Assassin

Description

The assassin combines combat ability with strong stealth skills, and specialises in defeating an enemy without becoming involved in a protracted melee.

Alignment

Neutral or evil

HP per Level

6

Class Skills

The assassin’s class skills (and the key ability for each skill) are Balance, Climb, Disable Device, Disguise, Hide, Intimidate, Jump, Knowledge (local), Listen, Move Silently, Open Lock, Search, Spot, Tumble

Skill Points at 1st Level

(8 + Int modifier) ×4.

Class Features

Weapon and Armor Proficiency

Thieves are proficient with all simple weapons, plus the hand crossbow, rapier, sap, shortbow, and short sword. Thieves are proficient with light armor, but not with shields.

Greater sneak attack

If an assassin can catch an opponent when he is unable to defend himself effectively from her attack, she can strike a vital spot for extra damage.

The assassin ’s attack deals extra damage any time her target would be denied a Dexterity bonus to AC (whether the target actually has a Dexterity bonus or not), or when the assassin flanks her target. This extra damage is 4d6 at 1st level, and it increases by 1d6 every two rogue levels thereafter. Should the assassin score a critical hit with a sneak attack, this extra damage is not multiplied.

Ranged attacks can count as sneak attacks only if the target is within 30 feet.

An assassin can sneak attack only living creatures with discernible anatomies—undead, constructs, oozes, plants, and incorporeal creatures lack vital areas to attack. Any creature that is immune to critical hits is not vulnerable to sneak attacks. The assassin must be able to see the target well enough to pick out a vital spot and must be able to reach such a spot. An assassin cannot sneak attack while striking a creature with concealment or striking the limbs of a creature whose vitals are beyond reach.

Evasion

An assassin can avoid even magical and unusual attacks with great agility. If she makes a successful Reflex saving throw against an attack that normally deals half damage on a successful save, she instead takes no damage.

Stealthy