Templar Goals & Ideology
The Templar Order, the sworn enemies of the Assassins, operates under a fundamentally different philosophy regarding the future of humanity. While the Assassins champion free will, believing that humanity must forge its own destiny through struggle and choice, the Templars seek to impose order and peace through control. Their ultimate goal is to create a world free from conflict and suffering, but they believe this can only be achieved by eradicating free will and guiding humanity's every step. This pursuit of a controlled utopia often leads them to seek out powerful artifacts, such as the Apples of Eden, which they believe can be used to subjugate the masses and enforce their vision of peace.
The Templars view themselves as benevolent guardians, willing to make the difficult choices that humanity is too weak or too foolish to make for itself. They see the chaos and violence inherent in free societies as proof that humanity is incapable of self-governance. Their methods are often ruthless, involving manipulation, coercion, and outright violence to achieve their objectives. Throughout history, prominent figures and organizations have been revealed to be secretly controlled by the Templar Order, working behind the scenes to steer events towards their desired outcome. Their ideology is rooted in the belief that absolute control is the only path to lasting peace, a stark contrast to the Assassin's commitment to individual liberty.
The Templar Grand Masters, such as Robert de Sablé, are often portrayed as charismatic but deeply misguided individuals, convinced of the righteousness of their cause. Their pursuit of power is not necessarily for personal gain, but for the perceived greater good of humanity, as they define it. This ideological chasm between the Assassins and Templars fuels the central conflict of the Assassin's Creed series, driving the narrative across various historical periods and locations. Understanding the Templar mindset is crucial for anticipating their moves and effectively countering their plans, whether it involves disrupting their recruitment efforts or preventing them from acquiring a Piece of Eden.