Jousting

History

Jousting had been a popular Varian sport since the Second Era with roots that trace back to the First Era. In the aftermath of the War of the Scourge, jousting developed as a form of entertainment that celebrated the martial prowess of war veterans. With the rise of major cities and city-states, the sport became a staple of celebratory events and festivals. However, during times of war, most especially in the Third Era, jousting became less and less prominent in most areas. With soldiers, cavaliers, and horses being dedicated to offensive or defensive efforts, governmental support for major jousting tournaments also dwindled.

Execution

Jousting is a sport played in bouts known as jousts. Each joust traditionally involves two participants equipped with armor and weaponry while riding atop horseback. To win a joust, a participant must dismount their opponent either by pushing them off their steed with their weaponry or incapacitating them. Participants are traditionally prohibited from targetting the opposing party's head with their weaponry, and most jousts seek to avoid fatalities, though injuries are expected and deaths occasionally occur.

Components and tools

At the minimum, jousting requires two individuals willing to joust against one another. Jousts require two steeds, typically horses, and weaponry for the participants to use in forcefully dismounting their opponent, typically blunt-tip lances designed to curb lethality. In major jousting tournaments, armor is generally used, if not provided, for individuals to take part in the proceedings.

Participants

A match in jousting requires two combatants riding atop horseback. The two combatants typically wear armor and wield lances. Each combatant rides their mount in a line towards the opposing jouster. Both parties attempt to knock the other combatant off their steed, typically with the intent to incapacitate but not kill.

There is also a marshall to oversee each round of jousts. They ensure that combatants abide by the rules of the sport; they are also responsible for curbing excessive harm by halting the proceedings in the event of serious injury.

Beyond those three roles, jousts are often public affairs where audience members are allowed to cheer or jeer participating parties. However, any intervention to aid or deter the jousters is strictly prohibited.

Observance

Jousting can theoretically take place in any setting with an open area, willing participants, and the appropriate resources. However, during times of peace, jousting tournaments commonly occurred during special occasions and festivals across Varia's major settlements. Jousting tournaments preferably took place during seasons without extremely warm or cold temperatures.

Primary Related Location

Varia