Champions

Overview

A Champion is a being who steps into the arena to fight in place of someone who has been Challenged to a Duel. The right to request a Champion is universal on K’lais. Any individual who receives a formal Challenge may invoke it, regardless of position or experience.

Champions maintain the integrity of the Duel system by ensuring that even those untrained, inexperienced, or physically incapable can still answer a Challenge without forfeiting honor—or their life.

Becoming a Champion

Any being who wishes to serve as a Champion may register with one of the arenas within their district. Once accepted, their name is added to the district’s Champion Registry, a publicly accessible roster maintained by the arenas. One does not have to register, to be a Champion.

Registering is only required if they wish to make it their profession and/or work through the arena for the job of Champion.

Champions may specialize in particular weapons or fighting styles, though specialization is not required. Some Champions build reputations so formidable that their presence alone deters frivolous Challenges.

Requesting a Champion

If a Challenged individual does not have a personal contact willing to fight on their behalf, they may request a registered Champion through any arena in their district.

Process:

1. The arena contacts the requested Champion.
2. The Champion may accept or decline without penalty.
3. If accepted, the Challenged individual pays the Champion’s fee, set by the Champion or the arena’s guidelines.
4. The Champion appears in the arena in place of the Challenged.
5. The Duel proceeds according to standard K’laisan Dueling laws.

The outcome of the Duel—victory, injury, or death—fully applies to the original Challenged party, not the Champion.

Compensation

Champion fees vary widely depending on:

• Experience
• Reputation
• Weapon mastery
• District demand

Some elite Champions charge enough to live comfortable lifestyles.

Cultural Significance

Champions are both respected and feared figures on K’lais.
Their existence ensures that Duels remain a matter of honor, not physical ability, preserving the foundational belief that every being has the right to defend themselves—even indirectly.

For some, becoming a Champion is a calling.
For others, it is simply a profession.
For all, it is dangerous.