1. THE CHALLENGE IS ISSUED

The terms would be set down as part of the challenge, with the fighters agreeing on how much the loser would pay. Most communities had a space set aside for ritual combat, often a sacred grove or holy site, or a literal island or islet (hence the name). The fight would take place three to seven days after the challenge and to signal the start of combat, the challenger would recite the agreed terms. To refuse to accept would be seen as an unthinkable lack of honour.