[EVENT] THE SHANGPAR RACE

[ironwood]

Characters: ALL!
Date: January 20th to January 24th
Location: Various.
Situation: It’s time for the Shangpar Race!
Warnings/Rating: Add warnings as needed.

The day is here, the day is here, the day is here! Though not every shop is closed and not every kedan is on the streets, it’s a near thing. The race is slated to begin early in the morning, and the city rises for the occasion. Shops open late and workplaces allow for a late start to the day to give everyone an opportunity to watch the starting festivities.

It begins with something almost like a parade. The riders -- there are fifty-five of them, thanks to negotiations during the forum -- are escorted from the shangpari holding pens to the starting line just outside the city, using the most circuitous route available in order to take the riders through every sector.

The starting-line is located just outside a set of the city’s gates, while the finishing-line is at the set on the opposite end. It leads off away from the city, traversing through several of the shell’s terrains, from burgeoning woodland, across a ‘river’, to an area of wasteland leading into mountains, and then down to the shores of the shell’s edge.

While the usual daily processes continue during the race, there are runners at supply checkpoints who, thanks to the efforts of Stark Industries and a handful of Foreigners, are able to report the race statistics via audio directly to the consoles. Groups of children hired as criers run from place to place without access to consoles to carry those reports to the rest of the city. In this time the kedan already begin preparations for the feast which follows it, regardless of who the actual winner might be.

The winners begin trickling in on day four to a crowd already prepared. Thanks to the runners, the residents of Keeliai already know who’s in the lead and when, roughly, they will arrive.

---

LINKS
Parade | Betting booths | Starting line | Finish line | Feast

OOC
In the related forum thread the family leaders were open to the idea of Foreigners participating in the race as long as they possessed no abilities that would provide an unfair advantage and were able to front the cost of 500 juulan. If your character has no such abilities and would have wanted to participate, and you feel you have reasoning for their being able to finance their entry, please PM the mod journal so we can work out the details.

No Foreigner who enters will be able to OOCly apply to win the race -- this event is about the cultural experience, not the winning or losing! More details regarding the race are available on the itinerary here.

Please also do remember that IC actions will have IC consequences. This is a huge, huge cultural event for the kedan; disrupting it in any way will cause a negative reaction. That's not to say don't do it -- but do be prepared for the consequences.

Comments

PARADE

[ironwood]

The riders are in no particular order as they leave the holding-pens, which results in a bit of jostling to claim the lead. Many of them have colourful, home-made banners and ribbons tied to their chariots to represent themselves. Some have even spared the expense to have family members parade with a large banner before them, and the most comfortable behind the reins play up in front of the crowd.

Kedan line the streets to cheer and watch them pass, calling encouragement to their favoured riders. A good crowd follow them boulevard to boulevard, and a few race ahead to draw attention. The streets are packed, even more than they usually are; it’s almost impossible to get anywhere without using backstreets. Forget about shopping and the like--nowhere is open, at least as long as the parade.

Better watch out for pickpockets, though -- it’s impossible to tell whether they’re affiliated with anyone in particular, but with these close quarters and the rampant wagering, there’s a few cunning folk filching from pockets.

[lordhotman]

Holding back from the scuffle for first in line, Zuko's chariot is near the back. After all, he's not here for winning, its for peace and goodwill between the foreigners and Kedan. Although, winning wouldn't be so bad either.

His Shangpar prances along behind the rest in the parade. Red and gold ribbons tied to the animal and the cart it pulls. Colors reminiscent of the Fire Nation of course. He scans the crowd as they go along, looking for familiar faces. Perhaps some certain ones in particular.

Despite it all, he worked hard with Wan to get into this race, and he was going to do his best.

[whitelotustile]

Iroh had made a flag in the same colors, with Zuko's name written on it. Of course he is waving like an idiot, and pointing out to the crowd that his nephew is entering and would you look at that? Even kedan who might be a bit suspicious of Foreigners colluding accept that a racer's family is going to be proud and rooting for them.

But he seems to be having a grand old time.

[raavashing]

Iroh might have been pointing to Zuko and saying 'that's my nephew!', but Wan was waving his own yin-yang shaped flag (in the red and gold colors of the fire nation) and pointing to Zuko and telling the people around him 'that's my boyfriend!'. He didn't have many excuses to make a big deal out of his and Zuko's relationship, but the kedan seemed just as excited for him as he was for Zuko himself. Some of the people Wan had done odd jobs for to earn the entrance fee were nearby and cheered for Zuko alongside Wan. They knew now what their grudgingly given money had been put toward and for them, it was seen as a worthy cause. Wan and Zuko were clearly honoring their traditions. That didn't prevent some suspicion from lingering, but it went a long way towards lessening it.

BETTING BOOTHS

[ironwood]

The betting booths are temporary places stationed around the city’s gates, food stalls and console cafes, in prime locations to attract attention from kedan gathering to discuss or view the race. Though the rates change somewhat, these booths have the most comprehensive information on all the riders -- as well as opinions upon each and, of course, the betting odds. Hidden among the booths are the financiers -- loansharks looking for a good mark.

In these places money flows freely. Some kedan don’t even bother with the booths, and make bets with one another, usually sealed by a witness with a piece of knotted string to count off the amount of juulan being offered. Even the Foreigners will find themselves approached.

Re: BETTING BOOTHS

[fearlessherosheart]

Gambling? Tazendra does like gambling, though she knows nothing about racing (and couldn't even participate due to her weight). She's been trying to learn, and is keenly interested in what she is going to do with her free jullan.

[royalguard_style]

The less savory bookies liked to approach everyone, and we mean everyone. Like the guy who really just wanted to go shopping today, only to be confronted with the monkey he had kept on his back for decades.

"So what do you think about the racers?" The kedan tried to sound casual while he was making his move.

"Huh?" Dante mulled over the question for a second, then spoke up again. "Well, I guess anyone who starved themselves so they can spend four days out in the wilderness should have fun with it, at least."

The kedan let out a disingenuous laugh, and kept talking. "So you don't have a favorite to win yet?"

"I don't exactly know any of these folks, so no." He affirmed. He was almost certain a Kedan would win, but other then that, he was clueless. "That real shifty looking one looks like a good guess. Guo-fei, was it?"

"Willing to put money on that?" And the point emerges.

"Now wait just a second-" Dante tried to argue.

((OOC: Dante will eventually bet and is jinxing the race: he has horrific luck, and Guo-fei will place near the tail end.))

[fearlessherosheart]

"Ah, hello!" Cue Tazendra, eating something that was served on a stick and probably had a horrendous markup as some kedan took advantage of the fact the shops were closed and everyone was out watching the racers. Was she hear to help bail Dante out.

"Is there a wager?"

Probably not.

[walkthedarkpath]

Nelo Angelo was standing watching everyone move about. He felt a little out of place in just the basic looking tunic shirt and simple pants and boots. His armor was almost a security blanket at this point. This was better to not intimidate anyone though. So he stood paying close mind to how people were betting, also idly watching how Dante interacted for ideas of what to do.

Finally after thinking over the odds he did a mental tally of the few juulan he had on him. He had to do this right. So finally he stepped up to make a bet.

STARTING LINE

[ironwood]

Upon reaching the starting-line the riders draw up in one long row before the initial stretch of track. It leads between the nearest farms and it’s lined with people; though a number of the Woodsmen are still at work, as many of them as can be spared have also stopped to watch the race’s kick-off.

Starting the race is nearly as prestigious a position as participating in it, and is selected at random from a sack full of names. The lucky kedan on this occasion is a young girl whose face is red from beaming and needs to sit on her father’s shoulders just to be properly seen. A hot-air balloon is released over the riders, floating up into the sky until it bursts in an array of fireworks and the riders surge forward in an initial rush for the lead.

Soon enough the riders fall into comfortable positions, with a group in the center and outliers strung out before and behind.

tl;dr my bad

[akito]

Akito knows that it's an honour to participate in the race, which is why he had given up one of the few precious items he has left from home in trade for the entry fee; he now no longer has his BlackBerry, but considering it ran out of battery long ago it was worth it in the long run to become a race participant. Ayin and Zanru both agreed that it would likely help the relationship between Kedan and Foreigner, provided he follow tradition closely. So he made sure to get as much information as he could in advance, lest he insult anyone by mistake.

The hardest part will be letting Sand Tiger be slaughtered after the race, but Akito has long since come to terms with it. If he finishes quickly, however long between he crosses the finish line and the final racer is time he can spend with his newest friend. He has no illusions of winning. He isn't as invested as those who have grown up watching the races. He doesn't want to place in the top three, but he wants to aim for fourth or fifth if he can so he and Sand Tiger will have more time to spend together.

While other riders may have fancy clothing and banners, Akito has none; he keeps things simple and wears his Kogarasumaru uniform. It fits more snug in the shoulders and hips, but not in a way that's uncomfortable. The pants fit differently as well, though he has lost enough weight in his time on Tu Vishan that they still fit fine in addition to being made of comfortable worn-in leather. He wears nothing on his feet, having surrendered his Air Trecks for the duration of the race. The wheels of his A-T are kept on a necklace on his neck however, bouncing against his chest reassuringly with every step Sand Tiger takes.

The only flash of colour that follows him is the brightly coloured plumage of Bird, flying alongside him like a feathered rainbow and singing his own song of support. Akito appreciates it, knowing not to expect much support from anyone else. And maybe it gives him a bit of comfort to believe that more eyes will likely be on his avian friend than himself.

When the race starts (he can't help but hide an amused smile at the girl with her father) he turns from his hesitant and shy self (it bothers him that he's become this way) into the Akito that is all business. The one who claimed the title of Fang King before the age of nine. He can totally do well in a race - especially one where the opponents aren't trying to kill each other.

His small size is something he can use to his advantage; less strain from pulling his weight meaning more strength to put into running. So he makes sure to pull away quickly and settle in near the front, not wanting to risk getting stuck amongst the heavier riders.

It's just a race. A super prestigious race, but still just a race. Akito can totally do this. Totally. Definitely.

Yeah.

FINISHING LINE

[ironwood]

The finishing gates were specifically chosen for space -- space for the welcoming crowds, space so the shangpari can be led off and tended, space for the riders to receive food and all their relations’ smothering attention. Dirty, footsore, triumphant -- the winners are led to the podium constructed for this occasion, where they’re given seats and the best food and drink available until the rest of the riders arrive.

Already, some of the bettors are exchanging money with varying degrees of glee, resignation or even devastation -- for those who literally bet the house. The stalls here run more along the lines of gimmicks and souvenirs than food, though there are a few snacks available -- small fishballs, tiny dumplings, bags of roasted nuts. The good food is reserved for the exhausted riders and for the feast slated to begin just as soon as the last rider has arrived and the winners have been awarded.

Once the final riders are in the shangpari are led away for slaughter and the riders return to their chariots to be pulled through the city by cheering fans -- in order of their winning, of course. The awards take place in the Courtyard of Public Opinion, where the winner receives their prize from the hands of their sponsor.

Re: FINISHING LINE

[whitelotustile]

Since his nephew was one of the racers, Iroh insisted on being present at the finish. Because if all the other riders were going to have their families looking out for them, so was Zuko.

Of course, he'd happily congratulate other racers as they came in. Just finishing a four-day race was an accomplishment in Iroh's book.

[akito]

Somewhere along the way Akito had lost track of the time. How long did he have left? It couldn't be much longer, since he recognizes the terrain. How far behind the other racers was he? He doesn't remember many people passing him, or how long ago it had been since he'd last seen someone's back. How far ahead was he? Hopefully enough that he would have a good amount of time to spend with Sand Tiger once he's crossed the finish line.

His body aches, but that isn't a new feeling for him. The stiff pain in his hands is different though - one from gripping something too tightly for too long. The first two days were fine, though as time went on and he grew more tired and hungry, Akito made sure to keep a tight grip on his chariot at all times lest he fall off. So his palms are blistered and bleeding and his bad leg is aching fiercely and

The finish line is in sight thank goodness.


While normally Akito is a huge fan of racing, a normal race to him involves using the power of your own two legs and not riding on the back of a chariot. Meaning that he's infinitely thankful there won't be another shangpari race for a good, long while and also that he's crossed the finish line and can get off of his stupid chariot.

His legs don't really want to support his weigh right now as they adjust to the whole walking thing again, but that doesn't matter because he's only moving far enough away to flop against his shangpar and give it some much needed affection. Whether it's needed for the creature or for Akito himself is up for debate.

The crowd is loud and excited, and even though he's a foreigner they don't seem to mind too much about that right now, meaning he's surrounded by exuberant strangers when all he wants is a quiet place to curl up and spend time with Sand Tiger. But this is what he signed up for. Tradition dictates...

Actually, Akito doesn't know what tradition dictates for after a rider has crossed the finish line, particularly in his situation. They're supposed to be met by family, but he doesn't have family. Friends, maybe? But he isn't sure if he has any friends who would bother waiting for him, especially when he hadn't told anyone he was participating in the first place.

So he'll just smile politely when necessary, offering words of thanks to any praises he receives while ignoring any impolite comments that might come his way. When he's offered some food and water he accepts it gratefully, though however hungry he is at the moment his stomach is unsettled by the knowledge of what everyone will be eating soon enough.

Unwilling to leave Sand Tiger unattended, Akito continues leaning against his shangpar until someone lets him know where he's to go next.


((ooc: 5^th place suckas aw yeah))

[theideaguy]

Sokka doesn't know Akito all that well, but he at least heard that he was in the Shagpar Races, so in a support of solidarity for his fellow Foreigners, Sokka is there too. And he's just in time too. He sees the racer coming in, and once he crosses the line, Sokka is running out to come greet him, hopping over whatever fence is nearby to come shake his hand.

"Look at you! Fifth place! FIFTH PLACE!"

[lordhotman]

He's dirty, thirsty, and exhausted, but Zuko manages to cross the finish line to a host of cheering Kedan and a few foreigners. He might be weary, but still manages a smile and lifts his hand in a triumphant wave.

It had been a long few days, but his persistence had paid off, and he is the tenth rider to make it back. Once he pulls his Shangpar and the chariot to a stop, he immediately dismounts and tends to the animal himself until some Kedan rush over to do so for him. It's then that he's ushered to the side to wait among the other riders who had arrived before him. Also being informed of his place in the race.

Some food and drink is then offered to him, of which Zuko gladly partakes. He'd unfortunately ran out of water a few hours ago, an is more than happy to quench his parched throat. It had been a long and grueling race, but in the end, it was worth it.

[raavashing]

Wan was loudly cheering with the rest of the crowd when Zuko came in. He waited only long enough for his boyfriend to get pulled to the side and the Shangpar gathered up before hopping on a cloud and flying over the crowd so he didn't have to fight the throng of people. When he landed near Zuko, he was grinning brightly, "Zuko! You did great!"

[theideaguy]

Sokka is quick to join Zuko at the finish line after he came in. He's been here waiting patiently, but of course he's going to see Zuko as he strolls in. How could he not? They're good friends! So it's not long before Sokka's arm is around him, woefully oblivious about how tired Zuko must be feeling right this moment. "I guess they'll let anyone enter this race, huh? Maybe I should have given it a good try!" He just grins smarmily at Zuko before being a little more serious. "Hey, good job, you. I'm impressed!"

FEAST

[ironwood]

The feast is strung out all among the city, all open-aired; it clutters the boulevards and the courtyards like a giant picnic lit by paper lanterns. People sit on benches, bring their own rugs, pool their resources. The best cooks in the city have been working tirelessly for the last few days to feed their assigned quadrants.

The highlight of the feast takes place in the Courtyard of Public Opinion, where the winners are seated and the best portions of the shangpari roasts are located. Here the celebration is raucous, full of toasts and hugs and quite a few drinks. All of the riders are in high demand for stories and play-by-plays, and although there’s a handful of arguments -- aided somewhat by the freely flowing drinks -- none of them reach any further than the participants needing to be sat down somewhere quiet for a little while.

Even the Foreigners will find themselves welcomed, offered food at nearly every turn, invited to sit with families whom they might know. Though a great deal of the time this seems to be an excuse for the kedan to boast about the race and its tradition, a fair few of the kedan are curious about what analogous races the Foreigners might know from their own worlds.

Anyone Up for some Barbecue?

[backwordscompatible]

[Well, she did suggest the idea to Jack. And what better time than when the rest of the city was in cheerful enough spirits to actually go along with it?]

[Procuring the items had been...a challenge. Not an overwhelming one, given that she had the resources to, well, cheat a little. But once she'd explained what she was up to, even the locals were willing to sell her the necessary ingredients. One of them even offered her a discount!]

[Well...probably a discount by Foreign standards. Still.]

[A few more meaty products were sitting on the metal plate towards the back for any who wanted, but at the moment, her attention was more on the vegetable shish kabob charring to perfection in front. Using the makeshift tongs, she turned a half dozen of them over before picking one up. Blowing on it a few times, she took a cautious bite of the top vegetable.]

[It was hot, and she had to suck in some air to cool her mouth, but she grinned in victory.]

Mmm...

Re: Anyone Up for some Barbecue?

[sonjaofyellowcomet]

"Mmm, that smells good," Sonja said, wandering over. Her being-outside reserves were running low, but that food smelled delicious, and while Anton's frozen soups were a lifesaver there was something to be said for fresh grilled vegetables.

[wow, young justice Zatanna does not look 14 years old]

Sonja immediately noticed that the girl cooking was another young foreigner girl and that lifted her spirits immensely. "Hi!"

[wintershepherd]

Looks like you had some luck with the grocery shopping.

[ Jack comes up behind her and drapes his arms over her shoulders, though he's smart enough to wait until she's not handling the hot tongs. He's glad that the enchanted choker has been recovered, that he no longer has to be as reserved in close proximity. ]

[walkthedarkpath]

Nelo Angelo had been skirting along the walkways paying close mind to the many families around. The whole ordeal was new and strange with all the merriment. He was so curious too it all. Anything that was offered without a price he was willing to try since hes taken an interest in cooking.

Randomly he can be found chatting with some of the Kedan wanting to know the history of the race and mostly about the hows and whys. He was amused by it all. This was a good day. he could take a few more of these.

Enjolras: Open!

[solo_patria]

Enjolras has been having probably the best time ever since his return to the world of the waking. As it turns out, the kedan from the cafe found and waved him over, and his personal favorite members of the family, their young son and daughter, are pretty happy to fill him in on the race, and to share stories about it. He's glad to listen, and really, knowing that all is well here, even better than that, does go a long way to easing the discomfort he's felt with returning to SUCH a new world order.

Of course, Enjolras isn't only spending time with them, but wandering around a bit from time to time as well, taking in the scenery, enjoying the fact he's got some winnings from a bet that went his way, and looking for others he knows from time to time. He's even smiling, looking rather more relaxed than he has in weeks. Come say hi if you'd like!

for that one old man arsonist

[akito]

It's hard to look at food when he knows very well that his friend is spread across multiple plates, being consumed by hungry mouths. He's good at pretending though - always has been, even growing up. Plaster on a happy face and people will focus on that instead of what's behind it. It's been a while since he felt it worth putting his energy into, but today he's made a good step forward in forging a place for himself in Keeliai.

He nibbles on fruits and vegetables and anything that isn't meat, though he doesn't have much of an appetite. Eating nothing when people had worked so hard to cook it would be impolite, so he compromises with his stomach. Akito ignores any alcohol apart from the scent, because it reminds him of home; the smell of beer clinging to the cheap cushions in their trailer and Kaito's hair. Even if 'home' had been a bad place, it had still been his home.

It's hard to stay awake, even amongst all the chatter. Having long since moved to a quieter section of the courtyard, the attention from having been a participant exhausting him more thoroughly than the race itself had, he finds it harder and harder to stay awake. He hadn't slept properly in... How long was it now? At least five days. And even before the race he kept having nightmares.

There's a heavy pressure behind his eyes and throbbing against his temples. Too many thoughts and memories going through his head. He misses home. He misses Agito. He misses having friends who understood him, who were his age, who had the kind of fun he liked. He misses Sand Tiger, who he had only known for scarcely a week but had been affectionate in a way that Akito has only ever received from animals. He tells himself he's more than lucky to still have Bird, but his brightly coloured ball of feathers isn't the same as having a person by his side.

Still, having Bird tucked away on his shoulder, snoring quietly against his neck is a comfort. The sound drowns out the loud chatter and laughter of the crowds around them, turning it into a more agreeable buzz of white noise. He sniffs once, holding back tears while his body slowly relaxes. Nobody will notice if he dozes off for a little while, right? Or at least nobody will get mad at him for it. After all, he's barely sixteen and it was a tiring race.