Knarag wrestling

Knarag wrestling (pronounced NARR-ahg) is a sport played by ratfolk of many cultures. It is especially popular amongst the Etti of the Depths, who often hold massive tournaments of the sport that can pull together packs from quite some distance.

Knarag wrestling is a group event. Each match consists of anywhere between ten and thirty participants - the number varies by the availability of contestants and local preferences - who together enter a ring of likewise variable size. This ring may be painted, scratched into dirt or stone, or marked in some other way, but never involves walls or any other kind of barrier, as these would inhibit the primary goal of the contestants. A match ends when only one player remains within the ring, and therefore participants spend the event in a chaotic frenzy as they attempt to push all others out. Punching, biting, kicking, and other actions are nearly always prohibited, though tactics like picking up an opponent and throwing them out of the ring are not. Impromptu alliances may be formed and broken just as quickly by contestants in a Knarag match, with players teaming up against each other later forced to turn against their partners should they be successful.

In ratfolk communities, Knarag wrestling is seen as a sport primarily for young adults.

Due to the prolific travel of Etti ratfolk and others, Knarag wrestling has spread quite widely, including to some non-ratfolk peoples who have adopted it, if in typically altered forms. A variety of the sport called Naragam is popular amongst the targai of Abanir, for example.