silenthillcoffeebeans

No, thank you for your kind words and encouragement. I’m so blessed to have amazing followers like you and everyone else. It’s for people like you that I resurrected this blog, and I’m really glad that I did. Again, thanks so much!

—EP

 synnesai

Where is all coming from today? Gah, thank you! So embarrassed right now, lol.

I will try and keep up the strong responses for you guys, okay? And, y’know, maybe some actual Problems now and again, lol. Love you guys, seriously.

—EP

 xholeygeorgex

This is one of the nicest things I have received in any of my Asks, and you have NO idea how much I appreciate it. Thank you SO MUCH, and I hope that everyone else’s is just half as satisfied as you are in regards to this blog. Bless you.

—EP

 Anonymous

The whole concept of the robes is a tricky one, because granted they are sort of an anachronism in and of themselves. When you boil it down, the assassin robes are an Ubisoft construct that any of their protagonists would wear because they are the symbol of the brand. But to put them into context of the AC3 universe, the assassin robes are likened to a dress uniform, similar to what the British and Colonial armies wear. To Connor, the British colonists—regardless of which side they chose during the Revolutionary War—are outsiders, and the fact that he is part British causes him inner conflict.

That being said, to call Connor’s donning of the robes an act of assimilation is a tricky one. While one could argue that he is adopting the customs and traditions of a different culture than his own (namely, the assassin culture), he is doing it on his own accord and maintaining his own culture by altering his robes and rejecting the classic hidden blade as his primary weapon. However, his entire adoption of the persona of Connor Kenway is motivated by the desire to be accepted in Colonial circles, which could be a gray area.

I’m no expert either, if you couldn’t tell, lol. But I do agree with you that, at the end of the day, most people won’t consider Connor wearing assassin robes as an act of assimilation. But there is some interesting implications for his character in that, isn’t there? Ugh, I hope October 30 gets here as soon as possible!

—EP

 wingedweaver

While this blog was not started by me, when I signed on as an admin, I embraced the tone of Assassin’s Creed Problems; namely, just because you love a video game more than actual people doesn’t mean that there isn’t something that gets under your skin.

Some of these problems express actual frustration; no one wants to be playing through ACB and suddenly end up in the infinite sea underneath Roma.

Some of these problems express individual ticks: some people in the fandom have embraced Rauf as a favorite character, while others wish he would just shut up already.

But all of these problems help us as a fandom grow closer with the recognition that you are not the only person out there swearing at Ezio because WHY CAN’T YOU JUST CLIMB UP THE WALL AHHH?!

So I don’t see it as a pessimistic perspective on Assassin’s Creed; in fact, to me it’s more of a realistic, accepting viewpoint. Everything you encounter in life is going to have issues, and if you can point them out and commiserate and move on to love the thing even more in spite of its faults…it’s a win/win really.

—EP

 epikalia

Very good points, and well said!

—EP

 Anonymous

Connor is of mixed heritage; he was born to a Mohawk mother and a British father, which is why some may think he looks one way instead of another way. But again, this is another tool that Ubisoft is using to challenge us to see things as they really are, instead of what we may perceive them to be.

Just because Connor’s father is British does not make him any less Mohawk, nor does the fact that his “look” doesn’t conform to whatever image of Native Americans we hold in our minds’ eye. At the end of the day, Connor Kenway is just a persona adopted by Ratonhnhake:ton in order to blend in with Colonial society. Connor Kenway is his mask, his ruse, and I think the dichotomy of that will make for a fantastic narrative.

—EP 

Rebloggable by request.

 calamariking

Sure, but it may take me a minute. Hold on for just a moment…

—EP

 Anonymous

This is very true, and like I stated in a previous ask, all of the attention to detail and respect to history with which Ubisoft is approaching Assassin’s Creed III is going to (hopefully) shine a light on aspects of Native American culture and American history of which some people are unaware. The original submitter’s problem with Connor’s character design may be cleared up once he/she plays the game and realizes what really constitutes “Native American”; or the original submitter’s intention with his/her submission has been completely lost since, again, I cannot speak for him/her. At any rate, I think the debate that this post has sparked is important for the fandom; I am very impressed at the asks that have come in, and I hope that people are taking away something from all of this. I know I have.

Thanks for your input.

—EP

 tragic-mulatto-deactivated20121

These are very valid points, and are extremely well put. Thank you for sharing, as I think this information will clarify a few things for people.

—EP

 Anonymous

I’m not sure that I can necessarily see where you are coming from in regards to Connor’s mixed heritage, but I can confirm that Noah Watts, a member of the Crow tribe, was used in Connor’s facial motion capture. And I think if you actually see them face-to-face, as it were, the resemblance is there.

As for Desmond in ACR, Philippe Bergeron actually came out and said in a recent interview with AusGamers that Francisco Randez was NOT used as a face model in Revelations, and in fact Desmond more resembled then AC-Creative Director Alex Amanico. I guess I can see where he’s coming from…

But anyway, I think the important thing to take from this is Ubisoft’s efforts to portray a Native American protagonist as accurately as possible, even if it goes against what some consider “Native American”. Especially if it goes against it. I think that this game will positively influence those who may have not had the best exposure to Native American culture, and will hopefully inspire them to seek out more information and educate themselves.

At least, that’s what I hope.

—EP

 Anonymous

Perhaps the submitter was expecting more of a traditional dress for Connor, as portrayed in this painting of Thayendanegea (Joseph Brant)?

Maybe the submitter thought that Connor wearing the Assassin robes, styled as they are, was an act of assimilation, even though Connor has added a few touches to honor his tribe. I cannot speak for him/her. However, whatever his/her thoughts on the subject, it’s good to debate topics, especially ones that are quite messy. As long as we’re civil about it. Otherwise, we would all be stuck with our limited world views and never grow as people.

I am sorry if the problem offended you, but I applaud you for voicing your concern in a non-accusatory fashion. It shows awareness, along with a level of maturity that is needed when addressing these things. It’s a strong trait to have.

—EP