How to RP Assassin spellcasting?

[Charraj]

In a DM post, it is stated, "Assassin now recieves a spellbook."

In PnP, "[a]n assassin casts spells just as a bard does." Dungeon Master's Guide v. 3.5, page 181.

Which one should be RP'd here? Can assassin spellcasting be RP'd like wizard spellcasting, with a spellbook and study and preparation, etc.?

If assassin spellcasting should be RP'd as bardic spellcasting, then I assume assassins can sing or otherwise perform the verbal component of their spells?

Or are we allowed to pick and choose?

Thanks for your time!

[chad878262]

bump... I'd be interested in how this should be RP'd as well.

[DM Narshe]

A similar question cropped up once years ago. It was regarding Ranger spells, however. (I won't open that particular can of beans here)

This isn't a full DM staff response, just what I've garnered:

Assassins are essentially trained in specific spells that would be useful to their profession. They don't actively study or research new spells.

Assassins cast actual spells as the spells are described and any/all components required of them. They don't have to prepare spells or carry spellbooks or anything of the sort (though I suppose you could if you wanted to RP it.)


The DM post probably referred to the mechanical spellbook in game. Meaning they get spells (or should) much like most other classes. Some classes have spells keyed to feats (blackguard comes to mind) when they should be tied to a spellbook menu anyways. It's just how they were originally implemented that differs.