Modern Day Story
The modern-day narrative of Assassin's Creed serves as a crucial framing device, connecting the historical adventures to a contemporary struggle for the fate of humanity. Players often find themselves in the shoes of a modern-day protagonist, typically an Assassin or someone with a connection to the Brotherhood, who utilizes the Animus technology to relive the genetic memories of their ancestors. This Animus technology, a sophisticated device developed by Abstergo Industries (the modern-day front for the Templar Order), allows individuals to experience the past with vivid detail, accessing the skills and knowledge of their forebears. The modern-day story is not merely a prologue or epilogue; it is an integral part of the overarching narrative, as the events and discoveries made in the past directly impact the present. The modern-day protagonist often finds themselves in a race against time, working to uncover Templar plots, locate Pieces of Eden, and prevent the Templars from achieving their ultimate goal of global control.
The modern-day segments often involve elements of stealth, puzzle-solving, and exploration as the protagonist navigates contemporary environments, evades Abstergo security, and interacts with allies within the modern Assassin network. These sections are vital for understanding the full scope of the Assassin-Templar conflict, as the ancient war continues to unfold in the present day with advanced technology and global implications. The modern-day protagonist's journey is often one of self-discovery, as they learn about their lineage, their connection to the Assassins, and their own latent abilities. The narrative frequently introduces new characters and factions within the modern era, expanding the lore and adding further complexity to the ongoing struggle. The ultimate goal of the modern-day story is to bring the ancient conflict to a head, with the player's actions in the past directly influencing the outcome of the present-day battle for free will. The use of Memory Blocks is a key mechanic that bridges the past and present, allowing for the retrieval of vital information and skills.
The Animus and Memory Blocks
The Animus is a cornerstone of the modern-day narrative in Assassin's Creed, a revolutionary piece of technology that allows individuals to access and relive the genetic memories of their ancestors. Developed by Abstergo Industries, the modern-day manifestation of the Templar Order, the Animus is desed to extract historical data stored within an individual's DNA. By experiencing these "Memory Blocks," the user can not only witness past events but also learn the skills and combat techniques of their ancestors. This is crucial for the modern-day Assassin protagonist, who uses the Animus to gain the knowledge and abilities necessary to combat the Templars in the present. The Animus technology is not without its risks; glitches and corrupted data can lead to unpredictable outcomes or even psychological strain on the user. However, its ability to unlock the secrets of the past and equip the present-day Assassins with the tools they need to fight for free will makes it an indispensable element of the ongoing conflict.
Abstergo Industries
Abstergo Industries represents the modern-day face of the Templar Order, a powerful multinational corporation that operates under the guise of a pharmaceutical and technology company. While publicly known for its advancements in medicine and entertainment, Abstergo's true agenda is to further the Templar's goal of imposing order and control upon the world. They are the primary antagonists in the modern-day storyline, utilizing their vast resources, advanced technology, and influence to hunt down Assassins, acquire Pieces of Eden, and manipulate global events. Abstergo is particularly interested in the Animus technology, not only for its potential to uncover historical secrets but also to rewrite history in their favor and to identify potential threats. Their research into the human genome and genetic memory is driven by the desire to understand and control the very fabric of human existence. The company's operations are often depicted as ruthless and unethical, with a disregard for human life and individual liberty in their pursuit of absolute control.