Unraveling the Animus: Desmond Miles and the Assassin's Creed Legacy
Animus and Desmond's Ancestral Memories
The Animus is capable of extracting DNA user memories from ancestral offspring, allowing the user to relive these memories as if they were their own. Desmond Miles was chosen for the project due to his genetic link to his ancestor, Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad. Altaïr, whose name means 'The Flying' and surname 'Son of Nobody' in Arabic, was a member of the Hashashin during the Third Crusade in the Holy Land. The researchers, Dr. Warren Vidic and his assistant Lucy Stillman, showed particular interest in an event involving Altaïr.
Abstergo's Hidden Agenda
Gradually, the true intentions of Abstergo Industries are revealed. Desmond discovers, by reading emails on Abstergo's computers and conversing with Lucy, that neither the Hashashin nor the Templars ever truly ceased to exist. He realizes he is in the midst of a pivotal conspiracy on the eve of an impending apocalypse.
Altaïr's Initial Forays in 1191
The memories of Altaïr that Desmond experiences begin in 1191. Richard I of England had just recaptured the port city of Acre from the Saracens. With a base of operations established, the Crusaders prepared to move south, their true target being Jerusalem, which they sought to recover for Christendom. Meanwhile, Saladin's Saracen forces coalesced in Arsuf, attempting to ambush the Crusaders and prevent them from reaching Jerusalem.
The Artifact of Solomon's Temple
The first memory Desmond experiences involves Altaïr, along with fellow Assassin Malik and his brother Kaddar. They are entrusted with retrieving a mysterious artifact from the ruins of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, an artifact also sought by the Knights Templar.
Altaïr's Demotion and Path to Redemption
As Altaïr and his companions move within the Temple of Solomon, they discover that the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, Robert de Sablé, is also inside. Altaïr attempts to assassinate Robert but fails, becoming separated from his companions. This leaves Kaddar and Malik vulnerable to Robert and his men. Upon returning to his base in Masyaf, it is discovered that Malik survived the skirmish, albeit having lost an arm. Tragically, his brother Kaddar did not survive, though Malik managed to retrieve the artifact. Because Altaïr failed his mission and endangered the Brotherhood, he is demoted to Novice, the lowest rank in the Order. The leader, Al Mualim, offers him a chance at redemption: Altaïr must venture across the Holy Land and assassinate nine key figures. These assassinations, while seemingly exacerbating the hostilities of the Third Crusade, are presented as a means to stabilize the region and help the Order achieve its goal of restoring peace to the Holy Land.
The Global Templar Conspiracy
As the narrative progresses, the player becomes deeply involved in a conspiracy that threatens not only the Holy Land but the entire world. The consequences of this conspiracy directly impact Abstergo Industries, which is revealed to be the modern-day incarnation of the Templar Order.