Mage Duels

A wizards duel is almost ritualistic among mages, not only a contest of ones preparedness and knowledge of the art, but also their wit, willpower, and the sheer might of their spellword. Those with knowledge of the art often at one point or another learn of what is considered to be a "proper" duel, and are often told tales of magi of ages past conducting a explosive display of spellpower which seems to end shortly with both mages getting a drink to discuss spells that evening.

It is widely known amongst the orders that the purpose of such duels is not to determine who is stronger (Much to disagreement of black robes), but to exercise ones mind akin to engaging in a spirited game of chess. The point is often to be the first to disable or injure the opposing mage, and not to kill the other, but accidents are known to happen at times and the "winner" is often viewed in a disfavored light for not having the proper control to stop his spells from being fatal.

There are Three variations of the wizards duel popular among the practitioners of the Art.

"Terkenah" or Exposed dueling, in which neither mage has whispered even the smallest of wardings or contingency spells at the start, and both magi stand, Thirty feet apart, and throw a single piece of steel in the air between them. Once the steel impacts the ground, the casting begins. Blackrobes have been known to use fake pieces of steel designed to fall faster or slower to break the opponents concentration as they fail to anticipate when the steel would hit the ground based on its standard acceleration towards its final destination.

"Pahnser" or Protected dueling, in which both mages have readied a small number of spells, usually three, under their breath, and proceed in a similar fashion. The redrobe known as "Hanin the Illusionist" received his title when he used one of his three spells to leave a illusion of himself standing in place while he awaited the duels start, safely behind his opponent.

"Lestahri" or immortal dueling, is the practice of duel magi both summoning forth as many wardings, protections, and contingency spells as they see fit before dueling. The piece of steel in these duels is often replaced by a nearby associate of one of the mages casting dancing lights flashing the air green to signal the start of the duel. Whiterobes have been known to preform well in these duels due to their abjuration specialty.

Often, the participants agree upon generalized rules such as "No spells of a un-reversible nature, Including, but not limited to things such as Destroying internal organs, Brain damage, Heavy burns, Blindness, Inability to speak, Curses, and of course, Death"

These spellcasting ceremonies, duels, and rituals are very much a part of the culture and society of both Towers and their orders and many a renegade outside their influences as well ... it is also great for Story and RP ... but like any culture or civilization there will be those who act above and beyond any given society norm. So these "rules" are great for Story and RP please bear in mind they are optional but I do highly recommend them ... but as in any given PvP the rules can be set by the players involved or it could be a free for all