Dueling in Kirishai

By: Whisper Everhate

In Dark Elven society Honor is a very serious matter and our dueling system reflects this. Insult is rarely given, even under provocation, for House politics will sometimes set someone up to challenge another, only to have this challenge met by the Weaponsmaster of their House. Since few Dark Elves are true civilians, everyone is expected to defend their House, including its Honor, either upon the field or in a circle but House or Clan members that are ranked higher may offer to champion lower ranked members, and this request is never refused.

In Kirishai, a duel is announced by one of two methods. Usually, a time and place will be arranged and the individuals return to their Houses to gather witnesses and seconds. Occasionally, a Dark Elf that is extremely angry might simply begin drawing the circle. At this point, the other party may request that the duel be delayed, or has the option of picking up the duel on the spot.

Terms are always the same. Any weapon, any style, spells and alchemy included, to resurrection. Apologies are neither asked for nor given, but assumed at the end of the duel. Politeness is maintained throughout the entire process, lest another duel be sparked immediately following the resurrection of the loser.

Once both parties have met for a duel, one of the participants draws a circle on the ground that is twenty steps in diameter bisected by a simple line drawn through the middle. Each opponent begins anywhere within their half of the circle. The opponents bow to each other, and the duel is under way. From this point further, no one may enter the circle, and no one may leave lest they be slain by both seconds. Judges are not necessary.

Duels in Kirishai are always fatal. Because of this, courtesy is paramount and duels are actually fairly rare.