Malik Al-Sayf

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"I know... in fact, the entire city knows!"

―About Altaïr's successful assassination.

Malik A-Sayf(Arabic: مالك السيف), (born 1165) was previously a high ranking Assassin living during the 12th century and highly active when the Third Crusade ravaged the Holy Land. During his time as a high ranking Assassin he rivalled his successor, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad, but later became the Dai and the leader of the Jerusalem Assassin's Bureau due to the loss of his left arm. After Altaïr killed Al Mualim and became Grand Master of the Assassin Order, Malik became Altaïr's right-hand man and assisted him in discovering new assassination techniques.

Biography

Solomon's Temple

"You always do as you please! If were not by your arrogance, De Sable would be dead and my brother would still be alive!"

―Malik to Altaïr following the battle at Solomon's Temple

Malik back from Solomon's Temple with his arm heavily wounded.

Malik, along with his brother Kadar and Altaïr, were charged with capturing the Templar's Treasure, later found to be the Piece of Eden by Al Mualim. He forewarned Altaïr of his blatant disregard of the Creed both when Altaïr murdered an innocent old man beneath the Temple, which he had done so to hide their presence, and when he considered compromising the Brotherhood for a chance to kill Robert de Sable. Eventually, Altaïr's stubbornness, headstrong attitude, and arrogance led to the tragic failure of the mission, costing Malik his left arm and his brother's life. Malik, however, successfully escaped with the Piece of Eden, and arrived at Masyaf with his arm still attached but bleeding badly, implying it was amputated later.

Jerusalem: 1st Visit

Altaïr: "Safety and peace, Malik."

Malik: "Your presence deprives me of both!"

—Malik and Altaïr in Jerusalem

When first meeting up with Altaïr in Jerusalem, Malik made no effort to disguise his new-found hatred of Altaïr. Pointing out even the most subtle of flaws and the slight haughtiness of his attitude whenever possible, the two had an unpleasant meeting when discussing the assassination of Talal. Even though the assassination was a success, he criticized Altaïr for triggering the City Alarm and alerting the citizens of Jerusalem to Talal's demise.

Jerusalem: 2nd Visit

Altaïr: "It seems everything I do troubles you"

Malik: "Reflect on that. But do so on your way to Masyaf."

—Altaïr and Malik at the Bureau

Though his cold attitude toward Altaïr had gone through little to no change, he expressed a small level of satisfaction when Altaïr asked for advice and began to respect the Creed more. After the assassination, he noted that Altaïr had performed just as an Assassin should -- no more, no less.

Jerusalem: 3rd Visit

"We are one, as we share the glory of our victories so too we share the pain of defeat; in this way we grow closer, we grow stronger."

―Malik before Altaïr assassinates "Robert"

Malik and Altaïr in the Jerusalem Bureau.

When Altaïr visited Malik for the final time in Jerusalem, the easily angered and quick to criticize Malik had changed, speaking to Altaïr as a fellow Assassin rather than the failure that had caused the tragedy in Solomon's Temple. After the skirmish at the funeral of Majd Addin, Malik and Altaïr had a quick, heated argument over whether to chase Robert de Sable to Arsuf, or return to Masyaf to seek the wisdom of Al Mualim. Altaïr argued that Malik used the Creed as a shield, not seeing the entire truth but rather what Al Mualim wanted him to see. He then suggested that Malik learned more about the Piece of Eden from the people of Jerusalem and Al Mualim, while he hunted down Robert. Before their departure, Altaïr apologized for his failure at Solomon's Temple, which Malik refused because he felt that the Altaïr who stood before him at that moment was not the same one that had sparked their defeat at Solomon's Temple.

Retaking of Masyaf

Altaïr: "Safety and peace, Malik."

Malik: "Your presence will deliver us both."

—Altaïr and Malik parting ways during the invasion of Masyaf

Malik arrived at Masyaf along with other loyal Assassins unaffected by the Piece of Eden, aiding Altaïr in fending off the hypnotized Assassin guards. He then led an assault at the back of the fortress in order to distract the fortress' troops, allowing Altaïr to personally deal with Al Mualim. Following the duel, Malik catches up to Altaïr in time to witness the Piece of Eden displaying its holographic map of the world.

Legacy

"I have also worked with Malik to describe new methods of assassination: from on high, from ledges, and from hiding places. Basic movements, but critical nonetheless."

―Altaïr's Codex, page 13

At some point after the events of Assassin's Creed, Malik becomes Altaïr's right hand man while he is the leader of the Assassins. Altaïr mentions in the first Codex Page that Malik has suggested forgetting about trying to understand the Piece of Eden, and that Altaïr should simply lock it away. According to later Codex entries, Altaïr seemingly ignores this advice. Malik's fate afterwards is unknown.

Characteristics and personality

Malik is a harsh, yet wise Assassin who dislikes Altaïr due to his skill and rank in the guild, as well his arrogant attitude in the beginning of the game that costs Malik his left arm and brother. At first, his devotion to the Creed and Al Mualim is unbreakable and undeniable, yet he slowly gains respect for Altaïr as he changes on his quest to redeem himself. By the end of the game, he can be considered one of Altaïr's closest allies.

Trivia

Malik in his Assassin robes.

• Malik is the only Assassin who is seen wearing a similar outfit to Altaïr's in Assassin's Creed. In this outfit, he is also equipped with a Hidden Blade, though both he and his brother's ring fingers were not cut, probably due to the inaccuracy of the character designs.
• It is unknown how Malik gets in or out of the bureau after the loss of his left arm.
• In Arabic, Malik means "king" or "owner." Al-sayf means "the sword." Put together, Malik A[l]-Sayf means "King/Owner of the Sword."
• On the player's first trip to Jerusalem, if the player stays in the bureau before going to the assassination target, he will comment on why you have not already left. He sarcastically remarks: "Thinking of another great plan, Altaïr? Like the one back at Solomon's Temple?!"
• It is possible to throw Malik off the cliff, right before he and his men run past the player before the final boss fight. Doing this has no effect on the game, and he still reappears during the credits to look at the Piece of Eden.
• The common surname is Al-Sayf, but due to Arabic grammar rules, the name in the game credits is written as A-Sayf, the way it is pronounced.

Video

thumb|480px|left|Solomon's Temple events and consequences