Blood Sport
... if you must tread the path of blood, then do so with Honor. Blood before Honor! Death before Dishonor!
In the World of Pathon, where valor and skill converge, there exists a time- honored tradition, handed down from generation to generation which transcends mere conflict- a practice which embodies artistry and lethal precision. This is the Art of Dueling, where swordplay and martial techniques are demonstrated in a symphony of clashing blades, a dance of strategy to determine a Champion.
Honor is measured in a strike and the sentiment, "Might Makes Right" resounds through the throngs of wide- eyed spectators. Commonly known across the World as "Blood Sports", combatants of 2 or more parties compete in sanctioned battle. In this Article, we'll explore the intricate world of Blood Sports, unveiling the History, rules and techniques, which makes this Pathon's most celebrated contact sports.
History of Blood Sports
Folk Law: Ordeal of Blood
Various Cultures throughout Pathon's ancient history have held the tenets of Blood Sports within their early structuring Laws. This took the form of crimes that were punishable by death or injury. Without Law Enforcers, it was often up to the victim's party or an affiliate to take justice into their own hands. Family and friends would forgive theft and murder when it was in the pursuit of vengeance for other wrongs. The defending party would also abandon further retibution once vengeance had been saked, though this wasn't always the case. As this blood-for-blood policy continued, it inevitably led to altercations amongst the earliest peoples- the Mythos Folk.
These policies were responsible for several conflicts between the Myst & Myth Folk. Throughout the earliest Mythic Epoch, they interacted and often cohabitated with each other to survive the harsh cold of the Ice Age. Differences between the groups would erupt into feuds between large families. If spiritual leaders were unable to dissuade their fellow brethren from war, aggressions would lead to violence and mistrust. As the languages changed and evolved between the Mythos Folk, deceit became abundant. Elders and spiritual leaders would have difficulty maintaining civility between these groups in places with low resources and high populations.
When the Mythos Folk entered the Saurian Era of the Ancient Epoch, they introduced new Folk Laws that prevented those of the guilty party to retaliate without severe punishment by the entire Folk. This led to a new position amongst the Folk- the Arbiter. As an intermediary, the Arbiter was one who was gifted in language, understood the tenets of Folk Law, who would investigate and arrange meetings between these two groups. If it was deemed that there was a grievance, the Arbiter would determine the correct course thereafter.
Rulings included additional trials, which were known as Ordeals. Sometimes this would take the form of reparations to the victim, but in others, it would include a quest or recompense on behalf of the victim's party. A criminal could potentially be made to serve the family thereafter, which came with its own issues. The Ordeal of Blood represents one of the earliest forms of gladiator combat, surpassing many Ordeals in their popularity as they were often called upon and enacted.
An Arbiter would hold a meeting between the parties, where a time and space were decided for the Ordeal. Representatives could be chosen by either party, but they must be related to that individual, in some way. The Ordeal of Blood would include weapons. These battles were to the Death, where only the victor was allowed any form of healing thereafter. While it was inevitably abandoned in favor of Blood Sports in later Epochs, this Ordeal rose in popularity during one of the harshest periods of Pathon's history- the Draconian Era of the Draconic Epoch.
Elder Wyrm Law & Battle of the Crestfallen
The Draconic Rituals is a book which references early Draconology of the later Saurian Eras; it briefly describes Elder Wyrm Law. If a younger Dragon felt that the Elder had weakened and refused to step down from their status, then the opposing party could initiate Elder Wyrm Law. Additionally, Draconians used variations of this Law to include property disputes, resulting in death, theft or seizure of properties, though this practice wasn't commonly shared with the Dracadians. The Law addressed leadership issues within their communities; exchanging the heads of weaker elders with stronger leaders, the Dragons ensured that the most powerful ruled their Clan and fathered children. New issues arised as leaders were constantly replaced with newer, inexperienced Dragons. Elder Wyrm Law was responsible for the defeat of the Golden Elder, who was usurped by a younger Black Dragon, paving the way for the Draconian Era.
Though there are many notable Duels of Draconian lore, the first publicly officiated Duel was between Drakan during the Dragon Blood War- a civil war between Draconians, Dracadians, and the Drakan. Digo Ren and Pern Shan, a red and golden Drakan, respectively, were on opposite sides of the War. Their armies, matched, fought for three months, with no end in sight. The two leaders met on the battlefield to determine their course of action, which led to the 1st regulated Duel between Drakan. Conditions for and after victory were decided. Digo and Pern were given space to fight each other, with only the highest ranking officers present for officiation. After two days of consistent fighting, Digo Ren was victorious, slaying Pern on the battlefield. The Golden Dragon Army had no choice but to give ground, as per the conditions of the Duel.
The Battle of the Crestfallen gained notoriety as news spread of the Duel. The story of fierce Digo and noble Pern inspired many to continue the ritual, often solving smaller scale skirmishes before they became large-scale battles. After this conflict, many Dragons and Drakan used the format established in the Battle of the Crestfallen to arrange their own Duels. When Clan Laws were rewritten to favor the changing political climate, provisions for acceptable Duels were included by Draconians and Dracadians. Additional Laws protected the rights of Ar- Dracadian and Ur-Draconian citizens to engage in Duels, including certain Trials, such as Trial by Combat, wherein a party is determined innocent or guilty by the conviction and conclusion of a Duel.
Evolution of Trial by Combat
Many people and countries have turned to Duels as a means to resolve disputes. It is said that the right winner will be decided by the Divine at the Duel's end. As the act of Dueling became more popular with most cultures, it became collectively known as "Blood Sports".
While many cultures look unfavorably at the art of Blood Sports, viewing it as violent and an unnecessary way to settle differences, Blood Sport is much different than it's barbaric origins. Today, events are arranged and regulated by the World League of Blood Sports- a collective of Duelists who fight for honor under League terms. With advancements in magical sciences and medicine, Duelists no longer fear pain or death- they fear only dishonor in the arena.
Execution
Blood Sport is regulated by a number of different Dueling Leagues. In order to become a Duelist, one must pass the initial physical and mental tests, known as Proving. Once a Duelist's Proving is complete, the Duelist is given a Duelist's Proof. This metal card is connected to the Duelist's Registry, a total register of all Duelists in each organization. A Duelist's Proof performs many specialized tasks during the Duel. A Duelist can not take part in legal, sanctioned Duels without this Proof. Otherwise, they could fall under the color of law for acts of murder or violence.
The process of initiating a Duel is known as Arbitration, which occurs between involved parties and includes an unaffiliated Arbiter. After deciding the location and conditions (type of Duel, type of Arena, weapons or armor, spells to be used, etc.), the Duelists meet each other in anticipation for battle. The Duelists' Proof is able to prepare an Arena, allowing the Duelists to battle without fear of harming spectators. Once inside, there is nothing left for the Duelists than to fight.
During the course of the Duel, an Arbiter provides rulings based on the Code of Duels, a respected document that every Duelist owns. Most Duels are fought within a range of time, with designated rounds or matches, until one defeats the other. Points are given based on a number of factors: pins, submissions, strikes, spells, and stances are but a handful of the judgement conditions. The Arbiter is given an opportunity to review the fight through the lens of the Duelist's Proof, which can record and maintain different perspectives of the Duel.
Rounds can also end if a combatant is unable to continue without the aid of Restoration magic. Restoration Magic is also prohibitted during the course of a normal Duel. Unless the Duelists have agreed to its use or to a Magic Duel, combatants found using it illegally are disqualified and their Proof terminated. This also includes magical items that the Duelist may possess, or alchemical items such as Potions. Any illegal use of Magic during a Duel is considered cheating and unfair. The same is considered when a combatant uses a weapon or technique that wasn't agreed upon during the Arbitration.
Once a Duelist has won, there are a number of rewards. Duels are often fought with an Ultimatum- effectively, a prize determined by the combatants during Arbitration. The loser must honor the terms of their Ultimatum, lest they lose "Honor" or terminated from the League. Duelists compete with each other to earn a form of currency called "Honor". This form of credit is also a ranking which places the Duelist in 1 of 4 divisions. There are also sub-divisions, representing the various formats. Ranked, Only the best Duelists in the World make it to the Elite Division; the competition and point acquisition is brutal. Duelists are allowed to spend their Honor to purchase equipment once owned by other Duelists, but doing so could place them in a lower Division. Elites often maneuver the Duelist's ladder in this manner, surprising their fans when they appear in other Divisions.
The process of initiating a Duel is known as Arbitration, which occurs between involved parties and includes an unaffiliated Arbiter. After deciding the location and conditions (type of Duel, type of Arena, weapons or armor, spells to be used, etc.), the Duelists meet each other in anticipation for battle. The Duelists' Proof is able to prepare an Arena, allowing the Duelists to battle without fear of harming spectators. Once inside, there is nothing left for the Duelists than to fight.
During the course of the Duel, an Arbiter provides rulings based on the Code of Duels, a respected document that every Duelist owns. Most Duels are fought within a range of time, with designated rounds or matches, until one defeats the other. Points are given based on a number of factors: pins, submissions, strikes, spells, and stances are but a handful of the judgement conditions. The Arbiter is given an opportunity to review the fight through the lens of the Duelist's Proof, which can record and maintain different perspectives of the Duel.
Rounds can also end if a combatant is unable to continue without the aid of Restoration magic. Restoration Magic is also prohibitted during the course of a normal Duel. Unless the Duelists have agreed to its use or to a Magic Duel, combatants found using it illegally are disqualified and their Proof terminated. This also includes magical items that the Duelist may possess, or alchemical items such as Potions. Any illegal use of Magic during a Duel is considered cheating and unfair. The same is considered when a combatant uses a weapon or technique that wasn't agreed upon during the Arbitration.
Once a Duelist has won, there are a number of rewards. Duels are often fought with an Ultimatum- effectively, a prize determined by the combatants during Arbitration. The loser must honor the terms of their Ultimatum, lest they lose "Honor" or terminated from the League. Duelists compete with each other to earn a form of currency called "Honor". This form of credit is also a ranking which places the Duelist in 1 of 4 divisions. There are also sub-divisions, representing the various formats. Ranked, Only the best Duelists in the World make it to the Elite Division; the competition and point acquisition is brutal. Duelists are allowed to spend their Honor to purchase equipment once owned by other Duelists, but doing so could place them in a lower Division. Elites often maneuver the Duelist's ladder in this manner, surprising their fans when they appear in other Divisions.
Tools & Components
The Duelist's Proof not only displays relevant information about the Duelist, such as wins & losses, major bouts or injuries, but it also updates the registry automatically. Once a Duel commences, a Duelist's Proof projects a barrier around the two combatants that prevents anything, including magic, from leaving the area. This barrier is user- defined, allowing for narrow or wider space, higher or lower walls and elevated areas. This barrier contains the battle, preventing anyone else from entering the Arena; children, and those prone to sensitivity triggers, are unable to view from outside the Arena, as a veil prevents those who would come to harm watching the fight from viewing the graphic nature of the Duel.
The Duelist's Proof can only be used in this mannert to stage a Duel. It can't be used as an item in or out of combat.
The Duelist's Proof is also enchanted with powerful Restoration magic. When the Duel is over, the Arena is released and both combatants are affected by the "Refresh" Spell, healing their wounds or life, returning them to the state they were in before the Duel.
If a Duelist's Proof is lost or stolen, a new Proof can be provided at charge to the Duelist (10k Casho; 5K Honor).
The Duelist's Proof can only be used in this mannert to stage a Duel. It can't be used as an item in or out of combat.
The Duelist's Proof is also enchanted with powerful Restoration magic. When the Duel is over, the Arena is released and both combatants are affected by the "Refresh" Spell, healing their wounds or life, returning them to the state they were in before the Duel.
If a Duelist's Proof is lost or stolen, a new Proof can be provided at charge to the Duelist (10k Casho; 5K Honor).
Participants & Observance
Duelists
Patron
- Title given to those who Duel as a profession.
Patron
- Title of an entity or group that retains a Duelist. Includes Guilds, Corporations, or even Nations.
Arbiter
Ring-Master
- Title given to one who may initiate a Duel between 2 or more competing parties.
Ring-Master
- Title given to an announcer at an organized Duel. Isn't necessary, but is allowed to broadcast and commentate during the Duel.
Might Makes Right!
Content Warning
While this Article isn't graphic in nature, it does touch on some themes of violence and prejudices. If you are sensitive to this kind of material, reader discretion is advised.
MYTH X
MYTH X
TYPES OF DUELS
The following is a list of the various Duels, with variant rules and conditions. Formats are ranked by the Honor they bestow to the victor. The Sub-Divisions are formed from the following Duel-Types: STANDARD DUEL
The most common form of Blood Sport, the Duel is between 2 Parties only. Honorable.
BRAWL
Low stakes Duel, omits weapons or spells of any kind. Usually between 2 or more.
Low Honor- but it is quite popular.
BATTLE ROYAL
Much like a normal Duel, except between parties of 3 or more. High Honor.
PRIZE FIGHT
As a normal Duel, except between 2 Duelists of different rank. Honorable.
MAGIC DUEL
Unlike a normal Duel, permits the use of Magic- determined during Arbitration. Honorable.
SUMMONER'S DUEL
Special Magic Duel that uses Summoned Creatures between combatants. Low Honor.
MONSTER DUEL
Instead of Duelists, monsters are summoned.
Low Honor; considered illegal in some regions.
SPECIAL VARIANTS
DEATH MATCH
The Duelists fight each other to the Death. There is no revival after the Duel.
Once known as the Ordeal of Blood. No Honor; Illegal.
ANGEL'S MERCY
Specialized Duel that tracks skill over death blows. One or more Arbiters judge the final round.
Also known as an "Exhibition". Honorable.
HEALER'S CUP
Specialized Duel or Battle Royale which includes a Healer. Both Duelist and Healer must be defeated.
High Honor.
DWARVEN SQUARE
Duelists fight in an Arena that is small and narrow. Mainly used for Brawls. Honorable.
ELVEN COURT
Combatants fight inside a multi- chambered Arena. Variable designs.
Popular Battle Royal Format. May include hazards. Honorable.
WIZARD'S TOWER
As Elven Court, except one or more Parties summon Monsters inside the Arena.
Honorable- Low Honor for Summoners.
ROGUE'S TOWER
A combination of Elven Courtand Death Match. No Honor; Illegal.
ELDER DRAGON
Large, open Arena Death Match Royale- can only be initiated by Dragons/ Drakan in Ar- Dracadia. Low Honor.
WIP!
- Honor, currency
- "Arena", Metamancy Spell
- "Refresh", Restoration Spell
- God of Duel-Masters, deities
- Blood Sports Champion, person
- World League of Blood Sports, organization (edit)
- Duelist's Proof, item (edit)
- Duelist's Armor, equipment
- Stadiums & Arenas, location
Do they ever use dog skulls? You might like the film The Salute of the Jugger known in the US as The Blood of Heroes.