By Stuart Ellis

One character either tries to stare-out his opponent or deliver a witty comment.

One character either tries to stare-out his opponent or deliver a witty comment, Ego/Faith+Impress or Wits+Knavery, and the other either responds in kind or starts to lose the mental battle. The two can keep scoring points off each other in this way but once combat starts a successful hit (especially with the flat of a blade) is equivalent to a sharp comment or a jolt of charisma for evening things up or getting the psychological edge.

If duellist is losing this mental contest then he has a -1 to his goal numbers, both for physical actions and the battle of wills, and Calm rolls are necessary if he continues to lose. Failing a Calm roll means the duellist gets a -2 penalty as his discipline fades, and will take big risks to get even with his adversary.

The penalties aren't big, but in a battle of equals morale becomes important. Humiliating an opponent is a great way to start vendettas, of course.