Al Mualim

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Arabic: المعلم) title meaning "The Teacher" sometimes used as "The Master"

Altaïr's master and leader of the Syrian sect of Assassins. He created and established the Assassins Order as well as the Creed the Assassins follow, within the fortress of Masyaf as a kind of sanctuary for ordinary people as well as Assassins. He is simultaneously feared, worshiped, reviled, and loved. He is widely respected and feared by his enemies for employing Assassins who without question carry out politicaly sanctioned, public city figure assassinations. They also possess a solid reputation of success. But what is well known is that once your actions have his attention in a negative way, your death is certain to approach.

Al Mualim is extremely wise and at times a just leader, however other times he can be unpredictable and mysterious. He reveals little about himself - only what he wishes others to see. It's obvious that he's hiding things, but then that's to be expected from the leader of the Assassins. Al Mualim shrouds Masyaf and the Assassins in secrecy it is better this way. It paves the way for Al Mualim to create illusions in society in how they are viewed. In other words, because little is known about the inner workings of the Assassins throughout the Holy Land, fear can be used to create confusion and uncertainty all over the land. Fear will cause the people to whisper and spread rumours of the Assassins, whether true or not, fear will keep them from seeking the truth about us. Al Mualim does this by stressing public assassination. Public killing spreads immediate fear amongst the public, because it is literally witnessed by the people and is intended to be. Al Mualim spends all of his time within the Assassin's Fortress Library, which serves as his personal sanctuary. Constantly furthering his already extensive education and knowledge. Within the Order Al Mualim holds supreme authority and guidance counseling. Al Mualim does not just stress political assassination but education as well, it would seem he has a thourough understanding and knowledge pertaining to philosophy as well as political science. Which is constantly expressed in his well calculated lectures and informative conversations a primary example of the Old Mans' great wisdom. He is very keen at keeping up with the constantly changing political situation of the Holy Land. Altair at times when discussing political and philosophical topics, is questioned by Al Mualim in order to determine if he is in fact mentally growing, but gaining knowledge plus wisdom as a man and Master Assassin Instructor. Al Mualim stresses that peace in all things refers to peace within as well. For such wisdom will guide the Assassins and show them to "never harbor hate for your victims, such things are poison"(Al Mualim). What can most likely be said about Al Mualim, is that his political warriors are directed to fight as the voice of the people throughout the Holy Land. This is emphasized in how Al Mualim suppresses those who use their power and influence to commit impious acts against society. Not to mention the first tenet of the Creed, as stated, "stay your blade from the flesh of an innocent". This shows to some degree he is somewhat compassionate, and other times flawlessly ruthless. Al Mualim can't abide traitors and despises failure, however, he rewards success richly and takes personal interest in Altaïr's growth, both as a Master Assassin Instructor and as a man. Due to Altaïr's failure in breaking the Creed and failing to claim Robert De Sable's life, Al Mualim plans a way to teach Altair the true meaning behind the "Assassins Creed". But first he must earn his way back into the Brotherhood. Only then will he be allowed to undergo the nine assassinations intended for his redemption.

Robert De Sable reveals just before he dies that Al Mualim is in fact a Templar. Altaïr returns to Masyaf and finds out that all the people are under control by the Piece of Eden along with the men he assassinated that have apparently been revived by the piece of Eden. When Altaïr gets far enough in to Masyaf Al Mualim send out many assassins to kill Altaïr but it fails. Al Mualim attempts to use the Piece of Eden to defeat Altaïr but his attempts are unsuccessful and after a lengthy battle Al Mualim dies at the hands of Altaïr. Interestingly enough, the battle can be ended quickly and easily by using the hidden blade during the battle and countering Al Mualim's attack, which will result in an instant kill if performed correctly. He boasts as he dies that Altair will be unable to bring himself to destroy the piece of Eden. This prediction is apparently proved correct as neither Altair nor the other Assassins move to destroy the piece of Eden or indeed move at all after the piece of Eden begins showing locations.

Trivia

• His real name was Rashid ad-Din Sinan, and he was nicknamed The Old Man of the Mountain.