All evidence I have seen seems to point in the direction that it's formal combat. It's not about slicing the throat of the nunh during the night.Â
The Mole tribe quests in SB portray a young Tia constantly challenging the nunh, and he does it formally every time, which ends up in combat. Â The Drake tribe (U) quests are less direct about it, but the two Tia competing for nunh constantly try to improve their martial prowess and leadership skills in order to challenge the nunh. It's unclear how exactly this has to be handled here though.
As far as I recall the lore doesn't point at the strongest, but the most physically fit or worthy. It's not necessarily impossible for someone weak physically and strong in magic to fit the bill, perhaps? I have never seen anything saying it must specifically be physical, added to the fact that the story and quests rarely seem to make any difference in Eorzea between physical fighters and mages (think Sadu vs Magnai among others).
The compete for breeding rights, and strong magical affinity, I believe, is also a proof of your "superior" genes.
Which doesn't exactly say anything about magic, but sure says something about strenght here.
The Mole tribe quests in SB portray a young Tia constantly challenging the nunh, and he does it formally every time, which ends up in combat. Â The Drake tribe (U) quests are less direct about it, but the two Tia competing for nunh constantly try to improve their martial prowess and leadership skills in order to challenge the nunh. It's unclear how exactly this has to be handled here though.
Encyclopedia Eorzea Wrote:Young males are born and raised as "tia", and must either assume the position of nunh by challenging and defeating an existing nunh in singe combat, or leave the community and find a harem of his own.
U'khuba Tia Wrote:The law is clear─to become the nunh of the U tribe, one must defeat the current nunh. In my case, this means U'odh nunh.
U'khuba Tia Wrote:However, in order to win the right to challenge U'odh, I must first triumph over U'tykha. He stands in my way, and I in his. In this manner the nunh is protected from constant challenge.
Mole Tribe Sidequests Wrote:An unruly young Seeker of the Sun has been challenging M'rahz nunh to combat without cease, each attempt more futile than the last. While most would find these duels to be an annoyance, M'rahz nunh sees this persistence as admirable. That is why he asks you to train this would-be warrior. He says your new student can be found idling about Virdjala.
Mole Tribe Sidequests Wrote:Bearing witness to your battle against the gazelle has left M'zhet duly inspired. So much so, he is confident he can defeat M'rahz nunh at this very moment. But first, he would ponder his plan of attack.
Recounting the shame of his past has reaffirmed M'zhet Tia's resolve to defeat M'rahz nunh and become leader of the M tribe. He pleads with you to continue his training that he might challenge the M tribe leader once more.
M'zhet Tia is determined to defeat M'rahz nunh. Believing he has found the means to harden himself for battle, he bids you follow him to where he has been keeping to a safe location for training.
M'zhet Tia is battered and bruised, but not beaten. Despite his appearance, he claims he is stronger than ever. Perhaps even strong enough to defeat M'rahz nunh. After a short rest, that is.
Mole Tribe Sidequests Wrote:M'rahz nunh agrees to duel. However, he insists on moving the battle to a ravine southeast of the Peering Stones. M'zhet consents and takes his leave of the camp. You follow him to the ravine and wait for the fight to begin.
M'razh Nunh Wrote:M'zhet. Have you come to challenge me once more for the title of nunh?
M'zet Tia Wrote:The next time we meet, you'll addressing me as M'zhet nunh. At least I hope so. I also expect a rematch for that first thrashing you gave me.
As far as I recall the lore doesn't point at the strongest, but the most physically fit or worthy. It's not necessarily impossible for someone weak physically and strong in magic to fit the bill, perhaps? I have never seen anything saying it must specifically be physical, added to the fact that the story and quests rarely seem to make any difference in Eorzea between physical fighters and mages (think Sadu vs Magnai among others).
The compete for breeding rights, and strong magical affinity, I believe, is also a proof of your "superior" genes.
U'odh Nunh Wrote:The nunh I once fought also believed that his strrrength would save him. He was wrong, and now I am nunh.
Which doesn't exactly say anything about magic, but sure says something about strenght here.
Balmung:Â Suen Shyu
