Master Assassin

The title of Master Assassin was one of the highest obtainable ranks within the Assassin's Order, and those who held this title were presumed to have reached the peak of their training as an Assassin.

The rank garnered a large amount of respect from other members within the Order, and indicated individuals who possessed uncommon skill and talent in both the arts of stealth and assassination. A Master Assassin was meant to embody the Creed; they will never harm an innocent, always hide in plain sight, and never compromise the Brotherhood.

History
In 1176, Umar Ibn-La'Ahad and his fellow Assassin, Faheem Al-Sayf, held the title of Master Assassin.

In 1275, Masato Koga acheived this rank after attempting to defeat Kublai Khan

In 1191, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad held the position before being demoted to a novice following his failure to obtain the Apple of Eden beneath Solomon's Temple. He eventually regained this title, and held it during the assassinations of Robert de Sable and Al Mualim. Malik Al-Sayf also became a Master Assassin before he lost his arm.

In 1499, Ezio Auditore eventually obtained the rank. Yusuf Tazim, the leader of the Constantinople Assassins Guild in 1511, was also a Master Assassin.

Crusades
Like other Assassins, Master Assassins possessed the eagle beak-like design upon their hoods, but their robes were generally longer, forming a bird-like "tail" that fluttered whenever they were in an area of strong wind. In addition, their leather belts were larger, their red sashes wider and longer, and they had permission to carry any weapon they desired. The color of their robes remained white, as the only member allowed to wear another color, specifically black, was the Grand Master.

Renaissance
With the order much less public, a uniform guideline no longer existed. The Assassins of the Renaissance were a small, underground group, with access to knowledge and weapons. Most retained their free-running, Hidden Blades and beak-like hooded traditions.

Trivia

 * In Assassin's Creed: Revelations, Ezio trains seven Apprentices to become Master Assassins, who can be assigned to protect Assassin Dens, locking off any Templar attacks.