The Proclamation & Decree for the Regulation of Duels sets out a legal framework and procedure for those who feel dishonoured to exact retribution upon those that have dishonoured them. Following a spate of honour murders and revenge attacks, the proclamation was made to prevent acts of violence and unlawful killings by providing a mechanism for such acts to be done legally and with minimal injury.
Document Structure
Publication Status
The decree is stored in the Royal Archives and is accessible by the public.
Legal status
As the name suggests, the law was issued by Royal Decree. Such decrees have the full weight and effect of law and can only be repealed by another Royal Decree.
Historical Details
Background
The document came into existence to define a strict protocol that must be observed for a duel to be considered legal and binding on both parties.
Term
Despite duelling falling out of fashion, the decree remains law in the Four Provinces as royal decrees can only be repealed by another royal decree.
Proclamation & Decree for the Regulation of Duels
Issued by order of His Most Royal Majesty, King Blennan III
It is hereby proclaimed and decreed that, henceforth, all parties commited to a duel must do so under the following conditions:
Duel challenges are to be issued in good faith and in the immediate prescence of the intended opponent.
Challenges issued in bad faith will be punishable by death.
Forfeiture of a duel is punishable by death.
Failing to respond to, or declining, a good faith challenge to duel will constitute forfeiture.
Duel parties are required to file a Last Will and Testament with the Court of Probate no later than 24 hours before the commencement of the duel. Failure to do so will constitute forfeiture.
Duels are to be fought in armed combat with a single bladed weapon.
The use of any other weapon will constitute forfeiture.
All duels will take place in public and in the prescence of a clerk of the Court of Probate
Duels are to be fought until first blood is drawn or a duelist is disarmed.
Continuing to duel after first blood has been drawn is punishable by death.
In the event that drawing first blood results in death, the loss will be considered an honourable fatality.
In the event of an honourable fatality, the Last WIll and Testament of the deceased will be executed by the clerk in attendance
In the event of an honourable fatality, the victor is required to lead an honour guard at the funeral of the deceased.
Procedure for Issuing a Challenge to Duel
Challenges to duel must be issued in person to the intended opponent. When issuing said challenge a specific, good faith reason must be given. The reason for the challenge to duel must relate to a dishonour done by the intended opponent to the challenger or a member of the challenger's immediate family. Challenges may only be issued to men of sound body and mind. Elves are forbidden from challenging to duel but may be challenged.
Procedure of a Legal Duel
The duelling parties will start blades drawn and no closer than 10 feet apart. No other weapons may be used. Upon the order of the clerk in attendance, the duelling parties will fight until first blood is drawn or one party is disarmed. Upon completion, the victor will announce that honour has been restored and the matter is settled in perpetuity.
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