Assassin, Neverwinter Nights 1, NWN 1

Assassin NWN

Assassin is a NWN class in BioWare's cRPG of 2002, Neverwinter Nights 1.

The on-hit paralysis of Death Attack is over-powered vs. foes who are not immune. For example, there are quite a few wizards that can be taken out before they can even react: Stealth in, paralyze, dead. 

Also, in NWN modules such as Swordflight there are some virulent poisons that Assassins can take advantage of.

Assassin Description

The assassin is a master of dealing quick, lethal blows. Assassins often function as spies, informants, killers for hire, or agents of vengeance. Their skill in a variety of dark arts allows them to carry out missions of death with shocking, terrifying precision. Rogues, monks and bards are ideal candidates to become assassins.

• Hit Die: d6.
• Proficiencies: Simple Weapons, Light Armor Proficiency.
• Skill Points: 4 + Int Modifier.

Assassin Requirements

• Alignment: Any evil.
• Skills: Hide 8 ranks, Move Silently 8 ranks.

Assassin Abilities

• 1: Death Attack +1d6 - Special sneak attack that has a chance of paralyzing opponent. Use Poison - Automatic success when coating a weapon with poison.
• 2: Uncanny Dodge 1 - Retain dexterity bonus to armor class, even if flat-footed. Ghostly Visage - As spell. +1 Fortitude save vs. poison.
• 3: Death Attack +2d6 - Death attack improves.
• 4: +2 Fortitude save vs. poison.
• 5: Death Attack +3d6 - Death attack improves. Uncanny Dodge 2 - +1 reflex saving throws. Darkness - As spell.
• 6: +3 Fortitude save vs. poison.
• 7: Death Attack +4d6 - Death attack improves. Invisibility - As spell.
• 8: +4 Fortitude save vs. poison.
• 9: Death Attack +5d6 - Death attack improves. Improved Invisibility - As spell.
• 10: Uncanny Dodge 3 - +2 reflex saving throws. +5 Fortitude save vs. poison.

Assassin Death Attack

• Type of Feat: Class
• Prerequisite: Assassin.
• Specifics: At 1st level, an Assassin may use a death attack, which functions similarly to a sneak attack in that if the target is not in combat they become victim to the death attack. The successful attack forces the target to make a Fortitude save or become paralyzed. Even if they succeed with the saving throw they still suffer +1d6 points of damage in addition to the normal damage the attack caused. This damage increases to 2d6 at level 3,  3d6 at level 5, 4d6 at level 7, and 5d6 at level 9.
• Use: Automatic.

Assassin Use Poison

• Type of Feat: Class specific
• Prerequisite: Assassin level 1 or Blackguard level 1.
• Specifics: The  character is trained in the use of poison and never has to make a dexterity check when applying poison to a blade.
• Use: Automatic.

Notable Assassin Gear

In Swordflight Chapters 2-5, we gain access to Assassin garb and armor that confers the Hide in Plain Sight ability of the Shadowdancer:

• Assassin's Leathers [assassinarmor001]
• Assassin's Outfit [assassingarb001]
• Superior Assassin's Outfit [assassingarb002]
• Superior Assassin's Leathers [assassinarmor002]

Non-Assassins can wear the garb and armor if they have a Use Magic Device score of about 25 or above; for the superior versions, a higher score is presumably required.

NWN Classes	Bard NWN	Barbarian NWN	Cleric NWN	Druid NWN	Fighter NWN
Monk NWN	Paladin NWN	Ranger NWN	Rogue NWN	Sorcerer NWN	Wizard NWN
Arcane Archer NWN	Assassin NWN	Blackguard NWN	Champion of Torm NWN	Dwarven Defender NWN	Pale Master NWN
Red Dragon Disciple NWN	Shadowdancer NWN	Shifter NWN	Weapon Master NWN	Purple Dragon Knight NWN	Harper Scout NWN