Manual of Etiquette: IX - Etiquette of Duelling
From FiranMUX
Should an individual give offence without apology to somebody of equal or higher status, and, importantly, the matter cannot be settled by verbal means, one might turn to a duel as last recourse. A duel is a martial combat between two individuals of noble or royal standing, ruled over by a particular code of etiquette, designed as a final manner in which to settle a matter of honour and thus prevent feuds between entire families or clans. Upon completion of a duel, honour is deemed satisfied and no further action may be taken by either party. Duels are not to be entered upon lightly, and should the grounds of the duel be considered insufficient, criminal charges for assault or killing may be brought.
To duel is the prerogative of the noble classes and differs from a trial by combat in that a duel does not determine guilt or innocence, but simply demonstrates the courage and willingness to risk one's life for honour. Should two commoners have a dispute, they may fight, but to do so is not considered a duel. Should a commoner insult a nobleman's honour, the nobleman should have them beaten for their insolence, rather than elevate them to the status of a man of honour who deserves the courtesy of a formal duel.
When an offence against oneself or against a lady under one's protection is first brought to one's attention, although this may be many years after the offence itself is first committed, one may issue a challenge to the offender. A challenge should be issued in person should the individuals both be present at the time, or delivered by a second should they not, and is usually delivered only during the daytime out of deference to Lord Zutiv. A challenge should state an individual's intention to satisfy their honour, and must be delivered within one week of learning of the offence. If a challenge is delivered after this time, the offence itself cannot have been serious enough to warrant a duel. In most clans, it is necessary to gain permission from the Clan Leader, proxy or other appointed individual in order to issue or accept a challenge.
Each party should then name one or more seconds who shall arrange the details of the duel between them. A suitable time and field of honour should be selected, which should be an isolated area agreeable to both parties, so that the duel might not be interrupted. The individual who receives the challenge should have choice of weapons, including that of bare fists, and both parties should be equipped with equal weapons to be checked by the seconds and thus ensure the duel is fair. The weapon chosen should neither be unusual nor farcical, and is usually the sword or spear, those being the primary weapons of our warriors. To select a weapon not usually used to fight is to make a mockery of the duel. It is the prerogative of the challenger to state the conditions under which the duel shall be fulfilled, usually until one combatant is no longer able to continue. Under rare circumstances, the duel may be ended when one combatant is hit, although this is unusual and implies that one's opponent is not worth fighting, thus making the duel superfluous and laughable. It is highly dishonourable and shall be considered assault or murder to deliberately strike a man when he is down.
Should one party fail to attend a duel, he and his seconds who failed to ensure his attendance shall be publicly labelled as cowards. During the duel, no other individual should intervene in the fight. The seconds should also watch to ensure neither side should cheat in any manner. To cheat is to forfeit any honour in the duel, and shows blatant cowardice. It is not wholly uncommon for a clan leader, royal or individual of particular import to the Republic to have a champion fight on their behalf, but as such an act does not demonstrate a willingness to risk their own life for their honour, their reputation may be affected.
When the conditions of a duel are completed, whether that be by the death, unconsciousness or injury of one party or the other, the matter is considered settled, both sides maintaining their reputation for courage. The victor may claim the weapon of the defeated man as a trophy without recourse.
