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--- culture:holmgang [2024/03/10 19:00] – created Ron Helwig
+++ culture:holmgang [2025/06/21 19:45] (current) – Ron Helwig
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-====== hólmganga ======
+# Hólmganga
-A holmgang is a fight between two individuals, similar to what we know of as a duel. This was recognized by the society as a legitimate way to resolve a dispute.
-The Norse thought of honor and reputation as being very important traits, so if either was challenged then the offended person could call for a holmgang. In early times, even a simple insult could result in a call for holmgang. Someone might also issue such a challenge if they were accusing someone of theft or had some other legal dispute.
+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.
-The actual holmgang would happen 3-7 days after the challenge was issued. If the person being challenged/accused didn't show up then they would be judged as guilty or wrong. If the person making the challenge didn't show up then they would be judged by the community as [[culture:níðingr|níðingr]] and possibly even made [[culture:outlaw|outlaw]].
+---
-During the time between the challenge and the battle, the parties may discuss the rules, including any results. Their negotiations must be agreed upon by both sides or the standard rules will apply. Either party may designate a second to fight in their place, without needing it to be accepted by the other side.
+## Why a Hólmganga?
-===== Running a hólmganga =====
+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.
-First the agreed upon rules are recited. If no rules have been negotiated, then the standard rules will apply.
-The fight itself takes place in a small enclosure. Often this would be a small island or a fenced in area of about 10 foot square.
+- 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](culture:níðingr)—a dishonorable coward—and could even be made an [outlaw](culture:outlaw).
-==== Standard Rules ====
+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.
-  * The challenger strikes first, then the challenged. They repeat taking turns until a victor is declared.
-  * Each participant gets three shields. If their shield is destroyed, battle ceases until they pick up another one. If all their shields are destroyed, they continue without a shield.
-  * The participants will each be given a battleaxe to use as a primary weapon. They will also have a seax to use if their axe breaks. If both their weapons break they must rely on their fists.
-  * They can wear any armor they own.
-  * At any point a participant may cry out "forfeit" and the holmgang then ends with them losing.
-  * The other way for the holmgang to end depends on the time period and how developed the civilization is:
-    - Early or barbaric fights end when one participant has died
-    - Others could end when one participant has been incapacitated or knocked out
-    - Later or more civilized fights might end when the first blood has been drawn
-==== Shield Damage ====
+---
-Shields have 4d4 (9) hit points each. When an attack roll results in a hit against someone wielding a shield, it is assumed to be a hit on the shield unless it is a natural 20.
-===== Results =====
+## Running a Hólmganga
-If one of the combatants dies, then the victor inherits all the loser's property. This is not considered a murder, so the victor cannot be challenged for the loser's death.
+. The agreed-upon rules are **publicly recited** before the duel.
+. If no special rules are declared, use the **Standard Rules** below.
+. The duel takes place in a **small arena**, often:
+   - A **10-foot square enclosure**, or
+   - A **small island or roped-off field**
+---
+## Standard Rules
+- **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**.
+---
+## Shield Damage
+- 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.
+---
+## Results
+If a combatant dies, the **victor inherits their property**. This is **not considered murder**, and the winner **cannot be challenged** for the death.
+---
+### Optional Rule Hooks for Roleplay
+- 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).
+---
+## Educational Note
+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.