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[[File:Duel.png|thumb|300x300px|A duel without a witness is just a fight.]]
The '''''[[Lexicon:Modern/caeshmae|caeshmae]]''''' is the formal challenge of honor between free persons, and the duel is where it ends when nothing else has. For how a grievance gets here, see [[Feuds and Declaration]].

== Weapons ==
Chosen by a neutral third party where one can be found — the fairest approach and the most consistent with a philosophy that holds strength should decide rather than equipment. Where there is no neutral party the challenged chooses, a convention that slightly favors the defender and discourages frivolous challenges. Preferences follow character: [[Stormharbor]] and [[Clearhold]] favor blades as the more honorable choice and the more demanding of skill; [[Shining Reach]] favors blades because they are elegant and the movement is precise; [[Forgegate]] is pragmatic about either; [[The Iron Coves]] use whatever is to hand.

== Grounds ==
Outside city limits — a practical requirement for firearms in particular, not a symbolic one. Each city has a known traditional dueling ground beyond its boundary, not a civic institution, just a place everyone knows.

== Witnesses ==
A duel without a witness is just a fight. Witnesses verify honorable conduct, testify publicly to the outcome, prevent cheating, and represent both parties' Oathbond before people. Each party brings a witness, and the seconds serve as primary witnesses with specific roles during the duel.

== Conclusions ==
Agreed beforehand.

; First blood
: For minor insults. One wound and honor is restored; both parties treat the matter as closed, and pressing after satisfaction is dishonorable.
; Surrender or incapacitation
: Often expected for significant insults. More decisive than first blood, less final than death. The loser survives and is clearly beaten; the winner is expected to be magnanimous.
; To the death
: For grave insults or serious wrongdoing. Both enter knowing only one leaves, and the witnesses ensure nobody interferes.
; Satisfaction without physical conclusion
: One party demonstrates such clear superiority that the other formally acknowledges it before being injured. Honor is satisfied by demonstration rather than blood.

== Consequences ==

; First-blood loss
: Settles the matter. The loser has paid and both acknowledge closure.
; Surrender or incapacitation
: Can damage a reputation and does not destroy it, provided the fight was real; the [[The Natural Order|Natural Order]] asserted itself. A graceful loss is far better for long-term standing than a desperate, undignified one.
; Death
: Leaves the family's honor intact if the man died bravely. Dying well in a duel is an honorable death. Running from a death duel is catastrophically worse than dying in a fair one.
; Refusing a legitimate challenge
: The most devastating outcome available. It publicly declares your Oathbond means nothing when tested. Loss of standing, family shame, damaged business relations follow, and in the Iron Coves physical danger as well. It is the one universal social catastrophe across all six city-states.

== See also ==

* [[Feuds and Declaration]] · [[Group Feuds]] · [[The Oathbond]] · [[The Sigil#Loss and insult]]

The Duel - Revision history