A reinterpretation of the classic theme – The Old Man from the Mountains, who governs his organization of hashashins.

Rashid ad-Din Sinan was an important figure in history, also known as the “Old Man of the Mountain.” He was the leader of the sect of the Hashashins in the 11th and 12th centuries in Persia. His headquarters were located in the fortress of Alamut, which served as the center of his power and operations. Sinan was a renowned strategist, and his manipulative skills and organizational abilities contributed to the growth and influence of his order. His warriors were known for carrying out assassinations of political opponents, and he himself gained fame as an elusive and mysterious leader. His character remains a fascinating aspect of Middle Eastern history and the Hashashin order.

You might ask yourselves, why was everyone so scared of the old man? Well, let me give you a short list of his highest-value targets.

1. Nizam al-Mulk: Nizam al-Mulk was a powerful Persian vizier and statesman during the Seljuk Empire. He was assassinated in 1092, allegedly by the Hashashins, with Rashid ad-Din Sinan suspected as the mastermind behind the plot.
2. Conrad of Montferrat: Conrad of Montferrat was a prominent Crusader and ruler of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. He was assassinated in 1192 while visiting Tyre, and some accounts suggest the Hashashins were involved, possibly under the orders of Sinan.
3. Raymond II of Tripoli: Raymond II was a Count of Tripoli and a key figure in the Crusader states. He was assassinated in 1152, and although the exact circumstances remain debated, it has been suggested that the Hashashins played a role.

As you can see, the old man had a special taste for targeting the highest-ranked nobles. He was not even afraid to engage in a personal war with one of the greatest Arab leaders of all time, Saladin. Allegedly (according to scarce historical sources that we possess), he made two attempts on Saladin’s life!

Rashid ad-Din Sinan, the Old Man of the Mountain, attempted to assassinate Saladin, the Sultan who ruled over Egypt and Syria. Saladin managed to elude the assassination attempts ordered by Rashid, and during the siege of Masyaf, notable events transpired between them. These events involved a mysterious figure leaving a note and hot scones in Saladin’s tent, which led Saladin to believe that Sinan himself was involved. As a result, Saladin sought to come to an agreement with Sinan and align himself with the Assassins to avoid their opposition.

Despite having relatively small forces, the Old Man of the Mountain, Rashid ad-Din Sinan, was able to exert a significant influence on the political scene of his region. Through his leadership of the sect of Hashashins and his strategic maneuvers, he wielded power and carried out assassinations that struck fear into the hearts of his enemies. His ability to target and eliminate high-ranking nobles and even attempt the assassination of renowned leaders like Saladin showcased his tactical prowess and the effectiveness of his organization. The impact of his actions reverberated throughout the region, shaping the political landscape and leaving a lasting legacy in history.