Lave Sloura (Lav slow-rah)

An old Tradition which dates back to the earliest days of The Black Spot, used to settle disputes. Translates to Arm Chain. The rules are simple, when someone of equal station challenges you and no one of higher rank wants to settle the dispute they call Lave Sloura. A host is declared either in a public place or an a ship of which neither is crew. Each contestant chooses an arm to be bound in leather, They are then wrapped in rope while clasped so as the 2 can not move farther than arms reach from each other. they are then chained by the waist to the Capstan. A judge will call to begin and the individuals will struggle and fight until one surrenders or is knocked unconscious. The winner buys a drink for the loser and the challenge is settled.

History

Not much is known of the origins of Lave Sloura, Its said with the first crew of the Black Rose there was a dispute over a unique gem, the last of the booze on a long journey, or even a particularly foul and lewd poem. What ever the reason the 2 individuals were said to have been tied by the arm by a length of rope the mast where they would beat each other into unconsciousness. From these earliest days the rules have changed to allow for a more direct and physical altercation.

Execution

once a challenge has been called, the individuals are separated and no action involving the challenge is taken until it is settled with Lave Sloura. First a host is appointed by the captain of the individuals or volunteers if the challengers are of different crews or rank First Mate or higher. Once the host is decided on, the first mate of the ship is appointed as judge. There are some very rare circumstances in which the admiral is called to host and judge but only with the most extreme of circumstances. The judge then binds the challengers and calls the challenge to commence. When the match is concluded, the challengers are set free of their binds and first aid is administered. They then clean any blood or mess made during the conflict and the victor pays the host the going price for a pint of booze to give to the loser. After the ending rituals are concluded the challenge is considered settled and any subsequent steps are taken.

Components and tools

There are a number of items that have been tailor made for Lave Sloura since its first inception and each ship in the fleet has at least 2 sets. The leather binding which is a thick leather gauntlet that straps tight up to the elbow and has rings for which to attach the rope. The rope was once spare rope used for rigging but is now much thinner and able to fit through the rings in the binding to ensure the challengers can not separate from each other. Heavy leather belts with metal reinforcements and large rings in the front to connect the chains to the Capstan.

Participants

The host, judge, and contestants are never the only individuals involved. Typically all effected captains and their first mates are in attendance. Including a number of off duty and non-essential crew from each effected ship. The Lave Sloura is seen as a spectacle as much as a way to settle arguments. Often it allows for some much needed rest for any not directly involved.

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