Trial by Combat is a method with which personal disputes may be settled between two or more members in good standing. At times, individuals find themselves in conflict with one another and this rule allows for such conflicts to be redressed. A trial by combat may not be called by a member under sanction.
Trial by Combat may be resolved by:
Non-marshal means such as a flip of a coin, a game, or other agreed upon method.
Contests should be held in equivalent styles (rattan v rattan, fencing v fencing, arts v arts, etc.)
If combat is agreed upon, champions may be utilized.
Any member in good standing who calls for Trial by Combat must declare so publicly stating their intention to challenge the other member in good standing to a contest.
It is not intended that the personal matter of the grievance be aired, however, to any individual other than the challenged individual and the respective Lords of both parties.
It should be announced in a Medieval fashion.
All Trials by Combat must be agreed upon by the respective Lord(s) of the members involved. Challenges over petty squabbles may be denied by the Lord.
Must be set at a time and place convenient for both parties involved. No undue financial burden may be place on either party.
Must be witnessed by two or more members in good standing.
Trial by Combat may not be a combat challenge to any non-fighting citizen unless agreed upon.
May be refused by the challenged individual. However, this is a forfeit.
While Trials may be called for between any two members in good standing, the type of trial should be along similar skill levels. (i.e., a knight should not challenge a person in kit less than a month, etc.).
The sitting King and Queen may not be challenged under this procedure. There are other ways to challenge the Crown.
If a member challenges a higher-level noble, while they may win the challenge, there is no usurpation of the noble’s title or lands. Duchies, Principalities, and Kingdoms have methods to challenge for the title.
The challenger must put up a chattel and risk its loss. The challenged individual is not required to put up a chattel.
Once the Trial is settled, the matter should be dropped by both parties. Neither may further challenge the other over the matter.
Any individual who repeatedly challenges other members to Trial by Combat may have sanctions up to and including banishment imposed upon them.
If either party claim aggrieved status, they may challenge for Persona Death.
The challenged individual is not required to accept a Persona Death challenge.
