Dueling | Imperial Custom

[Coronate 5519]

 

✠ PREFACE;

In the Imperium, might often makes right. The Imperium is a militaristic entity whose entire bureaucracy is built upon the strength of its arms. Employment in a variety of fields, such as construction, mining, lumber, and smithing are all under the purview of the Imperium Industrium, the industrial arm of the Imperial Military. Because of this, oftentimes the law, which is handled by the military and a select few Justiciaries, can be a harsh force. The Lex is expected to be upheld, although many times, the executor of the law: a Guardsman, Knight, or even the Grand Knight or Lord Marshal, can deliver harsher or laxer sentences to the common man, and it is due to this that many in the Imperium take to settling their disputes through dueling

 

✠ I: ON THE LAWLESS DUEL

A lawless duel is a duel that does not have an Imperial Official present to ensure its legality. This is a duel wherein two individuals have set up their own boundaries for oversight; perhaps one figure is forcing another into the duel, perhaps they both have agreed but simply did not take the steps to have Imperial oversight, or perhaps two individuals wish to settle an argument over something which would gain too much attention from Inquisitors. Regardless, this duel is outlawed in the Imperium and can result in anything from a fine to a death sentence; though often these duels can be overlooked.

 

✠ II: ON THE SANCTIONED DUEL

The Sanctioned Duel is any duel that has been proposed by two individuals in an agreed fashion and approved by an Imperial Justiciar. This duel is usually to the first blood; however, if an argument is important or dire enough, it can even be to the death. A sanctioned duel is always proposed by both individuals involved in an argument and always has Imperial oversight in one form or another.

 

✠ III: ON THE FORCED DUEL

A forced duel can take place when a Knight or Imperial Justiciar orders such. These duels are often a form of resolving petty disputes. If a member of the peerage or a citizen, with the Justicar’s approval, demands a trial by combat, then this is also considered a forced duel.

 

The weapons of dueling vary widely, especially amongst the many cultures of the Imperium; however, some are more prevalent than others. In any armored duel, it is highly likely that the pair engaging use longswords, as they are the most common and effective blades for such encounters. Upon horseback, lances may be permitted as well until both opponents have fallen. Unarmored duels are much different, usually resulting in far more damage to both individuals if not more deaths. These duels often make use of weapons tailored to do such offenses. More common in the heartlands is the Rapier, a sign of a gentleman’s warrior spirit. In the highland and fringe areas, sabres are much more common as they are tools of the frontiersman’s trade.

 

Duels do not always need a blade as well, oftentimes especially amongst the army, where losing a good man is much worse than settling a minor score. Duels of fists are forced, with the victor receiving an apology from the loser.

 

✠ IV: A DUEL OF SIX

When a Trial By Combat is demanded by a member of the peerage, or an approved citizen of the Imperium, they might then demand a duel of ‘six,’ in honor of the Three Exalted and Three Scrolls. If this should take place, a date must be set between the two disputing parties and their five compatriots to join in battle. If the day should come and one side should lack in men, the side with full numbers shall be considered the Victor.

[KBR 2046]

Sir Lothar d'Amaury's fingers drummed upon the Round, his gaze sweeping across the ordermen of the Golden Oak. "Such traditions ought to be preserved." He spoke with conviction. "In Lorraine, no duel shall be fought save beneath the light of the sun. No darkness, no rain, only in the full light of day may honor be tested."