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 (at least for the torso)

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

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.) Unless you own an Akhaal horse, which is bred to be ridden without armor, you should equip your horse with a chanfron to protect its head from your opponent's lance. This piece is available in plate, chain, or leather. (Plate barding offers the most protection, but your horse must be at least 16 hands tall to wear it.)

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. If he agrees, the joust will automatically begin in ten seconds.

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.