- "The events which can not be prevented, must be directed."
- ―Klemens von Metternich, Chancellor of the Austrian Empire & Grand Master of the Austrian Rite
The Austrian Rite of the Templar Order is a branch of the Templar Order based in Austria. Most of its key members were comprised of nobles from the most powerful and influential families of Austria, though it often recruited families outside the borders as well, usually from the German region, and on occasion Bohemia and the surrounding Czech region.
History[]
Members[]
Pre-Napoleonic Wars
- Franz Georg Karl von Metternich (Grand Master; 1779 - 1809)
- Gédéon de Rohan-Polduc
- Ludwig von Sinzendorff
- Friedrich Kleinberrg
Napoleonic Wars - Vormärz Era
- Klemens von Metternich (de facto leader; 1803 - 1809; Grand Master; 1809 - 1848)
- Josef Sedlnitzky von Choltic
- Karl Philipp von Schwarzenberg
- Franz Joseph Riedesel
- Karl Ludwig von Fiquelmont
- Felix zu Schwarzenberg (Grand Master; 1848 - 1852)
- Richard von Metternich
Allies, Associates and Puppets[]
French Revolution
- Chrétien Lafrenière (Parisian Rite)
- Frederick Weatherall (British Rite)
Napoleonic Wars
- Francis II / I
- Alexander I (situational)
- Frederick William III
- Napoleon Bonaparte (temporary)
- Louis Antoine de Bourbon, Duc d’Enghien
- Spencer Perceval (British Rite)
- Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh (British Rite)
- Arno Victor Dorian (Parisian Brotherhood)
- Peter Ludwig von der Pahlen (Russian Rite)
- Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord
- Louis XVIII
- Johann Anton von Pergen
- Joachim Murat
Vormärz Era
- Ferdinand I
- August von Kotzebue
Post-Vormärz
- Franz Joseph I
Legacy[]
The Austrian Rite had long been known for its power and influence over Austria and the whole of Europe, having a firm hand in maintaining the continent's balance for many centuries.
It was under the leadership of Prince Klemens von Metternich that the Templars reached the height of their power in Europe, not only seizing total control over the Imperial Government and society officially, but also ushering in a new era of peace and stability through various means. Though the Vormärz Era eventually came to an end following the fall of Metternich orchestrated by his protege Prince Felix of Schwarzenberg and the Assassins, Felix himself, and later successors of the Rite, ultimately continued carrying on Metternich's spirit and ideals.
Since then, Metternich and the Austrian Rite have been seen as the pinnacle of Templar history and the embodiment of their ideals. During the 21st century of the modern age, the Austrian Templars were admired by many among Abstergo, especially Grand Master Klemens von Metternich, who was highly regarded as a hero and significant figure of the Order. Much of Abstergo Industries' organisation and style of methods are inspired by Metternich's ingenious diplomatic and political strategies.