Staff of Hermes Trismegistus

Lore & Background

Throughout human history, the Staff has been a central object of contention between the Brotherhood of Assassins and the Templar Order. It is crucial to distinguish this artifact from Cleopatra's Scepter of Aset; while often conflated in myth, historical records confirm that during the Ptolemaic period in Egypt, neither Cleopatra nor Aya wielded the Staff of Hermes Trismegistus. Instead, Bayek and Aya obtained and utilized the distinct Scepter of Aset to aid their fight against the Order of the Ancients. The Staff itself remained hidden for centuries, its legendary ability to turn friends into enemies requiring immense discipline to use without corrupting the user's own mind, until it finally surfaced in the timeline of Assassin's Creed: Valhalla.

In Their Own Story

The desert wind howled across the sands of Alexandria, carrying with it the scent of ozone and fear. In the dim light of the tomb, the figure raised the staff, its golden tip pulsating with a rhythmic blue glow. The guards who had moments ago been ready to strike now lowered their spears, their eyes glazing over as they stared blankly at their commander. A single command whispered from the user's lips was enough to turn the entire garrison into a silent, obedient army, marching forward without question or hesitation.

Reader's Guide

The Staff of Hermes Trismegistus represents one of the most dangerous technologies left behind by the First Civilization. Unlike weapons that rely on physical force, this artifact operates on a psychological and molecular level, allowing its wielder to rewrite reality in small ways and dominate the minds of others. Historically, the staff has been sought after by various factions who believe it can usher in an era of order or chaos depending on their interpretation. In ancient Egypt, it played a pivotal role in the political maneuvering of Cleopatra, allowing her to command armies with a mere gesture and secure her throne against rivals. For modern-day seekers within the narrative, understanding the Staff is crucial because its power can destabilize entire regions if left unchecked. The Assassins often seek to hide such artifacts to prevent their misuse by those who would enslave humanity under the guise of peace.

Did You Know?

• The staff was originally created by the Isu Hermes Trismegistus, a precursor being mistaken for a god by early humans.
• It is capable of turning living matter into different forms, not just controlling minds.
• Contrary to popular belief, Cleopatra VII did not wield the Scepter of Aset; it was obtained and used by Bayek and Aya during the events of Assassin's Creed: Origins.
• The Staff of Hermes Trismegistus is a separate artifact entirely from the Scepter of Aset and was not present in Egypt during the Ptolemaic era, making its first physical appearance in Assassin's Creed: Valhalla.