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. They were the precursors to the Swiss Guard.

Combat

The Papal guards were the most versatile and difficult guards in Rome, 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 attacks.

Papal guards 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 these were rarer.

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

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

Papal guards often travelled in groups, and would employ teamwork strategies in battle. One could continuously fire at their target from a distance, while the others attacked from close range.

They could also throw sand, or grab enemies from behind, skills common to Seekers.

Trivia

Design

Early concept art for the Papal guard.

• An early Papal guard design is seen in the Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood cinematic 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.
  • Additionally, all the Papal guards seen are shown to have halberds. However, in-game, the only time they can be seen carrying halberds is during the arrest of Cesare.

Appearances

• During Juan Borgia's party, a Papal guard is tasked to deliver the debt money of Egidio Troche. He speaks with a British accent and uses some German words.
• During the infiltration of the French headquarters in Rome, Ezio faces some Papal guards. Although the Borgia had already left the battle by this time, the guards are 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 was arrested by Fabio Orsini and the Papal troops, they carried the emblem of the Borgia, despite being commanded by the new Pope Julius II.
• When Ezio infiltrates Belriguardo Castle in 1506, Papal guards bearing the Borgia emblem chase after him, 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.
• The Templars overseeing the War Machines' construction are always Papal guards.
• There is an Assassination Contract called "Graduation", where Ezio must kill four Papal guards training within the Castel Sant'Angelo.

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The four Papal guards by the Castel Sant'Angelo.

• Papal guards are not commonly found in Rome, and appear more often in storyline missions. However, a group of four Papal guards is always stationed right outside the Castel Sant'Angelo in the Vaticano district.

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 are considerably stronger than Ezio and have a larger build, with all of them being at least a head taller than him.
• 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.

Gallery

• Concept art of the Papal guard.
  Concept art 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.
• A Papal guard threatens Ezio Auditore at gunpoint.
  A Papal guard threatens Ezio Auditore at gunpoint.
• 
  Two Papal guards arrest Cesare Borgia.