The Hidden Blade Assassin's Creed in Depth

The first step is to "lure Al-Ghul out". There are two methods suggested by the game (and no others known at this time):

1. Rally the workers
2. Use the merchant

Rallying the workers is the easier and faster option. I chose it in order to keep this video short. If you're up for a challenge, try using the merchant instead. He can be found at the east gate.

There are many ways to infiltrate the Caravanserai. Climbing the leaning palm tree on the south side is an interesting but seldom seen approach. I use the secret underwater entrance because it's close to the worker we need to rally. Pre-assassinate the three guards in this area in order to clear a path to Al-Ghul later.

Talk to the worker and he'll send you to meet with the handler. Three are marked on your map but it's always the westernmost guy you want. Crossing the courtyard undetected can be challenging. Blend with groups of 3 or more until detection meters go away. The next steps are self-explanatory: talk to the handler, don't pay him, pickpocket him, and return across the courtyard to the first worker.

When you start talking to the worker again, you don't have to stand there and listen. Instead, run toward the balcony and take the lift on the right side. There may be a guard on the roof so be prepared assassinate him. Drop down onto the balcony and go backstage to meet Al-Ghul.

Al-Ghul spawns just to the right of the backstage door. Hit immediately for the early/blitz assassination. aurllcooljay and I independently discovered that Basim can assassinate Al-Ghul as soon as he spawns. See Aurel's video here

One thing I noticed is that Al-Ghul's spawning will be postponed as long as your camera (i.e. right stick ) is facing east. My guess is the game designers expected you to be in the courtyard and didn't want you to miss Al-Ghul's entrance onto the balcony. For this blitz assassination it means that you should set yourself up to be face to face with Al-Ghul when he spawns. As such you will be Exposed, but not for long. For a stealth-blitz assassination I found a workaround. Position Basim with his back against the door and look east toward the courtyard. Wait a few moments and observe that Al-Ghul has not spawned. Now look at the floor! Al-Ghul will immediately spawn with his back toward you for the easy stealth assassination.