Speedwell shrugs, but not disagreeably. "Maybe you're right," he says. "Snail racing it is, then."

The grandstands next to this racecourse are filled with cheering fairgoers ringing bells, swinging rattles, and waving flags. On the starting line, eight giant snails are having their shells scrubbed by pixies.

Above the circular course, a wooden gantry hangs from the branches of a central tree, where two goblins officiate the proceedings.

Snail racing is a highly competitive, fast-paced sport that draws a lively crowd. Anyone can participate in the race as snail jockeys, but it costs 1 ticket punch to enter. Please let me know if you’d like to enter as a competitor, or sit in the crowds and make bets. For racing, you can see that the race course is a bit under 500 feet around, and that there are signs posted saying “No help, magic or otherwise, from the stands, is allowed, other than your boisterous cheering. Jockeys are also refrained from using magic or harming other racers.” There are already a number of other carnival visitors looking at the snails trying to decide if they should race or not.

The snail racers are:

Speedwell will race. He’ll punch his ticket and head straight over to snail number 4, Quickleaf. “I think we can do this, my friend,” he says to the snail. 

Gio heads to Queen’s Majesty. 

“Good luck, Speedwell. You’ll need it.” 

animsl handling 18

Inif is intrigued, but decides perhaps he should observe a race before participating.  "Good luck all." 

He studies the snails as they race, hoping to gain some insight on which one might be faster when he races.

Inif reconsiders, and quips "You only live to ride a giant snail once..."  He uses his quick pace to make sure to secures a spot with Flowerflash.

Autumnleaf will find a seat in the stands, deciding to put some coin on her friends as a show of faith. With that in mind, she flips a coin.

1

Seeing it land heads up, she makes her way to the betting area, and puts down 11 gold pieces and 5 silver on Speedwell, then heads back to her seat and settles in to do some cheering.

And they're off!

 The racers take their lines, Giovani, Speedwell, and Inif all wishing each other luck as they get on their steeds. Autumnleaf placing a bet and then excitedly watching her friends wait for the starting gun. As the shot rings out the snails and their riders all dash from the line! Surprisingly fast for snails!

Inif is having some problems controlling his snail, and it lags slightly behind, Giovani is figuring things out, and does well, meanwhile Speedwell is a natural on his and immediately gains some ground. 

Current distance after the first round:
1) Shellymoo - 60'
2) Nimblefoot - 70'
3) High Road - 60'
4) Quickleaf - 100'
5) Flowerflash - 60'
6) Whizzy - 90'
7) Breakneck - 90'
8) Queen's Majesty - 90'

For this race, though I could just roll it all for everyone, which would certainly speed things up, I think it'll be more fun to actually see each round as they go. So we'll take our time and have some suspense on this race. Please roll another animal handling check (add some RP if you'd like ^^) for the next round.

Inif attempts to balance himself and urges his snail on.  From the back he sees his companions in the lead and sighs, "Rabbitfolk and snails, you might think the pair not well-matched..."

Giovani tries to assume a jockey’s position on his snail, and drive it onward with encouraging pats from his feet as he stands with his feet directly on top of the creature. “Show is the meaning of speed! You are a Queen!” 

Speedwell just smiles and quietly urges his snail on.

The race continues! Round 2:

Inif starts to figure out how to get his snail to follow instructions, and Speedwell races further along, doing justice to his name. Giovani on the other hand almost annoyed his snail by telling it to go forward.

Current distance after the first round:
1) Shellymoo - 160'
2) Nimblefoot - 170'
3) High Road - 120'
4) Quickleaf - 200'
5) Flowerflash - 140'
6) Whizzy - 190'
7) Breakneck - 150'
8) Queen's Majesty - 150'

Next round! Keep it up! 

Seeing Whizzy on his tail and Nimblefoot not too far behind, Speedwell attempts once again to urge his snail forward. “We got this, buddy,” he says, getting caught up in the moment. 

Gio realizes his method isn’t working and just does his best to let the Queen set her own pace while he stays out of the way 

Autumnleaf continues to cheer for her friends.

 She even goes so far as to pull out her Lyre, flying up a bit and making a little show of it.

Inif, still far behind Speedwell at least see some hope in besting his companion.  "Here I come Giovani!" he shouts playfully as he urges the snail on.

The race continues! Round 3:

Autumnleaf's show is so good that it actually distracts those sitting around her who stop watching the race to focus on the fairy near them. Speedwell keeps at it, seemingly one with his snail mount, while the other two continue to feel uncomfortable sitting on the large shells. Though as Inif rides, suddenly a head of lettuce flies from the stands and lands right in front of Flowerflash, causing the poor hungry thing to stop and munch on it, letting the other's gain even more ground.

Current distance after the third round:
1) Shellymoo - 250'
2) Nimblefoot - 230'
3) High Road - 180'
4) Quickleaf - 300'
5) Flowerflash - 140'
6) Whizzy - 280'
7) Breakneck - 210'
8) Queen's Majesty - 210'

On to round 4!

Speedwell leans down, pats his snail, and whispers to it, “You got this.”

Autumnleaf blinks in surprise, still strumming as she looks around for the source of the lettuce.

Inif, severely disheartened, almost jumps off his mount and walks off the course.  He regains his composure and instead tries to finish with some dignity

“You… are a lazy snail, I must say.” Gio has given up a bit, but just keeps going for the fun of it, and trying not to be last.