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{{Era|AC2|ACB|ACRE|2book|Bbook|Assassins|Featured}}
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{{Era|AC2|ACB|ACRE|ACM|2book|Bbook|Assassins|Featured}}
 
{{Quote|They call me many things: Murderer. Tagliagole (Cutthroat). Thief. But you may call me La Volpe.|La Volpe introducing himself to Ezio Auditore, 1478.|Assassin's Creed II}}
{{WPAssassins}}
 
{{Quote|They call me many things: Murderer. Tagliagole (Cutthroat). Thief. But you may call me La Volpe.|La Volpe introducing himself.|Assassin's Creed II}}
 
 
{{Character Infobox
 
{{Character Infobox
 
|hideb = yes
 
|hideb = yes
 
|image = La Volpe v.png
 
|image = La Volpe v.png
 
|affiliates = [[Assassins]]<br>[[Thieves]]
|period = [[Renaissance]]
 
|faction = [[Assassins]]<br>[[Thieves]]
 
 
|appear = ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''<br>''[[Assassin's Creed: Renaissance]]''<br>''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''<br>''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (novel)]]''<br>''[[Assassin's Creed: Recollection]]''
 
|appear = ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''<br>''[[Assassin's Creed: Renaissance]]''<br>''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''<br>''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (novel)]]''<br>''[[Assassin's Creed: Recollection]]''
 
|voice = [[Vito DeFilippo]]}}
 
|voice = [[Vito DeFilippo]]}}
'''Gilberto''', known mainly as '''La Volpe''' or '''The Fox''', was the leader of the [[Florence|Florentine]] and [[Rome|Roman]] [[thieves]], and a member of the [[Assassins|Assassin Order]]. Very little information was known about La Volpe, and any that was seemed mythical.
+
'''Gilberto''', known mainly as '''La Volpe''' (English: ''The Fox''), was the leader of the [[Florence|Florentine]] and [[Rome|Roman]] [[thieves]], and a member of the [[Assassins|Assassin Order]]. Very little information was known about La Volpe, and any that was seemed mythical.
   
In 1478, La Volpe assisted [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] in locating an important [[Templars|Templar]] meeting, which resulted in Ezio preventing the [[Pazzi Conspiracy]] from succeeding. Ten years later, La Volpe was present in [[Venice]], where the Assassins reclaimed the [[Ezio's Apple of Eden|Apple of Eden]] from [[Rodrigo Borgia]].
+
In 1478, La Volpe assisted [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] in locating an important [[Templars|Templar]] meeting, which resulted in Ezio preventing the [[Pazzi conspiracy|Pazzi Conspiracy]] from succeeding. Ten years later, La Volpe was present in [[Venice]], where the Assassins reclaimed an [[Ezio's Apple of Eden|Apple of Eden]] from [[Rodrigo Borgia]].
   
After the [[fall of Monteriggioni]], La Volpe moved to Rome, where he fought the [[House of Borgia|Borgia]] influence in the city. However, he refused to work with the Assassins because of his suspicions towards [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]. Later, after Ezio had helped him by saving some of his thieves, as well as providing him with evidence of the [[Paganino|real traitor]], La Volpe agreed to assist the Assassins again.
+
After the [[siege of Monteriggioni|fall of Monteriggioni]], La Volpe moved to Rome, where he fought the [[House of Borgia|Borgia]] influence in the city. However, he refused to work with the Assassins because of his suspicions towards [[Niccolò Machiavelli]]. Later, after Ezio had helped him by saving some of his thieves, as well as providing him with evidence of the [[Paganino|real traitor]], La Volpe agreed to assist the Assassins again.
   
 
==Biography==
 
==Biography==
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Very little is known about La Volpe's early life, though there were multiple myths regarding him and his abilities as a thief. He was said to have robbed the [[Papacy|Papal]] carriage without any [[guards]] noticing him, including the Pope who was sitting inside.<ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>
 
Very little is known about La Volpe's early life, though there were multiple myths regarding him and his abilities as a thief. He was said to have robbed the [[Papacy|Papal]] carriage without any [[guards]] noticing him, including the Pope who was sitting inside.<ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>
   
In 1467, during a night in Florence, he was seen on the rooftops of the [[Palazzo della Signoria]], the [[Palazzo Medici]], and the [[Basilica di Santa Croce]] all at the same time. It was also said that he was immortal, could see through buildings,<ref name="AC2" /> and had bright violet eyes.<ref name="ACB">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref>
+
In 1467, during a night in Florence, he was seen on the rooftops of the [[Palazzo della Signoria]], the [[Palazzo Medici]], and the [[Basilica di Santa Croce]] all at the same time. It was also said that he was immortal, could see through buildings,<ref name="AC2"/> and had bright violet eyes.<ref name="ACB">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref>
   
 
===Helping Ezio Auditore===
 
===Helping Ezio Auditore===
{{Quote|Follow me. But we must move fast! Think you can keep up?|La Volpe to Ezio.|Assassin's Creed II}}
+
{{Quote|Follow me. But we must move fast! Think you can keep up?|La Volpe to Ezio, as they approach Santa Maria Novella, 1478.|Assassin's Creed II}}
In 1478, La Volpe learned that Ezio Auditore da Firenze, the son of the late Assassin [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze]], had returned to Florence to assassinate the Templar [[Francesco de' Pazzi]]. [[Leonardo da Vinci]] informed Ezio that La Volpe would be able to assist him, thus Ezio sought him out in the [[Mercato Vecchio]].<ref name="AC2" />
+
In 1478, La Volpe learned that Ezio Auditore da Firenze, the son of the late Assassin [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze]], had returned to Florence to assassinate the Templar [[Francesco de' Pazzi]]. [[Leonardo da Vinci]] informed Ezio that La Volpe would be able to assist him, thus Ezio sought him out in the [[Mercato Vecchio]].<ref name="AC2"/>
   
[[File:FH 8.png|thumb|250px|left|Ezio requesting La Volpe's aid.]]
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[[File:FH 8.png|thumb|250px|left|Ezio requesting La Volpe's aid]]
While looking for the legendary rogue, a thief [[Pickpocketing|pickpocketed]] Ezio and fled. Ezio was able to catch up with him, but as he demanded his money back, La Volpe appeared and returned the stolen money, saying that he would be willing to aid him if the Assassin could keep up with his [[freerunning]] skills. La Volpe then led Ezio to the [[Santa Maria Novella]], where the Pazzi conspirators were to convene later that day.<ref name="AC2" />
+
While looking for the legendary rogue, a thief [[Pickpocketing|pickpocketed]] Ezio and fled. Ezio was able to catch up with him, but as he demanded his money back, La Volpe appeared and returned the stolen money, saying that he would be willing to aid Ezio if he could keep up with his own [[freerunning]] skills. La Volpe then led Ezio to the [[Basilica di Santa Maria Novella|Santa Maria Novella]], where the Pazzi conspirators were to convene later that day.<ref name="AC2"/>
   
La Volpe waited for Ezio near the sewers, from where Ezio would later emerge after [[eavesdropping]] on the Templar meeting. Ezio informed him that they were planning to kill the [[House of Medici|Medici]] during High Mass, in order to claim Florence for themselves and place their own politicians in charge. La Volpe replied that it would be disastrous if [[Lorenzo de' Medici]] were to be killed, as he was a powerful ally of the Assassins, though Ezio assured him that he would not allow the Templars to slay him.<ref name="AC2" />
+
From there, La Volpe waited for Ezio near to the sewers, where Ezio would later emerge after [[eavesdropping]] on the Templar meeting. Ezio informed him that the Templars were planning to kill the [[House of Medici|Medici]] during High Mass, in order to claim Florence for the Pazzi and place their own politicians in charge. La Volpe replied that it would be disastrous if [[Lorenzo de' Medici]] were to be killed, as he was a powerful ally of the Assassins, though Ezio assured him that he would not allow the Templars to slay him.<ref name="AC2"/>
   
In 1488, La Volpe and the other Assassins met in Venice to acquire the Apple of Eden from Rodrigo Borgia, the [[Grand Master]] of the Templar Order. When they arrived at Rodrigo's location, they saw him fighting with Ezio Auditore, and promptly intervened.<ref name="AC2" />
+
In 1488, La Volpe and the other Assassins met in Venice to acquire an Apple of Eden from Rodrigo Borgia, the [[Grand Master]] of the Templar Order. When they arrived at Rodrigo's location, La Volpe saw him fighting with Ezio Auditore, and promptly intervened alongside the others.<ref name="AC2"/>
   
Eventually, Rodrigo fled, leaving the Apple behind for the Assassins. After answering many queries from Ezio, they proceeded to [[Initiation into the Assassin Order|induct him into the Assassin Order]], with each member, including La Volpe, performing a [[Leap of Faith]] afterwards.<ref name="AC2" />
+
Eventually, Rodrigo fled, leaving the Apple behind for the Assassins. After answering many queries from Ezio, they proceeded to [[Initiation into the Assassin Order|induct him into the Assassin Order]], with each member, including La Volpe, performing a [[Leap of Faith]] afterwards.<ref name="AC2"/>
   
 
===Bonfire of the Vanities===
 
===Bonfire of the Vanities===
{{Quote|Find the Apple, Ezio! It can't be far.|La Volpe when the Assassins lose sight of the Apple.|Assassin's Creed II}}
+
{{Quote|Find the Apple, Ezio! It can't be far.|La Volpe when the Assassins lost sight of the Apple.|Assassin's Creed II}}
In 1494, Florence was taken over by [[Girolamo Savonarola]], who had stolen the Apple from Ezio after an [[Battle of Forlì|incident in Forlì]]. In 1497, La Volpe and [[Paola]], a fellow Assassin and the leader of the Florentine [[courtesans]], were contacted by Niccolò Machiavelli to help him liberate the [[Civilians|citizens]], after Ezio assassinated each of Savonarola's lieutenants.<ref name="AC2 - Bonfire">''Assassin's Creed II'' - ''[[Bonfire of the Vanities (DLC)]]''</ref>
+
In 1494, Florence was taken over by [[Girolamo Savonarola]], who had stolen the Apple that Ezio possessed after an [[Battle of Forlì|incident in Forlì]]. In 1497, La Volpe and [[Paola]], a fellow Assassin and the leader of the Florentine [[courtesans]], were contacted by Niccolò Machiavelli to help him liberate the [[Civilians|citizens]], after Ezio assassinated each of Savonarola's lieutenants.<ref name="AC2 - Bonfire">''Assassin's Creed II'' - ''[[Bonfire of the Vanities (DLC)]]''</ref>
   
[[File:BFV.png|thumb|250px|right|La Volpe and Paola rallying the citizens against Savonarola.]]
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[[File:BFV.png|thumb|250px|right|La Volpe and Paola rallying the citizens against Savonarola]]
After the lieutenants were eliminated, La Volpe, Paola, Machiavelli and Ezio gathered in front of the [[Palazzo Pitti]] to see the angry mob stand up to Savonarola. However, Savonarola tried to control the crowd with the Apple, but it was quickly knocked out of his hand by a [[Throwing knives|knife]] thrown by Ezio.<ref name="AC2 - Bonfire" />
+
After the lieutenants were eliminated, La Volpe, Paola, Machiavelli and Ezio gathered in front of the [[Palazzo Pitti]] to see the angry mob stand up to Savonarola. However, Savonarola tried to control the crowd with the Apple, but it was quickly knocked out of his hand by a [[Throwing knives|knife]] thrown by Ezio.<ref name="AC2 - Bonfire"/>
   
 
Following this, La Volpe and the others gathered once more to witness Savonarola's execution, though Ezio reconsidered, deciding that the "mad monk" should not have to suffer the pain and humiliation of being burned alive in front of a crowd. The Assassin hurried towards him, and managed to kill Savonarola with his [[Hidden Blade]] before the flames reached him.<ref name="AC2 - Bonfire" />
 
Following this, La Volpe and the others gathered once more to witness Savonarola's execution, though Ezio reconsidered, deciding that the "mad monk" should not have to suffer the pain and humiliation of being burned alive in front of a crowd. The Assassin hurried towards him, and managed to kill Savonarola with his [[Hidden Blade]] before the flames reached him.<ref name="AC2 - Bonfire" />
   
Ezio then gave a speech, and, looking towards the other Assassins, approvingly spoke of how he had been guided to his own path by "a few strangers."<ref name="AC2 - Bonfire" />
+
La Volpe then watched from the sidelines as Ezio began to give a speech, who, after looking towards his fellow Assassins, approvingly spoke of how he had been guided to his own path by "a few strangers."<ref name="AC2 - Bonfire"/>
   
 
===Finding the Vault===
 
===Finding the Vault===
In 1499, La Volpe gathered with his fellow Assassins in the [[Villa Auditore]] in [[Monteriggioni]], in order to unveil the location of [[Vatican Vault|the Vault]]. Through the [[Codex]] pages, they discovered that the Vault was located in Rome.<ref name="AC2" />
+
In 1499, La Volpe gathered with his fellow Assassins in the [[Villa Auditore]] in [[Monteriggioni]], in order to unveil the location of a [[Vatican Vault|Vault]]. Through the [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's Codex|Codex]] pages, they discovered that the Vault was located in Rome.<ref name="AC2"/>
   
They also discovered the true reason that Rodrigo Borgia had become Pope, since it had allowed him to obtain the [[Staves of Eden#Papal Staff|Papal Staff]]. La Volpe accompanied the other Assassins to Rome, where they created a diversion for the Borgia forces, to allow Ezio to infiltrate the [[Cappella Sistina]].<ref name="AC2" />
+
They also discovered the true reason that Rodrigo Borgia had become Pope, as it had allowed him to obtain the [[Staves of Eden#Papal Staff|Papal Staff]], another artifact of [[First Civilization]] origin aside from Ezio's Apple of Eden. While Ezio planned to infiltrate the [[Sistine Chapel]], La Volpe accompanied the other Assassins to Rome, where they created an opening for Ezio by distracting the Borgia forces.<ref name="AC2"/>
   
 
===Liberating Rome===
 
===Liberating Rome===
 
{{Quote|The guild will be run from here. Visit me whenever you like. There might be objectives to pursue that will help our cause in the city.|La Volpe in La Volpe Addormentata.|Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood}}
 
{{Quote|The guild will be run from here. Visit me whenever you like. There might be objectives to pursue that will help our cause in the city.|La Volpe in La Volpe Addormentata.|Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood}}
 
[[File:Double Agent 5.png|thumb|250px|left|La Volpe and Ezio spying on Machiavelli]]
 
After the Assassins returned from Rome, Monteriggioni was [[siege of Monteriggioni|besieged]] by the Borgia, and as a result, the Assassin [[Mario Auditore]] was killed by [[Cesare Borgia]]. After this, some members of the Assassin Order, including La Volpe, traveled to Rome to dispose of the Borgia's influence there.<ref name="ACB"/>
   
 
When Ezio found him in Rome, La Volpe was the leader of the local Thieves Guild, and with Ezio's funding, the two established [[La Volpe Addormentata]], a base of operations for the thieves under the disguise of an inn. However, unlike in Florence, La Volpe refused to cooperate with Niccolò Machiavelli, calling him a traitor to the Assassin cause.<ref name="ACB"/>
[[File:Double Agent 5.png|thumb|250px|left|La Volpe and Ezio spying on Machiavelli.]]
 
After the Assassins returned from Rome, Monteriggioni was [[Fall of Monteriggioni|besieged]] by the Borgia, and as a result, the Assassin [[Mario Auditore]] was killed by [[Cesare Borgia]]. After this, some members of the Assassin Order, including La Volpe, traveled to Rome to dispose of the Borgia's influence there.<ref name="ACB" />
 
 
When Ezio found him in Rome, La Volpe was the leader of the [[Rome Thieves Guild|local Thieves Guild]], and with Ezio's funding, the two established [[La Volpe Addormentata]], a base of operations for the thieves under the disguise of an inn. However, unlike in Florence, La Volpe refused to cooperate with Niccolò Machiavelli, calling him a traitor to the Assassin cause.<ref name="ACB" />
 
   
 
The thief believed that Machiavelli had betrayed them, citing that he was behind an attack on the Roman thieves, and had probably sided with the Borgia, since he had left Monteriggioni the night before it was besieged. However, La Volpe was willing to assist the Assassins after Ezio had helped him in saving some of his men from the Borgia guards.
 
The thief believed that Machiavelli had betrayed them, citing that he was behind an attack on the Roman thieves, and had probably sided with the Borgia, since he had left Monteriggioni the night before it was besieged. However, La Volpe was willing to assist the Assassins after Ezio had helped him in saving some of his men from the Borgia guards.
   
[[File:CI 2.png|thumb|250px|right|The Assassins meeting in the [[Tiber Island headquarters|Tiber hideout]].]]
+
[[File:CI 2.png|thumb|250px|right|The Assassins meeting in the [[Tiber Island headquarters|Tiber hideout]]]]
Ezio later found the real traitor, a [[Venice|Venetian]] thief by the name of Paganino, who happened to have remained behind at the siege of Monteriggioni. At this, the Assassin quickly rushed off to keep La Volpe from killing Machiavelli.<ref name="ACB" />
+
Ezio later found the real traitor, a [[Venice|Venetian]] thief by the name of Paganino, who happened to have remained behind at the siege of Monteriggioni. At this, the Assassin quickly rushed off to keep La Volpe from killing Machiavelli.<ref name="ACB"/>
   
Arriving just in time to inform him of the situation, Ezio handed over a document to La Volpe, making him realize that he was mistaken and immediate conceal his weapon. La Volpe immediately grew warmer to an oblivious Machiavelli, greeting him as a friend and ally.<ref name="ACB" />
+
Arriving just in time to inform him of the situation, Ezio handed over a document to La Volpe, making him realize that he was mistaken and subsequently concealing his weapon. Following this, La Volpe immediately grew warmer to an oblivious Machiavelli, greeting him as a friend and ally.<ref name="ACB"/>
   
La Volpe was also present during [[Claudia Auditore da Firenze|Claudia Auditore]]'s induction into the Assassin Order, and the battle against Cesare's remaining followers before his arrest.<ref name="ACB" />
+
La Volpe was also present during [[Claudia Auditore da Firenze]]'s induction into the Assassin Order, and the battle against Cesare's remaining followers before his arrest.<ref name="ACB"/>
   
 
==Personality and characteristics==
 
==Personality and characteristics==
 
{{Dialogue|Ezio|How do you know my name?|La Volpe|It is my business to know everything in this city.|Ezio meeting La Volpe.|Assassin's Creed II}}
 
{{Dialogue|Ezio|How do you know my name?|La Volpe|It is my business to know everything in this city.|Ezio meeting La Volpe.|Assassin's Creed II}}
 
[[File:FH 5.png|thumb|250px|left|La Volpe introducing himself to Ezio]]
 
La Volpe was a very agile man, able to outrun Ezio despite being older than him. He was the epitome of an Assassin, working in the shadows to such an extent that his existence was considered to be a myth.<ref name="AC2"/>
   
  +
However, La Volpe seemed to be quite wary of those who had not earned his full trust, immediately suspecting his fellow Assassin Niccolò Machiavelli of treachery as soon as he began working suspiciously. However, he completely trusted Ezio, deeming him worthy of such faith after working at his side on several occasions.<ref name="ACB"/>
[[File:FH 5.png|thumb|250px|left|La Volpe introducing himself to Ezio.]]
 
La Volpe was a very agile man, able to beat Ezio in freerunning despite being older than him. He was the epitome of an Assassin, working in the shadows to such an extent that his existence was considered to be a myth.<ref name="AC2" />
 
   
However, La Volpe seemed to be quite wary of those who had not earned his full trust, immediately suspecting his fellow Assassin Niccolò Machiavelli of treachery as soon as he began working suspiciously. However, he completely trusted Ezio, deeming him worthy of such faith after working at his side on several occasions.<ref name="ACB" />
+
La Volpe was shown to be very fond of his thieves, often going off to defend them should they be in danger, and even asking Ezio to aid them through several assignments.<ref name="ACB"/>
 
La Volpe was shown to be very fond of his thieves, often going off to defend them should they be in danger, and even asking Ezio to aid them through several assignments.<ref name="ACB" />
 
   
 
==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
 
;Name
 
;Name
*The ''"la"'' in La Volpe's name referred only to the fact that ''"volpe"'', the Italian word for "fox", is a feminine noun. Contrary to popular belief, this does not mean "vixen".
+
*The definite article ''"la"'' in La Volpe's name referred only to the fact that ''"volpe"'', the Italian word for "[[Foxes|fox]]", is a feminine noun. Contrary to popular belief, this does not mean "vixen."
 
*The database files simply noted that "La Volpe" was his pseudonym, one he gained since it was said that only a fox could match his cunning.
 
*The database files simply noted that "La Volpe" was his pseudonym, one he gained since it was said that only a fox could match his cunning.
 
**It was only in the novels of ''[[Assassin's Creed: Renaissance]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (novel)|Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' that his name was revealed to be Gilberto. Nevertheless, he said that he preferred to be called "La Volpe."
 
**It was only in the novels of ''[[Assassin's Creed: Renaissance]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (novel)|Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' that his name was revealed to be Gilberto. Nevertheless, he said that he preferred to be called "La Volpe."
Line 94: Line 90:
 
*In ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'', La Volpe did not seem to have aged at all, and in fact, he seemed to have fewer wrinkles on his face than in ''Assassin's Creed II''.
 
*In ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'', La Volpe did not seem to have aged at all, and in fact, he seemed to have fewer wrinkles on his face than in ''Assassin's Creed II''.
 
*A glitch could occur in the PS3 version of ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'', during "The Fighter, the Lover and the Thief" sequence, wherein La Volpe could be seen in two places at once. In the middle of "[[Double Agent]]", after Ezio rescued [[Claudio]], La Volpe could be found sitting on a bench next to La Volpe Addormentata; however, he could also be located on the roof of the building from which he and Ezio spied on Machiavelli at the beginning of the memory.
 
*A glitch could occur in the PS3 version of ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'', during "The Fighter, the Lover and the Thief" sequence, wherein La Volpe could be seen in two places at once. In the middle of "[[Double Agent]]", after Ezio rescued [[Claudio]], La Volpe could be found sitting on a bench next to La Volpe Addormentata; however, he could also be located on the roof of the building from which he and Ezio spied on Machiavelli at the beginning of the memory.
  +
*It was possible for La Volpe to be 'killed' within the memory "[[All Roads Lead To...]]", although he would simply lie on the ground and move as though he had been beaten in a [[Fists|fistfight]].
   
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
<gallery widths="180" spacing="small" position="center" captionalign="center">
+
<gallery captionalign="center" position="center" spacing="small" widths="180">
HoodlessVolpe.jpg|La Volpe concept art.
+
HoodlessVolpe.jpg|La Volpe concept art
  +
ACMVolpeSignoria.jpg|''[[Assassin's Creed: Memories]]'' art of La Volpe near the Palazzo della Signoria
NVS 24.png|La Volpe in Florence with Ezio.
 
  +
ACMVolpeFiore.jpg|''Memories'' art of La Volpe with the Santa Maria del Fiore in the background
Double Agent 4.png|La Volpe conferring with one of his thieves.
 
Stand-ins 2.png|La Volpe insisting that Ezio take action with Machiavelli.
+
NVS 24.png|La Volpe in Florence with Ezio
Intervention 6.png|Niccolò, Volpe, and Ezio talk about the traitor.
+
Double Agent 4.png|La Volpe conferring with one of his thieves
Roads lead to 3.png|La Volpe with his fellow Assassins.
+
Stand-ins 2.png|La Volpe insisting that Ezio take action with Machiavelli
  +
Intervention 6.png|Niccolò, Volpe, and Ezio talking about the traitor
  +
Roads lead to 3.png|La Volpe with his fellow Assassins
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
   
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{{Reflist}}
 
{{Reflist}}
 
{{AC2}}
 
{{AC2}}
{{ACBH}}
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{{ACB}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Volpe, La}}
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Volpe, La}}
[[Category:Characters]]
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[[Category:Italians]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II characters]]
 
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Renaissance characters]]
 
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood characters]]
 
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (novel) characters]]
 
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Recollection characters]]
 
[[Category:Assassins]]
 
 
[[Category:Thieves]]
 
[[Category:Thieves]]
 
[[Category:Assassins]]
  +
[[Category:Individuals]]

Revision as of 15:21, 5 March 2015

"They call me many things: Murderer. Tagliagole (Cutthroat). Thief. But you may call me La Volpe."
―La Volpe introducing himself to Ezio Auditore, 1478.[src]

Gilberto, known mainly as La Volpe (English: The Fox), was the leader of the Florentine and Roman thieves, and a member of the Assassin Order. Very little information was known about La Volpe, and any that was seemed mythical.

In 1478, La Volpe assisted Ezio Auditore da Firenze in locating an important Templar meeting, which resulted in Ezio preventing the Pazzi Conspiracy from succeeding. Ten years later, La Volpe was present in Venice, where the Assassins reclaimed an Apple of Eden from Rodrigo Borgia.

After the fall of Monteriggioni, La Volpe moved to Rome, where he fought the Borgia influence in the city. However, he refused to work with the Assassins because of his suspicions towards Niccolò Machiavelli. Later, after Ezio had helped him by saving some of his thieves, as well as providing him with evidence of the real traitor, La Volpe agreed to assist the Assassins again.

Biography

Early life

Very little is known about La Volpe's early life, though there were multiple myths regarding him and his abilities as a thief. He was said to have robbed the Papal carriage without any guards noticing him, including the Pope who was sitting inside.[1]

In 1467, during a night in Florence, he was seen on the rooftops of the Palazzo della Signoria, the Palazzo Medici, and the Basilica di Santa Croce all at the same time. It was also said that he was immortal, could see through buildings,[1] and had bright violet eyes.[2]

Helping Ezio Auditore

"Follow me. But we must move fast! Think you can keep up?"
―La Volpe to Ezio, as they approach Santa Maria Novella, 1478.[src]

In 1478, La Volpe learned that Ezio Auditore da Firenze, the son of the late Assassin Giovanni Auditore da Firenze, had returned to Florence to assassinate the Templar Francesco de' Pazzi. Leonardo da Vinci informed Ezio that La Volpe would be able to assist him, thus Ezio sought him out in the Mercato Vecchio.[1]

FH 8

Ezio requesting La Volpe's aid

While looking for the legendary rogue, a thief pickpocketed Ezio and fled. Ezio was able to catch up with him, but as he demanded his money back, La Volpe appeared and returned the stolen money, saying that he would be willing to aid Ezio if he could keep up with his own freerunning skills. La Volpe then led Ezio to the Santa Maria Novella, where the Pazzi conspirators were to convene later that day.[1]

From there, La Volpe waited for Ezio near to the sewers, where Ezio would later emerge after eavesdropping on the Templar meeting. Ezio informed him that the Templars were planning to kill the Medici during High Mass, in order to claim Florence for the Pazzi and place their own politicians in charge. La Volpe replied that it would be disastrous if Lorenzo de' Medici were to be killed, as he was a powerful ally of the Assassins, though Ezio assured him that he would not allow the Templars to slay him.[1]

In 1488, La Volpe and the other Assassins met in Venice to acquire an Apple of Eden from Rodrigo Borgia, the Grand Master of the Templar Order. When they arrived at Rodrigo's location, La Volpe saw him fighting with Ezio Auditore, and promptly intervened alongside the others.[1]

Eventually, Rodrigo fled, leaving the Apple behind for the Assassins. After answering many queries from Ezio, they proceeded to induct him into the Assassin Order, with each member, including La Volpe, performing a Leap of Faith afterwards.[1]

Bonfire of the Vanities

"Find the Apple, Ezio! It can't be far."
―La Volpe when the Assassins lost sight of the Apple.[src]

In 1494, Florence was taken over by Girolamo Savonarola, who had stolen the Apple that Ezio possessed after an incident in Forlì. In 1497, La Volpe and Paola, a fellow Assassin and the leader of the Florentine courtesans, were contacted by Niccolò Machiavelli to help him liberate the citizens, after Ezio assassinated each of Savonarola's lieutenants.[3]

BFV

La Volpe and Paola rallying the citizens against Savonarola

After the lieutenants were eliminated, La Volpe, Paola, Machiavelli and Ezio gathered in front of the Palazzo Pitti to see the angry mob stand up to Savonarola. However, Savonarola tried to control the crowd with the Apple, but it was quickly knocked out of his hand by a knife thrown by Ezio.[3]

Following this, La Volpe and the others gathered once more to witness Savonarola's execution, though Ezio reconsidered, deciding that the "mad monk" should not have to suffer the pain and humiliation of being burned alive in front of a crowd. The Assassin hurried towards him, and managed to kill Savonarola with his Hidden Blade before the flames reached him.[3]

La Volpe then watched from the sidelines as Ezio began to give a speech, who, after looking towards his fellow Assassins, approvingly spoke of how he had been guided to his own path by "a few strangers."[3]

Finding the Vault

In 1499, La Volpe gathered with his fellow Assassins in the Villa Auditore in Monteriggioni, in order to unveil the location of a Vault. Through the Codex pages, they discovered that the Vault was located in Rome.[1]

They also discovered the true reason that Rodrigo Borgia had become Pope, as it had allowed him to obtain the Papal Staff, another artifact of First Civilization origin aside from Ezio's Apple of Eden. While Ezio planned to infiltrate the Sistine Chapel, La Volpe accompanied the other Assassins to Rome, where they created an opening for Ezio by distracting the Borgia forces.[1]

Liberating Rome

"The guild will be run from here. Visit me whenever you like. There might be objectives to pursue that will help our cause in the city."
―La Volpe in La Volpe Addormentata.[src]
Double Agent 5

La Volpe and Ezio spying on Machiavelli

After the Assassins returned from Rome, Monteriggioni was besieged by the Borgia, and as a result, the Assassin Mario Auditore was killed by Cesare Borgia. After this, some members of the Assassin Order, including La Volpe, traveled to Rome to dispose of the Borgia's influence there.[2]

When Ezio found him in Rome, La Volpe was the leader of the local Thieves Guild, and with Ezio's funding, the two established La Volpe Addormentata, a base of operations for the thieves under the disguise of an inn. However, unlike in Florence, La Volpe refused to cooperate with Niccolò Machiavelli, calling him a traitor to the Assassin cause.[2]

The thief believed that Machiavelli had betrayed them, citing that he was behind an attack on the Roman thieves, and had probably sided with the Borgia, since he had left Monteriggioni the night before it was besieged. However, La Volpe was willing to assist the Assassins after Ezio had helped him in saving some of his men from the Borgia guards.

CI 2

The Assassins meeting in the Tiber hideout

Ezio later found the real traitor, a Venetian thief by the name of Paganino, who happened to have remained behind at the siege of Monteriggioni. At this, the Assassin quickly rushed off to keep La Volpe from killing Machiavelli.[2]

Arriving just in time to inform him of the situation, Ezio handed over a document to La Volpe, making him realize that he was mistaken and subsequently concealing his weapon. Following this, La Volpe immediately grew warmer to an oblivious Machiavelli, greeting him as a friend and ally.[2]

La Volpe was also present during Claudia Auditore da Firenze's induction into the Assassin Order, and the battle against Cesare's remaining followers before his arrest.[2]

Personality and characteristics

Ezio: "How do you know my name?"
La Volpe: "It is my business to know everything in this city."
—Ezio meeting La Volpe.[src]
FH 5

La Volpe introducing himself to Ezio

La Volpe was a very agile man, able to outrun Ezio despite being older than him. He was the epitome of an Assassin, working in the shadows to such an extent that his existence was considered to be a myth.[1]

However, La Volpe seemed to be quite wary of those who had not earned his full trust, immediately suspecting his fellow Assassin Niccolò Machiavelli of treachery as soon as he began working suspiciously. However, he completely trusted Ezio, deeming him worthy of such faith after working at his side on several occasions.[2]

La Volpe was shown to be very fond of his thieves, often going off to defend them should they be in danger, and even asking Ezio to aid them through several assignments.[2]

Trivia

Name
  • The definite article "la" in La Volpe's name referred only to the fact that "volpe", the Italian word for "fox", is a feminine noun. Contrary to popular belief, this does not mean "vixen."
  • The database files simply noted that "La Volpe" was his pseudonym, one he gained since it was said that only a fox could match his cunning.
Equipment
  • La Volpe was shown using a Butcher Knife as his primary weapon during the fight against Rodrigo Borgia.
  • In Assassin's Creed: Renaissance, La Volpe used a crossbow with expert proficiency in both long-ranged and melee combat.
  • In Assassin's Creed II, La Volpe was the only other Assassin besides Ezio who had a hood on, one of the most iconic features of the Assassins. The hood he wore, however, was neither white nor cut in the shape of an eagle's beak.
  • Despite possessing it for a long time until given to Ezio, La Volpe was never seen using his personal sword in combat, favoring his dagger over it.
Other
  • Il Lupo shared certain characteristics with La Volpe; such as the style of his cloak and hood, as well as the format of his name.
  • La Volpe was rumored to have accomplished a feat that Ezio couldn't, in being seen atop the Palazzo Medici, one of the few rooftops that could not be reached by the Assassin.
  • In Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, La Volpe did not seem to have aged at all, and in fact, he seemed to have fewer wrinkles on his face than in Assassin's Creed II.
  • A glitch could occur in the PS3 version of Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, during "The Fighter, the Lover and the Thief" sequence, wherein La Volpe could be seen in two places at once. In the middle of "Double Agent", after Ezio rescued Claudio, La Volpe could be found sitting on a bench next to La Volpe Addormentata; however, he could also be located on the roof of the building from which he and Ezio spied on Machiavelli at the beginning of the memory.
  • It was possible for La Volpe to be 'killed' within the memory "All Roads Lead To...", although he would simply lie on the ground and move as though he had been beaten in a fistfight.

Gallery

References