Surprisingly, the elixir of lead and pomegranate was a failure.

Spy VS Spy? Or coincidence?

It's a medieval plague doctor. That mask was stuffed with herbs thought to ward off the plague.

Even master assassins need to see the doctor once in a while.

The white, black and pointy face seems a pretty BIG coincidence if not intentional.

Kendai said:
The white, black and pointy face seems a pretty BIG coincidence if not intentional.

They look somewhat different in-game. They don't really resemble them.

Dreadhawk said:
They look somewhat different in-game. They don't really resemble them.

Maybe the artist was pushing it in that direction then.

No, that's exactly what they look like in-game. Well, some of them. And the look is based on medieval plague doctors, just like in the following picture:

http://economicsociology.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/plague-doctor-in-color.jpg

So no, it has nothing to do with spy vs spy.

Kendai said:
Maybe the artist was pushing it in that direction then.

The only one pushing here is you.

Problem, Ezio?

"I've got a new lead-based cure for syphilis! You interested, signore?"

"Pardon me. I never really was on your side."