Kenilath/Shapeshifter Duels (3.5e Variant Rule)

To begin a duel, a Kenilath challenges another to a duel using the Frishenisc phrase "Za zanésta er-gee". It doesn't matter whether they know Frishenisc or not; they will automatically be able to speak the words when the will to duel is there. The other must accept the duel ("Za wrak"), and the duel area is created. Kenili are not transported to the ancient location of the Core when they duel. Instead, it is recreated in a 100m by 100m dome that is 50m high. The lighting inside the duel area (as it is called) becomes that of the original location (at dusk, so usually it is darker than its surroundings), marking it out clearly. Kenili may not leave the duel area nor others enter it (the edge feels like glass and can be seen through like glass (though more likely like Moonglass), but is entirely unbreakable), and it will only disappear with either the completion of the duel or the unleashing of the Core (although the former is far more likely). All loose objects and obstructions within the duel area disappear (as with the unleashing of Core), but are not destroyed. They return upon completion of the duel.

Neither Kenilath may be harmed until the duel has actually started (if they try, whatever it was just goes right through them as if they were ghosting). If any of the Kenili do not know the rules of the duel, the other must tell them (as the duel cannot begin until both Kenili know the rules). If neither do (which is rare), they will be spoken in Quilside's voice. Once the rules are said to reasonable completeness and accuracy (they do not need to be repeated word-for-word), the combatants are told by Quilside's voice (it is almost like a recording, as it is said in almost the same way each time) to move to the respective edges of the dome.

The Kenili are now told by Quilside to choose their weapons. They may say it in the language of their choosing (including Frishenisc, if they know enough of it), as long as the intent is there. All other weapons and objects that may be used as weapons disappear in a similar fashion to the disappearing scenery. They are also told to choose their shields (usually cahiers, clipboards, or concrete). Again, all other shields in the duel area disappear, along with items like sheaths, bags, fruits and vegetables (if they were not chosen as weapons), and... hair ties... apparently.

Once the duel begins, the pass-through protection of the Kenili disappears. As said in the rules, they may use only their speed-strength ratio and minor abilities (usually extraordinary) like Darkness Sight. If a duelling Kenilath tries, it simply won't work. As well, all spells are disallowed (including Castor Core-abilities). However, the Core can still be unleashed, and is as destructive as ever (it still destroys in its 10km prism, not just within the duel area), ending the duel as well. There are no restrictions on the types of attacks that can be used during a duel (so, grappling, etc., is fine). Kenili that can fly physically (eg. with wings) may do so if they wish, and other entirely physical characteristics (having no magical/Core influences) work as usual.

Once one Kenilath manages to hit the other for HP (not nonlethal damage), they may allow the injured Kenilath to yield. To yield, the unhurt Kenilath must intend (they do not have to say so) to allow their opponent to yield. If they do, Quilside's voice will ask if the losing Kenilath wants to yield. To yield, they must say so in Frishenisc (once again, the words are automatically provided to them), "Za zenifernous". If the Kenilath is not allowed to yield, or if they choose not to, the duel continues. Each Kenilath gets one chance at yielding, after which the duel becomes a fight to the death. In this case, the first to reach -10 HP will lose and the other Kenilath will win.

In any case, once the duel is over, the shadowed duel area fades. The ability restrictions, etc., disappear as well, and the equipment and objects that had disappeared when the duel began return to normal.

Although Shapeshifter Trials are similar to Kenilath duels (it's why I put them on the same page, anyways), there are a few differences. To begin a Trial, a Shapeshifter must have a quarrel with the other (one can not have a Trial without reason, however the quarrel does not have to be important or even very serious). The Shapeshifter being challenged places copper (its significance being that copper harms Shapeshifters) pennies in the outline of a large triangle on the ground (the penny bit isn't really necessary; cp from regular old D&D works, too, or even any other small copper object). The challenger states his quarrel...

Then, the challenger steps into the copper triangle, and the Shapeshifter being challenged drops a loonie ($1 coin; again, replaceable) inside the triangle, steps inside as well, and declares the Trial commenced. The copper of the triangle becomes the walls of the duel area (in this way, the size of a Shapeshifter Trial can be changed). Both Shapeshifters must shapeshift into their secondary form before they may attack (otherwise, again, they are insubstantial). The Trial automatically ends when one Shapeshifter is injured, and the duel area disappears. Although there is no rule that both Shapeshifters must know of the rules of a Trial, it is assumed that they do since the rituals require far more knowledge than that of a Kenilath duel.

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