The young Frey squire rode gallantly into the lists, lowering his lance evenly and levering himself with his stirrups in the moment before contact. He was not ready for Valen's tight control of his shield, and his own tourney lance glanced off unbroken.

Valen's own lance connected solidly, shattering and lifting Forrest cleanly from his saddle, flinging him to the sand below as his horse galloped onward.

There was a hush from the stands, as few among the nobles would truly wish such a boy harm, particularly his own kin. There was widespread applause as the boy sat up into a resting position, waving cheerfully to the stands. This won over the smallfolk as well, who cheered for both victor and vanquished.

"A perfect tilt," the Frey boy called up ruefully to Valen, "though custom does not grant you rights to a ransom of my steed and steel, my own honour compels me to do so, for we are here to prove ourselves worthy of a knight's rights and glory, and how can this be done without taking on those selfsame responsibilities?"

This earned more applause from the stands, though a few muttered behind their hands that well could a son of Lord Frey afford the price of such trinkets.

Valen wins, and is offered the ransom of splint armour and rounsey by Forrest [but would win the regard of Forrest if he refuses]. Forrest wins the regard of the nobles in the audience for offering it, temporarily gaining the benefit Favoured of Nobles for the duration of the tourney.

Valen finishes riding to the other side of the tourney grounds, a sigh of relief passes beneath the helmet, he couldn't bear the thought of having lost in the first round to a squire even younger than him, but for now he could put that worry aside, and focus on the next round.

Finally looking back at where the exchange of blows happenned he shares in the crowd's cheer over Forrest having being able to take the fall and get up properly, he too did not wish any harm upon the fellow Squire.

Valen is surprised by the offer, not only did Forrest take the defeat well, he was doing a gallant gesture like this right after, whether his House could afford it or not, it was impressive for someone that young, whether genuine or a deliberate maneuver he couldn't help but gain a measure of respect for Forrest. As such he makes sure to orderly dismount so he can give him a reply while both stand in the same ground.

"I'm honored that you would extend such a gesture to me, I'll accept your offer and the spirit of your message, you certainly deserve the cheers of the crowd as much as I do. I hope we will be able to one day meet in the lists again.

With that he'll leave the grounds to leave space for the next bout, and will turn to watch Darvil's round against Horas Banemark.

Darvil nodded and rode ahead, doing his best to focus on the task at hand.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

19:51, Today: Darvil Blackfin rolled 12 using 4d6+1, dropping the 2 lowest rolls with rolls of 2,1,6,5.  Tilt 1 - Std Tilt 1.
19:55, Today: Darvil Blackfin rolled 14 using 4d6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 4,4,4,6.  Std Tilt - SiS 1.

19:52, Today: Darvil Blackfin rolled 7 using 4d6+1, dropping the 2 lowest rolls with rolls of 4,1,2,2.  Tilt 1 - Std Tilt 2.
19:55, Today: Darvil Blackfin rolled 13 using 4d6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 5,5,1,3.  Std Tilt - SiS 2.

19:52, Today: Darvil Blackfin rolled 9 using 4d6+1, dropping the 2 lowest rolls with rolls of 2,1,6,2.  Tilt 1 - Std Tilt 3.
19:55, Today: Darvil Blackfin rolled 16 using 4d6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 1,4,6,6.  Std Tilt - SiS 3.

19:52, Today: Darvil Blackfin rolled 10 using 4d6+1, dropping the 2 lowest rolls with rolls of 3,6,3,1.  Tilt 1 - Std Tilt 4.
19:55, Today: Darvil Blackfin rolled 8 using 4d6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 2,2,1,4.  Std Tilt - SiS 4.

19:52, Today: Darvil Blackfin rolled 8 using 4d6+1, dropping the 2 lowest rolls with rolls of 3,4,2,2.  Tilt 1 - Std Tilt 5.
19:55, Today: Darvil Blackfin rolled 18 using 4d6, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 6,3,6,6.  Std Tilt - SiS 5.

---

The first tilt proved too much for Horas Banemark, and, though he stayed in his saddle for a moment after being struck, he soon lost his balance and fell into the packed sand of the tourney field. He hauled himself to his feet, grumbling and cursing darkly, before offering a raised fist of salute toward Darvil, a bow to the newly wedded couple, and stalking from the field. He clicked his fingers abruptly at one of House Banemark's grooms, who collected his fine courser; giving no thought of replicating young Forrest Frey's noble gesture.

Dunstan Tullison allowed on of his house's grooms to check over his tack and saddle before riding his short courser onto the tourney field for his tilt. His fine plate armour shone just as before, but now he had Lady Jenny's favour pinned over the top left of his breastplate with wire. He raised his lance in salute to the Lychesters, and toward the House Blackfin Stand, and rode to compete against his first contender, Cedric Ravensong, the dark-haired son of Lord Raylon.

Over the first four passes, the two noble heirs broke three lances against each other's shields, and showed themselves to be fine young horsemen, as each retained his saddle. On the final pass, Dunstan managed to catch Cedric's lance at a wide angle with his shield, while his own shattered against the emblem of House Ravensong.

At the end of the tilt the two young men rode alongside, and exchanged a few words before clasping forearms for all to see. Thrilled with his victory, Dunstan bowed low in his saddle to the stands as his defeated competitor quit the field.

The first round of the squire's joust was a wild and chaotic affair by the standard of jousting tournaments, as the tilts were often wild and undisciplined, and many of the young horsemen were unhorsed abruptly on their first or second pass.

The squires of the hedge faired well, with Ofren Kettleblack knocking Roderic Charleston from his saddle, and breaking the young squire's arm for the trouble. Draco Heddle emerged victorious against Lyman Whaler, and though the younger son, Ayron Kettleblack was defeated by Daveth Darry, he managed to keep his seat until the final pass, shattering two lances in his own right, and nearly unseating an unsteady Daveth.

Valen and Darvil's fine victories were punctuated by Jerom Pierce's abrupt defeat in the first pass against Donmere Wallain, and Ser Berion's squire was heard to remark, once he regained his senses, "Just as well my Lady witheld her favour, lest I never live down such shame." Timos Serbera was defeated cleanly by Edric Mallister on their second pass; though Naton's younger brother was a strong young man, Edric rode defensively on his first pass to take the measure of his opponent, and unseated him cleanly on the second.

Soon after the final bout of the first round was competed, Ser Edam Ward announced the listings for the second round:

Duncan Tullison to ride against Draco Heddle
Daveth Darry to ride against Donmere Wallain
Ofren Kettleblack to ride against Valen Vance
Edric Mallister to ride against Darvil Blackfin
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:47, Sat 05 Feb 2022.

Unlike many of the other knights watching from the stands, Berion took on the supporting role for his squires, assisting them between passes, both with the experienced, dispassionate advice of one who had competed in many such events before and with the general sort of support required between tilts, readjusting saddles, banging out armor and the like.  While many of his peers might scoff at this sort of thing, he was, first and foremost, their mentor, and there was no better teaching moment than this.

Seeing Valen adopt a cautious approach, angling his body and shield to lessen his profile and better deflect his foe’s attack, Berion nodded approvingly.  For the first tilt at least, it made sense.  Better to get a sense of your opponent and then adjust accordingly.  Jerom Pierce didn't fare nearly as well, being dismounted and rendered unconscious by the fall.

After seeing to the treatment of his squire sending a page to ransom the young man's mount and offer his congratulations, Berion returned to Valen's side just as his squire was preparing for his next bout.  Clapping the young man gently on the shoulders, he smiled.  "Well done my boy, but don't let it go to your head.  Just worry about the tilt in front of you, don't let other thoughts or concerns distract you from the present and you'll be just fine"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:42, Sat 05 Feb 2022.

As he left the field Valen took the time to look at the stand, and seeing Cat's smile, gives one of his own in return. While the other had their rounds Valen watched attentively while Berion helped with treating what was thankfully only a minor bruise from his tilt with Forrest, nothing that should hinder in the rounds to come.

He cheered seeing Darvil's victory over Horas, hopefully the two would stay at opposite ends of the lists and only fight if both got to the finals. Jerom's defeat sullied his mood however, not only did his fellow squire set himself up to be rejected by Lady Gwendolyn, losing on the first round would be probably stay on his mind for a while.

At Berion's prompt he returns to his focused expression. "Thank you Ser, and I won't, there's still much ground to cover and I don't plan on relaxing at any point." When Valen did something, he dedicated himself utterly to it. "I'm going to change into the splint armor from the ransom for the next round, it should protect me from most of the damage from the strikes so that I won't get as injured as I progress.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:42, Sat 05 Feb 2022.

"Let's check the fit first.  It may be of better quality, but if it's too loose, or too snug, then it's worse than no armor at all.  Trust me on this one, as I, unfortunately, speak from experience" Berion replied with a soft chuckle as he helped his squire look over the spoils from his first round.  "You may also consider simply ransoming them back to the young man.  That would be the proper thing to do after all."

"Of course, I wouldn't want to ride with it clanking or pressing me tight, best to test it out." He'll begin fitting the parts to check if it can properly fit him. "Yes it's the proper thing to do so if he wants to ransom it later I think I'll accept it, though I'm not sure if he'll do so, but while the rounds are still occurring being able to use it to avoid taking any injuries would be a big help.

Quick as a wink, a pair of smith's apprentices appeared, making grand promises of both speed and quality of service. Clar, daughter to Jem the Barrel and Torreo, son to Lysaro of Lys each assured Valen and Berion that their father was the one who could refit Valen's new armour, possibly hoping to win favour and trade with his knightly master.

Exhilarated from his first round win, Ofren Kettleblack rode back into the lists eager to compete against Valen. A harsh word from his father, Ser Otto set his cheerful face into a more serious look. He slammed his visor shut with great force, hauled his tourney lance into a firm grip, and readied himself to charge. For the first few passes at least he had been chastened to ride defensively, but time would tell if he had the discipline to maintain control.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Tilt: 14,15,16,15,17 14, 14, 16, 15, 17 [too many bonus dice]
SiS:11,10,9,10,3
Passive AH: 9
AR: 5
Damage: 9 per degree
Health: 11

Ofren will spend a destiny point if he would otherwise fail to stay in the saddle in round 1, or in round 2 to improve his tilt to 18 by turning a bonus die into a test die.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 00:24, Wed 09 Feb 2022.

In reply to Valen Vance (msg # 12):

Cat acknowledges Valen's return smile, increasing hers for a moment for him to see.

As the next riders come out she keeps an inquisitive eye on the different opponents Valen might have to face next. For Valen's own joust she mostly watches with hope, tinged by a little bit of empathy each time he is struck.

Valen will listen to Clar's claims and decide upon Jem the Barrel, curious to see the work of a smith from that city.

As the new round is announced his expression goes rigid, Ofren Kettleback, as a squire of the hedge he'd be more experienced in direct arms, and he looked as big or bigger than Valen. As they each approached the edge of their sections Valen carefully observed him, specially intent on how he was being chastened out of his state of confidence.

He greets Kettleblack with his lance and pulls down his visor, his eyes peering through his shield as if he could possibly see through it. As they ride forwards Valen doesn't plan to avoid his eyes, he'll take the brunt of this strike on his armour to make sure he can deliver the hit that will put Ofren down before he can crush him in a slugging match. The horses kick the sand and charge, Valen aims his spear and prays to the Warrior and all of the Seven that they may give him strength on this blow.

Eyes Fixed on first tilt, standard rounds on all following.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
OOC:
Tilt:18, 13, 13, 12, 13
SiS: 11, 12, 14, 15, 14
Passive AH: 13
AR: 7
Damage: 8 per degree
Health: 9

Spending 1 DP to cancel out Ofren's in the first round and take him down.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 22:03, Tue 08 Feb 2022.

Edric Mallister entered the lists atop a fine white courser, sporting a personalised suit of half plate, which surprised many given his relatively junior status as a lesser son and squire. Though not nearly as intimidating a physical specimen as Ofren, he had shown himself to be a capable lance and rider in his first bout. He saluted his host, rival, and his own family's expansive entourage, before readying to tilt Darvil Blackfin.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Tilt: 15, 17[19], 16, 15, 17
SiS:  19, 9, 10, 5, 7
Passive AH: 13
AR: 9
Damage: 8 per degree
Health: 6
Edric will use Blood of the Andals to improve his second tilt against Darvil from one to two degrees of success.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 10:35, Wed 09 Feb 2022.

As the two squires gallop toward one another; Ofren adopted a defensive posture, and Valen a far more aggressive one. Both maintained good form in the saddle, and the board seemed set for a matched result of one broken lance each.

Keeping his eyes on target, Valen spotted a weakness in Ofren's approach - his shield would drop slightly with the rythmn of his horse's gallop. Valen timed his strike perfectly, and managed to strike Ofren in the chest, just to the left of his shield, as it shifted with the movement of his horse. The unexpected force of the blow threw Ofren from his saddle, spinning him awkwardly so that he landed painfully on the tournament field. There was wide applause for the win, both for the skill of Valen's strike from those who could see it, and for the sight of such a hulking brute meeting his match in the far less intimidating Vance squire.

Ofren's brothers and father were soon by his side, and the castle maester was summoned, but Ofren's injuries seemed relatively minor - a broken rib or two, and concussion from the fall.

Ofren is defeated in the first tilt, taking an injury from damage inflicted, and another from the fall from his mount.

Darvil once again focused, riding as hard as he could towards the other squire.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

tilts of 12, 10, 7, 6, and 12 [16].
SiS of  11, 11, 9, 12,13

Spending 2  Destiny in Round 2 to reduce Edric's tilt, one in round 3 to avoid injury, and round 5 to ignore penalty dice and score a hit. Taking an injury in round 4

---

This message was last edited by the player at 00:28, Fri 11 Feb 2022.

Edric and Darvil's tilt was a thrilling highlight of the second round. The young Mallister held a clear advantage over the first three tilts, both with lance in hand, and atop his steed. He shattered two lances on Darvil's shield, with the second only being blocked from hitting him in the chest by a last second adjustment by the Blackfin's shield. By contrast, Darvil's own tilts were somewhat haphazard; his first two glanced off Edric's shield, and the next two passes failed to strike him at all. Such was Darvil's inaccuracy that few noticed the marked decline in the younger Edric's horsemanship, as the burden of armour and riding took a mounting toll on the squire, though he again shattered a lance on Darvil in the fourth pass, drawing a shout of pain at the resulting injury.

As the squires lined up for the final pass, a few of the smallfolk shouted jeers at the older Darvil; for he could not hope to be awarded a victory in a tie against the younger Edric, having shattered no lances, and had taken a beating in the four preceding passes, despite having maintained his saddle.

Having grown more confident, but still seeking a complete victory, Edric rode high in his saddle on the final pass, keeping his eyes fixed on target, and this proved to be a telling mistake. Darvil's tourney lance shattered cleanly on the Mallister's helm, knocking him out of his saddle and onto the sand below. The boy recovered quickly, though he complained loudly to one of his retainers that his ears were ringing like a bell, he waved off the ministrations of the maester still fresh from tending Ofren.

Darvil uses 2 destiny points to penalise Edric's tilts with -1D, a third to boost his final tilt by turning a bonus die into a test die, and a 4th to cancel out Edric's own destiny point, and takes an injury in round 4 to avoid being defeated. As a result, Edric is unhorsed in the final round.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:47, Fri 11 Feb 2022.

The Second Round of the squire's joust was more dramatic than the first, being characterised by both sudden victories and unexpected turns.

The luck of the quires of the hedge ran dry, with Ofren defeated abruptly by the aggressive tilt of Valen Vance, and Draco Heddle defeated two lances to three by Dunstan Tullison.

Many were surprised when Daveth Darry managed to unseat Donmere Wallain on their second pass. The defeated squire spoke fiercely and quietly with his father after his defeat, before receiving a cuff to the side of his head "A poor workman blames his tools," muttered the experienced Ser Beros, brooking no excuses.

Edric Mallister's defeat at Darvil Blackfin's hands was a second upset, with many remarking at the exceptional progress of House Blackfin's squires in the event.


Ser Edam Ward announced the progress of the second and penultimate round of the Squire's Joust
Duncan Tullison to ride against Valen Vance
Daveth Darry to ride against Darvil Blackfin
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:36, Fri 11 Feb 2022.

Dunstan Tullison had made it relatively unscathed to the final of the joust, his fine plate armour easily protecting him form the wayward blows of untested squires as he had demonstrated consistent form in his own right. As he fronted up against Valen Vance he wore Lady Jenny's favour visibly, but protected beneath the lip of his tall shield. He saluted his host, opponent, and the Blackfin stands and made ready for his first charge.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

Tilt, 13[19], 13[19], 12, 12, 8
Sis 15, 11, 8, 11, 14, 15
Damage:9
AR: 10
HP: 9
Passive Ride: 13
Dunstan will spend his own destiny point to improve his first tilt, and Jenny's to improve his second tilt unless he would need it to avoid being unhorsed]

---

Daveth Darry had ridden with growing confidence to emerge victorious in his first two rounds. As he rode into the first round of the finals, he did so with a look of exhilaration, cheered on by Lychester folk who knew him, or at least his father, Ser Lyonel. Daveth dipped his head humbly in recognition to the crowd, saluted the stands where his father and liege reclined, and readied himself to charge Darvil. Unlike in previous rounds, he charged aggressively, keeping his eyes fixed on his target, disregarding the risk to his own safety, which resulted only in even louder applause from Lord Lyman's smallfolk.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)


Tilt: 13, 15, 14, 11, 11
SiS: TBA
Damage: 7
AR: 5
Health 6/6
Passive Ride: 9
Environmental Effect: Darvil's mount proves hard to control for the injured squire, provoking a -1D to the tilt, and +3 increase in the difficulty to stay in the saddle when riding against Daveth.
Daveth will not spend a destiny point this round, unless required to do so to remain in the saddle.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 03:47, Tue 22 Feb 2022.

Valen rode up to the grounds once again, sweat still in his face from the last stressful match, now he was up against Dunstan, not as heavy a hitter as the last competitor, but dangerous nonetheless with his ability to withstand blows from lances with that armor.

He rides up pensive, scanning the armor for any weaknesses and not finding any, the craftsman had done their job well. He gives him a salute with his lance as well as to the host and Catelyn and the rest of the Blackfin entourage in the stands. Once more he spurs his horse and charges forward while lowering the tourney lance. No tricks and risky maneuvers to start, he'll exchange solid blows and keep himself steady, then at the third pass keep his eyes fixed to deal a solid blow and try to maintain the better handle through the exchanges as his armor tires him out.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
OOC:
Tilt: 13, 12, 14, 11, 13
SiS: 14, 9, 15, 12, 11
Damage: 8
AR: 7
Health: 9
Passive Ride: 13

Valen will spend a Destiny Point to impose a penalty on the first hit from Dunstan, then one from Catelyn to do the same on the next one, allowing him to stay horsed and take less damage, He'll win the round in the third pass or by points with 3 strikes.

---

Darvil winced in pain at the wound he had received, but rode ahead to fight. He doubted he would win after that last round, but a man could still have hope, right?

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)


Tilts: 4, 4, 6, 6, 6
SiS: 11, 8, 16, 15, 12

---

This message was last edited by the player at 19:56, Thu 17 Feb 2022.

Dunstan and Valen have each proven themselves a cut above the common chaff in the prelimary rounds, and do so again in the finals. In the first two passes, both show fine horsemanship, weathering blows and remaining easily in saddle. Dunstan proves the more reliable in the tilt, shattering his lance on each pass, while Valen's second strike glances off Dunstan's shield unbroken, leaving the Vance squire in dire straits.

On the third pass, Valen's more aggressive maneuver catches Dunstan by surprise. The Tullison heirs own lance is left unbroken, and though he seems to set himself aright in the saddle after the pass, the recovery is only momentary, and he is dragged from his saddle by the weight of his heavy armour, falling to the sandy ground. With a grunt, he is able to haul himself into a sitting position, and is aided back to his feat by a Tullison groom.

In the stands Valen is lauded for the victory, with Lady Moiraine Tullison and Lady Yve Tullison joining the applause once they see Dunstan is responsive.

Daveth rides aggressively into the first tilt, his eyes fixed firmly on Darvil's shield. He strikes it decently, though he does not lean as confidently into the strike as a more competent horseman might, and the blow carries only a moderate weight.

Darvil's own approach is more troubled. His steed snorts and whinnies as he rides into position. Weighed down by arms and the exhaustion and the injury of many lances taken on shield and self, Darvil struggles to keep his lance in its position, and it flails about as though caught in the wind. He is not quite able to bring it back into position before the collision, leaving him to take another blow without answering in kind. For a moment he seems able to keep his seat, as he is rocked back in the saddle and pulls himself forward. But then his mount balks, snorts, and pulls its head toward the tilt, throwing him forward over its right shoulder and onto the sandy floor.

Daveth's victory earns him applause from both highborn and low. Some folk are heard to remark that Darvil's making the finals was owed as more to tenacity than skill with a lance, but that he showed fine horsemanship throughout, with poor luck in his final match.