Submitted: 1 March 2000

Losing it in Ratha

by Josanu Kentonus

I realized this town is nearly deserted, and considered departing. A few moments later, an Empath found me and healed me up. We discussed my options. We didn't know where departed souls go in Ratha, and decided to leave my corpse in an out-of-the-way place. I chose the Clinic’s third room. I departed from the Second Tier and found myself on the third.

When I woke up with not a single coin, and nothing to pawn, with no apparent way to raise lift fare, I walked around looking for someone to whom I could explain my situation.

The solution was elegant. I guessed the West lift would have more traffic, and sat waiting. I memorized what I would say when someone arrived. When I saw someone I said something like, “Excuse me. I departed from the second tier and have no lift fare. Can you help me, please?” I waited several seconds, then bowed and said, “Thank you for your kindness.” Then I jumped to my feet, tried to go to the lift, and sat down. I was prepared to repeat this routine if I had not received the requisite 500 coppers.

It worked like magic! The first person by gave me 500 coppers and went on his way. I rode the lift, returned to the site of my departure and found...nothing. Not a single item from my precious inventory!

Having closed my account in The Crossing to make my first trip to the Islands, I now had no money anywhere in the Realms. My only possessions were my wits, my skills, and the contents of my vault.

My return passage to The Crossing was uneventful, but I was so ready to resume my training that I stopped to brawl a silverfish. I kept an eye on my health, as I kicked, elbowed and punched the silverfish, and defended against a second. When a concerned passerby asked if I was okay, I said I was just having a little fun. He stayed to watch the strange engagement of a naked sixteen-circle Gor’Tog Thief brawling silverfish. His patience was rewarded when he saw me die.

He had me nursed back to health and resurrected, and waited outside my vault for his reward, a couple of blades. I came out of my vault wearing full plate armor, a bascinet helm, and some gauntlets. By the time I pawned this unfamiliar armor, I had gained seven ranks in Heavy Plate.