Assassin

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Assassin Introduction

In the shadowy corners of the world, where light dares not tread, lurks a figure of silent menace—the Assassin. Cloaked in darkness, this elusive creature is a master of stealth and subterfuge, moving with a grace that belies its deadly intent. Its presence is often felt before it is seen, a chill in the air, a whisper of movement, a fleeting shadow that dances at the edge of perception.

The Assassin is a figure shrouded in mystery, its appearance as varied as the disguises it dons. Yet, beneath the layers of deception, it is a creature of lean, sinewy build, its muscles honed for swift, lethal strikes. Its eyes, cold and calculating, miss nothing, and its hands, calloused from years of wielding blades, are as steady as the grave. Clad in dark, muted garb that blends seamlessly with the night, the Assassin is a specter of death, unseen until it is too late.

Behaviorally, the Assassin is a creature of patience and precision. It stalks its prey with an unerring focus, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. It is not driven by rage or malice, but by a cold, calculating purpose. Each movement is deliberate, each action meticulously planned. The Assassin is a predator of the highest order, its mind as sharp as the daggers it wields.

The Assassin typically dwells in the underbelly of cities, where the shadows are thick and the air is heavy with secrets. It is here, amidst the labyrinthine alleys and forgotten passages, that it finds its sanctuary. Yet, it is not bound to the urban sprawl; the Assassin is equally at home in the wild, where the dense canopy of the forest or the craggy terrain of the mountains provides ample cover for its clandestine operations.

Legends speak of the Assassin as a figure of both fear and fascination. Some tales tell of a guild of assassins, a secretive order that trains its members in the deadly arts, while others speak of a lone wanderer, a ghostly figure that appears only to claim its mark. Whispers of its deeds echo through taverns and marketplaces, tales of impossible feats and inescapable deaths. To encounter an Assassin is to dance with death itself, a perilous waltz from which few emerge unscathed.

Assassin Skills & Traits

Skills

• Acrobatics +9
• Deception +11
• Perception +7
• Stealth +11

Senses

• Darkvision 60 ft.
• Passive Perception 17

Languages

• Thieves' Cant
• Any two languages

Abilities

• Assassinate: During its first turn, the assassin has advantage on attack rolls against any creature that hasn't taken a turn. Any hit the assassin scores against a surprised creature is a critical hit.
• Evasion: If the assassin is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, the assassin instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails.
• Uncanny Dodge: When an attacker that the assassin can see hits it with an attack, it can use its reaction to halve the attack's damage against it.

Actions

• Multiattack: The assassin makes two shortsword attacks.
• Shortsword: Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage, plus 14 (4d6) poison damage.
• Light Crossbow: Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage, plus 14 (4d6) poison damage.

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Assassin Battle Tips

The Assassin is a deadly and stealthy adversary, perfect for Dungeon Masters looking to challenge their players with a cunning and elusive foe. Here are some tips on how to effectively use Assassins in your campaign:

Using Assassins in Battle

• Stealth and Surprise: Assassins excel in stealth and surprise attacks. Use their ability to hide and move silently to ambush the party. Position them in areas with plenty of cover or shadows to maximize their stealth capabilities.
• Target Priority: Assassins should prioritize high-value targets such as spellcasters or healers. Their ability to deal significant damage in a single strike can quickly turn the tide of battle.
• Poison Use: Equip Assassins with poisoned weapons to add an extra layer of danger. This can create ongoing damage and force the party to use resources to counteract the poison effects.

Coordinating Multiple Assassins

• Divide and Conquer: Use multiple Assassins to split the party's focus. Have them attack from different angles, forcing the players to divide their attention and resources.
• Hit and Run Tactics: Assassins can strike quickly and retreat, using their speed and stealth to avoid prolonged combat. This tactic can frustrate players and wear them down over time.
• Communication and Coordination: Assassins should communicate silently using hand signals or pre-arranged signals to coordinate their attacks. This can create a seamless and deadly assault on the party.

Fleeing and Regrouping

• Escape Routes: Always have an escape plan for Assassins. Use hidden passages, trapdoors, or smoke bombs to facilitate a quick retreat if the battle turns against them.
• Regroup and Reassess: If the Assassins are forced to flee, have them regroup at a safe location to reassess their strategy. They can gather intelligence on the party's weaknesses and plan a more effective attack.
• Decoys and Distractions: Use decoys or create distractions to cover the Assassins' retreat. This can involve setting traps or using illusions to mislead the party.

By leveraging the Assassin's strengths in stealth, precision, and cunning, Dungeon Masters can create memorable and challenging encounters that will keep players on their toes.