In the third century, two brothers rose to dominance from within the ranks of the Vizjerei clan of mages; their names
were Horazon and Bartuc. Both were equally powerful and ambitious, and both were fascinated by the power one could
obtain through the practice of Demonic Magics; however, the two differed in their views regarding how best to study
demons. While Horazon viewed demons as a great source of power, he felt that in order to use that power best, you
must harness a demon and bend him to your will. His brother, on the other hand, grew to sympathize with the demonic
powers and felt (with no small influence from the demons) that the demonic forces were best understood by allying
with the Hellish authorities so their secrets could be shared freely, and that is exactly what he did. Their
diametrically opposed philosophies caused a great schism that split the ranks and tore the Vizjerei clan apart.
When at last their fierce rivalry culminated in inevitable violence, the combatants learned too late that they had
both been played as pawns by the demonic host. The ensuing battle was so great it set the very firmament aflame, and
when it was complete and the stillness of remorse was all that remained, Bartuc lay dead, Horazon had vanished into
self-imposed exile, and the Vizjerei had learned a costly lesson. The small surviving group of sorcerers, the remnants
of the once-great Vizjerei clan, resolved forevermore to spurn Demonic Magics and set about renewing their studies in
the Elemental Magics. To further ensure that a similar tragedy could never happen again, they formed a secret order
whose sole purpose was to police the mage clans, destroying corruption wherever they found it. This was the birth of
the Viz-Jaq'taar, the Order of the Mage Slayers-otherwise known as the Assassins.
Knowing that such an order might itself be corrupted if exposed to the power of magic, the Vizjerei deemed it of the
utmost importance that these Assassins maintain the purest, most focused minds. They should live in meditation and
draw their power from within, not from external forces that could easily mask demonic interference. To this end, the
Order would not employ the magic arts directly; rather, they would use ingenious devices and enchanted items to battle
those possessing great magical powers. To further their campaign against demonic corruption, they concentrated on honing
the natural martial abilities of their bodies, both physical and mental.
Because the Order remains veiled in secrecy, few people, even among the mages, know more than rumors about this
mysterious organization. Their reputation has been one shrouded in ambiguity. Legends of their stalwart vigilance,
and the widespread fear of their retribution, have kept many mages away from the temptations of corruption, so actual
sightings have been rare. However, with the reemergence of the Three, and the subsequent increase in demonic
manifestations in the world, the Order has shown a greater public presence of late.
Traits and Abilities:
Assassins do not employ the magic arts directly; rather, they use enchanted items that mimic elemental powers,
which can function autonomously. To further avoid potential corruption, they also focus on the natural abilities
of the mortal body-powers of the mind and unarmed combat. The Assassins have trained extensively in the use of an
exotic group of weapons: sets of metal blades and claws that strap onto the wrists. They have expertly incorporated
the use of these weapons into their martial arts, and when wielding one in each hand, an Assassin can deliver a
devastating double attack. Even the most novice of Assassins is a past master of infiltration, and no lock has
been made that they cannot circumvent. Hence, an Assassin needs no key to open locked chests.
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