Novice

"You are a novice, a child once more, as you were on the day you first joined our Order."

―Al Mualim to Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad following his demotion, 1191.

Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad in the attire of a novice

Novice was the lowest rank in the hierarchy of the Assassin Order, and was the entry level for each new recruit.

History

Abbasid Caliphate

The rank of Novice was first known to be implemented by the Hidden Ones of Alamut operating in the Abbasid Caliphate during the 9th century. Unlike later iterations of the title, Novice was not the lowest rank in the Hidden Ones' hierarchy, but rather the third-lowest, following Initiate and Apprentice. An individual who had attained this title was considered to have reached the halfway point of their training, as only three more ranks followed: Disciple, Assassin, and Master.

In the 860s, the newly-inducted Hidden One Basim ibn Ishaq became a Novice after assassinating two members of the Order of the Ancients in Baghdad, and was gifted a talisman to indicate his new rank.

Third Crusade

Following the protocols of the Levantine Assassins during the 12th century, Novices were not entrusted with the Order's more advanced arsenal, such as the longsword, throwing knives, and the Hidden Blade, until they had proven their worth and adherence to the Creed. Regarded as students of the Brotherhood, they focused their training on mastering the fundamental methods of the hunt—including gathering intelligence through investigative techniques such as eavesdropping, pickpocketing, and interrogating targets.

Many Novices and lower-ranking members served as informants, agents strategically positioned throughout Acre, Jerusalem, and Damascus to monitor the movements of the Brotherhood's enemies. While they lacked the specialized equipment of their superiors, these operatives provided vital field support, such as detailing guard positions, scouting target locations, and identifying the personal habits of Templars. In some instances, Al Mualim used these informants to test the skills of other Assassins through various challenges, including rooftop races, stealth eliminations of archers, or the retrieval of flags.

Novices were required to conduct their own field research and track their targets independently, a task often handled by others for higher-ranking members. Upon demonstrating sufficient knowledge of their prey to a local Rafiq, they would be granted a feather and the formal leave to proceed with an execution.

Though the rank typically served as the entry level for new recruits, it also functioned as a state of penance for fallen members. Even a Master Assassin could be demoted to Novice should their misdeeds or arrogance compromise the Brotherhood. Such was the case for Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad in 1191, after his failure at Solomon's Temple led to a Templar attack on Masyaf. Although his execution was staged by Al Mualim, Altaïr was instead symbolically "reborn" as a Novice, forced to earn back his status, weapons, and the respect of the Brotherhood by assisting the Order's network of field informants.

Renaissance

"Two assassins arrive, but they cover their faces. They must be new to our Order – once skilled enough, there is no need for a mask."

―Francesco Vecellio, 1510.

Two Assassin novices in Lonigo

In Rome during the early 16th century, Assassin apprentices training under Ezio Auditore da Firenze began at a rank similar to Novice, though they were referred to as Recluta or Recruit. Recruits often wore masks to conceal their identities until they had gained further experience, though not all chose to do so. They generally possessed the same skills as Novices of the Levantine Brotherhood, but were granted access to more advanced weaponry early on.

A similar ranking system was used by the Ottoman Assassins based in Constantinople, with apprentices also starting at the rank of Recruit. Interestingly, a different rank called Novice also existed within the Brotherhood's hierarchy, ranking above Recruit, Initiate, and Apprentice.

Gallery

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  The talisman given to novice Alamut Hidden Ones
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  The robes worn by novice Spanish Assassins

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed (first appearance)
• Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy
• Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
• Assassin's Creed: Revelations
• Assassin's Creed: Mirage