Papal Guard

"The Papal guards are basically the ultimate elite guards that we're gonna have in Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood."

―Ubisoft developer Christopher Weiler.

The Papal Guard were elite soldiers commanded by the Papacy to serve and protect the pontiff during his tenure.

By 1503, the Papal guards protected Pope Alexander VI, and were led by the Pope's son and Captain General, Cesare Borgia.

Combat

File:Brotherhood2.jpg

A squadron of Papal guards get ready to attack the Assassins.

The Papal guards were the most versatile and difficult guards Ezio Auditore faced, as they possessed the best of abilities held by all other types. They were skilled at both attack and defense, easily deflecting and countering many of Ezio's attacks.

Papal guards could wield wheel-lock firearms in one hand, and a sword in the other, making them deadly opponents in both short and long range. Other than swords, they could also be equipped with a variety of short, long or heavy weapons, though these were rarer than the standard medium weapon.

Much like Agiles, Papal guards were extremely fast and were able to dodge most attacks. They were also difficult to escape from, and would always be able to catch up to Ezio in a chase.

Papal guards often travelled in groups, and would employ teamwork strategies in battle. One could continuously fire at Ezio from a distance, while the others attacked from close range. They would also throw sand, or grab Ezio from behind, skills common to Seekers.

Trivia

Concept art for the Papal guard.

Design

• An early Papal guard design is seen in the game's teaser trailer and in Assassin's Creed: Ascendance. While the design for the guards themselves was changed before the game's release, Fabio Orsini wears the same armor as seen in the original concept, albeit without a helmet.
• In the Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood trailer, all the Papal guards are shown to have halberds, but in the game, the only time they can be seen carrying halberds is when they arrest Cesare.

Appearance

• During Juan Borgia's party, a Papal guard was tasked to bring him the money Egidio Troche owed Juan. Quite oddly, he spoke with a British accent and some German words.
• During the infiltrating of the French headquarters in Rome, Ezio faces some Papal guards; altough the Borgia had already left the battle by the this time, it could be an indication of the 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 was arrested by Fabio Orsini and the Papal troops, they still carried the emblem of the Borgia.
• During 1506 in The Da Vinci Disappearance DLC, when Ezio infiltrates Belriguardo Castle, Papal Guards bearing the Borgia emblem chase after him during the chase sequence, even though Ezio is in Ferrara and the Borgia are no longer in power.
  • A guard, however, does mention that the Pope lent the Duke some of his own troops, thus their presence is plausible.
• In the "War Plans" missions, the Templars overseeing the War Machines construction are always papal guards.
• There is a Assassination Contract called "Graduation" wherein Ezio must kill 4 Papal Guards in the Castel Sant'Angelo.

File:ACB castel papal guards.png

The four Papal guards by the Castel Sant'Angelo.

• Although Papal guards are one of the toughest opponents in the game they aren't commonly found in Rome, and will appear more often in storyline missions. However, a group of four Papal guards are always stationed right outside the Castel Sant'Angelo in the Vaticano district, and will also attack Ezio on sight.

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 do.
• The Papal guards may be less skilled than Ezio, however they are considerably stronger and have a larger build, with all of them being at least a head taller than Ezio.
• Smoke bombs have no effect on a Papal guard while engaged in combat, however, the bombs function as normal if the guard is taken by surprise.
• A Papal guard can only be disarmed if he carries a pistol.
• The Papal guards are the precursor to the Swiss Guard, who have protected the pontiff since 1548.

Gallery

• Concept art of the Papal guard.
  Concept art of the Papal guard.
• Official artwork of the Papal guard.
  Official artwork of the Papal guard.
• A Papal guard, wielding a spear.
  A Papal guard, wielding a spear.
• Papal guards led by Cesare.
  Papal guards led by Cesare.
• Cesare and his Papal guards in inspection.
  Cesare and his Papal guards in inspection.
• 
  Two Papal guards arrest Cesare Borgia.
• A Papal guard threatens Ezio Auditore at gunpoint.
  A Papal guard threatens Ezio Auditore at gunpoint.
• A Papal guard impaled by Ezio.
  A Papal guard impaled by Ezio.

Notes and references

• Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood