Ok me being the historical sap I am had to delve into the "Historical accuracy" subject, what a surprise.

Anyway, searching around the internet I found out his real name which is Altair Ibn'La-Ahad which roughly translates into Altair, Son of None(?). I'm not a student of Arabic so if this is a mistake please do correct me.

Next is the interesting assumption about his weapon of choice; the concealed dagger. First the question of; what was the early training like for an Assassin? Accounts of the guilds trials attest that the future assassins were brought to Alamut at a young age and, while they matured a future assassin was subjected to rites in which he was made to believe that he was in imminent danger of death throughout the entire period of his training. Instilling a sort of sixth sense or Intuition if you will. Typically they approached using a disguise; their weapon of choice was a dagger, poison darts, bows and other weapons that allowed the attacker to escape. For unarmed combat, the Hashshashin practiced a fighting style called Janna which incorporates striking techniques, grappling and low kicks.

But what I'm trying to figure out is what is that dagger concealed in his arm? The Hashashin apparently did cut their index finger placing a ring and also installing a dagger or hook in its place upon completing there training but I can't make out if the dagger on Altair is connected to his finger or pulled out from his sleeve. Take a look at what I mean:



And this one its clear its on his finger:



Next is the historical context in which the game is being developed with. The producer Jade Raymond says that the game is inspired by actual historical events. The nine individuals that are the targets for the player actually did die in the time period under the dagger of an Assassin. She also goes on to mention that the three historical cities within the game have been crafted and built almost to the last detail based on the actual topography of the cities in that time period. She also goes on to mention she realizes the political aspects of the game and says "they aren't taking any sides".

Ok what do I think about his game, I have no idea.. I'm really not interested at all in medieval history I've only studied ancient cultures dating back to antiquity. I will say if this game stays true to the details at hand, keeps fresh the experience not to go wayyyy out into fantasy (*cough*300*cough*) and of course not have any shady and redundant political undertones (*cough*Alexander*cough*) then this is going to be rump stopping fun! With that we'll just have to wait until it comes out ^^

I can't wait for this game.


Interview with Jade