Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Assassin

Small · Humanoid · CR 8 · Neutral

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

16 (natural armor)

97 (15d8 + 30)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Humanoid

Alignment Neutral

XP 3900

Initiative Bonus +10

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 16

Saving Throws

Strength +0 Dexterity +7 Constitution +2 Intelligence +6 Wisdom +0 Charisma +0

Skills

Acrobatics +7 Perception +6 Stealth +10

Languages

Common, Thieves' cant

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

poison

Traits

Evasion

If the assassin is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, the assassin instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the save and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it has the Incapacitated condition.

Actions

Light Crossbow

Cost 1

+7 to hit, range 80/320 ft (24.4/97.5 m). Hit: 1d8+4 piercing damage.

Ranged Attack Roll: +7, range 80/320 ft. 8 (1d8 + 4) Piercing damage plus 21 (6d6) Poison damage.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The assassin makes three attacks, using Shortsword or Light Crossbow in any combination.

Shortsword

Cost 1

+7 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d6+4 piercing damage.

Melee Attack Roll: +7, reach 5 ft. 7 (1d6 + 4) Piercing damage plus 17 (5d6) Poison damage, and the target has the Poisoned condition until the start of the assassin's next turn.

Bonus Actions

Cunning Action

The assassin takes the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action.

About Assassin

Assassin is a small humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 8. It has a neutral 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 Common, Thieves' cant. 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 Small Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
What languages does Assassin speak?: Assassin can communicate in Common, Thieves' cant.