Postfight

Postfight is a sparetime activity that originated from the marshlands at the southern tip of Ivendarea. It trains balance, strength, perception, and wits - and it is particularly popular with the youth. Across the country several sub-forms exist that come with their own challenges.

History

It is unclear today who was involved of the invention of the game, it is only known that it started in the southern outskirts of Ivendarea where until today most houses are built on strong wooden poles, to give them a sturdy base in the muddy ground.

Execution

Between 20-30 wooden posts of different heights and girths are planted in the ground, at least 1 meter apart from each other, spread out evenly across an open, oval area. The height of the posts varies, ranging between 1-2 meters; the minimum diameter of a post is approximately 10 centimeters, just enough to be able to stand on it with one foot, the biggest have a diameter of 30-40 centimeters. This is the most basic form of a playing field of the game.
The rules are simple: at least two opponents climb a post of their choice on either end of the playing field, opposite to each other. In the basic version of the game they are not allowed to bring tools or weapons of any kind, but they are free to use their magic, if they want to. The goal of the game is reaching the other side of the playing field before the opponent does by jumping from post to post. The first person to fall to the ground loses, or the first person to reach the opposite side wins. It is possible to play the game without sabotating one's opponent at all, although most see it as more fun to try to outsmart the other player and bring them to fall, be it through physical contact or magic. Each player has the option to either move or wait during their turn, while waiting can also include attacking the opponent with magic; but they have to remain in their current position.
There are local variations depending on the surroundings of where the game takes place. On Maan Garth a version on the water is popular, with poles made from stone that have been permanently erected at the shore. The poles are much higher above the water surface than they would be above the ground, because the fall from them is softer. In Westpoint it is common that the two competitors are allowed to bring a long stick with them that they can use to keep their balance with - or push their opponent from afar (but also making themselves more vulnerable if the stick is grabbed and pulled at). Everywhere there is sometimes established in the beginning if the upcoming game is a "no magic" round, or of other modified rules apply such as only being allowed to stand on one leg or it not being necessary to reach the other side, only to bring the opponent to fall. This sometimes leads to interesting games of cat-and-mouse that are exciting to take part in and to watch alike.