The Blades are Ousted from Imperial Protection
Political event
The Blades are ushered out of their official role as protectors of the king and other high officials of the empire, 519 years after their inception and servitude to the empire. They are phased out for more traditional royal guardsmen from legionary loyalists.
As a result, the organization becomes an independent group, even from the empire, under permission from current imperial king Redis Anther. This comes after much deliberation behind closed doors between the Blades leadership and the emperor. While it is decided that traditional guards can protect the king and other officials, The Blades will become independent, acting on behalf of the organization rather than the empire, allowing them to do 'dirty work' without the association.
It is implied that this work will be done not just on behalf of the organization, but for the 'betterment' of the empire in turn. While The Blades initially remain small and act as mercenaries with their own agendas, the organization eventually begins construction of a new fortress in Dawnstar which will serve as their training center and headquarters. This project is mostly funded by the command of the sitting emperor initially during its construction, at the cost of debates on what is necessary and what is not, as well as specifics of the construction plans. However as the king dies in the middle years of construction, the project is halted as funds are grounded by the new reigning emperor, Adias Henthorn. He believes that if this newly independent organization is going to work outside of imperial authority and restrictions, then it should not be funded by the empire. This forces what Blades members there are to turn to less reputable sources to complete the project, in exchange for high value assassinations and other 'dirty work', all of which is not officially known and "kept off the books".
It is noted that between the newly acquired funds between clients the members do work for town to town throughout the empire, and the riskier high paying contracts, the progress of the fortress, later known as 'The Citadel', is finished by the end of the decade, and rumor has it that much of the construction was reworked or renovated and old plans for the construction redesigned entirely to ensure absolute secrecy as to the layout and contents of the fortress from outsiders. Over time, the organization would grow in size considerably, often finding those with magical talents and battle experience, or even those who are seen to have 'potential' in travels. It's not officially known how the organization conducts itself or how it receives new members, but there are features that almost all Blades members possess.
Firstly, they all tend to wear some sort of cloaks, often similar in design, but meant to cover their face and other body parts when used accordingly, which can both help blend into a crowd, not stand out in a small village, or conceal weaponry and intentions. Secondly, most of its members don't go out of their way to socialize with the general population. Usually when you wish to attract a member of the organization, wither for personal protection, to kill someone or something, or otherwise, it's said that you find a raven, tie a pouch to its right foot with a note inside of the job being asked of them, and a single gold piece, as a symbol that you are good for your word when it comes to payment. This will supposedly find its way to the nearest member, who will promptly appear mysteriously to your location within a fortnight in which an official 'contract' will be formed. This contract, by those who have ventured into such services, is said to be bound by blood. The Blades, or Cloaks (as they are often referred to as), member will come to you, talk to you briefly about the job, payment options, and at the end will cut their hand down the middle, place the coin you sent by raven on top of the bleeding wound, and cut your hand in the same position. He will then briefly squeeze your hand with his, still holding the coin between the two of you, before letting go. This symbolizes a 'blood oath', in which for the shedding of blood (Which is the most common reason for someone to go through the trouble of calling a Blades member, you will pay for the bloodshed in coin. He will take that coin, put it on his person, and walk away.
Depending on the contract, the job assigned to him may take time. But as soon as the contact has been completed, you can be sure that he will find you once more to collect the rest of the payment. While it may appear to be odd to carry out often times dangerous or outright illegal activity for a single gold piece assurance, it's theorized that the blood shared between the two of the oath takers during a contract creates a special bond between the two of them until the contract is complete, in which case the blood will lead the member back to whoever's blood he made a pact with. It's said this is why modern Blade members require it's members to be proficient in magical elements and talents to a secretive degree. While most Blades members stay out of the limelight and therefore are very secretive about their skill sets and way of life, rumors tell stories of the lives of these secretive members and society.
