What famous Renaissance artist helps Ezio in Assassin's Creed II?

Leonardo da Vinci helps Ezio in Assassin's Creed II.

Within the game, Leonardo is a trusted friend and inventor who examines pages from Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's codex. He uses the information to create or improve tools for Ezio, including the hidden blade and other pieces of Assassin equipment. His workshop becomes an important stop during Ezio's travels through Renaissance Italy.

The real Leonardo da Vinci was born in 1452 and became one of the best-known artists, engineers, and thinkers of the Renaissance. Assassin's Creed II places a fictionalized version of him into Ezio's story while retaining recognizable elements of his historical reputation and work.

The game also includes other real historical figures, but Leonardo has the most direct recurring role as Ezio's technical adviser. Players may confuse him with Michelangelo, another famous Renaissance artist, who appears in the wider Ezio-era setting but does not fill Leonardo's inventor role.