#I wanted to do something with Xerath too

[talesofmetalandmagic]

Midnight at Xerath’s

“The Protector shines splendidly tonight, noble Magus”

“It sure does. I could look at it for a lifetime.”

Xerath and his own retinue sit around a refined campsite, coated by the all-encompassing sheathe of stars that only the Shuriman desert can display.

Soon they’ll ride back to Nerimazeth, where he’ll claim a throne of his own. He feels giddy and extatic, brimming with ideas on how to make an Empire that feels right.

His problem has been disposed of, locked inside a coffin and buried in the sand. Now it’s his turn to suffer the darkness and the pain; he has the stars to guide him, and he’ll never quit relishing their shine.

And yet he feels… empty.

“Let us have a toast, my pride and joy. Let us celebrate the glorious reign that will be.”

“Praise be at Xerath”, they call, as the wine pours. He relaxes, his metallic body loosening, his electric heartbeat smoothing into a pulsating groove.

He should feel complete at this point.

Yet he feels as if there’s a missing part of his body, or his very soul. As if the cracks in his stony foundation were down to his very core.

And he wishes he had the words to speak it, but not even a genius such as he can find them.

He walks down the dunes, on the tip of his toes, imagining to have lungs to breathe that purest of air.

They once had a goddess for clean air. He knows, because he studied. He’d sometimes tell himself old legends back inside the dreaded Emperors’ Tomb, to remember, to dream, to hope.

As he’d do back when he was…

“What ails my lord?”

Xerath’s loyal Sandseer has walked to his side, dragging her goblet with her. She’s always the first to come to his side when he’s upset. As if she saw through his stone body as well.

“I wish I knew” Xerath says.

She looks at him, from the top of his coating to the floating tip of his fingers. A unique creature. Beautiful, powerful, sad.

“Perhaps it’s this joy, that feels foreign. This triumph. This freedom.”

Cursed land, what have you made me. Not even my dreams can complete me.

“Your pain will cease, best of all Ascended. I glimpse a future that’s safe for you.”

Xerath doesn’t speak. He clenched his metallic eyes shut, allowing his retainer to touch his hands. She gives him a gentle smile.

“I pictured my own retinue for a long, long time. It never felt like it was truly mine, though. Perhaps I knew it was but a foolish fantasy. Even dreams were a rarity, when I grew up.”

“But we’re here now, my liege. As real as this very ground.”

Xerath cannot show a smile, but he lowers himself until the sand burns under his energy.

He sighs, quaking and creaking. He’s all-powerful, a magnificent anomaly, and his brain power stays immense, but even then he cannot get what he wants.

What he’s wanted for so long.

“I wish my mother and father could see me.“

[kynimdraws]

Is it gay to camp with ur bf and ur ex?

To see the story drabbles the prev part is here (all entries tagged under "#Hunter and the Mask Verse Story") Yone design ref for this verse can be seen in detail here

Let's find out under the cut lmao

Over a week had passed since they started their long trek through the desert to reach Nazumah. There had been some encounters with stray Bacci and dune hounds, which were taken care of relatively quickly. It was also fascinating for Yone to see K'sante in action: in the dense forests of Ionia he was far more careful about his swings with the ntofos. But in the vast dunes of Shurima, he seemed more in his element. The power and grace of his moves just seemed to belong here. Of course Yone's soul-sword techniques were sufficient to dispatch foes as well.

During one of the nights (K'sante figured that it would take another day or two to reach the outskirts around Nazumah), they suddenly find a relatively large party pass by. K'sante and Yone tense, since it was initially unknown whether this traveling group was friend or foe until…

"Tope!" K'sante calls after recognizing his former lover.

The two embrace and laugh, and the tension disappears immediately from everyone. The two parties set up camp.

"Traveling by night too? So not a hunt, I presume? Where are you headed?"

"No hunt. And I was about to go to Nazumah to warn the council there about…suspicious activity at the Sun Disc."

Tope informs that through Taliyah, there has been some unrest between Xerath's Magus cult and Azir's newly built Empire following. While the independent Shurima nations were aware of this building conflict due to the increased activity of soldiers, cultists, and Baccai…there never have been full on war.

"While I would just let those two fight until both no longer walk this earth, their violence might bleed into innocent tribes and nations that want nothing to do with them. And there are tales of Azir's descendant that may be able to sway the crazy emperor, and I wanted to recruit able-bodied people for the cause."

K'sante nods. His mother, who was one of the Nazumah councilwomen that ran the city-state, would surely agree with Tope's plan. But instead of assuming it was much better for them to get an audience with the netire council.

"Then I will help, and I will be guessing Nazumah will also support. With me and you, and others at our side…we will be unstoppable!"

Then the two men chatter about trivial things, mostly catch up with one another. Throughout this Yone quietly listens in, somehow finding himself sitting between them. He would have been content just being an observer, but Tope was not the type to let that pass.

"So, who is your travel companion K'sante? He isn't Shuriman that is for sure."

"Ah, about that…"

Tope holds up his hand, a signal for stop K'sante from talking.

"I know you are a great storyteller, but I want the stranger to answer."

Yone chuckles at that, and concedes. With SOME interjections from K'sante, Yone retells how the two had met and now are traveling back. Tope in the meanwhile that brought out some palm wine that was shared between the three.

"I see," Tope finally remarks after the storytime ends. "I am glad you found good company with K'sante. By the way did you know…"

Before K'sante would stop him, Tope started talking about some of his adventures with the man. Yone is very amused by much of them, especially whenever K'sante would awkwardly say how much of a reckless idiot he used to be in those earlier times.

As they finally settle to rest for the day, K'sante claims he needed to sleep early and steps out from the campfire. Seeing that Yone was not quite ready to join K'sante, Tope comes closer to talk to the man in private.

"So…how do you like him?"

Yone starts.

"What do you mean?"

"A man does not merely follow another man to his homeland just for saving him. You could have just stayed back in Ionia. To remain as good friends. But it seems there is something more than that."

Tope smiled warmly. Yone meanwhile felt a bit awkward, especially given how Tope was…K'sante's former lover. He just looks away and stays silent.

"For the record, I was not making fun of you," Tope starts up the conversation again. "I think you are good for him. He is not perfect, but I can see that he cares and is a better man especially towards you."

He laughs a little.

"If anything, it is quite funny seeing him tiptoe around you like you are a frightened dune gazelle, because he is usually much more direct about his feelings. I was surprised he introduced you as just a 'friend' after hearing all you went through."

"Oh?" Yone finally responds.

"K'sante is like a desert storm sometimes, he will just charge and say his piece. But with you…he is being gentle. As if he wants you to say something first. I think even if you reject him, he'll respect your decision."

Tope chuckles again, pouring the last of the palm wine for both.

"A toast, to whatever path you take in your life. Regardless of how you go with K'sante, knowing what you know now."

Yone nods and toasts to Tope's health in return. Finally the two eventually turn in for sleep.

[vewyscawywriting]

Quality Slime

Fandom: League of Legends

Pairing: Zac x F!Summoner!Reader

Wordcount: 2409

Tags: Cowgirl position, pussy eating

Summary: You have a headache and your body feels like shit. Zac offers to help you relax.

A headache that spanned days plagued you. Not only that, your body felt sore and shitty too. You suppose after feeling powerful and on top of the world for a while it was now your time to feel bad, but you did not enjoy it in the slightest. You tried to find Xerath for another hit of energy, but the being was nowhere to be found, so you went back to dealing with it yourself. Which sucked. 

You tried your hand at summoning once in a while, staying around the Institute only occasionally when your headache wasn't too bad, but you rather stayed at home or in bed. It came to a point where you were barely around, and the Champions were starting to take note of your absence. 

It was one day when you were just hanging around your room in the Summoner building once again when your headache hit you just a little worse out of nowhere. A groan left your mouth, signalling to others to either stay away or annoy you worse, but thankfully no one picked the latter option.

Someone did approach you though, and you cracked open an eye as you laid on your back with your arm slung across your face. The sound of them trotting over was strange, a weird, wet kind of sound, and you were both surprised and not when you realized it was Zac that had come over to you.

"Are you all right, Summoner?" he asked, politely, and you groaned back.

"Not really," was your reply, closing your eyes again, though seeing Zac's squishy face all concerned was a sight for sore eyes. "I have a terrible headache and all my muscles hurt. Maybe I'll go back, get some rest or something." You were not going to summon a champion like this, it would suck for both of you, so it was better to leave.

Zac hummed thoughtfully. He didn't want you to leave, not again. You were barely around in the first place, and to be fair... he didn't like it when you were gone. Maybe there was something he could do to help you? He asked, and you removed your arm from your face, tired eyes looking up at him, as your dishevelled hair hung in your face. Without thinking he removed a strand, and placed it gently behind an ear, making you first flinch at the sudden sight of a large, see through hand in your face, before leaning into it when you realized how cool he was. 

He held his hand there for a second before removing it, waiting for your answer.

"Summoner?" 

"Oh, I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"Is there something I can do to help you? I would love to be of assistance if you need me." He didn't just love to be, he needed to be of assistance. He felt other's emotions deeply, so deeply in fact that seeing you hurt and upset made him hurt and upset in return.

To you it was sweet, honestly, and hearing those kind things come from the large, intimidating slime creature that was Zac was always a little surprising to you. You supposed you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Zac was always very gentle if he could help it. 

"Your hands are very cool," you muttered, "Can you put them on my forehead for a second? Your touch felt really nice just now." 

The moment he did, placing one large hand on your burning forehead you groaned with appreciation, instantly feeling much better. You didn't even have to tell Zac, because he felt it through you, and a large smile grew on his face. Without further asking, he took matters into his own hands, gently pulling you up, sitting down and putting you on top of him. If just his hand on your forehead felt that good, who knew how nice it would feel for you to touch all of his cool body. 

A surprised yelp came from you, but the moment you were put on top of Zac's soft chest you sank down into it like it was a mattress of the highest quality. And the coolness on your skin- it was amazing. You weren't gonna leave this man (being?) for the rest of the day. Meanwhile Zac soaked up your positive emotions, enjoying you touching him as much as you enjoyed him touching you and he sighed. 

"Thank you," you mumbled, cuddling closer to him, and he tightened his arms around you in return. "This really helps."

Zac smiled wider, making sure his body was as soft and cool as it could be, feeling you sink down into the hug with a satisfied groan. He did good, you were feeling much better, and now so was he.

You lay there for an hour, maybe more, just enjoying the coolness, before your headache slowly reared it's ugly head again. It was fun, it did you good, but you wanted to get back home now. Unless Zac magically had an ability to take the pain from you, you were going to go home and take some painkillers. He felt your unease instantly, and his large hand started stroking your back in a soothing manner. Well, despite your pain he made it hard for you to leave. 

His name left your mouth in a sigh, and he looked down at you. You looked tired and hurt, but it wasn't something he could fix. It was just your muscles aching, your head throbbing. He wasn't able to reach those parts. But he could just rub your skin, making you feel as comfortable as possible. And it was working. He rubbed your skin, over your clothes, realizing the coolness of his body was probably helping you better under your clothes, and so he carefully put his hands under your clothes, rubbing your back and purring at you softly as you groaned both in pleasure and pain. 

Oh he was quite forward, wasn't he? Your mind was starting to drift to less innocent places you could be touched, and you realized with sudden clarity what the best cure for your headache was- before you quickly tried to undo those thoughts. Zac was being so sweet, just helping you, and once again all you could think about was sex. What was wrong with you-?

His cool hands travelled a little too low on your stomach and you couldn't catch the moan that left you quite in time. You expected him to flinch back, but he didn't, and you pretended the sound you made just now didn't happen as he slowly continued to massage you all over, cooling your skin as your insides were heating up.

"That felt good," he said almost in a purr, and you would have fallen off him if it wasn't for him holding you tight. "This is making you feel better, right?" His hand went back to your lower stomach, a little lower than before, and started rubbing in circles. "I can feel your emotions, but I also feel resistance. If you want me to stop I will-"

"No, please continue!" you blurted out before you could think about it. Well this was the best you felt in days, and Zac didn't seem opposed to touching you in ways that made you feel good, so who were you to stop him? "It's helping a lot, thank you."

He hummed, a happy sound, and continued zealously. You realized you'd started slowly rubbing yourself against him, and you instantly stilled your hips... for only a second, because his ministrations felt so good; you couldn't help yourself from slightly bucking and rubbing your core against him. He was still cool, soft against you, and you enjoyed yourself immensely. 

"You don't have to stop," Zac murmured, "Feels good for me too."

Oh, well then. You intensified your rutting, rubbing yourself against him just right as he cooed and purred in your ear how good it felt and how happy he was for you to feel better. Slowly you felt an orgasm building, and you started rubbing your hands against yourself over your jeans. Zac noticed and softly removed your hands, taking over himself as he noticed how warm and slightly damp you were.

"Oh?" he muttered, and pulled you up to sit on his chest, inspecting you and slowly pulling your jeans down. "Well, what's this?" there was a prominent wet patch on your panties, and you groaned both in embarrassment and need, trying shyly to hide it from him, but he seemed more interested than anything. "You're quite wet down here, huh?" A finger came up to slide over the front of the fabric covering you just barely and you shivered. Biting your lip as you tried not to start bucking against him aggressively. 

His mouth opened and his tongue peeked out as he pawed at you, enjoying your sounds and the way he felt through you. Most of the time him feeling everyone's emotions felt more like a curse than a blessing, but right now all he felt was bliss. He wanted to touch you more and more, chasing the feeling to the end. You were intoxicating to him, and he was itching to taste you, tongue peeking out further at his registering of the notion. 

"Zac, I-" you mewled, losing your battle to not rub yourself raw against him, chasing release as he grabbed your hips with one large hand, moving your body on top of him, closer to his face. 

"I want to... If you don't want me to, just say it, but-" Zac pulled at your panties, pulling you up to drag both your jeans and panties off your legs, putting you back down on his face while you gasped and did a full body shiver at realizing what he was doing. A very long, green tongue lolled out, reaching for your lower lips that quivered at his first touch. 

"Shit-" you hissed, grabbing his smooth head and pushing down on him. You were so close to release and Zac did not seem to mind you fucking his face as he made groaning and slurping sounds, his hands on your hips to steady you while he ate you out with gusto. The tongue reached further inside you than you'd thought possible, and you felt your walls constrict around the muscle.

You tumbled over the edge with a high keen of his name, pushing yourself down on him hard as he licked up your release with a low hum. 

Slowly he lifted you off his face, licking his glistening lips as he chuckled. "Felt good."

It sure the fuck did. As a matter of fact, your entire body felt good; your headache long forgotten. Slowly you leaned back, looking over your shoulder cheekily to check if Zac needed something taken care off as well, but he was smooth as always. His body seemed to throb under you quite like a heartbeat though, and he wasn't as cool as before. 

"That really felt good," you replied, "Thank you." Your hands rubbed down his chest, and Zac groaned. 

"It doesn't feel done," he almost whined, and you smiled at him, moving your body back to his crotch. He was so stretchy, you were sure he could make himself a dick if he wanted to. To your surprise he seemed to grasp your idea quickly, something poking you as you gyrated on top of him for stimulation. It was warmer than he'd been before, but still cool, and extremely smooth as you leaned back to line him up with you. You were still covered in slick, so taking him was fairly easy, especially since it almost felt like he morphed to your body shape, filling you perfectly. There was a stretch, but it felt satisfying, and he filled you in such a way it felt like he was made for you.

You hummed as Zac's attention was on where your bodies merged, his lower body rutting up for more friction. You started a deep rhythm, letting yourself practically fall on top of him with each bounce, almost losing your strength as he hit your g-spot perfectly each time. His hands once again came down to hold your hips as he sat up slightly, strong arms moving you on top of him as he bucked up to keep up with your pace. His pleasure rippled through him and mingled with what he felt from you, almost drowning him in the feeling of you. The thought that you were both on the couch in the living room was all but forgotten at this point; the wet sound of flesh hitting flesh echoing in the open space as well as the sounds of your moaning mingling. 

Your legs were shaking, and you were glad Zac had taken over, manhandling your body as if you weighed nothing. He kept telling you how nice you felt, and how he was sure to help you feel better since he was feeling you feel better already, and you hurled towards an orgasm with blinding speed. A yell tumbled out of your mouth as you fell down on top of Zac's chest with your orgasm, and you felt him come as well, a strange globby substance entering you and almost pushing you over the edge again. 

The only sounds were the throbbing your heartbeat in your ears and your gasped breathing, trying to calm down after such a workout. 

"Almost lost myself there," he said, and you felt the substance dribble out of you, merging with his body again. It was weird, and it felt even stranger, but you couldn't help but moan at the feeling against your overstimulated walls. "That was amazing. And it helped so well against your hurts and aches!"

You moved your head, kissing him on the chest that was once again cool and still, and then looked up at him. You wanted to thank him again, but the blissed out look on his face told you he got more out of it than he'd expected himself. 

"If you ever feel bad again," he started, sounding a little shy as he softly pushed your face back in his chest in a loose embrace, his hands back to stroking your head and back. "You can always come to me, y/n!"

That was an offer you'd remember in the future for sure, and you yawned as your body finally felt nice and blissful again. The fatigue feeling natural and welcomed this time as you slowly dozed off in his cool embrace. 

[league-of-starlight]

Amumu Voice Update concept:

First Move:

“Time to make friends.”

“Oh, people!”

"Maybe I'll find someone today."

Long move:

“People tell stories about me, I just wish they were nicer ones.”

“If I can’t find my family, I just need to find a friend.”

“There’s got to be something about who I was…”

*Humming Curse of the Sad Mummy.*

"The Happy Mummy sounds a lot nicer."

First encounter:

“Can you be my friend?”

“Hello.”

“Don’t run! I’m not scary.”

Joke response: 

*Giggling.*

Taunt response:

“Maybe I don’t want to be your friend.”

Killing:

(General):

“Wait, no! Not again!”

“Oh…”

*Sob.*

Recall:

“My bandages are unwrapping. Be right back.”

“Just wiping my tears…”

Death:

“Alone… again…”

Respawn:

“It happened again?”

*surprised* “I’m not in the tomb?”

Character specific dialogue:

First encounter:

Ascended: *Awe* “You are real!”

“Can you heal my curse?”

Annie: “How did you get your toy to be big? Can I do that?”

Akshan: “If you shoot me with that thing, will it fix me?”

Kai’Sa: “You’re lonely too? We should be friends!”

Nilah: “Always smiling? That sounds nice.”

Sand Wraith Pyke: “Wow, are you like me?”

Sivir: “If you like exploring, I can point you to my tomb! There’s lots of gold there, I think.”

Taliyah: “Rock surfing? That sounds like so much fun.”

Vex: “Misery loves company. So do I.”

Undead: "Woah, you're like me!"

Void: “Something about you is… wrong.”

Taunt:

Azir: "Does Emperor Amumu sound nice?"

Elise: "Spiders always got caught in my bandages...."

Nasus: “You have a library, do you have anything about an…Amumu?”

Undead: "I think you need some new bandages."

Xerath: "Maybe a hug would calm you down?"

Taunt Response:

Azir: “You’re not very nice, emperor.”

Kill:

Annie: “Did I play too hard?”

Kai’Sa: “Are you okay, lonely lady?”

Renekton: “I don’t want to be butchered, sorry!”

@teeto-peteto

[infinite-xerath]

What is holding you back?

The inability to cherish the good things that happen out of fear of them disappearing

You've been hurt badly, haven't you? It's been a long time since you've felt comfortable in your own mind. Everything's become a sign that you're going to be hurt again, so when something good does come along, you're not used to it. It feels foreign. It's weird and scary. You want to believe that it will work out, but you just can't. You've been burned too many times. Because of this, you've become cynical. You never wanted it to be this way, but you're trying to protect yourself. I see how it's easier to not accept the good, out of fear of its inevitable end. Once the dust settles, you're terrified of being alone again... but by doing this, you're never enjoying those good moments. You're letting them pass you by. You have to start letting the happiness come to you. Even if it's in waves, isn't that better than not at all?

Fairly on-point. Xerath believes he can only truly be free by subjugating everyone else. A shame the option of ‘opening up’ is long-since passed...))

Tagged by @sxlemnity

Tagging: whoever wants to do it

[astronomicalevil]

infinite-xerath

In all fairness, Veigar’s ruse wasn’t awful... But the former Grand Magus of Shurima knew all-too-well the tactics being employed. He’d once have to stroke the egos of the royal court, including that of the emperor himself, with all manner of flattery to make them do as he pleased. He knew such tactics well, even if the Magus hadn’t needed to rely on them in ages. However... Perhaps they could serve him here. Xerath watched Veigar’s display, and certainly, the casual demonstration of Celestial magic was nothing to dismiss outright... But as one reborn in the power of the Sun itself, he almost found such boasts in his presence laughable. Regardless, Veigar was right about one thing: there WERE opportunities to learn here... Especially if the yordle was eager to learn. In response, Xerath held out his hand, and formed within it a sphere of raw, pulsating mana: the rawest form of magic made manifest. “You think you know power, yordle? I AM power!” Suddenly, the mana in his hand transformed into a bight, blue flame. “I see the forces that hold the universe together... I know secrets of magic that would break lesser minds.” Xerath dismissed the flame, before continuing. “However... I acknowledge that your magic IS impressive. For that alone, I am willing to humor your request. If you can prove that you possess knowledge that even I do not, then I shall aid you in your quest.”

"Then you and I are alike in that manner. I know much that mortal beings would crumble beneath." Veigar hums, pretending to not be impressed by Xerath's display of power. Yes, the raw mana was impressive, but Veigar had seen mind-breaking power and walked away in one piece. At least… He thinks so. That's how he remembers it. He knows Xerath's boasts sound exactly like what Veigar tells everyone else.

He has to bite his tongue to prevent himself from mocking Xerath. The last thing he wants is to ruin this opportunity to learn more. And if Xerath is as powerful as he claims… Well, best to avoid the effort of a fight.

But to prove he knows something Xerath does not? Hard to do, when he doesn't know what Xerath knows…. Veigar narrows his eyes in thought. Something clicks in the back of his mind. He is a Yordle. Yordles inherently know a magic no other being does, don't they? It's… hard to recall. Veigar thinks so, though.

"Very well… I have a few ideas, but I suppose I should leave it up to your interest. Would you care to see Yordle magic, corruptive magic, necromancy, a further extent of celestial?"

@infinite-xerath

Veigar had always been something of a wanderer. Yes, he would always return to his hidden home eventually, but the self-declared Master of Evil could never stay still for too long. Why stay put and start feeling caged, when there was evil to be wrought and trouble to find? Or cause…

So it is that Veigar locates one of the many hidden gates he’s discovered, ignoring the sense of familiarity about them, and watches as the swirling yellow and gold twists and fades into purple and black at his approach. Another thing he would unravel the secrets of, in time. Veigar takes pause to adjust his hat, before he steps through.

He finds himself stepping right into a crowd of others. Quizzical looks are cast his way, and he meets them in turn with a stern glare. The gate closes behind the tiny wizard, and he begins to walk away as if he owns the place. “Pay me no mind! Should you become a nuisance to me, I’ll rend your miserable forms to shreds.”

[megashadowdragon]

What's the deal with Azir? || character review (League of Legends)

comments on youtube

There is a take out there saying that he was carefully dismantling slavery without upsetting the powerful people in Shurima so as to not bring total collapse to the nation since most productions were done by slaves. A sudden abolish of slavery would mean production halt, and famine and war would follow. Not sure if that’s really a fact though, but it’s awesome how Riot has written something complex enough for us to debate about.

I do agree with your assertion that Azir does view himself as the (god) emperor of Shurima and that he set up the ascension ritual for that (As well as him not being the unambiguous hero of the story. I personally view him as being either someone akin to Tony Stark or Hamilton at the start of their story: A brilliant individual who is an arrogant tosser, but has a heart of gold underneath that could be fanned or extinguished as the story goes on.) I disagree with the notion that he did it solely because he did not want to sacrifice any of his privileges and such.

Azir's siblings (sadly there is no number, but we are told that they were so many that Azir was supposed to never be able to have the throne due to the line of succession) were assassinated while he was traveling with them. The only reason he didn't die was Xerath saving him. His life hung by a thread because his father loathed him and only let him be because his wife hadn't given him a child yet. His father and maybe mother (lore doesn't make it clear if she was his mom or not) were then assassinated as well by an unknown assailant (Actually Xerath, but Azir doesn't know that.) So I imagine that the thought of ending slavery while still a men was instantly met with the thought "If I do something this unpopular, I will be risking my life and my family's lives." (The assassination of his siblings occurred because of his father's decisions so he probably knew too well that he would be risking more than just his life.) Plus in addition, the impression I get from reading the lore was that he was just about the only person in power who seemed to want to do this. Even Nasus and Renekton were not explicitly about wanting to end slavery. If Azir attempted it and failed, I get the impression that no one else would do it. In that sense, it's very different from IRL nations and such that ended slavery (most ended it because it was deeply unpopular with anyone not involved in it and not very economically valuable as tech advanced, but it did take many years and at least one hideously bloody civil war in one nation.) Some of this is likely because the lore isn't about to go in depth on this subject.

So the impression I get is that he turned to Ascension before freeing slaves because in his mind, it not only protected him and his family from any lethal reprisal (While I'm okay with arguing that someone should be okay with martyring themselves on such a subject as ending slavery, I felt distinctly uncomfortable if the risk is also to their loved ones. Especially children, which Azir explicitly had two with a third on the way during the ritual), but it would also force the empire to accept his decision. After all, he would be one of the gods in Shurima. They would have to listen to him if he passed the ritual. Of course we all know how that ended and about his decisions in the modern day (As well as the arrogance to demand such a ritual in the first place), but I imagine his fear and paranoia ruled over him on that decision. It's also likely the reason he never told Xerath what he was doing. He likely feared that Xerath would leak it in some way and that his family and himself would be in mortal danger. Hence why he waited until literally the last minute to reveal it to Xerath.

TLDR: Birb went through some shit. Likely did Ascension before freeing slaves to avoid assassination attempts on self/family. Not villainous move in my view.

One small thing I feel needs to be mentioned: Xerath alone didn't destroy the empire. His Ascension only destroyed the capital; that in-turn sparked a civil war with the other Ascended scattered throughout the empire that lasted for over a hundred years. The Darkin War is what ravaged most of Shurima's cities and landscape, eventually forcing the Aspect of Twilight at the time to intervene because things can get out of hand. In an ironic twist of fate, Xerath caused the thing that Azir had been so desperate to avoid: a Shuriman civil war. Now, I don't mean to excuse or justify Azir's actions. The man was an idiot and it was ultimately his own ego that doomed his empire. Still, there's no denying that in an empire filled with demigods, many of whom were also probably slave-owners, it IS probably a smarter decision to ensure you can handle the fallout first. That probably would have gone a lot more smoothly if he, you know, actually TOLD someone (like Xerath) about his plan.Show less

I agree azir definitely should’ve told xerath about his plan. I personally think skyen take on azir being evil is very wrong due to the fact that a king or president is supposed to take care of the kingdom or country imagine if azir had that moral high ground look on things and then the ascended slave owners rebel and instead of having a fail safe or way to just stop it, Shurima falls forever and probably instead of one icathia incident there would’ve been several thousands void incidents caused by ascended slave owners so I find that skyen didn’t look at this situation objectively but instead just went “oh slaves didn’t get instantly freed now he evil” even though we see the current shurima thriving and prosperingShow less

What is also of note is in is overinflated ego in  the past and now is not inpartially because of Xerath. as Skye even said in this video it was Xerath as his adviser that feed and nurtured his over inflated Ego and not to mention, by removing any threat of having Azit being dethroned  Xerath also was the one that made him think that there was noone who could oppose him an that he was the chosen one. Azir never learned to not be abusive of his stature because he never had the opportunity to fight and defend his right. Xerath did quiet and not telling to Azir. Both screwed up keeping too many secrets to each other, Now in current times Azir has to struggle to rebuild his empire and finally is able to learn and grow as a person more so than he ever could back in the time. In that regard, I very much disagree with Azir being evil. Azir simply doesn't know any better. An evil Person as per normal definition know he is doing evil and just does not care. Azir does not know any better, as said "He thinks it is what an emperor is supposed to do." When Skye talks about burning the Village. Azir is severely misguided not to small part due to Xeraths actions in the past, which is why a small girl could more accurately judge his action from good and evil. Azir is a good person with good Intention but all the wrong Ideas how to go about it and what his position should be.

Just a small nitpick:

Aspects also don't need to choose their hosts based on merit. Pantheon didn't even want Atreus, but had to settle for him. Kayle and Morgana were chosen due to being daughters of a previous host, their powers awakening because the aspect of justice was left without one.

There's also the aspect of twilight, who can copy magic (Myisha used the moon aspect's powers to kill Darkin, and Zoe steals your summoner spells), so there's a question of whether or not the other aspects are even necessary

"What makes a good king?" is a very interesting question with a lackluster answer in the video. A supposed good king from your pov is someone who would do the "right" thing regardless of the cost,  which in my opinion is nothing short of a pushover or self-righteous idealist who disregards all other factors just to inflate his own ego even further. Assuming a "good king" is someone who would put the needs of his people first (because thats what most of the media i have consumed agrees on), what really counts as "his people"? if commoners and nobles count then the king would need to strike a balance between those classes to a point where there wont be enough discord for a clash (referring to some kind of civil war) which will most likely not allow him to free the slaves, because freeing the slaves will be a direct way to attack the nobles' wealth and consequentially their power since slaves were considered property in shurima, and if he does it anyways disregarding that then the only thing he achieves would be a clash between the nobles and the king, which would result in more death and suffering regardless of which side wins. Azir's idea of conquest has 2 possible sides that i thought of and i'll go through both of them:

1. Azir wants to conquer new land to trade it to the nobles in exchange for the slaves' freedom, basically "buying" their freedom from the nobles so they won't be disatisfied by their "property" being taken, instead being more akin to a trade, which would also result in the slaves having land to live on, creating jobs for them since people are going to be needed by the nobles who will receive said lands,  so they dont just get sent out after being freed to overpopulate the already existing land and just continue suffering there, spreading illness and increasing the crime rates.   ( this would obviously take a fair amount of time to work so he wouldnt be freeing the slaves like a supposed "good king" would and instead would look like something "selfish" by the video's standards.) This is the best solution i could come up with in a couple minutes from what Azir said but its not perfect and i probably overlooked some stuff.

2. Azir wants to conquer new land in order to show his power and use his ascension to rule with an iron fist(at least on the nobles) so he can free the slaves without any resistance from the nobles, which would only achieve an eventual revolt. We've seen plenty of examples in reality of how tyrannical rulers end up if they force the people into submission, there WILL be an eventual revolt, regardless of whether it is realistic for them to win or not, because fighting against impossible odds is in my opinion a part of human nature. This would only serve to hurt the people more, which is not what a supposed "good king" would want.

"Villifying" xerath for wanting freedom is somewhat of a weird point to make, because you are arguing that putting your freedom over the lives of an entire empire would not be a "bad" thing to do. (quotation marks because bad is an extremely subjective word) Personally i don't think that doing what xerath did was bad because as people are selfish, they would(me included) do the same regardless of what other people's lives they would take/ruin. Assuming saving more people is better than saving 1 then xerath's action are terrible and evil, so seeing him as a "villain" would be an objective point of view from history's perspective.

I know its a character analysis and not a socio-political analysis of Shurima but i just wanted to throw it out there, also if azir DID talk to xerath about his plans the catastrophe would probably not have happened and it IS mainly azir's ego and lack of communication that ruined the empire so your inital point is still very accurate, the video was a great analysis of his character. :D

People need to understand that Azir vs Xerath is not a story of good vs evil. There's no "Azir is the good one, so he must be a nice guy with good intentions" or "Xerath is the bad one, so he must be evil with no redeeming qualities" 

This is a gray ass conflict where both sides have blood on their hands & questionable intentions in the name of the "greater good". Which is why other champs don't trust either side.

I disagree with the assertion that Azir is evil, though I absolutely understand where you're coming from. I believe that everything in life is relative and that any analysis that fails to recognize this has, in some sense, lost the plot. Judged by the prevalent modern standards of morality of course Azir, or virtually any character set in a time before ours, is going to be found wanting. In a world where if power is not taken it is lost I would say that before Azir's ascensions he was a good man with noble intentions, limited by the burden of the crown. Now, he believes, that since he is a god he has no such burdens. Of course, he's wrong and his responsibility has only increased, but I think that's the point of his story- the lessons he still has to learn.

[pantheon-god-of-war]

I made a post on Twitter and learned that Pantheon x Aphelios is a genuine ship like Aphelios x Sett is? Honestly I only ever cared about 200 years when I kicked his face in while ulting bot. I think his story while tragic is very isolating. So I went back to read through the lore of his again to make sure I remembered everything correctly from the first time I read it back when he was released. 

Now bare in mind I do not ship bash, if you like the ship more power to you, I won’t discourage anyone from shipping what they like. It’s all fiction. That said I will analyze the two of them and see if I can find some common ground from the lore material we have. 

Aphelios and Alune were both children of the Lunari and were heralded to be these great children of destiny for the lunar faith. From a young age they had all this weight thrust upon them to defend the Lunari as fighter and seer. This supposed great destiny, while it turned out to be true is quite brainwashing for young children and incredibly manipulative. It is stated that Aphelios had a very strong and deep connection with his sister which in turn hurt him when she was not there since he likely felt isolated and had severe problems fitting in with others. Its a common phenomenon that certain individuals who have a singular best friend or sibling suffer immensely when that person leaves and they are left to deal with others, much like some of us have most fiends online these days and desperately wait for said friends to get on so they will have company. It even says that without Alune his faith wavered, clearly tying him immensely to her so much that there is a dependency on her closeness that correlates to his effectiveness in combat or even as a functioning human being as it is said that he lost his very purpose. It seems like while Alune firmly believes in the Moon Aphelios believes in her and whatever she stands for, so will he. I don’t want to say Moon Simp here because they are brother and sister but in essence he very much does what she commands, even in game. Its a very unhealthy sort of hyper dependency as without her he just falls apart. 

In this desperation he comes across noctum on a spiritual journey and consumes it only to later understand that he is to live as a conduit for Alunes magic. I like this excerpt out of his story because it highlights the duality and the tragedy of their relationship. 

Only now did they understand their destiny. Aphelios would hollow himself out with pain, but would become a conduit for the moon’s power. Alune would live alone, isolated in her fortress, but she would guide her brother, able to see through his eyes.

While it is tragic it really takes away from his own character. He has no real will of his own at this point, Alune is faithful to the moon and guides him in any way she sees fit as she is the seer, he is merely the earthly vessel for her actions that are in the best interests of the Lunari. 

With Aphelios previously already being quite anti social as he only focuses on Alune this connection should amp it up tenfold. Imagine having the only person you really care about in your head constantly talking to you and telling you what to do so long you are under the painful influence of a harmful substance. It makes him the epitome of a living tool, because he does not speak or feel and because he is hyper fixated on his sister. When you hollow your body out with a poison that numbs you to all sorts of feelings there is really little sense for physical companionship as you have numbed yourself to the point of not being able to speak, with constant pain coursing through you. That is without Aphelios innate antisocial behavior

All and all this paints Aphelios as a silent killer who works alone, gets his missions either from Alune exclusively, or convenes with Lunari elders on what targets need to be eliminated. He very much reminds me of Agent 47, take the job, maximum efficiency, get it done, get the next job. His destiny or purpose is to serve the Lunari and keep them safe and anything that keeps him from achieving his singular purpose is either an obstacle or not worth his time. 

Pantheon is a whole new problem in that he hates everyone on the mountain, to varying degrees but still. His one big defining trait is that he stands up to the gods, aspects and darkin. He renounces the power of the aspects and the gods dominion over Targon and will fight nearly anything to follow his belief. He threatens Aurelion Sol, fights Xerath and generally just howls at every aspect ascended, demi god, or darkin there is. When mom told Atreus to pick his battles he simply said “I’ll pick em all” and off he went kicking everyone ass. 

Pantheons place in Targon is very uncertain. I said this before when he got reworked that this stance against the gods will put him at odds with everyone on Targon. The Solari and Lunari believe in their respective gods, the Rakkor or Targonians all believe in either of those gods or worship other constellations since in Targon this ascended magic is something to aspire too. People look up to the stars, ask them for guidance, read their fate in the stars, trust them and even pilgrim from every corner of the earth to worship and marvel at the gods. Pantheon would be at odds with every single person and while he won’t slaughter everyone I think the canonical thing for Pantheon to do is just leave mount Targon and fight other gods OR actually challenge and kill Leona, Diana Taric and so on. Which would be a very dark but also very possible path. Kill the aspects to show the masses that their gods do not save them and demand exponentially more than they ever return. For that Pantheon would have to end the Lunari and Solari faith and completely reshape the way people on Targon think about the stars, and as much as I love Pantheon I do not see that as something possible, nor do I see him as the kind of man who would force anyone to agree with him. He carries his rage and resentment but he will not force it upon another, rather confront the person responsible and settle it with them (the gods). 

Now Pantheon did fight with the Ra’Horak in his fight against Xerath. Where it was actually the Ra’Horak fighting Xerath before Pantheon arrived. I am guessing that was because the first sun disc was constructed in Nerimazeth and the Solari desired it for some reason, but I am getting off track here. Pantheon helped the Solari warriors, which leads me to believe that perhaps he can exist on Targon in a way. But with the circumstances I think it was more him fighting against Xerath. Since that thing was clearly a godlike entity that he was all but ready to kill. The Solari just happen to be there and he decided to aid the mortals fighting against a god, that does not mean he agrees with their beliefs. 

Had Aphelios fought Xerath, would Pantheon have helped? Sure, probably. I think Pantheon would also help Leona and Diana against Aatrox if they needed his help again. It’s all a matter of hierarchy. Who is the greatest threat and who is a lesser one. So I could see them working together against a greater common foe for sure but more I think not. 

His quote to Aphelios is at first glance more positive, but considering all the underlying character traits I think it is a little darker than what it at first implies. Pantheon knows that it is human destiny to fight for survival and only those strong and brave enough do not shy away from the pain and anguish that decision costs. Pantheon understands Aphelios motivation, why he fights, that does not mean he supports it. 

To Pantheon, Aphelios is a man so zealous and devoted to the moon that he would willingly forsake his humanity, poison himself and suffer for eternity so that he could enact the will of the moon, a god. This is going to really set of Pantheon’s past when the god of war possessed his body, forced him into the back of his own mind only to do what he wanted with Atreus flesh. That is the exact breaking point on why Pantheon and Aphelios will hardly ever see eye to eye. One of them a devoted zealot, willing to surrender it all in service to the moon, the other a warrior who despises the gods and their machinations above all else having once been at the mercy of one of them. With Aphelios added antisocial character I really doubt they would ever exchange much words. Perhaps Pantheon extends an olive branch and tries to get Aphelios to live for himself. But Aphelios would refuse, if no one else could sway him from this singular purpose in life which he has grown up with since his birth, this random warrior won’t be able to sway him either and here the line from Pantheon comes back in as a sort of, “I understand and hail your conviction.” before the fight, where he respects the resolve, but not the reason for it. 

That’s why I don’t think they are quite shippable. The only two people I could really see Aphlios with is either Diana or Taric. Diana only if she embraces her role as leader of the Lunari where she comes to appreciate what Aphelios does for her people but is worried about his own mental health, from one antisocial who has grown above it to another. She could perhaps understand and through said knowledge know how to help him open himself up more. That is if she cared enough. Taric on the other hand would feel the damage and pain in Aphelios, and as all life should be beautiful so would he try to mend Aphelios. He clearly has the warmth, care, compassion, and patience to deal with someone as secluded as Aphelios, gently prying him open until he finally lets himself feel again and maybe finally finds someone who can help him open up to other Lunari and Targonians. Isolation is a terrible thing and it leaves horrible scars. I see only Taric in a position where he could mend those scars. Pantheon likely would not care, he is cold and angered himself, no mercy for the strong, as he says. That’s why I think they would clash or would just never get past the cold nodding before combat phase. 

This isn’t to bash any people who like the ship, I just thought id give my two cent on Pantheon x Aphelios and why it never occurred to me to ship these two. I get that emo x himbo is a thing, probably also why Aphelios x Sett is so loved, but from a lore and character standpoint I don’t really see it. 

This was a post I’ll link to twitter, but if you have input or a different opinion I am always open to discussion and new viewpoints. Go crazy! 

[heckinhacker]

Aatrox, Nasus, and Azir (I don't know how many are shurimans and used to be Ascended (Yes, Aatrox is Ascended in his lore) React to S/O wearing an animal onesie? Like adult S/O wearing a sleepy animal onesie on accident and they saw them wearing it.

A/N: Had to do some research on Nasus and laughed how at first he and Renekton hated each other, and then Riot decided to make Renekton a loving brother XDDD + Renekton was Ascended! but I’ll write only for this 3, alright? + Xerath is Ascended too, but he forced his own ascension by killing Azir. ((I was so angry by that tbh XDD))I am not too informed about them so if they’re ooc, I am using my thoughts on champs and what i’ve read from wiki. :3c

Ascendent Half-Gods seeing their S/O in onesie.

Nasus:

He decided to visit you because he had this weird feeling in his gut. And his gut is always right. Exception didn’t happened in a long time, so why would it now?

He hurriedly opened door to your house, taking deep breaths, because he ran to get here as fast as possible, literally.

When he noticed you just chilling in some puppy onesie, he sighed with relief.

“Why are you wearing this ridiculous pajama?”

“ Why, you don’t like it?”

“No, anything like that. I am just asking, since you’re a grown-up human.”

“ They’re comfy. You should try wearing one too.”

“ I disagree.”

He wasn’t really keen on the idea, nor he was more excited than usual to see you. He’s as happy as he always is.

Not like you expected big reaction from smart and collected Nasus.

But what can you say, he had a good feeling he should check on you.The view was pleasant.

Aatrox: 

He just wanted to visit you without bigger reason than just wanting to see you, but he would never say that directly.

He didn’t even bother to knock, he just opened doors and came in, looking for you.

When he saw you in your onesie, he smirked. Here he goes.

“What is this?” he laughed.

You, embarrassed as ever, shouted “They’re JUST comfy, okay?! You wouldn’t understand!” - all red on face.

Aatrox seeing how ashamed you are laughed even more loudly, patting your head. He was amused.

“Don’t worry, even though you look hilarious, you look good! Keep it up, human! Show me that you’re more special than I thought earlier!” - he said, not re-thinking his words.

“You think I’m special…?”

“AGH! NO! HELL NO!” - he covered his face with his hands. It was your time to laugh.

You hugged him on the level which your height let you, patting back of his body.

“It’s okay, Aaxie. I think you’re very, very special too.”

“I know that myself.” he murmured, sitting by your side so it’s more comfortable for you to hug him.

Azir:

He told you that he’s going to come over, you just simply forgot. You were eating, and then you hear knocking with “[y/n], it’s me, I’m going in!”

Your whole world stopped, you choked on whatever you were eating and tried to run upstairs, but he saw you by now. Time to die.

Azir literally jumped in front of you, amazed by your cute appearance.

” [y/n], [y/n]…why haven’t I seen this pajama before? You look so cute in this! Can I take a photo? A few photos? I will nonetheless!” 

“Azir, honey, NO!” 

But he did anyway. When he wants something - he gets that. And he wanted the photos.

Then he trapped you in his arms in iron hug. He was so happy to hold you in such a cute outfit! 

You couldn’t get him off of yourself.

Your man was very, very…clingy. 

That’s good, you loved cuddling.

[shurima-demigod]

“I want to know why you’re scared.” (vulnerable nasus time :D)

🌺  “I WANT TO KNOW…” Prompts

She was getting to know him far too well.  Fear wasn’t something most people associated with the Curator.  In fact, the vast majority would call him a steadfast presence, ever calm and calculating.

The truth was far more of a stretch.

How would he even go about explaining it?

“How...” he paused, sighing briefly.  “Do you know how old I am Ashe?  I suppose I have never told you...  In the modern calendar, I believe I am somewhere around two or three thousand years old.  I was only a few hundred years old when my family and people were stripped from me.”

He could still recount that time.  It was... grey.  As though the once rich, golden sands had lost all vibrancy, as if the sky had blotted out the blue with grey clouds.  There was no joy, no happiness, no displeasure or fear.  There was nothing.  A void, an absence of everything.

“I have lost so much over the years...  I find it hard to take another loss.”

He was absolutely terrified of what could happen if Xerath won.  If Azir was killed- if Nasus was killed.  Would the world bow at the feet of the insane Magus?  Would he merely burn the world to the ground?  What would happen?

“I ... try not to be over-protective.  But...  After everything...”

He trailed off, leaving the answer to fill itself out.

After everything he lost, another blow would surely break his heart.

[gil-notskajla]

So xerath skin confirmed how you feel

I'm conflicted.

As much as I enjoy reading about Xerath in lore and go crazy when anything happens lorewise, skins info gives me a bad feeling. It's mostly caused by circumstances: Riot announced skins for champions who didn't get a skin for a long time. It looks like they just thought: "yeah.. these guys rioting on the back are soo annoying... just throw 'em whatever and get back to lux skins"

And I don't want whatever. I don't want trash.

The worst part is that Riot doesn't do cheap skins anymore. Everything costs 1350 no matter if its good or terrible. It isn't about how well things go together, it's about how many artists and animators worked on it and for how long. That's fair, but at least pay attention to what works and what doesn't.

And I will tell you what works and what doesn't.

Battlecast, Runeborn - nothing flashy, but works

Scorched - semi-works, flashy, best skin to equip if you are in Prestige_XerathTM mood

Guardian - disgusting mess which isnt worth a single penny (i respect guy who made a concept and guy who made splash (splash is beautiful), he had a vision; animator got paid soo whatever; but nevertheless - skin is shitty and doesnt work at all, i regret paying for it, even to i paid with 80%, its not worth it at all)

Why cheap skins work? People call 'em chromas but honestly these are my faves. First, what should work for all skins: attacks are well saturated what makes them comfortable to use in game. Nothing else because those are just repainted defaults. Idle animations work and emotes work as well. Xerath's dance and "Closing Sarcophagus"(CS) emotes are a micro-culture of xerath mains. They are super important and they are an absolute must of all the things that work. These dont work - skin doesn't work. on both skins parts of sarcophagus fit each other what allows them to close into a certain form - it looks great. And dance emote works as it should.

Scorched semi-works because even tho sarcophagus cant close, it looks good - its color palette is well picked, pieces are of a fine sized parts which match each other, his body is 2D but has different texture lava-fire-like which doesnt  look way to off, and dance emote works.

Guardian...oh boy.... Guardian doesnt work in any way. Color theory was abadoned when they were coloring him. Parts dont fit eachother. Mark is way to dark and of complitely different shade of purple (blueish instead of plum). His body is in obviously, painfuly 2D what is impossible to not notice because of darker contouring of light form. Animations suck (except of B, but its only because its his only animated recall). In dance platings are too big and dont allow for full round movements of arms. And CS... lets say he turns into a qantum flower durring epilepsy episode. Absolutely hideous abomination and the worst part is that what you get on splash looks NOTHING like what you have in game. You buy it, cant wait to try it out and when you finally do, you just wanna click the return button instantly. And it costs 1350.

Soo now that we have it all clear, since Xerath skins are called chromas, we want next chroma: pink/purple/white/black or brown. Since we are fans of neglected child our standards arent high:

Dream come true skin for Xerath is this black concept by Tink29

Sarcophagus is made of fitting parts, voidlike substance gives eerie feelings and its majestic. But its never gonna happen because Riot would LITERALLY DIE if they made a good solo skin for unpopular champion. Another idea is white as elementalist (yes, i am delusional) or some nice wind related or somethin' (ive made this concept basing on raider outfit since xerath is a leader of western raiders and planed to finnish it with colors fitting raider costume with very bright, white/light-lime arcane. Its not good for CS animation but its light, and flowing with all the light elements like material straps on the mask and wing-like details)

but its not an option as well.

Brown (with for example... sugar rush theme) wont happen because its not obvious. Soo my guess is either pink or purple and it's gonna be either Voidborn (god please let it be voidborn) or space related, most likely Darkstar (ok i guess). Best way how voidborn could end up looking like is probably this fanart by BlazeMalefica

not only did the artist remmember about the seal (which is kinda a big deal, 50%-of-his-mental-issues deal for xerath) and turned it into the eye but its also capable of closing, animating properly, its not noisy what makes him more readable, has one specific color (pink) and is built on something that already exists. It's perfect for both players and Riot (and it would be also cheaper probably, just sayin'..). If they decide to make Darkstar (ive abadoned Cosmic or Hextech - not gonna happen, it would be to good)im afraid that they will do a color hoarding of purple, blue, black.. literally whatever, slap it all together on the sarcophagus, shape it into some wild shapes, ignore all the animations, do a recall, slap 2D core and call it "Black is new Gold: Guardian of the Sands 2.0 even more retarded than its predecessor" and it will look like this noisy af mess of a bitch (by Slow Damn)

or in best case scenario for which i count if its dark star

by Thorsten Erdt.

and i can bet all my 1300 Eververse silver that Riot will do everything to make it look like shit in game by cutting the funds soo lets do something less risky, easier soo they wont fuck it up.

But that's just my predictions and when it finally comes out I will rate it. Let's hope for the best (void or darkstar, no matter, just give us the purple, the pink, working sarcophagus and limbs)! If its good maybe i will even make a break from Destiny to try it out! 👀👌🏻

[talesofmetalandmagic]

“What will it become of me?”

So… Azir will have to abdicate.

This is the harsh decision I’d been previously talking about in the Soothsayer section

This isn’t just me pulling even more so from TBSkyen’s playbook – check out his What’s The Deal With Azir if you haven’t – but doing what’s objectively the best thing for everyone, and agreeing is necessary.

The night before he does it he summons all his retainers and friends in a private meeting and tells them that what awaits them will be something that’s never been done before. And like he was told, it will sting like removing a thorn: necessary pain.

From that day forward, his crown will forever be replaced by Taliyah’s handmade coronet.

First, he’s welcomed fine. Well, even. People applaud him and cheer for him and tell him he did the best thing. He’s not even, like, giving up on absolute power to live a soft cottage life on his own (especially since I loathe that trope). He’ll still live in the palace and wield power, just a power that’s shared and earned instead of owed and given.

But once he leaves the dais and goes to his rooms to freshen up… suddenly he’s in tears.

No, why? Why? What’s happening. I did the right thing. I did everything right. Why am I crying? What’s wrong with me stop stop stop I don’t want to cry why am I feeling so bad why…

But deep down he knows why. He threw away everything he ever was – everything he worked for – in exchange for a fairer, yet uncertain future. No more "no god but Azir". No more celebrations. No more tributes and worship. Just an ugly ruined bird body and a mighty enemy who hates him.

And he knows Xerath is probably laughing at him, from wherever he is. So he was right, he's not an Emperor anymore.

Even if for a good cause – he lost everything now.

"My lord? We're about to begin the toasts. Are you..."

Nasus finds him as he sits on his own bedchambers, repurposed and cleaned for a fair rest. He races to him, looking about at his body and around the room. But he knows, more than ever, that most of Azir's tears come from a pain he cannot see.

He put his halberd aside and sits by his side, embracing him in the now familiar motion.

"Oh, baby bird..."

"What will become of me?"

"I..." Nasus cannot speak. He can't leave Azir hanging, but at the same time there's not joy in that truth. And his child has suffered quite enough.

So he just sits there and hugs him.

After a while, with Azir still shedding tears, Sivir finds them too. She sits behind Azir this time and pulls him close. Then Taliyah follows, curling up between his arms and Nasus' and allowing him to hold her as he weeps.

Somehow it's reassuring to see him so distraught. That means the sacrifice was there, the choice was indeed hard, and they can count on him as a guardian even if he's not a god on earth.

But after growing to like him, after knowing what he went through up to that point, those tears sting them too.

After his tears have expired, Azir stands up, wipes his face and kisses each one's forehead.

"I don't know what happened, I just... I couldn't hold back"

"Is your choice done?", Nasus asks. Azir gives him a distant nod. "Like removing a thorn, is it not? Heh..."

"Have a drink," Sivir says. "Relax for the night. Just celebrate like all of us. I've learned that if you worry too much you end up empty-handed. And we don't want that, don't we Azir?"

"She's right. You deserve a night of fun. Maybe it'll help you find your way as it did me".

Taliyah holds him by the hand and gently leads him back to the hall where everybody is celebrating on the newly risen People's Republic of Shurima. Mercenaries and merchants, commoners and bourgeoisie, naasaj and Nazumah, old loyalists and new friends, some old and most young. Even Renekton, in the isolated temple where he's been put to rehabilitate, was brought some of the foods and a small drink. Just one day ago he allowed Azir to touch his face. Your hand is so soft, he said.

Was it not unsafe, he almost wishes Xerath could see it. Another loss for him, and a win for them all.

He watches as specialties from all around the land are brought in, different wines are mixed together; as Taliyah's young friends show off their sails to K'Sante's ex beloved Tope, General Adanna twirls in her beautiful dress as Samira and Akshan clap, and the same Soothsayer who foretold this same event laughs as Raz Bloodmane fills his mouth with grapes until it bursts. She probably saw that too.

So let us dance, let us applaud, let us be one. Tomorrow we'll think of the future – plans for battle, shelter, music and art, and Azir's own new masterpiece: a state home for orphans called House of Imani.

I was wrong. I did not lose everything after all.

[arcxnclum]

ok, so. there are a few things that need to be said, and I'll have a little rant about everything and then try to do a little tl;dr. keep in mind, that this is solely my opinion, and I’m going to be talking about my view on Xerath. of course, you’re free to disagree, just don’t come to me trying to prove me wrong.

through his entire life, it seems to me, that Xerath was a very attentive and curious person. he was perceptive, talented, had no trouble learning new things and was constantly pushing himself to do more and more, to know more and more, which eventually led to his downfall, as his ambitions and greed grew as well. one might say that the boy was close to being a prodigy, but, sadly, when you’re that attentive at a young age, you understand many harsh things about life quite soon – especially, if you’re living a life of a slave. it was stated, that he vowed to not be treated like any other slave, and it happened even before his father’s death, when he was still a child, so you can imagine the grasp on his situation that he had at the time. educated and taken to be the architect’s assistant, he now had the access to the Great Library, and if he dared to speak to an emperor’s child – I can safely say he wasn’t only taking some of the scrolls for his master only. imagine being so bold, not even a death threat would change your decision to talk to a prince, even though you’ve had the best intentions. Was this meeting luck or destiny, what would’ve happened if Xerath just walked past, that’s for someone else to imagine. I do believe that Azir would be dead in the desert with his brothers and Xerath would remain a nameless person, only plotting something awful for his master.

But, fortunately, they were acquainted – and yes, I’m saying fortunately, because (and you can pry this from my cold dead hands) they became the most important people to one another, saving each other countless times, and pushing each other to go even further with the things they tried to pursue. Now having access to everything the prince had the access to, plus being his sort-of advisor, before Azir was actually crowned, Xerath did exactly what his name meant – he was sharing everything he knew, everything he learned, and everything he wanted to learn and find. and, as morbid as that sounds, they shared their first kill, after the caravan was attacked near the Oasis. That was the first time Xerath truthfully saved Azir from death, and it was way, way more innocent, that the ones to follow.

naturally, when promised something he was craving his entire life, he grabbed onto those words and held them very close to heart. through years of servitude and secrets, orchestrated plans and intrigues, it was a heavy weight. every single decision he did in favor of Azir then felt pointless after their quarrel, and of course it would be the thing to push Xerath over the edge.

but in that point in his life, promised his freedom, having the access to everything he wants to learn AND knowing he can get away with anything, since he could quite literally silence the bad tongues forever, Xerath was as free as he would truly get. it was that moment that he discovered magic – unlocking sealed libraries, discovering dark arts for the first time, knowing he has to do something to protect his friend. and even though it sounds as if he only did it for himself, not to lose his position next to the only heir to the throne, Xerath truly believed it was for a friend.

and he did horrible things. using his growing magic powers, he killed, and killed, and killed. and managed to keep every single one of those a secret – even after he summoned powerful spirits from the desert and bent their wills to his, destroying the empress’ room with lightnings, killing her and her son, then murdering the emperor and his guards. and it wasn’t even the end, since to hide his guilt, he spread the rumours of mages of an entire region to be responsible for the deaths. Azir would definitely not approve of this, since it was his family after all, even though he probably didn’t like his parents that much, but in reality, that was the only chance for him to survive. And while the future emperor was learning to fight, Xerath, his soon-to-be advisor, continued to master his magic.

there would be no equal to him, except for, maybe, Nasus, in terms of knowledge and solutions of certain strategic objectives. He was cunning, he was smart, he managed to keep his growing desire for freedom a secret from anyone, but Azir. and as his conquest continued, Xerath remained in the capital, doing everything he could to gather more and more power. so when they finally got to the edge – after decades of strong friendship, drifting apart, and Xerath was reminded of who he is, there was no turning back.

admittedly, his greed is to blame when it comes to making Azir say those words at his face. if only there were no secrets kept between them, if only Azir didn’t become proud and arrogant, if only Xerath’s ambitions didn’t take the best of him…

and so the master plan was carefully made. previously working for the emperor secret mage was now turning the cards in his own favor, appealing to the people around him, making sure he would have support after his takeover. he was collecting magic, storing it inside him, to compromise the ritual. he managed to collect so much it was going to kill him, if he didn’t release it, and while hating Azir it seemed so easy to do.

but then he ruined everything.

now, it’s confirmed, that there was a part of Xerath that didn’t want to do what he had done. He was watching his only friend burn alive, blasted away from the circle of Ascension, through genuine tears. He was grieving. If only he knew sooner!

and then he took the power all for himself, not even bothering trying to prevent the city from burning – there would honestly be no way he could manage to control it at that point, and he knew the people would not support him after Azir’s last law. but he kept the priests in place with his dark magic. imagine that – you’re blasted with the energy of the sun, the energy that creates living gods, as it reshapes you, which is most definitely a very painful process, yet his abilities in magic were so strong he held the entire circle of priests in place, not allowing them to interrupt the ritual. and then he allowed them to die with the rest of the capital, as he was morphed into a new being, more powerful, invincible – capable of fighting off both of the strongest Ascended at the same time. he was imprisoned once, in a sarcophagus that contained a spirit of living fire, and he broke out in a second. to then be forced to live centuries in the darkness of the tombs.

now I’m definitely saying, that this prison took a toll on both of them – as Xerath twisted Renekton’s mind in various ways, his own was also subjected to an awful influence. he lived in hatred, he was craving revenge and power, more and more power, and he, was once again, more than anything, desiring freedom.

it’s safe to say that in his current state he’s not human. he’s not above being human, rather his Ascension took him a different route. as he says himself, he can see the forces that hold the universe together, and he continues to store energy in himself, as he is literally a vortex of arcane power. his dark arts were combined with the solar energy, and he must be overflowing with power, which threatens to kill him for good – because no living being can possibly hold all that energy inside for so long. for now, Xerath is capable of using it and controlling it, and he will seek revenge to take the Disk for himself and hopefully use it to contain his powers. but never to limit them.

 TL;DR !  

about: magic/energy.

he found out his talents for magic before Azir’s brothers were killed, but he decided to learn it only after he knew Azir would be in danger. he truly wanted to protect his friend, NOT for his own benefits, thus he convinced Azir that he needed to learn how to fight.

through the decades, he became more and more powerful, using arcane magic, and fire magic, and spiritual magic, and everything he could find in the desert, from manuscripts to artefacts. and eventually he started using energokinesis, storing energy in his own body. to interrupt the Ascension ritual he needed to have a lot, and it was physically painful and hard to contain all of it, so he brought himself to point of no return. there would be no way he could’ve kept it and not blast Azir out of the sunlight. that’s important.

he knew there was no way he could’ve prevented the blast of the sun energy to wipe the capital out as soon as he was hit with it. he might’ve tried, but he didn’t see the point. more about that later.

now, specifically because he held so much energy in himself, the solar energy alloyed with his own, and that was the reason he got… unusual. his transformation amplified everything about his magical abilities, but it also filled him with so much energy, he couldn’t control all of it. he was energy itself, but just sane and sentient. he couldn’t be contained.

after he escaped the tomb, Xerath had to regain most of his powers and arcane energy, so he sought “heart of the desert” – I presume he corrupted desert spirits and took their knowledge of everything that has happened. he continues to store energy in his new form, but, in reality, he’s afraid that he would lose control. no one knows that, obviously. also he can brainwash and somewhat hypnotize people now. good to know.

about: relationships.

now, as much as I can see Xerath missing his mother a lot, the only person he ever truly cared about was Azir. he threw his entire life for his only friend, clinging to his promise, and he would do anything for him back then. that is, of course, until they grew too proud and arrogant. still, if Xerath knew what Azir was planning, there would never be such a conflict. Azir freed him, but in his condition, Xerath had no choice. he was genuinely grieving the death of his friend, albeit it being by his hand. it shouldn’t have come to this, but everything was too late.

but now, after centuries that drove him even more insane, he wants nothing but revenge. why? that’s a good question.

 about: current state.

and I’m not talking about “a glowing stone boy”, no. in Pantheon’s story, Xerath is referred to as an inhumane creature, who wouldn’t even share a word. can you imagine, a person, described as “loving to talk, since he loves to hear the sound of his own voice” being creepily silent? he’s moving further and further away from humanity, and into the realm of beyond, so to say, as he is slowly dissolving into becoming pure energy. he is still sentient, of course, but right now he’s as far from resembling a human, as he ever was, and it will only get worse with time. he greeds for power – as in magic power and ruling over people, and he stops at nothing, just to get what he wants.

about: well, killing. and more relationships.

listen, he was insanely cruel when he was still human. his mind and ability to conspire things proved to be a great cover for everything he did, and now he doesn’t even need to cover up his murders. he is a killer. and he’s not killing for a cause, or to prove a point, he kills because it’s the easiest way to get what he wants. there’s surely little to no negotiating with him. he’s not interested in having someone work with him and he will not allow anyone to get close to him.

 in conclusion! Xerath was once a loyal friend, a smart prodigious student, capable of learning anything insanely fast and pursuing his goals anywhere. he hated his position as a slave, and even though it might seem that he only did everything to benefit himself, he was actually hoping to be equal to his friend. however, his actions are not at all innocent or redeemable. he murdered to save one person, and it was probably over two dozen murders that he managed to do, until Azir became emperor. they drifted apart, but in reality they just needed to TALK. that led everything into a big freaking mess, Xerath did something very stupid, couldn’t control his magic and then became the Ascended – kind of one of a kind (that was fun to write). he was crying for Azir, and if that’s not enough to prove in the end he didn’t want his death, I don’t know what is. but then came the imprisonment, and he was driven insane with power, with his new abilities, and now he is quite literally on the brink of infinity.

[holysands]

starter for! @infinite-xerath !! im sorry it took so long / is so long lol. i kind of struggled with it, so tell me if u would prefer something else.

Her dreams were usually clear. Usually.

However, this one was not. Light filled her sense of sight, blinding her, making her want to cover them, but she physically could not. In dreams she couldn’t do anything.

Although her sense of sight was hindered, she did hear a voice - loud and overbearing, the sound reverberating like an echo, like their voice was bouncing off the walls of her mind. She wouldn’t be surprised if they were. It tired her quickly, however. She couldn’t imagine how they looked like.

- rul- GOD- P O W E R- eTERNAL -.

Xe- WRATH.

The name sounded startlingly familiar, something she feared, something she didn't want to encounter. Was it even a name?

Something woke her up, something that wasn't physical. She looked at her hands, trying to make sure she was in reality- trying to make sure she could still see.

Even though she could see, she still wasn't able to get that name off of her mind. Xe..wrath? Xerath. It felt foreign in her head, yet, all too familiar at the same time. Xerath. Xerath. Xerath- she begged for something to tell her what or who they were, but no whispers came to mind. She was simply stuck where she was, until much later. 

Much later wasn’t as...terrifying as she thought. Although, at this point, she wasn’t sure why- it just wasn’t. Maybe because her sense of sight was restored and it wasn’t as blinding-

 Either way, the being before her was Xerath. They were...familiar yet not at the same time. No one could forget a being such as they. They almost didn’t look corporeal, something made of light. Now that she looked closer, however, the being looked like...nothing more than some kind of energy? An energy that made her shake like an earthquake and make her want to fall over.

Perhaps that was the point.

Something forced her to approach them, because she couldn’t move. She let out a breath, unsure on how to react when she only walked closer- and closer, and cLOSER-

A voice, a voice that wasn’t her own, “Xerath.” 

She felt compelled to f a l l.

“You’re still a l i v e?”

[desertdivide]

In the outermost rings of the city proper, Shurima was not grand.

It was here that the sun felt blistering, and not prosperous; in the downward sloping dunes, the buildings clustered together provided meager shelter from the elements, and even in the light of day the slums looked pitiful and wanting. It made the dust clinging to the hems of Azir’s robes heavier, somehow, as if it meant to drag him beneath the sands to rot.

But that was ludicrous - an uncertainty brought upon him by the discomfort of the task. Even here, he owned every inch of the earth beneath his sandals.

But that thought does little to loosen the ridged set of the emperor’s shoulders. His countenance only grows more severe as they begin to leave behind the huts more closely sequestered, until they come upon one of communal size - though, even despite the size, was more unkempt than the homes they had already passed.

Azir’s party halts at the entrance, as if the swaying, threadbare covering is barring them from going further. The small guard he has taken with him outside of the city seems grossly out of place in their gold, glittering armor, each curling their gauntleted hands around a staff or spear or lance even taller than themselves. The only one who doesn’t stand out is Xerath, clothed for comfort in flowing robes that match the sand. He holds a sizeable woven basket in his hands, covered by a finely threaded cloth dyed bright. It’s such a small slip of color, yet the striking indigo seems so at odds with its washed out surroundings.

As does the emperor, beckoning his brother to follow as he enters the hovel without the protection of his guard.

Despite Xerath holding the cloth door open and the beaming midday sun mere inches away, light seems completely unable to penetrate the darkness of the space; it’s a wide room, denominated by blankets spread across the floor and little else. There are baskets of stale bread and wilting produce, and there is such a stench permeating the air that Azir can hardly take more than the shallowest of breaths.

It is unwashed bodies and rotting things and despair, left to fester in a too small space.

Even so, Azir walks to about midway the room, and Xerath dutifully takes his side; a shifting piece of the darkness moves in a halting, painful way, detaching itself from the gloom and presenting itself as nobly as is ever possible to its emperor.

It is only years of coming here, and even more of courtly lessons in etiquette and poise, that keeps Azir from gagging on the disgust in his mouth.

The man could not have been much older than the young emperor, and should he have led another life, he would have been fit and strong; instead, his back is stooped to an aching degree, making it near impossible for him to stand, and his once strong fingers end in crooked claws. Azir considers the worst part to be the dry, nasty swaths of skin that cut stripes across a proud nose, a strong jaw, and most of the exposed skin. They are covered in dull, flaking scales that ooze and peel and apparently plague the man terribly - there are gouges along the patches that suggest many a night spent itching or clawing at the deformity.

With another glance to the talons that tip his fingers, it’s all Azir can do to keep from shuddering.

“Emperor,” he hisses, uncurling from his bow by some minor degree. “We are blessed.”

What a cruel, wicked joke; as if Azir’s presence could somehow balance the curse that will be inflicted on the poor man for the rest of what promises to be a short, exceedingly miserable life.

“Iahi,” Azir says. He inclines his head as is polite, and waves Xerath forward. “It is I who has been blessed with plenty; please accept my humble offer.”

Xerath peels away the covering of the basket, laden with warm loaves of bread, clay pots of fruit preserves and precious honey, blankets made of cotton fit for emperors and their courts. It is a lavish thing to give - and hard for some to accept.

Even though he clutches his fingers around a robe that is riddled with moth eaten holes, Iahi swallows hard. Azir can see it in his eyes - he begs for a time when he could have - would have - refused such a thing, would have considered it a slight to his pride to be coddled by the emperor without duly earning his favor. He was a warrior, once. A man with promise that had been seemingly hand-chosen by the gods themselves to Ascend.

But gods, it seems, rarely make their motives so clear. The path they take is so seldom followed.

“We are blessed,” Iahi repeats, opening his arms so that Xerath may place the basket in them.

The other slumped forms begin to shift, eager and prideless; Azir sees forked tongues, slit eyes, mouths bulging with teeth that do not fit and scales warm with infection. These are the godless few - Baccai, who, before his reign, would have been given a swift and merciful death.

His father had made that choice for them - Azir had given it back.

He wonders - as he sees an old woman so deep in her years she must wait for  one of the others to take pity on her and bring her food - if his father had been right. If the gods had not chosen these people - if their Ascensions were doomed and they were cast from holiness - should they be spared? Was Azir dooming himself, too, by overruling the god’s will?

Would they have condemned his pity, or praised it?

With his own Ascension nearing, Azir feels worry once again stir in his stomach; he visits the Baccai in the hopes of paying homage to the gods he some day wishes to join. He prays for a guided Ascendance; he prays and prays that he does not fall as they did.

With Iahi’s attention now lost and his composure unable to handle much more, Azir leaves the Baccai to his gift; they will await him at the next moon, and the one after, and they will anticipate his Ascension like bitter vipers, eager to sink their fangs into something soft and unruined. No one here will grieve if this hut becomes Azir’s home, too.

When they are again in the comfort of the sun, with the the Sun Disc guiding them home, Xerath easily picks up Azir’s unease.

“My highness, there is no need for worry,” he assures. “Your Ascendance is blessed.”

Azir nods, as is habit, but even free from the stench of the damned he can hardly breathe.

“And so was theirs.”

[blackrosesmatron]

Fikri shrank under the Great Magus' gaze, fully aware that he was still too innocent and shortsighted to fully comprehend Xerath's plans.

"Perhaps, my lord, what I lack is the creativity to imagine a world different from the one I know. I want something different, something better, but there is only so far my mind can go to know how it would look like." That was his own fault, not Xerath's.

There were no more questions at the moment; the young man only followed his new master into the temple, scanning around with his usual awe-struck expression. He was a pure soul, easily impressed. He was listening but only half paying attention, that is, until his new lord asked him to demonstrate his abilities.

"Now?" How could he do that?! Fikri's mind was running a thousand miles per second, trying to think of what he could do that could possibly impress the great Magus. The flickering of the fire lighting the place gave him an idea. Drawing some symbols in the air and whispering an easy incantation, he used the light from the fire to distort the place and make it look different. Make it look brand new, as it was supposed to be thousands of years ago.

The spell was not the best, as the fire from the torches flickered, and the illusion also flickered. "Err..." His cheeks burned in embarrassment, a deep shade of red taking over his face until the very tip of his ears. "I'm still learning, so I use the ambient to do small things..."

Xerath stopped, then slowly turned to look down at his newest disciple. The Magus's thoughts were totally unreadable. Regardless, the intensity of his gaze was undeniable, as though he was peering into one's very soul. Finally, Xerath spoke again.

"You are plagued by doubt and fear. You are not the first, nor will you be the last. The idea of forsaken your mortality, even your very flesh, intimidates you. To change, to grow comfortable in the absence of the familiar, seems imposing. Overcoming this fear will be your greatest obstacle, but it can be done." Xerath turned and resumed floating toward the temple, finally lowering himself closer to ground level so he could go inside.

The interior was lit primarily by scones holding arcane blue fire, which seemed to burn without any kindling. "Though I intend to wipe the slate clean, there are some exceptions I am prepared to make. Anyone and anything in whom I see potential may find a place in my new era." Xerath stopped again, once more turning to face Fikri. "But that is enough talk of the future. For now, I would have you demonstrate your magic to me."