It was the year 551 of the second era. At the time, a new Khajiit came in town. His name was Red Standard. He supported the Ebonheart Pact.
One fine day during that year, Red Standard had managed to hold off a force of Daggerfall Covenant from entering Davon's Watch. As the guards celebrated, a Nord approached and asked him if he would be interested in not only becoming part of the Cyrodiil war, but also, part of the security detail for the Pact, the Black Shadows. Their mission statement appealed to Red Standard: To end his sister, Lady Okean'volna, and all of the Covenant's White Horse Herd.
When he got to Cyrodiil, Red Standard went out on 2 raids during the night, ambushing Covenant hunting parties. Red Standard managed to kill an entire Imperial camp, leaving a lone survivor.
The leader told Red Standard he was 36 hours away from his initiation into the Black Shadows. Red Standard, however, didn't even hear him say that. He simply nodded and said, "Thank you." His mind was on other things.
He had realized that the Black Shadows were costly. Every month, the leaders milk every single member for a large fee...he also talked to some of the new recruits, and they said they struggle to pay member fees and rent at the same time. Their food is lean, they eat in misery, and overall it was a costly experience.
Secretly, while they slept, a Dominion officer snuck in and dragged Red Standard away from camp. The Dominion officer had an interesting offer to bring: If the Pact's situation does not improve, the recruits would be offered a place in the Dominion...an interesting choice.
The next morning, the officer was in his office, when 12 recruits, including Red Standard, came in with a document. Red Standard pawed the Nord the document. The Nord, in outrage after reading the document, told them if they don't get down to the training camp, they would not be initiated. Consequently, Red Standard and the 12 recruits marched out of the camp and marched directly to Dominion lands.
The Nord realized this when he did headcount and realized he was short 12 people. He realized that he had to improve his situation. However, the Nord and 2 other leaders were arrested and tried 5 days later for not paying appropriate pay to the recruits. He was convicted and was executed. The Black Shadows would eventually regroup.
*What will happen to Red Standard and the 11 other recruits? Tune in next week to find out.*
If you can't handle the heat...stay out of the kitchen!