Shurima

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Faction

Shurima

By Unknown Author

Starring: Akshan, Amumu, Azir, Nasus, Rammus, Renekton, Sivir, Skarner, Taliyah, Xerath

Fallen desert empire
Greater Lesser
Governance:	Attitude towards magic:
Divine empire	Covet
Level of technology:	General environment:
Unknown	Arid desert

“	"Shurima is where all paths converge."
	— Azir

The empire of Shurima was once a thriving civilization that spanned a vast desert. After an era of growth and prosperity, the fall of its gleaming capital left the empire in ruins. Over millennia, tales of Shurima's glorious city became myth and religion among the descendants of the scattered survivors.

Most of the nomadic inhabitants of Shurima search for basic sustenance in an unforgiving land. Some defend small outposts built around a few oases. Others hunt buried riches among the ruins of the fallen empire, or obtain mercenary work, taking coin for their deeds before disappearing back into the sands. Now, the tribes are stirred by whispers from the heart of the desert: the city of Shurima has risen again.

Lore

Shurima was once a powerful empire that spanned the farthest reaches of the vast southern continent. After an era of expansion and prosperity, its last emperor was betrayed by his closest friend, and the empire fell to ruin. Its gleaming capital was all but destroyed in an earth-shaking cataclysm and the empire was left in ruins, its people scattered and its mighty cities devoured by the sand. Now Shurima is a barren wasteland, an unforgiving desert where only the strongest survive and its people cling to the few remaining oases and strips of fertile land around the coast.

In the millennia since Shurima's fall, tales of its glorious capital and gleaming sun disc became little more than myths and debased religions among the descendants of the empire's few survivors. Most of Shurima's inhabitants now dwell in small tribal outposts clustered near water or built upon the bones of ancient cities, venerating the glories of the past. Some hunt buried riches among the ruins of the fallen empire or earn a living as sellswords, warriors for hire who fight for rich paymasters before disappearing into the sands. Others try to forget the past, looking to the future and nations across the ocean as partners in trade.

Yet the ancient myths of Shurima do not rest easy and are stirring once more. Whispering winds from the heart of the desert speak of mighty cities rising from the earth, of a golden warrior marching at the head of an army of sand. Rumors spread of ancient heroes reborn, of a war between gods that will shake the very foundations of the world.

The city of Shurima has risen, and nothing will ever be the same.

Champions of Shurima

Amumu

Azir

Nasus

Rammus

Renekton

Sivir

Skarner

Taliyah

Xerath

Other Related Champions

• Aatrox was an Ascended before Shurima's fall.
• Brand was summoned by Xerath to fight Nasus and Renekton while he was altering Azir's Ascension ritual.
• Cassiopeia hired Sivir to raid the Tomb of the Emperors and later was transformed by a Shuriman curse.
• Ezreal discovered a magical gauntlet in a Shuriman tomb.
• Janna protects Shurimans and other sailors around the seas near the Serpent Isles.
• Jax was an Icathian who fought against Ancient Shurima, in his city's final battle before being swallowed by the Void.
• Kai'Sa is originally Shuriman but spent a decade trapped in caverns corrupted by the Void.
• Kassadin is a Shuriman who hunts " the Prophet" and Voidborn in Icathia, while also searching for his daughter.
• Malphite was created by the Ascended Ne'Zuk, original wielder of Ezreal's gauntlet
• Malzahar was a Shuriman seer turned leader of the "Cult of the Void".
• Myisha gave the Shurimans the knowledge to seal away the Darkin during The Great Darkin War.
• Pantheon fought against the Darkin during The Great Darkin War.
• Rek'Sai is a Xer'Sai Voidborn queen terrorizing the Sai'Kahleek.
• Rhaast was an Ascended before Shurima's fall.
• Rumble scared a bully with his mech in Nashramae.
• Ryze is an ancient archmage who has wandered though Shurima in his hunt for World Runes.
• Soraka visited Shurima in the past.
• Varus was an Ascended before Shurima's fall, and is currently searching for a Darkin sister (presumably Valeeva) in a Shuriman tomb.
• Yasuo was a mentor to Taliyah.
• Yuumi traveled to Shurima in search for her Master, Norra.
• Zilean fought against Ancient Shurima before the fall of Icathia.

History

Construction of the Sun Disc

After being granted knowledge by the Targonians, ancient Shurimans build a Sun Disc in Nerimazeth, the prototype fail for unknown reasons, but, now with the help of Ixtal mages, a new Sun Disc is built on what would turn into the capital of the Shuriman empire. After it's construction Setaka becomes one of the first Ascended and with the Chalicar, a weapon forged by cosmic forces and brought from the celestial realm, she would lead the Ascended host to centuries of conquest across the continent, with Ixtal being one of the first independent nations to join the Shuriman empire.

A Dire Threat to Ancient Shurima

The Sun Disc was ancient long before the pinnacle of the Shuriman Empire. Nasus and Renekton knew of its power, and used it to ascend in order to face a dire threat from mysterious beings.

The Icathian rebellion and the Void War

Main article: Where Icathia Once Stood

After centuries under Shuriman domination, the Icathians organized a rebellion against the empire, launching attacks against the eastern estates, even killing an Ascended at their borders after toppling half a mountain. But as the empire armies marched, the Kohari forces of Icathia retreated to the capital. In the battle that followed, the Icathians seemed surprisingly close to victory as the slave warriors and mercenaries of Shurima fled, but the tides changed when the 12 Ascended at the head of the army joined the battle, without any other options, the Icathians unleashed a "weapon" they had found underground.

In that moment, Icathia fate was sealed, the Void was summoned, destroying the Shuriman and Icathian armies all the same together with Setaka the Warrior-queen of the Ascended host. Few survived the event and the war that would follow would be the greatest fought by Shurima, leaving the entire region of Icathia as a barren wasteland.

Afraid of the power of the Void, the Ixtal mages would use their elemental magic to hide Ixaocan in the wildness, isolating themselves from the outside world as the Ascended fought to seal the Void rifts.

In the end, Shurima would come victorious, at a great cost, and the horrors seen in those battles would afflict the mind of the surviving Ascended for long.

Twilight of the Gods

Main article: Twilight of the Gods

Myisha, Aspect of Twilight and Change, led the Ascended Ta’anari to Nasus, who gave the panther Ascended the location of the Chalicar of Setaka. With this, Ta’anari hopes to stop the civil war between the remaining Sunborn, so he calls for a gathering of the Ascended and darkin. Enakai (tiger), Syphax (chameleon), Zigantus (bull), Xuuyan (turtle), Shabaka and Shabak (raven twins), Valeeva (appearance unknown), Cebotaru (wolf), and Naganeka (snake) came to this gathering.

Ta’anari proposed that the next wielder of the Chalicar would be Sivunas Alahair, the Bringer of Rains, one of Azir's remaining descendants. Xuuyan disagreed and tried to take the Chalicar by force; Ta'anari was forced to kill him. The other Ascended and darkin present also disagreed with his plan, so with the aid of Myisha, he used the Chalicar to funnel his own and Myisha's powers to release a huge burst of moonlight.

Shabaka and Shabake were vaporized instantly, and Syphax, Zigantus and Enakai followed a few moments later. Ta'anari's own Ascension was reverted and he was human once again, though blinded by the process. Myisha later cut his heart out, killing him. Naganeka, Valeeva and Cebotaru managed to escape still as Ascended.

Ta'anari's three warrior former-queens - Teushpa, Sulpae and Idri-Mi - were now responsible for having their weaponsmiths seal away the Darkin, under Myisha's tutelage.

Descent into the Tomb

Main article: Descent into the Tomb

Narrated by Nasus

Cassiopeia hiring Sivir for an expedition into the Shuriman desert

"The tragic fall of Shurima was nothing comparing to the tragedy of its rise from the grave.

In a market at the edge of a desert. A stranger appears. Cassiopeia, a noblewoman from Noxus looking to hire a guide to take her to the fabled lost city. But not just any guide, she hires a owner of a legendary blade, the mercenary called Sivir. Sivir gathers her band of sell-swords and sets out into the desert to find the very bones of Shurima.

Five days beneath the broiling sun a scout spots towers juddering upwards and a stairway leading underground. They climb down, into the darkness.

Ancient treasures gleam in the torch-light, even Sivir is astonished at the grandeur of the ruins. Her men head deeper in only to stumble into traps and be eviscerated. Sivir is stunned with horror, but Cassiopeia does not flinch. She sees only the statue of a huge serpent silently guarding the door to the tomb of the Emperors and smiles.

The ancient weapon is a key. Cassiopeia betrays Sivir. She picks up Sivir's blade, puts it into the lock. The guardian's curse is triggered. The stone serpent comes alive, impales Cassiopeia in its jaws - the venom sears her flesh like acid.

The Tomb door opens. Renekton emerges, the brother I loved and locked away, twisted beyond insanity, followed by Xerath, an architect of his torment. My failure is complete.

Sivir drags herself away, life blood flooding from her wound and then succumbs to darkness... "

Rise of the Ascended

Main article: Rise of the Ascended

Narrated by Nasus

Sivir in the Oasis of the Dawn

Ascended Azir

"As Sivir lies betrayed and bleeding, something incredible occurs. For though she does not know it, Sivir is the last in the bloodline of Azir, Shurima’s lost emperor. And as her blood soaks into the ancient sands, a deep magic sparks to life. Resurrection!

First Azir’s mind, then his body. Snatched back from oblivion to be reborn. Then he sees Sivir, wonders at her face, he sees himself in this daughter of Shurima. In that moment, he has no thought of empires or rituals. He only knows: she needs his help.

He must take her to the Oasis of the Dawn - the Mother of Life. He smells the waters - smells of life. He prays he is in time. He does not dream that he, Shurima’s greatest emperor, can at long last earn his Ascension and bring back his broken city. He dares not dream that if he can save her...Azir can save them all."

The Sands have shifted

Shurima's people return to their ancestral home

Shurima is resurrected, and Runeterra's future is forever altered. Xerath and Renekton have been unleashed from the Tomb of the Emperors. Nasus, haunted by his brother's heroic sacrifice, is relentlessly pursued by Renekton in his mad thirst for vengeance. Bristling with power and resentment, Xerath plots to reforge Valoran in the fires of revolution. The serpent's curse is the terrible price of Cassiopeia's ambition, but it also promises a power she never imagined. Azir, Ascended ruler of a fallen civilization, envisions a new Shuriman empire, while his descendant Sivir, ever the mercenary, looks to turn the situation to her advantage. Shurima is a land of mystery... but some mysteries refuse to remain buried.

Bloodline

Main article: Bloodline

Taliyah, the Stoneweaver

Having returned to Shurima after hearing word of the empire's restoration, Taliyah made her way from the coastal city of Bel'Zhun around the borders of the Sai, heading to Kenethet and then Vekaura on her journey to the capital. On the way she found a fatally wounded Sivir, and brought her to safety within the city's borders. Nasus, who had been searching for the remnants of the Emperor's lineage since Azir's return, also found his way to Vekaura, but before he could meet his intended target Xerath assaulted the city with a force of mind controlled warriors from scattered tribes, and his own incredible power.

As Xerath bombarded the city and his soldiers laid waste to its inhabitants, Nasus finally found what he was looking for in Sivir and her savior Taliyah. He told Sivir of her importance; with her blood having restored Shurima, she would likely be instrumental to the nation's future, but Sivir had never cared for that ancient legacy and told Nasus she wanted no part in it. After brief words between the Ascended warrior, the mercenary and the stone mage, Nasus gave Sivir a magical pendant to keep herself concealed from Xerath as they escaped the city before going to face the powerful magus himself. Xerath had come to end Azir's lineage completely, and the two clashed in a battle the likes of which Shurima had not seen in ages. Though Nasus was able to stand against Xerath for a while, it did not last, and he was felled by his foe's immense magical power, but Xerath did not want Nasus to die just yet. He had his enemy's death planned out, and it was Renekton who would kill Nasus. Knowing a confrontation between the brothers was inevitable, and knowing how durable Nasus was, Xerath brought down the buildings of Verauka upon the curator's head, burying him completely before departing.

Thanks to the magic of Taliyah many of the city's denizens survived; sheltered by shields of woven stone. Nasus was among them, and while grateful for her help, he had done his job. Sivir was safe for now, and he looked to the future, hoping against hope that he could save Renekton from his insanity, so that the two of them could defeat Xerath together.

Locations

Shurima is an arid territory that covers most of the southern continent, also called Shurima. Many men have gone mad beneath the glare of the Shuriman sun, the source of the power of the Ascended.. It is also the location of the newly resurrected Shuriman Empire, a vast civilization that bloomed millennia ago and is now rising again. A few of the cities on its northern coast are Noxian territory.

The current well known locations encompassing Shurima are:

The Sun Disc

• The Sun Disc 1
• The Sun Disc 2
• The Capital (Ruins)
• The Capital (Reborn)
• The Rebirth
• Inner City
• Scholes Palace
• A Lost City
• Capital Cliffside Entrance

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Fashioned under the guidance of the Targonians, the great Sun Disc brought the favor of divine, celestial powers to Shurima. Once it was complete, it is said the waters of life flowed through the canyons surrounding the city, bringing life to the desert. For eons, the sun worshippers of Shurima owed their society's prosperity to the incredible power of the sun. Thanks to the prodigious disk that hovered above the capital city, ancient Shurimans could wield raw celestial magic to make their land more bountiful. The Sun Disc was the center of all Shuriman culture; it permeated every aspect, from religion to icons to dress and so on.

An oasis in the desert, it fell to ruins after Azir's failed Ascension, but has risen again since the emperor was revived by Sivir's blood. In its prime, it was the center of Shuriman society. Because of its immense importance as the center of trade and culture of the empire, many cultural, educational centers and markets bringing goods from all over the Empire sprung up. It also housed special burial grounds for the most influential of its citizens, such as The Tomb of the Emperors. The city is divided by ringed districts and city levels. The city's wealthiest citizens lived in the top rings of the city, while middle and lower classes (with slaves) lived mostly in settlements built on the rocky cliff sides of the outer and lower rings. The Palace of Ten Thousand Pillars, Scholar's Palace, Temple of the Sun and Oasis of the Dawn are located at the center of the city. The most important road in the city was the Emperor’s Way. The city was built around the ancient Sun Disc that floats above The Circle of Ascension and the city itself. The city also had the most advanced irrigation system of its time, seemingly unsurpassed until recently. Floating gardens decorated with palms and other flora protected its many terraces from the burning sun.

• Circle of Ascension: Located at the very center of the city, above the Grand Temple, Oasis of the Dawn and the Imperial Place, The Circle of Ascension is the main focal point from which the privileged and accomplished harnessed the powers of the Sun Disc and became Ascended beings. It was also the epicenter of Ancient Shurima's destruction and its modern rise from the grave. The circle is accessible via the Stairs of Ascension and the Emperor's Way.
• Oasis of the Dawn: Described as the Mother of Life, the oasis is located near The Tomb of the Emperors and was the city's main source of fresh water. The water is infused with unknown magical properties and has immense healing powers. It is said that any edge dipped into this pool will stay sharper and strike truer than any other sword. It had almost all dried up until the newly resurrected Azir brought a dying Sivir to what little remained. The waters' powers healed her fatal wounds. This act of selflessness from Azir made him worthy of Ascension, which ultimately revived his broken city.
• Tomb of the Emperors: Deep in the capital city lies the Tomb of the Emperors. For the last millennium it has acted as the makeshift prison of Xerath and Renekton. It is guarded by the statue of a huge serpent. When the tomb opened the serpent came to life, impaling Cassiopeia on its fangs, its venom transforming her into a terrifying half-snake creature.

The Great Sai

• The Great Sai Map
• The Endless Plain 1
• The Endless Plain 2
• The Great Sai Desert

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The Great Sai, or Shuriman Wastes is a large desert spanning most of east, south, and west Shurima. The fallen empire has littered the dunes with ruins.

Stretching out for hundreds of miles, the Endless Plain is a desolate wasteland that has claimed countless lives over the centuries. Few who attempt to cross it are ever seen again—if the relentless, burning heat and lack of water doesn't kill them, the predators and savage raiders that emerge under the cover of darkness likely will.

A mysterious creature can be found wandering the desert. Skarner defends the entrance to a realm deep beneath the Shuriman wastes; what he protects, no one knows. Buried tombs also hold ancient secrets; Amumu rose from such a tomb, and in another, Ezreal claimed an Ascended artifact of incredible mystical power.

Kenethet, Vekaura, Nerimazeth, Zuretta, Astrologer's Tower, and the Zoantha Cascade are located in this desert wasteland.

North Shurima

• Nashramae
• Market Of Illumination
• Hierophant Of Zuretta

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Other known locations in north Shurima are: Parnesa, Odyn Valley, Zuretta, etc.

• Bel'zhun: This northern city is currently controlled by Noxus, but has a large rebel insurgency against Noxus. Known as the Suns of Bel'Zhun, the group frequently trades weapons with Clan Medarda of Piltover.
• Kalamanda: The closest city to the Crystal Scar, situated on the northwestern coast of Shurima. The city's primary exports are gold and sing-stones (or sun-stones).
• Nashramae: This northern coastal city, currently run by Hagyett Sabja. The people of Nashramae are devoted to preserving the ways of the past, celebrating their ancestors and the Ascended. It holds a festival yearly celebrating Rammus, where thousands gather to roll and somersault around the city. Its primary exports are woven goods, like mats and bolts of cloth. Traveling on the back of a dormun from Nashramae to the capital of Shurima would take approximately 65 days.
  • Market of Illumination: It is believed that an elderly mason was inspired by a profound, yet brief conversation with Rammus, and constructed an enormous marketplace which became the bustling heart of Nashramae. That market is connected to Vekaura streets.
  • Sun Disc Replica: The prize of the city is the ornate, non-magical, replica of the Sun Disc, built to honor Shurima's fallen and as a statement of hope that the sun might one day bless them again.
• Tereshni: This Shuriman port city is currently controlled by Noxus and led by Steward Ta'Fik. The city's best-known export is Shuriman Azirite (aka blood glass), named after the current Shuriman Emperor, Azir.
• Urzeris: Located in the northern coast of Shurima, this port city is currently occupied by Noxus, and its current governor is Steward Zikka Taum'Vin. Its most well known trade good is Urzeris Salt. Marcus Du Couteau with his family was stationed close to the governor of Uzeris before his assassination. Both Katarina and Cassiopeia lived here during their younger years.

East Shurima

• Nasus and Ryze at the Archives
• Shuriman Sun Temple

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Other known locations in east Shurima are: The Great Sai, Astrologer's Tower, etc.

• Kenethet: An eastern desert city where Taliyah performed her weaving abilities during her initial travels beyond Shurima. A girl named Shoorai, who would later met Malphite, witnessed Taliyah's weaver performance.
• World Rune Archives: Long before Shurima rose again from the sands, Ryze and the Ascended scholar Nasus delved into a ruined archive beneath the Great Sai... and awakened its protector.

South Shurima

• Marrowmark Market
• Valley Of Song
• The City Of Gardens (Rune Wars)
• Zoantha Cascade 1
• Zoantha Cascade 2

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Other known locations in south Shurima are: The Great Sai, Antathir, Bai-Zhek, Saabara, Old Zuretta, etc.

• Icathia: Located south of the Sai Kahleek, the ancient kingdom of Icathia was once a vassal state under the authority of the Sun Empire during the height of their dominance across Shurima millennia ago. In time the Icathians began an uprising against their oppressive masters. In a desperate attempt to save themselves from the Sun Empire's wrath, they foolishly opened a rift into the Void, which unleashed itself upon every living thing it came in contact with. The lands all around the damned city are still a deserted waste, and its very existence has been struck from the history records and maps of Shurima.
• Sai Kahleek: The Sai is a harsh, southern desert defined by rolling plains of sand, sharp stones and eerie silence. Located between the edge of the jungles and the capital, it is for the most part, completely uninhabited besides the Xer'Sai Voidborn and their queen Rek'Sai, who have claimed vast swaths of the desert. Traders and armed caravans will go hundreds of miles out of their way to avoid her territory, though cunning bandits have been known to lure the unwary into her killing grounds. The ancient nation Kahleek may have been located here.
  • Kahleek River: A river flows from the Mother of Life river from Vekaura, it recently sprung to life after the capitals rise from the sand.
    • Vekaura: A city built on the confluence of Mother of Life and Kahleek rivers, it was the birthplace of Azir's mother. It was recently decimated by Xerath during the events of Bloodline.
  • Marrowmark: Trader Settlement Erected in the ribcage of some long-dead desert behemoth.
    • Marrowmark Market: It is said that anything under the sun can be found in the bazaars of Marrowmark, for the right price.
• Sai Faraj: Once a vassal state of Shurima known for its astromancers, after the fall it became a barren desert also called as "Endless Plain". Few who attempt to cross it are ever seen again—if the relentless, burning heat and lack of water doesn't kill them, the predators and savage raiders that emerge under the cover of darkness likely will. The ancient nation Faraj may have been located here.
  • City of Gardens: This once thriving, beautiful city was destroyed during the apocalyptic Rune Wars. It is said that the entire population was annihilated in one terrible night, the city utterly leveled... and all that remains now lies in ruin. Kala and Ryze ventured to through this city during the events of The Burning Lands.
  • Zoantha Cascade: The shifting tides of the desert has been known to carve paths through bare rock, tumbling over the cliff faces in massive sandfalls. Traditionally, Shurimans toss beloved objects into the sands as gifts to the Ascended. As a result, such falls are often lucrative spots for treasure hunters.
  • Nerimazeth: In a time before the Sun Empire rose to prominence, the old city of Nerimazeth was the capital of Shurima. It was here that Sun Worshipers made the first iteration of a Sun Disc. Due to unspecified reasons, this was unsuccessful and the city became a vassal state enslaved to the rising Empire which had accomplished the Ascension ritual. It wasn't until Azir's death, that spurred surviving Ascended warriors to seek revenge for the collapse of their glorious empire. Enraged with spite the Ascended massacred Nerimazeth's inhabitants and burned the city that produced the very slave who assassinated their emperor. With his return, Xerath has proclaimed himself the new Emperor of Shurima and made the decayed city of Nerimazeth his capital.
• Renek River: A river that flows from the Oasis of the Dawn, it shared the name with the ancient nation Renek which may have been located in its river bank. Nasus and Renekton may have been from the area surrounding it, the latter may have been named after the river itself.
  • Zirima: Zirima is a merchant camp in southern Shurima where traders and explorers often gather before venturing into the Great Sai. Kassadin resided here for a long time after the destruction of his home, before he found out about the Void Prophet.
• Valley of Song: This remote pass takes its name from the disorienting whistling that results when the wind blows hard enough through the hollow rock structures. Many unwary travelers have found themselves at the mercy of the deafened marauders who prowl the valley by night.

West Shurima

Other known locations of west Shurima are: The Great Sai, Amakra, The Sun Disc, etc.

• Saikhal is a settlement located in western Shurima. Its river is a tributary that connects to the Mother of Life River. It is the birthplace of Xerath.
  • Path of Dust: Once called the Water Road during the times of ancient Shurima, this is the main road that leads from the town square to the river shores of Saikhal.
• Tomb of Ne'Zuk: A lost Tomb of a once powerful Ascended warlord. It is the location where Ezreal found his gauntlet.

Wildlife

Brackern

A Brackern known as Skarner

Within a hidden valley live the Brackern: a species of sentient, crystalline scorpions with great magical power. For thousands of years they lived peacefully in this secluded corner of Shurima, but when the Rune Wars ravaged Runeterra the Brackern hid themselves by hibernating beneath the earth to wait out the devastation, and hopefully wait out the extinction of the human race. In recent times the sleeping Brackern were discovered by thieves who stole several namestones from their bodies; stones which are critical to the livelihood and culture of the Brackern, so much so that those with stolen stones face immediate death if they should wake, and many cannot even be roused from their slumber. Skarner, one of the strongest Brackern, was able to wake himself and has set out to reclaim all of the stolen namestones while also ensuring that no humans ever find the valley.

Dormun

• Dormun 1
• Dormun 2
• A depiction of a Mwatis

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The Dormun are gigantic, slow-moving creatures protected with large chitinous plates covering their body. In the harsh conditions of Shurima they have evolved to survive the perpetual drought by utilizing an unknown sense to locate hidden reservoirs of water. Incidentally, certain nomadic tribes have built themselves a permanent home upon the backs of these beasts where they clean the creature and hunt any airborne pests who venture near.

Eka'Sul

Desert goats that travel in herds.

Mwatis

Mwatis are goatlike creatures with large plated casques on their heads. Mwati wool and plate are prised for felting and insulation.

Kmiros

Gigantic scarabs that roam in swarms, looking for unfortunate travelers to feed on. They seem to be common prey for Rammus.

Outerbeasts

Main article: Voidborn

• A Xer'Sai known as Rek'Sai
• Kai'Sa fighting Outerbeasts 1
• Kai'Sa fighting Outerbeasts 2
• Kai'Sa fighting Outerbeasts 3
• Kai'Sa fighting Outerbeasts 4

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Beside the Xer'Sai, other creatures from the Void, referred to as 'outerbeasts', can be found in the desert.

• Xer'Sai: Creatures from the Void that plague the southern deserts. They are the size of big dogs on average, but can be smaller or much bigger. Rek'Sai, as the queen, is by far the largest and most dangerous of her species. Xer’sai burst from their small burrows and ravage anything nearby, to the detriment of desert caravans. Once dead, the Xer'sai decompose at an abnormally rapid rate and become inedible.

Ralsiji

• A Ralsiji
• A Shuriman Camel 1
• A Shuriman Camel 2

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Large and aggressive minotaur-like creatures. They are humpbacked quadrupeds with long limbs and thick horns.

Shuriman Camel

A breed of camels native to the deserts of Shurima and are used by caravans as well as common folk as primary mode of transportation. Despite being well-suited for lengthy travels in the desert landscape, they are still prey to a many predator such as the Xer'Sai.

Sandswimmers

Sandswimmers

Sandswimmers are massive quadrupedal creatures that traverse the Shuriman desert in cyclical patterns. They got their name due to their preferred method of travel. Their narrow bodies and webbed feet are perfectly design for swimming under the sand. They feed on bugs and other small creatures most desert beasts ignore. Scavengers will often memorize the predictable paths these creatures take, and jump onto their backs to ride as far as they wish.

Skallashi

• Skallashi
• Skallashi in The Great Sai
• Skallashi at The Zoantha Cascade
• Skallashi near The Sun Disc
• Skallashi in Nashramae

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The Skallashi are large quadrupedal herbivores. These hardy beasts of burden are common across Shurima, ideally suited to the harsh desert environment. Their key body feature is their long legs. Notoriously bad-tempered, they are nevertheless treated with great reverence. Their brown hides are often painted with sacred symbols of protection, and their horns hung with totems and charms. While these creatures are mostly used for travel and carrying heavy loads, on some larger skallashi people are able to built miniature rooms for more comfortable travel. To own one is often considered a sign of considerable prosperity.

Culture

• General
• Languages
• Objects
• Mythos

“	"Shurimans. Always thinking I appropriated their cultural heritage. They're not wrong."
	— Ezreal

Shurima is described as a place that had a thriving culture, not only a strong military and a powerful emperor. It had a sense of personal identity with art, music, literature, trade, magical technology and more. The people of Shurima have been emperors and warriors, slaves and scholars, enduring beneath the glare of the deser sun. Through their knowledge of the sands, their strong family bonds, and sheer determination that history will not forget them, they have survived wars that spanned many centuries.

The current inhabitants of Shurima's desert are mainly descended from the survivors of the fall of Shurima's empire. The origin of their culture reaches back to Azir's time. During those times, slavery was a common practice in the Empire. It was so common that the entire Empire was dependent on slaves as the primary workforce. A former slave, Xerath, tried to seek revenge for his past station, which caused the failed ascension of Azir and the downfall of the empire. Ironically, his plan was put into action right after Azir emancipated all slaves in the empire. After the fall of Ancient Shurima, the society has evolved as they eke out an existence in their harsh environment of the desert. Commonly the nomads, such as Sivir, practice tomb robbing and mercenary service. The people are also known to produce seers blessed with foresight. Malzahar was born with such abilities.

Risen From The Sands

The southern desert is plagued by Xer'Sai, vicious monsters originating from the Void. To scout from attacks by Xer'Sai, caravans can employ Elujrav'i, or "bell riders." They can also employ Saih'kharash'i, or "sand walkers". These are poor locals who travels with the caravan, but can quickly be outrun in case of an attack by the Xer'Sai, at which point they serve as unfortunate decoys while their employers escape.

In ancient times the Sun Disc produced heroes called Ascended in times of direst threat. These beings were merely considered legends until recently.

The Shuriman language has undergone many changes, as well as become more opaque (e.g. Kassadin from Kas sai a dyn? meaning 'whom does the desert know?'), since the collapse of Shuriman society, to the point that modern Shuriman is distinct from its ancient form.

As Shurimans had conquered many other nations, the Shuriman Empire also incorporated many other ethnicities, thus diversifying the Empire culturally and linguistically; for example: the Stone Mage's name Ṭaliyah of the Nasaaj is definitely borrowed from in-universe foreign languages based on real-life Semitic, whereas the native Shuriman language is constructed.

• Ascended God-warriors' names:
  • Aatrox: Possibly foreign (cf. Latin atrox "fierce, savage, cruel" < ater "dull black, dark", from root PIE *h₂eh₁ter- "fire").
  • Azir: Ascended Emperor; name either native or foreign (cf. Egyptian wsjr "strong" or Central Semitic *Aðir "helper").
  • Cebotaru: likely native Shuriman in-universe (coincidentally a Romanian surname "boot-maker" (?); cf. Old East Slavic чеботъ čebotĭ).
  • Enakai: likely native Shuriman in-universe. (coincidentally "raging-sea" in Hawaiian).
  • Moneera: possibly foreign (cf. Arabic Munira منيرة "bright, shining, luminous", from Proto-Semitic *nwr "to shine").
  • Naganeka: foreign with native suffix (?) (from Sanskrit नग Nāga, from PIE root verb *sneg- "to crawl").
  • Nasus: Scholar, tactician, & strategist, likely native Shuriman (out-of-universe, punning on Latin nasus "nose")
  • Renekton: Decorated general, likely native Shuriman.
  • Rhaast: Either native or foreign.
  • Setaka: Ascended Queen, likely native Shuriman.
  • Shabaka & Shabake, the twin seers: possibly foreign (cf. Semitic ɬ-b-k "to entwine").
  • Syphax: possibly foreign (after a king of the Berber-Numidian tribe Masaesyli).
  • Valeeva: Likely native Shuriman.
  • Varus: Likely native Shuriman (out-of-universe, a pun on Latin varus "bow-legged")
  • Xerath: Native ancient Shuriman name "One Who Shares". Its modern meaning is "Devil" or "Hateful".
  • Xuuyan: Likely native Shuriman.
  • Ta'anari: Likely native Shuriman.
  • The name of Ta'anari's three female "life-bearers" companions, formerly foreign warriors-queens, were recorded:
    • Teushpa: from Iranic, compared Old Persian Tavis-paya "swollen with strength"; after a Cimmerian king
    • Idri-Mi: possibly from Semitic *ʔaddīr- "noble"; after king of Alalakh.
    • Šul-pa-e: Sumerian, literally "youthful~manly overseer of the house"; after a Sumerian god.

Nomenclature

It was thought for some time that all Voidborns carry names said to be in Ancient Shuriman naming convention, whereby a Voidborn individual has their unique name combined with the last syllable of their species name, being separated by an apostrophe in the middle; e.g. the Void Burrower's name Rek'Sai consists of her unique name Rek, and Sai the last syllable of her species' name Xer'Sai. However, this appears to not be true; in fact, we know sai means "desert," so we can perhaps infer the meaning of her and her tribe's names from this.

• Void and Voidborn names:
  • Cho'Gath: Likely ancient native Shuriman.
  • Kai'Sa: Original name was Kaisa before she added an apostrophe so as to be similar with other Voidborn names.
  • Kha'Zix: Ancient native Shuriman name "You Face Yourself".
  • Kog'Maw: Likely ancient native Shuriman.
  • Rek'Sai: Ancient native Shuriman.
  • Vel'Koz: Ancient native Shuriman name "To Understand By Unmaking".

Architecture

• Nashramae Architecture
• The Sun Disc
• Shuriman Sun Temple

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• Nashramae: Much of the architecture of Nashramae withstood the great fall, but decades of exposure to the elements has weathered these ancient Shuriman structures. Though some younger inhabitants wish to tear down and rebuild, the elders feel this would be an insult to the heritage and bloodlines from which they came.
• The Great Sun Disc: Fashioned under the guidance of the Targonians, the great Sun Disc brought the favor of divine, celestial powers to Shurima. Once it was complete, it is said the waters of life flowed through the canyons surrounding the city, bringing life to the desert. For eons, the sun worshippers of Shurima owed their society's prosperity to the incredible power of the sun. Thanks to the prodigious disk that hovered above the capital city, ancient Shurimans could wield raw celestial magic to make their land more bountiful. The Sun Disc was the center of all Shuriman culture; it permeated every aspect, from religion to icons to dress and so on.
• Vekaura: In Ancient times, Stepped gardens and flowers brought from every corner of the empire garlanded its structures in vivid colors and wondrous scents. Its towers gleamed with silver and jade, and cool water flowed from the great temple, running along great aqueducts in the naive belief its bounty would never end. The passing millennia had worn the city down to its exposed skeleton of stone, its once magnificent structures reduced to ruins. Those ruins had been built upon over the last few centuries by those who still clung to the old ways, believing their future might be saved by revering the past. Buildings planned by master craftsmen were now crooked parodies of their former glory. Walls once fashioned from square-cut granite were built over in timber and crudely shaped blocks. However, the city's original outline were retained.

Clothing

• Upper Class City Dwellers
• Nobility
• Lower Class City Dwellers
• Nomad Scouts
• Traders
• Full Purse
• Scavengers
• Noxians In Shurima
• A Dormun Rider
• A Raider
• A Shakkal Raider
• Shuriman Pendant

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The general styles of clothing tend to differ depending on the era and social status. Regular lower class city dwellers tend to wear simple practical garments for the harsh desert lifestyle. The upper class city dwellers tend to wear loose flowing clothing with a lot of decorative gold jewelry on the feet, hands, head, or torso. Sun Disk symbols were and still are a prevalent motif in Shuriman clothing; common colors include gold, white, red, and emerald green.

• Bone-Braces and Polearms : The Shakkal use these to vault towards their victims at terrifying speeds.
• Claw Grips : Dormun-riders use claw grips to traverse the complex series of ropes that connect the mobile village's dwellings.

Currency

While the nation takes and uses all kinds of currency from all corners of Runeterra, it also mints its own currency. The main currency of Shurima is called Securi.

The Great Weaver

“	"The great Weaver says every lesson is a gift."
	— Taliyah

The Great Weaver is a Shuriman deity which weaves the lives and destinies of each individual and holds individual triumph into consideration, since even the smallest rock is important in weaving the larger tapestry of life. Belief in the Great Weaver started some time after the fall of Shurima and is widely practiced by nomads and shepherds.

Rammus

“	▶️  "Ok."
	— Rammus

The enigmatic armordillo that roams the deserts of Shurima. Rammus comes and goes, appearing to the people of Shurima at random, usually by accident, looking for food, or because of some other agenda. However, this hasn't stopped the people from creating wild theories about his origin, race, and goals. Some say he is harbinger of change, others say a god, and still others claim him to be a guardian of Shurima. Whatever the case, he will continue to roam the desert, and mystify all who come across him.

Government

• General
• Military
• Organizations

Rulers

Main article: Nobility

Nobility/Shurima/Rulers

Tribes

There are numerous tribes scattered across the Shurima wastes, all of various notoriety. Some we only know by name include- the Barbae tribe, Kthaon tribe, Laaji tribe, Nasaaj tribe, Yesheje tribe, Zagayah tribe, etc.

Shuriman army (left and right) summoned by Azir after the capital's resurrection (by Riot Artist Patrick Faulwetter)

Shurima had a standing army before it fell. There were at least 10,000 elite warriors that guarded the emperor. When Azir returned he summoned a vast army at his command. The soldiers, though made in the image of their predecessors, are constructs of sand and are not sentient.

Cult of The Void

The Cult of The Void is a cult that first began when Malzahar claimed that Runeterra will be ended by the Void. Many of its followers have surrendered themselves to this fate and simply do what is asked of them, including being used as a sacrifice to the Void. In the years since the cults formation, Malzahar's legend has spread even to the northern ports. As followers of “the Prophet” grow in number, nearby settlers are said to experience malefic visions grasping at their hearts, and fear gives rise to superstition—even the hardy villagers of the far wastes now make offerings of livestock to appease the voidling creatures below.

Disciples Of The Armordillo

The Disciples of the Armordillo is by far the only cult that does not have any detriments. The cult revolves around the legendary being known as Rammus, whom they believe to be a god, Ascended, oracle, or something along those lines. Disciples yearly conduct ceremonies wherein they will imitate his famous roll, and somersault across their respective cities in droves. Many pilgrims roam the desert, in the hopes that they will find him and answer a single question. Knowing his cravings for sweets, they often fill all of their caravans with treats and sweets, usually finding their caravans exhausted of it all first thing in the morning.

Raiders

• A Raider
• A Shakkal Raider

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The raiders of Shurima survive not through trade, but through violence. These bands of marauders often attempt to blend into the environment in order to lure unsuspecting travelers into traps before killing them, taking their belongings, and (in very rare cases) eating them.

• Shakkal Raiders: These nomadic raiders are known for their agility, using hardened bone-braces and polearms to vault towards their victims at terrifying speeds.

Relations

Ixtal

During ancient times, Ixtal was one of the first nations to join the Shuriman Empire. After the fall of Icathia, the Ixtali started to distance themselves from the Empire, completely isolating themselves by the time of the Darkin War and the later Rune Wars.

Mount Targon

Since its inception Shurima has had deep political and social ties with both Mount Targon and celestial Targon itself. The knowledge of how to create the first Ascended, the blueprints on how to create the Sun Disc, and the means to revert ascension, was given by Targonians.

During the Darkin War, Targonian Aspects aided Shurimans in both defeating and imprisoning the warring darkin.

Noxus

• Noxian Presence in Bel'Zhun
• Noxian Full Purses
• Political Marriages

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A number of otherwise independent ports and cities in northern Shurima have voluntarily assimilated into Noxus. The original inhabitants of these settlements live in relative peace, seeing Noxian trade taxes as a price worth paying for military protection from raiders. By hiring Shuriman scavengers for a pittance and selling the artifacts they found to the occupying Noxians, some unscrupulous merchants grew very rich, very fast.

Azir has now resurrected the ancient capital and has made his mission to revive the old Empire as well. Time will only tell as to what political relations Shurima and Noxus will have in this new political landscape.

Piltover

Shuriman, mostly northern coastal cities, often trade with Piltovers wealthy clans. Clan Medarda had trade connections across multiple political connections with Shuriman city rulers across the clans history. Clan Ferros was the first Piltover clan to harvest brackern crystals for the creation of Hextech devices.

Zaun

During ancient times Zaun, or Kha'zhun, was an important trading port of the Empire. During the millennia and centuries after the Empires fall it slowly distanced itself politically and socially from the rest of Shurima. However Zaunites still follow some of their old Shuriman beliefs such as the worship of Janna, an old wind spirit originating from Shurima.

Trivia

• General
• Skins

• The name Shurima resembles:
  • Šumeru, Akkadian rendition of Ki-en-ĝir "land of noble lords", Mesopotamia's first civilization, mirroring Shurima's pioneering status.
    • However, ancient Sumer was nested within the well-watered & fertile floodplain, while Shurima is built near an oasis within a dry desert.
  • or Ancient Egyptian morpheme Šw, meaning "empty", "dry", "sunlight", or "rise up". From this root stems Shu, the Egyptian god of Light & Air, son of Atum (originally the deified evening sun; in contrast to Khepri-morning and Ra-midday; however all three would later merge).

• In Season Nine, the ranked emblems for the League system were redesigned. Shurima represents the emblem for the Gold rank.
• The Emperor of Shurima had other titles such as the Golden Sun or Beloved of Mother Desert.
• Lissandra's biography & speech given in the Howling Abyss mention the Three Sisters, Lissandra, Serylda, and Avarosa had been born & been living even before Shurima's foundation, making them three even more ancient than all ancient Shuriman champions: Azir, Xerath, Aatrox, Varus, Rhaast, etc.
  • Still, Shurima was one of the earliest Valoran's civilizations to ruin itself. Indeed, according to Scathlocke, Shurima fell 3000 years ago.
• For some, ancient Shurima was an Atlantis-like myth. Others, like the current inhabitants of Shurima, knew it existed a long time ago but did not believe any "true" Shurimans remained. Renekton and Nasus were also stories for them.
• Shurima's fall was recorded in a constellation by Bard.
• Almost all the names given to the Voidborn are ancient Shuriman in origin.
• The Ancient Coin, Chalicar, Nomad's Medallion, Remnant of the Ascended, Talisman of Ascension, Infinity Edge, Mirage Blade, Ne'Zuk's Gauntlet, Nomad's Medallion, Shurelya's Reverie, Soul Anchor, Staff of Office, Sun Disk, Sunfire Cape, Tear of the Goddess, and Zhonya's Hourglass are Shuriman artifacts.
• Iconic Shuriman colors are Gold, Emerald Green, and Garnet Red.
• Shurima's crest was inspired by the Sun Disc.
• With the resurrection of Azir and the subsequent return of flowing rivers in Shurima. The River King could possibly view this as a new market opening up for fresh deals with naive mortals.
• When the capital of Shurima was swallowed beneath the desert, so had other cities suffer the same fate. In the millennia following, the remnants of those original civilizations have become feral troglodytes subsisting in lightless caverns. Rarely are they seen by those from the surface, unless stumbled upon by lost adventurers who discover these forsaken people.

• Pharaoh Amumu
• Sandstorm Ekko
• Explorer Ezreal
• Risen Fiddlesticks
• Desert Trooper Garen
• Sandstorm Katarina
• Transcended Kayle
• Guardian of the Sands Kha'Zix
• Djinn Malzahar
• Pharaoh Nasus
• Pharaoh Nidalee
• Sand Wraith Pyke
• Guardian of the Sands Janna, Rengar & Ryze
• Young Ryze
• Guardian of the Sands Rammus, Skarner, and Xerath
• Sandscourge Skarner
• Celestine Soraka
• Highland Tryndamere
• Shurima Desert Zilean

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Media

• Music
• Videos
• Gallery

Related Music

Shurima - Login Screen

Azir, the Emperor of the Sands - Login Screen

Rek'Sai, the Void Burrower - Login Screen

League of Legends Music Rise Of The Ascended

League of Legends Music The Curse of the Sad Mummy

Taliyah, the Stoneweaver - Login Screen

Related Videos

Shurima Descent into the Tomb

Shurima Rise of the Ascended

Ascension – Gameplay Preview

Rek'Sai The Terror Beneath New Champion Teaser - League of Legends

Taliyah Homecoming New Champion Teaser - League of Legends

The Climb League of Legends

Ryze Call of Power Cinematic - League of Legends

Book of Thresholds Yuumi Champion Teaser - League of Legends

• Old Shurima Crest
• Old Shurima Concept
• Shurima "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 1 (by Riot Contracted Artists Sixmorevodka Studio)
• Shurima "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 2 (by Riot Contracted Artists Sixmorevodka Studio)
• Shurima "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 3 (by Riot Contracted Artists Sixmorevodka Studio)
• Shurima "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 4 (by Riot Contracted Artists Sixmorevodka Studio)
• Shurima "Legends of Runeterra" Concept 5 (by Riot Contracted Artists Sixmorevodka Studio)
• Map of Shurima (The capital at its center)
• Shurima landscape 1 (by Riot Artist Jason Chan)
• Shurima landscape 2 (by Riot Artist Jason Chan)
• Shuriman landscape 3
• Shurima Temple in the Wastes
• Shuriman Pyramid
• Shuriman Sarcophagus
• Imperial Palace and Grand Temple of Shurima
• Fall of Shurima constellation
• Sun Disk Ruins (by Riot Artist Efflam 'Du Couteau' Mercier)
• Shurima in the Book of Thresholds 1
• Shurima in the Book of Thresholds 2
• Shurima in the Book of Thresholds 3
• Shurima "Call of Power" Concept 1 (by Riot Artist Alessandro Baldasseroni)
• Shurima "Call of Power" Concept 2 (by Riot Artist Alessandro Baldasseroni)
• Shurima "Call of Power" Concept 3 (by Riot Artist Alessandro Baldasseroni)
• Shurima "Call of Power" Concept 4 (by Riot Artist McLean Kendree)
• Shurima "Call of Power" Concept 5 (by Riot Artist McLean Kendree)
• Shurima "Call of Power" Concept 6 (by Riot Artist McLean Kendree)
• Shurima "Riot Forge" Concept
• Shurima Water & Shade To You 01.jpg
  Shurima "Water & Shade To You" Illustration 1
• Shurima Water & Shade To You 02.jpg
  Shurima "Water & Shade To You" Illustration 2
• Shurima Water & Shade To You 03.jpg
  Shurima "Water & Shade To You" Illustration 3
• Azir "Rise of the Ascended" Concept 1 (by Riot Artist Sanketh Yayathi)
• Azir "Rise of the Ascended" Concept 2 (by Riot Artist Sanketh Yayathi)
• Azir "Rise of the Ascended" Concept 3 (by Riot Artist Sanketh Yayathi)
• Azir and Sivir "Rise of the Ascended" Concept 1 (by Riot Artist Sanketh Yayathi)
• Azir and Sivir "Rise of the Ascended" Concept 2 (by Riot Artist Sanketh Yayathi)
• Azir and Sivir "Rise of the Ascended" Concept 3 (by Riot Artist Sanketh Yayathi)
• Cassiopeia "The Shedding of Skin" Illustration (by Riot Artist Blake Byun)
• Brand and Ryze "The Burning Lands" Cover 1 (by Riot Artist Richard Isanove)
• Brand and Ryze "The Burning Lands" Cover 2 (by Riot Artist Richard Isanove)
• Cassiopeia and Sivir "Descent into the Tomb" Illustration (by Riot Artist Sanketh Yayathi)
• Nasus "Rise of the Ascended" Concept (by Riot Artist Sanketh Yayathi)
• Rumble "Shuriman Trash" Illustration (by Riot Contracted Artists Grafit Studio)
• Sivir "Rise of the Ascended" Illustration (by Riot Artist Sanketh Yayathi)
• Sivir "Rise of the Ascended" Concept 1 (by Riot Artist Sanketh Yayathi)
• Sivir "Rise of the Ascended" Concept 2 (by Riot Artist Sanketh Yayathi)

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See also

• Shurima Universe Page
• Shuriman Continent
• Bloodline
• Scourge of the Desert
• Ascended
• Where Icathia Once Stood
• Twilight of the Gods

References

Shurima

Shuriman Continent

Factions