Boards›Community Creations

[LORE DISCUSSION] What happened in Shurima?

ModCaptainMårvelous·9/4/2014, 11:20:50 PM·11 votes·3,875 views

PREVIOUS DISCUSSIONS Who built the Mercury Hammer? Are the Watchers Void-Beings?

It's that time of the week again everyone! Time to talk about Lore! But apparently, everyone has sand in their ears, because this week's topic is directly related to the goings-on in Riot's latest nation-update. I'm talking, of course, of Shurima!

Now, unlike the last two, there isn't much of a point-counterpoint system to go on here. Rather, for this discussion, I'm going to be digging into what we know from lore on both the PBE/Client, theories that can be applied and how everyone fits in this whole Shurima spectacle that's currently going on. So with this in mind, let's get started on this huge topic with the facts of what is currently known!

#What we know: Ancient Shurima http://i.imgur.com/lxNp74h.jpg Shurima, while it wasn't always sand according to Lissandra, was indeed a sandy kingdom back in the time of Azir's rule. While we have yet to see Azir's lore and have specific information on Shurima, we can pull up some facts according to the voice-work and information we have:

  • Shurima indeed had a leader (Emperor) and said leader was in charge of ruling the land.
  • Shurima was an "oasis" in the otherwise inhospitable desert.
  • The kingdom had some manner of class system/higher echelon, the "Ascended"

Currently, we do not know officially what constituted an "Ascended". My guess would be that it had something to do with some of the champions we see in Shurima. Specifically: Azir, Nasus and Renekton. Large (My guess is somewhere around 6-7 feet tall, possibly taller) humanoids with animalistic features and powers beyond that of a normal human. While one could assert that all Ascended could turn into a greater form according to Nasus/Renekton's ults, Azir breaks the tradition and causes a rift in what's otherwise the norm for Shurima.

Along with this, Shurima was apparently a very powerful kingdom. Magical artifacts persist to this day and the champions of Shurima are neigh-immortal, powerful beyond measure and able to survive thousands of years even after their kingdom has crumbled to dust. But now the question is 'what could have happened that caused Shurima to go from desert kingdom to barren wasteland?' in the span of a very short time. We could also draw to the fact that Shurima's destruction was neigh-absolute. Very little historical evidence remains that we know of outside of champion testimonies. So...what DID happen?

#The Fall of Shurima http://i.imgur.com/rNYrLAr.jpg Now, the obvious culprits of Shurima's initial downfall are quite obvious: Xerath and Renekton. While the original lore still stands (and I think it will remain mostly unchanged), Xerath was clearly one of the people responsible. Why, you ask? For one thing, Xerath is an ascendant like no other: While Azir, Renekton and Nasus all have humanoid-yet-animal forms, Xerath is pure energy. To me, this implies something either happened with his ascendancy or there is more to this story. Along with this, Renekton now has VO dialogue (that you can find on the PBE, courtesy of sites like Surrender @ 20 or Reign of Gaming) and lore updates implying that much like Xerath, he too was locked away.

To me, this is a huge change that seems to relate to why Shurima isn't around today. In my theory, Xerath was a magus who was in line for ascendency but was either passed up or he was denied it due to his personality, motivations, etc. As such, he possibly struck a bargain with Renekton or did >something< to force his ascendency. This is a key fact as it would explain why Xerath is so very different from all the others who seem to have hit ascendency: His was either far, FAR more powerful in nature or merely a case of ascending gone wrong.

Following this (And what I assume would be the near-destruction of Shurima), Xerath was apprehended by Nasus/Azir/the other ascended who were still loyal to the current emperor and locked away along with Renekton, both of who were responsible for most of Shurima's errors. To me, this is further expanded upon in Nasus's quotes. Specifically, lines like "Perhaps Shurima was meant to fall." Nasus, in his wisdom and hindsight, realized that the power of ascendency caused this disaster and would only lead to the ruination of Shurima.

From this time, Shurima basically crumbled. Without ascendency to keep their empire afloat and with most of the devastation from Xerath's mad grab for power, Shurima was lost to time. The ascended that remained either died, roamed Shurima without end or simply went into a slumber that would last thousands of years. The people of Shurima left the grand empire and became sandy nomads. History turned to legend, legend turned to myth and so on until the only ones who kept the stories of Shurima alive were the ascended who still walked Runeterra.

#Shurima Now: The Return of the King http://i.imgur.com/HTo3lxt.jpg With Azir's revival and the emperor's return to restore Shurima, we see a shift in power. Specifically, however, this tale seems to center around one key figure:

Sivir.

If you note the new lore, Sivir is a powerful mercenary from Shurima who lived there her entire life, tying her to the families from ancient Shurima. However, the key thing to note is her dialogue with Azir. More specifically, the fact that A.) He expounds upon a 'great destiny' she has to fulfill and B.) the fact that her new lore on the PBE speaks of a 'great purpose' that she has to make a choice upon. There are many ways to look at this, so let's dig up some theories like tomb robbers!

  • Sivir, when opening the tomb with Cassiopeia, found a treasure or power that led to the power of the ascended reawakening. It's possible this power resides in Sivir herself or she has it in her grasp.
  • It is also possible Sivir is a descendent of Azir's family, implying that she is the current "Empress" of Shurima. However, to be officially declared Queen, she must undergo Ascendency and take her rightful place among this pantheon of demigods.
  • Perhaps Sivir is meant to be Azir's wife or consort, tying the 'nomads' of Shurima back with the Ascended to bring the empire together from both the Ascended and the Citizens.

Either way, Cassiopeia is clearly an antagonist who seems to have undergone some..."half ascendency" according to her form. Rather than fully change into a serpentine ascended, Cass was merely "touched" by the power of ascendency, giving her this monstrous form but also power far greater than any normal human. With that in mind, it also makes sense that the ascended are somehow related to 'animals' in the sense that we see people who are turned from mere humans to incredibly powerful demigods.

Now, before we start talking about Shurima, please keep in mind this in no way reflects canon lore and we'll likely see new facts coming to light VERY soon that either disprove most of this or expand upon it. So let's get to it: What do -YOU- think happened in Shurima? Do you agree with my theorizations or maybe you have some ideas of your own? Perhaps Sivir isn't nearly as central as I think she is or maybe you think that Rammus/Skarner/Amumu have a place far greater than she does?

And don't forget to vote on what topic we tackle next week!

16 Comments

BigfootNamedYeti9/5/2014, 1:00:37 AM3 votes

Man you are awesome

cshakes9/5/2014, 2:34:32 PM2 votes

I think that a lot depends on the timeline - when did Shurima fall, and how long was it from then to Malzahar hearing the Void? How long has the Void been calling to Shurimans? Did the Void drive the magically gifted upper echelons crazy?

How old is Malzahar? Did the Void grant him immortality? It's possible he's way older than he seems. He's probably not from the Azir era (or, if he is, was from a very rural community) but he might be from the time following the Empire's downfall.

Omnipherious9/5/2014, 7:54:21 AM2 votes

My theory is that through Ascension, beings are granted power based on nature's manifestation of their true personality. In this case, Azir has the aspect of a hawk potentially to represent his status as an Emperor, a figurative and literal higher being that looks upon others from above. Similarly, Nasus's intelligence and loyalty would be represented by his canine aspect.

Of course, the problem with this theory is Xerath doesn't fit in. If Ascension is nature's manifestation of one's true persona, Xerath would have to be the manifestation of something far more abstract or human such as desire, ambition, jealousy, pride. It is more likely that the Ascension process was faulty instead.

Hints point to Xerath usurping Azir (possibly killing him?) but then being subdued by still loyal subjects, this could have left Ancient Shurima in a state without leaders. It is possible that there were numerous Ascended, but none with the capacity to lead an empire. Given that a caste system was also likely to be in place, it isn't far fetched to assume that the nation would fall into turmoil in the absence of a strong leader and due to growing distrust towards the Ascended. Perhaps the people revolted against the Ascended? Some may have fled from the ensuing conflict. It is extremely difficult to say without more to go on.

As for Sivir's role, I think the information we have from the lore and various interactions can support the theory that she is a direct descendant of someone important from Ancient Shurima regardless of relations with Azir. It is possible that she is part of a group who can Ascend naturally, unlike Xerath who had to claim his Ascension. This could also be the basis for what went wrong with Xerath, perhaps Ascension doesn't work properly if you aren't of a certain bloodline.

My money is on Sivir being related to Azir and the rightful current Empress by blood. Azir might be able to sense this or at least recognize some of Sivir's features to infer the relation.

On the other hand, Azir might be disoriented from the sudden change. He doesn't seem to have any problems recalling events directly prior to his absence and is portrayed as relatively indifferent to the fact that Shurima is gone, focusing entirely on rebuilding instead of grieving over loss. His judgement might be clouded by his memories of Shurima's past greatness, greatness he technically never experienced slip away. He could have mistaken Sivir as the herald for his sudden return due her garb/weaponry or resemblance to someone close to him.

Bouffon dAnglais9/5/2014, 10:04:41 AM2 votes

I really really like lore and speculations about it. I hope you could make a discussion like this for the Shadow Isles and Ionia.

XnXtTl20MX9/6/2014, 1:47:39 AM2 votes

Riven killed Yasuos master lel.

PokladnicaZla9/5/2014, 8:48:11 AM1 votes

Great discussion :)

First off:Dem yasuo fan-base...

Second off:Could you make the Lore Discussion of the Shadow Isle?I would really like to see with what you come up with.

SecretAgentHulk9/5/2014, 6:10:13 PM1 votes

I'd just like to say a) that I really enjoy this series, b) I echo the guy that said I'd love to see a Shadow Isles bit sometime, and c) I'm glad you're continuing this series in the face of Riot's lore announcement. There are still all kinds of interesting stories Riot and the community can tell, and I'm glad you're still telling them.

RIGed9/5/2014, 11:29:23 PM1 votes

Awesome discussion man! Too bad riot is about to shit all over the previous lore

Necrolegion899/6/2014, 6:26:45 PM1 votes

I think you know far beyond me... Although I feel that Shurima, The Void and Zilean have to be connected.

Lissandra has to know something about Shurima, maybe she plotted its destruction, maybe she used her shapeshifting powers to corrupt Xerath and bring upon the destruction of Shurima.

I'd love to see her lore interact with Shurima's lore.

sp4419/5/2014, 3:17:41 AM1 votes

What happened in Shurima? Something really bad.

Valenten9/5/2014, 3:33:10 AM1 votes

CaptainMarvelous stikes again! great lore stuffs mang. Also have people forgotten that Cass was originally Kats sister and was cursed by a mage.... I know you are keeping up with the current lore system and stuffs but still....

SpiritGear9/5/2014, 4:08:49 AM1 votes

The Sivir lore makes the best sense right now, sneaky riot!

Master oƒ None9/5/2014, 7:25:33 AM1 votes

Man, I cannot wait for your next lore discussion. I'm eager to see what kind of interesting stories and theories you make up.