Gibgibsew

An eight-legged great, omnivorous reptile with the same general shape as a Gila Monster, the gibgibsew possesses the ability to race over the surface of the water like a Jesus Lizard, only on a much larger scale. The adult gibgibsew as bred in captivity for the games measures seven to ten meters (24 to 30 feet) from head to tail. Gibgibsews held in captivity are generally well taken care of due to their expense and live about twenty to thirty years. The variation is due in large measure to the work and exertion placed upon the beast, especially due to racing. The slang name for the beast is 'jib.' The creature's eight legs begin to vibrate and any speed above the slowest and this peculiar magical vibration enables it to move over the surface of the water. Gibgibsews are native to the Shadevan Delta. They are bred and trained in ranches in the delta. Trained beasts fetch a high price in Aurice and elsewhere in the Pallathantic. The tack required for both mount and rider is considerably expensive.

Ancient magics are used to dominate and exploit the gibgibsew that could easily devour a human in two gulps. The soddern, gooba reins, and jiblute are all essential equipment along with professional spells of the Demotic Magic variety.

Origin

Gibgibsews are thought to have been domesticated no later than the seventh millennium and their presence is attested by archeological evidence among the oldest civilizations of the Shadevan.

Jibgaits

Jibriders recognize five speeds or jibgaits.

• 1) slopdaugh (up to 4 mph)
• 2) rumble (4 to 12 mph), beast can maintain this speed for up to one hour
• 3) gallaunt (waterwalking) (13 to 24 mph)
• 4) sprattle (waterwalking) (25 to 40 mph)
• 5) jagannath (waterwalking)(41 to up to 60) miles per hour for short sprints.

Sportsmen have embraced the gibgibsew in the quest for very large game. The Games of High Summer held annually in Aurice would be impossible without the gibgibsew and its famously trained rider.

A well-trained gibgibsew at the beginning of its career is worth tens of thousands of silver on the open market.

Regulation

The potential for harmful interactions between beast and humans is considerable. An adult gibgibsew can swallow a large man whole. The violent side to side swinging of its tail can decapitate a human. For this reason, the creature is regulated in various jurisdictions throughout the Pallathantic. In Aurice, the beast must have been raised and trained by a licensed breeder and the owner and the rider must be registered along with the beast. The breeder will typically place a unique, intricate tattoo on the hide of the beast and this identifies the creature to the owner and authorities. The jib-tattoo must be registered with the state. Legally, the rider and sometimes the owner are accountable for the actions of their beasts, unless the beasts are provoked or intruded upon in their marked stables. Standardized, large signs are placed prominently on the exterior of stables and other facilities for gibgibsews. Spectators at gibgibsew sports, such as the Games of High Summer of Aurice, have greatly reduced legal recourse if they are injured or killed as the sport is considered inherently dangerous and anyone watching willingly indemnifies the sport's participants in large measure.

See Also

• Drakeling
• Galimshara
• Games of High Summer of Aurice
• Gooba Reins
• Jiblute
• Jibrider
• Objute
• Organchan Vorax
• Skar
• Soddern