Introducing Nika, your world-exclusive first look at Guild Wars' next major character profession: the Assassin. With Guild Wars surging past one million registered users in later '05, NCsoft and ArenaNet have a certified smash online hit. Set to debut in the game's massive 2006 expansion, the Assassin profession will add thrilling stealth and combat techniques to Guild Wars' dynamic online gameplay. Nika will represent the assassin in the games popular ongoing storyline and we have another exclusive for Guild Wars fans: the first official guild wars lore for Nika the Assassin, plucked from the pages of the next chapter.
The smaller of burning incense wafted through the darkened room, adding a closeness to the already confined quarters...
'Have you sworn your daily fealty to the Conclave?'
Nike knelt on the woven mat covering the hard wood floor and lowered her head in a deep bow. 'Yes Master.'
She took in a long, slow breath, as she had been taught, calming her mind and centering herself for the task ahead.
'Very well. Then remove your mask.'
'Yes, Master,' she replied, lifting herself to a sitting position and pull away the thick silk covering her face.
The Conclave was a very secretive order. Outside of this private, magically warded chamber, she kept her face covered to protect her identity. Even those inside the organization did not reveal the details of their lives to their fellow acolytes. Anonymity was a highly prized asset among those who studied the art of delivering death.
But here, Nika wasnt allow this luxury.
Only those who gave the orders were permitted to see their students' faces. It was a sign of respect-a pledge that the student will not use the skills she learns against her master. Trust was something very few in the Conclave could afford.
A figure darted from one corner of the space to the other, somehow avoiding the light given off by the burning censer. This did not alarm Nika. She had been studying with the Conclave for many years now, and always it was the same. Never did she see the face of the one she called Master. Never could she identift the person who gave her orders.
In the time it took the figure's shadow to shift across the room, a parchment scroll had appeared on the floor. Nika unrolled the paper and examined the antiquated runes scrawled across its surface. Very few people wrote exclusively in the ancient script of this land. It was a dying language, giving way to a blending of the words and customs of all the world's nations.
Nika's home was a land of tremendous trade. It was not uncommon for travelers and merchants from far-off exotic locales to find their way to its bustling, cosmopolitan shores.
But many of those who did never got the chance to leave.
'Are the terms of the provlamation in order?'
Nika's gaze slid over the last few inscriptions, ending on the stamped wax seal of the Conclave and a name-the name of her target.
Nika nodded. 'How am I to find this man?'
'His ship will arrive from Lion's Arch in the morning.'
'Will he be guarded?'
The shadow shifted again, and her master appeared beside the censer. The ornate metalwork on a belt of throwing daggers reflected the censer's dull glow, but the teachers face remained obscured in shadow.
'This man is the leader of a very powerful guild. You can expect him to have many well-trained warriors and spellcasters at his side,' replied her master.
Nika bowed. 'And I am to take only the leader.'
'That is correct. The proclamation is for only the one man.'
'Is there anything else, Master?'
Tge figure beside the censer disappeared, and a pair of gleaming swords, one long, one short, appeared before Nika.
'Just these.' The master's voice came from behind her.
Nika knew well what this meant. Receiving the weapons she was to use for the task ahead signaled the end of their meeting.
Lifting the blades, one in each hand, she rolled back onto the balls of her feet and cam to stand once again.
'Return here when the proclamation has been completed.'
'Yes, Master.' Nika fastened the silk across her face, and with a wisp of smoke, she disappeared, Shadow Stepping from the chamber.
