Editing Duel (section)

== The Forms (Must Be Obeyed) ==

The basic forms of a duel are the same regardless of how the duel is fought.  

# Offense is given.  Somehow.
# The aggrieved party shall make it very clearly known that offense was given, giving the offending party the opportunity to make the offense right.  Somehow.
# The offending party does not do so.
# The aggrieved party issues challenge.
# The challenged party may make right the offense, or accept the challenge.
# Both parties secure seconds.
# The challenger selects details (time, place, equipment, and win condition), and dispatches their second to communicate this to the challenged party.  The challenged party may accept or propose alternatives, using their second.
# Once the details are agreed upon, the duel can occur.
# The duelists and their seconds assemble at the agreed place and time.
# The seconds present each party's weapons to the other party for inspection.
# If both parties are in agreement that all is in order, combat may commence.

In areas and eras where dueling was tolerated by the law, these forms were treated as absolutes that had to be obeyed for the authorities to look the other way.