Funa Gamsia (fu.na ga.msia)

"For centuries we have kept the mountains content, and we will continue to do so for as long as we can." - Raka Suradipa, the Dukun Agang of Gamfene

Funa Gamsia is the highest point on the island of Gamfene, and the largest volcano in the range that runs through the center of the island. For centuries, it has been the location of the Ruwatan Agni, an annual ceremony and festival that brings worshippers from all over the island.

The Ruwatan Agni is celebrated during the height of the dry season, and draws people from all over Gamfene. It is one of the only religious ceremonies that unites several of the ethnicities who live in the Mangimoi Archipelago, and there are always representatives of the Pulawan, Ularan, and Mangimoi peoples present. The ritual lasts for a month, although much of that time is spent in celebration of the gods of the island, leading up to the main rite which occurs under the full moon closest to the center of the dry season. During this ceremony, the people climb to the crater at the top of the mountain, following a path lined with shrines to the island's gods. Once at the crater, they cast a variety of offerings into the crater, including food, alcohol, incense, and livestock. The intent is to both honor and appease the gods of Gamfene's volcanos, so that they will not erupt during the following year. Scholars of Folk Magic believe that the Ruwatan Agni is one of the oldest continuously practiced magical rituals in the Great Ring, and that it is likely it does prevent volcanic eruptions on the island.

During the last two years, the newly crowned Tura Malanoa has attended the Ruwatan Agni in person, marking the first time since Gamfene was annexed by the Kingdom of Gailo that the kingdom's ruler has even acknowledged the ancient ceremony. Most ascribe this to his having been forced to make the city of Gailolo the capital of Gailo following the disaster on Tubu. Even so, the people of Gamfene are happy and welcoming to the young ruler, and are glad of his attendance.

Notable Spirits

While all of the mountains of Gamfene have their own gods, the Hyang of Funa Gamsia is considered to be the ruler of them all. He is known as Girindira, the king under the island, and no volcano may erupt on Gamfene without his permission. Girindira is also a god of gold and riches, and many believe that secret veins of gold run through the mountains that may only be mined with his blessing.

Geography

Funa Gamsia is located just north of the center of Gamfene, and is a little over 4,500 feet high. The slopes are heavily forested, and a long and well-maintained path snakes up the side of the mountain, allowing a relatively easy ascent. The path is lined with shrines to the various gods of Gamfene, with the largest and most impressive shrine located near the edge of the crater where the path ends. This final shrine is dedicated to Girindira, the god of the mountain and ruler of the island's gods.

Type

Mountain / Hill

Location under

Gamfene

Geographic Details

Location: Southern Region
Latitude: 6.03 degrees South
Longitude: 19.17 degrees West
Elevation: 4,511 ft

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