Elpendcæster

The Elpendcæster, or Elephant-Castle is a type of carriage which is carried on the back of an Elephant, Mammut, or other creature of the Elephantidae family.

Use in Warfare

Elephant-Castles protect the most vulnerable part of the War Elephant - the rider. Perched safely on the back of these great beasts, archers, spearmen, and spellcasters use the elephant-castle's advantage in height to dominate any enemy infantry foolish enough to enter their range, while the castle's walls serve to protect themselves from the missiles of their foes. The smallest elephantines might carry only a handful of warriors, being close enough to the ground that spears may be wielded effectively from the battlements. Their colossal kindred have been known to carry a missile troop complement of a score or more, with multi-storied castles allowing and even greater command of the battlefield.
The largest elephants have also been known to serve as mobile artillery platforms, equipped with one or more ballistae which are capable of firing at great range, though their accuracy is greatly educed unless the beast is standing still.

Other Uses

Elephant-castles are sometimes used for peaceful purposes as well, though the exorbitant upkeep required usually limits their use to that of society's wealthier classes. On rare occasions merchant caravans may be encountered composed nearly entirely of elpend-kind, with their great cargoes and even the merchants themselves perched safely in the elpendcæster astride the beast's back, keeping their wares are kept safe from all but the most daring of brigands.
Some nobles have been known to use their elpendcæster as a travelling pleasure palace, with all manner of luxuries and vices to keep them occupied as they travel between destinations.

In the Underdeep

Elpendcæster's are a rare sight in the Underdeep, with all but the largest deepway halls being of inadequate girth to accommodate passage. They do however serve as formidable defences for the base camp of any Underdeep expedition.