Does Arno Find Shay? Unraveling the Assassin’s Creed Connections
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No, Arno Dorian does not find Shay Cormac within the main narrative of Assassin’s Creed Unity or its associated DLC. While both characters exist within the same historical timeline of the Assassin’s Creed universe, their stories remain largely disconnected. Arno’s quest for revenge and redemption is focused on events and individuals tied to the French Revolution and the Templar machinations within France, which do not directly intersect with Shay’s activities in North America and later Europe.
The Unseen Threads of Fate
Shay Cormac’s actions, particularly his elimination of the Colonial Assassins, cast a long shadow across the entire Brotherhood. However, this historical impact is largely unbeknownst to Arno. While Bellec makes a casual reference to Connor, Arno is never made aware of Shay’s role in dismantling the North American Brotherhood.
Arno is consumed by the murder of his foster father, François de la Serre, and his subsequent entanglement in the Assassin-Templar conflict within France. His personal vendetta and desire to understand the events surrounding de la Serre’s death leave him with little time or opportunity to delve into the deeper history of the Brotherhood or the actions of specific individuals outside of his immediate sphere of influence.
Why the Paths Don’t Cross
Several key factors contribute to Arno and Shay remaining separate:
- Geographical Distance: Shay operates primarily in North America during the Colonial era and later travels to Europe, but his activities don’t directly bring him into contact with the French Assassins or Templars that Arno interacts with.
- Timeline Discrepancies: While their lives overlap chronologically, the most significant events of their respective stories occur at different times. Shay’s betrayal of the Assassins and subsequent rise within the Templar Order happen before Arno is fully immersed in the Assassin Brotherhood.
- Focus of the Narratives: Assassin’s Creed Unity centers on the French Revolution and the internal conflicts within the French Assassin and Templar branches. Shay’s story, as depicted in Assassin’s Creed Rogue, is a self-contained narrative focused on his transformation and mission to protect artifacts from falling into the wrong hands.
- Arno’s Personal Motivations: Arno is driven by personal loss and a desire for revenge, which narrows his focus to those directly responsible for de la Serre’s death. He lacks the broader historical awareness or organizational mandate to actively seek out individuals like Shay.
- Shay’s Stealth and Opacity: Shay’s success as an Assassin hunter and his ability to operate covertly mean that his actions are largely unknown to the wider Assassin Brotherhood, particularly those outside of North America.
Ultimately, the Assassin’s Creed universe is vast and complex, with many interconnected events and characters. However, not all threads of the story are destined to intertwine directly. Arno and Shay, while both significant figures in the Assassin-Templar conflict, remain separated by circumstance, geography, and the focus of their respective narratives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the relationship between Arno and Shay, and their wider contexts within the Assassin’s Creed universe:
1. Does Arno know Shay killed his father?
No, Arno does not know that Shay Cormac was responsible for the death of Arno’s father. This information is never revealed to Arno within the game. This lack of awareness adds a layer of tragic irony to Arno’s story, as he remains ignorant of the Templar’s direct involvement in his early life.
2. Did Connor ever look for Shay?
The game does not explicitly show Connor looking for Shay, although it’s plausible that he attempted to track down the Templar who decimated the Colonial Assassin Brotherhood. Given the events of Assassin’s Creed III, Connor was likely focused on rebuilding the Brotherhood and dealing with immediate threats. The game does not confirm or deny a search for Shay.
3. Is Shay Cormac evil?
Whether Shay is “evil” is a matter of perspective. He is portrayed as an anti-villain who believes his actions are necessary for the greater good. His betrayal of the Assassins stems from his belief that they are pursuing dangerous and destructive paths. He acted in what he believed was necessary to protect the world from the potentially catastrophic consequences of the Assassins’ actions.
4. Who is stronger, Arno or Shay?
While subjective, many consider Shay to be stronger than Arno. Shay has better overall experience, having operated as both an Assassin and a Templar. This dual perspective gives him a broader understanding of the conflict and makes him a formidable opponent.
5. Why was Arno expelled from the Assassin Brotherhood?
Arno was expelled for insubordination. Specifically, he disobeyed orders by prioritizing Elise’s safety over completing his mission. Saving Elise and allowing Germain to escape during a confrontation led to his expulsion.
6. Does Arno Dorian get married?
While there is no formal marriage, the lore suggests a deep connection. The Dorian Family is said to begin with Arno Dorian’s relationship with Elise de la Serre. They were incredibly close friends then lovers. While some sources claim that Arno trains Elise to become a Master Assassin, earning her rank in 1798 this is not confirmed within the main storyline.
7. What happens to Shay Cormac?
After the events of Assassin’s Creed Rogue, Shay Cormac continues to serve the Templar Order. His ultimate fate is unknown, but it is implied that he remained a dedicated Templar until his death, passing on his knowledge and loyalty to his descendants.
8. Does Shay Cormac have a kid?
Yes, Shay Cormac had a son, Liam Monro Cormac, who was also a Templar. He also had a grandson, further continuing the Templar lineage.
9. How old was Shay at the end of Rogue?
Shay Cormac was born in 1731. Considering Assassin’s Creed Rogue takes place during the mid-18th century, Shay is approximately 21 years old at the start of the game.
10. Is Shay related to Desmond?
No, Shay Cormac is not directly related to Desmond Miles. Most of the primary characters are linked via Desmond’s ancestry, but Shay is a notable exception.
11. Is Arno the weakest Assassin?
While Arno is not the “weakest,” he is often considered less effective in brute combat than some other Assassins. His strength lies in his agility, parkour skills, and assassination techniques. Arno had some of the most natural talents in the series, but it’s been argued he was never truly trained as well as he should have been.
12. Was Shay a good guy?
Whether Shay was a “good guy” is subjective. He did what he believed was right, even if it meant betraying the Assassins. His actions were motivated by a desire to prevent catastrophe, making him more of an anti-hero than a villain.
13. How many kills does Arno have?
Arno Dorian has a significant number of assassinations throughout Assassin’s Creed Unity, totaling approximately 33 targets within the main story and DLC.
14. Is Arno still an assassin?
Following Elise’s death, Arno becomes disillusioned and leaves the Assassin Brotherhood for a time. He eventually rejoins and continues to fight for the Assassin cause.
15. What is the significance of Bellec referencing Connor to Arno?
Bellec’s casual mention of Connor serves as a reminder of the broader Assassin Brotherhood and the existence of other branches beyond France. It highlights the interconnectedness of the Assassin’s Creed universe, even if the characters themselves are unaware of the full scope.
The Assassin’s Creed universe is a complex web of intertwined stories and historical events. While Arno and Shay’s paths never directly cross, their individual struggles and contributions to the Assassin-Templar conflict enrich the overall narrative. For more on gaming and its educational applications, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society website.