Cudgel Cormac

They call me many things: Murderer. Cutthroat. Thief. But you may call me Cudgel Cormac. This article is about a subject that lacks an official name and is known only by its nickname, title, or alias.

"Cudgel" Cormac was a member of the Templar Order active in New York City during the 19th century. He was the grandson of Shay Cormac, a famous Assassin Hunter and Master Templar, and an ancestor of Javier Mondragón.

Biography

Early life

During his youth, and like his father before him, Cudgel was trained by his grandfather Shay, mastering freerunning and learning how to use his Eagle Vision. Like them, he joined the Templar Order as an Assassin Hunter, serving in their ongoing war against the Assassin Brotherhood. He also inherited the Cormac family's air rifle, which Shay had stolen from Master Templar Lawrence Washington when he was still an active Assassin more than a century earlier.

American Civil War

By 1863, Cudgel was the feared barman of one of New York City's pubs, where he was acting as the Templar contact with the gangs, being a trusted agent of Grand Master William M. Tweed. As such, he was tasked to convince the other gangs to participate in the riots organized by the Templars to turn the tide of the American Civil War in their favor. The night before the riots were scheduled to start, a letter of Tweed was delivered to Cudgel, instructing him to stop an Assassin from stealing a Piece of Eden rumored to be hidden in the Aztec Club and to bring the artifact to his house.

Later, the Templar ambushed the Assassin Varius as he was leaving the Aztec Club with a Dagger of Eden, seizing the artifact from his paralyzed foe but sparing his life. He then left as the riots were starting in the city to watch the chaos from afar on a church's bell tower, prudently staying out of trouble and determined to bring the artifact to his master after sunset. While he agreed that the black citizens of New York were a necessary, yet sad, casualty of the Templar agenda, Cudgel nevertheless decided to save the children of a black orphanage after it was set ablaze by rioters.

Eventually, as he reached Tweed's estate, the Templar discovered that having been guided by one of Tweed's servant, Eliza, Varius was also in the house, and the two resumed their fight. They freeran on the roofs of the city while brawling until Cudgel inadvertently used the power of the artifact on Varius while ranting about his Templar ideals, throwing a knife at the confused Assassin, which hit him in the stomach.

However, as Cudgel was about to finish the critically injured Assassin, Eliza, who followed them, used the rifle that Cudgel lost during the fight to shoot a paralyzing dart at the Templar. Enraged by the death of her father who was beaten to death during the riots, Eliza threatened the powerless Templar with the Dagger to his throat, knowing he was responsible. She nevertheless spared him, promising to return for him and Tweed later, before vowing to join the Assassins and accomplish the mission of Varius delivering the Dagger to General Ulysses S. Grant.

Legacy

Cudgel fathered at least one child during his lifetime, whose bloodline continued into the 21st century. His descendant, Javier Mondragón, relived his memories in late 2016 through a simulation based on the New York draft riots to locate the Aztec Dagger. Unlike his ancestor, Javier was not persuaded to join the Templars after experiencing his memories and was somewhat repulsed by Cudgel's participation in the riots.

After exiting the Animus, Javier found that he had acquired some of Cudgel's skills, such as combat proficiency and Eagle Vision, though his vision was not as strong as that of his friend Owen Meyers. He also developed a temporary resentment toward Owen as his friend was a descendant of Varius, who had actively meddled in Cudgel's affairs during the riots. As Cudgel's presence faded from his mind and he became more familiar with the Assassin Brotherhood's goals on a personal level, Javier gradually warmed up to them and ultimately joined the Brotherhood weeks later.

Personality and traits

Cudgel Cormac was a devoted follower of the Templar Order and a strong believer in their goals and vision for the world. He was willing to assist in bringing the New World Order to fruition, including aiding Grand Master William M. Tweed by participating in the New York Draft Riots. When confronted by Varius about the innocent lives lost due to the violence instigated by the Templars, Cudgel referred to it as "refines fire" and considered it an necessary part of the plan, even though it's participants outed there anger towards the black citizens who he considered unfortunate casualties of hatred. Despite his strict adherence to Templar doctrine, he showed some empathy for the people of New York. When he saw an angry mob turn against an orphanage housing both Black and White children, Cudgel believed the violence was unnecessary and out of line with Tweed’s goals. Disapproving of the mob’s actions, he intervened to protect the children, showing that he was willing to deviate from the plan when necessary.

Cudgel was well-versed in the long-standing conflict between the Assassins and the Templars, understanding their ancient war over the fate of humanity. He frequently referenced his grandfather, Shay Cormac, who was responsible for the purge of the Colonial Brotherhood. Cudgel also expressed his belief that Assassins were agents of chaos. When confronted by Varius, who pointed out that Cudgel’s actions had caused chaos in the city, Cudgel defended his actions by claiming they were part of a greater, organized purpose that he believed would ultimately benefit humanity, in direct contrast to the Assassins' aims.

When Eliza confronted Cudgel about the death of her father, Abraham, he attempted to explain that he had not killed him, even though he was the one helping Tweed to lead the mob’s actions that had led to his violent death. However, he was subdued by a dart and rendered unconscious before he could clarify. He became nervous when a dagger was held to his throat, threatening his life.

Skills and Equipment

Cudgel was trained in combat and freerunning by his father and grandfather. He was skilled in parkour and could move seamlessly across the rooftops of the city. Despite facing Varius, who had trained in combat from a young age, Cudgel was able to hold his own in battle very well. He also used his grandfather’s Air rifle with precision.

Additionally, Cudgel was proficient in Eagle Vision, a skill that he inherited from his grandfather. Thanks to his Isu DNA, he was able to use the Prong of Eden against Varius, ultimately defeating him by mortally wounding him and leaving him behind for dead.

Gallery

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  Concept art by Studio Lounak

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants

References

pl:Maczuga Cormac fr:Cudgel Cormac