Editing Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad (section)

==Biography==

===Early Life and Training as an Assassin===
Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad was born on January 11, 1165, to Assassin parents: Maud, a Christian mother who died during childbirth, and Umar Ibn-La'Ahad, a Muslim father who was executed by the Saracens during the Siege of Masyaf in 1176 as punishment for killing a Saracen nobleman. Altaïr tried desperately to reach his father before the execution but was stopped by Ahmad Sofian, the Assassin who had revealed Umar's name to the Saracens under torture. Overwhelmed by guilt, Ahmad later snuck into Altaïr's quarters to apologize and then committed suicide with a dagger.

Altaïr quickly reported the incident to Al Mualim, who instructed him to keep the matter secret, particularly from Ahmad's son, Abbas, to spare him the shame. Altaïr, who saw Al Mualim more as a father figure than his own, agreed to keep silent. Altaïr and Abbas grew up together as novices in the Order, initially forming a strong bond of friendship.

However, when Altaïr noticed that [[Abbas Sofian|Abbas]] was still grieving over his father, he decided to reveal the truth about Ahmad's death, hoping to console him. Abbas, feeling betrayed, responded with anger and asked their combat instructor if they could use real swords in their training. In a fit of rage, Abbas attacked Altaïr, accusing him of lying to disgrace his father's memory. To diffuse the situation, Altaïr falsely confessed to lying, and both were confined in the Masyaf dungeon for a month. After their release, they resumed their training, but Abbas, deemed the more culpable, was sentenced to an additional year of training while Altaïr advanced to the rank of Assassin.

===Elevation to Master Assassin===
In 1189, the Templars launched an assault on Masyaf, aided by their double agent, Haras. Altaïr entered the village on horseback and rescued his fellow Assassin, Faisal, before reuniting with Abbas. While Abbas urged a retreat, Altaïr proposed a strategy to flank the Templars and lead them into the canyon while he himself rescued Al Mualim, who had been taken hostage inside the fortress.

Altaïr fought his way to the fortress, eliminating Templar soldiers and rescuing villagers. Upon reaching the gates, he encountered Haras, who taunted him and began executing captured Assassins with a crossbow. Unable to enter through the gates, Altaïr climbed the fortress walls, made his way along the battlements, and leaped from a balcony to assassinate Haras from above. In his final moments, Haras expressed his disillusionment with the Creed, believing that the Assassins placed too much trust in humanity. Altaïr attempted to persuade him otherwise, but Haras died, unwavering in his beliefs.

After freeing Al Mualim, Altaïr earned his respect, and the two walked together. The Mentor expressed his pride in Altaïr's actions and remarked on how much he resembled his late father. When asked if he regretted his life as an Assassin, Altaïr replied that he did not, as it was the only life he had known. Al Mualim suggested that one day, Altaïr might find reasons to regret and that it would ultimately be his choice to determine his path.

Following the successful defense of Masyaf from the remaining Templars, Altaïr was promoted to the rank of Master Assassin, the youngest in the Order's history to achieve this honor. Upon hearing the news, Abbas spat at Altaïr's feet, while Altaïr responded with a sneer, displaying his first notable act of arrogance.

===Quest for the Chalice===

====Return to Alep====
In 1190, while returning from a journey, Altaïr encountered a village near the citadel of Alep under attack. He was informed by an Assassin guard that the Templars were responsible and given a sword to avenge the fallen Assassins. Fighting his way through many Templars, Altaïr came across an enemy archer who revealed that the assault was ordered by the Templar leader, Lord Basilisk, to obtain valuable information from a Brotherhood member.

After dealing with the Templar, Altaïr continued on, assassinated an enemy captain, and met with Al Mualim. He was then tasked with retrieving a powerful artifact known as "the Chalice," capable of greatly enhancing the power of whichever faction held it. With his mission clear, Altaïr set off for Damascus.

====Research in Damascus====
Upon reaching Damascus, Altaïr located a Rafiq disguised as a merchant and publicly announced the Assassins' password. The Rafiq led him to a secluded area, scolding him for his lack of discretion and demanding that Altaïr prove himself by killing an enemy. After completing the task, Altaïr inquired about the Chalice and was directed to Tamir, a merchant closely connected to the Templars.

To reach Tamir, whose residence was heavily guarded, the Rafiq suggested starting with a man named Misbah. Altaïr located Misbah and began interrogating him, but a city guard intervened. Misbah fled, and Altaïr chased him across rooftops until Misbah was left hanging from a rope after a plank collapsed. Altaïr offered safety in exchange for information, and Misbah revealed that Tamir's house contained a shipment of oil barrels. Altaïr left Misbah hanging and proceeded to set the oil barrels on fire, forcing Tamir out.

Confronted with the loss of his possessions, Tamir revealed that the Chalice was in a desert temple accessible only with three keys. He also mentioned that a dancer named Fajera held one of these keys. With the needed information, Altaïr killed Tamir.

====Acquiring the First Key====
Altaïr went to the circus where Fajera performed and confronted her. She refused to cooperate and summoned her friend, Badr, to fight Altaïr. After defeating Badr, Fajera fled, and Altaïr pursued her. He temporarily lost her trail when a bridge collapsed but spotted her again near a well.

Fajera, seeing Altaïr approach, willingly gave him the key, explaining that she had foreseen his arrival through her cards and had prepared to aid him. In return, she asked Altaïr to eliminate a man named Alaat at a nearby bathhouse. Altaïr navigated through old sewer tunnels to reach the bathhouse and assassinated Alaat before escaping. Grateful, Fajera informed him of another key holder in Tyre.

====Infiltrating the Hospital====
Arriving in Tyre, Altaïr met with a man named Hamid, who informed him that the next key holder was imprisoned in a hospital by Roland Napule. Altaïr navigated through the hospital’s heavily guarded passageways, assassinated Roland, and convinced the captive key holder of his allegiance to the Assassins by showing his missing ring finger. The key holder gave Altaïr the second key and told him that the third was in Jerusalem, held by Lord Basilisk himself.

====Confrontation in Jerusalem====
Upon reaching Jerusalem, Altaïr sought out the Rafiq Kadar, who informed him that Lord Basilisk's fierce reputation had earned him the King’s trust, and that he was often found in the King's company. Kadar suggested that Altaïr could use an upcoming royal party to get close to Basilisk. Altaïr headed to the City Gardens to eavesdrop on citizens and learned that a man named Ayman had an invitation to the party.

Altaïr confronted Ayman and extracted the location of the event from him. He then infiltrated the party through a secret passage and confronted Lord Basilisk. After a fierce battle, Altaïr managed to steal the final key and fled.

===The Temple of Sand===

====Infiltration of the Templar Base====
Upon returning to Jerusalem, Altaïr discovered that the keeper of a map to the desert temple, which held the Chalice, was under attack by Templar agents who successfully stole the map. The keeper then charged Altaïr with infiltrating the Templar's tower base to retrieve it.

Altaïr reached the tower and maneuvered his way to the Master, who resembled an Assassin but was actually a high-ranking Templar. The Master attempted to convince Altaïr to join the Templar Order, but Altaïr refused, killed the Master, and retrieved the map to the Temple of Sand.

====Discovery at the Temple====
Upon arriving at the Temple of Sand, Altaïr made his way through the upper areas, defeating guards along the way, until he reached the antechamber of the Chalice. He found a golden shrine at the center of a stone pillar, accessible by four bridges. However, when he approached the shrine, he encountered Lord Basilisk, who revealed that the Chalice was not an artifact but a woman.

After defeating Basilisk's guards, the shrine opened, revealing an exit. Altaïr jumped down and found himself in rubble as the temple began to collapse. He fled through a sandstorm, avoiding falling debris to reach safety. Remembering Basilisk's mention of business in Tyre, he immediately made his way back to the city.

====Hunt in Tyre====
Back in Tyre, Altaïr met with Hamid and explained that he was searching for Basilisk. Hamid informed him that two Assassins with access to the fortress had been kidnapped. Altaïr navigated dangerous pathways above deadly waters, ultimately finding one of the missing agents trapped in a cage. After freeing him, the agent directed Altaïr to his brother on the other side of the fort, who could help him access the Templar's Hold.

Altaïr located and freed the second agent, who led him to the gate of the Templar's Hold. He traversed the rooftops within the fortress and confronted Basilisk in a duel. Outmatched, Basilisk fled, but Altaïr pursued, eventually catching up and defeating him again. In exchange for his life, Basilisk revealed two crucial pieces of information: the Chalice's location at Don Carvaggio's villa in Jerusalem and a Templar plot to poison Acre's water supply to end the costly siege. Altaïr spared Basilisk but burned the Templar's ships to prevent his escape from Tyre.

====Siege of Acre====
Altaïr hurried to Acre, where he fought through the burning city, dodging falling debris, and destroyed Templar siege equipment. Disguised first as a soldier and then as a scholar, he accessed restricted areas, set fires, released prisoners, and destroyed weaponry. Eventually, he reached the Templar commander, who ordered him to bless the operation. When Altaïr attempted to attack, the commander saw through his disguise, leading to a duel. Altaïr defeated the commander and escaped by launching himself over barricades with a catapult.

====Rescuing the Chalice and Killing Harash====
In Jerusalem, Altaïr located Don Carvaggio's villa and saw Templars escorting the Chalice, a woman named Adha, through the streets. Altaïr followed them and killed the escorts by opening a large sewer grate, pelting them with debris.

Adha and Altaïr navigated the sewers together, during which she informed him of Harash, Al Mualim's second-in-command, who had betrayed them. Although skeptical, Altaïr agreed not to accuse Harash without proof and offered to leave the Holy Land with Adha. She agreed, but only if Harash was dead, and gave Altaïr a special sword to use in his mission.

Altaïr traveled to Alep, stealthily infiltrated the city, and found Harash consorting with a Templar captain. After hearing their conversation, which confirmed Harash's betrayal, Altaïr engaged him in a duel and ultimately killed him.

====Final Confrontation with Basilisk====
Returning to Tyre, Altaïr discovered a Templar army blocking his path to Basilisk. Despite the overwhelming odds, Altaïr battled through to the docks and saw Adha being escorted onto a Templar ship.

Altaïr boarded a nearby vessel to reach her but was confronted by Basilisk, who challenged him to a final fight. Altaïr accepted, overpowered Basilisk, and killed him. However, a ship was set ablaze and came between Basilisk's ship and the one carrying Adha, forcing Altaïr to jump overboard.

Reaching the docks safely, Altaïr watched as the remaining ship sailed away. He swore to find Adha and rescue her, but it would be months before he found her again. By then, it was too late; he could only recover her body. Enraged by her death, Altaïr hunted down and killed everyone responsible, though the act brought him no solace.

===Third Crusade===

====Confrontation in the Jerusalem Vault====
By the next year, the Holy Land was engulfed in conflict. In July 1191, Altaïr, along with his comrades Malik and Kadar Al-Sayf, was ordered to recover an artifact from the Templars in the Jerusalem Vault beneath the ruins of Solomon's Temple. As they navigated the catacombs, Altaïr violated the first tenet of the Assassins' Creed by killing an innocent man who blocked their path. Malik reprimanded Altaïr for his recklessness, but Altaïr arrogantly dismissed his concerns.

Upon encountering [[Robert de Sablé]], the Order's archenemy, Altaïr violated the second tenet by confronting him directly. Attempting to slay the Grand Master openly, he was swiftly defeated and thrown out of the temple, leaving Malik and Kadar behind with the Templars. Altaïr escaped and returned to Masyaf to report his failure to Al Mualim.

====Siege of Masyaf====
Arriving in Masyaf, Altaïr was welcomed by Rauf, who informed him that Al Mualim was awaiting his report. At the fortress gates, he exchanged insults with Abbas before proceeding to the Mentor's study, where he confessed his failure to retrieve the Templar treasure. Soon after, Malik returned with the artifact, injured and furious, blaming Altaïr for Kadar's death. Before they could confront each other further, news arrived that Masyaf was under siege.

Altaïr joined other Assassins in defending the village, successfully buying time for the villagers to flee to the fortress. However, they were soon overwhelmed, and Altaïr decided to retreat rather than fight to the death. With Al Mualim creating a diversion, Altaïr, Rauf, and another Assassin performed a Leap of Faith from the citadel tower, sneaking behind enemy lines and using a felled log trap to crush the Templar forces, forcing them to retreat from Masyaf.

Following the attack, Altaïr's actions at Solomon's Temple were scrutinized once more. Having broken all three tenets of the Creed and endangered the Brotherhood, Altaïr was declared a traitor. Al Mualim publicly sentenced him by stabbing him in the stomach with his personal jambiya.

====Hunt for the Nine====
Altaïr awoke from what he believed was death, questioning Al Mualim about his survival. The Mentor revealed that Altaïr had seen only what he was meant to see, stripped him of his rank and possessions, and offered him a chance at redemption by hunting down a traitor within Masyaf who had allowed the Templars entry.

Upon successfully completing the task, Altaïr returned to Al Mualim and had his Hidden Blade and sword restored. As a reinitiated member of the Order, he was given a new mission: to assassinate nine targets across the ranks of both Saracens and Crusaders, their lives exchanged for his own.

Altaïr's first target, Tamir, was in Damascus. After gathering information and receiving permission for the kill, Altaïr assassinated Tamir in a market plaza. Upon his return, Al Mualim rewarded him with another piece of his equipment and sent him to Acre and Jerusalem to pursue his next targets.

In Acre, Altaïr tracked Garnier de Naplouse, Grand Master of the Knights Hospitalier, to a hospital where he was experimenting on captives. Altaïr infiltrated the hospital and killed Garnier, who revealed his use of the Apple of Eden for experiments, causing Altaïr to reconsider his views.

In Jerusalem, Altaïr met Malik, now the bureau leader, and pursued Talal, a slave trader. After being ambushed by Talal's followers, Altaïr chased him through the city, finally killing him. Altaïr's unsubtle approach drew criticism from Malik, but he was nonetheless rewarded upon his return to Al Mualim.

Altaïr's next target was Abu'l Nuqoud, the "Merchant King" of Damascus. After gaining access to a party at the merchant's palace, Altaïr witnessed Abu'l poisoning the guests. Altaïr pursued and assassinated him, escaping the city afterward.

Continuing his mission, Altaïr targeted William of Montferrat in Acre and Majd Addin in Jerusalem, killing both and earning more of his equipment back from Al Mualim.

Altaïr's next target, Sibrand, was the paranoid Grand Master of the Knights Teutonic in Acre. Altaïr infiltrated the city's docks, boarded Sibrand's ship, and assassinated him, learning that Sibrand doubted faith and feared death.

Back in Damascus, Altaïr's eighth target, Jubair al Hakim, was burning books to erase history. Using information from previous investigations, Altaïr identified and assassinated Jubair, escaping the city guards to report his success.

With one target remaining, Altaïr discussed his mission to assassinate Robert de Sablé, Grand Master of the Knights Templar, with Al Mualim. Realizing that de Sablé sought to control others through the Piece of Eden, Altaïr resolved to stop him and set out for Jerusalem.

In Jerusalem, Altaïr infiltrated the funeral of Majd Addin but was ambushed by the Templars, realizing too late that Robert de Sablé was using a decoy to buy time. He spared the decoy's life and returned to the bureau to report to Malik. Despite Malik's suggestion to return to Masyaf, Altaïr insisted they were running out of time to stop de Sablé, accusing Malik of avoiding the truth. Altaïr then departed for Arsuf to confront the Grand Master.

====Battle of Arsuf====
By the time Altaïr reached Arsuf, the battle between the Crusader and Saracen forces was already underway. Fighting through the chaos, Altaïr reached King Richard's camp and was accused of intending to assassinate the king. Altaïr denied the charge and revealed Robert de Sablé's treachery. Despite Robert's denial, Richard remained unconvinced.

To resolve the matter, Richard ordered a trial by combat between Altaïr and Robert to determine the truth. Altaïr fought and defeated Robert, fatally striking him in the throat. As he lay dying, Robert revealed that Al Mualim was actually a Templar, using Altaïr as an unwitting pawn in his quest for the Apple of Eden. King Richard congratulated Altaïr on his victory, and after a brief discussion on peace, allowed him to leave Arsuf. Altaïr then returned to Masyaf to confront Al Mualim and uncover the truth.

====Retaking of Masyaf====
Upon arriving at Masyaf, Altaïr found the villagers in a trance, declaring that Al Mualim had "led [them] to the light." As he made his way up the hill toward the fortress, Altaïr encountered a group of hypnotized Assassins who attacked him. Left with no other choice, he fought and killed them. A second wave of Assassins soon followed, threatening to overwhelm him.

Fortunately, Malik and several unaffected Assassins arrived, throwing knives at the attackers and driving them away. Altaïr then asked Malik to distract the hypnotized Assassins outside the fortress, giving him a chance to confront Al Mualim. Malik agreed and departed with his men, while Altaïr proceeded to infiltrate the fortress.

Within the fortress garden known as "Paradise," Altaïr was caught in the grip of the Apple's power. Demanding answers from Al Mualim, who stood on a balcony above, Altaïr learned that Al Mualim had used the Apple to end the Crusades by controlling the minds of its leaders and ensuring absolute peace through obedience.

Al Mualim then created illusions of the nine Templars Altaïr had previously killed, forcing him to fight them once again. After defeating the illusions, Altaïr was again restrained by the Apple's power. Al Mualim then created multiple copies of himself, engaging Altaïr in a second battle. After narrowly overcoming the illusions, Altaïr confronted his Master one last time.

Al Mualim confessed that, like Robert, he sought peace, but wanted the Apple for himself. He revealed that the Piece of Eden had been responsible for the miracles in myths and legends, explaining that they were merely illusions. Al Mualim argued that his plan to create a New World Order was a better illusion, free from bloodshed. Altaïr countered that while people chose their beliefs, Al Mualim's vision stripped them of choice. Al Mualim dismissed this argument as emotional rather than logical.

Seeing no resolution, Al Mualim released Altaïr from the Apple's grip, resigned to the fact that Altaïr would not join him. They engaged in a final duel to the death.

After a fierce battle, Altaïr defeated Al Mualim, mortally wounding him with his Hidden Blade. As Al Mualim died, he challenged Altaïr to prove his strength of character by destroying the Apple. The Piece of Eden rolled from Al Mualim's hand and activated, projecting a vast holographic map showing the locations of other Pieces of Eden around the world. Malik and his men joined Altaïr, and together they stared at the map, contemplating their next steps.

===Becoming Mentor:===

====The Rebellion====
After killing Al Mualim, Altaïr carried his former Mentor's body through the fortress past a shocked crowd. Concerned that the Apple of Eden might revive Al Mualim, Altaïr decided to burn the body, which angered many onlookers. Despite his attempts to explain his actions, several Assassins, including Abbas, believed Altaïr had staged a coup to seize power. Some attacked him in response, and amidst the chaos, Abbas stole the Apple and fled.

Abbas climbed the watchtower and attempted to use the Apple, but its power proved too much for him, draining his life force along with several other Assassins. Altaïr quickly intervened, defeating Abbas and reclaiming the Apple. As Abbas begged for forgiveness, Altaïr questioned whether the Apple would grant knowledge or lead to destruction.

After the skirmish, Altaïr remained committed to the Creed, ensuring that none of his rebelling brothers were harmed or killed. He managed to subdue the rebels and convince them of Al Mualim's betrayal and his own suitability to lead the Order. His efforts were successful, and Altaïr earned the loyalty and respect of his fellow Assassins.

===Actions as Mentor===
Having secured his position as Mentor, Altaïr decided to document his experiences in his ''Codex''. He began implementing significant changes to the Order's methods and rituals, promoting low-profile tactics to effectively counter the Templars.

Altaïr found certain traditions, like the removal of an Assassin's ring finger, to be unnecessary. He redesigned the Hidden Blade to function without finger removal and added a poison-dispensing mechanism. With Malik as his right-hand man, Altaïr also developed new assassination techniques and strategies.

===Liberating Cyprus===

====Attack on Acre's Harbor:====
One month after Al Mualim's death, the Templars had consolidated their forces in Acre harbor. Altaïr decided to launch an attack but found the harbor empty upon arrival; the Templars had already evacuated. While investigating, he spotted the woman who had impersonated Robert de Sablé at Majd Addin's funeral, arguing with two soldiers.

Eavesdropping, Altaïr discovered that the Templars had retreated to Cyprus under the leadership of Armand Bouchart, and that the woman, [[Maria Thorpe|Maria]], had fallen out of favor with them following Robert's death. After the soldiers left, Altaïr attempted to speak with Maria, who attacked him. Though she initially gained the upper hand, Altaïr defeated and captured her, forcing her to accompany him to Cyprus.

Altaïr temporarily abdicated control of the Order, stating that he had "built this Brotherhood to last." Arriving in Limassol, Cyprus, he established contact with Alexander, the leader of the local Resistance against the Templars. Alexander became Altaïr's main ally, taking Maria under his protection.

====Infiltrating Limassol Castle:====
Altaïr met Alexander at the Resistance safe house, learning that the Templars were based in Limassol Castle. Alexander suggested Altaïr assassinate the castle guard's Captain, who would likely be replaced by Osman, a Templar turncoat friendly to the Resistance. Altaïr was instructed to use a coded phrase to identify himself to Osman.

After killing the Captain, Altaïr met Osman and delivered the phrase. Osman informed him about a Templar archive in Cyprus and revealed that the ranking Templar in Limassol was Frederick the Red. Later, Osman managed to reduce the castle guard temporarily, allowing Altaïr to infiltrate the castle and kill Frederick.

Upon returning to the Resistance safe house, Altaïr found it under attack by Templar soldiers and set aflame. He fought off the attackers but found no survivors inside. He then moved to the Limassol cathedral, where he found Armand Bouchart giving a speech about Frederick's death.

Altaïr watched as Bouchart threatened the Cypriots to expose Frederick's murderer, then killed Osman when he advised caution. Maria appeared, warning Bouchart of Altaïr's presence, but he refused to trust her, blaming her for Robert de Sablé's death and ordering her imprisonment.

Altaïr managed to rescue Maria, who, furious at her situation, vowed to kill him when she got the chance. Altaïr, however, pointed out that she would gain more favor with the Templars by returning the Apple rather than seeking his revenge. Realizing the truth in his words, Maria agreed, and Altaïr escorted her to Limassol Port.

There, Alexander informed Altaïr that Bouchart, taking Maria's warning seriously, had fled to Kyrenia. He advised Altaïr to seek help from a sailor named Pasha to find passage to the city.

Speaking with Pasha, Altaïr learned that the Templars were rumored to be transporting artifacts to Kyrenia. He infiltrated the last ship docked in the port to check its shipping manifest, then returned to Alexander, who instructed him to locate a Resistance contact named Barnabas once he arrived in Kyrenia. With this information, Altaïr and Maria set off for the city.

While traveling, Altaïr found shelter in the ship’s hold and questioned Maria about her life, learning about her English upbringing and previous marriage before she joined the Crusades. He also tried to discuss his Assassin beliefs with her, but with little success.

====Kyrenia====
Upon arriving in Kyrenia, Altaïr freed Maria from her bindings so she could climb out of the hold. Pirates nearby recognized Altaïr and tried to capture them. Seizing the opportunity, Maria kicked Altaïr off the ladder and escaped. Altaïr managed to evade the pirates and found Maria being rescued by Resistance soldiers. He then met the Resistance leader, Markos, who agreed to watch over Maria while Altaïr visited the Resistance safe house.

Altaïr proceeded further into the city, where he met Barnabas at the safe house. After explaining his mission to eliminate Armand Bouchart, Barnabas suggested that Bouchart was likely at Buffavento Castle, a Templar stronghold. Barnabas offered to help Altaïr enter the castle in exchange for the head of a Resistance traitor named Jonas.

Altaïr located Jonas, who warned that "The Bull" was after them. Despite the warning, Altaïr killed Jonas and returned to the harbor. There, he found Maria and Markos under attack by guards and managed to rescue them. Altaïr warned Maria of the bounty on their heads and mentioned "The Bull," a pseudonym she recognized as belonging to a man named Moloch. Realizing the danger of traveling together, Altaïr instructed Markos to take Maria and meet him later at the safe house.

Altaïr met with Barnabas again, who revealed that Jonas' death had incited riots in the city, which Moloch might use to turn public opinion against the Resistance. With new Resistance members expected at the safe house, Altaïr left to quell the riots.

====Infiltrating Kantara Castle====
Infiltrating Kantara Castle, where Moloch was rumored to be, Altaïr scaled the walls and entered through the roof. He found Moloch at a brazier and attempted to assassinate him. Moloch, however, detected him and fought back. Utilizing Moloch's size, Altaïr used the man’s own chain to strangle him. As Moloch died, he ominously predicted that his influence would extend beyond the Templars and Assassins.

Altaïr then evaded Templar guards and Moloch's followers, reaching the top of the castle. Surrounded, he fought off the attackers and threw two fanatics over the edge before performing a backward Leap of Faith into a hay bale and returning to the safe house.

====Aiding the Resistance====
When Altaïr arrived at the safe house, Markos informed him that the Templars had attacked in his absence, capturing Maria and several Resistance members. Markos suspected that the Dark Oracle might have revealed the safe house's location to the Templars. However, Altaïr speculated that Barnabas might have been the traitor. Markos was shocked and revealed that Barnabas had been executed the day before Altaïr's arrival in Kyrenia.

With the Resistance members' executions imminent, Markos asked Altaïr to rescue them. Altaïr agreed and began scouting the city, taking out guards and freeing several Resistance members. He then returned to the safe house and reported to Markos, who informed him that the remaining prisoners were either at the harbor or Buffavento Castle.

Altaïr first went to the harbor, where he followed a prison guard to a secluded spot and neutralized him. He then posed as a drunkard to deceive another guard into revealing the location of the captured Resistance members and the key to their prison. Altaïr infiltrated the Templar outpost, retrieved the keys, and freed the prisoners, asking if a woman had been among them.

One of the freed prisoners confirmed that Maria had been captured with them but had been taken away by Moloch's son, Shalim. Altaïr fought off attacking Templars at the harbor and then returned to the safe house.

====Infiltrating the Buffavento Castle====
Suspecting that the real Barnabas had revealed too much about the Resistance under torture, Altaïr went to Buffavento Castle to confront the Dark Oracle. He infiltrated the fortress at dusk, making his way through the dungeons and quietly eliminating any guards he encountered.

Altaïr eventually found Shalim and Armand Bouchart, overhearing Armand chastising Shalim for letting Maria escape. As Shalim vowed to find her, Armand handed him a package and ordered it delivered to Alexander in Limassol. Altaïr was shocked and realized that Alexander must be a Templar spy.

Continuing deeper into the castle, Altaïr defeated the master interrogator and his guards to obtain a key to the dungeon. He saw Bouchart leave the Oracle's cells and entered them himself. The Oracle and several deranged prisoners attacked him with frantic aggression, but Altaïr managed to defeat them and corner the Oracle. He tried to provoke her into revealing how she lost her sanity, but she only responded with incoherent ramblings about being an "instrument of God." Deciding to end her suffering, Altaïr killed her with his blade and escaped the fortress.

====Liberating Kyrenia====
Altaïr returned to the safe house and questioned Markos about Shalim. Markos revealed that Shalim was not as committed to the Templar cause as his father and arranged a meeting with Altaïr in the Market district to exchange any new information. While searching for Shalim, Altaïr witnessed him mistreating and robbing civilians before heading to a brothel, where he violently attacked both a patron and a courtesan. Shalim then ordered his men to continue the abuse and left them to terrorize the city's residents further.

Altaïr eliminated all of Shalim's henchmen throughout the city before meeting with Markos. He reported Shalim's erratic and brutal behavior. Markos suggested that Altaïr consult a monk at a local church, who might provide insight into Shalim and the Templar Archive. When Altaïr met with the scholar, he inquired about Shalim’s behavior and the Archive. The scholar proposed a private conversation, but as they were about to leave, a pallet of materials fell on the monk, killing him. Altaïr saw a masked Templar fleeing the scene and pursued him across the rooftops, but the assassin managed to escape.

Returning to the safe house, Altaïr was directed to the harbor, where Shalim frequently visited when ships arrived with consorts. There, he saw a palanquin carrying female dancers, including Maria. Realizing that the Templars might try to inspect the palanquin and recognize Maria, Altaïr dispatched soldiers to monitor its movement. He then leaped onto the roof of the palanquin as it passed through the city walls and moved to a nearby building to watch Maria's destination.

====Infiltrating the Saint Hilarion Castle====
At Saint Hilarion Castle, Altaïr watched as Maria entered the building from a carriage. He scaled the walls, eliminating any guards he encountered, and eventually found Shalim in his quarters. Maria was in a heated argument with Shalim, who quickly grew aggressive. Altaïr called out to Shalim, but the Templar revealed himself to be Shahar, Shalim’s twin, the same man Altaïr had seen addressing civilians. Shalim arrived shortly after, and the twins prepared to confront Altaïr and Maria. Maria fled the scene, leaving Altaïr to fight the twins alone. After a fierce battle, Altaïr emerged victorious, killing both twins.

Upon returning to the safe house, Altaïr was informed by Markos that the Templars had left Kyrenia. Concluding that the Templar Archive was still elsewhere, Altaïr learned that the ships had headed to Limassol. He bid Markos farewell, acknowledging his service to the country, and departed for Limassol.

====Routing the Templars====
In Limassol, Altaïr arrived at the new safe house to find Alexander accusing him of treachery. Altaïr, who had suspected Alexander’s loyalty, asked if he had received a package from the Templars. Alexander confirmed he had received a package containing the head of someone he claimed was Barnabas. Altaïr identified the head as belonging to a different man, realizing that the real Barnabas had been replaced by a Templar spy. Alexander revealed that the Templars had used similar tactics in Limassol, turning Resistance members with propaganda.

Altaïr took action against the Templars, noticing one of their contacts at the harbor consorting with pirates and Crusaders. He followed the contact, posing as a messenger for Bouchart, to gather information on the Grand Master’s location. The contact directed Altaïr to the Cathedral after admitting he could not answer his question. Altaïr intercepted a Templar sergeant at the Cathedral, who directed him to a merchant named Demetris.

Altaïr stealthily entered Demetris’ home from the rooftop, but before he could gather more information, Demetris was killed by a throwing knife from above. Altaïr attempted to pursue the Templar agent but lost him. Returning to the safe house, Altaïr found it abandoned and discovered a note from Alexander asking him to meet at the Limassol castle courtyard. He went to the courtyard and found Alexander's body. The Templar agent mocked him from a balcony, and an angry mob entered, accusing Altaïr of Alexander’s murder. Unable to pacify them through reason, Altaïr used the Apple to sway the mob, directing their anger towards Bouchart and the Templars. The mob dispersed to rally against the Templars.

The Templar agent, mocking Altaïr and threatening to steal the Apple, was suddenly killed from behind and thrown off the balcony. Maria then appeared, revealing that they were directly above the Templar Archive. As they prepared to enter, Templars attacked. Maria retreated inside the Archive while Altaïr fought off the attackers. After clearing the way, Altaïr entered the Archive, dispatching any remaining guards.

====Confronting Armand Bouchart====
Deep within the Templar Archive, Altaïr witnessed a duel between Maria and Bouchart, ending with Maria being knocked unconscious. As Altaïr rushed to help her, Bouchart explained that the Archive had nearly been exposed due to Isaac Comnenus. The Templars had managed to redirect attention by purchasing Cyprus from King Richard. He also revealed that the contents of the Archive had been moved while Altaïr was in Kyrenia, before drawing his sword and engaging in combat.

The duel between Bouchart and Altaïr was intense, with both demonstrating great skill. Altaïr eventually gained the upper hand, dodged Bouchart's attack, and impaled him. As Bouchart lay dying, he praised Altaïr's skill and warned that the Assassin would eventually come to the same conclusions as the Templars if he kept the Apple close.

With Bouchart dead, Altaïr tended to Maria as she regained consciousness. The Archive began to collapse as the Templars shelled the structure to erase all evidence of its existence. Altaïr and Maria worked together to navigate the crumbling Archive and escape.

Near the harbor, Maria confirmed her decision to retire from the Templar Order and head East rather than return to England. When asked about his own plans, Altaïr mentioned his "ruinous curiosity" and desire to travel the world to learn more and expand the Assassin Order. He also expressed a wish to use the Apple, acknowledging Maria's warning but believing the artifact could be used for good. Altaïr decided to travel East as well, leaving Cyprus with Maria by his side.

===Changing the Order===
After returning from Cyprus, Altaïr began frequently consulting the Apple, which granted him vast knowledge about the world. In 1195, he and Maria married in Limassol, with Markos as a guest of honor, honoring the Cypriots who had offered the island as a base for the Assassins. They later returned to Masyaf, where their first son, Darim, was born. Two years later, after visiting Acre, the couple welcomed their second son, Sef.

Altaïr then traveled to various cities and regions across the Old World to promote the Assassin Order. While these journeys were largely successful, his attempt to spread the Creed to Constantinople in 1204 ended in failure when he found the city under siege by Crusaders amid civil unrest. Disheartened, he returned to Masyaf.

By using the Apple cautiously and with focus, Altaïr discovered a new form of metal that was lighter and stronger than any previously known and created armor from it. Fearing the potential misuse of such invulnerability, he destroyed the formula to keep it from falling into the wrong hands. Additionally, he used the Apple to redesign the Hidden Blade, incorporating a mechanism to launch small projectiles.

Unlike his former mentor, Altaïr permitted members of the Order to express love for their children. While Al Mualim believed that love would weaken them, Altaïr felt it would make them more willing to make sacrifices for the right cause.

===Fall From Grace===

====Journey to Mongolia====
In 1217, the expansion of the Assassin Order was halted by Genghis Khan's advance from the east. Altaïr suspected that Khan's progress was aided by a Piece of Eden, so he, Maria, and their son Darim—who had become a skilled crossbowman—traveled to Mongolia to assassinate the warlord, leaving their younger son Sef behind to care for his wife and daughters. Malik was appointed as the temporary head of the Order in Altaïr’s absence.

Their journey spanned ten years, taking them through Persia and India before reaching Mongolia. In Mongolia, they connected with the Assassin Qulan Gal and traveled to Xingqing in the Western Xia Empire, which was under siege by the Mongols. Darim took a vantage point to monitor the Mongol camp, eliminating any guards who might detect them, while Altaïr and Qulan Gal infiltrated the camp. However, as Altaïr aged, his stealth skills had declined, and he was detected by a guard who injured him before being killed by Qulan Gal.

After rescuing a fellow Assassin, the young apprentice Nergüi, from the camp, Qulan Gal helped Altaïr escape. They regrouped with Maria and Darim on the hills overlooking the camp. The Assassins devised a plan to lure out and kill Genghis Khan by setting the camp ablaze with flaming arrows. The plan succeeded, and as Khan fled on horseback, he was pursued and assassinated by Darim and Qulan Gal.

With their mission accomplished, Altaïr and his family began their journey home, bidding farewell to Qulan Gal and Nergüi. Altaïr suggested that Qulan Gal take Nergüi as his apprentice, and Qulan Gal agreed.

====Return to Masyaf====
Upon their arrival in Masyaf in 1228, Altaïr, Maria, and Darim were met by Swami, a former apprentice they had little regard for. Altaïr inquired about Rauf, whom he had expected to greet them based on his previous letters. Swami informed them that Rauf had died of a fever during their absence.

Swami led them to the now dilapidated citadel, which had lost the vibrancy it once had under Altaïr’s leadership. The Assassins were lounging idly rather than training, showing him disrespect, and the villagers avoided eye contact, looking on in fear. Instead of being taken to the Master's tower, as Altaïr had anticipated, they were shown to a smaller room in the castle's right wing. When Maria asked about Sef, Swami mentioned that he had gone to Alamut with his family. Swami also revealed that Malik had been imprisoned, and in the absence of a Mentor, a council led by Abbas Sofian had taken over the Order. Distrustful of the situation, Altaïr and Maria sent Darim to Alamut to retrieve Sef.

The next day, Altaïr and Maria went to the Master's tower to meet the council and found it comprised of the least capable members of the Order. Altaïr recounted his family’s travels in Mongolia, but Abbas explained that Sef had been killed by Malik weeks earlier after discovering Malik’s plan to usurp the position of Mentor. Enraged, Altaïr demanded that control of the Order be returned to him according to the Brotherhood’s statutes. Abbas, supported by the manipulated council, claimed that the statutes no longer applied.

====Finding the Truth====
Altaïr and Maria returned to their residence, grieving the loss of their son. Altaïr began to reflect on the pain he may have caused Malik, questioning if Malik harbored deep resentment. Maria, upset by his wavering faith, reassured him that Malik would never betray him. Encouraged by Maria, Altaïr decided to infiltrate the Masyaf dungeon to rescue his friend.

Navigating past patrolling and sleeping guards, Altaïr reached Malik's cell, where he found Malik in a dire state—emaciated, with long hair and an unkempt beard. Altaïr took Malik back to their residence, where Malik revealed that Abbas had staged a coup two years prior, killed Sef, and framed Malik for the murder. Malik lamented his failure as a leader and expressed regret that Altaïr was not there to prevent such events. Altaïr and Maria waited until Malik was asleep before heading out to confront Abbas.

At the fortress, Altaïr and Maria confronted Abbas, who was accompanied by Swami carrying a burlap sack. Abbas presented the sack, revealing Malik's severed head inside, which Swami had executed after their departure. Abbas questioned Altaïr's motives for infiltrating the prison, causing doubts among the other Assassins present.

Abbas demanded the Apple of Eden in exchange for the true circumstances of Sef's death. To Maria's shock, Altaïr agreed, handing over the Apple. As Swami approached to take it, he foolishly revealed that he had falsely accused Altaïr of ordering Sef's death before executing him. Consumed by grief and rage, Altaïr unleashed the Apple’s power, freezing Swami and causing him to harm himself.

In the ensuing chaos, Maria was fatally injured by Swami. Altaïr, devastated, killed Swami with his Hidden Blade and held Maria as she passed away, urging him to stay strong.

Abbas’s men, fearful of the Apple’s power, hesitated to attack Altaïr. Though tempted to use the Apple to destroy himself and everyone around him, Altaïr chose to flee with Darim. They traveled to Alamut, where Altaïr lived with his son, widowed daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. Overcome by grief and hatred towards the Apple, Altaïr fell into depression, which drove away his daughter-in-law and granddaughters, who moved to Alexandria, Egypt. Unable to tolerate his father’s obsession, Darim left for France and England to warn them of the Mongol threat.

After several years, Altaïr began to recover and resumed studying the Apple. He used its knowledge to develop new designs, tactics, and medicines. During his research, he discovered that the fortress of Alamut was built on the ruins of a First Civilization temple. Inside, he found ancient Memory Seals, artifacts capable of recording genetic memory. Altaïr took six of these seals, recorded his most significant memories on five of them, and kept the final one for future use.

====Reclaiming His Title====
In 1247, Altaïr departed from Alamut and began his journey back to Masyaf. While resting at a well near a village, he was awoken by a local merchant named Mukhlis, who was then attacked by the notorious bandit Bayhas and two of his henchmen. Altaïr engaged the bandits, quickly dispatching one of them. However, as he faced the remaining two, it became apparent that his combat skills had waned. Despite sustaining serious injuries and nearly being overpowered, Mukhlis came to his aid, and together they managed to defeat Bayhas, while the last henchman escaped on horseback.

Grateful for Altaïr's help, Mukhlis invited him to his home in Masyaf, where his wife Aalia and daughter Nada treated Altaïr’s wounds. Altaïr grew dangerously pale over two days but began to recover on the third. Mukhlis, who had been conversing with Altaïr during his recovery, commented that Master Altaïr would never have allowed the Order to fall apart as Abbas had.

Upon hearing his name, Altaïr awoke and revealed his identity. Mukhlis informed him about the current state of the Order: the villagers were heavily taxed and mistreated by the Assassins, who no longer provided protection. Abbas had even permitted Fahad, Bayhas's father, to enter the village and seek revenge against his son's killer for a fee.

The next day, Altaïr ventured into the village to demonstrate the true principles of the Order. He mediated disputes, presented new designs to tradesmen, and tended to the sick. While doing so, he noticed an Assassin trailing him, led the man to a secluded spot, and spoke with him privately.

The Assassin introduced himself as Tazim Al-Sayf, Malik’s son, who had been using his father's name in secret. After embracing him, Altaïr shared his plan to reclaim control of the Order and restore its former honor. He asked Tazim to gather all remaining loyal Assassins, and the following morning, about twenty men met Altaïr outside the castle gates.

Altaïr instructed that there would be no killing and emphasized that no Assassin should harm a Brother, regardless of loyalty. One of Abbas's followers, hearing this, charged at Altaïr, hoping to kill him and halt the uprising. Despite his age, Altaïr dodged the attack and subdued the Assassin. Abbas’s supporters, who fought half-heartedly, were easily captured or rendered unconscious.

A second wave of Assassins, including archers, took position on the ramparts. Altaïr hoped that by showing his men meant no harm, the archers would stand down. As Altaïr and Abbas confronted each other, the archers lowered their bows, and Abbas’s forces surrendered, recognizing the shift in power.

The castle gates were opened by the surrendering Assassins, and Altaïr faced Abbas. Consumed by hatred, Abbas ordered his remaining men to attack, challenging Altaïr to reclaim the Order without losing any Assassin lives.

As the final wave advanced, Altaïr raised his arm and fired his Hidden Gun at Abbas. Shocked by this display of unfamiliar power, Abbas’s forces surrendered. Altaïr approached Abbas in his final moments, and Abbas, with his last breath, said he would never believe Altaïr's claims about his father but would seek the truth in the afterlife.

With Abbas dead, Altaïr was reinstated as Mentor. Two days later, Fahad arrived with his forces seeking revenge for his son’s death. Altaïr convinced him to withdraw, arguing that a conflict between their forces would only lead to the destruction of both their communities.

===Later Life and Death===
In the decade following his return to the Order, Altaïr began constructing a library beneath the Masyaf fortress, where he stored thousands of books filled with the knowledge he had acquired from the Apple. The five Memory Seals he recorded during his time in Alamut served as keys for accessing this library. Once the library was completed, Altaïr invited the Venetian explorers Niccolò and Maffeo Polo to Masyaf. Altaïr shared stories of his life with Niccolò, which would later be passed on to Niccolò's son, Marco, in the form of a journal.

Altaïr also began spreading the Order beyond Masyaf, aiming to establish Assassin Guilds in new countries. He believed the Polos could play a key role in this expansion. With Darim’s help, he removed his books from the Masyaf library, giving some to the Polos and sending the rest to Alexandria.

In August 1257, Masyaf was besieged by the Mongols, forcing Niccolò and Maffeo to leave. Before their departure, Altaïr entrusted them with his Codex, relying on them to spread the teachings of the Assassin Order. He escorted them out of Masyaf, using the Apple of Eden to fend off the Mongols. At the gates, Altaïr gave Niccolò five of the six Memory Seals he had recorded, asking him to keep them hidden to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.

After the Polos left, Altaïr returned to Masyaf’s castle. Once he confirmed that the fortress had been fully evacuated, he met with Darim outside the library. Although initially puzzled by his father's actions, Darim soon realized that the library was intended as a vault. Altaïr confirmed this and revealed his plan to seal both the Apple and himself inside.

After bidding farewell to his son and urging him to return to their family and live well, Altaïr entered the library and locked it. He concealed the Apple behind a far wall and seated himself in a chair at the center of the library. Altaïr imprinted the memory of his farewell to Darim and the moments leading up to that point onto his sixth and final seal. Once he completed this, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad laid his hand over the seal on his knee, tilted his head to one side, and peacefully passed away at the age of 92.