The Biggest Plot Twist Of Assassin's Creed Was That Fun Fact That Desmond Miles Ran Away From A Cult.

The biggest plot twist of Assassin's Creed was that fun fact that Desmond Miles ran away from a cult.

Like you start the game thinking that this is your usual blank slate noname protagonist who you can relate to because he is a normal dude who found himself in this crazy situation but then Lore come in kicking the door open with actually Desmond was raised in some hidden assassin's Farm which is, by the way, basically a cult

putting on the bullshitting face

When there really was no other way - a different father-son dynamic in AC (rant)

This is a continuation of my other post, focusing a lot on the relationship between William and Desmond, where I talked about the abusive behavior, and how it seems to be lowkey condoned in a lot of media. Warning - this post is super long

One of the most popular defenses when it comes to parental abuse is the idea that “there was no other way”, that in order for the child to benefit in the long run you have to hurt them now. The real-world example would be medical procedures and certain types of physical therapy, that hurt no matter how gently you go about them, but they are important to the child’s well-being and/or survival.  In fiction, particularly in fantasy/sci-fi, it’s usually some type of training or skill, that has to be acquired in limited time, or ability, that can only be unlocked under pressure, that a child needs to survive because the world is more dangerous than ours.

While there are situations where this is plausible and works, still not excusing the fact of the abuse but making the person committing it less disgusting. the idea of “there was no other way” gets grossly misused. And, when William’s behavior towards Desmond is being shoehorned in that category, I get mad, because no, William is just abusive. What’s more, there IS a father-son relationship in AC-universe (albeit in the comic), that does fall under “there was no other way”. 

I’m talking about Nikolai Orlov and his son Kenya, Daniel Cross’ ancestors as portrayed by comic “Assassin’s Creed - The Chain”.   In 1926, Nikolai and Kenya live off the grid somewhere in the US, hiding form both Assassins and Templars. At one point in the comic, an 8-year-old Kenya is made to sleep outside as a punishment during winter until he manages to do his father’s bidding.

If we take the situation without context, it is a clear picture of parental abuse. However, I can name a few reasons, accurately presented in the comic, that make it “there was no other way” situation and why the same points don’t work for William and Desmond. The list of 5 (-ish) reasons is as follows: #0 - Do we know them? This is not an actual reason, that’s why it’s at #0, but it’s a good foundation - for us, Nikolai isn’t a new character, we are not introduced to him making his 8yo son sleep outside. There already was a 3-issue comic, that gave us an insight on his character and values, we have an opinion on him. 

William, on the other hand, gets an introduction by being an asshole to others and showing no normal human emotion in the face if his son being in a coma and his protege’s death. Granted, I’m not sure if the Ubisoft tried to make his connection to Des a surprise, but his first full introduction at the start of AC3 when we already know he is the father is… actually the same - him being an asshole.

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goat fight. non-negotiable.

15th-century Brotherhood: spends 12 years gently guiding a grown-ass man to understanding their values and goals, letting him absorb all the needed knowledge, before introducing him to the Creed and letting him join the Assassins' ranks.

Modern Brotherhood: why don't we just repeat the Creed over and over to this child without explaining anything, while simultaneously putting him through grueling training? That'll sure help him understand the complex philosophy behind the Creed and not alienate him in the slightest!

Inspired by @incorrectassassinscreedquotes post

Desmond is 10000% done tbh.