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 Guard protected Pope Alexander VI, and were led by the Pope's son and Papal Commander, Cesare Borgia. The sole purpose of the Papal guards is to protect the Pope and his family with their lives.

Combat
The Papal guards are the most versatile and difficult enemies (excluding bosses and Borgia Captains), as they carry the best of abilities held by all other guard archetypes and can easily deflect and counter many of Ezio Auditore's attacks.

Papal guards can 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 can also be equipped with a variety of long weapons, short weapons, and heavy weapons, however those versions are more difficult to come across.

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

Papal guards are often encountered in groups, and will often employ teamwork strategies in battle. One may continuously fire at Ezio from a distance, while the others attack from close range. They may also throw sand or grab Ezio from behind, skills common to Seekers. Papal guards are not affected by Ezio's taunts.

Appearance

 * An early Papal guard design is seen in the game's teaser trailer and 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.
 * 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.
 * 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 not questionable.
 * 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.
 * 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.
 * In the Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood trailer the Papal guards are shown to have halberds, but in the game the only special weapons they use are heavy and ranged weapons.
 * 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. Rebecca warned Desmond that the translation software of the Animus was still buggy and that he could encounter some French or German.

Others

 * 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 were the precursor to the Swiss Guard, who have protected the pontiff since 1548.
 * 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,and are exactly 6 foot 3 tall.
 * 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.
 * Occasionally when fighting the Papal guard you will hear a female voice.
 * The Papal Guard confronted on The Aqueducts Templar Lair speaks German and has a German accent