Passage of Arms

Part of Chivalry in Juhnvechteya
A passage of arms is a type of hastilude which evolved in the 500s JC (250s-350s VC). It involves a knight or a group of knights, called the Holders, taking up positions at a well-traveled spot, such as a bridge of a city’s gate, and challenging any knight who wishes to pass, called the Comer, to battle, else be disgraced. 
The origins of the Passage can be found for any number of reasons. Perhaps the largest is that the concept of the chivalric knight was at odds with the newer, more deadly forms of warfare, where peasants could wound and kill knights at range with crossbows and cavalry charges could be broken up by pikes, the traditional image of chivalry on the battlefield was obliterated by these advances. 
Additionally the nobility began to entertain themselves with courtly poetry and chivalric romances. The deeds of these knights, such as the factionalized versions of Joahaj of Brekstejn, were made out to be real, though when these were attempted in the real world the result was often comedically deadly reenactments of these actions. This revival of chivalry led to a number of manifestations, including the Emprise, a chivalric adventure, and increasingly elaborate rules of Courtesy. 
During a Passage of Arms, if the Comer lacks equipment to battle, they will be donated some for the duration of the skirmish. Should the comer elect to ignore the challenge, they typically leave their spurs in the possession of the Holders as a mark of shame. Should a Lady pass the Holders without a knight to defend her honor, she will typically leave a scarf or a handkerchief, for a later Comer to retrieve and return to her. Typically the Holders will give a set condition for leaving, such as breaking a set number of lances, or being defeated an arbitrary amount of times
Category:Chivalry in Juhnvechteya
Category:Court Culture in Juhnvechteya
Category:Culture of Juhnvechteya