Bare Knuckle Society
The Bare Knuckle Society is a pugilism, wrestling and unarmed fighting society dedicated to fighting without weapons. Many of its member can be found near the Field of the Fearless nursing their wounds or practicing their crafts. It is one of Averums longest-lived combat groups, having been founded in 1468 DC. In addition, the society has frequently acted as hired muscle when other organisations or citizens of the city request, though this does have its limits.
Structure
The Bare Knuckle Society has a loose, though formal structure, having evolved since its inception. The leader of the group lacks a designated title, instead being referred to as its leader in plain terms. The societies leader plans battle tactics during professional combat, organises teams and liases with other groups when the groups services are asked for, among other tasks. In this respect, the Bare Knuckle Society is often regarded as a loose collection of skilled fighters as opposed to a professional band of mercenaries.
A leader is selected through a democratic vote of two parties, with votes cast either for an existing leader or the opposition. In the event of an encumbant leaders death or their voluntary departure from the position, a tournament is held between every member with the winning member being the new leader. This method of combative election was originally the only method of election upon the groups inception.
Gaining membership requires a prospective member to best an existing member as chosen by the groups leader in hand-to-hand combat without the aid of weapons, magic or other similar items. Membership in the group brings several benefits including; trusted combatants to sparr with, teammates in the Field of the Fearless along with the knowledge (and assurance) that the group protects its own.
Culture
Despite the Bare Knuckle Societies limited structure the internal culture of the group is steadfast and much of its continued existence can be attributed to this. Kinship, trust, belonging and personal strength are all virtues the groups strives to embody. Members should above all else protect one another as they would their family. In this regard, the society has a long history of harbouring the disenfranchised of the city and providing a place to prosper.
While this has ensured the group maintaining a high level of chemistry, internal conflicts do occur. In such an event, a resolution is decided by the leader, with ousting from the society being most common.
The society is on the whole not opposed to the use of magic, weapons or other objects during battle and in fact maintains a general ethos of 'win however you can,' though internally this rule is considered of the utmost importance and to be respected at nearly all times. Exceptions are made when fighters agree upon chosen weapons prior to a fight. Magic is strictly forbidden in internal fights.
Religion
All manner of beliefs are welcome to members of the Bare Knuckle Society, though most tend towards worshipping gods of hearth, home, temperance, endurance or love.Public Agenda
To provide a place for professional fighters to practice, sparr and form teams with fellow fighters, in particular those associated with the Field of the Fearless.
History
The Bare Knuckle Society was formed by Jonesy Legpelter in 1468 DC in a small tavern in Averum (the name of which Jonesy forgot) during a bout of excessive drunkedness. Jonesy was said to have tried to fight someone, but enjoyed his time so much during the bout that they kept meeting up to fight on a consistent basis. In truth, no one is entirely sure of the specifics save that the group was founded sometime in 1468 DC, probably during the summer.
Fight anyone you don't like.
Founding Date
1468
Type
Social, Group
Alternative Names
Brawlers Guild, Toothless Bunch
Leader
Founders
Location
Comments