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This Week in Assassin’s Creed Virtual Photography: 13th to 19th November Community Share 22 Nov 2023 Written By: Edited By: Aaron Young Colum Blackett Back To Database Welcome to the weekly virtual photography roundup hosted by Aaron Young from The AC Partnership Program. Every week I will be picking our top 5 favourite Assassin’s Creed shots and showcasing them on The Ones Who Came Before website, in order to promote virtual photography and talented content creators within the community. Aaron is a keen virtual photographer and loves to post his journeys through Assassin’s Creed on Twitter. Keep an eye on the site as more weekly shots are added, we are looking for captures across all Assassin’s Creed games. Tag your photos to the #TOWCBWeeklyCapture for a chance to be featured. This week’s theme: Minimal Desert Traveller Game: Assassin’s Creed Origins VP Artist: @ NIKOOO_WOLF “I cannot shed my past like a snake sheds its skin.” The foundation of Assassin’s Creed Origins is the setting. Egypt was highly coveted at the time and the announcement we would finally be going there in 2017 was a dream for many fans. This beautifully minimalistic shot of the desert not only fits the theme but also represents Bayek’s home. I adore the different colour tones on show here, and how they are split into sections. The sun is extremely powerful at the centre and the shadow work at the bottom allows for an elegant silhouette of Bayek on his camel. A remarkable capture that would look exquisite hung on the wall. Link to set: Backflip Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ tn_taurus “We are what we choose to be.” The essence of the creed is often shown through moments within the games. One of those that will always be iconic is the leap of faith. I think the move itself is even cooler when performed as a backflip. It just adds to the danger and shows the faith of the Assassins. Here we have a fantastic action shot of Basim leaping from a vantage point. For me the minimalism is on point with that beautiful blue sky dominating the shot. Having Basim in the white robes makes for such a classic Assassin’s Creed feel. Excellent timing and composition from Julio. Link to set: Balance Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ Cll3ar “The training is nothing. The will is everything.” If there is one thing I wish we had more of in Assassin’s Creed Mirage, it would be street thief Basim. It was so fun to play as him in the early stages of the game. I was getting real Batman Begins vibes from the prologue, especially when sparing with Roshan. This shot is so minimal and clean, the colour tones are on point and the composition is exceptional. Raven is always so good at taking shots I haven’t seen before. Be sure to check out the whole set using the link below, together they make for a truly remarkable selection. Link to set: Guardian Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ _Liamism_ “You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” The Harvey Dent quote above fits Basim perfectly. One of the reasons I fell in love with this glorious series is the links to media such as Batman. The whole vigilante protecting their city and fighting injustice is a real draw for me. This capture is exuding Dark Knight vibes, in fact there is a scene in the movie that isn’t too dissimilar. I adore the lighting and details of this shot, the brilliant white background helps to elevate Basim and the wooden structure. Everything is so clean and crisp, I definitely think this is one of my favourite Mirage captures. Longship Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP Artist: @ playpausephoto “We can raise the sail here Eivor.” Vikings are raiders, but they were also adventures capable of crafting excellent longships to cross the seas and find new lands. They are often branded as violent and bloodthirsty but actually they were just trying to seek a better way of life. What better way to showcase minimal than a Malin Valhalla shot. The black and white contrast is so eye catching, I did have the pleasure of seeing the colour version too which is equally beautiful. I think what makes this shot so special is the negative space, capturing half the longship was such a genius idea. This is such a striking capture and fully deserving of capture of the week. The Ones Who Came Before Photo of the Week Judge: @ cop_filip I am a fan of the unique top down view and how it works with the stark black and white contrast. The oars are like needles piercing into the dark unknown, almost like a phalanx. There is an excellent use of negative space that introduces a veil of mystery, and an entirely new graphic aesthetic to the image. It all works together beautifully to create a truly striking and unique Image. A simply spectacular capture. And that sums it up for this week’s Assassin’s Creed virtual photography recap list! Thank you for checking out this week’s photo collection. This would not be possible without the virtual photographers out there so a huge thanks to them. Until next week keep those shots coming in! Interested in Assassin's Creed Virtual Photography? Share your shots in our Twitter community for a chance to be featured in our weekly VP selection articles! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Aaron is a passionate Assassin's Creed fan who joined our AC Partnership Program as an Online Article Writer back in 2021 after the release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. After building momentum and interest on TOWCB website for Virtual Photography, Aaron established TOWCB Virtual Photography Team, of which he is now Team Leader. Throughout 2024, TOWCB VP Team will be sharing community captures in dedicated articles, and providing a positive environment on Twitter for gamers to share their shots. Aaron Young

This Week in Assassin’s Creed Virtual Photography: 2nd to 15th October Community Share 20 Oct 2023 Written By: Edited By: Aaron Young Colum Blackett Back To Database Welcome to the weekly virtual photography roundup hosted by Aaron Young from The AC Partnership Program. Every week I will be picking our top 5 favourite Assassin’s Creed shots and showcasing them on The Ones Who Came Before website, in order to promote virtual photography and talented content creators within the community. Aaron is a keen virtual photographer and loves to post his journeys through Assassin’s Creed on Twitter. Keep an eye on the site as more weekly shots are added, we are looking for captures across all Assassin’s Creed games. Tag your photos to the #TOWCBWeeklyCapture for a chance to be featured. This week’s theme: Assassin’s Creed Mirage Launch Special (Minor Spoilers for Assassin's Creed Mirage) Crossing the Desert Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ BookieVp “Baghdad and its surroundings call to me” Returning to the desert with Basim almost feels fitting. The links to the original Assassin’s Creed and Bayek’s adventures in Egypt are strong. Although smaller than the previous entries the mix of wildlands and city really works. This silhouette of Basim and his camel crossing the desert reminds me of that moment the game opens up to you. I adore the bright sun in the middle of the photo with the clouds and orange glow surrounding it. The desert almost feels made for this sort of shot, a fabulous capture to kick start the showcase. Blending In Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ Spiggy_Smalls “There is no greater glory than fighting for the truth” 2007 saw the release of Assassin’s Creed, an action/stealth game that would go on to lay the groundwork for many entries in the series. Last year we saw the AC15 celebrations and it felt fitting that we should return to the roots with Mirage. This epic shot captures the essence of AC1 both in style and substance. I love the white background as it gives real Animus vibes, something that was so prominent in the original. The use of Altair’s robes obviously increase the nostalgia, while having Basim hide in plain sight tops off a brilliant Assassin’s Creed capture. Desert Delirium Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ G_Assassin90 “It is why you have chosen to walk this path” Returning to the Middle East was always going to be a tantalising prospect. Not only does it feel like the birth of Assassin’s Creed it also boasts such breath-taking environments and diverse cultures. For a virtual photographer the Islamic Golden Age is the perfect setting. This magnificent capture has all the feel of the desert. The sun is so prominent and helps to magnify the superb silhouette of Basim riding his horse. I love the shadow work and the details of the sand. Allowing us to roam the outskirts of Baghdad is such a treat, and this shot proves it. Initiate of Alamut Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ KaiVirtualPhoto “Are you ready to leave your life behind and walk the path of shadows?” When Basim finally receives his Assassin robes for the first time there really is a sense of nostalgia. I loved the moment you take hold of Basim in the desert, ready to hunt down the order in Baghdad. The photo here perfectly captures that moment in all its glory. Basim looks focused and very ready to leave his old life behind. The details on the robes are so good, you really can see all the little intricacies. The saturation on his face tells us where he is and with the hood up we know he means business. A beautiful portrait of the leading character that shows us why he is quickly becoming a fan favourite. The Hidden One Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ AlexK0nstantin “Are you ready to give up who you once thought you were” The Assassin’s Creed Mirage marketing campaign felt a little low key when compared to previous entries. However the Game Informer coverage really blew me away. None more so than the epic shot of Basim appearing from the red smoke. If there was one thing that hyped me the most for this game it was that picture. This shot has aced that very photo, something I knew the VP community would do. The saturation of the red mist is perfect and Basim’s pose is awesome. In this outfit with sword and dagger drawn you cannot really go wrong. There is a sense of impending doom in this capture and Basim would be very proud of that. Hunting the Order Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ AlexK0nstantin “Hide in plain sight” Being a Hidden One and working in the shadows is a necessity for Basim. Having a huge city to run around in adds to the sensation of being an assassin. Traversal has been a hot topic in the recent games, but Mirage breaths life back into this much loved mechanic. The shot here gives off huge Assassin’s Creed vibes but it’s the quality of the shot that catches my eye. At first glance you could mistake it for being concept art. The lighting is split but works beautifully to cast shadows on the people in the street. You cannot deny Basim moving along the beam is an excellent addition. A capture that truly lives up to what we saw in the cinematic trailer. TOWCB Photo of The Week Guest Judge: Miranda Amess (Community Manager for Assassin's Creed at Ubisoft) '' Assassin's Creed Mirage is all about paying homage to the original titles, and ultimately returning to the roots of the franchise. Basim stealthily running across a beam, (on his way to complete a contract), with the busy marketplace of Baghdad below him. For me, AlexK0nstantin has captured the essence of Assassin's Creed Mirage perfectly.'' Baghdad Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ Memento_Gallery “The Order has put a fog over Baghdad” Baghdad is the capital of Iraq and during the Islamic Golden Age it was a hub of activity. I have been enjoying how Ubisoft split Baghdad out into sections so that we can enjoy different atmospheres depending on where we are. Once again the team have created a city that feels alive, something that I haven’t felt since Unity. For me this capture symbolises the game and how beautiful it is. The composition of the shot is glorious, and having Enkidu soring high in the corner adds to the majesty. The Round City looks incredible with the hints of fog hanging above it, almost like a metaphor for the Orders presence. The Palace of the Green Dome in the background serves as the icing on the cake. Training Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ eivxr_ “Never compromise the Brotherhood” Sometimes Assassin’s Creed Mirage feels more like an Origins story than Bayek’s adventure. The training sequence in Alamut with Roshan gave me such Batman Begins vibes. I felt like Ubisoft nailed the pacing in the opening hours of the game. Here we have Basim putting his mentors teachings to the test. What I adore about these shots are the colour tones and how fitting they are to the theme of the game. Together in a collage they look sublime especially with that white boarder. What I appreciate the most though is how each shot represents an Assassin’s skill set. This is minimalism at its finest. Leap of Faith Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ Evo_Pixel “Then out of the dark, you will come into the light” When you think of Assassin’s Creed the leap of faith is iconic. Jumping from a height into a bale of hay will never get old. The move is essential for all Assassin’s and is required for initiation into the brotherhood. This shot reminds me of the trailers before launch and how good it is to be an Assassin again. Once again the composition is magnificent, I cannot get over how much is included in this capture. It’s wonderful that Enkidu is involved almost mirroring Basim, and the rooftops below add to the feel of elevation. I am loving the walls of the Round City and the Palace of the Green Dome in the background. Tormented Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ Spectral_Lens “Ready to sacrifice everything you held close” As a fan of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla it was nice to see Basim’s robes from that game included. For me they will make for a great end game set to tie the entries together. This shot for me epitomises Basim, and his split personality. The water effect works two fold, one in highlighting Basim’s outfit but secondary producing a reflection on the water. The reflection just makes me think of his duality and how Loki has this power over him. I love the colours and the shadows work, really typifies the mood of the shot. For me though this is an endgame capture of the Valhalla Basim rising out of the water, no longer the hero and destined for darkness. And that sums it up for this week’s Assassin’s Creed virtual photography recap list! Thank you for checking out this week’s photo collection. This would not be possible without the virtual photographers out there so a huge thanks to them. Until next week keep those shots coming in! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Aaron is a passionate Assassin's Creed fan who joined our AC Partnership Program as an Online Article Writer back in 2021 after the release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. After building momentum and interest on TOWCB website for Virtual Photography, Aaron established TOWCB Virtual Photography Team, of which he is now Team Leader. Throughout 2024, TOWCB VP Team will be sharing community captures in dedicated articles, and providing a positive environment on Twitter for gamers to share their shots. Aaron Young

Ubisoft clarifies recent rumors regarding Assassin's Creed Shadows and Animus Hub News Share 18 Nov 2024 Written By: Edited By: Zephryss Colum Blackett Back To Database On Thursday, leaked information about the Assassin’s Creed Animus Hub (ex-codename Infinity) surfaced online via datamining, revealing a Battle Pass featuring a variety of cosmetics, upcoming collaborations with companies and even unlockable pets. Amid ongoing rumors about potential paid content in the Animus Hub, Ubisoft community manager Ubi_Waldo clarified some details in the Assassin's Creed Discord server. “It has come to our attention that inaccurate rumors have been circulating online regarding the upcoming Animus Hub (ex-codename Infinity). We wanted to take this occasion to clarify that: All the rewards available in the Animus Hub will be entirely free. There are no paid subscriptions or paid battle pass featured in the Animus Hub. Players will have access to regular content & missions at no extra cost.” He further stated, “We will unveil more details about it closer to the launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows.” Ubisoft has reportedly acted quickly to address the new leak about Assassin's Creed Shadows, which allegedly disclosed details about a cosmetic-filled battle pass for the upcoming stealth game. Previously known as codename Infinity, the Animus Hub will serve as a platform for launching future games, including Assassin's Creed Shadows, which is anticipated to debut alongside it. It has also been claimed that the game will feature partnerships with Red Bull, VISA, Intel, BAPE Clothing, and Sprecher, though no details have been provided about what these collaborations might entail. But Ubisoft has not mentioned anything about this in their recent clarification. This could indicate that another official announcement from Ubisoft may be coming soon. As with any leak, it's best to take this information with caution for now. There's still a considerable wait ahead before Assassin's Creed Shadows arrives. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to launch on February 14, 2025. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. What do you expect to see from the Animus Hub when it launches alongside Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Let us know in the comments below. comments debug Comments (1) Write a comment Write a comment Sort by: Newest quantumninja Nov 18, 2024 Hey buddy, remember me ? Like Reply About the Author Zephryss is a passionate social media manager based in India who joined TOWCB's Social Media Team in Summer 2024 to help the team prepare for coverage of Assassin's Creed Shadows news and updates. Recently, he completed his Masters degree in Electrical Engineering and is now preparing to take on a PhD. He loves video games very much, and since childhood has enjoyed playing various types of games in different genres He also has 3 gaming channels (Zephryss, Assassin Zephryss & Spider Zephryss) where he uploads gameplay videos regularly. Zephryss

Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Huntsman Gear Guide Guide Share 26 Mar 2021 Written By: Edited By: Aaron Young Ashlea Buckley Back To Database After the relatively long intro in Norway, you will no doubt be eager to find a new armour set when you arrive in England. One of the easier sets to claim is the Huntsman, which can be found in the opening areas of England. All items can be found in-game without the need for DLC or micro-transactions. The Huntsman Set All gear sets in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla will not only provide the player with an aesthetic look, but also stats and bonuses that increase Eivor’s strength. Further to this, your gear will also be aligned to one of the three branches of the skill tree. The Huntsman set follows the wolf skill line and therefore will benefit from any skill points you have placed here. It is also good to consider the set bonus perks that are different for each armour set. The Huntsman gear provides you with a nice Viking look and leans heavily into an archer playstyle. The two bonuses for equipping the Huntsman set are in the image below. It is good to remember that the more pieces of the set you wear, the bigger the bonus. It is not essential though, and you can mix gear for interesting perks. How to Get the Huntsman Gear Set Unfortunately you cannot obtain all of the set pieces in the same region. There are five gear items to collect, with three in Grantebridgescire and the other two in Ledecestrescire. The Power Levels of these regions should not pose too much of a problem, as when you arrive in England both Grantebridgescire and Ledecestrescire are early story destinations. That being said, all of the Huntsman armour is well guarded so you will need to either fight your way to it or use stealth. Grantebridgescire and Ledecestrescire are both Power Level 20, so following the story would be the best way of attaining this set. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has four tiers for gear pieces: Grey (Fine) Red (Superior) Blue (Flawless) Gold (Mythical) When you fine each piece of the Huntsman set it will already be Superior. It is wise to use what resources you have to bring the gear to its highest level, and save your nickel ingots to upgrade the armour to flawless when you return to Gunnar at the Settlement. It is important to note that Ubisoft recently patched Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, implementing the transmogrification feature. This means you can upgrade your gear to the highest level but not have to worry about not liking the look. You can pay fifty coins to Gunnar and he will amend the aesthetic to one of the previous iterations but with the highest stats. The Huntsman Cape This seems like it could be more difficult than it actually is. Your best route is to take your Longship up river to Templebrough Fort in Ledecestrescire. The cloak can be found in a tower situated in the middle of the river. Just climb the tower and shoot the wood hanging to break the floor below. From here jump down and open the chest. There are a few guards so be careful not to been seen, but it is possible to avoid them altogether. The Huntsman Helm This one can be a little trickier. The helm can be found at Tonnastadir fort in Ledecestrescire. It is a heavily guarded area, which can be difficult early in the game. You will come here as part of the Ledecestrescire story arc, and I would suggest waiting until then to collect the helm. The helm is locked behind a gate, so you will first need to head to the longhouse. The key can be found on a table, but be careful as sometimes there will be guards in the room. Once you have the key, head to the metal gate where three guards will be waiting. There is some debris you can drop on them. Either way you will need to dispatch the guards before entering. The helm can be found at the end of the hallway in a chest. The Huntsman Armour The chest piece is probably the most difficult to obtain. It can be found in Ravensburg outpost, Grantebridgescire. This outpost is part of the story arc so waiting until then is a good option. You will find the chest containing the armour in the main hut at the centre of the enemy camp. Despite the camp being well guarded it is possible to get all the way to the hut unnoticed. You may wish to tactically remove some of the guards just so if you are caught you will not be overwhelmed. The Huntsman Vambraces The vambraces are hidden behind a waterfall in Grantebridgescire. The location is not too far from your settlement. Just head south of Ravensthorpe and you will see an area with two sections of water. The vambraces can be found in the first section of water, behind a waterfall. Once you enter the cave you will find another section of water. You will need to dive in and swim underwater until you reach the end. Straight after exiting the water you will see the chest in front of you. The Huntsman Breeches Your final piece to collect will be the breeches. They are situated in Soham hideout, which is on a patch of land not too far from Isle of Ely Monastery, Grantebridgescire. You will want to sneak into the camp and head towards the large stone building in the centre. Inside you will find a chest containing the breeches. You may also need to dispatch some of the guards. There are two sat at a table in the main building, making it difficult to sneak up on them, so be careful. Once you have all the gear items, you can return to Gunnar to upgrade them. Don’t forget to take a look at the transmogrification feature. It is also worth mentioning that you can pay travellers for information regarding the location of gear items (represented on the map by a question mark) Hopefully these tips will help you get started on your Viking adventure. Valhalla is a wonderful game full of intrigue and mystery with a story that sucks you in slowly. Be patient and take your time, you will not regret it. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Aaron is a passionate Assassin's Creed fan who joined our AC Partnership Program as an Online Article Writer back in 2021 after the release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. After building momentum and interest on TOWCB website for Virtual Photography, Aaron established TOWCB Virtual Photography Team, of which he is now Team Leader. Throughout 2024, TOWCB VP Team will be sharing community captures in dedicated articles, and providing a positive environment on Twitter for gamers to share their shots. Aaron Young

Assassin's Creed I: Gilded Altaïr Fanart by Thea Marie Rivedal Art Share 13 Sept 2022 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) Ashlea Blackett Back To Database Check out this brand new piece of fanart by our very own digital artist Thea Marie Rivedal from our AC Partnership Program! I love how these art pieces capture the essence of the Assassin's Creed 15 year anniversary celebrations, as Ubisoft have been reimaging Assassin's Creed character outfits by adding gold undertones to them throughout the campaign. One thing that stands out for me is the glitch effect operating in the background, which feels very much like Animus desyncronisation. The Ubisoft Forward Assassins' Creed Showcase event even kicked off with a beautiful video showing all of the Assassins immortalised as gold statues, a poignant trip down memory lane. Although the AC Showcase event brings Assassin's Creed I week to a close, we here at TOWCB will continue to release legacy content celebrating older games. Keep an eye on our website for a daily dose of nostalgia. Until then, check our what our other team members have been up to in the Community Hub! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Col is one of the UK's leading Assassin's Creed Community members, and is best known for establishing both 'The Ones Who Came Before' fan community and 'Isu_Network' content creation program. As Team Leader for The Ones Who Came Before, Col was officially recognised by Ubisoft, becoming one the UK Assassin's Creed community ambassadors in 2016. He has attended many events after spending a decade in the AC Community, and has worked on countless projects, all of which you can find here on TOWCB website. He is also a former Ubisoft Star Player and member of The Mentors Guild, two recognisable community programs which opened doors and took his status within the AC Community to the next level. Colum Blackett (Col_96)

Rally the Creed Episode 7 Released Podcasts Share 1 May 2024 Written By: Edited By: TOWCB Team Colum Blackett Back To Database In Episode 7 of Rally The Creed, host Gargudon is joined by one of the newest recruits on our team, video creator and streamer Andy, also known as SisterlyThrower . At the core of this episode is a proper introduction to Andy, talk about our growing video venture and future content, the American saga and more. Enjoy listening! Edited by FrameHoldPhotography . Listen to this episode on Spotify: comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author A collection of articles from The Ones Who Came Before team. TOWCB Team

Assassin's Creed Symphonic Adventure London Photo Log Events Share 30 May 2024 Written By: Edited By: TOWCB Team Colum Blackett Back To Database On the 29th and 30th May 2024, the Assassin's Creed Symphonic Adventure UK Premiere took take place in London. Representing The Ones Who Came Before were Aaron Young (FalconSwift87: Isu_Network Virtual Photography Team), Lisa Zaman (Art Team) and Louise Chase (TheNerdyArcher: Isu_Network Writing Team) on the night of Wednesday 29th May! Here are our photos from the event! Photos by Aaron Young Photos by Louise Chase Coming Soon Photos by Lisa Zaman Coming Soon comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author A collection of articles from The Ones Who Came Before team. TOWCB Team

What can the Netflix Assassin's Creed TV Series Add? Wishlist Share 7 May 2022 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) Ashlea Blackett Back To Database Netflix and Ubisoft are currently working on an Assassin's Creed TV universe, which is made up of a live-action, animated, and anime series based on the franchise. Back in October, we got our first glimpse at the red insignia, which is the logo for the Netflix Original live-action series. Not much is known about the project, but Business Director Aymar Azaïzia recently stated in an interview with Eurogamer that a couple of talents had been secured for the show so far, but no further announcements can be made at this stage as they are taking their time to develop the show. Assassin's Creed Transmedia projects have never been afraid to test the waters, and implement new ideas and concepts that eventually make their way into the games. An example of this is the Assassin's Creed Movie's Animus, which was replicated in Valhalla via the Yggdrasil Isu Supercomputer, which also featured a claw. That being said, the Netflix show will no doubt be viewed by millions around the world, so here are 5 things that the series could add to the AC Universe. Official Teaser for the Assassin's Creed Live-Action TV series 5) New Characters The Netflix Live-action show is the perfect platform to introduce new characters, and explore different time periods. Assassin's Creed transmedia projects have always been a great space to establish new characters, such as Galina Voronina in Initiates, and Simon Hathaway in Assassin's Creed Heresy. Victoria Bilbau was first introduced in the Assassin's Creed Unity: Abstergo Employee Handbook, and also appeared in Last Descendants, before her final appearance in Odyssey. Most recently, Ubisoft brought to life a whole host of new characters in the Assassin's Creed Gold Audio Drama, which featured voice talents from Anthony Head and Riz Ahmed. The Assassin's Creed Universe is infinite, and so are the characters in it. As long as conclusions are given to previously created characters (rather than simply disappearing like Otso Berg), there is no reason why new characters can't exist. Ubisoft can get creative with this, and do something different. For example, the AC Last Descendants series introduced a wheelchair bound character called Sean Molloy who used the Animus to escape his chair, allowing him to walk again in the memories of his ancestor. The series also introduced an Abstergo technician called Monroe who left the company and stole an Animus before working as an IT Technician at local schools, where he recruited pupils to discover historical secrets. Like previous transmedia projects, Ubisoft should look to create iconic new characters, who represent the brand's past and future, creating a blend of identity that is recognisably Assassin's Creed. 4) Conclusions One thing that the TV Series could do that the games cant is focus on snippets of time, like the movie did. This would be historical periods and plots explored over a short period of time, allowing for more range. For example, three episodes could act as a sequel to the Assassin's Creed Movie, bringing back Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard and Michael K Williams, potentially setting up another movie. One way to do this would be Callum Lynch joining up with an Assassin Cell to uncover other ancestors, and exploring their memories. The feud with Sophia Rikkin could easily continue in the Modern Day, making her the new threat to the Brotherhood. Other characters, such as Aya, Claudia Auditore, Connor and Arno Dorian could have their stories continued in live-action, finally concluding their arcs. As a series, Assassin's Creed very rarely provides closure, and instead moves on to new characters after the game finishes. This leaves many questions unanswered, and the series could finally provide some closure for fans. This fan service opportunity could also tie together established plot points, and introduce memory flashbacks, or even open the door to cameos from fan favourite characters. The AC Movie almost featured a ton of cameos which you can find in the deleted scenes. 3) New Concepts The possibilities with Assassin's Creed really are infinite, and the new TV show could easily become a testing ground for new ideas, taking the series in a new direction. It would be interesting to see Templar projects outside of Abstergo Industries, a bit like how Westworld left it's original park to explore other opportunities. As a series, that's one that could definitely lend itself nicely to Assassin's Creed, especially the most recent series, which focusses on control via an algerithm that determines fate (sounds very Templar). The best most recent example of a transmedia platforms introducing new concepts has to be the Assassin's Creed Titan Comics (AC, Templars and Uprising), which brought the Instruments of the First Will to life, and established the Templar Black Cross. The writers were never afraid to create something new that ties in to AC lore, in a way that adds to the series. One aspect of the franchise that has been particular poor of late has been parkour, which is the pillar that has unfortunately lost most of its shine in the RPG entries. This platform could be used to introduce real life free-runners and stunt artists to the series, who could give the parkour back its lost importance. The animus could once again evolve, perhaps working in new ways, or becoming more than it has in the past. As technology evolves, so too should the Animus. Could it be powered by a Piece of Eden to view Isu memories? We're hoping to see something new and fresh, rather than more of the same. We don't want to see a live action Desmond story, because there's no point covering old ground in that way. 2) Female Assassins & The AC Sisterhood The unbalanced marketing campaign for Assassin's Creed Valhalla lit a fire within the community, which ultimately led to the creation of the 'AC Sisterhood Movement', a large-scale fan project established to highlight female characters, and voice the discontent of fans. Ubisoft have acknowledged the presence of the movement, and even added the logo as a tattoo choice in Valhalla. Many, including our admin team, felt that the RPG game's canon choices, Kassandra and Eivor should have been the focus of marketing campaigns, but they were unfortunately overshadowed by male counter parts. This issue, amongst many others sparked a network of fans to come together to establish the AC Sisterhood movement, which recently raised a great deal of money for Women's Breast Cancer. The TV Series could be a positive platform for equal representation, and could even use the opportunity to showcase a Female Mentor, something which has only been done once before in the Assassin's Creed Heresy Novel with the introduction of Yolande of Aragon. There are so many possibilities, and it would be great to see something different for a change. Why not include a female Templar Grand Master, like we saw in the AC Unity novel, or even an all-female branch of the Brotherhood. The series has the potential to cover many different time periods and settings, so there is no excuse for a lack of representation. In general, the AC series needs to actively improve it's treatment of female characters, as it has a bad habit of killing off key females in order to allow male hero's to continue (Maria Thorpe, Elise de la Serre, AC Movie Maria, Mary Read). In the past, the deaths have acted as a motivator to drive the male characters forward, such as Elise's death in Assassin's Creed Unity, but this is something we hope stays in the past. AC Sisterhood logo by Sebastian Dell’Aria 1) Add to the Lore, Without Breaking It Overall, the Assassin's Creed Movie did a good job at keeping itself within the walls of established canon, other than a few mistakes, such as Alan Rikkin not having previous knowledge of the Apple of Eden, when Abstergo owned one in AC III. Generally, it tied itself nicely to previously established plot points, and even found a way to cross paths with Christopher Columbus, who agreed to help Aguilar in the film due to his previous relationship with the Assassins Ezio Auditore and Luis de Santángel in Assassin's Creed II: Discovery (DS). A great deal of care was taken to make sure that the movie didn't stray too far from what came before, but instead added to it. For the Netflix TV Series, Ubisoft need to be very careful not to break established canon, or it could actually damage the series by retconning previous plot points, and replacing them. To do this, Ubisoft will need a great deal of control over the project, and a firm hand when it comes to the writing process. It might even be to Ubisoft's advantage to appoint a 'Head of Assassin's Creed Lore' role for the project. On the Assassin's Creed Movie, cast members and producers were given an 'Assassins Creed Bible', a huge series of documents containing lore and the history of the franchise. Our interview with Carlo Rota (Basim and Loki) revealed that voice actors working on Valhalla were given hour-long 'Assassin's Creed talks' by former Narrative Director Darby McDevitt, filled with history, story and details. According to Business Director Aymar Azaïzia, Ubisoft currently consult members of The Mentor's Guild on lore matters. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Col is one of the UK's leading Assassin's Creed Community members, and is best known for establishing both 'The Ones Who Came Before' fan community and 'Isu_Network' content creation program. As Team Leader for The Ones Who Came Before, Col was officially recognised by Ubisoft, becoming one the UK Assassin's Creed community ambassadors in 2016. He has attended many events after spending a decade in the AC Community, and has worked on countless projects, all of which you can find here on TOWCB website. He is also a former Ubisoft Star Player and member of The Mentors Guild, two recognisable community programs which opened doors and took his status within the AC Community to the next level. Colum Blackett (Col_96)

This Week in Assassin's Creed Virtual Photography: 23rd - 29th July 2022. Black & White Special Community Share 30 Jul 2022 Written By: Edited By: Aaron Young Ashlea Blackett Back To Database Welcome to the weekly virtual photography roundup hosted by Aaron Young from The AC Partnership Program. Every week, we will be picking our top 5 favourite Assassin’s Creed shots and showcasing them on The Ones Who Came Before website, in order to promote virtual photography and talented content creators within the community. Aaron is a keen virtual photographer and loves to post his journeys through Assassin’s Creed on Twitter. Keep an eye on the site as more weekly shots are added, we are looking for capture across all Assassin’s Creed games. Tag your photos to the #TOWCBWeeklyCapture for a chance to be featured. This week we have a black and white special featuring 6 shots from the VP Community. 1) Elise de la Serre Game: Assassin’s Creed Unity This week’s first capture comes from @ JamesTiddlyQuid a member of our Assassin’s Creed VP Twitter Community. First up we have an elegant photo of everyone’s favourite Templar. This particular shot comes from a stunning set of black and white portraits that showcase the details of Elise and her attire. I am loving the lighting and how it shows off Elise’s hair. As a character she is modelled so well and this shows how ahead of its time Unity was. this image conveys period drama vibes from the scenery, Elise's stance and the depth provided by the black and white filter, absolutely brilliant. Link to set 2) Eivor Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Photo number two comes from @ warriorqueenvp a member of our Assassin’s Creed VP Twitter Community. Next up we have male Eivor looking quite vulnerable. The ability to customise your character is a major plus in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. From a VP perspective the option to add tattoos, beards, and hairstyles means many unique captures. Black and White VP is often overlooked but this shot shows the advantages to it. The way the tattoos pop against Eivor’s skin is just incredible. Check out the original tweets to see a comparison with the coloured version of the image. Link to set 3) Spartan Game: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey This week’s third shot comes from @ kingforever008 a member of our Assassin’s Creed VP Twitter Community. Although photo number three has a slight blue haze it’s still qualifies for this showcase. What I love about this shot is how historical it looks. It reminds me of the pictures you see in museums next to exhibits. The shadows, especially across Kassandra’s face give off a mysterious, yet brutal feel. It could easily be mistaken for a statue you might find in London when playing Valhalla. Obviously the helmet gives away who this really is and RenanVP does a great job of showcasing it. 4) Amunet Game: Assassin’s Creed Origins VP number four comes from @ Subject_72 a member of our Assassin’s Creed VP Twitter Community. Two weeks in a row for Subject_72 but how could I not feature this unbelievable shot of Amunet? Dressed for the kill, and wearing a stare that only Aya can pull off, this capture is an incredible achievement. I imagine this is what all her target see right before the blade is brandished. I am really enjoying the blurred out background because it lets Amunet shine, it also gives of the feel of a sandstorm sweeping in. 5) Hidden One Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP number five comes from @ petta_velan a member of our Assassin’s Creed VP Twitter Community . I wanted to include this capture as it’s a great representation of black and white VP. What’s confusing about Valhalla and this shot is how Eivor can look just like an assassin, but still have bulky armour on. The light shining off the armour plating brings so much light to the photo, you can almost see the colour. I think my favourite part of this capture would have to be the shadow covering Eivor’s eyes. Combined with the hood and the stance you can tell he is eavesdropping on a conversation. 6) Raven Clan Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Platform: PS5 The final capture of the week comes from @ Brentassins over on Twitter. We end the Black and White special with a stunning portrait of Eivor dressed in her black raven helmet. This piece of gear is one of my favourites in the game, it especially looks impressive when worn with a hood. You can see that look in the link below. Once again this is a capture that shows off the benefits of black and white photography. The way it highlights the golden patterns on the helmet and adds those menacing white eyes is perfection. And that sums it up for this week’s Assassin’s Creed virtual photography recap list! Thank you for checking out this week’s photo collection. This would not be possible without the virtual photographers out there so a huge thanks to them. Until next week keep those shots coming! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Aaron is a passionate Assassin's Creed fan who joined our AC Partnership Program as an Online Article Writer back in 2021 after the release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. After building momentum and interest on TOWCB website for Virtual Photography, Aaron established TOWCB Virtual Photography Team, of which he is now Team Leader. Throughout 2024, TOWCB VP Team will be sharing community captures in dedicated articles, and providing a positive environment on Twitter for gamers to share their shots. Aaron Young

This Week in Assassin's Creed Virtual Photography: Jan 31st - Feb 4th 2022 Community Share 7 Feb 2022 Written By: Edited By: Aaron Young Ashlea Blackett Back To Database Welcome to the new weekly virtual photography roundup hosted by Aaron Young from The AC Partnership Program. Every week, we will be picking our top 5 favourite Assassin’s Creed shots and showcasing them on The Ones Who Came Before website, in order to promote virtual photography and talented content creators within the community. Aaron is a keen virtual photographer and loves to post his journeys through Assassin’s Creed on Twitter. Keep an eye on the site as more weekly shots are added, we are looking for capture across all Assassin’s Creed games. Tag your photos to the #TOWCBWeeklyCapture for a chance to be featured. 5) Roman England Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla This week’s first capture comes from @SignorAlexander over on Twitter. An amazing shot of Roman England crumbling under Saxon rule. I really like how there is a dull emptiness but at the same time colour and vegetation. In a game that is relatively sparse the cities really do stand out. 4) The Field of Reeds Game: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey This week’s second capture comes from @GioWayne86 over on Twitter. A great capture of the sun setting over ancient Greece. I get Gladiator vibes with the hero walking through the reeds. I really like the use of the trees and the building far off in the distance. It would make a great picture on the wall. 3) The Beginning Game: Assassin’s Creed Origins The third capture of the week comes from @BolukbasiGuner over on Twitter. An epic conclusion to a truly wonderful game. Bayek and Aya the founders of the order. A fantastic shot showing off the powerful couple after their fight for justice across Egypt. And that sums it up for this week’s Assassin’s Creed virtual photography recap list! Thank you for checking out this week’s photo collection. This would not be possible without the virtual photographers out there so a huge thanks to them. Until next week keep those shots coming in! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Aaron is a passionate Assassin's Creed fan who joined our AC Partnership Program as an Online Article Writer back in 2021 after the release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. After building momentum and interest on TOWCB website for Virtual Photography, Aaron established TOWCB Virtual Photography Team, of which he is now Team Leader. Throughout 2024, TOWCB VP Team will be sharing community captures in dedicated articles, and providing a positive environment on Twitter for gamers to share their shots. Aaron Young

Carlos Ferro Interview: Da Vinci's Destiny Interview Share 31 Mar 2020 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) Ashlea Buckley Back To Database Our community admin Colum Blackett had the opportunity to interview veteran voice actor Carlos Ferro, best known for voicing Leonado Da Vinci in the Assassin's Creed series and Dominic Santiago in Gears of War. Behind the Voice Actors lists 30 roles that Carlos has been credited with, but he has also provided additional voices such as NPC's and background characters in many games and TV shows. About: Carlos' first career in the entertainment industry was as a DJ. Leaving music for a career in theatre and television, his work eventually led to a stint as an artist in residence at Cornell University. He has since gone on to receive a Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award nomination for Best Solo Performance for his portrayal of Sal Mineo in the show SAL. He has continued acting in television, both on-camera (in Star Trek: The Next Generation episode Genesis) and in animation voice-over (Justice League, Spawn). He also had a short speaking role as Olivero Sisko in Big Top Scooby-Doo!. He has worked with director John Landis and actors Jerry Lewis, Harvey Fierstein and Dudley Moore. (Wiki) His most recent credited voice acting performances were for the 2019 adventure game Shenmue III, where he lent his voice to multiple characters. Col: Hi Carlos, thank you for joining us today! Please could you tell us a little bit about yourself, and the time you spent working on the Assassin's Creed series. Carlos: Thanks for having me! I’m an actor/voice actor that had the privilege of portraying Leonardo DaVinci in the Assassin’s Creed franchise! Col: In Assassin's Creed 1, you voiced the leader of the Assassin Bureau in Damascus. The character adds an element of much needed comic relief to quite a serious game. How did you find the interactions with Altair? Carlos: I wanted to give that character a bit of snark. Let’s just say, it came naturally. LOL 'Most impressive, my friend. The others said you make a mess of things, but not I. No, I was sure you'd come through. And come through you have.' Col: Have you completed AC1, and would you be interested in returning to the series if Ubisoft were to remaster it one day with additional content? Carlos: I try to complete all the games I work on. AC1 blew my mind, to be honest. I would be honored to return in any capacity. Col: When you were first brought in to work on the series, what were your initial thoughts? Could you see the franchise becoming as big as it is today? Carlos: Nobody can really predict that kind of success. Putting History, Geography, Science Fiction, and Action in a gaming context knocked me out. I wanted to be as good as the rest of the cast. Carlos regularly attends comic con conventions. Here is with Assassin's Creed Community members. Col: Do you have a favourite moment of AC1, and are there any elements that you would personally consider vital that all Assassin's Creed games should try to incorporate? Carlos: I’m a big fan of Desmond Miles. I like the idea of ancestors and what may come with them. Col: Moving onto AC2, had you ever had to speak Italian for a role before voicing Leonardo? I have. Though not as much as I do as Leonardo. Michael Corleone springs to mind. I was blessed with Dialect Supervisor Ida Darvish-Gadd being at all my sessions to make sure I didn’t slip up. Col: Most of Leonardo's key moments are in his interactions with Ezio, where he provides the role of both friend and inventor. What was it like working with Roger on these moments, and do you have a favourite? Carlos: Roger Craig Smith is one of my favorite Voice Actors. Whether we were at sessions together or I was hearing his voice in my headphones, it was very easy to get into character. My favorite scene is when I communicate to him that “women provide little distraction.” His delivery of, “I don’t get it” is perfect and hilarious. Col: Have you kept in touch with any of the other voice actors from the AC games, and have you worked with any of them on other projects since? Carlos: Video games have such huge casts, it’s thrilling to see actors I’ve worked with before or actors I admire, in the cast list. Though we rarely record together. Where I see my colleagues often is on the road at Conventions. Roger Craig Smith, Adrian Hough, Matt Ryan, Cas Anvar, Victoria Atkin, and Paul Amos are some of my favorite people and world-class actors. My dream is a full-reunion event with the fans. Col: Other than Leonardo, who else would you have liked to have voiced in the games? Carlos: I want to play an Assassin. Col: Other than the games, you also did the voiceover for Assassin's Creed: Ascendance, a short 8 minute animation where Leonardo warns Ezio about the Borgia influence in Roma. Did this project feel different to working on the games, and how long roughly did it take to record the lines? Carlos: One full day, as I recall. The process was the same but I was knocked-out by the DaVinci styling in the animation. It’s one of my favorite things. Col: Leonardo returned in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, and even got his own DLC. How did you prepare to take on the role of an older, wiser Da Vinci? Carlos: Having created the character from scratch in AC2, it was pretty organic. Col: One of the reasons Leonardo remains so popular is his positive mentality, somehow always managing to see the best in humanity in the darkest of times. He is a true ally to the Assassins, but also helped to provide some of the more challenging missions in Brotherhood. Do you ever hear fans mentioning the difficulty of the Da Vinci's War Machines missions? Carlos: I hear about that Tank...all the time. LOL Personally, I love the flying machine. Col: When you meet fans at events, what are the most requested Da Vinci lines people want to hear? Carlos “HOW EXCITING!” I’m also fond of “I’ve taught a man to fly!” Col: I would like to personally thank you for signing my Hidden Blade, which I now keep in a glass cabinet. Do you own Assassin's Creed merchandise, and did you keep anything at all from your time working on the games? Carlos: I have displays from stores, figures, the flying machine. Though my favorite AC treasures are DaVinci inspired art and gifts from the fans. Leonardo Da Vinci art by Lisa Zaman. You can buy art prints by Lisa for a limited time here , the profits of which are donated to The Italian Red Cross. Col: Do you have any tips for our audience on how to get into voice acting? What would you say is the first step? Carlos: Be an actor first. Study and prepare. That was where it started for me. Col: Have you ever cosplayed as Leonardo. If not, would you ever consider doing so? Carlos: I would! But it would have to be perfect. I’m that guy. LOL I’m blown away by the craftsmanship cosplayers around the world have brought to Leonardo and Ezio. It’s beautiful. Col: Have you been following the more recent games, and where would you like to see the series to explore next? Carlos: I keep up. There was an Assassin’s Creed inspired art exhibit in Paris some time ago. There were Assassins in every time and from every country, it seemed. I remember loving a female Assassin flying through the air with laser hidden blades. I think the sky’s the limit. Literally. We would like to say a huge thank you to Carlos for joining us for this interview, and to Kim Beacham for making it possible! You can follow him on Twitter and Instagram You can also book a personalised message from Carlos on Cameo comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Col is one of the UK's leading Assassin's Creed Community members, and is best known for establishing both 'The Ones Who Came Before' fan community and 'Isu_Network' content creation program. As Team Leader for The Ones Who Came Before, Col was officially recognised by Ubisoft, becoming one the UK Assassin's Creed community ambassadors in 2016. He has attended many events after spending a decade in the AC Community, and has worked on countless projects, all of which you can find here on TOWCB website. He is also a former Ubisoft Star Player and member of The Mentors Guild, two recognisable community programs which opened doors and took his status within the AC Community to the next level. Colum Blackett (Col_96)

Cards, Blades and Detection Rolls: A Review of Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood of Venice Review Share 6 May 2022 Written By: Edited By: Michael Smith Ashlea Blackett Back To Database As an Assassin Apprentice, you have been picked by the great Assassin, Ezio Auditore to help prepare a defense against the Templar Order led by Cesare Borgia. Ezio has tasked you with rescuing the four key members of his new Bureau in Venice while he hunts down his adversary in Navarra, Spain. Equipped with nothing but a parachute and the help of fellow apprentices, you must break the Assassins out of the Templar prison and escape without being detected. Can you answer your mentor’s call, or will you fall to the sword of the Templar? This is a description of the first level titled “Prisoners” in the new tabletop RPG, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood of Venice (BoV) by Triton Noir, in association with Ubisoft. From this board game comes a new way to experience Assassin’s Creed with the use of a tile constructed map and dice based combat system. With a combination of skill cards, abilities, weapons, and allies players must work together to help build the Brotherhood of Venice from nothing. A task that will be littered with a rogues gallery of enemies, familiar faces, and secrets of the past and future. 1 - 4 players can play the game, and levels are quoted to last 30 - 45 minutes each. Due to the content of the game, it is advised that players are at least 14 years old to play. Released initially as a Kickstarter, BoV was successful at reaching its initial goal by raising nearly CA $1.4M via nearly 6,800 backers. After its initial campaign, Triton Noir opened its offerings via their website where I was able to order the base game, expansions, and some additional gameplay items for a hefty price tag (nearly $500 USD). After a few months of production, I received my copy of BoV and began my adventure into a continuation of the Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood story, starting alongside the final mission of the PC and Console release title. The base game for Brotherhood of Venice is offered as a Collector’s Edition on www.triton-noir.com for $239 USD. Recently, the company announced that a retail edition would be released next year at a lower price. This would remove the included figurines for cardboard game pieces and a smaller packaging to allow more players access to their game. What's Included? Within the collector’s edition, players will find highly detailed plastic minifigures, map tiles and boards, playing cards, custom dice, tokens and counters, sticker sheets, and game booklets. When you first open the box, you will find perforated sheets that contain the tiles, player boards, compass, and game pieces alongside the Rulebook and Campaign Booklet. Once you have released the pieces from their frame, you will be greeted with a detailed sheet that shows the contents of the first tray of 140+ minifigures so that you know exactly where to store each piece when you finish your session. A second tray of figures and visual guide follow and then the final tray rests at the bottom with the mission envelopes, game piece storage, and a plethora of hidden figure boxes that are not to be opened until the campaign tells you too. The sheer amount of content found within these trays is exciting and a bit intimidating for someone that has never played a figure based a tabletop game before. Getting Started Both the Rulebook and Campaign Booklet are filled with wonderful original artworks to mentally put you in the mindset of an Assassin in Venice. From the Contents page in the Rulebook, players will find images and counts of each component of the game so that they can verify what they should have and know the names of each piece that will be used multiple times during their campaign (additional rulebook revisions have been released and are available on Triton Noir’s website). The Introduction pages, starting with Rule 0 give an overview of the game as well as steps on how to learn to play this intricate game. The players have two options, “Learning Through Play” and “Reading All the Rules Before Playing”. The first option will have you read the rule points on the page, a glossary, and how to set up your player board with a generic male or female Assassin Apprentice (Note: Players that are playing a solo game must play two assassins for the game to work properly). From here, players are directed to the Campaign Booklet to start playing. Those that choose to read the full rulebook can do so at this point and start gameplay afterwards. Each level is divided within the Campaign Book by Sequence and Memory number, much like the Genetic Memory strands in the videogame. Starting with Sequence 0, Memory 0.1 “Prisoners” players are provided a synapsis of the level for the story element and any additional gameplay notes that need to be provided before the 4 - 5 step setup. By providing an organized breakdown, players can follow at their own pace and learn the rhythm of the game before and after play. With the first step, players are provided a list of tiles to gather from the gamebox to build the grid based map that the level will take place. These tiles will layout roofs, streets, indoor rooms, and large set piece maps that can house towers, canals, and other environments. The images on the tiles vary but are easy to determine what they are considered for the map so each level can have a different feel in its corner of Venice, from grassy streets to fountains, dungeons to lavish offices and the various tiled roofs of the city. Once the map is laid out per the provided picture, players will add additional items such as objective tokens and bases, starting enemies, and reminder pieces that will be used alongside rules or conditions of the mission; for example, for this first mission, three reminder tokens are used to help remember to roll a Detection Test when entering a tile that contains a Templar Crossbowman. Lastly players set to the side of the map an Alert State token (the guard alarm in the videogame), and red dice that are used for the detection tests noted earlier. Before continuing to the second step, players are directed to return to the Rulebook and read rule points 2 - 5 to learn about Game Turns, divided into Event, Assassin, Enemy, and End of Turn Phases. These phases will help understand how event cards work, how an assassin can use their three action cubes (each), how the enemies enter the map via reinforcements and move or enter combat, and how to wrap up the turn so that the next one can begin. Next, the Assassins will open the labeled envelope for the current memory and follow the steps within. When an envelope is opened, players are greeted with a large red card to provide warning of the contents. Each mission requires reading the red card in detail to set up the Event and Equipment decks for the game without spoiling things like rewards and discoveries. For this first mission, players are asked to reveal the 4 small Equipment cards and split them between the Assassins Apprentices that are playing. These starting cards are the consumable item “Parachute” which include a new rule point (#24) to learn about Equipment cards and the differences between single use items and gear (such as weapons and armor). After the equipment deck is ready, players shuffle the included 5 Event cards and set them face down next to the map. These cards provide special circumstances for a game turn. Lastly, players are informed to leave the 5 small Reward cards in the envelope without revealing them. Last but not Least, players are given final rules and notes, sometimes Codex entries about key characters or locations of the game. For Memory 0.1, players are directed back to the Rulebook to learn about Stealth. Incognito, Exposed, Detection Tests, and Alert State are all explained in fine detail. Additionally rule point 15 teaches how to use a Fast Travel Station to enter and exit the map and end the mission. At the end of the Memory page within the Campaign Booklet, an “Important!” label is posted informing players not to turn the page until the memory is completed. If you read further, spoilers for the story and following level information will be seen which can ruin the surprise for everyone. Now that the map and decks are ready, players can turn the red card from the envelope for a cheat sheet to remind them how gameplay turns are ordered and what they can do with their action cubes.Once you have completed the memory, you can turn the Campaign Booklet page to learn how the story progresses, receive your reward cards (weapons or blueprints), and learn how to fill out your “Diary of Memories”; a checklist at the back of the Campaign Book to track XP gained and objectives met. Sheets of stickers are provided in the game box as physical trophies of your accomplishments. Seeing your XP raise as you move towards higher levels and fill out your objectives is very satisfying and a great way to motivate you to play another memory. With the first mission completed, players are able to choose one of the four Assassins from the game and start training their character to be a Master Assassin. The cast of characters are diverse and each has their own specialties. Alessandra, the tank of the group, has the ability to boost her attack strength and heal during missions without additional medicine. Bastiano is a master of stealth and has the ability to avoid Detection Tests and remain incognito during missions that would start the player in an exposed state. Claudio is a cunning and swift Assassin with abilities that allow him free use of his Hidden Blade and to draw enemies away from objectives. Lastly, Daria with her abilities to gain extra action cubes can help boost the duration of the Assassin Phase and accomplish mission objectives faster. The freed Assassins return to their Villa to recuperate and prepare for the next memory. The Campaign Book will direct again to the Rulebook so that you can choose to save your game and learn how to store your game for the next session. Gameplay Returning back to the Game Turn, I will explain more about how a level is played. Players start by turning over an Event card and reading the details printed upon it. For Event “Dark Night” one time only during this turn, players can ignore the results of 1 Detection Test and reroll any of the red dice that landed on an Exposed Eye (sets off alarm) or Exposed Alarm Eye (only exposed if alarm is active) side. This could save the Assassin from combat and allow them an extra chance to dispatch a guard or continue towards their objective. No two are the same with these cards and each replay of the memory will be different from the time before. In the Assassin Phase, actions are able to be made freely between the Assassins on the board and a player does not have to use all three of their actions before the next player can go. Players should plan out and talk with each other about what they want to do, how they want to divide objectives and how to reach their end goal. Player movement, combat, and use of skills and equipment are performed during this phase. In my first playthrough of “Prisoners, I divided my two Apprentices to the West and East of the map, each one moving to release two Assassins, using rooftops and their parachutes to take out guards without being seen and escape the map within a few turns.” The Enemy Phase continues the turn by having the player flip the Reinforcement Deck’s top card to reveal how many ranged and melee enemies enter the map, and from which entrances they enter from. The number of enemies is determined based on the number of Assassins on the map and if the alarm is in an active or inactive state. If a mission has too many enemies on the map to the point that additional guards cannot be added, the mission is considered a failure and the Assassins must start over. Once enemies have entered the map, the Event Card instructs which direction the guards will move. Each guard can move one space in the direction of the compass (unless hindered by walls or roofs with no ladder access). When you finish moving the guards, enemy combat will take place using the black dice of the game which have two icons on their sides, Attack and Defend. These determine a collective amount of damage dealt to or blocked by the Assassin. The rule points will help understand how to divide damage amongst multiple Assassins or Guards based on who is attacking. If an Assassin is brought to critical health, they have one more turn to recover via skills or healing items or be placed in the hospital for the next memory, replaced by an Assassin Apprentice (who have lesser abilities). My Thoughts on BoV I played Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood of Venice over the course of four months, starting in November of 2021. My overall playtime was somewhere between 50 - 100 hours total as I had to restart a few times due to not reading the rules correctly which resulted in hard stops because I broke the game. During my first playthrough I didn’t notice I had to play as two Assassins for a solo game and after my first sequence I realized I could not complete the 100% objective as I had no reinforcement deck and no enemies to fight. My second time I learned I was not using a mechanic correctly and had completely destroyed my progress thus far due to that error. I don’t remember what the issue was at the time but I was learning as I went and was able to finish after that second restart. In addition, my playtime was lengthened as I took photos and notated them with “Madden” style lines to share on my Twitter playthrough thread (available to all via my LinkTree pinned on my profile). Each session took me about 1 - 3 hours depending on my attention level and how I was feeling that night. Having played a few levels in a separate game with a friend, I learned that solo play can be boring at times or just a lot to manage when you have a flood of enemies surrounding you, low health, and an objective on the brink of failure. I learned how to plan my turns more and more to the point that I would nearly script my turns before rolling any dice or making any movement. Towards the middle of the story where the focus is directed towards building your Brotherhood and recruiting members, I found my desire to play to dwindle. The game was enjoyable, but the work I had to put into setting up, breaking down, and actually playing the game was time consuming. It wasn’t like the video games where I could burn through missions or entire sequences within a few hours, I had to actually build my maps and station enemies and objective points. However, once I pushed past my own hindrances and made it to the second half of the sequences, where the secret boxes were opened and new characters and environments were introduced, I fell in love with the game again. Fighting huge bosses and using weapons from other entries in the Assassin’s Creed universe, uncovering secrets and seeing fan favorites make their debut was exhilarating. I played with Alessandra and Claudio as my two characters. They had awesome artwork on both their player cards and miniatures. Alessandra’s ability to rush into a group of guards and take them all out without damage was awesome and the fact that they made her the tank compared to the hulking male that you would normally see was a breath of fresh air. Claudio was a suave swordsman similar to Edward Kenway, and has an awesome companion that he can unlock at his highest level that I won’t spoil. Seeing these two rise in level and learn new skills, finding new outfits, and being the embodiment of Ezio’s vision was the missing half of AC: Brotherhood that I wish I could have played; the half where you are the Assassin in training under Ezio and not the Master Assassin. Gameplay and story go hand in hand as I enjoyed both aspects of the game. I loved the freedom to do what I wanted on the map but from a different perspective. The rewarding snippets of story at the end of each mission fueled my desire to play and learn more about the characters and canonical story in the Assassin’s Creed lore. I did find the luck of the dice roll to be very difficult at times to the point where I was reminded of my time playing “Neverwinter” and not hitting an enemy that I was standing next to. Yet, this wasn’t bad enough to where I wanted to give up. The quality of the miniatures are fantastic in their detail, seeing the beard on Ezio’s face or the folds in the fabric of the courtesans were beautiful, but manufacturing and most likely heat during shipping warped a few pieces to the point that my Crossbowman look like they are in a Michael Jackson video, leaning forward on a crooked base, ladders that are almost twisted in a helix, and swords that are bent towards the tips of their blade. Removing the colored bases for my main characters which provide color identifiers to their unpainted figures (as I haven’t painted my figures), would begin to wear to the point that I worry they may split in half. I take very good care of my pieces but I can see where replacements would need to be ordered in the future, something that I am unaware of their being an option for outside of eBay or secondhand marketplaces. Similar to the miniatures, the envelopes have a light layer of glue holding them together and upon opening a few of them for the first time, I would rip them or watch them unfold due to the glue failing. There are protective sleeves that are sold separately for the cards and I purchased a pack for the large cards and the smaller cards, but learned once I opened my game that I didn’t have enough for all of them and would only be able to sleeve them once the envelope had been opened in the game or spoil the contents for myself. I decided not to use these sleeves but may order additional quantities to protect my cards later on. I purchased the color coded dice that are sold separately so that each Assassin has their own set of four dice that match the color of their miniature base and give more personality than the base white and gold dice that come with the game. All the dice are great to the touch and roll smoothly with no issues of figuring out what you rolled. The game pieces such as objective tokens and entrance labels are made with a good quality cardboard and I haven’t had any issue with peeling or scratches on them. The health and action cubes are a nice plastic and look very clean, but can be hard to find if you drop them on the floor. I would turn the flashlight on my phone to reflect them under my table easier. That brings me to another point, the space required to play the game can be very large. I have a circular table from IKEA that is 103 cm and at times when playing with a dual map set up, miniatures, and two player boards would be completely covered by the game. I made it work but that in itself required its own planning. Overall I think this is a great entry to the Assassin’s Creed Universe and builds on the story of the legendary Ezio Auditore in a way that doesn’t glamorize the character. I love the world building of the game and the references to the older games and mechanics of the video games. While the entry cost for this game was high, luckily there is going to be a cheaper option for those that couldn’t throw down the money required for this detailed and wonderful game. Where and What to Buy I stated earlier that the Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood of Venice game could be purchased from Triton Noir’s website for $230 USD in English or French. Additional language packs for Spanish, Italian, and German can be purchased for $59 USD each and include the Rulebook, Campaign Book, Booklets for the 3 expansion packs, and all the playing cards both large and small for the core game and expansions (849 cards total). Card sleeves to protect these cards are sold based on size in packs of 100 each for $6 - $10 USD. The character color coded dice I mentioned earlier are available for $19.00 USD and if you want to beef up your maps you can buy the Crows’ Nest tower for $56 USD which comes with a detailed tower and hay cart to perform your Leaps of Faith into. Lastly are the expansion packs. There are three in total that take place after the core game story, and require the core game box to play as they mix old game pieces and cards with new tiles and miniatures. The “Roma” expansion takes the players to Rome where Claudia Auditore is building another bureau for the Brotherhood and needs your help to stop the Followers of Romulus while searching for another artifact. In “Creed vs Crows” players can enter a PVP multiplayer format where the Assassins fight the elusive Crows of Cesare Borgia. “Tokyo XXI” has players take control of Modern Day Assassins like Layla Hassan and Rebecca Crane against the powerful Abstergo. Each expansion pack is available for $71 USD and adds a lot of new content and gameplay. I would advise those that want to get started with the game to purchase the Collector’s Edition first, or if you are into painting miniatures as there are over 140 of them in the box. The Crows’ Nest is a great element to have on the board and looks awesome when you have your Assassin perched on its sync point. The dice and protectors are nice to have but not needed and due to the price of the expansions, I would advise to play the main game first before purchasing, just in case you find you don’t like it and due to the time it takes to finish the main game (estimated 50 hours). Plus, with the retail edition of the core game releasing, there could be announcements for the expansions at a cheaper price. The retail edition is stated to have all the same gameplay and mechanics as the CE but with only the main Assassins and Ezio having figurines. All other character pieces will be standees and the secret boxes will be converted to envelopes. Make sure to keep an eye out on this as I will for an easier way to get into this game. Final Thoughts While I struggled to finish my solo playthrough of this game, I still very much enjoy Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood of Venice and would suggest that any fan of the series should purchase this game. I would highly recommend finding at least one other person to play with to make the game move quicker and have someone to uncover secrets and accomplish goals with. I plan on finishing my co-op campaign with my friend in the future while I play the expansions on the side. If you are a fan of the series, RPGs, miniatures, or board games in general, I would recommend this game. The passion and care that was put into the game by the Triton Noir team is very visible (such as the hidden message in Arabic under the lid) in this product and I look forward to seeing more from them in the future and may check out some of their non-AC titles at some point. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Mike Smith is a collector of all things Assassin's Creed and a major supporter of transmedia who joined TOWCB as a writer from 2021 - 2024 With nearly a full library of Assassin's Creed media, his work explored the universe in order of Genetic Memory. Notably, his Assassin's Creed Timeline became an essential tool for fans of the franchise looking to complete their collection and consume AC media in a particular order. Michael Smith

This Week in Assassin's Creed Virtual Photography: 16th - 22nd July 2022 Community Share 23 Jul 2022 Written By: Edited By: Aaron Young Ashlea Blackett Back To Database Welcome to the new weekly virtual photography roundup hosted by Aaron Young from The AC Partnership Program. Every week, we will be picking our top 5 favourite Assassin’s Creed shots and showcasing them on The Ones Who Came Before website, in order to promote virtual photography and talented content creators within the community. Aaron is a keen virtual photographer and loves to post his journeys through Assassin’s Creed on Twitter. Keep an eye on the site as more weekly shots are added, we are looking for capture across all Assassin’s Creed games. Tag your photos to the #TOWCBWeeklyCapture for a chance to be featured. 1) Berserker Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla This first capture comes from @ calisarah1998 over on Twitter. First up this week we have a capture of Eivor deep in thought. This is a powerful photo depicting the Viking theme of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. There are true Ragnar/Norseman vibes about this capture. Checkout the full tweet below to see some impressive editing skills from @ calisarah1998. I love how the darker colour tones and the cool haircut/tattoos all add to the story of a Viking contemplating battle. Link to set 2) Reflections Game: Assassin’s Creed Unity Photo number two comes from @ Amaya_Nocturna a member of our Assassin’s Creed VP TwitterCommunity. In this next image we head to Assassin’s Creed Unity, the game of choice this week for the AC15 celebrations. It is such a shame that Unity does not have a photo mode. That being said, you would not know it judging by the shots that are in this selection. This stunning photo, which is part of a glorious set by @ Amaya_Nocturna , really shows off the beauty of buildings. I adore the use of light bursting through the glass and settling on Arno. A real Assassin’s Creed photo. Link to set 3) The Kassandra Braid Game: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey This week’s third shot comes from @ MoonsDonuts over on Twitter. Photo number three really caught my eye due to the different perspective. Where portraits of the protagonist are usually from the front or the side, this one gives you a birds eye view aspect as seen by the player. What I admire is how @ MoonsDonuts has managed to showcase Kassandra’s amazing hairstyle. In addition we get a great look at the spear, quiver, bow and arrows. A true Misthios pose, beware of this warrior’s fury. 4) The Lonely Viking Game: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla VP number four comes from @ punkncreed over on Twitter. What I love about photo number four is the peaceful simplicity. A capture that very much symbolisesthe start of Eivor’s journey. The sun poking out from behind the mountain gives off Origins vibes, yet the cold colours say otherwise. Great use of the camera angle adds scale to the shot. You just know there are some gold icons on that mountain which need collecting. 5) Paris Game: Assassin’s Creed Unity The final capture of the week comes from @ Subject_72 a member of our Assassin’s Creed VPTwitter Community. I thought it only right that we returned to Unity for the final capture of the week. Once again this photo is from a brilliant selection and it was difficult to choose just one for this showcase. I picked this image due to the level of detail and French feel. Arno looks iconic in his classic dark blue Assassin’s outfit, watching out over the city. There are some excellent details on the buildings that just make Paris feel alive. I can’t wrap up without mentioning the exceptional Statue of Liberty, a fine addition to this game. Link to set comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Aaron is a passionate Assassin's Creed fan who joined our AC Partnership Program as an Online Article Writer back in 2021 after the release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. After building momentum and interest on TOWCB website for Virtual Photography, Aaron established TOWCB Virtual Photography Team, of which he is now Team Leader. Throughout 2024, TOWCB VP Team will be sharing community captures in dedicated articles, and providing a positive environment on Twitter for gamers to share their shots. Aaron Young

🔧 Restoration In Progress- Check Back Soon! Review Share 20 Nov 2010 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) WIP Back To Database Restoration In Progress- Check Back Soon! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Col is one of the UK's leading Assassin's Creed Community members, and is best known for establishing both 'The Ones Who Came Before' fan community and 'Isu_Network' content creation program. As Team Leader for The Ones Who Came Before, Col was officially recognised by Ubisoft, becoming one the UK Assassin's Creed community ambassadors in 2016. He has attended many events after spending a decade in the AC Community, and has worked on countless projects, all of which you can find here on TOWCB website. He is also a former Ubisoft Star Player and member of The Mentors Guild, two recognisable community programs which opened doors and took his status within the AC Community to the next level. Colum Blackett (Col_96)

Quick-Fire Community Questions Round 7: Caleb Allen Community Interview Share 12 Aug 2019 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) Ashlea Blackett Back To Database For this round of Quick-Fire Community Questions, we invited Cosplayer Caleb Allen, the newest member of the AC Partnership Program. Caleb as Ren Faulkner, the Scottish Assassin Col: Hi there Caleb. Welcome to the series! Please could you tell us about when you first start playing Assassin's Creed games, and which one is your favourite? Caleb: I first started playing AC when AC:III was released. I heard the hype surrounding it and decided to pick up the first game and go from there. I've been hooked ever since. My favorite game has switched over the years, but currently my favorite is AC: Origins. It's an amazing setting, with a great story and fluid gameplay. Col: How long have you been cosplaying, and do you have any favourite Cosplayers? Caleb: I've been cosplaying for a year now, and a few of my favorite cosplayers are @ appalachian_assassin and @ annettabarbierithementor on Instagram. Both are fantastic people and they supported me when I first started cosplaying! Col: When creating Ren Faulkner, what was your main inspiration? Caleb: My inspiration stemmed from the lack of Scottish Assassins in the AC universe. The idea was just too cool to pass up, and I went with it. Col: Did you use many reference images to aid you in the production of your Scottish costume? Caleb: I only used a couple I found on deviantART, the rest came from my imagination. There's not many Scottish Assassins to be found online, so I went ahead and added to the roster. Caleb as a Levantine Assassin during the Third Crusade Col: How do you decide on a backstory for your characters, and are you looking forward to developing these further now that you're a member of the partnership program? Caleb: Absolutely! I love delving into the backstory of OCs. It's a fun challenge because I want to stay as historically accurate as possible, which is a bit hard since Ren Faulkner is a bit anachronistic. Col: How long does a cosplay project normally take from start to finish? Caleb: That depends. A lot of my costumes I've gathered from performing in the Sarasota Medieval Fair, so I had the kilt and shirt already from 2015. But making cosplays from scratch can take a bit of time finding and/or making the right pieces. Col: If Ubisoft were to include one of your characters in a future game, which one would you choose and why? Caleb: A Scottish Assassin's Creed game set in 1314 with the War for Scottish Independence! You could meet historical figures like Robert the Bruce and Walter Stewart, and explore the moors and lochs of Scotland. It would be such an awesome game and would bring the series back to its medieval roots. Col: Which is your favourite cosplay project you have done to date? Caleb: Ren Faulkner! It's what started my page and I've had the most fun working on it. Caleb as a Pirate Assassin Col: How easy/difficult is it to make an Assassin costume? Were there any challenging details or processes involved in creating the finished product? Caleb: With my three Assassin OCs so far, the most difficult was my Scottish one. Creating the look and putting together the leather pieces was a nice challenge. I think the shoulder belt was the hardest to get right. Col: Which part of one your cosplay projects are you most proud of? Caleb: The leatherwork I do for my cosplays is my strongest area. My favorite piece I've made is a full length scabbard for Ren's sword! Col: Do you wear your costumes at events, and what is the general response to them? Caleb: I've worn several of my cosplays to renaissance festivals and events! I've gone to METROCON twice now with Ren and people have loved it! Col: Do you have any future plans? Caleb: I want to make a Roman Assassin! Not Renaissance, but early Imperial Era. I was hyped for the rumors surrounding Ubisoft's next game, but since that's not happening anytime soon I want to make my own take on it! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Col is one of the UK's leading Assassin's Creed Community members, and is best known for establishing both 'The Ones Who Came Before' fan community and 'Isu_Network' content creation program. As Team Leader for The Ones Who Came Before, Col was officially recognised by Ubisoft, becoming one the UK Assassin's Creed community ambassadors in 2016. He has attended many events after spending a decade in the AC Community, and has worked on countless projects, all of which you can find here on TOWCB website. He is also a former Ubisoft Star Player and member of The Mentors Guild, two recognisable community programs which opened doors and took his status within the AC Community to the next level. Colum Blackett (Col_96)

Pitching an Assassin's Creed Game: Caledonia (Scotland Part 2) Wishlist Share 7 Oct 2025 Written By: Edited By: James Davis (TopChef1288) Colum Blackett Back To Database In this article, I will be exploring Scottish mythology and how it could be woven into an Assassin’s Creed game set in Scotland. In part one, we pitched an Assassin’s Creed game set in Scotland under the leadership of William Wallace. Scottish Brotherhood of Assassins by Okiir Mythology has been part of Assassin’s Creed since the very beginning, with the introduction of the Isu. Over the years however, its role has grown; almost becoming a central pillar of the franchise. From Origins to Shadows, mythology has shifted from being a subtle undertone to taking center stage. This evolution has divided the fanbase. It has become something of a “marmite” element, and you either love it or hate it. Personally, I have enjoyed it. I think if done correctly, mythology can enrich the story and open up new creative avenues. That being said, I also appreciate the way Shadows handles mythology. Mythical creatures weren't portrayed as literal monsters, but rather as people disguising themselves as these legendary monsters. It grounded the myth in a way that fit perfectly within the Assassin’s Creed world. Loch Ness Monster: Few tales from Scotland are as enduring as that of the Loch Ness Monster. Known affectionately as “Nessie” the creature is said to haunt the deep murky waters of Loch Ness. Descriptions vary, but most paint the same picture in your mind. A vast, long necked shape gliding through the water, with what appears to be humps breaking the surface before vanishing back to the depths. The legend stretches back nearly 1500 years. Early chronicles tell of strange beasts in the lochs. With one account describing a monster near Inverness that pulled a man beneath the waves. By the late 13th century, the story of “Nessie” was already whispered across the highlands. Part warning, part curiosity and always tinged with fear. The Surgeons Photograph (1933 hoax b y Robert Kenneth Wilson) How it could work in Assassin’s Creed: Because the game we pitched in a previous article is set during 1290-1307, the Loch Ness Monster could be woven into the story two different ways. Depending on how to play the myth, the best way. Firstly, we could make the monster a reality. “Nessie” could be tied directly to the Isu. Rather than a flesh and bone beast, it could be a by-product of the ancient technology buried beneath the loch. Something designed for war or perhaps a guardian left behind to protect Isu relics. To the people of 13th century Scotland, it would appear as nothing less than a monster lurking in the deep, dark and murky waters. Encounters would be rare, but enough to feed the fear and spread the legend among the locals. Secondly, the Loch Ness Monster could be nothing more than a story, cleverly twisted by the Templars. During the War of Independence, the loch and its surroundings could serve as key routes for moving troops or even collecting Isu relics. By spreading tales of a deadly creature in the water, the Templars ensure that locals and any one a danger to their operations; stay away. Anyone who disappears near the loch isn't the victim of a beast at all. But of Templar blades. Band art by Schammasch, resembling an enemy faction in Assassin's Creed The Kelpies The Kelpies are one of Scotland's darkest legends. Said to haunt rivers and lochs, these supernatural water horses often appear as strays by the shore. They are depicted as usually dark grey or black, with a mane that is dripping wet. To the unsuspecting eye, they look harmless and even inviting to some. But the moment someone climbs onto its back, the Kelpie drags them beneath the surface to a watery grave. Stories of the Kelpies were more than just folklore. They served as a warning against the dangers of the fast moving rivers and deep lochs; where accidents and drownings often happened. By the 13th century, these tales were already widespread across Scotland, shaping both fear and superstition in everyday life. Kelpies by Mandy Bake r How could it work in Assassin’s Creed In the Assassin’s Creed universe, the Kelpie might just be a simple rare creature that few have ever seen. Half-horse & half-water spirit, it lives quietly in Scotland’s lochs and rivers, slipping between the mist. To most people, it is nothing more than a glimpse out of the corner of their eye. Something there but not, never caught and never explained. Not a monster, not a threat but a reminder that the natural world still holds some mystery beyond human reach. Secondly it could be that the Kelpies are no more than just a myth, stories born from fear of the water & the lives it claimed. Drownings, loose horses or strange shapes in the mist have all become proof of a spirit horse waiting to drag the unwary beneath the waves. Over time these tales have hardened into warnings, passed down through generations; as a way to keep people safe from dangerous rivers and lochs. But it could be used, shaped and amplified in Assassin’s Creed by Templars. They might lean on the legend, encouraging it to spread. As their way of controlling where locals wonder, so they can conduct their business uninterrupted. A drowning man is quicker to blame Kelpies rather than the Templars. The fear of the myth would ensure they continue unopposed. This way the Kelpies become less a creature of flesh and blood and more of a tool. One that keeps people in line and questions unanswered. Band art by Schammasch, resembling an enemy faction in Assassin's Creed Bruce and the Spider One of the most enduring legends tied to Robert the Bruce, is the tale of Bruce and the Spider. After his defeat at the Battle of Methven in 1306, Bruce fled into hiding. Alone and on the edge of despair, he is said to have watched a spider attempt again and again to spin its web across a gap. Bruce watched as the spider never gave up and tried again and again without failure, until finally the spider spun its web bridging the gap. Bruce found strength and reassurance from watching the spider and he rose, returning to fight for Scotland’s freedom. Bruce and the Spider How it could work in Assassin’s Creed In the story of Assassin’s Creed, the spider may not even be a spider after all. It could be a man. He could be known as the “Spider” , a hermit, hiding away from Templar eyes. He’s named for all the webs of spies at his disposal. Bruce stumbled upon him and the “Spider” became an unlikely mentor, teaching him the values of patience and persistence. Assassin records suggest this figure could even be an ally to the brotherhood, guiding Bruce at the moment when Scotland’s future hung in the balance. In this telling the spider is not a creature of chance. But a deliberate lesson, one that would carry Bruce to Bannockburn. But the spider could also be a tale that some believe was never rooted in truth. Instead it was crafted by those loyal to Bruce as a story to inspire loyalty. A king who rose from defeat needed more than victories to help him win Scotland’s freedom. He needed a legend. Wanderer image via History.co.uk Unicorn The unicorn is Scotland’s most famous emblem, a creature of purity and unyielding spirit. The unicorn has been celebrated in poetry and heraldry. But unlike fleeting folklore, it has become a national symbol that has endured for many centuries. Maerten de Vos, Unicorn , 1572, Staatliches Museum Schwerin, Schwerin, Germany. How could it work in Assassin’s Creed In Assassin’s Creed, it might be able to trace the unicorn’s roots into the Isu. Perhaps it was a horse bred or engineered as a guardian, its spiral horn forged from alloys lost to time. Over generations, human memory reshaped this animal of Isu design into a beast of legend. Alternatively, the unicorn may be nothing more than a Templar construct. Understanding the power of imagery, they spread the unicorn as an emblem of divine right and untamable authority. To bind it to Scotland’s kingship was to bind its people to a symbol they controlled. What seemed to a nation as a mark of hope, may in fact be a tool of Templar influence. Celestrial Unicorn mount in Assassin's Creed Shadows via Reddit Conclusion Taken together; these legends show how myth and memory intertwined with history. Some may be echoes of the Isu, their forgotten creations lingering in stories. Others may be deliberate inventions, spread by Templars to inspire obedience or cloak their real intentions. And some may still simply be myths, purity and terror that give meaning to hardships. For me, what makes these stories so compelling is not just whether they’re real or not, but the role they could play in the bringing of Assassin’s Creed Scotland to life. Legends that would make the landscape feel alive, by adding some texture to the world as well; layered with belief and meaning. I think weaving them into the game, whether they are myths, Templar tools of manipulation or something more. It would make the highlands feel more authentic and alive. Each tale, giving the player a reason to stop, to listen and to wonder. They’d remind us that Scotland isn't just a battlefield for power and relics. Where myths inspire hope or fear & where whispers by the fire can shape the course of history. To me, that's the heart of what would make the setting unforgettable. Not just wars and the kings but the sense that every glen, loch and ruined castle carries a legend waiting to be discovered. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author James is a video creator based in the UK who joined TOWCB's Video Content Creation Team in June 2025. James was brought onboard to help TOWCB with news coverage on TikTok, and creating a consistent Twitch streaming schedule. He is a big fan of the Assassin's Creed series who will be helping TOWCB grow in late 2025, with a particular focus on TikTok, Youtube and Instagram. By joining the partnership program, we aim to provide James with opportunities to grow and further his relationship with the AC Community and Ubisoft. James Davis (TopChef1288)

Opinion: AC Brotherhood didn't know what to do with Ezio Analysis Share 15 Apr 2024 Written By: Edited By: Finn Fletcher Colum Blackett Back To Database I recently visited Rome and so - as a nerd - replayed Assassin's Creed Brotherhood in preparation. It's the first time I've revisited the Ezio trilogy properly since 2017, when I marathoned the first five games before the release of Assassin's Creed Origins. I'm having a great time, the music swells a pure childish excitement in me, and Roger Craig Smith is amazing. Unfortunately, I've found the story this time through (my third or fourth playthrough now) quite lacklustre, especially the characterisation of Ezio. He's the charming Assassin hero we all remember, but has little extra depth. He's unstoppable, and since in this game he became the face of the franchise moving forward, feels more like a traditional gaming protagonist such as Master Chief or Doom Guy. Here, he's a white hood and hidden blades, who's smooth with the ladies and an effective killer. But a lot of the self-doubt and anger that plagued him in Two - and I think made him so interesting to begin with - has been stripped back for him to become the ideal Assassin Mentor. It's a shame really, especially considering the story the game sets up. The prologue of Brotherhood recaps Ezio facing the man ultimately responsible for his father's death, realising revenge isn't the answer, before learning that he's not even the main character of his own story. He starts the game finding out his actions don't matter, and that he's nothing more than a messenger or middle-man in a wider story. Following this he loses his home and uncle, a man who had previously given him purpose in the brotherhood. At this point, he'd logically be adrift, homeless, without a guiding figure and burdened with the knowledge that he's nothing more than a pawn in another's story. Mario, the only person who could probably reassure him at this moment and give him a new purpose, is gone, he's more alone than ever. That's a really interesting place for a narrative, and based on his behaviour in Two, would push him to seek revenge. Forgiveness didn't work is a conclusion that would be easy for him to reach after the Borgia’s invaded his home and Rodrigo chose to not repay Ezio’s kindness. Now it's time to take no prisoners. Brotherhood doesn't tell that story, Ezio barely mourns Mario's death or the loss of his home and quickly begins taking down Borgia strongholds across Rome. He's cool, calm and collected, and rarely if ever makes a mistake. The game tries to add intrigue by questioning Machiavelli’s loyalties, but Ezio stays neutral throughout that subplot before exposing the truth. This again could've been interesting, after Mario's death Ezio could become more paranoid, seeing enemies everywhere and calling for the death of Machiavelli before discovering the truth. He's a leader now, with a lot more responsibility, and his mistakes have larger consequences. It could be a moment of reflection pushing him to be better, but instead it's just another situation Ezio swiftly fixes. This is even reflected in his new robes, now pristine white and red, looking as if they were carved in marble. Ezio is statuesque, a perfect figure of Assassin morality and skill. They've lost the rugged swagger of Giovanni’s (far superior) robes, or the put together feel of Altair's armour, which show him putting his own stamp on the brotherhood's legacy. I don't HATE these robes by any means, and they've become the archetype for the series moving forward for good reason, but they're easily my least favourite of Ezio's selection (other than the armour of Brutus but I try and forget that exists). Brotherhood is still an excellent game, it holds up in many ways and as previously mentioned Roger Craig Smith's performance doesn't falter even if the script does. I just feel on reflection it tells a flat story, taking an interesting character and turning him bland. Ezio's other stories are far more interesting, questioning his reasoning and determination. I wish there was more about that here, a mid-life crisis for Ezio as he has to move from student to master and all responsibility rests on his shoulders. This is a time for him to make mistakes, before becoming the ideal mentor in Revelations, who then has to accept he's too old to carry on while reflecting on what made him choose this path to begin with. Instead it's an unquestioning tale of a flawless hero, who now drives tanks, flies bombers, and leads an army. What are your thoughts on Assassin's Creed Brotherhood? Were you happy with the evolution of Ezio? Let us know in the comments below! comments debug Comments (1) Write a comment Write a comment Sort by: Newest nobodycares Jan 05 Great article, perfectly described my feelings after finishing the game for the first time. Like Reply About the Author Finn is a creative writer from Rotherham, UK who has previously supported TOWCB's Fundraising events, and raised awareness surrounding Men's Mental Health. Finn's writing covers a wide scope, with releases so far including reviews, interviews and stories. He is known in the AC Community for his 'Pitching an Assassin's Creed Game' series, all of which you can find here on TOWCB website! Finn Fletcher

This Week in Assassin’s Creed Virtual Photography: 23rd to 29th October Community Share 1 Nov 2023 Written By: Edited By: Aaron Young Colum Blackett Back To Database Welcome to the weekly virtual photography roundup hosted by Aaron Young from The AC Partnership Program. Every week I will be picking our top 5 favourite Assassin’s Creed shots and showcasing them on The Ones Who Came Before website, in order to promote virtual photography and talented content creators within the community. Aaron is a keen virtual photographer and loves to post his journeys through Assassin’s Creed on Twitter. Keep an eye on the site as more weekly shots are added, we are looking for captures across all Assassin’s Creed games. Tag your photos to the #TOWCBWeeklyCapture for a chance to be featured. This week’s theme: Basim Close up Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ G_Assassin90 “You now follow in the eagle’s path” Stepping out into Baghdad for the first time in the initiate robes has a special feeling. It has been too long since we have played as a full Assassin protecting their city. The Initiate outfit is arguably the best one in the game, and Basim will always be remembered for wearing it. This close up capture of our protector is beautiful. I like that it was taken at night, with what looks like a torch adding saturation to his face. The cold of the night allows the blue on the hood to stand out, and the details on the hood are flawless. Basim may not have many facial expressions but this soft look suits him at the beginning of the game. Link to set: Moonlight Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ FrameHoldPhotos “Basim, what happen here?” Crossing the desert at night under the moonlight has a magical feel to it. Assassin’s Creed Mirage balances the city missions with the wilderness ones very well. I like that Ubisoft allowed us to explore these more baron places, as it mixes up the gameplay. This incredible shot of Basim under the moonlight is gorgeous. Often night shots in Assassin’s Creed games can be difficult but here you can see so many details. The moonlight reflecting off of the hood is elegant, whilst the shadows across his body are very mischievous. The lighting and composition is so good, and really makes for a perfect Basim portrait. Who is Next? Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ Jedicentinel “Are you aware this women works for the order?” The Assassin’s are all about writing wrongs and delivering justice. In Assassin’s Creed Mirage, it is Basim’s purpose to rid Baghdad of those who wish to harm it. That being said I love how there are pros and cons to both the Hidden Ones and the Order's beliefs. Here we see Basim right after what looks like an Assassination. I like that we can see the target on the floor with the blade just in front of her. The guard behind is readying his horn to call for reinforcements. We all know this to be futile as Basim is poised ready to attack. I love this stance in the game and it has been captured so well here. Valhalla Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ Cll3ar “I am always at peace. And never alone” After playing as Basim in Assassin’s Creed Mirage, I think the Valhalla version of the character is more interesting. That being said I have really enjoyed witnessing the character development for him and I wish Ubisoft would explore more characters in this way. I love this shot for the contrast of colours. The Valhalla outfit looks stunning against the clear backdrop and the greenery. Nice use of depth of field to highlight Basim in the centre. The outfit is definitely a step up from Valhalla and helps to bridge the two games. The Gladiator hand movement is a subtle icing on the cake. Reflection Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage VP Artist: @ belegarsson115 “We have drifted apart” When I think of Basim there is one word that springs to mind, mysterious. His whole time in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is shrouded in mystery. Yet for the most part, our time with him in Mirage is also a cryptic affair. Basim is a compelling character and I have enjoyed my time exploring his origins. This shot sums up Basim’s life, you can see he is conflicted here and in pain. The black background serves the shot well by highlighting his expression. The lighting is on point allowing you to only see one side of his face. Basim only wants you to see one side of him and this shot illustrates that beautifully. Link to set: The Ones Who Came Before Photo of the Week Judge: @ BasimIbnIshaq_ ''The choice of a black and white portrait was obvious to me. I particularly like this photographic method. I find that black and white photography highlights more details in a shot than colour, this is true for both real life and virtual photography. This black and white portrait of Basim, I notice the details and subtlety that the photographer Belegarsson transmitted. I completely feel Basim’s emotions and this play of light on his face is just beautiful. The grip angle is excellent too. This portrait of Basim has a big place in my heart.'' And that sums it up for this week’s Assassin’s Creed virtual photography recap list! Thank you for checking out this week’s photo collection. This would not be possible without the virtual photographers out there so a huge thanks to them. Until next week keep those shots coming in! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Aaron is a passionate Assassin's Creed fan who joined our AC Partnership Program as an Online Article Writer back in 2021 after the release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. After building momentum and interest on TOWCB website for Virtual Photography, Aaron established TOWCB Virtual Photography Team, of which he is now Team Leader. Throughout 2024, TOWCB VP Team will be sharing community captures in dedicated articles, and providing a positive environment on Twitter for gamers to share their shots. Aaron Young

Q&A with Aymar Azaïzia Interview Share 7 May 2016 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) Ashlea Blackett Back To Database Col: Hey Aymar. Thanks for joining me today. I have a few Assassin’s Creed topics we would like to discuss today. Aymar: Thanks for having me, especially in a pub, with a beer. Is it a strategy to get me to talk? :) Col: We’ll see if we can get any secrets today ;) So let’s get started. Can you tell us anything about the Apple of Eden replica that was shown off a while back? We saw a prototype but we haven’t heard anything since. Aymar: Sure, right now, the project and the will to make it happen during the year is still very real. However we are trying to find the best execution, quality so expect more news soon! Col: Cool! Okay so I have a very big question! How did Ezio die, and was he assassinated? Aymar: My take on it, is watch the Godfather movie, and focus on the death of Don Corleone. Then watch Embers again, and I would say that Ezio get assassinated. There is a price to pay, and there is no rest once you walk the path of the Assassins. It is a bittersweet ending, Ezio got a nice and long life, yet there was no way for him to die from a heart attack (PS focus on the soundtrack!). Now you can hate me :) Col: Poor Ezio! So I was also wondering about the Nikolai Orelov statue that was shown. Is that still happening? Aymar: Got the only one :) It was a prototype that wasn’t supposed to be shown at that stage. It was a unique resin prototype, and we didn’t moved on with that, yet you can expect more cool figurines from us! Col: Nice! So why did the Davenport Homestead mysteriously disappear after AC3? Aymar: History kills a lot of thing… But there may be another explanation… :D Col: Who was the man at Lucy’s Grave in Initiates? Aymar: What is your call? We know who he is, but we are not there yet :) Col – Interesting. I personally think that it could be an Instrument of the first will, but we’ll have to see! Col: I was wondering if you can tell us anything about the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Movie Novel by Ryder Windham. Aymar: Talking about early announcement :) It is supposed to be a movie script adaptation as far as I know, but I don’t have more details at the moment, sorry! Col: Fair enough! Speaking of early announcements, an Assassin’s Creed Colouring book appeared on Amazon. So what kind of images can we expect to be colouring in? Aymar: We have the guys working on our artbook selecting the best images, so expect a mix between characters, landscape, iconic symbol and more! Col: Awesome! So Assassin’s Creed has released two sets of comic books recently, so I was wondering if any more can be expected in the future? Maybe comics focussing on Erudito or Juno’s Instruments. That could be cool. Aymar: YES! Both Titans and us are really pleased with what is happening at the moment, and I would be lying if I was saying we don’t have more plans for Assassin and Templars :) Col: That’s cool. Speaking of future plans, I was wondering if you guys would ever consider making more Chronicles game’s? Aymar: Right now, we are focusing our game effort on our next Assassin’s Creed game, but nothing is impossible with Chronicles :) Col: Fair enough! So Assassin’s Creed Last Descendants was announced recently, and a new Piece of Eden was mentioned in the description. “The Trident of Eden”. Can you tell us anything about that? Aymar: Yes, but I will have to kill you then :) What I could stay is that it is a very amazing story, I LOVE what Matt did with it, and the trident is a very interesting POE :p Col: Sounds interesting! So I was wondering if we could see the Lydia Frye story going anywhere in the future? Aymar: Haha, Lydia, Haytham, and so many others we want to bring back. So stay tuned! Col: So I left the difficult question until the end. Let’s talk about the precursor box. Does one exist or many. I personally believe that we saw 2 in AC Rogue, but several exist. Aymar: How many visuals versions have you seen so far? Same? :p Col: Interesting. I’ll stick to my theory though! Thanks for your time Aymar. It’s been an absolute pleasure to meet you. Aymar: It was a pleasure, let’s focus on beers now :) comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Col is one of the UK's leading Assassin's Creed Community members, and is best known for establishing both 'The Ones Who Came Before' fan community and 'Isu_Network' content creation program. As Team Leader for The Ones Who Came Before, Col was officially recognised by Ubisoft, becoming one the UK Assassin's Creed community ambassadors in 2016. He has attended many events after spending a decade in the AC Community, and has worked on countless projects, all of which you can find here on TOWCB website. He is also a former Ubisoft Star Player and member of The Mentors Guild, two recognisable community programs which opened doors and took his status within the AC Community to the next level. Colum Blackett (Col_96)

5 Small Things I Would Like to See Added to Assassin's Creed Shadows Review Share 2 Apr 2025 Written By: Edited By: Finn Fletcher Colum Blackett Back To Database Generally, I'm really enjoying Assassin's Creed Shadows. It feels like a return to form for the series following the recent RPG saga. Not to say that those games were bad, in fact I'm a massive Valhalla defender, but after years of watching this franchise change from its original intentions, something like Shadows feels wonderful. I've not completed the game yet, and will save my full review until then, but up top I wanted to say how much I'm enjoying it. As with anything though, there are things which could be better, and I have chosen five nitpicks that have really been annoying me as I explore 16th century Japan. Headgear in Cutscenes Cutscene in Assassin's Creed Shadows Naoe has some of my favourite costumes in the series. She's a walking fashion icon. And yet, whenever you start a conversation, even just to use the shops, her hood vanishes. I know this isn't a major issue, but I find it truly breaks my immersion. These cool costumes lose their aura the second a cutscene begins to play - I hated it in Odyssey and I hate it here. The argument from developers is that they probably want to show off the work done on facial animations, which I respect, but a toggle to choose this would work perfectly. Afterall, we managed to get emotional moments with characters wearing hoods in a dozen other games. Walking Speed Photo Mode shot by Finn Fletcher This may be less popular than the first point, but I would also like to be able to toggle the walking speed. Since Origins characters have been jogging everywhere, in fact everyone in games now seems to jog. The cool moments of walking towards a battle are sort of gone, and while you can control it with the stick, it's too fiddly to ever be precise. An option to make it so Naoe and Yasuke move slower unless running would again add to the feeling that we're playing something much closer to the original games. Objective Counters Shadows introduces missions that amount to killing x amount of a certain type of enemy within an area. They're fine, introduced with a bit of a narrative which goes a long way to making it more engaging. The problem is, the count for this only begins after you speak to the quest giver, and can task you with battling 100 NPCs. Recently I picked one up in Yamashiro after completing the main quest in the area, which meant that the hundreds of bandits I'd already killed in the region did not contribute to this counter. My intention was to finish some side quests before moving the story forward, but now I'm certain that mission will never be complete because I'm not going to bother running across Kyoto again waiting for bandits to respawn. If this was monitored in totality then it would make what are very much box ticking tasks feel much less annoying. Selling Items This one's so simple I'm surprised it wasn't in the game from launch. If you want to sell gear in Shadows you have to go to a shop, choose the specific item, and hold the button for a few seconds. You get A LOT of gear in Shadows so if you chose to clear out your inventory it could take minutes of holding down one button. A group sell option (where you select multiple items to sell at once) would just streamline this whole process. Change Time of Day In Shadows light and darkness play a major role in how successful you'll be in stealth. It's honestly a brilliant design, making your surroundings play a much bigger role in the gameplay. Obviously this also means that the time of day you choose to attack a fortress/camp is more important than ever, and yet unlike in all the previous RPG games you don't have an option to skip time. Bayek, Kassandra and Eivor could meditate to move between night and day, but Naoe and Yasuke aren't even able to sleep. Unless you are incredibly patient, this will often mean you just attack at whatever time of day it is and make do, meaning a whole system and strategy goes completely ignored. Bringing back meditation would be a really simple fix to this problem. If you do want to make it more restrictive, as to provide a bit of an extra challenge, you could always restrict this feature to Kakuregas, the small bases you can unlock across the map. Maybe add a bed into these, where Naoe and Yasuke can go to rest and you get to choose the time of day you want to approach the next target in. Conclusion I'm no game developer, and my understanding of how easy these features would be to add might be wrong. But honestly, everything I've mentioned here feels like it could be patched in with the latest update, and it would go a long way to making the experience more enjoyable than it already is. Assassin's Creed Shadows is available now comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Finn is a creative writer from Rotherham, UK who has previously supported TOWCB's Fundraising events, and raised awareness surrounding Men's Mental Health. Finn's writing covers a wide scope, with releases so far including reviews, interviews and stories. He is known in the AC Community for his 'Pitching an Assassin's Creed Game' series, all of which you can find here on TOWCB website! Finn Fletcher