First Order was a virtual representation of one of Basim Ibn Ishaq's genetic memories relived through the Animus.[2]
Description[]
Basim was tasked with his first assassination, that of Mas'ood Al-Ya'qoob, an Order of the Ancients member going by the alias "Al-Ghul".
Memory Animus Feedback System[]
- Follow Roshan
- Lure Al-Ghul out
Look for distraction opportunities
- Return the confiscated item to the caravan leader
- Speak to the caravan leader
- Follow the caravan leader
- Find and speak to the workers' handler
- Steal the workers' deed
- Return the deed to the workers
- Assassinate Al-Ghul
- Your actions have garnered Al-Ghul's attention. He's exposed.
Dialogue[]
Basim followed his mentor Roshan through the town close to the Water Mill.
- Roshan: Come, Basim.
Passing by Beshi, Basim and Roshan continued away from the town to a nearby stable, where they mounted horses and rode through the fields towards the caravanserai.
- Roshan: An Order member is within our reach, Basim. And like those before and those yet to come, Al-Ghul's death will be just. This is a man who preys off the desperate and the disenfranchised. And such atrocities will only continue, for Al-Ghul is but a cog in a larger wheel. One that spins destructively. So long as it does, we Hidden Ones will make it our mission to slow it to a stop. Today you will lend your hand, your blade, to that very mission. And while Al-Ghul is your first target, he will not be your last. I have great belief in that. And in you. Through all my stoicism, my harsh lessons, know that you have impressed me, Basim. The Order's presence in Baghdad and beyond rests on shifting sands so long as you remain at the tip of our spear.
- Basim: And that is where I intend to remain. Beholden to your guidance, Master.
Basim and Roshan looking at the caravanserai
They dismounted and walked to a rocky outcrop, where they saw the caravanserai in the distance.
- Basim: As busy as a bee hive.
- Roshan: Come. Set your sights on the trial that awaits you.
- Basim: Merchants. Livestock. Caravans from all walks. And I thought Anbar's markets were disorderly.
- Roshan: Where there is disorder, there is chaos. And chaos can bring opportunity. See what avenues present themselves. Be reactive, but patient. And trust your instincts.
Basim looked around the site and saw his target on a building's balcony.
- Basim: That is Mas'ood, on the balcony. Just as Ali described.
- Roshan: I see him.
Roshan handed Basim a heron's feather.
- Roshan: Go now. Wet it with the blood of the slain. I will find you when it is over.
Basim reflected on his mission and his target, who oversaw the digging excavations on the Northern Oasis where countless people had died, and the caravanserai, where he located manpower for his work.
Mas'ood overseeing the excavation works
- Basim: You think your cruelties are well-hidden, Al-Ghul, for you chose those with little voice whose cries you knew would go unheard. They dug at your bidding, died at your hand and were cast aside like so much refuse. All to scour the desert for some artifact. Even now you haggle for flesh, safe in the Caravanserai. You prefer your victims chained and starved. It is time you faced a man unbound.
Basim listened to Roshan one last time before leaving.
- Roshan: The stage is yours, Basim. I will be watching.
Remember, patience. Discipline. And when the opportunity presents itself, seize it. This is a test, Basim. For you, and you alone.
Basim left the outcrop and approached the site. He found a note pinned to a merchant stall post outside the building.
Keep Away from Caravanserai's Canal
- Be wary of washing wares or bathing in the canal that runs beneath the wall and into the Caravanserai. It is a private waterway and any interference on our part could result in contamination of the water designated for the Caravanserai's use.
Near the main gate, he found a group of merchants complaining.
- Civilian 1: What is the delay?
- Civilian 2: I am not certain. Some guards came poking around and ordered us all to wait.
Basim spoke to one of them.
- Basim: What delays your departure, friend?
- Caravan merchant: Someone by the name of Mas'ood saw fit to inspect my wares and so, here I wait. Who does he think he is?
- Basim: I am not sure I can be of any help at the moment.
After some reflection, Basim returned and spoke to the man again.
- Basim: Greetings, friend.
- Caravan merchant: Ah! You again.
Basim offering to help recover the merchant's goods
- Basim: What is it you are carrying? I ask only so that I may collect it for you.
- Caravan merchant: Would you do that? I would take great joy in seeing that man in a fit of anger. It is a crate of silks and spices.
- Basim: Ready your camel. I will see what I can do.
Basim left and pondered over the merchant's words.
- Basim: If I can get that merchant to leave, his abrupt departure may lure Al-Ghul out.
Basim managed to sneak onto the caravanserai's roof by climbing some trees on the building's south side and avoiding the soldier patrols. He began scouting his surroundings, starting from the main gate. In an office above it, he found a note on a desk.
Lest I be Silenced
- Rahim,
A convoy of guards game to the caravanserai last night, all noiseless secrecy. They collected a large chest, half-crusted with dirt, loaded it into a card, and bore it away. I know not where, but I heard talk of the harbor. I watched from a distance, but fear I was seen. If something should happen to me, you will know that I have paid the price for bearing witness.
He continued circling the caravanserai's roof, eliminating or evading the guards, until he reached its opposite end, which had a larger locked office and an accompanying balcony over the rear exit. Using Eagle Vision, he saw Mas'ood pacing about inside. Basim approached a beam overlooking the balcony.
- Basim: Al-Ghul deserves a fate far worse than the one at the edge of my blade. My message will reach the Order, loud and clear.
He dropped to the balcony and read a note on an ornate footstool beside a chair and a small table of food.
Revelations
- Alruh...
With each devotion of my mind and body to the Great Work, I sense it further. What once lay dormant floods through me, longing to carve out its own space. Whether it is in coalescence with the rest of me, I am not certain. I see, hear, and feel aspects of a life that is not my own, yet I sense a deep connection to it. My curiosity remains unsated. I must know more.
He dropped into the courtyard to investigate further.
- Basim: A crate with spices and silks. There cannot be too many of those around.
He saw a musician busking by the balcony's base.
- Musician: Might we play for your pleasure?
Basim paid the man a token for his services.
- Basim: Such a melody suits my mood of late.
- Musician: Let the music flow!
He sat down on a bench and played a tune, attracting some patrolling guards. While Basim blended into the crowd, he overheard two civilians arguing.
- Basim: A strange thing to happen upon. Perhaps I can use this to my advantage?
- Civilian 2: You must think me a fool.
- Civilian 3: You said it. Not me. Though I am inclined to agree!
- Civilian 2: How dare you speak to me that way!
- Civilian 3: If you want me to stop then you should move along. If not, I will gladly raise my fists in place of mincing my words.
- Basim: Those two men are having a loud dispute, but not loud enough. How might I push them over the edge?
Basim threw a knife at a rope that held a nearby hanging platform of jars above the men. The containers fell, creating a dust cloud, and the startled onlookers briefly scattered. The two men became even angrier at each other, drawing more people to them.
- Civilian 2: Did you... argh! Now I've had it.
- Civilian 3: Do you take me for a fool? You did that!
- Basim: The louder they get, the more onlookers they attract.
Their noise attracted the other soldiers guarding a nearby alcove, prompting Basim to search there for the crate mentioned by the merchant. He found it amidst other treasure and carried the crate.
Basim carrying the crate
- Basim: Hmm... pungent. This must be the caravan merchant's crate.
After quietly leaving the caravanserai, he returned the crate to the merchant.
- Caravan merchant: Is that what I think it is?
- Basim: Is this your crate?
- Caravan merchant: Ah! It is indeed! The guards returned it to you?
- Basim: In a manner of speaking.
Basim requesting the merchant's aid
- Caravan merchant: Very good, very good. I must repay you. You seem like a man who enjoys a good meal. Care for some spice?
- Basim: Not today, no. But I will ask that you loudly proclaim your departure. Make sure Mas'ood notices.
- Caravan merchant: Ha! We share the same mind. My thanks to you, ya sadeeqi (friend).
Basim mingled with the merchant and his followers as they entered the caravanserai while bypassing the guards. An angry crowd of merchants began forming in front of the balcony, with Basim in attendance.
- Basim: Word will surely get to Al-Ghul. Come out and spectate, coward.
A crowd forming in front of the balcony
As he expected, Mas'ood came out to the balcony.
- Basim: There he is. Now is my chance.
- Mas'ood: What is happening out there? Where does that caravan merchant think he is going? I am not leaving, not until I know that has caused such chaos. Stay alert. I feel something is amiss
Basim speaking to a trapped worker
Basim managed to sneak into the caravanserai by diving into the waters of a small stream, swimming until he emerged on a pool inside the site and killing the soldier who guarded it. In one of the buildings, he overheard an impatient worker.
- Civilian 4: You there. Come over here, quickly. Get us out and I will make it worth your while. Please!
Basim approached the worker.
- Civilian 4: We were promised steady work and fruitful returns. Now we're being made to slog in the desert! We were deceived. Please, you must help us!
- Basim: I plan to, it is only a matter of how. Wait here, I will return.
Basim left to think, then made his way back and spoke to the man again.
- Civilian 4: You've returned! Will you help us?
Basim pondered about the worker's words as he left.
- Basim: If I can relieve these men of their duty, it will not be long before Al-Ghul catches wind of his disbanded work force.
In search of the merchant with the deed, he entered a rug-decorated alcove and spoke to the merchant there.
- Basim: Greetings, my friend. What sorts of goods are you travelling with?
- Merchant 1: Ivory and honey. And you? Are you seeking to trade?
- Basim: Perhaps. For now I will browse for a little longer.
He left and found a food merchant in another alcove.
- Basim: As-salamu'alaikum. (Peace be upon you.)
- Merchant 2: Wa'alaikum as-salam. (And peace be upon you.) Could I interest you in some fruits today? My pomegranates are ripe and succulent!
- Basim: Is that what you have come to trade? Let me think on it.
Basim then spoke with a third merchant looking over some bags of spice.
- Basim: Well met, traveler. The caravanserai is rich with wares today. I was wondering if you had any goods to sell.
- Merchant 3: I only deal in dirham, and what I sell are not goods, boy. Though I suppose that depends on who you ask.
- Basim: I am not sure I understand.
- Merchant 3: I sell men. Laborers. But my lot is spoken for.
- Basim: Could I change your mind? I have coin to spare and could use men such as yours.
- Merchant 3: Fifteen thousand.
- Basim: That is absurd. Who has the means to pay so much?
- Merchant 3: It is better to keep that question to yourself. Be on your way now.
Basim showed the man the coin he demanded.
- Basim: A high price, but... it is one I can pay.
- Merchant 3: But not one I expected you to. I said my men were spoken for. Nothing will change that, and for good reason. Now be gone.
Basim left the merchant and thought to himself.
- Basim: If I am going to free those laborers, I will have to steal the deed.
He followed the slave merchant into a covered part of the market and stealthily stole the deed, which he then read.
Worker's Deed
- Sold for 160 dinar
Quantity: 8 men
Quality: Strong, healthy
Origin: Persia
Sold to:
x Mas'ood Al-Ya'qoob
He pocketed the document.
- Basim: Now to free those men.
- Merchant 3: Oh, where... where is... wha... The deed! Have I dropped it? No, no, no. No!
Basim returned to the worker.
- Basim: I have claimed the deed from your handler. You are bound no longer. Go!
The worker left.
- Basim: The laborers run amok. Al-Ghul will take notice. I must be ready to strike. Word will surely get to Al-Ghul. Come out and spectate, coward.
The workers gathered in front of the courtyard and protested, with Basim in attendance.
- Civilian 4: We have come with the promise of work. Why bind our hands like this?
As Basim expected, Mas'ood came out to the balcony.
- Basim: Death approaches, Al-Ghul
- Mas'ood: What is happening out there?
- Civilian 5: Where is the overseer? I demand to know the meaning of this.
- Civilian 6: This was a ruse all along! What do you mean to do with us?
- Mas'ood: The workers have escaped! Get them under control!
Basim got up to the roof of the building presiding over the balcony and approached a scaffolding.
Basim jumping down onto Mas'ood with his Hidden Blade
- Basim: This ends now.
Basim jumped down onto Mas'ood and stabbed him with his Hidden Blade. He then dragged Mas'ood's to a nearby rope and wrapped it around the man's neck, before leaping with him over the balcony rail, landing in the courtyard and displaying the hanged Order member to the caravanserai. Basim instantly found himself in the Memory Corridor. He looked about, unsure of his surroundings before he heard Mas'ood behind him.
- Mas'ood: La'anaka Allah. (May God curse you.)
Basim saw Mas'ood, who lay on the ground beside his Order mask and a tangle of rope. Basim knelt by Mas'ood, who grunted in pain.
Basim and Mas'ood in the Memory Corridor
- Basim: Turn your hate inward, Mas'ood. It is your wickedness that has led you here.
- Mas'ood: Wickedness? To whom? The unenlightened? The feeble who have cast their lot? It is our divine will to rule over them. Our duty to exact their contribution.
- Basim: Contribution to what?
- Mas'ood: To what could be. The very knowledge of which lies buried beneath these sands.
- Basim: Some things are meant to stay that way.
- Mas'ood: No, no, no, no, no... These... are gifts. Destined to be recovered. They speak to us. As you well know...
- Basim: Me?
- Mas'ood: Oh, yes. A Hidden One you may be, but not just...
Mas'ood passed from his wounds. Basim took the feather and dipped it in his blood. Once he did so, a dim sound was heard and Mas'ood's body turned to sand. Basim's surroundings darkened and he heard a groan, reminiscent of his old nightmares. Basim peered into the veil of sand and saw the familiar figure of the djinn, though the vision ended before the creature could approach him. Having killed his target, Basim swiftly dispatched two nearby guards. Stunned, he gazed at his hands then into the crowd, where he saw his old friend Nehal in the distance.
Basim spotting Nehal in the distance
- Basim: Nehal?
Suddenly, Basim's mentor called out to him.
- Roshan: Basim!
As Roshan pulled him away, Basim found that Nehal had disappeared. Nevertheless, he left the caravanserai with his mentor and returned to the outcrop, where he sat down in a meditation stance.
- Roshan: Clear your mind.
- Basim: (deep breath)
- Roshan: Al-Ghul's relentless pursuit at the expense of human lives has come to an end. It is a day of victory. Not only for those spared of his cruelty, but for the Hidden Ones. The Order's grand plot in Baghdad may still be a mystery, but we can at least be certain Al-Ghul's role in it has been vanquished.
Basim and Roshan reflecting on his first kill
Having cleared his mind, Basim stood up and spoke to Roshan.
- Basim: I believe what he sought to uncover were more strange objects like the one I took from the Winter Palace. What does the Order want with these relics of the past? And why guard them with so much effort?
- Roshan: You are beginning to ask the right questions, Basim. We shall find the answers together.
- Basim: Lately all I have are questions.
He looked back at the caravanserai in thought.
- Roshan: What do you mean?
- Basim: Nothing. Forget I said anything.
Roshan shook her head in disappointment.
- Roshan: How am I to guide you if you will not speak openly?
Basim telling Roshan about his nightmares
Basim faced her and reluctantly opened up.
- Basim: I have... I have... struggled with nightmares. In these dreams a jinni torments me until I wake up panicked and soaked with sweat. In Alamut, I had nearly forgotten about it. But when I killed Al-Ghul, I felt its presence again. And I am left asking why. Why here? Why now? Why me? Piling questions and no answers. I meant to tell you, but...
- Roshan: You were afraid I would think you weak of mind.
Basim nodded.
- Roshan: We are only as weak as we allow ourselves to be. To shed a weakness, you must do what is necessary to mend that which causes you pain.
- Basim: Will you permit me a brief respite? I wish to seek out an old friend.
- Roshan: Nehal? I remember. She is important to you, isn't she?
- Basim: She is, but last we spoke I led her to believe otherwise.
Roshan granting Basim time off to heal
- Roshan: This causes you pain. Then go and heal this wound without delay. Find me at the Harbiyah bureau when it is settled.
Roshan took her leave.
- Basim: If that was indeed Nehal, I have not a clue where she went. Back home in Anbar, maybe.
Outcome[]
Basim assassinated Mas'ood, but experienced a vision of the djinn—the first one since he had joined the Hidden Ones—and saw his old friend Nehal. Wanting to make peace with her, Basim asked Roshan for a small leave in order to search for Nehal at their old home in Anbar.
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ A time jump occurs during "Taking Flight". Despite it being unclear how much time Basim takes to complete his training, several notes in Baghdad describe events that date to mid-862, with two documents being of importance: "Resignation of Abu 'Abdallah" is al-Mu'tazz renouncing his right to caliphal succession in favor of his elder brother al-Muntasir, which historian al-Tabari dated to 27 April 862 in Tarikh al-Tabari's 34th volume "Incipient Decline: The Caliphates of al-Wathiq, al-Mutawakkil, and al-Muntasir", while "Trouble at the Court" details al-Mu'tazz's cousin Al-Musta'in being appointed caliph following al-Muntasir's death that June. This, coupled with the fact that this memory and the succeeding ones must happen before 865, when al-Mut'azz and the Turkic Army should be shown besieging Baghdad to defeat al-Musta'in and his Tahirid forces, implies that they happen in 862.
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Mirage