# The Bingus Convention of 1746 **The Bingus Convention of 1746** is a pivotal and unusually protracted event in the history of the Bingus, a subspecies of the now-extinct North American Mammoth (*Mammuthus roanensis*). Occurring in the relatively isolated valley of the Silver Creek, bordering the current border of present-day Wyoming, this convention represents a unique period of inter-species diplomacy, genetic diversification, and a surprisingly ambitious (for a mammoth) endeavor to solidify the Bingus’s place within the broader ecosystem – a position they, and the others, were initially struggling to define. The event, lasting approximately 18 months, significantly altered the social dynamics of the Bingus population and left a lasting, though often overlooked, mark on the landscape of the region. ## **Origins and Initial Isolation** The origin of the Bingus, as understood by the earliest records, is shrouded in early folklore and largely attributed to a series of accidental mutations occurring during the late 17th century. Initially, the Bingus were described as relatively large, stocky mammals, distinguished by a distinctive, slightly curved snout and a thick layer of subcutaneous fat. However, over several decades, subtle shifts in lineage began to manifest, appearing more closely resembling the current subspecies, *Mammuthus roanensis*, particularly through the development of more pronounced dental ridges and a slightly altered skull shape. Crucially, the Silver Creek valley, nestled between the Rocky Mountains and the southern plains, offered a naturally isolated pocket within the broader Montana wilderness. This isolation – a consequence of the landscape’s topography and lack of significant human presence – allowed the Bingus population to diverge significantly. The valley’s relatively consistent climate, high levels of riparian vegetation, and the presence of a unique mineral composition of the stream bed contributed to the unique pressures impacting these early populations. Early accounts from the surrounding tribes, primarily the Lakota, depict the Bingus as solitary, fiercely territorial creatures, generally avoiding large gatherings, particularly during the colder months. Their behaviour was generally characterised by a conservative approach to foraging and minimal interaction with other species, reinforcing the isolation and contributing to the breed’s inherent sense of independence. ## **The Catalyst: The 'Grand Gathering'** The impetus for the Bingus Convention wasn't initially a deliberate gathering, but rather a manifestation of emergent social pressures arising from a period of rapid population growth and increased competition for resources. Researchers generally attribute this emergence to a peculiar dietary shift that occurred approximately 1738. As the Bingus exhibited a higher rate of predation by a specific species of pygmy saber-toothed cat, the population required substantial increases in food intake and the expansion of their foraging territories. This triggered a gradual, but unsettling, change in social structuring. The now-existing social hierarchies established within small herds began to fluctuate wildly. Observations by various tribal observers in the region suggest that some individual Bingus began to prioritize social bonding over solitary survival. Further complicating matters, increased movement within the valley and a gradual expansion of territories – driven by territorial disputes and the need for more prey – initiated a period of heightened interaction between Bingus groups. This interaction, though rudimentary at first, gradually escalated into a pattern of formalized gatherings. ## **The Convention Protocols: A Complex System** The Bingus Convention of 1746 wasn't a simple gathering. It was a meticulously orchestrated ritual, dictated by the prevailing social hierarchies and driven by a complex system of protocols that remained largely undocumented. It was a *massive* undertaking, involving over 500 individuals – roughly a third of the existing population – and lasting for a staggering 48 days. The central elements of the convention revolved around establishing and maintaining a series of interconnected “nodes” or ‘assemblies’ across the valley floor. These nodes weren't simply gatherings; they were formalized exchanges of information, particularly regarding migration patterns, resource distribution, and crucially, breeding strategies. The key objective of the ‘Grand Gathering’ was to reaffirm established alliances and solidify dominance within the Bingus population. The convention utilized a tiered structure of leadership and influence, with elder bulls – primarily males representing the oldest and most experienced individuals – holding significant sway. The proceedings involved elaborate displays of dominance, judged by a selection of individuals known as the 'Observers', primarily female members of the group. Success in these 'Observer assessments' indicated a degree of social legitimacy – conferring increased access to prime breeding grounds and increasing the probability of offspring survival. **Specific Protocols & Activities:** * **The ‘Stone Offering’**: A cornerstone of the proceedings was the ceremonial offering of large, carefully polished stones to the Silver Creek stream. This seemingly simple action served as a powerful symbolic gesture, communicating the Bingus’s interconnectedness with the landscape and reinforcing a sense of collective responsibility. The precise composition and shape of these stones varied over time, though they generally represented a highly polished, dark grey variety. * **The ‘Gilded Bones’**: A key performance involved a "Gilded Bones" ritual. Several individuals (selected based on age and perceived skill) would meticulously arrange a selection of fallen bones of rare or historically significant species, forming abstract geometric patterns with the bones. The arrangement served as a visualization of the Bingus’s history within the valley – indicating a connection to a past when resources were more abundant. * **The ‘Resource Allocation Table’**: This complex table, painstakingly created with markings and symbols, outlined specific trade agreements between different Bingus groups. Each table established rules related to sharing food, migratory paths, and even designated "hunting territories" – essentially defining acceptable, and disallowed, behaviors within the area. The level of regulation began a critical shift in behaviors for the Bingus, transitioning from aggressive expansion to more structured territoriality. * **'The Mirror Watch'**: A ritual focused on observing a specifically engineered 'Mirror Watch' – a large, reflective surface manipulated by a single observer. This observation process ensured the accurate portrayal of an individual’s status – determining a connection between their physical appearance and inherited territories. ## **Consequences and Legacy** The Bingus Convention of 1746 had several profound consequences, setting the stage for a substantial shift in the region's ecosystem. While initial reports suggested limited effect on long-term behavioral patterns, subsequent observation revealed a marked increase in cooperative behavior, particularly amongst younger Bingus. The increased understanding of resource allocation, coupled with the strengthening of alliances, demonstrably improved hunting efficiency across a significantly larger geographical area. Furthermore, the event prompted an increased level of documentation of the Bingus's migratory routes and resource utilization, effectively creating a long-term database for understanding this subspecies's life cycle. The information gleaned from the 1746 convention remains largely lost to the outside world. However, the preserved artwork and symbolic representation of the rituals, primarily found in the Lakota oral traditions that circulated within the area, are believed to contain key elements of the event’s initial impact. The Convention, therefore, stands as a unique benchmark – a period of unprecedented deliberate social engagement, a testament to the complex interplay of evolutionary pressures, and a critical step in understanding the trajectory of the Bingus subspecies.