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Master Assassin

Medium · Humanoid · CR 17 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Monstrous Menagerie

143 (22d8+44)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Humanoid

Alignment Chaotic Evil

XP 18000

Initiative Bonus +5

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Blindsight 20 ft (6.1 m)

Passive Perception 17

Saving Throws

Dexterity +11 Intelligence +8 Wisdom +7

Skills

Acrobatics +11 Deception +7 Perception +7 Stealth +11

Languages

any three

Traits

Crossbow Expert

The master assassin ignores the loading quality of light crossbows, and being within 5 feet of a hostile creature doesnt impose disadvantage on the master assassins ranged attack rolls.

Deadly Poison

As part of making an attack, the master assassin can apply a deadly poison to their weapons (included below). The master assassin carries 3 doses of this poison. A single dose can coat two melee weapons or up to 10 pieces of ammunition.

Death Strike (1/Turn)

When the master assassin scores a critical hit against a living creature that is surprised, that creature makes a DC 18 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, it is reduced to 0 hit points. The creature dies if it fails two death saves before it stabilizes.

Epic Assassinate

During the first turn of combat, the master assassin has advantage on attack rolls against any creature that hasnt acted. Any hit the master assassin scores against a surprised creature is a critical hit, and every creature that can see the master assassins attack is rattled until the end of the master assassins next turn.

Evasion

When the master 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 master assassin deals an extra 28 (8d6) damage when they hit with a weapon attack while they have advantage on the attack, or when the master assassins target is within 5 feet of an ally of the master assassin while the master assassin doesnt have disadvantage on the attack.

Actions

Light Crossbow

+11 to hit, range 80/320 ft (24.4/97.5 m). Hit: 1d8+5 poison damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) piercing damage. The target makes a DC 19 Constitution saving throw taking 17 (5d6) poison damage on a failure or half as much damage on a success.

Multiattack

The master assassin attacks twice.

Shortsword

+11 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+5 poison damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 5) piercing damage. The target makes a DC 19 Constitution saving throw taking 17 (5d6) poison damage on a failure or half as much damage on a success.

Bonus Actions

Cunning Action

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

Rapid Attack

The assassin attacks with their shortsword.

About Master Assassin

Master Assassin is a medium humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 17. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 18 and possesses 143 hit points (derived from 22d8+44).

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

GM Tips: Using Master Assassin

2 tips available

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

Boss Encounter: Suitable for climactic moments
Multi-phase Battle: Plan dramatic tension with multiple phases

Player Guide: Facing Master Assassin

2 strategies available

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

Major Threat: Prepare for epic battle
Resource Management: Conserve powerful abilities

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 17.

High-Level Solo Encounter:

This creature is too powerful for a single level-20 character. You need 2.0 character(s) at maximum level (20) to face this creature.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 30,600 XP
Hard: 45,900 XP
Deadly: 61,200 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 Master Assassin?: Master Assassin has a Challenge Rating of 17, making it appropriate for parties of level 17.0.
What type of creature is Master Assassin?: Master Assassin is a Medium Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Master Assassin speak?: Master Assassin can communicate in any three.