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The Ones Who Came Before - 2024 Highlights Community Share 22 Dec 2024 Written By: Edited By: Gustav Poulsen (Gargudon) TOWCB Team Back To Database 2024 has been a big year for us here at The Ones Who Came Before. We celebrated our 10th anniversary, launched a wide variety of landmark projects - analytical breakdowns, photography, interviews and more - welcomed a number of new content creators to our team, as well as numerous new followers to our site, continuing to become one of the leading platforms for everything Assassin’s Creed. With the year slowly coming to an end, let us look back at some of the highlights and most recognised projects of ours from throughout the year! Thanks to all of our followers for supporting us yet another full year! We look forward to releasing more content on everything AC in 2025, and hope to see all of you stick around for it! 10th Anniversary of The Ones Who Came Before First and foremost, let’s reminisce on our site celebrating its 10th anniversary this recent August. From founder Colum , then only a kid, starting it as a place merely to share cool AC theories with next to no followers, to first being recognised by Ubisoft, becoming a three-man, then the 25+ members team we are today and 60K+ followers later, our site has certainly seen its share of growth and expansion, becoming one of the top Assassin’s Creed fan communities out there. To go with this massive milestone, we also released an array of special content and projects, from a golden version of our logo inspired by the AC15 aesthetic, highlight reels, interviews with high profile community icons and more. Interview with Jesper Kyd & Assassin’s Creed II Soundtrack Covers As part of our 10th anniversary content schedule, we had the opportunity and honour of sitting down with Mr. Jesper Kyd for a chat - the legendary composer behind the iconic soundtracks of Assassin’s Creed 1, The Ezio Trilogy and Valhalla - talking everything from Jesper’s journey in games composing, writing, production and sound design, musical influences and much more! To suitably go with this landmark interview, we also cooked up covers of a number of favourite tracks of ours of Jesper’s from the legendary Assassin’s Creed II soundtrack, among others the iconic Flight Over Venice. Create our versions of these tracks, sticking as true as possible to the originals, while also adding our own unique twists and elements. Full interview with Jesper plus covers of all tracks are up on our YouTube channel! The Meaning Of Edward Kenway’s Tattoos Early on in the year, at last properly relaunching our video venture which we are only looking to further grow and expand, kicking things off was the analysis of the meaning of the legendary pirate trained by Assassins Edward Kenway’s iconic tattoos. The analytical deep dive, turned out one of our best video successes to date on our growing YouTube channel with a couple thousand views, and had viewers getting good discussions started about their thoughts on the subject. What are your thoughts on Captain Kenway’s vast ink collection and the meaning behind the individual pieces? Make sure to let us know and to check out the full analysis available on our channel! East Again, Original Musical Fan Theme Inspired by Assassin’s Creed Mirage In the beginning of the year, following our entry into the world of music with our 2023 project Sounds Of History - an original instrumental EP featuring five tracks inspired by five different games - the brains behind that Gargudon cooked up another track, dedicated to AC Mirage, the three and half minute ambient and action packed fan theme East Again. From starting out on a slower, ambient section perfectly suited for stealth gameplay, then exploding into a louder section towards the end fit for fight, fusing electronic, Metal and traditional Eastern sounds and melodies, this track received praise from community members and was a blast to create! The track is available wherever music is streamed, as well as on our YouTube channel accompanied by an ambient visualiser. Links to listen on Apple Music & Spotify via our LinkTree. Virtual Photography Community & Contest Judged by Magnus Bruun As in-game photography has evolved heavily in gaming overall and Assassin’s Creed specifically with the years, so has a number of online communities dedicated to players sharing their incredible captures, including ours over on X. Run by our incredible photography team, our community passed 1000 members in the summer. Additionally we have hosted a number of photography contests, each with their unique theme, inviting our followers to share their best shots, one of the latest ones to be guest judged by Eïvor himself, Magnus Bruun. Every one has been nothing short of incredible entries, every shot leaving us mesmerised! Thank you to everyone who have joined our photography community thus far, and make sure to do so if you haven’t yet! We look forward to more talent joining and contests in the new year, and till then, keep tagging us in your best shots on X and Instagram @acfirstciv from across the games! Join our virtual photography community on X . AC Community Tattoos Showcase As part of our 10th anniversary celebrations, we asked our followers with such, to share a picture of their Assassin’s Creed themed tattoos with us, for a showcase compilation of the ink found among the community’s members. Featured were community members and fans @djdelange, @ rick_sama , @ valorianru , @ kells_creed , @ kendo_messiah , @ hangmanshand, as well as long-time community member Dave Woodward and his iconic collection, and Gargudon and ActualSpider-Man from our team. We would love to see more of the incredible Assassin’s Creed tattoos found on fans out there and do a part two to this showcase. Do you have any ink inspired by the franchise? Send it to us on one of our socials and we’ll feature it next! Assassin’s Creed Shadows Reveal + Code Breaking One of the major highlights in Assassin’s Creed this year, was of course the official reveal of of the next instalment in the franchise, with what formerly known as Codename Red officially becoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows, at last heading to a fan favourite location over many years, 16th century Feudal Japan. Leading up to the reveal in the last days before, Ubisoft also shared mystic encoded messages, as well as clues and character graphs that might aid those capable of decoding them, and as it happens, we were one of the first to do so, thanks to the incredible codebreakers joining our team. This reveal overall got us working on and putting out a series of Shadows related content, from fanart, custom wallpapers, analytical breakdown videos and more. More content on the game will of course only keep coming leading up to the February release, among other things including our teased original fan theme The Wind Between The Cherry Trees inspired by the game. New Additions to the TOWCB Team And last but not least, throughout the year we of course also welcomed a number of new talented and passionate AC content creators to our ever growing and evolving team, from writers, streamers, video creators, platform managers and more. On the video oriented front, the addition of SisterlyThrower has seen our growing video venture further taking off, with among other things analytical breakdowns and unique psychological analysis of key AC characters. We also welcomed shorts and skits creator Calvin, as well as streamer Laura Jung, who successfully executed our first community stream on Twitch, playing Valhalla while brilliantly cosplaying as Eïvor. Our writing team welcomed codebreaker Edenoi, who was key in solving the coded AC Shadows messages, and it also welcomed back Hayden Bird , a writer who originally joined us in 2020 but had to depart, but is now back with us in style as an article writer. Our latest additions, Zephryss and Renzo, have also brilliantly helped mange our social media platforms and content. We look forward to even further building our team in the new year, and we want you on it! Are you passionate about AC with a knack for writing, streaming, video creation, art or social media managing? Get in touch with us and we’ll take you into consideration, we are excited to hear from you! And that more or less sums it up for the best and most significant highlights for us here at The Ones Who Came Before in 2024. The year is of course not fully over just yet, and we still have bits and pieces of content we are excited to share before the new year. Once again, thanks to everyone one of our followers for supporting us throughout the year! We look forward to welcoming new followers and team members, and continuously creating and sharing an array of cool new exclusive content on everything Assassin’s Creed in 2025. Merry Christmas, happy holidays and new year Assassins! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Gustav / Gargudon is an active community member, who started out in podcast hosting in 2016, but today mostly specialises in video creation, interviews & composing. By joining The Ones Who Came Before in 2019, originally reviving 'The Memory Corridor' podcast, which had been offline for nearly a year, he has had the opportunity to expand his audience and further develop his skills. 

His unique skill set made him the perfect candidate for our team. Among other things, he is known in the community for the Sounds Of History project - an original Assassin’s Creed inspired instrumental music project, featuring five tracks inspired by as many different games - other original fan themes plus covers of iconic AC tracks, as well as video interviews with a number of high profile names in the world of AC, from Roger Craig Smith, Jesper Kyd and more. Fun fact, among his growing colourful tattoo collection, Gustav is the only member of our team to have the TOWCB logo inked. Gustav Poulsen (Gargudon)

Community Questions & Answers: Zephryss Interview Share 16 Oct 2024 Written By: Edited By: Zephryss Colum Blackett Back To Database Col: Are you looking forward to working alongside the Social Media Team during the launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows? Zephryss: Absolutely! I'm looking forward to contributing to the success of the Assassin's Creed Shadows launch and collaborating with the Social Media Team. As a social media manager and a content writer, I can provide creative content ideas, assist with community engagement, and help analyze social media metrics. I'm eager to see how my skills can support the campaign and connect with fans of the franchise. Col: How excited are you to get your hands on the upcoming installment? Zephryss: I'm absolutely thrilled to dive into Assassin's Creed Shadows. The series has always been a favorite of mine, and I can't wait to explore new historical settings, master new parkour abilities, and unravel intricate narratives. The blend of stealth, combat, and historical fiction is truly captivating. Col: What sort of Assassin's Creed content have you been posting about recently, and what are you working on currently? Zephryss: Recently I have been posting “Did You Know” & “ Assassin's Creed Quiz” series on @ Isu_Network and Assassin's Creed shadows facts on @ ACFirstCiv . Currently I am working on a Halloween special Assassin's Creed article and a special video on the 7th anniversary of Assassin's Creed Origins. Col: Have you visited any of the locations from the games? Zephryss: No, I haven't been lucky enough to visit any of the real-world locations featured in the games. While I haven't been able to physically visit any of the game locations myself, I've explored them extensively through the games and the vast amount of information available online. It's been a fascinating journey to learn about different cultures, historical periods, and fantastical worlds. Col: Which Assassin's Creed game is your favourite and why? Zephryss: Assassin's Creed II is my favorite in the series for several reasons. First, its historical setting in Renaissance Italy is captivating, bringing to life iconic figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Machiavelli. The intricate cityscapes, from Florence to Venice, are beautifully rendered, offering a rich and immersive world to explore. Secondly, Ezio Auditore da Firenze, the protagonist, is one of the most memorable characters in gaming history. His personal journey, from a young noble to a skilled assassin, is both compelling and relatable. His interactions with other characters, particularly his family, add depth and emotion to me. Col: Have you attended any events within the Assassin's Creed Community? Zephryss: No, unfortunately, I haven't been able to attend any Assassin's Creed events yet. I'd love to experience the community and meet other fans, but I haven't had the opportunity to do so. Col: Do you have a favourite Assassin's Creed community moment/ story you would like to share? Zephryss: Absolutely! One of my favorite Assassin's Creed community moments was the widespread fan reaction to the "Ezio's Family" trailer before the release of Assassin's Creed II. The trailer, filled with emotional music and stunning visuals, perfectly captured the essence of Ezio's journey and his bond with his family. It generated a massive buzz within the community, leading to a collective sense of anticipation and excitement for the game. Col: What would be your dream setting for the upcoming AC Netflix TV show or future game? Zephryss: A setting I'd love to see explored in an AC Netflix series or game would be the Aztec Empire. A world teeming with vibrant cultures, intricate architecture, and a rich tapestry of mythology. We could delve into the heart of Tenochtitlan, a bustling metropolis built on a floating island. The series could explore the clash between the Aztecs and the Spanish Conquistadors, the rise and fall of the empire, and the enduring legacy of their civilization. The possibilities for gameplay or storytelling are endless. We could explore ancient temples filled with puzzles and traps, battle fearsome Aztec warriors, and uncover hidden secrets about the empire's history. Col: Do you have any personal AC goals you would like to achieve? Zephryss: Absolutely! As a massive Assassin's Creed fan, I've always dreamed of exploring more of the historical settings and delving deeper into the intricate lore. I'd love to see a game set in ancient India, with its rich mythology and vibrant culture. Imagine battling the powerful Rajas, infiltrating forbidden temples, and unraveling the secrets of the Assassin Order in the subcontinent. Col: What would you say is your most significant community achievement to date? Zephryss: My most significant community achievement is becoming a member of TOWCB, one of the biggest Assassin's Creed communities. Col: What is your favourite part of being a community member? Zephryss: The Assassin's Creed community is known for its dedication and creativity. Being a part of such a wonderful community provides me with a rich and rewarding experience. Col: Do you collect AC merchandise? If so, what is your favourite item? Zephryss: Unfortunately I don't have any AC merchandise right now. But I am planning to start a collection. Col: What advice do you have for people looking to begin streaming? Zephryss: Starting a streaming journey is a fantastic way to connect with people and share your passions. Here's some advice to help you get started: Find your niche: What are you most passionate about? Whether it's gaming, music, art, or something else entirely, focusing on a niche will help you attract a dedicated audience. Invest in quality equipment: While you don't need the most expensive setup, having good audio and video quality will enhance your viewers' experience. Be consistent: Regular streaming is key to building a loyal following. Create a schedule and stick to it. Engage with your audience: Interact with your viewers by responding to comments and participating in discussions. This helps create a sense of community. Have fun: Streaming should be enjoyable. Don't stress too much about perfection. Just relax and have fun sharing your content with the world!” Col: Where can our community members find you online? Zephryss: Community members can find me on our community Discord server. Just search for my name "Zephryss" and you can also find me on Twitter at @ TheRealZephryss . I share updates, news, and engage with the community there. And I have a separate YouTube channel for Assassin's Creed games named as Assassin Zephryss. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. 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

New piece of Assassin's Creed Shadows Fanart Released by Yasmin Page Art Share 13 Jul 2024 Written By: Edited By: Yasmin Page TOWCB Team Back To Database Check out this brand new piece of fanart by our very own digital artist Yasmin Page from the AC Partnership Program! Inspired by a scene from the Assassin's Creed Shadows Official World Premiere Trailer, this new piece of fanart reflects the pain that Naoe experiences in the destruction of her village. She finds the strength to keep going, demonstrating great resilience and determination. As always, Yas has brought the character to life in a way that stays true to the source material, acting as a frozen moment in time. We can't wait to share more art with the community throughout the marketing campaign! Until then, check our what our other team members have been up to in the Community Hub! Artist: Yasmin Page Yasmin is a Digital Artist based in Melbourne, Australia who discovered the Assassin's Creed series in 2019. Since then she has fallen in love with the franchise and created beautiful realistic digital artworks of several of the main characters. By joining TOWCB, we hope to introduce Yasmin to the AC Community by collaborating on a number of exciting projects such as art releases and podcasts. Instagram | ArtStation | Tumblr | Twitter comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Yasmin is a Digital Artist based in Melbourne, Australia who discovered the Assassin's Creed series in 2019. Since then she has fallen in love with the franchise and created beautiful realistic digital artworks of several of the main characters. By joining TOWCB, we hope to introduce Yasmin to the AC Community by collaborating on a number of exciting projects such as art releases and podcasts. Yasmin Page

Art Reveal: Hytham Sketch SophiaEA16 Art Share 28 Mar 2021 Written By: Edited By: Sophia Ashlea Blackett Back To Database We're pleased to reveal a new piece of art created by our very own SophiaEA16 from the AC Partnership Program! This sketch of Hytham from Assassin's Creed Valhalla was done on toned paper in class, and brings the character to life! One particular feature that stands out for me is the hair, with each individual strand making an impact. You'll soon be able to find more of Sophia's projects in the Community HUB. You can find links to her social media accounts below. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Sophia is a talented artist and Twitch streamer from Venice who joined the program in early 2021. During her time on the program, Sophia worked closely with our community members on a number of art different projects, such as competitions and fundraising campaigns. Sophia

Vikings in Ireland: A History Breakdown Share 19 Feb 2021 Written By: Edited By: Lauren Harris Ashlea Blackett Back To Database The first story DLC for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Wrath of the Druids, is due to release in the near future and it will see Eivor travelling to Ireland to battle a druidic cult known as the Children of Danu. As such, it is a great time to explore the history of the Vikings and their adventures in Ireland. The First Viking Age in Ireland is generally considered to be between 795 CE and 902 CE. The first recorded Viking raids on Irish soil happened in the year 795 CE on the islands of Rathlin and Lambay. It is likely that the invaders were from Norway, just like our good friend Eivor. For the next 40 years, towns, farms, and monasteries were frequently looted and destroyed by Viking warriors. As this was occurring, the Viking settlers were also integrating themselves into Irish society. The Norse warriors attacked the St. Columba monastery on Iona in 795 CE and burned St. Patrick’s Island to the ground in 798 CE. They returned to Iona in 802 and 806 CE, murdering 68 of the island’s residents and devastating the community. The Norse were not ones for large battle fleets. Instead, only a handful of ships – often less than three – would dock at the shores and offload a group of Vikings. Once the pillaging was complete, the warriors would return to their ship and depart, leaving nothing but destruction in their wake. Eye-witness accounts from the time refer to the Viking invaders as “faceless wraiths”, strangers who left as quickly as they arrived with the only evidence that they were ever there being the smouldering embers of the towns they passed through. Wrath of the Druids is the first downloadable content expansion for Assassin's Creed Valhalla, and is set to launch Spring 2021. The Irish did not take the attacks lying down, however. The Annals of Irish history mention that in 811 CE, the people of Uliad managed to kill a fleet of Viking invaders who arrived on their land. A year later in 812 CE, another fleet was killed in Umall, known today as County Mayo. It was clear to the Viking warriors that their small fleets of only a few longships were no longer working. For one, their men were being slaughtered by the Irish. More than that, though, was that there was only so much loot the Vikings could plunder and bring back to Scandinavia in such small ships. As a result, the invaders decided to upscale their operation in the 830s. The invaders travelled to Ireland with a fleet of between 50 to 100 ships and set up camp. This allowed the Vikings to raid the countryside and bring the loot back to their campsite. In 836 CE, they pillaged Uí Néill. In 837, they carried out river raids on the Boyne, Liffey and Shannon rivers. The Annals of Ulster recorded that sixty ships arrived on the Boyne, with another sixty on the Liffey. They approached Brega and Liffey and plundered everything in sight. In 840, the Vikings attacked Lough Neagh and the surrounding monasteries for most of a year. Their conquest grew in 841 when the warriors set up fortified camps at County Louth and Dublin. The Norse Vikings had a new problem to contend with in 849 CE when more invaders arrived on the shores of Ireland. These settlers were not Norsemen but Danes, and their arrival created a power struggle within Ireland’s Viking communities as the two groups began to fight each other. This distraction gave the Irish nobility time to plan how to deal with the invader armies. However, just as the Irish were building their defences and planning to strike, the Viking raids seemed to stop. 851 CE saw the last major attack of the time as the warriors crossed the sea to begin their invasion of Britain. With the warriors gone, the only Vikings left on Ireland were the settlers who were more concerned with building a life for themselves than attacking other communities. Some of the most prominent Norse populated towns in the late 800s were Dublin, then known as Dubhlinn, Cork, Youghal, and Waterford which became Ireland’s very first city. We know from the events in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla that the game takes place from 873-878 CE. As such, it should be relatively peaceful by the time Eivor arrives in Ireland. There will be a significant Norse population for Eivor to meet and interact with, but there should not be a lot of raiding and pillaging happening. This would allow for the Children of Danu to take centre stage within the narrative, as there will likely not be as much political intrigue happening on the isle at the time. The Children of Danu are inspired by the supernatural race in Irish mythology known as Tuatha Dé Danann which translates to “the folk of the goddess Danu”. Whether this cult will be supernatural in nature or just a group who worship the mythological race remains to seen. One interesting fact about the Tuatha Dé Danann is that they had four magical treasures that they brought to Ireland – a cauldron, a spear, a stone, and a sword. Is it possible these objects are connected to the Isu? Whilst Viking activity in Ireland was mostly peaceful for the latter half of the 800s, that calm was short lived. The Second Viking Age began in 914 CE when a large fleet of Viking ships docked in Waterford harbour to recapture their old settlement which had been reclaimed by the Irish. The raids and pillaging resumed with great force. The Vikings were determined to win back the land that they lad lost to the Irish, including the thriving town of Dubhlinn. That was the last straw for Niall Glúndub, King of Uí Néill, who wanted the Vikings out of Ireland. In 917, he led an army against the Viking warriors in Munster. They were ultimately unsuccessful and retreated having achieved little. The King tried again in 919 and the same thing happened – only this time Niall perished in the attack. With the only person truly willing to stand up to the Vikings now dead, the invaders were free to continue their conquest of Ireland. They established a new town called Weisfjord, now Wexford, in 921 and in 922 they created Limerick. Once again, however, the Viking raids calmed and the settlers focused on building their communities. The British kingdoms of Northumbria, East Anglia and Merica had been defeated and united under one Viking kingdom known as the Danelaw. Dubhlinn was also joined with the Danelaw, as it was one of the most significant Nordic cities of the time due to its high volume of trade and slavery. With such a powerful part of Ireland under their rule, the Vikings began taking control of other Irish towns. In 952, however, Dubhlinn split from the Danelaw due to its power and the Vikings established their own dynasty within the city. Concept art for Ireland coming from the Assassin's Creed Valhalla Season Pass Trailer. For the next 20 years, things in Ireland were fairly uneventful – at least where the Viking population were concerned. Amongst the Irish lords, a battle for power was occurring as men competed for the position of High King of their land. It was also during this time that the Norse and Dane population of Ireland began converting to Christianity. Most of the time, the Irish were willing to tolerate the presence of the Viking communities as they were usually peaceful and responsible for much of the country’s trading. However, political turmoil within Ireland’s nobility would soon change this. Mathgamain mac Cennétig, King of Munster from 970 CE was killed in 976 CE by the previous King of Munster, Máel Muad mac Brain. Mathgamain was succeeded by his younger brother Brian Bóruma. Brian wanted two things above all else: revenge for his brother’s death and power over Munster. In 977 CE, Brian attacked the Viking population in Limerick. King Imar and his sons hid in the monastery, believing that a Christian ruler would not desecrate a sanctuary of God. They were wrong. Brian broke into the building and murdered the Vikings inside. In 980, Brian declared himself King of Munster. Brian was not above working with the Vikings when it aided his quest for power. He formed an alliance with the Waterford Vikings so that he could take control of Leinster province. His goal was power and he would do what was necessary to get it. King Brian Boru’s fast-paced rise to power concerned the other Kingdoms in Ireland, particularly Uí Néill. King Máel Sechnaill II tried in vain to take power away from Brian. Realising this was unachievable, the Kings held a meeting and agreed to divide Ireland between them. This was not a move that everyone appreciated, however. Leinster and Dubhlinn were particularly outraged and revolted against the rule of their new leader. Brian was unfazed by this and led his armies into Leinster and Dubhlinn and destroyed them. From there, Brian continued to take control of Ireland’s regions and Kings Silkenbeard and Máel Sechnaill II both surrendered power to Brian. By 1006 CE, Brian Boru had almost claimed the entire country as his own. Brian’s dream of becoming High King of Ireland looked inevitable. No one could stop his conquest. That was until 1013 CE when the people of Ireland turned on their ruler. Brian tried to fight back against the revolts rising up around Ireland, but this time his enemies were stronger and he was forced to retreat. The rebels travelled to Scotland and the Isle of Man to recruit more warriors to their army, and when they returned they were stronger than ever. The foundations for battle were set. The Battle of Clontarf is one of the most famous battles in Irish history as it is seen as the exact moment the Viking rule in Ireland ended. The battle happed in 1014 and one was one of the bloodiest the country had seen. Thousands of men were killed on both sides, and the Vikings retreated to the Isle of Man when it became clear Brian’s army had won. However, Brian’s victory was short lived as he was killed, allegedly having been bludgeoned to death with an axe by a Viking. With the Vikings having left Ireland and regrouped on the Isle of Man, Viking rule in Ireland was over for good. The remaining Vikings were allowed to maintain control over Dublinn until 1074 CE, but in reality the line between Viking and Irishman was becoming blurred. Vikings were now part of the Irish communities they had once raided, and their own culture and heritage had been replaced by Christianity and Irish customs. Over time, there was nothing left of the fierce Norse conquest that had taken hold of the country in the early 800s. Despite the Viking Age ending in 1014 CE, the influence that the Vikings had in Ireland can still be seen today. The Vikings established the first ever Irish city, Waterford, and also created the first naval base within the city. The Vikings were also responsible for introducing Irish currency. Prior to 995, Ireland did not have its own official currency. It was the Viking King Sitric Silkenbeard who created the first Irish coins, which were silver and bore King Silkenbeard’s name. Another interesting fact is that, despite being well known for destroying Christian monasteries during their raiding years, the Vikings are actually responsible for the creation of Ireland’s most famous cathedral. King Silkenbeard was so devoted to his new religion of Christianity that he ordered the construction of Christ Church Cathedral within his city. It is still standing today and as gorgeous as it was in the 10th century. Indeed, even many of the surnames we associate with Ireland today are deviations of the Scandinavian names that the Vikings brought to Irish soil. Having Viking ancestry in Ireland is relatively common due to how the Vikings merged with Irish society and married native Irish people. The reign of Vikings in Ireland may have only lasted for 220 years, but it was a time that was anything but boring. Without those Viking invaders, who knows what Ireland would look like nowadays. One thing is for sure, it would not be the country we know today. That is the beauty of history. For better or worse, our world is defined by the ones who came before us – just like in our favourite video game. Journey to Ireland and unravel the mysteries of an ancient druidic cult. Fight your way through haunted forests and dazzling landscapes while gaining influence among Gaelic kings. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Lauren is a online article writer who joined the program in 2019, which allowed for her work to be viewed by a larger audience. She is especially interested in Assassin's Creed lore, and wrote a number of thought provoking articles which you can find here in the Community HUB. Lauren left the program in 2021 shortly after the 'Assassin's Creed Infinity' announcement, which understandably left many fans feeling uneasy. We wish her the best of luck with her future projects. Lauren Harris

Remembering Russell Lees (1957 – 2022) In Memoriam Share 18 Jan 2022 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) Ashlea Blackett Back To Database Today we remember the life of Russell Lees, who recently sadly passed away at the age of 64. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. Russell worked on various AAA Ubisoft titles as a script writer, most recently as Lead Writer for Assassin's Creed Valhalla Wrath of the Druids and ACV's Sciropscire & Oxenefordscire arcs. He is credited as the author of The Tyranny of King Washington DLC for Assassin's Creed III, alongside contributions to the Assassin's Creed Unity Murder Mysteries/ Nostradamus Enigmas, Far Cry New Dawn and Assassin's Creed Origins. About: James Russell Lees was born in Salt Lake City on May 8, 1957. His father, Jay, was a theater director and college professor. He left Salt Lake City as a teenager to study computer engineering at Boston University, then got his master’s in computer engineering from Stanford University and, back at BU, his master’s in playwriting. Lees also co-founded the TheatreWorks/West production company in Salt Lake City, where he wrote and directed for the stage, and served as director of French-language plays at the University of Utah. Survivors include his his wife, Lisa; daughters Charlotte and Madeleine; siblings Mindy, Becky and Jay; brother-in-law Stan; and sister-in-law Julie. (Via The Hollywood Reporter) During his Ubisoft career spanning 13-years, Russell made many friends who remember him as a kind, passionate man who will be sorely missed. Below we have collected memories and tributes from those who knew him best. Rest in Peace Russell. " We lost a dear friend and brilliant colleague this week. Writer and Narrative Designer Russell Lees was a part of the Assassin's Creed and Far Cry families for over a decade. All who worked with him will attest to his patience, his generosity, his passion, & his bright spirit. He will be missed, and remembered always as the most ideal artist in this busy, hectic industry -- devoted, collaborative, patient, and kind beyond measure. from Montreal to wherever you are now, Russ. Rock on. " -Darby McDevitt (Valhalla Narrative Director) Today, I learned that I had lost a great friend. Russell was the Lead Writer on Wrath of the Druids. We walked hand in hand to make this story that I consider to be a turning point of my life. I can say that his presence, his passion and his kindness kept me going every day. When we parted ways, we were sure that our paths would cross again. Now, I can only look back at the time we spent working together. All my thoughts go to his family in these difficult times. Russell will be missed. - Hugo Sahuquet (Narrative Director for Assassin's Creed Valhalla's Wrath of the Druids DLC) I am just devastated about the news. I worked with him on AC3, AC Unity, and AC Syndicate. He was endlessly patient and kind, the level-headed writer who quietly got it done, even when the deadlines were short and we were all stressed and tired. He wrote the Dreadful Crimes on AC Syndicate, among other things. I still use those as reference today when I'm talking about writing for investigative gameplay. The past days I've had a flood of messages from Ubi and ex-Ubi writers who worked with him, everyone with fond memories. He worked with so many people, over so many years. We're all stricken and saddened by his loss. And a late addition - if you ever hear a character in a game say the words "dead as a mackerel", that was Russell. I found it amongst our guard patrol lines on Unity, and then Syndicate. He told me he tried to work it into every project. - Ceri Young (Former Senior Scriptwriter at Ubisoft Montreal) Still gutted by this. Russell was a great writer, friend and human. Contributed endlessly to AC and beyond as a playwright. Just a wonderful soul and will never be forgotten. - Alain Mercieca (Formerly lead on Assassins Creed Origins, Valhalla) Russell was a part of our dream team of writers on AC Syndicate. He helped make the impossible possible. He’s going to be missed. -Jeff Skalski (Assassin's Creed Syndicate Senior Producer) Photos of the AC Syndicate Writing Team Russell had a way of listening deeply, like he was seeing inside you, and a calm assuredness. He always knew what to do, on top of being an excellent writer and person. This is a tragedy and he will be dearly missed. - Jeffrey Yohalem (Former Lead Scriptwriter on AC Brotherhood & Syndicate) I didn't get to know Russell well, but as a newcomer, professionally, to Assassin's Creed, Ubisoft, its tools and processes, he was always patient, kind and happy to explain things to me. No question was too small, too unimportant. He was Good People. GNU Russell Lees. - Giles Armstrong (Senior Scriptwriter on ACV: Dawn of Ragnarok DLC) Russell was immensely kind. He was talented and humble. He was always there to support me, sometimes early in the morning when I needed to talk. He was one of the best person I ever met. I already miss him and his smile so much. - Sarah Beaulieu (Directing narration on an upcoming Assassin's Creed game) He was such an absolute pleasure to work with briefly on AC Unity. Even working between two cities, we had a great time working on the mysteries and he was always so kind, generous, and an incredibly sharp writer. Can’t believe he’s gone. - Navid Khavari (Additional Narrative design on AC Unity) Russ was the kind of guy who could teach you about life with just a silence. He had a wicked laugh, an open ear, and the best femme fatale table read voice in the biz. He was generous with his experience and a novel voice in the industry. Play his stories so he may live on. - Betty Robertson (Scriptwriter on AC Valhalla and Odyssey) My friend, you meant so much to so many people and I'm deeply grateful that I find myself among them. You were such a mentor to me. Such a shining light in this industry. You were the best of us. I'll miss you forever. - Christopher Grilli (Lead Writer at UbisoftMTL. Writer on Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Origins) Rest in Peace Russell (1957 – 2022) 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)

Aaron Young from TOWCB Joins ThePhotoMode Writing Team News Share 12 Apr 2023 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) Ashlea Blackett Back To Database We are pleased to announce that our very own Aaron Young has been invited to join ThePhotoMode team as a regular article writer! Aaron is known in the community for his incredibly detailed portrait captures using the in-game Photo Mode tools, and also for his weekly Assassin's Creed Virtual Photography articles for The Ones Who Came Before . ThePhotoMode is the first free virtual photography e-magazine, and aims to support digital creators who share a love for virtual photography. The project, led by community member Jack ( _Virtualtourism ) has done an excellent job at highlighting community content, but other notable achievements include the site hosting a Q&A with Raphael Lacoste (Former Art Director on Assassin's Creed), and Jack himself winning the ' Virtual Photographer of the Year' award' at the Ubisoft Community Awards event in London! You can find Aaron's first major contributions to the project below, which are featured in the most recent release, issue #27 . Issue #27 available now: Free download 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)

Assassin's Creed Altaïr Game Cover Funko POP! Unboxing Images Merchandise Share 3 Mar 2023 Written By: Edited By: Aaron Young Ashlea Blackett Back To Database Article contains Amazon affiilate links which financially support TOWCB. Here are our unboxing photos of the brand new Assassin's Creed Altair Pop! Game Cover Vinyl Figure Product description: From Funko. Relive the life that started it all by helping POP! Altaïr eliminate the threats in his path. Add strength to your Assassin's Creed collection with this Assassin's Creed Pop! Game Cover, featuring POP! Altaïr in his signature white hood as he stands ready for action. Order yours here on Amazon! 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

878 AD Winchester Events Share 6 May 2023 Written By: Edited By: Aaron Young Colum Blackett Back To Database Introduction 878 AD is a unique collaboration between Hampshire Cultural Trust, Sugar Creative and Ubisoft, in an attempt to bring history and games together. By embarking on this adventure, you will get to witness key moments in Winchester’s Anglo-Saxon history. This immersive experience will allow you to travel back in time and observe the events that led up to the Battle of Edington in May 878. 878 AD is a pioneering collaboration between the heritage sector, the gaming industry and technology innovators. Together they have managed to make the City of Winchester come alive. All credit to Hampshire Cultural Trust. Location The 878 AD experience is situated in the centre of Winchester. There are two parts to the event, one is indoors in The Brooks shopping centre and the other is around the city itself. 878 AD – Upper Floor of The Brooks – Winchester – S023 8QY Check the site for travel options. I used the Park and Ride which I would recommend. Link to Site: Home | 878 AD - Step into Anglo-Saxon Winchester Information The experience is split into an interactive attraction supported by live performances, and an augmented reality app tour which you can complete at your own leisure. I would recommend checking that your smart phone is compatible prior to visiting. The indoor exhibition took me 60 mins to complete but it will vary depending on how involved you want to be. The app tour around Winchester will take slightly longer, roughly 90 mins. When I attended the event, it was pretty quiet, but I believe there is a limit of 16 who can participate at any time. However, there are 15 minute time gaps so you should not have to wait long. I booked in advance to avoid disappointment, especially if you are travelling some distance. It is good to note that the experience is card only, but you can book in advance. 878 AD has a small gift shop so you might want to bring your card along. Ticket prices vary but you can see all the options on the site. Although the price is slightly higher than I would have expected, the fact you can return as many times as you like within 12 months makes it very worthwhile. It is also a nice perk that you receive 20% off at the Ubisoft store by purchasing a ticket. All credit to Hampshire Cultural Trust. Interaction As an interactive experience, 878 AD is great fun. There are objects from the Anglo-Saxon era on show, including the exquisite Winchester Reliquary. You can participate in Anglo-Saxon games both in the flesh and on interactive screens. These screens will be very familiar to anyone who has played the Discovery Tour. The quizzes are only short but really easy to do and tests your knowledge of the time period. I have to say the tech on show is very impressive and helps compliment the information boards. The whole atmosphere and aesthetic of the event is beautifully put together. You can really see the effort that has been put into making this the best possible attraction. I wish I could have experienced this when I was a kid, as the visual learning on offer here is perfect for my personality type. As you enter the event there is a short video which sets the scene for what is about to unfold. It is like a mini cinema experience that uses Assassin’s Creed Valhalla as the backdrop. I was immediately brought back to when I first fired up the game. The mood of the room is helped tremendously by the fantastic Valhalla soundtrack which plays in the background of the video. All credit to Hampshire Cultural Trust. Live Performances I am not usually one for audience participation but after my visit to 878 AD, I can definitely say the experience is richer for it. Even my Dad who attended the event with me thought that the acting brought something different to the table. He didn’t engage as much as I did but thought that the event would have not felt the same without it. There are multiple characters from the Reeve to a thief, the solider and the slave. They bring stories and events to life from the streets of Anglo-Saxon Winchester. If you are up for some fun, try pretending you are a Dane instead of a Saxon. The Reeve did not take too kindly to my love of the Vikings. All the actors are very engaging and knowledgeable, so don’t be afraid to ask them questions. All credit to Hampshire Cultural Trust. Shop As you exit the event there is a small shop with both historic and Assassin’s Creed Merchandise. From what I could tell a lot of the Assassin’s Creed items can be purchased from Ubisoft or gaming sites such as EMP. Although there were a few AC15 items that are not so easy to get hold of in the UK. I personally purchased a graphic novel and my Dad bought me a Viking cup with a cool wolf on it, the same style as the tattoos in the game. It is card only payment so if you are looking to purchase something make sure to bring it along. 878 AD: Winchester Revealed Once you have finished the indoor experience you are free to roam the streets of Winchester where you can continue your journey with the augmented reality app. It is a free download and staff will be on hand to help set you up before heading off. It is just worth checking that your phone is compatible prior to visiting. By completing the 878 AD interactive experience, you will be rewarded with rare Assassin’s Creed Valhalla in game content. The app allows you to explore the city as it is now but using the technology to transport you back to how it was. By collecting the fragments you will reveal Alfred’s lasting legacy. Not only that, it takes you on a nice tour of the city allowing you to revel in the sights. There are other tasks to complete such as creating your own shield, making pots and building various things. You can even learn how to fire a bow to protect the city. I visited during the winter and a mixture of the weather and travel time meant that I could not fully complete the experience, however I will defiantly be retuning soon. It is all immensely impressive and engaging, allowing you to add that fun element to learning about history. This truly is the modern way of engaging audiences and I believe 878 AD has pulled it off brilliantly. All credit to Hampshire Cultural Trust. The View from the Community Aaron Young: For me this event combined two of my loves, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and The Last Kingdom. Being able to go to such a significant place in history and learn even more about the time period blew me away. I hope that Ubisoft can continue to collaborate with other locations to provide such an interactive experience. Noel Young: My son kindly invited me to come along with him to this exhibition. I have an interest in history and in particular this period in the history of England. I am familiar with the series of fictional works by Bernard Cornwell which dovetail nicely with this subject, along with the links to Assassin’s Creed. During the visit to Winchester, I found the exhibition fascinating, not only in the historical context but also in how it is closely associated with the AC Valhalla. The level of attention to detail applied to the creation of the game was incredible. I was so impressed that I purchased AC Valhalla and have since been enjoying it greatly. The experience of playing this game has been hugely enhanced by visiting the 878 AD exhibition. Conclusion 878 AD is a fantastic experience that seeks to redefine what it is to learn about history. The event manages to cater for all age groups, immersing them in the rich heritage of Winchester while adding the glamour of the gaming industries most well know franchises. The actors play their roles perfectly enriching the experience through a different kind of interaction. The technology on show is pushing boundaries and ensuring that learning and history remains a fun thing to do. For some the event would seem a little short, especially at the cost – however if you are in to history or the Assassin’s Creed franchise you will not be disappointed. Plus with unlimited returns within the year and a beautiful city rich with history you cannot go wrong for a day out in Winchester. 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

Cracking the Isu Code: Part 1 Analysis Share 30 Dec 2021 Written By: Edited By: Preston Carbonaro Colum Blackett Back To Database Assassin's Creed fans are working hard to crack messages written in the secret language of the highly advanced precursor race known as the Isu, and in the process, decode multiple hidden messages We here at TOWCB have joined the community efforts to try our hands at decoding these messages which are scattered around throughout the game; in Standing Stone puzzles, on Layla’s laptop, and even promotional content. We sincerely hope that none of you experience the Bleeding Effect during the decoding process … Finding the Isu Writing on the Isle of Skye (AC Valhalla) To find the message written by Brendan of Clonfert, players must head to Fairy Glen Standing Stones on the Isle of Skye, and search the area for a note. During the Valhalla crossover, Kassandra and Eivor will visit the area together in an effort to locate the mysterious artefact causing nightmares on the island. At the bottom of the message written by Clonfert, we can see the mysterious Isu writing that has appeared throughout Valhalla. Decoding Brendan of Clonfert’s passage on the Isle of Skye (AC Valhalla) Here’s a step-by-step guide of how a segment in the precursor language was translated by fellow codebreakers, and the methods we used to decipher it. Here are two extracts from the mysterious note. After careful analysis of the text, we can safely assume that the short passage and Isu writings are one and the same. The Isu text in the red boxes are verbs in their past participle tense, which are identified by the Isu letters ‘t’ and ‘o’ (underlined in blue). Therefore, these must be the words “Born”, “Cleansed” and “Wrapped” that Clonfert wrote. Another interesting observation is the above Isu symbol which has a ‘h’ sound, and is usually an adverb. However, it can also represent the instrumental case - a grammatical case used to indicate that a noun is the instrument or means by or with which the subject achieves or accomplishes an action. Using this method, the first two words in the second line are translated to “in cold waters” (or using the instrumental case: with cold waters). The third word in the third line translates to “in the shroud” (or using the instrumental case: by using a shroud). Conclusion Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a game that is filled with hidden secrets, which we aim to uncover in this new series dedicated to deciphering the mysterious language of the Isu. If you have a flair for codebreaking, get in touch with the admin team for writing opportunities. Also, if you discover any more of the secret language in the game, send it over to the team @ ACFirstCiv on Twitter to analyse! Click here for an Access The Animus video for a more in-depth explanation of the Isu language translations: comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Preston is a long-time Assassin's Creed fan of both the games and the soundtracks. He works as a primary school educator, and is also a part-time actor. He takes a keen interest in mythology, symbology, codes and puzzles. Some of his passions include writing, reading, art, gaming, football, and music. Preston Carbonaro

Pitching an Assassin's Creed Game: Caledonia (Scotland) Wishlist Share 6 Aug 2025 Written By: Edited By: James Davis (TopChef1288) Colum Blackett Back To Database I've always wanted to have an Assassin’s Creed set in Scotland, I feel it would have a great connection to both the Templar vs Assassin story but also the Isu lore potential would be massive. From the day I first watched Highlander with Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery. I've always been obsessed with Scotland. They have a rich history and a blood one too; that would lend itself well to the Assassin story. Scottish Brotherhood of Assassins by Okiir With characters like William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, James Douglas (the Black Douglas) Edward I and more, Ubisoft could really create a story rooted in a strong historical setting. I believe a Scottish Assassin’s Creed game has been a fan favourite location and setting for so long, more so than the Vikings or even Japan. After some research and some long hours, I've put together a pitch for just that. An Assassin’s Creed game set in Scotland. Set during the time of The First War of Scottish Independence. Set During the years 1290-1307. Modern Day Protagonist: Aila Fraser “You don’t have to be born to it. You just have to choose” Alastair Fraser, the night before the accident to Aila. Art by Serajeddine Background: Age: 29 Place of Birth: Inveraray, Scotland Family: Raised by her grandmother, Mòrag Fraser. Both parents are deceased under suspicious circumstances. Lineage: Distant descendent of Edward Kenway & Desmond Miles, via an unknown Scottish branch of the Kenway line. Her story in the Modern Day: She was raised in the quiet town of Inveraray (Argyll) after a tragic car crash claimed the lives of her parents. She worked as a local historian, fascinated by Celtic ruins, folklore and the untold stories of her country’s history. Aila had always wondered how she survived; the car accident when she was just six years old that took both her parents' lives. But no one had the answers. All that remains is her father’s pendant. Cold metal, never aging and never removed from around her neck. While out in the field conducting some research on an undiscovered Pictish site, her pendant started pulsing. The ground beneath her feet begins to glow with some sort of strange energy. She stumbles back, a little shaken. A few days later, her flat was ransacked. Her research had been wiped. She began to feel like she was being followed. She calls Shaun a family friend, in a panic. He doesn't hesitate and they meet at his house. Once she looked at him, from the look in his eyes. Aila realises something. He knew, all along. Shaun Hastings was sarcastic, brilliant and overly protective. He was a family friend that worked with her parents. He seemed to always be around. Aila felt his guiding influence but was never pushy. She never thought to question it. Shaun finally tells her the truth. Her father, a Templar. Who defected when he found out her mother was an Assassin & pregnant. They tried to leave the war behind them, to raise her free from it all. The pendant her father stole was the final piece to Claidheamh Soluis , a dormant Piece of Eden. The crash wasn't random, it was an execution. Only she survived. Shaun explained that he believed it was because of the pendant. And its hidden power. He was assigned to watch over here and protect her from the Templars. But he stayed for as long as he did because he started to care about Aila. Now she doesn't know who to trust. Not Shaun, the Assassins, not the Templars. But she did need answers. She discovers encrypted messages, hidden within the pendant. They were left by her father and they revealed her ancestry. Aila is descended from an Assassin called Taran MacLeod. He once wielded Claidheamh Soluis . The pendant is more than just a trinket from her father. It's one of four ancient fragments to Claidheamh Soluis and it only responds to her. She's a walking legacy of both orders. Assassin and Templar blood flows through her. She was never meant to be a soldier, she was meant to be the solution. The choice to fight - but on her own terms: After surviving the attack from Templars, and unlocking eagle vision, she learns the truth about her lineage. Aila finally steps into the Animus with the help of Shaun & Rebecca. With their help, Aila tries to navigate what’s locked deep in her DNA. She relives the memories of her ancestor, Taran MacLeod; a highlander Assassin during the First War of Independence. Each session reveals clues, fragments of Taran’s life and his last mission, along with the places he hid the pieces of Claidheamh Soluis before the war consumed him. BUT.. As she uncovers more, she begins to see the bigger picture. The Assassins want the weapon to remain hidden forever. The Templars want to reclaim and repurpose the weapon. Both sides believe they know what's right. But neither have seen its destruction and devastation. Aila chooses to fight, but not for either order, not for ideology. She fights to end the war her parents died in, and to keep others from repeating the same mistakes. Aila will decide what becomes of Claidheamh Soluis . Because it isn't their story anymore. IT’S HERS. Historical Protagonist: Taran MacLeod “They took my father’s life, then his legacy. I’ll take much more from them” Taran to William Wallace, at his initiation ceremony. Art by Serajeddine Background: Age: 26 Place of birth: Isle of Skye Family: Father and brother murdered by the English. Mother died not long after Taran was born. Lineage: Son of a respected Scottish Assassin. He's descended from an ancient line of Highland resistance fighters. Origin Story: Taran grew up on the Isle of Skye, the younger of two sons in a proud Highland family with a secret; his father was a Master Assassin. Guarding the Scottish border from the growing Templar forces in England. He always knew about the Brotherhood, the Hidden Ones, the Creed and why strangers came in the night, with whispers of freedom. But Taran’s father refused to train him. “You lead with your temper, Taran. Your brother leads with his mind. I need heirs not martyrs” These words stuck with Taran. He was left behind, told to master the forge, the bow and the land. While his brother trained in stealth, philosophy and the Creed. Taran hid his resentment behind grit and hid grit behind his pride. One evening, Taran was sent into the hills for a three day hunt. A common practice but it made Taran feel like an exile. When he returned everything changed. The house was burning. The air stank of blood and smoke. His father and brother lay dead in the ashes, stripped of their robes, their bodies desecrated, their weapons gone. Burned deep into the doorway was a Templar cross. The pendant, his father always wore, a keepsake from his mother, was missing. A dying villager nearby, called out to Taran and told him what he already knew. “English knights. Led by a highborn commander. They came in the dark. They didn't ask questions. They knew what and who they were looking for. Your father stood his ground. They butchered them both, and took something from around your father’s neck” The pendant, the last remaining connection to his mother, was now gone. They took his family, they took the legacy he would never be able to earn. Taran did not grieve, instead he decided to hunt. Taran followed the English for days, his eyes burning from the lack of sleep, his limbs becoming heavy. He was close. Taran had seen the pendant glimmer in the moonlight around the commander’s neck. It belonged to Taran and he needed to get it back. He stalked their camp from the ridges, hiding as the heavens opened, watching and planning. But he wasn't alone. Someone else had been tracking the English and Taran. At first, he thought it was nerves. But then Taran started noticing things. Horses became spooked, guards disappearing from patrol. Traps Taran had set up becoming disarmed or moved. And once, by a frozen stream, footprints beside his own. Deliberately left. Taran grew reckless, frustrated and paranoid. When the convoy made camp underneath an old bridge, that's when Taran decided to strike. His ambush was fast, brutal but messy. He missed the killing blow. His blade glanced off his targets armour, they cried out and he was seen. Steel and boots came charging through the snow. He ran, wounded. And the commander escaped again with the pendant. As the world spun and blood stained the white snow beneath him. The last thing Taran saw was a shadow moving through the soldiers like a wraith. Steel sang and men screamed, and Taran’s world went black. Taran awoke beside a fire, aching and the smell of smoke, and damp filled his lungs. His cloak was gone and replaced with another one. This one was heavier and lined with a tartan pattern he didn't recognise. A man sat across from him, sharpening a cured blade by the fire. The man was older and broad-shouldered. His voice broke the silence, it was low and familiar but firm. “You’re lucky you’re not dead. That was a fool’s move” Taran looked at the man, and tried to get the measure of him “You? You were watching me” The man did not dent it, he stood slowly and approached Taran “I thought I was watching a ghost. Until I saw what you was really made of” The stranger tossed something at Taran, a cloth wrapped bundle. Inside a hidden blade, like the one he had seen his father use with his brother. “Who are you?” the man stepped fully into the light of the fire. “William Wallace. Your father trained with me. We were brothers” silence. Taran blinked and the weight of the name hit harder than any blade could. “He never told you about me, that's fine we kept many secrets” Wallace sat beside Taran and continued “I arrived too late to save him. I thought the line was broken, all the MacLeods dead. But then I heard of a mad man hunting English through the glens, setting traps like a hunter but fighting like a wounded wolf” As he stood up, Taran watched, still rooted to the spot “I followed you, watched” Wallace moved towards the cliff edge. Taran noticed an old carved stone, next to Wallace. Just visible through the moss was a faded insignia, like the one on his father’s robes. Gazing out over the glen “You want vengeance, I’ll give you something better” Wallace turned and with a heavy tone “We are Assassins. We work in the dark to serve the light. Nothing is true and everything is permitted” Taran sat up and listened but for the first time, he was really listening “These are our tenets. Break them, and you break the Brotherhood” Wallace was intensely staring at Taran, raised two fingers and pointed “Stay your blade from the flesh of the innocent. Hide in plain sight. Never compromise the Brotherhood” “Your father lived by them. He died for them. What will you do?” Taran was beaten and bruised, staring at the blade in his lap. Then back at Wallace and then fire. “Train me” he asked. That night, beneath the night sky. Taran MacLeod becomes an Assassin. Not through inheritance but by choice. The creed was reborn in him. And the war of Scotland has a new hero. Pieces of Eden: Claidheamh Soluis: (Sword of Light) The Claidheamh Soluis comes from Gaelic mythology, most notably within Irish and Scottish folklore. It appears various times, in historic cycles. Descriptions of it are often: A sword glowing as bright as the sun. Able to blind enemies before a blow was struck. A weapon that must be earned through a great quest or ordeal and even sometimes hidden in a tower of glass, guarded by mythical creatures. A blade that could cut through anything. Often symbolising truth, justice, and divine right. Through Irish in its origin, these myths blended into Scottish oral tradition. Especially in the Highlands where Gaelic culture remained dominant. Claidheamh Soluis survived in fragments of folklore, bardic poetry and later in romanticized accounts of Highland ancestry and warrior kings. Image via Wulflund Why the Templars want it: To the modern day Templar, this sword isn't just a legend. It's a corrupted memory of a real Piece of Eden. the consistency of the lore across Gaelic cultures, the mythical properties, and its association with elite bloodlines all point to a misunderstood relic. They believe the myth of Claidheamh Soluis is based on a real Isu weapon, hidden and remembered imperfectly through generations of oral storytelling. Its connection to kingship and divine right align with Templar philosophy: order through control. The Gaelic idea that it can only be wielded by someone who is worthy, suggests a genetic lock, which in turn would make it the perfect tool. And its destructive potential could be recovered and studied by them. Leading to them harnessing its power; resulting in either battlefield dominance or even in Templar propaganda. In game codex entry: “The Sword of Light, Claidheamh Soluis, was once thought to be just a bard’s tale. Passed on through time. But legends endure for a reason. Buried beneath the poetry of Highland clans and Celtic gods lies a truth. A truth that the Templars can't ignore any longer. A weapon forged by something old and something unexplainable. A myth waiting to be claimed once more” Cridhe Soluis: (Heart of Soluis) There are few artifacts in Scotland’s long and blooded history that appear in legend and myths as often or even as enigmatically as the Heart of Soluis. No sources that survive today can describe its shapes or what it's made from. There have been no confirmed sightings or at least none survive or exist today. But yet, this symbol appears across centuries in stonework, on burial clothes and in whispered tales from kings, seers and warriors alike. Its first mention dates all the way back to the Pictish period, where it was carved into tombs and some sanctified sites. Never in abundance but was always deliberate and sometimes hidden. The symbol has always been associated with death rites and elite burials in some cases; which would suggest reverence rather than a possession. Its never described as a weapon or a relic of command but rather something much older; and appears to be something that chooses rather than is chosen. Its next appears somewhat 463 years later during the reign of Robert the Bruce. Though obscured by time and ecclesiastical redactions, several accounts from Dunfermline Abbey region may suggest a second heart, not like the physical one destined for the Holy Land but a symbol of light. While described in fragmented texts as “a cold light held by stone” it appears in carvings and funeral motifs connected to Robert’s lineage. With many dismissing it as a poetic metaphor, some argue that it reflects a deeper, more mythical truth. That Robert, like the Picts before him, were tied to something ancient and something that remains hidden. Why the Templars need it: The Heart could possibly be a Piece of Eden. Its current form and purpose remain elusive to them. It has appeared in Pict iconography, reappears 463 years later and has resurfaced in sites once believed to be dormant. It can't be a coincidence. Its presence across such distant periods throughout time, where it's always linked to strong bloodlines, conflict and death. Suggests it may not be a passive artifact, but it may not be a weapon in the traditional sense either; maybe something much more specific in its function. The Templars wouldn't pursue it blindly. They pursue it because they can't afford not to. If it is what they suspect it to be, a relic from The Ones Who Came Before . Then it needs to be recovered, studied and secured. That is before the Assassins find it first. The Story: In the mists of Scotland’s often forgotten but bloody past, a war fought not out of freedom but for something far more powerful. Historian Aila Fraser thought she’d found her life’s work when she uncovered an uncharted Pictish site deep in the Highlands. Among the stone relics and burial markers, she noticed a strange symbol. One that was similar to a marking on the pendant passed down from her late parents. Moments later, the ground trembled beneath her feet and suddenly a surge of cold light pulsed from the earth. Days after her discovery, Aila’s flat is ransacked. All her notes, her collected data and samples she had collected over the last few years. All gone. Then a weird feeling starts to set in, she's being followed. In her search for answers, Aila contacted her godfather and former mentor, Shaun Hastings. Who reveals to her a world that she never knew existed. A secret war waged for centuries between Assassins and Templars. Her parents were caught in that war and now so is she. Aila’s next job is to survive and try to understand what this all means for her. Shaun convinces her to enter the animus and to relive the memories of Taran MacLeod. A Highland warrior from the 13th century. After his father and brother are both brutally murdered by English soldiers at the order of Edward I, Taran seeks vengeance. But instead he finds purpose from an unlikely source, William Wallace. An assassin operating under the shadow of a rebellion. With Wallace’s guidance and training, Taran becomes a silent blade in Scotland’s war for independence. He strikes fear into Edward’s forces and sabotages the Templar grip in the north. But Edward seeks more than just territory. He's heard whispers of a weapon buried beneath Scotland’s soil. A mythical artifact said to control minds and command loyalty. The Sword of Light or as legend knows it Claidheamh Soluis. Edward finds the sword. But Edward underestimates Taran and the Assassins. Taran tracks Edward down, and finds him held up in Carlisle Castle. Edward was planning his final attack on Scotland and his plan to eradicate the Scots once and for all. The Keep at Carlisle Castle Edward, now Templar Grand Master, with the Sword of Light by his side. Its influence is already twisting his mind. Taran fights his way through the castle and Edwards most trusted guards. Deep within the stone halls of Carlisle Castle’s Keep, beneath the blood red banners of England, Taran finally faces Edward head on. Edward clad in iron and clutching the Sword of Light. The sword's otherworldly powers cause Edward to not fight like a mere man but something much worse. The castle walls shake with every clash of steel. Wind howling through the arrow ‘and a thunder storm gathers above. They fought their way to the Keep’s rooftop. Both men soaked through. Taran is driven to his knees with a crushing blow. He's beaten and broken, he closes his eyes and something or someone speaks to him. “Now” the voice screamed. In that moment Taran opens his eyes and sees Edward overreaching, believing himself to be untouchable. He strikes, burying his hidden blade into Edward’s chest. The tyrant king lets the sword slip out of his hand and clatters to the floor. Taran seized it and watched as Edward’s final breath left him. Stood over Edward, Taran knows what the sword could do in the wrong hands. And like that Taran vanished and with him the sword. Now in the present day, Aila finds herself outside Dunfermline Abbey; the final resting place of Scotland's great king Robert the Bruce. She’s made sure no one, Templar or Assassin can access the tomb again. It was there she finally saw the truth. Her pendant, her only keepsake of her parents. Was in fact the Heart of Soluis. The same heart that Robert asked James Douglas to return back to the holy land after his death. Her pendant was worn by kings, warriors and Pictish high priests. Her pendant was more than a keepsake. It is the key. A fragment to find the sword. It's the last piece of the mystery that will reveal where Taran hid the sword. Now Aila is the only one, with the help of Shaun and Rebecca. Who can find the sword before the Templars do Map of Scotland via The AC Wiki Fan Art Concept Art by Ayrton Scanlan Art by James Finlayson Concept By Roflsoldier-d4ujga2 Art by Blues-Design Concept by Nick Dub Would you like to see an Assassin's Creed game set in Scotland? Let us know in the comments below! Pitching an Assassin's Creed Game: Caledonia (Scotland Part 2 - Myths and Legends) 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)

Assassin's Creed Codename Hexe Teaser Analysis Analysis Share 11 Sept 2022 Written By: Edited By: Preston Carbonaro Ashlea Blackett Back To Database Fans of the franchise were given a goodie bag filled with treats at the Ubisoft Forward Assassin's Creed Showcase event , ranging from a gorgeous cinematic trailer for the much-awaited Assassin’s Creed Mirage, updates on the upcoming Netflix show, a new mobile game, and tantalising teaser trailers for future games. One short, eerie trailer in particular - for Codename Hexe - featuring barking dogs, bare trees, and an open fire, has left fans and codebreakers alike intrigued and perplexed. In his segment during the Ubisoft Forward event, Marc-Alexis Côté – executive producer of the Assassin's Creed franchise - said that he’ll leave it up to us to spot the little secrets. So, let’s get down to business! Starting from the most prominent object in the image. The Assassins symbol, of course. As you can see, it is made out of twigs and twine; very primitive in design. Personally, I couldn't help but think of handmade Halloween decorations when I saw this. More specifically decorations used by pagans during Samhain. Which brings me to my second observation. What seems to be an eight-pointed star (octagram) drawn in chalk on the wall behind the AC insignia. Octagrams have various different interpretations and meanings in various religions around the world, but I decided to focus more on Paganism and Occultism as that seemed to be the theme of the content. Lo and behold, my research eventually led me to The Wheel of the Year, an annual cycle of seasonal festivals, observed by many modern pagans, consisting of the year's main solar events (solstices and equinoxes) and the midpoints between them. A few more searches further confirmed my hunch. The images below are similar to what is seen in the Hexe reveal trailer. Writer’s note: The Yule, Ostara, and Lammas festivals all feature in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. There was also The First Night of Samhain quest. And what of the text in the Hexe diagram, you ask? My first guess was the Theban alphabet, also known as the Honorian alphabet, Runes of Honorius, or witches' alphabet due to its use in modern Wicca and other forms of witchcraft. However, upon further inspection and more research, I concluded it to be from The Alphabet of the Magi. A variant of the Hebrew alphabet, it was used for inscriptions in talismans in 17th-century occultism. It also seems that the chalk wall behind the Assassin's Creed insignia hold a secret, as discovered by Community Member Boukhari Adam. The letters are actually from the Magi alphabet, and spell out ''We work in the dark to serve in the light!''. See how everything is linked? Let’s analyse further... “Codename Hexe” (pronounced hex-uh). ‘Hexe’ is the German word for ‘witch’. In English we use very similar words like ‘hex’ or ‘hexed’, which mean: to cast a spell on; to bewitch. So, taking into consideration all of these ideas and how closely related they are to each other, I am assuming that Codename Hexe will revolve around the witch trials which took place in 17th century Germany. Namely the Würzburg witch trials of 1625-1631. Let us know what you think. Would you be interested in playing an Assassin’s Creed game which involves such themes? And what do you think about the possible setting? One thing is for sure. Dark times lie ahead. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Preston is a long-time Assassin's Creed fan of both the games and the soundtracks. He works as a primary school educator, and is also a part-time actor. He takes a keen interest in mythology, symbology, codes and puzzles. Some of his passions include writing, reading, art, gaming, football, and music. Preston Carbonaro

Assassin's Creed Movie: London Fan Screening Event Events Share 22 Dec 2016 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) Ashlea Blackett Back To Database On the 18th December 2016, I attended an Assassin's Creed Movie Fan Screening in London. Special thanks to UbiJollyCharly and Ubi-QuB3. This Article contains Minor Spoilers for the Assassin's Creed Movie. When Laureline (UbiJollyCharly) invited me to the Assassin's Creed Fan Screening, I was quite surprised to be asked, as I had already attended a Press Event (London) and Gamescom (Germany) this year alone. I immediately accepted the invitation, and started packing my bags for London. I couldn't believe that I would be one of the first in the UK to see the Assassin's Creed Movie. On the 18th, I caught the train from Chester (Where my Uni is) to London Euston. There I met Dom (Ubi-QuB3) from the Assassin's Creed Team. We then walked to the hotel and prepared for the Fan Screening. Movie Advertisement at London Euston. After about an hour, we travelled to the event which was being held in the West End. Immediately we knew we were in the right place, as everyone in sight wore Assassin's Creed T-shirts and Hoodies. The fans were mainly Assassin's Creed Cosplayers, and many others who had won Fox Competitions. Before the screening I spoke to several AC Fans, and they were all excited for the Movie. I met Beth from Amazonian Cosplay Beth from Amazonian Cosplay was wearing her Maria Robes, which looked absolutely amazing! The event was packed, and all the AC Fans were taking pictures with the Aguilar and Maria Robes which were on display. After 45 minutes, everyone began to surrender their phones to security and enter the screening. Reunited with my fellow Assassin, Fae We all took our seats, and waited for the Movie to begin. I could tell that everyone in the room was really excited to see the movie early. I certainly was! The lights went out, and we were greeted with a message from Michael Fassbender and Justin Kurzel. They told us that we were amongst the first in the UK to see the Assassin's Creed Movie, and that they had worked very hard on it. The film began, and I couldn't help but pick apart the first 20 minutes (As I had seen a different version at a Press Event in May). I could spot major differences to the footage I had seen previously in May. Bits of which I had enjoyed had been removed, such as music by The Black Angels and the Apple Pickings Poem by Robert Frost. The little girl saying "Your Blood is not your Own" to Cal as he ran around the Abstergo facility was also unfortunately removed. The first 20 were not as creepy as what I had seen previously, but still made me feel sorry for Cal. Although I was noticing major changes, I still enjoyed the first 20 minutes. New bits had been added, such as young Cal trying to make a jump on his bike. Young Cal on his bike After 20 minutes had passed and Cal was placed in the Animus, I could stop comparing the Movie to the footage I had previously seen. I watched it as a fan of Assassin's Creed and Movies in general. I was overall really impressed with the film. The Animus 3.5 was absolutely great, and the cuts between Cal and Aguilar made total sense. The Bleeding effect was creepy once again, and felt like a real problem that could drive subjects insane. From the start I felt really sorry for Cal. His life is pain. The colours used in the film are extremely artistic, and Kurzel's style shines through. I found myself in awe at many of the scenes. I was very impressed with the film, and even though the plot was not as complicated as in the games (as not to confuse new audience members), it felt like Assassin's Creed. By this, I mean it actually feels like an Assassin's Creed Story that fits into the Universe, and not a film based on Assassin's Creed. The film was great, and I hope that everyone else enjoys it as much as I did. Please don't be put off by critics. Go and see the movie yourselves, and let me know what you think! The Spanish Brotherhood of Assassins Minor Plot Spoilers below Something I really liked that had not been in the footage (Press Event) were flashbacks and Memories as Cal is given the Lethal Injection. One of them shows him as a boy with his mother. This only adds to the weight of empathy we feel towards Cal. This was a great addition! Cal with his Mother The device used to cut Aguilar's finger is much more ceremonial than anything we have seen in the past. I had previously seen the device, as it is on display in ArcLight Cinema in Hollywood, but did not know it's purpose. It was also the first time in the franchise that we had actually seen an Assassin lose a finger! Initiation block Cal becoming a Modern Day Assassin! Ever since the death of Desmond, i've been hoping to see a strong lead Assassin in the franchise. Cal could well be the next big Modern Day Assassin. The Bleeding Effect hits him quickly, and his abilities are clearly impressive! I would love to see him again. Callum Lynch People who do not comply with the Animus become docile! This was scary to see. People who do not use the Animus properly lose their minds! Dislikes and Queries: The inclusion of Christopher Columbus. Does this contradict established Lore? Cal singing whilst using the Animus............ "We work in the Darkness to serve the Light". Mary Lynch. The Apple of Eden is now green when used. Did the film say a Templar had never held an Apple of Eden? (I'll need to rewatch to check this. Obviously wrong if this was indeed said) The ways in which the Apple could remove Violence are never explained. After the film, we watched the Leap of Faith trailer live. So glad he performed it without hurting himself! Thank you so much to everyone at Ubisoft and Fox who made this event possible!Overall, I really enjoyed the film. and plan on seeing it again soon. Thanks again to Dom and Laureline from the Assassin's Creed Team! 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 Podcast: Episode 1 - Introducing The Ones Who Came Before Podcast Share 13 Sept 2020 Written By: Edited By: Ashlea Blackett Back To Database comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Ashlea is the Editor/ Charity Project Coordinator for The Ones Who Came Before on its wide variety of social media platforms. Her main responsibilities for TOWCB involve creating and editing articles, organisation of events and coordinating our charity fundraising, as well as hosting the Rally The Creed Podcast. Ashlea Blackett

Assassins in Need: Heart of the Creed (2022 Community Fundraiser) Fundraising Share 17 Aug 2022 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) Ashlea Blackett Back To Database We are pleased to reveal that our 2022 Assassin's Creed Community Fundraiser will run from the 15th August - 10th September 2022! This year's campaign is titled 'Assassins in Need: Heart of the Creed', and will raise money for The British Heart Foundation and The American Heart Association, two incredible organisations providing critical cardiovascular medical research and education to facilities around the world. This lifesaving campaign launched by The Ones Who Came Before in association with various different companies and communities hopes to be our biggest yet, with a target of £1500. Here you can learn more about the 2022 campaign and our partners! This is a cause which we can all get behind, as many of us in the community have lost family members and friends to heart disease or related conditions. Earlier in the year, Assassin's Creed scriptwriter Russell Lees sadly passed away from a heart attack. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. Our Assassin's Creed community fundraisers have collectively raised over £2500 for various causes, and we hope to once again support a worthwhile cause which can save lives. Thank You Dave Woodward from Assassin's Creed United Kingdom Declan from Let's Talk Assassin's Creed promoting the campaign on his podcast The Maverick (A Hidden One) promoting the campaign onhis TikTok channel. Aaron from the AC Partnership program thanking donors 2022 Partners Links to Assassin's Creed As longtime fans of TOWCB will know, we pick our fundraising causes very carefully, finding ways to connect real-life issues to the Assassin's Creed series In the Assassin's Creed series, Master Assassin and Mentor Ezio Auditore died of a heart attack on a bench in his beloved city of Florence. We were also saddened to report the death of Assassin's Creed scriptwriter Russell Lees earlier in the year, who passed away from a heart attack. Russell worked on various AAA Ubisoft titles as a script writer, most recently as Lead Writer for Assassin's Creed Valhalla Wrath of the Druids and ACV's Sciropscire & Oxenefordscire arcs. Milestones & Raffles £100 reached: Lisa Zaman Art Sale. All profits go towards the fundraiser. We are thrilled to announce that Lisa has once again teamed up with TOWCB team to host an exclusive art print sale! £300 reached: Assassin's Creed History Livestream launched, covering historical figures, landmarks and events. Hosted by @science_creed, @ac_landmarks and @HistoriansPers and by our YouTube channel names The Science of Assassin's Creed and AC Landmarks. Additionally, you can find the channel of our collaborator Master Hekate's Ceremonials also on YouTube £400 reached: Merchandise Sale launched We are pleased to announce the launch of our Assassins In Need merchandise sale, featuring a design created by TOWCB team member Thea Rivedal! 100% of proceeds support the 2022 community fundraiser, raising funds for @ TheBHF & @ American_Heart £500 reached: Ezio Auditore Statue Auction: All profits go towards the fundraiser We will be auctioning an Ezio statue, kindly donated to the fundraiser by Ubisoft UK! £1000 reached: Merchandise Sale: We will be selling even more exclusive Heart of the Creed fundraiser merchandise, using designs created by AC Partnership Members. Opportunity! All donors of £5 or more will receive access to our Thank You pack, containing a special video! You'll need to donate to find out more! Opportunity! All donors of £15 or more will be entered into a raffle! Aconyte Books have kindly donated x5 digital bundles containing the following novels! Assassin's Creed: Sword of the White Horse Assassin's Creed: The Magus Conspiracy Assassin's Creed: The Ming Storm Opportunity! All donors of £20 or more will be entered in to a raffle! We have x3 Ezio Auditore Assassin's Creed Revelations prints by Chariflame to giveaway! Opportunity! All donors of £50 or more will be entered into a raffle We have x1 signed Evie Frye Print, signed by voice actress Victoria Atikin, kindly donated to the fundraiser by Kim Beacham from the Assassin's Creed United Kingdom team! Get Involved You can now find the 2022 Assassins in Need fundraiser on GoFundMe. We need your support to make this a success, so please donate and support the fundraiser if you can. 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)

What we want to see from the Assassin's Creed Franchise in 2020 Wishlists Share 29 Dec 2019 Written By: Edited By: Mieke Dix Ashlea Blackett Back To Database 5. Assassin’s Creed 1, Version 2.0 This is effectively a repeat from last year’s list which is why it’s first on this one, but it’s just as relevant. The game that started it all has yet to receive a remaster on current-gen platforms, unlike every other previous-gen title. Sure, there are plenty who dislike it due to its gameplay being simplistic and repetitive, particularly in comparison to the later games, but that doesn’t make Altaïr’s story any less compelling. It’s definitely a game that would benefit from a significant technical overhaul instead of merely an aesthetic one, which may well explain why they haven’t remastered it yet - or just won’t bother. However, whether we’ll be seeing this anytime soon or not is unclear, so all we can do is once again cross our fingers that it’ll feature in the upcoming UbiE3 lineup. 4. Next Instalment Announced With all the leaks and rumors that have been abounding on the internet this year, it’s somewhat inevitable that Ubisoft’s E3 press conference in June will feature a teaser trailer for the next game, at the very least. What’s less certain is whether Ubisoft will announce the game for release this year on current-gen only, or wait until 2021 when they can release it on the new Xbox and PS5, whether that’s a dual-release or next-gen only. This is where we can only hope that, if they are planning a dual-release, Ubisoft thoroughly learned their lesson following the disaster that was Rogue/Unity’s release. Whatever the case, we fully expect there to be a new main series title announced at some point in the coming year. 3. The Symphony on CD The Assassin’s Creed Symphony was a wonderful celebration of the many composers who have been a part of the franchise since its inception and their beautiful, emotive music. I personally attended the performance in London (and probably cried 90% of the time). Each game’s soundtrack was arranged into an excellently-composed suite which showcased the music at its best. What would be greatly appreciated, doubly so by those who couldn’t get a ticket for whatever reason, is an album of the arrangements for us to enjoy at our leisure. Of course, what would also be appreciated is an announcement that the Symphony will become an annual event visiting more locations worldwide, or even a series of concerts that would allow for even more arrangements of each soundtrack….! Wait, where was I? 2. Creed-Con 2020? (Confirmed 12/4/20) Something that was evident by the response to the Symphony - mainly the rapidity at which it sold tickets - is that there really is a market for official Assassin’s Creed events and experiences. That’s not to say that we demand an official Assassin’s Creed convention or anything, but there is plenty of scope for other events. (I mean, a convention also sounds freaking awesome). The community already organises a fair amount of events of their own accord, but to be able to pull all that passion under one, officially-endorsed roof would be grand. For example: the Symphony becoming a regular event could be a good start. It could be the perfect headline act of a convention, or even a one/two-day festival of celebration for the franchise, especially if it was then streamed live for all to enjoy. 1. A Return to its Roots I plan on getting a bit more in depth about this at some point, but let’s face facts: the series is nothing like it was in the beginning. This isn’t actually a bad thing, and Origins and Odyssey are both fantastic games. However, the criticism that neither game feels like Assassin’s Creed is entirely fair, and there is a good deal of worry that the series will just continue to stray further and further from where it began, until it’s purely Assassin’s Creed by name only. Hopefully we can see a return of the rooftop-skulking, shadow-lurking assassins that we all came to love, and less of the colossal maps half-full of empty space. We love naval combat because it’s fun, fast-paced and exhilarating, but we also love balancing precariously on window ledges four storeys up as we stalk a Templar far below, ready to dive gracefully into the nearest hay bale and wait for the perfect moment to strike. Now that is Assassin’s Creed at its heart, and we desperately want that back. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Mieke is a huge fan of the Assassin's Creed franchise, and is looking forward to creating regular content for the AC community as an online article writer. She has previously written articles for Cultured Vultures and currently runs an online gaming blog. By joining the program, Mieke will be able to write articles on a wide variety of topics for the community. Mieke Dix

Guiding Shadows: A Review of Assassin’s Creed The Golden City (LIGHT SPOILERS) Review Share 16 Jan 2023 Written By: Edited By: Michael Smith Ashlea Blackett Back To Database “They worked in the dark to serve the light, but were they never allowed to exist in it as well?” (AC The Golden City - Chapter 21) LIGHT SPOILER WARNING for story themes and subjects Overview The tenets of the Assassin's br otherhood have been the guidelines for each holder of a hidden blade since before the series began, alongside the maxim and "working in the dark to serve the light". Yet, many Assassins have questioned what they are taught, as have the ones they have protected. Who are the Assassins to decide who lives and who dies? Who are they besides birds of prey that hide where the light is afraid to go? Constantinople (as depicted in Assassin's Creed Revelations) The Golden City is the newest novel from Aconyte Books and is written by Jaleigh Johnson, a New York Times bestseller and chosen author for the ABA Spring Indie Next list. Within this tale is an isolated story following fan-favorite Assassins Hytham and Basim Ibn Ishaq in 867, Constantinople. The young Acolyte Hytham joins Basim to investigate the conspiracy plot of Emperor Basil I to kill his son Leo VI with the assistance of the Order of the Ancients, as well as spy on his mentor for the Brotherhood as they began questioning Basim’s priorities over the Creed. Hytham (as seen in Assassin's Creed Valhalla) Hytham has been a guide to the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla story for some time now. Previously, he was seen in Sword of the White Horse by Elsa Sjunneson, and soon he will return in The World of Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Journey to the North–Logs and Files of a Hidden One by Rick Barba. His character has been expanded upon and revisited multiple times in the Valhalla series, as an anchor to the Brotherhood for multiple mainline characters, but his persona has never been explored before this title; The Golden City . This is a Hytham, post Assassin’s Creed Mirage but pre-AC Valhalla . A Hytham that is unsure if he can trust his mentor and at times, himself. A man who doesn't question his skills, but strives to become more like his experienced mentor. The story opens with a look at the relationship between Hytham and Basim, sparing as the Acolyte admires his mentor's skill and demeanor as he tries to figure out who Basim is as a person and Assassin. Within the first chapter, Hytham sees something in Basim that resembles a man who has “trod the same stretch of earth for decades or longer”. My thoughts immediately turn to the trailer for AC Mirage and the djinn that we as fans have speculated to be the Isu Loki invading the mind of Basim; something that Basim references (the djinn) when discussing the nightmares of the prince later in the story. The story continues with the explanation of the plot, a mission for the “young eagle” to protect Prince Leo in an environment where anyone could be an enemy or pawn of the Order of the Ancients. It is in the palace of the Emperor where he meets Prince Leo and learns of the dangers surrounding the future leader of the city. A child that has experienced multiple accidents that in truth were poor attem pts on his life , hidden by a paranoid father who believes the child to be an illegitimate heir to the throne. Fatherhood is an underlying subject throughout the story with both positive and negative connotations. It is where I find Jaleigh shines the most as she weaves together a bond between a frightened child and the guardian assigned to protect him. A man who never had the chance to have his own family, but knows the sacrifice he must make to be a member of the Assassin Brotherhood. It's a relationship that he sees and questions between himself and Basim as a student and mentor. A journey of the Protector and Ward that echoes other media like Logan and The Last of Us . It is this theme that drives my opening quote as Hytham allows his personal feelings to fuel the mission he was tasked with by the boy’s mother, Empress Eudokia Ingerina. Basim ibn Ishaq The first signs of a tie-in to Assassin's Creed Valhalla can be seen via Basim’s interest in the Viking people as he yearns to learn more about the Eagle Clan, led by the warrior Thyra, head of the Varangian Guard, servants of the Emperor and his family. While it is not explained in detail, the players involved know that Basim is looking for someone specifically within the Vikings. This of course is what leads to the two Assassins seeking out Sigurd Styrbjornsson and his step-sister, Eivor Varinsdottir in AC Valhalla. Review The Golden City has plenty of combat depicted in great detail and can be visualized with ease. This is something I have always enjoyed and looked for in the transmedia of the series. From the sparring between partnering Assassins to close combat melees in the streets, the action is plentiful but not overwhelming. Between the clash of scimitars and precision of knife throws, a balanced conspiracy plot is picked apart with each page turn alongside the caring scenes of Hytham and Leo. Reflecting back on the story a few days after finishing, I found that the conspiracy was a good way to craft this standalone novel as it kept the elements of Hytham's mission contained and easy to keep track of. Looking at games like Valhalla where you have multiple storylines to remember, this book's focus on protecting the prince and investigating Hytham made a relaxing read. Even when the opposition was revealed, I found myself thinking about the surprise reveal, but not needing to double back and try to find missing clues. The same can be said about Basim. I learned multiple personality traits about the Master Assassin, but nothing that felt like an easter egg, or direct reference to another piece of media. Knowing that Hytham and Basim are alive in Valhalla made the potential worry of loosing a character to the Order of the Ancients non-existent. However, I didn't see that as a negative as I still had the full story to explore and fully admire the characters' individual world building and growth. The story is similar to a DLC expansion to the story. I think a lot about Bonfire of the Vanities and Assassin's Creed II, where the story was isolated to a new district with supporting characters that we met previously as Ezio. You have a good story that is tied into the main campaign, or in this case Basim and Hytham's backstories, but if you didn't get a chance to play that DLC (or read this book) you wouldn't be missing out of any key elements. Does the book go into the depth of the two Assassin's relationship? It does, and that may give players of Valhalla a better idea of the thoughts the Assassin's have in the game. Yet on the other side, I could not tell you anything that gives a peak into Mirage outside the mention of Roshan and Basim's mention of the djinn which I noted earlier. It feels like Batman: Year One in many ways where Hytham has been an Assassin for a while, but is still an Acolyte in the story. This leaves a lot of room for more stories and the journal releasing this year with Journey to the North could fill in more of the time between Mirage and Valhalla. Comparing The Golden City to other Aconyte Books titles, I would say this is a good title to be added to their expanding transmedia line of books, and while I would rank it towards the lower half of the releases (6 books including Golden City ) it isn't bad; I still enjoyed it. However where Geirmund's Saga read like the novelization of one of the games, Sword of the White Horse focused on a story based on Arthurian legend, and The Magus Conspiracy was a multi-decade conspiracy thriller, The Golden City feels like a character arc for Hytham, developing him further, but it doesn't hinder the enjoyment of Valhalla or the series in whole. Assassin’s Creed The Golden City is a great book for readers that enjoy drama, action, and stories of relationships without any prior knowledge of the Assassin’s Creed universe. Fans of the series will find a great introspective into the mind of an Assassin and a perfect read to excite for Assassin’s Creed Mirage. The book releases on April 4, 2023, in the United States and Globally as an Ebook. It will be available in paperback on June 22, 2023, in the UK. 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

Music Mash-up: The Amazing Spider-Man theme by James Horner & Ezio’s Family by Jesper Kyd Other Share 12 Feb 2022 Written By: Edited By: ActualSpider-Man Ashlea Blackett Back To Database Check out this original mash-up by our partner Actual Spider-Man, who has managed to combine 'The Amazing Spider-Man' theme by James Horner with the iconic 'Ezio’s Family' by Jesper Kyd. Although only a short extract, the piece captures the heart of both franchises, and kicks off our ambitions of releasing more original music later in the year, stemming from our AC Partnership Program. We hope that you enjoy this first piece! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. About the Author Author of the all-encompassing timeline, Codex Temporis, and the Isu-to-English dictionary, Codex Transferendum, Your Friendly Neighborhood Mentor is here to help unweave the confusing web of AC! ActualSpider-Man

Assassin's Creed Community Meet-up at Wales Comic Con 2018 - Part 2 Event Share 1 Dec 2018 Written By: Edited By: Colum Blackett (Col_96) Ashlea Blackett Back To Database Our admins Col and Ash joined AC UK at Wales Comic Con for a community meet-up! 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)

Interview with an Assassin - A Character Discussion with the Cast of The Resurrection Plot Interview Share 11 Jun 2023 Written By: Edited By: Michael Smith Back To Database Banner by Thea Marie Rivedal (Moonchildgecko) from TOWCB Art Team. *This interview with the characters of Assassin’s Creed The Resurrection Plot is not to be considered canonical. This is solely used as a recap of the previous book and a refresher of the two main characters Pierrette Arnaud and Simeon Price. This is Mike with The Ones Who Came Before, and I want to welcome our readers to what has to be the most unique Assassin's Creed interview that I have ever done. Today I am speaking not with the author of the new AC novel The Resurrection Plot , Kate Heartfield, (who we interviewed for her last book The Magus Conspiracy ) , but with her co-lead characters Pierrette Arnaud and Simeon Price! Welcome Pierrette and Simeon, how are you doing today? Pierrette: Ready for anything. Simeon: The leg’s acting up, and I’ve been travelling recently, so I’m glad to have this chance to sit and talk a bit. Without going into the end of your last adventure, how are you feeling traveling to 1869 Cairo? Simeon: Honestly, I’m just hoping to find out what the Templars are up to out in the desert – and perhaps, run into Pierrette while I’m in the area. It’s been a few years since we’ve seen each other, with one thing and another. Pierrette: I’ve made good friends in Cairo, and there’s so much energy and excitement among the Assassins here. It’s been good for me to leave England for a while, and France, well, things are looking uncertain in France at the moment. People say there could be war with Prussia. You both came to find each other through your mutual friend, Ada Lovelace. Can you tell us a bit about her and did you two find a friendship through knowing her mutually? Pierrette: I rescued her from ruffians one night, and she became my friend. She introduced me to many people: artists, writers, people I never would have met otherwise. And she gave me a purpose. I promised that after her death, I’d find the man who could help me make sure that her clever inventions did no harm. That man was Simeon. And while we haven’t always seen eye to eye – Simeon – you mean you haven’t always had things your way. Pierrette: I am grateful to Simeon for teaching me and introducing me to the Brotherhood of Assassins. Simeon: And I am grateful to Ada for the same reasons, although her notebook was the bane of our lives for years. We’ve finally put her legacy to rest now. You both came from unique backgrounds, Pierrette being an acrobat with the Aurora Equestrian Troupe, and you Simeon a former Lance-Corporal with the British Army. How would you compare your time with each to that with the Assassins Brotherhood? Simeon: I joined the army because I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself, something with purpose. But I soon found it impossible to be a soldier in that particular army and a man of conscience at the same time. As an Assassin, I am always answerable to myself, so long as I don’t harm innocents or the Brotherhood. Pierrette: In a way, it’s not so different from being a performer. We are all trying to achieve our best as individuals, when we’re riding a horse around an arena or swinging from a trapeze, but we rely on each other, and we teach each other. What are your views on the Brotherhood at the start of this new book? Do you feel like it has improved since you first joined? Pierrette: I’ll admit to some frustrations, but I’m so pleased about what some of our fellow Assassins have done lately in London. Simeon: There’s a real opportunity for the Brotherhood to find young people who are frustrated by the state of the world and teach them how to change it, in ways that won’t result in even more tyranny. I know the Brotherhood could help so many of them, and they could make us stronger, but it’s difficult to reach them, to get through. Everyone has to walk their own path. Mine is a lonely one these days, I admit, and I fail to reach these young people more often than I succeed. Coming back to your skill sets, Pierrette if I may, what is it about horses that made them such a focus for your troupe? Do you find that working with them is easier than working with people? Pierrette: A horse will always let you know where you stand. People are less honest. Simeon, I know you have gone through some difficult times since leaving the Army, are you finding the structure of the Brotherhood to be similar to your time with the military? Simeon: Perhaps it’s the bad memories from my time in the army that has caused me to strike out on my own a fair bit, even within the Brotherhood. But I do try my best to do my duty, to uphold the principles I’ve sworn to serve, and in that, it’s the same. It's been nearly two decades since we were first introduced to you both, how do you feel now as seasoned Assassins compared to then? Simeon: Sore. Pierrette: I’ve greatly enjoyed being able to work with more weapons. But I suppose I have a collection of ghosts, to go with my weapons. Regrets, I mean. Simeon: I never thought I’d hear you speak about regrets. Pierrette: Well, I’m not saying I have long lists of them. Perhaps … four. Simeon: Four regrets. Pierrette: Yes. Why, how many do you have? Simeon: I haven’t counted. More than four. Who would be the political figure that you feel you have the best relationship with? Pierrette: I’m looking forward to meeting Ismail Pasha, who’s the ruler of Egypt these days. He’s done something remarkable in creating the Suez Canal, and he seems to want to stand up to the imperial powers. Simeon: Speaking of standing up to power, I have some friends in Paris, writers and thinkers, who are trying to find better ways to live. For me, a smoky tavern with people like that in it is more exciting than a meeting with an emperor. Who’s the better fighter between the two of you? Simeon: Pierrette. Pierrette: Me. [laughs] In all seriousness, that’s very kind of you to say, Simeon, but I think it depends, wouldn’t you say? I’m better at the big picture: how to get from A to B most efficiently. Simeon: Even spectacularly, sometimes. Pierrette: Which has always been my weakness, as you’ve pointed out many times. You’re better at making sure it gets done quickly and quietly. Simeon, you were trained with a large amount of reading to help educate you better by your mentor Oscar Kane, which would you say was your favorite to read? Pierrette, you can answer as well if you like as we know Simeon trained you? Simeon: The book from Kane’s library that has stayed with me over the years is London Labour and the London Poor by Richard Mayhew. It’s a book that shows the world as it is, and treats every human being in it as worthy. Pierrette: I loved seeing the old combat manuals – Simeon will laugh, but I liked the illustrations, because they make the people of centuries ago seem just like us. Worried about where to put their feet and struggling to keep their guard up. Speaking of, how is Simeon as a mentor? And Pierrette as a mentee? Pierrette: He’s a better mentor than he realizes, but I don’t want it to go to his head. Simeon: Pierrette’s taught me more than I’ve taught her, I think, by being such a challenging student. Pierrette: Challenging? I beg your pardon? Simeon: Independent and unpredictable. Pierrette: Well, nobody wants a predictable Assassin. What do you want readers to know going into this new book? Are there any things you want to tease? Simeon: I think we’re all in for some surprises, but I’m looking forward to fighting side by side with Pierrette again. Pierrette: And I’m looking forward to being very inconvenient to the Templar Order. We thank you both for joining us today and we are looking forward to what is going to be a great entry and sequel for Assassin’s Creed fans to read. Assassin’s Creed The Resurrection Plot by Kate Heartfield, and published by Aconyte Books will release on July 4, 2023 on Global e-book and physically in the US. The UK can pick up the paperback on September 28, 2023. You can read our light spoiler review here and preorder the book here . 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