The missions themselves are mind numbing enough, but then again the numbing is lowered due to the excellent climbing system. I only retrieve flags when they are in my sight, I have never actually tried to scour towns for flags. I have 99 of the King Richard's flags (one more to go as that need the Catch Ledge skill), 33 of the Saracen flags, all Hospitalier flags, and all Masyraf flags (easiest). So, I have err....235 flags to go? and only 20 more Templars to go sometimes I think you must just hate yourself to be putting yourself through that game.