User blog comment:N1hitman/Are the assassins real/@comment-5151072-20120531140936

Historically, yes, an order of assassins did exist in the Levant during the Third Crusade, and yes, they were based in the Syrian city of Masyaf. But the Asasiyun are a historical relic, and they no longer exist. That's what makes the Assassin's Creed series so appealing, at least to me: a basis in historical fact that spins off into something fantastic.

Even if they did exist, what would qualify you for the Brotherhood? Are you exceptionally fit, physically? Able to take a life without a second thought? Fanboy-dom will only take you so far. From what I've read, it sounds like you'd make a poor Assassin, since you'd be saying "I'm an Assassin! Isn't that cool?" to everyone you meet. That sort of defeats the purpose of membership in a secret organization.