Feuds and Declaration
- A feud without formal declaration is not an honorable one. It is an ambush.
The 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.