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Villa Auditore

2013-02-10T21:37:21Z

199.27.76.23: /* Histori */

{{Era|AC2|ACB|PL|Good}}
{{NomF}}
{{Quote|A key force in the protection of Monteriggioni for hundreds of years and a source of great architectural innovation...|Commemorative plaque for the Villa Auditore, 2012.|Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood}}
{{Location Infobox
|name = Villa Auditore
|image = AC2 renovated villa auditore.png
|state = [[Monteriggioni]], [[Tuscany]]
|rulers = [[House of Auditore]]
|factions = [[Assassins]]<br>[[Mercenaries]]<br>[[Thieves]]<br>[[Courtesans]]
|founded = [[Domenico Auditore]]
|date = 1290
|abandoned = 1500
|hidea = yes}}
The '''Villa Auditore''' was a familial home and stronghold of the [[House of Auditore|Auditore family]], located within the city of [[Monteriggioni]].

Purchased by the family sometime after 1321, it remained the home to the Auditore up until the turn of the 16th century, when it was heavily damaged during the [[siege of Monteriggioni]].

==History==
===Domenico Auditore===
The villa was constructed in 1290. Thirty years later, in 1320, a [[Florence|Florentine]] attack left the facade damaged, and in need of reconstruction.<ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>

After the death of [[Dante Alighieri]] in 1321, [[Domenico Auditore]] purchased the Villa, and subsequently erected a new facade, as well as a painting gallery within the building. He redesigned the Villa as both a home, fortress and a training ground for the town.<ref name="AC2"/>

The building itself was filled with several hidden compartments and rooms, whilst the grounds catered to a number of different uses. Following this, Domenico constructed a [[Auditore Family Crypt|family crypt]], which would later be connected to an escape route within the Villa that led out to the north of Monteriggioni.<ref name="AC2"/>

===Mario Auditore===
[[File:CDC 3 v.png|thumb|250px|The decrepit Villa Auditore.]]
By 1436, the Villa hosted the newest generation of Auditore [[Assassins]]: the brothers [[Mario Auditore|Mario]] and [[Giovanni Auditore da Firenze|Giovanni Auditore]]. Following the death of their [[Renato Auditore|father]] and Giovanni's departure for Florence, Mario became the sole ruler of Monteriggioni, and main resident of the Villa in 1454.<ref name="AC2"/><ref name="Project Legacy">''[[Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy]]''</ref>

Despite Mario's love for the building, both Monteriggioni and the Villa receded into disrepair due to him focusing his spending on warfare and [[mercenaries]], rather than its upkeep. Instead, the Villa was mostly used for the storage of weapons and war equipment, and at one point, even a [[Shroud of Eden|mysterious artifact]] that Mario had discovered hidden under Monteriggioni.<ref name="Project Legacy"/>

During the [[Defense of Monteriggioni|city's defense]] in 1454, the Villa was also where Mario and his mercenaries interrogated [[Luciano Pezzati]], a spy for the invading Florentine army.<ref name="Project Legacy"/>

===Ezio Auditore===
In 1476, Mario's nephew, [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze|Ezio Auditore]], as well as [[Maria Auditore da Firenze|his mother]] and [[Claudia Auditore da Firenze|sister]], came seeking refuge in Monteriggioni after the execution of his father Giovanni and brothers, [[Federico Auditore da Firenze|Federico]] and [[Petruccio Auditore da Firenze|Petruccio]]. After resting in the Villa, Ezio intended to take his mother and sister to [[Spain]], much to Mario's protests.<ref name="AC2"/>

Eventually, Ezio decided to remain in Monteriggioni and seek revenge on those responsible for the execution of his male kin. He became, in effect, co-ruler of Monteriggioni with Mario, and the renovations he funded and oversaw proved to herald a rebirth for the Villa and the city's overall state.<ref name="AC2"/>

Although the exact length of time it took for the Villa to be rebuilt is unknown, the Villa once again became an opulent structure and headquarters for the [[Italian Assassins|Italian Assassin Brotherhood]] by late December 1499.<ref name="ACB">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref>

[[File:Villaburn.PNG|thumb|left|250px|The Villa Auditore burning during the siege of Monteriggioni.]]
However, on 2 January, 1500, the [[Papacy|Papal forces]] led by [[Cesare Borgia]] besieged Monteriggioni, devastating the town and its Villa, while also killing Mario in the process. After this, the Villa was abandoned, as Ezio left the ruins of Monteriggioni to [[Liberation of Rome|wage war]] against the [[House of Borgia|Borgia family]] in [[Rome]].<ref name="ACB"/>

Sometime before 1554, the Auditore resumed control over Monteriggioni, though the Villa was not rebuilt. In 1554, the Auditore were betrayed by Giovannino Zeti, keeper of the garrison and a Florentine exile, who gave the keys of the city to the [[House of Medici|Medici family]].<ref name="AC2"/>

The Medici conquered Monteriggioni, though they allowed the Auditore to continue ruling the city due to their families' good relationship.<ref name="AC2"/>

===Modern times===
{{Dialogue|Desmond|Wait. We're at the Auditore Villa?|Lucy|Yes. It's our last safehouse in Italy.|The Assassins arriving at the Villa.|Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood}}

[[File:ACB Modern Villa.png|thumb|250px|The modern Villa Auditore.]]
By 2012, the Villa had become a World Preservation Site, and was heralded as "''one of the [[Tuscany|Tuscan]] countryside's most beloved landmarks.''" A plaque displayed before the Villa contained details of its construction, as well as how it had been destroyed in [[Rodrigo Borgia|Pope Alexander VI]]'s military campaign in 1500.<ref name="ACB"/>

On 9 September, 2012, [[Desmond Miles]], [[Lucy Stillman]], [[Rebecca Crane]], and [[Shaun Hastings]] set up a temporary base of operations within the [[Sanctuary]] beneath the Villa to escape the [[Templars]] searching for them. Throughout their stay, which lasted until October 10, the Assassins lived within the Villa, and came out only to collect provisions.<ref name="ACB"/>

==Rooms==
The Villa Auditore had several rooms, some of which were hidden.

===Main hall===
[[File:Zw-mainhall.png|thumb|left|250px|The main hall.]]
The main hall of the villa served as the entrance, and led to several other rooms, as well as the courtyard which contained the [[Monteriggioni Statuettes|statuettes]] Ezio recovered from the city.<ref name="AC2"/>

It was well-furnished, even in its state of disrepair, and was spacious and featured an elegant design. A large marble staircase occupied the center, leading to the second floor, while a chandelier hung from above. Several paintings purchased by Ezio decorated the walls of the main hall.<ref name="AC2"/>

{{-}}
===Armory===
{{Main|Armory}}
[[File:ACII-Armory 1.png|thumb|250px|The armor room.]]
In the armory, Ezio was able to change his equipped weapons or armor within two separate rooms. The armor room contained the five sets of armor available to Ezio. The [[Armor of Altaïr]], once unlocked from the Sanctuary, was situated at the back of the armory.<ref name="AC2"/>

The center of the armory contained a model of the [[Flying Machine]] used during the assassination of [[Carlo Grimaldi]] in [[Venice]], along with a model of the carriage Ezio drove in the [[Appennine Mountains]] with [[Leonardo da Vinci]].<ref name="AC2"/>

[[File:ACII-Armory 2.png|thumb|220px|left|The weapons room.]]
The weapons room contained Ezio's weapons, spread throughout several weapons racks. The left rack held the [[Schiavona]], the [[Common Sword|common]], the [[Captain's Sword|Captain's]], and the [[Milanese Sword|Milanese]] [[Swords and maces|swords]]. Meanwhile, the right rack possessed the [[Sword of Altaïr]], the [[Old Syrian sword]], the [[Scimitar]], and the [[Venetian Falchion|Venetian]] and [[Florentine Falchion|Florentine falchions]].<ref name="AC2"/>

The other side had a rack which contained the Mercenario and the [[Condottiero War Hammer|Condottiero]] [[warhammer]]s, the Maul, and the Flanged and Cavalieri maces. The center of the room had a double sided rack that contained the [[short blade|small weapons]], comprised of the [[Dagger]], [[Knife]], [[Stiletto]], [[Channeled Cinquedea|Channeled]] and [[Notched Cinquedea|Notched cinquedeas]], and the [[Sultan's Knife|Sultan's]] and [[Butcher Knife|Butcher's knives]].<ref name="AC2"/>

===Workshop===
[[File:ACoP 10 v.png|thumb|250px|Ezio speaking with Claudia in the workshop.]]
The workshop was a room which contained several shelves lined with books, and a scale replica of Monteriggioni. Claudia Auditore occupied this room during Ezio's hunt for Rodrigo Borgia, keeping track of the city's finances and maintaining records of the Villa's refurbishment.<ref name="AC2"/>

Monteriggioni's resident [[Architects|architect]] was also present here, through whom Ezio made decisions regarding upgrades to the villa. This was also the place where Leonardo da Vinci set up his workshop after being invited to stay at the Villa by Mario Auditore.<ref name="AC2"/>

{{-}}
===Mario's study===
[[File:Codex Room.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Mario's study.]]
Mario Auditore's study was a room where Mario and Ezio would discuss the operations of the Assassin Order, including details of various missions Ezio would undertake.<ref name="AC2"/>

Before Ezio joined in the efforts of the Assassins though, the study had been the room in which his father, Giovanni, and Mario discussed plans for the order and missions.<ref name="AC2"/>

The [[Codex]] Wall was located in the study, and the pages kept within it were added by Ezio once they were found throughout his journeys across Italy, after they had been decoded by Leonardo da Vinci.<ref name="AC2"/>

A few of the pages that had been on the wall were ones decoded by Giovanni. Standing before the Codex Wall was a pedestal meant for holding the [[Ezio's Apple of Eden|Apple of Eden]]. The pedestal was placed in a way so that the light emitted from the artifact would mark locations on the map beneath the pages.<ref name="AC2"/>

By 1499, Ezio had collected all of the Codex pages. From there, he used his [[Eagle Vision]] to orient the pieces into their proper positions. When the puzzle was solved, the wall revealed a complete map of the world marked with the locations of the [[Pieces of Eden]] and the different Vaults and [[Temples]].<ref name="AC2"/>

Beyond the Codex Wall was Mario's desk, where he did writing work and presumably kept track of the Brotherhood. As well as this, there was a large bookcase in the room, which concealed a mechanism that hid the stairs to a place known as the Sanctuary. Finally, above the study was a balcony, which would connect to a corridor that led to the entrances of the workshop, and Maria and Ezio's rooms.<ref name="AC2"/>

Following the attack by Cesare Borgia, the room had been destroyed in part, but still held Claudia's record book, which was found centuries later by [[Desmond Miles]].<ref name="ACB"/>

===Maria's room===
[[File:AC2 Maria Auditore's Room.png|thumb|250px|Maria's room.]]
Maria Auditore's room was the bedroom of Maria Auditore, located on the second floor of the villa. Like the rest of the villa, it was well furnished, and included a box for [[feather]]s that Ezio collected for her in memory of her youngest son and his brother, Petruccio.<ref name="AC2"/>

Maria spent around 20 years praying in this room, constantly in mourning for the loss of Petruccio. However, when Ezio had finally collected one hundred feathers, persisting even after his uncle Mario had written off Maria's grief as a hopeless cause, she finally spoke, thanking her son for not giving up on her.<ref name="AC2"/>

===Ezio's room===
[[File:Room1.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Ezio's room in the Villa Auditore.]]
Ezio Auditore's room was located at the top floor of the Villa Auditore. It served as a bedroom, study, and base of operations during his twenty-three year crusade to avenge his fallen father and two brothers, who were executed by members of the Templar Order.<ref name="AC2"/>

Paintings of Ezio's [[assassination targets]] would be hung in his room after he had killed them, with the exception of [[Dante Moro]] and Rodrigo Borgia, which appeared even though Ezio spared their lives.<ref name="AC2"/>

The room was supported by a wooden beam running up from the middle of the floor to the ceiling, and was taken up mostly by a desk littered with letters and documents. Ezio's room was slightly altered just before the siege of Monteriggioni, with the addition of a large bed and a bath tub, with a set of stairs leading up to it instead of a ladder. These were possibly added after Ezio had upgraded the Villa.<ref name="ACB"/>

[[File:Acber1.png|thumb|250px|Ezio's room shortly before the attack.]]
In 1500, Ezio spent the night with [[Caterina Sforza]] when the city was attacked in the siege. A cannonball crashed through the wall of his room and damaged the wooden support beam in the center of the structure, causing the ceiling to collapse and cave in over half of the room. As a result, debris from the ceiling fell onto the Armor of Altaïr, prompting Ezio to leave it behind to engage in defending the Villa.<ref name="ACB"/>

{{-}}
===Painting gallery===
{{Main|Painting gallery}}
[[File:Zw-gallery.png|thumb|left|250px|The painting gallery in the Villa Auditore.]]
At some point during 1454, Mario utilized the painting gallery in the Villa, taking advantage of his brother's connections in Florence to import fine art.<ref name="Project Legacy" />

From 1476 to 1499, Ezio gathered pieces of [[Renaissance]] artwork from [[art merchants]] in several different cities during his travels, which were displayed in the villa's painting gallery. However, the paintings were either destroyed or stolen by the Borgia following the siege of Monteriggioni in 1500.<ref name="AC2"/><ref name="ACB"/>

===Sanctuary===
{{Main|Sanctuary}}
[[File:Sanctuary v.png|thumb|250px|The Sanctuary.]]
The Sanctuary was a stone chamber located in Monteriggioni, and was used by Assassins in both the Renaissance and [[modern times]]. It was a well-built chamber found underneath the Villa Auditore, and could be accessed primarily through an entrance hidden behind a bookshelf in the Villa study.<ref name="AC2"/>

Statues of seven legendary Assassins lined the walls. Six of these statues had corresponding [[Assassin Seal|seals]] at their base, which had to be collected and returned, in order to unlock the gate in front of the seventh statue of [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]]. This seventh statue also held the Armor of Altaïr until it was recovered by Ezio Auditore.<ref name="AC2"/>

{{-}}
==Gallery==
<gallery widths="180" position="center" spacing="small" captionalign="center">
room2.jpg|An alternate view of Ezio's room.
Abcer2.png|Ezio's room before the siege of Monteriggioni.
ACII_Codex_Eagle_V.png|The Codex Wall in Mario's study.
ACB Modern Study.png|Mario's study in the modern times.
ACB World Preservation Board.png|The World Preservation Site board in front of the Villa in modern times.
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{AC2}}
{{ACBH}}
[[Category:Tuscany]]
[[Category:Assassin Order]]
[[Category:Monteriggioni]]
[[Category:Landmarks]]

Soldier

2013-02-10T17:27:57Z

199.27.76.23: /* Enlisted */

{{Era|AC|AC2|ACB|ACR|AC3|AC3L}}
[[File:AC2 guard types.jpg|thumb|250px|Five guard types: the Agile, Archer, Brute, Militia, and Seeker.]]
'''Guards''' were members of either a local militia, or an organized military force. They were usually assigned to defend or control access to locations of interest, or protect certain individuals.

The colors and styles of their uniforms varied over time, as well as denoted their military rank, allegiance, and combat specialization.

==Factions==
===High Middle Ages===
[[File:BoA 4.png|thumb|250px|thumb|right|[[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] fighting several of King Richard's men.]]
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 armour|lamellar armor}}, and either {{Wiki|Spangenhelm|spangenhelms}} or turbans. All Crusaders wore surcoats and chainmail, while some also wore spangenhelms or {{Wiki|Great helm|great helms}}.

[[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 gold streaks, 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|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 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, and the crest of the Borgia. They often accompanied [[Rodrigo Borgia]], and could also be found in [[Romagna]] 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]].

[[File:Florentine Fiasco 1.png|thumb|250px|left|[[Ezio Auditore da Firenze]] bypassing a line of Savonarola's guards.]]
Guards of [[Girolamo Savonarola]] wore black caps, sleeves, and 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 crest of [[Caterina Sforza]]'s family, who ruled Romagna.

The guards who served the city of Venice wore blue caps and 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, 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. 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]].

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 King [[John III of Navarre|John III]]'s invading Navarre troops, who wore red uniforms with yellow accents.<ref name="Brotherhood">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref>

[[File:Fourth part 3.png|thumb|250px|left|Ottomans guarding the docks.]]
[[Constantinople]] in the Renaissance was divided into two distinct factions, the ruling [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]], and the remnants of the ancient [[Byzantines|Byzantine Empire]].

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

Ottoman guards wore green uniforms with red accents, while Byzantines wore small gray capes, and dark red and white uniforms. The Byzantine guards also distinctly wore the black eagle crest of the Byzantine Empire's [[Manuel Palaiologos|Palaiologos]] Dynasty.<ref name="Revelations">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>
===Industrial Age===
During the Industrial age, Guards were either aligned with the [[British Army]] or [[Continental Army]]. [[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====
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:BoA 9.png|250px|thumb|right|Altaïr fighting Templar Sergeants and Captains.]]
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====
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|left|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|250px|right|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====
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|250px|left|[[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"/>

===Industrial Era===
====Militia men and soldiers====
In the first 3 sequences militia men were quite common the had the same strenghts and weakness' as the soldiers except that they couldn't perform combo attacks.

After sequence 4 the basic guards within the British army and Continental army were soldiers, who wore regular battle-dress. Enlisted soldiers in both armies were equipped with muskets with fixed bayonets and received training in forming firing lines. They were susceptible to counter kills, throws, stuns, disarms and secondary weapon kills.

British troops wore a bright red tunic with white leggings and black infantry boots. They either wore a black tricorne hat or explorer's cap, 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.

American infantry wore a blue battle-dress with a red accent down each lapel and a black tricorne 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.

==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:AC2 venice archer.jpeg|thumb|250px|right|Ezio pulling an archer from a rooftop in Venice.]]
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 Elite 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}}
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|left|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 people.

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====
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"/>

===Industrial Era===

====Snipers====
In the Colonies, Snipers were almost always encountered on rooftops in groups of up to four and were stationed on recognizable wooden platforms that afforded them a clear view of their surroundings. They would use their muskets with fixed bayonets to fire upon any who trespassed on the rooftops or a target on the ground. While regular soldiers would have tricorn hats they would wear a frontier hat, otherwise they were identical to the regular enlisted soldiers.

==Specialized types==
Certain high-ranking guards possessed unique qualities, usually granting them an advantage in combat through added speed, strength, or defense 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|right|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 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|right|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:Horsemen.jpg|thumb|250px|left|A horseman dueling Ezio.]]
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:Curse of Romani 3.png|thumb|250px|right|Ezio aiming at a group of Almogavars.]]
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]]. Their armor was scaled, with fur and particularly large metal spaders. They also wielded [[Almogavar Axe|unique axes]], with a pair of crescent-shaped blades.<ref name="Revelations"/>

====Varangians====
{{Main|Varangians}}
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 heavy armor with short capes, as well as intricate winged helmets. They fought with halberds or spears, as well as short pistols.<ref name="Revelations"/>

===Industrial Era===
====Grenadiers====
{{Main|Grenadiers}}
Grenadiers were specialized units in the British Army 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 narrow, tall headgear designed not to obstruct throwing of grenades.

====Officers====
{{Main|Officers}}
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====
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 counterattacks. 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====
Snitches would usually be seen in larger guard patrols carrying and playing a military drum. They never fought with an attacker, choosing instead to flee the scene and bring reinforcements. If they could not flee, they would brandish a dagger, or they would instead cower until the attacker either left or neutralized them in one way or another.

==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:AC horseback charge.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Altaïr charging down 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:The Apple 5.png|thumb|250px|left|Two Papal Guards killing each other under the Apple's influence.]]
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|right|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"/>
{{-}}

===Industrial Era===
====Jäger====
{{main|Jäger}}
'''Jäger''', 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.

Jäger 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 Jäger 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. 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 the one of the only archetypes to do so along with Scouts.

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

==Trivia==
;''Assassin's Creed II''
{{GalleryBox|Guards}}
*In ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', 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.

;Others
*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 unnamed robed guards wielding maces.
*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 in place and would not pay any attention to Ezio, even if he killed someone nearby. He was 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.
*In PlayStation Home, the design of a Seeker could be purchased for an avatar, which also came with a spear. Similarly, on Xbox Live, it was possible to purchase the outfit of an Agile guard.

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{AC2}}
{{AC2D}}
[[Category:Guards| ]]
[[Category:Gameplay]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed gameplay]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II gameplay]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood gameplay]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles gameplay]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed II: Discovery gameplay]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines gameplay]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: Revelations gameplay]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed III gameplay]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed III: Liberation gameplay]]
[[Category:Factions]]