Assassin (Dark Elves)

Attention, Scribe of the Lexicanum! This article needs some improvement on its citations. Please help us by finding, confirming, and inserting official sources at the proper places.

A Dark Elf assassin.

Assassins are perhaps the most feared adepts of Khaine, Lord of Murder, and an essential feature of Dark Elf society.

The Witch Elves, priestesses of the cult of Khaine, sacrifice some Dark Elves during Death Night, taking their victim's children. They are then offered up to Khaine, submerged in a Cauldron of Blood with the few that survive considered chosen by the god. ^[4a] These children are indoctrinated (i.e.: brain-washed) by the Witch Elves and ruthlessly trained, becoming Assassins. ^{[3a] [4a]}

Culture

Anyone wealthy enough may hire an assassin to eliminate a rival or an enemy in Naggaroth. The authorities will not punish someone merely because he hired an assassin; assassination is an accepted fact of life in Dark Elf society and a means of weeding out the weak and foolish.

Malekith himself uses them to dispose of those lords and ladies who dare question his authority. ^[4a]

Notable

• Shadowblade: The best assassin of Nagaroth is the mysterious Shadowblade^[1]. He (or she) is a master of disguise and kills anyone unfortunate enough to anger his mistress Hellebron. Shadowblade also protects the secret of his identity without mercy. ^[3a]

Religion

They follow a single aspect of the thousand-faced god of murder, always striving to be more like their deity. ^[4a]

Warfare

They operate mostly alone, but are quite able to conceal themselves inside a regular Dark Elf infantry unit, just waiting for the right opportunity to kill an enemy champion amidst the confusion of battle. ^[3a]

Weapons and Equipment

Dark Elf Assassins favour the use of Black Venom Poison with which they often coat their weapons. ^[3a]

See also

• Assassin (Skaven)

Notes

In the 3rd Edition, Assassins were the children of Witch Elves who if they survived being immersed in a cauldron of Khaine would become an adept of the Temple, trained in the arts of disguise and murder. ^[2a]

Sources

• 1: Warhammer Armies: Dark Elves (6th Edition), pg. 49
• 2: Ravening Hordes (2nd Edition)
  • 2a: Dark Elves, pg. 26
• 3: Warhammer Armies: Dark Elves (4th Edition)
  • 3a: Dark Elf Bestiary, pg. 40
• 4: Warhammer Armies: Dark Elves (6th Edition)
  • 4a: Devotees of Khaine, pg. 11