The Rules That Bind Them
In the annals of Ertha’s storied past, where shadows coil and secrets lie buried, the legacy of House Dwallow-Ghyrnathop stands resolute. Known as the Assassins Guild, this house weaves a narrative of precision, discipline, and unyielding dedication to a moral code—the Code of Shadows. It is a philosophy that shapes their existence and defines their path, transforming them into masters of death and stealth. To step into their world is to embrace a life bound by rules as sharp as the blades they wield.
The Awakening
Every assassin’s journey begins not with blood but with understanding. Before the first contract is fulfilled, an assassin must experience their awakening—a moment of clarity when their potential is unveiled. From that point, they are inducted into a rigorous path of training, not merely to learn the craft of killing but to master the art of invisibility. It is here, within the walls of House Dwallow-Ghyrnathop, that initiates are taught the philosophies underpinning their role, embedding within them the responsibilities and moral weight of their actions.
The Code of Shadows is not merely a guide—it is a doctrine. This code separates assassins from mere killers, defining their purpose and elevating their craft.
Rules for Assassins
House Dwallow-Ghyrnathop operates on an intricate balance of precision and honor. The following principles guide every assassin, ensuring they remain bound to their higher calling:
Dual Identities
An assassin is a chameleon, shedding one life to adopt another. Members of House Dwallow-Ghyrnathop are trained to create entire personas, crafting false memories, histories, and lives so seamless that even they may begin to blur the line between the mask and the self. These identities are their armor, granting them access to every corner of Ertha’s society. From noble courts to shadowed alleys, an assassin can blend in anywhere, their true purpose hidden beneath layers of illusion.
Death Without Pleasure
Killing is a duty, not a desire. The art of assassination is not one of vengeance or personal satisfaction but of execution with purpose. House Dwallow-Ghyrnathop teaches its members to wield the blade with precision and detachment, approaching death as a somber responsibility. Each life taken is weighed against the guild’s code, ensuring that no act descends into mindless violence.
Strength of Will
The mind is the assassin’s most vital weapon. Beyond their physical training, members of the guild develop a mental resilience that allows them to navigate the treacherous waters of deception and danger. An assassin’s will must remain unbroken, even in the face of overwhelming odds. This strength protects them from external threats and internal doubts, forging them into unshakable instruments of their craft.
Absolute Discretion
The hallmark of a true assassin is their invisibility. House Dwallow-Ghyrnathop thrives on secrecy, ensuring its members leave no trace of their presence. To be seen is to fail. Every step, every action, is taken with meticulous care, erasing all evidence of their involvement. The guild’s existence, like its members, is an enigma—felt but never observed.
The Assassin’s Perspective
For members of House Dwallow-Ghyrnathop, morality is not a luxury but a calculated choice. The Code of Shadows grants them clarity, framing their world in stark contrasts. It is not about right or wrong but about fulfilling their duty with precision and respect for the guild’s philosophy. This perspective ensures they remain focused, their decisions unclouded by emotion or ambiguity.
GM Tips
The principles of House Dwallow-Ghyrnathop offer GMs a wealth of storytelling opportunities. Here are some ways to incorporate the guild and its code into your campaigns:
Character Backstory: Introduce the Code of Shadows as a central theme for an assassin character. How do they reconcile their dual identities with their guild’s principles?
Guild Contracts: Design missions that force players to navigate the complexities of the code. Perhaps a target is more than they appear, challenging the players to weigh their duty against their morals.
Rival Guilds: Create tension by introducing rival factions whose philosophies clash with House Dwallow-Ghyrnathop’s code. These encounters can highlight the guild’s unique values.
A Test of Shadows: Use the guild’s initiation rites or a trial of loyalty as a narrative device. Players may need to solve riddles, navigate shadowy mazes, or make difficult decisions to prove their commitment.
The Code of Shadows is not merely a set of rules—it is the foundation of an assassin’s life. Whether used to build suspense, challenge morality, or deepen character development, these tenets bring rich complexity to any story set within the world of Dicesongs.
