Assassins' Guild

The best option anywhere for a well-rounded education.

The Ankh-Morpork Assassins' Guild was widely considered by the elite to be the best option anywhere for a well-rounded education, regardless of intent to kill. It is located in a light, airy series of buildings next to the Guild of Fools and Joculators; the latter is often mistaken for the Assassins' Guild because it is a far more sinister building.

Lore & Background

The Assassins' Guild was founded by unknown individuals, with no specific founder named in canon. Its origins relate to the regulation and monopolization of assassination, not to any avoidance of drugs. No specific founding date is given in canon. The Guild is simply known as the Assassins' Guild; there is no canonical mention of a 'Royal' charter or the dropping of such a title. Lord Vetinari received his education here as a youth. The Guild is headed by Lord Downey.

Reader's Guide

The Guild operates as the primary school for assassination on Discworld (with a small select one noted in Hunghung). It enforces strict laws and trading practices like other Ankh-Morpork Guilds. Membership requires adhering to rules that prevent contracts against the Patrician or City Watch Commander, a stance that inadvertently created space for unlicensed killers like Mr Gryle, Mr Pin, and Mr Tulip.

Origins and Evolution

Founded on 27 August AM1512 by Sir Gyles de Munforte as the de Munforte School for Gentlemen Assassins. In AM1576 it became a Guild named the Royal Guild of Assassins. The 'Royal' was dropped after AM1688 following the Ankh-Morpork Civil War.

Educational Prestige and Leadership

Widely considered by the elite as the best option for a well-rounded education regardless of intent to kill. Lord Vetinari received his education here in his youth. The Guild was headed by Lord Downey.

Operational Ethics and Unlicensed Rivals

The Guild suspended contracts on the Patrician and Commander of the City Watch to avoid undermining the city. This led to unlicensed assassins like Mr Gryle (Going Postal) and Mr Pin and Mr Tulip (The Truth).

Institutional Role within City Governance

The primary engines of Ankh-Morpork's economy are the Guilds, with hundreds existing for every conceivable profession. Each has its own strictly maintained laws and trading practices. Many Guilds have assumed roles which in real-world cities would be assumed by government agencies.