Dueling
Though officially outlawed and prohibited by both the Church and the Government dueling is still a socially acceptable and widespread practice. It is most common with the nobility though all classes of society use it to some degree. A noble will never duel with a commoner or any non-noble.
The Rules:
The rules are fairly straightforward.
No magic of any kind may be employed by either of the principals. This means no magic items, magic weapons, magic armor, spell enhancements or spells. The only magic acceptable at the scene of a duel is healing magic.
All weapons and armor, if any, must be equal. This means that the same types, lengths and weights of weapons; the same shield sizes and armor types.
The challenger (the offended party usually) has choice of weapons and armor.
Seconds will meet to arrange a time and place for the fight, and if possible negotiate an acceptable apology or whatever is needed to avoid the duel entirely.
At least one second and up to three friends may accompany the duelist to the fight.
Duels are fought to one of the following conclusions.
First Blood. Who ever draws blood first is the victor.
Serious Wound. This is a wound, or series of wounds equal
to 1/2 of HT.
Death. This is a very serious affair. Dueling is illegal
and killing your opponent is murder. The victor generally
must go into exile to avoid a hanging. Further, all other
involved parties, seconds and friends on both sides are
also guilty.
Funeral Rites and Customs
Mitraen churches maintain cemeteries with consecrated ground, which is re-consecrated annually. the purpose of this ritual is to help ensure that the dead rest in peace without being disturbed by the depredations of Ghouls and the spells of Necromancers. Consecration alone is not enough to protect fully. Cemeteries attached to important temples are guarded by the Sacarium Guard and/or by various magical protections…. Less important village temples make do with caretakers.
Since only the faithful may be buried in consecrated earth, most communities maintain a public graveyard for foreigners, Druidic followers, convicted murderers, witches, slaves and unidentified dead. These graveyards are guarded by caretakers and/or the local Watch. Often times the two cemeteries are side by side to facilitate protection.
Because fresh corpses are considered most desireable, to Necromancers as well as Ghouls, it is the custom to post a guard on a fresh grave for three days and three nights following internment. Generally the day watch is accomplished by friends and family of the deceased as a combined mourning/wake/guard. No Necromancer would try to steal a corpse in daylight and Ghouls are of course afraid of sunlight. The night shift, the higher risk duty, is generally done by guards hired by the decease’s family or supplied by the undertaker. In cemeteries with Sacarium Guards they will handle this, though the family must make a donation for the service.
It is customary for the family to supply the Guards with food and drink (no alcohol) as well as light and a brazier and fuel for warmth. (As well as paying for their service.) According to tradition there can be no meat eaten in a cemetery, food is limited to bread, cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables etc.. Typically guards are paid about $10.00 per night.
There are never less than two guards on duty, three is typical.