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Bladewind
Master of Realmslore
Netherlands
1280 Posts |
 Posted - 08 Feb 2014 : 14:55:42
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Are there a regions or states in the realms that are known to accept duels as the way to prove guilt or innocence in cases of land ownership, theft or injury? The North, Thay and the areas around the Moonsea (the regions I think trials by combat are prevalent) are probably quite fond of its brutal way of achieving justice.
How would you organise its rules and regulations? Does the accused or accuser need to defend himself or can they choose a champion? Are trials (or championing) limited to the nobility or can everyone claim one? Who needs to oversee the event? Who decides the place, manner of fight and equipment used? How many times can the accused miss the duel before he is considered forfeiting? Can you yield during the fight? Is magic forbidden?
Trials by jury are probably in effect in most of Faerun's more urban regions, so refusing an judicial duel and letting a jury of the local priest(hood), town elder(s) and ruler(s) decide on the accusation would likely be a more common choice for a typical Faerunian. But I think the stigma of being seen as craven or weak would maintain the use of trial by combat alongside the more conversational methods.
Historically nobility were allowed to issue trials by combat on the spot, without presenting the case by a judge. I seem to remember reading novels with sons and dughters of nobels running around Waterdeep causing mayhem, and using their right as nobles to challenge duels without the consent of a judge. This way anyone trying to stop the youthful noble would have to meet his blade in a duel, and concede their accusations in case they lost. So I think Waterdeep can be seen as part of the North, and having trial by combat as a part of their judicial system.
Anyone know more examples in Realmslore of judicial duels? What weapons were allowed? Are there any examples of trials by magic combat (as I expect them to be popular in Thay)? What was the outcome?
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My campaign sketches
Druidic Groves
Creature Feature: Giant Spiders |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
8035 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2014 : 20:54:55
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Ha, welcome to the Hillsfar arena!
Your regular adventuring schedule has been suspended. Your possessions have been confiscated. You are judged a criminal, guilty of failing to report or license your magics, guilty of failing to pay state taxes on said magics. You are scheduled to fight three battles today. First, a pack of blind wyverns, then Necrobius Blackfinger and his zombie platoon (dressed in our Lord‘s Crimson Praetoria armour to commemorate his daughter‘s birthday!), then our reigning champion (the Minotaur Knoxx Frosthammer). If you live (which isn‘t likely), you will be charged a rental fee for the gladius you hold (city property), and the crowd will choose if you continue earning your gruel, lice, and straw pallet in the arena cages for another year or if you are set on your way by the South Road Gate with a full hour‘s head start before the next Deathrider patrol.
Now move! Ye can choose to keep tasting my lash until you bleed out, or to chance the wyverns! I don‘t care either way, but ye‘ll want to move before the rot grubs fall. |
[/Ayrik] |
Edited by - Ayrik on 08 Feb 2014 21:16:07 |
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Bladewind
Master of Realmslore
Netherlands
1280 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2014 : 21:32:39
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Are those fights in Hillsfars arena (there are others in Thay, Calimport, Westgate and Chessenta) ritualised in some form or are they basicly bloodsport? In these examples, I presume the accused can use any means they have to achieve victory, albeit magic use (spells and enhancements) or champions (fellow party members). Fully capable adventurers in action makes for a flashy spectacle that the local festhall can exploit by serving food and beverages for the enraptured masses.
Collateral damage would be a cause of concern for the arena masters if destructive magics start to fly, so I think it would be easier for them to ban offensive magic use outright. Summoning and alteration magics might be allowed on a case by case basis.
There is a novel with an island-arena of bloodsports floating somewhere in eastern Tethyr too (Rowe's Sandstorm). I haven't read it, but a floating Colloseum sounds interesting as a spot to which problemetic parties can be exiled. |
My campaign sketches
Druidic Groves
Creature Feature: Giant Spiders |
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Trial by Combat/judicial duels in Faerun
