In 301 HE, the Siege of Spargus Gate was fought in the Wasteland between the Wastelanders under King Damas against the Marauders under Cutter during the Marauder Wars.
Why did it happen?
Originating in the Icelands, the Marauders were a group of savage humans who migrated to the Wasteland sometime after the Metal Head invasion of the planet in 2 BHE. During the Third Century HE, the Marauders of the Wasteland encountered the inhabitants of Spargus City, which had been founded as a refuge for people who had been banished from Haven City. Under King Damas, Marauders were used as gladiators in the Spargus Arena to test newcomers to see if they were worthy enough to become true Wastelanders. From their stronghold in the Wasteland, Marauders roamed the desert in their vehicles, looking to steal and salvage anything they could acquire. Long-standing tensions with the Wastelanders reached a breaking point in 301 HE when, after the Day Star appeared in the sky, a large force of Marauder vehicles and catapults attempted to besiege Spargus City itself. Damas subsequently ordered Jak to take a vehicle and hunt down their warrior patrols.
Who was involved?
The Wastelander force at Spargus Gate numbered 8 buggies. Spargus Citizens typically used these vehicles to make runs into the desert to retrieve artifacts buried during the reign of Mar I, the founder of Haven City. Although it is generally agreed that Jak was the primary leader during the defence of Spargus’ Front Gate, it is likely that Kleiver and Sig also played a part in the city's defence. The Wastelander’s plan at Spargus Gate was to stay close to the city and focus their efforts on destroying the Marauder catapults. The Marauder force at Spargus Gate numbered 30 buggies and 13 catapults. As stated by Kleiver, “Marauders are dangerous foes, fierce nomads who live in the deep desert. As much animal as man, these creatures live only to fight and destroy with no mercy” (Schrader, 2004, p.149). The Marauders’ plan was for their catapults to be escorted by their buggies towards Spargus Gate while the catapults and flaming buggies inflicted damage upon the front gate and allowed the Marauder warriors to storm the city.
What happened?
Escorted by their buggies, the Marauder warrior patrol drove their catapults up in front of Spargus City and fired flaming projectiles at the front gate. In addition, some Marauder buggies were set on fire and were driven, kamikaze-style, into the front gate. At that point, Jak, Kleiver, Sig and five Spargus Citizens rode out from the garage in their respective vehicles to defend the city. On the left wing, Kleiver destroyed four Marauder catapults while driving the Dune Hopper. On the right wing, Sig destroyed four more Marauder catapults while driving the Gila Stomper. Finally, in the centre, despite being swarmed by Marauder buggies, Jak managed to destroy the last five Marauder catapults with the Sand Shark and recovered the Beam Generator, forcing the remaining Marauder forces to retreat.
What changed as a result?
The Siege of Spargus Gate was a Wastelander victory. In the aftermath of the siege, a group of Marauders attacked an expedition led by the Golden Order of Precursor Monks under Seem and stole the Precursor Prism that she had excavated at the site. Jak subsequently stormed the Marauder Stronghold, only to be ambushed by Marauder warriors and catapults. After killing most of the Marauder warriors present in the stronghold, Jak then pursued four of the Marauder leaders in their vehicles, destroyed them and retrieved the artifact that they had stolen. However, Cutter escaped and subsequently joined Mizo’s gang in Kras City, where he participated in the Kras City Grand Championship of 302 HE.
Bibliography
Jak and Daxter Wiki. “Marauders.” Last revised August 9, 2021. www.jakanddaxter.fandom.com/wiki/Marauders
Naughty Dog. Jak 3. Sony Computer Entertainment. PlayStation 2. 2004.
Naughty Dog. Jak X: Combat Racing. Sony Computer Entertainment. PlayStation 2. 2005.
Schrader, Nathali. Jak 3: The Official Guide. London, Piggyback, 2004.
Tim H. “Wasteland map.” Jak and Daxter Wiki. Accessed January 29, 2023. www.jakanddaxter.fandom.com/wiki/Wasteland?file=Wasteland_map.png
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