Eye In the Crowd – Could the Marauder Tragedy Have Been Avoided?

by JOSHUASIGEP44, Staff Writer
Last Updated: Palast, Yurthgreen 10, 2006

Palanthas - This week reports reached the ears of the Palanthas Port Authority that a minotaur vessel, the Red Marauder, was docked in the harbor and carrying a cargo of elf slaves. The Palanthian Navy quickly made to inspect the Marauder, and in doing so was engaged by the captain and crew of the vessel in question. The skirmish only ended after the remaining crew of the Marauder surrendered. In all there were forty-five causalities, seven minotaurs and thirty-eight brave sailors of the Palanthian Navy, all long time citizens of Palanthas.

This abhorring loss of life does nothing to help the negative publicity Palanthas has been receiving lately. Many citizens are left to wonder why the minotaur ship was not inspected upon entrance into Palanthas waters. Others are puzzled as to why the navy allowed a minotaur ship to enter the harbor at all. Hindsight is indeed perfect, but this reporter wants to know....

If the Navy had handled the situation differently could all the bloodshed been avoided, and if so how?

Jana Uth Korrin, chairman of the Palanthas Merchants Guild – "I'm not going to stand here and condemn the navy. What good would it do? I just want to take this opportunity to offer my condolences to the families of those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. They are all shinning example of duty, honor, and sacrifice.

Shmuley Boteach, carpenter - "Yea', wasn't just one blasted ship. All the navy had to do was not allow the ship to leave the harbor, and not let'em in the dang city. Those horned beasts would've had to surrender sooner or later. It's easy for those of who are in power like the chairman of the Merchants Guild to cover up the loss with words like duty, honor, and sacrifice, but I had a nephew that died on that stinking heap of a ship. Jatouin, my sister's oldest, last time we spoke he had been so quick to side with the Port Authority. It's hard because the last words we spoke were in anger. You know about the drac stuff. Wouldn't hear one word against 'em."

Deter Jawkens, retired captain of the Palanthian Navy – "Of course they could've, but someone had to board that ship and if not them, then who? The City Guard? Don't kid me that's laughable. These sailors are a tough lot, and they know what they're getting into when they sign up. Knowing a little bit about naval command myself I think it was the right decision. If those sailors had not handled the situation quickly then it would have only gotten out of hand later. Those minos are stubborn and tough as a mizzenmast, they'd've never given up. Don't get me wrong I feel for the families I really do, but we are doing those sailors injustice by questioning the cause they gave their lives for."

Eye In the Crowd – Could the Marauder Tragedy Have Been Avoided?

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