Social stealth
Social status is a measure of how much attention Altaïr is drawing to himself, and how much attention he is receiving from guards.
The player's current social status is displayed on the HUD, via the social status icon and witness indicator. The social status icon switches to the witness indicator under context- they are never displayed simultaneously. The witness indicator is only used when Altaïr is in the presence of guards who are not in open conflict with him- in all other cases, the social status icon is available.
The social status icon
On the left of the Synchronization bar is the social status icon. This triangular-shaped icon changes color and shape to distinguish between different Social Statuses. The icon is used only when Anonymous, fleeing guards, or in Open Conflict.
Anonymous
When Altaïr is not visible to any guards whatsoever, he is Anonymous. Represented by a white social status bar, this status is the ideal one to be in.
Exposed
If Altaïr draws too much guard attention to himself, he will become Exposed. The social status icon changes shape and color, flashing red. He can either kill all the guards (instantly returning to Anonymous status) or flee.
Unseen
If Altaïr chooses to flee, breaking the line of sight of pursuing guards, the social status icon will flash yellow and an audible beeping may be heard, signifying Unseen status. Now, Altaïr should find a Hiding spot and hide. If the player chooses to instead keep running, Altaïr may eventually outrun the pursuers and skip immediately back to Anonymous status.
Vanishing
If, while in Unseen status, Altaïr hides in a hiding spot unseen by the guards, he will enter Vanishing status. After a few seconds, the guards will appear. Unable to find Altaïr, they will give up the search. Altaïr has Vanished.
Vanished
When the guards give up the chase, Altaïr has Vanished. While Vanished, he can not be Exposed again. He will remain in this state for as long as he remains in the hiding spot- once he leaves, he is again able to be Exposed.
The witness indicator
The witness indicator distinguishes between the different awareness levels of guards near Altaïr. Shaped differently from the social status icon, it has an eye in the center that glows either yellow or red, depending on soldiers' level of awareness.
Unaware
A yellow witness indicator means that the guards near the player are either unaware or suspicious.
An unaware soldier has his hands to his side, unaware of the danger posed by Altaïr.
Suspicious
A suspicious soldier is slightly suspicious of Altaïr, but not enough to attack or draw his sword. He rests his hand on his sword, ready to draw it. You shouldn't worry about unaware or suspicious guards- they are not very likely to attack unless provoked.
The witness indicator is yellow while soldiers are Suspicious of Altaïr, as well as when they are unaware of him.
Informed
A red witness indicator means that guards near the player are very suspicious, ready to attack Altaïr.
An informed soldier has his sword fully drawn, ready to fight. He is very suspicious of Altaïr, or has seen a dead body on the ground. When in this state, they are easy to provoke. Blend to get away, or kill the soldier.
All guards within the Kingdom are always Informed.