Dueling
By Daquira
Dueling is
a practice not found in Redwall, though it might have been interesting.
However, this practice would most probably have been too violent (not to
mention unnecessary) for the peace-loving woodland creatures, and too tame for most
vermin hordes. Still, it might be an interesting variation to think about.
Dueling was
once the main way of settling a dispute. It was first done with swords, and
then later moved on to pistols. A Redwallian type scenario would obviously use
swords, or other weapons of that kind. (Knives, spears, etc.)
Dueling was looked upon by society as acceptable, and often a good way of
increasing status. A duel was frequently finished by the death of one the
combatants, though sometimes the rule of ‘first blood drawn’ was used to keep
good duelers alive. This second option was considerably better, though sometime
‘first blood’ and death were one and the same. Then whatever argument the
combatants had dueled over would be considered resolved, with the victor
obviously being right. And because, more often than not, the loser wasn’t
around to complain about it, this seemed to work just fine.
Sometimes a
person could be forced into a duel, often on an imagined slight. The favorite
means of challenging a person for a duel was to go up and slap them. Sometimes
with gloves, which was probably quite fun. Let us
consider this part of dueling: the slapping.
There are
approximately three kinds of gloves that you can slap with, each more hurtful
than the last. If you (or hopefully one of your characters) ever decide to
challenge anybody to a duel, then you might want to consider these aspects of
each of them.
Firstly,
the cotton glove. This, when properly slapped across a person’s face,
is nothing but an annoyance, but considered very insulting. It will no more
than slightly sting, and is the standard glove for opponent-slapping.
Secondly,
the leather glove. Now, leather is quite a bit heavier than cotton, and
can pack quite a healthy wallop, leaving red marks and other such painful
reminders. This is good if you wish to infuriate your adversary—not to mention that
black leather gloves look quite spiffy.
Lastly,
and the worst by far, the chain mail glove. This is
extremely heavy-duty, and you must question how mad you want your opponent to
get before slapping them with this weighty implement. Chain mail is, of course,
metal rings overlapping each other. Slapping someone with a chain mail glove—throwing
works as well, if you want to make sure the distance between you and your
opponent is enough that they will be held back from throttling you until time
of the duel—is highly insulting, and often harmful. (Note: you might want to
have a doctor around to bandage up his head afterward. It’s not good going into
a duel with a half-blind opponent. Well, at least not good
for your reputation as a fair sportsman, though it sure helps your health.)
One small tip to remember: the
accused had the right to choose weapon, time, and place, so in a way they have
the advantage (if they have recovered sufficiently from the three day headache
accompanying being slapped by a chain mail glove, that is). And there you have
it, the art of dueling. Or at least, starting a duel, which I’m sure you will
all treasure. Thank you for your time; office hours are ten to one, and no
admittance to persons bearing chain mail gloves. Now, go off and play nice.
*evil laugh* Ahem. Thank you.
~ Daquira
Questions,
comments? Looking for my addres so you can pelt me with rotten fruit?
Email me at mountaincrazy_7@hotmail.com.