[Zinn'Sunn] The Worlds Greatest Wild Elephant Race (Closed/GF'd)

[Gossamer]

TS: 30th of Optia, Summer, Era II, XIV (pf)
Time of Day: Early Brightening

Traditionally, the Kemite peoples were a reserved lot. Since the founding of Zinn'Sunn, and the atmosphere surrounding the Kemite exodus out of Xet Lands... the people has a whole had indeed been far more inclined to seriousness. Never again would they let someone overrun their lands and drive them from their ancestral homes or into slavery. And to that end, they trained. They required their children to serve one year in the Vermilion Guard in order that they might learn how important the defense of hearth and home was. They prayed and reverently served Aslan and his cohorts. They talked about their core beliefs, their honor, and did all they could to build strength as a community.

Zinn'Sunn was a safe place. It was a place of tradition and honor. It was a place where people rarely raised their voices. Women were cherished and well guarded here. Craftsman were appreciated, and any skilled child encouraged. Honor was claimed, sometimes hard won, and it brought prosperity to the entire family as it was achieved.

This held true all year long. But on the 30th of Optia, for one brief moment in time, all that changed. It started historically out of necessity. Wild Elephant herds devastated vineyards and the spice crops when their populations ranged out of control. That coupled with the fact that the Jade Mine needed labor... all open pit mines did... a truly unique Zinn'Sunn event was formed. Tame elephants were brought in to help round up wild elephant herds. Their animals were tranquilized, sorted, given care, and re-released minus some of the younger animals that were taken to the mines and stables within the city for training. After all, the massive undertakings of construction in Zinn'Sunn wouldn't have been possible without elephant labor.

Then some of the more feisty bachelor elephants were kept back, and young men and women got to throw in their lots for a chance at one of the most honorable titles in the city. Wild Elephant Racer! They were given a stick dart, elephant riding gear, and one hour of chaos to dart into the elephant corral, tranquilize themselves an elephant, saddle it (securing the girth before the elephant went down) and then get themselves on board and ready to race before the drug wore off. It was intensive good fun, and the whole of the city turned out to watch the chaos. They knew several people would die, elephants would stampeded wild through the outskirts of Zinn'Sunn headed for the hills... and all the while the riders had to urge their mounts through a series of obstacles all designed to test their worthiness. The course was set... the stout logs forestalled any deviation. The elephants would exit the corrals once they were all on their feet, and charge out through a complicated run of events including a water crossing (the river), fallen logs, loose boulders, other animals, and numerous human-made surprises. All the while, the completely wild elephants would be trying to escape the run, escape their riders, and win their way to freedom. The winner was determined by the first to cross a finish line, get their elephant free of its gear, and on its way home. It was cruel, it was beautiful... it was pure Kemite fun.

It was a time when the Kemites truly let down their sashes, and became a screaming writhing massive crowd of onlookers all cheering for their chosen ones.

And the prize? It was magnificent. The finest baby elephant of riding age was given to the victor, along with free training on its handling and care... plus 10,000 gold crowns to see that it was well kept. And, along with that, a title that survived with the individual for the whole of the individuals life. Packadermas Trumphas! Elephant Champion!

[Gossamer]

There were two aspects to the Wild Elephant Race. One was far more prominent than the other. The crowd that gathered boiled and writhed along the course, allowing plenty of opportunities for folks to meet and greet each other... and above that, place bets. There were approximately ten elephants, of equal age and equal size... though the skill of their riders had yet to be determined. Each elephant was painted on its rump with bright white paint, giving it a number. There were no crowd favorites, nor any odds because all the factors of the animals were unknown. But the bookies would take bets for coming in first, second or third. The elephants had to be bet on before the race actually started, meaning before the riders got them saddled and mounted up and their drugs wore off. Also, the crowd could bet on the riders, who were always distinguished by the color of clothing they wore and the color of decoration their elephant gear was. So the betting crowd could pick a rider by its color (or its name if they knew the person), or by elephant via the number on its rump.

A bet of 1 gold crown would pay 10 to the winner. A bet of 1 gold crown would pay 5 to second place winner. A bet of 1 gold crown would pay 2 to the third place winner.

Betters were asked to fill out a simple slip of parchment which was signed, noted, and stamped by the betters and bookies.

Name:
Bet:
Elephant # or Contestant Color:

As for the contestants, they were already forming up. Young men (and one lone woman) were filling out cards. The cards were simple...

Name:
Age:
Color:
Signature Releasing All Responsibility:

Once the contestants signed the cards, they were given the pick of elephant gear (the red, yellow, green, blue, orange, purple, white, black, pink, or brown) which was then filled into their cards, and the cards were posted. Then, the contestants were assigned a long pole with an enormous large syringe on the end in which they could dart into the arena, pick their elephant, and stick them with the drug... doping them up for the tacking up.

Once everyone was assembled, and the races were milling around nervously, the judges would ask for a loud last call, and everyone would step closer. The contestants got to pick up their gear, brace themselves, and get ready to race towards the milling frightened snorting adolescent elephants, all of whom were incredibly nervous. They had exactly ten minutes to drug their chosen mounts (whichever one they could catch and poke), and continue with the event. They racers would have work hard, and elephants would have to be saddled, mounted, and ready to race in time for the drug to wear off and the true excitement to begin.

ooc: Okay if you want to show up for social hour, feel free. If you have any bets to place, fill out a card and post it.. .if you want to join, fill out a card, pick a color that no one else has picked, and be ready to race.

[Austin Eventide]

Having spent a cycle in Zinn'Sunn; exploring and taking in the exoticness of the place, Austin was looking forward to the main reason for his coming to the city, the Race. The crowds were gathering and tried to push, slide, and sometimes climb his way to where the main action was. He got a look at the elephants that were to be a part of the race. They were quite large as he had only seen them in drawings and heard of them in stories. Winning such a creature would be quite the prize indeed. The energy in the air was hot and buzzing and he was enjoying the rush. He heard talk of betting and discovered where to find one of the bookies to place a bet. He approached one after taking a few moments to ponder his choice. He took a card, filled it out and placed his bet.

Name: Austin Eventide
Bet: 300 crowns
Elephant Number: 7

With his bet placed, he jumped, climbed and pushed his way to where contestants were signing up. Of course he was going to participate; as if it were not a forgone conclusion that he would. He quickly found where the sign-up area was and took a card.


Name: Austin Eventide
Age: 22
Color: Black
Signature Releasing All Responsibility: Austin Eventide

As he waited and watched for others to sign-up for the race, Austin was told where to get ready. He went over to where things were laid out for gearing up. He immediately realized that he would have to saddle the beast before even being able to attempt riding it. There were massive saddles laid out which were very much like those of a horse yet multiplied in size. He picked out one that looked pretty serviceable and gathered the rest of the tack as well as the stick-dart required to sedate the creature long enough to saddle it. He had chosen to wear his simple black and gray common cloths for the event but brought along the wide-brimmed black hat that he wore some time back at the Rose Masque in Natura. When he was all ready, he waited while watching for more participants while also trying to figure out which elephant he would go for. They all looked pretty much alike save for a few minor differences. He figured such a decision would be more difficult than he originally thought.

He shuffled about, unable to keep still; rubbing his hands together, stretching and all around getting loosened up for what could be one of the most unique events of his life.

[Sri Laa Vashiin]

*~30th of Optia, Summer, Era II, XIV (pf)
Time of Day: Early Brightening~*

What a brightening to be in Zinn'sunn! It was a time the whole city held in high regard. Everywhere one looked they would see excited faces of all races, but mostly kemites. Arms were raised in the air as people called out to the elephants they had bet on. Of course, one could not hold an event that supported gambling without the major families of the three clans showing up as well. That was just what Sri Laa had come to do... and partake in the fine foods that engulfed the crisp morning air with their scent.

The heavily tattooed kemite walked around the main grounds sporting his black vest with a large red dragon on the back to represent his clan. From a few feet away he inspected each elephant carefully to see if he could spot any advantages or disadvantages that would help him choose a winner. There was none that he could see, and not knowing any of the racers, he had no heads up on who had the skills to control these beasts the best. Had he been a little less... fat, Sri Laa would race one himself, but he figured it would best be left to someone that wouldn't strain the elephant's back.

Juices from a stick of salted pork dripped onto his long thin beard. It felt nice to take a brightening off from dumping bodies in the river or leaving impressions in someone's face with his knuckles as a reminder that their payment was due. Of course it didn't feel like work to Sri Laa, because he enjoyed what he did, but none the less it was a good morning with good food and hopefully good luck! He approached the bookie desk and grabbed one of the betting papers.

Name: Sri Laa Vashiin
Bet: 100 crowns
Elephant # or Contestant Color: 3

The held the paper in his chubby palm for a moment after filling it out and wondered if he was doing the right thing... right as in betting on a surefire winner. He couldn't possibly know if he picked the right elephant, but that is what made gambling fun... it may or may not be his lucky brightening. He handed the ticket to the bookie and slid across 100 crowns, hoping he would see them again multiplied.

The dragon clan member walked away from the bookie stand and made his way into the crowd of people, ready to watch the show!

[Hanzi Ambarando]

Name: Hanzi Goodlooking
Age: 20
Color: brown
Signature Releasing All Responsibility: (scribble)

If there was one thing that Hanzi was born for, it was Wild Elephant Races. Commitment, responsibility, all those things were not Hanzi's bag, stupid contests? Count him in!

He stood waiting, his chest puffed out, his floral print shirt unbuttoned at the top, a big gold medallion which glinted in the Zinn'sunn sunshine. He spoke little to other contestants Hanzi only concentrated on winning this elephant race.

[Gossamer]

There was an air of anticipation as the ten contestants came forward and everyone gathered by their equipment. Judges walked through the lineup making sure the stick-darts of tranquilizer were loaded up well and everyone had everything in hand. The wild elephants milled around the sturdy pen, ears flapping in the wind, some bugling their nervousness. All had their tusks wrapped for safety, it was the one thing the judges could do to try and keep their contestants somewhat...'safe'.

Then, a horn blew, calling out well into the region echoing over the city. Each contestant knew what that was about, and as one the ten men leaped forward, their stick darts in hand, and charged into the pen. At this point, it wasn't so much about winning any 'race' per say. It was far more about not getting flattened like a pancake or tossed by a tusk as the herd of young bulls surged away at the response to the influx of humans and mixed bloods. Most of the contestants were Kemite, but a few naturally were half or full elves. The strategies varied. Some contestants hauled their elephant saddles with them, using them as a sort of shield, lines trailing as they wove among the numbered elephants heading each towards their chosen one. Some ran without their tack, intending to drug their animal and go back for the bundle of heavy gear after it was accomplished.

Whatever the stragedy, it was pure chaos. A mere boy with the white tack ran forward, his stick gun in hand, and dropped his tack by the elephant of his choice and bravely plunged his stick dart into a nearby leg using all the force of his body. The elephant bugled, and sidestepped putting the boy in the path of another young bull, which lowered its head and charged the lad, tossing him skyward. The boy landed in a tucked roll, darted away, and circled around his elephant... number four... waiting for it to to go down. It did, shortly thereafter, and while the creature was on its haunches, only upright by one leg, he threw the saddle upon its back and ran the lines under its belly securing them on the other side with a few strategic leaps. White and number four were linked then, as the boy was the first to get his saddled (though not tightly.. that came as somewhat a struggle in the next few minutes) and crawled into the saddle, pumping his victory even as his nose ran red with blood caused by the other bull, number six, who'd tossed him skyward.

Men plunged stick darts everywhere, and yellow was up, then green. The young man who'd claimed the red tack in the name of Clan Dragon had unfortunately ended up in a pile of red himself, only it wasn't colorfully decorated leather... it was his own blood as he got stomped repeatedly by a particular aggressive young bull bearing the number one.

Austin, with his black tack, was confronted by the very large elephant he himself had bet on... number seven. The bull bugled and flapped his ears threateningly, but if the man was quick, he could probably drop his tack and dart into try and make the drug work. If he couldn't drug something, he'd be hard pressed to get any tack on at all.

Meanwhile, yellow and orange were fighting over the same elephant that they'd evidently both drugged from either angle. It had toppled over on its side, a bold number 9 painted on it, and was snoring soundly apparently due to a double dose of tranquilizer.

Hanzi, on the other hand, with his brown tack, was confronted by what looked to be a younger bull, though nothing gave him any indication that it was anything but as angry as the other ones. It was small, looked swift, and had a number 10 painted boldly on its rump in bright paint. It faced him, neither turning to one side or another.. its stubby wrapped tusks only half grown. But it looked fast, and stubborn, and by and large ready to fight. He only had one chance, if he wanted to drug it and mount up as the others were already doing... few elephants were left, but this one was alone near him, and he looked like he had a great shot.

[Morrowyn Hy`lannad]

As if the omens hadn't spoken, already on the path of the Windrunner, the elf approached the arena on the city skirts, intrigued by the brightenings rumors that a race on elephant mounts would be forthcoming. Morrowyn didn't know what to expect, but without flinching, he took to the registrar and began to scribe his entry, almost with an automatic inclination. This, if not sheer joy, would surely be an experience worth remembering. Watching some of the contestants prepare, especially as he got closer, began to dissolve that whimsical perception he previously held, letting the grim reality of the event settle in. Heedless, he rallied his nerve and tensed to finish the document.

Name: Morrowyn i'Ayla Hy`lannad
Bet: 1000 Crowns
Elephant number: 2

Relieving himself of the crowns was a powerful gesture of will on his part. Far more frugal and hoardish in his earlier days, he released himself to the risk of the gamble, content that he would at least be working if all else failed.

Name: Morrowyn i'Ayla Hy`lannad
Age: 297
Color: Green
Signature of Release: xxxxxx


With all last writs signatured, the better portion of his fortune put on the shakey limb of the fool's tree, and his nerve rallied, he was given a pole-dart, a color, access to the tack (which he did his best to adjust over his shoulder, secured by the left arm) while a battle-ready right arm siezed the pole-dart and braced it like the Hoplite spearmen of old Abestat. Advancing on the arena, he searched for the elephant of his color, alert once he crossed the threshold, nearly dodging a boy in white who was flung overhead. The chaos that ensued once Morrowyn had entered the ring already left the life-long impression he was searching for. To imagine that it got more explosive than this was causing the elf to sweat at the palms and forehead.

It was time to get acquainted with the elephant of his favored hue.

[Austin Eventide]

Austin made sure his hat was on secure and hoisted his tack over one shoulder while holding the odd dart-spear in one hand. When the horn blew and the contest had begun, Austin ran as fast as he could considering the awkwardness of the tack he carried and made his way to the rather large elephant with the black paint on it. When he got a bit closer, he flung his tack to the side and spun around just in time to see another elephant charging toward him. He tried to jump out of the way yet glanced off of its leg and stumbled back toward where his tack lay. He was a bit disorientated when he looked up to see big number seven rearing back on its hind legs. His shoulder hurt pretty bad and would probably be severely bruised though it didn't feel broken. He had kept his grip on the dart-spear and jabbed up at the elephant. Unfortunately, Austin could not get a good shot and was forced to dive to the side as the animal's front feet crashed down merely inches from where he had been standing.

Scrambling back to his feet, Austin turned to see the elephant swing its head toward him; tusks and trunk coming right at him. "Oh my...." He uttered as the animal's trunk slammed into him. He flew several feet away and landed hard on the ground. He rolled onto his back, coughing and holding his side where the elephant had slammed him. He looked over at the elephant and smiled; blood leaking from bad split in his lip. Sticking out of the elephant's left front shoulder was the dart-spear. Slowly at first and then more rapidly, the elephant appeared to slow down and waver a bit. It lost its footing and sank to its knees as if falling into a drunken stupor of sorts.

Austin tried to pick himself up quickly while pain coursed through his body. He reached down and picked up his hat, dusted it off and put it back on. He then went over to his tack, hoisted it up and began trying to attach it to the now more docile elephant. It was much like tacking up a horse although a much bigger scale. When he got the tack on the best he could, Austin climbed up the animal's large back while using the straps of the saddle for support and climbed into the saddle. He kept hold of the spear which he had used to drug the beast as he may have need of it later. He waved his hat in the air and gave a victory cry and prepared himself for the next stage of the contest.

[Gossamer]

OOCHanzi told me he retired all his PCs because of irl work so we are moving on without him! Sorry for the wait. Last chance for bets folks!

Morrowyn Hy`lannad's elephant was number three. It happened to be the same one Sri Laa had bet upon, so there was lots of cheering from that angle as the young man was able to dart through the press, avoid an enraged and swinging trunk, and dart his chosen victim. It wasn't, in retrospect, that hard of a thing to do. The hardest part was when the elephant went halfway down and the young man had to scramble to try and put the heavy saddle on it, run the lines under its belly, tighten them and scramble up before the drug wore off enough to let it get back fully to its feet. He found his elephant young, fit, and its tusks well wrapped. It flapped its ears in agitation, but otherwise was quiet while the drug took effect giving him a lot of time to secure his harness. It was only once he was in the saddle that he realized there were only seven racers left. A man in black tack riding elephant seven was one of them.

Austin Eventide was doing well, having retained his spear, though his elephant now wore a huge bloody smear on its side where the boy with red tack had landed against him, thrown by another elephant. Yellow and six were up, though orange had stayed with Nine and the elephant didn't appear to want to wake from its snooze anytime soon.

Brown and number ten were definitely out. The grouchy bull (Hanzi had definitely picked the wrong one) had flung the young gypsy up into a tree where he had no hopes of getting down in time to rejoin the race. It would seem that the boy in white with elephant number four might be a stiff competitor, even though blue and elephant number two were doing well too. Purple soon mounted up on eight, and pink and gray joined in. Once all were mounted besides Hanzi, the final bets were placed and the gates of the enormous arena were opened wide. Elephants bugled, still drunk with the drug, and charged for it all at once. It would be up to the riders to form stragedies for controlling their beasts and keeping them going in the right direction.

The goal of the race was easy. It involved not leading the elephants through a complex course. No... it involved making it to bottleneck gorge alive and first. Between here and there was forest, slopes, a water passage, and any number of obstacles. Beyond the gorge was the elephants home out on the Gracelands... and they knew where they were going. It was just a matter of the riders staying alive.

Race ListGreen & 3 (Morrowyn - in),
Yellow & 6 (in),
Black & 7 (Austin - in),
Orange & 9 (maybe out),
Brown & 10 (Hanzi - Out),
Purple & 8 (in),
Blue & 2 (in),
White & 4 (in),
Pink & 1 (in),
Gray & 2 (in)

[Sri Laa Vashiin]

Things were just heating up and the excitement was chaotic throughout the crowd. Sri Laa could hear the unified sign of dissapointment when Hanzi's elephant tossed him like a salad, which of course made the Gicha Goon smile. He was that much closer to making his money back plus some to spare! He eyed the contestants all scurrying to get their elephant and snickering to himself at those who struggled. As long as number 3 was in, he was happy.

A frown crossed the kemite's face when he saw how well Austin was doing... oh well he was just one of the seven that remained... it was anyone's game still... hopefully number 3's game in the end.

[Austin Eventide]

Austin wasn't too much aware of the other riders around him nor did he care much. He had finally doped the elephant he was going for and was able to get it tacked and mounted. It felt quite odd climbing on top of such a large beast; it was much different than riding a horse to be sure. When the animal finally began to regain its senses, Austin held on for dear life as the elephant slowly at first but then quickly began to realize it had a chance to take off. Unfortunately for Austin, the beast was not accustomed to having a rider and as it charged alongside the other elephants, it made several attempts to latch on to him with its trunk or try to slam him into low hanging obstacles. Austin, somewhat limber from his training as a squire combined with youth, was able to avoid most of the dangers posed by his mount although he did experience a solid slam in the side of the head from the animal's trunk. He was able to hold on although he was quite dazed for a bit.

Austin had learned quickly that the hide of the animal was quite thick and little could harm them in the way of simple weapons or various obstacles. This worked in Austin's favor as he didn't want to hurt the creatures yet realized the need to disrupt the other riders in order to win. Austin had seen how the White elephant may be a bit of a thorn and prepared his spear. He knew he would not be able to disrupt the rider as easily as he could the raging elephant so when he was able to get a good shot, Austin threw the spear at the head of the White elephant. The dart at the end of the spear had already been spent and the weapon itself was not one that could do much in the way of harm but perhaps it could distract. With as steady of a throw as he could muster, Austin launched the spear at the elephant's neck hoping, if nothing else, than to anger it enough to either cause it to stop and toss its rider, or otherwise deviate from its path. He bet on the size of his own elephant to push aside others as it raced forth. All the time he held on with one hand for all that he was worth, praying to Carmelya that he wouldn't get killed in this increasingly foolhardy venture.

[Gossamer]

The crowd cheered and the elephants mingled mildly still drugged as the last of the riders got up and the whole herd as a group charged the gate. Bugles filled the air as riders clung to the elephants as they slowly came out of their drugged hazes, instinctually running for freedom. It was a mad dash of chaos.

Sri Laa, who was standing on the sidelines, had the unfortunate experience of cramming his neck to watch his bet and see how the rider was fairing... and missing what took place right before his eyes. Rider nine, with his snoozing Orange elephant suddenly raised his head, bugled, and lunged fully to his feet. It startled rider nine who cried out and set the young bull to bucking, surging straight through the massive poles that lined the corral, and straight into Sri Laa. The massive kemite goon was thrown upwards and back towards the crowd behind him as the bull looked for a victim. Unhurt but landing hard on his rump, the Kemite alarmingly realized he was the only person between the bull and the crowd of men, women, and children.. and it was getting ready to charge.. flapping its ears and swinging its head wildly while rider nine thumped it on the head repeatedly, trying to get it to turn around.

Meanwhile, Austin who'd retained his jab stick, leaned over and tried his tactic on the white elephant, who bugled anger and swerved into the animal with yellow tack, which instantly tangled with the pink tacked elephant.. and a fight was on. Before their eyes, a rider died... tossed and stomped by the pink tacked elephant as yellow spurred it on. Austin's elephant raged ahead, trying to catch the blue and purple riders who were triumphantly surging ahead.

Morrowyn's elephant was holding its own too, dancing slightly behind Austins and making tiny little squeaking noises of excitement... obviously one of the younger animals in the group.

Ahead the fields around Zinn'Sunn opened up, and the elephants would have to run through them and up towards the foothills which lead to their ultimate destination.