Hermeticists

"As above, so below."

―The Hermetic vow.

The Hermeticists were members of the Cult of Hermes, a group based on a set of philosophical and religious beliefs, who dedicated themselves to "transforming mankind."

History

Sometime before 1506, Hermeticists pursued the Assassin Ezio Auditore da Firenze, in order to obtain the Apple of Eden he had in his possession. They were unsuccessful, however, and the Piece of Eden was sealed away.

As of 1506, after the fall of the Borgia in Rome, the Hermeticists were led by Ercole Massimo. At his order, they captured Leonardo da Vinci, a famed polymath, in order to discover the hidden entrance of the Temple of Pythagoras.

Soon afterwards, in front of La Volpe Addormentata, another group of disciples attacked two of Leonardo's friends, Ezio Auditore, and his assistant Salaì, though they were both able to defend themselves.

In order to delay their search for the entrance of the temple, Leonardo told Ercole of the clues hidden in several of his paintings. Ercole then sent his Hermeticists throughout Italy to seek the lost paintings, though all of these were intercepted and reclaimed by Ezio.

In the chambers of the Temple of Pythagoras, a large number of disciples (including Ercole) were killed while attempting to keep Ezio from rescuing Leonardo. The fate of the Hermeticists following this is unknown.

Trivia

• Similarly to the Cento Occhi, the Hermeticists carry several valuable items that are needed for Shop Quests.
• The Hermeticists wield daggers and other short blades, and fight much like Agiles.
• During the restored memories, several Hermeticists can be found throughout Rome, standing over the bodies of slain guards.

Gallery

• Three Hermeticists preparing to fight.
  Three Hermeticists preparing to fight.
• Hermeticists fighting Ezio and Salaì.
  Hermeticists fighting Ezio and Salaì.
• 
  Leonardo, a Hermeticist and Ercole Massimo.
• A Hermeticist in La Volpe Addormentata.
  A Hermeticist in La Volpe Addormentata.

Source

• Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood - The Da Vinci Disappearance