Joust!
Log Info
- Title: Joust!
- Emitter: Ashes
- Characters: Jinks, Lysos, Vaera, Mercy, Aetheras
- Place: A11: Festival Grounds
- Time: Saturday, September 25, 2021, 2:10 PM
- Summary: The Knightly Orders are holding a jousting festival for non-Knights. A simplified version of jousting in the lists is provided, along with appropriate armour and lances that break easily. Dame Yaerhiel Zyrinfier is overall, in charge, while Lady Mirielda the Fair organizes the small riders, and Sir Tenzacatetl is handling regular riders and the Sith'Makar. Turn out is meager, only two gnomes, Katas, a tunnel runner, and Jinks disguised as Buffooniert Longlegs of Happy Valley. Among the regular sized riders are Lysos, Jesolean, Vaera, Alphrefi, Aetheras, Brayr and Mercy, athough ultimately the last three don't participate. The participants are given three lances, to make three runs at each other. Vaera is ultimately the winner, receiving the most points for unseats. Jinks is second with Lysos, Jesolean and Katas tying for third. The runs are close, and things come to a head in the last charge. Jinks and Katas unseat each other, Alphrefi unseats himself just as Vaera is about to, having spurred his horse so hard he hit an artery, and Lysos, in a moment of misfortune, drags down all the flags, trips a squire into a furnace, and sets the Festival Grounds alight. The jousting is complete.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--<* A11: Festival Grounds *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
The sweeping Festival Grounds serve many purposes. For much of the year they serve as practice grounds for training knights, for the games of children who pick up ball, bat, and begin a game of stickball. During other times, they're filled with colored tents, with performers for some of Alexandria's many festivals.
Along one side are a set of permanent bleachers, and at either end an archway. Each archway is carved in the style of a grand entry and marked with images of of Daeus, with rearing horse and flying pennon. Here, the god stands depicted in his roles of defender and knight-warrior. Recently, the Lancers of Serriel have taken to practicing here, along the knights and warriors of other orders, and a small number of them take a select pride in the upkeep of the grounds, alongside the Daeusites, Navosians, Gileans, and other mixtures.
Littering the grounds are places for archery, target practice. Here too, scheduled a few times a month, is the space given for ridden sport, organized recently by the arvek nar. The reigning champion's name is displayed in an upright lance at the end of the field, a silent challenge for next month's contender.
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-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Appearing, in Order -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Jinks 3'4" 39 Lb Gnome Male As Buffooniert Longlegs of Happy Valley. Vaera 7'0" 262 Lb Sith-Makar Female A tall, dark red Makari with a wooden leg. Lysos 5'6" 105 Lb Human/Tsuran Female Dark eyed tsuran girl. Mercy 5'5" 150 Lb Human Female A platinum haired Aesir woman, in flamboyant black. Aetheras 5'9" 150 Lb Shadow Elf Male Vast-touched: obsidian eyes, deep bronze skin, dreads. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Running the Tourney -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Dame Yaerhiel Zyrinfier Shadow-Elf Female Knight of the Cockatrice, Oathbreaker Lady Mirielda the Fair Halfling Female Knight of the Hymn, the Egotist Sir Tenzacatetl the Stern Sith-Makar Male Knight of the Pillar, former squire -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- As the GM -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ashes 5'11" 177 Lb Hobgoblin Female A somber arvec in grey clothes with a skull face. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-=
The Festival Grounds have been transformed for jousting.
A special event, organized by the Knightly Orders, to attract more members or raise appreciation for their noble sport.
Of charging at each other on mounts, attempting to unseat their opponent. It doesn't hurt, much, they assure. Tourney armour is very good. That is constantly assured by several sources.
Dame Yaerhiel Zyrinfier, a shadow elf and Knight of the Cockatrice, is directing prospective jousters this way and that.
"Interested parties should organize with the small, medium, and unlimited Joust masters. Halflings, gnomes and gobbos, please congregate with Lady Mirielda the Fair."
GAME: Jinks rolls Disguise+2: (6)+9+2: 17
Vaera heard of the upcoming event, and curiosity had gotten the better of her. So the red sith-makar had armored up to arrive in the festival grounds.
"I do not know if I should be congregating with the medium riders or not." She chuffs.
"You would." Dame Yaerhiel manages to look both down her nose and up at Vaera. She gestures lightly into the distance, "Please see Sir Tenzacatetl, he has horses suitable for... your frame."
Mercy wanders by the festival grounds, always interested in thing the Palladins might do.
It's a day for trying new things. Which also means it's probably a day for failing miserably... but if you don't try new things you'll never know how truly bad you are at them. So here we are!
The somewhat-incognito gnome arrives in a cream-colored suit of leathers dotted with brass studs polished to the highest of sheens, his rings replaced by snug calfskin gloves. His hair is down and streaked with crimson highlights, blown back be the frequent gusts of the day's agitated winds. Finally, lipstick and a light dusting of eyeshadow match his hair coloring.
The gnome sucks his teeth thoughtfully on the way towards the gathering of smaller fighters. "Buffooniert Longlegs of Happy Valley," he offers up for the rolls.
GAME: Vaera rolls perception: (19)+8+2: 29 (+2 from being in the city)
"Very well, I shall seek out sir Tenzacatetl, in that case." She nods to the elf, walking by to meet with them. She stops to look, squinting at the gnome.
"Greetings... Sir Buffooniert." She says quickly with a shake of her head. "I would wish you good luck in the trials ahead, but I do not wish to jinx it."
The redscale female sith'makar is directed towards a proud male Sith Makar, who supplements fearsome burnt blood scales with horns carved with humble devotions, and armour made from the ritually anointed hides of the great beasts of the homeland that claimed his clutch-mates and parents both.
"Sssir Tenzacatetl. The Ssstern Rebuke. Knight of the Pillar." He has a lean, rangy frame for one of such blood and the gait of a warrior who has oft been forced to rely truly on natural gifts to survive. "Peasssce. On your nest."
Meanhile, Dame Yaerhiel peers unpleasantly down at the disguised gnome, "Buffooniert LongLegs of Happy Valley. I see... please speak to Lady Mirielda," she points, "That way."
The Shadow Elf knight gives Aetheras a nod, then addresses him and the Inquisitor, "Both of you should speak with Sir Tenzacatetl also."
Mercy nods and walks over to the designated knight, looking thoughtful.
With a slap of his palm against his bare, scarred chest, Aetheras acknowledges the suggestion. "So I shall!" he says, heading towards the person he was just directed to. "Some sort of contest anyone can join?" he asks, brow raised.
"The Maiden of Battles with guide my blade! Spear. Er," 'Buffooniert' makes a little stabbing motion from his hip, arm crooked. "Lance! Lance, that's it." He offers Vaera a wink as she departs to join the other tallmen. "(let's just hope they're not giving us dogs to ride...)" he mumbles, issuing a sympathetic sniffle on his way to find Lady Mirielda.
"There is none." She says simply. "But peace, sir Tenzacatetl. This one is here to learn and take party in the events here. It has been some time, since I have ridden for anything related to battle."
The disguised gnome is directed to an elderly Lucht Siuil, who is not wearing armour. Instead she has an elaborate feathered dress. With her are several halflings that have a similar appearance, grandchildren perhaps, who are serving as squires. She nods solemnly, "I am Lady Mirielda the Fair. Knight of the Hymn."
How appropriate.
"We shall be riding proper ponies today, not dogs." Of course she would have opinions on mounts, "A moment, while the others assemble. The squires will help you don the Tourney armour."
Across the way, Sir Tenzacatetl is giving similar, if more truncated instruction after a sorrowful look and scents of sadness have been shared with Vaera. He indicates the mounts, "Horsses. Light for mosst. Heavy, for the sscale-ssisster. Armour isss padded. Put it on." Sir Tenzacatetl's squires are hobgoblins and oruchs, primarily. "Three lancesss each."
"The lances are specially constructed with a balsa section in the middle. This will shatter upon an excellent hit. You will be given three. Normall, there is a lot of ceremenony, but we wish this to be open and enjoyable, so much of the pomp and circumstance has been minimized."
"When the horn ssingss. Mount. Charge. Hit, here." Sir Tenza holds up a shield and taps a claw at the centre of it. "Or here. Or here. One point head. Two pointsss... chesst. Three pointss... unseat."
"The Joust will end when one or both riders is unseated. Normally there might be some ground fighting, but again, this is jousting for those who are not jousters."
Aetherasraises his fist. "If you are looking for volunteers, I am willing."
Coming here was probably a bad idea. With her track record of things going awry, and considering all of the unfortunate things that could possibly happen to a novice trying her hand at jousting, this might be one of those moments best described as Lysos not thinking things through. Yet, here she is, having swapped out her magical dress for the loose fitting shirt and trousers she normally uses when running about the city, her hair pulled back with her headscarf holding behind her neck and shoulders.
So, yes, Lysos is late, but her wandering eyes are able to get a bit of a sense of how folks have been divided.. so, doing her best to look like she knows what she's doing, she wanders towards like-sized people.
"This one would feel more comfortable on a swiftclaw, but I understand. They can have a difficult time understanding mock combat, and best not to injure the horses." Vaera nods, the expression and scent noted with a pat to a shoulder before she busies herself donning the armor.
She waves to Lysos. "Greetings. You are here to train? That is good. Mounts make it much easier to brace a spear or lance."
"It would be of great utility if you were to elaborate upon Sir Tenzacatetl's instructions. Or demonstrate, or participate." Dame Yaerhiel directs Aetheras towards the redscale Knight.
"Yesss. Frighten horsses. Eat the softskin younglingss and gnomesss." Sir Tenzacatetl concurs. He waves a claw, and squires first line up beside Lysos, Aetheras and Vaera, size them up, then go select some armour pieces and assist the contestants with putting them on. The others who have come to participate are likewise assisted.
Over by Lady Mirielda, Jinks is being assisted in a similar fashion, as is his opponent.
<OOC> Random NPC Selection by level = CR <OOC> Aetheras says, "3 ;)" GAME: Aetheras rolls 1d50: (45): 45 <OOC> Vaera says, "Level 3!" GAME: Vaera rolls 1d50: (23): 23 <OOC> Lysos is level 8. GAME: Lysos rolls 1d58: (57): 57 <OOC> Jinks says, "Cinco de Bardo" (5) GAME: Jinks rolls 1d3: (3): 3
"My Lady Fair!" Jinks greets with a sweeping bow, tucking his left leg back, right arm behind him into the air. He tosses his hair this way and that when he straightens, blowing out one side of his mouth to banish the lingering strands from his face. He turns to consider his competition as they assemble, then the milling litter of squires and... squiesses. Squiresses? "Do you know that you can bet a pony? The Myrrish call putting twenty-five crowns on a wager betting a 'pony.'"
When he's helped out of the cream coat it shifts, changing in shape and color. It's black now, with matte studs, and a far more stylish cut. High-collared, long cuffs. There's a Tarienite broach glittering brilliantly on the wide lapel. "Witch!" He exclaims, eyes going wide. "Just a jest. All is well. One does what one must to conform to local fashions. Think nothing of it and mind your little lucht hands around my pockets."
The small halfling squires do mind their hands around Jink's pockets. Gnomes have a reputation after all. This care must be shared with his opponent, also a gnome, though one of unusual obsession.
"Katas," as he introduces himself, has dark brown armour and a sloping hat, as well as elbow and knee coverings that seem more suited for underground work, in stone and earthen environments. His helment has goggles, as well as a light fixture, and a filter mask. He strikes his chest in a salute to Jinks, "Tunnel runner. Wish I was having a poke at those scalies over there."
Over there with the scales, two of the other combatants appear to know each other. "Well if it isn't Alphrefi. Still watering down the wine and refilling the pitchers from the half drunk ones?"
"Shut your trap Brayr, at least my pub is still open."
Tavern owners, interested in jousting, who knew.
A tall and rather vine-line like human male smiles at Lysos, "Charmed, I'm sure. I'm Jesolean, sorcerer of the green."
Lysos grins at Vaera, toothy, and gives the sith a thumbs up. "Mostly just here to spit in the eye of lady misfortune," she tells her as she gets shuffled into a lineup and then proceeds to don the padded sparring gear as best she can, her inexperience at such things painfully obvious now. She is pulling the torso piece over her head when she hears Jesolean, wincing as it pulls on her hair a bit before she pulls it free and lets the padded armour settle on her shoulders. "Oh, hello!" she tells him after getting a look at him, not able to completely hide her reaction to his appearance. "I'm Lysos. Just... Lysos."
Jinks' gregarious mask slips for a moment at Katas' comment, replaced almost immediately with a barking laugh and a broad, confident smile. "Worry about keeping your rump in the saddle first, my lance finding your shield--" he glances over the squires buckling him into the padded armor at the Lady "(shield, right?)--" and then back to Katas. "My lance finding your shield second and then the feral, wicked lizards outside the city third. A few of them here aren't so bad." Somewhere a seal of the end times has broken.
He cocks his head, offering an arm as a shield is slid into place, and sucks at his teeth. Already he can feel the weight of this kit far surpassing his usual accoutrements. "Clearly we won't be dancing in these saddles."
"A swiftclaw that eats what you do not wish needs further training. I have done so enough, and have found few that could not be guided." Vaera notes while taking off the leather armor and coat, which made much more noise than any coat should be, to put on the padded armor. And then she takes the coat and pulls out a wrench, and, a block of wood?
Vaera spends a moment twisting and wrenching at her clawed wooden foot until it pops off, and she spends another minute affixing the block into place. When she climbs onto her horse however, a hooked section at the front slips into the stirrup, giving her control akin to a living foot.
She takes her lances, stowing where necessary, with on remaining in hand. "Make sure all the straps are tightened Lysos. otherwise it will be too awkward to move."
Lysos gives a quick nod of thanks to Vaera, fingers going to all the straps she can find.. with assistance, of course, from the squires assigned to her and the others. "Stars above, I don't know how people actually wear this stuff for so long."
Jesolean is being similarly buffetted by the armour donning procedure. "Is head padding and a helmet necessary? My head is as large as a balloon." A squire assures it is necessary.
Across the way, Katas laughs, "I haven't ridden a pony in years. I prefer corgis."
Lady Mirielda sighs. The elderly knight steps over, makes an adjustment on Katas, "hold your shield here." She looks over Jinks, says nothing and nods approvingly.
Sir Tenzacatetl exhales a long breath, "Ssaa. They are not Sssunflower. Riding Sswiftclawsss... are not trained for thisss."
The large Red Knight of the Pillar moves over, and adjusts a strap on Brayr without warning.
"Ssquiress. Lancess." Each squire grabs a set of three and head for positions in the lists, waving at their respective, prospective knights.
"Buffooniert, Katas, please follow the squires to your position in the lists," Lady Mirielda instructs. "They will assist you with mounting, hand you a lance. Tuck it tight under your arm, like so. Lean into the charge. Keep your eye on your opponent's shield, hold your own angled and ready to absorb the strike."
Despite her age, the Lady Mirielda has great form as she mimes a riding position and walks the two gnomes through what they must do. "Let the weight of the shield take the blow, then resist its motion, the timing is tricky. Squeeze your knees and brace against your saddle.
Sir Tenzacatetl's instructions involve more posing and fewer words. "Ssit, sso. Hold, sso. Ssshield, sso. Hit here." Tap-tap, "Do not fall off."
<OOC> Ashes says, "Notes. If you don't have a shield to equip, let me know and I'll add +2 ACP." <OOC> Ashes says, "you'll have to remember the -2 Armor Check Penalty on things like Ride." <OOC> Ashes says, "Everyone make Handle Animal checks, DC10, to see how your mount likes you." GAME: Jinks rolls Handle Animal: Trained Use Only: 0 <OOC> Jinks gets in the saddle backwards.
"Serriel catch you as you fall, Katas." 'Buffooniert' touches the tips of his fingers to the top of his visor and lifts them up in salute. He then turns and follows the squires' lead to the waiting steed, a one man band of scattered percussion as he shuffles along. "You know I used to think it was 'chomping' at the bit? Turns out it's 'champing.'" The gnome tells his halfling entourage. "What do you call the festival where you give gifts to an engaged mare? A bit and bridal shower." He might be slightly nervous, the gusto slipping as he nears the actual doing of Things.
GAME: Vaera rolls handle animal: (1)+5: 6 (EPIC FAIL) <OOC> Ashes says, "Onyx, is your mount, and it does not like you. It will be an overall -2 until Round 2, when you get another attempt"
GAME: Lysos rolls handle animal: (16)+7: 23
Lysos stuffs her head into her padded headgear, not vocalizing the same complaint as Jesolean.. but an expression indicating some shared opinion of if. Then she sticks her arms out to the side, waving her arms a bit before she turns to the horse she's been assigned. She looks it in the eyes. "Alright. So you probably won't like me.. but I assure you, I'm pretty open minded and don't care what sorts of things you used to do. Let's just get through this without any of my bones breaking, okay?"
Aetheras looks like a turtle in a hare festival, narrowly avoids being kicked by the courser, but looks like he's been in the saddle before once he gets his recently-armoured self up on the saddle. He manages a mirthless smile aimed at no one before he slams the visor of his helm shut.
<OOC> Ashes has to get the NPCs in the saddle, then inits will move GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+10: (19)+10: 29 GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+9: (1)+9: 10 (EPIC FAIL)
Jinks follows the squires' instructions and greets his pony, slapping him on the rump much like one might clap a compatriot on the shoulder. The little horse takes offense and kicks the gnome square in the shield, the loud crack drawing the attention of many as his feet leave the ground and he bowls over the trio of lucht helping him along. "... the shield works." groans the aptly-named Buffooniert.
Eventually he's up on the saddle. There's a lot of shouting. Some turning. Awkward rump-pushing. Squires questioning their choice of profession and the wisdom of this kind of community outreach.
"Maybe this would be more enjoyable if I thought of it as a 'Happiel.'" The 'Happy Valley gnome' muses when he's finally in place. "You know. Instead of a 'saddle.'" His pony bites him on the ankle, drawing a yawp of pain.
The opponents aren't doing that well with mounting up either. Several need assistance, the tavern owners, for example, might know how to stock a bar but have no clue how get up on a horse. Brayr ends up going in a circle while Alphrefi laughs at him, until he mounts up and is facing backwards.
"Tarien nip you heels," Katas offers as a blessing to 'Buffooniert'. He doesn't know how to handle animals, but seems no stranger to nature and offers his pony some dried apple slices. This is enough for Ruby to let him mount.
"It's simplicity itself," Jesolean tells Lysos, "You don't need to plead with them. Show them who is in control." He pats his horse, Tigereye, on the rump and gets kicked in the head.
Jesolean falls flat on the ground. "I see now why all this armour is necessary." He should have kept his eye on the gnome.
Squires attempt to calm the horses.
Aetheras holds the lance, looking surprisingly comfortable with it, and waits to be led out to the tourney field.
And waits, and waits. The squires overlook him. Perhaps deliberately. He is a mul'niessa, universally despised and disliked.
<OOC> Ashes says, "Ride Check DC5 to stay in the saddle, and get an attack." <OOC> Ashes says, "Rice Check DC15 to spur the mount. 1d3 damage to your horse, +2 for att/CMB during the round. Optional" <OOC> Ashes says, "Charge can be on top of that for +2 attack and -2 AC. Optional" <OOC> Ashes says, "Lance damage is x2 when mounted, Non-Lethal for these. <OOC> Ashes says, "You have the option of Attack, Unseat Attempt (Bull Rush) or Sunder (shield)." <OOC> Ashes says, "as 'falling unconscious and out of your seat' counts, attacking is an option.: <OOC> Ashes says, "You only get 3 lances and they break on successful attacks/unseats/sunders Ok." GAME: Vaera rolls ride: (7)+6-2: 13 (-2 ACP Shield) <OOC> Vaera says, "Going to roll for a bull rush I think" <OOC> Ashes says, "okay, -2 horse doesn't like you, +2 charging" GAME: Vaera rolls 1d20+4: (15)+4: 19 (Bull Rush) GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20-1: (20)+-1: 19 (Alphrefi Ride) GAME: Ashes rolls 1d3: (1): 1 (attack Vaera option) GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+1: (15)+1: 16 (Lance attack)
Vaera looks for a place to put the extra lances, but finds nothing. Seeing the others, she hands the two spares to the squire nearby.
"Hard work and training, Lysos." She replies. "Every time gets a bit easier. Though I prefer less armor to more. Quieter. But being quiet matters less when you have to be prepared to take a hit, and not move out of the way."
"Yes, swiftclaws trained for combat, as well. This one used to have one, long ago. But no matter."
Vaera begins to move to her assigned position.
But this was not a swiftclaw. Horses needed much less force to get to move, had much more sensitive flanks. Scales scraping into their side results in a displeased Whinny,which causes Vaera to take a while getting them under control. But when the call is made, she braces the lance, and ready or not, spurs her mount down the lane. lance pointed on a direct path with their shield, crashing into it with a satisfying crack of wood as the lance splinters into two.
"You do it like this!" Alphrefi says, yanking the reins and spurring his horse. It breaks into a charge, hoofbeats tearing up the turf as he approaches Vaera.
His lance tip wavers, he seems uncertain whether to strike at the redscale, or her shield. This indecision costs him, he strikes nothing, and takes a lance point directly in the centre of his shield and is flung off behind his horse. He lands with a thump.
"Three pointsss. Vaera. Ssaaa."
GAME: Lysos rolls ride-2: (8)+4+-2: 10 (DC5 - Success!) <OOC> Lysos says, "Oh, sure, let's charge and attempt to unseat!" GAME: Lysos rolls 1d20+4+2-4-2: (6)+4+2+-4+-2: 6 (CMB - Bull Rush) <OOC> Ashes says, "Jesolean's Ride -2 ACP, -2 charging, -2 horse hates him" GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+2-6: (16)+2+-6: 12 GAME: Ashes rolls 1d3: (2): 2 (Unseat Option) GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+3+2-2: (16)+3+2+-2: 19 (CMB vs CMD 21-2)
"Alright. Hya!" While she demonstrates at least some ability to keep herself seated, despite the awkward and unfamiliar trappings and armaments, Lysos is probably lucky she doesn't bury her lance in the dirt and send her flying in a different sort of competition as she tries, and fails, to use her lance to knock Jesolean from his horse.
Jesolean adusts his helmet, settles himself into the saddle. He seems like a natural. He grumbles at Peridot, "All right, you had your fun, help me out here."
As Lysos charges, he charges as well. He manages to keep his bobbing lance-tip on target, striking her shield and just barely toppling her out of the saddle.
Lysos is, of course, sent flying. Well, not /flying/.. but her horse keeps moving as she is suddenly propelled backwards. In fact, she's on her back, gasping for breath, before she even realizes what happened.
GAME: Jinks rolls Ride-2: (20)+3+-2: 21 <OOC> Jinks says, "We'll Charge and go what all the cool kids are doing to try and unseat Katas." <OOC> Jinks says, "So the +2 will offset my -2 for Grumpy Horse." GAME: Jinks rolls CMB: (20)+3: 23 GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+3-2: (2)+3+-2: 3 (Katas Ride Check - Fail, no attack)
Clearly, it was all a ruse. Even as the bruise on his ankle begins to form, Buffooniert is drawing down the visor of his helm with his shield hand and hunker down into the saddle. The lance is lifted from its brace and leveled with the earth below as the Happy Valley transplant leans forward in the saddle.
"Uh... go?" He ventures, the pony immediately tearing rents into the soft grounded and charging ahead. A blink of the eye later and Katas is suspended in midair atop a shattering lance, his opponent dropping the weapon as soon as contact is made so as to not be pulled from the saddle himself.
Longlegs sits tall with arms spread wide as he finds the reset position at the end of the lane. "BUFFOONIERT CAME TO PLAY!" He rhymes in cheer, twisting to blow a kiss to the crowd.
The horn sounds for all jousters to return to their starting positions. The ones who have been unseated, Katas, Lysos, Alphrefi, are assisted by squires, and asked if they'd like to try again.
<OOC> Ashes says, "so you can opt out, or DC20 intimidate to scare your opponent to back down, if you have unseated them." <OOC> Vaera says, "Do I get a new handle animal check?" <OOC> Ashes says, "no, thats only the first round" <OOC> Vaera says, "If their opponent is getting back on, she's going to bull rush again with a charge" GAME: Vaera rolls ride -2: (8)+6+-2: 12 (Can successfully attack) GAME: Vaera rolls cmb: (10)+4+2: 16 (vs CMD 15 - Success!) <OOC> Ashes says, "he attempts ride, spur mount, charge and unseat also" GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20-1: (7)+-1: 6 (Attack - Success) GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20-1: (20)+-1: 19 (Spur - Success) GAME: Ashes rolls 1d3: (3): 3 (Spur horse damage) GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+3+2+2: (2)+3+2+2: 9 (Alphrefi CMB)
Vaera chuffs once as she turns the horse around with some difficulty, and much more gently spurs them down the lane to trot back to the starting position. Vaera hands the broken lance to the squire, and takes a new one, and takes a moment to attempt to calm the horse after the rough start.
Back in position, Vaera takes up a new lance, and braces it back again, having calmed down the horse enough to regain control. She aims back at the other rider, and charges, landing a solid blow to their shield, this time with the lance snapping with one end hanging loosely off as she continues onwards.
Alphrefi is helped back to his position, grumbling, and growling quietly at his horse. When the horn sounds he spurs it hard, points on the back of his boots coming away from the flanks with blood on him. Wide-eyed, it rushes forward, charging full tilt, clods of dirt flying.
He leans in, lance tip focused on the redscale... and then the sky. There's a thump as he lands on his back, he lies there, conscious but stunned.
<OOC> Lysos says, "Ride, no spur, will charge, do unseat." GAME: Lysos rolls ride-2: (4)+4+-2: 6 (Success) <OOC> Ashes says, "wobbly, but you stay in, roll the CMB with a +2" GAME: Lysos rolls 1d20+4+2-2-4: (18)+4+2+-2+-4: 18 (Unseat - Success) GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20: (5): 5 (Jesolean Ride) GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+3: (9)+3: 12 (Jesolean CMB)
"Okay." Lysos's voice is only a little bit pained.. she didn't break anything, like she'd believed she might. But her arse is certainly sore.. and not feeling any better for being seated in the saddle. "Let's go!" she tells her horse, then urges it forward with a "Hyeah!" She isn't able to cling quite as tightly to it with her knees thanks to the developing bruises, and she nearly tumbles backwards out of it when the horse takes off.. but she manages to regain her balance just in time to plant the lance just right to knock her opponent from his horse, her lance shattering as expected from the impact.
Jesolean is more confident as he charges towards Lysos, his large helmetted head bobbing above his shield.
His lance, likewise shatters upon impact. His impact with the ground, when he finds himself unexpectedly duplicating his fellow sorcerer's previous fall.
His rear hurts, the armour is not nearly padded enough there.
GAME: Jinks rolls Ride-2: (1)+3+-2: 2 (EPIC FAIL) (Fail - No attack this round) GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+3-2: (19)+3+-2: 20 (Katas Ride - DC5 Success) GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+3-2: (7)+3+-2: 8 (Katas Spur - DC15 Fail) <OOC> Ashes says, "does not manage to. Does charge, goes for Sunder on shield" GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+10: (12)+10: 22 (Katas Sunder on Shield) GAME: Ashes rolls 1d6+1: (6)+1: 7 GAME: Ashes rolls 1d6+1: (1)+1: 2 (Shield Hardness 5, HP 15, takes 4 damage)
"Again!" The gnome commands, kicking his heels into the pony. The pony, in turn, tries to bite him again! "What? No! Stop!" He's half-standing in the saddle, turning and trying to pull his legs away as the disgruntled mount nips at him time and again, turning this way and that. "You awful beast! No! Ack! OW! Horseflies for brains, stop!" Now the animal is bucking and it's all he can do to not lose the saddle and fall down.
"Again!" Katas spurs his pony. They charge. Seeing Buffooniert is having difficulty he opts for the 'more honourable' option of removing his shield. Katas' lance strikes and bursts, and Jinks hears a distinct >CRACK< from his shield.
Despite its large new crack, he remains in the saddle, and Katas salutes him as he returns to his starting position.
The horns sounding for the third rush, and the jousters are guided back into position.
"Leading, is Lady Vaera, with six points. Sirs Jesolean, Lysos and Buffooniert have three." Lady Mirielda the Fair counts.
<OOC> Vaera says, "Going to go for one last bull rush with a charge" GAME: Vaera rolls ride -2: (9)+6+-2: 13 (vs DC5) GAME: Vaera rolls cmb +2: (12)+4+2: 18 (+2 Charge - Success) GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+1-2: (7)+1+-2: 6 (Alphrefi Ride Attack - Success) GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+1-2: (1)+1+-2: 0 (EPIC FAIL) (Alphrefi Ride Spur - Epic Fail)
Vaera stops to pat the side of the horse as she turns around, catching the dangling end to carry back with her. "Be careful, you were hurting your mount on that last charge. Your persistence is good though." She advises. A glance to Lysos, and Vaera chuffs. "A good blow, Lysos. Keep it up."
She returns to the starting position, passing the lance for the final, fresh one. Feeling more comfortable with the horse now, they press their legs into the sides, leaning down as they enter another charge. Point strikes true to the shield, and the lance almost depresses from the impact, before the end tumbles down to the ground as well. slowing down, she turns, and watches her opponent, as well as the others to come.
"Get going you nag!" Alphrefi slaps his horse's rear and jams the boot spurs in again. The horse cries out, a whinny of alarm. It charges, frothing now, it's sides are streaked with blood. The crude tavern owner spurred too hard, and too deep, striking something vital.
As rider and horse approach Veara in the lists, they slow down. "Move it!" Alphrefi demands, kicking once more, a move that brings his horse to a dead stop. It is swaying when the red-scale arrives on her own mount, with her well placed lance.
Alphrefi is unseated, dropping to the ground beside his horse. His horse sways, then collapses on him. WHUMP.
"A rider isss down!" Sir Tenzacatetl shouts, rushing, "see to the mount."
A lot of squires converge, tending to both. There is a slight delay.
GAME: Vaera rolls heal: (10)+6: 16
Vaera stops and immediately drops off her mount, handing the reins to the squire at the other end, unsteady a moment due to the more specialized foot. As soon as she can she is jogging over to the other side of the area, checking on rider and horse.
Several squires join Vaera, and lift the horse off Alphrefi so he can treat her. They work on staunching the animal's bleeding, and a cleric who is on hand is brought over. With some additional healing spells and a floating disk, the horse is moved off field.
As is Alphrefi.
The jousting may continue!
GAME: Lysos rolls ride-2: (9)+4+-2: 11 (vs DC5 - Success) GAME: Lysos rolls 1d20+4+2-2-4: (11)+4+2+-2+-4: 11 (CMB vs CMD 15 - Fail) <OOC> Ashes says, "Jesolean tries Ride, Spur, Charge, & Unseat" GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20: (10): 10 (Ride Attack - Success) GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20: (18): 18 (Ride Spur - Success) GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+2+2+3: (9)+2+2+3: 16 (+2 Spur, +2 Charge)
Lysos starts to grin at Vaera, then her eyes widen as the tavern keeper goes down, and the horse on top of him. With all of the folks rushing to help, though, Vaera included, Lysos turns away from it, leaning close to her mount and patting his neck. "Don't worry. I won't do that to you." Then she looks forward, steel in her eyes. The last unseating has loaned her confidence, and she can see herself coming away from this in victory. "One last ride! Hyeah!" As one, she and her horse surge forward, and Lysos readies her lance.
That's when things go wrong. She starts to slip sideways, and her shield hand grabs at the pommel to steady her. The motion causes her lance to stray, well clear of Jesolean, and in an attempt to over-correct, she swings her lance up where it tangles amidst the pinion flags, pulling them free and dragging them along almost like a net. As her horse carries her forward, more and more of the flags get pulled free, tripping up more than one squire who is too slow to get out of the way.. and one of them bumps into a blacksmith's shoe furnace, knocking it over...
That's when the fire starts.
- She sure did start the fire.
- He horse was spurring now the flags are burning.
- She sure did start the fire.
- Yeah, she tried to fight it but her curse did light it...
Jesolean is likewise encouraged, he's been as successful as his opponent, one unseat each. He takes his last lance in hand, spurs his horse to new feats of speed, and charges.
And stares, as a spectacle unfolds. Flags! Fire! Screams!
He stares at the impending carnage developing behind Lysos and barely feels her lance point deflecting off his shield. His attack misses by an equal amount.
<OOC> Jinks says, "Alright. Ride. Charge. Unseat. Going out with a bang." GAME: Jinks rolls Ride-2: (16)+3+-2: 17 GAME: Jinks rolls CMB: (11)+3: 14 <OOC> Jinks says, "I'll use my reroll. Why not." GAME: Jinks rolls CMB: (14)+3: 17 <OOC> Jinks says, "Anything stopping me from cheating?" (GM - No) GAME: Jinks casts Gallant Inspiration. Caster Level: 5 DC: 17 GAME: Jinks rolls 2d4: (2): 2 GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+3-2: (17)+3+-2: 18 (DC5 - Katas attack - Success) GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+3-2: (17)+3+-2: 18 (DC15 - Katas Spurr - Success) GAME: Ashes rolls 1d20+6+2+2: (9)+6+2+2: 19 (+2 Charge, +2 Spurring, Unseat - Success)
"Alright you bite-y little arschloch, one more go. Let's-- whooOOOAah!" And Buffooniert is rocking back in the saddle as the pony decides it's time to go. He grunts and brings up the lance, barely glancing off the shield and somehow finding the rider behind it as the gnome complains with a "Coyote Laughs!" Well, it's more a 'La-OOPHT!' as he catches Katas' lance in the gut, blasting the wind from his tiny frame.
The spears snap, collapsing in and splintering but not breaking cleanly. The ponies drive one without their riders, out the back of the rally points as handlers are distracted by the growing fire.
The gnomes land with weapons and shields entangled and locked with the lane's railing between them, unable to disengage as they teeter opposite each other. At least for a second, then the broken lances give up the ghost and snap through, they both fall down to the ground on their backs. At least the sky looks nice today.
Except now there's billowing black smoke from somewhere.
Smoke.
Fire.
Screaming Squires.
"Gnomes always do ruin things, don't they?" Lady Mirielda, incorrectly identifying the cause, as she joins Dame Yaerhiel Zyrinfier. "I thought, just once, without Sir Silsoupi and his corgi we might be allowed a dignified event."
"Calm yourself Mirielda, Sir Tenzacatetl is fire proof, and the ponies and horses find his presence comforting. He will get it under control."
This, the Makari Knight of the Pillar might do, though there are many fires and many directions for him to run.
It is festive. The proud banners and joyful flags burst into lovely flame as a billowing smoke cloud signals the end of the jousting.
