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Assassin

Medium · Humanoid · CR 8 · Any Non-Good Alignment

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

15 (studded leather)

78 (12d8+24)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

WIS

CHA

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Medium

Type Humanoid

Alignment Any Non-Good Alignment

XP 3900

Initiative Bonus +3

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 13

Saving Throws

Dexterity +6 Intelligence +4

Skills

Acrobatics +6 Deception +3 Perception +3 Stealth +9

Languages

Thieves' cant plus any two languages

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances

poison

Environments

Desert Forest or Jungle Sewer Urban

Traits

Assassinate

During its first turn, the assassin has advantage on attack rolls against any creature that hasn't taken a turn. Any hit the assassin scores against a surprised creature is a critical hit.

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 saving throw, and only half damage if it fails.

Sneak Attack (1/Turn)

The assassin deals an extra 13 (4d6) damage when it hits a target with a weapon attack and has advantage on the attack roll, or when the target is within 5 ft. of an ally of the assassin that isn't incapacitated and the assassin doesn't have disadvantage on the attack roll.

Actions

Light Crossbow

Cost 1

+6 to hit, range 80/320 ft (24.4/97.5 m).

Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 24 (7d6) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Multiattack

Cost 1

The assassin makes two shortsword attacks.

Shortsword

Cost 1

+6 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m).

Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 24 (7d6) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

About Assassin

Assassin is a medium humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 8. It has a any non-good alignment alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 78 hit points (derived from 12d8+24).

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.