Jabal
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- "Then I give you leave to go. End the life of de Montferrat that we may call this city free."
- ―Jabal, giving Altaïr permission to assassinate his target[src]
Jabal (Arabic: جبل) was a member of the Assassin Order, the bureau leader of Acre, and a Rafiq.
Biography
Altaïr's visits
Before Altaïr lost his Master Assassin rank at Solomon's Temple, Jabal - like all other bureau leaders - used to give him the information necessary to assassinate his target, rather than make him search for it himself.[2]
However, this changed as Altaïr was stripped off his ranks, to be Novice once more, learning the ways of assassination and stealth through gathering information. Thus, Jabal and the other bureau leaders constantly pushed Altaïr to find out as much of his target as possible, trying to cleanse him from the arrogance that also caused him to fail at Solomon's Temple.[2][3]
First visit
When Altaïr's had to assassinate his first target at Acre, Garnier de Naplouse, Jabal seemed impressed as the former Master told him he had already gathered enough information to safely go through with his mission. The bureau leader continued his interrogation of the assassin, eventually giving him permission to go, saying: "Remove this stain from Acre, Altaïr. Perhaps it will help cleanse your own.", obviously hinting at the assassin's failure that had caused him the strip of his ranks.[2][3]
Second visit
The second time Altaïr came to visit Jabal during his Hunt for the Nine, to assassinate William of Montferrat, Jabal greeted the assassin, telling him word had spread about his deeds. The Rafiq then mentioned that Altaïr seemed sincere in his desire to redeem himself, already hinting that he previously lost trust in the assassin when he first heard of the his failure. He then told Altaïr what he knew of the target, before letting him go to search for information himself.
Later the Master Assassin came back to Jabal, telling the bureau leader what he had found out about his target. Jabal heard him out, eventually giving him leave to go, handing him the feather. Altaïr assured him he'd be back after assassinating his target.[2][3]
Third visit
At Altaïr's third arrival, to assassinate Sibrand, Jabal seemed to be in a less joyful mood than he had been before, nodding sagely as the Master Assasin mentioned Sibrand's name. When Altaïr told the Rafiq he had already learned much about his target, Jabal seemed obviously impressed, but pushed the assassin to tell everything he knew, before handing him the feather, warning him to be on his guard. However, when Altaïr turned to leave, the Rafiq apologized for doubting the dedication the Master showed to the Assassins' cause. After Altaïr reassured him it was himself who erred, and that Jabal owed him nothing, the Rafiq let him go, wishing him safety as he left.[2][3]
Retaking of Masyaf
Jabal was present at the Retaking of Masyaf, one of the few Assassins unaffected by the Apple's influence. After saving Altaïr from several Assassins influenced by the Apple, he alongside Malik Al-Sayf and several others flanked the other mind-controlled Assassins whilst Altaïr battled Al Mualim.[3]
Subsequently after Al Mualim's demise, there were riots from the Assassins and civilians, still not accepting the truth of Al Mualim's betrayal. Jabal was one of the Assassins to stay loyal to Altaïr during the riots and help calm them.[3]
Assault on Acre's harbour
After planning to journey to Cyprus in pursuit of the Templars, Altaïr questioned Jabal about their contacts there, where he confirmed there was a Resistance that would aid them.[3]
Characteristics and personality
Jabal tended to always be in a serious mood. He never smiled and seemed to strongly distrust Altair, afraid that his arrogance would cause him to fail. He went straight to the point in most cases, as when Altair first visited him to assassinate Garnier his first words are: "A little bird told me you'd be paying a visit," referring to the messenger pigeon Al Mualim sent.
After Garnier's assassination, Altair was troubled, since Garnier had believed he was helping his patients. Jabal dismissed his cpncerns, saying that he should put it out of his mind because he had seen a place of suffering. In this, he shows a critical failing; in this instance, Jabal was content to see the surface of things.
He appeared to be very old - having a fully greyed beard - but still aware as to what exactly was going on around him; already knowing of Altaïr's failure at Solomon's Temple the first time the assassin had come to the Acre Bureau.
Later, as Altaïr was about to assassinate Sibrand, Jabal apologized for his mistrust in the dedication Altaïr showed to the Assassin cause.
Trivia
- Jabal's name was only given in Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade, in Assassin's Creed he is only referred to as "Rafiq".
- "Jabal" (جبل) [jah-bahl] Translates to "Mountain," "hill" or "slope".[4]
Source
Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade