Al Mualim Phase 1 Strategy
The initial confrontation with Al Mualim, the Grand Master of the Assassin Brotherhood, is a test of your fundamental combat skills and your ability to adapt to his varied attacks. This phase focuses on his mastery of the sword and his ability to control the battlefield.
Al Mualim begins this phase by employing a series of swift sword strikes. He favors quick combos that can easily break your guard if you are not paying attention. The best approach here is to focus on parrying his attacks. His sword swings are well-telegraphed, and a successful parry will stagger him, allowing you to land a few counter-attacks. Aim for 2-3 light attacks after a successful parry before retreating to avoid his retaliatory strikes.
He will also utilize a powerful overhead slam attack. This attack has a sificant wind-up, giving you ample time to dodge to the side. After dodging, you can often get in one or two heavy attacks before he recovers. Be cautious of his lunging thrusts, which are fast and can catch you off guard if you are too close. These are best avoided by a sidestep dodge.
A critical mechanic in this phase is Al Mualim's ability to summon spectral assassins. These spectral foes are weaker than regular enemies but can overwhelm you if left unchecked. When he summons them, prioritize eliminating them quickly. Use your Throwing Knives to pick them off from a distance or engage them in close combat if they get too close. Do not let them distract you from Al Mualim himself, as he will continue to attack during this period.
If you find yourself taking sificant damage, utilize your Healing Poultice. use this when Al Mualim is recovering from a missed attack or when you have created some distance. The goal in this phase is to chip away at his health while minimizing the damage you take. Patience and precise execution of parries and dodges are key to surviving this initial encounter and preparing for the next phase of the battle.