Dueler

Dueler is a term for a person who participates in duels, an alternate spelling of duelist. The form dueler (as well as dueller or duellist in some varieties of English) is used to denote the actor in a one-on-one combat challenge.

In historical sources, duellists were trained in formalized methods of combat and honor codes; the practice originated in early modern Europe and later spread to other regions. Duels were typically fought with swords or pistols and were regulated by custom-driven rules, the participation of seconds, and agreed conditions, such as location, weapons, and the first shot or strike. The practice often functioned as a public ritual to settle disputes over insults, marriage, or status.

In many countries, formal dueling declined through the 18th and 19th centuries as legal prohibitions and evolving social norms reduced its acceptability. By the 20th century, dueling largely ceased as a legitimate practice, though isolated incidents occurred and some jurisdictions preserve ceremonial duels or educational demonstrations. Today, the term continues chiefly in historical discussion, fiction, and reenactment contexts.

In fiction and gaming, a dueler is commonly portrayed as an archetype or class that specializes in single-combat engagements. Such characters emphasize speed, accuracy, and defensive timing, often with abilities that mitigate crowd-control or multi-target threats. The concept is widely used in fantasy literature, role-playing games, and strategy games to convey mastery of personal combat and tactical duel dynamics.