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{{Era|AC|Featured}}
{{Era|Timeline}}
{{WPtimeline}}
{{Conjecture}}
{{Campaign
{{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}}
|1={{{width|660px}}}
{{Battle Infobox
|2={{{c1|#000000}}}
|prev = [[Quest for the Chalice]]
|name=[[Rise and fall of Altaïr]]
|conc = [[Third Crusade]]
|battles=[[Search for the Apple]] – [[Siege of Masyaf]] – [[Hunt for the Nine]] – [[Battle of Arsuf]] – [[Retaking of Masyaf]]
|next = [[Hunt for the Nine]]
}}
|image = AC 10.png
{{Battle
|conflict = [[Third Crusade]]
|prev=*[[Search for the Apple]]
|date = July 1191
|next=*[[Hunt for the Nine]]
|place = [[Masyaf]], [[Syria]]
|name=Siege of Masyaf
|result = *Pyrrhic Assassin victory.
|image= [[File:AC 10.png|center|300px]]
*Possession of [[Apple of Eden 2|the artifact]] maintained by [[Al Mualim]].
|conflict= [[Third Crusade]]
*Demotion of [[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]].
|date= July, 1191
*Setback of [[Templars]]' plans.
|place= [[Masyaf]], [[Syria]]
|side1 = *[[Assassins]]
|result=*Possession of [[First Apple|artifact]] maintained by [[Al Mualim]]
|side2 = *[[Crusaders]]/Templars
*Demotion of [[Altaïr]]
|commanders1 = *[[Al Mualim]]
*Setback on [[Templars]]' plans.
|side1= [[Assassins]]
|side2= [[Crusaders]]/[[Templars]]
|commanders1= *[[Al Mualim]]
*[[Rauf]]
*[[Rauf]]
|commanders2= *[[Robert de Sable]]
|commanders2 = *[[Robert de Sablé]]
|forces1=Unspecified numbers of:
|forces1 = Unspecified number of:
*Masyaf Guards
*Masyaf Guards
*Masyaf Archers
*Masyaf Archers
*Masyaf Assassins
*Masyaf Assassins
|forces2=Unspecified numbers of:
|forces2 = Unspecified number of:
*Templar Knights
*Templar Knights
*Crusader Soldiers
*Crusader Soldiers
*Crusader Archers
*Crusader Archers
|casual1=Unknown numbers
|casual2=Unknown numbers
|civilian=Unknown numbers
}}
}}
{{quote|My men do not fear death, Robert! They welcome it; and the rewards it brings!|Al Mualim to Robert de Sable.}}
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.
 
The '''Siege of Masyaf''' was a direct result of the [[Search for the Apple|disastrous mission]] to recover [[First Apple|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's Order]]'s interruptions in Templar affairs- besieged the Assassin fortress of [[Masyaf]] in an attempt to destroy the Brotherhood.
 
==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 A-Sayf]], handing over the [[Piece of Eden]] before telling him of [[Robert de Sable]]'s arrival.|Assassin's Creed}}


[[Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad]] returned from [[Solomon's Temple]], and confesses to his master [[Al Mualim]] what had transpired. Stating that the [[Grand Master of the Templar Order|Templar Grand Master]], [[Robert de Sable]], was not alone, and that he failed to retrieve the treasure, Al Mualim was enraged to find out that his best disciple was not able to accomplish his task. Just then, [[Malik A-Sayf]], one of the two [[Assassins]] that accompanied Altaïr to the temple, arrived with his arm severely bleeding. Malik shows outrage to Altaïr's actions at the Temple, stating that if it were not for him, his brother [[Kadar A-Sayf|Kadar]] would still be alive.
==Call to arms==
{{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 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>


Just then, Malik stated that Altaïr's actions ''nearly'' cost them victory, for the injured Assassin was able to retrieve the [[Sixth Apple|Piece of Eden]], and then handed it over to Al Mualim. Though they were able to retrieve the Apple, Malik revealed that Robert de Sable followed him, and was on his way to Masyaf. Just then, an informant warns Al Mualim of invaders attacking the village. Seeing the Templar's invasion as an invitation into a battle, Al Mualim responds 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 before being dismissed himself, stating that his punishment will have to wait. He is then dismissed by Al Mualim, with the same order as the other Assassins, which is to drive out all of the invaders. As he left the fortress, he met up with [[Rauf]], who requested for his aid. Rauf asked Altaïr to distract the Templars while he helped his men move [[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"/>


Afterwards, Altaïr ran down through the village and protected it as best as he could. Villagers were beaten and executed by Templars, only adding to the panic as Assassins fought Templar knights. After making an effort to defend the village, the Masyaf [[guards]] were overrun by the reinforcements of the Templar army, and had to flee back to the 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_1.jpg|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 ordered 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 [[Templars|army]] finally arrive at the fortress gates, trying to force Al Mualim to surrender. Robert threatened that he would let the village starve, and executed a hostage in an effort to intimidate Al Mualim. However, this had no effect on the master of the Assassins. Al Mualim shouted back that his men were not afraid of death; they welcomed it. Robert then provoked Al Mualim more, asking him to show evidence of this.
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:Assassin's Creed (3).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]]
Altaïr and the other Assassins delivered it to him by all performing a simultaneous [[Leap of Faith]] from the tower, and appearing to throw themselves into the deep ravine surrounding two sides of Masyaf. Altaïr and Rauf were successful in their leaps and landed safely in haystacks, however the third Assassin badly broke his leg. Rauf requested Altaïr to proceed without him, so he could comfort the injured Assassin. Over long logs of wood, Altaïr crawled his way over the gorge; high above him were the cliffs that 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"/>


Once he reached the second tower, he climbed upwards to get inside. There, he cut through a rope that held back a huge pile of large logs, releasing them. The heavy timber rolled down and crushed much of Robert de Sable's army, driving them away.
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'm 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:Casualties.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Altaïr views his fallen brothers from afar.]]
[[File:AC 1.png|thumb|left|250px|Altaïr, being lectured by Al Mualim at the fortress at Masyaf]]
After routing de Sable, the [[Assassins|Order]] started to repair the damage done to the village, as well as collect the dead bodies of their brethren. Al Mualim gave recognition to Altaïr for stopping the attacking Templar, but also berated him for his previous selfish act, proclaiming that it was the very reason the Templars had come in the first place. Al Mualim had two of his Assassin disciples, and also Altaïr's brethren, bound the wayward Assassin by the arms. The [[Grand Master of the Assassin Order|Grand Master]] began to lecture Altaïr in front of his Assassin comrades, reminding him of [[The Creed|the tenets that built the order]], and how he has disrespected all of these.
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, telling him to speak only when told. After that, he spoke of the mistakes [[Malik A-Sayf|Malik]] had mentioned to him, telling him how he broke the first tenet by killing the old man during their quest. The second tenet was about how an Assassin hides in plain sight. He then spoke how Altaïr broke this by exposing himself to Robert before striking.[[File:AC 1.png|thumb|250px|Altaïr, being lectured by Al Mualim at the fortress at Masyaf.]]
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"/>
 
The third was his most extreme crime, claimed Al Mualim. The third tenet was that of never compromising the Brotherhood. Altaïr broke this due to his selfish acts in Jerusalem, and drawing Robert de Sable into Masyaf, nearly destroying the Brotherhood. Done with his lecture, Al Mualim states that he cannot abide by Altaïr, due to his treachery. Altaïr said that he was no traitor, yet Al Mualim stands by his decision, using Altaïr's actions as evidence to his treachery.
 
Bidding Altaïr peace, Al Mualim stabs his disciple with a [[Al Mualim's Knife|short blade]] by the stomach, rendering Altaïr unconscious. As the Assassin lay down on the ground, he enters a [[Death-like paralysis|mysterious coma]], where the Assassin was said to have felt ''death's embrace''.


==Aftermath==
==Aftermath==
After a short while, Altaïr awoke in front of Al Mualim's desk, alive and well. Confused, Altaïr asked how he is alive after being stabbed by his master. Al Mualim explained that it was done so that he may be born anew, so that he may be reinstated into the order, enlightened on the way of the Assassins. After waking up a [[Ranks|novice]], void of any weapon, Altaïr is then given a task by Al Mualim: To find and bring to him the traitor [[Masun]].
[[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"/>


==Source==
==Appearances==
*''[[Assassin's Creed]]''
*''[[Assassin's Creed]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade]]''
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Initiates]]'' {{Mo}}


==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{AC}}
{{Timeline}}
{{Timeline}}
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[nl:Verdediging van Masyaf]
[fr:Deuxième siège de Masyaf]
-->
[[Category:Timeline]]
[[Category:Battles]]
[[Category:Battles]]
[[Category:Major Events]]
[[Category:Assassin conspiracies]]
[[Category:Assassin's Creed]]
[[Category:Assassin-Templar War]]
[[Category:Timeline]]

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]