Submitted: 24 August 1999

Knee deep in the dead

by Midiazo Sh'Xral

We moongated to M'riss then eventually to Mer'kresh(the pirates have set up a barrier at the docks for the Jolas, not allowing you to enter the city by ship). With the aid of Paladins, we managed to set up a bulkhead on the island for our safety.

Unfortunately, our raids were pestered by the pirate Miloubrae. And to make matters worse...the pirates brought in a device know as a "mana trap", that drastically lowers all the mana in the area.

The last moon was about to set, so most of everyone gated to M'riss, while a token force of about 10 of us stayed behind to try and work on cleaning up the pirates. We managed to do quite well, taking on small groups. But alas, Pirate Squadron 3 swarmed us and we were scattered to the corners of the city.

2 of us had been struck down, so there was some confusion. Myself and Kindryd ended up running to the southern end of the city in panic, trying to find shelter. Unfortunately...I led us past the barricade, where we were stuck with about 8 pirates. We were both being overwhelmed fairly quickly, despite our casts of Chain Lightning and desperate swings with our blades.

Kindryd and I, back to back, trying to prolong our fate, watched in dismay as we sensed many of the rest of our force being decimated. Kindryd and I prepared to meet our doom, when out of the blue...stepped a softspoked Gor'Tog Barbarian called Moonsmasher.

I myself was struck down soon after. Kindryd lay wounded, barely breathing, and a corsair had just removed Moonsmasher's left arm. Suddenly, Moonsmasher went into a berzerker rage.

I have never seen anything of the like before. His blows fell swiftly and without mercy, sending pirates quickly to their graves. Within a few minutes, he had dispatched close to 11 pirates. Alas, just when hope seemed to be showing its head...the wench Sholyna showed up, shoving her misericorde into the back of Moonsmasher's head, dropping him in one fell swoop.

Although this day ended in tragedy, Moonsmasher made the most valiant stand I have ever seen. And despite whatever reaction it may cause, I would be proud to call him ru'ati. I salute you Moonsmasher, and may the sun warm your rocks.