(Informal)
Challenges are never to be delivered at night, unless the party to be challenged intends to leave the place of offense before morning.
The challenged has the right to choose the weapon (if the challenged declares “trial weapons,” the parties enter the field with a war hammer, a cudgel, a spear, and a shield) and the dueling ground (traditionally somewhere 60’ square). The challenger chooses the starting distance.
Seconds are bound to attempt a reconciliation before the meeting takes place.
Where seconds disagree and resolve to exchange blows themselves, it must be at the same time, side by side with their principal, with five paces (approx. 12.5 ft.) interval.
The first offense requires the first apology, though the retort may have been more offensive that the insult. If a doubt exists who gave the first offense, the decision rests with the seconds. If the seconds will not decide, or cannot agree, the matter must proceed to two engagements, or to a hit, if the challenger require it.
The parties must swear oaths against witchcraft and sorcery.
The parties engage till one is well blooded, disabled, or disarmed, or the aggressor begs pardon after receiving a wound. A disarm is considered the same as a disable. If the challenged is disarmed, and refuses to ask pardon or atone, he may be killed, but the challenger may lay his weapon upon the aggressor’s shoulder, then break the aggressor’s sword and say “I spare your life.”