Two mysterious, cloaked figures lurk in the shadows, sneaking along dirt roads in 12th century Jerusalem. They’re following an influential politician, an Italian who had just been named King of Jerusalem after a brief victory for the Christians during the crusades. The king’s entourage rounds a corner, and the cloaked men jump out and attack. One of the men is taken out by the guards, martyring himself. The other is captured, while the king eventually succumbs to his injuries.

If you think this sounds like something out of Assassin’s Creed, you’re right. But it also comes straight from the history books.

Today, we’re looking at the Nizari Ismaili (iz-mah-ee-lee), the real-life assassin cult that nearly toppled empires.