Duel Protocol

Rules for a Challenge from a Lower-Status Noble

1. Justification for the Challenge

• Valid Grounds: The lower-status noble must have a valid reason for issuing the challenge, such as:
  • An insult to their honor or house.
  • A dispute over land, inheritance, or debts.
  • Allegations of misconduct, betrayal, or cowardice.
  • A matter of justice or personal vendetta.
• Proof: Some societies require the noble to provide evidence of the grievance before the challenge is considered valid.

2. Approval by Authority

• Permission from Liege or Overlord: The lower-status noble needs approval from a liege lord or council before challenging a higher-status noble.
• Mediation Attempts: Authorities may demand mediation before allowing a formal duel.

3. The Challenge Itself

• Formal Declaration: The challenge must be delivered publicly or via an official envoy, adhering to proper decorum.
• Terms of the Challenge: The challenger must clearly state:
  • The reason for the challenge.
  • What they seek to resolve or gain.
  • The nature of the duel (e.g., to first blood, to death).

4. Rights of the Challenged Party

• Right to Refuse: A higher-status noble may decline the challenge.
• Right to a Champion: The higher-status noble may appoint a champion to fight in their stead.

5. Rules of the Duel

• Designated Witnesses: Neutral witnesses or judges must oversee the duel to ensure fairness.
• Choice of Weapons: The higher-status noble usually chooses the weapons or conditions of the duel.
• Neutral Ground: The duel must take place on agreed-upon neutral ground.
• Non-lethal Options: Non-lethal options are prefered, particularly between nobles of the same realm.

6. Consequences of the Outcome

• Victory of the Challenger: The challenger gains what was demanded, such as satisfaction, land, or reputation.
• Defeat of the Challenger: The challenger faces consequences, such as loss of reputation, forfeiture of titles, or death.
• Dishonorable Conduct: Cheating or refusing to abide by the duel’s terms can lead to severe punishments, such as exile or imprisonment.

7. Cultural Norms and Variations

• Honor vs. Practicality: While the challenge is sacred, infighting amongst nobles and knights of the realm are disruptive to order, and will weaken the Kingdom if left unchecked.
• Tournaments as Substitutes: Challenges may be resolved through tournaments instead of duels.
• Magic or Divine Intervention: Religious or magical figures must oversee duels to ensure fairness or invoke divine judgment.