Path of the Assassin

By Johanna Mead (johanna@goodcompany.com)

Background

This path was created for characters who are professional killers, but not professional psychopaths. The Path of Blood suffices for Assamites, but that path cannot be followed by non-Assamite assassins, and they do exist amongst vampires.

The backbone to this Path is the fact that a character -- especially a vampire -- can be a professional killer and be somewhat humane. There is a difference between profession and pleasure, and this path acknowledges that. It has been condemned by some critics as a path of convenient self-justification, but a lot of player-created paths seem to be that way, so my critics can go whistle.

This Path does have several beliefs that are held in common with the Path of Blood, particularly the restriction against Frenzying and breaking one's word when it has been given. Loyalty to the Assamite clan has been replaced with loyalty to ones chosen Sect -- be it Camarilla or Anarch.

Because this path emphasizes protection of innocent beings, and adherence to the Masquerade, it is not followed by members of the Sabbat.

Core beliefs

Being a vampire means being a predator, not a beast. There's a great difference between the two; respect it.

You are a killer, not a maniac. You must never harm innocent people, and you must do what you can to maintain the Masquerade.

You kill because you are paid to. This is a trade you, hopefully, excel at. You do not kill because you are in the thrall of bloodlust.

Once you have accepted a contract upon another being, you will execute that contract to the best of your ability because you have given your word -- but you do not cause needless carnage. Get the job done and get out.

Vampires, by their nature, are not innocent, but some of them are redeemable. Learn to tell the difference. Help those who seek or deserve redemption. Destroy those who do not.

When you must feed, restrict yourself to humanity's own worst specimens (they are not innocent and do not deserve mercy) or other kindred.

Hierarchy of Sins

10	Deliberately harming an innocent creature.
9	Breaking your given word. (Nb, when pursuing a contract, you may lie when necessary, but a follower of this path at this level should be able to discriminate between necessary deception and recreational lying.).
8	Killing an individual for personal (rather than professional) reasons.
7	Failing to protect innocents, whenever possible. Breaking the Masquerade.
6	Failing to fulfill a contract. Failing to respect a Sect elder.
5	Harming an innocent bystander while fulfilling a contract. Failing to further your Sect's goals whenever possible.
4	Feeding from animals.
3	Feeding from innocent humans. Failing to pursue legitimate work when the opportunity arises.
2	Frenzying.
1	Voluntarily divulging information that could betray your Sect.