Assassin rank

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As an Assassin improved in skill and training, they would progress through a series of ranks, which denoted their standing within the Order. Starting from Novice until Master Assassin, apprentices would improve in both weaponry and ability, learning either from mentors, or on the field.

Though ranks were only strictly denoted in times when the Order was formally established (such as during the Third Crusade or the 16^th century), they were nevertheless implied at all other times; roughly indicating a member's seniority in the Order.

Progression

Rank One

Upon being recruited into the Order, Assassins began at the rank of Novice. At this first rank, they were required to obey all other members of the Order, and were not permitted any weapons. Thus, should they engage in a fight, they needed to either flee, or use their fists.

At this point, they would usually only survey or gather information; at the most, only delivering any assassination targets to higher-ranked members to be killed.

Rank Two

Assassins who reached the second rank were permitted the use of a basic longsword and a hidden blade (though Italian apprentices were granted this latter one even at the first rank).

They were also allowed to complete missions throughout other cities, however, assassinations needed to be confirmed and permitted by the leaders of Assassins' Bureaus beforehand. For all but those of the highest rank, Assassins needed to complete their own investigations, and stain a feather marker with their target's blood.

Titles

The following is a breakdown (from lowest to highest) of the titles given to Assassins of each rank, both during the Third Crusade, and in Renaissance Italy.

Rank	Title
1	Novice or Recluta (Recruit)
2	Servitore (Servant)
3	Assistente (Assistant)
4	Milite (Soldier)
5	Discepolo (Disciple)
6	Mercenario (Mercenary)
7	Guerriero (Warrior)
8	Veterano (Veteran)
9	Maestro (Master)
10	Assassino (Assassin)
N/A	Master Assassin

Statistics

Rank	Available equipment	Available skills	Other
1	None	None	Base Synchronization 4 Maximum throwing knives 0 Short blade level 0 Longsword level 0
2	Hidden Blade Longsword	None	Base Synchronization 5 Maximum throwing knives 0 Short blade level 0 Longsword level 1
3	Hidden Blade Longsword Short blade	Counter Kills	Base Synchronization 6 Maximum throwing knives 0 Short blade level 1 Longsword level 1
4	Hidden Blade Longsword Short blade Throwing knives	Counter Kills Tackle	Base Synchronization 7 Maximum throwing knives 5 Short blade level 1 Longsword level 1
5	Hidden Blade Longsword Short blade Throwing knives	Counter Kills Tackle Grab Break Catch Ledge	Base Synchronization 8 Maximum throwing knives 5 Short blade level 1 Longsword level 1
6	Hidden Blade Longsword Short blade Throwing knives	Counter Kills Tackle Grab Break Catch Ledge Regain Balance Dodge	Base Synchronization 9 Maximum throwing knives 5 Short blade level 1 Longsword level 1
7	Hidden Blade Longsword Short blade Throwing knives	Counter Kills Tackle Grab Break Catch Ledge Regain Balance Dodge	Base Synchronization 10 Maximum throwing knives 10 Short blade level 1 Longsword level 1
8	Hidden Blade Longsword Short blade Throwing knives	Counter Kills Tackle Grab Break Catch Ledge Regain Balance Dodge Defense Break	Base Synchronization 11 Maximum throwing knives 10 Short blade level 1 Longsword level 2
9	Hidden Blade Longsword Short blade Throwing knives	Counter Kills Tackle Grab Break Catch Ledge Regain Balance Dodge Defense Break	Base Synchronization 12 Maximum throwing knives 10 Short blade level 2 Longsword level 2
10	Hidden Blade Longsword Short blade Throwing knives	Counter Kills Tackle Grab Break Catch Ledge Regain Balance Dodge Defense Break	Base Synchronization 13 Maximum throwing knives 15 Short blade level 2 Longsword level 4

Assassin's Creed

Rank Three

When Altaïr returns to Masyaf holding a feather stained with Tamir's blood, he is again promoted by Al Mualim, to Rank Three. His short blade is returned to him (albeit reduced in quality), as well as his Counter Kills ability. From this point on, all successful Assassinations (except for that of Robert de Sable) will earn Altaïr promotions.

Rank Four

After Altaïr's second assassination, be it that of Garnier de Naplouse or Talal, he is promoted again to Rank Four. Throwing Knives, the last weapon to be returned, are presented to him (albeit with a reduced knife capacity), as well as the Tackle ability.

Rank Five

After Altaïr's third assassination, either that of Garnier de Naplouse or Talal, he is promoted again to Rank Five. He is presented with the Assassin's Gloves by Al Mualim, allowing him to perform Grab Breaks. In addition, he can now Catch Ledges.

Rank Six

After Altaïr's fourth assassination, be it that of Abu'l Nuqoud, William of Montferrat, or Majd Addin, he is promoted again, this time to Rank Six. He is presented the Assassin's Boots by Al Mualim, allowing him to perform Dodges. In addition, they enable him to regain his balance when thrown in combat, meaning that he will no longer fall flat, instead rolling and immediately standing up. If you kill Abu'l, you can recieve the Level 2 blade.

Rank Seven

After Altaïr's fifth assassination, be it that of Abu'l Nuqoud, William of Montferrat, or Majd Addin, he is promoted again to Rank Seven. He is given a Knife Belt, allowing him to hold 5 extra throwing knives, for a total of 10. It is also possible for him to have his longsword upgraded to level 2.

Rank Eight

After Altaïr's sixth assassination, be it that of Abu'l Nuqoud, William of Montferrat, or Majd Addin, he is promoted to Rank Eight. He is finally returned his own sword. While not the most powerful longsword in the game, it is his symbolic eagle-shaped blade, and the most powerful weapon in Assassin's Creed II.

Rank Nine

After Altaïr's seventh assassination, be it that of Sibrand or Jubair al Hakim, he is promoted again to Rank Nine. His short blade is upgraded to a more sleek and powerful one.

Rank Ten

After Altaïr's eighth assassination, be it that of Sibrand or Jubair al Hakim, he is promoted. Altaïr is once more at the top of the Assassins' Order, Rank Ten. His longsword is upgraded again, to a very ornate gold-hilted sword that is more powerful than any of the previous ones. While this sword is not his personal one, the shape of the blade and color of the hilt indicate high status. It is believed that after the events of Assassin's Creed, he returns to using the Rank Nine blade: the Sword of Altaïr. In addition, he receives a second Knife Belt, increasing his capacity of throwing knives to 15.

Sources

• Assassin's Creed
• Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood