Hired assassin?

[Nimbostratus]

In the "Tavern" page in the M&B Wiki, it mentions that you will sometimes encounter a hired assassin if some of the lords hate you. I've never actually seen one though, and I can't find any pictures of it. Is this a BS claim, or do I just not have enough enemies? I don't usually end up with many lords deep into negative relations. If it is real, could somebody post a picture of one?

 

[Woopzilla]

Yes, if lords hate you enough they can show up in taverns.

Here's one from my games:

http://i.imgur.com/ykEJSQu.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Zhar4Dg.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/PhVv8yi.jpg

Also, as you can see in the last screenshot, I managed to stick a thrown spear into him as they don't have an opening dialogue. They will stand there and suddenly attack if you get close enough, so if you ready a throwing weapon/bow/crossbow before they begin their attack you can take them out before the tavernkeeper has a chance to say 'Stop! No Shooting!'.

It's kind of hilarious that they are actually called 'Hired Assassin'. The only way they can surprise you if you just march in and don't spot him. They are higher levelled than a belligerent drunk as mentioned before in the thread but they probably won't be much of a problem even if they gank you from behind as you should be sufficiently levelled if you've seriously angered several lords already.

 

[Fultic]

Got ambushed by one of these once, was low on health so he actually had a good chance at me. But since they aren't much stronger than the drunk, I lived.

 

[Nimbostratus]

Ah, thank you. I would've hired something a little more menacing than a peasant with a sword.