Assassin Combat Abilities
| Weapon | Damage | # of Hands | Break Chance | Attack Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ankus | 2-5 | one | 1 in 8 | hand-to-hand |
| axe (short) | 1-4 | one | 1 in 5 | hand-to-hand, hurled |
| battle axe | 1-8 | both | 1 in 8 | hand-to-hand |
| bola | -14 | both | 1 in 6 | hurled |
| bo stick | 2-5 | both | 1 in 8 | hand-to-hand |
| bow (long) | 1-8 | both | 1 in 6 | fired |
| bow (short) | 1-6 | both | 1 in 6 | fired |
| club | 1-6 | one | 1 in 4 | hand-to-hand, hurled |
| corseque | 2-7 | both | 1 in 8 | hand-to-hand |
| crossbow (heavy) | 3-13 | both | 1 in 6 | fired |
| crossbow (light) | 3-9 | both | 1 in 6 | fired |
| dagger | 1-4 | one | 1 in 6 | hand-to-hand, hurled |
| dart | 1-3 | one | 1 in 6 | hand-to-hand, hurled |
| flail | 2-7 | both | 1 in 8 | hand-to-hand |
| flail (horse) | 2-5 | one | 1 in 6 | hand-to-hand |
| glaive | 1-6 | both | 1 in 10 | hand-to-hand |
| godentag | 2-8 | one | 1 in 4 | hand-to-hand |
| guisarme | 2-8 | both | 1 in 6 | hand-to-hand |
| halberd | 1-10 | both | 1 in 5 | hand-to-hand |
| hammer (short) | 1-3 | one | 1 in 6 | hand-to-hand, hurled |
| hand axe | 1-6 | one | 1 in 6 | hand-to-hand, hurled |
| javelin | 1-6 | one | 1 in 6 | hurled |
| jo stick | 1-4 | both | 1 in 10 | hand-to-hand |
| lance | 1-6 | one | 1 in 3 | mounted |
| mace | 2-7 | one | 1 in 6 | hand-to-hand |
| maul | 1-10 | both | 1 in 6 | hand-to-hand |
| morning star | 2-8 | both | 1 in 8 | hand-to-hand |
| pike | 1-8 | both | 1 in 8 | hand-to-hand |
| quarterstaff | 1-6 | both | 1 in 6 | hand-to-hand |
| scimitar | 1-8 | one | 1 in 6 | hand-to-hand |
| sling | 1-4 | both | 1 in 6 | hurled |
| spear | 1-6 | both | 1 in 4 | hand-to-hand, hurled |
| staff sling | 1-4 | both | 1 in 6 | hurled |
| sword (bastard) | 2-8 | one | 1 in 5 | hand-to-hand |
| sword (broad) | 2-8 | one | 1 in 4 | hand-to-hand |
| sword (long) | 1-8 | one | 1 in 6 | hand-to-hand |
| sword (short) | 1-6 | one | 1 in 6 | hand-to-hand |
| sword (two-handed) | 1-10 | both | 1 in 5 | hand-to-hand |
| trident | 2-7 | both | 1 in 6 | hand-to-hand, hurled |
| warhammer | 1-6 | one | 1 in 6 | hand-to-hand, hurled |
Assassins are quiet killers, having characteristics that are more like a fighter than a thief. An assassin is capable of a stand-up fight, but traditionally is one who plans before any action taken. And that action? To eliminate the target. To kill. And disappear afterwards, like a ghost in the fog.
Contents
Historically and in the context of a medieval or early Renaissance setting akin to the era often depicted in fantasy, employed a range of weapons and tools designed for stealth, precision and effectiveness in close encounters. Their choice of equipment was dictated by the need for concealment, speed and the ability to neutralize targets with minimal resistance or noise. Here's an overview of the types of weapons typically favoured by assassins:
Beginning with 1st level, assassin characters roll a d8 to determine their hit points. Player characters forego this die roll, automatically gaining the maximum 8 on the die ("full" hit points). Additional hit points are then received based on the character's body mass, which must be rolled. As player character assassins reach higher levels, they will automatically re-roll any 1s on their hit dice. Non-player assassins roll a hit die for 1st level and accept whatever roll occurs. Assassins receive 15 hit dice before they reach maximum level.
Assassins are able to wear padded, leather or studded leather armour. They may wear normal helmets but not great helmets, and are able to fight wearing gauntlets. They may use any size of shield to protect themselves. Assassins are unlimited in what weapons they have been trained to use:
When creating a character, the player chooses three proficiencies. Among NPCs, the dagger is popular, particularly for assassination or when backstabbing. There's no requirement for an assassin to choose a dagger. Assassins automatically gain new weapon proficiencies every fourth level after 1st: at 5th level, 9th level and 13th level. The penalty for using a non-proficiency weapon is -2 to hit.
Missile Weapons
| Weapon | Point Blank | Short | Medium | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| axe (short) | 2 | 3-5 | 6-7 | 8-10 |
| bola | — | 3-9 | 10-16 | 17-23 |
| bow (long) | 2-3 | 4-22 | 23-44 | 45-66 |
| bow (short) | 2-3 | 3-16 | 17-32 | 33-48 |
| club | 2 | 3-5 | 6-7 | 8-9 |
| crossbow (heavy) | 2 | 3-14 | 15-28 | 29-40 |
| crossbow (light) | 2 | 3-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 |
| dagger | 2 | 3-5 | 6-9 | 10-12 |
| dart | 2 | 3-5 | 6-10 | 11-15 |
| hammer (short) | 2 | 3-4 | 5-6 | 7-8 |
| hand axe | 2 | 3-6 | 7-9 | 10-13 |
| javelin | 2 | 3-9 | 10-18 | 19-27 |
| sling | — | 2-13 | 14-25 | 26-37 |
| spear | 2 | 3-6 | 7-12 | 13-18 |
| staff sling | — | 4-18 | 19-35 | 36-52 |
| trident | 2 | 3-5 | 6-9 | 10-13 |
| warhammer | 2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | 9-11 |
The adjoining table gives ranges for the assassin's missile weapons. Weapons thrown or fired at point blank range are +1 to hit. There is no adjustment at short range. Medium range gives a -2 penalty, while long range gives a -5 penalty.
Daggers are the quintessential weapon of assassins due to their small size, ease of concealment and versatility. They were often double-edged for efficient stabbing and slashing and could be used for precise strikes to vital areas. A curved or stiletto-style blade was especially effective for piercing armour gaps or delivering a silent, lethal thrust.
For long-range kills, bows and compact crossbows are often used, with crossbows prized for their ease of use and ability to penetrate armour. Smaller, handheld crossbows aere particularly suitable for concealment under cloaks or sleeves. Blowguns provide a lightweight and silent option for firing small, often poisoned darts, which, while less effective against heavily armoured targets, are ideal for stealth operations in urban or wilderness settings.
See Weapons List
