House of Wisdom (memory)

He who increaseth knowledge, increaseth sorrow. This article contains spoilers, meaning it has information and facts concerning Assassin's Creed: Mirage. If you do not want to know about these events, it is recommended to read on with caution, or not at all. This template should be removed from the article 5 January 2024.

House of Wisdom was a virtual representation of one of Basim Ibn Ishaq's genetic memories relived through the Animus.

Description

Basim went to the House of Wisdom to investigate Ahmad ibn Musa's disappearance.

Dialogue

Basim asked Tabid more about the district, Ahmad, the Rafiq, and the Order.

• Basim: Tabid, I would like to ask you something.
• Tabid: Please, go ahead.

Ask about Ahmad ibn MusaAsk about AbbasiyahAsk about the OrderAsk about the RafiqI am done.

• Basim: What can you tell me about Ahmad ibn Musa?
• Tabid: The son of a famous astronomer, Ahmad and his brothers excel at mathematics, invention, and scholarship. Together, they wrote the Book of Ingenious Devices, describing their wonderful clockwork automata.
• Basim: What made him join our cause?
• Tabid: The Banu Musa were once close to al-Mutawakkil, but grew disgusted with the Abbasid Caliphate.
• Basim: What happened?
• Tabid: They refuse to discuss it, so I cannot say.
• Basim: There are many reasons to be disgusted with the Abbasids.
• Tabid: Was there anything else?

• Basim: What is important in Abbasiyah?
• Tabid: This district is the heart of learning in Baghdad. All the world's knowledge can be found here.
• Basim: Any key places to investigate?
• Tabid: Follow the trail, wherever it leads. Besides the House of Wisdom, there are other vital landmarks. Be sure to visit the Four Markets, the Observatory, and the Dome of the Ass.
• Basim: I remember the Observatory well. I met the great astronomer al-Khwarizmi there when I was young.
• Tabid: Excellent. Finally, if you need to soothe sore muscles, a steam bath at the splendid Hammam of Abbasiyah is a joy.
• Basim: After a night of clambering across rooftops, that sounds good.
• Tabid: Was there anything else?

• Basim: Any hint on what the Order might be doing in Abbasiyah?
• Tabid: No, my friend, not more than what I've told you. Although ... no, it is probably nothing.
• Basim: What is it? Any little bit may help.
• Tabid: Before he left, Ahmad ibn Musa said something about books going missing from the House of Wisdom.
• Basim: I will keep that in mind.
• Tabid: Was there anything else?

• Basim: Tell me more about yourself, Tabid.
• Tabid: Me? Oh, not much to say. I love poetry, is that enough?
• Basim: Come now, do not be so modest.
• Tabid: As you wish. I come from Nubia, a dry land south of Egypt. My father sent me to Cairo to study Islam. There, I learned a fiery sense of right from wrong. And the corruption in Cairo was very, very wrong. We revolted. Our revolt failed and I fled to Baghdad. The Hidden Ones took me in and ... here I am.
• Basim: Someday you should tell the whole tale.
• Tabid: Was there anything else?

• Basim: Thank you, Tabid. That is all for now.

Basim left the bureau and made his way to the House of Wisdom. Along the way, he saw smoke coming from the library's direction.

• Basim: Smoke from the House of Wisdom. What does it mean?

Basim ventured further into the house while civilians were startled by the fire.

• Civilian: Who burned our precious books? This is worse than the loss of the Great Library of Alexandria!

Fazil Fahim al-Kemsa addressed the crowd in front of him.

• Fazil: People, calm yourselves! The fire was small and has been contained.
• Civilian: Allah's wrath is upon us!
• Fazil: Most of our books are safe. The danger has passed.
• Basim: Old man! How did this fire start?
• Fazil: Old man? Fazil Fahim is old. As old as the House of Wisdom, which he commands!
• Basim: Forgive me, ustadhi (master). I spoke in haste. Can I help?
• Fazil: No, the fire has been quenched by the Water Master's bucket brigades.

What happened here?Where can I find Ahmad?

• Basim: Who started these fires?
• Fazil: Ruffians, I suppose. Enemies of the Caliph, to be exact.
• Basim: What sort of books were they burning?
• Fazil: It is too soon to tell.
• Basim: Perhaps the Caretaker of Books would know.

• Basim: I am searching for Ahmad ibn Musa.
• Fazil: Ah yes, he has a workshop here, but I have not spoken to him lately.

• Basim: Peace be upon you, elder. I shall go.

Basim left Fazim and found himself with two new tasks to investigate.

• Basim: I still need to find Ahmad ibn Musa, but I should also speak to the Caretaker of Books in the library.

Outcome

Basim continued on his search for Ahmad ibn Musa, but also decided to investigate the book burnings.

References

• Assassin's Creed: Mirage