Notes from Basim's travels

He who increaseth knowledge, increaseth sorrow. This article contains spoilers, meaning it has information and facts concerning Assassin's Creed: Mirage. If you do not want to know about these events, it is recommended to read on with caution, or not at all. This template should be removed from the article 5 January 2024.

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.

Throughout his travels in and around the Abbasid Caliphate's capital city of Baghdad, the Hidden One Basim Ibn Ishaq came across inscriptions and notes that contained information on people, businesses, and events. These included messages written on paper and walls. Most of these texts were found in military camps and other places of interest.

Alamut

A Gift of GratitudeA Moment of ReflectionA New Home for the Hidden OnesA Warning from BaghdadDon't Forget the FeathersThe First BladeLet Me GoLetter from AliTidings from the WestTraining Report - Basim Ibn Is'haqWeapons Inventory

O Shadows of Alamut,

I was desperate, scrabbling under the foot of one so powerful that I'd despaired of help. And then, like a miracle, the weight was lifted, and I could breathe, for my enemy had been struck from the shadows. I pray that this token of my gratitude finds you. I have faith that it will. It was you that restored my faith, after all.

–A grateful stranger

I looked out upon the mountain at dusk, thinking of how far I've come. I am humble and grateful to be among these people.

Initiation fast approaches, and I am more eager than ever to do my part. But it is not lost on me that I am fillinf the shoes of our dead. It is a the risk we take, and a worthwhile one in this fight for freedom. I only pray that I can honor them.

Brother,

I hear rumor that Jerusalem may be host to an artifact of great power, one of those sought so fiercely by our enemies. The Hidden Ones lack a firm foothold nearby. We have found it to our benefit to anchor ourselves beyond the city while spreading our Bureaus within its gates. Perhaps we could establish a stronghold to the north. Your thoughts?

–Mentor Rayhan

Our friend in Baghdad reports that the chaos has abated somewhat. Yet new perils announce themselves daily. Al-Mutawakkil's son, passed over in the succession, threatens to press his claim. Our friend frets that he cannot fight a war on two fronts. On either field he expects our cooperation. I urge you to reconsider your alliance with the rebels, Rayhan.

–T

Fuladh

Be sure to remind the Bureaus in Baghdad to return every bloodied feather and mission report to Alamut. Every feather is a victory; they must be collected and chronicled, not consigned to the heap of history. This is not mere ceremony. Future generations of Hidden Ones will look to our records for guidance. Our past must instruct our future; it cannot be erased.

–Mentor Rayhan

Dear Roshan,

I have enclosed with my letter a rare find: an ancient sketch of a Hidden Blade, the very first. You see its title: Xerxes's Bane. This was the weapon of Darius. I know not if our famed ancestor ever returned to his beloved Persia after his betrayal, but I thought I would return this etching of his blade to his native shores, and to you.

Itamos of Greece

Azadeh,

They tell me you are still searching. Still chasing rumor and calling my name. The woman you pursue is dead and that name is buried with her. I am Roshan. Daughter of none. Sister of many. I drown my pain in brotherhood. You can have no part in this fellowship, for the cause is cruel to our kin and I will not see you hurt.

Turn back, old friend. Seek me no more.

Rayhan,

When my men at the harbor learned of a certain cargo delivery to the Caliph, we shared the information with you freely. Yet we have heard nothing of it since.

Keep secrets if you must, but I need assurance that there is nothing amiss that might interfere with the rebel cause.

Allah has brought me as a light unto your path of shadows.

Remember that.

–Ali, Lion of the Zanj

The siege of Constantinople is lifted! The attack of the Rus came like a thunderbolt from heaven, the Patriarch put it. The northerners raided the villages just beyond the city and left great damage in their wake. Our aerie will soon need to sent more eagles to the city of Byzas; new perils dawn, and I doubt that the Norsemen are done with us yet.

–Your brother in shadow

He is arrogant, but that is not the source of his trouble. There is something extraordinary within him, yet he guards it as closely as he guards his heart. A Hidden One must cleave to the shadows but Basim dreads what the darkness may yield. He fears the plunge...HE does not trust that we will catch him. I would tell him that our arm are open, but I cannot find the words.

Here is the current inventory of the armory along with what is owed to the rebels.

Swords – 33 (12 outgoing)

Arrows – 247 (50 outgoing)

Throwing knives – 58 (20 outgoing)

Smoke bombs – 22
Note: rope needed for wicks.

Blowdarts – 51
Note: wild herbs needed for sleep concoction (ask any Banu Musa for the recipe)

Anbar

Danger: Keep outMy ApologiesNo ChildrenOne Collector to Another

This area is undergoing repairs and may suffer from collapse at any moment. The scaffolding is a temporary measure and should not be mistaken as an indicator of structural integrity. Please take this under advisement as we will not be liable for any injuries suffered by trespassers.

I took your catch for the day and beg your forgiveness, unknown friend! My family is hungry, and I had to act quickly when I saw that you left your quffa unattended. I promise that someday, in better times, Allah will connect out paths so that I may repay my debt to you.

I thank you and my family thanks you!

A group of children are disturbing our operations and must be refused entry to the harbor henceforth. Last week a crate was caught in their fighing nets and dragged into the water. Today, I have learned the missing produce over the last three days was not by error of calculations, but due to theft. These children are to blame. If they return, simply alert one of the guards.

Friend Dervis,

O, how the greatest beauty can be concealed by a meek facade! Priceless gems hide behind the plainest rock, or the humblest shopfront. You see, I am a collector of the exquisite, and I hear you stock previous stones from Sarandib, emeralds from Khrosan, pearls from the Ocean of Sindh. I would cherish such jewels forever.

Name your price and I will meet it.

Baghdad

Abbasiyah

The Great Bimaristan

Doctor's NoteDoctor Hassan's OfficeThe Efficacy of Our DiscoveryWindow Repairs

Brother Ahmad,

Exciting news! The artifact you helped us uncover at the ruins hums with remarkable power!

I have conceived of a device to repair it, but I am no engineer and require your assistance.

Find me at the Bimaristan. Hurry, history awaits!

–Doctor Hassan}}

No admittance without proper authorization. Please look for the head nurse if you need any help.

My dear Al-Rabisu,

Work on the device progresses wonderfully. The engineer will unwittingly provide us the key to unlock its infinite potential.

The new parts I mentioned last time are en route to the House of Wisdom. The Hour of our Order is at hand.

–Al-Azhdaha

I demand immediate attention to the broken window above my laboratory! There are adequate material in the storeroom to effect the repair immediately.

If I catch a fatal chill due to your negligence, you shall answer to the Caliph. Personally.

–Doctor Hassan

House of Wisdom

Missing BooksHunayn's NoteAn Orderly PoemBook Deliveries

Please locate the following books and return them to the Southwest Wing as soon as feasible:

Kitab al-Hiyal
Kalila wa-Dimna
Kitab al-Azif

You must also return the ancient manuscript written in an unknown tongue.

Zahra,

I have tried every language I know, every trick in my translator's bag of tricks. But this ominous book resists all efforts to translate it. What else can I do?

–Hunayn the Translator

To my Al-Zarik,

Demoness green and yellow too,

My dragon's kiss I leave upon you.

As the wise Poet Arib once wrote,

You are my law, you are my Order.

–Al-Azhdaha

Zahra wants the additional books taken from the House of Wisdom to be delivered directly to her personal residence at the Scholar's Estate. Do not bring them here.

Harbiyah

Damascus Gate Prison

Guard CorrespondenceDoubling EffortsA Word on Restraint

Sayyidi,

I have searched through our records. We've received no transfer of prisoners from the Damascus Gate for several months now I can only think that, despite what you were told, the prisoners you saw leaving your premises were destined for another location, not ours. That or, strangely, they never arrived. A veritable problem indeed. You should inform your superiors

To all,

The masked man is displeased by the rate at which the dig is progressing. Six prisoners have died and the others become more frail with each passing day. We will need to rouse more men and begin alternating their shifts. This should provide a consistent workflow and speed the operation along.

Lastly, I remind you that any discovery must remain secret. No witnesses.

Jailers,

Be judicious. While enemies of the state must not bear their knowledge to the grave, every tortured martyr's wail is a clarion call. We must detect their skulking sympathizers, not summon more from the shadows through wanton brutality. Cozen where you can. Be as the Uyun, the Eyes of the Caliphate. Do not let bloodlust blind the body you serve.

- Muhammad ibn Tahir

Shari' region

Harbiyah bureau

A Fantastic AcquisitionRequests for SpiesTrouble at the Court

Brother Fuladh,

While prowling the book markets, I found a copy of the Jamharat Ash'ar al-Arab! It includes the very poem Ka'b ibn Zuhayr recited in front of the Prophet himself. So moved was the Prophet that he wrapped Zuhayr in his mantle. Never has a poet been so honored!

You must come over and I shall recite the verses for you and our friends.

Yours in the Shadows,
Tabid

Tabid,

As-salam 'alaikum. I will be brief, brother. I require more spies in Karkh. I foresee the situation here to grow dire, and I need the help. We should also meet soon to exchange information on the ground about our two districts. Let me know as soon as you are able to see me.

–Rebekah

Abu 'Abdallah is furious that he did not succeed his father Al-Mutawakkil as Caliph. The boy had already picked his regnal name and claims that his cousin usurped his seat. Governor Ibn Tahir fears he has a mind to stir the population into an uprising, that there will be another civil war such as there was after the death of Harun al-Rashid, and that all will fall to ruin.

Upper Harbor

New Orders

A complication has arisen in my acquisition of laborers from the West, and I expect to be short on men until the matter is resolved. For the time being, any rebels you intercept are to be spared and imprisoned. I will orchestrate their removal, use the able-bodied and dispose of them shortly thereafter. Rest assured your compensation will increase.

Al-Ghul

Dyeing Factory

An Offer of JusticeUnfinished Letter

Dervis,

I had heard of the tragedy you described in your letter. I regret to learn how close you were to those who were slain.

But to idle and to mourn is to do nothing. Those in power thrive on the stagnation of the weak. We are the strong who march forward. Can I count you among us?

–Ali ibn Muhammad

Sister,

An unthinkable tragedy has broken me beyond repair, I fear.
I spend each day wading through the deaths of the youths I sought to protect. Was it foolish of me to think I could? Am I a fool still for believing there can be justice in this world?

Perhaps I need to believe it. Embroil myself in seeing it served, even. It is why I have chosen to bear the red sash—

(The letter cuts off)

Karkh

Instructions from the HarbormasterGoods in HoldingThe Grand Auction AdvertisementSweetly-Scented Letter

To All:

The blockade is to be erected at the harbor. Seize any foreign exotic artifacts and keep eyes out for a Chinese hairpin. There can be no room for error. I know where all of you live. I know your families. Do as you are told. No questions asked.

Javed

THESE GOODS ARE NOT TO BE RELEASED UNTIL THOROUGH CHECKS HAVE BEEN MADE.

Silks from Santo's Smooth Silks
Three-headed Dog statue from Kinako Porcelain
White Peach Oolong from Kong's Tea Parade

These goods can be released once this note is shown to the respective guard

THE DA'IRAT AL-MAL, NOT TO BE MISSED!

Ever dreamt of owning the world? Well, now you can have a taste of what it might be like! The Da'irat Al-mal is here once again—prepare to be awed, dazzled and amazed by the selection we have for you! Rare porcelain, precious stones from around the world...we have it all! Join us and revel in the splendor!

Al-Kallulu,

I loath mistakes. I only had one request, and somehow you managed to deny me what I seek. You know how much I wanted that hairpin—did I not make it clear when we last spoke? We might need to have another meeting for you to understand,

For now, it seems I must take things into my own hands at the auction.

N

Wilderness

Abandoned Village

Letter to Brother

Dear Little Brother,

I must ask for your help once more. The children are so hungry that they cry all night. I can bear it no longer.

The village has sold nothing to the caravanserai for months. Some are boiling their sandals to eat the leather. Others have turned to thievery. I am tempted to join them.

Please help me find work in Baghdad. I will do anything!

–Your loving brother

Caravanserai

RevelationsLest I be Silenced

Alruh...

With each devotion of my mind and body to the Great Work, I sense it further. What once lay dormant floods through me, longing to carve out its own space. Whether it is in coalescence with the rest of me, I am not certain. I see, hear, and feel aspects of a life that is not my own, yet I sense a deep connection to it. My curiosity remains unsated. I must know more.

Rahim,

A convoy of guards game to the caravanserai last night, all noiseless secrecy. They collected a large chest, half-crusted with dirt, loaded it into a card, and bore it away. I know not where, but I heard talk of the harbor. I watched from a distance, but fear I was seen. If something should happen to me, you will know that I have paid the price for bearing witness.

Water Mill

Lost KeyWatermills on the Tigris

I have lost a key near this watermill and it must be recovered! Please keep a look out, and should you find it, return it to me at once.

And whatever you do, do not speak a word of it to Ali. He entrusted me with this key and if he finds out I've lost it he will come down on me with the wrath of a thousand lions!

Every day at dusk, I sit and watch the water wheel go round and round and round. I marvel at the world that Allah has created and how He gifted creativity to Man.

Who could believe that such a simple contraption could add so much to our lives? They say the brothers Musa have created similar inventions, ingenious devices.

I hope I will live to see those wonders!

Other

Son's LetterDogan's OrdersA Humble RequestIncriminating LetterTranslation progressOde to Al-Bahamut

I have seen mercenaries go in and out of that farm. They must be the ones who took Father and the others. I am going tonight, and will see what I see.

I leave this note here, in case I am taken as well. I am sorry to disobey you, Mother, but Beshi is right. We must fight.

Dogan,

I want a full report of your progress this week. Al-A'eshma in particular has questions about the stranger nosing around Jarjaraya recently. I suggest you make extra effort to provide answers—for your own sake. Al-A'eshma, more so than me, does not like to be disappointed.

We will expect you at the Officers' Club in Shargiyah, as usual.

–Al-Rukh

Zahra,

I hear that the priceless artifact you hold is nearly ready to reveal its secrets. You know of my searches for the traces of Those Who Came Before and the care with which they are effected. Once your academic interest is sated, I should like to have the manuscript in my keeping. It would be treated with supreme reverence and safeguarded against all peril.

–Al-Ghul

Al-Zarik,

The Order is pleased with our accomplishments within the House of Wisdom. The future will sing tales of our glorious deeds and the prospect of our rule.

I trust you are on your way back to the city to await further instructions.

–Al-Rabisu

Al-Rabisu,

Thanks to your masterful deception with the fire at the House of Wisdom, the prisoner is translating the nameless book as we speak.

He shall not set foot outside the Scriptorium until his work is done.

Once we have the proper insight to the artifact's inner workings, we shall get our "Great Work", Alruh, functioning.

–Zahra

We are borne upon the back
Of Bahamut below.
All that bars us from the black
Is Bahamut below.

All should fall to chaos but
For Bahamut below.
Our weakness would betray us but
For Bahamut below.

Far too great for mortal eyes
Is Bahamut below.
And so the ignorant despise
Al Bahamut below.

Yet those wise enough to love
Al Bahamut below
Shall ever shepherd those above
Al Bahamut below.

The History of the Great ScholarThe Lovers' RendezvousCaretaker InstructionsThe Folly of PoetryMany Thanks

"...After Fazil Fahim al-Kemsa was appointed as the Head of the House of Wisdom, conditions improved immediately. Rare books from around the world were gathered. False scholars were dismissed and a virtuous new circle of educated and enlightened leaders led the House of Wisdom into a brave new era..."

This is an excerpt of a long work extolling the scholarship and virtues of the Great Scholar, Fazil Fahim.

Dearly beloved,

Fazil's work, despite its flaws, has inspired me to bravery. Meet me on the stairway down the hall. I'll be waiting with our favorite piece of literature.

–Aisha

Caretaker,

I have new instructions regarding the library's book collection. Books authored by the Great Scholar Fazil must be held in a special collection for security reasons.

Specifically, the title of his book on astronomy is being used as a coded phrase.

Burn this note upon receipt.

- Guard Captain,
House of Wisdom

"...Furthermore, poetry distracts young scholars from their proper and primary duty of soaking up the wisdom dripping from their superiors. Students must behave like sponges, absorbing knowledge, not like foolish barnyard animals, their passions aroused by useless verses..."

This is an excerpt of a short work questioning the value of poetry, written by the Great Scholar, Fazil Fahim.

My friend,

Many thanks for granting me access to the privace reading balcony in the northwest. I find it ideal for my discreet astronomical observations.

I may have left Fazil's astronomy text there. Did anyone find it?

–Shabir the Star-wise

Those Who Came Before are Those Who Shall ReturnThe Great Scholar CommandsThreatening LetterTo Taste the Infinite

"...The many stars in the sky offer a riddle, a puzzle, but one that should only be considered by great scholars gathered in a luxurious House of Wisdom, protected by guards, well-funded with the latest instruments. Only in such lofty conditions can these heavenly mysteries be fully contemplated, free from the superstition and dogma of the ignorant masses..."

This is an excerpt from a work of astronomy written by the Great Scholar, Fazil Fahim.

Staff,

Yes, it is true our scholars need a clean work space. But do not disturb me with trivia about cleaning, dusting, and lost books. Show some initiative!

I am busy with my Great Work in the basement. Further interruptions shall result in a flogging.

–Fazil Fahim
Great Scholar of the House of Wisdom

Al-Rabisu,

You consider yourself the great scholar, do you not? And as you will tell anything with cars, Alruh is your great work? Why then, with such an abundance of greatness, is there such lack of progress?

You gave assurances. I expect you to honor them.

–Al-Mardikhwar

Al-Rabisu,

I hope your progress this month on Alruh has been superior to your previous performance. The device is essential to our goals. I myself yearn to try it again, to taste the infinite, to experience that unworldly rush of incipient paradise once more. It is... exquisite.
I urge you to redouble your efforts to complete your Great Work.

Yours in the Order,
Al-Ghul

Fazil's DiaryTo the Head of the OrderRobing is MandatoryA Mysterious NoteAn Apologetic DraftGuard Instructions

l am so close I can taste it. I just need more time, better research subjects - and a translation of that damned, nameless book!

But once I get the Great Work functioning, I will be able to probe the depths of the human mind. This will unlock the secrets of the universe. It must!

Power beyond all comprehension. Miracles undreamed of. All the secrets of the alchemists, at my command.

Al-Bahamut,

Greetings from the House of Wisdom. As I pen this letter, it is with great pride that I present you with a progress report.

The fire we set provided the perfect cover for the theft of rare and valuable books to aid in the translation of the mysterious volume.

Meanwhile the fresh batch of research subjects have proven quite fruitful in our quest to unlock the secrets of the human brain.

However, such work is labor intensive and expensive. Have you reconsidered my request for additional funding?

Yours in the Order,
–Al-Rabisu

No subjects shall enter if they are not wearing their robes. You may find the appropriate garb in the room adjoining the recuperation cells.

Hidden One, if you have the time there is a... commodity on the streets you should know of. It is called "Secret Spice", and rumor has it that people are almost out to kill just for a sample. No one really knows it's [sic] origin, but I have a feeling you'll be able to find out. Perhaps the spice stall at the Great Bazaar can provide some answers.

I just need a few more days, please. I will get the coin and pay my debt. The perfume that I stock is important and cannot be touched... I implore you to understand. The recent spike in tax has—(the rest of the letter is incomplete)

ATTN: Guards

Coin Collection from:

Anka's Perfumery
Wei's Exotic Mears
Bubble Pop Soap

NOTE: Must I do your jobs for you? Stop their supplies if you must, but do what you need to do to secure coin. Do not forget the extra taxes for the dhimmiyun—if they want to bask in the richness of Baghdad, they must pay the right price. Do whatever you must.

Al-Anqa

Letter of ExecutionMy Second and Final LetterOrders to Increase TaxesApproved Blockade FundingOur Time to Shine

The merchants must be found. One knows where I am, and for my safety he must be silenced. Kill the rest too, they are of no consequence. From what I gathered they should be enroute to the west of Baghdad. Find them before they arrive and report back—a prize of coin awaits the ones who succeed and return.

Al-Anqa

Al-Anqa,

Coin is becoming scarce. Have you increased the taxes like I asked? I hear that you might be experiencing a few... obstacles. The shipment of perfume is also late.

I thought perhaps since you are a local you might fare better than I would, but I have been wrong before.

I do not usually send more than one letter about something I want done. I never send a third.

N

Suhail,

Here are the proposed tax increases. Please act accordingly.

Grains: One twentieth
Foodstuffs: One tenth
Textiles: One tenth
Ceramics: One fifth

And according to the laws, the dhimmi shall pay extra, so charge each non-believer another tenth on top of the given tax.

N

The agreed upon amount was taken from the tax fund for Karkh and allocated to supplement the Harbor's Blockade as instructed.

Get yourself ready boys, the Grand Auction is finally here! The guards will be busy so this will be our time to finally reward ourselves with their gold. Join me on the roof and we commence... unless you decide to run with your tails between your legs. Chicken.

Unsent Letter from Father to Son

My dearest son,

Some things are best written rather than said. Perhaps if I had taken this approach earlier today, we could have avoided our argument.

I want to make something clear to you. My studies are indeed my life's work. But they are not my life's joy... No, it is you who are my true joy. Please believe me.

After the passing of my beloved wife and your most cherished mother... Well, life has not been easy for either of us. Each has sought his own escape from the grief. Two lost and isolated souls.

Yet as your father, it was my duty to be there for you... I was not in the past, but I am now. Let mine be the shoulder that you rest your head upon, and upon which you find solace.

Whenever you are ready, come to me and together we shall heal ourselves.

Your ever-loving father

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Mirage (first appearance)
  • The Forty Thieves