The game of Swiftclaws is a territory-holding and goal-scoring game. It is named after the primary object in the game, which is usually a set of animal claws or talons tied together.
The game is usually played with a large number of people over a large area, such as an entire village. To start, one place is designated as each team's "den", or home base. A pole is set up in the den, which acts as the goal.
The objective of the game is to move the claw rattles from a central point on the field to the opponent's den, thereby bringing a symbolic predator into their house. It is primarily a game of defense and attack, with some people guarding the den and the swifest being runners.
Oftentimes, blunt sticks are used as weapons to tag opponents with, but hand-to-hand wrestling and combat is used as well. When a scuffle happens, the first to surrender or get pinned has to return to their den.
Swiftclaws has been played by Auvyxian people since recorded history. It is used to teach kobolds defensive and offensive tactics. Children often play in smaller groups, but entire villages get involved in games that can last hours.
The name references the mythical beast Swiftclaws, a giant tiguara (a leopard/tiger-like creature found only on Auvyx).