Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad is the playable historical protagonist of the original Assassin’s Creed, released in 2007.
The game follows Altaïr, a Syrian Assassin operating during the Third Crusade in the late 12th century. After breaking the Brotherhood’s rules during a failed mission, he is demoted and must complete a series of assassinations to regain his rank. His targets are connected to both the Crusader and Saracen sides of the conflict.
Altaïr is distinct from Ezio Auditore, the Renaissance hero introduced in Assassin’s Creed II. Players also encounter Desmond Miles in the modern-day storyline, but Desmond experiences Altaïr’s memories through the Animus rather than serving as the historical character. Altaïr later appears in expanded stories, including Assassin’s Creed: Revelations, which explores his later life and legacy.