Respected for his brilliant mind and practical attitude, this adoptive son of Tuliyollal's ruling family hopes to usher his home into a new age of prosperity. It remains to be seen if technology and innovation will prove sufficient allies to overcome his fellow claimants in the rite of succession.
Official website description[1]
Koana is a character from Final Fantasy XIV introduced in the expansion Dawntrail. He is the adoptive son of Gulool Ja Ja and brother of Wuk Lamat and Zoraal Ja.
History[]
Before Dawntrail[]
Before being adopted by Gulool Ja Ja, Koana belonged to a tribe of Hhetsarro who still clung to their traditional way of life, migrating across the vast open plains of Shaaloani. However one day he was simply left behind, and didn't know why. If it weren't for the kindness of a traveling Pelupelu merchant finding him, Koana would've perished. He would eventually find his way to Tuliyollal, where he was taken in by the Dawnservant as a son.
Years later, Koana studied at the Studium in Sharlayan, quickly falling in love with the knowledge and technology the scholarch nation possessed. He had arranged with the head of the Studium to keep his identity as a prince of Tural a secret, and on one occasion when he let the secret slip he was bombarded with questions about his homeland. According to Wuk Lamat, once he returned home he spoke highly of all the technological advancements he saw while in Sharlayan.
Koana would utilize the knowledge he learned from his studies in Sharlayan to introduce new innovations and technologies to Tuliyollal, from the creation of the dirigibles to an aetheryte system. Such implantations quickly made Koana popular amongst the younger populace of Tural, who enjoy the easier conveniences his technologies bring while the more traditional elders are lukewarm to his innovations as they tend to go against Tural's traditions.
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail[]
When Koana joined the competition for the throne of Tuliyollal, he hired Urianger and Thancred to help him. As the rite of succession began, Koana came to Ok'hanu in Kozama'uka. Once Koana, Wuk Lamat, and Bakool Ja Ja were reunited, Zanuhali, one of the electors, explained her task. Zanuhali explained that the Hanuhanu had been using reeds for food and weaving material, but the harvest was not yielding that season. And for the task she called the Feat of Reeds, the candidates would had to try to solve this problem, as the Dawnservant must be prepared to solve the future problems of the people.[2] Koana took a brief look at the reed fields and left. After Wuk Lamat's party had partially restored the aether of the fields by performing Ihih'hana, Koana arrived with an alchemical concoction he had prepared with the help of his Archon allies. His contribution further rejuvenated the remaining crops, completing the restoration efforts. Thus both Koana and Wuk Lamat completed the task and received their respective keystones.[3] Bakool Ja Ja would eventually complete the rite as well, after obtaining a sample of Koana's concoction.
When all the claimants were proceeding to the next feat at Earthenshire, they needed to make their way through Ihuykatyama, since the direct route had collapsed in a storm. Koana revealed his Archon allies to Wuk Lamat and her retinue, which was bit of a shock to Warrior of Light, the Leveilleur twins and Krile, since they were Urianger and Thancred. Eventually, the now-former Scions were going to compete. At Ihuykatyama, Koana and his allies encountered Wuk Lamat's retinue and forced them to take a detour.
The following night at Many Fires, Koana, Urianger and Thancred overheard Wuk Lamat's retinue having a great time, as they were encouraging Wuk Lamat. While Koana wasn't keen on speaking with his sister, he nevertheless didn't want get into blows with her sister if it comes to it.
The feat in Earthenshire was for the claimants to acquire new potsworn for the Moblins. Koana and Wuk Lamat completed the rite, but then Wuk Lamat vanished. Koana immediately got worried, and he joined with her retinue to find her. He personally investigated with the Warrior, and they eventually discovered she had been kidnapped by brigands and then handed to Bakool Ja Ja, all in an effort to steal the keystones she had already acquired. Following the trail back to Ihuykatyama, the retinues ambushed Bakool Ja Ja, with the Warrior making Bakool Ja Ja nervous, forcing him to threaten them with Wuk Lamat's life if they come any closer. But all this was a ruse to allow Thancred to sneak behind him and get him to release Wuk Lamat. Koana eventually grabbed her, after Bakool Ja Ja threw her after Thancred's surprise. Bakool Ja Ja and his lackeys then retreated, having managed to steal one of Wuk Lamat's keystones.
Koana and his retinue climbed Worqor Zormor behind Wuk Lamat and Zoraal Ja, and after Wuk Lamat's retinue defeated Gurfurlur, he immediately engaged Koana. Koana, Urinager and Thancred won as well, awarding keystones to all three claimants and then showing them the sepulchre, where the names of Gulool Ja Ja and his companions were carved on, after they imprisoned the Skyruin, Valigarmanda. But just then Alphinaud informed everyone, that Valigarmanda had broken free and proceeded to Worqor Lar Dor to gather its strength. Wuk Lamat intended to stop it before it begins to wreak havoc again. Koana eventually decided to join her sister, as did Zoraal Ja. Together, they brought the Skyruin low for good, and were awarded another keystones.
The next feat was held in Iq'Braax in Yak T'el, and in this feat the claimants were paired. To both Koana's and Wuk Lamat's relief, they got paired. The feat was to cook xibruq pibil, a dish that held great significance for both the Xbr'aal and Mamool Ja. Koana and Wuk Lamat had an edge, since they had many hands to help. After dividing their tasks, Koana, Wuk Lamat and the Warrior went searching for Ja Tiika banana leaves, an essential ingredient in the dish. They met Wuk Evu as well, who explained them the history of xibruq pibil, which led both Koana and Wuk Lamat to realize learning this part of Tuliyollal's history was part of the rite. They eventually discovered a crate of Ja Tiika banana leaves buried in Xobrit Cinderfield, and used in their dish. The dish they made was perfectly executed, and Koana and Wuk Lamat received a keystone, while Zoraal Ja and Bakool Ja Ja failed, since their take was missing the essential ingredient.
The following night, Koana began to doubt his own commitment of becoming a Dawnservant. While he felt technology could help Tuliyollal prosper, he had never considered, how the people of Tuliyollal felt so strong attachments to their traditions, something he felt were keeping them back from progress. Thancred and Urianger pointed out that Koana's commitment was true, but also encouraged him to find his own real answer on what he really wants.
The rite continued in Mamook, where Koana witnessed Zoraal Ja being defeated by a shade of Gulool Ja Ja at his prime, and he was disqualified, when he tried to take his keystone by force. Koana then left to prepare for the rite. He was soon called in by Wuk Lamat to help her find a way for the Mamool Ja of Mamook to figure out a better way to sustain their life rather than just rely on two-headed blessed siblings. Koana agreed to help, and by using the knowledge he learned in Sharlayan into use, he and Alphinaud discovered that the soil around Mamook was very fertile, it had trouble to grow anything besides Ja Tiika bananas. Koana suggested delivering various seeds from Sharlayan and see if any of them will be suitable for the land. After solving this problem, Koana then made his choice. Just as Wuk Lamat and her retinue were preparing to engage Gulool Ja Ja's shade, Koana came forward and declared his intention to aid his sister. The elector, Zereel Ja, denied it, since Koana was a claimant himself. Koana then took his keystone tablets and shot them, renouncing his position as claimant, thus allowing him to support Wuk Lamat, having come to understand that of all the claimants she is the one to truly understand the people of Tuliyollal. WIth the help of Koana's retinue, Wuk Lamat completed the final feat, and Koana encouraged her to find the golden city, while Thancred and Urianger escorted him back to Tuliyollal.
Wuk Lamat found the golden city and was declared winner of the rite. During her inauguration, Wuk Lamat declared that Dawnservant isn't just one person, and to the surprise of everyone, Wuk Lamat asked Koana to be the Dawnservant with her. After all, Koana completed all the rites despite his renounciation. Koana asked if Wuk Lamat was certain, and she was. She decided to be the Vow of Resolve and for Koana to be the Vow of Reason, inspired by Gulool Ja Ja's heads of Resolve and Reason. Gulool Ja Ja gave his own approval for this, but left the ultimate decision to the people, who also accepted.
Later, Gulool Ja Ja told Koana, Wuk Lamat and Krile the whole story about the golden city. Twenty years ago, he sent a letter to Galuf Baldesion to investigate the matter. While investigating, the gate suddenly opened, and two Lalafells emerged, one carrying a baby and the other a mysterious artifact. They left the baby to Galuf's care and the key was left with Gulool Ja Ja, even though nobody could make out, what it was. From this, Krile realized the baby was her.
Soon after, a dome appeared in Xak Tural and mysterious airships emerged from it, heading towards Tuliyollal. Without warning, the ships began to fire on the city and mechanical soldiers killing off people left and right. The Warrior, who had been in Shaaloani at the time, returned to the city and met with Wuk Lamat and Koana to help the people. Bakool Ja Ja directed them to go and help Gulool Ja Ja, where Wuk Lamat, Koana and the Warrior were shocked to see Zoraal Ja attacking his own father. Gulool Ja Ja told them to stay out of this, as it is his duty to deal with his now mad son. Gulool Ja Ja dealt a mortal blow to Zoraal Ja, but thanks to a device on his head, he was revived. He then used the same device to empower himself, and was able to fatally stab his father. Wuk Lamat attacked Zoraal Ja for this, but he declared she can't defeat her. He then halted the attack and challenged them to lay siege to his kingdom, before leaving.
Koana and Wuk Lamat couldn't do anything to save their father. WIth his dying breath, Gulool Ja Ja told Wuk Lamat and Koana to look after one another. After aiding the people of Tuliyollal, Wuk Lamat decided to answer Zoraal Ja's challenge, and Koana took the lead for Tuliyollal's defenses, while Wuk Lamat and the Warrior lead the charge into Zoraal Ja's new kingdom.
As Koana oversaw to the defenses of Tuliyollal, he decided to seek out help from elsewhere. He reached out to Radz-at-Han and formed an alliance with its satrap, Vrtra of the first brood. When Zoraal Ja eventually resumed the invasion, this time Tuliyollal was prepared, and Vrtra, along with Azdaja and his brood, flew to Tuliyollal's aid. Together, Tuliyollal's people and Vrtra's brood were able to repel the invasion, and Koana personally thanked Azdaja for Radz-at-Han's assistance.
Later, Wuk Lamat and the Warrior returned to Tuliyollal after defeating Zoraal Ja. Wuk Lamat also introduced to Koana Gulool Ja, Zoraal Ja's son he had sired, but then abandoned. Koana was able to recognize he was Zoraal Ja's son, and realized this would make him Gulool Ja's uncle.
Characteristics[]
Appearance[]
Personality[]
At first, Koana appears dignified, stoic and academic but holds a strong drive to help his homeland of Tural through the innovations he had learned during his time studying in Sharlayan. However, his tendency to be aloof and plainspoken with everyone makes him appear detached and overly serious. Even with those who praise his accomplishments, Koana is stated to be practical to a fault, rarely even partaking in the celebration of his own successes. On the downside, this leaves Koana with very few friends but its shown that he does care for his adoptive siblings and father greatly as well as appreciating the counsel and support of his comrades, Thancred and Urianger. When Wuk Lamat was kidnapped by Bakool Ja Ja, Koana instantly became furious and desperate to save his sister, dropping his usual stoic front. When questioned by Thancred if rescuing Wuk Lamat would negatively affect his chances in the rite, Koana was quick to state that winning the throne would be meaningless if he lost Wuk Lamat, proving that family meant more to him than winning the rite.
His motivation to become the next Dawnservant is mainly to improve the livelihood of his homeland, mainly by emulating Sharlayan, but while a noble goal, it often goes against many of the traditions the Turali have developed. In fact, Koana possess an aversion to tradition in general, believing that they impede progress. While his innovations earned him the support of various businesses and youths, the elders and traditionalists are put off by his disregard for tradition. In truth, Koana's aversion to tradition is rooted in his past, being part of a nomadic tribe that constantly migrated but was left behind to die as his tribe moved on, leaving Koana abandoned, using tradition as justification. Its because of this, Koana despises traditions being followed simply for the sake of them. However, like Wuk Lamat, Koana does wish to preserve the peace their father had forged, as he was quick to reject Sareel Ja's proposition of making him Zoraal Ja's main advisor in preparing weapons for conquest, stating that the tools of war are of no interest to him.
Koana may have the best of intentions in using his innovations to better the lives of his people but his disregard for his people's ways, comes off as dispiriting, caring more about his goals rather than his people's cultural identity. During the Feat of Repast, Wuk Evu's praise for Wuk Lamat's interest in her people's cultures and sheer love for her people strikes a chord with Koana, who can't deny that Wuk Lamat's compassion for the people of Tural is without equal. Learning that his adoptive father was responsible for many of the traditions Koana despised as outdated and unnecessary forces Koana to reflect on their value even if foreign innovations appear more efficient solutions to Tural's problems. It is this realization that causes Koana to understand that he is unworthy of being Dawnservant, forfeiting his chance for the throne to help Wuk Lamat's bid, believing her to be the best candidate over Zoraal's Ja's warmongering and Bakool Ja Ja's vanity.
Koana would be humbled when Wuk Lamat asked him to be the Vow of Reason to her Vow of Resolve, thereby ruling Tural together as his sister nonetheless saw that his innovations and intellect would be indispensable to their homeland. His leadership and diplomatic skills would be proven as while Wuk Lamat joined with the Warrior in confronting Zoraal Ja, thereby distracting him, he aided in organizing Tural's defense against the Alexandrian invasion force, creating an alliance with Radz-at-Han's leader, Vrta, giving them the means to route their enemy.
Gameplay[]
Koana is a Duty Support member for the trial 
Worqor Lar Dor against Valigarmanda. His job is Innovator, that functions like a Machinist.
Citations[]
- ↑ https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/dawntrail/story/
- ↑ Final Fantasy XIV, Main Scenario Quest
A Festive People.
- ↑ Final Fantasy XIV, Main Scenario Quest
Knowing the Hanuhanu.