David Brewster

He who increaseth knowledge, increaseth sorrow. This article contains spoilers, meaning it has information and facts concerning recent or upcoming releases from the Assassin's Creed series. If you do not want to know about these events, it is recommended to read on with caution, or not at all. This template should be removed from the article three months after release.

"We fight to gain what we cannot take with us. It's in our nature."

―Brewster to Evie with his last breath, 1868.

David Brewster

Sir David Brewster (11 December 1781 – 10 February 1868) was a Scottish Templar and scientist known for his contributions to the field of optics, being well-recognized as the inventor of the kaleidoscope.

Biography

Early life

"Why? It's God's Apple, not hers! I will display it in public! Darwin will be vanquished, banished in shame to the blasted Galápagos to roost with his beloved finches."

―Brewster's on the Apple of Eden and Charles Darwin, 1868.

David Brewster was born the third of a Presbyterian family of six children. By the age of twelve, he was sent to the University of Edinburgh to join the clergy. However, Brewster was more interested in studying optics and the refraction of light and invented the kaleidoscope.

Much later, he joined fellow clergymen to start a scientific magazine The Edinburgh Journal of Science and was knighted by Queen Victoria and became an opponent of Charles Darwin's evolution theory.

Life as a Templar

Thorne: "Your questionable practices are beginning to draw unwanted attention. You've been given more than enough time to achieve results, Sir David."

Brewster: "I was unaware that you expected me to perform like a cocker spaniel."

—Lucy Thorne speaking with Brewster

He eventually joined the Templar Order, which was under the leadership of Crawford Starrick. Teaming up with his assistant, Reynolds, they began research on several projects, mainly those connected to the Pieces of Eden.

Eventually, he was tasked with researching an Apple of Eden, which was retrieved by the Templars. He soon began research on it in a research facility located under a train yard in Croydon.

Death

Reynolds: "By Jove! Under blue light, it goes completely transparent!"

Brewster: "The cheek of that woman! I say I ought to seize the blasted artifact for Edinburgh."

—Brewster and Reynolds experimenting on the Apple of Eden.

In February 1868, Brewster was called upon by Starrick's faithful assistant and Templar occultist, Lucy Thorne. She complained to him that he was taking too long to gain all the secrets hidden in the Apple and that his 'questionable' practices were drawing unwanted attention by both the masses and the government. David tried to convince her that he needed a couple more weeks. Lucy reminded him about his obligation to the Order and warned him that she would return to him the following day and, if he did not unlock the secrets of the Apple by then, she would have him killed. After Lucy left, some guards brought forth a trespasser who they believed to be working for Henry Green. David ordered them to interrogate him before bringing him to his lab for experimentation. He then returned to his lab.

David continued his experiments on the Apple, exposing it to high voltages of electricity. His assistant, Reynolds, was concerned that they were exposing too much electricity to the Apple, which could cause an overload and lead to an explosion. David warned him that if they did not produce results soon, Lucy would kill them both. David considered taking the Apple for himself so he could use it to gain unbelievable fame on its research and overthrow Darwin as the best researcher, much to his assistant's concern. Brewster laughed it off, claiming he was satisfied enough to discover the Apple's secrets so the Templar's could gain complete control in London, the Assassins would fall, and Darwin would be forgotten.

As David conducted his research, he was killed by the Assassin Evie Frye. David complained on his deathbed that he did not want to die yet, because he wanted to research more. Evie commented that she would continue his research on the Piece of Eden on his behalf; David told her that she and the Assassins could not stop the Templars, adding that Lucy had discovered another Piece of Eden in London. Evie mentioned to him that she would take that too; he warned her sadly that it was their nature to try to take what they could not bring with them, referring to both her and himself.

Personality and characteristics

Evie: "Do not be afraid."

Brewster: "I am not. God will protect me."

—Brewster and Evie's conversation at the former's deathbed.

David Brewster was a man who had striven to obtain knowledge through research. He could also be quite competitive, as he wished to be the best researcher to beat Charles Darwin, his rival. His love for research could be considered a bit sadistic, as he went as far as to experiment on live people to further his achievement for knowledge. He was also religious, as he said God would protect him on his deathbed.

Reference

• Assassin's Creed: Syndicate