The Assassins
Shadows where magic is sold and silence is bought with blood.
In the shadowy underbelly of the magical world, those known collectively as The Assassins operate outside the rigid structures of the Order of Magicians or the revolutionary fervor of the Free States. They are not a unified political faction but rather a loose network of specialized operatives who utilize spirits and sorcery to eliminate targets with precision and secrecy. While often hired by larger powers, their true allegiance lies in the contract itself, making them unpredictable forces within London's supernatural landscape.
- Role
- Magical Operatives / Hitmen
- Affiliation
- Independent / Hired Contractors
- First Appears
- Referenced in historical lore and background events
- Status
- Active but Hidden
- Primary Tool
- Summoned Spirits (Djinn, Ifrits, Imps)
- Base of Operations
- London Underground / Shadow Realms
Lore & Background
The methods of The Assassins rely heavily on the subtlety of spirit work. A skilled assassin might use an Imp to poison a drink or a Djinn to manipulate events into an 'accident.' Because their existence is denied by official magical authorities, they operate in the blind spots of surveillance magic. This makes them both feared and useful; the Order may deny knowing them, yet often benefits from their discretion when political rivals need to vanish without causing public scandal.
In Their Own Story
The fog clung to the cobblestones of Fleet Street, thick enough to taste like copper and old rain. A circle was drawn in salt and chalk, barely visible beneath the grime. The figure standing within did not wear robes of office but a simple coat, hood pulled low. He spoke the binding words softly, the air shimmering as an unseen presence coalesced into claws. There was no explosion, no shout—only a sudden stillness down the alley where the target had been walking moments before. The contract was fulfilled; the spirit faded back to the void.
Reader's Guide
The Assassins function primarily on a contractual basis rather than through ideological loyalty. Their goal is rarely political change but rather the precise execution of removals for whoever pays the highest price. Hierarchy is fluid, often based on reputation and success rates among other operatives rather than formal ranks. Key members are rarely identified publicly to maintain secrecy; they operate as individuals or in small cells that dissolve after missions. Conflicts arise when their targets overlap with the interests of the Order or Free States, leading to magical standoffs where assassins must fight for survival against state-sanctioned magicians. They often view the Order's bureaucracy as inefficient compared to their direct methods. Their influence is subtle but pervasive; they serve as a reminder that in this world, magic can be bought and sold like any other commodity. While not an army, their ability to strike from the shadows makes them a constant threat to stability.
Did You Know?
- Ancient lore suggests The Assassins once rivaled the Pharaohs in power before fading into obscurity.
- They often use Imps for small tasks like poisoning due to the creatures' natural affinity for malice.
- Official magicians are trained to detect assassination circles, but skilled assassins can bypass these wards.
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