Few characters in the sprawling Assassin’s Creed universe have managed to ignite such fervent debate and passionate opinions as Shay Patrick Cormac. Introduced in Assassin’s Creed Rogue, Shay begins his journey as a promising Assassin, dedicated to the Brotherhood’s ideals. However, a devastating discovery and a profound betrayal lead him down a drastically different path, one that sees him abandoning the Assassin’s Creed and embracing the Templar Order. Shay’s transformation isn’t merely a shift in allegiance; it’s a complex exploration of morality, ideology, and the devastating consequences of blind faith. Was he a misguided traitor who abandoned his brothers and sisters, or a reluctant hero who dared to challenge the Assassins’ flawed methods? This article will delve into the motivations and complexities of Shay Cormac, arguing that his transition to the Templar Order, while undeniably controversial, was driven by a genuine desire to prevent further destruction and loss. We will explore his experiences, the events that led to his defection, and ultimately, question whether his actions were justified in the grand scheme of things.
From Aspiring Assassin to Doubting Initiate
Shay Patrick Cormac’s story begins in the bustling colonial city of New York. Details about his early life are sparse, but it’s evident that he possessed a rebellious streak and a strong sense of justice. His close friendship with Liam O’Brien, a fellow Assassin initiate, played a crucial role in shaping his early beliefs and loyalties.
Under the tutelage of Achilles Davenport, Shay quickly proved himself a skilled and capable Assassin. He was adept at combat, possessing both the physical prowess and cunning required for the Brotherhood’s clandestine operations. He was also a skilled sailor, comfortable navigating the treacherous waters of the North Atlantic. Initially, Shay embraced the Assassin’s Creed with unwavering enthusiasm. He believed in their mission to protect freedom and fight against tyranny. However, beneath the surface of his initial idealism, seeds of doubt began to sprout.
Even during his early missions, subtle hints suggest that Shay was not a blind follower. He questioned orders, demonstrated a willingness to deviate from protocol, and often expressed concern for the innocent lives caught in the crossfire of the Assassin-Templar conflict. These instances, though seemingly minor at the time, foreshadow the profound disillusionment that would eventually lead him to question everything he once held sacred. His growing unease with the Brotherhood’s methods and their unwavering pursuit of mysterious artifacts created a sense of inner conflict that would ultimately define his fate.
The Earthquake and the Breaking Point
The turning point in Shay Cormac’s life, the event that shattered his faith in the Assassin Brotherhood, was the devastating Lisbon earthquake. The Assassins, driven by their relentless pursuit of Precursor artifacts, tasked Shay with retrieving a mysterious box from Lisbon. They believed that the box held the key to unlocking powerful knowledge and gaining an advantage over the Templars.
Unbeknownst to Shay, the artifact he was sent to retrieve was not merely a source of power, but a crucial component in maintaining the stability of the region. When Shay followed the Assassins’ orders and removed the box, the consequences were catastrophic. Lisbon was leveled by a massive earthquake, resulting in the deaths of thousands of innocent people.
The sheer scale of the devastation shook Shay to his core. He was haunted by the images of the destruction and overwhelmed by the guilt of his unwitting involvement. He realized that the Assassins’ reckless pursuit of knowledge, their willingness to risk innocent lives for the sake of their own agenda, was fundamentally wrong. He attempted to voice his concerns to Achilles Davenport, hoping to prevent further tragedies. However, his pleas fell on deaf ears. Achilles, blinded by his own convictions, dismissed Shay’s concerns and ordered him to continue the search for other Precursor sites. When Shay refused and threatened to expose the Brotherhood’s recklessness, Achilles and the other Assassins turned on him, attempting to kill him and silence his dissent.
Embracing the Templar Ideal
Left for dead and consumed by rage and grief, Shay was rescued by the Colliers, a family with Templar connections. Initially distrustful and hesitant, Shay gradually began to listen to their perspective. He learned about the Templar Order’s philosophy, their belief in order, control, and the prevention of chaos.
Key to Shay’s transition was Haytham Kenway. Haytham, a charismatic and pragmatic Templar Grand Master, saw in Shay a kindred spirit. He recognized Shay’s disillusionment with the Assassins and his genuine desire to prevent further destruction. Haytham patiently explained the Templar ideals, emphasizing their commitment to protecting humanity, even if it meant sacrificing individual freedom. Haytham argued that the Assassins’ pursuit of artifacts was reckless and dangerous, posing a threat to the entire world.
Shay, witnessing the Templars’ organized and calculated approach, found himself drawn to their ideology. He realized that the Assassins, in their quest for freedom, had become blinded by their own zealotry. He became convinced that the Templar Order offered a more responsible and effective path to peace and order. This wasn’t a betrayal born of malice, but a desperate attempt to prevent the Assassins from making the same catastrophic mistakes again.
The Templar’s Crusade
Now a Templar, Shay Cormac embarked on a new mission: to stop the Assassins from causing further destruction. This meant hunting down his former allies, confronting them with their actions, and ultimately, eliminating them if necessary.
This was undoubtedly the most morally challenging aspect of Shay’s transformation. He was forced to fight against individuals he once considered friends and brothers. The emotional toll of killing Liam O’Brien, his childhood friend, was particularly devastating. These acts underscore the immense weight of responsibility Shay carried and the personal sacrifices he made for what he believed was the greater good.
Shay’s primary objective was to recover the Precursor artifacts that the Assassins were seeking. He traveled across North America and the Caribbean, tracking down the artifacts and securing them under Templar control. He understood the immense power these artifacts possessed and the potential for them to be misused. He was determined to prevent the Assassins from unleashing further devastation upon the world.
The morality of Shay’s actions remains a subject of intense debate among Assassin’s Creed fans. Was he justified in killing his former allies? Did the ends justify the means? Assassin’s Creed Rogue deliberately avoids providing easy answers, forcing players to confront the complexities of Shay’s choices. The game excels at portraying the grey areas of morality, highlighting the fact that neither the Assassins nor the Templars are entirely good or entirely evil. Both sides are driven by their own ideologies, and both are capable of committing acts of violence and injustice.
A Lasting Impact
Shay Cormac’s defection and subsequent actions had a profound impact on the Assassin’s Creed universe. He played a crucial role in weakening the Colonial Brotherhood of Assassins, paving the way for the events of Assassin’s Creed III. His actions also shaped the Templar Order’s strategies and goals. His emphasis on order and control resonated with many Templars, influencing their approach to achieving their objectives.
His relationship with Haytham Kenway became a cornerstone of the Templar’s influence in the colonies. Shay’s experiences reinforced Haytham’s belief in the necessity of a strong and disciplined organization to maintain peace and prevent chaos. Shay’s actions are directly connected to the events leading up to and during the French and Indian War, providing a crucial link between Assassin’s Creed Rogue and other games in the series.
But perhaps Shay’s greatest legacy lies in the debate he sparked among players. He is a polarizing figure, admired by some for his pragmatism and willingness to challenge the status quo, and condemned by others for his betrayal of the Assassin’s Creed. This division reflects the game’s central theme: the ambiguity of morality and the subjective nature of truth.
Conclusion: A Complex Legacy
Shay Cormac’s transformation forces us to question traditional notions of good and evil and consider the consequences of unwavering belief. Shay Patrick Cormac’s story serves as a reminder that the line between good and evil is often blurred, and that even the noblest intentions can lead to devastating consequences. He embodies the idea that individuals can be driven by genuine conviction to commit acts that are both heroic and reprehensible.
Ultimately, Shay Cormac’s journey forces players to question their own allegiances and consider the complexities of morality in a world of conflict and hidden agendas. He represents a challenge to the established narrative of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, a reminder that the truth is rarely simple and that even the most righteous organizations can be corrupted by power and ideology. He remains one of the most discussed, debated, and ultimately, most compelling characters in the franchise, ensuring that his story, whether seen as a redemption or a betrayal, will continue to resonate with players for years to come. He’s a testament to the power of a morally grey character, forcing players to truly consider the cost of ideology and the consequences of unquestioning faith.
