FOUNDED 1613
Rising from the arid desert expanse of what is now Iraq, Kengir is a testament to the resilience of the NetherKind and their ability to carve life from the harshest of terrains. Founded in 1613, Kengir is a city forged in extremes: a place where the relentless sun beats down on ancient stone walls by day, and flickering torchlight transforms it into a glowing mirage by night. Known as "The City of Dust and Flame," Kengir’s vibrant culture and its people’s indomitable spirit are a stark contrast to the unforgiving environment it inhabits.
The city’s heart is the Eternal Flame, a colossal bonfire that burns atop the central ziggurat, a towering structure that dominates the skyline. This flame, a symbol of hope and unity, is said to be kept alive by an ancient enchantment—a powerful reminder of the NetherKind's strength in the face of adversity. Surrounding the ziggurat is the bustling Bazaar of Shadows, a sprawling market renowned for its rare goods, from enchanted artefacts to spices thought lost to time. It is a place of trade, barter, and whispered deals, where secrets are as valuable as gold.
Kengir’s origins are intrinsically linked to the city of Arunusara, the NetherKind city of devotion and belief. According to legend, a group of Arunusara’s inhabitants began to experience dreams and visions of fire and endless sands. Feeling an inexplicable pull, they left the sanctuary of Arunusara to follow what they believed to be a divine calling. After weeks of treacherous travel, they arrived at the location where Kengir now stands. The Eternal Flame, they claimed, was waiting for them—a guiding beacon that confirmed they had reached their destined home.
This connection between Arunusara and Kengir remains to this day. Though geographically distant, the two cities are spiritual siblings, linked by a shared reverence for purpose and destiny. Arunusara sends its pilgrims to Kengir on journeys of self-discovery, while Kengir sends emissaries to Arunusara to maintain their unbreakable bond. Their histories intertwine, their philosophies complementing one another: one rooted in devotion, the other in resilience.
Kengir’s architecture reflects its ancient origins and its adaptation to the desert. Buildings are constructed from sun-baked stone, their surfaces adorned with intricate carvings that tell the stories of its founding. Narrow alleyways twist through the city like veins, offering both shade from the oppressive heat and hiding places for those who wish to remain unseen. Towers of shimmering obsidian rise sporadically throughout the city, their reflective surfaces catching the fiery hues of the desert sunset.
At the heart of Kengir’s defence is the Ashen Guard, an elite order of warriors who have pledged their lives to the city’s protection. Inspired by the origins of Kengir itself, the Ashen Guard draws members from across the NetherKind world, much like a foreign legion. Warriors from Arunusara often join their ranks, honouring the bond between the two cities. The Ashen Guard is a brotherhood (and sisterhood) bound by oaths of loyalty and sacrifice. Clad in black and gold armour reminiscent of flames, they are as much symbols of Kengir’s enduring spirit as they are its first line of defence. Their training is gruelling, and their purpose is absolute: to ensure Kengir remains a safe haven for all who call it home.
What sets Kengir apart is its role as a sanctuary not just for the NetherKind but also for those seeking refuge from oppression and tyranny. The city has a reputation for offering second chances, welcoming travellers, outcasts, and wanderers with open arms—provided they adhere to its strict code of conduct. Loyalty and respect are paramount in Kengir, and those who break its laws quickly find themselves exiled to the endless desert, where survival is a grim prospect.
Kengir thrives on a blend of tradition and innovation. While the city clings to its ancient roots, its leaders have embraced modern advancements to improve life within its walls. Solar arrays dot the outskirts, harnessing the relentless sunlight to power the city, while underground aquifers provide a precious supply of water, distributed carefully through a network of canals. This blend of old and new creates a delicate balance that sustains its people.
The NetherKind of Kengir are as diverse as the desert itself, their communities thriving amidst the challenges of the environment. Humans and NetherKind coexist in a fragile harmony, their shared dependence on the city’s resources fostering cooperation, though underlying tensions occasionally spark to life.
Beneath its surface, Kengir harbours secrets as vast as the desert surrounding it. Hidden tunnels beneath the ziggurat are said to connect with Arunusara itself, though only the Ashen Guard know their full extent. Legends speak of a relic buried in the sands near the Eternal Flame—an artefact of immense power tied to the city’s founding. Whether myth or reality, these tales only add to Kengir’s allure.
Kengir is more than a city; it is a living, breathing testament to survival, unity, and the ability to thrive even in the harshest conditions. Its people are forged by the sun and tempered by the flame, their resilience as unyielding as the desert winds. To walk its streets is to feel the weight of its history and the fire of its unbreakable spirit—a city of dust and flame that stands eternal.