The story continues the journey of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, a master assassin, as he seeks to destroy the corrupt Borgia family, who have seized control of Rome. Ezio's quest is to restore the Assassin Brotherhood to its former glory and liberate the city from the Borgia's tyrannical rule. Along the way, Ezio recruits and trains new assassins to aid in the fight. The game also progresses the modern-day storyline of Desmond Miles, who is using the Animus, a machine that allows him to relive the genetic memories of his ancestors, to uncover vital information that could prevent a catastrophic event in the present day.