Louse Fighting

Louse Fighting is a sport common among the desert tribes of the Azkerran and Latt'iay peoples. It is well suited to the nomadic lifestyle, as lice are rugged enough to survive the harsh conditions of the desert, and small enough to be easily transported.

History
Louse fighting is a common tradition for when tribes meet in the desert, be the meeting friendly or otherwise. Sometimes it is merely a pastime as part of a larger cultural connection, but louse fighting can also serve important functions. Trading is sometimes accomplished between tribes through gambling over louse fights. In the siege of Narath a louse fight determined the result of the siege, and thus Narath was left unscathed.

Rules
There are many variations on louse fighting. What follows is generally accepted, or at least heard of, in most games.

3 lice compete in any given match. This is accomplished using a triangular arena made of wood or leather.

Most games are played with 2 players, (or two "sides" of players in the case of family or tribal matches)

Over the course of the match, each louse will fall into one of three roles These roles are assigned while the match is occurring. However, a good deal of care goes into breeding and keeping lice of certain roles. This can lead to some confusion, if, for example, a charger is labelled as a fortress during a match.
 * 1) The runner: The louse which avoids combat by scurrying around.
 * 2) The charger: The most aggressive louse, which initiates attacks.
 * 3) The fortress: The least mobile louse, which tends to fend off attacks.

One side is able to send two lice into the match: a runner, and a fortress. This side is called "the defenders" The charger is supplied by the other side (the aggressors.

If the charger is killed, whatever side supplied the runner and fortress wins

If the runner and charger leave the arena, it is a draw.

If both the runner and the fortress is killed (or if the runner leaves the field and the fortress is killed) whatever side supplied the charger has victory.

Since the roles are assigned after the match begins, it is possible for a defending side to accidentally supply a charger, depending on the dispositions of the various lice. It may be used to one's advantage to falsely contribute a louse that one hopes will assume a different role than expected.

The most experienced man or woman present serves as judge for the roles.