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{{Era|AC|Secret Crusade}}
{{Era|Timeline}}
{{Dialogue|Assassin scholar|Master, we are under attack! Robert de Sable lays siege to Masyaf's village!|Al Mualim|So he seeks a battle. Very well, I'll not deny him.|Al Mualim is informed of the Templar siege on Masyaf.|Assassin's Creed}}
{{Conjecture}}
{{Battle
{{Dialogue|Assassin scholar|Master, we are under attack! Robert de Sablé lays siege to Masyaf's village!|Al Mualim|So he seeks a battle. Very well, I'll not deny him.|Al Mualim being informed of the Templar's siege of Masyaf.|Assassin's Creed|Failure}}
{{Battle Infobox
|prev = [[Quest for the Chalice]]
|conc = [[Third Crusade]]
|next = [[Hunt for the Nine]]
|next = [[Hunt for the Nine]]
|name = Defense of Masyaf
|image = AC 10.png
|image = [[File:AC 10.png|center|300px]]
|conflict = [[Third Crusade]]
|conflict = [[Third Crusade]]
|date = July, 1191
|date = July 1191
|place = [[Masyaf]], [[Syria]]
|place = [[Masyaf]], [[Syria]]
|result = *Pyrrhic Assassins' victory.
|result = *Pyrrhic Assassin victory.
*Possession of [[First Apple|artifact]] maintained by [[Al Mualim]].
*Possession of [[Apple of Eden 2|the artifact]] maintained by [[Al Mualim]].
*Demotion of [[Altaïr]].
*Demotion of [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]].
*Setback on [[Templars]]' plans.
*Setback of [[Templars]]' plans.
|side1 = *[[Assassins]]
|side1 = *[[Assassins]]
|side2 = *[[Crusaders]]/[[Templars]]
|side2 = *[[Crusaders]]/Templars
|commanders1 = *Al Mualim
|commanders1 = *[[Al Mualim]]
*[[Rauf]]
*[[Rauf]]
|commanders2 = *[[Robert de Sable]]
|commanders2 = *[[Robert de Sablé]]
|forces1 = Unspecified number of:
|forces1 = Unspecified number of:
*Masyaf Guards
*Masyaf Guards
Line 25: Line 27:
*Crusader Soldiers
*Crusader Soldiers
*Crusader Archers
*Crusader Archers
|casual1 = Unknown amount
}}
|casual2 = Unknown amount
The '''defense of Masyaf''' was an event which came about as a direct result of the disastrous mission to recover [[Apple of Eden 2|the Apple]] of [[Eden]] from [[Solomon's Temple]]. The [[Grand Master of the Templar Order|Grand Master of the Knights Templar]] [[Robert de Sablé]] led his army into besieging the [[Assassins|Assassin]] stronghold of [[Masyaf]], in an attempt to destroy the [[Levantine Brotherhood of Assassins|Levantine Assassins]] and end their interference in Templar affairs.
|civilian = Unknown amount}}
The '''defense of Masyaf''' was an important event which came about as a direct result of the disastrous mission to recover the Apple at [[Solomon's Temple]], from the hands of the [[Templars]]. [[Robert de Sable]], the [[Grand Master of the Knights Templar]] – seeking the artifact and tired of the [[Assassin Order]]'s interruptions in Templar affairs – besieged the Assassin fortress of [[Masyaf]] in an attempt to destroy the Brotherhood.


==Call to arms==
==Call to arms==
{{Quote|I brought what your favorite failed to find. Here! Take it. Though it seems I've returned with more than just their treasure.|[[Malik Al-Sayf]], handing over the [[Piece of Eden]] to Al Mualim.|Assassin's Creed}}
{{Quote|I brought what your favorite failed to find. Here, take it. Though it seems I have returned with more than just their treasure.|Malik Al-Sayf, handing over the Piece of Eden to Al Mualim.|Assassin's Creed|Failure}}
Upon returning to Masyaf from his last mission at Solomon's Temple, [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] met with his master, [[Al Mualim]], and confessed the details of what had transpired to him. Stating that the Grand Master of the Templar Order, Robert de Sable, was not alone and that he had failed to retrieve the treasure as a result, Al Mualim was enraged to discover that his best disciple was unable to accomplish his task. Just then, Malik Al-Sayf, one of the two [[Assassins]] that had accompanied Altaïr to the temple, arrived holding his left arm which was severely bleeding. Malik showed outrage to Altaïr's actions at the Temple, stating that if it were not for him, his brother [[Kadar Al-Sayf|Kadar]] would still have been alive.
Upon returning to Masyaf from his mission at Solomon's Temple, [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] met with his master, [[Al Mualim]], and detailed the events that had transpired there. Stating that Robert de Sablé was not alone in the temple, Altaïr confessed he was unable to retrieve [[Piece of Eden|the treasure]] as commanded, enraging Al Mualim.<ref name="Failure">''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' – [[Failure]]</ref><ref name="Secret Crusade">''[[Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade]]''</ref>


Adding to his previous words, Malik stated that Altaïr's actions had nearly cost the Assassins their victory, for he was able to retrieve the fixture above the Ark of the Covenant in his stead, before handing the artifact over to Al Mualim. Though he was successful in his attempt to retrieve the Apple, Malik revealed to Al Mualim that Robert de Sable had followed his injured self, and that he was making his way towards Masyaf. At that moment, an informant arrived and warned Al Mualim of invaders attacking the village, validating Malik's statement. Seeing the Templar's invasion as an invitation to a battle, Al Mualim responded by dispersing the Assassins into the city in order to drive them out.
[[Malik Al-Sayf]], one of the two Assassins that had accompanied Altaïr to the temple, arrived clutching his heavily wounded left arm. He blamed Altaïr's arrogance and disregard for [[the Creed]] for their disastrous mission, holding him responsible for the death of [[Kadar Al-Sayf|Kadar]], Malik's younger brother. He also claimed that Altaïr's actions had nearly cost the Assassins victory, but he himself had managed to retrieve the treasure in Altaïr's stead. Though he was successful in his task, Malik warned Al Mualim that he had been pursued by de Sablé's men, and they would soon be upon Masyaf.<ref name="Failure"/><ref name="Secret Crusade"/>


As Al Mualim dismissed the informant, Altaïr was confronted by the Master, who stated that his punishment would have to wait, before being dismissed by Al Mualim on the same order as the other Assassins. As he left the fortress, Altaïr met with [[Rauf]], who requested his aid in distracting the Templars whilst he helped his men move the village's [[civilians]] inside the fortress.
At that moment, an [[informant]] arrived and warned Al Mualim of invaders attacking the village; the Master responded by dispersing the Assassins into the village in order to drive them out. As Al Mualim dismissed the informant, he confronted Altaïr, stating that their discussion would have to wait.<ref name="Failure" /> As Altaïr left the [[fort]]ress, he met with [[Rauf]], who requested his aid in distracting the Templars while other Assassins guided the village's [[civilian]]s to safety within the fortress.<ref name="Guardian">''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' – [[Guardian (memory)]]</ref><ref name="Secret Crusade"/>


Making his way down into the village, Altaïr fought and protected it as best as he could, despite villagers being beaten and executed by Templars, which only added to the panic as the Assassins fought against Templar knights. After making a desperate effort to defend their village, the Masyaf [[guards]] were eventually overrun by the reinforcements of the Templar army, and were forced to make a retreat back into the Assassin fortress.
Making his way into the village, Altaïr fought the Templar forces attacking it and its people. However, as Templar reinforcements arrived in great numbers, the Assassins were ordered by [[Abbas Sofian]] to break off the attack and return to the fortress on Al Mualim's command.<ref name="Guardian"/><ref name="Secret Crusade"/>


==Men without fear==
==Men without fear==
{{Quote|Your village lays in ruins and your stores are hardly endless. How long before your fortress crumbles from within!? How disciplined will your men remain, when the wells run dry and the food is gone?!|Robert de Sable, addressing Al Mualim.|Assassin's Creed}}
{{Quote|Your village lays in ruins and your stores are hardly endless! How long before your fortress crumbles from within? How disciplined will your men remain, when the wells run dry and their food is gone?|Robert de Sablé, addressing Al Mualim.|Assassin's Creed|Glory}}
[[File:Siege of Masyaf Templars.png|thumb|right|250px|Robert de Sable and his army of Templars]]
[[File:Siege of Masyaf Templars.png|thumb|left|250px|Robert de Sablé and his army of Templars]]
As the last of the Masyaf citizens and guards entered the fortress, Rauf met with Altaïr and requested the Assassin to follow him to the top of the tower, where he and another Assassin waited on platforms extending from it. It was not long until Altaïr witnessed Robert de Sable and his army finally arrive at the fortress gates, along with their attempts to force Al Mualim's surrender. Robert threatened that he would let the village starve, and executed a hostage before him in an effort to intimidate Al Mualim. However, it did not faze the master of the Assassins, as Al Mualim shouted back that his men were not afraid of death; in fact they welcomed it. Robert then provoked Al Mualim more, asking him to prove his claims.
As the last of Masyaf's citizens and guards entered the fortress, Rauf requested that Altaïr come with him to the top of the tower. Once there, Altaïr witnessed de Sablé and his army arrive at the fortress gates, demanding the return of the artifact stolen from him. Executing a hostage in an effort to intimidate Al Mualim, de Sablé claimed he would starve the Assassins out. However, Al Mualim was not fazed, and replied that his men were not afraid of death. As proof, he commanded the Assassins to show they had no fear of death, ordering them to leap into the ravine below.<ref name="Glory">''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' – [[Glory]]</ref><ref name="Secret Crusade"/>


[[File:AC-LOF Masyaf.png|thumb|250px|left|The Assassins show no fear, as they took the Leap of Faith]]
[[File:Glory 5.png|thumb|250px|Assassins performing Leaps of Faith]]
On the command from their master, Altaïr and the other Assassins delivered Robert his evidence by simultaneously performing a [[Leap of Faith]] from the tower, giving off the illusion of throwing themselves into the deep ravine that lay underneath them. Altaïr and Rauf were successful in their leaps and landed safely in haystacks that had been set up for their stunt, however the third Assassin badly broke his leg and wailed out in pain, which threatened to break the display they had put on for the Templar Grand Master. Determined to keep Robert fooled, Rauf requested Altaïr to proceed without him, so he could tend to the injured Assassin's leg. Carefully balancing his movement, Altaïr made his way over long wooden beams along the gorge, whilst the cliffs above him towered over the river.
As commanded, Altaïr and his comrades performed a simultaneous [[Leap of Faith]] from the tower. However, they landed in haystacks below rather than falling to their deaths, though one Assassin injured his leg in the process. Tending to the man, Rauf told Altaïr to proceed alone and complete their mission. Altaïr complied, making his way over long [[wood]]en beams along the gorge and scaling a nearby tower.<ref name="Glory"/><ref name="Secret Crusade"/>


After overcoming the beams that teetered over the precarious drop of the ravine below him, Altaïr came across another tower which he climbed upwards to get inside. There, he cut through a rope that held back a huge pile of huge logs, releasing them, which sent the heavy timber rolling down and into the Templar forces below, crushing many of Robert de Sable's men, demolishing the Templar troop morale and leading to the army's retreat.
Once inside, he hacked away the wooden bar that kept the tower's cargo at bay, sending several logs cascading into the Templar forces below. Taken by surprise, the bulk of Robert's troops were killed, and the army quickly retreated from the village.<ref name="Glory"/><ref name="Secret Crusade"/>


==Into the void==
==Into the void==
{{Dialogue2|Al Mualim|I'm sorry, truly I am. But I cannot abide a traitor.|Altaïr|I am not a traitor.|Your actions indicate otherwise, and so you leave me no choice. Peace be upon you, Altaïr.|Al Mualim and Altaïr, after Robert de Sable's attack.|Assassin's Creed}}
{{Dialogue2|Al Mualim|I'm sorry, truly I am. But I cannot abide a traitor.|Altaïr|I am not a traitor.|Your actions indicate otherwise, and so you leave me no choice. Peace be upon you, Altaïr.|Al Mualim and Altaïr, after Robert de Sablé's attack.|Assassin's Creed|Glory}}
[[File:Siege of Masyaf Altair battlefield.png|thumb|left|250px|Altaïr overlooks the battlefield]]
[[File:AC 1.png|thumb|left|250px|Altaïr, being lectured by Al Mualim at the fortress at Masyaf]]
After routing de Sable, the Order started to repair the damage done to the village, as well as collect the dead bodies of their brethren. Back at the fortress, Al Mualim gave recognition to Altaïr for halting the attack of Templar army, but also berated him for his previously selfish act, proclaiming that it was the very reason the Templars had known of their location in the first place, and what motivated them to make their way to the Assassins' home as a result. Al Mualim then gave the command for two of the Order's disciples to restrain the wayward Assassin, by immobilizing his arms. The Assassin leader then began to lecture Altaïr in front of his Assassin comrades, repeating to him the [[The Creed|tenets]] that built the Order, and how he had disrespected all of them with his arrogance.
After routing de Sablé's army, the Brotherhood began to repair the damage done to the village and collect the dead bodies of their brethren. Back at the fortress, Al Mualim recognized Altaïr for his efforts in forcing back the Templar army, but also berated him for his previous actions which ultimately led de Sablé to their doorstep. He then commanded two Assassins to restrain Altaïr, and lectured him on his disregard for the tenets of the Creed.<ref name="Glory"/><ref name="Secret Crusade"/>


Reminding him of every tenet, Altaïr still showed signs of disregard for the higher authority of his master, interrupting Al Mualim as he spoke the first tenet, to which an unamused Al Mualim slapped Altaïr across the face, scolding him to speak only when told. After that, he spoke of the mistakes that Malik had mentioned to him, telling him how he broke the first tenet by killing the old man during their quest. He then mentioned the second tenet to Altaïr, reminding him about how an Assassin hides in plain sight and how Altaïr had broken it by exposing himself to Robert before striking.
Altaïr still showed signed of disregard for the higher authority of his master, interrupting as he spoke about the first tenet. Al Mualim struck Altaïr across the face, scolding him for speaking out of turn. He then detailed how Altaïr had broken each of the three tenets of the Creed: by killing an innocent old man, exposing himself to his enemies, and bringing Robert's army to Masyaf, thereby risking the safety of the Brotherhood. He concluded that he could not abide a traitor within their ranks; Altaïr claimed that he was no traitor, but Al Mualim stood by his decision, bidding Altaïr go in peace before stabbing him in the abdomen.<ref name="Glory"/><ref name="Secret Crusade"/>


[[File:AC 1.png|thumb|250px|Altaïr, being lectured by Al Mualim at the fortress at Masyaf]]
==Aftermath==
The third was his most extreme crime, claimed Al Mualim, as the third tenet stated that an Assassin should never compromise the Brotherhood. Stating how Altaïr had broken it due to his selfish acts in Jerusalem, and by drawing Robert de Sable into Masyaf as a result, Al Mualim mentioned that he could not abide Altaïr, due to his treachery. While Altaïr remarked that he was no traitor, Al Mualim stood by his decision, using Altaïr's actions as evidence to his conviction.
[[File:AC1 Altair Al Mualim Study.png|thumb|250px|Al Mualim giving Altaïr his task]]
After a short while, Altaïr awoke in front of Al Mualim's desk, alive and well. Confused, he asked how he was alive after feeling "death's embrace", to which Al Mualim replied that he had seen and felt only what he was meant to. Now he could be born anew and be reinstated into the Order, enlightened once more to the way of the Assassins. He was then demoted to the rank of [[novice]], void of any weapon, and given a new task: find the [[Masun|traitor]] who had opened the gates of Masyaf to the Templars, proving himself capable in the ways of the Assassin Order.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' – [[Eavesdropping (Masun)]]</ref><ref name="Secret Crusade"/>


Bidding Altaïr peace, Al Mualim stabbed his disciple with a [[Al Mualim's Knife|short blade]] in the stomach, rendering Altaïr unconscious. As the Assassin lay down on the ground, he entered a mysterious coma, where he was said to have felt "death's embrace".
==Appearances==
*''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade]]''
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Initiates]]'' {{Mo}}


==Aftermath==
==References==
After a short while, Altaïr awoke in front of Al Mualim's desk, alive and well. Confused, Altaïr asked how he was alive after being stabbed by his master, to which Al Mualim explained that it was done so that he may be born anew, so that he could be reinstated into the Order, and enlightened once more to the way of the Assassins. After waking up a [[Ranks|novice]], void of any weapon, Altaïr was then given a task by Al Mualim: To find and bring to him the traitor [[Masun]], hoping that Altaïr would prove that he was not lost to the Assassin Order and its ways.
{{Reflist}}
 
{{AC}}
==Reference==
*''[[Assassin's Creed]]''
{{Timeline}}
{{Timeline}}
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[fr:Deuxième siège de Masyaf]
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[[Category:Timeline]]
[[Category:Battles]]
[[Category:Battles]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed]]
[[Category:Assassin conspiracies]]
[[Category:Timeline]]
[[Category:Assassin-Templar War]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade]]

Latest revision as of 01:03, 12 May 2026

I wanted to ask you something. Which is... what's your name?
This article title is conjecture. Although the article subject is canon, no official name for it has been given.
Assassin scholar: "Master, we are under attack! Robert de Sablé lays siege to Masyaf's village!"
Al Mualim: "So he seeks a battle. Very well, I'll not deny him."
—Al Mualim being informed of the Templar's siege of Masyaf.[src]-[m]

The defense of Masyaf was an event which came about as a direct result of the disastrous mission to recover the Apple of Eden from Solomon's Temple. The Grand Master of the Knights Templar Robert de Sablé led his army into besieging the Assassin stronghold of Masyaf, in an attempt to destroy the Levantine Assassins and end their interference in Templar affairs.

Call to arms[edit | edit source]

"I brought what your favorite failed to find. Here, take it. Though it seems I have returned with more than just their treasure."
―Malik Al-Sayf, handing over the Piece of Eden to Al Mualim.[src]-[m]

Upon returning to Masyaf from his mission at Solomon's Temple, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad met with his master, Al Mualim, and detailed the events that had transpired there. Stating that Robert de Sablé was not alone in the temple, Altaïr confessed he was unable to retrieve the treasure as commanded, enraging Al Mualim.[1][2]

Malik Al-Sayf, one of the two Assassins that had accompanied Altaïr to the temple, arrived clutching his heavily wounded left arm. He blamed Altaïr's arrogance and disregard for the Creed for their disastrous mission, holding him responsible for the death of Kadar, Malik's younger brother. He also claimed that Altaïr's actions had nearly cost the Assassins victory, but he himself had managed to retrieve the treasure in Altaïr's stead. Though he was successful in his task, Malik warned Al Mualim that he had been pursued by de Sablé's men, and they would soon be upon Masyaf.[1][2]

At that moment, an informant arrived and warned Al Mualim of invaders attacking the village; the Master responded by dispersing the Assassins into the village in order to drive them out. As Al Mualim dismissed the informant, he confronted Altaïr, stating that their discussion would have to wait.[1] As Altaïr left the fortress, he met with Rauf, who requested his aid in distracting the Templars while other Assassins guided the village's civilians to safety within the fortress.[3][2]

Making his way into the village, Altaïr fought the Templar forces attacking it and its people. However, as Templar reinforcements arrived in great numbers, the Assassins were ordered by Abbas Sofian to break off the attack and return to the fortress on Al Mualim's command.[3][2]

Men without fear[edit | edit source]

"Your village lays in ruins and your stores are hardly endless! How long before your fortress crumbles from within? How disciplined will your men remain, when the wells run dry and their food is gone?"
―Robert de Sablé, addressing Al Mualim.[src]-[m]
Robert de Sablé and his army of Templars

As the last of Masyaf's citizens and guards entered the fortress, Rauf requested that Altaïr come with him to the top of the tower. Once there, Altaïr witnessed de Sablé and his army arrive at the fortress gates, demanding the return of the artifact stolen from him. Executing a hostage in an effort to intimidate Al Mualim, de Sablé claimed he would starve the Assassins out. However, Al Mualim was not fazed, and replied that his men were not afraid of death. As proof, he commanded the Assassins to show they had no fear of death, ordering them to leap into the ravine below.[4][2]

Assassins performing Leaps of Faith

As commanded, Altaïr and his comrades performed a simultaneous Leap of Faith from the tower. However, they landed in haystacks below rather than falling to their deaths, though one Assassin injured his leg in the process. Tending to the man, Rauf told Altaïr to proceed alone and complete their mission. Altaïr complied, making his way over long wooden beams along the gorge and scaling a nearby tower.[4][2]

Once inside, he hacked away the wooden bar that kept the tower's cargo at bay, sending several logs cascading into the Templar forces below. Taken by surprise, the bulk of Robert's troops were killed, and the army quickly retreated from the village.[4][2]

Into the void[edit | edit source]

Al Mualim: "I'm sorry, truly I am. But I cannot abide a traitor."
Altaïr: "I am not a traitor."
Al Mualim: "Your actions indicate otherwise, and so you leave me no choice. Peace be upon you, Altaïr."
—Al Mualim and Altaïr, after Robert de Sablé's attack.[src]-[m]
Altaïr, being lectured by Al Mualim at the fortress at Masyaf

After routing de Sablé's army, the Brotherhood began to repair the damage done to the village and collect the dead bodies of their brethren. Back at the fortress, Al Mualim recognized Altaïr for his efforts in forcing back the Templar army, but also berated him for his previous actions which ultimately led de Sablé to their doorstep. He then commanded two Assassins to restrain Altaïr, and lectured him on his disregard for the tenets of the Creed.[4][2]

Altaïr still showed signed of disregard for the higher authority of his master, interrupting as he spoke about the first tenet. Al Mualim struck Altaïr across the face, scolding him for speaking out of turn. He then detailed how Altaïr had broken each of the three tenets of the Creed: by killing an innocent old man, exposing himself to his enemies, and bringing Robert's army to Masyaf, thereby risking the safety of the Brotherhood. He concluded that he could not abide a traitor within their ranks; Altaïr claimed that he was no traitor, but Al Mualim stood by his decision, bidding Altaïr go in peace before stabbing him in the abdomen.[4][2]

Aftermath[edit | edit source]

Al Mualim giving Altaïr his task

After a short while, Altaïr awoke in front of Al Mualim's desk, alive and well. Confused, he asked how he was alive after feeling "death's embrace", to which Al Mualim replied that he had seen and felt only what he was meant to. Now he could be born anew and be reinstated into the Order, enlightened once more to the way of the Assassins. He was then demoted to the rank of novice, void of any weapon, and given a new task: find the traitor who had opened the gates of Masyaf to the Templars, proving himself capable in the ways of the Assassin Order.[5][2]

Appearances[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]