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 Ezio Auditore faced 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 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.

Design

 * 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 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 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.
 * 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," wherein Ezio must kill four Papal guards training within the Castel Sant'Angelo.
 * Papal guards are one of the toughest opponents in the game and are not commonly found in Rome, appearing 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.

Notes and references

 * Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood