Golden Duel

The Golden Rule of Engagement

Within Great Europa and a few other countries, dueling and combat are rather common customs; it is not usually fought to the death, only to solve a dispute or prove a point. This law has been decreed by the Golden Father and the Fundamentals themselves, providing it with sacred value. Once a Golden Duel is invoked, one must either accept or refuse, though refusal comes at a cost of dishonor, for it is seen as cowardly for most. Once accepted, the Fundamentals themselves would witness the fight to ensure the rule is followed.

• The defeated must offer the victor a reward. It must be of great value to the defeated one, for invoking a Golden Duel is strictly for important matters
• Duels to the death are accepted, though uncommon. The reward must be prepared before the start of the duel, for the dead could not provide a suitable reward
• The conditions of the duel may change depending on the duelists, but it is normally expected for the duelists to fight in single combat, without outside intervention. Those who intervene would nullify the invocation of the Golden Duel

Verdict

Once defeated, the vanquished must provide the reward, for if they try to escape their agreed obligation, they would find themselves cursed by the Fundamentals. Usually, this comes in the form of terrible misfortune until they provide what they promised. In the event that the reward cannot be provided, an alternative must be given, and it must be of equal value to what was promised prior, or if the victor finds it acceptable.

A Golden Duel could take place anywhere. It is considered common practice and often becomes a source of entertainment to onlookers. Objects are not the only thing worth value in Golden duels; one may offer service, or even marriage. Oftentimes, a Golden Duel is invoked before marriage to see if the bride/groom is worthy of their hand.