the assassins' guild is known for providing the best education in ankh-morpork. most of the nobility in the city (and beyond) send their children there. very few actually become assassins; many who attend do not learn valuable weapon skills, but are mainly there for the arts courses. these students are known as oppidans, from the latatian for "town" (see town and gown). guild graduates can be expected to be at home in any company, and to be able to play at least one musical instrument. however, those who do not graduate are generally never seen again; as noted in "wyrd sisters", the guild is fond of competitive examination, and "pyramids" mentions that the guild is "easy to get into and easy to get out of; the trick was to get out upright". it is implied, though not confirmed, that oppidans are not included in this.