The Code Mensur (code men-SIR)
(Formally, the Mensur Kodex)
Under a set of expectations that cross between both the Code Legal and the culture norms of Eisen, the Code Mensur is a set of unwritten but strictly enforced expectations of how to resolve issues that arise between individual ‘Eisenvolk’.
The cultural expectation in Eisen is one of courtesy across classes; while the various class levels have their conflicts and stresses, there is expected to be a level of surface courtesy. When time, stress, or the situation strains those courtesies, the Code Mensur is invoked. It is a matter of cultural pride that matters handled under the Code Mensur are handled correctly and to the satisfaction of all parties without involving the law. As a result, many Rooks will turn a blind eye towards Mensur duels in progress so long as it is clear it is a duel and not a widespread brawl.
Someone who has felt wronged issues a Letter of Challenge that is specifically in writing and demands the respondent meet them for satisfaction. That satisfaction often can be done as a public apology in the realm where the insult took place or some other reasonable restitution. As part of that Letter of Challenge, the person who is wronged indicates their Second. If a Challenged party is unable to meet the challenge, and does not wish to forfeit, they may name someone to stand in their stead. It is considered a mark of honor to be willing to champion someone else’s honor. The Seconds
If the Challenged does not wish to immediately make the situation right, they choose a Second and those Seconds meet in order to attempt to mediate a resolution before ever proceeding. If the Seconds are unable to mediate a successful resolution to the issue, then the challenged chooses a location for the duel. During the entirety of this process, after the initial challenge, the original parties do not speak to each other. Everything is arranged through the Seconds. The Field
Each side of the argument brings with them their Second as well as someone skilled in healing, be it a medical doctor or a Cleric. This brings the attendance to six in total - two duelists, two seconds, and two clerics. While other countries, such as Vodacce, require the duel to be sanctified, Eisen holds no such requirement and Mensur dueling is considered to be a matter of personal and national Pride. The Duel
The Mensur duel is fought in one of a few fashions, which must be agreed upon via the Seconds; it is generally until one side or the other cedes the match or is unable to continue. Because two clerics are on site for the duel, death is incredibly uncommon, though many ask to retain some of their scars from the fight as a mark of their bravery. Common examples of duels are paired swords, psychic battles, or other displays of arcane power. Unless specifically noted by the Seconds, use of magic within a duel is considered to be highly dishonorable. The Aftermath
The aftereffects of a duel is as much a part of the Code Mensur as the duel itself. Both parties agree to abide by the results of the duel - whomever won is considered the victor and in the right. As a result, Code Mensur duels are reserved exclusively for matters of personal issues and never used to settle political disputes or anything of larger import. All parties present agree to let the matter go - other issues might crop up between two contentious individuals, but once a matter has been dueled about, that particular matter is considered resolved. Regardless of outcome, there is a large amount of national pride and honor put into those who engage in the duels. Both parties can expect social recognition for being able to take an issue and find some kind of resolution instead of letting it fester. Both parties, and in particular the Challenged, can expect to get social recognition for being willing to be brave enough to duel. Many nobles maintain at least one facial scar as a proof of their willingness to duel and their bravery.
The Mensur Code
The ChallengeSomeone who has felt wronged issues a Letter of Challenge that is specifically in writing and demands the respondent meet them for satisfaction. That satisfaction often can be done as a public apology in the realm where the insult took place or some other reasonable restitution. As part of that Letter of Challenge, the person who is wronged indicates their Second. If a Challenged party is unable to meet the challenge, and does not wish to forfeit, they may name someone to stand in their stead. It is considered a mark of honor to be willing to champion someone else’s honor. The Seconds
If the Challenged does not wish to immediately make the situation right, they choose a Second and those Seconds meet in order to attempt to mediate a resolution before ever proceeding. If the Seconds are unable to mediate a successful resolution to the issue, then the challenged chooses a location for the duel. During the entirety of this process, after the initial challenge, the original parties do not speak to each other. Everything is arranged through the Seconds. The Field
Each side of the argument brings with them their Second as well as someone skilled in healing, be it a medical doctor or a Cleric. This brings the attendance to six in total - two duelists, two seconds, and two clerics. While other countries, such as Vodacce, require the duel to be sanctified, Eisen holds no such requirement and Mensur dueling is considered to be a matter of personal and national Pride. The Duel
The Mensur duel is fought in one of a few fashions, which must be agreed upon via the Seconds; it is generally until one side or the other cedes the match or is unable to continue. Because two clerics are on site for the duel, death is incredibly uncommon, though many ask to retain some of their scars from the fight as a mark of their bravery. Common examples of duels are paired swords, psychic battles, or other displays of arcane power. Unless specifically noted by the Seconds, use of magic within a duel is considered to be highly dishonorable. The Aftermath
The aftereffects of a duel is as much a part of the Code Mensur as the duel itself. Both parties agree to abide by the results of the duel - whomever won is considered the victor and in the right. As a result, Code Mensur duels are reserved exclusively for matters of personal issues and never used to settle political disputes or anything of larger import. All parties present agree to let the matter go - other issues might crop up between two contentious individuals, but once a matter has been dueled about, that particular matter is considered resolved. Regardless of outcome, there is a large amount of national pride and honor put into those who engage in the duels. Both parties can expect social recognition for being able to take an issue and find some kind of resolution instead of letting it fester. Both parties, and in particular the Challenged, can expect to get social recognition for being willing to be brave enough to duel. Many nobles maintain at least one facial scar as a proof of their willingness to duel and their bravery.