2nd Annual Turkey Chase - Wed Nov 14 at 9:30pm ST

[Kiralynn]

Date: Wednesday, November 14 at 9:30pm /servertime
Place: Windy Acres Ranch (9 Chestnut Street, Raglan, Bree-land homesteads on Landroval)

* Horse Race – A mid-length course with numerous jumps through the woods south of Bree.

* Horse Show – Participants will be judged on the originality and color coordination of their outfit, how well it matches their mount, and how dramatically it is presented. The audience will vote for the winners.

* Autumn Party - Ale, pipe-weed and good music!

Prizes
* First Place - 500 Turbine Points and an account-wide Perlino steed
* Second Place - 4 gold and a Perlino steed
* Third Place - 2 gold and a Perlino steed

Race Route
* Click here to view the route.

Type /servertime in-game for the current game time (ST).
Add this event to your calendar today!

[Kiralynn]

Hello!

The Turkey Chase is only two days away!

I could really use some volunteers to help out. I have some goodies (Perlino steeds, cloaks, etc.) to give away to everyone who volunteers. I need help with...

* Race course judging. It takes 4 judges total to monitor the route properly.

* A bookie. Someone who can advertise the list of riders signed up for the race, accept /tells from people choosing the rider they think will win, randomly pick one person who guessed right, and announce the winner. You'll get to give away a code for a Perlino steed or 2 gold, winner's choice.

* Musicians. We need music before the race, during the horse show, and afterwards at the autumn harvest party.

Volunteers can participate in the horse show and act as race judges. You can also play music before the events and at the party, while still competing in the race or show.

Please let me know if you will be available. Thank you!

[Anthemisi]

Count me as volunteer, any job works also I can be bookie :)

[Byrcha]

Braxwald plans to be there, since it is in the neighborhood. She can play music and help with course judging. Oh, and she has the keys to the Lonely Mountain Brewery if anyone is thirsty!

[Kiralynn]

Wednesday proved to be an exciting night, full of surprises for the racing community. The second annual Turkey chase welcomed visitors with an impressive fireworks display over the lake in Raglan. A pair of accomplished musicians entertained the crowd. Meanwhile, new riders and veteran jockeys rode the pace lap on a challenging course with a difficult history. Last year’s race was marred by the arrival of three men determined to cheat and win the prize. Fortunately, this year’s judges proved up to the challenge and the race ended without a single red flag.

A call to post echoed through the woods south of Bree, attracting numerous visitors who joined the equestrian enthusiasts who had arrived earlier. The bookie took bets for Bertrus on liver chestnut Kaliroch, Caiyyd on sable Sovvan, Calebus on Esteldin horse Spirit, Jralyn on dark bay Dasher, Laval on grey Hope, and Riani on a blonde sorrel with brew tack named Yabrecht.



The crowd cheered as the riders lined up for the start. The race master raised her hand and riders gripped their reins harder in anticipation. Suddenly, there was a last minute delay when one of the riders dismounted to adjust his horse’s tack. The pause seemed to heighten the tension of the less experienced steeds. The jockey nodded his readiness and moments later a shout of “charge!” set the horses into a flurry of motion.

Leaving a cloud of dust behind them, Calebus and Riani surged forward into an early lead, followed closely by Caiyyd and Laval. The first length of the race, a straight course with no obstacles, lured the riders into a false sense of security. Calebus was not the first to discover the trap of Ost Baranor, a the tempting shortcut that leads to a dead end patrolled by bandits. That same fate befell a group of riders the previous year. He showed true courage by fighting his way through the ruins to continue the race. Bertrus was the next to lose the competitive edge when his horse balked at the fences of Pierson’s Farm. Laval’s grey horse was caught on the outside at Widow Froghorn’s house and lost several lengths. In the last furlong past the turn at the Yellow Tree, only five horses galloped into view. Dasher proved to be a closer, carrying Jralyn across the finish line for the win.



The judges conferred briefly before the race master called for silence to announce the winners. This is always the sign of a clean race. First place was awarded to Jralyn on Dasher, second place to Riani on Yabrecht, and third place to Caiyyd on Sovvan. The solid performance moved Caiyyd up two ranks in the rider standings.

The crowd moved to Windy Acres Ranch where ale and pipe-weed were distributed. Kiralynn accepted sign-ups for the horse show. Eight contestants lined up to compete for the prizes – Belmae, Bertrus, Caiyyd, Calebus, Elyadia, Laval, Oakfen, and Riani.

Each contestant was given thirty seconds to show off their outfit, expertly coordinated with their steed’s color and tack. Belmae and Laval used magic to accentuate their outfits, while Caiyyd played a short but uplifting tune on her lute. Votes were taken as the sun set in glorious shades of azure and purple on the horizon. In the end, Bertrus won an honorable mention. Riani won two gold for third place, Elyadia won four gold and second place, and Caiyyd won the grand prize of 500 Turbine Points. All three were also given Perlino steeds from the Windy Acres stable.

http://www.roll3d6.com/banders/events/show-11-14-12-wins.jpg

Click here to view more pictures of the event.

The crowd moved indoors. The ranch was decorated in holiday style with two feasting tables, wreaths of fresh flowers on the walls, and the warm light of Inn League lanterns. The spacious hall was graced by a number of skilled dancers. Several equestrian trivia games were played and door prizes were given away. All those who admired the Perlino steeds were allowed to ride one home. Two party-goers went home with rare cloaks, and one carried home a mysterious chest found recently in the Trollshaws.



Once again, I want to say “thank you” to the musicians who volunteered their time and played wonderful music to entertain the crowd. Thanks to everyone who helped with the fireworks display. Special thanks to our bookie and race course judges – Braxwald, Carica, Cuthrek, and Ijnar. Racing wouldn’t be possible without them. Last but not least, many thanks to the Valar for their support.

The next Windy Acres event is the Misty Mountain Classic, a challenging race through mountainous terrain and heavy snow. Riders will face steep cliffs and the fierce creatures that inhabit the rugged landscape. The Classic will be held on Wednesday, December 12 at 9:30pm /servertime. Meet at Gloin’s camp. The horse show has a theme of cold-weather clothing. Participants will show off their best winter outfits. Only standard speed (+62%) horses and goats will be allowed for the race.

[`Tinki`]

Just another post to let you know how awesome your Ranch and your events are.