Why did Shay become a Templar?
Shay Cormac, the protagonist of Assassin’s Creed III, has a complex and tumultuous journey that leads him to join the Templar Order. Throughout the game, Shay’s motivations and actions are influenced by a series of events that shape his worldview and ultimately lead him to abandon his Assassin roots and join the Templars.
The Lisbon Earthquake
The turning point in Shay’s journey is the Lisbon Earthquake, a catastrophic event that occurred in 1755. The earthquake resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent people, and Shay, who was a member of the Assassin Brotherhood at the time, was deeply affected by the tragedy. He felt guilty and responsible for not being able to prevent the disaster, which led to a crisis of faith and a re-evaluation of his values.
The Assassins’ True Intentions
Shay’s guilt and self-doubt were further exacerbated by his discovery of the Assassin Brotherhood’s true intentions. He learned that the Assassins were willing to use violence and destruction to achieve their goals, which conflicted with his own moral compass. This realization led Shay to question the Assassin Creed and its principles.
The Templars’ Offer
Around the same time, Shay was approached by the Templar Order, who offered him a chance to make amends for his perceived mistakes. The Templars promised to help him find redemption and a new purpose, which resonated with Shay’s desire to make a positive impact.
The Templars’ Propaganda
The Templars also used propaganda to manipulate Shay’s perception of the Assassin Brotherhood. They portrayed the Assassins as violent and fanatical, which further solidified Shay’s doubts about his former allies.
The Final Straw
The final blow to Shay’s Assassin identity came when he discovered that the Assassin Brotherhood was planning to kill thousands of innocent people in a bid to spark a revolution. This realization made Shay realize that the Assassins were no better than the Templars, and he ultimately decided to join the Templar Order.
Conclusion
Shay’s transformation from an Assassin to a Templar was a gradual process, influenced by a series of events and revelations. His guilt and self-doubt, combined with the Templars’ propaganda and promises of redemption, ultimately led him to abandon his Assassin roots and join the Templar Order. Throughout the game, Shay’s journey serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of manipulation and the importance of staying true to one’s values.
Table: Shay’s Journey to Becoming a Templar
| Event | Impact on Shay |
|---|---|
| Lisbon Earthquake | Felt guilty and responsible for not preventing the disaster |
| Discovery of Assassin Brotherhood’s true intentions | Questioned the Assassin Creed and its principles |
| Templar offer | Promised redemption and a new purpose |
| Templar propaganda | Portrayed Assassins as violent and fanatical |
| Discovery of Assassin plan to kill innocent people | Realized that Assassins were no better than Templars |
Key Takeaways
- Shay’s transformation from an Assassin to a Templar was a gradual process influenced by a series of events and revelations.
- His guilt and self-doubt, combined with the Templars’ propaganda and promises of redemption, ultimately led him to abandon his Assassin roots and join the Templar Order.
- The Lisbon Earthquake was a turning point in Shay’s journey, leading him to question his values and motivations.
- The Templars’ propaganda and manipulation played a significant role in Shay’s decision to join the Templar Order.