Who they are
Rakan is an infamous Lhotlan vastayan showman and battle-dancer. He used to wander as an entertainer known for wild festivals, but meeting Xayah gave him a new purpose.
Together they seek to restore Ionia's wild magic and reclaim the vastaya's birthright from human control. His charm and combat skill complement her strategic planning.
Their story belongs to Ionia. Natural magic, spirits, and a peace that war broke.
Their story, step by step
- Step 1
A Lhotlan idealist
Rakan was born in the Lhotlan vastaya tribe on Qaelin, an eastern Ionian island rich in magic. While most vastaya gave up on humans after broken treaties, he believed mortals could learn to value wild magic. His tribe labeled him mu'takl, a human sympathizer.
- Step 2
Wandering showman
He left to become a traveling entertainer, performing in taverns and festivals across the highlands and becoming known for wild celebrations. He eventually realized that entertaining crowds changed nothing.
- Step 3
Xayah
At a harvest festival in Vlonqo he met Xayah, a fellow Lhotlan who was immune to his charm. She told him the tribe had lost all its remaining land and spoke of a wider rebellion, and he joined her cause.
- Step 4
Partners
His showmanship and battle dancing paired well with her tactical planning. They became romantic partners, pledging themselves in a tavern brawl, though they differ in outlook: she sees mortals as enemies, while he keeps some compassion for them.
- Step 5
Against the Order of the Shadow
Their campaign to restore Ionia's wild magic and the vastaya's First Lands has brought them into conflict with Zed and the Order of the Shadow, notably over protecting magical groves.
Turning points
- Leaving his tribe as a suspected human sympathizer
- Realizing performing was not enough
- Meeting Xayah and joining her rebellion
Where their story stands now
Rakan and Xayah are still fighting to take back vastayan heritage from human control. How the rebellion ends is open, and their disagreement over whether humans can be redeemed could strain them.
Who they are tied to
Where this fits in the story
- Ionia · step 1
The Vastaya
Ionian history says mortals merged with spirit-realm power to defeat invading Titans, and that this gave rise to the Vastayashai'rei, the Vastaya.
- Ionia · step 2
The Darkin war
Ancient god-warriors invaded Ionia in the Darkin war. The Kinkou Order sealed them inside weapons.
- Ionia · step 3
The Noxian invasion
Noxus occupied territory for about five years and took magical artifacts, then withdrew. Irelia led the resistance.
- Ionia · step 4
A divided peace
The war left Ionia split between those who want to stay peaceful and those who want to be ready to fight. Zed founded the Order of Shadow, a rival to the Kinkou that uses forbidden dark magic.