[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!