Role

Chapter 6

Journal #3 Conflict
How does one properly solve conflict when it occurs within the very bonds
of the Battleragers?

Recently I witnessed a disagreement between two Villagers which devolved
into an insult match and a pending challenge in the Circle.

What is the source of using the Circle as a means to resolve arguments?
The answer to this can be found in the details on The Rites of War. The
Circle, it describes, was originally used for Villagers to relieve their
frustration on each other. Violence for violences sake, to get the anger
in you out on an ally. Afterwards it was used to test applicants, pitting
them against veteran Battleragers to make them earn their scars.
Lastly, it was used for when a Battlerager had left the Village, earning
their hut back only by a victory in the Circle. Then comes the line that
most rely on to justify the challenges in the circle: Any conflict that
would arise between two barbarians was settled in blood, at the center of
the circle. These disputes were decisive and could not be contested by
the defeated man in the circle.

So, given this is how it was, is this how it should be? The answer to
that question is a hard one. The authority to make such a decision
resides in the wisdom of the Gods or the Commander. Still, since this is
just a journal and Im not insulting anyones earned respect, I will
share my thoughts here. Torzen, if youre reading this, I know youre the
Commander! So dont go hitting me over this!

The Circle should be used to hammer a point home, not to make a point on
its own, or to define rightness just by might. If the strongest warrior
said Magic isnt so bad! and won in the Circle, it would not make the
statement true. I can see the use in resolving a conflict quickly, and
with violence, but I think there can be more to disagreement.
Battleragers may be called Barbarians, but we are not orcs. Our minds
should be honed as much as our bodies, our intellect as much as our
brawn. Ill take you to the circle sounds more like I dont have an
argument or reason for my behavior. The Commander and Drillmaster should
reserve all rights to determine what issues are brought to the Circle and
when.

In short: I think many folks have it wrong. Just because the Circle has
been used like that doesnt mean it must, nor that it should be.