Goetterdein

Bringing Order to An Unordered Aeon

  During the Aelden Aeon, as the ancient Mirugaeri race struggled to find their way following the Death of Graelden in 1270 M.A., they struggled to determine what constituted a crime or justice. Previously, an Enchanter could be called upon to arbitrate any disputes - however, following the liberation of the Mirugaeri after Graelden's sacrifice, the Enchanters withdrew from judging anything but the worst of crimes, or anything that involved their own people.   Left to their own devices, the Mirugaeri designed an honor duel to the death that would be used to determine guilt or innocence. While the first duels were used to determine guilt or innocence in matters where proof could not be found, they eventually evolved into ritualistic duels of honor. Eventually they would be adapted by Enchanters into magic duels as well.

Structure of the Goetterdein

  A square is laid out upon the ground, and observers would line up and create a wall around the combatants. In some cases the square would be built of standing stones, while if this duel were taking place in the wild it would be drawn in the dirt or marked in some other way. At opposing corners the combatants would wait for the ritualistic words to be spoken, and then proceed to do battle.  

Rules and Considerations

 

• All trials by combat are to be done with no armor, as the gods/God shall be your armor.

• Any blow is allowed, for the gods/God have determined your Honor.

• As many as four combatants may participate at a time.

• If any combatant steps from the agreed upon square before the challenge is complete, they have forfeited their honor; onlookers are allowed - and encouraged - to cut them down for so long as they remain outside the square.

• While originally the Goetterdein was a duel to the death, modern times allow one to yield, which must be honored.

• However, if one steps from the square, they lose their right to forfeit and must duel to the death.