- "Giovanni's mood continues to darken. When we enter Troyes, he calls it the "Vipers' Nest." It is only a whisper. I do not dare question him."
- ―Maria Amiel observing Giovanni Borgia.[src]
The Viper, with Giovanni Borgia behind him
The Viper (unknown - 1527) was a Templar messenger based in Troyes, where the Order was officially founded in the 11th century.
Around 1527, the Viper travelled to Basel, and discovered the Assassin Order's intentions to locate the second half of the mysterious tome known only as "the Book."
Most likely gaining information from Bombastus, the Viper carried a letter containing detailed descriptions of Giovanni Borgia and Maria Amiel – the Assassin and his companion seeking the Book – back to his base in Troyes.
Later that year, Giovanni tracked the Viper to Troyes, though he was cautious about entering the Templar-controlled city. As Giovanni and Maria visited Troyes Cathedral, the Viper approached Maria in the marketplace and began questioning her, subtly revealing that he knew her identity.
However, Giovanni took this opportunity to quietly sneak up to the Viper from behind, and kill him with his Hidden Blade. After the Viper's fellow Templars discovered this, both Giovanni and Maria were chased out of the city.