The Avalonian Code Duello-"Pour l'honneur, non pour la haine
The Avalonian Code Duello --"Pour l'honneur, non pour la haine." ("For honor, not for hatred.")
Legal Standing in Avalon[edit]
The Code Duello is sanctioned by the Crown of Avalon as a legitimate method of resolving personal disputes among citizens of honor.
Duels are recognized as civil contracts when properly registered, regulated by the Chambre de l’Honneur, an informal convention overseeing disputes of dignity, insult, or challenge. Challenges are considered legitimate when parties sign an official "Cause" parchment with both parties, both seconds, the Judge, and any number of witnesses.
All duels must be sanctioned and witnessed by licensed officials or approved Salonniers (members of noble or intellectual salons, or members of the Gard du Corp).
Cultural Context[edit]
Avalonian society is shaped by the interplay of:
- Aristocratic codes of pride
- Artistic temperament
- Salon debate and wit
To challenge someone is not brutish—it's poetic. Debates that begin in salons often escalate into duels not of violence but virtuosic elegance, where honor and performance are entwined.
Core Articles of the Avalonian Code Duello[edit]
Article I: Grounds for Duel[edit]
Acceptable causes include:
- Public insult (verbal or printed)
- Artistic or philosophical slander
- Affront to a companion’s dignity
- Accusation of cowardice or dishonesty
- Improper conduct at a salon or public event
- Not permitted: Duels over wealth, commercial transactions, or political doctrine.
Article II: The Challenge and Reply[edit]
A challenge may be delivered in writing, in elegant language, and witnessed by a Second or Salonnier. They may be issued publically, witnessed by the populace.
The challenged party must respond within 48 hours: with acceptance, conditions, or refusal (which may damage social standing).
- A Refusal of Honor without cause is legally protected but socially scorned.
Article III: Appointment of Seconds[edit]
Each duelist appoints a Second—a noble peer, artist, or fencing scholar responsible for:
- Negotiating terms
- Enforcing fairness
- Attempting reconciliation (mandatory)
- Overseeing medical attendance
- Optional: A Third, typically a poet or philosopher, may be invited to draft the terms of honor.
Article IV: Venue and Style[edit]
Duels must be held at certified grounds: such as Parc de l’Espérance Noire, rooftop salons, private courtyards, or designated dueling halls.
Duels may be fought with:
- Épées (most common and prestigious)
- Pistols (regulated for range and load)
- Bows or Crossbows (Regulated for Range and Load in quivers)
- Words (formal oratory duel before a jury of Salonniers)
- Artistic challenge (e.g., musical duel, painting duel; rare but honored)
Article V: Conditions for Victory[edit]
Must be agreed upon in advance. Options include:
- First Blood (traditionally noble)
- Three Touches (fencing only)
- Surrender or Disarmament
- Submission of Honor (spoken concession)
- Death (rare, only in the most grievous matters—must be pre-approved by the Tribunal) Officially forbidden by the Crown. (Don't die, dudes!)
Article VI: Prohibited Conduct[edit]
- Ambush, poison, hidden weapons, or hired champions are outlawed.
- Dueling while intoxicated or drugged is invalid.
- Public duels without registration are considered “Duels Sauvages” and are may involve consequences.
Article VII: Witnesses and Records[edit]
- All official duels must be observed by two licensed witnesses or Salonniers.
- A scribe or painter may be employed to record the event.
- Transcripts may be published in recognized journals such as La Gazette de l’Honneur.
Article VIII: Aftermath[edit]
- Medics are required on site.
- Survivors may not be prosecuted if duel was sanctioned.
- A formal “Reconciliation Toast” is customary if both duelists survive.
Salon Culture and Dueling[edit]
Many duels originate in salons—intellectual gatherings hosted by women or patrons of the arts. There, verbal fencing is common, and sharp wit may ignite a challenge. Duels are seen as extensions of art, performance, and philosophy.
A duelist in Avalon is expected to:
- Be well-versed in literature and fencing.
- Dress impeccably, preferably in black, pearl gray, blue, or powder blue. .
- Carry a Carte d’Honneur, a formal identification of their dueling rights.
Carte d’Honneur[edit]
