Memory 2: The Unkindness of Ravens

Welcome, Assassin, to "The Unkindness of Ravens," the second memory of Sequence 2. This mission sees Arno pursuing Sivert, one of the Templars responsible for the murder of his adoptive father, Monsieur de la Serre. This is your first true infiltration and assassination target in Paris, and it introduces several core mechanics you'll rely on throughout your journey. Precision, stealth, and using the environment are key to achieving a perfect synchronization.

Synchronization Goal: Don't get into conflict.

Mission Briefing & Setup

Arno must infiltrate the Hôtel de Beauvais, a grand mansion located in the Le Marais district, to assassinate Sivert. The area is heavily guarded by numerous Royalist soldiers. Achieving the synchronization goal requires a purely stealthy approach, avoiding direct combat entirely. Before starting, ensure you have:

Smoke Bombs: Essential for quick escapes or creating distractions if things go awry.
Phantom Blades: Useful for silent, long-range takedowns of isolated guards.
Health Potions: While the goal is no conflict, accidents happen. Better safe than sorry.

Walkthrough: Infiltrating the Hôtel de Beauvais

The Hôtel de Beauvais is a large, opulent building with multiple entry points and patrol routes. Your primary objective is to reach Sivert, who is located on the upper floors, likely in a private study or salon.

Phase 1: Approach and Initial Infiltration

Starting Point: You begin outside the Hôtel de Beauvais, facing its main entrance. The front is heavily guarded and not recommended for entry if you aim for synchronization.
Rooftop Access (Recommended): Immediately turn right and scale the building adjacent to the Hôtel. Use the various ledges and drainpipes. Once on the rooftops, you'll have a much better vantage point and fewer immediate threats.
Identify Entry Points: From the rooftops, observe the Hôtel de Beauvais. You'll notice several open windows on the upper floors, particularly on the western and northern sides, that lead directly into the building's interior. There are also several patrol paths for snipers on the surrounding roofs.
Eliminate Rooftop Threats: There are typically 2-3 snipers patrolling the rooftops directly overlooking the Hôtel. Use your Phantom Blades for silent takedowns, or carefully approach from behind for an air assassination or ledge assassination. Prioritize these to ensure a clear path.

Phase 2: Navigating the Interior

Once inside, the challenge shifts to navigating the interior without being detected by the numerous patrolling guards. Remember, the synchronization goal is "Don't get into conflict," meaning even being detected and then escaping will fail it.

Upper Floor Entry: Enter through one of the open windows on the upper floors. This will likely place you in a hallway or a less-guarded room.
use Cover: Use furniture, pillars, and doorways as cover. The game's cover system is crucial here.
Eagle Vision: Constantly use Eagle Vision (press L3/Left Stick) to highlight enemy positions, their patrol paths, and Sivert's location. This is your most valuable tool.
Silent Takedowns: Only engage guards who are isolated and whose takedown will not alert others. Use stealth kills from cover or air assassinations from chandeliers or beams. Avoid engaging pairs of guards unless absolutely necessary and you can take them both out simultaneously.
Path to Sivert: Sivert is usually found in a large, ornate room on the second or third floor, often near a balcony overlooking the main hall. His exact location can vary slightly, but Eagle Vision will pinpoint him.
Distraction Opportunities:
- Bell Ringers: Sometimes, there are bell-ringing mechanisms on the walls. Activating these can draw guards away from their posts, creating an opening.
- Noise Makers: Throwing a Cherry Bomb or a Firecracker (if unlocked) can also create a diversion.

Phase 3: The Assassination

Once you've reached Sivert's location, plan your final approach carefully.

Observe Patrols: Watch Sivert's movements and the patrols of any guards in his immediate vicinity.
Stealth Kill: The ideal method is a stealth assassination. Wait for Sivert to be isolated or for a guard to turn their back. Approach from behind or from above (if there's a beam or chandelier) for a clean, silent kill.
Avoid Combat: If you are detected by Sivert or his guards at this stage, you risk failing the synchronization objective. If you must engage, use a Smoke Bomb to disorient them and then perform the assassination while they are confused, immediately fleeing afterwards.

Escape & Completion

After assassinating Sivert, the memory will not immediately end. You must escape the Hôtel de Beauvais and the immediate restricted area.

Retrace Your Steps: The easiest escape route is often the way you came in – back to the rooftops and away from the Hôtel.
Use Smoke Bombs: If guards are alerted during your escape, a Smoke Bomb can provide the precious seconds needed to break line of sight and disappear.
Blend In: Once outside the restricted area, blend into crowds or hide in haystacks to fully escape detection and complete the memory.

Common Pitfalls & Tips for Synchronization

Rushing: This mission punishes impatience. Take your time, observe guard patterns, and plan your moves.
Ignoring Eagle Vision: Seriously, use it constantly. It's your eyes in the dark.
Engaging Too Many Guards: Remember the synchronization goal. If you find yourself in open conflict, it's often better to restart the checkpoint than to try and fight your way out.
Forgetting Distractions: Don't underestimate the power of a well-placed Cherry Bomb or a triggered bell to create an opening.
Environmental Awareness: Look for opportunities to use the environment – chandeliers to drop on enemies, open windows, climbable surfaces.

Rewards

XP: Standard mission XP.
Francs: Standard mission reward.
New Gear Unlocked: Completing this memory typically unlocks new customization options or equipment in the Tailor and Shop.

By following these detailed steps and prioritizing stealth, you'll successfully complete "The Unkindness of Ravens" with full synchronization, proving Arno's growing prowess as an Assassin.