Reginald Birch - Revision history

Soranin at 21:05, 3 May 2026

2026-05-03T21:05:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:05, 3 May 2026
Line 31:		Line 31:
	Over the following two years, Birch became a frequent visitor to the [[Kenway Mansion\|Kenway household]] and was deemed a suitable match for Jennifer, although she disliked him. Birch also sent mercenaries from [[Edward Braddock]]'s regiment to blackmail [[Jack Digweed]], Edward's valet, into revealing the location of the journal, but he did not know where it was. Afterwards, Birch had a conversation with Haytham about his [[sword]] training and learned that Edward kept a [[steel]] sword in a secret compartment in the games room, indicating the journal's location.<ref name="Forsaken"/>		Over the following two years, Birch became a frequent visitor to the [[Kenway Mansion\|Kenway household]] and was deemed a suitable match for Jennifer, although she disliked him. Birch also sent mercenaries from [[Edward Braddock]]'s regiment to blackmail [[Jack Digweed]], Edward's valet, into revealing the location of the journal, but he did not know where it was. Afterwards, Birch had a conversation with Haytham about his [[sword]] training and learned that Edward kept a [[steel]] sword in a secret compartment in the games room, indicating the journal's location.<ref name="Forsaken"/>

	Jennifer soon discovered Birch was a Templar and informed her father, leading to a row in his office. Birch tried to threaten Edward into giving him the journal, but the latter refused. Shortly after, on 3 December 1735, Birch sent his mercenaries to attack the Kenway ~~manor~~, where they killed Edward, stole his journal, and kidnapped Jennifer. During the scuffle, Birch arrived and killed a mercenary who had tried to murder Haytham, before escaping alongside him and Tessa when the remaining mercenaries set the manor on fire.<ref name="Forsaken"/>		Jennifer soon discovered Birch was a Templar and informed her father, leading to a row in his office. Birch tried to threaten Edward into giving him the journal, but the latter refused. Shortly after, on 3 December 1735, Birch sent his mercenaries to attack the Kenway Manor, where they killed Edward, stole his journal, and kidnapped Jennifer. During the scuffle, Birch arrived and killed a mercenary who had tried to murder Haytham, before escaping alongside him and Tessa when the remaining mercenaries set the manor on fire.<ref name="Forsaken"/>

	Shortly before Edward's funeral, Birch was appointed the Kenway family's councilor and Haytham's guardian. He secretly had Jennifer sold to [[Turkey\|Turkish]] [[Slavery\|slavers]] and then told Haytham that they would be traveling to [[Europe]] to "search" for her. During his time, he revealed his Templar affiliations to Haytham and began training him in the Order's ways. After he introduced him to Braddock, Haytham told Birch that Digweed was behind the attack as he had been away, and Birch and Braddock discovered the valet had fled, providing them with someone to pin their crime on.<ref name="Forsaken"/>		Shortly before Edward's funeral, Birch was appointed the Kenway family's councilor and Haytham's guardian. He secretly had Jennifer sold to [[Turkey\|Turkish]] [[Slavery\|slavers]] and then told Haytham that they would be traveling to [[Europe]] to "search" for her. During his time, he revealed his Templar affiliations to Haytham and began training him in the Order's ways. After he introduced him to Braddock, Haytham told Birch that Digweed was behind the attack as he had been away, and Birch and Braddock discovered the valet had fled, providing them with someone to pin their crime on.<ref name="Forsaken"/>
Line 63:		Line 63:
	After Haytham assassinated Miko and retrieved his amulet, he presented it to Birch, who revealed that he suspected the artifact to be the key to the undisclosed Grand Temple. He then secured Haytham's passage to [[Boston]] for him to find the Grand Temple and also to establish a permanent Templar presence in the Colonies.<ref name="A Deadly Performance" />		After Haytham assassinated Miko and retrieved his amulet, he presented it to Birch, who revealed that he suspected the artifact to be the key to the undisclosed Grand Temple. He then secured Haytham's passage to [[Boston]] for him to find the Grand Temple and also to establish a permanent Templar presence in the Colonies.<ref name="A Deadly Performance" />

	Haytham returned to Europe a year later, having learned that his valet [[Jim Holden]] had located Jennifer. Wary of Birch, Haytham told him his search in America had given him a clue to an Isu site in the [[Middle East]] and convinced Birch to let him investigate it.<ref name="Forsaken" /> That same year, Birch had become known to the Colonial Assassins and along with several Templars ~~operating in America and France~~ such as Haytham, Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer and [[François de la Serre]], was among the targets listed in the [[Davenport Homestead]]'s manor.<ref name="Freewill">''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' – [[Freewill]]</ref>		Haytham returned to Europe a year later, having learned that his valet [[Jim Holden]] had located Jennifer. Wary of Birch, Haytham told him that his search in America had given him a clue to an Isu site in the [[Middle East]] and convinced Birch to let him investigate it.<ref name="Forsaken" /> That same year, Birch had become known to the Colonial Assassins and, along with several other prominent Templars such as Haytham, Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer, and [[François de la Serre]], was among the targets listed in the [[Davenport Homestead]]'s manor.<ref name="Freewill">''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' – [[Freewill]]</ref>

	===Death===		===Death===
	{{Quote\|I tried to do what was right, Haytham. Surely you can understand that?\|Birch's final words, 1757.\|Assassin's Creed: Forsaken}}		{{Quote\|I tried to do what was right, Haytham. Surely you can understand that?\|Birch's final words, 1757.\|Assassin's Creed: Forsaken}}
	Once Haytham had rescued Jennifer in [[Damascus]] and discovered Birch had ordered the attack on the Kenway ~~manor~~, the siblings stormed Birch's chateau on 9 October 1757, killing all of his guards, including John Harrison. Upon being confronted by Haytham, Birch tried to justify his actions by explaining that he did everything for the greater good. Haytham reprimanded him for turning him into a Templar through lies and deceit. Birch then engaged in a struggle with Jennifer, before she eventually killed him by throwing him into a sword that Haytham had planted in a door.<ref name="Forsaken" />		Once Haytham had rescued Jennifer in [[Damascus]] and discovered Birch had ordered the attack on the Kenway Manor, the siblings stormed Birch's chateau on 9 October 1757, killing all of his guards, including John Harrison. Upon being confronted by Haytham, Birch tried to justify his actions by explaining that he did everything for the greater good. However, Haytham reprimanded him for turning him into a Templar through lies and deceit. Birch then engaged in a struggle with Jennifer, before she eventually killed him by throwing him into a sword that Haytham had planted in a door.<ref name="Forsaken" />

	===Legacy===		===Legacy===
			{{Quote\|But whilst you wait, the Templars consolidate their power. They have chosen a Grand Master so ruthless, so thorough, one might think Reginald Birch, himself, had returned.\|Jayadeep Mir comparing Crawford Starrick to Birch, 1868.\|Assassin's Creed: Syndicate\|A Spanner in the Works}}
	In 1868, just over a century after Birch's death, the British Assassin [[Jayadeep Mir]] wrote a letter to fellow Assassin [[George Westhouse]] and compared Birch to [[Crawford Starrick]], the new Grand Master of the British Templars. Due to Starrick's ruthlessness and powerful influence through his company [[Starrick Industries]] and its subsidiaries, Jayadeep said that it was as if Birch himself had returned from the dead.<ref name="Spanner">''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' – [[A Spanner in the Works]]</ref>		In 1868, just over a century after Birch's death, the British Assassin [[Jayadeep Mir]] wrote a letter to fellow Assassin [[George Westhouse]] and compared Birch to [[Crawford Starrick]], the new Grand Master of the British Templars. Due to Starrick's ruthlessness and powerful influence through his company [[Starrick Industries]] and its subsidiaries, Jayadeep said that it was as if Birch himself had returned from the dead.<ref name="Spanner">''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' – [[A Spanner in the Works]]</ref>

imported>Gener4l Cl4ank4 at 00:04, 20 September 2025

2025-09-20T00:04:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:04, 20 September 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Era\|Individuals\|Templars}}		{{Era\|Individuals\|Templars}}
	{{Quote\|During a war, you do what you can to secure victory. It’s what you do with that victory that counts.\|Birch trying to justify his actions to Haytham Kenway, 1757.\|Assassin's Creed: Forsaken}}{{Character Infobox		{{Quote\|During a war, you do what you can to secure victory. It’s what you do with that victory that counts.\|Birch trying to justify his actions to Haytham Kenway, 1757.\|Assassin's Creed: Forsaken}}
			{{Character Infobox
	\|image = Reginald Birch ACIII.png		\|image = Reginald Birch ACIII.png
	\|birth = 1705<br>[[London]], [[Kingdom of England]]		\|birth = 1705<br>[[London]], [[Kingdom of England]]
Line 9:		Line 10:
	*[[British Rite of the Templar Order\|British Rite]]		*[[British Rite of the Templar Order\|British Rite]]
	}}		}}
	'''Reginald Birch''' (1705 – 1757) was the [[Grand Master of the Templar Order\|Grand Master]] of the [[British Rite of the Templar Order\|British Rite]] of the [[Templars\|Templar Order]] and a successful [[England\|English]] businessman. Operating primarily from the British Templar headquarters located in [[London]], Birch was responsible for the recruitment and training of [[Haytham Kenway]], who was the son of Birch's employer [[Edward Kenway]], a prominent [[Assassins\|Assassin]].		'''Reginald Birch''' (1705 – 1757) was the [[Grand Master of the Templar Order\|Grand Master]] of the [[British Rite of the Templar Order\|British Rite]] of the [[Templars\|Templar Order]] during the mid-18th century, and a successful [[England\|English]] businessman. Operating primarily from the British Templar headquarters located in [[London]], Birch was responsible for the recruitment and training of [[Haytham Kenway]], who was the son of Birch's employer [[Edward Kenway]], a prominent [[Assassins\|Assassin]].

	In 1735, Birch engineered Edward's murder by [[Mercenary\|mercenaries]] in order to acquire his [[Edward Kenway's journal\|journal]], which contained Edward's research on the [[Isu]]. He also arranged for Edward's daughter and Haytham's half-sister [[Jennifer Scott]] to be kidnapped and sold into [[slavery]], while concealing the truth from Haytham, whom he had indoctrinated into the Templar Order and turned into his personal weapon.		In 1735, Birch engineered Edward's murder by [[Mercenary\|mercenaries]] in order to acquire his [[Edward Kenway's journal\|journal]], which contained Edward's research on the [[Isu]]. He also arranged for Edward's daughter and Haytham's half-sister [[Jennifer Scott]] to be kidnapped and sold into [[slavery]], while concealing the truth from Haytham, whom he had indoctrinated into the Templar Order and turned into his personal weapon.
Line 66:		Line 67:
	===Death===		===Death===
	{{Quote\|I tried to do what was right, Haytham. Surely you can understand that?\|Birch's final words, 1757.\|Assassin's Creed: Forsaken}}		{{Quote\|I tried to do what was right, Haytham. Surely you can understand that?\|Birch's final words, 1757.\|Assassin's Creed: Forsaken}}
	Once Haytham had rescued Jennifer in [[Damascus]] and discovered Birch had ordered the attack on the Kenway manor, the siblings stormed Birch's chateau, killing his guards ~~with Jim Holden's help~~. Upon being confronted by Haytham, Birch tried to justify his actions by explaining that he did everything for the greater good. Haytham reprimanded him for turning him into a Templar through lies and deceit. Birch then engaged in a struggle with Jennifer, before she eventually killed him by throwing him into a sword that Haytham had planted in a door.<ref name="Forsaken" />		Once Haytham had rescued Jennifer in [[Damascus]] and discovered Birch had ordered the attack on the Kenway manor, the siblings stormed Birch's chateau on 9 October 1757, killing all of his guards, including John Harrison. Upon being confronted by Haytham, Birch tried to justify his actions by explaining that he did everything for the greater good. Haytham reprimanded him for turning him into a Templar through lies and deceit. Birch then engaged in a struggle with Jennifer, before she eventually killed him by throwing him into a sword that Haytham had planted in a door.<ref name="Forsaken" />

	==Legacy==		===Legacy===
	In 1868, just over a century after Birch's death, the British Assassin [[Jayadeep Mir]] wrote a letter to fellow Assassin [[George Westhouse]] and compared Birch to [[Crawford Starrick]], the new Grand Master of the British Templars. Due to Starrick's ruthlessness and powerful influence through his company [[Starrick Industries]] and its subsidiaries, Jayadeep said that it was as if Birch himself had returned from the dead.<ref name="Spanner">''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' – [[A Spanner in the Works]]</ref>		In 1868, just over a century after Birch's death, the British Assassin [[Jayadeep Mir]] wrote a letter to fellow Assassin [[George Westhouse]] and compared Birch to [[Crawford Starrick]], the new Grand Master of the British Templars. Due to Starrick's ruthlessness and powerful influence through his company [[Starrick Industries]] and its subsidiaries, Jayadeep said that it was as if Birch himself had returned from the dead.<ref name="Spanner">''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' – [[A Spanner in the Works]]</ref>

imported>Darman36: /* Recruiting Haytham */

2025-05-02T03:00:27Z

Recruiting Haytham

imported>Darman36: Species name

2024-10-08T15:40:29Z

Species name

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:40, 8 October 2024
Line 11:		Line 11:
	'''Reginald Birch''' (1705 – 1757) was the [[Grand Master of the Templar Order\|Grand Master]] of the [[British Rite of the Templar Order\|British Rite]] of the [[Templars\|Templar Order]] and a successful [[England\|English]] businessman. Operating primarily from the British Templar headquarters located in [[London]], Birch was responsible for the recruitment and training of [[Haytham Kenway]], who was the son of Birch's employer [[Edward Kenway]], a prominent [[Assassins\|Assassin]].		'''Reginald Birch''' (1705 – 1757) was the [[Grand Master of the Templar Order\|Grand Master]] of the [[British Rite of the Templar Order\|British Rite]] of the [[Templars\|Templar Order]] and a successful [[England\|English]] businessman. Operating primarily from the British Templar headquarters located in [[London]], Birch was responsible for the recruitment and training of [[Haytham Kenway]], who was the son of Birch's employer [[Edward Kenway]], a prominent [[Assassins\|Assassin]].

	In 1735, Birch engineered Edward's murder by [[Mercenary\|mercenaries]] in order to acquire his [[Edward Kenway's journal\|journal]], which contained Edward's research on the [[Isu~~\|First Civilization~~]]. He also arranged for Edward's daughter and Haytham's half-sister [[Jennifer Scott]] to be kidnapped and sold into [[slavery]], while concealing the truth from Haytham, whom he had indoctrinated into the Templar Order and turned into his personal weapon.		In 1735, Birch engineered Edward's murder by [[Mercenary\|mercenaries]] in order to acquire his [[Edward Kenway's journal\|journal]], which contained Edward's research on the [[Isu]]. He also arranged for Edward's daughter and Haytham's half-sister [[Jennifer Scott]] to be kidnapped and sold into [[slavery]], while concealing the truth from Haytham, whom he had indoctrinated into the Templar Order and turned into his personal weapon.

	In 1754, Birch sent Haytham to the [[United States\|British colonies in America]] to locate a suspected ~~First Civilization~~ [[Grand Temple\|storehouse]] after the retrieval of [[Grand Temple Key\|its key]]. This expedition led to the establishment of a [[American Rite of the Templar Order\|strong Templar presence]] in British America, and later the [[United States]].		In 1754, Birch sent Haytham to the [[United States\|British colonies in America]] to locate a suspected Isu [[Grand Temple\|storehouse]] after the retrieval of [[Grand Temple Key\|its key]]. This expedition led to the establishment of a [[American Rite of the Templar Order\|strong Templar presence]] in British America, and later the [[United States]].

	In 1757, Haytham discovered the truth about Birch's manipulation and involvement in his family's demise after finding and rescuing Jennifer. The siblings, alongside Haytham's friend [[Jim Holden]], subsequently led an assault on Birch's chateau in [[France]], where they ultimately killed the Grand Master.		In 1757, Haytham discovered the truth about Birch's manipulation and involvement in his family's demise after finding and rescuing Jennifer. The siblings, alongside Haytham's friend [[Jim Holden]], subsequently led an assault on Birch's chateau in [[France]], where they ultimately killed the Grand Master.
Line 21:		Line 21:
	Birch was born in [[London]] in 1705 to an English [[merchant]]. Following in his father's footsteps, he began his dealings at a young age, and by the time he had reached his mid-20s, he owned several merchant [[ship]]s mainly involved with the shipment of [[tea]] to [[United States\|British America]].<ref name="Database">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[Database: Reginald Birch]]</ref>		Birch was born in [[London]] in 1705 to an English [[merchant]]. Following in his father's footsteps, he began his dealings at a young age, and by the time he had reached his mid-20s, he owned several merchant [[ship]]s mainly involved with the shipment of [[tea]] to [[United States\|British America]].<ref name="Database">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[Database: Reginald Birch]]</ref>

	In 1723, [[Robert Walpole]] appointed Birch as one of Edward Kenway's senior property managers.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Black Flag]]'' – Chapter 73</ref> It was around this time that he began courting Edward's daughter, [[Jennifer Scott]], ostensibly for marriage, though his true goal was to gain access to Edward's [[Edward Kenway's journal\|journal]], which contained his research on [[Isu~~\|First Civilization~~]] sites in [[North America]].<ref name="Forsaken">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forsaken]]''</ref>		In 1723, [[Robert Walpole]] appointed Birch as one of Edward Kenway's senior property managers.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Black Flag]]'' – Chapter 73</ref> It was around this time that he began courting Edward's daughter, [[Jennifer Scott]], ostensibly for marriage, though his true goal was to gain access to Edward's [[Edward Kenway's journal\|journal]], which contained his research on [[Isu]] sites in [[North America]].<ref name="Forsaken">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forsaken]]''</ref>

	===Recruiting Haytham===		===Recruiting Haytham===
Line 62:		Line 62:
	After Haytham assassinated Miko and retrieved his amulet, he presented it to Birch, who revealed that he suspected the artifact to be the key to the undisclosed Grand Temple. He then secured Haytham's passage to [[Boston]] for him to find the Grand Temple and also to establish a permanent Templar presence in the Colonies.<ref name="A Deadly Performance" />		After Haytham assassinated Miko and retrieved his amulet, he presented it to Birch, who revealed that he suspected the artifact to be the key to the undisclosed Grand Temple. He then secured Haytham's passage to [[Boston]] for him to find the Grand Temple and also to establish a permanent Templar presence in the Colonies.<ref name="A Deadly Performance" />

	Haytham returned to Europe a year later, having learned that his valet [[Jim Holden]] had located Jennifer. Wary of Birch, Haytham told him his search in America had given him a clue to ~~a First Civilization~~ site in the [[Middle East]] and convinced Birch to let him investigate it.<ref name="Forsaken" /> That same year, Birch had become known to the Colonial Assassins and along with several Templars operating in America and France such as Haytham, Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer and [[François de la Serre]], was among the targets listed in the [[Davenport Homestead]]'s manor.<ref name="Freewill">''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' – [[Freewill]]</ref>		Haytham returned to Europe a year later, having learned that his valet [[Jim Holden]] had located Jennifer. Wary of Birch, Haytham told him his search in America had given him a clue to an Isu site in the [[Middle East]] and convinced Birch to let him investigate it.<ref name="Forsaken" /> That same year, Birch had become known to the Colonial Assassins and along with several Templars operating in America and France such as Haytham, Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer and [[François de la Serre]], was among the targets listed in the [[Davenport Homestead]]'s manor.<ref name="Freewill">''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' – [[Freewill]]</ref>

	===Death===		===Death===
Line 77:		Line 77:
	==Personality and traits==		==Personality and traits==
	{{Quote\|What you did is a corruption of everything I believe, and do you know why? You did it not with the application of our ideals but with deceit. How can we inspire belief when what we have in our heart is lies?\|Haytham confronting Birch shortly before his death, 1757.\|Assassin's Creed: Forsaken}}		{{Quote\|What you did is a corruption of everything I believe, and do you know why? You did it not with the application of our ideals but with deceit. How can we inspire belief when what we have in our heart is lies?\|Haytham confronting Birch shortly before his death, 1757.\|Assassin's Creed: Forsaken}}
	Reginald Birch was a fanatic obsessed with gaining the power of the long-lost ~~First Civilization~~ by any means necessary while masking it beneath the veneer of a chivalrous Knight Templar to indoctrinate Haytham. He was prone to deception, both to his enemies and to his supposed allies; his mastery of this art allowed him to ingratiate himself with Edward Kenway, an Assassin rival. However, Reginald's focus on his own self-interest was also his greatest weakness and led to his downfall once Haytham learned of his manipulation.<ref name="Forsaken" />		Reginald Birch was a fanatic obsessed with gaining the power of the long-lost Isu by any means necessary while masking it beneath the veneer of a chivalrous Knight Templar to indoctrinate Haytham. He was prone to deception, both to his enemies and to his supposed allies; his mastery of this art allowed him to ingratiate himself with Edward Kenway, an Assassin rival. However, Reginald's focus on his own self-interest was also his greatest weakness and led to his downfall once Haytham learned of his manipulation.<ref name="Forsaken" />

	Birch was diligent in expanding the influence of the British Rite, establishing the Colonial Rite<ref name="A Deadly Performance" /> and actively coordinating with other branches. While he ostensibly maintained cordial relations with the other rites, being sure to cultivate strong connections through the exchange of gifts and intelligence, his preoccupation with the ~~First Civilization was resented by many of his peers~~ as an impractical waste of resources. Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer in particular despised Reginald because de Ferrer's family were indebted to him and thus compelled to oblige his wishes.<ref name="Chichen Itza" />		Birch was diligent in expanding the influence of the British Rite, establishing the Colonial Rite<ref name="A Deadly Performance" /> and actively coordinating with other branches. While he ostensibly maintained cordial relations with the other rites, being sure to cultivate strong connections through the exchange of gifts and intelligence, his peers resented his preoccupation with the Isu. seeing it as an impractical waste of resources. Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer in particular despised Reginald because de Ferrer's family were indebted to him and thus compelled to oblige his wishes.<ref name="Chichen Itza" />

	==Behind the scenes==		==Behind the scenes==

imported>Soranin: /* The Grand Temple */

2024-06-14T14:16:24Z

The Grand Temple

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:16, 14 June 2024
Line 58:		Line 58:

	[[File:A Deadly Performance 2.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Birch informing Haytham about Miko]]		[[File:A Deadly Performance 2.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Birch informing Haytham about Miko]]
	A year later, Birch attended a performance of [[John Gay]]'s musical ''~~{{Wiki\|~~The Beggar's Opera}}'' in the [[Theatre Royal]] in London. When Haytham arrived to meet with him, Birch proclaimed his happiness at the play's revival, referring to it as Gay's "''best work by far''". Birch then ordered Haytham to obtain an [[Grand Temple Key\|amulet]] from an attending patron and member of the [[British Brotherhood of Assassins\|British Assassins]], [[Miko]].<ref name="A Deadly Performance">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[A Deadly Performance]]</ref>		A year later, Birch attended a performance of [[John Gay]]'s musical ''[[The Beggar's Opera]]'' in the [[Theatre Royal]] in London. When Haytham arrived to meet with him, Birch proclaimed his happiness at the play's revival, referring to it as Gay's "''best work by far''". Birch then ordered Haytham to obtain an [[Grand Temple Key\|amulet]] from an attending patron and member of the [[British Brotherhood of Assassins\|British Assassins]], [[Miko]].<ref name="A Deadly Performance">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[A Deadly Performance]]</ref>

	After Haytham assassinated Miko and retrieved his amulet, he presented it to Birch, who revealed that he suspected the artifact to be the key to the undisclosed Grand Temple. He then secured Haytham's passage to [[Boston]] for him to find the Grand Temple and also to establish a permanent Templar presence in the Colonies.<ref name="A Deadly Performance" />		After Haytham assassinated Miko and retrieved his amulet, he presented it to Birch, who revealed that he suspected the artifact to be the key to the undisclosed Grand Temple. He then secured Haytham's passage to [[Boston]] for him to find the Grand Temple and also to establish a permanent Templar presence in the Colonies.<ref name="A Deadly Performance" />

imported>Gener4l Cl4ank4: /* Personality and traits */

2024-03-17T13:42:19Z

Personality and traits

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:42, 17 March 2024
Line 77:		Line 77:
	==Personality and traits==		==Personality and traits==
	{{Quote\|What you did is a corruption of everything I believe, and do you know why? You did it not with the application of our ideals but with deceit. How can we inspire belief when what we have in our heart is lies?\|Haytham confronting Birch shortly before his death, 1757.\|Assassin's Creed: Forsaken}}		{{Quote\|What you did is a corruption of everything I believe, and do you know why? You did it not with the application of our ideals but with deceit. How can we inspire belief when what we have in our heart is lies?\|Haytham confronting Birch shortly before his death, 1757.\|Assassin's Creed: Forsaken}}
	Reginald Birch was a fanatic obsessed with gaining the power of the long-lost First Civilization by any means necessary while masking it beneath the veneer of a chivalrous Knight Templar to indoctrinate Haytham. He was prone to deception, both to his enemies and to his supposed allies; his mastery of this art allowed him to ingratiate himself with Edward Kenway, an Assassin rival. However, Reginald's focus on his own self-interest was also his ~~greatness~~ weakness and led to his downfall once Haytham learned of his manipulation.<ref name="Forsaken" />		Reginald Birch was a fanatic obsessed with gaining the power of the long-lost First Civilization by any means necessary while masking it beneath the veneer of a chivalrous Knight Templar to indoctrinate Haytham. He was prone to deception, both to his enemies and to his supposed allies; his mastery of this art allowed him to ingratiate himself with Edward Kenway, an Assassin rival. However, Reginald's focus on his own self-interest was also his greatest weakness and led to his downfall once Haytham learned of his manipulation.<ref name="Forsaken" />

	Birch was diligent in expanding the influence of the British Rite, establishing the Colonial Rite<ref name="A Deadly Performance" /> and actively coordinating with other branches. While he ostensibly maintained cordial relations with the other rites, being sure to cultivate strong connections through the exchange of gifts and intelligence, his preoccupation with the First Civilization was resented by many of his peers as an impractical waste of resources. Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer in particular despised Reginald because de Ferrer's family were indebted to him and thus compelled to oblige his wishes.<ref name="Chichen Itza" />		Birch was diligent in expanding the influence of the British Rite, establishing the Colonial Rite<ref name="A Deadly Performance" /> and actively coordinating with other branches. While he ostensibly maintained cordial relations with the other rites, being sure to cultivate strong connections through the exchange of gifts and intelligence, his preoccupation with the First Civilization was resented by many of his peers as an impractical waste of resources. Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer in particular despised Reginald because de Ferrer's family were indebted to him and thus compelled to oblige his wishes.<ref name="Chichen Itza" />
Line 97:		Line 97:
	*''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' {{Mo}}		*''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' {{Mo}}
	*[[Assassin's Creed: Unity (novel)\|''Assassin's Creed: Unity'' novel]] {{Mo}}		*[[Assassin's Creed: Unity (novel)\|''Assassin's Creed: Unity'' novel]] {{Mo}}
	*''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' {{~~c\|name only~~}}		*''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' {{Mo}}

	==References==		==References==

imported>Gener4l Cl4ank4 at 13:36, 17 March 2024

2024-03-17T13:36:10Z

imported>Gener4l Cl4ank4 at 13:33, 17 March 2024

2024-03-17T13:33:01Z

Show changes

imported>Gener4l Cl4ank4: /* Legacy */

2024-02-29T15:11:06Z

Legacy

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:11, 29 February 2024
Line 53:		Line 53:
	A year later, Birch attended a performance of [[John Gay]]'s musical ''{{Wiki\|The Beggar's Opera}}'' in the [[Theatre Royal]] in London. When Haytham arrived to meet with him, Birch proclaimed his happiness at the play's revival, referring to it as Gay's "''best work by far''". Birch then ordered Haytham to obtain an amulet from an attending patron and member of the [[British Brotherhood of Assassins\|British Assassins]], [[Miko]]. After Haytham assassinated Miko and retrieved his amulet, he presented it to Birch, who revealed that he suspected the artifact to be the key to the undisclosed Grand Temple. He then secured Haytham's passage to [[Boston]] for him to find the Grand Temple and also to establish a permanent Templar presence in the Colonies.<ref name="A Deadly Performance">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[A Deadly Performance]]</ref>		A year later, Birch attended a performance of [[John Gay]]'s musical ''{{Wiki\|The Beggar's Opera}}'' in the [[Theatre Royal]] in London. When Haytham arrived to meet with him, Birch proclaimed his happiness at the play's revival, referring to it as Gay's "''best work by far''". Birch then ordered Haytham to obtain an amulet from an attending patron and member of the [[British Brotherhood of Assassins\|British Assassins]], [[Miko]]. After Haytham assassinated Miko and retrieved his amulet, he presented it to Birch, who revealed that he suspected the artifact to be the key to the undisclosed Grand Temple. He then secured Haytham's passage to [[Boston]] for him to find the Grand Temple and also to establish a permanent Templar presence in the Colonies.<ref name="A Deadly Performance">''[[Assassin's Creed III]]'' – [[A Deadly Performance]]</ref>

	Haytham returned a year later, having learned that his valet [[Jim Holden]] had located Jennifer. Wary of Birch, Haytham told him his search in America had given him a clue to a First Civilization site in the [[Middle East]] and convinced Birch to stay while he continued the quest.<ref name="Forsaken" /> ~~The~~ same year, Birch had become known to the Colonial Assassins and along with several Templars operating in America and France such as Haytham, Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer and [[François de la Serre]], was among the targets listed in the [[Davenport Homestead]]'s manor.<ref name="Freewill">''Assassin's Creed: Rogue'' – [[Freewill]]</ref>		Haytham returned to Europe a year later, having learned that his valet [[Jim Holden]] had located Jennifer. Wary of Birch, Haytham told him his search in America had given him a clue to a First Civilization site in the [[Middle East]] and convinced Birch to stay while he continued the quest.<ref name="Forsaken" /> That same year, Birch had become known to the Colonial Assassins and along with several Templars operating in America and France such as Haytham, Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer and [[François de la Serre]], was among the targets listed in the [[Davenport Homestead]]'s manor.<ref name="Freewill">''Assassin's Creed: Rogue'' – [[Freewill]]</ref>

	===Death===		===Death===
	{{Quote\|I tried to do what was right, Haytham. Surely you can understand that?\|~~Reginald~~ Birch's final words, 1757.\|Assassin's Creed: Forsaken}}		{{Quote\|I tried to do what was right, Haytham. Surely you can understand that?\|Birch's final words, 1757.\|Assassin's Creed: Forsaken}}
	Once Haytham had rescued Jennifer in [[Damascus]] and discovered Birch had ordered the attack on the Kenway manor, the siblings stormed Birch's chateau, killing his guards with Jim Holden's help. Upon being confronted by Haytham, Birch tried to justify his actions by explaining that he did everything for the greater good. Haytham reprimanded him for turning him into a Templar through lies and deceit. Birch then engaged in a struggle with Jennifer, before she eventually killed him by throwing him into a sword that Haytham had planted in a door.<ref name="Forsaken" />		Once Haytham had rescued Jennifer in [[Damascus]] and discovered Birch had ordered the attack on the Kenway manor, the siblings stormed Birch's chateau, killing his guards with Jim Holden's help. Upon being confronted by Haytham, Birch tried to justify his actions by explaining that he did everything for the greater good. Haytham reprimanded him for turning him into a Templar through lies and deceit. Birch then engaged in a struggle with Jennifer, before she eventually killed him by throwing him into a sword that Haytham had planted in a door.<ref name="Forsaken" />

	==Legacy==		==Legacy==
	In 1868, just over a century after Birch's death, the British Assassin [[Jayadeep Mir]] wrote a letter to fellow Assassin [[George Westhouse]] and compared Birch to [[Crawford Starrick]], the new Grand Master of the British Templars. Due to Starrick's ruthlessness and powerful influence through his company [[Starrick Industries]] and its subsidiaries, Jayadeep said that it was if Birch himself had returned from the dead.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' – [[A Spanner in the Works]]</ref>		In 1868, just over a century after Birch's death, the British Assassin [[Jayadeep Mir]] wrote a letter to fellow Assassin [[George Westhouse]] and compared Birch to [[Crawford Starrick]], the new Grand Master of the British Templars. Due to Starrick's ruthlessness and powerful influence through his company [[Starrick Industries]] and its subsidiaries, Jayadeep said that it was as if Birch himself had returned from the dead.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' – [[A Spanner in the Works]]</ref>

	In 2012, while the Assassin [[Desmond Miles]] was reliving Haytham's [[Genetic memory\|genetic memories]], his friend and colleague [[Shaun Hastings]] told Desmond that Haytham's father Edward and Birch were long time business rivals despite Reginald being a family friend and employee of the Kenways. In Birch's [[database]] entry, Shaun mistakenly wrote "[Birch] worked together [with Haytham] as members of the Assassins" due to being unaware at the time that Birch and Haytham were Templars. Even after learning the truth, Shaun did not update the database to reflect the change.<ref name="Database"/>		In 2012, while the Assassin [[Desmond Miles]] was reliving Haytham's [[Genetic memory\|genetic memories]], his friend and colleague [[Shaun Hastings]] told Desmond that Haytham's father Edward and Birch were long time business rivals despite Reginald being a family friend and employee of the Kenways. In Birch's [[database]] entry, Shaun mistakenly wrote "[Birch] worked together [with Haytham] as members of the Assassins" due to being unaware at the time that Birch and Haytham were Templars. Even after learning the truth, Shaun did not update the database to reflect the change.<ref name="Database"/>

	In 2015, the Templar [[Isabelle Ardant]] included his name on a list of known British Templars. This list was later unveiled by the Assassins [[Rebecca Crane]] and [[Shaun Hastings]] when they infiltrated Ardant's office to plant a bug.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' – [[21st century conversations#Assassin's Creed: Syndicate\|Modern day]]</ref>		In 2015, the Templar [[Isabelle Ardant]] included his name on a list of known British Templars. This list was later unveiled by the Assassins [[Rebecca Crane]] and Shaun Hastings when they infiltrated Ardant's office to plant a bug.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' – [[21st century conversations#Assassin's Creed: Syndicate\|Modern day]]</ref>

	==Personality and traits==		==Personality and traits==
Line 78:		Line 78:
	ACIBirchWig.jpg\|A young Birch wearing a wig		ACIBirchWig.jpg\|A young Birch wearing a wig
	ACIBirchGrandMaster.jpg\|Birch in his Templar attire		ACIBirchGrandMaster.jpg\|Birch in his Templar attire
			ACIII-BirchKey.png\|Birch holding the Grand Temple's key
	</gallery>		</gallery>

imported>Darman36: Undo revision 1080479 by DarkCultists321 (talk) Attending theater is not evidence of high culture, nor was it related to paragraph's contents

2024-01-09T21:47:44Z

Undo revision 1080479 by DarkCultists321 (talk) Attending theater is not evidence of high culture, nor was it related to paragraph's contents

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:00, 2 May 2025
Line 13:		Line 13:
	In 1735, Birch engineered Edward's murder by [[Mercenary\|mercenaries]] in order to acquire his [[Edward Kenway's journal\|journal]], which contained Edward's research on the [[Isu]]. He also arranged for Edward's daughter and Haytham's half-sister [[Jennifer Scott]] to be kidnapped and sold into [[slavery]], while concealing the truth from Haytham, whom he had indoctrinated into the Templar Order and turned into his personal weapon.		In 1735, Birch engineered Edward's murder by [[Mercenary\|mercenaries]] in order to acquire his [[Edward Kenway's journal\|journal]], which contained Edward's research on the [[Isu]]. He also arranged for Edward's daughter and Haytham's half-sister [[Jennifer Scott]] to be kidnapped and sold into [[slavery]], while concealing the truth from Haytham, whom he had indoctrinated into the Templar Order and turned into his personal weapon.

	In 1754, Birch sent Haytham to the [[United States\|British colonies in America]] to locate a suspected Isu [[Grand Temple\|storehouse]] after the retrieval of [[Grand Temple Key\|~~its~~ key]]. This expedition led to the establishment of a [[American Rite of the Templar Order\|strong Templar presence]] in British America, and later the [[United States]].		In 1754, Birch sent Haytham to the [[United States\|British colonies in America]] to locate a suspected Isu [[Grand Temple\|storehouse]] after the retrieval of its [[Grand Temple Key\|key]]. This expedition led to the establishment of a [[American Rite of the Templar Order\|strong Templar presence]] in British America, and later the [[United States]].

	In 1757, Haytham discovered the truth about Birch's manipulation and involvement in his family's demise after finding and rescuing Jennifer. The siblings, alongside Haytham's friend [[Jim Holden]], subsequently led an assault on Birch's chateau in [[France]], where they ultimately killed the Grand Master.		In 1757, Haytham discovered the truth about Birch's manipulation and involvement in his family's demise after finding and rescuing Jennifer. The siblings, alongside Haytham's friend [[Jim Holden]], subsequently led an assault on Birch's chateau in [[France]], where they ultimately killed the Grand Master.
Line 30:		Line 30:
	Over the following two years, Birch became a frequent visitor to the [[Kenway Mansion\|Kenway household]] and was deemed a suitable match for Jennifer, although she disliked him. Birch also sent mercenaries from [[Edward Braddock]]'s regiment to blackmail [[Jack Digweed]], Edward's valet, into revealing the location of the journal, but he did not know where it was. Afterwards, Birch had a conversation with Haytham about his [[sword]] training and learned that Edward kept a [[steel]] sword in a secret compartment in the games room, indicating the journal's location.<ref name="Forsaken"/>		Over the following two years, Birch became a frequent visitor to the [[Kenway Mansion\|Kenway household]] and was deemed a suitable match for Jennifer, although she disliked him. Birch also sent mercenaries from [[Edward Braddock]]'s regiment to blackmail [[Jack Digweed]], Edward's valet, into revealing the location of the journal, but he did not know where it was. Afterwards, Birch had a conversation with Haytham about his [[sword]] training and learned that Edward kept a [[steel]] sword in a secret compartment in the games room, indicating the journal's location.<ref name="Forsaken"/>

	Jennifer soon discovered Birch was a Templar and informed her father, leading to a row in his office. Birch tried to threaten Edward into giving him the journal, but the latter refused. Shortly after, on 3 December 1735, Birch sent his mercenaries to attack the Kenway manor, where they killed Edward, stole his journal and kidnapped Jennifer. During the scuffle, Birch arrived and killed a mercenary who had tried to murder Haytham, before escaping alongside him and Tessa when the manor ~~was set~~ on fire ~~by the remaining mercenaries~~.<ref name="Forsaken"/>		Jennifer soon discovered Birch was a Templar and informed her father, leading to a row in his office. Birch tried to threaten Edward into giving him the journal, but the latter refused. Shortly after, on 3 December 1735, Birch sent his mercenaries to attack the Kenway manor, where they killed Edward, stole his journal, and kidnapped Jennifer. During the scuffle, Birch arrived and killed a mercenary who had tried to murder Haytham, before escaping alongside him and Tessa when the remaining mercenaries set the manor on fire.<ref name="Forsaken"/>

	Shortly before Edward's funeral, Birch was appointed the Kenway family's councilor and Haytham's guardian. He secretly had Jennifer sold to [[Turkey\|Turkish]] [[Slavery\|slavers]] and then told Haytham that they would be traveling to [[Europe]] to "search" for her. During his time, he revealed his Templar affiliations to Haytham and began training him in the Order's ways. After he introduced him to Braddock, Haytham told Birch that Digweed was behind the attack as he had been away, and Birch and Braddock discovered the valet had fled, providing them with someone to pin their crime on.<ref name="Forsaken"/>		Shortly before Edward's funeral, Birch was appointed the Kenway family's councilor and Haytham's guardian. He secretly had Jennifer sold to [[Turkey\|Turkish]] [[Slavery\|slavers]] and then told Haytham that they would be traveling to [[Europe]] to "search" for her. During his time, he revealed his Templar affiliations to Haytham and began training him in the Order's ways. After he introduced him to Braddock, Haytham told Birch that Digweed was behind the attack as he had been away, and Birch and Braddock discovered the valet had fled, providing them with someone to pin their crime on.<ref name="Forsaken"/>
Line 36:		Line 36:
	===Grand Master===		===Grand Master===
	{{Dialogue\|Birch\|People change, Haytham.\|Haytham\|Indeed—you have. You've been mainly preoccupied with your investigations into the First Civilization.\|Birch and Haytham, during their meeting at White's in 1753.\|Assassin's Creed: Forsaken}}		{{Dialogue\|Birch\|People change, Haytham.\|Haytham\|Indeed—you have. You've been mainly preoccupied with your investigations into the First Civilization.\|Birch and Haytham, during their meeting at White's in 1753.\|Assassin's Creed: Forsaken}}
	After acquiring Edward's journal, Birch spent many years decoding it and learning as many of its secrets as he could. It was from this journal that Birch first learned of the [[Grand Temple]] and afterwards made it his Order's top priority to locate it and obtain its contents. To this end, he recruited [[Lawrence Washington]] into the Templar Order and upon his return to [[Virginia (state)\|Virginia]] in 1738, he was instructed to locate the ~~Precursor~~ site and to be Birch's eyes and ears in the Colonies.<ref name="Lawrence of America">''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' – [[War Letters]]: "Lawrence of America"</ref>		After acquiring Edward's journal, Birch spent many years decoding it and learning as many of its secrets as he could. It was from this journal that Birch first learned of the [[Grand Temple]] and afterwards made it his Order's top priority to locate it and obtain its contents. To this end, he recruited [[Lawrence Washington]] into the Templar Order and upon his return to [[Virginia (state)\|Virginia]] in 1738, he was instructed to locate the site and to be Birch's eyes and ears in the Colonies.<ref name="Lawrence of America">''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' – [[War Letters]]: "Lawrence of America"</ref>

	[[File:ACIBirchGrandMaster.jpg\|thumb\|200px\|Birch in his Templar attire]]		[[File:ACIBirchGrandMaster.jpg\|thumb\|200px\|Birch in his Templar attire]]
Line 51:		Line 51:
	When Birch discovered that Washington had made no progress with his search for the Temple and that there was a [[American Brotherhood of Assassins\|new Assassin Brotherhood]] established in the Colonies, he sent Lieutenant Colonel [[George Monro]] to North America in 1750 to assist Washington, stating in a letter that while Monro was to be Washington's subordinate, he was still "his better in every way".<ref name="Monro">''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' – [[War Letters]]: "Monro"</ref>		When Birch discovered that Washington had made no progress with his search for the Temple and that there was a [[American Brotherhood of Assassins\|new Assassin Brotherhood]] established in the Colonies, he sent Lieutenant Colonel [[George Monro]] to North America in 1750 to assist Washington, stating in a letter that while Monro was to be Washington's subordinate, he was still "his better in every way".<ref name="Monro">''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' – [[War Letters]]: "Monro"</ref>

	It was also around this time that Birch learned of the existence of the [[Prophecy Disks\|Prophecy Disk]] in [[Chichen Itza]] from [[Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer]], who requested to create a work site to excavate the [[Maya]]n city and attempt to locate the artifact. Birch complied with de Ferrer's request and created an operation to acquire slaves to send to Chichen Itza to dig for the disk and other ~~Precursor~~ relics. While initially headquartered in [[Florida]], per the suggestion of his agent [[John Harrison]], Birch had the operation moved to [[Louisiana]] under Madeleine's [[Louisiana Rite of the Templar Order\|command]] to avoid detection by the Assassins. She impressed Birch with her resourcefulness, and was promoted to [[Master Templar]] sometime around 1751.<ref name="Chichen Itza">''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' – [[War Letters]]: "Chichen Itza"</ref>		It was also around this time that Birch learned of the existence of the [[Prophecy Disks\|Prophecy Disk]] in [[Chichen Itza]] from [[Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer]], who requested to create a work site to excavate the [[Maya]]n city and attempt to locate the artifact. Birch complied with de Ferrer's request and created an operation to acquire slaves to send to Chichen Itza to dig for the disk and other Isu relics. While initially headquartered in [[Florida]], per the suggestion of his agent [[John Harrison]], Birch had the operation moved to [[Louisiana]] under Madeleine's [[Louisiana Rite of the Templar Order\|command]] to avoid detection by the Assassins. She impressed Birch with her resourcefulness, and was promoted to [[Master Templar]] sometime around 1751.<ref name="Chichen Itza">''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' – [[War Letters]]: "Chichen Itza"</ref>

	===The Grand Temple===		===The Grand Temple===

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:36, 17 March 2024
Line 26:		Line 26:
	{{Dialogue2\|Birch\|Haytham, I am a member of an influential and important organization. A kind of club, or society. One of the many advantages to membership is that we have eyes and ears everywhere.\|Haytham\|What is it called, sir?\|The Templars, Master Haytham. I am a Templar Knight.\|Birch telling Haytham about his affiliations, 1735.\|Assassin's Creed: Forsaken}}		{{Dialogue2\|Birch\|Haytham, I am a member of an influential and important organization. A kind of club, or society. One of the many advantages to membership is that we have eyes and ears everywhere.\|Haytham\|What is it called, sir?\|The Templars, Master Haytham. I am a Templar Knight.\|Birch telling Haytham about his affiliations, 1735.\|Assassin's Creed: Forsaken}}
	Birch was first introduced to [[Haytham Kenway]] in 1733 on the boy's eighth birthday, when Birch met the [[Kenway family]] at {{Wiki\|White's\|White's Chocolate House}} on Chesterfield Street. On the way back home, the group was attacked by a mugger, who attempted to steal [[Tessa Kenway]]'s necklace. Birch threatened to kill the man but was dissuaded by Edward. The two men smiled after putting aside their disagreement.<ref name="Forsaken" />		Birch was first introduced to [[Haytham Kenway]] in 1733 on the boy's eighth birthday, when Birch met the [[Kenway family]] at {{Wiki\|White's\|White's Chocolate House}} on Chesterfield Street. On the way back home, the group was attacked by a mugger, who attempted to steal [[Tessa Kenway]]'s necklace. Birch threatened to kill the man but was dissuaded by Edward. The two men smiled after putting aside their disagreement.<ref name="Forsaken" />

	[[File:Friend of the Family.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Birch watching Haytham's sword training]]		[[File:Friend of the Family.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Birch watching Haytham's sword training]]
	Over the following two years, Birch became a frequent visitor to the [[Kenway Mansion\|Kenway household]] and was deemed a suitable match for Jennifer, although she disliked him. Birch also sent mercenaries from [[Edward Braddock]]'s regiment to blackmail [[Jack Digweed]], Edward's valet, into revealing the location of the journal, but he did not know where it was. Afterwards, Birch had a conversation with Haytham about his [[sword]] training and learned that Edward kept a [[steel]] sword in a secret compartment in the games room, indicating the journal's location.<ref name="Forsaken"/>		Over the following two years, Birch became a frequent visitor to the [[Kenway Mansion\|Kenway household]] and was deemed a suitable match for Jennifer, although she disliked him. Birch also sent mercenaries from [[Edward Braddock]]'s regiment to blackmail [[Jack Digweed]], Edward's valet, into revealing the location of the journal, but he did not know where it was. Afterwards, Birch had a conversation with Haytham about his [[sword]] training and learned that Edward kept a [[steel]] sword in a secret compartment in the games room, indicating the journal's location.<ref name="Forsaken"/>
Line 40:		Line 41:
	After five years of searching for Digweed, Birch and Haytham bought a chateau near [[Troyes]], France, where he continued to train Haytham, eventually inducting him into the Templar Order in 1744. When it became clear that Haytham was a skilled killer, Birch sent him to assassinate a greedy merchant in [[Liverpool]], as well as an Austrian prince.<ref name="Forsaken" />		After five years of searching for Digweed, Birch and Haytham bought a chateau near [[Troyes]], France, where he continued to train Haytham, eventually inducting him into the Templar Order in 1744. When it became clear that Haytham was a skilled killer, Birch sent him to assassinate a greedy merchant in [[Liverpool]], as well as an Austrian prince.<ref name="Forsaken" />

	In 1747, Birch sent Haytham to retrieve Edward's journal from [[Juan Vedomir]], a Templar who was meant to be decoding the journal, but had begun collaborating with the Assassins.<ref name="Forsaken" /> The same year, [[Grand Master of the Knights Hospitalier\|Grand Master]] of the [[Malta\|Maltese]] [[Knights Hospitalier]] [[Manuel Pinto da Fonseca]] sent Birch a letter requesting aid against the [[Ottoman Empire]] and the French Empire, both influenced by the Assassins.<ref name="The Hospitaller's Plea">''Assassin's Creed: Rogue'' – War Letters: "The Hospitaller's Plea"</ref>		In 1747, Birch sent Haytham to retrieve Edward's journal from [[Juan Vedomir]], a Templar who was meant to be decoding the journal, but had begun collaborating with the Assassins.<ref name="Forsaken" /> The same year, [[Grand Master of the Knights Hospitalier\|Grand Master]] of the [[Malta\|Maltese]] [[Knights Hospitalier]] [[Manuel Pinto da Fonseca]] sent Birch a letter requesting aid against the [[Ottoman Empire]] and the French Empire, both influenced by the Assassins.<ref name="The Hospitaller's Plea">''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' – [[War Letters]]: "The Hospitaller's Plea"</ref>

	When Birch met with Haytham in [[Prague]], he informed him that his mother Tessa had died. After attending her memorial, Haytham discovered Digweed was living in west [[Germany]]. Birch traveled with him to find Digweed but sent two of Braddock's mercenaries to reach him before he could reveal the truth to Haytham. As Haytham reached Digweed's location, he saw [[Tom Smith\|one]] of the mercenaries about to slit Digweed's throat. Haytham engaged the mercenary, chasing him into the forest. While Haytham was thus distracted, Birch took the opportunity to silence Digweed permanently.<ref name="Forsaken" />		When Birch met with Haytham in [[Prague]], he informed him that his mother Tessa had died. After attending her memorial, Haytham discovered Digweed was living in west [[Germany]]. Birch traveled with him to find Digweed but sent two of Braddock's mercenaries to reach him before he could reveal the truth to Haytham. As Haytham reached Digweed's location, he saw [[Tom Smith\|one]] of the mercenaries about to slit Digweed's throat. Haytham engaged the mercenary, chasing him into the forest. While Haytham was thus distracted, Birch took the opportunity to silence Digweed permanently.<ref name="Forsaken" />
Line 46:		Line 47:
	However, before Haytham killed the mercenary, he learned that his father was an Assassin who was killed for one of his possessions. The mercenary also revealed that he served in the [[British Army]] under Braddock, rousing Haytham's suspicions. After an argument, Haytham rode to chase the other mercenary, whom he had seen riding back to Braddock's regiment in the [[Netherlands\|Dutch Republic]].<ref name="Forsaken" />		However, before Haytham killed the mercenary, he learned that his father was an Assassin who was killed for one of his possessions. The mercenary also revealed that he served in the [[British Army]] under Braddock, rousing Haytham's suspicions. After an argument, Haytham rode to chase the other mercenary, whom he had seen riding back to Braddock's regiment in the [[Netherlands\|Dutch Republic]].<ref name="Forsaken" />

	In 1748, Birch was contacted by [[Madeleine de L'Isle]], who told him about a [[Piece of Eden]] called the [[Heart of the Brotherhood]] that was stolen by a slave woman named [[Jeanne]] a year earlier. Upon discovering that Jeanne had been purchased by [[Philippe de Grandpré]], Madeleine asked Birch to use his influence in the financial world to hinder the profits made by his company. When Philippe was vulnerable, she would approach him with an offer of marriage that would allow him to restore his business and provide her with an opportunity to get close to Jeanne and the Heart.<ref name="Arranged Marriage">''Assassin's Creed: Rogue'' – War Letters: "Arranged Marriage"</ref>		In 1748, Birch was contacted by [[Madeleine de L'Isle]], who told him about a [[Piece of Eden]] called the [[Heart of the Brotherhood]] that was stolen by a slave woman named [[Jeanne]] a year earlier. Upon discovering that Jeanne had been purchased by [[Philippe de Grandpré]], Madeleine asked Birch to use his influence in the financial world to hinder the profits made by his company. When Philippe was vulnerable, she would approach him with an offer of marriage that would allow him to restore his business and provide her with an opportunity to get close to Jeanne and the Heart.<ref name="Arranged Marriage">''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' – [[War Letters]]: "Arranged Marriage"</ref>

	When Birch discovered that Washington had made no progress with his search for the Temple and that there was a [[American Brotherhood of Assassins\|new Assassin Brotherhood]] established in the Colonies, he sent Lieutenant Colonel [[George Monro]] to North America in 1750 to assist Washington, stating in a letter that while Monro was to be Washington's subordinate, he was still "his better in every way".<ref name="Monro">''Assassin's Creed: Rogue'' – War Letters: "Monro"</ref>		When Birch discovered that Washington had made no progress with his search for the Temple and that there was a [[American Brotherhood of Assassins\|new Assassin Brotherhood]] established in the Colonies, he sent Lieutenant Colonel [[George Monro]] to North America in 1750 to assist Washington, stating in a letter that while Monro was to be Washington's subordinate, he was still "his better in every way".<ref name="Monro">''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' – [[War Letters]]: "Monro"</ref>

	It was also around this time that Birch learned of the existence of the [[Prophecy Disks\|Prophecy Disk]] in [[Chichen Itza]] from [[Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer]], who requested to create a work site to excavate the [[Maya]]n city and attempt to locate the artifact. Birch complied with de Ferrer's request and created an operation to acquire slaves to send to Chichen Itza to dig for the disk and other Precursor relics. While initially headquartered in [[Florida]], per the suggestion of his agent [[John Harrison]], Birch had the operation moved to [[Louisiana]] under Madeleine's [[Louisiana Rite of the Templar Order\|command]] to avoid detection by the Assassins. She impressed Birch with her resourcefulness, and was promoted to [[Master Templar]] sometime around 1751.<ref name="Chichen Itza">''Assassin's Creed: Rogue'' – War Letters: "Chichen Itza"</ref>		It was also around this time that Birch learned of the existence of the [[Prophecy Disks\|Prophecy Disk]] in [[Chichen Itza]] from [[Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer]], who requested to create a work site to excavate the [[Maya]]n city and attempt to locate the artifact. Birch complied with de Ferrer's request and created an operation to acquire slaves to send to Chichen Itza to dig for the disk and other Precursor relics. While initially headquartered in [[Florida]], per the suggestion of his agent [[John Harrison]], Birch had the operation moved to [[Louisiana]] under Madeleine's [[Louisiana Rite of the Templar Order\|command]] to avoid detection by the Assassins. She impressed Birch with her resourcefulness, and was promoted to [[Master Templar]] sometime around 1751.<ref name="Chichen Itza">''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' – [[War Letters]]: "Chichen Itza"</ref>

	===The Grand Temple===		===The Grand Temple===
Line 61:		Line 62:
	After Haytham assassinated Miko and retrieved his amulet, he presented it to Birch, who revealed that he suspected the artifact to be the key to the undisclosed Grand Temple. He then secured Haytham's passage to [[Boston]] for him to find the Grand Temple and also to establish a permanent Templar presence in the Colonies.<ref name="A Deadly Performance" />		After Haytham assassinated Miko and retrieved his amulet, he presented it to Birch, who revealed that he suspected the artifact to be the key to the undisclosed Grand Temple. He then secured Haytham's passage to [[Boston]] for him to find the Grand Temple and also to establish a permanent Templar presence in the Colonies.<ref name="A Deadly Performance" />

	Haytham returned to Europe a year later, having learned that his valet [[Jim Holden]] had located Jennifer. Wary of Birch, Haytham told him his search in America had given him a clue to a First Civilization site in the [[Middle East]] and convinced Birch to let him investigate it.<ref name="Forsaken" /> That same year, Birch had become known to the Colonial Assassins and along with several Templars operating in America and France such as Haytham, Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer and [[François de la Serre]], was among the targets listed in the [[Davenport Homestead]]'s manor.<ref name="Freewill">''Assassin's Creed: Rogue'' – [[Freewill]]</ref>		Haytham returned to Europe a year later, having learned that his valet [[Jim Holden]] had located Jennifer. Wary of Birch, Haytham told him his search in America had given him a clue to a First Civilization site in the [[Middle East]] and convinced Birch to let him investigate it.<ref name="Forsaken" /> That same year, Birch had become known to the Colonial Assassins and along with several Templars operating in America and France such as Haytham, Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer and [[François de la Serre]], was among the targets listed in the [[Davenport Homestead]]'s manor.<ref name="Freewill">''[[Assassin's Creed: Rogue]]'' – [[Freewill]]</ref>

	===Death===		===Death===
Line 68:		Line 69:

	==Legacy==		==Legacy==
	In 1868, just over a century after Birch's death, the British Assassin [[Jayadeep Mir]] wrote a letter to fellow Assassin [[George Westhouse]] and compared Birch to [[Crawford Starrick]], the new Grand Master of the British Templars. Due to Starrick's ruthlessness and powerful influence through his company [[Starrick Industries]] and its subsidiaries, Jayadeep said that it was as if Birch himself had returned from the dead.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' – [[A Spanner in the Works]]</ref>		In 1868, just over a century after Birch's death, the British Assassin [[Jayadeep Mir]] wrote a letter to fellow Assassin [[George Westhouse]] and compared Birch to [[Crawford Starrick]], the new Grand Master of the British Templars. Due to Starrick's ruthlessness and powerful influence through his company [[Starrick Industries]] and its subsidiaries, Jayadeep said that it was as if Birch himself had returned from the dead.<ref name="Spanner">''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' – [[A Spanner in the Works]]</ref>

	In 2012, while the Assassin [[Desmond Miles]] was reliving Haytham's [[Genetic memory\|genetic memories]], his friend and colleague [[Shaun Hastings]] told Desmond that Haytham's father Edward and Birch were long time business rivals despite Reginald being a family friend and employee of the Kenways. In Birch's [[database]] entry, Shaun mistakenly wrote "[Birch] worked together [with Haytham] as members of the Assassins" due to being unaware at the time that Birch and Haytham were Templars. Even after learning the truth, Shaun did not update the database to reflect the change.<ref name="Database"/>		In 2012, while the Assassin [[Desmond Miles]] was reliving Haytham's [[Genetic memory\|genetic memories]], his friend and colleague [[Shaun Hastings]] told Desmond that Haytham's father Edward and Birch were long time business rivals despite Reginald being a family friend and employee of the Kenways. In Birch's [[database]] entry, Shaun mistakenly wrote "[Birch] worked together [with Haytham] as members of the Assassins" due to being unaware at the time that Birch and Haytham were Templars. Even after learning the truth, Shaun did not update the database to reflect the change.<ref name="Database"/>

	In 2015, the Templar [[Isabelle Ardant]] included Birch's name on a list of known British Templars. This list was later unveiled by the Assassins [[Rebecca Crane]] and Shaun Hastings when they infiltrated Ardant's office to plant a bug.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' – [[21st century conversations#Assassin's Creed: Syndicate\|Modern day]]</ref>		In 2015, the Templar [[Isabelle Ardant]] included Birch's name on a list of known British Templars. This list was later unveiled by the Assassins [[Rebecca Crane]] and Shaun Hastings when they infiltrated Ardant's office to plant a bug.<ref name="ACS">''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' – [[21st century conversations#Assassin's Creed: Syndicate\|Modern day]]</ref>

	==Personality and traits==		==Personality and traits==

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:47, 9 January 2024
Line 9:		Line 9:
	*[[British Rite of the Templar Order\|British Rite]]		*[[British Rite of the Templar Order\|British Rite]]
	}}		}}
	'''Reginald Birch''' (1705 – 1757) was the [[Grand Master of the Templar Order\|Grand Master]] of the ~~[[United Kingdom\|British]]~~ [[British Rite of the Templar Order\|Rite]] of the [[Templars\|Templar Order]] and a successful [[England\|English]] businessman. Operating primarily from the British Templar headquarters located in [[London]], Birch was responsible for the recruitment and training of [[Haytham Kenway]], who was the son of Birch's employer [[Edward Kenway]], a prominent [[Assassins\|Assassin]].		'''Reginald Birch''' (1705 – 1757) was the [[Grand Master of the Templar Order\|Grand Master]] of the [[British Rite of the Templar Order\|British Rite]] of the [[Templars\|Templar Order]] and a successful [[England\|English]] businessman. Operating primarily from the British Templar headquarters located in [[London]], Birch was responsible for the recruitment and training of [[Haytham Kenway]], who was the son of Birch's employer [[Edward Kenway]], a prominent [[Assassins\|Assassin]].

	In 1735, Birch engineered Edward's murder by mercenaries in order to acquire his [[Edward Kenway's journal\|journal]], which contained Edward's research of the [[Isu~~\|First Civilization~~]]. He also arranged for Edward's daughter and Haytham's sister [[Jennifer Scott~~\|Jennifer~~]] to be kidnapped and sold into slavery, while concealing the truth from Haytham, whom he had indoctrinated into the Templar Order and turned into his personal weapon.		In 1735, Birch engineered Edward's murder by [[Mercenary\|mercenaries]] in order to acquire his [[Edward Kenway's journal\|journal]], which contained Edward's research on the [[Isu]]. He also arranged for Edward's daughter and Haytham's half-sister [[Jennifer Scott]] to be kidnapped and sold into [[slavery]], while concealing the truth from Haytham, whom he had indoctrinated into the Templar Order and turned into his personal weapon.

	In 1754, Birch sent Haytham to the [[United States\|British colonies in America]] to locate a suspected ~~First Civilization~~ [[Grand Temple\|storehouse]] after the retrieval of [[Grand Temple Key\|its key]]. This expedition led to the establishment of a [[American Rite of the Templar Order\|strong Templar presence]] in British America, and later the [[United States]].		In 1754, Birch sent Haytham to the [[United States\|British colonies in America]] to locate a suspected Isu [[Grand Temple\|storehouse]] after the retrieval of [[Grand Temple Key\|its key]]. This expedition led to the establishment of a [[American Rite of the Templar Order\|strong Templar presence]] in British America, and later the [[United States]].

	In 1757, Haytham discovered the truth about Birch's manipulation and involvement in his family's demise after finding and rescuing Jennifer. The siblings, alongside Haytham's friend [[Jim Holden]], subsequently led an assault on Birch's chateau in [[France]], where they ultimately killed the Grand Master.		In 1757, Haytham discovered the truth about Birch's manipulation and involvement in his family's demise after finding and rescuing Jennifer. The siblings, alongside Haytham's friend [[Jim Holden]], subsequently led an assault on Birch's chateau in [[France]], where they ultimately killed the Grand Master.
Line 26:		Line 26:
	Birch was first introduced to Haytham Kenway in 1733 on the boy's eighth birthday, when Birch met the Kenway family at {{Wiki\|White's\|White's Chocolate House}} on Chesterfield Street. On the way back home, the group was attacked by a mugger, who attempted to steal [[Tessa Kenway]]'s necklace. Birch threatened to kill the man but was dissuaded by Edward. The two men smiled after putting aside their disagreement.<ref name="Forsaken"/>		Birch was first introduced to Haytham Kenway in 1733 on the boy's eighth birthday, when Birch met the Kenway family at {{Wiki\|White's\|White's Chocolate House}} on Chesterfield Street. On the way back home, the group was attacked by a mugger, who attempted to steal [[Tessa Kenway]]'s necklace. Birch threatened to kill the man but was dissuaded by Edward. The two men smiled after putting aside their disagreement.<ref name="Forsaken"/>
	[[File:Friend of the Family.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Birch watching Haytham's sword training]]		[[File:Friend of the Family.jpg\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Birch watching Haytham's sword training]]
	Over the following two years, Birch became a frequent visitor to the [[Kenway Mansion\|Kenway household]] and was deemed a suitable match for Jennifer, although she disliked him. Birch also sent ~~[[Mercenary\|~~mercenaries]] from [[Edward Braddock]]'s regiment to blackmail [[Jack Digweed]], Edward's valet, into revealing the location of the journal, but he did not know where it was. Afterwards, Birch had a conversation with Haytham about his [[sword]] training and learned that Edward kept a steel sword in a secret compartment in the games room, indicating the journal's location.<ref name="Forsaken"/>		Over the following two years, Birch became a frequent visitor to the [[Kenway Mansion\|Kenway household]] and was deemed a suitable match for Jennifer, although she disliked him. Birch also sent mercenaries from [[Edward Braddock]]'s regiment to blackmail [[Jack Digweed]], Edward's valet, into revealing the location of the journal, but he did not know where it was. Afterwards, Birch had a conversation with Haytham about his [[sword]] training and learned that Edward kept a [[steel]] sword in a secret compartment in the games room, indicating the journal's location.<ref name="Forsaken"/>

	Jennifer soon discovered Birch was a Templar and informed her father, leading to a row in his office. Birch tried to threaten Edward into giving him the journal, but the latter refused. Shortly after, on 3 December 1735, Birch sent his mercenaries to attack the Kenway manor, where they killed Edward, stole his journal and kidnapped Jennifer. During the scuffle, Birch arrived and killed a mercenary who had tried to murder Haytham, before escaping alongside him and Tessa when the manor was set on fire by the remaining mercenaries.<ref name="Forsaken"/>		Jennifer soon discovered Birch was a Templar and informed her father, leading to a row in his office. Birch tried to threaten Edward into giving him the journal, but the latter refused. Shortly after, on 3 December 1735, Birch sent his mercenaries to attack the Kenway manor, where they killed Edward, stole his journal and kidnapped Jennifer. During the scuffle, Birch arrived and killed a mercenary who had tried to murder Haytham, before escaping alongside him and Tessa when the manor was set on fire by the remaining mercenaries.<ref name="Forsaken"/>

	Shortly before Edward's funeral, Birch was appointed the Kenway family's councilor and Haytham's guardian. He secretly had Jennifer sold to [[Turkey\|Turkish]] ~~[[Slavery\|~~slavers]] and then told Haytham that they would be traveling to [[Europe]] to "search" for her. During his time, he revealed his Templar affiliations to Haytham and began training him in the Order's ways. After he introduced him to Braddock, Haytham told Birch that Digweed was behind the attack as he had been away, and Birch and Braddock discovered the valet had fled, providing them with someone to pin their crime on.<ref name="Forsaken"/>		Shortly before Edward's funeral, Birch was appointed the Kenway family's councilor and Haytham's guardian. He secretly had Jennifer sold to [[Turkey\|Turkish]] slavers and then told Haytham that they would be traveling to [[Europe]] to "search" for her. During his time, he revealed his Templar affiliations to Haytham and began training him in the Order's ways. After he introduced him to Braddock, Haytham told Birch that Digweed was behind the attack as he had been away, and Birch and Braddock discovered the valet had fled, providing them with someone to pin their crime on.<ref name="Forsaken"/>

	===Grand Master===		===Grand Master===
Line 41:		Line 41:
	However, before Haytham killed the mercenary, he learned that his father was an Assassin who was killed for one of his possessions. The mercenary also revealed that he served in the [[British Army]] under Braddock, rousing Haytham's suspicions. After an argument, Haytham rode to chase the other mercenary, whom he had seen riding back to Braddock's regiment in the [[Netherlands\|Dutch Republic]].<ref name="Forsaken" />		However, before Haytham killed the mercenary, he learned that his father was an Assassin who was killed for one of his possessions. The mercenary also revealed that he served in the [[British Army]] under Braddock, rousing Haytham's suspicions. After an argument, Haytham rode to chase the other mercenary, whom he had seen riding back to Braddock's regiment in the [[Netherlands\|Dutch Republic]].<ref name="Forsaken" />

	In 1748, Birch was contacted by [[Madeleine de L'Isle]], who told him about a [[Piece of ~~Eden\|Piece]] of [[~~Eden]] called the [[Heart of the Brotherhood]] that was stolen by a slave woman named [[Jeanne]] a year earlier. Upon discovering that Jeanne had been purchased by [[Philippe de Grandpré]], Madeleine asked Birch to use his influence in the financial world to hinder the profits made by his company. When Philippe was vulnerable, she would approach him with an offer of marriage that would allow him to restore his business and provide her with an opportunity to get close to Jeanne and the Heart.<ref name="Arranged Marriage">''Assassin's Creed: Rogue'' – War Letters: "Arranged Marriage"</ref>		In 1748, Birch was contacted by [[Madeleine de L'Isle]], who told him about a [[Piece of Eden]] called the [[Heart of the Brotherhood]] that was stolen by a slave woman named [[Jeanne]] a year earlier. Upon discovering that Jeanne had been purchased by [[Philippe de Grandpré]], Madeleine asked Birch to use his influence in the financial world to hinder the profits made by his company. When Philippe was vulnerable, she would approach him with an offer of marriage that would allow him to restore his business and provide her with an opportunity to get close to Jeanne and the Heart.<ref name="Arranged Marriage">''Assassin's Creed: Rogue'' – War Letters: "Arranged Marriage"</ref>

	When Birch discovered that Washington had made no progress with his search for the Temple and that there was a [[American Brotherhood of Assassins\|new Assassin Brotherhood]] established in the Colonies, he sent Lieutenant Colonel [[George Monro]] to North America in 1750 to assist Washington, stating in a letter that while Monro was to be Washington's subordinate, he was still "''his better in every way''".<ref name="Monro">''Assassin's Creed: Rogue'' – War Letters: "Monro"</ref>		When Birch discovered that Washington had made no progress with his search for the Temple and that there was a [[American Brotherhood of Assassins\|new Assassin Brotherhood]] established in the Colonies, he sent Lieutenant Colonel [[George Monro]] to North America in 1750 to assist Washington, stating in a letter that while Monro was to be Washington's subordinate, he was still "his better in every way".<ref name="Monro">''Assassin's Creed: Rogue'' – War Letters: "Monro"</ref>

	It was also around this time that Birch learned of the existence of the [[Prophecy Disks\|Prophecy Disk]] in [[Chichen Itza]] from [[Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer]], who requested to create a work site to excavate the [[Maya]]n city and attempt to locate the artifact. Birch complied with de Ferrer's request and created an operation to acquire slaves to send to Chichen Itza to dig for the disk and other Precursor relics. While initially headquartered in [[Florida]], per the suggestion of his agent [[John Harrison]], Birch had the operation moved to [[Louisiana]] under Madeleine's [[Louisiana Rite of the Templar Order\|command]] to avoid detection by the Assassins. She impressed Birch with her resourcefulness, and was promoted to [[Master Templar]] sometime around 1751.<ref name="Chichen Itza">''Assassin's Creed: Rogue'' – War Letters: "Chichen Itza"</ref>		It was also around this time that Birch learned of the existence of the [[Prophecy Disks\|Prophecy Disk]] in [[Chichen Itza]] from [[Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer]], who requested to create a work site to excavate the [[Maya]]n city and attempt to locate the artifact. Birch complied with de Ferrer's request and created an operation to acquire slaves to send to Chichen Itza to dig for the disk and other Precursor relics. While initially headquartered in [[Florida]], per the suggestion of his agent [[John Harrison]], Birch had the operation moved to [[Louisiana]] under Madeleine's [[Louisiana Rite of the Templar Order\|command]] to avoid detection by the Assassins. She impressed Birch with her resourcefulness, and was promoted to [[Master Templar]] sometime around 1751.<ref name="Chichen Itza">''Assassin's Creed: Rogue'' – War Letters: "Chichen Itza"</ref>
Line 62:		Line 62:
	In 1868, just over a century after Birch's death, the British Assassin [[Jayadeep Mir]] wrote a letter to fellow Assassin [[George Westhouse]] and compared Birch to [[Crawford Starrick]], the new Grand Master of the British Templars. Due to Starrick's ruthlessness and powerful influence through his company [[Starrick Industries]] and its subsidiaries, Jayadeep said that it was if Birch himself had returned from the dead.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' – [[A Spanner in the Works]]</ref>		In 1868, just over a century after Birch's death, the British Assassin [[Jayadeep Mir]] wrote a letter to fellow Assassin [[George Westhouse]] and compared Birch to [[Crawford Starrick]], the new Grand Master of the British Templars. Due to Starrick's ruthlessness and powerful influence through his company [[Starrick Industries]] and its subsidiaries, Jayadeep said that it was if Birch himself had returned from the dead.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' – [[A Spanner in the Works]]</ref>

	In 2012, while the Assassin [[Desmond Miles]] was reliving Haytham's [[Genetic memory\|genetic memories]], his friend and colleague [[Shaun Hastings]] told Desmond that Haytham's father Edward and Birch were long time business rivals despite Reginald being a family friend and employee of the Kenways. In Birch's [[database]] entry, Shaun mistakenly wrote "[''Birch''] ''worked together'' [''with Haytham''] ''as members of the Assassins''" due to being unaware at the time that Birch and Haytham were Templars. Even after learning the truth, Shaun did not update the database to reflect the change.<ref name="Database"/>		In 2012, while the Assassin [[Desmond Miles]] was reliving Haytham's [[Genetic memory\|genetic memories]], his friend and colleague [[Shaun Hastings]] told Desmond that Haytham's father Edward and Birch were long time business rivals despite Reginald being a family friend and employee of the Kenways. In Birch's [[database]] entry, Shaun mistakenly wrote "[Birch] worked together [with Haytham] as members of the Assassins" due to being unaware at the time that Birch and Haytham were Templars. Even after learning the truth, Shaun did not update the database to reflect the change.<ref name="Database"/>

	In 2015, the Templar [[Isabelle Ardant]] included his name on a list of known British Templars. This list was later unveiled by the Assassins [[Rebecca Crane]] and [[Shaun Hastings]] when they infiltrated Ardant's office to plant a bug.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' – [[21st century conversations#Assassin's Creed: Syndicate\|Modern day]]</ref>		In 2015, the Templar [[Isabelle Ardant]] included his name on a list of known British Templars. This list was later unveiled by the Assassins [[Rebecca Crane]] and [[Shaun Hastings]] when they infiltrated Ardant's office to plant a bug.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Syndicate]]'' – [[21st century conversations#Assassin's Creed: Syndicate\|Modern day]]</ref>
Line 69:		Line 69:
	Reginald Birch was a fanatic obsessed with gaining the power of the long-lost First Civilization by any means necessary while masking it beneath the veneer of a chivalrous Knight Templar to indoctrinate Haytham. He was prone to deception, both to his enemies and to his supposed allies; his mastery of this art allowed him to ingratiate himself with Edward Kenway, an Assassin rival. However, Reginald's self-interest and manipulation of others was his weakness, leading to his downfall.<ref name="Forsaken" />		Reginald Birch was a fanatic obsessed with gaining the power of the long-lost First Civilization by any means necessary while masking it beneath the veneer of a chivalrous Knight Templar to indoctrinate Haytham. He was prone to deception, both to his enemies and to his supposed allies; his mastery of this art allowed him to ingratiate himself with Edward Kenway, an Assassin rival. However, Reginald's self-interest and manipulation of others was his weakness, leading to his downfall.<ref name="Forsaken" />

	He was diligent in expanding the influence of the British Rite, establishing the Colonial Rite and actively coordinating with other branches. While he ostensibly maintained cordial relations with the other rites, being sure to cultivate strong connections through the exchange of gifts and intelligence, his preoccupation with the First Civilization was resented by many of his peers as an impractical waste of resources. ~~Birch was also a highly cultured and refined person who enjoyed the privileges of British high society.<ref name="Forsaken" /><ref name="A Deadly Performance"/>~~ Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer in particular despised Reginald because de Ferrer's family were indebted to him and thus were compelled to oblige his wishes.<ref name="Chichen Itza" />		He was diligent in expanding the influence of the British Rite, establishing the Colonial Rite<ref name="A Deadly Performance"/> and actively coordinating with other branches. While he ostensibly maintained cordial relations with the other rites, being sure to cultivate strong connections through the exchange of gifts and intelligence, his preoccupation with the First Civilization was resented by many of his peers as an impractical waste of resources. Rafael Joaquín de Ferrer in particular despised Reginald because de Ferrer's family were indebted to him and thus were compelled to oblige his wishes.<ref name="Chichen Itza" />

	==Behind the scenes==		==Behind the scenes==
Line 75:		Line 75:

	==Gallery==		==Gallery==
	<gallery captionalign="center" position="center~~" spacing="small~~" widths="180">		<gallery captionalign="center" position="center" widths="180">
	ACIBirchWig.jpg\|A young Birch wearing a wig		ACIBirchWig.jpg\|A young Birch wearing a wig
	ACIBirchGrandMaster.jpg\|Birch in his Templar attire		ACIBirchGrandMaster.jpg\|Birch in his Templar attire