Rangitoto (ɾaŋiˈtoto)
"It's the principle of the thing - the island is sacred, and cannot be left in their hands" - an oft-repeated sentiment from both sides of the Rangitoto conflict
Rangitoto is located in the Vā o Manogi, the strait that divides Motu and Atu Motu. Over the centuries, it has been the focal point of several conflicts between the two islands, as both the Mu'o'a and the Tāngata people consider it to be a sacred place, and that the presence of the other species constitutes a grave and profane offense.
Due to its rugged terrain and lack of natural resources, Rangitoto is not a place where permanent settlements thrive. During times of tension and war, both the Tāngata and the Mu'o'a have established temporary encampments on the island, but these encampments are usually simple and utilitarian. The encampments are abandoned once the conflict ends.
Notable Spirits
The spiritual landscape of Rangitoto is as confused as the physical one, with members of the Atua and the Aku both claiming territory on the island. Periodically, one side or the other will instruct their followers to attempt to drive out their competition from the island, leading to a bloody conflict that has yet to resolve anything. Some observers have noted that these incidents always occur in an environment of heightened tensions between the communities across the strait, and that the wars on Rangitoto serve as a proxy for the other conflicts between these groups.
Geography
Rangitoto has a convoluted and rugged coastline, with dozens of offshore rocks and no good harbors. It extends about 22 miles long, with a maximum width of ten miles. The interior of the island is mostly bare rock, with no fresh water. The highest point on the island is near the center, reaching just over 700 feet above sea level. This point is known as Te Moemiti in Gagana, and Te Ara Rangi in Tāngatāiki, and control of the hilltop is a major goal when the two sides come to blows.
The island has a few hardy species of plants and animals that have adapted to the harsh environment. Best known of these is the Mokomiti, a species of small skink unique to the island. It is believed to have magical properties, and that rubbing the skink's blood on the site of a lost limb will allow the appendage to regenerate. The Mokomiti is hard to find and capture, and the right to either hunt or protect the animal is another point of contention between the Tāngata and the Mu'o'a communities.
Geographic Details
Location: Southern RegionLatitude: 6.27 degrees South
Longitude: 0.63 degrees East
Average Elevation: 113 ft
Highest Point: 286.94 ft
Lowest Point: -3 ft
Area: 43.19 sq mi
Librarian's Note - A Nexus of Conflict?
The wars over the island of Rangitoto seem to have an unnatural quality to them, as though something or someone is deliberately engineering them. It is my theory that the Numina of the island are taking advantage of the conflict between the northern and southern communities to gain worship and attention for themselves, and that it does not matter to them who wins or loses as long they fight in their name. It's almost enough to make one agree with the Tirta Baya.
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