Al Mualim

"He that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow."

- Al Mualim.

Al Mualim (Arabic: المعلم; English: The Teacher or The Master), also known as Sinan, (died 1191) was the Grand Master of the Assassin Order during the High Middle Ages until his death in 1191, and mentor to his successor, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad. He was also secretly a member of the Knights Templar. It is unknown when he joined the Templars, but it appears his desire to obtain the Apple of Eden resulted in his covert dealings with the organization. Al Mualim's teachings and work had positive influence on the Assassins, up until his betrayal of the Order in 1191.

Siege of Masyaf
In 1176, Salah Al'din and his Saracen army laid siege to the fortress of Masyaf. Al Mualim, who was in charge of the Assassins at the time, 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 managed to leave a feather and dagger inside the warlord's tent. However, as he escaped, he was forced to kill a nobleman in the process.

The following day, Salah Al'din left the camp, leaving his son and second-in-command, Shihab Al'din, in charge. Shihab came over to negotiate peace, claiming that they would leave once the killer of the nobleman was executed. 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.

Mentor to Altaïr
Out of grief for Umar's death, Ahmad had killed himself in front of the young novice Altaïr. The shocked boy told Al Mualim of this, which resulted in Al Mualim taking the body away to cover up the suicide, and he told Altaïr that he would be training as an Assassin alongside Abbas Sofian. Al Mualim told Altaïr never to tell Abbas of his father's death, believing it to be best for the boy. Al Mualim became the mentor to Altaïr and Abbas.

In 1183, the Templars invaded Masyaf and took Al Mualim prisoner. Among the hostages to be killed, Al Mualim was saved in time by Altaïr, who had killed the leader Templar from above. Walking with Altaïr, Al Mualim told him of the pride he felt for his actions, and how much the Assassin looked like his father.

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

- Al Mualim to Altaïr 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 was accompanied by two fellow Assassins on his journey, the brothers Malik and Kadar Al-Sayf. The mission, however, ended tragically, with Kadar losing his life, and Malik being brutally injured in his left arm due to Altaïr's disregard for the Creed.

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, moved for an attack on 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, stripping him of most of his equipment, and his authority in the Order. Al Mualim then sent him to find the traitor who had opened the gates to let the Templars through.

Altaïr was successful and brought 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 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's offer to Altaïr.

Al Mualim offered Altaïr a chance at redemption, and showed him a list of nine men who needed to be eliminated. They were said to be tyrants of their cities, thus Altaïr's job was to slay them. After each kill, Altaïr was to report back to Al Mualim, whereupon 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 Tamir 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 had told him that he knew 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 did not repeat his past mistakes.

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 his progress.

Al Mualim waited for Altaïr, and when he arrived, Altaïr told Al Mualim about how some of Garnier's "patients" had treated Garnier as friend. Al Mualim claimed that a leader could find ways to make others obey them. When they were done exchanging words, Altaïr was promoted once more and given another piece of equipment. He rode off to Jerusalem to take the life of Talal, and once the deed was done, he returned to Masyaf.

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

- Al Mualim to Altaïr.

As Altaïr approached Al Mualim, he told him that the task had been completed, and that Talal was dead. Al Mualim responded by telling Altaïr that King Richard was emboldened by his victory in Acre, and planned to move south towards Jerusalem. He stated that Salah Al'din was surely aware of that, as he had gathered his men at the broken citadel of Arsuf.

While Altaïr offered to kill both Richard and Salah Al'din, Al Mualim told him that it would create too much bloodshed, and groups would be scattered. He went on to say that he should concern himself on the main task at hand, before promoting Altaïr once again and returning another piece of equipment.

Altaïr rode towards Damascus to defeat Abu'l Nuqoud. Once he had finished and reported to the Bureau leader, he rode for Masyaf to speak with 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 a small corner of his library for Altaïr, believing that his apprentice's actions would no doubt provoke the peace they desired. When he arrived, Al Mualim gave him gratitude, both on behalf of himself, of the realm.

Altaïr told Al Mualim about how his targets always seemed so sure of their victory. Al Mualim responded that, as an Assassin, it was their duty to notice and question. However, when Altaïr began to pose further questions, Al Mualim admonished him and simply told him to trust in his Master.

Altaïr was promoted once again, and another weapon was gained. He then rode for Acre to slay William of Montferrat. Once the deed was done, Altaïr reported to the Bureau, then returned 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 waited for Altaïr in his study at Masyaf, where Altaïr reported as usual, though Al Mualim noticed that there was something on Altaïr's mind. Al Mualim told Altaïr to speak the troubles he had, and Altaïr demanded direct answers from him, claiming that Al Mualim only gave him riddles in exchange.

Threatening to stop killing his targets if he did not receive answers, Altaïr went on to ask what bound the men he had been killing. Al Mualim threatened Altaïr with a blade, but Altaïr called his bluff, and remarked that if any other Assassin could complete the task he had been given, he would already be dead.

Al Mualim finally conceded, and told Altaïr that the men he had been striking down were Templars. After this, Al Mualim told Altaïr that his assignment had not changed, but merely the context. With the matter settled, Altaïr was promoted and granted another weapon, with Al Mualim asking him how he had known he would not kill him. Altaïr admitted that he had not known, and had simply taken a leap of faith.

Altaïr then rode off to take the life of Majd Addin in Jerusalem, and once the assassination was completed, he discussed it with the Bureau leader and rode towards Masyaf.

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

- Al Mualim while holding the Piece of Eden.

Al Mualim greeted Altaïr, and Altaïr told him that Majd Addin's blood had been spilled. Altaïr tried to piece everything together, with Al Mualim continuing for him, and claiming that the Templars desired control, and to create a supposed "New World."

Al Mualim then gave Altaïr a glimpse of the Piece of Eden, claiming that it was what had started the Trojan War, and what had turned water into wine. Although unknown to Altaïr at the time, Al Mualim tried to use the artifact's power on Altaïr, though it proved ineffective.

Altaïr once more gained a rank and another piece of equipment, then rode towards Damascus to assassinate Jubair al Hakim. Once he had finished his mission and had exchanged words with the Bureau leader, Altaïr returned to Masyaf to tell Al Mualim of his deeds.

Al Mualim welcomed Altaïr home, and Altaïr pondered why Jubair's and Sibrand's lives needed to be taken. Al Mualim responded, saying that their lives should be ended, as they would have paved the way for change, in which problems were not given cause or reason to be intervened.

Al Mualim told Altaïr that the final man, Sibrand, was the only one left standing between Altaïr and Robert. Al Mualim promoted Altaïr and gave him a piece of equipment, then Altaïr rode for Acre to kill 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 they discussed the last name on Al Mualim's list, Robert de Sable. Al Mualim claimed that once Robert tasted of the Piece of Eden's power, he saw not a weapon to be destroyed, but a tool to be used.

Al Mualim went on, saying that Robert's life ambition of power would be completed if he got his hands on the treasure again. Al Mualim at last sent Altaïr to take Robert's life, giving Altaïr a Syrian sword to help him on his journey.

When Robert was fatally stabbed by Altaïr's blade, the dying Grand Master revealed Al Mualim to be a Templar. Robert claimed that the only difference between him and Al Mualim was that Al Mualim refused to share the power of the Piece of Eden.

Death


Altaïr subsequently returned to Masyaf to find that the people in the city had been put under a hypnotic trance by Al Mualim, with only he and a few of his fellow Assassins unaffected by the mind control. After reaching the fortress gardens by dispatching several of Al Mualim's pawns, Altaïr confronted his Master, who used the power of the Piece of Eden to restrain his former student. Al Mualim taunted Altaïr from the balcony above, and Altaïr questioned him of his motives.

Al Mualim replied that he had found proof that "nothing is true and everyone is permitted." He then created illusions of the nine men Altaïr had killed to battle him. Despite being outnumbered, Altaïr defeated these copies, though he was bound by the artifact once again. Al Mualim did this again, making several replicas of himself, but again, they were all defeated.

Binding Altaïr with the Piece of Eden's power again, Al Mualim explained his motives; that he sought the same as Robert, but wanted the artifact for himself, hence using his apprentice to kill the Templars. Altaïr questioned why Al Mualim had allowed him to retain his mind, and the Grand Master admitted that he had tried, but failed, due to his student's strength of mind.

Al Mualim explained that the artifact 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 Piece of Eden to teleport across the garden. However, eventually Altaïr defeated his Master.

As he died, Al Mualim claimed that he had done 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 of the Assassins and burned the body of his former master, however, many of his fellow Assassins refused to accept Al Mualim's betrayal, and rioted against Altaïr for some time.

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 said, "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.

As an educated 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, as opposed to the much more colorful clothes a year before, and was notably blind in one eye. In Assassin's Creed: Revelations he has a gray beard, even during memories that take place before Altaïr's Chronicles.

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 who led the Syrian Assassins. He died sometime between 1192 and 1194.
 * 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. Surprisingly, this is true even in the upcoming Revelations, despite all characters getting new models.
 * 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 [Al Mualim's] face in yours."
 * However, this is disproven by the Codex (where Altaïr's father is referred to separately from Al Mualim) and in Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade.
 * 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.
 * 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 in his right eye, Mario Auditore, mentor and also the uncle of Ezio Auditore, is blind in his left eye.
 * If the player counters Al Mualim with their sword and he disappears, you can stop him from disappearing again by hitting him with a throwing knife.
 * In Assassin's Creed: Revelations, Al Mualim has numerous changes to his clothing, with the addition of reddish tinge and several patterns imprinted on his robes, as well and an altered face with no scar on his face, thus his eye was not yet blinded.

Reference
Al Mualim