Assassin (Dungeons & Dragons)

Infobox D&D character class
name=Assassin
editions=1st, 3rd, 3.5
alignment=Any evil
source=
first=
mythical=
based=
wizards_image_URL=http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/dmg35_gallery/DMG35_PG180_WEB.jpg
OGL_stats_URL=http://www.d20srd.org/srd/prestigeClasses/assassin.htm

Assassin is a character class in the role-playing game "Dungeons & Dragons". It first appeared in the "Blackmoor" supplement, as a thief sub-class. It next appeared in the 1st edition of "Advanced Dungeons & Dragons" where it was a base class. It later appeared as an optional kit for rogues in 2nd edition and a prestige class in 3rd edition. Assassins are killers and spies; the class is loosely modeled on perceptions of real world assassins.

1st edition

In 1st Edition D&D, assassin was a base class and available to characters at from 1st level. The class combined several class abilities from the Thief class (such as Hide in Shadows and Move Silently) with an expanded weapon list and the ability to use shields. Assassins also had the "assassination" ability, offering a percentage chance to perform an assassination against a target.

3rd edition prestige class

To become an assassin, the character must be of an evil alignment. He must also be skilled at disguising himself, moving silently and hiding from his targets. The final step is to prove his worth by hunting down and killing a target in cold blood, for no other reason than to prove his worthiness of the title.

The abilities of an assassin are aimed at being able to kill or incapacitate a target while reducing the risk to the individual assassin. They are skilled at dealing unexpected damage from sneak attacks and can poison their blades without the risk of accidentally poisoning themselves. With training they can deliver sneak attacks that can instantly kill their targets; alternatively, if the target is wanted alive they can merely paralyze the target, allowing time for them to be tied up, placed in manacles or otherwise restrained. At higher levels assassins can even hide themselves while in plain sight of an enemy.

Assassins gain a limited amount of magical talent, allowing them to cast arcane spells with a high enough intelligence. The spells are cast spontaneously in a similar manner to a bard or sorcerer in the 3.5 revision; in 3rd edition they cast more similarly to a wizard. The spell effects are generally those that make it easier to approach or kill a target, or those that aid the assassin's escape if discovered.

4th edition paragon class

In 4th edition, a rogue may take the Shadow Assassin paragon path upon reaching 11th level. This gives the rogue access to several new abilities, as well as increasing sneak attack damage significantly.