Ronkan Empire
The Ronkan Empire was an ancient civilisation on the First. It's remnants can be found in the Rak'tika Greatwood.
About
The Ronka were present in the Rak'tika Greatwood, were many temples and remnants can be found. Albeit their age, many constructs still function an can be activated. They are mostly protecting the sacred sites and temples.
It was a place of magic and enlightenmend, as well as of peace and prosperity[1] It is unknown why it vanished. The head of the empire was the royal family[2].
The current guardians of the ruins of Ronka are the Viis of Fanow. Though they have a great lifespan, they were not present for the Empire itself. They started their vigil after the fall of the Empire[3] three thousand years ago[2]. It was the final decree of the Emperor for them to guard the secrets of Ronka and await the return of it's allies[4].
Religion
The religion of Ronka was based on nature. Animals have been regarded sacred and are part of many rituals, symbolism and legends. For example, the owl was regarded as a divine beast and a keeper of knowledge[5]. Another example is the Black Tri-star, where priests of Ronka would determine the fishing harvest by the size of it's black spots[6], or the Eryops, which was regarded as a sacred animal that would bring properity to children[7].
Deities
The four chief deities for Ronkan religion are:
- Ox'Gatorl, keeper of flame
- Ox'Charl, keeper of the winds
- Yx'Lokwa, bringer of rain
- Yx'Anpa, bringer of the harvest[8]
Further deities were:
- Ox'Dalan, god of the underworld[9]
Places of Worship
The following places are regarded as temples, places of worship and sacred sites:
Legends
Lozatl:
According to legends, the giant Lozatl carved out waterfalls, and built temples and places of worship[10]. It was controlled by the Ronkan Emperor[11].
Lozatl is a boss in The Qitana Ravel, who shares the same name with the construct[11].
The Great Serpent of Ronka is believed to be an incarnation of the great serpent, the legendary guardian of the Greatwood before the age of Ronka[12].
History
Priests of Ronka selectively bread the flightless Cama to become flying mounts and companions, becoming the Amaro[13]. Those gaining intelligence were called "Tupaq Amaro"[14].
The Qitari were part of the later years of the Ronkan Empire, and helped maintain the history of Ronka on great steales underground[15].
References
- ↑ In-game description of The Qitana Ravel"The empire of Ronka was a place of magic and enlightenment, of peace and prosperity. Sadly, it was not meant to last. Though naught but ruins remain, they remain heavily guarded nonetheless. The Qitana Ravel is perhaps the most sacred of these sites, home to the ancient wisdom of the past. [...]"
- ↑ a b Into the Wood, when Almet is observing the seal of Ronka: "Hmmm. There is no mistaking the crest of the royal family. It is of proper size, and by its weight it is plain it was made from gold. The seal is indeed genuine. For three thousand years we have waited for this moment, and now you are finally here. I bid you welcome, allies of Ronka."
- ↑ Out on Patrol, when accepting the quest.
- ↑ Top of the Tree, when accepting the quest: "We are descendants of the palace guard which served under the last emperor. And to this day, we carry on the duty of our forebears, the final decree of His Eminence before Ronka's fall."
- ↑ Out on Patrol Olmet: "... The divine beast of night and keeper of knowledge."
- ↑ In-game description of the Black Tri-star
- ↑ In-game description of Eryops
- ↑ The Morning Stars, description of the Landmark.
- ↑ Encyclopædia Eorzea, Volume III, page 117.
- ↑ Shadowbringers Sightseeing Log 38: Lozatl's Conquest, description in the Sightseeing Log.
- ↑ a b Encyclopædia Eorzea, Volume III, page 210. "It shares its name with a giant controlled by the Ronkan emperor which, according to the Viis, defeated the Great Serpent of Ronka and sealed it away in Fruit of the Protector."
- ↑ Encyclopædia Eorzea, Volume III, page 167.
- ↑ In-game description of the Amaro
- ↑ When talking with Traveler in Wolekdorf
- ↑ Encyclopædia Eorzea, Volume III, page 117. "...supposedly constructed by the Qitari in the twilight years of the Ronkan Empire. Tunnels sprawl below like a great web, serving as the secret archives for stelae their people engraved with the grand history of Ronka."
