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.

R.M. Dupree -Copper Harbor, 1865

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 coerce social inferiors. It was this Monarch who issued the first rules governing the Code of Honor to the College of Peers. Since then, the College of Peers has both maintained and updated the Code as they see fit. Adherence to the Code is enforced by the Sheriffs and the College Dean since 1769.

Theoretically one indiviudal may demand the honor of another for any action or statement that is considered injurious to their reputation, their property, their family, or the general welfare of the island. In general, the following offences are typically seen as valid reasons for issuing a demand of honor. I have complied these from several texts by well remembered and respected Sheriff's letters upon honor.

Offenses of Person

Libel of either improper or criminal behavior.
Discussing a confidential relationships with others
Taunting of an individual about some defect in their creation
Claiming that you had a sexual relationship with another individual falsely
Instigating a false rumor or report of another's conduct
Urinating upon another's rose bush
Attempting to make unwanted physical advsnces upon another
Sodimizing another man's sheep,
Attempting to create nude images of another without their consent
Saluting another's sworn enemy in their presence

Offenses of Property

Damaging another individuals property
Inappropriate behavior to children
Being disrespectful of another's God or religion
Stating willful falsehoods about oneself
Cutting down another man's tree
Puking in the punch bowl
Smoking Hemp in another man's house.
Throwing Stones at another man's cat, or kitten.

Offenses of Right

Ruining another's Hunt Ball by mischevious actions
Abandonment of one's spouse and children
Improperly attempting to engage in sexual activity with another's servant
Being an indescrete lover of the injured parties son or daughter
Libel of either improper or criminal behavior against a leige
Fraudlent behavior towards a leige
Starting rumors, as a man's servant, to his enemy
Threating a leige or servant with a naked blade
Hunting upon another's property without permission or right
Stealing another's tea recipie.

Offences Against the Relm

Urinating within twenty feet of a well, unless it was a privy or water closet
Sticking coins of the relm into one's bowls
Taking a bath in water below a red stone marker
The use of a weapon above one's station
Cowardice in the face of the enemy
The wearing of cross gartering on Sundays and the Twelth of May
Hunting of deer or manx upon Royal Corpses without permission
Selling of the products of the Poppy to a man's children.
Cutting another man's cinnimon bark
Releasing Vapir Hassen into another man's garden
Ejaculating in a stream

The Grave Offences

(These are almost impossible to forgive, and it is likely that first blood will also be a death blow)

Kicking another man's wolfhound
Attacking a Knight's companion
Dropping another man's sword into water, soup, or unmentionable foulness
The willful misuse or overuse of common land
Throwing carrots in a man's home
Deficating within sixty feet of a well, unless it was a privy or water closet
Refusal to do one's duty
Tauting of a warrior for his wounds either of the mind or body
Engaging in the breeding of Hassen without licence
Sodomy of a Hassen
Sodomy of a milk cow
The stealing of another man's ginger

The Following is a generalized list of what is expected of each social group in terms of the Honor Code.

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 or they have commited a Grave Offence.
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 must practice to fight with sword and dagger regularly

Foriegn

Someone who is not an Alconian, a foreigner, is usually considered a Vaux for all matters of Honor. However there are circumstances in which a foreigner is raised up to another leve1.

First, having lived long enough within the Duchies to make good accquaintance of various good families. This is usually marked by the phrase, "You know ... do you not?" which effectively is a demonstration that you are considered an equal of the family just mentioned. In such situations you will be expected to act upon the social standing you have just been granted.

Second, by wearing a sword. The rank which you will be proscribed to is dependent on the type of blade you wear. A short sword will allow most Alconians to view you as a Freeman, with all the privilages, and responsiblites that that level entails. If you wear a longer sword, you begin to equate first with the gentry, then the noblity.

I have meet many men from abroad who have purchased swords to elevate their rank within the Alconian Social structure. This has usually proven disasterous, especially those young men who fancy the japaneese 'Katana' that have been profuse upon these shores the past few years. Many of these weapons have been produced by fools who know little of metalworking and less of honor. These weapons, are advertised as having 100 folds or more and sold throughout the world. Considering so many folds are only needed for the cheapest, foulest steel such items are usually weaker than a stout quarterstaff. In most cases those that have reached the islands of the Dark Sea are considered worthless trinkets no better than glass beads. To signify that you have a proper Katana and know how to use it, one must wear the entire daisho.

I refer those who desire to wear swords to the list of weapons in Duels but some important points:

Never buy a weapon for show, if you can not use it learn, if you do not wish to learn, save your money and your life. A fool with a blade with soon find that the first blow is a death blow.
A weapon that has much gilt with be seen to have little value, if it is too precious to use, it is too dear to own.
Take care of a sword, and it shall take care of you. If you neglect your sword, the respect others will show you will diminish also.
To practice with your sword is considered fine sport and art, to threaten others with a naked blade is considered thuggery.

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.

When entering the study, den, or private room of another, do not let any guards you may have with you enter. To do so shall indicate your intent to war with them soon.

Always take your sword in your right hand as you enter a home. To have it upon your left, or hanging upon your belt means you plan to strike.

Never wear a sword in the presence of the Grand Chamber or the College of Peers unless you are a peer or knight.

If showing your sword to another, always offer it with the hand upon the hilt and the tip of the scabbard, let the other man remove it from its place.

To offer your service to a peer, or the crown. Hold your sword before you, in open palms. If they take it, then you must serve them until they discharge you or die.

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 between each course.
- English style: the food is placed upon the sideboard, and each diner asks a footmen to bring one of the courses to them. The food served English style is usually far less expensive, and more plentiful than in the French style.

A Dinner invitation is always made two days in advance, unless they are your neighboors. Then they may invite you that day.
- Always arrive within fifteen minutes of the invite, the closer to the time the better.
- Never overindluge upon another's wines, it is rude and likely to cause you great mischeif
- Never feed the host's pets, for you may cause the creatures to soil something later
- Bring children under 12 only if the invitation is for your family, you may bring any polite child of sixteen or greater unless it is a political acquaintance

A House Dinner is a special event within the Manors and large households of Alcona. If one should be a guest at these events, one should consider themselves lucky.
- The meals are pot-luck with each tenant/manger bringing a dish to the table
- As a guest your hosts cook will be expected to cook for you, but you must tell them what to prepare and pay for the ingrediants. Offering to help, if you have any skill, shall go a long way in keeping the cook happy with you.
- Never speak unless spoken to during these meals, you are not of the House so do not pretend to be.
- Buisness acquaintances should know to travel to their meal that day, and not impede their accquaintances meal.

Hunt Balls

Duels

Typical Weapons

Long dirks -Vaux, Freeman
Quarterstaff - Vaux, Freeman,
Rapier -Freeman
Sabre -Freeman
Sword-Bayonet-Freeman/Military
Pole-arm -Freeman
Side Sword -Freeman (Usually Gentry/knights), Officers
LongSwords-Nobility/Knights
Battleax-Adel/Swordmasters
Katana -Due to the sudden influx of these weapons since the opening of Nippon, they are seen as likely just ornamental flim flam and gain the wearer no respect. Only the proper wearing of a Katana with a Tanto will gain the bearer respect -Nobility
Hand-Half sword, -must be worn with the long fighting dirk -Peers/Peer Heirs/armsmen/Electors
Zweihänder-limited to Electors and Knights of the Order of the Griffen
Two Handed Claymore -Electors

Initial Steps

The injuried party must first demand an appology for the offense. For an offense given in error or negligence is not a black mark upon your honor, but a mistake that should be immediatly corrected. If the injuring party refuses to offer amends, or who's appology is insencere, the injured party may demand that they defend their actions upon the Feild of Honor. If the injuring party refuses, they are without honor and should be shunned by all proper citizens of this fair land. If the injuring party accepts the challenge, they have the right to choose the weapons. Upon the choice of weapons, the injured party has the right to chose closed or open feild. Both parties shall then select their seconds to orginize the Duel.

The Seconds of the Parties shall go to the Sheriff of the place of offence and ask that a Feild Master be assigned to the Duel. The Sheriff shall ask any questions of the seconds in the matter, and may refuse the Duel upon the grounds that the reason is insufficent. If the Sheriff can not be found upon the matter, a Master of the Sword may be asked to act as Feild Master.

The Feild Master shall ensure that the fight is proper and all rules are obeyed. They shall insure that the seconds in the matter follow all forms, and speak tuthfully upon the matter, and upon any late appologies either party may make.

The Feild Master shall select the place of the Duel. If it is a closed feild, he shall mark out a space of fourty-five feet by thirty five feet with four white poles. The Feild Master shall raise in each square of each village and city of the Parish an annoucement of the Duel. If any party bring forth a reason for dismissing the Duel, the Feild Master shall bring this forth to the Sheriff of the Parish.

The Feild Master shall inspect the weapons upon the day of the Duel, before both seconds. They shall insure that the weapons have no defects, and that both parties are well enough to fight. If either party be unstable in mind or body, such that they are unable to fight, the Duel shall be postponed.

All Duels are to first blood or forfit.
To continue to fight after first blood or forfit, your life shall be forfit, and claimed by the Feild Master.
Any man who hath fought and lost a duel by first blood shall be considered honorable but wrong.
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.

Closed Feild Rules

Each Party of the Duel shall start in the middle, with their weapons drawn, upon the 1/3 and 2/3 marks of the Feild. Upon the dropping of the Feild Master's sword, the Duel shall begin.
If either party steps outside of the bounds, they have forfitted and the Duel is over.
If either party has both knees upon the ground, or both shoulders, they have forfit.
If a party should place one knee upon the ground and raise their weapon above their head, they have declared forfit by acknowlegement
If a man doth not fight, but steps out of the Duel, he shall be considered a coward by all If a party doth fight, but then forfit by acknowlegement, or by being forced off the feild, he shall be considered wrong but honorable.

Open Feild Rules

Each Party of the Duel shall start ten paced from each other, with their weapons sheethed or at parade. They shall stand with their backs at each other until the Feild Master has dropped his sword.
Neither Party shall come within five yards of the Feild Master and the Seconds
If a party should place one knee upon the ground and raise their weapon above their head, they have declared forfit by acknowlegement
If a party doth fight, but then forfit by acknowlegement, he shall be considered honorable but wrong.
If a party doth have fallen uninjured in the fight. The standing party may only cut their arm or leg to end the duel. If the standing party shall take a killing blow, he shall be cut down by the Feild Master and the seconds.