Gameplay Considerations
In the flickering light of Ertha’s moonlit realms, whispers of the Assassins’ Guild—House Dwallow-Ghyrnathop—reveal a world steeped in shadows and precision. Assassins, more than mere killers, are artisans of stealth and strategy, blending a unique concoction of mystery, skill, and cultural heritage. This post explores the layers of gameplay dynamics inherent in playing as—or alongside—an assassin, showcasing how their craft intertwines with the complex world of Dicesongs.
Living in the Shadows
Stepping into the boots of an assassin is stepping into a world of subtlety and consequence. Every move carries weight. Within the dance of life and death, assassins live on the edge, tethered by the unspoken rules of their craft:
Regional Styles: House Dwallow-Ghyrnathop reflects its history through diverse assassin techniques. Players might master the nimble rooftop combat of Highchappel or the dense jungle ambushes native to the Shadowlands of Corshire.
The Code of the Guild: Assassins must uphold the tenets of their guilds. Failure to adhere risks betrayal by their peers or punishment by guild overseers. For instance, in the Cult of the Veil—a sisterhood steeped in secrecy—the breach of trust is unforgivable.
Character Dynamics: An assassin’s role isn’t purely tactical. As a DM, consider introducing moral dilemmas. What happens when a target reveals an unexpected connection to the assassin’s backstory? Should vengeance outweigh professional obligation?
Assassin Characters
While combat and infiltration dominate an assassin’s skillset, it’s the depth of their personal and cultural histories that truly defines their characters. Here are ways to expand their narrative:
Initiation Rites: Build rich lore around how assassins are inducted into guilds. For instance, an Acolyte of Xy-Xo’Fi-Tha might undergo trials involving necromantic oaths, while the Cult of the Veil demands silence during a six-month shadowing period.
Hidden Agendas: Use guild politics to create tension. Perhaps an NPC from House Zend-Wynn requests a contract tied to an artifact they once crafted, or House Chla-Drothrow hires an assassin to retrieve an elixir stolen by a rogue Apothecary.
Freedom and Rogue Stories: Characters breaking away from guild structures (freelancers or rogues) can create dynamic role-playing opportunities. How do their actions echo in a world where guild loyalty defines life?
Tools of the Trade
Assassins require both tangible tools and abstract skills:
Signature Equipment:
Veilblade Dagger: Silent, enchanted weapons bound to guild members, returning to the wielder when summoned.
Shadowcloak: A relic crafted by House Harrowrunnah, enabling brief invisibility in low light.
Parison’s Kiss Vials: Poison-detection tools designed by House Sdradzah.
Skillset Examples:
Mastery in using House El-Whoonah’s ordinated wood-crafted tools for silent kills.
Apothecary smoke bombs from House Ty-Lah-Nul for swift escapes.
GM Tips
Crafting Complex Missions with layered contracts:
Introduce moral choices. An assassin might discover that their target is working to free slaves under the guise of a tyrant.
Embed hidden clauses or deceptions in contracts. For instance, a mission to recover stolen plans from the Cartographers Guild may reveal an effort to discredit a rival House.
Dynamic Settings
Design environments that challenge assassin abilities:
Vertical Play: Rooftop chases in Yeildbone.
Crowd Immersion: Bustling markets in Splintersteel where an assassin must blend in.
Natural Hazards: Dense mist forests near Corshire that hinder visibility.
Integrating Other Guilds
Weave other guilds into the assassin narrative:
House Brandlekliener (Stonemasons Guild): Maps of castles showing secret entrances and escape routes.
House Gravan-Myrwinia (Artisans Guild): Enchanted tools or disguises crafted for covert operations.
Introducing Complications
Keep players on their toes:
A botched assassination triggers guild retribution, sparking a manhunt.
An Arbiter arrives, disrupting the job with unpredictable justice.
A rare assassination target hires the party’s assassin to uncover who sent them.
Building Character Arcs
Assassins offer long-term growth:
Characters grow through their interactions with Ertha’s shadowy underbelly, fostering rivalries and alliances.
Uncover relics tied to guild lore, such as the original Shadowgates forged by the First Ones.
