Achilles Davenport (c. 1710 – 1781) was the Mentor of the Colonial Brotherhood of Assassins from 1746 until 1763. A man of Caribbean and British descent, Achilles' tenure as leader of the American Assassins was turbulent, despite its promising start. His choices over the course of the Seven Years' War had disastrous consequences, leading to the defection of Shay Cormac and the destruction of his Brotherhood.
After a large-scale attack on the Assassins by the Colonial Rite of the Templar Order in 1763, the Colonial Brotherhood collapsed and disbanded. Achilles abandoned the Assassin cause and spent the next six years living alone at his manor until meeting with the young Ratonhnhaké:ton, whom he started to train at the boy's behest. Achilles spent his final years guiding Ratonhnhaké:ton, and this tutelage led to his apprentice's important role in the American Revolution and the extermination of the Colonial Templars.
Biography[]
Early life[]
Born around 1710 in the Caribbean, Achilles was recruited into the Brotherhood in the mid-1730s and trained as the last student of Ah Tabai, the Mentor of the West Indies Brotherhood.[1] During his training, he was described by Rhona Dinsmore as a "serious child".[3] It was also during this time that Achilles met Adéwalé, whom he came to view as a great inspirational figure.[4]
Establishment of the Colonial Brotherhood[]
- "I have arrived in the British colonies to the North. While it saddens me to know that I will never see you again, nor benefit from your wise council, I look forward to the challenge of creating a Brotherhood here that will rival the one you created in Tulum."
- ―Achilles' letter to Ah Tabai, 1740.[src]-[m]
In 1740, Ah Tabai made the decision to send Achilles to the Thirteen Colonies in order to establish a new Brotherhood in North America.[1] Upon arriving in the colonies, Achilles was surprised to discover that he was not the first Assassin to have arrived there, meeting with John de la Tour, who he learned was working under direct command of the Assassin Council operating in France.[5]
John informed Achilles of his intention to create a network of information that would help to identify any threats aimed towards the colonies, either by the Templars or those of the First Civilization. Achilles deduced that the Templars would certainly turn their attention towards the colonies, given the opportunity. Achilles and John started working together to create a Brotherhood to prevent any disturbances. Achilles did not hold de la Tour in high regard, referring to him as "an arrogant bastard".[5]
In 1743, Achilles officially inducted Liam O'Brien into the Brotherhood, a young man he had previously met in 1738, who became his first student. With his aid, Achilles was able to gain valuable allies among several colonists across the frontier,[6] as well as from those of the French and Spanish armies, including Louis-Joseph Gaultier, Chevalier de la Vérendrye, who encountered and aided Achilles and Liam on a mission in 1744.[7]
In 1744, Achilles and de la Tour traveled to Quebec in search of Mathieu Léveillé, a slave suspected of possessing valuable information regarding the First Civilization. However, the Assassins learned that Léveillé had passed away from an illness the year prior, but also discovered that the government had arranged a marriage between Mathieu and Angélique-Denise, though the ceremony never took place and she was subsequently put up for slave auction. In the spur of the moment, de la Tour bought the rights to Angélique-Denise, from whom Achilles learned that Léveillé was able to share his Precursor knowledge before his death, and that her chosen name was Abigail.[8]
In May 1745, Achilles and Abigail accompanied John to Louisbourg in order to locate a safe house under the ownership of Nicolas Court, a Hermeticist whom de la Tour believed possessed valuable information regarding the Precursor Temples. In order to avoid detection, Achilles and Abigail posed as his slaves, which proved beneficial in allowing them to access restricted areas in the city, and was a tactic John accepted. However, Achilles held a different view on their strategy, but was eventually eased into cooperating by Abigail.[9]
Unfortunately for them, as European conflicts had reached America, British troops descended into the city. With haste, Achilles and John journeyed to the Louisbourg Fortress, where they attempted to enlist the aid of the French government, but were declined as the French attempted to reclaim their captured territory through treaty negotiations, a tactic of which the Assassins did not approve. With no alternative, Achilles and John helped prepare the fortress' defenses for the impending British attack, while Abigail searched the remainder of the city for the safe house.[9]
Time eventually ran out as the conflict between the French and the British began, and Achilles was presented John's Assassin robes and officially named "Mentor" of the Colonial Brotherhood, acknowledging that the Templars would use this battle for their own gain. John shook his friend's hand and immediately took off to fend against the invading British troops, subsequently sacrificing himself to give Achilles time to complete their intended mission. Achilles eventually reunited with Abigail, who had finally located the storehouse, but they found no sign of Nicolas himself there, only a note with the words "SEEK OUT THE SKY WOMAN". Achilles and Abigail then traveled to New York with the intent of finally creating his Brotherhood.[9]
By the end of 1745, Ah Tabai passed away after being written one final note from Achilles, thanking him for all the years of skill and knowledge bestowed onto him. Achilles promised to honor Ah Tabai by completing the task he was set upon, by establishing the Colonial Brotherhood.[9]
Mentor[]
- "Brothers and Sisters, I am writing to inform you that a new Brotherhood is being created in the New World. Already I have allies amongst English colonists, French colonists, and the indigenous people of the area. I have sent similar letters of friendship across the known world. For I believe that we are growing ever more connected, day by day. If my Brotherhood is to succeed, we will need allies from all empires, of all genders, of all races, who believe in the same thing: The Creed. I hope I can count you among them."
- ―Achilles' letter to his fellow Assassins, 1746.[src]-[m]
By 1746, Achilles formally became the Mentor of the Colonial Brotherhood, as he had a gift for both recruitment and organization. Under his leadership, the Assassins built a homestead which they used a base of operations and spanned across the colonies and most of the Frontier.[10] Additionally, Achilles maintained contact with numerous other Assassin guilds across the globe,[11] while also strengthening relations with the Iroquois tribes as well as a woman named Kaniehtí:io.[12]
Around this time, Achilles befriended the colonial activist Samuel Adams[13] and married Abigail, who gave birth to their son, Connor Davenport, in 1748.[14]
Achilles' Brotherhood prospered greatly with the addition of prominent members, including Chevalier de la Vérendrye, who had strong ties to the French government,[7] and Kesegowaase, a native mercenary that impressed Achilles with his skills and determination. Kesegowaase's recruitment proved beneficial as his influence helped recruit local hunters and warriors to the Brotherhood's cause.[15] Additionally, in New York, Achilles came into contact with a young woman named Hope Jensen. Impressed by her pickpocketing and survival tactics, he inducted her into the Order in 1747, whereupon Achilles tasked her with taking control of New York's organized crime.[16]
During the same year, Liam introduced Achilles to Shay Cormac, a friend who was coping with the loss of his father at sea. Achilles allowed Shay to join the Brotherhood due to his knowledge of seamanship and aptitude, training him over the next four years.[17] By 1748, Achilles invited Maria van Antwerpen to join the Assassins in the colonies. Maria declined the offer however, noting her obligations to the Dutch Army.[18]
In 1749, Achilles was informed by the French Assassin Council of the completion of the Aquila, a ship which was meant to serve as a foundation for the Assassin navy.[19] The following year, during Achilles' tenure as Aquila's captain, he rescued Robert Faulkner, a veteran sailor who was grateful for the Assassins' aid. In return, Faulkner offered his services in creating a shipping route connecting the Colonial Assassins with the European branches of the Brotherhood.[20]
Search for the Temples[]
In 1751, Achilles received a letter from Rhona Dinsmore, whom he originally knew from his training with the West Indies Brotherhood. Rhona informed him about the current progress in Havana, as well as being entrusted with ancient maps of the Yucatán Peninsula by Ah Tabai. Unfortunately, the Templar Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer had seduced Rhona and took possession of the maps, so the Assassin requested that Achilles eliminate de Ferrer if possible.[3]
Achilles greeting Adéwalé
During the 1751 Port-au-Prince earthquake, the Saint-Domingue Assassins lost the Precursor box and the Voynich manuscript, which had allowed their Mentor François Mackandal to locate several Precursor Temples.[21] In March 1752, Adéwalé visited Achilles at the Davenport Homestead in order to collect supplies for the earthquake's survivors and to inform him about the loss of the artifacts.[4]
After catching up, the two Assassins discussed Mackandal's search for Precursor sites and decided that it was of utmost importance to recover the box and manuscript from the Templars who had stolen them. Once Adéwalé left to return to Port-au-Prince with the supplies, Achilles spoke with Shay and, after handing him a pair of pistols, assigned him the task of retrieving the stolen artifacts.[4]
Achilles telling Shay about the Precursor sites
By 1753, Achilles had officially inducted Faulkner into the Assassin Order, granting him the position of first mate aboard the Aquila.[22] A year later, Abigail and Connor died of typhoid fever. Although Achilles mourned them, he remained resolute and continued to lead the Brotherhood.[23]
In 1755, the Assassins, using the Precursor box and the Voynich manuscript recovered by Shay, discovered the location of a Precursor Temple in Lisbon.[24] Achilles subsequently sent Shay to the city in order to retrieve the artifact he believed was housed within the Temple. However, during his mission, Shay discovered that these sites did not house ordinary Pieces of Eden, but were instead used to hold the Earth together. Disturbing the artifact inside caused it to disintegrate in his hand, and the resulting earthquake leveled the entire city of Lisbon, leaving thousands dead or homeless.[25]
Achilles fighting Shay
A distraught and traumatized Shay returned to the Davenport Homestead in early 1756 and brashly confronted Achilles in his study, leading to a heated exchange in which Shay accused the Mentor of sending him to slaughter innocents. Achilles denied this and had Shay forcibly removed from his manor. Later that night, Shay decided to steal the Voynich manuscript from Achilles in order to prevent the Assassins from finding more Precursor sites.[26]
Having noticed Shay approaching from the window, Achilles caught him in the middle of his theft and confronted him. Shay's attempts to reason with Achilles failed, and Shay once again accused him of killing innocents and destroying cities in a mad quest for power. The Mentor responded by attacking Shay, who escaped by jumping out of a broken window. As Shay fled with the manuscript, Achilles ordered his Assassins to stop him at any cost.[26]
Achilles and the other Assassins cornering Shay
Shay was eventually cornered by the Assassins at a precipice overlooking the ocean, where he was shot by Chevalier de la Vérendrye and sent tumbling into the water. The Assassins consequently assumed that Shay had perished and that the manuscript was lost,[26] unaware that Shay had been found and rescued by the men of Colonel George Monro, a British Templar.[27]
Decline of the Colonial Assassins[]
To prevent Achilles from finding the other Precursor Temples and endangering more lives, Shay allied with the Templars and began hunting down his former comrades.[10] In 1757, the Assassins learned that Shay was still alive and had joined the Templars.[28] In response, Achilles ordered his followers to kill Shay and retrieve the Voynich manuscript.[29]
The Assassins discussing their expedition
During an attack on Albany, Liam successfully assassinated George Monro, who had been entrusted the manuscript by Shay, and recovered the book. However, during the same assault, Kesegowaase met his end at Shay's blades;[29] a major loss for the Brotherhood which would continue with the defeat of the Assassins' French allies at the Battle of Louisbourg[30] and the death of Adéwalé the following year.[31]
By October 1759, the Assassins were preparing an expedition to another Precursor Temple and met at the New York harbour to discuss their progress. Hope told Achilles that she would soon uncover the Temple's exact location using the Precursor box and the Voynich manuscript, but unbeknownst to the Assassins, Shay eavesdropped on their conversation and learned about their plans.[32] He would subsequently kill both Hope[33] and Chevalier de la Vérendrye, but this did little to halt the Assassins' expedition.[34]
Achilles and Liam being confronted by Shay and Haytham
In March 1760, Achilles and Liam, the only high-ranking Colonial Assassins left, journeyed to the Temple's location in the Arctic but were pursued by Shay and Haytham Kenway, the Grand Master of the Colonial Templars. Reaching the heart of the temple, Achilles realized that there was no Apple of Eden as he had hoped. To his dismay, he recognized that Shay had indeed been correct, just in time for an embittered Shay to interject that if Achilles had simply listened to him, the calamity could have been averted.[35]
Despite this revelation, a vengeful Liam tried to shoot Shay, though Achilles – realizing that it was ultimately his fault Shay had defected to the Templars – attempted to stop him. In the ensuing skirmish, the site was disturbed in a similar manner to Port-au-Prince and Lisbon, causing a seismic tremor. Achilles managed to escape the Temple alive, but was subsequently defeated by Haytham in a duel while Liam perished during his own duel against Shay.[35]
Haytham crippling Achilles
Achilles was saved by the timely intervention of Shay, who convinced Haytham to spare him by arguing that the Mentor posed no threat without his followers and that he could warn other Assassins not to go after the Precursor sites. Haytham agreed with Shay's points but shot Achilles in the right shin, crippling him and bringing an end to his career as an active Assassin. Before the Templars left, Haytham warned Achilles to "never forget what has happened here", to which he responded "I won't, but the world will".[35]
Achilles later returned to Davenport Manor and continued serving the Brotherhood until 1763, when the Templars launched a purge that wiped out the Colonial Assassins completely. The Templars spared Achilles once again, on the condition that he spent the rest of his life in exile at the Homestead.[36]
Meeting Ratonhnhaké:ton[]
The purge left Achilles a broken, defeated man, and he spent the next six years in isolation at the rapidly decaying Davenport Manor. In October 1769, Achilles was chased by bandits who were attempting to steal his property. While fleeing their pursuit, he yelled at Ratonhnhaké:ton, a young Kanien'kehá:ka boy, to move out of the way of his horse.[37]
Achilles meeting Ratonhnhaké:ton
After fighting off the bandits, Achilles was greeted by Ratonhnhaké:ton at his doorstep, as he wished to be trained in the ways of the Assassins; Achilles coldly refused, dismissing him. The boy, however, refused to leave, and camped in the manor's stables that night. Ratonhnhaké:ton knocked on Achilles' door again the next morning, only to be turned away once more.[37]
The embittered Achilles angrily told Ratonhnhaké:ton to leave his property at once, prompting the young man to go as far as climbing and attempting to enter the manor from the balcony. Achilles then approached Ratonhnhaké:ton, tripped him onto the floor with his walking cane, and warned him to give up his heroic pursuits or he would end up dead. Stubbornly, Ratonhnhaké:ton departed and once again camped out in the stables.[37]
Later the night, while waiting in the stables, Ratonhnhaké:ton encountered the same bandits who had chased Achilles earlier. He tried to fight them off to protect the manor and Achilles, but was easily defeated. Despite refusing Ratonhnhaké:ton earlier, Achilles rescued the boy by stealthily killing the robbers, and asked him to get rid of the bodies before he could come inside the manor to speak.[37]
Achilles explaining the Templars' agenda to Ratonhnhaké:ton
There, Ratonhnhaké:ton explained that he was guided to find a symbol by a "spirit", eventually leading him to the old man's residence. Achilles in turn revealed that Ezio Auditore da Firenze was the one responsible for the First Civilization contacting the Assassins time and time again, before explaining the nature of the secret war between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order.[37]
In the basement, Achilles revealed the portraits of the Templar conspirators William Johnson, John Pitcairn, Thomas Hickey, Benjamin Church, Nicholas Biddle, Charles Lee and Haytham Kenway. After Ratonhnhaké:ton recognized Haytham as his father and inquired whether he also had to die, Achilles explained that, as the Grand Master, Haytham was their primary target. He then reluctantly agreed to train Ratonhnhaké:ton, to give him the skills and knowledge necessary to eliminate the Templars and prevent them from seizing control of the colonies.[37]
Rebuilding the Homestead[]
Achilles and Connor in Boston
After six months of rigorous physical and mental training, Ratonhnhaké:ton accompanied Achilles on a trip to Boston to gather materials for the manor's repairs. While in the streets, Achilles sent the boy to a store to purchase items, knowing that the shop-keeper would never serve a black man but that Ratonhnhaké:ton could pass off as a Spaniard or Italian. He also gave him a less conspicuous name, "Connor", the namesake of his deceased son.[38]
Not long after, Achilles and Connor witnessed the Boston Massacre, instigated by Haytham and Charles Lee. Connor attempted to prevent the massacre, but was framed as the culprit and became a wanted man.[38] In response, Achilles asked Samuel Adams to find Connor, before he returned to the Davenport Homestead.[39]
Achilles initiating Connor into the Brotherhood
Once Connor cleared his name with Adams' help and returned home, he and Achilles continued in their efforts of rebuilding the Homestead.[40] After six months of further training, the Aquila, which had been damaged during the Templars' purge, was repaired and fit for setting sail. Achilles introduced Connor to Robert Faulkner, who proceeded to give the boy nautical training and appointed him the Aquila's new captain.[41]
Following Connor's return to the Homestead in September 1773, Achilles led him down to the manor's basement, in order to bestow upon him the Assassin robes that resided there. Though Achilles admitted that the Order usually had a ceremony for such an occasion, neither he nor Connor seemed the type for such formality. Instead, after Connor had donned the robes, Achilles simply welcomed him into the Brotherhood.[41]
Hunt for William Johnson[]
Achilles explaining the rope dart to Connor
Two months after Connor's induction, Achilles gave him several rope darts and explained that the weapon had been introduced to the Brotherhood's arsenal by the Chinese Assassin Shao Jun. Shortly after, Connor's friend Kanen'tó:kon visited, revealing that William Johnson intended to purchase the Kanien'kehá:ka's land, which would force them to relocate.[42]
An outraged Connor condemned this as little more than theft, though Achilles advised caution to his pupil, reminding him of how powerful the Templars were. Connor stated that he had no choice, as he had made a promise to protect his people and their land. Reluctantly, Achilles instructed him to seek out Samuel Adams in Boston. Connor then buried a hatchet in the post of the manor to signify the start of a war against the Templars, to which an annoyed Achilles lamented that he could have used a tree.[42]
Achilles tending to Myriam
As Connor departed, he came across an injured woman named Myriam, whom he soon carried back to the mansion so Achilles could tend to her wounds. Connor then set forth to track down the poachers who had attacked her, to which Achilles advised that his pupil use the rope darts he had just given him, to familiarize himself with the weapon. After ridding the Homestead of the poachers, Achilles watched as Connor and Myriam reached a deal to establish hunting rights for the game on their land.[43]
After his work in Boston was completed, which involved destroying a shipment of British tea that Johnson and the Templars had been smuggling to profit from taxation, Connor believed that this would stop the Templars and keep his land safe. However, Achilles warned Connor not to underestimate Templars' resourcefulness. Six months later, Connor set out and successfully assassinated Johnson, ending the Templar threat to steal the Kanien'kehá:ka's land.[44]
Beginning of the Revolution[]
Achilles and Connor discussing their next move
In April 1775, Connor was approached by a courier sent by Paul Revere, requesting his help. Connor declined, not considering himself part of the Patriots' struggle. However, Achilles urged his pupil to go, since he would need their aid in killing John Pitcairn, who served as a commander in the British Army.[45]
Achilles later requested that Connor retrieve his robes hidden in a cave on the Homestead, since Achilles himself was too frail to make the journey. Connor succeeded, after which Achilles explained that the robes had originally belonged to the first Colonial Assassin, John de la Tour, who had passed them down to Achilles.[46]
Protecting Washington[]
Achilles introducing Connor to Benjamin Tallmadge
After Connor assassinated Pitcairn, he acquired a letter from his body which informed him of the Templars' plan to kill George Washington.[47] When he returned to the Homestead to inform Achilles, the Mentor introduced him to Benjamin Tallmadge, an Assassin ally. Soon after, Connor traveled to New York with Tallmadge to eliminate Thomas Hickey and prevent the planned murder of Washington.[48]
However, Connor was arrested during his mission and the Templars framed him for the assassination plot against Washington, leading to him being sentenced to death. Hearing the news, Achilles and Connor's Assassin recruits – Stephane Chapheau, Duncan Little and Clipper Wilkinson – traveled to New York to rescue Connor. As he was escorted to the gallows by Hickey, Connor was approached by Achilles from the crowd, who reminded him that he still had allies and only needed to signal them.[49]
Achilles handing Connor his tomahawk
Once called, one of Connor's recruits fired an arrow to sever the noose, but it only damaged the rope in the process. Hidden among the people gathered at the execution, Haytham intervened, throwing a knife and severing the noose with it.[50] As Connor fell underneath the gallows, Achilles handed him a tomahawk, with which he succeeded in killing Hickey, saving Washington in the process and proving his innocence.[49]
Consequently, both Achilles and Connor traveled to Philadelphia, where Connor witnessed the signing of the Declaration of Independence, to meet with Washington. While walking through Independence Hall, Achilles admitted to Connor that he was impressed by his accomplishments so far. However, he also attempted to discourage Connor from revealing the Templars to Washington, concerned that it would only distract the Commander, thereby harming the Patriots' efforts to achieve their freedom.[49]
Connor's alliance with Haytham[]
Unfortunately, Achilles and Connor began to drift apart over the next few months, disagreeing over courses of action. While Connor believed he should tell Washington the truth of the Templar plots against him, Achilles argued the opposite, warning that such a misguided effort would only involve and endanger Washington and the lives of his men.[51]
Achilles arguing with Connor
The argument came to a head in the winter of 1777, as Connor decided to inform Washington of the Assassins and Templars. Achilles lectured Connor, informing him that the Assassins were meant to be secretive in order to protect others. In turn, Connor criticized Achilles' inaction as Mentor and even blamed him for failing the Assassin Brotherhood and allowing the Templars to dominate the colonies.[51]
Achilles, however, deplored Connor's actions, warning him that he would only lead people and the world to ruin,[51] referencing his own arrogance that had caused Shay's betrayal two decades prior.[26] Ultimately, Connor decided not to inform Washington of the Assassins' existence once he met with him at Valley Forge.[51]
Connor would go on to hunt Benjamin Church in order to recover stolen weapons and supplies for Washington, during which he was unexpectedly aided by Haytham.[51] After eliminating Church and retrieving the stolen supplies, Connor returned to the Homestead and apologized to Achilles for speaking against him unfairly, though Achilles did admit that he had failed the Brotherhood. Connor also told him about his alliance with Haytham and, despite their differences, believed that peace between the Assassins and Templars could be established.[52]
Final days[]
- "So long as he lives, all are in danger. The same is true for your father. When you first came to me, you understood what had to be done. Swore you'd see it through. If not for the Brotherhood, for your people – and all those threatened by the Templars."
- ―Achilles to Connor, regarding Lee and Haytham, 1781.[src]-[m]
Connor trying to convince Achilles regarding Haytham
By 1781, Achilles had been weakened by age, leaving him bedridden. Connor explained that Charles Lee had been disgraced, but Washington had spared him. Achilles stated that both Lee and Haytham had to die, despite Connor's continued insistence that without Lee, his father may be willing to ally with him. However, Achilles warned Connor not to be misguided by his emotions.[53]
At some point before his death, Achilles asked Connor to retrieve a painting from the burned remains of his home in New York. When Connor returned, however, Achilles decided to not reveal and hang the painting, feeling that the time was not yet right.[54]
Death[]
The Homesteaders attending Achilles' funeral
Not long after Connor's errand and his taking part in the Battle of the Chesapeake, Achilles passed away quietly in his sleep. When Connor discovered his body, he also uncovered a note addressed to him in Achilles' handwriting. In the letter, Achilles apologized for never being able to say goodbye to Connor properly, and also thanked him, expressing pride and gratitude in Connor for the community he had raised at the Homestead, which had given the old Mentor hope for the future of America and its people.[55]
A funeral service was subsequently held for Achilles on the hill, behind his manor overlooking the sea, next to the gravestones of his wife and son; the event was attended by all of the inhabitants of the Homestead that Connor had brought together. While others laid roses on his coffin, wrapped in the Homestead flag, Connor placed a feather on the casket, symbolizing the bond they shared as Assassins.[55]
Following Achilles' passing, Connor inherited his robes and manor, and hanged the painting of his family above the manor's fireplace. He later attended to his grave to pay his respects, hoping that Achilles had found peace and the two would one day meet again.[14]
Personality and traits[]
Achilles attempting to dissuade Ratonhnhaké:ton
Since he was a child, Achilles had what was described by many as a serious demeanor; this trait was presumably learned from his Mentor, Ah Tabai, whose wise teachings were then bestowed onto him. It was his skill and dedication to the Assassin cause that convinced Ah Tabai to make Achilles a Mentor, sending him to the Thirteen Colonies in the hopes of expanding the Brotherhood's influence. When Ah Tabai passed away, Achilles wrote one final note thanking his mentor for all that he had given him.[10]
As the leader of the Colonial Assassins, Achilles came to strongly believe in the infallibility of the Assassin cause. As a result, he became reckless, arrogant, and hostile, often lashing out at anyone who dared question his methods or motives. He also seemed to care very little, if at all, about the destruction his search for the Precursor sites had caused, and refused to heed Shay Cormac's warnings on the matter.[10]
These actions would ultimately drive Shay into the arms of the Templars, thereby setting in motion the events that would lead to the extermination of Achilles' Brotherhood, and everything he had built up to that point. Upon realizing Shay had been right, he bitterly admitted that Shay had perhaps known more than him, and that the sacrifices made by his followers had been in vain.[10] It can be argued that his cynicism towards Connor was born partially because he saw the same recklessness in him that he had once displayed.[12]
Achilles questioning Connor's decision to spare William Johnson
As a result of losing his family and causing the destruction of the Colonial Brotherhood, Achilles lost his will to fight and fell into a deep depression, ultimately refusing to have anything more to do with the Assassins' cause. He turned Connor away several times when asked to train him, at one point threatening to kill him if he did not leave, although he eventually yielded.[12]
Connor possessed a highly romanticized and idealized view of the Assassins and his mission, believing that destroying the Templars would grant freedom to all of mankind. This was a strong contrast to the old and disillusioned Achilles, who never hesitated in reprimanding his young, brash apprentice. Achilles often lectured Connor to warn him that his views and actions, while noble, were misguided and potentially dangerous. Connor would argue in disagreement and the two criticized each other on occasion. Achilles told Connor that in his quest to save the world, he should take care not to destroy it,[12] referencing his own mistake of recklessly pursuing Precursor sites and endangering people's lives.[10]
Despite this, Achilles was not without heart, as he genuinely cared for Connor and took pride in his accomplishments; so much so that Achilles became an important father figure and mentor in Connor's life. Over the years, Achilles watched as the Homestead flourished into a thriving and loving community, giving Achilles a sense of hope for America's future.[12]
Equipment and skills[]
Having been trained by Ah Tabai, Achilles was a skilled Master Assassin, adept in stealth, swordsmanship, melee combat, as well as freerunning, pickpocketing and lockpicking.[10] Achilles also possessed knowledge in healing wounds shown when he tended to Myriam after she had been attacked by poachers.[43]
His intelligence and organizational skills aided in the establishment of the Colonial Brotherhood which led to the Brotherhood gaining a large presence in the colonies, spanning nearly all across the Frontier, eventually allowing him to rise to the rank of Mentor. Achilles also possessed some skill as a sailor, acting as captain of the Aquila for a time. In terms of weapons, Achilles wielded a Hidden Blade, a sword, as well as a flintlock pistol. However his skill level was outranked by Haytham Kenway in terms of swordsmanship, as he was easily bested by the Templar Grand Master in a duel.[10]
Trivia[]
- The name Achiles originates from the Greek Αχιλλευς (Achilleus) which is of unknown meaning, perhaps derived from the Greek wor αχος (achos) "pain" or possibly the Achelous River. The origins of the surname Davenport can be traced to a civil parish of the same name, located in the county of Cheshire, England.
- Assassin's Creed III was originally set to feature a scene of Achilles telling Connor about his family and their deaths, and how he contemplated suicide after losing them, but it was cut from the final game.[56]
- At the Davenport Manor, Connor could play games of fanorona with Achilles. After his death, Father Timothy replaced Achilles as Connor's opponent.
- Until his death, Achilles can randomly appear in the Homestead, walking on its grounds, or checking the stables. Sometimes he can even be seen washing his horses.
- Achilles' nickname, "the Old Man on the Hill," is reminiscent of the moniker given to another Mentor in the Order, Al Mualim: "the Old Man of the Mountain."
- Coincidentally, Achilles and Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad had similar similar deaths, in that they both passed away peacefully in their base of operations, while sitting in a chair and holding a message for another Assassin (Connor in the case of Achilles, and Ezio Auditore in Altaïr's case).
- In The Tyranny of King Washington: The Betrayal, the effects of a man fitting Achilles' description are being searched through by two guards as Ratonhnhaké:ton escapes from prison in the memory "Prison Break. Later, Ratonhnhaké:ton can find a Lucid Memory Fragment depicting Achilles next to an identical hat.
- Achilles' hat continues the tradition of Assassins wearing beaked headgear.
- In Assassin's Creed III: Liberation, the men of Lord Dunmore's Ethiopian Regiment wear the same clothes as Achilles does.
- Achilles shares his surname with Matthew Davenport and Jonathan Davenport, though there is no known connection between them.
- In Assassin's Creed: Rogue, there is a notice board inside the Davenport Homestead featuring the names and pictures of several Templars, including Reginald Birch, Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer and François de la Serre, as well as images of an Apple of Eden (or possibly a Crystal Ball), a Crystal Skull, and a blood vial. This implies that Achilles was researching these Templars and artifacts at the time.
Gallery[]
- Assassin's Creed III
- Assassin's Creed: Rogue
Appearances[]
- Assassin's Creed III (first appearance)
- The Tyranny of King Washington (appears in Lucid Memory Fragment)
- Assassin's Creed: Forsaken
- Assassin's Creed: Initiates (mentioned in Database entry only)
- Assassin's Creed III: Liberation (mentioned only)
- Assassin's Creed: Rogue
- Assassin's Creed: The Official Collection
- Assassin's Creed: Nexus VR
References[]
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