Assassin's Creed: Stagnation
Post-game London
Summary: Crawford Starrick's reign as Grand Master has caused reparations from various allies, and the Templar Order in London is being torn apart. With close to debt and various investors attempting to form their own schemes and the Rooks being robbed of their purpose in freeing London, the rise and installment of the Order's new Grand Master is seen by many to solve the problems of Crawford.
To me, Crawford Starrick was a decline. A rule tainted by years of power and laziness gripping their ranks, a legacy incomparable to the degrading era of the Borgias, of corruption combined with murders to increase control. This man, this…being represented the man of power and leadership of the Order, supposedly to control London. This man was a demon, the crazed leader, the shame of the title Grandmaster.
He is more than that. He is my predecessor.
Ever since the chase for the Shroud, Starrick's circle has been completely wiped out leaving the city exposed to the Assassins who have earned titles of great respect, their actions have opened the way for a new Brotherhood to be imposed onto London's structure. Meanwhile, the Templars under Starrick's leash have broken free and run wild amongst the populace, continuing to secure their factions with money, vices and places of considerable influence. Many have hid themselves out of fear for Starrick's fate, abandoning the Order in their hour of need, and robbing us of much needed resources. The Order is in chaos.
How can someone like me become the Grandmaster of a broken rite and lead it? Was there an ability to reinstate cooperation within the ranks of the Order? Could I follow what was right even when I was told to believe that everything was untrue?
No doubt you have heard tales about me, the traitor, the Grandmaster who disrespected the true work. But I choose to deny these accusations, as a member of the Order will understand the oaths that we took: Never divulge the true nature of our work, to do so unto death no matter the cost, for the new Order that shall come from control shall guide all. These were the words that I promised to live by, how I would create the vision of my own perfect world. However times have changed, and so I must now break our code, and question the validity of such a philosophy as I reflect upon the time I have left to record this.
Firstly, what nature of our work and what is true? Purpose was instilled onto us, to guide and lead humanity to the new world of order. We have believed that is the nature of our true work, however true work is often so sadly misplaced.
Secondly is the new Order that we have to create, what is this new Order? How can we be so sure that the nature of our work does not impede whatever this new Order may be, or what do we do to create it?
Thirdly, are we so sure that our individual truth truly reflects what we desire? Throughout history we have hurt people, we always have…there are groups that are disadvantaged, and we for all our resources and believed to be the masters over problems and solutions are pressured to have control over such things. We are effectively blamed for things that society crafts, we as Templars integrate ourselves and play along unable to work when we are shut down by society itself. The voices of the people drown our control, and the Assassins are there to listen nodding at every word the disadvantaged say against us for crimes society made.
This is why I sought the Assassins, to understand their code, to see how it can give purpose or cause people to care. Now I see, after years of spending time questioning and debating within myself I found that the answer is that both creeds are correct in theory, but incorrect in practicality.
For as an Assassin, everything is permitted to us to do onto others, whether by creating death and destruction for the greater good as we Templars never divulge the true nature of our work and achieve peace by only our individual means for the greater good. We work in the shadows, just as our Assassins manipulate the poverty and chaos we sowed in our wake for order we control chaos, and manipulate authority for our own ends. Nothing is true is one of the central quotes, we are bound by no creed like the Assassins are bound by a creed that can be twisted: all murders will harm others, methods will always cause dissatisfaction within our societies and the Assassins will murder individuals who in their opinion are responsible. This was proven true to me for the unseen hand causes more destruction that the people turn to authorities for revenge.
Upon opening this diary, you will read treasonous words, things that may not make sense from your world view it will leave you angry, cynical and full of doubts. Do not believe the creeds of both orders, but merely understand them instead…I assure you, they will convince you to turn your zeal and conviction. This is my request to you, should you choose to read further.
I leave this diary, in the hopes that whoever who succeeds me will understand the circumstances that surrounded my choices, and the people who will hunt me down. I would ask you to kill them, but instead I merely ask that you listen and learn from my tale, to follow my example despite all that you have heard. Should you wish to kill my aggressors who still live, I will not stop you however the plans I have set in motion will ensure they are no longer a problem.
This is my story. I am Aatto Bonham, Grandmaster of the Templar Order, leader of the Fractured, scorn of the Templars, and most of all…an ally to the Brotherhood.
-from the opening chapter of Aatto Bonham: Leader, Banker and the Broken
The courtyard was bristling with the quiet buzz and chirping, birds and their insectoid avian counterparts clutching onto branches and dancing in the air, the sun bearing down on the gaps through the clouds creating rays that cast a spotted pattern on the grounds of the courtyard. Sitting to either side were tables devoid of sitters as the empty chairs laid bare under the clouds, dew stains from the morning pooling on the ground. It was in this quiet tranquil place away from the city did two men find themselves calmly walking through, the tap of a cane striking the solid stone ground being the only sound to disrupt the peace in rhythm.
"So that is that, then. With Crawford's position being empty, in accordance with the large power gap, the successor to the Templar Order falls to the best possible candidate to lead us."
"By that, you are speaking about me."
A young man, in his mid to late 20's stood beside an elderly gentleman in his fifties, the former stiffened upon the realization of his position. The young man was decked out in a grey frock coat that was split open unbuttoned, the collars upturned while a black waistcoat was all that covered his white shirt and wearing matching black pants. The neck of the man was covered by a purple scarf hung behind his neck and was left untouched, the gold sewed rims of a cross with ruby red lines of hand sewn within the interior to color it. The man's outstanding feature was that of the bright orange hair that was cropped short, a hood drawn back from his frock coat which acted as an additional feature to his fashion garb. The older man on the other hand had a buttoned frock coat complete with a bowler hat, the evidence of his age was clear on his face aside from the greying hair exposed despite his coverage while freckles dotted the space below his eyes in dark spots, several of them combining at the center giving the man an inhuman shade of tanned brown contrasting his fair white skin.
The old man nodded grimly, his brown eyes never leaving its focus on the nervous crinkle that crossed the young man's features at the news, his body leaning on the cane. "Yes, that is the decision of our brothers after five months of debate which has left us in a considerably weaker position than we had not too long ago. Starrick left no successor in the wake of his death, the belief that he alone directing London into the new age and beyond blinded him from the thought of an early retirement from life crossing his mind. You were the suitable man for the job."
"Truly, am I so unique to be chosen?" The young man questioned, his tone and expression was suppressed and doubtful.
"Do not be so quick to dismiss yourself simply because we settled on someone. The title of Grandmaster is not an easy task, those who show some form of capability would fit to the expectations of the others, but as you already know it is a flawed system."
The young man looked unconvinced, his red hair alight in the sun almost like a tiny flame in its reflection. "And with the current imbalance within the Order we are made vulnerable to bankers, merchants and many other investors held in complacency under Starrick's iron grip, Lupin. Most of the Master Templars are dead, and our number has dwindled considerably with many of our…'allies' having the chance to lash back at the Order for past mistakes. Do you really expect me to easily be forgiven the mistakes of an organization?" He reasoned as Lupin shrugged, the pair entering the garden grounds their shoes crunching the grass in careful methodical steps.
"There is much in the way of redemption," Lupin nodded, leaning his cane in a half step forward watching the world around them in the branches as two crows launched off from the branch towards the blue expanse above, the man watching in silence. "Our Order has truthfully been crippled with Starrick's hunt for the Shroud above shirking his duties, as well as control over the streets being what it is now, unattainable. The Order has many things to atone for, and I believe as the heir to the Grand Master throne you may assist us in overcoming our weaknesses."
The young adult fell silent as he processed this, his thoughts in a flurried state as various emotions flashed their opinions out at him, though he shut out their voices. After a long silence, the man finally spoke with a lower tone. "And what of the Assassins and their Brotherhood, with control of the Rooks, the children and the assistance of allies within the government there is no way we can win them over."
Lupin narrowed his eyes at the mention, his demeanor darkening. "Those Assassins aim for the betterment of the people, but their carnage of the British society has its costs. I would not underestimate the power that the Fryes have over the Brotherhood however and dealing with our mutual enemies is not in the best interest considering the drain of our resources."
"…I understand, Lupin." The young man gave a nod, his expression was grim more so with the thought of the pair in the forefront of his mind. Sir Jacob Frye and Dame Evie Frye are present titles and names that the British rite would never forget, their adamant quest for the dominance of London had left scars. In addition to ending Starrick the pair had earned accolades by Queen Victoria herself, the friendship having clear erosions of trust between her and the Templars due to their attempts to maintain control. With Starrick's allegiance known to the brother and sister pair made it a lot harder to gain back the territory they earned, and reveal themselves to the monarch or her government.
Lupin nodded satisfied with the man's answer though he glanced over to see the young man's expression, full of loss and doubt before the man tapped his cane against the tree. "The Templar Order is here to provide guidance and purpose, to stand at the helm of leadership. We seek to instill purpose and freedom through control, those are the tenants that we live by. As the new Grand Master of our Order you are to live up to these tenants, providing the Templars with the necessary steps in ensuring the current order stays the way it should be."
"Yet our moral code is flawed as the Assassins." The young man interjected, Lupin raising a brow his hands covering the head of the cane. "Oh, how so young man?"
"We seek to become the helm by which to guide humankind, yet we have monarchs who have done just fine in fulfilling some of that purpose without incident." Seeing that Lupin didn't answer merely staring at him, he took it as a sign to continue. "In addition, we have no clear goal aside from freedom through control, and instilling purpose when there is only a vague fog. Isn't it said the same that the Assassins due to their overstatement of the fact that nothing is true, and this release from the bonds of morality and methodology simply work towards whatever freedom they justify best for their people? How then can we even work towards what is best for the people through control?"
Lupin's silence served as the answer to his inquiry, the young Grandmaster noticed the older experienced Templar's hesitance in an immediate reply. Lupin was naturally cautious, unlike several of the other Master ranks who cared about establishing an empire as quickly as possible, or were uncaring enough to bother with the large debt accrued from the corrupt deals due to their proximity, Lupin represented the faction belonging to the traditionalists who served the Order as long as their bloodline demanded it. With such a reputation as one of the most senior members due to heritage, it is no surprise Lupin and his colleagues were approached for advice on certain issues of leadership within the Order, however rare that their advice was taken by the Templars themselves in particular Starrick who dismissed them as in the way of progress.
"That…is a thing to consider," Lupin finally said the words spoken between short pauses in a careful manner. "However, philosophy must be secondary to the primary goals of the Order. There is hardly room for the discussion of such a thing when other pressing concerns fill our minds." Lupin advised sternly, the new Grandmaster giving a respectful nod to the elder.
"Very well, however Lupin it is a valid point to think about should we desire the rite to survive. With the Assassins inside London, there is no doubt the Brotherhood has sent in their pawns, and there must be a strategy to fight back their organized criminal gang."
"Leave that part to my group, Grandmaster we'll settle that one step at a time." Lupin assured him as the pair entered the manor, ascending the stairs to the second level at the end of the corridor entering a small office, Lupin going to the desk that stood prominently in the center laying his cane at the side of the desk and moved behind the desk. "However, the issue of our finance and rallying the warring factions within the Order come first before rebuilding."
"What do you suggest?"
"As holder of the title Grandmaster, you gain access to the resources that my faction of course own including those of the other factions. However, since Starrick's demise and his incompetent leadership following the absolute control of London these factions have lost what little loyalty or expounded on disloyalty to our Order. They disrespect you, caring only for their own goals and ambitions, using our expansive contacts to fill their pockets than assist us with rebuilding. It is a messy state of affairs."
"What of the Master Templars in Wales, Scotland, Ireland? Have they not received news of the death of Starrick?" Lupin narrowed his eyes at the mention of them, his expression darkened once more as he folded his arms on the table's surface. "They were told, they never sent help. Ireland is busy dealing with the Assassin Brotherhood from starting more uprisings, Scotland claims that as the primary branch of the British rite we should be in control of our situation." Lupin noted with disgust while his hands clasped one another.
"And what about Wales?"
"They aren't bothered in the slightest by our plight." Lupin answered firmly, the Grandmaster frowning at the negative news as he wiped his palms against one another, his mind racking for options. "So who are these factions' leaders, perhaps I can speak with them?"
"They have barred entry to their strongholds by their own orders. When we were selecting our few Master Templars for candidacy those factions tried to illegally install their puppets into power, I was lucky to have stumbled upon this and take care of these dishonest men before it could be done. As I said before they disrespect your authority, refuse to see another man other than their own as Grandmaster."
"…This is problematic. With you installing me as Grandmaster, and them holding onto their status as Templars pursuing their vision of control-"
"I am afraid your fears are not unfounded, Grandmaster. With the Assassins in place, they will come after the Templars who have gone their way to instill conspiracies and displace the London public, and when they do they will work their way to the top." Lupin replied grimly, any further words were left unsaid as both men realized the seriousness of their situation. The silence was immediately broken when the Grandmaster looked up, hiding his crestfallen expression behind a serious demeanor. "Well, Lupin I cannot stay here any longer, I have a stockholders meeting at the Bank of England."
Before he could move towards the door, Lupin called after him giving the Grandmaster pause. "Wait. A final gift before you leave, if you may," Lupin held up a hand as he opened the center drawer, the Grandmaster watching in surprise as Lupin placed a familiar leather glove with the a crest the shape of an 'A', Lupin patting the glove as the underside of it revealed a rectangular compartment with various cogs protected by a small metal frame.
"I present this to you, a hidden blade taken from an Assassin who tried to take my life years before Starrick's reign when London was a…contested ground. I have worn it, and used it to save my life many times in that dark period. Perhaps this will protect you, or many years to come." The Grandmaster's eyes were bright with intrigue, his hands outstretched to receive the hidden blade, eyes falling onto the simple design of the weapon. Seeing the admiration on his face, Lupin gestured to the young man's arm with a smile. "Put it on, I would hate for it to go to waste being some trophy in a glass case."
Accepting the offer, the Grandmaster eagerly slipped on the glove slash bracer onto his hand, strapping the buckles that lined the length of the bracer and glove tightening the buckles before he tested out the glove, wincing at the way the glove stretched against his fingertips creating a soreness. Removing the glove, the Grandmaster laid it on the table flexing his fingers as he looked at the weapon, Lupin looking slightly amused. The Grandmaster reached into the underside of his coat, removing a small serrated dirk from the confines before he gripped the glove's fingertips, sawing half the length of the original sleeves allowing the pieces to fall to the table. Finished with his rough work, the Grandmaster fitted the hidden blade to his hand satisfied at the fitting as he brushed off a remaining shave of leather flexing the weapon attached. As if to answer him, Lupin spoke.
"Flick your wrist," he helpfully suggested as the Grandmaster did as instructed, flinching in surprise when the blade slid out from the compartment, before his apprehension gave way to curiosity.
"Fascinating that a blade can appear out of such a delicate device, and has ended the lives of many who do not expect it," he uttered marveled by the weapon while Lupin nodded. "I have taken the liberty since that attempt on my life to replicate such a device, as a hobby to procure something more…durable for use. I have to say the smiths were initially stumped and broke the first three I sent them, though they adapted to the designs. I feel that, if we are to acquire physical means of accomplishing goals, why not be more direct in our dealings against our enemies?"
"That must have been dangerous, fighting Assassins one on one."
"I admit that Assassins are very powerful opponents, the will to kill is sharper than a knife to the heart." Lupin stated as he observed the hidden blade in its new owner's hands. "However, a Templar as I have learned firsthand must be ready to utilize many variables to trap and kill a trained killer…do not be mistaken, Grandmaster, for you may hold the weapon of a killer but you do not know how to use it."
"Interesting, and should I require training to test out this technique…"
"I can provide training dummies, and a fencing instructor should you choose it." Lupin proposed eagerly, the Templar leader contemplating this for a few seconds before he looked at Lupin in the eyes. "I can have time for the training of the hidden blade, but I'm afraid I cannot afford to have an instructor due to my schedule…"
"It is fine, so long as you have training it is enough." Lupin waved his concerns aside, looking to the grandfather's clock at the wall. "It is getting late for your appointment, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is." The Grandmaster acknowledged as his hand relaxed, the blade flicking back into its holster before he inclined his head towards him. "Farewell for now, Lupin. May the Father of Understanding guide us." The Grandmaster exited the office, leaving Lupin alone in his privacy as he looked out the window in silence hearing the door click shut behind him.
"Yes, may he guide us all in these troubled times."
Memory one synch complete
Notes:
Aatto(Finnish: Noble wolf)
Bonham (English: good man)