Joel Was Right
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This is a simplified brief introduction to the fictional 'Assassins' designed to explain their motives and their creation. It is not intended to be a complete and full analysis of the historical political and religious landscape at the time.
Who were the real Assassins?
Known as the Hashshashin's (from where the word assassin is believed to originate) by their critics and Syrian neighbours, they were called the Fedayeen; highly trained sleeper commando's who'd infiltrate enemy positions and blend in. If their people became threatened with an attack, the Fedayeen were activated to prevent it. Despite their reputation from the Assassins Creed game, their preferred methods were not immediate assassinations but instead political threats and psychological warfare. Consequently, the majority of their victims were specifically targeted to be highly placed civilians who would wake up, in his supposed secure bed chamber, to find a Hashshashin dagger lying on their pillow.
What motivated the creation of the Fedayeen?
The Hashshashin's became a minority group after splitting from the Fatimid Isma'ili Empire - a minority themselves in comparison against the Abbasid Caliphate Empire. The split was triggered by a dispute regarding the succession of rulership of the Isma'il tribe, with the heir Nizar, ousted.
This breakaway consequently threatened their existence as they had no claim, no rights and no identity, outnumbered and entirely alone in enemy territory. But Nizar's supporters had a goal for not only themselves but the world entirely. They longed to create a utopian society, just and not dictated by religion despite being Muslims themselves.
Their size meant they could not mount a conventional army, a political neccessity in the 11th (and 21st) century to create any significant social change. They instead decided to adopt a tactic of converting local inhabitants in key-strategic areas to their particular-sect of the Islamic faith to gain support and build foundations for their utopian society. This demanded secrecy, and because of the lack of their military strength, planted their Fedayeen agents near to those in power (often as servants).
What exactly was the goal of the Fedayeen?
Their first and principle goal was to ensure the survival of their people and therefore their values. But whenever those values themselves were attacked in the form of greed, corruption and foreign domination, they acted. They had strong morals although did nothing to wane their reputation to be feared. It is important to understand however the Fedayeen were not vigilantes in the sense we know them as, this was not their priority, nor were they angels - they were the combat wing of a political sect.
Are there any notable references of them in history?
Yes. Saladin, the famous Sultan of Syria and Egypt, better known for his leadership of the Muslim opposition to the Christian Crusades, is noted to have been targeted by the Fedayeen although unsuccessfully. This goes hand-in-hand with the story of Assassins Creed in how the Assassins were manipulated to appear as enemies to the Islamic Empire and the Christian forces.
