The Old Ones

The Khur was an ancient and majestic race that once held dominion over the vast expanses of Greater Qirus. Their civilization, now a distant echo in the winds of time, thrived thousands of years ago, their profound influence still discernible in the remnants of their once grand cities and the cryptic relics they left behind.

Standing at an imposing height of up to seven or eight feet, these humanoid beings ruled over the arid sands with a blend of strength and efficiency that remains unparalleled. The Khur were exceptional architects and city planners, their sprawling urban centres speaks to their sophistication and expertise. Most of the current city-states of Greater Qirus are built upon these ancient sites.

Yet the legacy of the Khur extends beyond the cities. Scattered across the desolate landscape are innumerable decaying temples and assorted ruins, each a cryptic site narrating tales of a bygone era. These silent structures have gradually been swallowed by the sands, or remained hidden for centuries, beckoning adventurers and scholars alike to uncover their secrets.

Relics and trinkets bearing the insignia of the Khur have become objects of immense value, fuelling the economy of exploration, archaeology and even back-alley markets. These artifacts, ranging from intricately carved amulets to arcane tomes, providing insights into the aesthetic sensibilities and craftsmanship of the Khur but also offer intriguing glimpses into their knowledge systems and beliefs.

Through careful study and deciphering of these artefacts, scholars have gleaned that the Khur had an intriguing fusion of religion and arcane arts. It appears that the Khur leaders, using this unique amalgamation, attained near demigod status, a trait that seemingly bestowed them with immense power and influence. However, speculation suggests that it was this very power that catalysed their downfall, perhaps engendering a hubris that eventually led to their extinction.

Despite their disappearance, the echoes of the Khur continue to reverberate across the desert landscapes. In the buried temples, in the relics retrieved from the sands, and in the vast cities that rise from their ancient foundations, the legacy of the Khur endures, a poignant reminder of a civilization that once straddled the line between mortality and divinity.