The Assassin is no longer a sub-class of the thief, it is a Sub-Class of the Fighter. The Assassin is a supreme killer of men and can handle themselves well fighting in the from lines in addition to the stealthy arts. Assassins cannot gain exceptional strength or receive fighter constitution bonuses as do regular fighters, nor can they specialize in a particular weapon or group of weapons. Assassins fight on the fighter table at an equal level to a fighter, they also have eight sided dice for hit points (d 8) . Assassins can use any weapon that a fighter can use, but prefer smaller hand held weapons that work well in their profession. Assassins can use any type of armor but can only perform thief abilities in studded leather or lighter protection. Assassins never get increased attacks per round as do fighters but they are able to fight with two weapons with no penalty.

Back stab: Assassins gain a multiplier for a surprise attack as do the thief. The assassin uses the thief THACO tables to determine their multiple, the Assassin gains an additional + 1 to their back stab bonus. For example, a 7^th level assassin would have a X4 damage multiplier. Damage is done by additional dice by weapon type-thus a assassin using a long sword in the example above would use a d 8 (long sword) plus the multiplier of three additional d 8. Characters other bonuses from strength, magic etc. are added after the back stab damage is calculated. This way damage is better on average then rolling one die and multiplying it by the characters damage bonus.

In addition to the above, an assassin gains a damage bonus that adds into the base weapon damage. This bonus increases by level and can only be used against humanoid opponents. This damage bonus is scored in regular melee as well as in a successful back stab. If the example character above was back stabbing a ogre for example, they would do 4 d12 (long sword + back stab) plus an additional 2 points per die (damage bonus) for a total of 4 d12+2 + weapon and strength bonuses.

Undead and other creatures that have no vital organs (golems, zombies etc.) cannot be affected by this skill. This skill may only be used in melee.

Assassin may also use their back stab bonus with a missile weapon. To achieve this the target must be caught by total surprise. Where as a guard may still be taken by a melee back stab without surprise being achieved, the missile back stab must have the element of surprise in order for it to be effective. The target must roll a 1 on a d6 for it to be totally surprised and thus enable the Assassin to "back stab" at range. If successful, the assassin delivers weapon damage times their level bonus to the target creature. Once again the creature must be humanoid of some fashion and have vital organs etc. for the assassin to exploit. If a critical hit is scored, instead of rolling on the chart, an additional X1 multiplier will be added to the damage roll, this is to keep damage form getting ridiculous. . In order to make this attack, the assassin must wait at least one round to take aim, they will receive no bonus for dexterity for armor class, nor can they use a shield or hold any thing else in their hands while making the attack. This ability is good for one shot only, rate of fire is not a factor in this case. A second or third shot may be taken, but they are normal attacks after the first.

Assassins may also make a surgical strike in a surprise attack as per combat maneuvers, otherwise they must forfeit initiative as per normal when engaged in regular combat.

Assassins have the thieving abilities of a thief two levels lower, a third level assassin has 1^st level thieving abilities. Assassins are also can use poison and manufacture it at higher levels with the proper training and equipment. Assassin characters progress as per the Ranger for experience. They can only attain the highest level by defeating a 15^th level assassin in a duel.

Most assassins are part of a guild. Each guild usually has a Grandfather of assassins as the leader and several cells of assassins that operate throughout the city. Freelance (adventuring) exist, they must let a guild know of their presence in a city if they wish safe passage. Most of the time the guild will let the freelancer operate in the city for a fee or a exchange of services. Failure to acknowledge the guild could have serious consequences.

The Assassin is as per the book in most other respects.

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