Yes, more backstory on the war that's supposed to be going on right now..and no actual signs that a war is going on. Oh the missed potential is 'painful'. Still, at least I know that Assassin's Creed 2 will try to fix the flaws from this game. Letters we pickpocketed: ""The people of Damascus despise the Merchant King for spending their money on extravagant parties held inside his palace. Attending one of these celebrations should bring me close enough to strike." "Peace Be Upon You, Hisham: I have done my best to balance the ledgers, but the counts show something strange, payments to Jerusalem's regent and William of Montferrat in Acre. I had thought this might be connected to the ransom damanded by the Crusaders for our captive brethen, but given the way that ended (peace be upon those poor souls), this seems unlikely. It also does not account for the deliveries to Jerusalem. But if the money was not meant for ransom, then what is its purpose? You should also know that there have been extravagant parties as of late. All held within The Merchant King's palace. This is absurd! The citizens of Damascus starve themselves to help Salah Al'din's war efforts, but instead, their money is being spent on feasts! They deeply despise the Merchant King, and are powerless to stop him. Which is why I write to you now. Please, say nothing to The Merchant King for now. Should he become suspicious, he'll attempt to hide his misdeeds. I'll contact you when I've learned more." ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viib9-0fe4A