Altaïr pursues nine main assassination targets in the original Assassin's Creed.
The targets are influential figures connected to the wider conflict during the Third Crusade. Before each assassination, Altaïr gathers information through investigations such as eavesdropping, pickpocketing, and interrogations. These preparations identify a target's location, habits, and vulnerabilities before the final mission.
The targets are distributed among the game's major cities: Jerusalem, Acre, and Damascus. The list includes Tamir, Garnier de Naplouse, Talal, Abu'l Nuqoud, William of Montferrat, Majd Addin, Jubair al Hakim, Robert de Sablé, and another figure whose role is revealed as the story develops. The missions gradually expose a conspiracy rather than functioning as unrelated contracts.
The number nine refers to the principal assassination sequence, not every hostile character or optional mission in the game. Robert de Sablé is especially important because he is the Grand Master of the Templars and the final major target in Altaïr's campaign.