellion - a widespread pro-Shia and pro-Safavid uprising in Anatolia, directed against the Ottoman Empire.

In 2012, his genetic memories were used by the Templar-owned company Abstergo Industries, for the training of their Animus recruits, under the title of the Renegade.

Early life
As a child, Shahkulu was born into a Turkmen tribe in eastern Anatolia, which was oppressed by the Ottoman Empire as it was on the edge of its boundaries. Later on in his life, an Ottoman ambush on his tribe left him orphaned and alone. Seeking revenge and a sense of belonging, Shahkulu joined the Templar Order. Over time, Shahkulu grew to hate the Ottoman Turks for what they had done to his people, as well any who opposed the Templar ideology, and made it his mission to eliminate any that stood in his Order's way.

Partnership with Manuel
"When the Palaiologos line is restored, Manuel, do not forget who helped you bring it back."

- Shahkulu to Manuel regarding his efforts. Shahkulu eventually became a feared Templar, and circa 1511, formed a partnership with the heir to the fallen Byzantine Empire and fellow Templar, Manuel Palaiologos. Shahkulu aided Manuel in his attempt to restore the Byzantines remnants to their former strength, partly because he believed Manuel would reward him if the Empire was successfully restored.

By mid 1511, Shahkulu, with Manuel, met with Janissary Captain, Tarik Barleti in Constantinople to gain access to the Arsenal to check a shipment of weapons. Inspecting the weapons, Shahkulu reminded Manuel that he aided him in restoring his army and that he should not be forgotten. Manuel assured him that he would not forget the debt he owed Shahkulu, right before leaving the arsenal.

Death
"Shahkulu, try to moderate your anger. I know the Sultan humiliated your people. But there is no need to spit on men who are beneath us."

- Manuel on Shahkulu's brutal actions.

In 1512, Shahkulu retreated to the Templar headquarters in Cappadocia. There, several of Tarik Barleti's spies were captured. Being Ottoman Turks, Shahkulu personally killed every one of them, savagely beating each one to death. After a meeting with Manuel, who had consulted Shahkulu on his beating of the Ottoman spies, he demanded that his men bring the remaining spies to the chapel, where he intended to publicly torture and execute them.

One of the guards replied that he did not have the key, causing Shahkulu to angrily yell at him to find it. However, the Assassin Ezio Auditore had being spying on the entire meeting, and after learning the location of the key, set off to retrieve it before them. Shortly afterwards, a crowd gathered at the chapel where Shahkulu was to perform one of his public killings.

Shahkulu came onto the courtyard of the chapel, and immediately began beating a spy named Janos to death. However, Ezio attempted to assassinate Shahkulu from above with his hidden blade. Ezio told Shahkulu that he deserved no pity for his sadism. However, Shahkulu's armor saved him from the killing blow, and he began to strangle Ezio. The Assassin stabbed his target's arm with his hookblade, yet Shahkulu threw him aside, prompting a duel between the two, Despite several Byzantine troops aiding him, Shahkulu was eventually defeated.

Trivia

 * So far, Shahkulu is the only character that survived two lethal blows from Ezio: Once for the initial assassination, and another when Shahkulu tried to choke him.

Source

 * Assassin's Creed: Revelations