Alconian Honor, Morals, and Duels

Introduction

If you are reading this text, then I salute you for your bravery. Since my path crossed a group of Dyellian Pirates in the Southern Klatchian Ocean, I have found living within the Klatch an existance filled with danger. I have also found, since my rescue by His Grace's Navy, that the Grand Duchy of Alcona is likely the safest place to live within this part of the world. Since my time arriving in Copper Harbor some fourty years ago, the number of foreign traders appears to have increased. Or perhaps the number who come to my mill has increased over the years. Many of them have simply come to buy flour or meal; many have come to ask advice in dealing with the Alconians themselves. It is for this second group, that I have decided to write this book. For although Alconians are decended from Anglo, Dutch, and German stock, they have peculiar notions which are not European.

Code of Honor

The Alconians are a warrior race. Since my arrival on their shores, they have only known two years of peace with the world. Futhermore, they live on islands off the coast of the most dangerous portion of the world man has ever explored. Some say that the Devil himself created the flora and fauna of this part of the planet. A preable to his later creation of Hell itself. An alconian, both man and woman, must be prepared to defend themselves from those that would destroy them at a moments notice. Such people do not suffer foolishness, rashness, or disrespect.

Elizabeth the first, the Warrior Duchess herself, realized that the act of dueling could quickly be used to manipulate others, murder political rivals, and enforce social inferiors. As such the first rules governing the Code of Honor were established by her. They have been updated as the culture has changed since then.

The rules for the Code of Honor will be presented in terms of each social level's responsibilty and rights under the Code. However there are some basic rules that all should follow:

• Be respectful towards all individuals. Not the great respect one must earn, but the lower level of one good Christian towards another.

• Do not mock anyone you are not closely associated with, unless you are a known fool.

• All Duels are to first blood, they may be called off by a Sheriff, or the Feild Master.
• To continue to fight after first blood, your life shall be forfit.
• No Duel may involve firearms, or projectiles, only bladed weapons and the quarterstaff.
• A Duel between individuals of two differing ranks shall be to the highest weapon allowed for the person of lowest rank.

The Vaux

• A Vaux's opinion is not considered to be of much consequence.
• A Vaux may not be challenged to a duel of honor unless they have committed libel against you such that you are accused of a criminal wrong.
• You may not call upon a duel of any Vaux who is in government employ, unless the Sheriff of your parish allows it.
• A Vaux may call a duel of knives upon both Noble and Freeman, but neither need rise to his bait. Only a Vaux who claims wrong before a Sheriff may declare a superior to be dishonorable.
• A Vaux may only carry a knife no greater than ten inches and a quarterstaff.
• If a Vaux is called a Higaloo, he should become quiet and leave. If he does not, he may be pummled by those he has taunted.

Freeman

• A Freeman shall not demand a Duel if taunted by a Vaux.
• A Freeman shall, upon being taunted by a Vaux, may call upon a neighbor. If they neighbor calls Higaloo, and the Vaux does not stop his actions, the Vaux may be pummled.
• A Freeman may call upon a Duel any private individual for any offence given.
• A Freeman who has been called upon to uphold his honor, who has applogized for the offence but who's appology has been refused, may call upon the Sheriff to hear his appology.
• A Freeman who is an armsman or a master armsman must fight his duel with one of his own skill level.
• A Freeman who demands honor of a Noble, must fight the Noble and not his armsman, unless the Freeman is an armsman.
• A Freeman may not fight a Duel upon a rival if they are both in employ of His Grace's Government, he must hire an armsman to fight the Duel in his name.
• A Freeman may demand a duel of a member of the government or civil service. The Duel shall be postponed if the person is to take service abroad.
• A Freeman may not fight a Duel if in the Service of the Crown, if he calls a duel it shall be postponed until both are not in active service.
• A Freeman may carry a pole arm, or a sword that can be weilded by one hand and is less that thirty-eight inches in length

Noble

• No Noble may fight another in a duel, they shall send their armsmen to represent them upon the feild.
• No Noble may send an armsman to duel with a Vaux or a Freeman, unless they be an armsman
• A Noble should ignore the taunting of a Vaux
• A Noble who is Sheriff is forbidden from Dueling
• A Noble may demand a duel of a member of the government or civil service. The Duel shall be postponed if the person is to take service abroad.
• A Noble may not fight a Duel if in the Service of the Crown, if he calls a duel it shall be postponed until both are not in active service.
• A Noble should be able to fight with a hand and a half sword and a dagger.

Manners

Alconian manners are much like that of all civilized nations. However, they do have some traits which the average traveller and guest should be aware of.

Greetings

• When meeting an Alconian, do not offer your hand. Instead give a headbow if dressed in a uniform, pants or kilt, or a short curstey if dressed in a skirt or gown. A handshake only occurs between close freinds and after buisness arangements have been made.

• When a leader of a large group, introduce yourself first to the senior of the Alconian group. After the senior Alconian has introduced himself, present each of the senior members of your party. The Alconian will then follow suit.

=Food and Wine

• When offered food or drink, you will be offered a glass and the food; take it, but do not drink or eat yet. The host or hostess shall be served last, they shall first take a drink or bite of their food and then make a toast. You may then indulge in the food or drink, knowing that it is not poisoned by your host.

• Breakfast is always served buffet style, you are to get the food for yourself. It is recommended that you eat heartily for lunch shall likely be light.

• Lunch is served near noon, and is usually served with sweet tea. This is tea, sweetened with sugar and served over ice.

• Tea is served near four or five. If you are having tea in a notable household, the tea shall be a special blend of that house. The senior individual at the table shall serve the tea to the other guests and then sip it first. If the party is large, the tea shall be served by stewards. It is considered polite to drink a full cup of tea before eating.

• Dinner is served from eight to nine. It is either 'French' or 'English' style. French style shall have courses and the plates shall be removed