There's a lot of variables in the question of dueling for me to give a blanket answer. However, to give the best most generic answer I can we'll assume that 1) There's not a roleplay conflict with the character's roleplay, 2) It's not a grudge match type situation*, 3) that as you mentioned it's done in a 'safe place' (ie: no evils lurking nearby ready to pounce, or other such nastiness...we'll also assume there's no raiding to be done at the moment or what not).

All of that being said, it breaks down to the fact that sparring has always been a part of any group's ability to better themselves. On CF this is shown by both the ability to get skills up quicker by being in a (mechanic-wise) pk situation (IC it's easy to explain because you're fighting an experienced foe...and not just some beast trying to snack on you) and learning about how to fight another race/class. In real life, however, steps are taken so that any type of melee sparring is done as safely and non-lethaly as possible. Padded weapons, safety pads, and both participants pulling thier blows somewhat. CF doesn't contain (nor will it for reasons I'll go into if needed) an ability to safely duel mechanically speaking. It's assumed that safety precautions will be used, ie: no assassinating, no bashing, tripping, or other incapacitating moves used that would cause a higher chance of death, additionally using weapons that aren't full strength, etc etc etc.

So we'll assume that all of the above is true, and you're dueling with as much safety as possible, complete with an Acolyte healer standing by just in case something goes awry. At this point, I've got no problems with a duel...it's simple weapons sparring...no worries. Now as to one of the two dieing? Well...think of this as your Maran would. You've just accidently caused the death (or permanantly weakening if you want to see it that way) of a fellow lightwalker. This is not something I'd expect a character to take lightly...accidents happen yes, but if it's just shrugged off by the person who caused the death....I'm going to call you down for it. This is where you the player have to seperate yourself from your character. Sure maybe the other guy lagged himself and you and neither of you could flee in time...and technically it's his/her fault. You the player can grumble and moan and think what a dumbass the other guy/girl is....however, you the character should react with the horror of somone who just struck down a fellow lightwalker and brother in arms.

So the short, quick answer is: Dueling is fine as long yas you go to great lengths to keep it safe, causing a death as an accident happens...but react to it IC, and deal with it IC.

* I'm actually okay with grudges coming to a duel, but it should NOT be a duel to the death...and it should be a case of something so great that mere words can't settle it. As an example, when I was playing mortal Shokai, honor was a huge thing to him...as was respect and loyalty to the Knight cabal. There was a paladin Justice (Heh, I think?) that went off on how Knights had no honor and what not while Shok and a group of other Knights were there. I challenged him to a fight...because he was laying some hardcore dis mojo on something that was more important to Shokai than his own life. However for those who follow this subthread into a duel...pick your battles very very well...because if it's a pride/ego or what not thing that isn't backed up by your roll and/or previous actions...and you kill a fellow lightwalker over it, be expecting some negative Shoki points.


Hope this helps

Call it:

"As iron sharpens another iron, so does man sharpen another man."

>Call it:
>
>"As iron sharpens another iron, so does man sharpen another
>man."

Empire also says "Greed is good". Shall Maran follow their ideas too?

nt

I played Beltantis, Kerikorlian, Racteris, Arenthiolo, some storm giant paladin whose name I can't remember, and Makivante. 5 or 6 Marans and Maran wannabes, and a slew of other maran applicants over the years and I back you up.

I can't speak for Shokai but I'm pretty sure he'd agree that its fine as long as its not malicious.