Features Editor- Eric Hofer

1. Football Field
   1. Though it may be a somewhat expected pick, the football field is likely the best location for a duel, seeing as it has many of the advantages of the previous entries with few drawbacks. It’s a well-maintained, flat surface which guarantees a fair and level playing field for both combatants; it has no shortage of seating, with spectators seated safely away from the action; it can be configured to have a band play suitably dramatic music; and it’s a relatively iconic area of the Gustavus campus. One of the few drawbacks is that it’s unlikely for passersby to stumble upon your duel and become invested. However, Hollingsworth Field has a built-in concessions stand, so that alone outweighs any negatives that it may have faced.
2. Nobel Circle
   1. One of the most ideal locations for a dramatic duel on campus, seeing as it has many of the components you’d want from an arena. For one, it’s one of the few distinctly arena-shaped locations on campus. While it does have proper seating, the limited space and close proximity to the combatants could lead to bystanders being injured in your duel. However, the backdrop of Christ Chapel would make for a beautiful setting, especially if done at sunrise. The Nobel Circle has another benefit from being one of the busiest areas on campus; if you were to duel during Chapel Break, there’s no doubt that you’d amass quite the crowd.
3. Christ Chapel
   1. At first thought, a duel in Christ Chapel seems highly unconventional and perhaps disrespectful. Both of those thoughts would be completely true. However, there are still some benefits that must not be overlooked, one particular note being that there’s ample seating which is far away from combat to keep bystanders safe from any rogue swords or spears. Additionally, as it’s located in a chapel, the loser could have an express funeral service right there in the chapel. But one of the biggest advantages may be the acoustics. Christ Chapel was designed with music in mind and hosts a variety of musical performances; so, just imagine a full band playing classical music while you and your foe clash swords at the break of dawn. That’s the life.
4. Eckman Mall
   1. Despite being a somewhat strange location to have a duel, in many ways, Eckman Mall is ideal. While some could criticize it for its odd shape, several weaving paths, or high foot traffic, it offers both competitors a scenic view of three flags flying above them. Additionally, the flags could be set to half mast once a loser is declared. Health Services being located so close would mean that the victor could quickly get their wounds tended to. With the large number of students and staff walking near Eckman Mall, your duel would become an incredibly public display for those in Administration.
5. In front of Old Main
   1. Perhaps one of the most scenic and distinctly Gustavus-themed locations on the list. The hill leading up to Old Main is one of the most iconic sights on campus, so it would make for a perfect location for a public event such as a duel. While some would say the steep hill would make it a less ideal setting, especially in the winter months, it could make for a more interesting combat style where each combatant is trying to get the higher ground over their opponent. Depending on how much the combatants hate each other, having the option of rolling the loser down the hill could prove to be a satisfactory reward in itself. 
6. Parking Lot
   1. Though it may not be the battleground that everyone has dreamed of, a parking lot is one of the more practical options. There is no shortage of parking lots on campus of varying sizes, the majority of which are well-maintained even in the winter, meaning that snow will be less of an obstacle than some other outdoor locations. However, it’s difficult to find a parking lot that has enough empty space to have a proper duel; if people are upset about getting their cars keyed, imagine how they’ll react to a giant sword-shaped gouge. Worst of all, a rogue car running over one of the competitors would lead to an anticlimactic end that would fail to restore either party’s honor.
7. Arboretum
   1. While it may seem like the arboretum would be the ideal scenic location to defend your honor via a swordfight, there are enough problems that you may want to reconsider. One of the largest issues is that while the arboretum may be large, there are relatively few open spots to have a proper duel. It’s also the location that’s most susceptible to poor weather conditions, particularly snow, as it’s less maintained than other locations on campus. For better or worse, the elements could prove to be useful; on one hand, winning the duel because your foe tripped on a tree root would prove to be dishonorable. However, it would also be really funny if they slipped and fell in mud.
8. STEAMery
   1. Just because the STEAMery can make a good cup of coffee doesn’t mean it’s the ideal spot to have a duel. While a good duel is intended to be a public spectacle, there’s simply no good place where the STEAMery can host two people fighting to the death. This problem becomes even worse when you factor in the massive amount of foot traffic and the long lines the STEAMery can get. An already stressed-out student would probably not be too appreciative of getting cut by a stray longsword. 

[The Gustavian Weekly does not condone on-campus dueling with swords, lances, spears, rapiers, poleaxes, daggers, war hammers, and/or maces.]