Wasif al-Turki

Wasif al-Turki (died c. 860s), also known as Al-Mardikhwar (English: The Manticore; lit: Man-eater), was a Turkic warlord of the Caliphate military. He was the most direct threat to Ali ibn Muhammad's rebellion, hunting down rebels and keeping Baghdad's citizens in line through fear. Secretly, he was also an Order of the Ancients member.

Biography

Early life

Born to his single mother, Wasif was taken into an enslaved servitude to a blacksmith who was abusive towards him. After years working under him, Wasif grew stronger and ultimately killed his abuser with his bare hands. Wasif soon joined the Turkic Army and became known as a relentless kingmaker. Accompanied by his fervently trustworthy soldiers, he was meticulous in eliminating his enemies with ease.

Working for the Order

In the 860s, he joined and rose to the ranks of a leader within the Order of the Ancients. In 861, he joined his fellow Order leaders Fazil Fahim al-Kemsa, Ning, Mas'ood Al-Ya'qoob, and their Ra's Al-Af'a Qabiha in a meeting with Caliph Al-Mutawakkil at the Winter Palace in Anbar to discuss a recovered Memory Seal, an ancient artifact. Wasif took point and inspected the seal before agreeing with the caliph to safeguard it. However, when the caliph wanted to view it, Wasif furiously confronted him and told him to keep silent about the matter. This proved futile after the thief Basim Ibn Ishaq murdered the caliph in self defense and stole the memory seal.

After the caliph's death, Wasif continued his military duties and fought Ali ibn Muhammad and his rebels. At some point, he learned of Fazil's Great Work Alruh being constructed and boasted about, but reprimanded his fellow Order leader on his lack of results. When he left Baghdad to deal with a battle incursion, he ordered his Order subordinates Jasoor ibn Basil to deal with the rebels on his behalf, and Nadir ibn Havid to both supply the Order and create warships for the caliphate, respectively. However, he soon learned the disturbing truths that Jasoor was lying about his military accomplishments and Nadir stealing wares for his personal gain.

Wasif set up meetings to discuss their shortcomings, only for the Alamut Hidden One Basim to kill both men before they could respond. In midst of Wasif's fight with Ali, he soon gained an upper hand by capturing Ali's right-hand man, Beshi. Just as he was about to enter his base at The Great Garrison, Baghdad's governor Muhammad ibn Tahir advised him to control himself, but Wasif rebuffed and threatened the governor in response. When going to interrogate Beshi, he received correspondence from Qabiha, who subtly threatened to lessen his bloodshed against the slaves since his recent actions had attracted too much attention on the Order and herself.

Death

Basim assassinating Wasif

In the garrison's inner courtyard, Wasif entered a side building where he had confined a bound Beshi. Grabbing a sword, he chastised Beshi for being on the wrong side but Beshi responded that Allah would judge him, not his torturer. Infuriated, Wasif slowly murdered Beshi before closing himself off inside the building. Before long, his men responded to a lit brazier and an assault from Ali and his released rebels. Inside, Wasif ordered two of his men to call for reinforcements, but without bodyguards, he was vulnerable when Basim entered and assassinated him. Ali soon entered the room to find Basim standing over Wasif, then stabbed Wasif's corpse in front of his men to portray that he killed the man. Afterwards, Ali, his men, and Basim fought their way out of the garrison.

Behind the scenes

Historically, Wasif died in October 867 after a riot broke out within his army.

Gallery

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  Wasif in his Order outfit and mask
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  Wasif Al-Turki
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  Wasif threatening Governor Muhammad
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  Wasif killing Beshi
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  Basim and Ali standing over Wasif's body

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Mirage