Hólmganga

A hólmganga is a traditional Norse duel—an honorable one-on-one fight used to settle disputes. In Viking society, where honor and reputation were as valuable as gold, a holmgang was seen as a lawful and respected way to resolve serious accusations or insults.

If a person's honor was challenged—perhaps due to an insult, a theft, or another accusation—they could demand a holmgang to settle the matter. In early times, even a harsh word might lead to one.

• The duel would occur 3 to 7 days after the challenge.
• If the challenged person failed to show up, they were considered guilty.
• If the challenger failed to appear, they would be labeled a níðingr—a dishonorable coward—and could even be made an outlaw.

During the waiting period, both parties may agree on special rules or terms. If no agreement is reached, standard rules apply. Each party may also send a champion to fight in their place—no approval needed.

1. The agreed-upon rules are publicly recited before the duel.
2. If no special rules are declared, use the Standard Rules below.
3. The duel takes place in a small arena, often:
   • A 10-foot square enclosure, or
   • A small island or roped-off field

• Initiative: The challenger strikes first, then the challenged. They alternate turns until one is declared the victor.
• Shields: Each fighter receives three shields.
  • If a shield is destroyed, combat pauses for the fighter to switch.
  • If all shields are gone, they fight without one.
• Weapons:
  • Fighters begin with a battleaxe.
  • If the axe breaks, they switch to a seax (short knife).
  • If both weapons break, they may use their fists.
• Armor: Any worn armor may be used.
• Forfeit: A fighter may shout “forfeit” at any time to end the duel and surrender.
• Victory Condition:
  • Early / Barbaric societies: The duel ends in death.
  • Common settlements: Ends with incapacitation or knockout.
  • Civilized cultures: Ends with first blood.

• Each shield has 4d4 HP (average 9).
• Any successful attack hits the shield unless:
  • The attack is a natural 20, in which case it bypasses the shield.

This makes shields degrade quickly under heavy blows, adding tension to the fight.

If a combatant dies, the victor inherits their property. This is not considered murder, and the winner cannot be challenged for the death.

• Community leaders may witness and record the results.
• A seer might offer a blessing or omen before the duel.
• A character with high Charisma might negotiate alternate victory terms (e.g., first to disarm, or symbolic victory).

Hólmganga reflects a culture where justice, courage, and public accountability were tightly connected. Adapting this to your game provides a rich opportunity to explore those ideas in character—while encouraging players to resolve conflict with structure, not chaos.