View source for Feuds and Declaration

: ''A feud without formal declaration is not an honorable one. It is an ambush.''

The [[The Oathbond|Oathbond]] demands that grievances be openly stated, because true strength is demonstrated publicly. Attacking someone without first making your grievance clear is cowardice dressed as action.

== Declaration ==
Almost always in person, because stating a grievance to someone's face is itself a form of strength; between people of the same or similar standing anything less is cowardice. Where there is a significant imbalance of power, a person of lower standing may declare publicly, before witnesses, to protect themselves from immediate retaliation. Between city-states or large organizations it is a formal written declaration delivered by a representative acting as herald. [[The Iron Coves]] have a more direct version: show up and state the grievance loudly where everyone can hear it — less ceremony, much more immediate threat.

== After declaration ==

; De-escalation
: The accused acknowledges the grievance has merit and offers real redress — apology, compensation, public acknowledgment of the wrong — and the aggrieved accepts. Both gain honor: one for being strong enough to admit fault, one for being wise enough to accept redress without needless blood.
; Negotiation through seconds
: Both sides appoint representatives who negotiate either a resolution or the terms of a duel. Seconds can sometimes find a face-saving settlement neither principal could have offered directly.
; Escalation to duel
: No resolution is possible. Terms are set and the duel scheduled, which gives both parties time to prepare and prevents hot-blooded violence. See [[The Duel]].

== See also ==

* [[The Duel]] · [[Group Feuds]] · [[The Oathbond]]