High House of Assassins

Lore & Background

While they often work for Malazan interests or rival powers depending on the contract, their ultimate allegiance remains with the House and its traditions. The organization is infamous for producing prodigies who rise quickly through the ranks, sometimes disrupting established power dynamics across multiple continents through a single, well-placed strike.

In Their Own Story

Rain slicked the black stones of Drukorada as he waited in the alcove. No breath misted the air; no heartbeat quickened his pulse. From the shadows above, a figure descended without sound, blade drawn but hidden within a sleeve of woven night. The target walked alone, unaware that death had already been priced and paid for hours ago.

Reader's Guide

The High House operates from the shadowed capital of Drukorada in Assail, functioning as a sovereign body within the realm. Their primary goal is maintaining the sanctity of assassination as an art form while securing lucrative contracts for political or military elimination. They answer to no crown, though they occasionally serve empire interests when aligned with profit. Leadership rests solely with the Master Assassin, a figure who oversees training and approves high-value targets. Apprentices undergo rigorous conditioning in stealth and blade work, often beginning as children within the city's underbelly. The organization maintains strict internal discipline; failure is rarely tolerated without severe consequence for the offender. Historically, they have influenced regional conflicts by removing key leaders silently. Their involvement in the wider Malazan conflicts peaked when a prodigy apprentice was tasked with eliminating a major imperial figure. This act cemented their reputation as dangerous players capable of altering the course of wars through single strikes.

Did You Know?

• The High House is headquartered in Drukorada, located on the continent of Assail.
• Members believe assassination requires artistic precision rather than brute force.
• Fenrys was a notable apprentice who rose to prominence within their ranks.