Al Mualim

"He that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow."

- Al Mualim

Al Mualim (Arabic: المعلم (The Teacher or The Master)) was the Grand Master of the Assassin Order's Syrian sect during the Third Crusade, and mentor to his successor, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad. He was secretly a member of the Knights Templar.

Siege of Masyaf
In 1176, the fortress of Masyaf was sieged by the Saracen army led by Saladin. Al Mualim, who was in charge of the Assassins, had sent the Master Assassin, Umar Ibn-La'Ahad to infiltrate the Saracen camp the following night. While there, Umar was to leave a warning to Salah Al'din, using the information that was gathered by the spy inside of the camp. Umar was successful and had left a feather and dagger inside the warlord's tent. The following day Salah Al'din had left the camp, while leaving his son and second in command, Shihab Al'din in charge of the camp. Shihab came over to negotiate peace, claiming that they would leave once the killer of the nobleman was killed. Umar had been found out because of the captured spy, Ahmad Sofian. Al Mualim was reluctant to allow Umar to take the place of Ahmad but had eventually relented. After the death of Umar, the Saracens left Masyaf.

Quest for the Chalice
"We treaded carelessly, they were following a man who was one of us"

- Al Mualim to Altair during the village attack

In 1190, Al Mualim tasked Altaïr with finding a Piece of Eden known as the Chalice, shortly after he returned from another assignment. During this year, Al Mualim temporarily resided in the Assassin stronghold of Alep. His second-in-command at the time was Harash, who sold out the Assassin Order to the Templars. Harash was killed by Altaïr during his quest, and Al Mualim relocated to Masyaf.

Later life
"My men do not fear death Robert, they welcome it and the rewards it brings"

- Al Mualim shouting to Robert from the walls of Masyaf

In 1191, Al Mualim sent Altaïr to retrieve a treasure beneath Solomon's Temple and bring it back to Masyaf. Altaïr brought along two fellow Assassins on his journey, the brothers Malik and Kadar A-Sayf. The mission, however, ended tragically, with Kadar losing his life, and Malik being brutally injured in his left arm.

When Altaïr reported his failure to Al Mualim, he was infuriated, though his anger was curbed somewhat when Malik returned, revealing that he had managed to bring back the artifact. However, Robert de Sable and his Templars had followed the Assassin and, intent on recovering their treasure, laid siege to Masyaf.

Al Mualim spoke to Robert from the safety of the fortress walls, showcasing the dedication of his Assassins by ordering three of his men – Altaïr among them – to leap from a tower, supposedly to their deaths. He continued to hold their attention while Altaïr released a trap, killing and scattering the Templar forces. Though Altaïr saved Masyaf, Al Mualim demoted him from Master Assassin to Novice, removing most of his equipment and his authority in the Order. Al Mualim sent Altair to find the traitor who had opened the gates to the let the Templars through, Altair was successful and bought the traitor, Masun before him. Al Mualim offered Masun a chance to renounce the evil in his heart, but when he did not, Al Mualim killed him right where he stood.

Hunt for the Nine
"Your work has just begun, I hold here a list of nine men, nine men who need to die"

- Al Mualim to Altair offering him a chance at redemtion

Al Mualim offered Altaïr a chance at redemption and contained a list of nine men who needed to be eliminated. They were said to be tyrants of their cities and so Altaïr's job was to slay the nine men, After each kill Altaïr had to report back to Al Mualim and he would be promoted a rank and given a piece of equipment or taught a skill. Altaïr's first target was Tamir in Damascus and after he had been killed, Altaïr rode to Masyaf to speak with Al Mualim.

"If I choose to withhold information from you, it's to ensure you don't make the same mistake a second time"

- Al Mualim to Altaïr

Altaïr came back with questions, saying that Tamir claimed to know Al Mualim well, claiming that the deed Altaïr had just performed was leading to bigger things. Al Mualim said that he was withholding the information to make sure Altaïr wouldn't make the same mistake again. After it was settled, a piece of Altaïr's equipment was restored and he rode towards the city of Acre to slay Garnier de Naplouse. Once Garnier's life had been taken and Altaïr had spoken with the bureau leader, he rode back to Masyaf to inform Al Mualim of the developments.

"Leaders will always find ways to make others obey them and that is why they're leaders"

- Al Mualim to Altaïr

Al Mualim was waiting for Altaïr as always, Altaïr told Al Mualim about how some of Garnier's "Patients" treated Garnier as friend. Al Mualim claimed that a leader can find ways to make others obey them. When they were done exchanging words, Altair was promoted once more and given another piece of equipment. He rode off to Jerusalem to take the life of Talal, once the deed was done and Altaïr had spoken to the Bureau leader he rode off once more to return to Masyaf and speak with the Grand Master.

"Your must concern yourself with the more immediate threat, the men who pretend to govern in there absence."

- Al Mualim to Altaïr

Altaïr approached Al Mualim as he told Al Mualim tht the task had been completed and that Talal was dead, Al Mualim responded by telling Altaïr that King Richard was imbolded by his victory in Acre and planned to move south towards Jerusalem. He stated that Saladin is surely aware of that and that Saladin gathers his men at the broken citadel of Arsuf. While Altair offers to kill both Richard and Saladin, Al Mualim tells him that it would create to much bloodshed and groups would be scattered, Al Mualim then told him that he should concern himself on the main task at hand. Al Mualim once again promoted Altaïr and gave him another piece of equipment, Altaïr rode towards Damascus to defeat Abu'l Nuqoud and once finished and discussed with the Bureau leader. Altaïr rode off for Masyaf to speak to Al Mualim once again.

"Perhaps freeing these cities from their corrupt leaders will no doubt provoke the cause of peace."

- Al Mualim to Altaïr while in his study

Al Mualim was waiting in small corner of his library for Altaïr, he believed that Altaïr's actions will not doubt provoke the cause of peace. Al Mualim gave Altaïr gratitude on behalf of himself and that of the realm, Altaïr tells Al Mualim about how the targets seemed so sure of their victory and he tells Altaïr how as an assassin, it is their duty to notice and question. Altaïr questions Al Mualim still and Al Mualim tells Altaïr to trust in his master. Once again, Altaïr is promoted and a weapon is gained, he then rides for Acre to slay William of Montferrat. Once the deed was done, Altaïr reported to the bureau leader and then at last rode to Masyaf to make sense of the cryptic words presented to him by William.

"What you say is true, these men are binded by a blood oath, none unlike our own"

- Al Mualim to Altaïr revealing that the men he killed are Templars

Al Mualim was waiting for Altaïr in his study at Masyaf, Altaïr told the Grand Master of his deeds and Al Mualim knew that there was something on Altaïr's mind. Al Mualim told Altaïr to speak the troubles on his mind and Altaïr demands to get answers off him, claiming that he gives only riddles in exchange. Threatining to stop killing his targets if he does not get answers, Altaïr stopped asking and instead demanded to know what binded the men had was killing. Al Mualim threatened to kill Altaïr, Altaïr took a guess and guessed it was a bluff and he was correct. Al Mualim eventually told Altaïr that the men he had been striking down are Templars, Al Mualim told Altaïr that the task was not change, just the context. After the matter was settled Altaïr was promoted and gained a weapon. He rode off to take the life of Majd Addin in Jerusalem, once the assassination was completed, Altaïr discussed it with the bureau leader and rode towards Masyaf to discuss what Majd Addin had told him.

"Their plans depend on the Templar treasure this, Piece of Eden"

- Al Mualim while holding the Piece of Eden

Al Mualim greeted Altaïr and found out that Majd Addin's blood had been spilled, Altaïr tries to piece everything together. Al Mualim claims that the Templars desire control, Al Mualim gives Altaïr a glimpse of the Piece of Eden, claiming that it started the Trojan War and turned Water into wine. Although Altaïr didn't know at first, Al Mualim tried to use its power on Altaïr but it proved ineffective. Altaïr pieced it together and realized that they were trying to create a supposed "New Word." Altaïr once more, gained a rank and another piece of equipment and then rode towards Damascus to assassinate Jubair al Hakim. Once he had finished his mission and had exchanged words with the bureau leader, Altaïr then returned to Masyaf to tell Al Mualim of his deeds.

"Ah, Don't you see? They've paved the way for change, ensure both threats old and new are not given caused to be intervened"

- Al Mualim to Altaïr in his study

Al Mualim welcomed Altaïr home and began to discuss Altaïr's deed, Altaïr ponders what Jubair and Sibrand's lives must be taken and Al Mualim tells him that the lives of Jubair and Sibrand must be taken because they pave the way for change in which the old and new problems are not given cause or reason to intervene. Al Mualim claims that the man Sibrand is the only man standing between Altaïr and Robert. Al Mualim promotes Altaïr and gives him a piece of equipment and Altaïr rides towards Acre to slay Sibrand. Once Altaïr completed the task and had spoken to the bureau leader, he made haste back to Masyaf to speak with the Grand Master.

"Look at what it's done to Robert, once he tasted of its power, it consumed him"

- Al Mualim to Altaïr regarding Robert

Al Mualim waited for Altaïr's arrival and when he had arrived they discussed about the last name on Al Mualim's list, Robert de Sable. Al Mualim claimed that once Robert tasted of the apples power, he saw not a weapon to be destroyed, but a tool to be used. Al Mualim stated that Robert's life ambition of power would be completed if he got his hands on the Apple of Eden. Al Mualim at last sent Altaïr to take Robert's life, giving Altaïr a sword to help him on his journey and when Robert was fatally stabbed by Altaïr's blade, the dying Robert de Sable declared Al Mualim a Templar, Robert claimed the difference between him and Al Mualim was that Robert wanted to share, however Al Mualim refused to share such power.

Retaking of Masyaf
Altaïr subsequently returned to Masyaf to find that the people in the city had been put under a hypnotic trance by Al Mualim, though he and a few of his fellow Assassins were unaffected by the mind control. After reaching the fortress gardens after dispatching several of Al Mualim's pawns, Altaïr confronted Al Mualim, who used the power of the Piece of Eden restrain his former apprentice. Taughting Altaïr from the balcony above, Altaïr then questioned his master's motives.

To which he replied he found proof that ''"nothing was true and everyone was permitted." ''There Al Mualim created illusions of the nine men Altaïr had killed to battle him. After dispatching them, Al Mualim restrained Altaïr once again. When challenged personally, Al Mualim created several replicas of himself.

Despite outnumbered Altaïr defeated these copies and was bound by the Apple once again. There Al Mualim explained his motives, that he sought the same as Robert, but wanted the Apple to himself, hence using his apprentice to kill the Templars. Altaïr questioned why Al Mualim allowed him to retain his mind. Al Mualim admitted he tried, and failed, due to his student's strengh of mind.

There Al Mualim explained the Apple was behind all the legends and religious mysteries in history. Concluding they were at an end, Al Mualim and Altaïr dueled for the last time. Though attacking with skill, Al Mualim was able to counter many of Altaïr's attacks and use the Apple to teleport across the garden. However, eventually Altaïr defeated his master. As he died, the former

Grand Master claimed that he did it all to ensure absolute peace in the world, and claimed that Altaïr would not be able to destroy the Piece of Eden. After his death Altaïr took his rank as the Grand Master Assassin of Masyaf, however, many Assassin's refused to accept Al Mualim's betrayal and rioted against Altaïr until they sooned accepted Al Mualim's true colours.

Final words
(Al Mualim collapses. The Piece of Eden falls from his hand and rolls away.)

Al Mualim: ''Impossible! The student does not defeat the teacher!''

Altaïr: Laa shay'a waqi'un moutlaq bale kouloun moumkine. (Nothing is true, everything is permitted.)

Al Mualim: ''So it seems. You have won, then. Go and claim your prize.''

Altaïr: ''You held fire in your hand, old man. It should have been destroyed!''

Al Mualim: ''Destroy the only thing capable of ending the Crusades and creating true peace?! Never!''

Altaïr: Then I will!

Al Mualim: We'll see about that...

Characteristics and personality
Al Mualim, though known for being a wise and soft-spoken leader, at times showed himself to be mysterious and unpredictable. He never spoke of anything too personal or suspicious about himself, ever changing the subject or giving an unexpected answer when people started questioning him; or as Altaïr says, "digging deeper".

He shrouded not only his Order, but himself in a great cover of secrecy. He revealed little about himself, thus almost nothing is known about his early life, let alone anything beyond his duty as the Master of the Assassins. By his efforts, the Order became a well-known, yet obscure faction, inspiring fear and uncertainty throughout the land, and spreading rumors that only increased the already legendary reputation of the Brotherhood.

A learned man, Al Mualim placed importance on education, spending much of his time in the Masyaf fortress, studying the books of the library. He had a thorough understanding of a variety of subjects, ranging from philosophy to science. In addition to preaching the brotherhood's goal of peace in all things, he emphasized that the Creed pushed for peace within as well, on one occasion advising Altaïr not to demonize his enemies: "Never harbor hate for your victims, such thoughts are poison..."

Appearance
Al Mualim was a middle-aged man in his 50s. In Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles, he had a short black beard; though in Assassin's Creed, set one year later, his beard had grown much longer and grayed considerably. He wore the black robes of a Grand Master opposed to the much more colorful clothes a year before, and was notably blind in one eye.

Trivia

 * Al Mualim is likely based upon a real life figure named Rashid ad-Din Sinan, who was also known as The Old Man of the Mountain, and led the Syrian Assassins. He died sometime between 1192 and 1194.
 * In Assassin's Creed: Altaïr's Chronicles, Al Mualim wears different clothes.
 * Despite being Grand Master of the Assassins, Al Mualim appears to have all ten fingers. The same is true of all other Assassins in Assassin's Creed, apart from Altaïr.
 * In the Penny Arcade Assassin's Creed comic, the target that Altaïr hunts implies that some Assassins, including Altaïr, were fathered by Al Mualim. This is shown when he tells Altaïr, "For I think I see his (Al Mualim's) face in yours." However, no evidence is given to relate any such connection between Altaïr and Al Mualim, and in the Codex, Altaïr's parents are referred to separately from Al Mualim.
 * There seems to be a pattern in the Assassin's Creed series, where the mentors of the primary Assassins are blind in one eye. Just as Al Mualim, mentor of Altaïr, is blind is his right eye, Mario Auditore, mentor of Ezio Auditore, is blind in his left eye.
 * Al Mualim also shares a trait with a future Templar, Rodrigo Borgia, as they both never have their heads uncovered throughout the entirety of their respective games. They also have a similarity in the robes that they wear.
 * Oddly, when Altaïr uses Eagle Vision after conversing about the nine targets, Al Mualim is marked with blue, the color of an ally, despite being revealed to be a Templar in the end.
 * In the Third Crusade Al Mualim is not the only double agent in the Assassin Order.The other three are Harash, Masun, and the Easter Egg that was cut out of the plot but still in the game Jamal

Reference
Al Mualim