Rank

As an Assassin improved in skill and training, they would progress through a series of ranks, which denoted their standing within the Order. Starting from Novice until Master Assassin, apprentices would improve in both weaponry and ability, learning either from mentors, or on the field.

Though ranks were only strictly denoted in times when the Order was formally established (such as during the Third Crusade or the 16th century), they were nevertheless implied at other times; roughly indicating a member's seniority in the Order.

Progression
{C Assassins varied in equipment choice and skill level at their different ranks, usually due to personal choice, or the time period in which they lived. As such, the following is merely an estimation of one's abilities at each rank, based upon the progression of Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad.

Rank One
Upon being recruited into the Order, Assassins began at the rank of Novice. At this first rank, they were required to obey all other members of the Order, and were not permitted any weapons. Thus, should they engage in a fight, they needed to either flee, or use their fists.

At this point, they would usually only survey or gather information; at the most, only delivering any assassination targets to higher-ranked members to be killed.

Rank Two
Assassins who reached the second rank were permitted the use of a basic longsword and a hidden blade (though Italian apprentices were granted this latter one even at the first rank).

{C They were also allowed to complete missions throughout other cities, however, assassinations needed to be confirmed and permitted by the leaders of Assassins' Bureaus beforehand. For all but those of the highest rank, Assassins needed to complete their own investigations, and stain a feather marker with their target's blood.

Rank Three
Upon obtaining the third rank, Assassins were given a basic dagger. By this time, they had also learned how to counter enemy attacks, improving their capability in direct combat.

Rank Four
Assassins received throwing knives by the fourth rank, completing their arsenal. Though they were only allowed five initially, as they improved in skill, many chose to increase the number of knives they carried.

At this rank, Assassins could also tackle and push civilians in crowds, rather than just avoiding them, allowing them quicker escapes.

Rank Five
Reaching this rank permitted Assassins gloves as an additional piece of armor, in accordance to their improved climbing and free-running skills.

{C By this point, Assassins could catch ledges while falling should they slip or miss a jump. They could also escape and counter an enemy's grab during a fistfight.

Rank Six
Assassins, at this point, had improved in footwork both during free-running and in battle. As such, they were granted boots with additional armor.

Here, they were able to dodge enemy attacks, as well as catch themselves in a roll upon hitting the ground after a jump. They also had improved stability in a fight, able to regain their balance quickly should they be thrown.

Rank Seven
Though not changing much in skill set, Assassins at this rank received an upgraded weapon arsenal. They received an extra knife belt, allowing them five additional throwing knives, as well as a more powerful standard sword.

Rank Eight
Assassins improved their skill in swordplay at this point, allowing them to break through the defenses of an enemy armed similarly to them.

Here, Altaïr was also granted a personalized sword with an eagle motif, which was considered an exceptionally powerful blade, even in the Renaissance.

Rank Nine
By this rank, Assassins improved in the use of daggers and short blades, on par with their skill level with longswords. They were thus granted a sleeker, more powerful short blade; often with a more ornate design.

Rank Ten
At this final rank, Assassins of the Third Crusade received an additional five throwing knives, as well as more powerful sword. This curved, golden-hilted Syrian blade was used even by the Grand Master of the Assassin Order at the time.

{C At this rank, Italian Assassins of the 16th century were formally initiated into the Order; receiving a more ornate set of Assassin robes.

Master Assassin
Only Assassins of exceptional skill and standing reached this rank, and were thus highly respected throughout the Order. Over the years, only very few are known to have gained this distinction.

Though varying on rare occasions, Master Assassins were often the only ones permitted to wield dual hidden blades.

Titles
The following is a breakdown (from lowest to highest) of the titles given to Assassins of each rank, both during the Third Crusade, and in Renaissance Italy.