String fullTitle = 'Joust!';
int postNumber = 5971348;
String image = '1712442179811281.jpg';
String date = '04/06/24(Sat)18:22:59';
String comment = 'You sit on top of your horse, fully armored with shield in hand and wait. Not to far from you, stands your older brother William. He lays your lance across his shoulder, today the roles are reversed and he squires for you. Across the way is your opponents pavilion, he has yet to show himself. Due to special circumstances, he is running late. The longer you wait, the more the nerves start to work away at your mental fortitude. You cannot be blamed for this however, for there is much to be nervous about.It is the first joust of the finals, and an unexpectedly large crowd has come to spectate. It has been an uncharacteristically warm spring and the winter dragged its heels departing. An amateur tournament has given nobles and peasants alike all the excuse they needed to leave their homes. The green hills all around the glade are dotted with blankets and pavilions with more coming by the hour. The organizers have likewise done their best to grow the tournament area to meet the needs of the expanding viewership. Seating for the nobility, stalls for merchants, and of course, the pageantry. A great deal of flowing banners, whimsical instruments, and colorful drapery has been put out over time. Not that you are complaining about it, the truth is that it all makes you feel like a real knight. It is enough to stir your imagination. Transporting you at times to places like the far off grand arena in Midlan. Where a knight can win the kiss of a princess, and the cheers of crowds are deafening. Or so you are told.
"Steady yourself, looks like they are finally ready."';
'Your opponent's pavilion opens to reveal Sibil of house Gelt, fully armored and helped along by both servants and two of his brothers. Just yesterday, a rumor had circulated that an accident during practice had left the young man severely injured. From the looks of things, it seems whispers have turned to truth. Sibil is lifted onto his horse, but the lance put into his hand is too heavy. He can barely lift it.
"They should have pulled him out of the tournament. What are they doing setting him on a horse?" You whisper the words loud enough for your brother to hear. "It is an act of cruelty, and it's not much fair to me."
"There is more to this than you know. The house of Gelt would not pull out of the tournament even if they had to mount a headless body onto that horse. Their family carries a black mark from over a hundred- three hundred years ago, they pay for it still."
"So its, politics then." The words are venom in your mouth. You don't know the details but your brother brings clarity to the interactions you have had with Sibil during your youth. It would explain some "odd behaviours", brave border lining moronic.
"You'll get used to it. Or you'll quit. Either way, aim to graze his shield and don't speed up until a quarter way. A win by a few points is a win, no sense hurting him or his pride further. I doubt he will put up much of a fight." William hands you your lance.
Amateur tournaments such as these follow the rules of the "joust of peace". The rules are simple, with a focus on safety. The idea is to prepare squires and prospects for the real thing, while making sure that even young aspirants can safely compete. The lane is shorter to reduce speeds, the shields are much larger, and the lances are lighter. The rules only award points
to hits on the opponent's shield while penalizing body shots. Of course, like in all tournaments, hitting your opponents horse is immediate disqualification and possible bann from all jousts should you be recognized. Despite all these aspects, accidents can still happen.
Sibil’s horse begins its trot forward, the trumpets sound, and the crowd starts to cheer.
>what do?
-(Honourable Knight) Lift your lance and pass your opponent. You will not strike an injured opponent.
-(Principled Jouster) Do what your brother suggested and take your win. He has years of experience and knows best.
-(Blackguard Duellist) Strike your opponent in the shield full force! You didn't put him on that horse, but you will take him off it!
-write in: No write-ins for the first few posts.';
'>>5971349
>(Principled Jouster) Do what your brother suggested and take your win. He has years of experience and knows best.
Listen to our bro';
'>>5971353
>-(Principled Jouster) Do what your brother suggested and take your win. He has years of experience and knows best.
Bruh moment';
'>>5971349
>-(Blackguard Duellist) Strike your opponent in the shield full force! You didn't put him on that horse, but you will take him off it!';
'>>5971349
>-(Principled Jouster) Do what your brother suggested and take your win. He has years of experience and knows best.
Bro suggested this, no reason not to go with it.';
'>>5971349
>-(Principled Jouster) Do what your brother suggested and take your win. He has years of experience and knows best.';
'OH SHIT KNIGGA, A KNIGHT'S TALE! Glad you went through with this, saw you mention it in the QTG awhile back. We don't want to injure or slight the man, nor lose, so a shield strike only makes sense.';
'>>5971349
>-(Blackguard Duellist) Strike your opponent in the shield full force! You didn't put him on that horse, but you will take him off it!
We're here to WIN! We're here to DESTROY.';
'>>5971349
>(Blackguard Duellist) Strike your opponent in the shield full force! You didn't put him on that horse, but you will take him off it!';
'>>5971349
>-(Principled Jouster) Do what your brother suggested and take your win. He has years of experience and knows best.
No need to clown on a guy who's already down.';
'https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCl5Fclcgz8' ;
'You follow your brothers advice and never take your horse above a canter. On the first round you aim your lance to glace off Sibil's shield, and as predicted he cannot reciprocate the blow. His aim goes wide and for a moment you worry it will hit your horse. But ultimately, his lance never makes it across the tilt. In the second round Sibil attempts to prop his lance with his shield. Once your lance makes contact however, he can no longer balance it and his aim goes wide again. After the third round ends, you have managed to gain a few points while your opponent doesn't get even have one. Its not what you would call high quality jousting.
What surprises you however, is despite the poor display from your opponent and the timid approach on your end. The crowd cheers on all the same. This leads to sudden realization that the vast majority of the audience either does not understand what they are watching, or simply doesn't care. They are here for the spectacle. The only ones who really care about the finer points of jousting are your fellow jousters, the judges over in the booth, and possibly a few of the nobles. How exactly you feel about this new understanding of the world will keep you up for many nights.
After the joust, you take your horse over to Sibil to see how he is faring. His brothers and servants work quickly to take him off the horse and back into his pavilion. He doesn't respond too much to your presence beyond lifting his hand in a short wave. One of his older brothers however, does take the time to thank you for your discretion. Stating that house Gelt will not forget it. Ultimately, Wiliiam's advice was sound. Its not just about winning, but the way you do it too. You do not only Joust for yourself, but for your house as well. It is the unfortunate truth that politics are never too far from the tilt...
--';
'There are three jousts that are to take place before you mount up again, giving you a good two hours to explore the grounds and talk with friends. There are many stalls that opened up today that were not here a week ago. Grilled sea food mostly, but also forest game. But some puppet shows, and even an gypsy pavilion has been set up. It may be interesting to visit it before they are chased off by the clergy. Yet before any of that, you decide to stick around and see the next joust. After all, the winner will be your next opponent. Perhaps there is something you can gain from watching their technique.
The first jouster is a young lad name Lybell, you can't recall from what house exactly. No one expected him to get so far in the tournament. His small size and slim frame have led to many jokes that he perhaps practices his jousting in books! Much to his credit however, he is still in the tournament while his critics are not. His accuracy with the lance is on point and his small size allows for much faster acceleration. Hs opponent however, everyone expected to reach the final round. Lesale, of house Welffj, may be the biggest man you have every met. Sometimes, that's all you need to win. You wouldn't be surprised if despite a points advantage for Lybell, Lesale simply ends up dismounting the small rider and winning outright. Only time can tell.
"Care to make it interesting?", coming from your left you are approached by a well dressed man adorned with too much jewellery.
"Care to make what interesting?"
He smirks and tugs his long mustache, "I know whats on your mind boy, I can tell by the look of you. You think you know who is going to win this next round, well perhaps your advanced knowledge of the joust can win you some coin?"
This man is taking bets for the nobles, and probably making good money doing it professionally. He has pegged you as a potential client.
>What do?
-(Honourable Knight) Gambling is considered sinful behaviour, you shall remain chaste!
-(Principled Jouster) Lybell will win because his speed is superior! Technique always wins out over simple brawn.
-(Blackguard Duellist) Lesale will win, might makes right! At the end of the day, the force behind the lance is the most important factor.
-write in: No write ins for the first few posts.';
'>>5972723
>(Principled Jouster) Lybell will win because his speed is superior! Technique always wins out over simple brawn.';
'>>5972723
>-(Blackguard Duellist) Lesale will win, might makes right! At the end of the day, the force behind the lance is the most important factor.
Bigger man will probably win.';
'>>5972723
->(Principled Jouster) Lybell will win because his speed is superior! Technique always wins out over simple brawn.
“Lybell’s technique is superior, gamesman. He’ll be much faster off the start, and I think he has the advantage here.”';
'>>5972723
>-(Honourable Knight) Gambling is considered sinful behaviour, you shall remain chaste!';
'>Blackguard/Lesalle
I'm intrigued by the gyppos';
'>>5972723
>-(Principled Jouster) Lybell will win because his speed is superior! Technique always wins out over simple brawn.
Doesn't matter how much force is behind a lance if you can't deliver it.';
'>>5972723
>(Principled Jouster) Lybell will win because his speed is superior! Technique always wins out over simple brawn';
'Rolled 11, 14, 5, 5, 9, 20 = 64 (6d20)
';
'“Lybell is sure to win, I will bet on technique any day before brute strength.” You reach into your pouch and withdraw the few pieces of silver currently available to you. As you drop the coins into the man’s empty palm, his fingers close greedily over them.
“Well chosen sire, come see me to collect your winnings after the joust.” He speaks as if it's a sure thing, he has all the fate in the world in your choice.
–
From your position in the stands, you watch as the two jousters set themselves on opposite ends of the tilt. Coming early has its privileges, and you have been rewarded with front row seats to your competition. Lybell on one end looks like a picturesque knight. His armor is modern and polished, while his white horse matches the gold and blue embroidery of his house. On the other end Lesale mounts his dark chestnut stallion. In contrast to his opponent, his armor is older and gothic. A red boar runs across an otherwise plain black shield. It is not uncommon for jousting armor to have removable pieces such as dragons and other trinkets for dressage. But the gargoyle holding tight to Lesales helmet seems to actually be part of the armor itself! The massive knight is such an imposing figure, you quickly worry if perhaps you had bet away your coinage too soon.
As the trumpets sound, Lybell finds his courage and charges to meet Lesale somewhere in the middle. You are on the edge of your seat, sure that this first round will spell out how the rest will go. Right before the two knights connect, Lybell suddenly adjusts his position and slightly shifts his weight to the opposite side!! His plan is to confuse Lesale, and force a glancing blow while he scores a direct hit!(11 vs 14) It… doesn't work. The gamble is clever, but Lesale didn't get this far on brute power alone. He adjusts his aim and almost knocks the boy out of his seat. As their lances shatters and the two men make their way to the other end, it is clear Lesale had the better exchange. Should the plot have worked, Lybell would have looked like a genius. If it had worked.
(5 vs 5) The second round is more rudimentary. Both knights charge down the lane, and both knights score good hits. None walk away with more points then the other. If the final round ends the same, Lesale will simply win on points. You are sure Lybell will try something, and eagerly await to see the trump card. The final trumpets sound and the jousters are off. Just as you expected, the young man suddenly explodes his horse forward. He held back this speed during the first two rounds in order to surprise his opponent in the final! Lybell scores a direct hit while Lesale struggles to find a good hit himself!';
'(9 vs 20)However… Force applies both ways. The faster he charges his horse, the more force he will generate when his shield connects with Lesales' lance. In an almost commercial fashion, Lybell is dismounted from his horse. Suddenly free of a rider, his horse continues to gallop past the pavilions, while Lybell finds himself thrown just under your feet.
Quickly, you and an older knight nearby jump over the stands to help the lad. As the first two on the scene, you remove his helmet and support his head while the older knight checks his awareness.He does this by having him follow his finger, and asking him simple questions. Despite the distance of the fall, Lysall seems more confused than injured. When not following the knight’s finger his blue eyes dart around trying to comprehend where he is. More people flock around the boy and start giving advice about if he should, or shouldn't be sat up.
From beyond the crowd, you hear a mocking laugh coming from Lesale who has trotted his horse over to gloat. His laughter is so loud and horse, that you wonder if his mount was joining in. “Har Har Har, Jousting is for ‘men’. Fancy ‘boys’, from fancy houses are better off on their backs. Har Har Har”. Smug in his wit, he trots off. While still trying to understand exactly what Lesale was trying to say, you feel a metal hand on your knee.
Seeming to have recognized you, Lybell brushes his golden locks aside and asks a favor “Do NOT let the oaf reach the finals.”
~~';
'Having been relieved of your coinage, you wander the tournament grounds in an attempt to clear your head. Without your horse and armor, you are afforded a high degree of anonymity and are left unmolested. There is one in the crowd who does recognize you however. Holding a small festival flag, your friend Anton waves the orange color of your house in your face. His attempt at an apology. He was supposed to be here already.
“I hear you won your match, well done lad knew you had it in you. Didn’t need me at all.” He puts his arm around your shoulder and joins you on your walk. When he gets the chance, he finds a place to lodge the tiny flag into and discard it.
“Not much of a win I'm afraid. Turns out the rumors were true and Sibil was too injured to joust.”
“Not that it stopped you from skewering the poor lad. They say you savaged him!” A hefty accusation the you quickly deny.
“Nonsense, I just tipped his shield, what else was I to do? Who is saying I savaged him?”
“The ladies of the court, I'm afraid. They are calling you a scoundrel.” Anton seems amused by the whole thing but it's not the kind of attention you want.
“Bah, let the hens cluck.”
Before your mood can sour, Anton motions wide with his hand and changes the subject.
“If I knew they planned to go all out, I would have tried harder to stay in the tournament.” Like any well to do noblemen his age, Anton is expected to practice the Joust. Only as much as he has too however, he much prefers the sword. He is your principal jousting partner however, and promised to be here for moral support.
>What do?
-(Honourable Knight) Time to find those ladies and explain your side of things! It would not do to be labelled as blackguard.
-(Principled Jouster)Have Anton treat you to something at the fair as an apology for being late. Perhaps get your fortune read.
-(Blackguard Duellist) Maybe your time would be better spent finding an edge against your next opponent. Even if you and Anton have to manufacture one.
-write in: No write-ins for the first few posts.';
'>>5973478
>-(Honourable Knight) Time to find those ladies and explain your side of things! It would not do to be labelled as blackguard.';
'>>5973478
>(Honourable Knight) Time to find those ladies and explain your side of things! It would not do to be labelled as blackguard.
Those ladies don't know what savaged is.';
'>>5973478
>-(Principled Jouster)Have Anton treat you to something at the fair as an apology for being late. Perhaps get your fortune read.';
'>>5973478
-(Principled Jouster)Have Anton treat you to something at the fair as an apology for being late. Perhaps get your fortune read.';
'>>5973478
>-(Principled Jouster)Have Anton treat you to something at the fair as an apology for being late. Perhaps get your fortune read.
The gossip is meaningless, I’m more upset that we lost our winnings…';
'>>5973478
>(Principled Jouster)Have Anton treat you to something at the fair as an apology for being late. Perhaps get your fortune read.';
'>>5973478
REAL GYPPO HOURS';
'>>5973478
>-(Principled Jouster)Have Anton treat you to something at the fair as an apology for being late. Perhaps get your fortune read.';
'>>5973478
>-(Honourable Knight) Time to find those ladies and explain your side of things! It would not do to be labelled as blackguard.
Wasting time with the distractions of the faire will not help our house. Ensure our reputation is spotless!';
'You wish he didn't say anything at all, but letting sleeping dogs lie has never been in Anton's nature. Your heart pulls you to explain yourself to the court ladies before a real rumor takes off. But your brain reassures you that rumors are for the winter months, when no one has anything to do but gossip. Now it is spring, and people are tired of talking. This will blow over on its own, surely. Additionally, just the thought of AGAIN having to chase those hens around apologizing for something you didn't do puts you off from the whole thing. Instead you will enjoy some time with your friend.
"So, how about some meat then?" suggests Anton "I'm in the mood for something freshly caught and roasted. The more recently it was alive the better." Anton licks his lips and pats his stomach.
Well, no. You can't do that. It wouldn't be good for you to joust on a full stomach. You need to stay alert and hungry.
"All right, how about a drink then?"
That's even worse! You can drink to celebrate after you won first place!
"No drinking and no eating? What is a man to do at a fair if he can't do neither the former nor the latter?" The question started rhetoric but after a moment became genuine. What does a man do at a fair when he can't eat or drink?
You float an idea Anton's way. "We could perhaps…” “If he is so inclined…” “Just as an Idea..."
"Out with it man!"
"Perhaps we can visit the gypsy tent and get a fortune?". Antons cringes at the notion, as expected. His reply comes after he weighs his words.
"You know I don't take well to that kind of thing. Anything else?"
"There is nothing else! Don't tell me you would rather take in a puppet show with the children?" You already knew his exit strategy, and have deftly blocked his escape. "Besides, you promised to be here in the morning to give a hand. You can consider us square after."
"Fine."
~~';
'Gypsies mostly come from the south, where once stood the proud kingdom of Uurlinia. Nowadays, they are a vassal state to overseas powers. Westerners, and easterners, from across the sea mingling together. Displaced by war, some have bred into a melting pot of nomadic peoples. Some say they steal children, others say they are just refugees, everyone has an opinion. You have always been thought to judge people based on their character. So you attempt to give them the benefit of the doubt, despite never actually having interacted with them. Outside the tent, a small brown skinned boy beckons you forward and ushers you inside just as a peasant couple leave.
In the interior of the gypsy tent there is a foreboding atmosphere, the insides are dark and stop any sunlight from entering. There is a smell of incense and smoke, and in the center of the room is a table with a glowing glass orb. The boy bids you to take a seat before opening his palm to take payment from Anton. A cursory glance at your friend sees that his lip is stiff and he holds his coin purse tightly as he deals with the boy.
When you and Anton are seated, a woman draped in purple enters from the other side of the tent. She is exotic to say the least, wider in all aspects and much more hairy than any women you have ever seen. The closer she gets the more you are sure she is not all together human, but instead some kind of rodent woman! Patches of fur dot her otherwise human body, and golden eyes sit on the opposite sides of a rather long pointy nose.
"Greetings valued customers! Have you come to peek at what is in your future?"
Anton doesn't say anything, while you are simply engrossed in the act she puts on. First, she proves her mystical abilities by making coins, cards, and even a knife disappear into thin air, only to summon them back at her choosing! After, she shows you her grasp of the future, by delving into your mind and accurately guessing the cards you picked from a deck! Just like a wizard in the stories, fantastic! The woman surly has a grasp of the hidden world...';
'"It's black magic, it's not natural". Anthon whispers under his breath, seeming to have shrunk into his seat.
The rodent woman does not let him off the hook. "I assure you my powers are used only to do good... 'Anton'".
Without knowing his name she guessed it! Anton is not as impressed as you are, and simply stands up before walking right out of the tent. You on the other hand have more courage. You do your best not to think of a naked maiden and embarrass yourself in front of the mind reader! You fail!
"You are braver than your friend, there is a great destiny about you... So much so that your name is obscure to me... I see a knightly figure, he stands where you should be... his name starts with He-Io-Wi-"
"William!" you finish her sentence "My brother William, yes we have switched roles. He is squireing for me today reversing out roles."
"Yes- yes I see. It is so clear now.. There is power in names. Reveal to me o one with a great destiny. What is thy venerable name?"
>What do?
-(Honourable Knight) Fredrik. It was your grandfather's name, now it is your name.
-(Principled Jouster) Gustoff. Named after a heroic figure, you share this name with many in the realm.
-(Blackguard Duelist) Sunny. Your mother gave you a name that would bring light into her life.
-write in: Feel free to write in a name! Tie that name with what you think it's best aligned with, knight, jouster, etc.';
'>>5974281
>(Blackguard Duelist) Sunny. Your mother gave you a name that would bring light into her life.';
'>>5974281
>-(Principled Jouster)
Guts or Gotz';
'>>5974281
>-(Principled Jouster)
Elric.';
'>>5974281
>(Principled Jouster) Gustoff. Named after a heroic figure, you share this name with many in the realm.
>>5974303
I like "Guts" as a joke from our brother - as a kid, we once planned an ambush, dumping chicken innards on his head in retribution for one of his less-clever pranks...';
'>>5974281
>-(Honourable Knight) Fredrik. It was your grandfather's name, now it is your name.
We are an honourable Knight in a line of Honourable Knights. It only makes sense to be named appropriately.';
'No update today, have exam';
'>>5974878
Good luck';
'>>5974878
Kick that exam's ass';
'>>5974281
>(Blackguard Duelist) Sunny. Your mother gave you a name that would bring light into her life.';
'>>5972455
qtg? im new to this board, please enlighten me.';
'>>5981745
>>5962533';
}