Echoes of the Past: Rammus, The Secret Behind the Shell

2 Aug 20

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Echoes of the Past: Rammus, The Secret Behind the Shell

For decades past, the common folk of Shurima have wandered on the true nature of Rammus.

For decades past, the common folk of Shurima have wandered on the true nature of Rammus. Leading to all manners of odd yet intriguing stories that fascinated children and adult alike. People have spent their entire life time in pursuit of this spike Amordillo.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">

Some say Rammus was part of a now defunct group of “God Warriors” called the Ascended or Sunborn. These powerful beings were once human but made Godlike by the celestial magic of the mighty Sun Disc. A megastructure built by Ancient Shurimans and Ixtal slaves with the guidance of the Aspects from Mount Targon. <span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">

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"Depiction of an Ascended"

Evidence to back such a claim stem from a variety of factors that concern Rammus. His protective reaction towards any threats against Shurima and its people for one is quite interesting to say the least. For the Ascended were thought as Guardians of Ancient Shurima and their Emperor. They were the frontrunners at the Battle of Icathia, and fought again to quell the Rebellion of Icathia. The Ascended led the charge with fierce Shuriman warriors at their side when the dreaded Void Wars erupted. <span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">

Though records with any mention of Rammus’s involvement in Ascended – related conflicts are non–existent to this day. He has shown capable to do somewhat similar feats and a willingness to defend Shurima.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">

He traversed the vast Lake of Imalli in two days to destroy a giant anthill that has terrorized a nearby farmland. Rammus dug deep for miles and killed its queen to end the scourge. He braved the infamous bastion called the Fortress of Siram. Made by a crazed sorcerer, this hellish structure held untold magical horrors from mutated beasts to shadow demons guarding impenetrable tunnels and corridors engulfed with fire. The fortress was turned to a pile of rumble in less than an hour after Rammus entered and whatever secrets it had now lies with him.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">

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"Rammus in the Shuriman Desert"

Such acts are reminiscent to the Ascended of old. Still his noteworthy achievements are often scrutinized due to a lack of definite reasoning behind these acts. For instance, Rammus once saved a Northern Shuriman Settlement from an invasion of Noxian Warbands. He did so by toppling enormous stone blocks in the upper reaches of Temple of the Ascended to the nearby Noxians. A valiant act yet some attribute this to more so a product of coincidence rather than a selfless notion, since the ground along the temple bore Rammus’s favorite cactus flowers. Even still one tribesman claimed he was merely sleep rolling and just happened to save the settlement in the process.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">

Another incident would be that time when Rammus rescued a traveling merchant caravan from a pack of deadly Kmiros. These gigantic scarabs are known to feed upon unwary travelers and ground larger prey like the quadrupedal herbivore called Skallashi. <span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">

"Skallashis are commonly used for travel and hauling heavy loads"

The story states Ojan, a passenger of the caravan prayed to a round wooden figure of Rammus before the caravan was overturned as it tried desperately to outrun the Kmiros. Moments later, the spiked Armordillo arrived in the scene, plowing through the swarm of scarabs effortlessly and, by the time the dust settled, every Kmiros was smashed. Ojan, his mother and sister Zyama were shocked at the sight before them but were grateful. Ojan’s mother even bowed in front of their savior. <span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">

Rammus by then was munching on a severed leg of a Kmiros with beetle juice trickling down his mouth. This could mean Rammus was merely on the hunt for food and saw it as an opportunity for a quick meal. The story even mentioned later on that Rammus left the caravan after breaking apart another leg off a Kmiros carcass then rolling away to the distance. It should be noted that Rammus did interact with the round wooden figure of his likeness by splitting it in two. <span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">

These variety of peculiar interaction has made identifying Rammus’s true nature problematic. Is he just one of many such creatures like the skeptics say or a far more powerful being? His physical appearance can also give us a lead to more clues to fathom such enigma. <span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">

Rammus is often depicted as an anthropomorphized armadillo with armored spikes hence the title of Armordillo. Similarly, to how the Ascended looked before they turned to Darkins. Notable Ascended like Nasus has his lean, Jackal – headed body and Renekton with his Crocodilian form. The physical form an Ascended receives after Ascension is a representation of that person’s defining feature. Nasus’s intelligence is reflected with the Jackal and Renekton’s fearless aggression is shown through the Crocodile. Maybe Rammus was once a mighty warrior, able to fend off hordes of enemies and protect those that couldn’t themselves. His likeness has been plastered on ancient walls in Shuriman ruins and colossal stone monuments that dates back to the early days of Ascension.

"Ojan described Rammus’s shell being lined with intricate pattern of spiral scales and claws as sharp as knives"

Yet others see this in a different light. They interpret Rammus in a godlier way akin to the likes of Janna, Ornn, and much more. The physical manifestation of cultural ideas. A Spirit God’s power is intertwined with the beliefs of mortal men. Their strength can wax and wane dependent on the worship of their believers. In return these Spirit Gods offer protection, guidance or fear to their followers. <span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">

Because men have often sought the favor of the Gods. The Hearthblood were a group of architects, blacksmiths and brewmasters that strived to learn from Ornn. Faithful Zaunites pray to Janna for protection against all threats they may face and Rammus has his Disciples of the Amordillo. Storied run – ins with Rammus have surfaced throughout the years. All having personal life – altercating consequences to any mortal given such a rare chance encounter. He once saved an heir of a vast kingdom from a terrible fire. Shortly afterwards, the heir left his past noble life behind and become a goat farmer. The northern coastal city of Nashramae started out from a quaint discussion between Rammus and an elderly mason.

"It quickly led to the construction of the Market of Illumination, the now bustling heart of the city, by the elder mason."

From Soothsayers, priest and even deranged lunatics that claim to know about his abode. Devotees have ventured out to the harsh desert in search of their life – changing moment with Rammus. Often bringing stacks of his favorite desert treats as offerings. Many never return and fewer still return with a story in hand, some of which revolved around missing provisions after a night’s rest. The citizen of Nashramae are known to honor Rammus in a yearly celebration by rolling and somersaulting throughout the city. As imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. <span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">

Despite all the information that were gathered and presented. We are not even close to scratching the surface on this mystery. Rammus remains an enigma to most of us. His true self hidden behind a hard shell and deadly spikes. However, with the Resurrection of Shurima’s Ascended Emperor Azir. The sands recede once more for the rebirth of Shurima. And only time will show what the desert swallowed decades ago.<span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}">

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