DUELING IN ISIMIIR
Duels are commonplace in Isimiir, the concept of personal honor is very powerful to all Isimiirians. If that honor is challenged publicly many times a formal duel is called to settle the matter. There are many different types of duels but the ritual is as follows:
SIDES: The Challenger and the Defender
1) THE CHALLENGE: The Challenger informs the Defender of the duel. This can be face to face, by writing, or by messenger. This formal invite is the start of the duel proper. He may set the time for the duel which can be instantaneous or in weeks or even months or years.
2) THE RESPONSE: The Defender is allowed a response. He may either accept the challenge or he can refuse the challenge. Refusing a challenge is cowardice and loses the Defender honor.
3) THE CONDITIONS: If the Defender responds that he will accept the challenge, he is allowed to determine the rules of the fight. There are many options such as: To the death, First blood, until mercy is called, or unconsciousness.
4) THE NEGOTIATION: The Challenger will be able to refuse the terms once, thus if ‘to the death’ is refused, the Defender may propose ‘Until Mercy is requested’ and the Challenger cannot refuse these terms without being accused of cowardice.
5) THE WEAPONS: It is then the Challenger’s turn to choose the weapons used in the combat. The terms can be “Fists, ‘My sword versus your axe’, or ‘maces’. The Weapon selection can be negotiated one time without being a coward, however, the second refusal loses honor. The official list of Challengeable weapons in descending order is: Lances, Swords, Maces, Axes, Daggers Fists. If the duel is to be missile in nature, bows, crossbows, and darts top the list with slings and throwing knives following.
6) THE LOCATION: Location is important in a duel, it should be a place that is open, has room for spectators, and preferably favors the Defender as he is allowed to pick the spot. A true ‘ring’ is simply a 20’ x 20’ place that is relatively open. If in the woods, an occasional tree will not usually be a hindrance but a thicket in the middle of the clearing will. The Duelists must both agree on the location to be in effect. However, if the location is deemed ‘good’ both may start.
7) CHAMPIONS: Champions may be assigned to fight for a duelist whether the Defender or the Challenger. The champion is there to fight and possibly die for the original duelist.
8) INTERFERENCE: Spectators are not allowed to interfere with a duel in progress, they must await the results on the sidelines.
9) HONOR: Many honorable fighters allow their opponents to retrieve lost weapons or recover if knocked prone. These actions are deemed honorable and gain the fighter additional honor.
10) CHEATING: Bringing extra items like a hidden dagger or using cheap maneuver like throwing sand in one’s eyes will deduct honor from the user of such tactics.
11) WINNING: When the conditions are fulfilled be it death, ‘Mercy’ or a splash of blood, the Victor immediately recovers any honor lost due to the opponent’s slander or actions, in addition he gains an honor bonus for winning the fight. The loser loses a large amount of honor and is forbidden to again address the topic dueled over. In society, the loser is supposed to defer to the winner for a year and a day in regards to station. NOTE: No noble will ever defer to a commoner as a result of a duel loss but other means of coy deference will be subtly shown such asmoney or an increase in cattle or station.
12) ITEMS: In the matter of weapons, items, or possessions of the warrior: To the winner goes the spoils. This includes any items on the body and any other items fought over at the time. However large possessions, family members, real estate, or items not agreed upon not on the body go to the loser's family.
13) AFTERMATH: The lore of the challenge and victory is written and sung about in tales of glory and death. Honor is regained and lost, and the world moves on. The losers may not again challenge the victor over the circumstance which led to the duel but others can.