Francis Xavier

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Francis Xavier, born Francisco de Jasso y Azpilicueta (1506 – 1552), was a Roman Catholic missionary and member of the Spanish Rite of the Templar Order. He was one of the co-founders of the Society of Jesus and, as a representative of the Portuguese Empire, led the first Jesuit mission to Japan, secretly with the goal of spreading the Templars' influence.

Biography

Mission in Japan

During the first half of the 16th century, the Templars had suffered numerous defeats at the hands of the Assassin Brotherhood in Europe. Around 1549, Xavier set his sights on Japan, seeing an opportunity to spread both Christianity and Templar influence on the island.

One of the first clans to welcome Xavier's Jesuit mission in Japan was the Shimazu clan, whose leader, Shimazu Takahisa, allowed the missionaries to preach Christianity in his domains, secretly hoping this would lead to more trade with the Portuguese. After a year, however, Takahisa withdrew his support of the Jesuits and prohibited the conversion of his subjects to Christianity.

Despite this, some clan members continued to support Xavier in secret, and the missionary enlisted their help with spreading the Templar ideology in Japan, as well as finding various Pieces of Eden. Thanks to Xavier's actions, the Templars were ultimately able to establish a strong presence in the country by the end of the century.

Death

In 1552, Xavier embarked on a voyage to China, where he hoped to spread the Jesuit doctrine. He made a stop on Shangchuan Island, where he was robbed of most of his possessions by a smuggler who fled to Macau, and struggled to find anyone willing to transport him and his missionaries to the mainland. Learning that both the Chinese Assassins and his fellow Templars from the Portuguese Rite were after the Precursor box he carried, Xavier sought refuge in a chapel.

Before long, however, the missionary was found by João Machado, a Portuguese Templar and priest who led the Knights of Aviz. Machado and his men ransacked the chapel, killed Xavier and his entire entourage, and left with the box, intending to deliver it to Gaspar Vilela in Nagasaki.

Legacy

Xavier's spread of the Templar ideology in Japan survived into the 18th century, where in 1725, Shimazu Saito was made aware of her clan's allegiance to the Templars through Xavier's past missions.

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Memories (first mentioned)
• Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple (mentioned only)
• Echoes of History – Shadows (mentioned only)
• Assassin's Creed: Shadows (mentioned in Database entry only)
• Assassin's Creed Roleplaying Game – Legacy of the Brotherhood (mentioned only)