Rauf

"Altaïr, it seems my students do not fully understand what it is to wield a blade. Perhaps you could show them what you know?"

―Rauf asking Altaïr for help in training his students.

Rauf (died c. 1226) was a member of the Levantine Brotherhood of Assassins who served as a combat instructor for new recruits.

Biography

Third Crusade

In 1191, Rauf was the first to greet the Master Assassin Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad upon his safe return to Masyaf, soon after the failed mission at Solomon's Temple.

Almost immediately afterwards, Masyaf was attacked by the Templar Order, who were rampaging through the village. Rauf met with Altaïr once more at the gates of the fortress, where he explained that there were civilians still trapped in the village, and that Altaïr should distract the enemy while Rauf and others brought the villagers safely inside.

After the civilians had been taken to safety, Rauf met with Altaïr again, informing the Assassin that Al Mualim had devised a plan to rout the Templars. Following this, Rauf, Altaïr, and another Assassin simultaneously performed a Leap of Faith to demonstrate that they did not fear death, but embraced it. While Altaïr and Rauf safely landed in bales of hay, the third Assassin broke his leg; Rauf stayed behind to tend to his injury while Altaïr went on to execute the final step of the plan.

Following these events, Rauf instructed students in the fortress courtyard and occasionally requested Altaïr to demonstrate his skills to them.

After Al Mualim betrayed the Order, Rauf was one of the Assassins who remained loyal to Altaïr, and later became a close friend.

Later life

Sometime between 1217 and 1227, while Altaïr, his wife, and his eldest son were on a journey to Mongolia to assassinate Genghis Khan, Rauf was murdered by Swami, Abbas Sofian's right-hand man.

Upon Altaïr's return, Swami claimed that Rauf had died of a fever, though in truth he was killed during Abbas' coup to take control of the Order.

Personality and traits

Rauf appeared oblivious at times; when he greeted Altaïr immediately following the failed mission at Solomon's Temple, he was unaware of the Master Assassin's error and welcomed him cheerfully, confident of his success.

He was also compassionate; after another Assassin broke his leg performing a Leap of Faith, Rauf remained behind to comfort the injured man and tend to his wounds.

Despite his kind demeanor, Rauf was a skilled Assassin and swordsman. He was selected to accompany Altaïr on a critical mission to defend Masyaf from a Templar siege and served as an instructor, regularly training recruits in swordsmanship.

Trivia

• The name Rauf (رؤوف) is an Arabic name meaning "compassionate, sympathetic, kind, lenient."
  • Ar-Ra'uf is one of the 99 attributes of Allah.
• Despite carrying a Hidden Blade, Rauf's in-game character model retains his left ring finger, an error shared by most Assassins in Assassin's Creed other than Altaïr.
• In Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade, Rauf was said to respect Altaïr greatly, "worshiping him like a god."

Gallery

• 
  Rauf greeting Altaïr upon his return from Solomon's Temple
• 
  Rauf asking for Altaïr's help

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed (first appearance)
• Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade