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 successfully assassinating two members of the Order of the Ancients in Baghdad, and was gifted a talisman to indicate his new rank.

Third Crusade

In the case of the Levantine Assassins during the 12th century, Novices were not permitted the use of a longsword, throwing knives, nor the Hidden Blade. Should they engage in a fight, they would be forced to either flee, or resort to using their short blade. As they were also largely unskilled in combat and freerunning, their tasks usually only involved investigating targets, or gathering information; similarly to Assassin informants.

Novices were considered students, and needed to obey all other members of the Order. Should they be given a mission, they were required to gather their own information, as well as gain permission from the local Rafiq or bureau leader before conducting it.

Though members of the Order usually worked their way up through the ranks, more experienced Assassins including Master Assassins could also possibly be demoted back down to Novice, should their actions or misdeeds be grave enough.

Such was the case for Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad in 1191, after his failed mission to Solomon's Temple, where he broke all three tenets of the Creed. His actions led to a Templar attack on Masyaf, and the subsequent deaths of many Assassins. Though Altaïr was initially meant to be executed for his actions, Al Mualim instead merely demoted him to Novice, and stripped him of all his weapons except for the short blade.

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 in the 16th century, Assassin apprentices 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 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.

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 Ottoman Brotherhood's hierarchy, ranking above Recruit, Initiate and Apprentice.

Gallery

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

Appearances

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

References

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