Collegio Assassinorum
The Collegio Assassinorum is a shadowy and elite order of assassins within the Askillian Empire, feared throughout Aeyirah for their unmatched skill and unwavering loyalty to the emperor. Shrouded in secrecy, the Collegio is as much a symbol of the empire’s ruthlessness as it is of its power. To cross the emperor, or to pose a threat to the stability of the empire, is to invite the silent retribution of the Collegio.
The assassins of the Collegio Assassinorum are instantly recognizable by their signature porcelain masks, which cover half or more of their faces, lending them an eerie, ghostlike appearance. These masks are crafted with meticulous care, each unique to its wearer, signifying their rank and specialization within the order. The masks also serve as both a psychological weapon—striking fear into their targets—and as a means to conceal their identities. The Collegio's assassins are trained to discard personal attachments and identities, seeing themselves as nothing more than instruments of the emperor's will.
Their attire is a blend of stealth and elegance—dark, form-fitting cloaks that allow them to blend into the shadows, yet adorned with subtle, intricate designs that reflect the empire’s affinity for advanced craftsmanship. They frequently also adorn their garments with slashes of Imperial orange, so that their victims will know from where their death comes. Their garments are lightweight but reinforced to provide protection against both magic and steel. Every assassin is armed with a pair of retractable forearm blades, weapons that can be deployed in an instant, perfect for close combat and silent kills. Alongside these, they carry small but devastating explosives—incendiary devices that can incapacitate or destroy without a trace, should stealth fail or a larger distraction be required.
The Collegio Assassinorum does not kill indiscriminately. Their targets are selected with extreme precision, often by direct order of the emperor or the noble council. They are as much tacticians as they are executioners, preferring to dismantle an enemy's power base before delivering the final blow. Infiltration, manipulation, and psychological warfare are tools as familiar to them as their blades.
The assassins undergo a brutal and grueling training regimen from childhood, chosen either from orphanages or noble families seeking imperial favor. The training strips them of individuality and forges them into perfect agents of death. They are taught the art of subterfuge, hand-to-hand combat, the crafting and use of poisons, and the psychology of their prey. Above all, they are conditioned to be loyal, unwavering in their duty to protect the emperor and the empire, even at the cost of their lives.
Though feared, the Collegio Assassinorum is also deeply respected. Their allegiance is not bought by coin or influence, but is absolute to the Askillian Empire itself. They are the emperor’s enforcers, his silent guardians, and the ultimate deterrent to rebellion or treachery. Many believe that the Collegio’s influence extends far beyond assassinations—that they monitor the highest levels of the government, ensuring loyalty from even the most powerful nobles.
Rumors also persist that the Collegio Assassinorum has been tasked with darker, more insidious operations: the quiet elimination of dissenters, the acquisition of forbidden knowledge, and even the manipulation of foreign powers to serve the empire’s expansionist goals. Some even whisper that the Collegio has agents embedded in foreign courts, patiently waiting for the time to strike.
Despite the fear they inspire, the Collegio Assassinorum remains an enigmatic force. Few who have seen their porcelain masks and lived to tell the tale can ever say they understand them, and fewer still would dare challenge the authority of the emperor, knowing that the Collegio watches from the shadows, ever ready to strike.
Alternative Names
The Emperor's Blades
Parent Organization
Notable Members
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