So after a bit of guild drama over the raids and their (lack of) success in recent weeks, todays Kara run was quite focussed on its objectives; rather than a long run to Aran we'd head straight for Nightbane and use one of our newly acquired Summoning Urns to bring forth the flaming dragon. Yes, we'd get our butts kicked but at least it wouldn't be accompanied with a long run back ...
And as expected the first few goes weren't successful but they convinced us that once we learned the encounter we should be able to complete it; there were some issues of positioning and others of aggro management but eventually we prevailed. It very nearly wasn't a success though as near the end one of the healers got marmalized, closely followed by the main tank and most of the DPS. Luckily a few people remained standing and were able to tank/dps/heal the last couple of percentage points - so no repeat of Kargath "I'm at 1% ha, ha" Bladefist.
The net result - a learning experience and a new shield for the tank (and extra loot sharded for the guild bank) with a steady run up to Chess for more badges and loot (and shards) to round out the evening. We did contemplate taking Aran too, but the lateness of the hour and the desire to end the evening on a "high note" prompted a graceful retirement at that point.
Edit: The sterling Strobmoli managed to video the entire battle(despite his slight demise mid-fight) which can be seen here
; "Rotface down!")
; "Gnomes are scary")
; "More Gnome than you can shake a stick at")
; "The Big Gnome")
; "Aren't you a little big for a Stormtrooper")
; "Victory!")
; "Saurfang Down!")
; "Maebh Tuskarr")
; "Buliwyf the Tuskarr")
; "Andro_Tuskarr.JPG")