Jousting

Jousting is a sport played by mounted warriors. Currently, the only form of jousting is tilting, the object of which is to unhorse one's opponent by riding toward him at high speed and striking him with a lance.

Requirements and Equipment

Minimum Requirements

All adventurers can joust provided that they have the proper training and equipment. Below is a list of the bare minimum training and equipment that are needed to joust:

• Ownership of a horse
• Knowledge of basic horsemanship (taught by any stablemaster)
• A lance (a pike or halberd)
• A shield (held in left hand)*
• Heavy plate armor*

• Without wearing heavy plate and holding a shield, the rider is likely to panic and jump off the moment before impact.

Recommended Equipment and Training

Lance: Blunted lances are available at some arenas. Although a regular lance can be used, you should avoid using lances that you don't want to lose. (Lances often break during jousts.)

Armor: Heavy plate armor must be worn on the torso. Jousters should also consider wearing heavy plate armor on the rest of their bodies.

Tack and Barding: Most jousters use a saddle and bridle to assist with their balance, positioning, and control over the horse. (Unless you are trained to ride bareback, you must use a saddle.) The mechanics do not require a saddle or barding, but if you want a more realistic experience, equip your horse with plate barding, and ride in a saddle.

Additional Training: Anyone who is at least 40th circle can learn how to joust more effectively, but the teacher must be a Paladin who is at least 50th circle. Horses can also be taught to perform better in jousts by Rangers.

Locations

• Zoluren Royal Mews, Jousting Field

Jousting Syntax

To initiate the challenge, you must SIGNAL HORSE TO JOUST <player>, and the other player will automatically be told how to respond. He has 30 seconds to agree, and if he does, the joust will begin ten seconds later.

Some training fields and jousting areas include quintains to facilitate jousting practice. To use them, just GO QUINTAIN while mounted on your horse and holding your lance.

Mechanics of Success

Factors that affect success in jousting:

• Skill with pikes or halberds
• Skill with shields?
• Whether the jouster has been taught to joust by a Paladin

Participation by Empaths

Empaths can participate in jousts without experiencing empathic shock.