Who are the Good Guys in Assassin’s Creed?
In the Assassin’s Creed franchise, the lines between good and evil are often blurred. The series is known for its complex characters, Moral Ambiguity, and the gray areas between moral right and wrong. At the heart of the games are the Assassins and the Templars, who have been locked in a centuries-long struggle. So, who are the good guys in Assassin’s Creed? Let’s dive in!
The Assassins
The Assassins are the protagonists of the Assassin’s Creed series, and they are the polar opposite of the Templars. The Assassins believe in freedom, equal rights, and the will of the people. They are a group of rebels who fight against Templar tyranny and oppression.
Key Characteristics:
- Freedom: Assassin’s Creed emphasizes the value of freedom and the willingness to fight for it.
- Non-Hierarchy: Assassins reject hierarchical leadership and instead operate as independent agents.
- Tolerance: Assassins stand for tolerance and understanding towards different cultures and beliefs.
- Justice: Assassin’s Creed highlights the struggles for justice and the fighting against oppression.
Recent Examples:
- Eagle Vision: A unique abilitiy that allows members to see the world like a bird, which reveals hidden secrets and invisible messages.
- Hidden Blades: Customizable blades that allow you to take down enemies.
The Templars
The Templars, on the other hand, have a very different ideology than the Assassins. They believe in control and order, and seek to impose their will on society. The Templars believe that humanity is selfish and chaotic, and the only way to bring peace is through centralized control. They are the primary villains of the Assassin’s Creed series.
Key Characteristics:
- Power: Templars crave and seek power, often regardless of the cost.
- Control: Templars believe in controlling and order, often through oppressive regimes.
- Supression: Templars are know for suppressing dissent and different beliefs.
Recent Examples:
- Abstergo Industries: Templar-controlled corporation that monitors and controls the flow of information.
- The Cross of Burgundy: Embroidered symbol worn on the Templar robes represents their ideology.
Compromises and Moral Conundrums
Throughout the series, players are faced with gray moral choices that challenge our understanding of good and evil. The Assassins are not always heroic and the Templars are not always villainous.
- Ezio Auditore: Assassin icon and protagonist of Assassin’s Creed II, III and Brotherhood. He struggled to balance his desire for love and family with his Templar-hunting duties. Ezio chose to sacrifice his personal ambitions for the greater good
- Connor Kenway: Assassin protagonist of Assassin’s Creed III. A half-British Indian, Connor struggled to juggle his loyalty to humanity with his duty as Assassin. Connor made crucial decisions that balanced the survival of his people with maintaining the Assassin-Templar conflict
Who Really are the Good Guys in Assassin’s Creed?