THE ASSASSIN'S CODE
Book Three of the Assassin Without a Name Series
About the Book
The Assassin’s Code is simple. Never let a job become personal, and never have regrets.
The Nameless Assassin has bent the Code’s rules without breaking them for years. But as bodies pile up and alliances crumble, the lines between duty, loyalty, and revenge fade like shadows in the dusk.
With a vengeful blood witch on the loose in the Shambles and the Warders tightening their grip on power in pursuit of the elusive Heart of the Dragon, the Assassin Without a Name must navigate a treacherous landscape where enemies become allies and every decision could lead to tragedy.
Immerse yourself in this gripping dark fantasy thriller where master assassins clash with blood witches, merchant princes conspire with sorcerers, and the lines between ally and adversary fade with every passing shadow.
In a city seething with dark magic and darker intentions, following the Code means nothing. Breaking it means everything.
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Wine List
Most wines in the Assassin Without a Name series are fictitious, though many are based on characteristics found in the many wines of our world.
Barmeda sherry
A dry, light, and smooth sherry with a slightly salty tang.
Crusus Sabeler
A sweet white with a fine bouquet and nutty flavor. A member of the shiraz family of wines. The best shiraz wines come from grapes grown in terraced vineyards.
Jisendell Port
A smooth red fortified with the perfect amount of brandy.
Mullender
A dry red.
Scarlet Tempest
A deep red.
Characters
ElizaMathilda's daughter.
KemA priest who believes that even the truly lost can be saved.
Mason GouldThe Assassin Without a Name's brother-in-law.
OpheliaProprietor of The Lazy Minstrel.
Black Blades
Black Guard
Grimlock
RaxGoblin Lord of Grimlock.
Jakaree
Society for the Progression of Science and Technology
Thieves' Guild
RabbetThief, beggar, informer.
Warders
Places
Aikon Cemetery
A cemetery where the dead have a knack for rising from the grave. Nestled on the outskirts of Alchester, Aikon Cemetery is a hauntingly beautiful expanse that tells tales of the past through its weathered tombstones and ancient trees. This serene yet eerie resting place is characterized by its overgrown paths and moss-covered gravestones, where the whispers of forgotten souls seem to linger in the air. The cemetery features intricately carved monuments, some depicting the lives of those who once walked the bustling streets of the city. Shadows dance among the headstones as the sun sets, inviting those who dare to explore its grounds to reflect on mortality and the stories buried beneath the surface. Aikon Cemetery holds an aura of mystery, making it a poignant reminder of the lives intertwined with Alchester's rich history, as well as a place where dark secrets and legends may still resonate.
Alchester
Alchester, the capital city of Kallendor, is a bustling metropolis that blends marketplace energy with distinct districts, each carrying its own character. While some areas thrive with commerce and vibrant life, others possess an ominous air. Alchester is a city that mirrors the balance of light and shadow, enticing visitors to explore its depths. At the direction of King Classus, Alchester has become the hub for Kallendor's airship adoption, including development and research as well as an evergrowing infrastructure for commerce by air.
Beggar’s Quarter
This gritty section of the city is steeped in danger and intrigue. Dark alleyways and shadowy corners hide the criminal underbelly of society, where cutpurses and shady figures roam. Characters navigate this tense environment with caution, knowing that treachery lurks around every turn.
Barmeda
A small Seacean vineyard located close to the western outlet of the Bay of Lochwell. Known for its exquisite sherry.
The Dusty Shelf
Dover Heights bookstore that specializes in rare and hard-to-find books. The proprietor is Claire Carter.
Finrad’s Magnificent Tower*
A towering relic of forgotten magic shrouded in legend and mystery. Once home to the powerful wizard Finrad, this cursed edifice is said to hold dark secrets and whispers of those who mysteriously disappeared in its shadow. Adventurers and curious souls tread carefully around its imposing walls, aware of the dangers that lie within.
The Groggery
A hole-in-the-wall grogshop tucked beneath a dilapidated tenement, The Groggery is a raucous tavern known for its boisterous ambiance and lively patrons. The scent of strong spirits fills the air as laughter and shouts intermingle with the clinking of glasses, creating an electric atmosphere that invites both camaraderie and chaos. The wooden beams overhead are adorned with colorful banners, and mismatched tables and chairs are filled with a diverse crowd composed of weary travelers, local adventurers, and rowdy merchants alike. The tavern's colorful proprietor is known for serving generous portions of hearty fare alongside their signature brews, making it a favored watering hole for those looking to escape the troubles of the outside world. The Groggery, with its unrefined charm and lively spirit, is a place where stories are shared, friendships are forged, and the pulse of Alchester's nightlife thrives.
Guild House
Guild House serves as the secretive base of operations for the city's infamous thieves' guild. This imposing structure, with its heavy wooden doors and barred windows, exudes an air of mystery and danger, making it both an alluring and intimidating presence. Inside, the atmosphere is thick with tension and camaraderie, as members gather to discuss heists, share intelligence, and strategize their next moves. Dimly lit by flickering torches, the interior is adorned with maps of the city, intricate escape routes, and trophies from past exploits, showcasing the guild's prowess. The Guild House is not just a meeting place; it is a hub of clever whispers and dark dealings, where loyalty is paramount, and betrayal is swiftly punished. This hidden lair is the heartbeat of Alchester’s underworld, where the line between friend and foe is constantly blurred, and every shadow holds the promise of adventure—or peril.
Isadora's Apothecary Shop*
Nestled in a hidden corner of Alchester, Isadora's apothecary shop looms ominously, a relic of its former purpose now steeped in darkness and malevolence. Once the domain of a respected herbalist, the shop has become a haunting lair where the air thickens with the scent of noxious potions and dark magic. Its creaking sign hangs precariously above the rotting wooden door, inviting only the most daring—or foolish—into its depths. Inside, shelves cluttered with bubbling concoctions, cryptic herbs, and glass jars filled with strange substances create a disquieting atmosphere. Here, Isadora conducts her sinister rituals, relentlessly pursuing her vengeful agenda against her sister.
The Jaded Peacock
A lively tavern where laughter and music fill the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Here, patrons gather to share stories, forge friendships, and enjoy a refreshing drink after long days in the bustling city. Its vibrant ambiance serves as a backdrop for encounters that can alter the course of one’s fate.
Jakaree Lair*
This lair in the Temple District serves as both a home and a sanctuary for the mysterious Jakaree. Known for their unique magical abilities and enigmatic presence, the Jakaree add an air of intrigue to this unassuming establishment. Within its walls, personal ties and unspoken obligations intertwine, creating a charged atmosphere where characters navigate complex relationships and pressing debts. Onius’ Place stands as a crossroads of opportunity and loyalty, beckoning those seeking guidance or a hidden agenda.
Kallendor
The Land of the Horse Lords is a place of grassy plains, wooded glens, and meadows. Kallendorans are a proud people: strong, noble, and dignified. Though many make their way in life as farmers, merchants, shepherds, and cavalry soldiers, as a people they have cultivated superior skills and experience as horse breeders. The horse is central to their lives; more than a few profess to have learned to ride before learning to walk. Many see the advance of technology as a threat to their traditional way of life, though its adoption seems inevitable given their king's support for it. Kallendor is one of the four fiefdoms created after the fall of the high king five hundred years ago.
Khoras
City of legend and myth, thought to precede Alchester but destroyed long ago. Called Nyrax by goblin and ratfolk.
King's Airship Docks
Largest airship docks in the Four Fiefdoms, with twenty towers total, though ten are unused.
King's Stockyards
Located outside the city walls. All manner of livestock are slaughtered here before distribution to butchers inside the city.
Lady Bellum's
Tavern with a pleasant atmosphere.
Lady Smither’s Bathhouse
A bathhouse.
The Lazy Minstrel
Where some see a shat-hole-in-the-wall tavern, others see charm and character. Perhaps The Lazy Minstrel is a little bit of both. Nestled in the heart of Alchester, the Minstrel is a lively tavern renowned for its warm ambiance and vibrant atmosphere, inviting both weary travelers and locals to unwind. Owned by the resilient Ophelia—who transformed her tumultuous past into a thriving establishment—the tavern serves hearty fare and refreshing drinks, fostering camaraderie among its patrons. Regularly hosting musical performances and engaging entertainment, The Lazy Minstrel embodies the spirit of community and survival, making it a beloved social hub for locals where stories are shared, friendships are forged, and the true essence of Alchester comes to life.
Lockley’s Depository
A bank.
The Mulling Mule
A wineshop of dubious quality.
Mullin’s Pawn Shop
A pawn shop whose owner, Evelyn, isn't above delving into the black market when there's money to be made.
Pannernine’s
A lively wineshop known for its relaxed atmosphere and camaraderie, where locals gather to unwind after grueling tasks. Friendly faces and spirited discussions create an inviting environment, making it a perfect spot for characters seeking both companionship and an escape from the day’s challenges.
Ridlin’s Den
Part gaming hall, part grogshop, all cesspit. Owned by Ridlin.
Rogue’s Den
Secret hangout for those who know about it. If you know, you know. If you don’t, you shouldn’t try to find it.
The Shambles
The Shambles is a notorious district in Alchester, infamous for its chaotic and dangerous atmosphere, where crime thrives amid dilapidated buildings and a sense of lawlessness. Often seen as a haven for cutthroats and street gangs, the area is marked by squalid living conditions, with residents enduring noisy disturbances and a pervasive odor. The local city watch shuns the district, allowing criminal activity to flourish unchecked, while the unwritten social dynamics require a keen sense of survival among its inhabitants. Despite its treachery, The Shambles holds a vital place in the city's identity, embodying the struggles and resilience of those navigating its perilous streets.
The Silver Harp
A fine establishment that caters to nobles and wealthy merchants. Known for its elegant decor and exquisite cuisine.
The Temple District
Once revered for its divine significance, this area now stands as a poignant reminder of lost faith. Abandoned worship sites and crumbling edifices populate the district, which is now inhabited by vagrants. It offers a glimpse into a past where gods reigned, drawing the curious traveler into its hushed reflections and remnants of devotion.
The Velvet Curtain*
A charming, albeit second-rate playhouse where entertainment thrives amidst hidden agendas. With its colorful performances and captivating productions, this venue serves as a perfect setting for intrigue, drawing an eclectic audience eager for both escapism and the thrill of secrets waiting to unfold.
* newly featured in The Assassin's Code
The Series