Certamen

Certamen is a form of magical duel used by magi to settle disputes, popularized after the Schism War.

Mechanics

The mechanics for certamen have existed since ArM1 and have evolved through editions. In ArM5, the basic mechanics of certamen were re-designed to more closely parallel the combat rules.

The ArM5 system rules for Certamen are described on pages 89-91 of the rulebook.

For ArM5 the resolution of Certamen is centered on six generated total scores:

• Initiative: Total score is generated once, at the beginning of the duel by adding
  • Quickness + Finesse + Stress Die roll
• Attack: Total score generated when the magus takes action, and is a cumulative score of
  • Presence + Technique or Form + Stress Die roll
• Defense: Total score generated when the opponent defends against the attacker and is a result of
  • Perception + Form or Technique + Stress Die roll
• Attack Advantage: Total is calculated from
  • Attack Total - Defense Total (if Attack Total is higher)
• Weakening: Total is derived from
  • Intelligence + Penetration + Attack Advantage
• Resistance: Total is based on
  • Stamina + Parma Magica

Certamen in Hermetic Society

In Hermetic Society, certamen is used to resolve both formal and informal disputes. The outcome of an agreed upon certamen is considered final and legally binding according to the Peripheral Code, however, the challenged can refuse any certamen that includes terms that require him to violate the Code or relinquish rights under the Code. The legal status of Certamen is discussed on HoHTL 55.

To-Do

A lot more is needed here, including

• Description of the phantasms
• Comments on legal traditions e.g. how Arts are chosen, no repeat challenges
• Comparison of ArM5 mechanics to ArM4
• Links to Certamen alternatives and house rules incl. diceless certamen at Durenmar and David Chart's saga page.

Etymology

The name is Latin for "duel." The correct Latin plural form would be certamina, but ArM prefers an Anglicized usage where "certamen" is both singular and plural.

Legacy Page

The history of this page before August 6, 2010 is archived at Legacy:certamen