Christopher Gist

Christopher Gist (1706 – unknown) was an accomplished American explorer, surveyor and frontiersman, and a member of the Templar Order. During the Seven Years' War, he was the first mate aboard Shay Cormac's ship, the Morrigan.

Biography
Born in Baltimore, little of Gist's youth is known. Despite a lack of formal education, he was trained in surveying and became a successful frontiersman. Prior to the Seven Years' War, Gist settled in North Carolina and was the neighbor of Daniel Boone, another celebrated frontiersman.

In 1751, Gist was recruited into the Templar Order by Colonel George Monro, with the task of exploring the colonies and forming relations with the indigenous people settled there to secure alliances and commercial lanes. In 1753, Gist accompanied George Washington to deliver a message to the French forces, demanding that they leave the Ohio County, sparking the French and Indian War. During the war, Gist continued to fight at Washington's side, as both men became involved in the Braddock Expedition.

In 1756, Gist discovered that the gangs in New York were working on creating new weaponry. After informing Monro, he attempted to take down the criminals set up at Fort Arsenal, but was captured and set to be hanged. Gist was subsequently saved by the timely appearance of Shay Cormac, who had been sent by Monro to help.

With Fort Arsenal liberated, Shay entertained the idea of using it as his own residence, though Gist warned him that the nearby harbor and ship were still occupied by gang members. Upon discovering that said ship was the Morrigan, Shay agreed to work together with Gist - Shay took out the criminals in the harbor, while Gist went to find crew members. The two reunited at the ship, where Gist applied for the position of first mate, which Shay accepted, following which the pair set a course for Albany.

Personality and characteristics
Gist was a friendly, eloquent, and laid-back individual who often brought in light-hearted humor in conversations with his fellow Templars. Nonetheless, he deeply believed in the Templar cause. However, he questioned the path he had taken after joining the Order in his youth, but meeting Colonel Monro put those doubts to rest.

Gist also possessed a great sense of loyalty towards Shay, after the latter saved his life, offering to become the first mate aboard the Morrigan. Even though Gist was well aware of Shay's former allegiance to the Assassins, he showed no animosity or lack of trust towards him. In fact, he even mentioned that he himself would have recommended Shay as a member of the Order were it not for Monro, who had done so first. The two often discussed topics outside their work in the Order, such as politics. Gist became Shay's confidant over time, as the latter was even willing to speak out his remorse in killing his former comrades, most notably Hope Jensen.

Reference

 * Assassin's Creed: Rogue