Assassin's Creed Wiki - User contributions [en-gb]

Noob

2014-02-20T11:36:22Z

188.238.225.183: /* Trivia */

{{Era|AC4|ACI|Abstergo}}
{{Conjecture}}
{{Spoilerhd}}
{{Quote|I'm not sure what to do next... quit my job? Or press forward. There is still so much work to do...|Abstergo Entertainment research analyst.|Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag}}
The '''Abstergo Entertainment research analyst''', known amongst their fellow researchers as '''"Noob"''' due to their recent arrival, is an employee of [[Abstergo Entertainment]] assigned to the [[Sample 17 Project]]. They were tasked with reliving the memories of the [[Piracy|pirate]] [[Edward Kenway]], in order to gain footage for a product that would feature him. On their first day of work, they started a [[Abstergo Entertainment research analyst's diary|diary]] detailing their experience at the company.

Not long after their induction, the employee was enlisted by [[John]] to hack computers, [[Animus|Animi]], security cameras and servers around Abstergo Entertainment's [[Montreal]] facility, in order to obtain information on Abstergo's actions for the [[Assassins]]. The employee was also charged with passing on this information to [[Rebecca Crane]] and [[Shaun Hastings]], who routinely collected it at Shaun's coffee stand in the building's lobby. While the employee first believed these activities to be innocuous, they soon became suspicious of John, regarding him as "mentally ill".

Eventually, the hacking activity was discovered at the same time that the company's Chief Creative Officer, [[Olivier Garneau]], went missing. In response, Olivier's stand-in, [[Melanie Lemay]], reluctantly imprisoned the analyst and several other employees in bunkers in the basement, where they would continue their work until the hacker could be identified.

Subsequently, John raised the employee's security clearance so that they could leave their bunker, and instructed them to hack the main server in order to cover their tracks. Unbeknownst to the employee, following John's instructions activated a program designed to transfer [[Juno]]'s consciousness into another body; unfortunately for John, Juno was not yet strong enough to maintain a physical form, and this aspect of the plan failed.

John then entered the employee's bunker while they were using the Animus and revealed himself to be a [[Sages|Sage]], a reincarnation of [[Aita]]. He attempted to poison the employee, weakening them enough that their body could host Juno. However, he was shortly caught and killed by Abstergo's [[Guards|security guards]].

The employee later woke in Melanie's office, where she apologized for imprisoning them. She claimed that while she originally believed them to be the hacker, information recovered from John's computer proved that he was responsible. After Melanie revealed the completed trailer for ''[[Devils of the Caribbean]]'' as a token of good will, the analyst was allowed to return to work.

While the analyst headed back to their Animus, Shaun and Rebecca contacted them, apologized for getting them into such a mess with John, and offered to recompense the employee if they continued to obtain information on Abstergo Entertainment.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]''</ref>

After 16 December 2013, the employee utilized the [[Genetic memory|genetic memories]] of Animus technician [[Milton Jones]] to relive the life of [[Adéwalé]].<ref>''Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag'' - ''[[Freedom Cry]]''</ref>

==Trivia==
*As stated by developers, the research analyst is meant to be the embodiment of the player themselves in the ''Assassin's Creed'' universe, and thus their gender/race is left ambiguous.<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/03/04/the-dawn-of-assassins-creed-iv-black-flag IGN - ''The Dawn of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag'']</ref>
*Although the analyst gender is never told, male would be the more likely one, since the analyst makes a male sounding grunt when he is injected with poison by John.

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{AC4}}
[[Category:Individuals]]
[[Category:Abstergo Entertainment employees]]
[[Category:Assassin allies]]

Benjamin Hornigold

2014-02-20T11:31:50Z

188.238.225.183: /* Trivia */

{{Era|AC4|Templars}}
{{WP-REAL}}
{{Spoilerhd}}
{{Quote|After you subdue a prize, project authority and demand respect that you would never give yourself. This weaves a spell over soft minds. For your victims must always have in the back of their minds the uneasy idea that you could snap at any moment and unseam them from prick to sternum.|Benjamin Hornigold to Edward Kenway, on intimidating one's prey, 1715.|Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag}}
{{Character Infobox
|image = Benjamin Hornigold.png
|birth = 1680s 
{{Wiki|Norfolk}}, [[United Kingdom|England]]
|death = Summer 1719 
[[Santanillas]]
|affiliates = [[Royal Navy]] [[Piracy|Pirate Republic]] (1713 – 1718) 
[[Templars]] (1718 – 1719)
|appear = ''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]''
|voice = [[Ed Stoppard]]}}
'''Benjamin Hornigold''' (1680s – 1719) was an [[United Kingdom|English]] [[Piracy|pirate]] from 1715 to 1718, and a member of the [[Templars|Templar Order]]. He was most famous for mentoring [[Edward Thatch]] and for being one of the founders of the Pirate Republic at [[Nassau]].

==Biography==
===Early life===
Hornigold was born in England in the 1680s, and at some point made his way across the ocean to the [[Caribbean|West Indies]] as a privateer. His first known act of piracy was in the winter of 1713-1714, when he used several small canoes and a sloop to raid ships and settlements in [[the Bahamas]], eventually capturing a thirty-gun [[Brig]] that he named the ''Ranger''. This ship would eventually be given to his fellow pirate [[Charles Vane]].

During Hornigold's first years as a pirate, his second-in-command was former privateer Edward Thatch. Soon their fleet expanded to five warships, led by the flagship ''[[Benjamin (ship)|Benjamin]]'', pirating everywhere from Nassau to the Honduran coast.

However, Hornigold was known not to attack British ships, leading some to believe that he was actually a privateer instead of a pirate. Sometime during this period he met [[Edward Kenway]], who was recruited by Thatch during their career as privateers.

===Leader of the Pirate Republic===
{{Quote|Jaysus, let that dream go, lad. Nassau is the place to be, not England.| Hornigold convincing Edward to remain in Nassau.|Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag}}
Eventually, Hornigold helped establish a Pirate Republic called 'the Brethren of the Coast' in Nassau, sharing the responsibilities of leadership with Thatch, Vane, and [[Mary Read|James Kidd]]. When Kenway made his way to Nassau in 1715, Hornigold taught him how to successfully plunder ships, upgrade the ''[[Jackdaw]]'', and lower his notoriety. Hornigold also tried to persuade Edward to give up on his estranged wife, [[Caroline Scott-Kenway|Caroline Scott]], and settle in Nassau.

Over the next three years, word reached Nassau that a pardon was being offered by Governor [[Woodes Rogers]] to any pirate who would accept it. Hornigold kept the pardon in mind as Nassau was ravaged by disease without an available cure.

While Thatch wished to steal medicine from British warships, Hornigold suggested that they temporarily halt their pirating activities until the British no longer deemed them a threat. This resulted in an argument between the two until Kenway proposed a third solution: search for medicines in old wrecks without attracting British attention.

[[File:Devil's Advocate 2.png|thumb|left|250px|Hornigold aboard the ''Benjamin'']]
While Hornigold and Thatch were both initially satisfied with this approach, it was soon revealed that medicines found in the shipwrecks were in poor condition. Frustrated by their lack of success, Thatch used the ''Queen Anne's Revenge'' to assault a British Man o' War, which left Hornigold's ship damaged. While his crew were repairing the ship, Hornigold met with Kenway and informed him of Thatch's decision. Before Kenway sailed off to look for Thatch, Hornigold told him to leave Thatch be, saying the man should take responsibility for his actions.

Although Kenway and Thatch were eventually able to recover medicines for the colony, the British arrived months later and blockaded Nassau. After meeting with Woodes Rogers and Commodore [[Peter Chamberlaine]] to discuss the King's pardon, Hornigold, [[Josiah Burgess]] and [[John Cockram]] accepted the offer and became pirate hunters for the British, tasked with bringing their former allies to justice.

===Joining the Templars===
{{Dialogue|Edward|A pox on you, traitor! You sold us down river!|Hornigold|Because I found a better path! The Templars know order. Discipline. Structure. But you never could fathom these subtleties.|Hornigold to Kenway, defending the Templar cause, 1719.|Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag|}}
As a newly appointed pirate hunter, Hornigold became more notorious than he had ever been before, capturing several pirates who refused to take the pardon. Under Roger's command, Hornigold grew to respect his superior, and soon became a member of the Templar Order along with Burgess and Cockram.

[[File:Imagine My Surprise 5.png|thumb|250px|Torres, Hornigold and Rogers in Kingston]]
In 1719, Hornigold and Rogers met in [[Kingston]]. Hornigold questioned the purpose of collecting blood samples and Roger's tactics when dealing with pirates in Madagascar. Upon hearing that the blood would be used for the purposes of spying, Hornigold expressed some concern, as he had given a sample of his blood as well. However, Rogers assured Hornigold that his sample would not be used in this manner; rather, it would act as a display of trust.

They later met with the Templar [[Grand Master]] [[Laureano de Torres y Ayala]], telling him that Burgess and Cockram were close to locating the [[Sages|Sage]] [[Bartholomew Roberts]] in [[Príncipe]]. In the midst of their conversation, Hornigold spotted the ''Jackdaw'' anchored in the harbor, and realized that Kenway was spying on them.

Forced out of hiding, Kenway admonished Hornigold for his betrayal; Hornigold defended himself by claiming that the Templars' actions were just, and that Kenway could never understand their cause. He then made his escape with the other Templars, leaving Kenway to deal with his men.

===Death===
{{Quote|Some mighty piss-poor sailing back there, lads! And if we live out this day, by God, I'm flaying every last bitch of you! Steady up! And kep your backs together, lads! This fight ain't over!|Benjamin Hornigold, making his last stand, 1719.|Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag}}
Hornigold later followed Kenway and Roberts to the Yucatán Peninsula, but was detected by the pirates and sailed into a rocky, fog-covered formation known as "the Devil's Backbone". Kenway's ''Jackdaw'' managed to avoid British ships looking for him and traded blows with the ''Benjamin''.

Lost in the fog, the ''Benjamin'' ran aground on the deserted island of [[Santanillas]]. Hornigold climbed to the top of an abandoned [[Mayans|Mayan]] temple on the island, creating a makeshift perimeter with his soldiers, but Kenway was able to scale the building and air assassinate his former friend.

Collapsing, Hornigold berated Kenway for how far he had fallen, disregarding the man's retort that Hornigold was no better than he was. With his dying words, Hornigold expressed regret that Kenway was too enamored with glory and bloodshed to see the wisdom of the Templars, and told Kenway that he would die alone and disgraced if he kept his present course.

==Personality and Characteristics==
{{Dialogue2|Edward|Remember the pardon, Thatch. We're to be subtle.|Thatch|Says Hornigold! A pirate now too proud to call himself one!|Ah, he prefers caution to cannons.| Kenway and Thatch, regarding Hornigold's approach to the King's Pardon, 1718.| Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag}}
[[File:Prizes and Plunder 4.png|thumb|250px|left|Hornigold and Kenway capturing a Spanish ship]]
Though Hornigold's early ambitions did not include piracy, he was forced to take up the life due to privateers being rendered unnecessary after the War of Spanish Succession. A patriotic man, Hornigold chose not to attack any British ships, likely out of loyalty toward his home country. In addition, Hornigold had a military bearing, valuing order and behaving more like British soldier than a pirate.

In spite of these factors, he was respected by his crew and peers alike and took to the pirate life enthusiastically, helping found the Pirate Republic in Nassau. When Hornigold founded the Pirate Republic, he had strong faith that the community would grow and thrive. However, after Nassau succumbed to disease, poor governance and economic difficulties, Hornigold became disillusioned with the pirate cause.

After joining the Templars, he began to share their ideals of a [[New World Order]], in direct contrast to the ideals of freedom from higher authority that the pirates held.

==Trivia==
*Hornigold is one of the pirates featured in the forthcoming [[Abstergo Entertainment]] movie ''[[Devils of the Caribbean]]''.
*In reality he became a pirate hunter around the same time as he became a templar in the game.

==Gallery==
<gallery captionalign="center" position="center" spacing="small" widths="180">
Concept Art - Benjamin Hornigold.jpg|Concept art of Hornigold
Now Hiring 4.png|Hornigold with Thatch and Kenway
Now Hiring 2.png|Hornigold among other pirates
Raise the Black Flag 1.png|Hornigold, Kenway and Thatch in Salt Key
We Demand A Parlay 9.png|Hornigold arguing with Charles Vane
Imagine My Surprise 7.png|Edward confronting Hornigold
Murder and Mayhem 6.png|Hornigold's final moments
</gallery>

==Reference==
*''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]''
{{AC4}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hornigold, Benjamin}}
[[Category:1680s births]]
[[Category:1719 deaths]]
[[Category:Individuals]]
[[Category:Englishmen]]
[[Category:Privateers]]
[[Category:Pirates]]
[[Category:Templars]]
[[Category:Captains]]

Soldier

2014-02-19T18:21:55Z

188.238.225.183:

{{Era|ACAC|AC|ACBL|AC2|AC2D|ACB|ACR|AC3|AC3L|AC4}}
[[File:Bad Politics 3.png|thumb|250px|Ezio Auditore fighting several Borgia guards]]
'''Guards''' were members of organized military forces that typically defended or controlled access to locations of interest, or protected certain individuals.

Typically comprised of members of a local militia or governing body's military services, the colors and styles of their uniforms varied, denoting rank, allegiance, and combat specialization.

==Factions==
===High Middle Ages===
[[File:BoA 4.png|thumb|250px|thumb|[[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] fighting several Crusaders]]
During the [[Third Crusade]], soldiers wore the armor and colors of either [[Saracens]] or [[Crusaders]], with the latter subdivided into the personal guards of King [[Richard I of England]], or the Knights [[Templars|Templar]], [[Knights Hospitalier|Hospitalier]], and [[Knights Teutonic|Teutonic]].

Saracens spoke Turkish or Arabic, while Crusaders spoke mostly English, with some Captains and Sergeants speaking French or German. Templar Knights, however, spoke all of the dialects.

Saracens wore {{Wiki|lamellar armor}}, and either {{Wiki|spangenhelm}}s or turbans. All Crusaders wore surcoats and chainmail, while some also wore spangenhelms or {{Wiki|great helm}}s.

[[File:Talal Assassination 3.png|250px|left|thumb|Altaïr fighting Talal's personal guard]]
The colors of Crusader surcoats differed with their affiliation, with King Richard's personal guard wearing red and white, Templars wearing white with red crosses, Hospitaliers wearing black with white crosses, and Teutonics wearing white with black crosses.

Guards for several smaller factions or individuals possessed their own uniforms as well, such as the black, gold-striped clothes of [[Talal]]'s men, or the short white robes and gray hoods of the guards of [[Masyaf]].<ref name="AC">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref>
{{-}}
===Renaissance===
Throughout the [[Renaissance]], multiple factions of guards existed, as they were affiliated to either individual cities or people instead of armies. They bore unique colors, often along with the family or city crest.

[[File:NVS 5.png|thumb|250px|right|Four Pazzi guards]]
Guards for the [[House of Pazzi]] wore black caps, red sleeves with black and gold streaks, gold armor plates and the crest of the Pazzi. They could only be found in [[Florence]] and [[Tuscany]], during the height of the family's influence, until the end of the [[Pazzi conspiracy]].

Guards serving the [[House of Medici]] wore dark yellow caps, yellow and white striped sleeves, black armor plates, and the crest of the Medici. They were notably seen during and after the repression of the Pazzi conspiracy in Florence, as well as in [[San Gimignano]].

Guards of the [[House of Borgia]] wore dark red caps, black sleeves with dark red streaks, steel gray armor plates and the crest of the Borgia. They often accompanied [[Rodrigo Borgia]], and could also be found around [[Basilica di Santa Maria Novella|Santa Maria Novella]] during the Templar meeting, in the [[Cannaregio District]] of [[Venice]],<ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref> or in Florence during the [[Bonfire of the Vanities]]. They were also charged with guarding the [[banks]] housing the [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's Codex|Codex]] pages.

[[File:Florentine Fiasco 1.png|thumb|250px|left|[[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] bypassing a line of Savonarola's guards]]
Guards of [[Girolamo Savonarola]] wore light gray caps, and black sleeves and black or silver armor plates. Instead of a coats of arms, they bore a small portrait of Savonarola himself, with three red beams shining down upon him. They were notably seen in Florence during the Bonfire of the Vanities, often repressing the Borgia guards attempting to take the [[Ezio's Apple of Eden|Apple of Eden]].<ref>''Assassin's Creed II'' - ''[[Bonfire of the Vanities (DLC)]]''</ref>

Guards serving the city of [[Forlì]] wore dark green caps and sleeves, as well as the coat of arms of said city.

The guards who served the city of Venice wore blue caps and blue, gold streaked sleeves, with gold armor plates bearing the coat of arms of the Italian city. The quality of their armor was significantly better than that of their counterparts in other cities, protecting them from much damage.

Those who served the [[Vaticano District|Vatican]] wore white caps, red and white sleeves, with yellow elements on their clothing, and the coat of arms of the city of [[Rome]]. Similarly to Venetian guards, their armor was more resilient than most.<ref name="AC2"/>

[[File:Gatekeeper 2.png|thumb|250px|right|A contingent of French soldiers]]
Guards and soldiers of [[France]] wore dark blue and white, as well as olive green. They were commonly seen in Rome after the alliance of [[Cesare Borgia]] and the French general [[Octavian de Valois]].

At that time, French soldiers were stationed in either the main camp in [[Castra Praetoria]], or in military guard posts throughout the [[Campagna District]] of Rome. They remained in the city throughout [[Liberation of Rome|its liberation]], often fighting the [[mercenaries]] of the [[Assassins|Assassin]] condottiero, [[Bartolomeo d'Alviano]], until the assassination of Valois in August 1503.

Guards from the town of [[Viana]] in Spain wore yellowish-green armor. They notably participated in the [[Siege of Viana]], as they defended [[Viana Castle]] from [[John III of Navarre|King John III]]'s invading Navarrese troops, who wore red uniforms with yellow accents.<ref name="Brotherhood">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref>

[[File:Honor lost won v 3.png|thumb|250px|left|Ottoman Elites in their camp]]
[[Constantinople]] in the Renaissance was divided into two distinct factions, the ruling [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]], and the remnants of the ancient [[Byzantine Empire]].

Though Constantinople was held and controlled by the former, guards of the latter constantly fought for control. The region of Cappadocia, particularly [[Derinkuyu]], remained in Byzantine hands.

Ottoman guards wore green uniforms with red accents, though the Janissaries wore more multicoloured robes, while Byzantines wore small gray capes, and dark red and brown uniforms, and distinctly wore the black eagle crest of the Byzantine Empire's [[Manuel Palaiologos|Palaiologos]] Dynasty. The [[Varangians]] and [[Almogavars]] also wore lamellar cuirasses that appeared to be made of gold, or some similar golden metal, with a cross engraved into each lamella in their cuirasses.<ref name="Revelations">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>

===Golden Age of Piracy===
During the early 18th century in the [[Caribbean]], there were different factions of soldiers. The first was the [[United Kingdom|British Empire]], loyal to King George I, who wore the easily-recognizable red coats shared by the Army and Navy alike, although there were several different styles of the coat. Regulars wore standard-length coats, agile guards wore shorter coats, and grenadiers wore long, heavier variants. Ship captains in the Navy wore dark blue coats with red trim and capes, and hats that denoted their rank.

The second faction was the [[Spain|Spanish Empire]], donning yellow outfits with a red or crimson trim, displaying loyalty to Philip V of Spain. Their outfits were similar in cut to those of the British Navy, however, Spanish captains wore longer coats in conjunction with an overcoat that covered the upper chest and shoulders.

The Portuguese Navy's sailors dressed in a similar fashion to their Spanish counterparts, although with primarily blue tones and a dark orange trim on their coats.

The [[Framce|French]] soldiers, stationed primarily on [[Haiti|Saint-Domingue]], wore mostly white coats with blue outlines displaying loyalty to King Louis XIV.

Another faction working prominently in the Caribbean was comprised of [[pirate hunters]]. These self-sustaining soldiers wore clothes based heavily on brown, and pursued pirates who were [[Social Stealth#Notoriety system|notorious]] enough. Pirate hunter ships could be easily identified by their distinct crimson sails and red and black hulls.<ref name="Black Flag">''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]''</ref>

===Enlightenment age===
[[File:ACIII-LexingtonandConcord 16.png|thumb|250px|[[Ratonhnhaké:ton|Connor]] commanding militia in firing lines]]
During the Enlightenment age, guards were aligned with the [[British Army]] or [[Continental Army]], or worked as [[mercenaries]]. [[Firearms]] also became the mainstay of most western armies. All soldiers were armed with flintlock muskets or pistols.

British regulars and militia were easily denoted by their bright red uniforms. The British army also employed Hessian mercenaries such as the Jäger. German soldiers could be distinguished from their British counterparts by their green uniforms with red accents. Patriot soldiers wore mostly blue uniforms, except for Continental Grenadiers, who wore a khaki colored dress.

==Ranking==
===High Middle Ages===
====Regular====
[[File:Tamir Informer Escort 3.png|thumb|250px|left|Altaïr fighting regular Saracen guards]]
Regular guards were the most common, but lightest equipped of the guard ranks. Regular Crusader guards did not have helmets, and only wore leather armor, while Saracen ones wore turbans, and light lamellar armor.

In combat, they were not skilled enough to grab, counterattack, or perform a combo. They could only deflect attacks, with a 25% chance of dodging a light attack.<ref name="AC"/>
{{-}}
====Sergeant====
[[File:Sibrand Eavesdropping 2.png|thumb|250px|Two Teutonic sergeants talking]]
Sergeants were middle-ranked soldiers, and were equipped with helmets and heavier armor. Crusaders wore chainmail, and the Saracens possessed medium lamellar armor.

They could grab targets, and had a 50% chance of breaking a grab attack, as well as a 50% chance of countering or dodging a light attack. They also had a 25% chance of breaking defenses, but could not perform combo attacks.<ref name="AC"/>
{{-}}
====Captain====
[[File:Robert Pickpocketing 1.png|thumb|left|250px|A Saracen captain talking with a Templar]]
Captains were the most powerful guards, with the exception of Templar Knights. Saracens wore Baidah helmets and heavy lamellar armor, while Crusaders wore chainmail, and varying knight helms.

Guards at this rank were also able to grab, and had a 75% chance of breaking a grab attack, as well as countering or dodging a light attack. They also had a 50% chance of breaking defenses. If a successful heavy attack was delivered, they could perform a combo attack.<ref name="AC"/>
{{-}}
===Renaissance===
====Militia====
[[File:Escape debt 2.png|thumb|250px|Three Militia guards cornering [[Egidio Troche]]]]
Militia were the lowest ranking guards, and wore very little armor. They also had the lowest morale, and were likely to flee a battle if they were losing.

Militia could be found almost everywhere, and wielded a large variety of [[Swords and maces|medium-ranged weapons]]. They were not especially agile, but could climb up to the rooftops, albeit slowly, in order to pursue a target Assassin.

Of the guard types, Militia were the only ones who could be fooled into picking up coins, should they be thrown as a distraction.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Elite====
[[File:With Friends 8 v.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio restrained by two Elites]]
Elites were stronger than Militia, and wore a moderate amount of armor. They could withstand more damage, and were capable of dodging enemy attacks.

They were also more courageous than Militia, but could still be forced to retreat, especially if their Leader (or a high-ranking specialized guard) should be killed near them.<ref name="AC2"/>
{{-}}
====Leader====
[[File:He who waits 5.png|thumb|250px|A Leader speaking with an Agile]]
Leaders were the best fighters, and the most tenacious of all the regular guards. They wore slightly more armor than the Elites, and had distinct, full-faced helmets.

They were resilient, and could withstand several attacks before they could be killed. They were also harder to disarm, as well as resistant to being grabbed.<ref name="AC2"/>
{{-}}

====Captain====
[[File:Demilitarization 2.png|thumb|left|250px|[[Cesare Borgia]] speaking with his Captains]]
Captains of the Renaissance were usually found leading contingents of lower-ranked soldiers. They fought similarly to Leaders, but were more heavily and intricately armored, with full feathered helms.

Twelve [[Borgia Captains]] were particularly distinguished members of this rank, and led troops at each of Rome's twelve [[Borgia Towers]]. They were armored identically to other Captains, but wore white capes with the Borgia crest.

Though most were courageous and skilled enough to counter most attacks, some were cowardly, and would flee into their tower should it be attacked, until the next guard patrol was posted.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

===Golden Age of Piracy===
====Regulars====
Regulars are the basic soldiers seen on the caribbean. They wear different colored coats, the color of the coat showing off their allegiance. The red coat is worn by soldiers of the Royal Navy, yellow coat is worn by the soldiers of Spanish navy and the blue coat is worn by the soldiers of Portuguese Navy. Pirate Hunters and Smugglers also fall in the same category but they wear brown shirts instead of coats. They are equipped with a basic sword and a pistol. They mainly engage their enemy with their swords but will draw their pistols if the target is out of reach, such as on rooftop. They are seen on many different places of caribbean but mostly in cities, smuggler caves and onboard ships. They have high discipline standards and will never run away from battle.

===Enlightenment Age===
====Regulars====
[[File:ACIII-Teaparty 3.png|thumb|250px|Connor and Stephane Chapeau fighting the Regulars]]
The basic guards within the British and Continental armies were enlisted soldiers who wore regular battle-dress. They were equipped with muskets that held fixed [[bayonets]] and received training in forming firing lines. Regulars were susceptible to counter kills, throws, stuns, disarms and secondary weapon kills.

British Regulars wore a bright red tunic with white leggings and a black tricorn hat, and some took to wearing scarves around their faces. They had the ability to form a firing line quickly and efficiently and didn't run from battle due to the Army's severe discipline standards.

The Continental Army wore a blue battle-dress with a red accent down each lapel and a black tricorn hat. Although they were equally well-trained, they did not have the same discipline as their British counterparts. They would run after a sufficient amount of their comrades fell or when their leader was slain.

====Militia====
[[File:ACIII-LexingtonandConcord 18.png|thumb|left|250px|Continental militiamen in Concord]]
Militia of both the British and Continental armies could be found as guards on rooftops or inside forts, where they were being trained. Loyalist militia wore similar clothing to British Regulars, but instead featured an explorer's cap instead of a tricorn, as well as a backpack and dark spatterdashes. Onboard ships they were dressed as Royal Marines.

Patriot militia wore a white shirt and a blue vest, together with an explorer's cap. Miltia soldiers were not as well-trained as Regulars, as they could only attack once per a Regular's three times, though despite this, they took on almost identical roles.

==Ranged types==
As most standard guards only had medium or short-ranged weapons, they were often supplemented by ranged guard types, who could attack from a distance. More types were added over time, with the advancement of weapon technology.<ref name="AC"/><ref name="AC2"/>

===Renaissance===
====Archers====
{{Main|Archers}}
[[File:Romagna Holiday 8.png|thumb|250px|Borgia archers in the Apennine Mountains]]
Archers were guards armed with [[Bow|longbows]], who patrolled rooftops and watched for possible enemies below.<ref name="AC2"/> Outside of cities, they were posted on elevated watchtowers.<ref name="AC"/>

Crusader Archers wore the same uniforms as the standard guards of their faction, though they also had white hoods.<ref name="AC"/> In the Renaissance, Archers were usually of the Militia rank, and wore the same uniform as their standard counterparts.

Once provoked due to an enemy approaching within a meter or so, an archer would cease firing arrows, and draw his medium-ranged weapon, such as a sword or mace. Though accurate and deadly from a distance, Archers did not pose a serious threat in close combat.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Crossbowmen====
{{Main|Crossbowmen}}
[[File:ACB Crossbowman.png|thumb|250px|left|A Borgia crossbowman]]
Similarly to Archers, Crossbowmen defended the rooftops or areas of interest, though the [[crossbow]]s they wielded could be fired more quickly, and caused more damage.<ref name="Brotherhood"/> However, they did not completely replace Archers, as longbows were more accurate if used by a skilled guard.<ref name="Project Legacy">''[[Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy]]''</ref>

Unlike Archers, Crossbowmen had no melee weapon, and if their enemy drew too close, they would only back away and keep firing. They were also more vigilant, and possessed some [[Freerunning|free-running]] ability, which permitted them to more closely investigate intruders.

In Rome, Crossbowmen could be distinguished by their striped berets and light armor.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Arquebusiers====
{{Main|Arquebusiers}}
[[File:Vilified 11 v.png|thumb|250px|A line of arquebusiers]]
The Arquebusiers, also called Gunmen or Riflemen, were [[Firearms|firearm]]-wielding soldiers who patrolled rooftops, protected high-value locations, and guarded important individuals.

Though Arquebusiers did not have as great a range as Crossbowmen, what they lacked in distance, they made up for in power. Their shots dealt significant damage to both targets and enemy armor. In the Renaissance, they wore heavy armor and full helmets, as well as belts of gunpowder and ammunition.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Bombmen====
[[File:ACR Ottoman Bombardier.png|thumb|250px|left|Ezio facing an Ottoman Bombman]]
In Constantinople, Bombmen wielded [[thunder bombs]] and [[short blades]], and commonly guarded the rooftops in high traffic areas, such as the docks, arsenal, and harbor. They would also participate in the protection of [[Assassin Dens|Templar dens]], and would attack from the safety of reinforced sentry boxes.

Byzantine Bombmen wore uniforms similar to Almogavars, though with longer red capes.<ref name="Revelations"/>

===Golden Age of Piracy===
====Snipers====
{{Main|Snipers}}
Snipers were specially trained gunmen during the Golden Age of Piracy who were armed with muskets and would guard the rooftops. They often watched over [[sugar plantations]], and would fire at intruders or run to an alarm bell to call reinforcements.

==Specialized types==
Certain high-ranking guards possessed unique qualities, usually granting them an advantage in combat through added speed, strength, or defensive skills. They would often act as leaders for patrols of standard guards, and possessed uncommon weapons or armor.<ref name="AC2"/>

===Renaissance===
====Agiles====
{{Main|Agile guards}}
[[File:NVS 12.png|thumb|250px|An Agile fleeing from Ezio]]
Agiles were lightly-armored, quick moving guards. They were one of the types capable of outrunning Assassins, and were also skilled free-runners. They more commonly fled to alert nearby guards, rather than face an enemy directly.

During pursuits alongside other guards, Agiles would usually catch up to a target first and injure them with the short blades they wielded. In battle, they were very light on their feet and could dodge nearly all attacks. Agiles wore the least armor of any guard, with only a light leather chest guard, and metal helmet and spaulders. Due to their increased vulnerability, they were also the most cowardly of the specialized types.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Brutes====
{{Main|Brutes}}
[[File:LMS 9 v.png|thumb|250px|left|A Pazzi Brute blocking Ezio's path]]
Brutes were the most heavily-armored guards during the Renaissance. They moved slowly due to the [[Heavy weapons|two-handed weapons]] they wielded, but compensated through resilience and power.

They were not very vigilant, and could not normally distinguish Assassins from anyone else in a crowd. In guard patrols, they often acted as the leader, as they had the highest morale of any guard type, fleeing only if they were disarmed and could not obtain another weapon. Brutes could be easily seen from their large, reinforced armor and closed helms.<ref name="AC2"/> Brutes in Rome had more intricate armor than those in other cities, with designs worked into the metal.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Seekers====
{{Main|Seekers}}
[[File:Benvenuto 15.png|thumb|250px|Seekers arresting a merchant]]
Seekers were guards who, as their name suggested, would search through [[Hiding spots|hiding places]], on the suspicion that an Assassin had taken refuge within one. They always wielded [[Long weapons|polearms]], such as spears and halberds.

Similarly to Brutes, they would lead patrols of guards, often halting the group to search any hiding spots they passed.<ref name="AC2"/> In battle, they had the second highest morale to Brutes, and were skilled enough to resist most attacks and counters.<ref name="Brotherhood"/> They were slightly more heavily-armored than a standard guard, though less so than Brutes, wearing a combination of chainmail and plate armor, as well as distinctive feathered helms.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Horsemen====
{{Main|Horsemen}}
[[File:ACB Ezio vs Horseman.png|thumb|250px|left|Ezio fighting a horseman]]
Horsemen were mounted guards that possessed the ability to use a variety of weapons while on [[Horses|horseback]]. Their steeds allowed them to easily pursue targets, and strike preemptively.

Though they were vulnerable to long-ranged weapons such as [[throwing knives]] and crossbows, they could be easily dealt with after being knocked from the saddle, either by tripping their horse, or striking them from horseback.

Horsemen were equipped with both medium and long-ranged weapons, though none could wield polearms. They were armored similarly to Borgia Captains, albeit without the cape.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Almogavars====
{{Main|Almogavars}}
[[File:Piri Reis Datura 5.png|thumb|250px|Ezio throwing a bomb at an Almogavar]]
Almogavars were heavily-armored Byzantine guards, who wielded two-handed axes. They were stationed in Byzantine-controlled districts of Constantinople, as well as in Derinkuyu during the Renaissance.

Comparable to Brutes, they fought with heavy weapons, and were slower than all other enemies. Due to their thick armor, they were very resilient, and could not be killed with a single bullet or crossbow bolt. However, they possessed a profound weakness to the effects of [[datura bombs]].

They wore golden lamellar cuirasses with a [[Templar insignia|Templar cross]] engraved into each lamella, their armour was notably decorated with fur and was topped by particularly large metal pauldrons. They also wielded [[Almogavar Axe|unique axes]], with a pair of crescent-shaped blades.<ref name="Revelations"/>

====Varangians====
{{Main|Varangians}}
[[File:Cistern 14.png|thumb|250px|left|A Varangian speaking to two Militiamen]]
Varangians were the Byzantine equivalent of Seekers, and were stationed in both Constantinople and Derinkuyu. They were very skilled in battle, and could deflect nearly all strikes and counterattacks.

They wore the same golden lamellar as the Almogavars with short grey capes, as well as intricate winged helmets. They fought with halberds or spears, as well as short pistols.<ref name="Revelations"/>
{{-}}

====Captains====
Captains are sometimes seen on land but they are mostly seen captaining ships. Each type of ship, save for Gunboats and Schooners always have one captain aboard. Same as the regulars, captains are also equipped with a sword and pistol but are more skilled with both. Their defense is very strong with their sword and nearly unbreakable, unless their opponents want to play dirty or attack from distance. They also use their pistols more often than regulars.

===Golden Age of Piracy===
====Agiles====
Agiles are fast moving soldiers who patrol both the ground and rooftops in cities and also serve as officers aboard the ships, with their authority only below that of a captain. They carry a dagger and a pistol to combat and their defense cant be broken. They are capable of freerunning, unlike regulars who must climb ladders to get to rooftops. They mainly use their daggers to attack enemies but will use their pistols if target is far out of reach, such as on other rooftops.

====Brutes====
Brutes are large sized men who are seen guarding restricted areas and also serve aboard the ship. They are quite strong, capable of carrying and swinging a large axe with one hand and dealing unblockable heavy strikes with them. They also throw grenades in combat.

====Captains====
Captains are sometimes seen on land but they are mostly seen captaining ships. Each type of ship, save for Gunboats and Schooners always have one captain aboard. Same as the regulars, captains are also equipped with a sword and pistol but are more skilled with both. Their defense is very strong with their sword and nearly unbreakable, unless their opponents want to play dirty or attack from distance. They also use their pistols more often than regulars.
===Enlightenment Age===
====Grenadiers====
{{Main|Grenadiers}}
[[File:ACIII-Wolcott 8.png|thumb|250px|A Loyalist and a Grenadier blocking Connor's path]]
Grenadiers were specialized units in the British and Continental armies during the American Revolutionary War. They were roughly comparable to the Italian Brutes and Byzantine Almogavars, being slower than other soldiers, and fighting with heavy weapons and muskets.

Grenadiers were recognizable by their miter caps, which were designed not to obstruct the throwing of grenades. While the British Army's Grenadiers wore green kilts, a dress top and sapper's gloves, the Continental Grenadiers wore khaki battle dress with black boots.
{{-}}
====Officers====
{{Main|Officers}}
[[File:AC3 Officer.png|thumb|250px|left|Connor hiding from an Officer]]
Officers in both armies led groups of other guards on patrols and were equipped with a sword and pistol. Whilst wielding their sword, they parried all of Connor's regular attacks, forcing him to either break their defense or disarm them first. They could also counter Connor's counter-kills even if disarmed, but were susceptible to throws, stuns, disarms and secondary weapon kills.

If any horses were nearby, Officers would mount them and attempt to attack Connor on horseback, either by charging or firing their pistol. Officers could see through disguises and would search hiding spots. When patrolling alone, they would be accompanied by guard [[dogs]], who would give away Connor's location if they got close enough.

====Scouts====
[[File:ACIII-Unconvinced 9.png|thumb|250px|A British Scout and two Loyalists provoking Haytham Kenway]]
Akin to the Agiles that served throughout the Renaissance, Scouts were fast-moving adversaries capable of free-running that wielded short blades and muskets. They would pursue any attackers that fled from battle, and could not be disarmed or have their defense broken.

They were, however, susceptible to all other forms of counter-attacks. In combat, they would attempt to flip over Connor's back and attack him from behind, similar to the "[[Hookblade|hook and run]]" maneuver used by the [[Turkish Assassins]].

====Snitches====
{{Main|Snitches}}
[[File:AC3 Snitch.png|thumb|250px|left|Connor passing by a Snitch]]
Snitches were usually seen in large guard patrols carrying military drums. They never fought with an attacker, choosing to instead flee the scene and bring reinforcements. If they could not flee, they would brandish a dagger or cower.

The British drummers were usually seen wearing ceremonial bearksin hats and red coats, whereas the Continental Army equivalent were seen wearing yellow coats and similar headgear to British drummers.

==Expert types==
Expert guards were high-ranking guards, who were the most skilled and well-equipped of their time. They often possessed several of the qualities of specialized guards, and were limited in number.<ref name="AC"/><ref name="AC2"/>

===High Middle Ages===
====Templar Knights====
[[File:AC1 Templar Knight.png|250px|thumb|Altaïr standing next to a Templar Knight]]
Templar Knights were particularly skilled Crusaders, and were stationed throughout the [[Kingdom]] and its cities. They would often position themselves with a wall or cliff to their back, to prevent them from being attacked from behind.<ref name="AC"/>

They were particularly vigilant, and could identify an Assassin from a crowd almost immediately, subsequently attacking them. Other guards held the knights in high regard, and would always stand back should the Templar Knight engage in battle with an Assassin. They were similar to the Crusader Captains, but with unique armor. They wore chainmail and white surcoats with red crosses, as well as red lacquered great helms.<ref name="AC"/>

===Renaissance===
====Papal Guards====
{{Main|Papal Guard}}
[[File:Liquid Gold 10.png|thumb|250px|left|A Papal Guard holding Ezio at gunpoint]]
The Papal Guard were elite soldiers throughout the Renaissance and were commanded by the [[Papacy]], to serve and protect the pontiff during his tenure. They combined the best qualities of all the other specialized guards, being very powerful in battle, as well as quick on their feet.

They wore intricate black and gold armor, as well as long dark capes, metal face masks and plumed helmets. They also wore crests painted on their chest guards, either displaying the crossed keys of the Papacy, or (in the 16th century) the red bull of the Borgia. Papal guards could use a wide variety of weapons, including long or heavy ones, though they most commonly [[Dual-wielding|dual-wielded]] a pistol alongside a medium weapon.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Janissaries====
{{Main|Janissaries}}
[[File:TAG 4.png|thumb|250px|A pair of Janissaries harassing a merchant]]
Janissaries were highly-trained soldiers, and the elite of the Ottoman Empire, serving as the private guards to the Sultan. Similarly to the Papal Guard, they encompassed all the skills of the specialized guards.

Their uniforms consisted of colorful robes with embroidered patterns, as well as black headdresses and metal face masks. They all wielded [[Janissary Kijil|unique kijils]], as well as short pistols for long-ranged attacks.<ref name="Revelations"/>
{{-}}

===Enlightenment Age===
====Jägers====
{{Main|Jägers}}
[[File:ACIII-MostWanted 7.png|thumb|250px|left|A Jäger searching for Connor]]
Jägers, also colloquially referred to as Hessians, were a detachment of German troops that were contracted by the British to fight in the American Revolutionary War. However, they operated independently of most British protocols.

Jägers specialised in deep forest and wilderness combat, tactics and reconnaissance, as well as unconventional warfare. As such, they were regarded as an elite scouting unit, used for surveying an area ahead of a body of troops or leading the way on the front lines.

The Jägers gained a fierce reputation as fearsome warriors and reliable, disciplined troops, and they were well respected within the ranks of the British Army. Like the other expert archetypes, Jägers combined the aspects of the basic archetypes. They patrolled in search of Connor, wielded a sword and pistol, and could fight on horseback, like Officers.

Being mainly skirmisher type troops, Jägers were rarely seen inside cities. However, due to their elite status and very honed tracking abilities, they were called into populated areas when Connor became a persistent danger to British and Patriot troops.

In combat, they were immune to direct attacks and would occasionally throw grenades, similar to the Grenadiers. While in pursuit, they could easily catch up to Connor, being one of the only archetypes to do so barring Scouts.

There were two types of Jäger located in Colonial America during the [[American Revolutionary War]]; Loyalist Jägers were found within the [[British Army]] and Patriot Jägers were found within the [[Continental Army]].
*Loyalist Jägers wore green coats with red trim, black boots and tricorn hats with a red feather.
*Patriot Jägers wore green coats with gold trim, black boots, and Tarletons with black horse hair trim.

==Trivia==
*The taunts Ezio said to Brutes were different from those he said to the other guards, mainly insulting them about their weight, as they were bulkier in stature.
*In the memory "[[Clothes Make the Man]]," [[Ugo]] told Ezio that the thieves were to impersonate the archers. Yet in the next memory, "[[Everything Must Go]]", after Ezio killed the archers on the rooftops, the thieves wore the armor of captain guards instead of archer armor.
*In the memory "[[Infrequent Flier]]", a Brute and a Seeker could be seen stationed on a rooftop, despite being the only guards who could not climb or free-run.
*In the memory "[[Play Along]]", Ezio assassinated an Agile so he could disguise himself as a guard, but instead of having an Agile's outfit, he wore the outfit of a Leader guard.
*Several other guard types were present only in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles]]'', such as Shield Guards, Duelists, and [[Moloch]]'s zealots.
*In the memory "[[French Kiss]]", Ezio killed twenty French guards of different archetypes to acquire their armor. However, in the following memories, Bartolomeo's mercenaries were equipped with only Leader armor, while Ezio wore armor similar to a Borgia Captain's.
**Additionally, though Ezio's Captain armor during the memory was in French colors, no such French guard could ever be encountered.
*In ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]'', an extremely rare glitch could occur with a group of four guards. They would stand still and would not pay any attention to Ezio, even if he killed someone nearby. He was still free to attack them, in which case an execution would be performed, but it would not kill them, leaving them to simply stand up again.
*On PlayStation Home, the design of a Seeker can be purchased for an avatar. Similarly, on Xbox Live, it is possible to purchase the outfit of an Agile guard.
*In ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'', even after the completion of Sequence 8 and the liberation of all Borgia Towers, all of the guards in Rome would still wear the colors of the Borgia family as well as their coat of arms.

==References==
{{GalleryBox|Guards}}
{{Reflist}}
{{ACAC}}
{{AC}}
{{ACBL}}
{{AC2}}
{{AC2D}}
{{ACB}}
{{ACR}}
{{AC3}}
{{AC3L}}
{{AC4}}
[[Category:Occupations]]

Soldier

2014-02-19T17:52:21Z

188.238.225.183: /* Enlightenment Age */

{{Era|ACAC|AC|ACBL|AC2|AC2D|ACB|ACR|AC3|AC3L|AC4}}
[[File:Bad Politics 3.png|thumb|250px|Ezio Auditore fighting several Borgia guards]]
'''Guards''' were members of organized military forces that typically defended or controlled access to locations of interest, or protected certain individuals.

Typically comprised of members of a local militia or governing body's military services, the colors and styles of their uniforms varied, denoting rank, allegiance, and combat specialization.

==Factions==
===High Middle Ages===
[[File:BoA 4.png|thumb|250px|thumb|[[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] fighting several Crusaders]]
During the [[Third Crusade]], soldiers wore the armor and colors of either [[Saracens]] or [[Crusaders]], with the latter subdivided into the personal guards of King [[Richard I of England]], or the Knights [[Templars|Templar]], [[Knights Hospitalier|Hospitalier]], and [[Knights Teutonic|Teutonic]].

Saracens spoke Turkish or Arabic, while Crusaders spoke mostly English, with some Captains and Sergeants speaking French or German. Templar Knights, however, spoke all of the dialects.

Saracens wore {{Wiki|lamellar armor}}, and either {{Wiki|spangenhelm}}s or turbans. All Crusaders wore surcoats and chainmail, while some also wore spangenhelms or {{Wiki|great helm}}s.

[[File:Talal Assassination 3.png|250px|left|thumb|Altaïr fighting Talal's personal guard]]
The colors of Crusader surcoats differed with their affiliation, with King Richard's personal guard wearing red and white, Templars wearing white with red crosses, Hospitaliers wearing black with white crosses, and Teutonics wearing white with black crosses.

Guards for several smaller factions or individuals possessed their own uniforms as well, such as the black, gold-striped clothes of [[Talal]]'s men, or the short white robes and gray hoods of the guards of [[Masyaf]].<ref name="AC">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref>
{{-}}
===Renaissance===
Throughout the [[Renaissance]], multiple factions of guards existed, as they were affiliated to either individual cities or people instead of armies. They bore unique colors, often along with the family or city crest.

[[File:NVS 5.png|thumb|250px|right|Four Pazzi guards]]
Guards for the [[House of Pazzi]] wore black caps, red sleeves with black and gold streaks, gold armor plates and the crest of the Pazzi. They could only be found in [[Florence]] and [[Tuscany]], during the height of the family's influence, until the end of the [[Pazzi conspiracy]].

Guards serving the [[House of Medici]] wore dark yellow caps, yellow and white striped sleeves, black armor plates, and the crest of the Medici. They were notably seen during and after the repression of the Pazzi conspiracy in Florence, as well as in [[San Gimignano]].

Guards of the [[House of Borgia]] wore dark red caps, black sleeves with dark red streaks, steel gray armor plates and the crest of the Borgia. They often accompanied [[Rodrigo Borgia]], and could also be found around [[Basilica di Santa Maria Novella|Santa Maria Novella]] during the Templar meeting, in the [[Cannaregio District]] of [[Venice]],<ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref> or in Florence during the [[Bonfire of the Vanities]]. They were also charged with guarding the [[banks]] housing the [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's Codex|Codex]] pages.

[[File:Florentine Fiasco 1.png|thumb|250px|left|[[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] bypassing a line of Savonarola's guards]]
Guards of [[Girolamo Savonarola]] wore light gray caps, and black sleeves and black or silver armor plates. Instead of a coats of arms, they bore a small portrait of Savonarola himself, with three red beams shining down upon him. They were notably seen in Florence during the Bonfire of the Vanities, often repressing the Borgia guards attempting to take the [[Ezio's Apple of Eden|Apple of Eden]].<ref>''Assassin's Creed II'' - ''[[Bonfire of the Vanities (DLC)]]''</ref>

Guards serving the city of [[Forlì]] wore dark green caps and sleeves, as well as the coat of arms of said city.

The guards who served the city of Venice wore blue caps and blue, gold streaked sleeves, with gold armor plates bearing the coat of arms of the Italian city. The quality of their armor was significantly better than that of their counterparts in other cities, protecting them from much damage.

Those who served the [[Vaticano District|Vatican]] wore white caps, red and white sleeves, with yellow elements on their clothing, and the coat of arms of the city of [[Rome]]. Similarly to Venetian guards, their armor was more resilient than most.<ref name="AC2"/>

[[File:Gatekeeper 2.png|thumb|250px|right|A contingent of French soldiers]]
Guards and soldiers of [[France]] wore dark blue and white, as well as olive green. They were commonly seen in Rome after the alliance of [[Cesare Borgia]] and the French general [[Octavian de Valois]].

At that time, French soldiers were stationed in either the main camp in [[Castra Praetoria]], or in military guard posts throughout the [[Campagna District]] of Rome. They remained in the city throughout [[Liberation of Rome|its liberation]], often fighting the [[mercenaries]] of the [[Assassins|Assassin]] condottiero, [[Bartolomeo d'Alviano]], until the assassination of Valois in August 1503.

Guards from the town of [[Viana]] in Spain wore yellowish-green armor. They notably participated in the [[Siege of Viana]], as they defended [[Viana Castle]] from [[John III of Navarre|King John III]]'s invading Navarrese troops, who wore red uniforms with yellow accents.<ref name="Brotherhood">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref>

[[File:Honor lost won v 3.png|thumb|250px|left|Ottoman Elites in their camp]]
[[Constantinople]] in the Renaissance was divided into two distinct factions, the ruling [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]], and the remnants of the ancient [[Byzantine Empire]].

Though Constantinople was held and controlled by the former, guards of the latter constantly fought for control. The region of Cappadocia, particularly [[Derinkuyu]], remained in Byzantine hands.

Ottoman guards wore green uniforms with red accents, though the Janissaries wore more multicoloured robes, while Byzantines wore small gray capes, and dark red and brown uniforms, and distinctly wore the black eagle crest of the Byzantine Empire's [[Manuel Palaiologos|Palaiologos]] Dynasty. The [[Varangians]] and [[Almogavars]] also wore lamellar cuirasses that appeared to be made of gold, or some similar golden metal, with a cross engraved into each lamella in their cuirasses.<ref name="Revelations">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>

===18th century Caribbean===
During the early 18th century in the [[Caribbean]], there were different factions of soldiers. The first was the [[United Kingdom|British Empire]], loyal to King George I, who wore the easily-recognizable red coats shared by the Army and Navy alike, although there were several different styles of the coat. Regulars wore standard-length coats, agile guards wore shorter coats, and grenadiers wore long, heavier variants. Ship captains in the Navy wore dark blue coats with red trim and capes, and hats that denoted their rank.

The second faction was the [[Spain|Spanish Empire]], donning yellow outfits with a red or crimson trim, displaying loyalty to Philip V of Spain. Their outfits were similar in cut to those of the British Navy, however, Spanish captains wore longer coats in conjunction with an overcoat that covered the upper chest and shoulders.

The Portuguese Navy's sailors dressed in a similar fashion to their Spanish counterparts, although with primarily blue tones and a dark orange trim on their coats.

The [[Framce|French]] soldiers, stationed primarily on [[Haiti|Saint-Domingue]], wore mostly white coats with blue outlines displaying loyalty to King Louis XIV.

Another faction working prominently in the Caribbean was comprised of [[pirate hunters]]. These self-sustaining soldiers wore clothes based heavily on brown, and pursued pirates who were [[Social Stealth#Notoriety system|notorious]] enough. Pirate hunter ships could be easily identified by their distinct crimson sails and red and black hulls.<ref name="Black Flag">''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]''</ref>

===Enlightenment Age===
[[File:ACIII-LexingtonandConcord 16.png|thumb|250px|[[Ratonhnhaké:ton|Connor]] commanding militia in firing lines]]
During the Enlightenment age, guards were aligned with the [[British Army]] or [[Continental Army]], or worked as [[mercenaries]]. [[Firearms]] also became the mainstay of most western armies. All soldiers were armed with flintlock muskets or pistols.

British regulars and militia were easily denoted by their bright red uniforms. The British army also employed Hessian mercenaries such as the Jäger. German soldiers could be distinguished from their British counterparts by their green uniforms with red accents. Patriot soldiers wore mostly blue uniforms, except for Continental Grenadiers, who wore a khaki colored dress.

==Ranking==
===High Middle Ages===
====Regular====
[[File:Tamir Informer Escort 3.png|thumb|250px|left|Altaïr fighting regular Saracen guards]]
Regular guards were the most common, but lightest equipped of the guard ranks. Regular Crusader guards did not have helmets, and only wore leather armor, while Saracen ones wore turbans, and light lamellar armor.

In combat, they were not skilled enough to grab, counterattack, or perform a combo. They could only deflect attacks, with a 25% chance of dodging a light attack.<ref name="AC"/>
{{-}}
====Sergeant====
[[File:Sibrand Eavesdropping 2.png|thumb|250px|Two Teutonic sergeants talking]]
Sergeants were middle-ranked soldiers, and were equipped with helmets and heavier armor. Crusaders wore chainmail, and the Saracens possessed medium lamellar armor.

They could grab targets, and had a 50% chance of breaking a grab attack, as well as a 50% chance of countering or dodging a light attack. They also had a 25% chance of breaking defenses, but could not perform combo attacks.<ref name="AC"/>
{{-}}
====Captain====
[[File:Robert Pickpocketing 1.png|thumb|left|250px|A Saracen captain talking with a Templar]]
Captains were the most powerful guards, with the exception of Templar Knights. Saracens wore Baidah helmets and heavy lamellar armor, while Crusaders wore chainmail, and varying knight helms.

Guards at this rank were also able to grab, and had a 75% chance of breaking a grab attack, as well as countering or dodging a light attack. They also had a 50% chance of breaking defenses. If a successful heavy attack was delivered, they could perform a combo attack.<ref name="AC"/>
{{-}}
===Renaissance===
====Militia====
[[File:Escape debt 2.png|thumb|250px|Three Militia guards cornering [[Egidio Troche]]]]
Militia were the lowest ranking guards, and wore very little armor. They also had the lowest morale, and were likely to flee a battle if they were losing.

Militia could be found almost everywhere, and wielded a large variety of [[Swords and maces|medium-ranged weapons]]. They were not especially agile, but could climb up to the rooftops, albeit slowly, in order to pursue a target Assassin.

Of the guard types, Militia were the only ones who could be fooled into picking up coins, should they be thrown as a distraction.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Elite====
[[File:With Friends 8 v.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio restrained by two Elites]]
Elites were stronger than Militia, and wore a moderate amount of armor. They could withstand more damage, and were capable of dodging enemy attacks.

They were also more courageous than Militia, but could still be forced to retreat, especially if their Leader (or a high-ranking specialized guard) should be killed near them.<ref name="AC2"/>
{{-}}
====Leader====
[[File:He who waits 5.png|thumb|250px|A Leader speaking with an Agile]]
Leaders were the best fighters, and the most tenacious of all the regular guards. They wore slightly more armor than the Elites, and had distinct, full-faced helmets.

They were resilient, and could withstand several attacks before they could be killed. They were also harder to disarm, as well as resistant to being grabbed.<ref name="AC2"/>
{{-}}

====Captain====
[[File:Demilitarization 2.png|thumb|left|250px|[[Cesare Borgia]] speaking with his Captains]]
Captains of the Renaissance were usually found leading contingents of lower-ranked soldiers. They fought similarly to Leaders, but were more heavily and intricately armored, with full feathered helms.

Twelve [[Borgia Captains]] were particularly distinguished members of this rank, and led troops at each of Rome's twelve [[Borgia Towers]]. They were armored identically to other Captains, but wore white capes with the Borgia crest.

Though most were courageous and skilled enough to counter most attacks, some were cowardly, and would flee into their tower should it be attacked, until the next guard patrol was posted.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

===Enlightenment Age===
====Regulars====
[[File:ACIII-Teaparty 3.png|thumb|250px|Connor and Stephane Chapeau fighting the Regulars]]
The basic guards within the British and Continental armies were enlisted soldiers who wore regular battle-dress. They were equipped with muskets that held fixed [[bayonets]] and received training in forming firing lines. Regulars were susceptible to counter kills, throws, stuns, disarms and secondary weapon kills.

British Regulars wore a bright red tunic with white leggings and a black tricorn hat, and some took to wearing scarves around their faces. They had the ability to form a firing line quickly and efficiently and didn't run from battle due to the Army's severe discipline standards.

The Continental Army wore a blue battle-dress with a red accent down each lapel and a black tricorn hat. Although they were equally well-trained, they did not have the same discipline as their British counterparts. They would run after a sufficient amount of their comrades fell or when their leader was slain.

====Militia====
[[File:ACIII-LexingtonandConcord 18.png|thumb|left|250px|Continental militiamen in Concord]]
Militia of both the British and Continental armies could be found as guards on rooftops or inside forts, where they were being trained. Loyalist militia wore similar clothing to British Regulars, but instead featured an explorer's cap instead of a tricorn, as well as a backpack and dark spatterdashes. Onboard ships they were dressed as Royal Marines.

Patriot militia wore a white shirt and a blue vest, together with an explorer's cap. Miltia soldiers were not as well-trained as Regulars, as they could only attack once per a Regular's three times, though despite this, they took on almost identical roles.

==Ranged types==
As most standard guards only had medium or short-ranged weapons, they were often supplemented by ranged guard types, who could attack from a distance. More types were added over time, with the advancement of weapon technology.<ref name="AC"/><ref name="AC2"/>

===Renaissance===
====Archers====
{{Main|Archers}}
[[File:Romagna Holiday 8.png|thumb|250px|Borgia archers in the Apennine Mountains]]
Archers were guards armed with [[Bow|longbows]], who patrolled rooftops and watched for possible enemies below.<ref name="AC2"/> Outside of cities, they were posted on elevated watchtowers.<ref name="AC"/>

Crusader Archers wore the same uniforms as the standard guards of their faction, though they also had white hoods.<ref name="AC"/> In the Renaissance, Archers were usually of the Militia rank, and wore the same uniform as their standard counterparts.

Once provoked due to an enemy approaching within a meter or so, an archer would cease firing arrows, and draw his medium-ranged weapon, such as a sword or mace. Though accurate and deadly from a distance, Archers did not pose a serious threat in close combat.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Crossbowmen====
{{Main|Crossbowmen}}
[[File:ACB Crossbowman.png|thumb|250px|left|A Borgia crossbowman]]
Similarly to Archers, Crossbowmen defended the rooftops or areas of interest, though the [[crossbow]]s they wielded could be fired more quickly, and caused more damage.<ref name="Brotherhood"/> However, they did not completely replace Archers, as longbows were more accurate if used by a skilled guard.<ref name="Project Legacy">''[[Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy]]''</ref>

Unlike Archers, Crossbowmen had no melee weapon, and if their enemy drew too close, they would only back away and keep firing. They were also more vigilant, and possessed some [[Freerunning|free-running]] ability, which permitted them to more closely investigate intruders.

In Rome, Crossbowmen could be distinguished by their striped berets and light armor.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Arquebusiers====
{{Main|Arquebusiers}}
[[File:Vilified 11 v.png|thumb|250px|A line of arquebusiers]]
The Arquebusiers, also called Gunmen or Riflemen, were [[Firearms|firearm]]-wielding soldiers who patrolled rooftops, protected high-value locations, and guarded important individuals.

Though Arquebusiers did not have as great a range as Crossbowmen, what they lacked in distance, they made up for in power. Their shots dealt significant damage to both targets and enemy armor. In the Renaissance, they wore heavy armor and full helmets, as well as belts of gunpowder and ammunition.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Bombmen====
[[File:ACR Ottoman Bombardier.png|thumb|250px|left|Ezio facing an Ottoman Bombman]]
In Constantinople, Bombmen wielded [[thunder bombs]] and [[short blades]], and commonly guarded the rooftops in high traffic areas, such as the docks, arsenal, and harbor. They would also participate in the protection of [[Assassin Dens|Templar dens]], and would attack from the safety of reinforced sentry boxes.

Byzantine Bombmen wore uniforms similar to Almogavars, though with longer red capes.<ref name="Revelations"/>

===Golden Age of Piracy.===
====Snipers====
{{Main|Snipers}}
Snipers were specially trained gunmen during the Golden Age of Piracy who were armed with muskets and would guard the rooftops. They often watched over [[Sugar plantations|sugar plantations]], and would fire at intruders or run to an alarm bell to call reinforcements.

==Specialized types==
Certain high-ranking guards possessed unique qualities, usually granting them an advantage in combat through added speed, strength, or defensive skills. They would often act as leaders for patrols of standard guards, and possessed uncommon weapons or armor.<ref name="AC2"/>

===Renaissance===
====Agiles====
{{Main|Agile guards}}
[[File:NVS 12.png|thumb|250px|An Agile fleeing from Ezio]]
Agiles were lightly-armored, quick moving guards. They were one of the types capable of outrunning Assassins, and were also skilled free-runners. They more commonly fled to alert nearby guards, rather than face an enemy directly.

During pursuits alongside other guards, Agiles would usually catch up to a target first and injure them with the short blades they wielded. In battle, they were very light on their feet and could dodge nearly all attacks. Agiles wore the least armor of any guard, with only a light leather chest guard, and metal helmet and spaulders. Due to their increased vulnerability, they were also the most cowardly of the specialized types.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Brutes====
{{Main|Brutes}}
[[File:LMS 9 v.png|thumb|250px|left|A Pazzi Brute blocking Ezio's path]]
Brutes were the most heavily-armored guards during the Renaissance. They moved slowly due to the [[Heavy weapons|two-handed weapons]] they wielded, but compensated through resilience and power.

They were not very vigilant, and could not normally distinguish Assassins from anyone else in a crowd. In guard patrols, they often acted as the leader, as they had the highest morale of any guard type, fleeing only if they were disarmed and could not obtain another weapon. Brutes could be easily seen from their large, reinforced armor and closed helms.<ref name="AC2"/> Brutes in Rome had more intricate armor than those in other cities, with designs worked into the metal.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Seekers====
{{Main|Seekers}}
[[File:Benvenuto 15.png|thumb|250px|Seekers arresting a merchant]]
Seekers were guards who, as their name suggested, would search through [[Hiding spots|hiding places]], on the suspicion that an Assassin had taken refuge within one. They always wielded [[Long weapons|polearms]], such as spears and halberds.

Similarly to Brutes, they would lead patrols of guards, often halting the group to search any hiding spots they passed.<ref name="AC2"/> In battle, they had the second highest morale to Brutes, and were skilled enough to resist most attacks and counters.<ref name="Brotherhood"/> They were slightly more heavily-armored than a standard guard, though less so than Brutes, wearing a combination of chainmail and plate armor, as well as distinctive feathered helms.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Horsemen====
{{Main|Horsemen}}
[[File:ACB Ezio vs Horseman.png|thumb|250px|left|Ezio fighting a horseman]]
Horsemen were mounted guards that possessed the ability to use a variety of weapons while on [[Horses|horseback]]. Their steeds allowed them to easily pursue targets, and strike preemptively.

Though they were vulnerable to long-ranged weapons such as [[throwing knives]] and crossbows, they could be easily dealt with after being knocked from the saddle, either by tripping their horse, or striking them from horseback.

Horsemen were equipped with both medium and long-ranged weapons, though none could wield polearms. They were armored similarly to Borgia Captains, albeit without the cape.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Almogavars====
{{Main|Almogavars}}
[[File:Piri Reis Datura 5.png|thumb|250px|Ezio throwing a bomb at an Almogavar]]
Almogavars were heavily-armored Byzantine guards, who wielded two-handed axes. They were stationed in Byzantine-controlled districts of Constantinople, as well as in Derinkuyu during the Renaissance.

Comparable to Brutes, they fought with heavy weapons, and were slower than all other enemies. Due to their thick armor, they were very resilient, and could not be killed with a single bullet or crossbow bolt. However, they possessed a profound weakness to the effects of [[datura bombs]].

They wore golden lamellar cuirasses with a [[Templar insignia|Templar cross]] engraved into each lamella, their armour was notably decorated with fur and was topped by particularly large metal pauldrons. They also wielded [[Almogavar Axe|unique axes]], with a pair of crescent-shaped blades.<ref name="Revelations"/>

====Varangians====
{{Main|Varangians}}
[[File:Cistern 14.png|thumb|250px|left|A Varangian speaking to two Militiamen]]
Varangians were the Byzantine equivalent of Seekers, and were stationed in both Constantinople and Derinkuyu. They were very skilled in battle, and could deflect nearly all strikes and counterattacks.

They wore the same golden lamellar as the Almogavars with short grey capes, as well as intricate winged helmets. They fought with halberds or spears, as well as short pistols.<ref name="Revelations"/>
{{-}}
===Enlightenment Age===
====Grenadiers====
{{Main|Grenadiers}}
[[File:ACIII-Wolcott 8.png|thumb|250px|A Loyalist and a Grenadier blocking Connor's path]]
Grenadiers were specialized units in the British and Continental armies during the American Revolutionary War. They were roughly comparable to the Italian Brutes and Byzantine Almogavars, being slower than other soldiers, and fighting with heavy weapons and muskets.

Grenadiers were recognizable by their miter caps, which were designed not to obstruct the throwing of grenades. While the British Army's Grenadiers wore green kilts, a dress top and sapper's gloves, the Continental Grenadiers wore khaki battle dress with black boots.
{{-}}
====Officers====
{{Main|Officers}}
[[File:AC3 Officer.png|thumb|250px|left|Connor hiding from an Officer]]
Officers in both armies led groups of other guards on patrols and were equipped with a sword and pistol. Whilst wielding their sword, they parried all of Connor's regular attacks, forcing him to either break their defense or disarm them first. They could also counter Connor's counter-kills even if disarmed, but were susceptible to throws, stuns, disarms and secondary weapon kills.

If any horses were nearby, Officers would mount them and attempt to attack Connor on horseback, either by charging or firing their pistol. Officers could see through disguises and would search hiding spots. When patrolling alone, they would be accompanied by guard [[dogs]], who would give away Connor's location if they got close enough.

====Scouts====
[[File:ACIII-Unconvinced 9.png|thumb|250px|A British Scout and two Loyalists provoking Haytham Kenway]]
Akin to the Agiles that served throughout the Renaissance, Scouts were fast-moving adversaries capable of free-running that wielded short blades and muskets. They would pursue any attackers that fled from battle, and could not be disarmed or have their defense broken.

They were, however, susceptible to all other forms of counter-attacks. In combat, they would attempt to flip over Connor's back and attack him from behind, similar to the "[[Hookblade|hook and run]]" maneuver used by the [[Turkish Assassins]].

====Snitches====
{{Main|Snitches}}
[[File:AC3 Snitch.png|thumb|250px|left|Connor passing by a Snitch]]
Snitches were usually seen in large guard patrols carrying military drums. They never fought with an attacker, choosing to instead flee the scene and bring reinforcements. If they could not flee, they would brandish a dagger or cower.

The British drummers were usually seen wearing ceremonial bearksin hats and red coats, whereas the Continental Army equivalent were seen wearing yellow coats and similar headgear to British drummers.

==Expert types==
Expert guards were high-ranking guards, who were the most skilled and well-equipped of their time. They often possessed several of the qualities of specialized guards, and were limited in number.<ref name="AC"/><ref name="AC2"/>

===High Middle Ages===
====Templar Knights====
[[File:AC1 Templar Knight.png|250px|thumb|Altaïr standing next to a Templar Knight]]
Templar Knights were particularly skilled Crusaders, and were stationed throughout the [[Kingdom]] and its cities. They would often position themselves with a wall or cliff to their back, to prevent them from being attacked from behind.<ref name="AC"/>

They were particularly vigilant, and could identify an Assassin from a crowd almost immediately, subsequently attacking them. Other guards held the knights in high regard, and would always stand back should the Templar Knight engage in battle with an Assassin. They were similar to the Crusader Captains, but with unique armor. They wore chainmail and white surcoats with red crosses, as well as red lacquered great helms.<ref name="AC"/>

===Renaissance===
====Papal Guards====
{{Main|Papal Guard}}
[[File:Liquid Gold 10.png|thumb|250px|left|A Papal Guard holding Ezio at gunpoint]]
The Papal Guard were elite soldiers throughout the Renaissance and were commanded by the [[Papacy]], to serve and protect the pontiff during his tenure. They combined the best qualities of all the other specialized guards, being very powerful in battle, as well as quick on their feet.

They wore intricate black and gold armor, as well as long dark capes, metal face masks and plumed helmets. They also wore crests painted on their chest guards, either displaying the crossed keys of the Papacy, or (in the 16th century) the red bull of the Borgia. Papal guards could use a wide variety of weapons, including long or heavy ones, though they most commonly [[Dual-wielding|dual-wielded]] a pistol alongside a medium weapon.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Janissaries====
{{Main|Janissaries}}
[[File:TAG 4.png|thumb|250px|A pair of Janissaries harassing a merchant]]
Janissaries were highly-trained soldiers, and the elite of the Ottoman Empire, serving as the private guards to the Sultan. Similarly to the Papal Guard, they encompassed all the skills of the specialized guards.

Their uniforms consisted of colorful robes with embroidered patterns, as well as black headdresses and metal face masks. They all wielded [[Janissary Kijil|unique kijils]], as well as short pistols for long-ranged attacks.<ref name="Revelations"/>
{{-}}
===18th century Caribbean===
====Captains====
Captains were an archetype of guard which were usually found at sea, but occasionally went to land. Every ship possessed a captain, including pirate hunters. Captains stood out as the only type of enemy whose guard could not be broken. Accompanying this, they were similar to Seekers, in that they would sometimes search through haystacks and bushes.

===American Revolution===
====Jägers====
{{Main|Jägers}}
[[File:ACIII-MostWanted 7.png|thumb|250px|left|A Jäger searching for Connor]]
Jägers, also colloquially referred to as Hessians, were a detachment of German troops that were contracted by the British to fight in the American Revolutionary War. However, they operated independently of most British protocols.

Jägers specialised in deep forest and wilderness combat, tactics and reconnaissance, as well as unconventional warfare. As such, they were regarded as an elite scouting unit, used for surveying an area ahead of a body of troops or leading the way on the front lines.

The Jägers gained a fierce reputation as fearsome warriors and reliable, disciplined troops, and they were well respected within the ranks of the British Army. Like the other expert archetypes, Jägers combined the aspects of the basic archetypes. They patrolled in search of Connor, wielded a sword and pistol, and could fight on horseback, like Officers.

Being mainly skirmisher type troops, Jägers were rarely seen inside cities. However, due to their elite status and very honed tracking abilities, they were called into populated areas when Connor became a persistent danger to British and Patriot troops.

In combat, they were immune to direct attacks and would occasionally throw grenades, similar to the Grenadiers. While in pursuit, they could easily catch up to Connor, being one of the only archetypes to do so barring Scouts.

There were two types of Jäger located in Colonial America during the [[American Revolutionary War]]; Loyalist Jägers were found within the [[British Army]] and Patriot Jägers were found within the [[Continental Army]].
*Loyalist Jägers wore green coats with red trim, black boots and tricorn hats with a red feather.
*Patriot Jägers wore green coats with gold trim, black boots, and Tarletons with black horse hair trim.

==Trivia==
*The taunts Ezio said to Brutes were different from those he said to the other guards, mainly insulting them about their weight, as they were bulkier in stature.
*In the memory "[[Clothes Make the Man]]," [[Ugo]] told Ezio that the thieves were to impersonate the archers. Yet in the next memory, "[[Everything Must Go]]", after Ezio killed the archers on the rooftops, the thieves wore the armor of captain guards instead of archer armor.
*In the memory "[[Infrequent Flier]]", a Brute and a Seeker could be seen stationed on a rooftop, despite being the only guards who could not climb or free-run.
*In the memory "[[Play Along]]", Ezio assassinated an Agile so he could disguise himself as a guard, but instead of having an Agile's outfit, he wore the outfit of a Leader guard.
*Several other guard types were present only in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles]]'', such as Shield Guards, Duelists, and [[Moloch]]'s zealots.
*In the memory "[[French Kiss]]", Ezio killed twenty French guards of different archetypes to acquire their armor. However, in the following memories, Bartolomeo's mercenaries were equipped with only Leader armor, while Ezio wore armor similar to a Borgia Captain's.
**Additionally, though Ezio's Captain armor during the memory was in French colors, no such French guard could ever be encountered.
*In ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]'', an extremely rare glitch could occur with a group of four guards. They would stand still and would not pay any attention to Ezio, even if he killed someone nearby. He was still free to attack them, in which case an execution would be performed, but it would not kill them, leaving them to simply stand up again.
*On PlayStation Home, the design of a Seeker can be purchased for an avatar. Similarly, on Xbox Live, it is possible to purchase the outfit of an Agile guard.
*In ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'', even after the completion of Sequence 8 and the liberation of all Borgia Towers, all of the guards in Rome would still wear the colors of the Borgia family as well as their coat of arms.

==References==
{{GalleryBox|Guards}}
{{Reflist}}
{{ACAC}}
{{AC}}
{{ACBL}}
{{AC2}}
{{AC2D}}
{{ACB}}
{{ACR}}
{{AC3}}
{{AC3L}}
{{AC4}}
[[Category:Occupations]]

Soldier

2014-02-19T17:51:40Z

188.238.225.183: /* 18th century Caribbean */

{{Era|ACAC|AC|ACBL|AC2|AC2D|ACB|ACR|AC3|AC3L|AC4}}
[[File:Bad Politics 3.png|thumb|250px|Ezio Auditore fighting several Borgia guards]]
'''Guards''' were members of organized military forces that typically defended or controlled access to locations of interest, or protected certain individuals.

Typically comprised of members of a local militia or governing body's military services, the colors and styles of their uniforms varied, denoting rank, allegiance, and combat specialization.

==Factions==
===High Middle Ages===
[[File:BoA 4.png|thumb|250px|thumb|[[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] fighting several Crusaders]]
During the [[Third Crusade]], soldiers wore the armor and colors of either [[Saracens]] or [[Crusaders]], with the latter subdivided into the personal guards of King [[Richard I of England]], or the Knights [[Templars|Templar]], [[Knights Hospitalier|Hospitalier]], and [[Knights Teutonic|Teutonic]].

Saracens spoke Turkish or Arabic, while Crusaders spoke mostly English, with some Captains and Sergeants speaking French or German. Templar Knights, however, spoke all of the dialects.

Saracens wore {{Wiki|lamellar armor}}, and either {{Wiki|spangenhelm}}s or turbans. All Crusaders wore surcoats and chainmail, while some also wore spangenhelms or {{Wiki|great helm}}s.

[[File:Talal Assassination 3.png|250px|left|thumb|Altaïr fighting Talal's personal guard]]
The colors of Crusader surcoats differed with their affiliation, with King Richard's personal guard wearing red and white, Templars wearing white with red crosses, Hospitaliers wearing black with white crosses, and Teutonics wearing white with black crosses.

Guards for several smaller factions or individuals possessed their own uniforms as well, such as the black, gold-striped clothes of [[Talal]]'s men, or the short white robes and gray hoods of the guards of [[Masyaf]].<ref name="AC">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref>
{{-}}
===Renaissance===
Throughout the [[Renaissance]], multiple factions of guards existed, as they were affiliated to either individual cities or people instead of armies. They bore unique colors, often along with the family or city crest.

[[File:NVS 5.png|thumb|250px|right|Four Pazzi guards]]
Guards for the [[House of Pazzi]] wore black caps, red sleeves with black and gold streaks, gold armor plates and the crest of the Pazzi. They could only be found in [[Florence]] and [[Tuscany]], during the height of the family's influence, until the end of the [[Pazzi conspiracy]].

Guards serving the [[House of Medici]] wore dark yellow caps, yellow and white striped sleeves, black armor plates, and the crest of the Medici. They were notably seen during and after the repression of the Pazzi conspiracy in Florence, as well as in [[San Gimignano]].

Guards of the [[House of Borgia]] wore dark red caps, black sleeves with dark red streaks, steel gray armor plates and the crest of the Borgia. They often accompanied [[Rodrigo Borgia]], and could also be found around [[Basilica di Santa Maria Novella|Santa Maria Novella]] during the Templar meeting, in the [[Cannaregio District]] of [[Venice]],<ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref> or in Florence during the [[Bonfire of the Vanities]]. They were also charged with guarding the [[banks]] housing the [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's Codex|Codex]] pages.

[[File:Florentine Fiasco 1.png|thumb|250px|left|[[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] bypassing a line of Savonarola's guards]]
Guards of [[Girolamo Savonarola]] wore light gray caps, and black sleeves and black or silver armor plates. Instead of a coats of arms, they bore a small portrait of Savonarola himself, with three red beams shining down upon him. They were notably seen in Florence during the Bonfire of the Vanities, often repressing the Borgia guards attempting to take the [[Ezio's Apple of Eden|Apple of Eden]].<ref>''Assassin's Creed II'' - ''[[Bonfire of the Vanities (DLC)]]''</ref>

Guards serving the city of [[Forlì]] wore dark green caps and sleeves, as well as the coat of arms of said city.

The guards who served the city of Venice wore blue caps and blue, gold streaked sleeves, with gold armor plates bearing the coat of arms of the Italian city. The quality of their armor was significantly better than that of their counterparts in other cities, protecting them from much damage.

Those who served the [[Vaticano District|Vatican]] wore white caps, red and white sleeves, with yellow elements on their clothing, and the coat of arms of the city of [[Rome]]. Similarly to Venetian guards, their armor was more resilient than most.<ref name="AC2"/>

[[File:Gatekeeper 2.png|thumb|250px|right|A contingent of French soldiers]]
Guards and soldiers of [[France]] wore dark blue and white, as well as olive green. They were commonly seen in Rome after the alliance of [[Cesare Borgia]] and the French general [[Octavian de Valois]].

At that time, French soldiers were stationed in either the main camp in [[Castra Praetoria]], or in military guard posts throughout the [[Campagna District]] of Rome. They remained in the city throughout [[Liberation of Rome|its liberation]], often fighting the [[mercenaries]] of the [[Assassins|Assassin]] condottiero, [[Bartolomeo d'Alviano]], until the assassination of Valois in August 1503.

Guards from the town of [[Viana]] in Spain wore yellowish-green armor. They notably participated in the [[Siege of Viana]], as they defended [[Viana Castle]] from [[John III of Navarre|King John III]]'s invading Navarrese troops, who wore red uniforms with yellow accents.<ref name="Brotherhood">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref>

[[File:Honor lost won v 3.png|thumb|250px|left|Ottoman Elites in their camp]]
[[Constantinople]] in the Renaissance was divided into two distinct factions, the ruling [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]], and the remnants of the ancient [[Byzantine Empire]].

Though Constantinople was held and controlled by the former, guards of the latter constantly fought for control. The region of Cappadocia, particularly [[Derinkuyu]], remained in Byzantine hands.

Ottoman guards wore green uniforms with red accents, though the Janissaries wore more multicoloured robes, while Byzantines wore small gray capes, and dark red and brown uniforms, and distinctly wore the black eagle crest of the Byzantine Empire's [[Manuel Palaiologos|Palaiologos]] Dynasty. The [[Varangians]] and [[Almogavars]] also wore lamellar cuirasses that appeared to be made of gold, or some similar golden metal, with a cross engraved into each lamella in their cuirasses.<ref name="Revelations">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>

===18th century Caribbean===
During the early 18th century in the [[Caribbean]], there were different factions of soldiers. The first was the [[United Kingdom|British Empire]], loyal to King George I, who wore the easily-recognizable red coats shared by the Army and Navy alike, although there were several different styles of the coat. Regulars wore standard-length coats, agile guards wore shorter coats, and grenadiers wore long, heavier variants. Ship captains in the Navy wore dark blue coats with red trim and capes, and hats that denoted their rank.

The second faction was the [[Spain|Spanish Empire]], donning yellow outfits with a red or crimson trim, displaying loyalty to Philip V of Spain. Their outfits were similar in cut to those of the British Navy, however, Spanish captains wore longer coats in conjunction with an overcoat that covered the upper chest and shoulders.

The Portuguese Navy's sailors dressed in a similar fashion to their Spanish counterparts, although with primarily blue tones and a dark orange trim on their coats.

The [[Framce|French]] soldiers, stationed primarily on [[Haiti|Saint-Domingue]], wore mostly white coats with blue outlines displaying loyalty to King Louis XIV.

Another faction working prominently in the Caribbean was comprised of [[pirate hunters]]. These self-sustaining soldiers wore clothes based heavily on brown, and pursued pirates who were [[Social Stealth#Notoriety system|notorious]] enough. Pirate hunter ships could be easily identified by their distinct crimson sails and red and black hulls.<ref name="Black Flag">''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]''</ref>

===Enlightenment Age===
[[File:ACIII-LexingtonandConcord 16.png|thumb|250px|[[Ratonhnhaké:ton|Connor]] commanding militia in firing lines]]
During the Enlightenment age, guards were aligned with the [[British Army]] or [[Continental Army]], or worked as [[mercenaries]]. [[Firearms]] also became the mainstay of most western armies. All soldiers were armed with flintlock muskets or pistols.

British regulars and militia were easily denoted by their bright red uniforms. The British army also employed Hessian mercenaries such as the Jäger. German soldiers could be distinguished from their British counterparts by their green uniforms with red accents. Patriot soldiers wore mostly blue uniforms, except for Continental Grenadiers, who wore a khaki colored dress.

==Ranking==
===High Middle Ages===
====Regular====
[[File:Tamir Informer Escort 3.png|thumb|250px|left|Altaïr fighting regular Saracen guards]]
Regular guards were the most common, but lightest equipped of the guard ranks. Regular Crusader guards did not have helmets, and only wore leather armor, while Saracen ones wore turbans, and light lamellar armor.

In combat, they were not skilled enough to grab, counterattack, or perform a combo. They could only deflect attacks, with a 25% chance of dodging a light attack.<ref name="AC"/>
{{-}}
====Sergeant====
[[File:Sibrand Eavesdropping 2.png|thumb|250px|Two Teutonic sergeants talking]]
Sergeants were middle-ranked soldiers, and were equipped with helmets and heavier armor. Crusaders wore chainmail, and the Saracens possessed medium lamellar armor.

They could grab targets, and had a 50% chance of breaking a grab attack, as well as a 50% chance of countering or dodging a light attack. They also had a 25% chance of breaking defenses, but could not perform combo attacks.<ref name="AC"/>
{{-}}
====Captain====
[[File:Robert Pickpocketing 1.png|thumb|left|250px|A Saracen captain talking with a Templar]]
Captains were the most powerful guards, with the exception of Templar Knights. Saracens wore Baidah helmets and heavy lamellar armor, while Crusaders wore chainmail, and varying knight helms.

Guards at this rank were also able to grab, and had a 75% chance of breaking a grab attack, as well as countering or dodging a light attack. They also had a 50% chance of breaking defenses. If a successful heavy attack was delivered, they could perform a combo attack.<ref name="AC"/>
{{-}}
===Renaissance===
====Militia====
[[File:Escape debt 2.png|thumb|250px|Three Militia guards cornering [[Egidio Troche]]]]
Militia were the lowest ranking guards, and wore very little armor. They also had the lowest morale, and were likely to flee a battle if they were losing.

Militia could be found almost everywhere, and wielded a large variety of [[Swords and maces|medium-ranged weapons]]. They were not especially agile, but could climb up to the rooftops, albeit slowly, in order to pursue a target Assassin.

Of the guard types, Militia were the only ones who could be fooled into picking up coins, should they be thrown as a distraction.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Elite====
[[File:With Friends 8 v.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio restrained by two Elites]]
Elites were stronger than Militia, and wore a moderate amount of armor. They could withstand more damage, and were capable of dodging enemy attacks.

They were also more courageous than Militia, but could still be forced to retreat, especially if their Leader (or a high-ranking specialized guard) should be killed near them.<ref name="AC2"/>
{{-}}
====Leader====
[[File:He who waits 5.png|thumb|250px|A Leader speaking with an Agile]]
Leaders were the best fighters, and the most tenacious of all the regular guards. They wore slightly more armor than the Elites, and had distinct, full-faced helmets.

They were resilient, and could withstand several attacks before they could be killed. They were also harder to disarm, as well as resistant to being grabbed.<ref name="AC2"/>
{{-}}

====Captain====
[[File:Demilitarization 2.png|thumb|left|250px|[[Cesare Borgia]] speaking with his Captains]]
Captains of the Renaissance were usually found leading contingents of lower-ranked soldiers. They fought similarly to Leaders, but were more heavily and intricately armored, with full feathered helms.

Twelve [[Borgia Captains]] were particularly distinguished members of this rank, and led troops at each of Rome's twelve [[Borgia Towers]]. They were armored identically to other Captains, but wore white capes with the Borgia crest.

Though most were courageous and skilled enough to counter most attacks, some were cowardly, and would flee into their tower should it be attacked, until the next guard patrol was posted.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

===Enlightenment Age===
====Regulars====
[[File:ACIII-Teaparty 3.png|thumb|250px|Connor and Stephane Chapeau fighting the Regulars]]
The basic guards within the British and Continental armies were enlisted soldiers who wore regular battle-dress. They were equipped with muskets that held fixed [[bayonets]] and received training in forming firing lines. Regulars were susceptible to counter kills, throws, stuns, disarms and secondary weapon kills.

British Regulars wore a bright red tunic with white leggings and a black tricorn hat, and some took to wearing scarves around their faces. They had the ability to form a firing line quickly and efficiently and didn't run from battle due to the Army's severe discipline standards.

The Continental Army wore a blue battle-dress with a red accent down each lapel and a black tricorn hat. Although they were equally well-trained, they did not have the same discipline as their British counterparts. They would run after a sufficient amount of their comrades fell or when their leader was slain.

====Militia====
[[File:ACIII-LexingtonandConcord 18.png|thumb|left|250px|Continental militiamen in Concord]]
Militia of both the British and Continental armies could be found as guards on rooftops or inside forts, where they were being trained. Loyalist militia wore similar clothing to British Regulars, but instead featured an explorer's cap instead of a tricorn, as well as a backpack and dark spatterdashes. Onboard ships they were dressed as Royal Marines.

Patriot militia wore a white shirt and a blue vest, together with an explorer's cap. Miltia soldiers were not as well-trained as Regulars, as they could only attack once per a Regular's three times, though despite this, they took on almost identical roles.

==Ranged types==
As most standard guards only had medium or short-ranged weapons, they were often supplemented by ranged guard types, who could attack from a distance. More types were added over time, with the advancement of weapon technology.<ref name="AC"/><ref name="AC2"/>

===Renaissance===
====Archers====
{{Main|Archers}}
[[File:Romagna Holiday 8.png|thumb|250px|Borgia archers in the Apennine Mountains]]
Archers were guards armed with [[Bow|longbows]], who patrolled rooftops and watched for possible enemies below.<ref name="AC2"/> Outside of cities, they were posted on elevated watchtowers.<ref name="AC"/>

Crusader Archers wore the same uniforms as the standard guards of their faction, though they also had white hoods.<ref name="AC"/> In the Renaissance, Archers were usually of the Militia rank, and wore the same uniform as their standard counterparts.

Once provoked due to an enemy approaching within a meter or so, an archer would cease firing arrows, and draw his medium-ranged weapon, such as a sword or mace. Though accurate and deadly from a distance, Archers did not pose a serious threat in close combat.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Crossbowmen====
{{Main|Crossbowmen}}
[[File:ACB Crossbowman.png|thumb|250px|left|A Borgia crossbowman]]
Similarly to Archers, Crossbowmen defended the rooftops or areas of interest, though the [[crossbow]]s they wielded could be fired more quickly, and caused more damage.<ref name="Brotherhood"/> However, they did not completely replace Archers, as longbows were more accurate if used by a skilled guard.<ref name="Project Legacy">''[[Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy]]''</ref>

Unlike Archers, Crossbowmen had no melee weapon, and if their enemy drew too close, they would only back away and keep firing. They were also more vigilant, and possessed some [[Freerunning|free-running]] ability, which permitted them to more closely investigate intruders.

In Rome, Crossbowmen could be distinguished by their striped berets and light armor.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Arquebusiers====
{{Main|Arquebusiers}}
[[File:Vilified 11 v.png|thumb|250px|A line of arquebusiers]]
The Arquebusiers, also called Gunmen or Riflemen, were [[Firearms|firearm]]-wielding soldiers who patrolled rooftops, protected high-value locations, and guarded important individuals.

Though Arquebusiers did not have as great a range as Crossbowmen, what they lacked in distance, they made up for in power. Their shots dealt significant damage to both targets and enemy armor. In the Renaissance, they wore heavy armor and full helmets, as well as belts of gunpowder and ammunition.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Bombmen====
[[File:ACR Ottoman Bombardier.png|thumb|250px|left|Ezio facing an Ottoman Bombman]]
In Constantinople, Bombmen wielded [[thunder bombs]] and [[short blades]], and commonly guarded the rooftops in high traffic areas, such as the docks, arsenal, and harbor. They would also participate in the protection of [[Assassin Dens|Templar dens]], and would attack from the safety of reinforced sentry boxes.

Byzantine Bombmen wore uniforms similar to Almogavars, though with longer red capes.<ref name="Revelations"/>

===Golden Age of Piracy.===
====Snipers====
{{Main|Snipers}}
Snipers were specially trained gunmen during the Golden Age of Piracy who were armed with muskets and would guard the rooftops. They often watched over [[Sugar plantations|sugar plantations]], and would fire at intruders or run to an alarm bell to call reinforcements.

==Specialized types==
Certain high-ranking guards possessed unique qualities, usually granting them an advantage in combat through added speed, strength, or defensive skills. They would often act as leaders for patrols of standard guards, and possessed uncommon weapons or armor.<ref name="AC2"/>

===Renaissance===
====Agiles====
{{Main|Agile guards}}
[[File:NVS 12.png|thumb|250px|An Agile fleeing from Ezio]]
Agiles were lightly-armored, quick moving guards. They were one of the types capable of outrunning Assassins, and were also skilled free-runners. They more commonly fled to alert nearby guards, rather than face an enemy directly.

During pursuits alongside other guards, Agiles would usually catch up to a target first and injure them with the short blades they wielded. In battle, they were very light on their feet and could dodge nearly all attacks. Agiles wore the least armor of any guard, with only a light leather chest guard, and metal helmet and spaulders. Due to their increased vulnerability, they were also the most cowardly of the specialized types.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Brutes====
{{Main|Brutes}}
[[File:LMS 9 v.png|thumb|250px|left|A Pazzi Brute blocking Ezio's path]]
Brutes were the most heavily-armored guards during the Renaissance. They moved slowly due to the [[Heavy weapons|two-handed weapons]] they wielded, but compensated through resilience and power.

They were not very vigilant, and could not normally distinguish Assassins from anyone else in a crowd. In guard patrols, they often acted as the leader, as they had the highest morale of any guard type, fleeing only if they were disarmed and could not obtain another weapon. Brutes could be easily seen from their large, reinforced armor and closed helms.<ref name="AC2"/> Brutes in Rome had more intricate armor than those in other cities, with designs worked into the metal.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Seekers====
{{Main|Seekers}}
[[File:Benvenuto 15.png|thumb|250px|Seekers arresting a merchant]]
Seekers were guards who, as their name suggested, would search through [[Hiding spots|hiding places]], on the suspicion that an Assassin had taken refuge within one. They always wielded [[Long weapons|polearms]], such as spears and halberds.

Similarly to Brutes, they would lead patrols of guards, often halting the group to search any hiding spots they passed.<ref name="AC2"/> In battle, they had the second highest morale to Brutes, and were skilled enough to resist most attacks and counters.<ref name="Brotherhood"/> They were slightly more heavily-armored than a standard guard, though less so than Brutes, wearing a combination of chainmail and plate armor, as well as distinctive feathered helms.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Horsemen====
{{Main|Horsemen}}
[[File:ACB Ezio vs Horseman.png|thumb|250px|left|Ezio fighting a horseman]]
Horsemen were mounted guards that possessed the ability to use a variety of weapons while on [[Horses|horseback]]. Their steeds allowed them to easily pursue targets, and strike preemptively.

Though they were vulnerable to long-ranged weapons such as [[throwing knives]] and crossbows, they could be easily dealt with after being knocked from the saddle, either by tripping their horse, or striking them from horseback.

Horsemen were equipped with both medium and long-ranged weapons, though none could wield polearms. They were armored similarly to Borgia Captains, albeit without the cape.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Almogavars====
{{Main|Almogavars}}
[[File:Piri Reis Datura 5.png|thumb|250px|Ezio throwing a bomb at an Almogavar]]
Almogavars were heavily-armored Byzantine guards, who wielded two-handed axes. They were stationed in Byzantine-controlled districts of Constantinople, as well as in Derinkuyu during the Renaissance.

Comparable to Brutes, they fought with heavy weapons, and were slower than all other enemies. Due to their thick armor, they were very resilient, and could not be killed with a single bullet or crossbow bolt. However, they possessed a profound weakness to the effects of [[datura bombs]].

They wore golden lamellar cuirasses with a [[Templar insignia|Templar cross]] engraved into each lamella, their armour was notably decorated with fur and was topped by particularly large metal pauldrons. They also wielded [[Almogavar Axe|unique axes]], with a pair of crescent-shaped blades.<ref name="Revelations"/>

====Varangians====
{{Main|Varangians}}
[[File:Cistern 14.png|thumb|250px|left|A Varangian speaking to two Militiamen]]
Varangians were the Byzantine equivalent of Seekers, and were stationed in both Constantinople and Derinkuyu. They were very skilled in battle, and could deflect nearly all strikes and counterattacks.

They wore the same golden lamellar as the Almogavars with short grey capes, as well as intricate winged helmets. They fought with halberds or spears, as well as short pistols.<ref name="Revelations"/>
{{-}}
===American Revolution===
====Grenadiers====
{{Main|Grenadiers}}
[[File:ACIII-Wolcott 8.png|thumb|250px|A Loyalist and a Grenadier blocking Connor's path]]
Grenadiers were specialized units in the British and Continental armies during the American Revolutionary War. They were roughly comparable to the Italian Brutes and Byzantine Almogavars, being slower than other soldiers, and fighting with heavy weapons and muskets.

Grenadiers were recognizable by their miter caps, which were designed not to obstruct the throwing of grenades. While the British Army's Grenadiers wore green kilts, a dress top and sapper's gloves, the Continental Grenadiers wore khaki battle dress with black boots.
{{-}}
====Officers====
{{Main|Officers}}
[[File:AC3 Officer.png|thumb|250px|left|Connor hiding from an Officer]]
Officers in both armies led groups of other guards on patrols and were equipped with a sword and pistol. Whilst wielding their sword, they parried all of Connor's regular attacks, forcing him to either break their defense or disarm them first. They could also counter Connor's counter-kills even if disarmed, but were susceptible to throws, stuns, disarms and secondary weapon kills.

If any horses were nearby, Officers would mount them and attempt to attack Connor on horseback, either by charging or firing their pistol. Officers could see through disguises and would search hiding spots. When patrolling alone, they would be accompanied by guard [[dogs]], who would give away Connor's location if they got close enough.

====Scouts====
[[File:ACIII-Unconvinced 9.png|thumb|250px|A British Scout and two Loyalists provoking Haytham Kenway]]
Akin to the Agiles that served throughout the Renaissance, Scouts were fast-moving adversaries capable of free-running that wielded short blades and muskets. They would pursue any attackers that fled from battle, and could not be disarmed or have their defense broken.

They were, however, susceptible to all other forms of counter-attacks. In combat, they would attempt to flip over Connor's back and attack him from behind, similar to the "[[Hookblade|hook and run]]" maneuver used by the [[Turkish Assassins]].

====Snitches====
{{Main|Snitches}}
[[File:AC3 Snitch.png|thumb|250px|left|Connor passing by a Snitch]]
Snitches were usually seen in large guard patrols carrying military drums. They never fought with an attacker, choosing to instead flee the scene and bring reinforcements. If they could not flee, they would brandish a dagger or cower.

The British drummers were usually seen wearing ceremonial bearksin hats and red coats, whereas the Continental Army equivalent were seen wearing yellow coats and similar headgear to British drummers.

==Expert types==
Expert guards were high-ranking guards, who were the most skilled and well-equipped of their time. They often possessed several of the qualities of specialized guards, and were limited in number.<ref name="AC"/><ref name="AC2"/>

===High Middle Ages===
====Templar Knights====
[[File:AC1 Templar Knight.png|250px|thumb|Altaïr standing next to a Templar Knight]]
Templar Knights were particularly skilled Crusaders, and were stationed throughout the [[Kingdom]] and its cities. They would often position themselves with a wall or cliff to their back, to prevent them from being attacked from behind.<ref name="AC"/>

They were particularly vigilant, and could identify an Assassin from a crowd almost immediately, subsequently attacking them. Other guards held the knights in high regard, and would always stand back should the Templar Knight engage in battle with an Assassin. They were similar to the Crusader Captains, but with unique armor. They wore chainmail and white surcoats with red crosses, as well as red lacquered great helms.<ref name="AC"/>

===Renaissance===
====Papal Guards====
{{Main|Papal Guard}}
[[File:Liquid Gold 10.png|thumb|250px|left|A Papal Guard holding Ezio at gunpoint]]
The Papal Guard were elite soldiers throughout the Renaissance and were commanded by the [[Papacy]], to serve and protect the pontiff during his tenure. They combined the best qualities of all the other specialized guards, being very powerful in battle, as well as quick on their feet.

They wore intricate black and gold armor, as well as long dark capes, metal face masks and plumed helmets. They also wore crests painted on their chest guards, either displaying the crossed keys of the Papacy, or (in the 16th century) the red bull of the Borgia. Papal guards could use a wide variety of weapons, including long or heavy ones, though they most commonly [[Dual-wielding|dual-wielded]] a pistol alongside a medium weapon.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Janissaries====
{{Main|Janissaries}}
[[File:TAG 4.png|thumb|250px|A pair of Janissaries harassing a merchant]]
Janissaries were highly-trained soldiers, and the elite of the Ottoman Empire, serving as the private guards to the Sultan. Similarly to the Papal Guard, they encompassed all the skills of the specialized guards.

Their uniforms consisted of colorful robes with embroidered patterns, as well as black headdresses and metal face masks. They all wielded [[Janissary Kijil|unique kijils]], as well as short pistols for long-ranged attacks.<ref name="Revelations"/>
{{-}}
===Golden Age of Piracy===
====Captains====
Captains were an archetype of guard which were usually found at sea, but occasionally went to land. Every ship possessed a captain, including pirate hunters. Captains stood out as the only type of enemy whose guard could not be broken. Accompanying this, they were similar to Seekers, in that they would sometimes search through haystacks and bushes.

===Enlightenment Age===
====Jägers====
{{Main|Jägers}}
[[File:ACIII-MostWanted 7.png|thumb|250px|left|A Jäger searching for Connor]]
Jägers, also colloquially referred to as Hessians, were a detachment of German troops that were contracted by the British to fight in the American Revolutionary War. However, they operated independently of most British protocols.

Jägers specialised in deep forest and wilderness combat, tactics and reconnaissance, as well as unconventional warfare. As such, they were regarded as an elite scouting unit, used for surveying an area ahead of a body of troops or leading the way on the front lines.

The Jägers gained a fierce reputation as fearsome warriors and reliable, disciplined troops, and they were well respected within the ranks of the British Army. Like the other expert archetypes, Jägers combined the aspects of the basic archetypes. They patrolled in search of Connor, wielded a sword and pistol, and could fight on horseback, like Officers.

Being mainly skirmisher type troops, Jägers were rarely seen inside cities. However, due to their elite status and very honed tracking abilities, they were called into populated areas when Connor became a persistent danger to British and Patriot troops.

In combat, they were immune to direct attacks and would occasionally throw grenades, similar to the Grenadiers. While in pursuit, they could easily catch up to Connor, being one of the only archetypes to do so barring Scouts.

There were two types of Jäger located in Colonial America during the [[American Revolutionary War]]; Loyalist Jägers were found within the [[British Army]] and Patriot Jägers were found within the [[Continental Army]].
*Loyalist Jägers wore green coats with red trim, black boots and tricorn hats with a red feather.
*Patriot Jägers wore green coats with gold trim, black boots, and Tarletons with black horse hair trim.

==Trivia==
*The taunts Ezio said to Brutes were different from those he said to the other guards, mainly insulting them about their weight, as they were bulkier in stature.
*In the memory "[[Clothes Make the Man]]," [[Ugo]] told Ezio that the thieves were to impersonate the archers. Yet in the next memory, "[[Everything Must Go]]", after Ezio killed the archers on the rooftops, the thieves wore the armor of captain guards instead of archer armor.
*In the memory "[[Infrequent Flier]]", a Brute and a Seeker could be seen stationed on a rooftop, despite being the only guards who could not climb or free-run.
*In the memory "[[Play Along]]", Ezio assassinated an Agile so he could disguise himself as a guard, but instead of having an Agile's outfit, he wore the outfit of a Leader guard.
*Several other guard types were present only in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles]]'', such as Shield Guards, Duelists, and [[Moloch]]'s zealots.
*In the memory "[[French Kiss]]", Ezio killed twenty French guards of different archetypes to acquire their armor. However, in the following memories, Bartolomeo's mercenaries were equipped with only Leader armor, while Ezio wore armor similar to a Borgia Captain's.
**Additionally, though Ezio's Captain armor during the memory was in French colors, no such French guard could ever be encountered.
*In ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]'', an extremely rare glitch could occur with a group of four guards. They would stand still and would not pay any attention to Ezio, even if he killed someone nearby. He was still free to attack them, in which case an execution would be performed, but it would not kill them, leaving them to simply stand up again.
*On PlayStation Home, the design of a Seeker can be purchased for an avatar. Similarly, on Xbox Live, it is possible to purchase the outfit of an Agile guard.
*In ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'', even after the completion of Sequence 8 and the liberation of all Borgia Towers, all of the guards in Rome would still wear the colors of the Borgia family as well as their coat of arms.

==References==
{{GalleryBox|Guards}}
{{Reflist}}
{{ACAC}}
{{AC}}
{{ACBL}}
{{AC2}}
{{AC2D}}
{{ACB}}
{{ACR}}
{{AC3}}
{{AC3L}}
{{AC4}}
[[Category:Occupations]]

Soldier

2014-02-19T17:51:01Z

188.238.225.183: /* Enlightenment Age */

{{Era|ACAC|AC|ACBL|AC2|AC2D|ACB|ACR|AC3|AC3L|AC4}}
[[File:Bad Politics 3.png|thumb|250px|Ezio Auditore fighting several Borgia guards]]
'''Guards''' were members of organized military forces that typically defended or controlled access to locations of interest, or protected certain individuals.

Typically comprised of members of a local militia or governing body's military services, the colors and styles of their uniforms varied, denoting rank, allegiance, and combat specialization.

==Factions==
===High Middle Ages===
[[File:BoA 4.png|thumb|250px|thumb|[[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] fighting several Crusaders]]
During the [[Third Crusade]], soldiers wore the armor and colors of either [[Saracens]] or [[Crusaders]], with the latter subdivided into the personal guards of King [[Richard I of England]], or the Knights [[Templars|Templar]], [[Knights Hospitalier|Hospitalier]], and [[Knights Teutonic|Teutonic]].

Saracens spoke Turkish or Arabic, while Crusaders spoke mostly English, with some Captains and Sergeants speaking French or German. Templar Knights, however, spoke all of the dialects.

Saracens wore {{Wiki|lamellar armor}}, and either {{Wiki|spangenhelm}}s or turbans. All Crusaders wore surcoats and chainmail, while some also wore spangenhelms or {{Wiki|great helm}}s.

[[File:Talal Assassination 3.png|250px|left|thumb|Altaïr fighting Talal's personal guard]]
The colors of Crusader surcoats differed with their affiliation, with King Richard's personal guard wearing red and white, Templars wearing white with red crosses, Hospitaliers wearing black with white crosses, and Teutonics wearing white with black crosses.

Guards for several smaller factions or individuals possessed their own uniforms as well, such as the black, gold-striped clothes of [[Talal]]'s men, or the short white robes and gray hoods of the guards of [[Masyaf]].<ref name="AC">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref>
{{-}}
===Renaissance===
Throughout the [[Renaissance]], multiple factions of guards existed, as they were affiliated to either individual cities or people instead of armies. They bore unique colors, often along with the family or city crest.

[[File:NVS 5.png|thumb|250px|right|Four Pazzi guards]]
Guards for the [[House of Pazzi]] wore black caps, red sleeves with black and gold streaks, gold armor plates and the crest of the Pazzi. They could only be found in [[Florence]] and [[Tuscany]], during the height of the family's influence, until the end of the [[Pazzi conspiracy]].

Guards serving the [[House of Medici]] wore dark yellow caps, yellow and white striped sleeves, black armor plates, and the crest of the Medici. They were notably seen during and after the repression of the Pazzi conspiracy in Florence, as well as in [[San Gimignano]].

Guards of the [[House of Borgia]] wore dark red caps, black sleeves with dark red streaks, steel gray armor plates and the crest of the Borgia. They often accompanied [[Rodrigo Borgia]], and could also be found around [[Basilica di Santa Maria Novella|Santa Maria Novella]] during the Templar meeting, in the [[Cannaregio District]] of [[Venice]],<ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref> or in Florence during the [[Bonfire of the Vanities]]. They were also charged with guarding the [[banks]] housing the [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's Codex|Codex]] pages.

[[File:Florentine Fiasco 1.png|thumb|250px|left|[[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] bypassing a line of Savonarola's guards]]
Guards of [[Girolamo Savonarola]] wore light gray caps, and black sleeves and black or silver armor plates. Instead of a coats of arms, they bore a small portrait of Savonarola himself, with three red beams shining down upon him. They were notably seen in Florence during the Bonfire of the Vanities, often repressing the Borgia guards attempting to take the [[Ezio's Apple of Eden|Apple of Eden]].<ref>''Assassin's Creed II'' - ''[[Bonfire of the Vanities (DLC)]]''</ref>

Guards serving the city of [[Forlì]] wore dark green caps and sleeves, as well as the coat of arms of said city.

The guards who served the city of Venice wore blue caps and blue, gold streaked sleeves, with gold armor plates bearing the coat of arms of the Italian city. The quality of their armor was significantly better than that of their counterparts in other cities, protecting them from much damage.

Those who served the [[Vaticano District|Vatican]] wore white caps, red and white sleeves, with yellow elements on their clothing, and the coat of arms of the city of [[Rome]]. Similarly to Venetian guards, their armor was more resilient than most.<ref name="AC2"/>

[[File:Gatekeeper 2.png|thumb|250px|right|A contingent of French soldiers]]
Guards and soldiers of [[France]] wore dark blue and white, as well as olive green. They were commonly seen in Rome after the alliance of [[Cesare Borgia]] and the French general [[Octavian de Valois]].

At that time, French soldiers were stationed in either the main camp in [[Castra Praetoria]], or in military guard posts throughout the [[Campagna District]] of Rome. They remained in the city throughout [[Liberation of Rome|its liberation]], often fighting the [[mercenaries]] of the [[Assassins|Assassin]] condottiero, [[Bartolomeo d'Alviano]], until the assassination of Valois in August 1503.

Guards from the town of [[Viana]] in Spain wore yellowish-green armor. They notably participated in the [[Siege of Viana]], as they defended [[Viana Castle]] from [[John III of Navarre|King John III]]'s invading Navarrese troops, who wore red uniforms with yellow accents.<ref name="Brotherhood">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref>

[[File:Honor lost won v 3.png|thumb|250px|left|Ottoman Elites in their camp]]
[[Constantinople]] in the Renaissance was divided into two distinct factions, the ruling [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]], and the remnants of the ancient [[Byzantine Empire]].

Though Constantinople was held and controlled by the former, guards of the latter constantly fought for control. The region of Cappadocia, particularly [[Derinkuyu]], remained in Byzantine hands.

Ottoman guards wore green uniforms with red accents, though the Janissaries wore more multicoloured robes, while Byzantines wore small gray capes, and dark red and brown uniforms, and distinctly wore the black eagle crest of the Byzantine Empire's [[Manuel Palaiologos|Palaiologos]] Dynasty. The [[Varangians]] and [[Almogavars]] also wore lamellar cuirasses that appeared to be made of gold, or some similar golden metal, with a cross engraved into each lamella in their cuirasses.<ref name="Revelations">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>

===18th century Caribbean===
During the early 18th century in the [[Caribbean]], there were different factions of soldiers. The first was the [[United Kingdom|British Empire]], loyal to King George I, who wore the easily-recognizable red coats shared by the Army and Navy alike, although there were several different styles of the coat. Regulars wore standard-length coats, agile guards wore shorter coats, and grenadiers wore long, heavier variants. Ship captains in the Navy wore dark blue coats with red trim and capes, and hats that denoted their rank.

The second faction was the [[Spain|Spanish Empire]], donning yellow outfits with a red or crimson trim, displaying loyalty to Philip V of Spain. Their outfits were similar in cut to those of the British Navy, however, Spanish captains wore longer coats in conjunction with an overcoat that covered the upper chest and shoulders.

The Portuguese Navy's sailors dressed in a similar fashion to their Spanish counterparts, although with primarily blue tones and a dark orange trim on their coats.

The [[Framce|French]] soldiers, stationed primarily on [[Haiti|Saint-Domingue]], wore mostly white coats with blue outlines displaying loyalty to King Louis XIV.

Another faction working prominently in the Caribbean was comprised of [[pirate hunters]]. These self-sustaining soldiers wore clothes based heavily on brown, and pursued pirates who were [[Social Stealth#Notoriety system|notorious]] enough. Pirate hunter ships could be easily identified by their distinct crimson sails and red and black hulls.<ref name="Black Flag">''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]''</ref>

===Enlightenment Age===
[[File:ACIII-LexingtonandConcord 16.png|thumb|250px|[[Ratonhnhaké:ton|Connor]] commanding militia in firing lines]]
During the Enlightenment age, guards were aligned with the [[British Army]] or [[Continental Army]], or worked as [[mercenaries]]. [[Firearms]] also became the mainstay of most western armies. All soldiers were armed with flintlock muskets or pistols.

British regulars and militia were easily denoted by their bright red uniforms. The British army also employed Hessian mercenaries such as the Jäger. German soldiers could be distinguished from their British counterparts by their green uniforms with red accents. Patriot soldiers wore mostly blue uniforms, except for Continental Grenadiers, who wore a khaki colored dress.

==Ranking==
===High Middle Ages===
====Regular====
[[File:Tamir Informer Escort 3.png|thumb|250px|left|Altaïr fighting regular Saracen guards]]
Regular guards were the most common, but lightest equipped of the guard ranks. Regular Crusader guards did not have helmets, and only wore leather armor, while Saracen ones wore turbans, and light lamellar armor.

In combat, they were not skilled enough to grab, counterattack, or perform a combo. They could only deflect attacks, with a 25% chance of dodging a light attack.<ref name="AC"/>
{{-}}
====Sergeant====
[[File:Sibrand Eavesdropping 2.png|thumb|250px|Two Teutonic sergeants talking]]
Sergeants were middle-ranked soldiers, and were equipped with helmets and heavier armor. Crusaders wore chainmail, and the Saracens possessed medium lamellar armor.

They could grab targets, and had a 50% chance of breaking a grab attack, as well as a 50% chance of countering or dodging a light attack. They also had a 25% chance of breaking defenses, but could not perform combo attacks.<ref name="AC"/>
{{-}}
====Captain====
[[File:Robert Pickpocketing 1.png|thumb|left|250px|A Saracen captain talking with a Templar]]
Captains were the most powerful guards, with the exception of Templar Knights. Saracens wore Baidah helmets and heavy lamellar armor, while Crusaders wore chainmail, and varying knight helms.

Guards at this rank were also able to grab, and had a 75% chance of breaking a grab attack, as well as countering or dodging a light attack. They also had a 50% chance of breaking defenses. If a successful heavy attack was delivered, they could perform a combo attack.<ref name="AC"/>
{{-}}
===Renaissance===
====Militia====
[[File:Escape debt 2.png|thumb|250px|Three Militia guards cornering [[Egidio Troche]]]]
Militia were the lowest ranking guards, and wore very little armor. They also had the lowest morale, and were likely to flee a battle if they were losing.

Militia could be found almost everywhere, and wielded a large variety of [[Swords and maces|medium-ranged weapons]]. They were not especially agile, but could climb up to the rooftops, albeit slowly, in order to pursue a target Assassin.

Of the guard types, Militia were the only ones who could be fooled into picking up coins, should they be thrown as a distraction.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Elite====
[[File:With Friends 8 v.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio restrained by two Elites]]
Elites were stronger than Militia, and wore a moderate amount of armor. They could withstand more damage, and were capable of dodging enemy attacks.

They were also more courageous than Militia, but could still be forced to retreat, especially if their Leader (or a high-ranking specialized guard) should be killed near them.<ref name="AC2"/>
{{-}}
====Leader====
[[File:He who waits 5.png|thumb|250px|A Leader speaking with an Agile]]
Leaders were the best fighters, and the most tenacious of all the regular guards. They wore slightly more armor than the Elites, and had distinct, full-faced helmets.

They were resilient, and could withstand several attacks before they could be killed. They were also harder to disarm, as well as resistant to being grabbed.<ref name="AC2"/>
{{-}}

====Captain====
[[File:Demilitarization 2.png|thumb|left|250px|[[Cesare Borgia]] speaking with his Captains]]
Captains of the Renaissance were usually found leading contingents of lower-ranked soldiers. They fought similarly to Leaders, but were more heavily and intricately armored, with full feathered helms.

Twelve [[Borgia Captains]] were particularly distinguished members of this rank, and led troops at each of Rome's twelve [[Borgia Towers]]. They were armored identically to other Captains, but wore white capes with the Borgia crest.

Though most were courageous and skilled enough to counter most attacks, some were cowardly, and would flee into their tower should it be attacked, until the next guard patrol was posted.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

===Enlightenment Age===
====Regulars====
[[File:ACIII-Teaparty 3.png|thumb|250px|Connor and Stephane Chapeau fighting the Regulars]]
The basic guards within the British and Continental armies were enlisted soldiers who wore regular battle-dress. They were equipped with muskets that held fixed [[bayonets]] and received training in forming firing lines. Regulars were susceptible to counter kills, throws, stuns, disarms and secondary weapon kills.

British Regulars wore a bright red tunic with white leggings and a black tricorn hat, and some took to wearing scarves around their faces. They had the ability to form a firing line quickly and efficiently and didn't run from battle due to the Army's severe discipline standards.

The Continental Army wore a blue battle-dress with a red accent down each lapel and a black tricorn hat. Although they were equally well-trained, they did not have the same discipline as their British counterparts. They would run after a sufficient amount of their comrades fell or when their leader was slain.

====Militia====
[[File:ACIII-LexingtonandConcord 18.png|thumb|left|250px|Continental militiamen in Concord]]
Militia of both the British and Continental armies could be found as guards on rooftops or inside forts, where they were being trained. Loyalist militia wore similar clothing to British Regulars, but instead featured an explorer's cap instead of a tricorn, as well as a backpack and dark spatterdashes. Onboard ships they were dressed as Royal Marines.

Patriot militia wore a white shirt and a blue vest, together with an explorer's cap. Miltia soldiers were not as well-trained as Regulars, as they could only attack once per a Regular's three times, though despite this, they took on almost identical roles.

==Ranged types==
As most standard guards only had medium or short-ranged weapons, they were often supplemented by ranged guard types, who could attack from a distance. More types were added over time, with the advancement of weapon technology.<ref name="AC"/><ref name="AC2"/>

===Renaissance===
====Archers====
{{Main|Archers}}
[[File:Romagna Holiday 8.png|thumb|250px|Borgia archers in the Apennine Mountains]]
Archers were guards armed with [[Bow|longbows]], who patrolled rooftops and watched for possible enemies below.<ref name="AC2"/> Outside of cities, they were posted on elevated watchtowers.<ref name="AC"/>

Crusader Archers wore the same uniforms as the standard guards of their faction, though they also had white hoods.<ref name="AC"/> In the Renaissance, Archers were usually of the Militia rank, and wore the same uniform as their standard counterparts.

Once provoked due to an enemy approaching within a meter or so, an archer would cease firing arrows, and draw his medium-ranged weapon, such as a sword or mace. Though accurate and deadly from a distance, Archers did not pose a serious threat in close combat.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Crossbowmen====
{{Main|Crossbowmen}}
[[File:ACB Crossbowman.png|thumb|250px|left|A Borgia crossbowman]]
Similarly to Archers, Crossbowmen defended the rooftops or areas of interest, though the [[crossbow]]s they wielded could be fired more quickly, and caused more damage.<ref name="Brotherhood"/> However, they did not completely replace Archers, as longbows were more accurate if used by a skilled guard.<ref name="Project Legacy">''[[Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy]]''</ref>

Unlike Archers, Crossbowmen had no melee weapon, and if their enemy drew too close, they would only back away and keep firing. They were also more vigilant, and possessed some [[Freerunning|free-running]] ability, which permitted them to more closely investigate intruders.

In Rome, Crossbowmen could be distinguished by their striped berets and light armor.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Arquebusiers====
{{Main|Arquebusiers}}
[[File:Vilified 11 v.png|thumb|250px|A line of arquebusiers]]
The Arquebusiers, also called Gunmen or Riflemen, were [[Firearms|firearm]]-wielding soldiers who patrolled rooftops, protected high-value locations, and guarded important individuals.

Though Arquebusiers did not have as great a range as Crossbowmen, what they lacked in distance, they made up for in power. Their shots dealt significant damage to both targets and enemy armor. In the Renaissance, they wore heavy armor and full helmets, as well as belts of gunpowder and ammunition.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Bombmen====
[[File:ACR Ottoman Bombardier.png|thumb|250px|left|Ezio facing an Ottoman Bombman]]
In Constantinople, Bombmen wielded [[thunder bombs]] and [[short blades]], and commonly guarded the rooftops in high traffic areas, such as the docks, arsenal, and harbor. They would also participate in the protection of [[Assassin Dens|Templar dens]], and would attack from the safety of reinforced sentry boxes.

Byzantine Bombmen wore uniforms similar to Almogavars, though with longer red capes.<ref name="Revelations"/>

===Golden Age of Piracy.===
====Snipers====
{{Main|Snipers}}
Snipers were specially trained gunmen during the Golden Age of Piracy who were armed with muskets and would guard the rooftops. They often watched over [[Sugar plantations|sugar plantations]], and would fire at intruders or run to an alarm bell to call reinforcements.

==Specialized types==
Certain high-ranking guards possessed unique qualities, usually granting them an advantage in combat through added speed, strength, or defensive skills. They would often act as leaders for patrols of standard guards, and possessed uncommon weapons or armor.<ref name="AC2"/>

===Renaissance===
====Agiles====
{{Main|Agile guards}}
[[File:NVS 12.png|thumb|250px|An Agile fleeing from Ezio]]
Agiles were lightly-armored, quick moving guards. They were one of the types capable of outrunning Assassins, and were also skilled free-runners. They more commonly fled to alert nearby guards, rather than face an enemy directly.

During pursuits alongside other guards, Agiles would usually catch up to a target first and injure them with the short blades they wielded. In battle, they were very light on their feet and could dodge nearly all attacks. Agiles wore the least armor of any guard, with only a light leather chest guard, and metal helmet and spaulders. Due to their increased vulnerability, they were also the most cowardly of the specialized types.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Brutes====
{{Main|Brutes}}
[[File:LMS 9 v.png|thumb|250px|left|A Pazzi Brute blocking Ezio's path]]
Brutes were the most heavily-armored guards during the Renaissance. They moved slowly due to the [[Heavy weapons|two-handed weapons]] they wielded, but compensated through resilience and power.

They were not very vigilant, and could not normally distinguish Assassins from anyone else in a crowd. In guard patrols, they often acted as the leader, as they had the highest morale of any guard type, fleeing only if they were disarmed and could not obtain another weapon. Brutes could be easily seen from their large, reinforced armor and closed helms.<ref name="AC2"/> Brutes in Rome had more intricate armor than those in other cities, with designs worked into the metal.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Seekers====
{{Main|Seekers}}
[[File:Benvenuto 15.png|thumb|250px|Seekers arresting a merchant]]
Seekers were guards who, as their name suggested, would search through [[Hiding spots|hiding places]], on the suspicion that an Assassin had taken refuge within one. They always wielded [[Long weapons|polearms]], such as spears and halberds.

Similarly to Brutes, they would lead patrols of guards, often halting the group to search any hiding spots they passed.<ref name="AC2"/> In battle, they had the second highest morale to Brutes, and were skilled enough to resist most attacks and counters.<ref name="Brotherhood"/> They were slightly more heavily-armored than a standard guard, though less so than Brutes, wearing a combination of chainmail and plate armor, as well as distinctive feathered helms.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Horsemen====
{{Main|Horsemen}}
[[File:ACB Ezio vs Horseman.png|thumb|250px|left|Ezio fighting a horseman]]
Horsemen were mounted guards that possessed the ability to use a variety of weapons while on [[Horses|horseback]]. Their steeds allowed them to easily pursue targets, and strike preemptively.

Though they were vulnerable to long-ranged weapons such as [[throwing knives]] and crossbows, they could be easily dealt with after being knocked from the saddle, either by tripping their horse, or striking them from horseback.

Horsemen were equipped with both medium and long-ranged weapons, though none could wield polearms. They were armored similarly to Borgia Captains, albeit without the cape.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Almogavars====
{{Main|Almogavars}}
[[File:Piri Reis Datura 5.png|thumb|250px|Ezio throwing a bomb at an Almogavar]]
Almogavars were heavily-armored Byzantine guards, who wielded two-handed axes. They were stationed in Byzantine-controlled districts of Constantinople, as well as in Derinkuyu during the Renaissance.

Comparable to Brutes, they fought with heavy weapons, and were slower than all other enemies. Due to their thick armor, they were very resilient, and could not be killed with a single bullet or crossbow bolt. However, they possessed a profound weakness to the effects of [[datura bombs]].

They wore golden lamellar cuirasses with a [[Templar insignia|Templar cross]] engraved into each lamella, their armour was notably decorated with fur and was topped by particularly large metal pauldrons. They also wielded [[Almogavar Axe|unique axes]], with a pair of crescent-shaped blades.<ref name="Revelations"/>

====Varangians====
{{Main|Varangians}}
[[File:Cistern 14.png|thumb|250px|left|A Varangian speaking to two Militiamen]]
Varangians were the Byzantine equivalent of Seekers, and were stationed in both Constantinople and Derinkuyu. They were very skilled in battle, and could deflect nearly all strikes and counterattacks.

They wore the same golden lamellar as the Almogavars with short grey capes, as well as intricate winged helmets. They fought with halberds or spears, as well as short pistols.<ref name="Revelations"/>
{{-}}
===American Revolution===
====Grenadiers====
{{Main|Grenadiers}}
[[File:ACIII-Wolcott 8.png|thumb|250px|A Loyalist and a Grenadier blocking Connor's path]]
Grenadiers were specialized units in the British and Continental armies during the American Revolutionary War. They were roughly comparable to the Italian Brutes and Byzantine Almogavars, being slower than other soldiers, and fighting with heavy weapons and muskets.

Grenadiers were recognizable by their miter caps, which were designed not to obstruct the throwing of grenades. While the British Army's Grenadiers wore green kilts, a dress top and sapper's gloves, the Continental Grenadiers wore khaki battle dress with black boots.
{{-}}
====Officers====
{{Main|Officers}}
[[File:AC3 Officer.png|thumb|250px|left|Connor hiding from an Officer]]
Officers in both armies led groups of other guards on patrols and were equipped with a sword and pistol. Whilst wielding their sword, they parried all of Connor's regular attacks, forcing him to either break their defense or disarm them first. They could also counter Connor's counter-kills even if disarmed, but were susceptible to throws, stuns, disarms and secondary weapon kills.

If any horses were nearby, Officers would mount them and attempt to attack Connor on horseback, either by charging or firing their pistol. Officers could see through disguises and would search hiding spots. When patrolling alone, they would be accompanied by guard [[dogs]], who would give away Connor's location if they got close enough.

====Scouts====
[[File:ACIII-Unconvinced 9.png|thumb|250px|A British Scout and two Loyalists provoking Haytham Kenway]]
Akin to the Agiles that served throughout the Renaissance, Scouts were fast-moving adversaries capable of free-running that wielded short blades and muskets. They would pursue any attackers that fled from battle, and could not be disarmed or have their defense broken.

They were, however, susceptible to all other forms of counter-attacks. In combat, they would attempt to flip over Connor's back and attack him from behind, similar to the "[[Hookblade|hook and run]]" maneuver used by the [[Turkish Assassins]].

====Snitches====
{{Main|Snitches}}
[[File:AC3 Snitch.png|thumb|250px|left|Connor passing by a Snitch]]
Snitches were usually seen in large guard patrols carrying military drums. They never fought with an attacker, choosing to instead flee the scene and bring reinforcements. If they could not flee, they would brandish a dagger or cower.

The British drummers were usually seen wearing ceremonial bearksin hats and red coats, whereas the Continental Army equivalent were seen wearing yellow coats and similar headgear to British drummers.

==Expert types==
Expert guards were high-ranking guards, who were the most skilled and well-equipped of their time. They often possessed several of the qualities of specialized guards, and were limited in number.<ref name="AC"/><ref name="AC2"/>

===High Middle Ages===
====Templar Knights====
[[File:AC1 Templar Knight.png|250px|thumb|Altaïr standing next to a Templar Knight]]
Templar Knights were particularly skilled Crusaders, and were stationed throughout the [[Kingdom]] and its cities. They would often position themselves with a wall or cliff to their back, to prevent them from being attacked from behind.<ref name="AC"/>

They were particularly vigilant, and could identify an Assassin from a crowd almost immediately, subsequently attacking them. Other guards held the knights in high regard, and would always stand back should the Templar Knight engage in battle with an Assassin. They were similar to the Crusader Captains, but with unique armor. They wore chainmail and white surcoats with red crosses, as well as red lacquered great helms.<ref name="AC"/>

===Renaissance===
====Papal Guards====
{{Main|Papal Guard}}
[[File:Liquid Gold 10.png|thumb|250px|left|A Papal Guard holding Ezio at gunpoint]]
The Papal Guard were elite soldiers throughout the Renaissance and were commanded by the [[Papacy]], to serve and protect the pontiff during his tenure. They combined the best qualities of all the other specialized guards, being very powerful in battle, as well as quick on their feet.

They wore intricate black and gold armor, as well as long dark capes, metal face masks and plumed helmets. They also wore crests painted on their chest guards, either displaying the crossed keys of the Papacy, or (in the 16th century) the red bull of the Borgia. Papal guards could use a wide variety of weapons, including long or heavy ones, though they most commonly [[Dual-wielding|dual-wielded]] a pistol alongside a medium weapon.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Janissaries====
{{Main|Janissaries}}
[[File:TAG 4.png|thumb|250px|A pair of Janissaries harassing a merchant]]
Janissaries were highly-trained soldiers, and the elite of the Ottoman Empire, serving as the private guards to the Sultan. Similarly to the Papal Guard, they encompassed all the skills of the specialized guards.

Their uniforms consisted of colorful robes with embroidered patterns, as well as black headdresses and metal face masks. They all wielded [[Janissary Kijil|unique kijils]], as well as short pistols for long-ranged attacks.<ref name="Revelations"/>
{{-}}
===18th century Caribbean===
====Captains====
Captains were an archetype of guard which were usually found at sea, but occasionally went to land. Every ship possessed a captain, including pirate hunters. Captains stood out as the only type of enemy whose guard could not be broken. Accompanying this, they were similar to Seekers, in that they would sometimes search through haystacks and bushes.

===Enlightenment Age===
====Jägers====
{{Main|Jägers}}
[[File:ACIII-MostWanted 7.png|thumb|250px|left|A Jäger searching for Connor]]
Jägers, also colloquially referred to as Hessians, were a detachment of German troops that were contracted by the British to fight in the American Revolutionary War. However, they operated independently of most British protocols.

Jägers specialised in deep forest and wilderness combat, tactics and reconnaissance, as well as unconventional warfare. As such, they were regarded as an elite scouting unit, used for surveying an area ahead of a body of troops or leading the way on the front lines.

The Jägers gained a fierce reputation as fearsome warriors and reliable, disciplined troops, and they were well respected within the ranks of the British Army. Like the other expert archetypes, Jägers combined the aspects of the basic archetypes. They patrolled in search of Connor, wielded a sword and pistol, and could fight on horseback, like Officers.

Being mainly skirmisher type troops, Jägers were rarely seen inside cities. However, due to their elite status and very honed tracking abilities, they were called into populated areas when Connor became a persistent danger to British and Patriot troops.

In combat, they were immune to direct attacks and would occasionally throw grenades, similar to the Grenadiers. While in pursuit, they could easily catch up to Connor, being one of the only archetypes to do so barring Scouts.

There were two types of Jäger located in Colonial America during the [[American Revolutionary War]]; Loyalist Jägers were found within the [[British Army]] and Patriot Jägers were found within the [[Continental Army]].
*Loyalist Jägers wore green coats with red trim, black boots and tricorn hats with a red feather.
*Patriot Jägers wore green coats with gold trim, black boots, and Tarletons with black horse hair trim.

==Trivia==
*The taunts Ezio said to Brutes were different from those he said to the other guards, mainly insulting them about their weight, as they were bulkier in stature.
*In the memory "[[Clothes Make the Man]]," [[Ugo]] told Ezio that the thieves were to impersonate the archers. Yet in the next memory, "[[Everything Must Go]]", after Ezio killed the archers on the rooftops, the thieves wore the armor of captain guards instead of archer armor.
*In the memory "[[Infrequent Flier]]", a Brute and a Seeker could be seen stationed on a rooftop, despite being the only guards who could not climb or free-run.
*In the memory "[[Play Along]]", Ezio assassinated an Agile so he could disguise himself as a guard, but instead of having an Agile's outfit, he wore the outfit of a Leader guard.
*Several other guard types were present only in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles]]'', such as Shield Guards, Duelists, and [[Moloch]]'s zealots.
*In the memory "[[French Kiss]]", Ezio killed twenty French guards of different archetypes to acquire their armor. However, in the following memories, Bartolomeo's mercenaries were equipped with only Leader armor, while Ezio wore armor similar to a Borgia Captain's.
**Additionally, though Ezio's Captain armor during the memory was in French colors, no such French guard could ever be encountered.
*In ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]'', an extremely rare glitch could occur with a group of four guards. They would stand still and would not pay any attention to Ezio, even if he killed someone nearby. He was still free to attack them, in which case an execution would be performed, but it would not kill them, leaving them to simply stand up again.
*On PlayStation Home, the design of a Seeker can be purchased for an avatar. Similarly, on Xbox Live, it is possible to purchase the outfit of an Agile guard.
*In ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'', even after the completion of Sequence 8 and the liberation of all Borgia Towers, all of the guards in Rome would still wear the colors of the Borgia family as well as their coat of arms.

==References==
{{GalleryBox|Guards}}
{{Reflist}}
{{ACAC}}
{{AC}}
{{ACBL}}
{{AC2}}
{{AC2D}}
{{ACB}}
{{ACR}}
{{AC3}}
{{AC3L}}
{{AC4}}
[[Category:Occupations]]

Soldier

2014-02-19T17:48:33Z

188.238.225.183: /* 18th century Caribbean */

{{Era|ACAC|AC|ACBL|AC2|AC2D|ACB|ACR|AC3|AC3L|AC4}}
[[File:Bad Politics 3.png|thumb|250px|Ezio Auditore fighting several Borgia guards]]
'''Guards''' were members of organized military forces that typically defended or controlled access to locations of interest, or protected certain individuals.

Typically comprised of members of a local militia or governing body's military services, the colors and styles of their uniforms varied, denoting rank, allegiance, and combat specialization.

==Factions==
===High Middle Ages===
[[File:BoA 4.png|thumb|250px|thumb|[[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] fighting several Crusaders]]
During the [[Third Crusade]], soldiers wore the armor and colors of either [[Saracens]] or [[Crusaders]], with the latter subdivided into the personal guards of King [[Richard I of England]], or the Knights [[Templars|Templar]], [[Knights Hospitalier|Hospitalier]], and [[Knights Teutonic|Teutonic]].

Saracens spoke Turkish or Arabic, while Crusaders spoke mostly English, with some Captains and Sergeants speaking French or German. Templar Knights, however, spoke all of the dialects.

Saracens wore {{Wiki|lamellar armor}}, and either {{Wiki|spangenhelm}}s or turbans. All Crusaders wore surcoats and chainmail, while some also wore spangenhelms or {{Wiki|great helm}}s.

[[File:Talal Assassination 3.png|250px|left|thumb|Altaïr fighting Talal's personal guard]]
The colors of Crusader surcoats differed with their affiliation, with King Richard's personal guard wearing red and white, Templars wearing white with red crosses, Hospitaliers wearing black with white crosses, and Teutonics wearing white with black crosses.

Guards for several smaller factions or individuals possessed their own uniforms as well, such as the black, gold-striped clothes of [[Talal]]'s men, or the short white robes and gray hoods of the guards of [[Masyaf]].<ref name="AC">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref>
{{-}}
===Renaissance===
Throughout the [[Renaissance]], multiple factions of guards existed, as they were affiliated to either individual cities or people instead of armies. They bore unique colors, often along with the family or city crest.

[[File:NVS 5.png|thumb|250px|right|Four Pazzi guards]]
Guards for the [[House of Pazzi]] wore black caps, red sleeves with black and gold streaks, gold armor plates and the crest of the Pazzi. They could only be found in [[Florence]] and [[Tuscany]], during the height of the family's influence, until the end of the [[Pazzi conspiracy]].

Guards serving the [[House of Medici]] wore dark yellow caps, yellow and white striped sleeves, black armor plates, and the crest of the Medici. They were notably seen during and after the repression of the Pazzi conspiracy in Florence, as well as in [[San Gimignano]].

Guards of the [[House of Borgia]] wore dark red caps, black sleeves with dark red streaks, steel gray armor plates and the crest of the Borgia. They often accompanied [[Rodrigo Borgia]], and could also be found around [[Basilica di Santa Maria Novella|Santa Maria Novella]] during the Templar meeting, in the [[Cannaregio District]] of [[Venice]],<ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref> or in Florence during the [[Bonfire of the Vanities]]. They were also charged with guarding the [[banks]] housing the [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's Codex|Codex]] pages.

[[File:Florentine Fiasco 1.png|thumb|250px|left|[[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] bypassing a line of Savonarola's guards]]
Guards of [[Girolamo Savonarola]] wore light gray caps, and black sleeves and black or silver armor plates. Instead of a coats of arms, they bore a small portrait of Savonarola himself, with three red beams shining down upon him. They were notably seen in Florence during the Bonfire of the Vanities, often repressing the Borgia guards attempting to take the [[Ezio's Apple of Eden|Apple of Eden]].<ref>''Assassin's Creed II'' - ''[[Bonfire of the Vanities (DLC)]]''</ref>

Guards serving the city of [[Forlì]] wore dark green caps and sleeves, as well as the coat of arms of said city.

The guards who served the city of Venice wore blue caps and blue, gold streaked sleeves, with gold armor plates bearing the coat of arms of the Italian city. The quality of their armor was significantly better than that of their counterparts in other cities, protecting them from much damage.

Those who served the [[Vaticano District|Vatican]] wore white caps, red and white sleeves, with yellow elements on their clothing, and the coat of arms of the city of [[Rome]]. Similarly to Venetian guards, their armor was more resilient than most.<ref name="AC2"/>

[[File:Gatekeeper 2.png|thumb|250px|right|A contingent of French soldiers]]
Guards and soldiers of [[France]] wore dark blue and white, as well as olive green. They were commonly seen in Rome after the alliance of [[Cesare Borgia]] and the French general [[Octavian de Valois]].

At that time, French soldiers were stationed in either the main camp in [[Castra Praetoria]], or in military guard posts throughout the [[Campagna District]] of Rome. They remained in the city throughout [[Liberation of Rome|its liberation]], often fighting the [[mercenaries]] of the [[Assassins|Assassin]] condottiero, [[Bartolomeo d'Alviano]], until the assassination of Valois in August 1503.

Guards from the town of [[Viana]] in Spain wore yellowish-green armor. They notably participated in the [[Siege of Viana]], as they defended [[Viana Castle]] from [[John III of Navarre|King John III]]'s invading Navarrese troops, who wore red uniforms with yellow accents.<ref name="Brotherhood">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref>

[[File:Honor lost won v 3.png|thumb|250px|left|Ottoman Elites in their camp]]
[[Constantinople]] in the Renaissance was divided into two distinct factions, the ruling [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]], and the remnants of the ancient [[Byzantine Empire]].

Though Constantinople was held and controlled by the former, guards of the latter constantly fought for control. The region of Cappadocia, particularly [[Derinkuyu]], remained in Byzantine hands.

Ottoman guards wore green uniforms with red accents, though the Janissaries wore more multicoloured robes, while Byzantines wore small gray capes, and dark red and brown uniforms, and distinctly wore the black eagle crest of the Byzantine Empire's [[Manuel Palaiologos|Palaiologos]] Dynasty. The [[Varangians]] and [[Almogavars]] also wore lamellar cuirasses that appeared to be made of gold, or some similar golden metal, with a cross engraved into each lamella in their cuirasses.<ref name="Revelations">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>

===18th century Caribbean===
During the early 18th century in the [[Caribbean]], there were different factions of soldiers. The first was the [[United Kingdom|British Empire]], loyal to King George I, who wore the easily-recognizable red coats shared by the Army and Navy alike, although there were several different styles of the coat. Regulars wore standard-length coats, agile guards wore shorter coats, and grenadiers wore long, heavier variants. Ship captains in the Navy wore dark blue coats with red trim and capes, and hats that denoted their rank.

The second faction was the [[Spain|Spanish Empire]], donning yellow outfits with a red or crimson trim, displaying loyalty to Philip V of Spain. Their outfits were similar in cut to those of the British Navy, however, Spanish captains wore longer coats in conjunction with an overcoat that covered the upper chest and shoulders.

The Portuguese Navy's sailors dressed in a similar fashion to their Spanish counterparts, although with primarily blue tones and a dark orange trim on their coats.

The [[Framce|French]] soldiers, stationed primarily on [[Haiti|Saint-Domingue]], wore mostly white coats with blue outlines displaying loyalty to King Louis XIV.

Another faction working prominently in the Caribbean was comprised of [[pirate hunters]]. These self-sustaining soldiers wore clothes based heavily on brown, and pursued pirates who were [[Social Stealth#Notoriety system|notorious]] enough. Pirate hunter ships could be easily identified by their distinct crimson sails and red and black hulls.<ref name="Black Flag">''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]''</ref>

===Enlightenment Age===
[[File:ACIII-LexingtonandConcord 16.png|thumb|250px|[[Ratonhnhaké:ton|Connor]] commanding militia in firing lines]]
During the Enlightenment age, guards were aligned with the [[British Army]] or [[Continental Army]], or worked as [[mercenaries]]. [[Firearms]] also became the mainstay of most western armies. All soldiers were armed with flintlock muskets or pistols.

British regulars and militia were easily denoted by their bright red uniforms. The British army also employed Hessian mercenaries such as the Jäger. German soldiers could be distinguished from their British counterparts by their green uniforms with red accents. Patriot soldiers wore mostly blue uniforms, except for Continental Grenadiers, who wore a khaki colored dress.

==Ranking==
===High Middle Ages===
====Regular====
[[File:Tamir Informer Escort 3.png|thumb|250px|left|Altaïr fighting regular Saracen guards]]
Regular guards were the most common, but lightest equipped of the guard ranks. Regular Crusader guards did not have helmets, and only wore leather armor, while Saracen ones wore turbans, and light lamellar armor.

In combat, they were not skilled enough to grab, counterattack, or perform a combo. They could only deflect attacks, with a 25% chance of dodging a light attack.<ref name="AC"/>
{{-}}
====Sergeant====
[[File:Sibrand Eavesdropping 2.png|thumb|250px|Two Teutonic sergeants talking]]
Sergeants were middle-ranked soldiers, and were equipped with helmets and heavier armor. Crusaders wore chainmail, and the Saracens possessed medium lamellar armor.

They could grab targets, and had a 50% chance of breaking a grab attack, as well as a 50% chance of countering or dodging a light attack. They also had a 25% chance of breaking defenses, but could not perform combo attacks.<ref name="AC"/>
{{-}}
====Captain====
[[File:Robert Pickpocketing 1.png|thumb|left|250px|A Saracen captain talking with a Templar]]
Captains were the most powerful guards, with the exception of Templar Knights. Saracens wore Baidah helmets and heavy lamellar armor, while Crusaders wore chainmail, and varying knight helms.

Guards at this rank were also able to grab, and had a 75% chance of breaking a grab attack, as well as countering or dodging a light attack. They also had a 50% chance of breaking defenses. If a successful heavy attack was delivered, they could perform a combo attack.<ref name="AC"/>
{{-}}
===Renaissance===
====Militia====
[[File:Escape debt 2.png|thumb|250px|Three Militia guards cornering [[Egidio Troche]]]]
Militia were the lowest ranking guards, and wore very little armor. They also had the lowest morale, and were likely to flee a battle if they were losing.

Militia could be found almost everywhere, and wielded a large variety of [[Swords and maces|medium-ranged weapons]]. They were not especially agile, but could climb up to the rooftops, albeit slowly, in order to pursue a target Assassin.

Of the guard types, Militia were the only ones who could be fooled into picking up coins, should they be thrown as a distraction.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Elite====
[[File:With Friends 8 v.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio restrained by two Elites]]
Elites were stronger than Militia, and wore a moderate amount of armor. They could withstand more damage, and were capable of dodging enemy attacks.

They were also more courageous than Militia, but could still be forced to retreat, especially if their Leader (or a high-ranking specialized guard) should be killed near them.<ref name="AC2"/>
{{-}}
====Leader====
[[File:He who waits 5.png|thumb|250px|A Leader speaking with an Agile]]
Leaders were the best fighters, and the most tenacious of all the regular guards. They wore slightly more armor than the Elites, and had distinct, full-faced helmets.

They were resilient, and could withstand several attacks before they could be killed. They were also harder to disarm, as well as resistant to being grabbed.<ref name="AC2"/>
{{-}}

====Captain====
[[File:Demilitarization 2.png|thumb|left|250px|[[Cesare Borgia]] speaking with his Captains]]
Captains of the Renaissance were usually found leading contingents of lower-ranked soldiers. They fought similarly to Leaders, but were more heavily and intricately armored, with full feathered helms.

Twelve [[Borgia Captains]] were particularly distinguished members of this rank, and led troops at each of Rome's twelve [[Borgia Towers]]. They were armored identically to other Captains, but wore white capes with the Borgia crest.

Though most were courageous and skilled enough to counter most attacks, some were cowardly, and would flee into their tower should it be attacked, until the next guard patrol was posted.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

===American Revolution===
====Regulars====
[[File:ACIII-Teaparty 3.png|thumb|250px|Connor and Stephane Chapeau fighting the Regulars]]
The basic guards within the British and Continental armies were enlisted soldiers who wore regular battle-dress. They were equipped with muskets that held fixed [[bayonets]] and received training in forming firing lines. Regulars were susceptible to counter kills, throws, stuns, disarms and secondary weapon kills.

British Regulars wore a bright red tunic with white leggings and a black tricorn hat, and some took to wearing scarves around their faces. They had the ability to form a firing line quickly and efficiently and didn't run from battle due to the Army's severe discipline standards.

The Continental Army wore a blue battle-dress with a red accent down each lapel and a black tricorn hat. Although they were equally well-trained, they did not have the same discipline as their British counterparts. They would run after a sufficient amount of their comrades fell or when their leader was slain.

====Militia====
[[File:ACIII-LexingtonandConcord 18.png|thumb|left|250px|Continental militiamen in Concord]]
Militia of both the British and Continental armies could be found as guards on rooftops or inside forts, where they were being trained. Loyalist militia wore similar clothing to British Regulars, but instead featured an explorer's cap instead of a tricorn, as well as a backpack and dark spatterdashes. Onboard ships they were dressed as Royal Marines.

Patriot militia wore a white shirt and a blue vest, together with an explorer's cap. Miltia soldiers were not as well-trained as Regulars, as they could only attack once per a Regular's three times, though despite this, they took on almost identical roles.

==Ranged types==
As most standard guards only had medium or short-ranged weapons, they were often supplemented by ranged guard types, who could attack from a distance. More types were added over time, with the advancement of weapon technology.<ref name="AC"/><ref name="AC2"/>

===Renaissance===
====Archers====
{{Main|Archers}}
[[File:Romagna Holiday 8.png|thumb|250px|Borgia archers in the Apennine Mountains]]
Archers were guards armed with [[Bow|longbows]], who patrolled rooftops and watched for possible enemies below.<ref name="AC2"/> Outside of cities, they were posted on elevated watchtowers.<ref name="AC"/>

Crusader Archers wore the same uniforms as the standard guards of their faction, though they also had white hoods.<ref name="AC"/> In the Renaissance, Archers were usually of the Militia rank, and wore the same uniform as their standard counterparts.

Once provoked due to an enemy approaching within a meter or so, an archer would cease firing arrows, and draw his medium-ranged weapon, such as a sword or mace. Though accurate and deadly from a distance, Archers did not pose a serious threat in close combat.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Crossbowmen====
{{Main|Crossbowmen}}
[[File:ACB Crossbowman.png|thumb|250px|left|A Borgia crossbowman]]
Similarly to Archers, Crossbowmen defended the rooftops or areas of interest, though the [[crossbow]]s they wielded could be fired more quickly, and caused more damage.<ref name="Brotherhood"/> However, they did not completely replace Archers, as longbows were more accurate if used by a skilled guard.<ref name="Project Legacy">''[[Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy]]''</ref>

Unlike Archers, Crossbowmen had no melee weapon, and if their enemy drew too close, they would only back away and keep firing. They were also more vigilant, and possessed some [[Freerunning|free-running]] ability, which permitted them to more closely investigate intruders.

In Rome, Crossbowmen could be distinguished by their striped berets and light armor.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Arquebusiers====
{{Main|Arquebusiers}}
[[File:Vilified 11 v.png|thumb|250px|A line of arquebusiers]]
The Arquebusiers, also called Gunmen or Riflemen, were [[Firearms|firearm]]-wielding soldiers who patrolled rooftops, protected high-value locations, and guarded important individuals.

Though Arquebusiers did not have as great a range as Crossbowmen, what they lacked in distance, they made up for in power. Their shots dealt significant damage to both targets and enemy armor. In the Renaissance, they wore heavy armor and full helmets, as well as belts of gunpowder and ammunition.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Bombmen====
[[File:ACR Ottoman Bombardier.png|thumb|250px|left|Ezio facing an Ottoman Bombman]]
In Constantinople, Bombmen wielded [[thunder bombs]] and [[short blades]], and commonly guarded the rooftops in high traffic areas, such as the docks, arsenal, and harbor. They would also participate in the protection of [[Assassin Dens|Templar dens]], and would attack from the safety of reinforced sentry boxes.

Byzantine Bombmen wore uniforms similar to Almogavars, though with longer red capes.<ref name="Revelations"/>

===Golden Age of Piracy.===
====Snipers====
{{Main|Snipers}}
Snipers were specially trained gunmen during the Golden Age of Piracy who were armed with muskets and would guard the rooftops. They often watched over [[Sugar plantations|sugar plantations]], and would fire at intruders or run to an alarm bell to call reinforcements.

==Specialized types==
Certain high-ranking guards possessed unique qualities, usually granting them an advantage in combat through added speed, strength, or defensive skills. They would often act as leaders for patrols of standard guards, and possessed uncommon weapons or armor.<ref name="AC2"/>

===Renaissance===
====Agiles====
{{Main|Agile guards}}
[[File:NVS 12.png|thumb|250px|An Agile fleeing from Ezio]]
Agiles were lightly-armored, quick moving guards. They were one of the types capable of outrunning Assassins, and were also skilled free-runners. They more commonly fled to alert nearby guards, rather than face an enemy directly.

During pursuits alongside other guards, Agiles would usually catch up to a target first and injure them with the short blades they wielded. In battle, they were very light on their feet and could dodge nearly all attacks. Agiles wore the least armor of any guard, with only a light leather chest guard, and metal helmet and spaulders. Due to their increased vulnerability, they were also the most cowardly of the specialized types.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Brutes====
{{Main|Brutes}}
[[File:LMS 9 v.png|thumb|250px|left|A Pazzi Brute blocking Ezio's path]]
Brutes were the most heavily-armored guards during the Renaissance. They moved slowly due to the [[Heavy weapons|two-handed weapons]] they wielded, but compensated through resilience and power.

They were not very vigilant, and could not normally distinguish Assassins from anyone else in a crowd. In guard patrols, they often acted as the leader, as they had the highest morale of any guard type, fleeing only if they were disarmed and could not obtain another weapon. Brutes could be easily seen from their large, reinforced armor and closed helms.<ref name="AC2"/> Brutes in Rome had more intricate armor than those in other cities, with designs worked into the metal.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Seekers====
{{Main|Seekers}}
[[File:Benvenuto 15.png|thumb|250px|Seekers arresting a merchant]]
Seekers were guards who, as their name suggested, would search through [[Hiding spots|hiding places]], on the suspicion that an Assassin had taken refuge within one. They always wielded [[Long weapons|polearms]], such as spears and halberds.

Similarly to Brutes, they would lead patrols of guards, often halting the group to search any hiding spots they passed.<ref name="AC2"/> In battle, they had the second highest morale to Brutes, and were skilled enough to resist most attacks and counters.<ref name="Brotherhood"/> They were slightly more heavily-armored than a standard guard, though less so than Brutes, wearing a combination of chainmail and plate armor, as well as distinctive feathered helms.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Horsemen====
{{Main|Horsemen}}
[[File:ACB Ezio vs Horseman.png|thumb|250px|left|Ezio fighting a horseman]]
Horsemen were mounted guards that possessed the ability to use a variety of weapons while on [[Horses|horseback]]. Their steeds allowed them to easily pursue targets, and strike preemptively.

Though they were vulnerable to long-ranged weapons such as [[throwing knives]] and crossbows, they could be easily dealt with after being knocked from the saddle, either by tripping their horse, or striking them from horseback.

Horsemen were equipped with both medium and long-ranged weapons, though none could wield polearms. They were armored similarly to Borgia Captains, albeit without the cape.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Almogavars====
{{Main|Almogavars}}
[[File:Piri Reis Datura 5.png|thumb|250px|Ezio throwing a bomb at an Almogavar]]
Almogavars were heavily-armored Byzantine guards, who wielded two-handed axes. They were stationed in Byzantine-controlled districts of Constantinople, as well as in Derinkuyu during the Renaissance.

Comparable to Brutes, they fought with heavy weapons, and were slower than all other enemies. Due to their thick armor, they were very resilient, and could not be killed with a single bullet or crossbow bolt. However, they possessed a profound weakness to the effects of [[datura bombs]].

They wore golden lamellar cuirasses with a [[Templar insignia|Templar cross]] engraved into each lamella, their armour was notably decorated with fur and was topped by particularly large metal pauldrons. They also wielded [[Almogavar Axe|unique axes]], with a pair of crescent-shaped blades.<ref name="Revelations"/>

====Varangians====
{{Main|Varangians}}
[[File:Cistern 14.png|thumb|250px|left|A Varangian speaking to two Militiamen]]
Varangians were the Byzantine equivalent of Seekers, and were stationed in both Constantinople and Derinkuyu. They were very skilled in battle, and could deflect nearly all strikes and counterattacks.

They wore the same golden lamellar as the Almogavars with short grey capes, as well as intricate winged helmets. They fought with halberds or spears, as well as short pistols.<ref name="Revelations"/>
{{-}}
===Enlightenment Age===
====Grenadiers====
{{Main|Grenadiers}}
[[File:ACIII-Wolcott 8.png|thumb|250px|A Loyalist and a Grenadier blocking Connor's path]]
Grenadiers were specialized units in the British and Continental armies during the American Revolutionary War. They were roughly comparable to the Italian Brutes and Byzantine Almogavars, being slower than other soldiers, and fighting with heavy weapons and muskets.

Grenadiers were recognizable by their miter caps, which were designed not to obstruct the throwing of grenades. While the British Army's Grenadiers wore green kilts, a dress top and sapper's gloves, the Continental Grenadiers wore khaki battle dress with black boots.
{{-}}
====Officers====
{{Main|Officers}}
[[File:AC3 Officer.png|thumb|250px|left|Connor hiding from an Officer]]
Officers in both armies led groups of other guards on patrols and were equipped with a sword and pistol. Whilst wielding their sword, they parried all of Connor's regular attacks, forcing him to either break their defense or disarm them first. They could also counter Connor's counter-kills even if disarmed, but were susceptible to throws, stuns, disarms and secondary weapon kills.

If any horses were nearby, Officers would mount them and attempt to attack Connor on horseback, either by charging or firing their pistol. Officers could see through disguises and would search hiding spots. When patrolling alone, they would be accompanied by guard [[dogs]], who would give away Connor's location if they got close enough.

====Scouts====
[[File:ACIII-Unconvinced 9.png|thumb|250px|A British Scout and two Loyalists provoking Haytham Kenway]]
Akin to the Agiles that served throughout the Renaissance, Scouts were fast-moving adversaries capable of free-running that wielded short blades and muskets. They would pursue any attackers that fled from battle, and could not be disarmed or have their defense broken.

They were, however, susceptible to all other forms of counter-attacks. In combat, they would attempt to flip over Connor's back and attack him from behind, similar to the "[[Hookblade|hook and run]]" maneuver used by the [[Turkish Assassins]].

====Snitches====
{{Main|Snitches}}
[[File:AC3 Snitch.png|thumb|250px|left|Connor passing by a Snitch]]
Snitches were usually seen in large guard patrols carrying military drums. They never fought with an attacker, choosing to instead flee the scene and bring reinforcements. If they could not flee, they would brandish a dagger or cower.

The British drummers were usually seen wearing ceremonial bearksin hats and red coats, whereas the Continental Army equivalent were seen wearing yellow coats and similar headgear to British drummers.

==Expert types==
Expert guards were high-ranking guards, who were the most skilled and well-equipped of their time. They often possessed several of the qualities of specialized guards, and were limited in number.<ref name="AC"/><ref name="AC2"/>

===High Middle Ages===
====Templar Knights====
[[File:AC1 Templar Knight.png|250px|thumb|Altaïr standing next to a Templar Knight]]
Templar Knights were particularly skilled Crusaders, and were stationed throughout the [[Kingdom]] and its cities. They would often position themselves with a wall or cliff to their back, to prevent them from being attacked from behind.<ref name="AC"/>

They were particularly vigilant, and could identify an Assassin from a crowd almost immediately, subsequently attacking them. Other guards held the knights in high regard, and would always stand back should the Templar Knight engage in battle with an Assassin. They were similar to the Crusader Captains, but with unique armor. They wore chainmail and white surcoats with red crosses, as well as red lacquered great helms.<ref name="AC"/>

===Renaissance===
====Papal Guards====
{{Main|Papal Guard}}
[[File:Liquid Gold 10.png|thumb|250px|left|A Papal Guard holding Ezio at gunpoint]]
The Papal Guard were elite soldiers throughout the Renaissance and were commanded by the [[Papacy]], to serve and protect the pontiff during his tenure. They combined the best qualities of all the other specialized guards, being very powerful in battle, as well as quick on their feet.

They wore intricate black and gold armor, as well as long dark capes, metal face masks and plumed helmets. They also wore crests painted on their chest guards, either displaying the crossed keys of the Papacy, or (in the 16th century) the red bull of the Borgia. Papal guards could use a wide variety of weapons, including long or heavy ones, though they most commonly [[Dual-wielding|dual-wielded]] a pistol alongside a medium weapon.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Janissaries====
{{Main|Janissaries}}
[[File:TAG 4.png|thumb|250px|A pair of Janissaries harassing a merchant]]
Janissaries were highly-trained soldiers, and the elite of the Ottoman Empire, serving as the private guards to the Sultan. Similarly to the Papal Guard, they encompassed all the skills of the specialized guards.

Their uniforms consisted of colorful robes with embroidered patterns, as well as black headdresses and metal face masks. They all wielded [[Janissary Kijil|unique kijils]], as well as short pistols for long-ranged attacks.<ref name="Revelations"/>
{{-}}
===18th century Caribbean===
====Captains====
Captains were an archetype of guard which were usually found at sea, but occasionally went to land. Every ship possessed a captain, including pirate hunters. Captains stood out as the only type of enemy whose guard could not be broken. Accompanying this, they were similar to Seekers, in that they would sometimes search through haystacks and bushes.

===Enlightenment Age===
====Jägers====
{{Main|Jägers}}
[[File:ACIII-MostWanted 7.png|thumb|250px|left|A Jäger searching for Connor]]
Jägers, also colloquially referred to as Hessians, were a detachment of German troops that were contracted by the British to fight in the American Revolutionary War. However, they operated independently of most British protocols.

Jägers specialised in deep forest and wilderness combat, tactics and reconnaissance, as well as unconventional warfare. As such, they were regarded as an elite scouting unit, used for surveying an area ahead of a body of troops or leading the way on the front lines.

The Jägers gained a fierce reputation as fearsome warriors and reliable, disciplined troops, and they were well respected within the ranks of the British Army. Like the other expert archetypes, Jägers combined the aspects of the basic archetypes. They patrolled in search of Connor, wielded a sword and pistol, and could fight on horseback, like Officers.

Being mainly skirmisher type troops, Jägers were rarely seen inside cities. However, due to their elite status and very honed tracking abilities, they were called into populated areas when Connor became a persistent danger to British and Patriot troops.

In combat, they were immune to direct attacks and would occasionally throw grenades, similar to the Grenadiers. While in pursuit, they could easily catch up to Connor, being one of the only archetypes to do so barring Scouts.

There were two types of Jäger located in Colonial America during the [[American Revolutionary War]]; Loyalist Jägers were found within the [[British Army]] and Patriot Jägers were found within the [[Continental Army]].
*Loyalist Jägers wore green coats with red trim, black boots and tricorn hats with a red feather.
*Patriot Jägers wore green coats with gold trim, black boots, and Tarletons with black horse hair trim.

==Trivia==
*The taunts Ezio said to Brutes were different from those he said to the other guards, mainly insulting them about their weight, as they were bulkier in stature.
*In the memory "[[Clothes Make the Man]]," [[Ugo]] told Ezio that the thieves were to impersonate the archers. Yet in the next memory, "[[Everything Must Go]]", after Ezio killed the archers on the rooftops, the thieves wore the armor of captain guards instead of archer armor.
*In the memory "[[Infrequent Flier]]", a Brute and a Seeker could be seen stationed on a rooftop, despite being the only guards who could not climb or free-run.
*In the memory "[[Play Along]]", Ezio assassinated an Agile so he could disguise himself as a guard, but instead of having an Agile's outfit, he wore the outfit of a Leader guard.
*Several other guard types were present only in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles]]'', such as Shield Guards, Duelists, and [[Moloch]]'s zealots.
*In the memory "[[French Kiss]]", Ezio killed twenty French guards of different archetypes to acquire their armor. However, in the following memories, Bartolomeo's mercenaries were equipped with only Leader armor, while Ezio wore armor similar to a Borgia Captain's.
**Additionally, though Ezio's Captain armor during the memory was in French colors, no such French guard could ever be encountered.
*In ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]'', an extremely rare glitch could occur with a group of four guards. They would stand still and would not pay any attention to Ezio, even if he killed someone nearby. He was still free to attack them, in which case an execution would be performed, but it would not kill them, leaving them to simply stand up again.
*On PlayStation Home, the design of a Seeker can be purchased for an avatar. Similarly, on Xbox Live, it is possible to purchase the outfit of an Agile guard.
*In ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'', even after the completion of Sequence 8 and the liberation of all Borgia Towers, all of the guards in Rome would still wear the colors of the Borgia family as well as their coat of arms.

==References==
{{GalleryBox|Guards}}
{{Reflist}}
{{ACAC}}
{{AC}}
{{ACBL}}
{{AC2}}
{{AC2D}}
{{ACB}}
{{ACR}}
{{AC3}}
{{AC3L}}
{{AC4}}
[[Category:Occupations]]

Soldier

2014-02-19T17:47:26Z

188.238.225.183: /* Enlightenment Age */

{{Era|ACAC|AC|ACBL|AC2|AC2D|ACB|ACR|AC3|AC3L|AC4}}
[[File:Bad Politics 3.png|thumb|250px|Ezio Auditore fighting several Borgia guards]]
'''Guards''' were members of organized military forces that typically defended or controlled access to locations of interest, or protected certain individuals.

Typically comprised of members of a local militia or governing body's military services, the colors and styles of their uniforms varied, denoting rank, allegiance, and combat specialization.

==Factions==
===High Middle Ages===
[[File:BoA 4.png|thumb|250px|thumb|[[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] fighting several Crusaders]]
During the [[Third Crusade]], soldiers wore the armor and colors of either [[Saracens]] or [[Crusaders]], with the latter subdivided into the personal guards of King [[Richard I of England]], or the Knights [[Templars|Templar]], [[Knights Hospitalier|Hospitalier]], and [[Knights Teutonic|Teutonic]].

Saracens spoke Turkish or Arabic, while Crusaders spoke mostly English, with some Captains and Sergeants speaking French or German. Templar Knights, however, spoke all of the dialects.

Saracens wore {{Wiki|lamellar armor}}, and either {{Wiki|spangenhelm}}s or turbans. All Crusaders wore surcoats and chainmail, while some also wore spangenhelms or {{Wiki|great helm}}s.

[[File:Talal Assassination 3.png|250px|left|thumb|Altaïr fighting Talal's personal guard]]
The colors of Crusader surcoats differed with their affiliation, with King Richard's personal guard wearing red and white, Templars wearing white with red crosses, Hospitaliers wearing black with white crosses, and Teutonics wearing white with black crosses.

Guards for several smaller factions or individuals possessed their own uniforms as well, such as the black, gold-striped clothes of [[Talal]]'s men, or the short white robes and gray hoods of the guards of [[Masyaf]].<ref name="AC">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref>
{{-}}
===Renaissance===
Throughout the [[Renaissance]], multiple factions of guards existed, as they were affiliated to either individual cities or people instead of armies. They bore unique colors, often along with the family or city crest.

[[File:NVS 5.png|thumb|250px|right|Four Pazzi guards]]
Guards for the [[House of Pazzi]] wore black caps, red sleeves with black and gold streaks, gold armor plates and the crest of the Pazzi. They could only be found in [[Florence]] and [[Tuscany]], during the height of the family's influence, until the end of the [[Pazzi conspiracy]].

Guards serving the [[House of Medici]] wore dark yellow caps, yellow and white striped sleeves, black armor plates, and the crest of the Medici. They were notably seen during and after the repression of the Pazzi conspiracy in Florence, as well as in [[San Gimignano]].

Guards of the [[House of Borgia]] wore dark red caps, black sleeves with dark red streaks, steel gray armor plates and the crest of the Borgia. They often accompanied [[Rodrigo Borgia]], and could also be found around [[Basilica di Santa Maria Novella|Santa Maria Novella]] during the Templar meeting, in the [[Cannaregio District]] of [[Venice]],<ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref> or in Florence during the [[Bonfire of the Vanities]]. They were also charged with guarding the [[banks]] housing the [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's Codex|Codex]] pages.

[[File:Florentine Fiasco 1.png|thumb|250px|left|[[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] bypassing a line of Savonarola's guards]]
Guards of [[Girolamo Savonarola]] wore light gray caps, and black sleeves and black or silver armor plates. Instead of a coats of arms, they bore a small portrait of Savonarola himself, with three red beams shining down upon him. They were notably seen in Florence during the Bonfire of the Vanities, often repressing the Borgia guards attempting to take the [[Ezio's Apple of Eden|Apple of Eden]].<ref>''Assassin's Creed II'' - ''[[Bonfire of the Vanities (DLC)]]''</ref>

Guards serving the city of [[Forlì]] wore dark green caps and sleeves, as well as the coat of arms of said city.

The guards who served the city of Venice wore blue caps and blue, gold streaked sleeves, with gold armor plates bearing the coat of arms of the Italian city. The quality of their armor was significantly better than that of their counterparts in other cities, protecting them from much damage.

Those who served the [[Vaticano District|Vatican]] wore white caps, red and white sleeves, with yellow elements on their clothing, and the coat of arms of the city of [[Rome]]. Similarly to Venetian guards, their armor was more resilient than most.<ref name="AC2"/>

[[File:Gatekeeper 2.png|thumb|250px|right|A contingent of French soldiers]]
Guards and soldiers of [[France]] wore dark blue and white, as well as olive green. They were commonly seen in Rome after the alliance of [[Cesare Borgia]] and the French general [[Octavian de Valois]].

At that time, French soldiers were stationed in either the main camp in [[Castra Praetoria]], or in military guard posts throughout the [[Campagna District]] of Rome. They remained in the city throughout [[Liberation of Rome|its liberation]], often fighting the [[mercenaries]] of the [[Assassins|Assassin]] condottiero, [[Bartolomeo d'Alviano]], until the assassination of Valois in August 1503.

Guards from the town of [[Viana]] in Spain wore yellowish-green armor. They notably participated in the [[Siege of Viana]], as they defended [[Viana Castle]] from [[John III of Navarre|King John III]]'s invading Navarrese troops, who wore red uniforms with yellow accents.<ref name="Brotherhood">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref>

[[File:Honor lost won v 3.png|thumb|250px|left|Ottoman Elites in their camp]]
[[Constantinople]] in the Renaissance was divided into two distinct factions, the ruling [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]], and the remnants of the ancient [[Byzantine Empire]].

Though Constantinople was held and controlled by the former, guards of the latter constantly fought for control. The region of Cappadocia, particularly [[Derinkuyu]], remained in Byzantine hands.

Ottoman guards wore green uniforms with red accents, though the Janissaries wore more multicoloured robes, while Byzantines wore small gray capes, and dark red and brown uniforms, and distinctly wore the black eagle crest of the Byzantine Empire's [[Manuel Palaiologos|Palaiologos]] Dynasty. The [[Varangians]] and [[Almogavars]] also wore lamellar cuirasses that appeared to be made of gold, or some similar golden metal, with a cross engraved into each lamella in their cuirasses.<ref name="Revelations">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>

===18th century Caribbean===
During the early 18th century in the [[Caribbean]], there were different factions of soldiers. The first was the [[United Kingdom|British Empire]], loyal to King George I, who wore the easily-recognizable red coats shared by the Army and Navy alike, although there were several different styles of the coat. Regulars wore standard-length coats, agile guards wore shorter coats, and grenadiers wore long, heavier variants. Ship captains in the Navy wore dark blue coats with red trim and capes, and hats that denoted their rank.

The second faction was the [[Spain|Spanish Empire]], donning yellow outfits with a red or crimson trim, displaying loyalty to Philip V of Spain. Their outfits were similar in cut to those of the British Navy, however, Spanish captains wore longer coats in conjunction with an overcoat that covered the upper chest and shoulders.

The Portuguese Navy's sailors dressed in a similar fashion to their Spanish counterparts, although with primarily blue tones and a dark orange trim on their coats.

The [[Framce|French]] soldiers, stationed primarily on [[Haiti|Saint-Domingue]], wore mostly white coats with blue outlines displaying loyalty to King Louis XIV.

Another faction working prominently in the Caribbean was comprised of [[pirate hunters]]. These self-sustaining soldiers wore clothes based heavily on brown, and pursued pirates who were [[Social Stealth#Notoriety system|notorious]] enough. Pirate hunter ships could be easily identified by their distinct crimson sails and red and black hulls.<ref name="Black Flag">''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]''</ref>

===Enlightenment Age===
[[File:ACIII-LexingtonandConcord 16.png|thumb|250px|[[Ratonhnhaké:ton|Connor]] commanding militia in firing lines]]
During the Enlightenment age, guards were aligned with the [[British Army]] or [[Continental Army]], or worked as [[mercenaries]]. [[Firearms]] also became the mainstay of most western armies. All soldiers were armed with flintlock muskets or pistols.

British regulars and militia were easily denoted by their bright red uniforms. The British army also employed Hessian mercenaries such as the Jäger. German soldiers could be distinguished from their British counterparts by their green uniforms with red accents. Patriot soldiers wore mostly blue uniforms, except for Continental Grenadiers, who wore a khaki colored dress.

==Ranking==
===High Middle Ages===
====Regular====
[[File:Tamir Informer Escort 3.png|thumb|250px|left|Altaïr fighting regular Saracen guards]]
Regular guards were the most common, but lightest equipped of the guard ranks. Regular Crusader guards did not have helmets, and only wore leather armor, while Saracen ones wore turbans, and light lamellar armor.

In combat, they were not skilled enough to grab, counterattack, or perform a combo. They could only deflect attacks, with a 25% chance of dodging a light attack.<ref name="AC"/>
{{-}}
====Sergeant====
[[File:Sibrand Eavesdropping 2.png|thumb|250px|Two Teutonic sergeants talking]]
Sergeants were middle-ranked soldiers, and were equipped with helmets and heavier armor. Crusaders wore chainmail, and the Saracens possessed medium lamellar armor.

They could grab targets, and had a 50% chance of breaking a grab attack, as well as a 50% chance of countering or dodging a light attack. They also had a 25% chance of breaking defenses, but could not perform combo attacks.<ref name="AC"/>
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====Captain====
[[File:Robert Pickpocketing 1.png|thumb|left|250px|A Saracen captain talking with a Templar]]
Captains were the most powerful guards, with the exception of Templar Knights. Saracens wore Baidah helmets and heavy lamellar armor, while Crusaders wore chainmail, and varying knight helms.

Guards at this rank were also able to grab, and had a 75% chance of breaking a grab attack, as well as countering or dodging a light attack. They also had a 50% chance of breaking defenses. If a successful heavy attack was delivered, they could perform a combo attack.<ref name="AC"/>
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===Renaissance===
====Militia====
[[File:Escape debt 2.png|thumb|250px|Three Militia guards cornering [[Egidio Troche]]]]
Militia were the lowest ranking guards, and wore very little armor. They also had the lowest morale, and were likely to flee a battle if they were losing.

Militia could be found almost everywhere, and wielded a large variety of [[Swords and maces|medium-ranged weapons]]. They were not especially agile, but could climb up to the rooftops, albeit slowly, in order to pursue a target Assassin.

Of the guard types, Militia were the only ones who could be fooled into picking up coins, should they be thrown as a distraction.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Elite====
[[File:With Friends 8 v.png|thumb|left|250px|Ezio restrained by two Elites]]
Elites were stronger than Militia, and wore a moderate amount of armor. They could withstand more damage, and were capable of dodging enemy attacks.

They were also more courageous than Militia, but could still be forced to retreat, especially if their Leader (or a high-ranking specialized guard) should be killed near them.<ref name="AC2"/>
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====Leader====
[[File:He who waits 5.png|thumb|250px|A Leader speaking with an Agile]]
Leaders were the best fighters, and the most tenacious of all the regular guards. They wore slightly more armor than the Elites, and had distinct, full-faced helmets.

They were resilient, and could withstand several attacks before they could be killed. They were also harder to disarm, as well as resistant to being grabbed.<ref name="AC2"/>
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====Captain====
[[File:Demilitarization 2.png|thumb|left|250px|[[Cesare Borgia]] speaking with his Captains]]
Captains of the Renaissance were usually found leading contingents of lower-ranked soldiers. They fought similarly to Leaders, but were more heavily and intricately armored, with full feathered helms.

Twelve [[Borgia Captains]] were particularly distinguished members of this rank, and led troops at each of Rome's twelve [[Borgia Towers]]. They were armored identically to other Captains, but wore white capes with the Borgia crest.

Though most were courageous and skilled enough to counter most attacks, some were cowardly, and would flee into their tower should it be attacked, until the next guard patrol was posted.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

===American Revolution===
====Regulars====
[[File:ACIII-Teaparty 3.png|thumb|250px|Connor and Stephane Chapeau fighting the Regulars]]
The basic guards within the British and Continental armies were enlisted soldiers who wore regular battle-dress. They were equipped with muskets that held fixed [[bayonets]] and received training in forming firing lines. Regulars were susceptible to counter kills, throws, stuns, disarms and secondary weapon kills.

British Regulars wore a bright red tunic with white leggings and a black tricorn hat, and some took to wearing scarves around their faces. They had the ability to form a firing line quickly and efficiently and didn't run from battle due to the Army's severe discipline standards.

The Continental Army wore a blue battle-dress with a red accent down each lapel and a black tricorn hat. Although they were equally well-trained, they did not have the same discipline as their British counterparts. They would run after a sufficient amount of their comrades fell or when their leader was slain.

====Militia====
[[File:ACIII-LexingtonandConcord 18.png|thumb|left|250px|Continental militiamen in Concord]]
Militia of both the British and Continental armies could be found as guards on rooftops or inside forts, where they were being trained. Loyalist militia wore similar clothing to British Regulars, but instead featured an explorer's cap instead of a tricorn, as well as a backpack and dark spatterdashes. Onboard ships they were dressed as Royal Marines.

Patriot militia wore a white shirt and a blue vest, together with an explorer's cap. Miltia soldiers were not as well-trained as Regulars, as they could only attack once per a Regular's three times, though despite this, they took on almost identical roles.

==Ranged types==
As most standard guards only had medium or short-ranged weapons, they were often supplemented by ranged guard types, who could attack from a distance. More types were added over time, with the advancement of weapon technology.<ref name="AC"/><ref name="AC2"/>

===Renaissance===
====Archers====
{{Main|Archers}}
[[File:Romagna Holiday 8.png|thumb|250px|Borgia archers in the Apennine Mountains]]
Archers were guards armed with [[Bow|longbows]], who patrolled rooftops and watched for possible enemies below.<ref name="AC2"/> Outside of cities, they were posted on elevated watchtowers.<ref name="AC"/>

Crusader Archers wore the same uniforms as the standard guards of their faction, though they also had white hoods.<ref name="AC"/> In the Renaissance, Archers were usually of the Militia rank, and wore the same uniform as their standard counterparts.

Once provoked due to an enemy approaching within a meter or so, an archer would cease firing arrows, and draw his medium-ranged weapon, such as a sword or mace. Though accurate and deadly from a distance, Archers did not pose a serious threat in close combat.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Crossbowmen====
{{Main|Crossbowmen}}
[[File:ACB Crossbowman.png|thumb|250px|left|A Borgia crossbowman]]
Similarly to Archers, Crossbowmen defended the rooftops or areas of interest, though the [[crossbow]]s they wielded could be fired more quickly, and caused more damage.<ref name="Brotherhood"/> However, they did not completely replace Archers, as longbows were more accurate if used by a skilled guard.<ref name="Project Legacy">''[[Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy]]''</ref>

Unlike Archers, Crossbowmen had no melee weapon, and if their enemy drew too close, they would only back away and keep firing. They were also more vigilant, and possessed some [[Freerunning|free-running]] ability, which permitted them to more closely investigate intruders.

In Rome, Crossbowmen could be distinguished by their striped berets and light armor.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Arquebusiers====
{{Main|Arquebusiers}}
[[File:Vilified 11 v.png|thumb|250px|A line of arquebusiers]]
The Arquebusiers, also called Gunmen or Riflemen, were [[Firearms|firearm]]-wielding soldiers who patrolled rooftops, protected high-value locations, and guarded important individuals.

Though Arquebusiers did not have as great a range as Crossbowmen, what they lacked in distance, they made up for in power. Their shots dealt significant damage to both targets and enemy armor. In the Renaissance, they wore heavy armor and full helmets, as well as belts of gunpowder and ammunition.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Bombmen====
[[File:ACR Ottoman Bombardier.png|thumb|250px|left|Ezio facing an Ottoman Bombman]]
In Constantinople, Bombmen wielded [[thunder bombs]] and [[short blades]], and commonly guarded the rooftops in high traffic areas, such as the docks, arsenal, and harbor. They would also participate in the protection of [[Assassin Dens|Templar dens]], and would attack from the safety of reinforced sentry boxes.

Byzantine Bombmen wore uniforms similar to Almogavars, though with longer red capes.<ref name="Revelations"/>

===18th century Caribbean===
====Snipers====
{{Main|Snipers}}
Snipers were specially trained gunmen during the Golden Age of Piracy who were armed with muskets and would guard the rooftops. They often watched over [[Sugar plantations|sugar plantation]]s, and would fire at intruders or run to an alarm bell to call reinforcements.

==Specialized types==
Certain high-ranking guards possessed unique qualities, usually granting them an advantage in combat through added speed, strength, or defensive skills. They would often act as leaders for patrols of standard guards, and possessed uncommon weapons or armor.<ref name="AC2"/>

===Renaissance===
====Agiles====
{{Main|Agile guards}}
[[File:NVS 12.png|thumb|250px|An Agile fleeing from Ezio]]
Agiles were lightly-armored, quick moving guards. They were one of the types capable of outrunning Assassins, and were also skilled free-runners. They more commonly fled to alert nearby guards, rather than face an enemy directly.

During pursuits alongside other guards, Agiles would usually catch up to a target first and injure them with the short blades they wielded. In battle, they were very light on their feet and could dodge nearly all attacks. Agiles wore the least armor of any guard, with only a light leather chest guard, and metal helmet and spaulders. Due to their increased vulnerability, they were also the most cowardly of the specialized types.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Brutes====
{{Main|Brutes}}
[[File:LMS 9 v.png|thumb|250px|left|A Pazzi Brute blocking Ezio's path]]
Brutes were the most heavily-armored guards during the Renaissance. They moved slowly due to the [[Heavy weapons|two-handed weapons]] they wielded, but compensated through resilience and power.

They were not very vigilant, and could not normally distinguish Assassins from anyone else in a crowd. In guard patrols, they often acted as the leader, as they had the highest morale of any guard type, fleeing only if they were disarmed and could not obtain another weapon. Brutes could be easily seen from their large, reinforced armor and closed helms.<ref name="AC2"/> Brutes in Rome had more intricate armor than those in other cities, with designs worked into the metal.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Seekers====
{{Main|Seekers}}
[[File:Benvenuto 15.png|thumb|250px|Seekers arresting a merchant]]
Seekers were guards who, as their name suggested, would search through [[Hiding spots|hiding places]], on the suspicion that an Assassin had taken refuge within one. They always wielded [[Long weapons|polearms]], such as spears and halberds.

Similarly to Brutes, they would lead patrols of guards, often halting the group to search any hiding spots they passed.<ref name="AC2"/> In battle, they had the second highest morale to Brutes, and were skilled enough to resist most attacks and counters.<ref name="Brotherhood"/> They were slightly more heavily-armored than a standard guard, though less so than Brutes, wearing a combination of chainmail and plate armor, as well as distinctive feathered helms.<ref name="AC2"/>

====Horsemen====
{{Main|Horsemen}}
[[File:ACB Ezio vs Horseman.png|thumb|250px|left|Ezio fighting a horseman]]
Horsemen were mounted guards that possessed the ability to use a variety of weapons while on [[Horses|horseback]]. Their steeds allowed them to easily pursue targets, and strike preemptively.

Though they were vulnerable to long-ranged weapons such as [[throwing knives]] and crossbows, they could be easily dealt with after being knocked from the saddle, either by tripping their horse, or striking them from horseback.

Horsemen were equipped with both medium and long-ranged weapons, though none could wield polearms. They were armored similarly to Borgia Captains, albeit without the cape.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Almogavars====
{{Main|Almogavars}}
[[File:Piri Reis Datura 5.png|thumb|250px|Ezio throwing a bomb at an Almogavar]]
Almogavars were heavily-armored Byzantine guards, who wielded two-handed axes. They were stationed in Byzantine-controlled districts of Constantinople, as well as in Derinkuyu during the Renaissance.

Comparable to Brutes, they fought with heavy weapons, and were slower than all other enemies. Due to their thick armor, they were very resilient, and could not be killed with a single bullet or crossbow bolt. However, they possessed a profound weakness to the effects of [[datura bombs]].

They wore golden lamellar cuirasses with a [[Templar insignia|Templar cross]] engraved into each lamella, their armour was notably decorated with fur and was topped by particularly large metal pauldrons. They also wielded [[Almogavar Axe|unique axes]], with a pair of crescent-shaped blades.<ref name="Revelations"/>

====Varangians====
{{Main|Varangians}}
[[File:Cistern 14.png|thumb|250px|left|A Varangian speaking to two Militiamen]]
Varangians were the Byzantine equivalent of Seekers, and were stationed in both Constantinople and Derinkuyu. They were very skilled in battle, and could deflect nearly all strikes and counterattacks.

They wore the same golden lamellar as the Almogavars with short grey capes, as well as intricate winged helmets. They fought with halberds or spears, as well as short pistols.<ref name="Revelations"/>
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===Enlightenment Age===
====Grenadiers====
{{Main|Grenadiers}}
[[File:ACIII-Wolcott 8.png|thumb|250px|A Loyalist and a Grenadier blocking Connor's path]]
Grenadiers were specialized units in the British and Continental armies during the American Revolutionary War. They were roughly comparable to the Italian Brutes and Byzantine Almogavars, being slower than other soldiers, and fighting with heavy weapons and muskets.

Grenadiers were recognizable by their miter caps, which were designed not to obstruct the throwing of grenades. While the British Army's Grenadiers wore green kilts, a dress top and sapper's gloves, the Continental Grenadiers wore khaki battle dress with black boots.
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====Officers====
{{Main|Officers}}
[[File:AC3 Officer.png|thumb|250px|left|Connor hiding from an Officer]]
Officers in both armies led groups of other guards on patrols and were equipped with a sword and pistol. Whilst wielding their sword, they parried all of Connor's regular attacks, forcing him to either break their defense or disarm them first. They could also counter Connor's counter-kills even if disarmed, but were susceptible to throws, stuns, disarms and secondary weapon kills.

If any horses were nearby, Officers would mount them and attempt to attack Connor on horseback, either by charging or firing their pistol. Officers could see through disguises and would search hiding spots. When patrolling alone, they would be accompanied by guard [[dogs]], who would give away Connor's location if they got close enough.

====Scouts====
[[File:ACIII-Unconvinced 9.png|thumb|250px|A British Scout and two Loyalists provoking Haytham Kenway]]
Akin to the Agiles that served throughout the Renaissance, Scouts were fast-moving adversaries capable of free-running that wielded short blades and muskets. They would pursue any attackers that fled from battle, and could not be disarmed or have their defense broken.

They were, however, susceptible to all other forms of counter-attacks. In combat, they would attempt to flip over Connor's back and attack him from behind, similar to the "[[Hookblade|hook and run]]" maneuver used by the [[Turkish Assassins]].

====Snitches====
{{Main|Snitches}}
[[File:AC3 Snitch.png|thumb|250px|left|Connor passing by a Snitch]]
Snitches were usually seen in large guard patrols carrying military drums. They never fought with an attacker, choosing to instead flee the scene and bring reinforcements. If they could not flee, they would brandish a dagger or cower.

The British drummers were usually seen wearing ceremonial bearksin hats and red coats, whereas the Continental Army equivalent were seen wearing yellow coats and similar headgear to British drummers.

==Expert types==
Expert guards were high-ranking guards, who were the most skilled and well-equipped of their time. They often possessed several of the qualities of specialized guards, and were limited in number.<ref name="AC"/><ref name="AC2"/>

===High Middle Ages===
====Templar Knights====
[[File:AC1 Templar Knight.png|250px|thumb|Altaïr standing next to a Templar Knight]]
Templar Knights were particularly skilled Crusaders, and were stationed throughout the [[Kingdom]] and its cities. They would often position themselves with a wall or cliff to their back, to prevent them from being attacked from behind.<ref name="AC"/>

They were particularly vigilant, and could identify an Assassin from a crowd almost immediately, subsequently attacking them. Other guards held the knights in high regard, and would always stand back should the Templar Knight engage in battle with an Assassin. They were similar to the Crusader Captains, but with unique armor. They wore chainmail and white surcoats with red crosses, as well as red lacquered great helms.<ref name="AC"/>

===Renaissance===
====Papal Guards====
{{Main|Papal Guard}}
[[File:Liquid Gold 10.png|thumb|250px|left|A Papal Guard holding Ezio at gunpoint]]
The Papal Guard were elite soldiers throughout the Renaissance and were commanded by the [[Papacy]], to serve and protect the pontiff during his tenure. They combined the best qualities of all the other specialized guards, being very powerful in battle, as well as quick on their feet.

They wore intricate black and gold armor, as well as long dark capes, metal face masks and plumed helmets. They also wore crests painted on their chest guards, either displaying the crossed keys of the Papacy, or (in the 16th century) the red bull of the Borgia. Papal guards could use a wide variety of weapons, including long or heavy ones, though they most commonly [[Dual-wielding|dual-wielded]] a pistol alongside a medium weapon.<ref name="Brotherhood"/>

====Janissaries====
{{Main|Janissaries}}
[[File:TAG 4.png|thumb|250px|A pair of Janissaries harassing a merchant]]
Janissaries were highly-trained soldiers, and the elite of the Ottoman Empire, serving as the private guards to the Sultan. Similarly to the Papal Guard, they encompassed all the skills of the specialized guards.

Their uniforms consisted of colorful robes with embroidered patterns, as well as black headdresses and metal face masks. They all wielded [[Janissary Kijil|unique kijils]], as well as short pistols for long-ranged attacks.<ref name="Revelations"/>
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===18th century Caribbean===
====Captains====
Captains were an archetype of guard which were usually found at sea, but occasionally went to land. Every ship possessed a captain, including pirate hunters. Captains stood out as the only type of enemy whose guard could not be broken. Accompanying this, they were similar to Seekers, in that they would sometimes search through haystacks and bushes.

===Enlightenment Age===
====Jägers====
{{Main|Jägers}}
[[File:ACIII-MostWanted 7.png|thumb|250px|left|A Jäger searching for Connor]]
Jägers, also colloquially referred to as Hessians, were a detachment of German troops that were contracted by the British to fight in the American Revolutionary War. However, they operated independently of most British protocols.

Jägers specialised in deep forest and wilderness combat, tactics and reconnaissance, as well as unconventional warfare. As such, they were regarded as an elite scouting unit, used for surveying an area ahead of a body of troops or leading the way on the front lines.

The Jägers gained a fierce reputation as fearsome warriors and reliable, disciplined troops, and they were well respected within the ranks of the British Army. Like the other expert archetypes, Jägers combined the aspects of the basic archetypes. They patrolled in search of Connor, wielded a sword and pistol, and could fight on horseback, like Officers.

Being mainly skirmisher type troops, Jägers were rarely seen inside cities. However, due to their elite status and very honed tracking abilities, they were called into populated areas when Connor became a persistent danger to British and Patriot troops.

In combat, they were immune to direct attacks and would occasionally throw grenades, similar to the Grenadiers. While in pursuit, they could easily catch up to Connor, being one of the only archetypes to do so barring Scouts.

There were two types of Jäger located in Colonial America during the [[American Revolutionary War]]; Loyalist Jägers were found within the [[British Army]] and Patriot Jägers were found within the [[Continental Army]].
*Loyalist Jägers wore green coats with red trim, black boots and tricorn hats with a red feather.
*Patriot Jägers wore green coats with gold trim, black boots, and Tarletons with black horse hair trim.

==Trivia==
*The taunts Ezio said to Brutes were different from those he said to the other guards, mainly insulting them about their weight, as they were bulkier in stature.
*In the memory "[[Clothes Make the Man]]," [[Ugo]] told Ezio that the thieves were to impersonate the archers. Yet in the next memory, "[[Everything Must Go]]", after Ezio killed the archers on the rooftops, the thieves wore the armor of captain guards instead of archer armor.
*In the memory "[[Infrequent Flier]]", a Brute and a Seeker could be seen stationed on a rooftop, despite being the only guards who could not climb or free-run.
*In the memory "[[Play Along]]", Ezio assassinated an Agile so he could disguise himself as a guard, but instead of having an Agile's outfit, he wore the outfit of a Leader guard.
*Several other guard types were present only in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles]]'', such as Shield Guards, Duelists, and [[Moloch]]'s zealots.
*In the memory "[[French Kiss]]", Ezio killed twenty French guards of different archetypes to acquire their armor. However, in the following memories, Bartolomeo's mercenaries were equipped with only Leader armor, while Ezio wore armor similar to a Borgia Captain's.
**Additionally, though Ezio's Captain armor during the memory was in French colors, no such French guard could ever be encountered.
*In ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' and ''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]'', an extremely rare glitch could occur with a group of four guards. They would stand still and would not pay any attention to Ezio, even if he killed someone nearby. He was still free to attack them, in which case an execution would be performed, but it would not kill them, leaving them to simply stand up again.
*On PlayStation Home, the design of a Seeker can be purchased for an avatar. Similarly, on Xbox Live, it is possible to purchase the outfit of an Agile guard.
*In ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'', even after the completion of Sequence 8 and the liberation of all Borgia Towers, all of the guards in Rome would still wear the colors of the Borgia family as well as their coat of arms.

==References==
{{GalleryBox|Guards}}
{{Reflist}}
{{ACAC}}
{{AC}}
{{ACBL}}
{{AC2}}
{{AC2D}}
{{ACB}}
{{ACR}}
{{AC3}}
{{AC3L}}
{{AC4}}
[[Category:Occupations]]