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Assassin

Medium · Humanoid · CR 8 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Black Flag SRD
Armor Class
15 (studded leather)
Hit Points and Hit Dice
157
Challenge Rating CR
8

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
10
+0
DEX
22
+6
CON
14
+2
INT
18
+4
WIS
10
+0
CHA
10
+0

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Medium
Type Humanoid
Alignment Chaotic Evil
XP 3900
Initiative Bonus +6

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

Passive Perception 10

Saving Throws

Strength +0 Dexterity +6 Constitution +2 Intelligence +4 Wisdom +0 Charisma +0

Languages

Thieves' Cant plus any two languages

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances
poison,poisoned

Traits

Evasion

If the assassin is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a DEX save to take only half damage, the assassin instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the save, and only half damage if it fails.

Poisoned Weapons

The assassin's weapons are coated in poison. When it hits with any weapon, the weapon deals an extra 3d8 poison damage (included in the attack). In addition, at the start of each of its turns, the assassin can choose which of the following poisons is active on its weapons. The poison remains on the weapons until the start of the assassin's next turn.
- Assassin's Friend. A creature poisoned by a weapon coated with this poison takes an extra 4 (1d8) poison damage each time it takes damage while poisoned.
- Buyer's Mercy. A creature poisoned by a weapon coated with this poison falls unconscious while poisoned or until it takes damage or another creature uses an action to wake it.
- Meddler's Fate. A creature poisoned by a weapon coated with this poison has its speed halved while poisoned.

Actions

Hand Crossbow

+6 to hit, range 30/120 ft (9.1/36.6 m). Hit: 1d6+3 plus 3d8 poison damage.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) piercing damage plus 13 (3d8) poison damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 14 CON save or be poisoned for 1 minute. A poisoned creature can repeat the save at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Multiattack

The assassin makes three Shortsword or Hand Crossbow attacks.

Shortsword

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+3 plus 3d8 poison damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) piercing damage plus 13 (3d8) poison damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 14 CON save or be poisoned for 1 minute. A poisoned creature can repeat the save at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Bonus Actions

Hidden Step

The assassin magically teleports, along with any equipment it is wearing or carrying, up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space it can see and takes the Hide action.

About Assassin

Assassin is a medium humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 8. It has a chaotic evil alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 157 hit points (derived from None).

Assassin has communication capabilities including Thieves' Cant plus any two languages. 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 8.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 11 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

  • Medium: 7,200 XP
  • Hard: 10,800 XP
  • Deadly: 14,400 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 8, making it appropriate for parties of level 8.0.
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 Thieves' Cant plus any two languages.

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