Duels

Duels are still occasionally fought by nobles and aristocrats to resolve disputes, though this kind of behaviour is increasingly frowned upon by society in general. Duels are almost non-existent in the New World.   Some of the weapons typically used during a standard duel include:

• Dueling Pistols
• Rapiers
• Sabres

Bladed weapons offer the possibility of To The First Blood in the hands of skilled duelists. In the hands of amateurs, these always end up being bloody affairs.  

Etiquette

  Duel are always public events with each side having witnesses and rules to govern the outcome.   The following 

1. A challenge must be issued and state the grievances the offended party.
2. The challenged individual must accept the challenge and is permitted to choose the weapon of the duel.
3. Both Principals (the challenger and challenged) must choose a witness called a Second. Each witnesses are responsible to assist their duelist before and after the duel, including in death. They are also present to ensure that both sides fight fairly.
4. The challenger will provide the conditions upon which they will be satisfied. Most duels are to the first blood, until a party no longer can continue or there is someone grievously wounded.
5. The challenger is responsible for providing the chosen weapon in the advent that the challenged does not possess one. It may not be of any less quality than what the challenger will use during the duel.
6. Dueling Pistols are to be fired at a distance of no less than 9 meters between the Principals.
7. Once the duel has been concluded, Seconds are to remind friends and family that the matter is now closed and any further discussion may result in a breach of the agreement.

Legality

  Each country has their own laws regarding duels, but most will tolerate them if and only if they are used as the very last resort to resolve a conflict, including through the use of the court of laws.

Gunfights

  Gunfights are technically duels and are known to occur in the west of the American Union .  While the legality of these is questionable at best, it is not easy to to enforce the law in these chaotic lands.  Gunfights are usually fought with revolvers and rarely have the decorum of more civilized duels.  These duels are normally fought to the death and are not always equitable.  Everyone must bring their own weapon.  Crowds have learned it is best to hide and not be spectators to these events as they may fall victim to a stray bullet.