Duels

Given the laws against murder, and the sheer difficulty of doing so, Awakened society has other ways of resolving disputes and quarrels. One such way is a duel, or holmgang.    Duels require a referee who determines the shape of the duel to ensure some level of parity. Most commonly this is the local Keeper, though in some domains there is a formal role. These duels are not limited to violence, though combat duels between vampires are extremely bloody affairs. When you can both survive being beheaded, there’s no need to hold back.
While combat duels are often viewed as the default, some Awakened consider them unimaginative. Previous duels have included races, games of strategy and even composing and performing a song about one’s opponent. One especially memorable competition had each participant paint a portrait of their opponent’s demise. The loser actually died through mysterious, presumably occult, means.
Death is uncommon, but the shame of losing a duel has led to some Awakened leaving an area. The winner’s cause or claim is legally considered to be ‘correct’. Unsurprisingly, duels are generally less popular with young Awakened.
Awakened who challenge too many of their comrades to duels eventually develop a reputation. Most of them are eventually forced to compete in an arena they have no aptitude for as popular opinion turns even referees against them.