User blog comment:N1hitman/Are the assassins real/@comment-5151072-20120531140936
Historically, yes, a order of assassins did exist in the Levant during the Third Crusade, and yes, they were based in the Syrian city of Masyaf. But the Asasiyun are a historical relic, and they no longer exist. That's what makes the Assassin's Creed series so appealing, at least to me: a basis in historical fact that spins off into something fantastic.
Even if they did exist, what would qualify you for the Brotherhood? Are you exceptionally fit, physically? Able to take a life without a second thought? Fanboy-dom will only take you so far. From what I've read, it sounds like you'd make a poor Assassin, since you'd be saying "I'm an Assassin! Isn't that cool?" to everyone you meet. That sort of defeats the purpose of membership in a secret organization.