In the first Assassin's Creed game, what rank does Altaïr hold before his demotion?

In the first Assassin's Creed game, Altaïr holds the rank of Master Assassin before his demotion.

Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad begins the game as an elite member of the Assassin Brotherhood. During an early mission, he breaks the Brotherhood's three core principles by acting recklessly and endangering fellow Assassins. As punishment, his mentor Al Mualim removes his rank and equipment, forcing him to rebuild his status through a series of assignments.

This demotion is central to Altaïr's character arc. He starts as an exceptionally skilled but arrogant warrior and gradually learns patience, discipline, and the deeper meaning of the Creed. Completing missions allows him to recover weapons, abilities, and eventually his former standing.

Altaïr is not the Brotherhood's grandmaster at the beginning of the story. Al Mualim occupies that leadership role in Masyaf, while Altaïr serves as one of his most capable field operatives.