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 market value and maintenance 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 at 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.

Like other galimshara, domesticated gibgibsews must be placed under the law-lock which includes ancient folk magic, training, and practices of familiarization which 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.

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, consisting of bones and depictions.

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) about ten minutes
• 4) sprattle (waterwalking) (25 to 40 mph) about five minutes
• 5) jagannath (waterwalking)(41 to up to 60 mph) for very short sprints.

Uses

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. The game of Skar and the races draw tens of thousands of spectators to the city of Aurice every year.

Value

A well-trained gibgibsew at the beginning of its career is worth tens of thousands of silver on the open market. The value increases with the demonstrated performance of the beast, but decreases with the age. The trained rider is sometimes offered along with the beast on a contract as the bond between rider and beast can be quite dynamic.

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 rider must be licensed by the city as competent to ride and handle such a 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 intruded upon in their marked stables or provoked. 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 accepts this risk.

See Also

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