Ganlan's Way
Ganlan's Way is a duelling code observed by many vert gangs, originally native to the Grey Line district of Magellan but now seen across the planet and occasionally on other worlds.
Unlike most duels, the Way is not intended to resolve a dispute. Instead, it is intended to prove the manliness of the participants. After the duel has been completed, the challenger is considered to have proved their worth and can then go about organising a formal trial (whether through the planetary courts, the mafia or some other impartial arbitrator) in order to resolve their dispute. If a civil summons is presented to a gang member without first running the Way, they will often consider the plaintiff to be too weak to be paid any attention, and simply ignore it. After a few altercations with gangs eager to preserve their 'culture', the police or bailiffs will not often make a big deal of this unless the plaintiff has significant legal power.
The Way is not directly combative - instead it is a race. Up to a dozen participants (usually 2 or 3, and in rare cases a single man) start on the roof of a suitable building. Most gangs have at least one building in their territory which they frequently use. Participants are challenged to reach a certain sublevel (usually 10, 20 or 30 levels below ground). Roadways, glidepaths and elevators may not be used - this race is down fire escapes, ventilation shafts, bladeboarding down elevator rails, and leaping from one balcony to another. Depending on the area of the city, a good time may range from 2 to 5 seconds per level.
If both reach the goal within a minute of each other (the usual outcome), they have proved themselves. They must respect each other's pride as men, and show this by accepting the judgement of whatever court is appropriate for their dispute. If either man is too slow, he is unworthy. Most gangs will throw out or ignore these people until they can do something to prove their strength. If one of both participants is so injured that they cannot reach the specified level, then they have lost the dispute automatically, and cannot repeat their challenge. Some gangs may even execute people who fail in this way, presuming to interfere in the affairs of greater men.
