Agile

The Agile guards, or simply Agiles, were lightly-armored, quick moving guards. They were one of the few types capable of outrunning Assassins, and were also skilled free runners.

Agiles more commonly fled to alert nearby guards, rather than face an enemy directly. During pursuits alongside other guards, they would usually catch up a target first, and injure it with the short blades they wielded.

Combat
Agiles' attacks were neither powerful nor particularly damaging, they compensated with their speed, and their ability to dodge most enemy attacks. This rapid form of combat made them deadly in large groups.

The Assassin Ezio Auditore could most easily defeat them with patience, by either taunting them or waiting for them to attack, then countering. Roman Agiles were skilled enough to only be defeated in this manner, or during a kill streak.

Alternatively, Agiles could be defeated with a chain of attacks, should they lower their arms and begin panting, indicating that they were tired. This tactic was explained to Ezio by the trainer in Monteriggioni.

During pursuits of Ezio, Agiles could follow him easily across both streets and rooftops alike. They would often strike the Assassin with a dagger as soon as they came within range, slowing him down and allowing their allies to catch up.

Characteristics
Agiles were found in all cities, though more often in the larger ones. They were usually found near more powerful guards, such as Brutes and Seekers.

Certain Agiles possessed a shinier and more abstract armor design, distinguishing them as higher-ranked and more skilled than regular Agiles.

Trivia

 * Checco, his brother Ludovico Orsi, Thieves (including La Volpe, Rosa and Ugo), the Cento Occhi, Followers of Romulus, and Hermeticists, all possess freerun capabilities similar to Agiles.
 * In Assassin's Creed II, Agiles were the first enemies to be seen on horseback, in the memory "Romagna Holiday."
 * Girolamo Savonarola's lieutenant, the Captain Guard, set ambushes for his enemies using Archers and multiple Agile guards.
 * During the Tank sequence in the Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood memory "Hell on Wheels," Agiles can be seen using guns for the first time.
 * Papal Guards also possess the same speed and agility as Agiles, despite being of a heavier build.