culture:holmgang [Ron Helwig's Viking World for D&D]

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# 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.

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## Why 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.

- 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).

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.

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## Running a Hólmganga

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**

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## 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**.

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## 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.

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## Results

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

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### 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).

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## 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.