Prologue: Desert Warfare
Prior to Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc
The Knaaren Clan war was sparked by ambition.
The Knaaren Clans consisted of the two major families, the Knayduh Clan and the Naareln Clan, and many dozens of smaller clans. Complex undercurrents of alliances, enmities and feuds linked the clans, providing a volatile mixture which often resulted in small skirmishes and fights. Most feuds were settled in the battle arena, by two champions. This was an ancient tradition that none even thought of challenging. Until the day Fuuhg climbed to the head of the Naareln Clan.
Fuuhg Naareln, Chieffather of the Naareln Clan, was ambitious, seeking to strengthen the Knaaren by unifying the Clans into one mighty nation. He was opposed by the traditionalist Knayduh Clan, who believed devotedly in the old ways. Many clans flocked to both sides, for political reasons or for ties of blood. The two sides opposed each other bitterly, and, before long, war erupted.
The two large Clans led many smaller families against each other. Both fought bitterly, to the very last man. Knaaren died by the dozens, throwing themselves at each other without care for their own lives. The Clan wars raged throughout the entire desert, every family leaping into battle without thought. For months, the tunnels were filled with the roars and battle cries of the reptilian creatures, and the cries of those dying.
The Naareln Clan possessed the best and strongest fighter of all the Knaaren, named Reflux the Mighty, nephew to Fuuhg. Fuuhg had many children, sired to many different mothers, one of whom was named Gumsi, and who was destined for greatness.
The leader of the Knayduh Clan was Chiefmother Derguk, a rare female clan leader. She was a gifted military mind, highly capable in both underground and surface warfare. Many of the families joined her for protection.
The two warring factions fought for weeks, turning the Tunnels into a huge warzone. The chamber of the Leptys was sealed off by the god himself, so that neither side could take advantage of the god's great power. Peace may have eventually been restored, if it were not for the intervention of the mighty limbless sorcerer known as Mr. Dark.