The millennia-long forced conflict between immortals, known as the Game, is a series of elimination duels fought free-form between immortals. Combat continues, influenced by the Gathering, until there is only one survivor.
Any immortal may challenge any other immortal at any time, so long as the challenged immortal is not on holy ground at the time. To issue a challenge, an immortal must approach their target and announce themselves and their intention to fight. Combat may then begin immediately. Utilizing any weapon beside a bladed weapon violates the rules.
While this is the standard form for a challenge, there have been occasions and immortals that skirt or disregard the rules entirely. Incidents in which one immortal shot an opponent and fled, or enlisted mortal mercenaries to bring down an opponent and beheaded the "dead" immortal, or hunting with a group against a lone immortal, and other violations or borderline violations, while rare, have occurred.
The Messenger was an immortal of unknown origin whose message was peace and the abandonment of the game.