Watching a one-on-one encounter is not a passive affair—bystanders can alter the flow of combat even from the sidelines. Once per round, one spectator from each side can perform a spectator action at any point, as though they were using a reaction. Spectators should confer amongst themselves what spectator actions they would be best suited for before the duel begins and, during the combat, who should use one on a given round, to prevent confusion.

Dueling Maneuvers

Without the need to focus on multiple combatants, participants in a duel can perform context-specific maneuvers called dueling maneuvers. Mechanically, they are considered to be basic maneuvers, both in duel action cost and that any creature can use them. However, they can only be performed in the context of a one-on-one fight. Included in each listing is the maneuver’s name, what kind of action is required to perform it, and any prerequisites. Some entries also include a saving throw.

These mechanics are meant to make the combat between two creatures, often a player and a Narrator-controlled adversary, feel more like a true one-on-one encounter by zooming in and giving a bit more detail to the attacks and the actions one can take. With that in mind, the Narrator should reserve these rules as a way to highlight specific events or moments within the story.

Adventurers fighting hordes of undead,groups of bandits, and various collections of dangerous wildlife are classic scenes in the fantasy landscape. However, there is nothing quite like the feeling of engaging another combatant one-on-one, using everything at one’s disposal to come out on top. The stories that tell of brave knights, cunning duelists, and brash brawlers that made their name during a legendary duel are many. Now, the following mechanics can help new characters cement their name in legend just the same.

If you spend 1 hour befriending and feeding a Medium beast of CR 1/2 or less, you become its mounted guardian. The type of beast you can befriend this way is determined by your archetype, but must have an Intelligence score of 2, 3, or 4. The beast you are the mounted guardian of is your unusual mount. It follows you and is loyal to you, but it acts independently. Your unusual mount shares your initiative and takes its turn simultaneously with yours.

You are aware of your counterpart, of course. But more than that, you loathe them. You have started your adventures, at least in part, in order to find this person, remove them in some fashion, and take their place.

Have you located your counterpart yet? Why do you seek to replace them? Are they repugnant and you would right their wrongs? Do you seek to balance the universe? Or do they simply have the life that you were meant to have? What if you do eventually find them—and realize you have no wish to fulfill what was once your burning ambition?