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Saladin

2011-05-20T10:00:17Z

124.6.181.163:

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[[File:Salah_ad-din.jpg|thumb|Concept art of Saladin.]]
'''Ṣalāḥ ad-Dīn Yūsuf ibn Ayyūb''' (Arabic: يوسف صلاح الدين بن أيوب), better known as simply '''Ṣalāḥ ad-Dīn''' or '''Saladin''' (c. 1138 - 4 March 1193), is the commander of the Muslim armies and lands arrayed against the invading [[Richard I of England|Richard the Lionheart]], and never makes a direct appearance in the game. He is, however, referenced frequently by other characters, and his forces are engaged with Richard's during the [[Battle of Arsuf]]. To start the Third Crusade during which ''Assassin's Creed'' takes place, Saladin and his men defeated Guy of Lusignan, King of Jerusalem (who would later ally with King Richard in the Siege of Acre), and Raynald of Chatillon at the Battle of Hattin. Despite being defeated three times in [[Acre]], Arsuf and Jaffa by Richard, Saladin manages to secure [[Jerusalem]] by finalizing a treaty by which Jerusalem would remain under Muslim control, but which also allowed unarmed Christian pilgrims to visit the city. This treaty is called Treaty of Ramla. Richard departed the Holy Land on October 9, 1192.

Saladin died on March 4, 1193. He is buried in Umayyad Mosque, [[Damascus]], [[Syria]]. He is considered a hero in the Muslim world and is also respected by his Christian counterparts.

Many people preach about Saladin in [[Jerusalem]] and [[Damascus]], and against him in Acre.

==Historical Campaign against the Assassins==

Saladin had by now agreed truces with his Zengid rivals and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Jerusalem Kingdom of Jerusalem] (latter occurred in the summer of 1175), but faced a threat from the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hashshashin Hashshashin] sect or "Assassins" led by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rashid_ad-Din_Sinan Rashid ad-Din Sinan]. Based in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Nusayri_Mountains al-Nusayri Mountains], they commanded nine fortresses built atop high elevations. As soon as he dismissed the bulk of his troops to Egypt, Saladin led his army into the al-Nusayri range in August 1176. He retreated the same month, after laying waste to the countryside, but failing to conquer any of the forts. Most Muslim historians claim that Saladin's uncle mediated a peace agreement between him and Sinan.However, the latter's [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panegyrist panegyrist] claims Saladin departed due to fears for his own life at the hands of the Assassins. He had his guards supplied with link lights and had chalk and cinders strewed around his tent outside [[masyaf|Masyaf]]—which he was besieging—to detect any footsteps by the Assassins.

According to this version, one night, Saladin's guards noticed a spark glowing down the hill of Masyaf and then vanishing among the Ayyubid tents. Presently, Saladin awoke from his sleep to find a figure leaving the tent. He then saw that the lamps were displaced and beside his bed laid hot scones of the shape peculiar to the Assassins with a note at the top pinned by a poisoned dagger. The note threatened that he would be killed if he didn't withdraw from his assault. Saladin gave a loud cry, exclaiming that Sinan himself was the figure that left the tent. As such, Saladin told his guards to settle an agreement with Sinan. Realizing he was unable to subdue the Assassins, he sought to align himself with them, consequently depriving the Crusaders of aligning themselves against him.

==Trivia==
[[File:Saladin.jpg|thumb|Historical artistic rendition of Saladin.]]
*"Ṣalāḥ ad-Dīn" means "Righteousness of our Religion/Faith"
*Though he never appears in the game, there is concept art of his character (in the limited edition artbook and the official strategy guide) hinting that he was originally going to appear in the story, possibly at Arsuf.
*In-game, the Crusaders (such as Robert de Sable and the [[Acre]] heralds) use the European pronunciation of "''Salla-din''", while the Saracens (such as the [[Damascus]] and [[Jerusalem]] heralds) use the Arabic pronunciation of "''Sa-lah-ah-din''".
*Historically, Saladin was an enemy of the Assassins. Rashid ad-Din Sinan, the Grand Master, sent many assassination attempts to kill him. The most fatal attack only dealt Saladin wounds.
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed Characters]]
[[Category:Historical Characters]]

Saladin

2011-05-20T09:55:25Z

124.6.181.163: /* Trivia */

Richard I of England

2011-03-26T10:40:43Z

124.6.181.163: /* Trivia */

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{{Character Infobox
|name = Richard I of England
|image = Richard bodypic.jpg
|imgdesc =
|birth = 8 September 1157 [[wikipedia:Beaumont Palace|Beaumont Palace]], [[wikipedia:England|England]]
|death = 6 April 1199 (aged 41) [[wikipedia:Châlus|Châlus]], [[wikipedia:France|France]]
|period = 12th century
|faction = [[Crusaders]]
|appear = ''[[Assassin's Creed]]''
|voice =
}}
{{quote|We enter this world kicking and screaming. Violent and unstable from birth, that permanent peace is impossible though we all wish it.|Richard at Arsuf.|Assassin's Creed}}

'''Richard I of England''' (8 September 1157 - 6 April 1199), or '''Richard the Lionheart''', was the king of England from 1189 to his death in 1199. He was the leader of the [[Crusader]] army during the [[Third Crusade]], and was considered a great military leader and warrior. The [[Saracens]] called him "Melek-Ric" or "Malek al-Inkitar" (King of England).<ref name=wr>''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_I_of_England Wikipedia entry on Richard the Lionheart]''</ref>

==Biography==
===Background===
At the beginning of ''[[Assassin's Creed]]'', Richard and his army have just taken the port city of [[Acre]]. His ultimate goal is to lead his army into the city of [[Jerusalem]] so that he can free the Holy Land in the name of the Christian faith.

With a base of operations established in Acre, the [[Crusaders]] prepare to march south. However, [[Saladin]], leader of the Islamic army, currently rules the city of Jerusalem. Stinging from his army’s defeat at Acre, he will not allow Richard to humiliate him again. The Muslim forces are massing in the ruins of Arsuf, intending to ambush the Crusaders and prevent them from reaching Jerusalem. These war maneuvers have left the rest of the Holy Land wide open. While Richard and Saladin battle one another, the men left to govern in their stead have begun taking advantage of their new found positions of power. Exploitation, manipulation, and provocation rule the day.

Richard is completely unaware of his men's intentions by being so involved in this war against Saladin. Richard's only goal is to reclaim the Holy City of Jerusalem in the name of God and for Christians. When he argues with William, he reminds him that he made a promise to God to fight for the Crusader army.<ref name="Assassin's Creed">''[[Assassin's Creed]]''</ref>

===''Assassin's Creed''===
[[File:Richard.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Richard arguing with William.]]
King Richard appears in the first ''Assassin's Creed'' as the leader of the Crusader Army who is fighting Saladin in the Holy Land, and has decided to attempt to take back [[Jerusalem]] for Christianity. Several of his lieutenants are [[Robert de Sable]], Grand Master of the [[Templars]], [[Garnier de Naplouse]], Grand Master of the [[Hospitaliers]], [[William of Montferrat]], Regent lord of Acre and [[Sibrand]], Grand Master of the [[Knights Teutonic]].

Richard the Lionheart makes a brief appearance during two missions in the game - first when he is seen arguing with William, and then, near the end of the game at Arsuf, where he personally confronts Altaïr. He was unaware of the Templars' plan to betray him by using the [[Piece of Eden]] and conquering the Holy Land in the Templar name. After [[Altaïr]] had assassinated everyone but Robert, Robert attempted to convince Richard to ally himself with Saladin against the [[Assassins]], their common enemies. Altaïr learned of Robert's plans and personally rode to Arsuf to tell Richard of the Templars' betrayal.

[[File:Richard_arsuf.jpg|thumb|300px|Richard hears Altaïr at Arsuf]]
After a fierce battle with Saracen and Crusader soldiers, he found King Richard, Robert and other elite soldiers of the army. When Altaïr told the king of Robert's treason and Robert denying it, Richard didn't know who to trust after Altaïr asked Richard if he was actually truly surprised by his subjects' plan of betrayal: he wasn't, but he still didn't trust Altaïr. He let "the Lord" decide who was the one who told the truth, by letting Altaïr and Robert fight each other to see which one had "God's support". Altaïr's efficiency with the Hidden Blade proved superior to the Templar's sword skills, and King Richard believed him. They discussed the politics and philosophy of war and peace, in which Richard told Altaïr he wasn't ready for peace with Saladin yet, before Altaïr went back to [[Masyaf]] to engage in combat with [[Al Mualim]].<ref name="Assassin's Creed"/>

==Characteristics and personality==
{{quote|He fought like an uncaged lion!|Richard's soldier about his combat skills.|wikipedia:Richard I of England}}
[[File:Richardhorse.png|thumb|left|300px|Richard the Lionheart]]
Richard is a man strong in faith, and relies on God for crucial decisions. He does, however, seem tolerant towards non-believers, as Altaïr denying the help of God over his victory against Robert did not trouble him.

However, Richard is a strong military leader, and isn't afraid to use his sword to answer his problems. Richard scored a major victory for the Crusader army by capturing Acre. Later, towards the end of the game, Richard is to do battle against Saladin at the Battle of Arsuf. When confronted by Altaïr about Robert's betrayal, he relies on God to help decide who to believe. He decides the best way to believe which one is telling the truth, in combat, saying "Surely God will side with one whose cause is righteous!"

Richard believes that mankind cannot ever change. In his mind, the only way for him to bring peace is for his men to crush the enemy: [[Saladin]] and the Saracens.<ref name="Assassin's Creed"/> Richard was given the name "Lionheart" because of his kindness to his prisoners and because he was fierce in combat.<ref name=wr/>

Despite being the King of England, Richard speaks with a French accent. This is due to the fact the historical figure was brought up in France by his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine. The real Richard, in fact, spoke entirely in French, knowing only a few English words.

==Trivia==
*When you observe King Richard through [[Eagle Vision]] he appears to be red, which implies that he is an enemy, even though he appears to be friendly towards Altaïr.
*Richard can be attacked, but he will not die. In order for you to do this, you have to throw one soldier to him. He will fall down. Then that soldier will stand up and try to attack you from inside the barrier. He will hit Richard and force him out of the barrier. You can attack him, but not kill him.

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed Characters]]
[[Category:Historical Characters]]