Event 3: Shadow heart - Taking Back Fiore

[PatriotArrow]

Shadow Heart had finally reached their goal. No longer would they need to sneak by in the Shadows, persecuting those who dared whisper their name. They were one of the most powerful organizations in Fiore, and now they would be recognized as such. They would reveal themselves willingly, and show that they had more support than the Magic Council.

The began in broad daylight. Elrik Vander was a notorious member of the Magic Council for the citizens of Crocus. Elrik was very insistent about inspecting any goods coming in or out of Crocus. More often than not, he had an uncanny eye for spotting contraband... which he would conveniently take and overlook for a small 'fee'. This had earned him quite the reputation and fortune, all for the wrong reasons.

Then there was Tanith Finnula, a Shadow Heart member. Tanith was a local hero, known for her daring deeds, ranging from foiling muggings, fighting monsters, and saving a kitten from a fire – far from the stereotypical murderer, although she certainly kept her guild life a secret. Not all Shadow Heart members were faceless assassins who shied from social contact; Tanith was known for partying at the bar and taking good care of her little brother. Shadow Heart arranged for Tanith's path to inevitably cross with Elrik.

For once Elrik found real contraband; the kind he couldn't pretend to offer a fee and look away. When he threatened to arrest Tanith, plenty of other witnesses were nearby. Witnesses that Elrik had falsely accused of similar fraudulence. When Tanith protested the charge, others rallied to her cause. They refused to let Elrik take her to the Magic Council headquarters under 'false charges'. Certain undercover Shadow Heart members made sure to vocally support Tanith – which gave the other fearful citizens louder voices against Elrik's methods. A small crowd gathered. The Magic Council sent in more members to 'maintain order'.

Who threw the first blow? The exact moment was lost to history, but the outcome was clear. Magic Council fought against the crowd; the crowd fought against the Magic Council. There were screams of government corruption and those that profited from the people's suffering. There were cries of Shadow Heart, the organization which defended people; the ones who would free Fiore. The small Magic Council task force sent to control the crowd instead found a riot beyond their control. Shadow Heart and the Crocus supporters claimed the win. Tanith openly admitted her affiliation, the purpose of her guild, and her dreams for the future...

Shadow Heart surged with new members. The remaining Magic Council Paladins were abruptly ambushed by angered mobs. On the desk of the Magic Council HQ, a new letter had mysteriously appeared. It was a declaration of war, addressed to the Magic Council, and signed by Shadow Heart...