Assassin

Assassins are masters of stealth and precision, specializing in swift, lethal strikes from the shadows. Combining unparalleled agility with deadly combat techniques, they eliminate targets with surgical precision before disappearing without a trace. Lightly armored but incredibly nimble, Assassins rely on evasion rather than protection. Their extensive knowledge of poisons, pressure points, and vital areas makes them formidable opponents despite their lighter frames. Their primary stat attribute is agility.

Stealth Mastery

Assassins excel at moving unseen and unheard, blending with shadows and crowds with equal skill. Their stealth capabilities allow them to infiltrate heavily guarded locations, bypass defenses, and approach targets undetected. Advanced techniques include sound dampening, shadow manipulation, and even brief moments of near-invisibility through misdirection and environmental exploitation. In combat, they can vanish mid-fight, repositioning for devastating surprise attacks or making tactical retreats when necessary.

Critical Precision

The hallmark of an Assassin is their ability to identify and exploit vulnerabilities with devastating effect. They study anatomy extensively, learning to target nerve clusters, vital organs, and weak points in armor. This knowledge translates into increased critical hit chances and damage multipliers. Assassins can execute precise strikes that momentarily paralyze limbs, cause internal bleeding, or even instantly incapacitate under optimal conditions. Their light, specialized weapons are designed for penetration and precision rather than brute force.

Origins

The Assassin tradition originated in the shadowy underbelly of Harbor City in Xhan Tarn, where the Nightshade Guild first systematized techniques for covert elimination. These methods were refined during the Shadow War, when Roshema Village in the Darkmire Swamp became home to the secretive Black Lotus operatives. Following the conflict, the tradition spread to Korbgrad City, where it evolved into the more honorable Guardian Shade organization that operated from the Slums District. Currently, the most prestigious Assassin training takes place in the hidden Shadow Academy beneath Elyndaar City, with specialized combat techniques taught at the Viper's Nest in the Wildlands.

Magical Affinity

Assassins who incorporate magic into their lethal arsenal typically favor schools that enhance their stealth and precision. Shadow magic is particularly common, allowing Assassins to manipulate darkness, temporarily become incorporeal, or teleport short distances between shadows. Some specialize in Water magic for its silent and fluid movements, or to create fog and mist for concealment. Others employ Air magic to muffle sounds, increase movement speed, or enhance jumping capabilities. Particularly innovative Assassins have developed specialized applications of Gravity magic to walk on walls or ceilings, creating unexpected angles of attack that catch victims completely unprepared.

Notable Races

Vegonians make exceptional Assassins, their natural stealth and affinity for shadows making them virtually undetectable in the dark underbelly of Harbor City. Vampires excel as Assassins, combining supernatural speed with a natural predatory instinct that makes them feared throughout the Afterplane. Zethan Assassins are renowned for their intellectual approach, developing complex, multi-stage elimination plans that unfold with clockwork precision within Arc Station. Beastkin Assassins leverage their enhanced senses and natural hunting instincts to track targets through the densest parts of the Hinterfall Jungle. Revenant Assassins are particularly feared, their connection to death giving them unique insights into the most efficient ways to end life, making them sought after for the most dangerous contracts in Darkmire Swamp.

Professional Pursuits

Assassins often develop professional skills that complement their covert operations and lethal expertise. Many pursue the Crafter's discipline, learning to create specialized tools, weapons, and disguises tailored to specific missions. In Harbor City, Assassins frequently become skilled Alchemists, mastering the creation of poisons, smoke bombs, and various compounds that aid infiltration or elimination. Those who operate in wilderness regions like the Wildlands often develop as Explorers, mapping escape routes and identifying natural resources useful for their trade. Assassins working in urban environments, particularly Korbgrad City, may adopt the Bartender's profession as a cover, gathering intelligence while maintaining an innocuous public presence. The most methodical Assassins, especially those trained by the Guardian Shade, often become Enchanters, infusing their weapons and equipment with subtle magical enhancements that leave no traces back to their wielder.