• Excerpts from an article by John William Johnson on the origins of killer. Some more interesting (but less deeply researched) bits on the Killer game from an article on theatre style live roleplaying. A review of "The 10th victim", the film that Johnson attributes the popularization of assassination games to, the film was based on the short story "The seventh victim", which was later turned into a novel called "The 10th victim" (a comment about "The 7th victim").
• About a member of the Oxford Guild getting into trouble with the police. First an accurate account by university officials, then a rather amusing article in an Oxfordshire newspaper, which seems to be obsessed with comparing the assassins game with Dungeons and Dragons.
• A similar incident to the one in Oxford occured in Sheffield, once again there is an article about it and more official statements (from the Activities Officer and minutes from the Sheffield Guild forum).
• Relevant bits for dating the foundation of Assassins' Guilds: MIT, Durham

[...]
At around the same time the game "Killer" was published by Steve Jackson Games, and a number of other similar systems came out. Assassin games were being played on campus by the early eighties, and it is likely that some of the "home grown" versions are older than any of the published systems. One early verifiable organization is the M.I.T. Assassins Guild, which was organized at least as early as 1983. Early Assassin games were "circle games" where all the participants drew a name, and then serially eliminated their opponents. By 1983, M.I.T. had clearly progressed to more organized events, with dramatic elements and plotting. The 1985 Movie "Gotcha," with Anthony Edwards and Linda Fiorentino popularized the "assassin" genre, but is also a reflection of the fact that it was very well established by that point. Live Action "Assassin" is the forgotten grandsire of most theatre style games. These events were run on college campuses, and despite invectives from the authorities, and problems with students sneaking around campuses with dart pistols, they were wildly popular. Modern "paint ball," which is a fairly organized sport, seems to have evolved from the starting point of the "circle games," but in the opposite direction - towards a more "sport like" approach where team play, physical activity, and shooting in interesting terrain were emphasized, rather than plot and drama.
Assassin games quickly became outlawed on many campuses, and aficionados needed to find some way to continue play that was less frightening and threatening to the authorities and their communities, or stop playing. A logical step was to come up with a mathematical "combat" system similar to that used in tabletop RPG – players who found each other could resolve combat using dice. The problem is that stalking someone with an index card of stats isn’t very exciting. So the next step becomes adding some plots so that there is something more interesting to do that walk around comparing cards. Theatre style gaming was born. It would also be incorrect to assume that "assassin" genre is dead, however. Killer! a live action rules system for Assassination gaming by Steve Jackson Games is being re-released in 1998 in a 4th edition.
[...]
The MIT Assasssins Guild formed around the same time, and focused on "Assassin Games," at least initially, though by the mid eighties it had branched into live fantasy gaming.
[...]
Live Action Gaming, particularly Assassin gaming was not unknown to society at large in the early 80s. Certainly Gotcha! must have inspired growth in the Assassin games genre. By 1988, the "Live Roleplaying" phenomenon was embedded enough in SF/Fantasy culture to inspire a science fiction novel. Larry Niven's Dream Park codified the concept, adding high tech bells and whistles, and an enormous budget - the first depiction of Live Roleplay as the "entertainment form of the future." Dream Park would provide the original inspiration for the Midwestern "International Fantasy Gaming Society," which takes its name from the book, and along with NERO constitutes one of the two largest "live combat" roleplaying groups in the United States.
[...]

A Scholar Looks at Killer, John William Johnson (Assistant Professor for Folklore, Indiana University), 17 June 1981 from Steve Jackson's "Killer the game of assassination":

[...]
The human hunt motif has passed back and forth from oral to written tradition many times. One of the most famous examples in literature is Richard Edward Connell's 19th-century short story, "The Most Dangerous Game". One of the most famous examples in oral tradition is found on the Isle of Man where, in one (non-lethal) variation of the English fox hunt, a person is substituted for the fox.
[...]
The ideas upon which Killer is based began in a short story by the noted science-fiction author Rober Sheckley. Sheckley published his story, "The Seventh Victim" in Galaxy Magazine, Vol. 6, No. 1, in April of 1953.
[...]
The film was released in Decemberof 1965, and was seen all over the country in a matter of months. It was at this juncture in time that the human hunt game spread from cinema to oral tradition. I remember when the first games were played in 1966 on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin.
[...]
When it began, the players of the game were inspired by the film. Now, 15 years later, the players do not know anything about its origins. I have interviewed over 200 players, mostly by written questionnaires, and only one game organizer had ever heard of the film.
[...]
Perhaps the identification of the game by the press as the "latest college fad" was what interested two film companies, and the films entitled "T.A.G. (The Assassination Game)", and "K.A.O.S." are presently being shot. So now the game has gone full circle [...].

Review of 'The 10th Victim" from http://www.dvdreview.com/:

The 10th Victim (1965)
Anchor Bay Entertainment

Fans of the 60s Mod scene, the amazing Marcello Mastroianni, or Ursula Andress in a bikini will likely delight in ’The 10th Victim.’ Anchor Bay is to be applauded for offering up this long-missing gem with a fine widescreen image and the original Italian soundtrack.

In "7th Victim" (1953), science fiction writer, Robert Sheckley, depicts a future society in which murder is legalized for willing participants- to provide an outlet for innate human violence- in order to prevent another world war. Sheckley suggests that human aggression is inextricably linked with human drive, courage and tenacity, so that it's a necessary "evil" for long-term survival.

The monitoring of Undergraduate Clubs has required a considerable effort from both the Assessor and our Clerk, and on the Sports side, a far-reaching review by the Committee for Sport chaired by Proctor Macmillan has reported. My impression in visiting Freshers' Fair was that it had not changed one jot in atmosphere from last time I had been there as a Fresher nearly thirty years ago. I suppose the nature of undergraduate societies has largely changed from the social clubs proliferating in the 1880s, from Mr Mitchell's records: the Friskers, Myrmidons, Busters, Flickerers, Nondescripts, no doubt reflecting the change in social profile of those coming up to Oxford. Now we have the Strategic Studies Club, the Historical Society, the Belly Dancing Club (Senior Member from St Hilda's), and the Guild of Assassins, one of whose members momentarily came into the Proctors' sights, for triggering the call-out of the Police Armed Response Unit, toting what turned out to be a plastic machine-gun.

"This is Oxfordshire", originally published on Friday 26 February 1999:

"A Brief History or The Master Assassins and What They Did" from the MIT Assassins' Guild webpage

Stephen Balzac
Steve became a Master when the Guild was officially created: he created it (*). At the first election, he elected himself Grand Master- breaking the tie of 0-0 with 15 abstentions. Steve was elected Grandmaster Emeritus in Spring 1985.
Bryan Knight [Spring 83]
Bryan received the title of Master Assassin for his work commanding HIS in the IAP 83 game, the first game produced by the Guild, and for his work as the commander of STAMP in the Spring 83 STAMP vs. INSECT game. Bryan never killed anyone in either game.

Earliest entry in the list of past execs on the Durham Guild webpage:

Exec from 1997/1998
President: Martin Rowe
Vice-President, and brains behind the Diplomatic Corps: Tamlan Dipper
Treasurer: Robin Cannon
Secretary: Stephen Turton
Social Secretary: Andrew Knighton
Game Warden: Peter Younger
Finch Operator: David Lewis

The rules on the Durham Guild webpage (Cameron/Pringle umpired Michaelmas 1994 in Cambridge):

The history of this set of rules is thought to be: Original author unknown. Typed in by Paul Roberts. Later history unknown. Used by Cambridge University Sci-Fi and Fantasy Society for a while. Clarifications made by Martin Hardcastle, Julian Birch, Richard Fairhurst, Ben Jameson, Jim Cameron and Elizabeth Pringle, all from Cambridge University. Sent to Scott Mclean at Grey College, Durham University by Theo Moore from Robinson College, Cambridge University.

In this context it can only once more be recommended to exclusively use things which cannot be confused with real weapons. Particularly a bright (e.g. pink and yellow) colour scheme is a good way of making gun-shaped objects look less realistic. While it has been pointed out that real criminals could potentially do the same to their own real weapons (Has anyone ever heard of such a case?), this firstly seems unlikely (they presumably mean to intimidate victims and don't want to have them laughing at their pink gun) and secondly on seeing something bright hidden and only partially visible people are by far less likely to associate this with a weapon than if they were seeing a wooden handle sticking out of a pocket.

An article about the incident from SheffieldBase.com

Assassin's Guild Arrest Mystery!

Ewan Cameron

Rumours abound as to the status of two University of Sheffield Assassin's Guild members apparently arrested for carrying replica weapons in public. Both the Guild and the Union Activities Officer have refused to comment on the situation that could see both parties facing criminal conviction and possible disciplinary action by the University.

The Assassin's Guild runs a live action role playing game in which members are given each other's pictures and details in order to stalk each other down and 'assassinate' their target using a variety of non-lethal means. In recent games, Assassins have employed water pistols and cardboard knives to despatch their foes in as creative a way as possible.

Unofficial sources, including Union Officials, have told sheffieldbase.com a variety of stories, ranging from a simple misunderstanding to a full-blown police helicopter chase.

It can be confirmed only that a member of the public voiced concern to the sight of replica weapons and that two arrests have been made. Guild Council members have maintained a dramatic 'no comment' stance when approached and their website is far from informative.

The Guild, which now faces closure, has been troubled in recent years by a minority of over zealous members who have insisted on living within bizarre 'Nikita' style fantasy worlds. Members have been repeatedly warned about the legal implications of wandering about Sheffield with replica weapons, but some have insisted on carrying life-like starter pistols and other projectile weapons such as mini-crossbows.

It comes as no surprise to former Assassin's Guild game winner, Martha Taylor: "It used to be fun, and it still is in some respects, but some are taking it too seriously and there are people in the Guild with no right to be there, people with serious issues. I’m not surprised the Guild are being so cloak and dagger about the identities of these two."

Others have voiced concerns at the domination of the game by a minority of Goths.

A Guild member, who refused to be named, told sheffieldbase.com she sometimes feared the actions of certain members, who often dominate the website forum, including the infamous 'Chevalier De Sang' (a codename).
Currently not a student at the University but acting social secretary on the Guild Council, De Sang is often seen around University property dressed as a Vampire in crushed velvet and sporting U.S made Vampire dentures. His forum posts close with the quote: 'And many fell before me as though my guns were a great scythe, reaping my enemies'.

Though an easy scapegoat, our source claims De Sang was not one of those arrested and is not alone in appearing to take things a little too seriously. Many may question the iconic use of a picture of Hitler as the identity of the Forum Administrator…

Those with information and/or speculation are encouraged to add their thoughts below.

Readers' comments

I heard there was a shootout and SAS popped a cap in both their asses, then removed their faces then told Activities Officer if he said anything then he'd get something cold in the night.
k


You're right, it's the minority of people who took the whole thing too far that ruined it, and I'm not surprised people have been arrested. It was only a matter of time before someone did something stupid, I'm just glad no-one got hurt.
j


The whole thing sounds a bit idiotic to me, great fun but still idiotic, some people will always take things too seriously, and taking the assassins guild too seriously would always end in trouble.
Antoin


As a member of the assassins guild i can honestly say that it's sad that this unfortunate event has happened. what we play is just fun, there is never any malice or harm intended at all and i think i speak for most of us when i say this. Nicknames (assassins ID as they are known as in the guild) are nothing but harmless fun a form of escapism no-one is really going to hurt anyone and after all they are just names, it's all just an act and i also dont see what anyone wears has any relevance to the situation whatsoever. There are people wandering around sheffield in stranger things than crushed velvet but no-one comments so please make the comments relevant to the situation and stop the personal critique.
anon


And here's me thinking the mindset of student newspapers had changed since that god awful 'Freak of the Week' column in the Steel Press. Grow up.
C


It's hardly in the same vein as 'Freak of the Week' when reporting about people being arrested for brandishing replica weapons! There may be an element of fun-poking in the story, but the fact remains that the police were involved for a reason.
Anon


Get your facts straight before criticising what is one of most original and harmless societies at the university. What we do is only for fun - no one else gets harmed and incidents such as this are the fault of the individuals, not the guild as a whole. I only joined this year, but already feel like I am amongst a group of friendly, normal people.
BG

And this is what the Union want us to think about before our second meeting with them in 2 weeks... thought people might like to see what we're trying to consider in the new rulesets.

Guild of Assassins

Note of Meeting with University
12 November 2003
Present:
Angus Heath (Union Activities Officer)
Paul Blomfield (Union General Manager)
Brian Mole (Head of University Security)
Matthew Robertson (Guild Of Assassins)
Nick Johnson (Guild Of Assassins)
Helen Gibbons (Guild Of Assassins)
Kathryne Fraser (Union Activities Manager)

Context

Following a serious incident involving two members of the Guild using a fake gun in a residential area and the subsequent involvement of South Yorkshire Police, the meeting had been arranged to discuss the implications for the future activities of the Guild of Assassins.

It was noted that South Yorkshire Police had incurred considerable expense in responding to the incident and lives had potentially been put at risk. It was recognised that the two students involved had been fortunate in only receiving a police caution.

It was accepted, by the Guild members, that the incident was extremely serious and the members involved had been fortunate in that no one had been killed. It was noted that neither the Guild nor the Union are being asked to meet the considerable financial costs incurred by South Yorkshire Police.

It was noted that the Guild members involved were acting outside of the Guild’s rules. The Guild were very concerned that such distress had been caused to local residents.

Guild activities have been suspended following this incident and will not be resumed until the University and Union are satisfied that adequate safety procedures are in place.

Following a discussion on the incident and its implications, the following was agreed:-

1. The rules of engagement and use of weapons are to be reviewed and any areas of possible ambiguity either clarified or removed. A copy of proposed changes are to be circulated prior to the next meeting
2. In reviewing the use of weapons, Guild members agreed to assess how necessary the use of imitation guns and knives are in relation to the objectives of the game.
3. All members must receive a copy of the rules of engagement and use of weapons and sign a statement agreeing to comply; copies of signatures are to be given to the Union.
4. Guild Officers will be responsible for monitoring that all members comply with the rules of engagement and use of weapons and introduce systems to ensure that they are aware of all proposed activities.
5. Guild activities will only be allowed to occur on the University Campus and not in residential areas.

It was agreed to meet again in three weeks time.

Kathryne Fraser (Activities Manager)

Hello everybody.
I thought i`d add my views to the forum.

1. The use of any sort of gun or knife is in my opinion unacceptable. Even if you had very strict rules on what sort of guns or knives were acceptable, people would interpret the rules to allow themselves to use what they wanted to use.
2. The two members stopped by the police were acting outside of the rules. You MUST make sure thart everyone who signs up to the game is aware of all of the rules. If they do not sign up to hte rules they are not allowed to take part in the game.
3. The Union has a duty of care to its members. If we support a group then they must be seen to be actively fullfilling this duty of care. If the group can not fullfill this obligation then the union will not support them.

Sorry if this sounds authoritarian or excessive, but we can not under any circumstances have a repeat of the situation that occured a few weeks ago.

Angus Heath. Activities Officer

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