Assassins' Guild
The best option anywhere for a well-rounded education.
The Ankh-Morpork Assassins' Guild was widely considered by the elite to be the best option anywhere for a well-rounded education, regardless of intent to kill. It is located in a light, airy series of buildings next to the Guild of Fools and Joculators; the latter is often mistaken for the Assassins' Guild because it is a far more sinister building.
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Lore & Background
The Assassins' Guild was founded by unknown individuals, with no specific founder named in canon. Its origins relate to the regulation and monopolization of assassination, not to any avoidance of drugs. No specific founding date is given in canon. The Guild is simply known as the Assassins' Guild; there is no canonical mention of a 'Royal' charter or the dropping of such a title. Lord Vetinari received his education here as a youth. The Guild is headed by Lord Downey.
In Their Own Story
Sir Gyles de Munforte, a warrior knight intrigued during crusades in Klatch, established the original school on 27 August AM1512. By AM1688, following the overthrow of the monarchy, the organization had shed its royal title and evolved into the Guild that suspended contracts on the Patrician and Commander of the City Watch to avoid undermining the city.
Reader's Guide
The Guild operates as the primary school for assassination on Discworld (with a small select one noted in Hunghung). It enforces strict laws and trading practices like other Ankh-Morpork Guilds. Membership requires adhering to rules that prevent contracts against the Patrician or City Watch Commander, a stance that inadvertently created space for unlicensed killers like Mr Gryle, Mr Pin, and Mr Tulip.
Did You Know?
- No specific founder of the Assassins' Guild is named in canon; the origins relate to regulation and monopoly, not drug avoidance.
- Lord Vetinari received his education at the Guild before becoming Patrician.
- Mr Pin and Mr Tulip of the New Firm are unlicensed assassins who operate outside the Guild, though the specific reason for their rivalry is not stated in canon.
Origins and Evolution
Founded on 27 August AM1512 by Sir Gyles de Munforte as the de Munforte School for Gentlemen Assassins. In AM1576 it became a Guild named the Royal Guild of Assassins. The 'Royal' was dropped after AM1688 following the Ankh-Morpork Civil War.
Educational Prestige and Leadership
Widely considered by the elite as the best option for a well-rounded education regardless of intent to kill. Lord Vetinari received his education here in his youth. The Guild was headed by Lord Downey.
Operational Ethics and Unlicensed Rivals
The Guild suspended contracts on the Patrician and Commander of the City Watch to avoid undermining the city. This led to unlicensed assassins like Mr Gryle (Going Postal) and Mr Pin and Mr Tulip (The Truth).
Institutional Role within City Governance
The primary engines of Ankh-Morpork's economy are the Guilds, with hundreds existing for every conceivable profession. Each has its own strictly maintained laws and trading practices. Many Guilds have assumed roles which in real-world cities would be assumed by government agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Assassins' Guild?
The Assassins' Guild is a licensed professional organization in Ankh-Morpork that manages contract killing under strict Patrician regulations. They operate legally as long as they adhere to specific codes of conduct and bureaucratic paperwork.
Why does the city allow them?
The Guild serves as a controlled outlet for violence, ensuring lethal services remain monitored by the state rather than chaotic. This system treats murder as a trade that requires proper channels instead of unregulated crime.
How are members protected from arrest?
Carrying an official membership card grants assassins immunity when executing authorized contracts within the city limits. This legal shield distinguishes their professional duties from common homicide in Ankh-Morpork's courts.
Who hires the Guild besides humans?
While they serve many clients, even entities like Death have occasionally sought their services for unique metaphysical tasks. Their business extends beyond simple murder to include various forms of professional removals requested by supernatural beings.
Where is the Guild located?
They operate out of a dedicated headquarters known as the Guildhall within Ankh-Morpork itself. This building serves as the central hub for their regulated commerce and administrative functions throughout the series.
More in Organizations & Institutions
Related in Discworld
Links follow this subject's own source article.
Elsewhere in the Discworld universe
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