Personal Challenges

In the case of a personal challenge between two knights, the lances are not blunted, and a fallen knight is not out unless he begs for mercy or is knocked unconscious. The knight on horseback has the advantage because of his height above his opponent and the length of his weapon. The fallen knight can only use his sword, and any roll of a natural 1 means the horse is struck. Unlike the fairness shown above, this is a serious loss of personal honor, and means the loss of the challenge and possibly other repercussions as well.

Two challenging knights taken to the ground are provided with maces or hammers for the continuation of the battle. Whoever is up and alive at the end wins, and he has the choice of slaying his foe, or granting him mercy. Usually, a knight grants mercy.