Papal Guard

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This article is about the soldiers assigned to defend the Pope. You may be looking for one of Ezio Auditore's genetic memories.

The Papal Guard is an elite force of soldiers commanded by the Papacy and tasked with the personal protection of the reigning pontiff. Papal Guards are highly trained soldiers, and were the most powerful enemies encountered by the Assassin Ezio Auditore da Firenze while in Rome.

In 1503, the Papal Guards protected Pope Alexander VI and were led by his son and Captain General, Cesare Borgia. Following the fall of the Borgia, they were once again commanded by their former captain Fabio Orsini. They were also the precursors to the Swiss Guard.

Combat

The Papal Guards were the most versatile and powerful guards in Rome, as they possessed the best of abilities held by all other archetypes. They were skilled in both attack and defense, easily deflecting and countering most attacks, while also delivering harsh strikes of their own.

They could dual-wield a wheel-lock firearm and a sword, making them deadly opponents at both short and long-range. Other than swords, they could also be equipped with a variety of short, long, or heavy weapons, though guards utilizing these were rarer to witness.

The Papal Guard arresting Cesare Borgia

Much like Agiles, Papal Guards were extremely fast and were able to dodge most attacks. Accompanying this, they were also difficult to escape from, and could even catch up to Assassins in a chase.

The Papal Guards often traveled in groups and would employ teamwork strategies in battle. While one could continuously fire at their target from a distance, the others would attack from close range. As well as this, they could throw sand and grab enemies from behind, skills common to Seekers.

Trivia

• Historically, the Papal Guard was comprised mostly of Swiss soldiers from its conception in 1471, when Pope Sixtus IV made a pact with the Swiss to supply him with mercenaries. Although these mercenaries primarily protected the Pope, they also occupied leadership roles on the front lines of the Italian Wars.
• In the memory "Liquid Gold", the Papal Guard captain can be heard speaking German, proving their Swiss nationality. 
• Their defense can be easily broken with kick attack, which, if chained with other weapons, will result in an instant kill.

Design

• Early Papal Guard designs are seen in the Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood cinematic trailer, as well as in Assassin's Creed: Ascendance. While the designs for the guards themselves were changed before the game's release, Fabio Orsini wore the same armor as seen in the original concept, albeit without a helmet and bearing a different emblem.
  • Additionally, all of the guards seen were shown to have halberds. However, in-game, the only time they can be seen carrying halberds was during the arrest of Cesare Borgia.
  • In Assassin’s Creed: Ascendance, the Papal Guards under Cesare are shown to wear the coat of arms of Pope Julius II, comprised of the Papal Keys and a shield with a golden oak tree on a blue field.
  • The Papal Guards wear morion helmets. However, this is anachronistic as this type of helmets first appeared in the mid-16th century.

Appearances

• During Juan Borgia's party, a Papal Guard is tasked to deliver the debt money of Egidio Troche. He spoke with a British or German accent and used some German words.
• During the infiltration of the French headquarters in Rome, Ezio faced some Papal Guards. Although the Borgia had already left the battle by this time, the guards were an indication of the close alliance between Cesare and Octavian de Valois.
• By Cesare Borgia's arrest in December 1503, the Borgia had lost all their power in Rome. However, when Cesare is arrested by Fabio Orsini and the Papal troops, they still carry the emblem of the Borgia despite being commanded by the new Pope Julius II.
• Similarly, when Ezio infiltrates Belriguardo Castle in 1506, Papal Guards that bear the Borgia emblem chase after him even though Ezio is in Ferrara, and the Borgia are no longer in power. Since a guard can be heard mentioning Pope Julius had lent the Duke some of his own troops, the oversight is again about the guards sporting the Borgia colors.
• The Templars overseeing the War Machines' construction are always depicted as Papal Guards.
• Papal Guards are not commonly found in Rome and appear mostly in main story memories. However, there is a group of four Papal Guards commonly stationed near the Castel Sant'Angelo in the Vaticano District, and these guards are always suspicious of Ezio, attacking on sight regardless of Ezio's notoriety level. If the Auditore or Borgia cape is equipped, however, the guards will only be suspicious but will not attack Ezio immediately. Instead, they will harass him by pushing him around and insulting him.

Combat

• Papal Guards are not affected by Ezio's taunts.
• Cesare Borgia himself fights much like a Papal Guard and is able to dual-wield a pistol and sword as they did.
• Papal Guards are more or less a mixture of all guards excluding the Seekers and crossbowmen, though they are more resistant and have considerable agility: they can deflect attacks and mount horses like those of the Borgia captains, have more health, are able to wield heavy weapons like Brutes, have the speed of Agile guards, and are capable of wielding short weapons and the firepower of the arquebusiers via the pistol, making them the most powerful enemy to be fought in Brotherhood aside from Cesare Borgia.
• The Papal Guards are considerably stronger than Ezio and have a larger build, with all of them being at least a head taller than him.
• Smoke bombs had no effect on a Papal Guard while engaged in combat. However, the bombs functioned as normal if the guard was taken by surprise.
• A Papal Guard can be disarmed if they carry a pistol, or when they attempt to hit Ezio a second time if they manage to land a hit. Alternatively, if Ezio dodges three strikes in a row, he can disarm them on the fourth strike without taking a hit.

Gallery

• 
  Early concept art of a Papal Guard
• 
  Concept art of various Papal Guard models
• 
  A Papal Guard threatening Ezio at gunpoint
• 
  Two guards killing each other under the Apple of Eden's influence
• 
  Promotional image of an Assassin fighting a Papal Guard

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy (first mentioned)
• Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (first appearance)
• Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood novel
• Assassin's Creed: Identity
• Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood of Venice – Roma