prepping for beginning expansion

[Taqwus]

Luck charms, barkskin amulets aren't too expensive and can help (well, the barkskin won't help as much as on a human assuming that Empoisoners, as lizardmen, have some base prot; can't remember what it is 'tho). For somebody with decent prot (perhaps from Boots of Stone, say), the etherealness from a Robe of Shadows can be a big help.

If you think there's a decent chance the assassin will die, a weapon with powerful poison or a decay effect might be in order.

But the auto summoners are very useful (wraith crown in particular; but that's very expensive; against many non-flying non-lightning-immune opponents, a spirit helm might be the better buy, although harder for C'tis).

Later on, the Drain Life banner is just vicious... always-hits, affects even lifeless enemies, decent range, good armor-negating hp/fatigue damage, restores health/fatigue on assassin, and not blocked by any immunities.

[tinkthank]

Let me rephrase: I have lots of success with assassins in mid- to late game, it's early game (turns 1-20) with eliminating indy commanders with access only to magic trinkets or maximal construction 2 items.
Barkskin amulet: ok, I'll try that. Other than that, I feel there is no real good gear to give assassins pre-construction-4 that can help in expanding early, and my assassins always die sooner or later when naked.