Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Assassin

Medium · Humanoid · CR 7 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

97 (15d8+30)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Humanoid

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 2900

Initiative Bonus +3

Movement

Walk 35 ft (10.7 m)

Swim 17 ft (5.2 m)

Climb 17 ft (5.2 m)

Crawl 17 ft (5.2 m)

Senses

Darkvision 30 ft (9.1 m)

Blindsight 10 ft (3 m)

Passive Perception 14

Saving Throws

Dexterity +6 Intelligence +4 Wisdom +4

Skills

Acrobatics +6 Deception +4 Perception +4 Stealth +6

Languages

any two

Traits

Assassinate

During the first turn of combat, the assassin has advantage on attack rolls against any creature that hasnt acted. On a successful hit, each creature of the assassins choice that can see the assassins attack is rattled until the end of the assassins next turn.

Dangerous Poison

As part of making an attack, the assassin can apply a dangerous poison to their weapon (included below). The assassin carries 3 doses of this poison. A single dose can coat one melee weapon or up to 5 pieces of ammunition.

Evasion

When the assassin makes a Dexterity saving throw against an effect that deals half damage on a success, they take no damage on a success and half damage on a failure.

Sneak Attack (1/Turn)

The assassin deals an extra 21 (6d6) damage when they hit with a weapon attack while they have advantage on the attack, or when the assassins target is within 5 feet of an ally of the assassin while the assassin doesnt have disadvantage on the attack.

Actions

Hand Crossbow

+6 to hit, range 30/120 ft (9.1/36.6 m). Hit: 1d6+3 plus 3d6 poison damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage plus 10 (3d6) poison damage.

Shortsword

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+3 plus 3d6 poison damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage plus 10 (3d6) poison damage.

Bonus Actions

Assassins specialize in dealing quiet

While some kill for pay, others do so for ideological or political reasons.

Cunning Action

The assassin takes the Dash, Disengage, Hide, or Use an Object action.

Rapid Attack

The assassin attacks with their shortsword.

About Assassin

Assassin is a medium humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 7. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 16 and possesses 97 hit points (derived from 15d8+30).

Assassin has communication capabilities including any two. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.

GM Tips: Using Assassin

2 tips available

When using Assassin in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Significant Threat: Challenging for parties of levels 5-10
Epic Potential: Consider legendary actions for memorable battles

Player Guide: Facing Assassin

2 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Significant Threat: Prepare spells and resources
Team Coordination: Coordinate attacks and defenses

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 7.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 10 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 5,600 XP
Hard: 8,400 XP
Deadly: 11,200 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Assassin?: Assassin has a Challenge Rating of 7, making it appropriate for parties of level 7.0.
What type of creature is Assassin?: Assassin is a Medium Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Assassin speak?: Assassin can communicate in any two.