In the original Assassin's Creed, Masyaf is home to the Assassin bureau where Altaïr begins.
Masyaf is the mountain stronghold of the Assassin Brotherhood and the residence of its mentor, Al Mualim. Altaïr returns there between missions to receive assignments, report progress, and obtain equipment or guidance.
The game is set during the Third Crusade in 1191. Altaïr travels from Masyaf to three principal cities—Jerusalem, Acre, and Damascus—while investigating targets connected to the Templar Order. These cities are mission destinations, whereas Masyaf is the Brotherhood's base.
Masyaf is based on a real settlement in modern-day Syria, historically associated with the Nizari Ismaili community and its fortress. The game's depiction uses historical inspiration but also incorporates fictional characters, conspiracies, and supernatural elements. Its mountain setting makes it visually distinct from the larger urban areas visited by Altaïr.