History 9: The Assassination of The King of Skargness

While most histories on here are of the better times we'll delve into the time a King was assassinated by the Darkcloak member, Ninjasoawesome. Starting back to it's roots in the 2nd Age, the people of Mercia and it's neighboring kingdoms were in a time of peace and prosperity. This didn't sit well with a group of first people who thought that they weren't given enough gratitude. This lack of attention from the citizens of Mercia led to the creation of The Darkcloaks; a group of assassins that killed on contract.

The Darkcloaks were behind many great assassinations, including the house-party slaughter and the former councilmen Lyrh. However, these all are outshined by their greatest work of killing Fairgen the King of Skargness. Not all of the information is known about what precedes this event, but I'll do my best. During the Third Era, after the Tax-Bill was passed in Mercia, some rich noblemen were worried that since Fairgen was close friends to Lyrh, they too would have to pay taxes in Skargness. This worried them so much that all options were considered, including an uprising. They planned to raise all of their prices on goods to make the people do the noblemens dirty work. One man suggested that the King should be assassinated and one of them would take his place. All agreed that it would be the cleanest option available and so they contacted the Darkcloaks.

The Darkcloaks sent Ninja as their champion to deal with the noblemen. They offered the guild far more than all of their previous contracts combined as well as a spot on the Kings council. Ninja rejected the seat on the council, but accepted the task. Their plan went as followed; Ninja would be given a pass to the Kings frequent parties and while there replace his dinner with poisonous contents. Since the King only ate but a spoonful of every item and would then proceed to gossip with everyone, this plan seemed fool proof.

And it was. Amongst the guests laughing and dancing, the King went back for his final bite; a potato. This bite would have dire consequences as it indirectly led to the Fourth Age. The King fell beside his table and would remain there until the party was over when the steward would note his absence. He found Fairgen there lying in a pool of blood spewing from his mouth. He called for guards and immediately threw the city into lockdown; not allowing any refugees who could no longer afford to live in Mercia in.

Ninja had already escaped the city, and citizens of Skargness were wrongfully accused and imprisoned. The Noblemen were never given the mantle of King, despite their pleas. It was given to the Kings only son, young Skaald, who would rule until the Bomb was dropped in Mercia.