Haslanti duels

From Flight From Darkness

The Haslanti engage in a now-ritualized form of dueling similar to those practiced by Lunars. While Haslanti duels used to be serious affairs often conducted to the incapacity of one duelist or the death, most are now settled by the first telling blow, which often means first blood.

The new rules for duels were laid out early on in the Dream of Sweet Rain's exodus, as tempers were high and squabbling were common. Twelve Blades Orchid and Cardith Joransson devised the new standards of duels and saw to the construction of the Pit.

These duels are governed by a basic set of standards:

• Any weapon may be used, but duelists are reminded that killing your opponent is still murder according to the laws aboard the Titan.

• The fight is over at the first acclamation of the crowd (telling blow), or first blood, whichever comes first.

• The victor of the duel is the victor in whatever dispute prompted the duel. If the challenged party declines to duel, the challenging party is the victor in their dispute.

• Someone may only be challenged to a duel once in a month. If they are challenged again with that period, they lose no face in refusing and no dispute is settled by their refusal.

• Essence users are encouraged but not required to refrain from doing so during duels.