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Gerfaut

2016-01-18T03:40:49Z

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The '''''Gerfaut''''' was the personal [[Man O' War]] of [[Louis-Joseph Gaultier, Chevalier de la Vérendrye|Chevalier de la Vérendrye]] during the [[Seven Years' War]].

In 1752, shortly after [[Shay Cormac]] acquired his own [[Ships|ship]], the ''[[Morrigan]]'', Shay used his vessel to fight off several [[Schooner|schooners]] and [[Gunboat|gunboats]] attacking the ''Gerfaut'', before returning de la Vérendrye to the Man O' War. The two ships met once more at [[Port La Joye]] in April 1752 and again at [[St. John's]] in May 1754.

In 1760, long after Shay defected to the [[Templars]], [[Achilles Davenport]] tasked de la Vérendrye to create a diversion at sea, with the hopes of delaying or even preventing Shay from following the [[Mentor]] and [[Liam O'Brien]] as they sailed for a [[Isu|First Civilization]] [[Temples|temple]]. Although the ''Gerfaut'' was able to ambush the ''Morrigan'' in the middle of a field of icebergs and a fierce blizzard, Shay managed to disable and board the Man O' War. After a short skirmish, the Templar killed de la Vérendrye and sunk the ''Gerfaut'' before resuming his pursuit of Achilles.

==Tactics==
The ''Gerfaut'' mostly used its mortars and tried to deal devastating damage at long ranges. But when close it mostly used its ram and avoided using cannon fire.

==Trivia==
*Like several other Assassin-allied ships, the ''Gerfaut''<nowiki/>'s name has an avian connection: the French word ''gerfaut'' translates to "gerfalcon", the largest member of the falcon genus.
**Furthermore, the gerfalcon is native to the arctic regions of [[North America]], northern [[Europe]], and the [[Russia|Russian]] coastline, areas similar to ''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]''<nowiki/>'s North Atlantic map, where the ''Gerfaut ''could be found.
*The ''Gerfaut''<nowiki/>'s figurehead bore resemblance to the [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze|Ezio Auditore]] figurehead obtained by [[Edward Kenway]] during his time in the [[Caribbean]].
*The Gerfaut was able to hold over 100 cannons with 12 or more being used as chase cannons.

==Reference==
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]''
{{ACRG}}
[[Category:Men O' War]]
[[Category:Pirate ships]]
[[Category:Assassin ships]]

Soldier

2016-01-08T01:31:35Z

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[[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 comprising 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|left|[[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]].<ref name="AC">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref>

Saracens was loyal to Sultan Saladin of Egypt and Syria and to Turkish Sultan Kilij Arsian II and spoke Turkish or Arabic, while Crusaders are loyal to King Richard I of England, King Philip II of France and Emperor Frederick Barbarosa of Germany and spoke mostly English, with some Captains and Sergeants speaking French or German. Templar Knights, however, spoke all of the dialects.<ref name="AC"/>

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.<ref name="AC"/>

[[File:Talal Assassination 3.png|250px|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.<ref name="AC"/>

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"/>
{{-}}
===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|left|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]].<ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>

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]].<ref name="AC2"/>

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"/> or in Florence during the [[Bonfire of the Vanities]].<ref name="Bonfire">''Assassin's Creed II - ''[[Bonfire of the Vanities (DLC)|Bonfire of the Vanities]]''</ref> They were also charged with guarding the [[banks]] housing the [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's Codex|Codex]] pages.<ref name="AC2"/>

[[File:Florentine Fiasco 1.png|thumb|250px|[[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 name="Bonfire"/>

Guards serving the city of [[Forlì]] wore dark green caps and sleeves, as well as the coat of arms of said city.<ref>''Assassin's Creed II'' - ''[[Battle of Forlì (DLC)|Battle of Forlì]]''</ref>

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.<ref name="AC2"/>

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|left|A contingent of French soldiers]]
Guards and soldiers of [[France]], loyal to King Louis XII, 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]].<ref name="ACB">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref>

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.<ref name="ACB"/>

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="ACB"/>

[[File:Honor lost won v 3.png|thumb|250px|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]].<ref name="ACR">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>

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.<ref name="ACR"/>

Ottoman guards wore green uniforms with red accents, though the Janissaries wore more multicolored robes, being loyal to Sultan Bayezid II and later to Sultan Selim I, 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, displaying their loyalty to Manuel Palaiologos. 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="ACR"/>

===Ming dynasty===
[[File:Chronicles-China 5.jpg|left|thumb|250px|The Assassin [[Shao Jun]] locked in combat with guards]]
Chinese guards during the [[Ming dynasty]] in [[China]] equipped swords such as the pei dao, guandao and jian, spears and crossbows. They wore iron-plated, chain-linked armor and bronze helmets. Higher-ranked guards wore thicker armor or used wooden or iron shields.<ref name="China">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]''</ref>

Similar guards in Mongolia acted as chiefs and scouts, and could be differentiated from Chinese warriors through their different colored armor and thicker fur coats and clothing.<ref name="China"/>

===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 [[George I of Great Britain|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 bicorn hats that denoted their rank.<ref name="AC4">''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]''</ref>

The second faction was the [[Spain|Spanish Empire]], donning yellow outfits with a red or crimson trim, displaying loyalty to [[Philip V of Spain|King 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, and wore different hats to the British captains.<ref name="AC4"/>

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, displaying loyalty to [[John V of Portugal|King John V of Portugal]].<ref name="AC4"/>

The French soldiers, stationed primarily on [[Haiti|Saint-Domingue]], wore mostly white coats with blue outlines displaying loyalty to [[Louis XV of France|King Louis XV]]. The [[Slavery|slave]] overseers they colluded with often wore brown or tan outfits.<ref>''Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag'' - ''[[Freedom Cry]]''</ref>

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="AC4"/>

The final group were the mercenaries. Often hired by empires as expandable soldiers, they wore clothing much like pirate hunters, composed mainly of ordinary brown. They were usually found on land, guarding treasures and assassination targets.<ref name="AC4"/>

===Enlightenment Age===
[[File:ACIII-LexingtonandConcord 16.png|thumb|250px|[[Ratonhnhaké:ton|Connor]] commanding militia in firing lines]]
During the [[Seven Years' War]], guards were aligned with the [[British Army]] who were denoted by their red uniforms, displaying loyalty to [[George II of Great Britain|King George II]], or the [[French Army]] who were denoted by their white uniforms, displaying loyalty to King Louis XV. Assassin-affiliated [[gangs]] were denoted by their orange outfits.<ref name="ACRG">''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]''</ref>

During the [[American Revolutionary War]], 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.<ref name="AC3">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]''</ref>

British regulars and militia were easily denoted by their bright red uniforms, loyal to [[George III of the United Kingdom|King George III]]. 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, loyal to revolutionary leader [[George Washington]], wore mostly blue uniforms, except for Continental Grenadiers, who wore a khaki colored kilt.<ref name="AC3"/>

In France, guards served the government, first and nominally loyal to [[Louis XVI of France|King Louis XVI]] and then loyal to First French Republic, first to President of the Committee of Public Safety [[Georges Danton]] (for a short period of time) and then to his successor [[Maximilien de Robespierre]], or acted on behalf of political extremists to cause trouble. The official guards wore blue, red and white uniforms, with bicorne hats. Their allies, the elite Swiss Guard, often dressed similarly, but were easily distinguishable by their ornate armor and helmets. The extremists wore a variety of civilian clothing, but always had red elements present.<ref name="ACU">''[[Assassin's Creed: Unity]]''</ref>

If the former saw someone being attacked or killed, they would attack the ones responsible, including the murderers in certain Crowd Events. On occasion, they would attack a nearby group of extremists if something suspicious occurred in their vicinity without [[Arno Dorian]] being visible.<ref name="ACU"/>

The latter would fight vigilantes after exchanging taunts, and might fight the official guards if suspicions were raised and Arno was nowhere in sight. On occasion, they would also become suspicious of Arno without provocation and would attack him if he lingered in their view.<ref name="ACU"/>

===Victorian London===
Guards in Victorian London were not so much guards as they were gang members or law enforcement agents. Different types of guards operated in different London boroughs, such as Whitechapel, Lambeth, etc. The lower ranking guard types were usually petty members of the London street gangs, while the highest ranking guard types were usually militarily affiliated, being loyal to [[Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom|Queen Victoria]].<ref name="ACS">''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]''</ref>

==Ranking==
===High Middle Ages===
====Regular====
[[File:Tamir Informer Escort 3.png|thumb|left|250px|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 padded armor, while Saracen ones wore turbans, and light lamellar armor.<ref name="AC"/>

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.<ref name="AC"/>

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.<ref name="AC"/>

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.<ref name="AC2"/>

Militia could be found almost everywhere, and wielded a large variety of [[Swords|medium-ranged weapons]]. They were not especially agile, but could climb up to the rooftops, albeit slowly, in order to pursue a target Assassin.<ref name="AC2"/>

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.<ref name="AC2"/>

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.<ref name="AC2"/>

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.<ref name="ACB"/>

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.<ref name="ACB"/>

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="ACB"/>

===18th century Caribbean===
====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, the white coat is worn by the soldiers of French 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.<ref name="AC4"/>

====Grenadiers====
Grenadiers are the brutes of the Caribbean. They wear huge, long coats and a tricorne. They wield large boarding axes, a pistol and grenades. Grenadiers block attacks easily with their axes, meaning attackers must break their defense before he can kill them in melee. They also deal high damage with their axe swings. Grenadiers will drop grenades occasionally when they are not engaged in combat. Grenades explode and deal damage to anyone in the area, friend or foe; indeed, it is not uncommon for grenadiers to be killed by their own grenades. They use their pistol when the enemy is in a hard to reach place.<ref name="AC4"/>

====Agile====
Where agiles lack in strength, they make up for in speed. Agiles wear short coats and powdered wigs, except for hunter agiles, who wear tricornes. They wield a dagger and a pistol in combat. Agiles are the fastest guards in the Caribbean, they can keep up with Edward longer than any class and can free run to an extent. When engaging in combat, they will deliver a chain of blows, one after the other, so that the defender has no time to counterattack, only to parry. They use their pistols when the enemy is out of reach. A pair of agile can be found on large enemy ships, acting as lieutenants.<ref name="AC4"/>

====Gunners====
Gunners are often deployed in tactical, elevated positions like guard towers, ships' crow's nests and rooftops. They wear short coats and a tricorn, except for British gunners, who wear bicorns. They are armed with a musket and bayonet, and rarely move from position. When they spot an enemy, they will take aim for a few seconds, then fire. Muskets deal huge damage, taking out three health bars. To counter, defenders can grab enemies and use then as human shields, or just get out of sight. When in melee, they use their bayonets and fight similarly to grenadiers.<ref name="AC4"/>

====Captains====
Captains are the most elite members of enemy forces Edward will encounter. Spanish and Portuguese captains wear wide-brimmed hats, shoulder padded coats and boots. British captains wear bicorns, gold trimmed blue coats with a red sash, and hunter captains wear green coats. They have the same armament as regulars, but use their pistols in direct combat. They combine the attacking speed of an agile with the blocking skill of a grenadier. On large ships, one can be found acting as captain.<ref name="AC4"/>

===Enlightenment Age===
====Gang members====

====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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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.<ref name="AC3"/>

====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. On board ships they were dressed as Royal Marines.<ref name="AC3"/>

Patriot militia wore a white shirt and a blue vest, together with an explorer's cap. Militia 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.<ref name="AC3"/>

===French Revolution===
====Militia====
The militia comprised the bulk of the extremist forces. They were dressed in simple striped red and black attire with plumed tricorn hats. They carried sabers and pistols, but were not especially proficient in their use. They struck relatively slowly and would rarely execute combos. Higher level versions were capable of blocking attacks, but would tire and become vulnerable after blocking 1 or 2 attacks.<ref name="ACU"/>

====Enforcers====
The most common enemy aside from the Militia were the Enforcers. The extremist version dressed in similar attire to the Militia with the addition of leather longcoats.<ref name="ACU"/>

====National Guard====
The Revolutionary National Guardsmen are dressed in dark blue uniforms with bicorne hats. They carry the basic officer's saber and pistol as weapons.<ref name="ACU"/>

===Victorian London===
====Blighter Thug====
The slowest and least dangerous of all guard types, Blighter Thugs wore dark red coats and black bowler hats. They usually combated individuals with small knives. They could be found in every London Borough.<ref name="ACS"/>

====Blighter Female====
Blighter Females were female Blighter members who were equipped with small blades. They were somewhat faster and stronger than Blighter Thugs.<ref name="ACS"/>

====Scotland Yard Officer====
These law enforcement officers wore the common dark blue uniform and black custodian helmet of the Scotland Yard Police Department. If they heard or spotted violence or conflict on the streets of London, they would first, blow their whistles in order to alert nearby officers for help before fighting the suspect. In combat, they wielded batons and would occasionally draw their pistols to fire at enemies.<ref name="ACS"/>

====Scotland Yard Constable====
Constables would often wear the exact same attire as Scotland Yard Officers, only with a short blue cape. They were much tougher than officers in combat.<ref name="ACS"/>

====Undercover Scotland Yard Officer====
These guards behave in combat much like regular Scotland Yard Officers, only they wore grey clothing and grey kepi hats in order to blend in with the citizens of London.<ref name="ACS"/>

====Templar Official====
Templar officials could be found both on street level and on the tops of buildings. They usually wore black suits and top hats, and wore white arm bands baring the Templar cross. They wielded sword canes in combat and were extremely dangerous at high levels.<ref name="ACS"/>

===World War 1===
====Foot Soldiers====
During World War 1, in the year 1916, London, under threat of German invasion, temporarily replaced their regular police force with soldiers from the British Army until the war was over. These infantry men acted very similar to the police force in Victorian London. They carried a baton, Lee-Enfield rifle, and a Webley revolver. If they heard or spotted trouble, they would hit the suspect with a baton and if they got out of range, shoot them with their rifles or pistols. They wore standard British Army uniforms during World War 1 which included a drab service dress with webbed equipment around it, black boots with gaiters covering them, a brodie helmet, and drab trousers.<ref name="ACS"/>

====Officers====
Officers of the British Army in 1916 could often be seen leading a squad while patrolling. They wore similar uniforms to the standard infantry, but with a peaked cap instead of a brodie helmet and no webbed equipment around their uniform. They were slightly tougher than regular infantry in combat and would use a baton against the suspect and a revolver when they got out of range.<ref name="ACS"/> The Foot Soldiers and Officers was loyal to the King George V, grandson of the Queen Victoria.

==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.

===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.<ref name="AC2"/>

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|left|250px|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="ACB"/> However, they did not completely replace Archers, as longbows were more accurate if used by a skilled guard.<ref>''[[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]] ability, which permitted them to more closely investigate intruders.<ref name="ACB"/>

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

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

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="ACB"/>

====Bombmen====
[[File:ACR Ottoman Bombardier.png|thumb|left|250px|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.<ref name="ACR"/>

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

===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. Snipers could also assault intruders with bayonets equipped with their muskets. They often watched over [[sugar plantations]], and would fire at intruders or run to an alarm bell to call reinforcements.<ref name="AC4"/>

===Ming dynasty===
====Crossbowmen====
[[File:ACCC DB Crossbowman.jpg|thumb|250x250px|A Chinese crossbowman]]
Crossbowmen during the Ming Dynasty, as the name implies, were equipped with crossbows and usually guarded walls in restricted areas. These guards also have the ability to use the crossbow to damage a close range opponent as a melee attack. They would take short time in aiming their weapon, giving the opponent time to dodge the bolts.<ref name="China"/>

====Heavy Crossbowmen====
Unlike ordinary crossbowmen, these guards are heavily armored tend to stay routed to a particular spot. They also had the ability to send a flurry of crossbow bolts to an intruder, damaging the opponent in a bigger rate than the former.<ref name="China"/>

====Handcannon Guard====
[[File:ACCC DB Ming Dynasty Muskets.jpg|left|thumb|250px|An aiming Handcannon Guard]]
This guard handles a flint-activated hand cannon that could be used as a melee weapon and ranged weapon. The cannon could deal heavy damage but takes time to reload.<ref name="China"/>

===French Revolution===
====Snipers====
Snipers were mainly used during the French Revolution for guarding important locations such as The Temple or The Palais du Luxembourg. They carried muskets, which were lethally effective if a shot could be landed on a target. They could also spot Arno from much further away than other guards. However, they were less durable than other guards and were not very capable in melee.<ref name="ACU"/>

Extremist snipers were dressed in dark grey clothing with a small cap, while city guard snipers had similar clothing to regular city guards, with the addition of white crossbelts over their coats and occasionally backpacks.<ref name="ACU"/>

===Victorian London===
====Blighter Sharpshooters====
Blighter Sharpshooters were usually stationed on the tops of buildings or on balconies. They carried rifles and were usually females.<ref name="ACS"/>

==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.

===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.<ref name="AC2"/>

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|left|250px|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.<ref name="AC2"/><ref name="ACB"/>

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="ACB"/>

====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.<ref name="AC2"/><ref name="ACB"/>

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="ACB"/> 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|left|250px|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.<ref name="ACB"/>

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.<ref name="ACB"/>

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="ACB"/>

====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.<ref name="ACR"/>

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]].<ref name="ACR"/>

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="ACR"/>

====Varangians====
{{Main|Varangians}}
[[File:Cistern 14.png|thumb|left|250px|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.<ref name="ACR"/>

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="ACR"/>
{{-}}
===18th century Caribbean===
====Agiles====
Similar to the Agiles of the Renaissance, these guards fought with short knives, and were capable of chasing down Assassins, both on the ground and on rooftops, and would tackle their target upon catching them. Like most guard types, they were vulnerable to a disarming attack, but they would quickly retrieve their weapons if such an attack occurred. However, it was possible to disarm them and quickly throw the knife at them, killing them.<ref name="AC4"/>

On larger naval ships, such as [[Frigate|frigates]] and [[Man O' War|Men O' War]], two agiles occasionally acted as officers, and were necessary to kill in order to board the vessel.<ref name="AC4"/>

====Brutes====
Often seen guarding restricted areas, brutes were large, powerfully-built men who wielded boarding axes and were capable of blocking most attacks. However, they were vulnerable to an attack that would break their defense and leave them open to a killing blow.<ref name="AC4"/>

On smaller naval ships, such as [[Gunboat|gunboats]] and [[Schooner|schooners]], brutes could be seen steering the vessel, and were the most skilled fighters on board.<ref name="AC4"/>

====Captains====
Although occasionally seen on land, captains were more often found on ships, commanding [[Brig|brigs]], frigates, and Men O' War. Equipped with both a sword and pistol, captains used both weapons in combat, and could block most attacks with ease. However, successfully countering an attack from a captain would leave them open for a damaging string of blows.<ref name="AC4"/>

====Sharpshooters====
Found patrolling and guarding rooftops and walkways, sharpshooters carried long-range muskets capable of hitting their target from a considerable distance; however, their rate of fire was moderately slow, and required time to reload and aim. When directly confronted by an enemy, the gunmen tended to back up and create enough space between themselves and their target to properly aim and shoot them. In close range, the sharpshooters were no more skilled than normal guards, and could be easily dispatched with a counter-attack.<ref name="AC4"/>

===Enlightenment Age===
====Gang Scouts====
Similar to Agiles during the Renaissance and the Golden Age of Piracy, Gang Scouts fought with short knives and were able to chase down [[Shay Cormac]] on the ground and on rooftops. Similar to Brutes and Grenadiers, Scouts are able to throw bombs; specifically, smoke bombs.<ref name="ACRG"/>

====Stalkers====
Stalkers were gang members trained by the Assassins. They are predominantly found in gang-occupied territories. Similar to the Stalkers in the Ottoman Empire, Stalkers were dressed like normal civilians and can blend in by sitting on benches or even blend in with a group of civilians. However, they are able to hide in hiding spots such as sheds or even bushes, akin to [[Guardians]] who protected the [[Observatory]]. When they notice Shay, they will attempt to assassinate him by either running towards him or attempt to air assassinate him.<ref name="ACRG"/>

Interestingly enough, most Stalkers that Shay encounters in New York are women, in the River Valley, they are Native Americans and in North Atlantic, men who wear a similar uniform of Spanish captains during the Golden Age of Piracy.<ref name="ACRG"/>

====Gang Brutes====

====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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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.<ref name="AC3"/>
{{-}}
====Officers====
{{Main|Officers}}
[[File:AC3 Officer.png|thumb|left|250px|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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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.<ref name="AC3"/>

====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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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]].<ref name="AC3"/>

====Snitches====
{{Main|Snitches}}
[[File:AC3 Snitch.png|thumb|left|250px|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.<ref name="AC3"/>

The British drummers were usually seen wearing ceremonial bearskin hats and red coats, whereas the Continental Army equivalent were seen wearing yellow coats and similar headgear to British drummers.<ref name="AC3"/>

===French Revolution===
====Halberd Carriers====
Similar in combat to the Seekers of the Renaissance, Extremist Halberd carriers carried deadly polearms and pistols, and were capable of blocking attacks. They could utilize a low sweep to knock down an opponent, though this could be dodged. They were also immune to defense breaks, automatically pushing away any attempt at doing so. They wore large tricorne hats and long coats.<ref name="ACU"/>

====Axe Carriers====
Axe carriers were akin to the Brutes of the Renaissance. They wore striped red and black clothing combined with satin-like yellow attire and wore red phrygian caps. They carried large axes, could use an unblockable heavy attack, and their regular attacks cannot be perfect parried. However, they could not block or parry attacks at all, and their attacks can easily be dodged.<ref name="ACU"/>

===Victorian London===
====Blighter Brutes====
Blighter Brutes were much faster and stronger than Blighter Thugs, and could recover quickly from attacks if they were at high levels. They wore red trousers with black suspenders over plain white shirts. They were usually bald.<ref name="ACS"/>

==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.

===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|left|250px|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.<ref name="ACB"/>

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="ACB"/>

====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.<ref name="ACR"/>

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="ACR"/>
{{-}}
===Enlightenment Age===
====Gang Leaders====
Gang leaders were leaders of gangs that were trained by the Assassins. Similar to the stalkers, gang leaders can hide in hiding spots and even assassinate Shay if they notice him. They are also able to use smoke bombs to attempt to stun Shay when they flee.<ref name="ACRG"/>

====Jägers====
{{Main|Jägers}}
[[File:ACIII-MostWanted 7.png|thumb|left|250px|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.<ref name="AC3"/>

Jägers specialized 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.<ref name="AC3"/>

Elite soldiers in your time 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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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 tricorne hats with a red feather.
*Patriot Jägers wore green coats with gold trim, black boots, and Tarletons with black horse hair trim.<ref name="AC3"/>

===French Revolution===
====Elite Fencers/Swiss Guards====
These elite fighters tended to serve as squad leaders and were armed with one-handed swords, pistols and stun bombs. The extremist Elite Fencers wore long-sleeved black coats with ruffles and plumed top hats. The Swiss Guards wore similar attire to other city guards with the addition of metal cuirasses and helmets with white horsehair crests.<ref name="ACU"/>

The Swiss Guards were regiments of Swiss mercenaries hired to protect the French Sovereign and his places of residence. These Swiss regiments were highly sought after in Europe since the Swiss cantons were reputed to produce good, obedient and ferocious soldiers. By the end of the 15th century, the Swiss Hundred Guard ("Cent Suisses") was created and regularly stationed in Paris. By the middle of the 18th century, the protection of the Champs-Élysées was entrusted to a detachment of ten or so soldiers tasked with maintaining order and arresting lawbreakers.<ref name="ACU"/>

They were capable of rapidly executing sword combos, and the window to perfectly parry their strikes was small. They would block every regular attack directed at them and could occasionally parry, causing damage to their attacker. In addition to this, they could easily duck under or roll away from gun shots, and were quite capable at using their own pistols. They would also hang back and throw stun bombs if Arno was locked in combat with other guards, which would detonate after a delay and disrupted Arno's vision if he was in the blast radius. However, they became vulnerable if they were worn out by repeated strikes or their defense was broken, and they could not block or dodge heavy attacks.<ref name="ACU"/>

===Victorian London===
====Royal Guards====
The Royal Guards were the elite foot guards of the British Monarchy in the Victorian Era. Being members of the British Army, they are loyal to Queen Victoria. They could be found only in Westminster, where they stood guard over the many government and administrative buildings there such as Buckingham Palace. They carried rifles, pistols, and batons. They are originally trained for warfare, and some of them may possibly be veterans of wars involving Great Britain. Because of this, only the highest level individuals stood a chance against these guards, as they did devastating damage with their baton barrage attacks, and could recover incredibly fast. They were easily identifiable due to the conspicuous uniforms that they wore. They wore a bright red British military tunic along with black trousers with a red stripe on either side and a tall black bearskin cap.<ref name="ACS"/>

==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.
*In ''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'', guards could sometimes be heard whistling the "[[Assassin's Creed II soundtrack|Ezio's Family]]" theme from ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''.
*In Assassin's Creed III, Patriot guards can be seen playing checkers. One of the guards will point at something, making the other guard look, and then moving pieces on the board.

==References==
{{GalleryBox|Guards}}
{{Reflist}}
{{AC2}}
{{AC2D}}
{{ACB}}
[[Category:Occupations]]

Soldier

2016-01-08T01:30:35Z

98.206.42.165: /* Grenadiers */

{{Era|ACAC|AC|ACBL|AC2|AC2D|ACB|ACR|AC3|AC3L|AC4|ACRG|ACU|ACS|CC|CI|CR}}
{{Revamp}}
[[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 comprising 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|left|[[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]].<ref name="AC">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref>

Saracens was loyal to Sultan Saladin of Egypt and Syria and to Turkish Sultan Kilij Arsian II and spoke Turkish or Arabic, while Crusaders are loyal to King Richard I of England, King Philip II of France and Emperor Frederick Barbarosa of Germany and spoke mostly English, with some Captains and Sergeants speaking French or German. Templar Knights, however, spoke all of the dialects.<ref name="AC"/>

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.<ref name="AC"/>

[[File:Talal Assassination 3.png|250px|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.<ref name="AC"/>

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"/>
{{-}}
===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|left|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]].<ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>

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]].<ref name="AC2"/>

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"/> or in Florence during the [[Bonfire of the Vanities]].<ref name="Bonfire">''Assassin's Creed II - ''[[Bonfire of the Vanities (DLC)|Bonfire of the Vanities]]''</ref> They were also charged with guarding the [[banks]] housing the [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's Codex|Codex]] pages.<ref name="AC2"/>

[[File:Florentine Fiasco 1.png|thumb|250px|[[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 name="Bonfire"/>

Guards serving the city of [[Forlì]] wore dark green caps and sleeves, as well as the coat of arms of said city.<ref>''Assassin's Creed II'' - ''[[Battle of Forlì (DLC)|Battle of Forlì]]''</ref>

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.<ref name="AC2"/>

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|left|A contingent of French soldiers]]
Guards and soldiers of [[France]], loyal to King Louis XII, 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]].<ref name="ACB">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref>

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.<ref name="ACB"/>

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="ACB"/>

[[File:Honor lost won v 3.png|thumb|250px|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]].<ref name="ACR">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>

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.<ref name="ACR"/>

Ottoman guards wore green uniforms with red accents, though the Janissaries wore more multicolored robes, being loyal to Sultan Bayezid II and later to Sultan Selim I, 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, displaying their loyalty to Manuel Palaiologos. 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="ACR"/>

===Ming dynasty===
[[File:Chronicles-China 5.jpg|left|thumb|250px|The Assassin [[Shao Jun]] locked in combat with guards]]
Chinese guards during the [[Ming dynasty]] in [[China]] equipped swords such as the pei dao, guandao and jian, spears and crossbows. They wore iron-plated, chain-linked armor and bronze helmets. Higher-ranked guards wore thicker armor or used wooden or iron shields.<ref name="China">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]''</ref>

Similar guards in Mongolia acted as chiefs and scouts, and could be differentiated from Chinese warriors through their different colored armor and thicker fur coats and clothing.<ref name="China"/>

===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 [[George I of Great Britain|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 bicorn hats that denoted their rank.<ref name="AC4">''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]''</ref>

The second faction was the [[Spain|Spanish Empire]], donning yellow outfits with a red or crimson trim, displaying loyalty to [[Philip V of Spain|King 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, and wore different hats to the British captains.<ref name="AC4"/>

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, displaying loyalty to [[John V of Portugal|King John V of Portugal]].<ref name="AC4"/>

The French soldiers, stationed primarily on [[Haiti|Saint-Domingue]], wore mostly white coats with blue outlines displaying loyalty to [[Louis XV of France|King Louis XV]]. The [[Slavery|slave]] overseers they colluded with often wore brown or tan outfits.<ref>''Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag'' - ''[[Freedom Cry]]''</ref>

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="AC4"/>

The final group were the mercenaries. Often hired by empires as expandable soldiers, they wore clothing much like pirate hunters, composed mainly of ordinary brown. They were usually found on land, guarding treasures and assassination targets.<ref name="AC4"/>

===Enlightenment Age===
[[File:ACIII-LexingtonandConcord 16.png|thumb|250px|[[Ratonhnhaké:ton|Connor]] commanding militia in firing lines]]
During the [[Seven Years' War]], guards were aligned with the [[British Army]] who were denoted by their red uniforms, displaying loyalty to [[George II of Great Britain|King George II]], or the [[French Army]] who were denoted by their white uniforms, displaying loyalty to King Louis XV. Assassin-affiliated [[gangs]] were denoted by their orange outfits.<ref name="ACRG">''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]''</ref>

During the [[American Revolutionary War]], 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.<ref name="AC3">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]''</ref>

British regulars and militia were easily denoted by their bright red uniforms, loyal to [[George III of the United Kingdom|King George III]]. 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, loyal to revolutionary leader [[George Washington]], wore mostly blue uniforms, except for Continental Grenadiers, who wore a khaki colored kilt.<ref name="AC3"/>

In France, guards served the government, first and nominally loyal to [[Louis XVI of France|King Louis XVI]] and then loyal to First French Republic, first to President of the Committee of Public Safety [[Georges Danton]] (for a short period of time) and then to his successor [[Maximilien de Robespierre]], or acted on behalf of political extremists to cause trouble. The official guards wore blue, red and white uniforms, with bicorne hats. Their allies, the elite Swiss Guard, often dressed similarly, but were easily distinguishable by their ornate armor and helmets. The extremists wore a variety of civilian clothing, but always had red elements present.<ref name="ACU">''[[Assassin's Creed: Unity]]''</ref>

If the former saw someone being attacked or killed, they would attack the ones responsible, including the murderers in certain Crowd Events. On occasion, they would attack a nearby group of extremists if something suspicious occurred in their vicinity without [[Arno Dorian]] being visible.<ref name="ACU"/>

The latter would fight vigilantes after exchanging taunts, and might fight the official guards if suspicions were raised and Arno was nowhere in sight. On occasion, they would also become suspicious of Arno without provocation and would attack him if he lingered in their view.<ref name="ACU"/>

===Victorian London===
Guards in Victorian London were not so much guards as they were gang members or law enforcement agents. Different types of guards operated in different London boroughs, such as Whitechapel, Lambeth, etc. The lower ranking guard types were usually petty members of the London street gangs, while the highest ranking guard types were usually militarily affiliated, being loyal to [[Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom|Queen Victoria]].<ref name="ACS">''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]''</ref>

==Ranking==
===High Middle Ages===
====Regular====
[[File:Tamir Informer Escort 3.png|thumb|left|250px|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 padded armor, while Saracen ones wore turbans, and light lamellar armor.<ref name="AC"/>

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.<ref name="AC"/>

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.<ref name="AC"/>

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.<ref name="AC2"/>

Militia could be found almost everywhere, and wielded a large variety of [[Swords|medium-ranged weapons]]. They were not especially agile, but could climb up to the rooftops, albeit slowly, in order to pursue a target Assassin.<ref name="AC2"/>

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.<ref name="AC2"/>

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.<ref name="AC2"/>

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.<ref name="ACB"/>

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.<ref name="ACB"/>

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="ACB"/>

===18th century Caribbean===
====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, the white coat is worn by the soldiers of French 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.<ref name="AC4"/>

====Grenadiers====
Grenadiers are the brutes of the Caribbean. They wear huge, long coats and a tricorne. They wield large boarding axes, a pistol and grenades. Grenadiers block attacks easily with their axes, meaning attackers must break their defense before he can kill them in melee. They also deal high damage with their axe swings. Grenadiers will drop grenades occasionally when they are not engaged in combat. Grenades explode and deal damage to anyone in the area, friend or foe; indeed, it is not uncommon for grenadiers to be killed by their own grenades. They use their pistol when the enemy is in a hard to reach place.<ref name="AC4"/>

====Agile====
Where agiles lack in strength, they make up for in speed. Agiles wear short coats and powdered wigs, except for hunter agiles, who wear tricornes. They wield a light weapon and a pistol in combat. Agiles are the fastest guards in the Caribbean, they can keep up with Edward longer than any class and can free run to an extent. When engaging in combat, they will deliver a chain of blows, one after the other, so that the defender has no time to counterattack, only to parry. They use their pistols when the enemy is out of reach. A pair of agile can be found on large enemy ships, acting as lieutenants.<ref name="AC4"/>

====Gunners====
Gunners are often deployed in tactical, elevated positions like guard towers, ships' crow's nests and rooftops. They wear short coats and a tricorn, except for British gunners, who wear bicorns. They are armed with a musket and bayonet, and rarely move from position. When they spot an enemy, they will take aim for a few seconds, then fire. Muskets deal huge damage, taking out three health bars. To counter, defenders can grab enemies and use then as human shields, or just get out of sight. When in melee, they use their bayonets and fight similarly to grenadiers.<ref name="AC4"/>

====Captains====
Captains are the most elite members of enemy forces Edward will encounter. Spanish and Portuguese captains wear wide-brimmed hats, shoulder padded coats and boots. British captains wear bicorns, gold trimmed blue coats with a red sash, and hunter captains wear green coats. They have the same armament as regulars, but use their pistols in direct combat. They combine the attacking speed of an agile with the blocking skill of a grenadier. On large ships, one can be found acting as captain.<ref name="AC4"/>

===Enlightenment Age===
====Gang members====

====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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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.<ref name="AC3"/>

====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. On board ships they were dressed as Royal Marines.<ref name="AC3"/>

Patriot militia wore a white shirt and a blue vest, together with an explorer's cap. Militia 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.<ref name="AC3"/>

===French Revolution===
====Militia====
The militia comprised the bulk of the extremist forces. They were dressed in simple striped red and black attire with plumed tricorn hats. They carried sabers and pistols, but were not especially proficient in their use. They struck relatively slowly and would rarely execute combos. Higher level versions were capable of blocking attacks, but would tire and become vulnerable after blocking 1 or 2 attacks.<ref name="ACU"/>

====Enforcers====
The most common enemy aside from the Militia were the Enforcers. The extremist version dressed in similar attire to the Militia with the addition of leather longcoats.<ref name="ACU"/>

====National Guard====
The Revolutionary National Guardsmen are dressed in dark blue uniforms with bicorne hats. They carry the basic officer's saber and pistol as weapons.<ref name="ACU"/>

===Victorian London===
====Blighter Thug====
The slowest and least dangerous of all guard types, Blighter Thugs wore dark red coats and black bowler hats. They usually combated individuals with small knives. They could be found in every London Borough.<ref name="ACS"/>

====Blighter Female====
Blighter Females were female Blighter members who were equipped with small blades. They were somewhat faster and stronger than Blighter Thugs.<ref name="ACS"/>

====Scotland Yard Officer====
These law enforcement officers wore the common dark blue uniform and black custodian helmet of the Scotland Yard Police Department. If they heard or spotted violence or conflict on the streets of London, they would first, blow their whistles in order to alert nearby officers for help before fighting the suspect. In combat, they wielded batons and would occasionally draw their pistols to fire at enemies.<ref name="ACS"/>

====Scotland Yard Constable====
Constables would often wear the exact same attire as Scotland Yard Officers, only with a short blue cape. They were much tougher than officers in combat.<ref name="ACS"/>

====Undercover Scotland Yard Officer====
These guards behave in combat much like regular Scotland Yard Officers, only they wore grey clothing and grey kepi hats in order to blend in with the citizens of London.<ref name="ACS"/>

====Templar Official====
Templar officials could be found both on street level and on the tops of buildings. They usually wore black suits and top hats, and wore white arm bands baring the Templar cross. They wielded sword canes in combat and were extremely dangerous at high levels.<ref name="ACS"/>

===World War 1===
====Foot Soldiers====
During World War 1, in the year 1916, London, under threat of German invasion, temporarily replaced their regular police force with soldiers from the British Army until the war was over. These infantry men acted very similar to the police force in Victorian London. They carried a baton, Lee-Enfield rifle, and a Webley revolver. If they heard or spotted trouble, they would hit the suspect with a baton and if they got out of range, shoot them with their rifles or pistols. They wore standard British Army uniforms during World War 1 which included a drab service dress with webbed equipment around it, black boots with gaiters covering them, a brodie helmet, and drab trousers.<ref name="ACS"/>

====Officers====
Officers of the British Army in 1916 could often be seen leading a squad while patrolling. They wore similar uniforms to the standard infantry, but with a peaked cap instead of a brodie helmet and no webbed equipment around their uniform. They were slightly tougher than regular infantry in combat and would use a baton against the suspect and a revolver when they got out of range.<ref name="ACS"/> The Foot Soldiers and Officers was loyal to the King George V, grandson of the Queen Victoria.

==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.

===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.<ref name="AC2"/>

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|left|250px|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="ACB"/> However, they did not completely replace Archers, as longbows were more accurate if used by a skilled guard.<ref>''[[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]] ability, which permitted them to more closely investigate intruders.<ref name="ACB"/>

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

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

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="ACB"/>

====Bombmen====
[[File:ACR Ottoman Bombardier.png|thumb|left|250px|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.<ref name="ACR"/>

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

===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. Snipers could also assault intruders with bayonets equipped with their muskets. They often watched over [[sugar plantations]], and would fire at intruders or run to an alarm bell to call reinforcements.<ref name="AC4"/>

===Ming dynasty===
====Crossbowmen====
[[File:ACCC DB Crossbowman.jpg|thumb|250x250px|A Chinese crossbowman]]
Crossbowmen during the Ming Dynasty, as the name implies, were equipped with crossbows and usually guarded walls in restricted areas. These guards also have the ability to use the crossbow to damage a close range opponent as a melee attack. They would take short time in aiming their weapon, giving the opponent time to dodge the bolts.<ref name="China"/>

====Heavy Crossbowmen====
Unlike ordinary crossbowmen, these guards are heavily armored tend to stay routed to a particular spot. They also had the ability to send a flurry of crossbow bolts to an intruder, damaging the opponent in a bigger rate than the former.<ref name="China"/>

====Handcannon Guard====
[[File:ACCC DB Ming Dynasty Muskets.jpg|left|thumb|250px|An aiming Handcannon Guard]]
This guard handles a flint-activated hand cannon that could be used as a melee weapon and ranged weapon. The cannon could deal heavy damage but takes time to reload.<ref name="China"/>

===French Revolution===
====Snipers====
Snipers were mainly used during the French Revolution for guarding important locations such as The Temple or The Palais du Luxembourg. They carried muskets, which were lethally effective if a shot could be landed on a target. They could also spot Arno from much further away than other guards. However, they were less durable than other guards and were not very capable in melee.<ref name="ACU"/>

Extremist snipers were dressed in dark grey clothing with a small cap, while city guard snipers had similar clothing to regular city guards, with the addition of white crossbelts over their coats and occasionally backpacks.<ref name="ACU"/>

===Victorian London===
====Blighter Sharpshooters====
Blighter Sharpshooters were usually stationed on the tops of buildings or on balconies. They carried rifles and were usually females.<ref name="ACS"/>

==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.

===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.<ref name="AC2"/>

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|left|250px|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.<ref name="AC2"/><ref name="ACB"/>

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="ACB"/>

====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.<ref name="AC2"/><ref name="ACB"/>

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="ACB"/> 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|left|250px|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.<ref name="ACB"/>

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.<ref name="ACB"/>

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="ACB"/>

====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.<ref name="ACR"/>

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]].<ref name="ACR"/>

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="ACR"/>

====Varangians====
{{Main|Varangians}}
[[File:Cistern 14.png|thumb|left|250px|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.<ref name="ACR"/>

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="ACR"/>
{{-}}
===18th century Caribbean===
====Agiles====
Similar to the Agiles of the Renaissance, these guards fought with short knives, and were capable of chasing down Assassins, both on the ground and on rooftops, and would tackle their target upon catching them. Like most guard types, they were vulnerable to a disarming attack, but they would quickly retrieve their weapons if such an attack occurred. However, it was possible to disarm them and quickly throw the knife at them, killing them.<ref name="AC4"/>

On larger naval ships, such as [[Frigate|frigates]] and [[Man O' War|Men O' War]], two agiles occasionally acted as officers, and were necessary to kill in order to board the vessel.<ref name="AC4"/>

====Brutes====
Often seen guarding restricted areas, brutes were large, powerfully-built men who wielded boarding axes and were capable of blocking most attacks. However, they were vulnerable to an attack that would break their defense and leave them open to a killing blow.<ref name="AC4"/>

On smaller naval ships, such as [[Gunboat|gunboats]] and [[Schooner|schooners]], brutes could be seen steering the vessel, and were the most skilled fighters on board.<ref name="AC4"/>

====Captains====
Although occasionally seen on land, captains were more often found on ships, commanding [[Brig|brigs]], frigates, and Men O' War. Equipped with both a sword and pistol, captains used both weapons in combat, and could block most attacks with ease. However, successfully countering an attack from a captain would leave them open for a damaging string of blows.<ref name="AC4"/>

====Sharpshooters====
Found patrolling and guarding rooftops and walkways, sharpshooters carried long-range muskets capable of hitting their target from a considerable distance; however, their rate of fire was moderately slow, and required time to reload and aim. When directly confronted by an enemy, the gunmen tended to back up and create enough space between themselves and their target to properly aim and shoot them. In close range, the sharpshooters were no more skilled than normal guards, and could be easily dispatched with a counter-attack.<ref name="AC4"/>

===Enlightenment Age===
====Gang Scouts====
Similar to Agiles during the Renaissance and the Golden Age of Piracy, Gang Scouts fought with short knives and were able to chase down [[Shay Cormac]] on the ground and on rooftops. Similar to Brutes and Grenadiers, Scouts are able to throw bombs; specifically, smoke bombs.<ref name="ACRG"/>

====Stalkers====
Stalkers were gang members trained by the Assassins. They are predominantly found in gang-occupied territories. Similar to the Stalkers in the Ottoman Empire, Stalkers were dressed like normal civilians and can blend in by sitting on benches or even blend in with a group of civilians. However, they are able to hide in hiding spots such as sheds or even bushes, akin to [[Guardians]] who protected the [[Observatory]]. When they notice Shay, they will attempt to assassinate him by either running towards him or attempt to air assassinate him.<ref name="ACRG"/>

Interestingly enough, most Stalkers that Shay encounters in New York are women, in the River Valley, they are Native Americans and in North Atlantic, men who wear a similar uniform of Spanish captains during the Golden Age of Piracy.<ref name="ACRG"/>

====Gang Brutes====

====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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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.<ref name="AC3"/>
{{-}}
====Officers====
{{Main|Officers}}
[[File:AC3 Officer.png|thumb|left|250px|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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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.<ref name="AC3"/>

====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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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]].<ref name="AC3"/>

====Snitches====
{{Main|Snitches}}
[[File:AC3 Snitch.png|thumb|left|250px|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.<ref name="AC3"/>

The British drummers were usually seen wearing ceremonial bearskin hats and red coats, whereas the Continental Army equivalent were seen wearing yellow coats and similar headgear to British drummers.<ref name="AC3"/>

===French Revolution===
====Halberd Carriers====
Similar in combat to the Seekers of the Renaissance, Extremist Halberd carriers carried deadly polearms and pistols, and were capable of blocking attacks. They could utilize a low sweep to knock down an opponent, though this could be dodged. They were also immune to defense breaks, automatically pushing away any attempt at doing so. They wore large tricorne hats and long coats.<ref name="ACU"/>

====Axe Carriers====
Axe carriers were akin to the Brutes of the Renaissance. They wore striped red and black clothing combined with satin-like yellow attire and wore red phrygian caps. They carried large axes, could use an unblockable heavy attack, and their regular attacks cannot be perfect parried. However, they could not block or parry attacks at all, and their attacks can easily be dodged.<ref name="ACU"/>

===Victorian London===
====Blighter Brutes====
Blighter Brutes were much faster and stronger than Blighter Thugs, and could recover quickly from attacks if they were at high levels. They wore red trousers with black suspenders over plain white shirts. They were usually bald.<ref name="ACS"/>

==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.

===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|left|250px|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.<ref name="ACB"/>

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="ACB"/>

====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.<ref name="ACR"/>

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="ACR"/>
{{-}}
===Enlightenment Age===
====Gang Leaders====
Gang leaders were leaders of gangs that were trained by the Assassins. Similar to the stalkers, gang leaders can hide in hiding spots and even assassinate Shay if they notice him. They are also able to use smoke bombs to attempt to stun Shay when they flee.<ref name="ACRG"/>

====Jägers====
{{Main|Jägers}}
[[File:ACIII-MostWanted 7.png|thumb|left|250px|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.<ref name="AC3"/>

Jägers specialized 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.<ref name="AC3"/>

Elite soldiers in your time 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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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 tricorne hats with a red feather.
*Patriot Jägers wore green coats with gold trim, black boots, and Tarletons with black horse hair trim.<ref name="AC3"/>

===French Revolution===
====Elite Fencers/Swiss Guards====
These elite fighters tended to serve as squad leaders and were armed with one-handed swords, pistols and stun bombs. The extremist Elite Fencers wore long-sleeved black coats with ruffles and plumed top hats. The Swiss Guards wore similar attire to other city guards with the addition of metal cuirasses and helmets with white horsehair crests.<ref name="ACU"/>

The Swiss Guards were regiments of Swiss mercenaries hired to protect the French Sovereign and his places of residence. These Swiss regiments were highly sought after in Europe since the Swiss cantons were reputed to produce good, obedient and ferocious soldiers. By the end of the 15th century, the Swiss Hundred Guard ("Cent Suisses") was created and regularly stationed in Paris. By the middle of the 18th century, the protection of the Champs-Élysées was entrusted to a detachment of ten or so soldiers tasked with maintaining order and arresting lawbreakers.<ref name="ACU"/>

They were capable of rapidly executing sword combos, and the window to perfectly parry their strikes was small. They would block every regular attack directed at them and could occasionally parry, causing damage to their attacker. In addition to this, they could easily duck under or roll away from gun shots, and were quite capable at using their own pistols. They would also hang back and throw stun bombs if Arno was locked in combat with other guards, which would detonate after a delay and disrupted Arno's vision if he was in the blast radius. However, they became vulnerable if they were worn out by repeated strikes or their defense was broken, and they could not block or dodge heavy attacks.<ref name="ACU"/>

===Victorian London===
====Royal Guards====
The Royal Guards were the elite foot guards of the British Monarchy in the Victorian Era. Being members of the British Army, they are loyal to Queen Victoria. They could be found only in Westminster, where they stood guard over the many government and administrative buildings there such as Buckingham Palace. They carried rifles, pistols, and batons. They are originally trained for warfare, and some of them may possibly be veterans of wars involving Great Britain. Because of this, only the highest level individuals stood a chance against these guards, as they did devastating damage with their baton barrage attacks, and could recover incredibly fast. They were easily identifiable due to the conspicuous uniforms that they wore. They wore a bright red British military tunic along with black trousers with a red stripe on either side and a tall black bearskin cap.<ref name="ACS"/>

==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.
*In ''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'', guards could sometimes be heard whistling the "[[Assassin's Creed II soundtrack|Ezio's Family]]" theme from ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''.
*In Assassin's Creed III, Patriot guards can be seen playing checkers. One of the guards will point at something, making the other guard look, and then moving pieces on the board.

==References==
{{GalleryBox|Guards}}
{{Reflist}}
{{AC2}}
{{AC2D}}
{{ACB}}
[[Category:Occupations]]

Soldier

2015-12-12T22:13:16Z

98.206.42.165: /* Agile */

{{Era|ACAC|AC|ACBL|AC2|AC2D|ACB|ACR|AC3|AC3L|AC4|ACRG|ACU|ACS|CC|CI|CR}}
{{Revamp}}
[[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|left|[[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]].<ref name="AC">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref>

Saracens was loyal to Sultan Saladin of Egypt and Syria and to Turkish Sultan Kilij Arsian II and spoke Turkish or Arabic, while Crusaders are loyal to King Richard I of England, King Philip II of France and Emperor Frederick Barbarosa of Germany and spoke mostly English, with some Captains and Sergeants speaking French or German. Templar Knights, however, spoke all of the dialects.<ref name="AC"/>

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.<ref name="AC"/>

[[File:Talal Assassination 3.png|250px|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.<ref name="AC"/>

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"/>
{{-}}
===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|left|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]].<ref name="AC2">''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''</ref>

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]].<ref name="AC2"/>

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"/> or in Florence during the [[Bonfire of the Vanities]].<ref name="Bonfire">''Assassin's Creed II - ''[[Bonfire of the Vanities (DLC)|Bonfire of the Vanities]]''</ref> They were also charged with guarding the [[banks]] housing the [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad's Codex|Codex]] pages.<ref name="AC2"/>

[[File:Florentine Fiasco 1.png|thumb|250px|[[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 name="Bonfire"/>

Guards serving the city of [[Forlì]] wore dark green caps and sleeves, as well as the coat of arms of said city.<ref>''Assassin's Creed II'' - ''[[Battle of Forlì (DLC)|Battle of Forlì]]''</ref>

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.<ref name="AC2"/>

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|left|A contingent of French soldiers]]
Guards and soldiers of [[France]], loyal to King Louis XII, 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]].<ref name="ACB">''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]''</ref>

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.<ref name="ACB"/>

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="ACB"/>

[[File:Honor lost won v 3.png|thumb|250px|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]].<ref name="ACR">''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''</ref>

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.<ref name="ACR"/>

Ottoman guards wore green uniforms with red accents, though the Janissaries wore more multicolored robes, being loyal to Sultan Bayezid II and later to Sultan Selim I, 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, displaying their loyalty to Manuel Palaiologos. 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="ACR"/>

===Ming dynasty===
[[File:Chronicles-China 5.jpg|left|thumb|250px|The Assassin [[Shao Jun]] locked in combat with guards]]
Chinese guards during the [[Ming dynasty]] in [[China]] equipped swords such as the pei dao, guandao and jian, spears and crossbows. They wore iron-plated, chain-linked armor and bronze helmets. Higher-ranked guards wore thicker armor or used wooden or iron shields.<ref name="China">''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]''</ref>

Similar guards in Mongolia acted as chiefs and scouts, and could be differentiated from Chinese warriors through their different colored armor and thicker fur coats and clothing.<ref name="China"/>

===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 [[George I|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 bicorn hats that denoted their rank.<ref name="AC4">''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]''</ref>

The second faction was the [[Spain|Spanish Empire]], donning yellow outfits with a red or crimson trim, displaying loyalty to [[Philip V of Spain|King 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, and wore different hats to the British captains.<ref name="AC4"/>

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, displaying loyalty to [[John V of Portugal|King John V of Portugal]].<ref name="AC4"/>

The French soldiers, stationed primarily on [[Haiti|Saint-Domingue]], wore mostly white coats with blue outlines displaying loyalty to [[Louis XV of France|King Louis XV]]. The [[Slavery|slave]] overseers they colluded with often wore brown or tan outfits.<ref>''Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag'' - ''[[Freedom Cry]]''</ref>

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="AC4"/>

The final group were the mercenaries. Often hired by empires as expandable soldiers, they wore clothing much like pirate hunters, composed mainly of ordinary brown. They were usually found on land, guarding treasures and assassination targets.<ref name="AC4"/>

===Enlightenment Age===
[[File:ACIII-LexingtonandConcord 16.png|thumb|250px|[[Ratonhnhaké:ton|Connor]] commanding militia in firing lines]]
During the [[Seven Years' War]], guards were aligned with the [[British Army]] who were denoted by their red uniforms, displaying loyalty to [[George II of Great Britain|King George II]], or the [[French Army]] who were denoted by their white uniforms, displaying loyalty to King Louis XV. Assassin-affiliated [[gangs]] were denoted by their orange outfits.<ref name="ACRG">''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]''</ref>

During the [[American Revolutionary War]], 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.<ref name="AC3">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]''</ref>

British regulars and militia were easily denoted by their bright red uniforms, loyal to [[George III of the United Kingdom|King George III]]. 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, loyal to revolutionary leader [[George Washington]], wore mostly blue uniforms, except for Continental Grenadiers, who wore a khaki colored kilt.<ref name="AC3"/>

In France, guards served the government, first and nominally loyal to [[Louis XVI of France|King Louis XVI]] and then loyal to First French Republic, first to President of the Committee of Public Safety [[Georges Danton]] (for a short period of time) and then to his successor [[Maximilien de Robespierre]], or acted on behalf of political extremists to cause trouble. The official guards wore blue, red and white uniforms, with bicorne hats. Their allies, the elite Swiss Guard, often dressed similarly, but were easily distinguishable by their ornate armor and helmets. The extremists wore a variety of civilian clothing, but always had red elements present.<ref name="ACU">''[[Assassin's Creed: Unity]]''</ref>

If the former saw someone being attacked or killed, they would attack the ones responsible, including the murderers in certain Crowd Events. On occasion, they would attack a nearby group of extremists if something suspicious occurred in their vicinity without [[Arno Dorian]] being visible.<ref name="ACU"/>

The latter would fight vigilantes after exchanging taunts, and might fight the official guards if suspicions were raised and Arno was nowhere in sight. On occasion, they would also become suspicious of Arno without provocation and would attack him if he lingered in their view.<ref name="ACU"/>

===Victorian London===
Guards in Victorian London were not so much guards as they were gang members or law enforcement agents. Different types of guards operated in different London boroughs, such as Whitechapel, Lambeth, etc. The lower ranking guard types were usually petty members of the London street gangs, while the highest ranking guard types were usually militarily affiliated, being loyal to [[Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom|Queen Victoria]].<ref name="ACS">''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]''</ref>

==Ranking==
===High Middle Ages===
====Regular====
[[File:Tamir Informer Escort 3.png|thumb|left|250px|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 padded armor, while Saracen ones wore turbans, and light lamellar armor.<ref name="AC"/>

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.<ref name="AC"/>

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.<ref name="AC"/>

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.<ref name="AC2"/>

Militia could be found almost everywhere, and wielded a large variety of [[Swords|medium-ranged weapons]]. They were not especially agile, but could climb up to the rooftops, albeit slowly, in order to pursue a target Assassin.<ref name="AC2"/>

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.<ref name="AC2"/>

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.<ref name="AC2"/>

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.<ref name="ACB"/>

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.<ref name="ACB"/>

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="ACB"/>

===18th century Caribbean===
====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, the white coat is worn by the soldiers of French 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.<ref name="AC4"/>

====Grenadiers====
Grenadiers are the brutes of the Caribbean. They wear huge, long coats and a tricorne. They wield large boarding axes, a pistol and grenades. Grenadiers block attacks easily with their axes, meaning attackers must break their defense before he can kill them in melee. They also deal high damage with their axe swings. Grenadiers will drop grenades occasionally when they are not engaged in combat. Grenades explode and deal damage to anyone in the area, friend or foe; indeed, it is not in common for grenadiers to be killed by their own grenades. They use their pistol when the enemy is in a hard to reach place.<ref name="AC4"/>

====Agile====
Where agiles lack in strength, they make up for in speed. Agiles wear short coats and powdered wigs, except for hunter agiles, who wear tricornes. They wield a light weapon and a pistol in combat. Agiles are the fastest guards in the Caribbean, they can keep up with Edward longer than any class and can free run to an extent. When engaging in combat, they will deliver a chain of blows, one after the other, so that the defender has no time to counterattack, only to parry. They use their pistols when the enemy is out of reach. A pair of agile can be found on large enemy ships, acting as lieutenants.<ref name="AC4"/>

====Gunners====
Gunners are often deployed in tactical, elevated positions like guard towers, ships' crow's nests and rooftops. They wear short coats and a tricorn, except for British gunners, who wear bicorns. They are armed with a musket and bayonet, and rarely move from position. When they spot an enemy, they will take aim for a few seconds, then fire. Muskets deal huge damage, taking out three health bars. To counter, defenders can grab enemies and use then as human shields, or just get out of sight. When in melee, they use their bayonets and fight similarly to grenadiers.<ref name="AC4"/>

====Captains====
Captains are the most elite members of enemy forces Edward will encounter. Spanish and Portuguese captains wear wide-brimmed hats, shoulder padded coats and boots. British captains wear bicorns, gold trimmed blue coats with a red sash, and hunter captains wear green coats. They have the same armament as regulars, but use their pistols in direct combat. They combine the attacking speed of an agile with the blocking skill of a grenadier. On large ships, one can be found acting as captain.<ref name="AC4"/>

===Enlightenment Age===
====Gang members====

====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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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.<ref name="AC3"/>

====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. On board ships they were dressed as Royal Marines.<ref name="AC3"/>

Patriot militia wore a white shirt and a blue vest, together with an explorer's cap. Militia 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.<ref name="AC3"/>

===French Revolution===
====Militia====
The militia comprised the bulk of the extremist forces. They were dressed in simple striped red and black attire with plumed tricorn hats. They carried sabers and pistols, but were not especially proficient in their use. They struck relatively slowly and would rarely execute combos. Higher level versions were capable of blocking attacks, but would tire and become vulnerable after blocking 1 or 2 attacks.<ref name="ACU"/>

====Enforcers====
The most common enemy aside from the Militia were the Enforcers. The extremist version dressed in similar attire to the Militia with the addition of leather longcoats.<ref name="ACU"/>

====National Guard====
The Revolutionary National Guardsmen are dressed in dark blue uniforms with bicorne hats. They carry the basic officer's saber and pistol as weapons.<ref name="ACU"/>

===Victorian London===
====Blighter Thug====
The slowest and least dangerous of all guard types, Blighter Thugs wore dark red coats and black bowler hats. They usually combated individuals with small knives. They could be found in every London Borough.<ref name="ACS"/>

====Blighter Female====
Blighter Females were female Blighter members who were equipped with small blades. They were somewhat faster and stronger than Blighter Thugs.<ref name="ACS"/>

====Scotland Yard Officer====
These law enforcement officers wore the common dark blue uniform and black custodian helmet of the Scotland Yard Police Department. If they heard or spotted violence or conflict on the streets of London, they would first, blow their whistles in order to alert nearby officers for help before fighting the suspect. In combat, they wielded batons and would occasionally draw their pistols to fire at enemies.<ref name="ACS"/>

====Scotland Yard Constable====
Constables would often wear the exact same attire as Scotland Yard Officers, only with a short blue cape. They were much tougher than officers in combat.<ref name="ACS"/>

====Undercover Scotland Yard Officer====
These guards behave in combat much like regular Scotland Yard Officers, only they wore grey clothing and grey kepi hats in order to blend in with the citizens of London.<ref name="ACS"/>

====Templar Official====
Templar officials could be found both on street level and on the tops of buildings. They usually wore black suits and top hats, and wore white arm bands baring the Templar cross. They wielded sword canes in combat and were extremely dangerous at high levels.<ref name="ACS"/>

===World War 1===
====Foot Soldiers====
During World War 1, in the year 1916, London, under threat of German invasion, temporarily replaced their regular police force with soldiers from the British Army until the war was over. These infantry men acted very similar to the police force in Victorian London. They carried a baton, Lee-Enfield rifle, and a Webley revolver. If they heard or spotted trouble, they would hit the suspect with a baton and if they got out of range, shoot them with their rifles or pistols. They wore standard British Army uniforms during World War 1 which included a drab service dress with webbed equipment around it, black boots with gaiters covering them, a brodie helmet, and drab trousers.<ref name="ACS"/>

====Officers====
Officers of the British Army in 1916 could often be seen leading a squad while patrolling. They wore similar uniforms to the standard infantry, but with a peaked cap instead of a brodie helmet and no webbed equipment around their uniform. They were slightly tougher than regular infantry in combat and would use a baton against the suspect and a revolver when they got out of range.<ref name="ACS"/> The Foot Soldiers and Officers was loyal to the King George V, grandson of the Queen Victoria.

==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.

===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.<ref name="AC2"/>

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|left|250px|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="ACB"/> However, they did not completely replace Archers, as longbows were more accurate if used by a skilled guard.<ref>''[[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]] ability, which permitted them to more closely investigate intruders.<ref name="ACB"/>

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

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

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="ACB"/>

====Bombmen====
[[File:ACR Ottoman Bombardier.png|thumb|left|250px|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.<ref name="ACR"/>

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

===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. Snipers could also assault intruders with bayonets equipped with their muskets. They often watched over [[sugar plantations]], and would fire at intruders or run to an alarm bell to call reinforcements.<ref name="AC4"/>

===Ming dynasty===
====Crossbowmen====
[[File:ACCC DB Crossbowman.jpg|thumb|250x250px|A Chinese crossbowman]]
Crossbowmen during the Ming Dynasty, as the name implies, were equipped with crossbows and usually guarded walls in restricted areas. These guards also have the ability to use the crossbow to damage a close range opponent as a melee attack. They would take short time in aiming their weapon, giving the opponent time to dodge the bolts.<ref name="China"/>

====Heavy Crossbowmen====
Unlike ordinary crossbowmen, these guards are heavily armored tend to stay routed to a particular spot. They also had the ability to send a flurry of crossbow bolts to an intruder, damaging the opponent in a bigger rate than the former.<ref name="China"/>

====Handcannon Guard====
[[File:ACCC DB Ming Dynasty Muskets.jpg|left|thumb|250px|An aiming Handcannon Guard]]
This guard handles a flint-activated hand cannon that could be used as a melee weapon and ranged weapon. The cannon could deal heavy damage but takes time to reload.<ref name="China"/>

===French Revolution===
====Snipers====
Snipers were mainly used during the French Revolution for guarding important locations such as The Temple or The Palais du Luxembourg. They carried muskets, which were lethally effective if a shot could be landed on a target. They could also spot Arno from much further away than other guards. However, they were less durable than other guards and were not very capable in melee.<ref name="ACU"/>

Extremist snipers were dressed in dark grey clothing with a small cap, while city guard snipers had similar clothing to regular city guards, with the addition of white crossbelts over their coats and occasionally backpacks.<ref name="ACU"/>

===Victorian London===
====Blighter Sharpshooters====
Blighter Sharpshooters were usually stationed on the tops of buildings or on balconies. They carried rifles and were usually females.<ref name="ACS"/>

==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.

===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.<ref name="AC2"/>

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|left|250px|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.<ref name="AC2"/><ref name="ACB"/>

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="ACB"/>

====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.<ref name="AC2"/><ref name="ACB"/>

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="ACB"/> 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|left|250px|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.<ref name="ACB"/>

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.<ref name="ACB"/>

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="ACB"/>

====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.<ref name="ACR"/>

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]].<ref name="ACR"/>

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="ACR"/>

====Varangians====
{{Main|Varangians}}
[[File:Cistern 14.png|thumb|left|250px|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.<ref name="ACR"/>

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="ACR"/>
{{-}}
===18th century Caribbean===
====Agiles====
Similar to the Agiles of the Renaissance, these guards fought with short knives, and were capable of chasing down Assassins, both on the ground and on rooftops, and would tackle their target upon catching them. Like most guard types, they were vulnerable to a disarming attack, but they would quickly retrieve their weapons if such an attack occurred. However, it was possible to disarm them and quickly throw the knife at them, killing them.<ref name="AC4"/>

On larger naval ships, such as [[Frigate|frigates]] and [[Man O' War|Men O' War]], two agiles occasionally acted as officers, and were necessary to kill in order to board the vessel.<ref name="AC4"/>

====Brutes====
Often seen guarding restricted areas, brutes were large, powerfully-built men who wielded boarding axes and were capable of blocking most attacks. However, they were vulnerable to an attack that would break their defense and leave them open to a killing blow.<ref name="AC4"/>

On smaller naval ships, such as [[Gunboat|gunboats]] and [[Schooner|schooners]], brutes could be seen steering the vessel, and were the most skilled fighters on board.<ref name="AC4"/>

====Captains====
Although occasionally seen on land, captains were more often found on ships, commanding [[Brig|brigs]], frigates, and Men O' War. Equipped with both a sword and pistol, captains used both weapons in combat, and could block most attacks with ease. However, successfully countering an attack from a captain would leave them open for a damaging string of blows.<ref name="AC4"/>

====Sharpshooters====
Found patrolling and guarding rooftops and walkways, sharpshooters carried long-range muskets capable of hitting their target from a considerable distance; however, their rate of fire was moderately slow, and required time to reload and aim. When directly confronted by an enemy, the gunmen tended to back up and create enough space between themselves and their target to properly aim and shoot them. In close range, the sharpshooters were no more skilled than normal guards, and could be easily dispatched with a counter-attack.<ref name="AC4"/>

===Enlightenment Age===
====Gang Scouts====
Similar to Agiles during the Renaissance and the Golden Age of Piracy, Gang Scouts fought with short knives and were able to chase down [[Shay Cormac]] on the ground and on rooftops. Similar to Brutes and Grenadiers, Scouts are able to throw bombs; specifically, smoke bombs.<ref name="ACRG"/>

====Stalkers====
Stalkers were gang members trained by the Assassins. They are predominantly found in gang-occupied territories. Similar to the Stalkers in the Ottoman Empire, Stalkers were dressed like normal civilians and can blend in by sitting on benches or even blend in with a group of civilians. However, they are able to hide in hiding spots such as sheds or even bushes, akin to [[Guardians]] who protected the [[Observatory]]. When they notice Shay, they will attempt to assassinate him by either running towards him or attempt to air assassinate him.<ref name="ACRG"/>

Interestingly enough, most Stalkers that Shay encounters in New York are women, in the River Valley, they are Native Americans and in North Atlantic, men who wear a similar uniform of Spanish captains during the Golden Age of Piracy.<ref name="ACRG"/>

====Gang Brutes====

====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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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.<ref name="AC3"/>
{{-}}
====Officers====
{{Main|Officers}}
[[File:AC3 Officer.png|thumb|left|250px|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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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.<ref name="AC3"/>

====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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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]].<ref name="AC3"/>

====Snitches====
{{Main|Snitches}}
[[File:AC3 Snitch.png|thumb|left|250px|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.<ref name="AC3"/>

The British drummers were usually seen wearing ceremonial bearskin hats and red coats, whereas the Continental Army equivalent were seen wearing yellow coats and similar headgear to British drummers.<ref name="AC3"/>

===French Revolution===
====Halberd Carriers====
Similar in combat to the Seekers of the Renaissance, Extremist Halberd carriers carried deadly polearms and pistols, and were capable of blocking attacks. They could utilize a low sweep to knock down an opponent, though this could be dodged. They were also immune to defense breaks, automatically pushing away any attempt at doing so. They wore large tricorne hats and long coats.<ref name="ACU"/>

====Axe Carriers====
Axe carriers were akin to the Brutes of the Renaissance. They wore striped red and black clothing combined with satin-like yellow attire and wore red phrygian caps. They carried large axes, could use an unblockable heavy attack, and their regular attacks cannot be perfect parried. However, they could not block or parry attacks at all, and their attacks can easily be dodged.<ref name="ACU"/>

===Victorian London===
====Blighter Brutes====
Blighter Brutes were much faster and stronger than Blighter Thugs, and could recover quickly from attacks if they were at high levels. They wore red trousers with black suspenders over plain white shirts. They were usually bald.<ref name="ACS"/>

==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.

===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|left|250px|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.<ref name="ACB"/>

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="ACB"/>

====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.<ref name="ACR"/>

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="ACR"/>
{{-}}
===Enlightenment Age===
====Gang Leaders====
Gang leaders were leaders of gangs that were trained by the Assassins. Similar to the stalkers, gang leaders can hide in hiding spots and even assassinate Shay if they notice him. They are also able to use smoke bombs to attempt to stun Shay when they flee.<ref name="ACRG"/>

====Jägers====
{{Main|Jägers}}
[[File:ACIII-MostWanted 7.png|thumb|left|250px|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.<ref name="AC3"/>

Jägers specialized 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.<ref name="AC3"/>

Elite soldiers in your time 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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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.<ref name="AC3"/>

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 tricorne hats with a red feather.
*Patriot Jägers wore green coats with gold trim, black boots, and Tarletons with black horse hair trim.<ref name="AC3"/>

===French Revolution===
====Elite Fencers/Swiss Guards====
These elite fighters tended to serve as squad leaders and were armed with one-handed swords, pistols and stun bombs. The extremist Elite Fencers wore long-sleeved black coats with ruffles and plumed top hats. The Swiss Guards wore similar attire to other city guards with the addition of metal cuirasses and helmets with white horsehair crests.<ref name="ACU"/>

The Swiss Guards were regiments of Swiss mercenaries hired to protect the French Sovereign and his places of residence. These Swiss regiments were highly sought after in Europe since the Swiss cantons were reputed to produce good, obedient and ferocious soldiers. By the end of the 15th century, the Swiss Hundred Guard ("Cent Suisses") was created and regularly stationed in Paris. By the middle of the 18th century, the protection of the Champs-Élysées was entrusted to a detachment of ten or so soldiers tasked with maintaining order and arresting lawbreakers.<ref name="ACU"/>

They were capable of rapidly executing sword combos, and the window to perfectly parry their strikes was small. They would block every regular attack directed at them and could occasionally parry, causing damage to their attacker. In addition to this, they could easily duck under or roll away from gun shots, and were quite capable at using their own pistols. They would also hang back and throw stun bombs if Arno was locked in combat with other guards, which would detonate after a delay and disrupted Arno's vision if he was in the blast radius. However, they became vulnerable if they were worn out by repeated strikes or their defense was broken, and they could not block or dodge heavy attacks.<ref name="ACU"/>

===Victorian London===
====Royal Guards====
The Royal Guards were the elite foot guards of the British Monarchy in the Victorian Era. Being members of the British Army, they are loyal to Queen Victoria. They could be found only in Westminster, where they stood guard over the many government and administrative buildings there such as Buckingham Palace. They carried rifles, pistols, and batons. They are originally trained for warfare, and some of them may possibly be veterans of wars involving Great Britain. Because of this, only the highest level individuals stood a chance against these guards, as they did devastating damage with their baton barrage attacks, and could recover incredibly fast. They were easily identifiable due to the conspicuous uniforms that they wore. They wore a bright red British military tunic along with black trousers with a red stripe on either side and a tall black bearskin cap.<ref name="ACS"/>

==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.
*In ''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'', guards could sometimes be heard whistling the "[[Assassin's Creed II soundtrack|Ezio's Family]]" theme from ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''.

==References==
{{GalleryBox|Guards}}
{{Reflist}}
{{AC2}}
{{AC2D}}
{{ACB}}
[[Category:Occupations]]

Easter eggs

2015-11-28T04:06:32Z

98.206.42.165: /* Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag */

{{Era|AC|AC2|ACB|ACR|AC3|AC3L|AC4|ACU|ACRG|ACS|RW}}
{{Update|''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]''}}
'''Easter eggs''' are intentional hidden extras found within games that are usually jokes or references. The [[Assassin's Creed (series)|''Assassin's Creed'' games]] have their own Easter eggs, and many other games contain Easter eggs related to the series.

==Carl Jung==
Psychiatrist [[Carl Jung]] was referenced throughout the Assassin's Creed series:
*The [[Animus]] was named for Jung's {{Wiki|Anima and animus|anima and animus}}.
*Women in the series such as [[Eve]], [[Maria Thorpe]], [[Maria Auditore da Firenze]] and [[Sofia Sartor]] (mostly wives of the male [[Assassins]]) shared their names with stages of anima development, a male's inner feminine personality.
*Furthermore, in the [[Abstergo Files]], it was stated that Abstergo believed their research would put an end to the debate over the existence of Jung's {{Wiki|Collective unconscious|collective unconsciousness}}.

==''Assassin's Creed''==
===Jamal===
In ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'', upon leaving [[Masyaf]] for the first time, one of the Assassins in the [[Kingdom]], [[Jamal]], could be silently assassinated with no consequences. However, openly attacking him would prompt the other Assassins to attack [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]].

Jamal was the traitor inside the Order that, along with [[Masun]], opened the gates for the [[Templars|Templar]] [[Defense of Masyaf|siege of Masyaf]]. He was originally featured as a mission target to be assassinated, but the mission was cut and he remained as a minor Easter egg.

===Transformers===
[[File:Altair-optimus.png|thumb|200px|Altaïr standing beside "Optimus Prime"]]
An arrangement of windows seen on certain buildings formed the torso of Optimus Prime, in his vehicle form (a truck) from the ''Transformers'' franchise, which could be found in Damascus and sometimes Acre.

==''Assassin's Creed II''==
===Batman===
Occasionally in ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', while [[freerunning]] or climbing a building, a male bystander could be heard saying "''Another capering crusader.''" This was a reference to the DC Comics superhero Batman, who used stealth and had a tendency to run on rooftops. As well as this, Batman was sometimes referred to as the "Caped Crusader".

===Dummy keys===
In the missions "[[Knowledge Is Power]]" and "[[Assassination contracts#Hunting the Hunter|Hunting the Hunter]]", [[Ezio Auditore da Firenze|Ezio Auditore]] could loot any of the dummy targets and find keys. However, these keys had no effect at all.

===Ghosts of the past===
Ezio was briefly able to see a vision of his entire family. After meeting up with [[Niccolò Machiavelli]], Ezio could return to the [[Palazzo Auditore]] and step into the center of the courtyard, where he would enter into a state similar to his [[Eagle Vision]] and be able to see the figures of his parents and all of his siblings around the palazzo. However, the vision would disappear and could not be seen again if Ezio left.

===Giant squid===
[[File:Zw-easteregg-2.png|thumb|200px|Ezio about to dodge one of the squid's tentacles]]
A giant squid could be found within the [[Assassin Tombs|Assassin Tomb]] beneath [[Santa Maria della Visitazione]]. To find the giant squid, Ezio must pull the lever that activated the swinging poles for progressing further into the tomb, but look down into the water near to the lever for one minute instead.

Once a minute or so had passed, a cutscene played, which showed a large squid swimming by. A second cutscene could then be activated if the lever was pulled once more and Ezio looked down again. Following this, the cutscene showed Ezio narrowly dodging one of the squid's tentacles before it swam away.

===Mario Auditore===
When Ezio first met his uncle, [[Mario Auditore]], he said the phrase ''"It's-a-me! Mario!,"'' to the young Florentine, which was a reference to the {{Wiki|Super Mario (series)|Super Mario Brothers}} franchise.

===Motown===
When throwing coins amongst the crowd, female bystanders would sometimes cry "''{{Wiki|Money (That's What I Want)|Money! That's what I want!}}''", which was a reference to the classic {{Wiki|Motown}} song.

===Palazzo Ducale===
After using the "Super jump" or "Fence glitch" to get into the [[Palazzo Ducale di Venezia]], Ezio could access the Doge's quarters where Carlo Grimaldi assassinated the Doge. The candle that [[Carlo Grimaldi]] and Doge Mocenigo were playing under was unlit, but the chess pieces were in exactly the same position, though Ezio assassinated Grimaldi years ago.

After going into these quarters, the sky and the building turned a blood red. However, this might not have been intentional, but accidental, as scenery lightened or darkened when entering other buildings such as the Villa Auditore, to match the interior of that building. In this case, the tone was changed to orange or red to match the interior of the specific room, and so the outside scenery and sky changed to orange and red respectively.

==''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood''==
===Castle Crashers===
The first memory in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood]]'' near to the [[Castel Sant'Angelo]] was called "[[Castello Crasher]]." This was a reference to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 (and later, PC) downloadable game, ''{{Wiki|Castle Crashers}}''.

===Grand Theft Auto===
The [[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood achievements|achievement]] '''Grand Theft Dressage''' was a clear reference to the Grand Theft Auto game series.

===Machiavelli's works===
Shortly after Ezio successfully enlisted the help of the three other faction guilds, Niccolò Machiavelli asked Ezio how he had managed it. Ezio simply answered that it was "{{Wiki|Virtù}}", a concept about the spirit of leadership that Machiavelli was later known to have theorized. Also, at the end of Sequence 7, Machiavelli stated "''I intend to write a book about you one day.''" to Ezio, who responded with "''If you do, make it short.''" This was clearly a reference to Machiavelli's famous (and brief) book, "{{Wiki|The Prince}}".

Finally, an achievement entitled '''Il Principe''' (which translated to "The Prince") could be unlocked by achieving 100% [[synchronization]] for all of the memories in ''Brotherhood'', including the ones included within [[The Da Vinci Disappearance]] [[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood downloadable content|downloadable content]].

===Mario references===
In the mission [[Femme Fatale]], after Ezio killed all of the guards and dragged [[Lucrezia Borgia]] towards [[Caterina Sforza]]'s cell, she commented "Rescuing princesses from castles now?" This was a reference to the ''Super Mario Bros.'' games, where main protagonist Mario rescued Princess Peach from antagonist Bowser's castle.

Accompanying this, one of the ''Brotherhood'' achievements was entitled '''Principessa in Another Castello'''. This translated to "Princess in another castle," which was told to Mario in the original Mario games whenever he defeated Bowser's minions in their castles.

Another Mario reference was the achievement '''Plumber''', which showed the picture of a Mario world Warp Pipe.

===Metal Gear Solid===
Just before reuniting with [[Leonardo da Vinci]], Ezio came across an {{Wiki|Anachronism|anachronistic}} factory-made cardboard box, though he looked away when Leonardo came around the corner. This was a reference to the ''[[w:c:metalgear:Metal Gear Solid|Metal Gear Solid]]'' series, as the signature stealth move of [[w:c:metalgear:Solid Snake|Solid Snake]] (the series' protagonist) was to hide in a box or crate.

A second tribute was the [[Raiden Skin|Raiden suit]], available to those who had completed every challenge in the [[Animus Virtual Training Program]] with at least a bronze medal, a reference to how the character Raiden was trained in only virtual simulations.

===Montreal===
During the memory "[[Trojan Horse]]," while escorting [[Bartolomeo d'Alviano]] and his [[mercenaries]] disguised as French soldiers, a French guard asked Ezio Auditore as to which region of [[France]] he hailed from, to which he replied "Montréal." This was likely a reference to the location of [[Ubisoft|Ubisoft Montreal]], the main developers of the ''Assassin's Creed'' series.

Montreal was also the largest city in the French-speaking province of Quebec in Canada. Alternatively, it could be a reference to the birthplace of [[Francisco Randez]] – the model after whom Desmond Miles was designed.

===Project Legacy===
On [[Lucy Stillman]]'s computer monitors in the [[Sanctuary]], the Memories menu of ''[[Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy]]'' was displayed, set to the [[Italian Wars: Chapter 3 - Mario Auditore|memories of Mario Auditore]].

===Red footprints===
If Desmond went out to the front of the Villa Auditore and used Eagle Vision, there were a number of red footprints that could be seen which led up to the Assassins' insignia.

Various developers have stated that this was to lead the audience to where they needed to go, as some players weren't sure on what to do towards the start of the game. However, as red was supposed to signify something undesirable in Eagle Vision, it led to some confusion on the subject. As such, the developers have stated that the color of the footprints was an oversight, resolving the issue.

==''Assassin's Creed: Revelations''==
===Hello World===
In the very first sequence, [[Clay Kaczmarek|Subject 16]] talked to [[Desmond Miles]] about the place in the Animus that he was currently in, [[Black Room|Animus Island]], stating that it was the test world first created by [[Rebecca Crane]] to gain a feeling for the confines of the machine.

Afterwards, he proclaimed "''Hello World!''", which was a reference to the common test program named a ''Hello World'' project. This project was often used to familiarize a programmer with the basics of a programming language.

===James Bond===
The second memory of Sequence 7 in ''Revelations'' is titled "The Spy Who Shunned Me". This is a reference to the James Bond film, "The Spy Who Loved Me".

===Lingering enemy===
In the first memory of Altaïr in ''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]'', Jamal could be seen, again viewed in red when in Eagle Vision. This first occurred in the original game, ''Assassin's Creed''.

===Monty Python===
In the memory [[The Brawler]], after having been defeated three times in a row, the encountered citizen said "''Ah... we will call it a draw, alright?''" This was a reference to the movie ''{{Wiki|Monty Python And The Holy Grail}}'', in which the Black Knight challenged King Arthur to a sword fight. After both his arms and legs were cut off and still refusing to give up, the Black Knight said "''Alright. We'll call it a draw.''"

===Muhammad Ali===
Sometimes during fighting or after defeating guards, civilians yelled "''Floats like a butterfly, stings like a scorpion!''" This line also occurred when random civilians wanted to [[Fists|fistfight]] Ezio. As such, the line was a reference to the famous boxer, {{Wiki|Muhammad Ali}}, who described his fighting style as "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee."

===Spider-Man===
There is an [[Assassin's Creed: Revelations achievements|achievement]] entitled '''Spider Assassin''', in which Ezio had to climb the top of the [[Hagia Sophia]] in under 25 seconds. The title and achievement was a reference to the popular {{Wiki|Marvel Comics}}' superhero ''{{Wiki|Spider-Man}}'' and his ability to scale up and around buildings with incredible speed.

===Superman===
One title in the [[Assassin's Creed: Revelations|second stage]] of the [[Animi Training Program]] was "Man of Steel". This was an obvious reference to {{Wiki|DC Comics}}' hero, ''{{Wiki|Superman}}'', as his nickname was known as the Man of Steel.

==''Assassin's Creed III''==
===Alice in Wonderland===
As the [[Grand Temple]] opens, Shaun says "In another moment, down went Alice after it, never once considering how in the world she was to get out again," which is a line from the chapter "Down the Rabbit Hole" from the book ''{{Wiki|Alice In Wonderland}}''.

===Animi Avatars===
In the virtual map of [[Northwest Passage]], there existed two hidden paintings of Animi Avatars from former games: the [[Nobleman (Animi Avatar)|Nobleman]] and the [[Vanguard]]. Both could be found inside of the map's biggest ship, with the first one hanging on a wall and the second one laying on the floor.

===Assassin Turkey===
[[File:AC3 Assassin Turkey.png|250px|thumb|Connor with the Assassin Turkey]]
Any time after Sequence 6, Connor could find a turkey in the [[Davenport Homestead]] if he took cover behind any corner and whistled. Following this, the turkey would appear behind Connor and follow him wherever possible. Upon the turkey's appearance, it was possible to unlock a secret through inputting the {{Wiki|Konami Code}}, with the directional prompts.

'''Xbox 360:''' Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A.<br />
'''PS3:''' Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, O, X.<br />
'''PC:''' 2, 2, 4, 4, 1, 3, 1, 3, E, Space.

Inputting the code would cause Connor to feed the animal. As the turkey fed, a small Assassin hood would appear over its head.

===Broken Sword (game series)===
The "Broken Sword" Knife was a reference to the {{Wiki|Broken Sword|adventure series}}, which also dealt with a secret history involving Templars and Assassins.

===Cool Hand Luke===
Often, civilians would utter "What we have here is a failure to communicate", which is the famous line from the film ''{{Wiki|Cool Hand Luke}}''. This line was appropriate in that it correctly expressed the major problem between Continentals and British Regulars, being their inability to reason or offer quarter.

===Flying Machine===
After completing a series of Homestead missions and retrieving stolen blueprints for the woodworker [[Lance O'Donnell]], Connor would be given the opportunity to engage in an interactive conversation with him outside the Davenport Manor. Lance would then reveal that the blueprints contained, among other things, designs for a [[Flying Machine|flying machine]] invented by [[Leonardo da Vinci]] centuries before.

In a clear reference to ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]'', Connor would request to use it much as Ezio Auditore did, however, once Connor leapt off of the Homestead's cliff with the construct, he and the machine would crash into the water of the bay below. This was due to Lance and Connor not knowing how da Vinci managed to make the machine fly.

===French flag===
The hanging laundry in the game is arranged like the French flag.

===Spyro the Dragon===
When Desmond activated the mini-camera on his first mission, it made the same noise as [[w:c:spyro:Sparx the Dragonfly|Sparx the Dragonfly]] in the ''Spyro the Dragon'' series.

===The Dark Knight Rises===
When Connor encountered [[Charles Lee]] in the first memory of Sequence 12, Lee mentioned that he was going to burn down the [[Davenport Homestead]] and destroy Connor's village, and "When (Connor)'s seen all his life's work brought to ruin. Only then will I allow him to die."

This paralleled the lines spoken by Bane to Bruce Wayne in ''The Dark Knight Rises'', "And then, when it is done, and Gotham is ashes... then you have my permission to die." The circumstances were similar but due to the time between the movie and the release of ''Assassin's Creed III'', the lines were likely an unintentional allusion.

===The Last of the Mohicans===
The Gunstock Club was an exact replica of the club used by the character Chingachgook in the 1992 version of ''{{Wiki|The Last of the Mohicans (1992 film)|The Last of the Mohicans}}''.

==''Assassin's Creed III: Liberation''==
===Predator===
There was a trophy in ''[[Assassin's Creed III: Liberation]]'' named "'''Predator'''", which could be earned through killing an enemy from a tree with the [[blowpipe]], whilst using Eagle Vision.

This was a reference to the ''Predator'' movie franchise, where the Predator stalked its prey from tree branches with thermal imaging, and then killed them with a gun.

===Swamp Whale===
In both the original PlayStation Vita and HD editions of ''[[Assassin's Creed III: Liberation|Assassin's Creed: Liberation]]'', if [[Aveline de Grandpré]] climbs the lighthouse next to the Spanish fort in the [[Bayou]], and then climbs onto the beam jutting out on the side opposite the one that serves as a Viewpoint to be synchronized, the sound of whale song starts to be heard in the swamp. If Aveline continues to look out into the (inaccessible) water nearby, she can see a whale swimming around in the swamp water, occasionally surfacing to take a breath, sticking its tail up as it dives, or even breaching the surface and splashing down. In the PlayStation Vita edition, the whale is triggered as soon as Aveline climbs atop the railing, whereas in the HD edition, Aveline must position herself on the protruding wooden beam in order to trigger the whale.

==''Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag''==
===Death of a Salesman===
The achievement for completing memory sequence 5 is titled "Death Of A Salesman", a reference to the Arthur Miller play of the same name.

===Full Metal Jacket===
In "[[Trust Is Earned]]", [[John Cockram]] can be heard telling his soldiers "Pick up your socks and grab your cocks." This is a reference to the morning bootcamp scene in Full Metal Jacket.

===Giant Squid vs. White Whale===
At the ''Antocha'' ship wreck, if Edward looks out a window in one of the wrecks for a short while, a cinematic depicting a battle between a Giant Squid and a white whale will occur.

===Inglourious Bastards===
One of Edward Kenway's memories is named "[[Vainglorious Bastards]]", a reference to the movie ''{{Wiki|Inglourious Basterds}}''.

===Papers, Please===
One of the naval contracts Edward can undertake is named "[[Papers, Please]]", a reference to the indie game ''{{Wiki|Papers, Please}}''.

===Pirate ships===
There is a pirate hunter ship named ''Thriller Bark'', which may be a reference to a ship of the same name from the ''[[w:c:onepiece:One Piece (Anime)|One Piece]]'' anime.

Another pirate hunter ship is named ''Hornblower'', a possible reference to the {{Wiki|Horatio Hornblower}} series by C.S. Forester.

===Real-world media and weapons===
[[File:AC4 Weapons Easter Egg.png|thumb|250px|The silver Syrian Sabre]]
Throughout [[Abstergo Entertainment]]'s [[Montreal]] building, several real-world games, books and other ''Assassin's Creed'' media can be found.

Accompanying this, there was a glass case in [[Olivier Garneau]]'s office containing several weapons, including a silver handled Syrian Sabre, [[Maria's Dagger|Maria Auditore da Firenze's dagger]], and four replicas of the double-barreled shotgun from Red Steel 2, another [[Ubisoft]] title.

===Scarlet Needle===
In the multiplayer, the [[Duellist]] has a weapon called the Scarlet Needle, with the description "Choose your fate: Surrender, or Die". Both are references to a character in the ''Saint Seiya'' anime, ''Scorpio Milo'', one being his technique and the other his famous catchphrase.

===Second White Whale appearance===
At the [[Devil's Eye Caverns]] wreck, if Edward collects all the chests throughout the wreck and returns to the diving bell via the rapid current caverns, a white whale will appear in close proximity to the wreck, and pass by until it swims off into the distance.

===The Secret of Monkey Island===
In "[[The Pirate Captain]]" memory, Edward assassinates a pirate captain called Mancomb Seepgood, which references the video game ''{{Wiki|The Secret of Monkey Island}}'', as a pirate by the name of [[w:c:monkeyisland:Mancomb Seepgood|Mancomb Seepgood]] appears early in the story. However, judging by his claims that soon he will be the mightiest pirate in the Caribbean, it is likely he was also intended as a parody of the similarly-named, better-known protagonist of the ''Monkey Island'' franchise, [[w:c:monkeyisland:Guybrush Threepwood|Guybrush Threepwood]]. Additionally, during Sequence 10, [[Bartholomew Roberts]] remarks that "there's nothing like the hot winds of Hell blowing in your face," the same line uttered by the Ghost Pirate LeChuck in ''The Secret of Monkey Island''.

===The Young Ones===
In Kingston, two guards can be heard conversing about the previous night. The following exchange is a rather obscure reference to the British comedy ''{{Wiki|The Young Ones}}''.

===Tomb Raider===
An assassin contract Edward can undertake is named "Tomb Raiders", a reference to the video game series {{Wiki|Tomb Raider}}.

==''Assassin's Creed: Unity''==
===23 Cats===
[[File:ACU-23 Cats.png|thumb|250px|Cats on the boat]]
In the Parisian Saint-Marcel district, east of La Bièvre on the open water, is a boat. Inside the boat sits a delirious man beside a pile of bodies covered with bloody rags, and exactly 23 purring cats.

===Cannibal of the Tuileries===
Underneath the Tuileries Garden, through an entrance along the coastline, a cannibal can be found in the same underground tunnel as a collectible cockade. Outside the tunnel lie numerous bodies covered in bloody rags, and a blood-stained stretcher. Inside, a man is chopping up a piece of meat with a cleaver, near a pot with a human bone protruding from the top. Corpses are stacked in a pile near the man, and various civilians are trapped behind sealed gates on either end of the room. Using Eagle Vision, a bloody trail can be seen leading from the trapped civilians through the pile of corpses and to the table where the cannibal is preparing his next meal.

===Hellfire===
After killing [[Pierre Bellec]] inside the Sainte-Chapelle, [[Shaun Hastings]] begins his comments on the memory with the phrase, "Bloody Hellfire!", a reference to the song of a similar name in Disney's ''The Hunchback of Notre Dame''.

===Let Them Eat Cake===
West of the Paris Observatory in the Luxembourg district is an underground tunnel with an edible cake. After descending the stairs to the catacombs, turning left puts [[Arno Dorian]] in an empty room. Atop a desk in the corner of the room are two goblets, a candle, and an out-of-place lavishly decorated three-layered cake with an egg on top. Interacting with the cake will cause Arno to eat the cake and vocally express his delight. The cake will also restore Arno's health. However, consuming the cake will cause it to disappear permanently from the player's game.

===The Knight That Time Forgot===
[[File:ACU-Forgotten Knight.png|thumb|250px|The knight's corpse]]
In the eastern corner of the Hotel de Ville district, near the Temple district, the body of a knight wearing medieval armor can be found. In a small clearing between two buildings, the body of the knight rests near several chickens and a man with a basket of eggs.

===Victor Hugo===
The brothers who confront Arno near the start of the game are named Victor and Hugo. This is a reference to the French author {{Wiki|Victor Hugo}}, who wrote ''Les Miserables'' and ''Notre Dame de Paris'', known in English as ''The Hunchback of Notre Dame''.

===Les Miserables===
The Social Club mission 'Colette' contains many references to the novel ''Les Miserables''. Shaun Hastings mentions the musical version, mainly his disgust that many consider the musical taking place during the French Revolution.

===Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas===
When starting ''Assassins Creed: Unity'', the player is introduced to a [[Helix]] menu of Abstergo Entertainment products, nearly all of which are unplayable. One of them, based on the events of ''Assassin's Creed II'', is called "Fear and Loathing in Florence". This is a reference to the 1998 film {{Wiki|Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas}}.

===Monty Python and the Holy Grail===
When helpful Parisians join Arno in fighting soldiers, they can be heard to say "Ah, now we see the violence inherent in the system," a line from the Monty Python film.

==''Assassin's Creed: Rogue''==
===Child of Light===
At Abstergo Entertainment's lobby entrance, two scientists can be heard discussing ''{{Wiki|Child of Light}}'', with one trying to convince the other to play it, describing it as a "beautiful turn-based RPG". The other dismisses it on the basis of the "story being told in rhyme" and not having any "PvP Deathmatches".

===The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow===
At Sleepy Hollow in the Albany region of the River Valley, a character resembling the Headless Horseman from the short story, ''The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'' by Washington Irving, can attack the player. He can be found at the Old Dutch Church at night. He shares the same moveset as a brute soldier, wields a large axe, and can throw grenades. He is invulnerable to direct attacks and cannot be killed conventionally.

There are only four known ways to defeat the Headless Horseman. The first way is to shoot a pumpkin sitting atop a gravestone in the cemetery next to the church. The second way is to use a sleep grenade to cause him to drop his axe, pick up his axe, and perform the special attack with the weapon once he awakens. This will drive the axe through his nonexistent head and incapacitate him. However, he will still be alive and aware of the player. The third way to defeat him is to immobilize him by stringing him up onto a nearby lamppost using a rope dart. The fourth way is haystack assassination.

===Real-world media===
Throughout Abstergo Entertainment's Montreal building, several real-world games, books and other ''Assassin's Creed'' media can be found. This includes ''Far Cry 3, Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, Splinter Cell: Blacklist,'' and ''Splinter Cell: Conviction'' representations (such as magazines, books, etc.) on the floor, atop desks, and in bookcases. On the ''Far Cry 3'' magazine, the 3 in the title is replaced by a 5.

===Rising Phoenix===
A poster for the rumored ''Assassin's Creed: Rising Phoenix'' game can be found in Abstergo Entertainment's Montreal building. The poster has a "Coming Soon" sticker attached to the flames below the fictional game's logo.

===Rush Songs===
The missions "The Way The Wind Blows," "One Little Victory," "Freewill," The Color Of Right," "Circumstances," "Armour and Sword," "Scars," "Bravado," and "Cold Fire" each share their title with a song by Canadian rock band Rush. The mission "Caress of Steel" is also the title of a Rush album.

===Serenity===
Assassin guards can occasionally be heard saying "Do you want to run this gang?" "Yes." "Well.....you can't." This is nearly identical to a line in the 2005 film, Serenity.

===Warrior Within===
A figurine of the Prince of Persia from ''{{Wiki|Prince of Persia: Warrior Within|Warrior Within}}'' can be found in a cubicle of Abstergo Entertainment's Montreal building.

==''Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China''==
===Ezio's Family Theme===
A guardian can be heard whistling the [[Assassin's Creed II soundtrack|soundtrack]] "Ezio's Family" from ''Assassin's Creed II''.

==''Assassin's Creed'' (French comics)==
===Prince of Persia===
[[File:ACGN Prince EasterEgg.jpg|thumb|200px|Prince cameo in the ''Assassin's Creed'' French comic]]
In the first tome of the [[Assassin's Creed (French comics)|comic]], during Desmond's flashback, the {{Wiki|Prince of Persia}}, the main protagonist of the 2008 reboot of the famous Ubisoft series, ''{{Wiki|Prince of Persia (2008 video game)|Prince of Persia}}'', appeared on the screen of the arcade game monitor at the "L'Horizon" bar.

==''Assassin's Creed'' in other media==
The characters, gameplay elements, and plot of ''Assassin's Creed'' were also featured in various other media.

===Academy of Champions: Soccer===
Altair and other Ubisoft characters appear in ''Academy of Champions: Soccer'' as playable characters.

===AdventureQuest===
In ''{{Wiki|AdventureQuest}}'', the Assassin job class had a level 10 Guardian skill called "''Finishing Blow.''" After clicking this, it had another button called "''Assassin's Creed.''" Additionally, the armor "Whispering Raiment" had two small blades on the left arm, referencing the Assassins' Hidden Blade.

===AdventureQuest Worlds===
In ''{{Wiki|AdventureQuest Worlds}}'', there were two outfits available for purchase at the suggestion shop in Yulgar's inn, which were the "Hashashin Armor," priced at 500,000 gold for free players, and the "Armored Hashashin Armor," priced at 300,000 gold for upgraded members of the game. The armor included two "hidden blades," though they were located on top of the player's wrist, rather than on the underneath.

===Dead Island===
In ''{{Wiki|Dead Island}}'', there was a wieldable knife named "Assassin's Greed" (referencing the series' title). Accompanying this, there was also a modification for brass knuckles called the "Assassin's Poison Mod".

===Dragon Age II===
In ''{{Wiki|Dragon Age II}}'', the brothel in Hightown was called the "Blooming Rose," a direct translation of the [[Rome|Roman]] [[Courtesans|courtesan]] headquarters, the [[Rosa in Fiore]].

===Dungeon Defenders===
In ''{{Wiki|Dungeon Defenders}}'', the character "The Ranger", the male version of "The Huntress" for the PC, could obtain a Halloween costume that resembled a black [[Master Assassin]] robe set.

===Fable Anniversary===
There is an achievement in ''Fable Anniversary'' called "Ass Creed". It requires the player to wear an assassin outfit and then do a the fart expression. The achievement description will then read, "You were deadly alright; look at the size of that hole in your trousers! Quick, find a haystack!".

===Fantastic Four===
In ''{{Wiki|Fantastic Four (2015 film)|Fantastic Four}}'', the first gameplay walkthrough of ''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' can be seen playing on one of Victor von Doom's computer screens.

===Far Cry 3===
In ''{{Wiki|Far Cry 3}}'', one of the collectible Letters of the Lost Lab mentioned "I question using these so-called scientists. They speak of [[Pieces of Eden]] and Edison's electrical experiments into [[genetic memory]]." It also mentioned the password "122112", a reference to the solar flare date in Desmond's storyline, and an [[Abstergo Industries]] logo could be found on several of the walls.

As well as this, earlier in the game, Jason mentions "leap of faith" before jumping into a pool of water, reminiscent of the [[Leap of Faith]] from the Assassin's Creed games. Also, at the beginning of the game, they quote "In another moment, down went Alice after it, never once considering how in the world she was to get out again" from ''Alice in Wonderland'', very similar to how Shaun Hastings quoted the phrase in ''Assassin's Creed III.'' However, they continue quoting dialogues from the book throughout the game.

===Final Fantasy XIII-2===
Ezio's outfit from ''Assassin's Creed: Revelations'' appears in ''Final Fantasy XIII-2'' as a downloadable costume.

===Gaia Online===
[[File:H2k11 halloween edmund.png|thumb|150px|Edmund as Ezio]]
During the 2011 Halloween event in ''{{Wiki|Gaia Online}}'', Edmund, the shop owner for H & R Wesley, was dressed as Ezio Auditore from ''Assassin's Creed II.''

===Grand Theft Auto IV===
In ''{{Wiki|Grand Theft Auto IV}}'', after completing a set of assassination missions for a mysterious figure named the Fixer, the player received an achievement called '''Assassin's Greed''', which was a direct play on the ''Assassin's Creed'' name. Moreover, the requirement for the achievement was the completion of nine assassination missions, which paralleled the first ''Assassin's Creed'' game, in which [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] was tasked by [[Rashid ad-Din Sinan|Al Mualim]] to [[Hunt for the Nine|kill nine Templars]] in exchange for his reinstatement as a Master Assassin.

===Hitman: Absolution===
In the Sniper Challenge of Absolution Agent 47 will see a very tall building in the background with two antennas. If Agent 47 looks through his scope at the very top of the building, he will see a hooded man perched on a ledge. If he shoots the man, an eagle sound can be heard as the man falls. Shooting the man earns the player the "Leap of the Ninja" achievement, referencing the Leap of Faith.

===Hyperdimension Neptunia===
One of IF's weapons, named the "Freak Diamond" has the description of "A replica of an assassins blade from days of yore. No matter the height, you'll be fine if you fall into a haystack."

===inFamous 2===
[[File:Croppedagain.png|thumb|200px|The theater, depicting the parody title]]
Located in the fictional city of New Marais, several cinemas and theaters in ''[[w:c:infamous:inFamous 2|inFamous 2]]'' featured movie titles that were direct puns to popular video game names. Among the movie titles was "''Assassin's Need (Love Too)''", a parody on ''Assassin's Creed''. These cinemas were located in the very first district of the city. Also, one of the negative karmic missions available in the game was named "''Assassin's Greed''", another play on the ''Assassin's Creed'' name.

Another Easter egg found in the game's downloadable content, ''[[w:c:infamous:inFamous: Festival of Blood|inFamous: Festival of Blood]]'', could be seen again on the cinemas' featured movie titles. The new parody title was "''Assassin's Bleed''", which was also a reference to the download content's central theme of vampires.

===Invictus games===
In the iPhone games ''{{Wiki|Froggy Jump}}'' and ''{{Wiki|Froggy Launcher}}'', a torso item called "Assassin armor" appeared identical to Ezio's armor in ''Assassin's Creed II'', and could be bought for 2 Diamonds.

===Kingdom Rush: Frontiers===
In the Ironhide Studios game, the two top level "Barracks" towers are the Assassins and the Templars, a direct play on the rivalry between the Assassins and the Templars in the Assassin's Creed series.

===LEGO The Lord of the Rings: The Video Game===
In ''LEGO The Lord of the Rings'', a Leap of Faith could be performed from a wooden board that resembled a View Point at the highest point in Weathertop. On performing it, the character would land into a small pond, complete with an eagle-like sound as the Leap was done.

===LittleBigPlanet series===
As a part of their promotion for ''Assassin's Creed II'', Ubisoft released Ezio's Assassin costume as a downloadable outfit for the PlayStation 3 exclusive ''{{Wiki|LittleBigPlanet}}'' on 8 December 2009.

On the day that ''Revelations'' was released, ''LittleBigPlanet'' released a new costume of Ezio, featuring Sackboy in the robes that Ezio started out with in the game, as well as his beard. These outfits are also available in ''LittleBigPlanet 2''.

===Metal Gear Solid series===
[[File:AltairSnake.png|160px|thumb|The Altaïr costume in Metal Gear Solid 4]]
On April Fools' Day 2008, it was revealed that an Altaïr costume for Old Snake could be unlocked in the game ''[[w:c:metalgear:Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots|Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots]]''. [[w:c:metalgear:Hideo Kojima|Hideo Kojima]], one of the game's creators, later announced that it was not a joke, and that the costume could really be unlocked if the player did "something special." In order to unlock the costume, the player must have either acquired the "Assassin Emblem" (a nod to the games' emblem) or input a password in the "Extras" section. Specifically, the password was revealed to be ''aottrykmyn''.

The costume could be used as an alternative disguise early in-game and worked exactly like the Middle East Militia costume. Unlike Altaïr's robes, the Militia costume was lost early in-game, prompting the player to find another set of the disguise, and could cause the Middle Eastern faction to be friendly to the player as opposed to having to work to gain their trust. When the costume was worn, Old Snake's idle stance, without any weapons equipped, is exactly like Altaïr's stance in ''Assassin's Creed'', complete with his ring finger bent back to his palm, a reference to Altaïr's missing finger.

{{Quote|Back in the time of the Crusades, members of the order of Assassins used what is called the Assassin's Straw Box to hide and get close to their enemies.|Kazuhira Miller, commenting on the newly procured item.|w:c:metalgear:Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker}}

In ''Main Ops 16'', one of the missions in ''[[w:c:metalgear:Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker|Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker]]'', a unique box made of straw dubbed the ''Assassin's Straw Box'' could be obtained. To do so, the player must ensure that there was a vacant slot in the equipment section. They then must climb onto the roof of the shack above where the straw box was, and then perform a [[Leap of Faith]] into it. The Leap was accompanied by an eagle's screech, similar to its mechanism in the ''Assassin's Creed'' series.
[[File:LeapOfFaithMGS.jpg|thumb|250px|Big Boss performing a Leap of Faith into the straw box]]
Right after obtaining the straw box, one of the game's main supporting characters, Kazuhira Miller, mentions its use during the [[Third Crusade]] (the time period of ''Assassin's Creed''), and how it was used by the Assassin order. After the aforementioned mission was completed, the Assassin's Straw Box was made available in the inventory.

The box could hold two people simultaneously and included a special function not found in other box items: players were able to knock out soldiers while hiding in the box and if another player was present, the unconscious soldier can be recruited via Fulton Recovery. Continued use of the box damages the item, and can be destroyed completely for the rest of the mission if overused.

===Prince of Persia series===
[[File:FS ezio costume.jpg|thumb|200px|The Prince wearing Ezio's Assassin robes in ''The Forgotten Sands'']]
In ''{{Wiki|Prince of Persia (2008)}}'', Altaïr's costume was available as free downloadable content for use by the Prince. Additionally, an achievement entitled '''Assassin's View''' could be unlocked by standing on a [[View Points|View Point]] upon the Martyr's Tower.

Similarly, in ''{{Wiki|Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands}}'', Ezio's costume could be purchased via [[Uplay]] for 30 points.

===Rayman Legends===
[[File:RaymanACEasterEggs.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Barbara and Rayman's Aveline de Grandpré and Edward Kenway costumes]]
In the Ubisoft's game, ''Rayman Legends'', some shops like Game in the UK offered pre-order DLC skin for Rayman and Barbara with Rayman Legends, one of Edward Kenway for Rayman and one of Aveline de Grandpré for Barbara.

===RuneScape===
In ''{{Wiki|RuneScape}}'', the quests [[w:c:runescape:Stolen Hearts|Stolen Hearts]] and [[w:c:runescape:Diamond in the Rough|Diamond in the Rough]] contained many similarities to ''Assassin's Creed'', such as stalking targets, free-running across rooftops and an "Eagle jump" into a cart of hay.

Following this, for the [[w:c:runescape:Desert Tasks|Desert Tasks]], a player would accomplish the "Assassin's Feed" task if they repeated the "Eagle jump".

<gallery captionalign="center" position="center" spacing="small" widths="180">
RS-AC Freerunning-GI.png|Free-running
RS-AC Climbing-GI.png|Climbing
RS-AC Leap_of_Faith-GI.png|An "Eagle jump"
</gallery>

===Saints Row: The Third===
In the sandbox game ''{{Wiki|Saints Row: The Third}}'', an achievement entitled '''Everything is Permitted''' was awarded when one eliminated all assassination targets, which referenced the Assassins' [[The Creed|Creed]].

===Saints Row: Gat out of Hell===
In ''{{Wiki|Saints Row: Gat out of Hell}}'', an achievement entitled '''Saints' Creed''' was awarded by standing on the tallest mast of the ''[[Queen Anne's Revenge]]''.

===Sims Medieval===
In the simulation game ''Sims Medieval'', there were two roles that the player could be: Assassin and Templar. A quest that had the player kill spies and assassins was named "Assassin's Greed", a direct reference to ''Assassin's Creed''.

===Six-Guns===
In the mobile game created by Gameloft, one of the locations within the state of Oregon was called Assassin's Creek.

===Soul Calibur V===
Ezio Auditore, wearing his default outfit from ''Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood'', was a special playable guest character in ''{{Wiki|Soul Calibur V}}''.

===South Park===
In the sixth episode of season 19 of ''{{Wiki|South Park}}'', "Tweek x Craig", the titular characters can be seen playing ''Assassin's Creed: Syndicate''.

===Styx: Master of Shadows===
''{{Wiki|Styx: Master of Shadows}}'', an upcoming video game, features a hooded goblin assassin with traits similar to the ''Assassin's Creed'' franchise, including the use of parkour, ledge and air assassinations and an ability akin to Eagle Vision. Accompanying this, one of the game's trailers is titled [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBzn-jnAy4w "Assassin's Green".]

===Team Fortress 2===
''{{Wiki|Team Fortress 2}}'' featured two promotional items for the Spy class obtained through random crafting or from pre-ordering ''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]'' from Steam called the "Dashin' Hashashin," which resembled Ezio's hood, and the Sharp Dresser which resembled Ezio's Hidden Blade.

===The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim===
In the fifth ''Elder Scrolls'' game, ''{{Wiki|The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim|Skyrim}}'', the Dovahkiin may travel to a place called the "Bards Leap Summit;" a large cliff sporting a plank at the top, with a large drop to a pool below, resembling a [[View Points|View Point]] and a Leap of Faith. After successfully performing a leap of faith, The Player will be greeted by a ghost of a man dressed in Alik'r clothing. The ghost explained that he leapt to his death. The Player then will receive an increase in The speech skill. The Alik'r is a desert in the province of Hammerfell, referencing Altair's outfit and the place where the first Assassin's Creed takes place. The entrance to the area also resembles the [[Assassin insignia]].

===The Messengers===
In an episode of ''{{Wiki|The Messengers (TV series)|The Messengers}}'', "Why We Fight", an Assassin insignia can be seen on the back window of Tom's truck.

===The Saboteur===
In ''{{Wiki|The Saboteur}}'', the main protagonist Sean Devlin earned a racing car with white stripes, named Altaïr, which was nicknamed "The Flying Eagle."

===The Simpsons===
[[File:Assassinscreedsummoeroflove.png|thumb|200px|The poster for the fictional ''Assassin's Creed'' sequel]]
In the fifth episode of season 23 of ''{{Wiki|The Simpsons}}'', "The Food Wife," a poster could be seen in the back of the fictional games convention E4, featuring a hippie with two Hidden Blades and the title "Assassin's Creed - Summer of Love," beside some other game parodies.

===The Witcher 2===
[[File:Witcher2 Assassin.png|200px|thumb|Geralt standing by the body]]
During one mission in ''{{Wiki|The Witcher 2}}'', Geralt could walk up to some haystacks underneath a structure resembling a View Point and find the body of a white-robed man, who looked suspiciously like an Assassin, that appeared to have died when his Leap of Faith failed. The white-robed man also had a blade covering his arm that looked like an Assassin's Hidden Blade.

If the player examined the body, Geralt said, "''Hmm... Guess they'll never learn.''" From there, he would be granted a hidden ability called "Assassin", which add additional damage to enemies if attacked from behind.

===Velayudham===
In the 2011 Indian Tamil film ''Velayudham'', the protagonist Velu wears an outfit similar to Altaïr's. In regards to this, the film's producers mentioned that the costume was heavily influenced by Altaïr's outfit from ''Assassin's Creed''.

===Watch_Dogs===
Created by Ubisoft, the 2014 game ''Watch_Dogs'' contains numerous references to the ''Assassin's Creed'' universe: there is an outfit named the DedSec White Hacker Suit, for which the color scheme resembles the Assassins' robes; a camera feed shows a father watching his son playing "[[The Wounded Eagle]]" memory from ''[[Assassin's Creed: Revelations]]''; the final criminal convoy mission references as to why Olivier Garneau never arrived to his shareholder's meeting in [[Chicago]]; finally, the presence of several individuals who work for [[Abstergo Industries]] can be seen through Aiden Pearce's Profiler.
[[Category:Gameplay]]

Soldier

2015-11-28T03:14:50Z

98.206.42.165: /* Captains */

{{Era|ACAC|AC|ACBL|AC2|AC2D|ACB|ACR|AC3|AC3L|AC4|ACRG|ACU|ACS|CC|CI|CR}}
{{Revamp}}
[[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|left|[[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 was loyal to Sultan Saladin of Egypt and Syria and to Turkish Sultan Kilij Arsian II and spoke Turkish or Arabic, while Crusaders are loyal to King Richard I of England, King Philip II of France and Emperor Frederick Barbarosa of Germany and 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|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|left|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|[[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|left|A contingent of French soldiers]]
Guards and soldiers of [[France]], loyal to King Louis XII, 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|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 multicolored robes, being loyal to Sultan Bayezid II and later to Sultan Selim I, 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, displaying their loyalty to Manuel Palaiologos. 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>

===Ming dynasty===
[[File:Chronicles-China 5.jpg|left|thumb|250px|The Assassin [[Shao Jun]] locked in combat with guards]]
Guards during the [[Ming dynasty]] in [[China]] were equipped swords such as the pei dao and jian, spears and crossbows. They wore iron-plated, chain-linked armor and bronze helmets. Higher-ranked guards wore thicker armor or used wooden or iron shields.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]''</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 [[George I|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 bicorn 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|King 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, and wore different hats to the British captains.

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, displaying loyalty to [[John V of Portugal|King John V of Portugal.]]

The [[France|French]] soldiers, stationed primarily on [[Haiti|Saint-Domingue]], wore mostly white coats with blue outlines displaying loyalty to [[Louis XV of France|King Louis XV]]. The [[Slavery|slave]] overseers they colluded with often wore brown or tan outfits.

Another faction working prominently in the Caribbean was comprised of [[Pirate Hunters|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>''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]''</ref>

The final group were the mercenaries. Often hired by empires as expandable soldiers, they wore clothing much like pirate hunters, composed mainly of ordinary brown. They were usually found on land, guarding treasures and assassination targets.

===Enlightenment Age===
[[File:ACIII-LexingtonandConcord 16.png|thumb|250px|[[Ratonhnhaké:ton|Connor]] commanding militia in firing lines]]
During the [[Seven Years' War]], guards were aligned with the [[British Army]] who were denoted by their red uniforms, displaying loyalty to [[George II of Great Britain|King George II]], or the [[French Army]] who were denoted by their white uniforms, displaying loyalty to King Louis XV. Assassin-affiliated [[gangs]] were denoted by their orange outfits.

During the [[American Revolutionary War]], 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, loyal to [[George III of the United Kingdom|King George III]]. 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, loyal to revolutionary leader [[George Washington]], wore mostly blue uniforms, except for Continental Grenadiers, who wore a khaki colored kilt.

In [[France]], guards served the government, first and nominally loyal to [[ Louis XVI of France|King Louis XVI]] and then loyal to First French Republic, first to President of the Committee of Public Safety [[Georges Danton]] (for a short period of time) and then to his successor [[Maximilien Robespierre]], or acted on behalf of political extremists to cause trouble. The official guards wore blue, red and white uniforms, with bicorne hats. Their allies, the elite Swiss Guard, often dressed similarly, but were easily distinguishable by their ornate armor and helmets. The extremists wore a variety of civilian clothing, but always had red elements present.

If the former saw someone being attacked or killed, they would attack the ones responsible, including the murderers in certain Crowd Events. On occasion, they would attack a nearby group of extremists if something suspicious occurred in their vicinity without Arno being visible.

The latter would fight vigilantes after exchanging taunts, and might fight the official guards if suspicions were raised and Arno was nowhere in sight. On occasion, they would also become suspicious of Arno without provocation and would attack him if he lingered in their view. <ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Unity]]''</ref>

=== Victorian London ===
Guards in Victorian London were not so much guards as they were gang members or law enforcement agents. Different types of guards operated in different London Boroughs, such as Whitechapel, Lambeth, etc. The lower ranking guard types were usually petty members of the London street gangs, while the highest ranking guard types were usually militarily affiliated, being loyal to [[Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom|Queen Victoria]].

==Ranking==
===High Middle Ages===
====Regular====
[[File:Tamir Informer Escort 3.png|thumb|left|250px|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 padded 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"/>

===18th century Caribbean===
====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, the white coat is worn by the soldiers of French 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.

====Grenadiers====

Grenadiers are the brutes of the Caribbean. They wear huge, long coats and a tricorne. They wield large boarding axes, a pistol and grenades. Grenadiers block attacks easily with their axes, meaning attackers must break their defence before he can kill them in melee. They also deal high damage with their axe swings. Grenadiers will drop grenades occasionally when they are not engaged in combat. Grenades explode and deal damage to anyone in the area, friend or foe; indeed, it is not in common for grenadiers to be killed by their own grenades. They use their pistol when the enemy is in a hard to reach place.

====Agile====

Where agiles lack in strength, they make up for in speed. Agiles wear short coats and powdered wigs, except for hunter agiles, who wear tricornes. They wield a shortsword and a pistol in combat. Agiles are the fastest guards in the Caribbean, they can keep up with Edward longer than any class and can free run to an extent. When engaging in combat, they will deliver a chain of blows, one after the other, so that the defender has no time to counterattac, only to parry. They use their pistols when the enemy is out of reach. A pair of agile can be found on large enemy ships, acting as lieutenants.

====Gunners====

Gunners are often deployed in tactical, elevated positions like guard towers, ships' crow's nests and rooftops. They wear short coats and a tricorne, except for British gunners, who wear bicornes. They are armed with a musket and bayonet, and rarely move from position. When they spot an enemy, they will take aim for a few seconds, then fire. Muskets deal huge damage, taking out three health bars. To counter, defenders can grab enemies and use then as human shields, or just get out of sight. When in melee, they use their bayonets and fight similarly to grenadiers.

====Captains====

Captains are the most elite members of enemy forces Edward will encounter. Spanish and Portugese captains wear wide-brimmed hats, shoulder padded coats and boots. British captains wear bicornes, gold trimmed blue coats with a red sash, and hunter captains wear green coats. They have the same armamnet as regulars, but use their pistols in direct combat. They combine the attacking speed of an agile with the blocking skill of a grenadier. On large ships, one can be found acting as captain.

===Enlightenment Age===
====Gang members====

====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.

===French Revolution===
====Militia====
The militia comprised the bulk of the extremist forces. They were dressed in simple striped red and black attire with plumed tricorne hats. They carried sabers and pistols, but were not especially proficient in their use. They struck relatively slowly and would rarely execute combos. Higher level versions were capable of blocking attacks, but would tire and become vulnerable after blocking 1 or 2 attacks.

====Enforcers====
The most common enemy aside from the Militia were the Enforcers. The extremist version dressed in similar attire to the Militia with the addition of leather longcoats, while the city guard version wore blue coats with epaulettes and white-trimmed bicornes. They behaved and were equipped similarly to Militia guards but were better overall in every respect.

=== Victorian London ===

==== Blighter Thug ====
The slowest and least dangerous of all guard types, Blighter Thugs wore dark red coats and black bowler hats. They usually combated individuals with small knives. They could be found in every London Borough.

==== Blighter Female ====
Blighter Females were female Blighter members who were equipped with small blades. They were somewhat faster and stronger than Blighter Thugs.

==== Scotland Yard Officer ====
These law enforcement officers wore the common dark blue uniform and black custodian helmet of the Scotland Yard Police Department. If they heard or spotted violence or conflict on the streets of London, they would first, blow their whistles in order to alert nearby officers for help before fighting the suspect. In combat, they wielded batons and would occasionally draw their pistols to fire at enemies.

==== Scotland Yard Constable ====
Constables would often wear the exact same attire as Scotland Yard Officers, only with a short blue cape. They were much tougher than officers in combat.

==== Undercover Scotland Yard Officer ====
These guards behave in combat much like regular Scotland Yard Officers, only they wore grey clothing and grey kepi hats in order to blend in with the citizens of London.

==== Templar Official ====
Templar officials could be found both on street level and on the tops of buildings. They usually wore black suits and top hats, and wore white arm bands baring the Templar cross. They wielded sword canes in combat and were extremely dangerous at high levels.

=== World War 1 ===

==== Foot Soldiers ====
During World War 1, in the year 1916, London, under threat of German invasion, temporarily replaced their regular police force with soldiers from the British Army until the war was over. These infantry men acted very similar to the police force in Victorian London. They carried a baton, Lee-Enfield rifle, and a Webley revolver. If they heard or spotted trouble, they would hit the suspect with a baton and if they got out of range, shoot them with their rifles or pistols. They wore standard British Army uniforms during World War 1 which included a drab service dress with webbed equipment around it, black boots with gaiters covering them, a brodie helmet, and drab trousers.

==== Officers ====
Officers of the British Army in 1916 could often be seen leading a squad while patrolling. They wore similar uniforms to the standard infantry, but with a peaked cap instead of a brodie helmet and no webbed equipment around their uniform. They were slightly tougher than regular infantry in combat and would use a baton against the suspect and a revolver when they got out of range.

==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|left|250px|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>''[[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|left|250px|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. Snipers could also assault intruders with bayonets equipped with their muskets. They often watched over [[sugar plantations]], and would fire at intruders or run to an alarm bell to call reinforcements.

=== Ming Dynasty ===

==== Crossbowmen ====
[[File:ACCC DB Crossbowman.jpg|thumb|250x250px|A Chinese crossbowman]]
Crossbowmen during the Ming Dynasty, as the name implies, were equipped with crossbows and usually guarded walls in restricted areas. These guards also have the ability to use the crossbow to damage a close range opponent as a melee attack. They would take short time in aiming their weapon, giving the opponent time to dodge the bolts.

==== Heavy Crossbowmen ====
Unlike ordinary crossbowmen, these guards are heavily armored tend to stay routed to a particular spot. They also had the ability to send a flurry of crossbow bolts to an intruder, damaging the opponent in a bigger rate than the former.

==== Handcannon Guard ====
This guard handles a flint-activated hand cannon that could be used as a melee weapon and ranged weapon. The cannon could deal heavy damage but takes time to reload.
[[File:ACCC DB Ming Dynasty Muskets.jpg|left|thumb|250x250px|An aiming Handcannon Guard]]

===French Revolution===
====Snipers====
Snipers were mainly used during the French Revolution for guarding important locations such as The Temple or The Palais du Luxembourg. They carried muskets, which were lethally effective if a shot could be landed on a target. They could also spot Arno from much further away than other guards. However, they were less durable than other guards and were not very capable in melee.

Extremist snipers were dressed in dark grey clothing with a small cap, while city guard snipers had similar clothing to regular city guards, with the addition of white crossbelts over their coats and occasionally backpacks.

=== Victorian London ===

==== Blighter Sharpshooters ====
Blighter Sharpshooters were usually stationed on the tops of buildings or on balconies. They carried rifles and were usually females.

==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|left|250px|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|left|250px|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|left|250px|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"/>
{{-}}
===18th century Caribbean===
====Agiles====
Similar to the Agiles of the Renaissance, these guards fought with short knives, and were capable of chasing down Assassins, both on the ground and on rooftops, and would tackle their target upon catching them. Like most guard types, they were vulnerable to a disarming attack, but they would quickly retrieve their weapons if such an attack occurred. However, it was possible to disarm them and quickly throw the knife at them, killing them.

On larger naval ships, such as [[Frigate|frigates]] and [[Man O' War|Men O' War]], two agiles occasionally acted as officers, and were necessary to kill in order to board the vessel.

====Brutes====
Often seen guarding restricted areas, brutes were large, powerfully-built men who wielded boarding axes and were capable of blocking most attacks. However, they were vulnerable to an attack that would break their defense and leave them open to a killing blow.

On smaller naval ships, such as [[Gunboat|gunboats]] and [[Schooner|schooners]], brutes could be seen steering the vessel, and were the most skilled fighters on board.

====Captains====
Although occasionally seen on land, captains were more often found on ships, commanding [[Brig|brigs]], frigates, and Men O' War. Equipped with both a sword and pistol, captains used both weapons in combat, and could block most attacks with ease. However, successfully countering an attack from a captain would leave them open for a damaging string of blows.

====Sharpshooters====
Found patrolling and guarding rooftops and walkways, sharpshooters carried long-range muskets capable of hitting their target from a considerable distance; however, their rate of fire was moderately slow, and required time to reload and aim. When directly confronted by an enemy, the gunmen tended to back up and create enough space between themselves and their target to properly aim and shoot them. In close range, the sharpshooters were no more skilled than normal guards, and could be easily dispatched with a counter-attack.

===Enlightenment Age===
====Gang Scouts====
Similar to Agiles during the Renaissance and the Golden Age of Piracy, Gang Scouts fought with short knives and were able to chase down [[Shay Cormac]] on the ground and on rooftops. Similar to Brutes and Grenadiers, Scouts are able to throw bombs; specifically, smoke bombs.

====Stalkers====
Stalkers were gang members trained by the Assassins. They are predominantly found in gang-occupied territories. Similar to the Stalkers in the Ottoman Empire, Stalkers were dressed like normal civilians and can blend in by sitting on benches or even blend in with a group of civilians. However, they are able to hide in hiding spots such as sheds or even bushes, akin to [[Guardian]]s who protected the [[Observatory]]. When they notice Shay, they will attempt to assassinate him by either running towards him or attempt to air assassinate him.

Interestingly enough, most Stalkers that Shay encounters in New York are women, in the River Valley, they are natives american and in North Atlantic, men who wear a similar uniform of spanish captains during the Golden Age of Piracy .

====Gang Brutes====

====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|left|250px|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|left|250px|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 bearskin hats and red coats, whereas the Continental Army equivalent were seen wearing yellow coats and similar headgear to British drummers.

===French Revolution===
====Halberd Carriers====
Similar in combat to the Seekers of the Renaissance, Extremist Halberd carriers carried deadly polearms and pistols, and were capable of blocking attacks. They could utilize a low sweep to knock down an opponent, though this could be dodged. They were also immune to defense breaks, automatically pushing away any attempt at doing so. They wore large tricorne hats and long coats.

====Axe Carriers====
Axe carriers were akin to the Brutes of the Renaissance. They wore striped red and black clothing combined with satin-like yellow attire and wore red phrygian caps. They carried large axes, could use an unblockable heavy attack, and their regular attacks cannot be perfect parried. However, they could not block or parry attacks at all, and their attacks can easily be dodged.

=== Victorian London ===

==== Blighter Brutes ====
Blighter Brutes were much faster and stronger than Blighter Thugs, and could recover quickly from attacks if they were at high levels. They wore red trousers with black suspenders over plain white shirts. They were usually bald.

==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|left|250px|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===
====Gang Leaders====
Gang leaders were leaders of gangs that were trained by the Assassins. Similar to the stalkers, gang leaders can hide in hiding spots and even assassinate Shay if they notice him. They are also able to use smoke bombs to attempt to stun Shay when they flee.

====Jägers====
{{Main|Jägers}}
[[File:ACIII-MostWanted 7.png|thumb|left|250px|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 specialized 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.

Elite soldiers in your time 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 tricorne hats with a red feather.
*Patriot Jägers wore green coats with gold trim, black boots, and Tarletons with black horse hair trim.

===French Revolution===
====Elite Fencers/Swiss Guards====
These elite fighters tended to serve as squad leaders and were armed with one-handed swords, pistols and stun bombs. The extremist Elite Fencers wore long-sleeved black coats with ruffles and plumed top hats. The Swiss Guards wore similar attire to other city guards with the addition of metal cuirasses and helmets with white horsehair crests.

The Swiss Guards were regiments of Swiss mercenaries hired to protect the French Sovereign and his places of residence. These Swiss regiments were highly sought after in Europe since the Swiss cantons were reputed to produce good, obedient and ferocious soldiers. By the end of the 15th century, the Swiss Hundred Guard ("Cent Suisses") was created and regularly stationed in Paris. By the middle of the 18th century, the protection of the Champs-Élysées was entrusted to a detachment of ten or so soldiers tasked with maintaining order and arresting lawbreakers

They were capable of rapidly executing sword combos, and the window to perfectly parry their strikes was small. They would block every regular attack directed at them and could occasionally parry, causing damage to their attacker. In addition to this, they could easily duck under or roll away from gun shots, and were quite capable at using their own pistols. They would also hang back and throw stun bombs if Arno was locked in combat with other guards, which would detonate after a delay and disrupted Arno's vision if he was in the blast radius. However, they became vulnerable if they were worn out by repeated strikes or their defense was broken, and they could not block or dodge heavy attacks.

=== Victorian London ===

==== Royal Guards ====
The Royal Guards were the elite foot guards of the British Monarchy in the Victorian Era. Being members of the [[British Army]], they are loyal to Queen Victoria. They could be found only in Westminster, where they stood guard over the many government and administrative buildings there such as Buckingham Palace. They carried rifles, pistols, and batons. They are originally trained for warfare, and some of them may possibly be veterans of wars involving Great Britain. Because of this, only the highest level individuals stood a chance against these guards, as they did devastating damage with their baton barrage attacks, and could recover incredibly fast. They were easily identifiable due to the conspicuous uniforms that they wore. They wore a bright red British military tunic along with black trousers with a red stripe on either side and a tall black bearskin cap.

==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.
*In ''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'', guards could sometimes be heard whistling the "[[Assassin's Creed II soundtrack|Ezio's Family]]" theme from ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''.

==References==
{{GalleryBox|Guards}}
{{Reflist}}
{{AC2}}
{{AC2D}}
{{ACB}}
[[Category:Occupations]]

Soldier

2015-11-28T03:14:13Z

98.206.42.165: /* Gunners */

{{Era|ACAC|AC|ACBL|AC2|AC2D|ACB|ACR|AC3|AC3L|AC4|ACRG|ACU|ACS|CC|CI|CR}}
{{Revamp}}
[[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|left|[[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 was loyal to Sultan Saladin of Egypt and Syria and to Turkish Sultan Kilij Arsian II and spoke Turkish or Arabic, while Crusaders are loyal to King Richard I of England, King Philip II of France and Emperor Frederick Barbarosa of Germany and 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|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|left|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|[[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|left|A contingent of French soldiers]]
Guards and soldiers of [[France]], loyal to King Louis XII, 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|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 multicolored robes, being loyal to Sultan Bayezid II and later to Sultan Selim I, 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, displaying their loyalty to Manuel Palaiologos. 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>

===Ming dynasty===
[[File:Chronicles-China 5.jpg|left|thumb|250px|The Assassin [[Shao Jun]] locked in combat with guards]]
Guards during the [[Ming dynasty]] in [[China]] were equipped swords such as the pei dao and jian, spears and crossbows. They wore iron-plated, chain-linked armor and bronze helmets. Higher-ranked guards wore thicker armor or used wooden or iron shields.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]''</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 [[George I|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 bicorn 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|King 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, and wore different hats to the British captains.

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, displaying loyalty to [[John V of Portugal|King John V of Portugal.]]

The [[France|French]] soldiers, stationed primarily on [[Haiti|Saint-Domingue]], wore mostly white coats with blue outlines displaying loyalty to [[Louis XV of France|King Louis XV]]. The [[Slavery|slave]] overseers they colluded with often wore brown or tan outfits.

Another faction working prominently in the Caribbean was comprised of [[Pirate Hunters|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>''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]''</ref>

The final group were the mercenaries. Often hired by empires as expandable soldiers, they wore clothing much like pirate hunters, composed mainly of ordinary brown. They were usually found on land, guarding treasures and assassination targets.

===Enlightenment Age===
[[File:ACIII-LexingtonandConcord 16.png|thumb|250px|[[Ratonhnhaké:ton|Connor]] commanding militia in firing lines]]
During the [[Seven Years' War]], guards were aligned with the [[British Army]] who were denoted by their red uniforms, displaying loyalty to [[George II of Great Britain|King George II]], or the [[French Army]] who were denoted by their white uniforms, displaying loyalty to King Louis XV. Assassin-affiliated [[gangs]] were denoted by their orange outfits.

During the [[American Revolutionary War]], 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, loyal to [[George III of the United Kingdom|King George III]]. 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, loyal to revolutionary leader [[George Washington]], wore mostly blue uniforms, except for Continental Grenadiers, who wore a khaki colored kilt.

In [[France]], guards served the government, first and nominally loyal to [[ Louis XVI of France|King Louis XVI]] and then loyal to First French Republic, first to President of the Committee of Public Safety [[Georges Danton]] (for a short period of time) and then to his successor [[Maximilien Robespierre]], or acted on behalf of political extremists to cause trouble. The official guards wore blue, red and white uniforms, with bicorne hats. Their allies, the elite Swiss Guard, often dressed similarly, but were easily distinguishable by their ornate armor and helmets. The extremists wore a variety of civilian clothing, but always had red elements present.

If the former saw someone being attacked or killed, they would attack the ones responsible, including the murderers in certain Crowd Events. On occasion, they would attack a nearby group of extremists if something suspicious occurred in their vicinity without Arno being visible.

The latter would fight vigilantes after exchanging taunts, and might fight the official guards if suspicions were raised and Arno was nowhere in sight. On occasion, they would also become suspicious of Arno without provocation and would attack him if he lingered in their view. <ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Unity]]''</ref>

=== Victorian London ===
Guards in Victorian London were not so much guards as they were gang members or law enforcement agents. Different types of guards operated in different London Boroughs, such as Whitechapel, Lambeth, etc. The lower ranking guard types were usually petty members of the London street gangs, while the highest ranking guard types were usually militarily affiliated, being loyal to [[Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom|Queen Victoria]].

==Ranking==
===High Middle Ages===
====Regular====
[[File:Tamir Informer Escort 3.png|thumb|left|250px|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 padded 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"/>

===18th century Caribbean===
====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, the white coat is worn by the soldiers of French 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.

====Grenadiers====

Grenadiers are the brutes of the Caribbean. They wear huge, long coats and a tricorne. They wield large boarding axes, a pistol and grenades. Grenadiers block attacks easily with their axes, meaning attackers must break their defence before he can kill them in melee. They also deal high damage with their axe swings. Grenadiers will drop grenades occasionally when they are not engaged in combat. Grenades explode and deal damage to anyone in the area, friend or foe; indeed, it is not in common for grenadiers to be killed by their own grenades. They use their pistol when the enemy is in a hard to reach place.

====Agile====

Where agiles lack in strength, they make up for in speed. Agiles wear short coats and powdered wigs, except for hunter agiles, who wear tricornes. They wield a shortsword and a pistol in combat. Agiles are the fastest guards in the Caribbean, they can keep up with Edward longer than any class and can free run to an extent. When engaging in combat, they will deliver a chain of blows, one after the other, so that the defender has no time to counterattac, only to parry. They use their pistols when the enemy is out of reach. A pair of agile can be found on large enemy ships, acting as lieutenants.

====Gunners====

Gunners are often deployed in tactical, elevated positions like guard towers, ships' crow's nests and rooftops. They wear short coats and a tricorne, except for British gunners, who wear bicornes. They are armed with a musket and bayonet, and rarely move from position. When they spot an enemy, they will take aim for a few seconds, then fire. Muskets deal huge damage, taking out three health bars. To counter, defenders can grab enemies and use then as human shields, or just get out of sight. When in melee, they use their bayonets and fight similarly to grenadiers.

====Captains====

Captains are the most elite members of enemy forces Edward will encounter. Spanish and Portugese captains wear wide-brimmed hats, shoulder padded coats and boots. British captains wear bicornes, gold trimmed blue coats with a red sash, and hunter captains wear green coats. They have the same arnamnet as regulars, but use their pistols in direct combat. They combine the attacking speed of an agile with the blocking skill of a grenadier. On large ships, one can be found acting as captain.

===Enlightenment Age===
====Gang members====

====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.

===French Revolution===
====Militia====
The militia comprised the bulk of the extremist forces. They were dressed in simple striped red and black attire with plumed tricorne hats. They carried sabers and pistols, but were not especially proficient in their use. They struck relatively slowly and would rarely execute combos. Higher level versions were capable of blocking attacks, but would tire and become vulnerable after blocking 1 or 2 attacks.

====Enforcers====
The most common enemy aside from the Militia were the Enforcers. The extremist version dressed in similar attire to the Militia with the addition of leather longcoats, while the city guard version wore blue coats with epaulettes and white-trimmed bicornes. They behaved and were equipped similarly to Militia guards but were better overall in every respect.

=== Victorian London ===

==== Blighter Thug ====
The slowest and least dangerous of all guard types, Blighter Thugs wore dark red coats and black bowler hats. They usually combated individuals with small knives. They could be found in every London Borough.

==== Blighter Female ====
Blighter Females were female Blighter members who were equipped with small blades. They were somewhat faster and stronger than Blighter Thugs.

==== Scotland Yard Officer ====
These law enforcement officers wore the common dark blue uniform and black custodian helmet of the Scotland Yard Police Department. If they heard or spotted violence or conflict on the streets of London, they would first, blow their whistles in order to alert nearby officers for help before fighting the suspect. In combat, they wielded batons and would occasionally draw their pistols to fire at enemies.

==== Scotland Yard Constable ====
Constables would often wear the exact same attire as Scotland Yard Officers, only with a short blue cape. They were much tougher than officers in combat.

==== Undercover Scotland Yard Officer ====
These guards behave in combat much like regular Scotland Yard Officers, only they wore grey clothing and grey kepi hats in order to blend in with the citizens of London.

==== Templar Official ====
Templar officials could be found both on street level and on the tops of buildings. They usually wore black suits and top hats, and wore white arm bands baring the Templar cross. They wielded sword canes in combat and were extremely dangerous at high levels.

=== World War 1 ===

==== Foot Soldiers ====
During World War 1, in the year 1916, London, under threat of German invasion, temporarily replaced their regular police force with soldiers from the British Army until the war was over. These infantry men acted very similar to the police force in Victorian London. They carried a baton, Lee-Enfield rifle, and a Webley revolver. If they heard or spotted trouble, they would hit the suspect with a baton and if they got out of range, shoot them with their rifles or pistols. They wore standard British Army uniforms during World War 1 which included a drab service dress with webbed equipment around it, black boots with gaiters covering them, a brodie helmet, and drab trousers.

==== Officers ====
Officers of the British Army in 1916 could often be seen leading a squad while patrolling. They wore similar uniforms to the standard infantry, but with a peaked cap instead of a brodie helmet and no webbed equipment around their uniform. They were slightly tougher than regular infantry in combat and would use a baton against the suspect and a revolver when they got out of range.

==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|left|250px|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>''[[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|left|250px|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. Snipers could also assault intruders with bayonets equipped with their muskets. They often watched over [[sugar plantations]], and would fire at intruders or run to an alarm bell to call reinforcements.

=== Ming Dynasty ===

==== Crossbowmen ====
[[File:ACCC DB Crossbowman.jpg|thumb|250x250px|A Chinese crossbowman]]
Crossbowmen during the Ming Dynasty, as the name implies, were equipped with crossbows and usually guarded walls in restricted areas. These guards also have the ability to use the crossbow to damage a close range opponent as a melee attack. They would take short time in aiming their weapon, giving the opponent time to dodge the bolts.

==== Heavy Crossbowmen ====
Unlike ordinary crossbowmen, these guards are heavily armored tend to stay routed to a particular spot. They also had the ability to send a flurry of crossbow bolts to an intruder, damaging the opponent in a bigger rate than the former.

==== Handcannon Guard ====
This guard handles a flint-activated hand cannon that could be used as a melee weapon and ranged weapon. The cannon could deal heavy damage but takes time to reload.
[[File:ACCC DB Ming Dynasty Muskets.jpg|left|thumb|250x250px|An aiming Handcannon Guard]]

===French Revolution===
====Snipers====
Snipers were mainly used during the French Revolution for guarding important locations such as The Temple or The Palais du Luxembourg. They carried muskets, which were lethally effective if a shot could be landed on a target. They could also spot Arno from much further away than other guards. However, they were less durable than other guards and were not very capable in melee.

Extremist snipers were dressed in dark grey clothing with a small cap, while city guard snipers had similar clothing to regular city guards, with the addition of white crossbelts over their coats and occasionally backpacks.

=== Victorian London ===

==== Blighter Sharpshooters ====
Blighter Sharpshooters were usually stationed on the tops of buildings or on balconies. They carried rifles and were usually females.

==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|left|250px|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|left|250px|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|left|250px|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"/>
{{-}}
===18th century Caribbean===
====Agiles====
Similar to the Agiles of the Renaissance, these guards fought with short knives, and were capable of chasing down Assassins, both on the ground and on rooftops, and would tackle their target upon catching them. Like most guard types, they were vulnerable to a disarming attack, but they would quickly retrieve their weapons if such an attack occurred. However, it was possible to disarm them and quickly throw the knife at them, killing them.

On larger naval ships, such as [[Frigate|frigates]] and [[Man O' War|Men O' War]], two agiles occasionally acted as officers, and were necessary to kill in order to board the vessel.

====Brutes====
Often seen guarding restricted areas, brutes were large, powerfully-built men who wielded boarding axes and were capable of blocking most attacks. However, they were vulnerable to an attack that would break their defense and leave them open to a killing blow.

On smaller naval ships, such as [[Gunboat|gunboats]] and [[Schooner|schooners]], brutes could be seen steering the vessel, and were the most skilled fighters on board.

====Captains====
Although occasionally seen on land, captains were more often found on ships, commanding [[Brig|brigs]], frigates, and Men O' War. Equipped with both a sword and pistol, captains used both weapons in combat, and could block most attacks with ease. However, successfully countering an attack from a captain would leave them open for a damaging string of blows.

====Sharpshooters====
Found patrolling and guarding rooftops and walkways, sharpshooters carried long-range muskets capable of hitting their target from a considerable distance; however, their rate of fire was moderately slow, and required time to reload and aim. When directly confronted by an enemy, the gunmen tended to back up and create enough space between themselves and their target to properly aim and shoot them. In close range, the sharpshooters were no more skilled than normal guards, and could be easily dispatched with a counter-attack.

===Enlightenment Age===
====Gang Scouts====
Similar to Agiles during the Renaissance and the Golden Age of Piracy, Gang Scouts fought with short knives and were able to chase down [[Shay Cormac]] on the ground and on rooftops. Similar to Brutes and Grenadiers, Scouts are able to throw bombs; specifically, smoke bombs.

====Stalkers====
Stalkers were gang members trained by the Assassins. They are predominantly found in gang-occupied territories. Similar to the Stalkers in the Ottoman Empire, Stalkers were dressed like normal civilians and can blend in by sitting on benches or even blend in with a group of civilians. However, they are able to hide in hiding spots such as sheds or even bushes, akin to [[Guardian]]s who protected the [[Observatory]]. When they notice Shay, they will attempt to assassinate him by either running towards him or attempt to air assassinate him.

Interestingly enough, most Stalkers that Shay encounters in New York are women, in the River Valley, they are natives american and in North Atlantic, men who wear a similar uniform of spanish captains during the Golden Age of Piracy .

====Gang Brutes====

====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|left|250px|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|left|250px|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 bearskin hats and red coats, whereas the Continental Army equivalent were seen wearing yellow coats and similar headgear to British drummers.

===French Revolution===
====Halberd Carriers====
Similar in combat to the Seekers of the Renaissance, Extremist Halberd carriers carried deadly polearms and pistols, and were capable of blocking attacks. They could utilize a low sweep to knock down an opponent, though this could be dodged. They were also immune to defense breaks, automatically pushing away any attempt at doing so. They wore large tricorne hats and long coats.

====Axe Carriers====
Axe carriers were akin to the Brutes of the Renaissance. They wore striped red and black clothing combined with satin-like yellow attire and wore red phrygian caps. They carried large axes, could use an unblockable heavy attack, and their regular attacks cannot be perfect parried. However, they could not block or parry attacks at all, and their attacks can easily be dodged.

=== Victorian London ===

==== Blighter Brutes ====
Blighter Brutes were much faster and stronger than Blighter Thugs, and could recover quickly from attacks if they were at high levels. They wore red trousers with black suspenders over plain white shirts. They were usually bald.

==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|left|250px|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===
====Gang Leaders====
Gang leaders were leaders of gangs that were trained by the Assassins. Similar to the stalkers, gang leaders can hide in hiding spots and even assassinate Shay if they notice him. They are also able to use smoke bombs to attempt to stun Shay when they flee.

====Jägers====
{{Main|Jägers}}
[[File:ACIII-MostWanted 7.png|thumb|left|250px|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 specialized 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.

Elite soldiers in your time 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 tricorne hats with a red feather.
*Patriot Jägers wore green coats with gold trim, black boots, and Tarletons with black horse hair trim.

===French Revolution===
====Elite Fencers/Swiss Guards====
These elite fighters tended to serve as squad leaders and were armed with one-handed swords, pistols and stun bombs. The extremist Elite Fencers wore long-sleeved black coats with ruffles and plumed top hats. The Swiss Guards wore similar attire to other city guards with the addition of metal cuirasses and helmets with white horsehair crests.

The Swiss Guards were regiments of Swiss mercenaries hired to protect the French Sovereign and his places of residence. These Swiss regiments were highly sought after in Europe since the Swiss cantons were reputed to produce good, obedient and ferocious soldiers. By the end of the 15th century, the Swiss Hundred Guard ("Cent Suisses") was created and regularly stationed in Paris. By the middle of the 18th century, the protection of the Champs-Élysées was entrusted to a detachment of ten or so soldiers tasked with maintaining order and arresting lawbreakers

They were capable of rapidly executing sword combos, and the window to perfectly parry their strikes was small. They would block every regular attack directed at them and could occasionally parry, causing damage to their attacker. In addition to this, they could easily duck under or roll away from gun shots, and were quite capable at using their own pistols. They would also hang back and throw stun bombs if Arno was locked in combat with other guards, which would detonate after a delay and disrupted Arno's vision if he was in the blast radius. However, they became vulnerable if they were worn out by repeated strikes or their defense was broken, and they could not block or dodge heavy attacks.

=== Victorian London ===

==== Royal Guards ====
The Royal Guards were the elite foot guards of the British Monarchy in the Victorian Era. Being members of the [[British Army]], they are loyal to Queen Victoria. They could be found only in Westminster, where they stood guard over the many government and administrative buildings there such as Buckingham Palace. They carried rifles, pistols, and batons. They are originally trained for warfare, and some of them may possibly be veterans of wars involving Great Britain. Because of this, only the highest level individuals stood a chance against these guards, as they did devastating damage with their baton barrage attacks, and could recover incredibly fast. They were easily identifiable due to the conspicuous uniforms that they wore. They wore a bright red British military tunic along with black trousers with a red stripe on either side and a tall black bearskin cap.

==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.
*In ''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'', guards could sometimes be heard whistling the "[[Assassin's Creed II soundtrack|Ezio's Family]]" theme from ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''.

==References==
{{GalleryBox|Guards}}
{{Reflist}}
{{AC2}}
{{AC2D}}
{{ACB}}
[[Category:Occupations]]

Soldier

2015-11-28T03:13:33Z

98.206.42.165: /* Regulars */

{{Era|ACAC|AC|ACBL|AC2|AC2D|ACB|ACR|AC3|AC3L|AC4|ACRG|ACU|ACS|CC|CI|CR}}
{{Revamp}}
[[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|left|[[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 was loyal to Sultan Saladin of Egypt and Syria and to Turkish Sultan Kilij Arsian II and spoke Turkish or Arabic, while Crusaders are loyal to King Richard I of England, King Philip II of France and Emperor Frederick Barbarosa of Germany and 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|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|left|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|[[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|left|A contingent of French soldiers]]
Guards and soldiers of [[France]], loyal to King Louis XII, 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|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 multicolored robes, being loyal to Sultan Bayezid II and later to Sultan Selim I, 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, displaying their loyalty to Manuel Palaiologos. 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>

===Ming dynasty===
[[File:Chronicles-China 5.jpg|left|thumb|250px|The Assassin [[Shao Jun]] locked in combat with guards]]
Guards during the [[Ming dynasty]] in [[China]] were equipped swords such as the pei dao and jian, spears and crossbows. They wore iron-plated, chain-linked armor and bronze helmets. Higher-ranked guards wore thicker armor or used wooden or iron shields.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]''</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 [[George I|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 bicorn 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|King 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, and wore different hats to the British captains.

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, displaying loyalty to [[John V of Portugal|King John V of Portugal.]]

The [[France|French]] soldiers, stationed primarily on [[Haiti|Saint-Domingue]], wore mostly white coats with blue outlines displaying loyalty to [[Louis XV of France|King Louis XV]]. The [[Slavery|slave]] overseers they colluded with often wore brown or tan outfits.

Another faction working prominently in the Caribbean was comprised of [[Pirate Hunters|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>''[[Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag]]''</ref>

The final group were the mercenaries. Often hired by empires as expandable soldiers, they wore clothing much like pirate hunters, composed mainly of ordinary brown. They were usually found on land, guarding treasures and assassination targets.

===Enlightenment Age===
[[File:ACIII-LexingtonandConcord 16.png|thumb|250px|[[Ratonhnhaké:ton|Connor]] commanding militia in firing lines]]
During the [[Seven Years' War]], guards were aligned with the [[British Army]] who were denoted by their red uniforms, displaying loyalty to [[George II of Great Britain|King George II]], or the [[French Army]] who were denoted by their white uniforms, displaying loyalty to King Louis XV. Assassin-affiliated [[gangs]] were denoted by their orange outfits.

During the [[American Revolutionary War]], 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, loyal to [[George III of the United Kingdom|King George III]]. 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, loyal to revolutionary leader [[George Washington]], wore mostly blue uniforms, except for Continental Grenadiers, who wore a khaki colored kilt.

In [[France]], guards served the government, first and nominally loyal to [[ Louis XVI of France|King Louis XVI]] and then loyal to First French Republic, first to President of the Committee of Public Safety [[Georges Danton]] (for a short period of time) and then to his successor [[Maximilien Robespierre]], or acted on behalf of political extremists to cause trouble. The official guards wore blue, red and white uniforms, with bicorne hats. Their allies, the elite Swiss Guard, often dressed similarly, but were easily distinguishable by their ornate armor and helmets. The extremists wore a variety of civilian clothing, but always had red elements present.

If the former saw someone being attacked or killed, they would attack the ones responsible, including the murderers in certain Crowd Events. On occasion, they would attack a nearby group of extremists if something suspicious occurred in their vicinity without Arno being visible.

The latter would fight vigilantes after exchanging taunts, and might fight the official guards if suspicions were raised and Arno was nowhere in sight. On occasion, they would also become suspicious of Arno without provocation and would attack him if he lingered in their view. <ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Unity]]''</ref>

=== Victorian London ===
Guards in Victorian London were not so much guards as they were gang members or law enforcement agents. Different types of guards operated in different London Boroughs, such as Whitechapel, Lambeth, etc. The lower ranking guard types were usually petty members of the London street gangs, while the highest ranking guard types were usually militarily affiliated, being loyal to [[Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom|Queen Victoria]].

==Ranking==
===High Middle Ages===
====Regular====
[[File:Tamir Informer Escort 3.png|thumb|left|250px|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 padded 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"/>

===18th century Caribbean===
====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, the white coat is worn by the soldiers of French 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.

====Grenadiers====

Grenadiers are the brutes of the Caribbean. They wear huge, long coats and a tricorne. They wield large boarding axes, a pistol and grenades. Grenadiers block attacks easily with their axes, meaning attackers must break their defence before he can kill them in melee. They also deal high damage with their axe swings. Grenadiers will drop grenades occasionally when they are not engaged in combat. Grenades explode and deal damage to anyone in the area, friend or foe; indeed, it is not in common for grenadiers to be killed by their own grenades. They use their pistol when the enemy is in a hard to reach place.

====Agile====

Where agiles lack in strength, they make up for in speed. Agiles wear short coats and powdered wigs, except for hunter agiles, who wear tricornes. They wield a shortsword and a pistol in combat. Agiles are the fastest guards in the Caribbean, they can keep up with Edward longer than any class and can free run to an extent. When engaging in combat, they will deliver a chain of blows, one after the other, so that the defender has no time to counterattac, only to parry. They use their pistols when the enemy is out of reach. A pair of agile can be found on large enemy ships, acting as lieutenants.

====Gunners====

Gunners are often deployed in tactical, elevated positions like guard towers, ships' crow's nests and rooftops. They wear short coats and a tricorne, except for British gunners, who wear bircornes hey are armed with a musket and bayonet, and rarely move from position. When they spot an enemy, they will take aim for a few seconds, then fire. Muskets deal huge damage, taking out three health bars. To counter, defenders can grab enemies and use then as human shields, or just get out of sight. When in melee, they use their bayonets and fight similarly to grenadiers.

====Captains====

Captains are the most elite members of enemy forces Edward will encounter. Spanish and Portugese captains wear wide-brimmed hats, shoulder padded coats and boots. British captains wear bicornes, gold trimmed blue coats with a red sash, and hunter captains wear green coats. They have the same arnamnet as regulars, but use their pistols in direct combat. They combine the attacking speed of an agile with the blocking skill of a grenadier. On large ships, one can be found acting as captain.

===Enlightenment Age===
====Gang members====

====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.

===French Revolution===
====Militia====
The militia comprised the bulk of the extremist forces. They were dressed in simple striped red and black attire with plumed tricorne hats. They carried sabers and pistols, but were not especially proficient in their use. They struck relatively slowly and would rarely execute combos. Higher level versions were capable of blocking attacks, but would tire and become vulnerable after blocking 1 or 2 attacks.

====Enforcers====
The most common enemy aside from the Militia were the Enforcers. The extremist version dressed in similar attire to the Militia with the addition of leather longcoats, while the city guard version wore blue coats with epaulettes and white-trimmed bicornes. They behaved and were equipped similarly to Militia guards but were better overall in every respect.

=== Victorian London ===

==== Blighter Thug ====
The slowest and least dangerous of all guard types, Blighter Thugs wore dark red coats and black bowler hats. They usually combated individuals with small knives. They could be found in every London Borough.

==== Blighter Female ====
Blighter Females were female Blighter members who were equipped with small blades. They were somewhat faster and stronger than Blighter Thugs.

==== Scotland Yard Officer ====
These law enforcement officers wore the common dark blue uniform and black custodian helmet of the Scotland Yard Police Department. If they heard or spotted violence or conflict on the streets of London, they would first, blow their whistles in order to alert nearby officers for help before fighting the suspect. In combat, they wielded batons and would occasionally draw their pistols to fire at enemies.

==== Scotland Yard Constable ====
Constables would often wear the exact same attire as Scotland Yard Officers, only with a short blue cape. They were much tougher than officers in combat.

==== Undercover Scotland Yard Officer ====
These guards behave in combat much like regular Scotland Yard Officers, only they wore grey clothing and grey kepi hats in order to blend in with the citizens of London.

==== Templar Official ====
Templar officials could be found both on street level and on the tops of buildings. They usually wore black suits and top hats, and wore white arm bands baring the Templar cross. They wielded sword canes in combat and were extremely dangerous at high levels.

=== World War 1 ===

==== Foot Soldiers ====
During World War 1, in the year 1916, London, under threat of German invasion, temporarily replaced their regular police force with soldiers from the British Army until the war was over. These infantry men acted very similar to the police force in Victorian London. They carried a baton, Lee-Enfield rifle, and a Webley revolver. If they heard or spotted trouble, they would hit the suspect with a baton and if they got out of range, shoot them with their rifles or pistols. They wore standard British Army uniforms during World War 1 which included a drab service dress with webbed equipment around it, black boots with gaiters covering them, a brodie helmet, and drab trousers.

==== Officers ====
Officers of the British Army in 1916 could often be seen leading a squad while patrolling. They wore similar uniforms to the standard infantry, but with a peaked cap instead of a brodie helmet and no webbed equipment around their uniform. They were slightly tougher than regular infantry in combat and would use a baton against the suspect and a revolver when they got out of range.

==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|left|250px|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>''[[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|left|250px|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. Snipers could also assault intruders with bayonets equipped with their muskets. They often watched over [[sugar plantations]], and would fire at intruders or run to an alarm bell to call reinforcements.

=== Ming Dynasty ===

==== Crossbowmen ====
[[File:ACCC DB Crossbowman.jpg|thumb|250x250px|A Chinese crossbowman]]
Crossbowmen during the Ming Dynasty, as the name implies, were equipped with crossbows and usually guarded walls in restricted areas. These guards also have the ability to use the crossbow to damage a close range opponent as a melee attack. They would take short time in aiming their weapon, giving the opponent time to dodge the bolts.

==== Heavy Crossbowmen ====
Unlike ordinary crossbowmen, these guards are heavily armored tend to stay routed to a particular spot. They also had the ability to send a flurry of crossbow bolts to an intruder, damaging the opponent in a bigger rate than the former.

==== Handcannon Guard ====
This guard handles a flint-activated hand cannon that could be used as a melee weapon and ranged weapon. The cannon could deal heavy damage but takes time to reload.
[[File:ACCC DB Ming Dynasty Muskets.jpg|left|thumb|250x250px|An aiming Handcannon Guard]]

===French Revolution===
====Snipers====
Snipers were mainly used during the French Revolution for guarding important locations such as The Temple or The Palais du Luxembourg. They carried muskets, which were lethally effective if a shot could be landed on a target. They could also spot Arno from much further away than other guards. However, they were less durable than other guards and were not very capable in melee.

Extremist snipers were dressed in dark grey clothing with a small cap, while city guard snipers had similar clothing to regular city guards, with the addition of white crossbelts over their coats and occasionally backpacks.

=== Victorian London ===

==== Blighter Sharpshooters ====
Blighter Sharpshooters were usually stationed on the tops of buildings or on balconies. They carried rifles and were usually females.

==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|left|250px|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|left|250px|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|left|250px|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"/>
{{-}}
===18th century Caribbean===
====Agiles====
Similar to the Agiles of the Renaissance, these guards fought with short knives, and were capable of chasing down Assassins, both on the ground and on rooftops, and would tackle their target upon catching them. Like most guard types, they were vulnerable to a disarming attack, but they would quickly retrieve their weapons if such an attack occurred. However, it was possible to disarm them and quickly throw the knife at them, killing them.

On larger naval ships, such as [[Frigate|frigates]] and [[Man O' War|Men O' War]], two agiles occasionally acted as officers, and were necessary to kill in order to board the vessel.

====Brutes====
Often seen guarding restricted areas, brutes were large, powerfully-built men who wielded boarding axes and were capable of blocking most attacks. However, they were vulnerable to an attack that would break their defense and leave them open to a killing blow.

On smaller naval ships, such as [[Gunboat|gunboats]] and [[Schooner|schooners]], brutes could be seen steering the vessel, and were the most skilled fighters on board.

====Captains====
Although occasionally seen on land, captains were more often found on ships, commanding [[Brig|brigs]], frigates, and Men O' War. Equipped with both a sword and pistol, captains used both weapons in combat, and could block most attacks with ease. However, successfully countering an attack from a captain would leave them open for a damaging string of blows.

====Sharpshooters====
Found patrolling and guarding rooftops and walkways, sharpshooters carried long-range muskets capable of hitting their target from a considerable distance; however, their rate of fire was moderately slow, and required time to reload and aim. When directly confronted by an enemy, the gunmen tended to back up and create enough space between themselves and their target to properly aim and shoot them. In close range, the sharpshooters were no more skilled than normal guards, and could be easily dispatched with a counter-attack.

===Enlightenment Age===
====Gang Scouts====
Similar to Agiles during the Renaissance and the Golden Age of Piracy, Gang Scouts fought with short knives and were able to chase down [[Shay Cormac]] on the ground and on rooftops. Similar to Brutes and Grenadiers, Scouts are able to throw bombs; specifically, smoke bombs.

====Stalkers====
Stalkers were gang members trained by the Assassins. They are predominantly found in gang-occupied territories. Similar to the Stalkers in the Ottoman Empire, Stalkers were dressed like normal civilians and can blend in by sitting on benches or even blend in with a group of civilians. However, they are able to hide in hiding spots such as sheds or even bushes, akin to [[Guardian]]s who protected the [[Observatory]]. When they notice Shay, they will attempt to assassinate him by either running towards him or attempt to air assassinate him.

Interestingly enough, most Stalkers that Shay encounters in New York are women, in the River Valley, they are natives american and in North Atlantic, men who wear a similar uniform of spanish captains during the Golden Age of Piracy .

====Gang Brutes====

====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|left|250px|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|left|250px|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 bearskin hats and red coats, whereas the Continental Army equivalent were seen wearing yellow coats and similar headgear to British drummers.

===French Revolution===
====Halberd Carriers====
Similar in combat to the Seekers of the Renaissance, Extremist Halberd carriers carried deadly polearms and pistols, and were capable of blocking attacks. They could utilize a low sweep to knock down an opponent, though this could be dodged. They were also immune to defense breaks, automatically pushing away any attempt at doing so. They wore large tricorne hats and long coats.

====Axe Carriers====
Axe carriers were akin to the Brutes of the Renaissance. They wore striped red and black clothing combined with satin-like yellow attire and wore red phrygian caps. They carried large axes, could use an unblockable heavy attack, and their regular attacks cannot be perfect parried. However, they could not block or parry attacks at all, and their attacks can easily be dodged.

=== Victorian London ===

==== Blighter Brutes ====
Blighter Brutes were much faster and stronger than Blighter Thugs, and could recover quickly from attacks if they were at high levels. They wore red trousers with black suspenders over plain white shirts. They were usually bald.

==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|left|250px|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===
====Gang Leaders====
Gang leaders were leaders of gangs that were trained by the Assassins. Similar to the stalkers, gang leaders can hide in hiding spots and even assassinate Shay if they notice him. They are also able to use smoke bombs to attempt to stun Shay when they flee.

====Jägers====
{{Main|Jägers}}
[[File:ACIII-MostWanted 7.png|thumb|left|250px|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 specialized 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.

Elite soldiers in your time 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 tricorne hats with a red feather.
*Patriot Jägers wore green coats with gold trim, black boots, and Tarletons with black horse hair trim.

===French Revolution===
====Elite Fencers/Swiss Guards====
These elite fighters tended to serve as squad leaders and were armed with one-handed swords, pistols and stun bombs. The extremist Elite Fencers wore long-sleeved black coats with ruffles and plumed top hats. The Swiss Guards wore similar attire to other city guards with the addition of metal cuirasses and helmets with white horsehair crests.

The Swiss Guards were regiments of Swiss mercenaries hired to protect the French Sovereign and his places of residence. These Swiss regiments were highly sought after in Europe since the Swiss cantons were reputed to produce good, obedient and ferocious soldiers. By the end of the 15th century, the Swiss Hundred Guard ("Cent Suisses") was created and regularly stationed in Paris. By the middle of the 18th century, the protection of the Champs-Élysées was entrusted to a detachment of ten or so soldiers tasked with maintaining order and arresting lawbreakers

They were capable of rapidly executing sword combos, and the window to perfectly parry their strikes was small. They would block every regular attack directed at them and could occasionally parry, causing damage to their attacker. In addition to this, they could easily duck under or roll away from gun shots, and were quite capable at using their own pistols. They would also hang back and throw stun bombs if Arno was locked in combat with other guards, which would detonate after a delay and disrupted Arno's vision if he was in the blast radius. However, they became vulnerable if they were worn out by repeated strikes or their defense was broken, and they could not block or dodge heavy attacks.

=== Victorian London ===

==== Royal Guards ====
The Royal Guards were the elite foot guards of the British Monarchy in the Victorian Era. Being members of the [[British Army]], they are loyal to Queen Victoria. They could be found only in Westminster, where they stood guard over the many government and administrative buildings there such as Buckingham Palace. They carried rifles, pistols, and batons. They are originally trained for warfare, and some of them may possibly be veterans of wars involving Great Britain. Because of this, only the highest level individuals stood a chance against these guards, as they did devastating damage with their baton barrage attacks, and could recover incredibly fast. They were easily identifiable due to the conspicuous uniforms that they wore. They wore a bright red British military tunic along with black trousers with a red stripe on either side and a tall black bearskin cap.

==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.
*In ''[[Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China]]'', guards could sometimes be heard whistling the "[[Assassin's Creed II soundtrack|Ezio's Family]]" theme from ''[[Assassin's Creed II]]''.

==References==
{{GalleryBox|Guards}}
{{Reflist}}
{{AC2}}
{{AC2D}}
{{ACB}}
[[Category:Occupations]]