Barrister

"The world outside may grow dark, dangerous, and violent, but in the Free Cities, we still maintain the old civilized traditions."
~ Cosimo Antakos, Barrister of the Guild.

Perception

Purpose

Under Imperial law, trial by combat remained a legal option for all criminal and most civil matters until the very end. In Mordâd, martial law forbids the practice, but in the Free Cities - the other remnant of Imperial law - the tradition is still  in force. But under Imperial law, the aggrieved parties do no face one another at dawn with blades. Instead, they hire Barristers, professional duelists who will take on a case and face one another for pay. As a rule most duels are not to the death, but with blades flashing, a foot out of place can still cost your life. Duels are strictly regulated with judges overseeing that all the forms are maintained.

Social Status

Barristers are well paid, and those with a strong record can charge more, but they are not glamorous figures in the Free Cities. They are seen as workmen plying a trade not much different from an accountant.

History

Tradition says that in the early days of Istragos, the law was simple, and enforced largely by consent. If matters fell out that two parties could not be reconciled, it was not uncommon to handle the matter privately with steel. As the Empire grew, social tolerance for such rough justice grew less, and it became clear that a skilled fighter might always appeal to the argumentum ad gladium and thus be essentially above the law. And yet the Empire was unwilling to entirely abolish the ancient tradition. So it became legal to select a champion. Soon these champions banded together for training and to enforce certain standards as to the nature of a duel, and so the Guild of Barristers was born.

by MdiJourney

Alternative Names

"Champion"

Legality

Judicial dueling is only the official practice of the Free Cities, but some Havens find it a convenient way of settling disputes and have maintained the practice. Most though have few enough capable people to begin with and will not waste them in this way.