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Altaïr ibn La-Ahad, (Arabic: الطائر Al-taa-ir) usually known by the mononym Altaïr, is the main character and protagonist in the Ubisoft video games Assassin's Creed, Altaïr's Chronicles and Bloodlines. Altaïr also makes a cameo appearance in Assassin's Creed II. His name is Arabic for 'The Flying One' or 'Bird of Prey' and is pronounced in three syllables: Al-Taa-irr. "Ibn La-Ahad" means "Son of none". He is an ancestor of Desmond Miles and Ezio.

Character overview

Altaïr was born to an unknown couple. During his childhood his parents left Masyaf for unknown reasons, though Altaïr felt little at their departure due to the nature of the Assassin order. Prior to the events of the series, Altaïr trained under Al Mualim and quickly rose above his brethren in skill, mastering several weapons and skills, ranging from hand to hand combat to sword fighting. This caught both Al Mualim's eye and favor, and Altaïr was quickly promoted to the rank of Master Assassin.

Background

Nothing is known about Altaïr's background information, including where or exactly when he was born (though current information suggests around 1165-1166 AD). His parents, consisting of a Christian woman and a Muslim man, and relatives (if any) are unknown.

In the codex pages Altaïr states that he never felt a connection between his parents and him and that when he left them it was nothing more than departing "two strangers". He also stated that it was Al Mualim who cared for him and that it was enough for him during that stage of his life.

Appearance and role

Assassin's Creed

The game is set in 1191 during the Third Crusade. Altaïr has become over confident because of his rank within the Assassin's Order. He followed the Assassin's Creed, though when sent to fetch an artifact for Al Mualim, he encounters Robert de Sable and his men, and attempts to kill them. Robert and the rest of the Templars retaliate by attacking Masyaf, killing many of its citizens before being forced to run by an intricate trap activated by Altaïr. When Al Mualim discovers that he broke all three rules of the Creed, he demotes Altaïr to the rank of a Novice. Over the course of the game Altaïr must kill nine key targets (later revealed to be Knights Templar) threatening to tear apart the Holy Land. Template:Assassin's Creed chronology

After assassinating eight of these men, Robert de Sable is the last one that Altair must confront. Richard the Lionheart witnesses Altaïr accusing Sable of his plans, but Sable declines them. As a result, Richard orders for Altaïr and Sable to battle, letting God choose who will be triumphant. Altaïr and Sable clash swords, but Altair manages to finally gain the upper-hand and kills Sable, letting Richard come to realize that God chose for Altaïr to be victorious and that he was telling the truth. But during Sable's last words, he mentioned Al Mualim being the last of the targets. Altaïr heads back to Masyaf to confront Al Mualim. At first, the man is able to hold the Piece of Eden, but after dueling Altaïr and dying, the Piece is taken out of his grasp. Altaïr then sees a projection of all the other Pieces around the world, ending the game there.

Assassin's Creed II

During one break on using the Animus, Desmond suffers a hallucination that returns him to the body of Altaïr in Acre. He then makes love with Maria, a Templar he had earlier spared. When Altaïr departs, Desmond finds the memory staying with Maria, moves in to her womb, meaning she may be pregnant with Altaïr's child, and leaves him confused as he recovers.

At the point in which Assassin's Creed II begins, Altaïr has been dead for hundreds of years. However, it is known that he left a Codex that his descendant, Ezio, later finds. In it, he left a secret map which reveals the locations of Pieces of Eden scattered all over the world. The Codex pages also reveal that Altaïr invented several new improvements and technologies, such as allowing the Hidden Blade to be used without removing one's ring finger, and compacting a wheellock firearm on the assassin's wrist, as well as two Hidden Blades instead of one. Also, if you find six assassin seals, you unlock a black version of his armor.

Notes

During the game The Saboteur, the player can obtain the Altair trophy.

References

1. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0932936/
2. http://www.mahalo.com/altair-assassins-creed
3. http://www.gametrailers.com/video/ubidays-07-assassins-creed/19929

External links

• Altaïr at Assassin's Creed Wiki

• Articles with topics of unclear notability from November 2009
• Assassin's Creed characters
• Fictional assassins
• Fictional sword fighters
• Fictional Arabs
• Male video game characters