Leonardo Da Vinci (AC)

Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci played an important role in the struggle between the Assassins and Templars, which raged across his homeland throughout his lifetime, all the while remaining a close friend and ally to the Florentine Assassin Ezio Auditore da Firenze. Leonardo was born in 1452 out of wedlock in Vinci, a town outside of Florence, Italy, to a Florentine notary named Piero da Vinci, and a local woman named Caterina. He spent most of his early childhood in nearby rural Tuscany, so as to spare his father the embarrassment of a scandal. However, young Leonardo's innate artistic prowess was obvious to his elders even then, and when he turned fourteen he was returned to Florence, apprenticed to the workshop of renowned painter Andrea del Verrocchio; while there, he is said to have collaborated with the Verrocchio on his masterpiece, Baptism of Christ. At age 20, Leonardo was titled a master by the Guild of Saint Luke, and opened his first workshop in Florence, where he continued to collaborate with his old master. During his time there, he also befriended the Auditore family, who he sold most of his paintings to. After the execution of Giovanni, Federico, and Petruccio Auditore, Leonardo met Ezio once again, greeting him with a brotherly embrace. He was then requested by Ezio to repair the Hidden Blade he had inherited from his father. Leonardo was immediately fascinated by its sophisticated and advanced design, as it, despite its old age, was way ahead of even their time.