#Swain

[bamf]

Noxus has endured, because Noxus is strong. But the Grand-General Jericho Swain knows there are many kinds of strength—and the greatest leaders of the next age will be those who can wield them all...

[morethanroommates]

What's coming AFTER Arcane? I have some thoughts...

ACT 3 SPOILERS! The show is out, but I know not everyone has been able to see it yet. This post is a long one, but I have a bunch of images inline with my analysis to support my hypotheses.

....

In the episode 9 epilogue, we see a three-eyed raven pecking at some arcane-corrupted rubble.

This raven is almost certainly one of Swain's Demon Ravens, which serve as his eyes and ears. Who is Swain? Oh, just the warlord leader of Noxus.

Meanwhile, the next scene shows us Caitlyn and Vi after an unknown amount of time has passed since the attack.

Caitlyn is sporting a fancy eyepatch. Fetch!

She's reviewing and adding to the Kiramman archives. As she does so, she gently holds part of one of Jinx's detonated monkey bombs. Her expression looks pensive and reflective.

A few of the archive's frames show documentation and schematics for Hexgates. I think Hextech isn't totally out of the picture for Piltover in the future. But Caitlyn isn't rash. The writers are showing us the info in the archives so that we know the technology isn't lost, even if its creators are missing or presumed dead.

Edit: After reading others' analysis, it's possible Caitlyn is looking at the schematics and seeing the ducts that Jinx could have hidden in to escape the explosion. The monkey bomb and Caitlyn's smile could indicate that. It's at least hinted that Jinx might not be dead. There's another edit lower down on the same topic.

Caitlyn overhears Vi's solemnly humming and is drawn to her.

And we cut to see Vi sitting by the fire in an expansive, dimly lit room.

Caitlyn joins Vi by the fire and remarks on her singing. Vi tells her it's a tune her mother used to sing... She appears to be at the beginning of her healing, embracing the beauty in the things she's lost. And she's lost so much.

And then Caitlyn rests her head on Vi's shoulder and asks her, "Are you still in this fight, Violet?" She calls Vi by her full name... This, plus the other reciprocated physical closeness in this scene, shows a deep level of intimacy, trust, and realism that we haven't yet seen between them until now.

Vi reassures her, she's here and she's not going anywhere, using a very Vi metaphor.

And then Vi rests her shoulder on Caitlyn, reciprocating the physical gesture Cait did to Vi earlier in the scene.

But what fight is Caitlyn alluding to? Sure, it could be a metaphorical reference to the dedication to their relationship. I think the writers intentionally implied that.

However...I think there's a -real- fight coming. In the last frame of Caitlyn and Vi together, Cait looks emotionally touched by Vi's reassurances and trust. AND...she looks determined. She's committed to Vi and to whatever is coming next...

WAIT... WHAT... WHAT'S COMING NEXT?

Well...let's go back to Swain's three-eyed raven and newly introduced antagonists: Mel's sister and the Black Rose organization. What do Swain, Mel's sister, and Black Rose all have in common?

Noxus.

With one of Swain's Demon Ravens appearing and Mel exposing her sister's duplicity in the last episode, we have a solid setup for a future installment of a League of Legends story arc. It's very likely that Mel's sister is a woman named LeBlanc, a very powerful and manipulative magic user from Noxus that can impersonate anyone.

In League of Legends lore, Noxus is regularly invading other nations. Caitlyn's father is originally from Ionia, so perhaps Cait, Vi, and Mel will go there to investigate.

In the fancy airship, because they're not using Hexgates.

OMFG... Does this mean we might get more Cait and Vi???

Let's GOOOOO!!!!!

Thanks for making it this far! What do you think? Are we getting more Cait and Vi in a new series?

Edit: Some have speculated that the airship could signify that Jinx is still alive and that's she's on it and leaving Piltover to go somewhere else in Runterra. That doesn't rule out the story continuing in Ionia or Demacia nor Cait and Vi being involved. I stand by my analysis of Caitlyn's comment about "this fight" being more than asking Vi if she's committed to their relationship.

[genshinatemybrain]

GUYS I DIDN'T KNOW I SWEAR

broke: arcane POV is detached third person

woke: arcane POV is swain sitting in his office, receiving scenes from his ravens and watching everything go down like a saturday night soap opera

[ubiquitoush]

!

[yan-springlove]

I SHOULDN'T HAVE FUCKING DOUBTED THE WRITERS WHAT THE FUCK WAS ALL THAT. IM BLOWN AWAY.

2 minutes into the cold open of episode 7 and im on my hands and knees bless them for ekko's storyline im 😭😭😭 ready to cry

Anyways.

There's no season 3, but they still had more things set up for future events like Swain with the crow, Powder from the AU world implied to work on crossing over to our Arcane universe (for Vi and Ekko in our world, most likely), no idea where Jayce and Viktor went (tho most likely dead?? Idk so much was going on I have to rewatch and analyze), a glimpse of Oriana with Singed, Sevika on the council (fuck yeah!!), Mel taking over Ambessa's role and going back to Noxus, Caitlyn looking around the hexgates blueprints (to see where Jinx could have fallen, if there was any possibility she survived? There's a vent around where she was looking I think. Am I coping? Maybe)

I kind of love that they left us to so much imagine what could happen. There's so much material to play around with!!!

And they might just make another show. Most likely centered around Noxus, if it's set in the same world as our Arcane!

[0aurelion-sol0]

An Arcane Hexplanation: Noxus

For the first post in this mini-series of posts, that will elaborate on elements of Arcane that were only superficially touched upon in the show but also elements that might remain confusing for some, I wanted to touch on this faction that has now become an integral part of the story of Arcane but which was not very much explored in and of itself. I will try to be as informative as I can without going into spoilers but beware that there may be informations that might give hints about the shows's ending and the franchise's future.

Especially for parts of the audience that haven't played League of Legends or haven't been that interested in it's lore which is quite a lot actually when you look at the people who watch the show. Which is also one of the reasons why it was made to first place, to reach as many people as possible in the hopes they would be interested in the games or the lore that comes with it but I digress.

Keep in mind that what I am using here is both the old and current pieces of lore I have at my disposal of the world of League of Legends since now that Arcane has become fully canon to the story of Runeterra, the world in which Arcane takes places, elements may change and vary in the future given that the old and current lore of Piltover & Zaun had quite different elements of it that got retconned by Arcane when it became canon. I expect the same for the other parts of that world

We have two main characters that are connected to Noxus, Mel and Ambessa, the current known members of the Medarda Clan. They provide some background info and elements about Noxus relating to their pasts and current motivations but much of it remains unclear or a mystery in some cases with one of them about Mel that is probably going to be revealed in Act 3. So...

What is Noxus ?

Basing ourselves in the old and current lore of the world of Runeterra, Noxus is an expansionist empire that is considered brutal and threatening to most people that lives outside of it's borders. It worships and respects the strengths and talents of it's population, especially in combat and war. Which oddly makes it a quite inclusive society as success through strength, of many kinds, is what is mostly rewarded in that society which contrasts with it's colonizing and "war-prone" attitude.

It is quite powerful and probably the most powerful nation on the continent of Valoran where it is located on the eastern side of it but given it's expansionist endeavours, it's borders also reaches into the Shuriman continent located south of it and in the archipelago called Ionia located further east and north of it, it enters into The Freljord. It also goes west towards the nation of Demacia, which it has quite the rivalry with. (Noxus also has multiple spies in multiple nations or cultures around the world, that are led by different types of forces that are in Noxus who do this for different reasons for each and everyone of them, but we will get back to that later down this post.)

In between the Valoran & Shuriman continents lies the main setting of Arcane, Piltover & Zaun. It connects the two continent together and as such is quite prized by many people in the Noxian empire, not just by Ambessa.

It's strategic position is important both in terms of trades but also power. The City of Progress makes the most of it's geographical position economically by being both a trading route by land and sea; but also it's incredible evolution in technology could provide Noxus with the means to expand it's empire all over Runeterra. Especially if it gets it's hands on Hextech.

But Piltover & Zaun being so important to the continents' global trades (evidence with Noxus itself having Holsek in Arcane shipping his products there) and also being a cultural center for most of the other nations makes it difficult to obtain, first because while Noxus might have a bigger army, Piltover & Zaun are still far more technologically advanced than them which gives them an advantage in battle and two, because many other nations might unite to take Noxus out if it ever tried to actively take power there.

Noxus thrives on being expansionist because it needs people, it needs war and it also needs land. But also it seeks challenges, as challenges makes you stronger based on the Noxian dogma.

Because the capital of Noxus is located in a part of Valoran which is not very fertile and so part of that expansionist attitude is also to survive and meet needs for it's population that aren't met. It has a very diverse wildlife though ranging from giant arachnides, drakes, big reptiles and more Jurassic Park-like creaturs. And of course, Poros, because Poros are everywhere! 😉

That capital is named Noxus Prime or more commonly known as...

The Immortal Bastion.

It was built long ago, after an important catastrophic event, by someone that I can't talk to you about because it's likely going to spoil Season 2's Act III of Arcane. Just know that this person is bad, REALLY bad.

That person raised that city in what was called long ago, the Noxii territories but given that the reign of that person was extremely violent and tyrannic, they got betrayed by people from their own inner circle who forged an alliance with the tribes that lived there and was able to "defeat" that person.

Centuries passed, as well as wars and invasions, and as of today it has remained intact and is hardly penetrable by anyone or anything by force due to it's architecture. At least, one that is below or similar to Noxus' level of power.

(I'm not sure if the city Mel painted is this one as in the old/current lore, it is not by the sea but the show could retcon that and make it close to it. It could be Basilich since it is by the sea and was mentioned in Arcane in relation to the Medarda family. But know it be could another one as the architecture for the bigger cities of Noxus is quite similar to represent who is in charge.)

It's also important to remember that compared to Piltover & Zaun, Noxus isn't afraid of magic. In fact, it weaponizes it and it's history has been the most influenced by it. Noxus respects strength but anything that can make the empire grow and evolve whether it's trade, craftmanship, magic, intelligence or even art is respected if it challenges the people and Noxus to become stronger.

You CAN start from nothing and rise to the highest places of Noxus if you show that you are worthy to be there.

Which is why when Noxus conquers, it gives you a choice: follow the empire or die. Noxus will be your life from now on, you will be under their command, follow their laws and culture. Oddly enough, people who embrace Noxus will find that their life improves in a good way but those who don't bend the knee, follow or are able to live by the Noxian culture will be destroyed or be outcasts in that society. Especially since now that you live under Noxian law, it will make sure that everyone knows it by: appointing a leader to make sure that Noxian culture and law is followed where you live and put Noxian architecture + any ways to show authority there as a means to make sure your whole life is dedicated to it- (However it doesn't change the facts that even thought Noxus puts his culture and law firsts, in many cases the cultures remain and merges with, with Noxus having many languages and religions within it that all contributing to the power of it's empire given the nature of those elements.)

-Much like what Ambessa did with Cailtyn in Piltover & Zaun but that came from her own motivations rather than something asked by Noxus.

Because as we know, Ambessa is being targeted by someone from Noxus and that someone is very important.

But this also makes sense when you consider what Noxus is, given that Ambessa is a general, she holds a certain amount of authority in Noxus which can clash with other people who have as much or more authority than her there. And given the need of a challenge or to pursue a goal that would be able to show your strength and/or maintain a power for every Noxian, especially if it can contribute to the empire or their vision of Noxus; it will clash with different visions and people as well.

But in the case of Ambessa, it's little a bit more complicated. It's part of it but it's not just that. Before we get to that, we need to talk about the leadership of Noxus.

Because you would think that Noxus would be ruled by an iron fist by one person, some dictatore or oppressive leader, well it used to be 🤭 and still is to some degree but it's more complicated than that as what Noxus fears the most in the world might be what would come from the outside of the empire or what rebellion could happen somewhere in a land they've conquered, but from inside of the empire itself.

You see Noxus was a monarchy and when you have a culture & dogma like Noxus, people will try to reach the top, they will eventually come into contact with people who also want to go there or are already there.

This has created many problems for Noxus in the past with one person taking over the empire or inheriting it and doing not so great things with it, followed by many others after that. This created a lack of stability for Noxus, which made it vulnerable. It also doesn't help that those leaders could easily be influenced by groups and noble houses who have their own agendas for Noxus and themselves.

So to remedy to that, something was created to ensure something like this would never happen again...

The Trifarix.

The Trifarix (also known as the "Council of Three") is the current form of government of Noxus, which embodies the fundamental tenets of the Trifarix doctrine, or the "Principles of Strength." which are Vision, Might and Guile.

Sounds familiar ? Yes! It is what Ambessa says to Caitlyn during their training. She also believes there is a fourth one: Sacrifice, which she thinks heightens the three other principles.

This structure happened after a revolution led by Jericho Swain which transformed from a monarchy, led by emperors like Boram Darkwill, the last emperor killed by Swain himself during the night of the revolution, to a meritocracy led by three different people, each representing a different principle.

The first being Vision, represented by Jericho Swain, The Noxian Grand General. Main face of government for the Empire and overthrew the previous ruling House of Darkwill.

According to Swain's reasoning, while one person could ruin Noxus through incompetence, madness, or corruption, or the three combined, a group of three people would always have two people to hold one of the members accountable, ensuring that no one could rule Noxus alone and with no opposition.

The second being Darius, the Hand of Noxus who embodies Might. Commander of the elite Trifarian Legion, the most elite and loyal legion in modern Noxus.

And The Faceless. The current identity of that member is unknown. Rumored to puppeteer the dark underbelly and politics of Noxus. Unknown status to outsiders suits the Trifarix's and the Faceless' purposes: sowing fear, suspicion, and unease among the enemies of Noxus allows the Faceless to walk more freely among those who might have their guard up.

And while all of this on paper might sound great, the noble houses and other secret groups can still influence Noxus plus the Trifarix in some way and remnants of the old monarchy still exists, even if they are being hunted down by the Trifarix and it's army.

The culture of Noxus is still brutal and expansionist just like under the monarchy, plus most of it's population live in austerity given how harsh Noxian dogma is. Plus the presence of class differences & inequality is just as present in Noxus as it is in Piltover. Swain himself is from a noble house that was hungry for power and who helped the very house he was going to overthrow at some point before creating the Trifarix. And though his vision of Noxus is everyone being united for the empire regardless of who they are, the reality is that most people still plot against it & he knows it.

But there is one more problem that I have yet to talk about and that is relevant to Arcane's plot. You know where I'm getting at here...

...The Black Rose.

Without revealing too much as it will be explored in Season 2's Act III of Arcane & possibly the future show that will likely be about Noxus, at some point Swain realised that the Black Rose was influencing Boram Darkwill in the shadows of Noxus to do what they wished when he was sent to an invasion of Ionia where all the conditions he was led into would lead him to meet his death there.

Swain was once part of that group that he, at some point during his youth, "defeated". He was manipulated by the matron of that group to execute the most prominent members of it and stage an execution for said matron so that she could hide her existence to strike at the right and regain power over Noxus. This led to Swain killing Darkwill & his followers to make sure that person wouldn't get full power over Noxus and destroy any trace of the Black Rose as well.

That person is called...

...LeBlanc.

You've all already met her but haven't as well. You know her voice but have never heard it. They are everywhere, she is everyone.

Again, I can't say a lot but just know, she is such a bad bitch. She is truly a great character, one of the better ones of LoL's lore.

She is the matron of the Black Rose. The leader of this cabbal, both older than Noxus itself and quite important to the history of the empire. She is a powerful sorceress that has influenced Noxus' and the worlds' events for a long long time. She has her own sets of spies, outside of the ones Noxus has, that she uses to keep track of everything that happens in the world and influence the politics of it to meet her wants with of course the help of people who follow her and the Black Rose, including it's members.

Most members that are part of the Black Rose don't even know she is LeBlanc, hell that she is even named LeBlanc or that she is their leader or what she even looks like. In fact, the name LeBlanc is not even guaranteed to be her real name anyway.

And since that no one knows who is the person that represents Guile, there was an idea and rumour that she was that secret third member in the Trifarix. But given her nature and her relationship with Swain, it is unlikely but who knows...

...maybe she's already influencing him or the two of them were able to make a deal that benefits each party in the end.

But there's a reason for all this manipulation & trickery, there's a reason why she influences the world politics... and why she kidnapped Mel.

But I can't tell you, because it would spoil you. X)

However know that her inclusion opens the gate to LoL's lore and universe in a way that is so immense that I am impressed she even is a player into Arcane, at least such an active one. At best, I thought Swain would be the one to show up but it would make sense that with the appearance of something as powerful as Hextech, she wouldn't stay in the shadows for long.

This is where it leads us into the next show that comes after Arcane and that will continue some of the plotlines that were started in it, which will likely be in Noxus. And we will find out what it will be and what is the reason for it in this final act-

(Again to remind that everyone, these informations are from the current/old LoL lore, some aspects of it will change, just like with Arcane, to fit whatever story they might want to talk about in the future.)

-But while in Piltover & Zaun, the reasons for our characters' actions and motivations are more personal but obviously still influenced by politics and the world around them, falling into shades of gray that we can see ourselves into...

...with Noxus, the shades are darker. And more red too, but compared to the city of progress, we might lean more into horror than tragedy this time around.

_________________________________________

If you are interested in more League of Legends lore or lore about Arcane, I invite you to check out the current Runeterra map which features every information you might want to know about the universe.

Plus here is a... short animated film ? that was done for the card game Legends of Runeterra which won't spoil you anything and just show you what Noxus is about in a way that is closer to what Arcane is. It features Darius and his troops fighting a king that refuses to surrender to the Noxian empire.

Hope you enjoyed the post, I will be back soon, this time to talk about... Felicia! There are certain things that I think need to be talked about with the revelations surrounding her character.

In the meantime, let's finish the last three episodes of Arcane and celebrate what this show gave to use.

[space-blue]

YES!!! I YELLED!! I am sure he'll be on the dock in Noxus ready to greet Mel home... Enemy of my enemy and all that.

Let daddy Swain water my crops in the next LoL tv show!! Give me another evil old man!!

But I'm a little concerned by the glow around the crow. Looks like it found an arcane gem... :/ And I hope not.

motherfucking jericho swain-

[aurelion-solar]

Ambessa in the "Blood Sweat & Tears" Music Video

[orwell-done]

Sketches :000 Who needs copics when you got highlighters >:))

[kageshoud]

So about the new swain skin....wip

[corvid-and-flowers]

Chekhov put down the gun I swear if swain shows up and pulls somthing, omg! (Seriously I don’t even like him but I want this to happen so bad)

[mathyna]

Sorry for not posting much anymore, but work and university take quite a lot of my time. Buuut here are my favourite men. Ill render it later

[league-of-skins]

Chosen of the Wolf Ambessa (Legendary), Katarina, Kindred, Pantheon, and Swain (+ Prestige)

katarina i love u 🫶🫶

the skins all look really good in game too. i think pantheon’s is the weakest.

i know some people won’t like it but i lowkey fw shirtless swain. i’ve also never noticed how smooth his animations are.

i’m personally against champions getting a release skin that’s higher than the epic tier. obviously kindred deserved it more but i still think they look really good with the new visual effects. ultimately, ambessa just isn’t old enough for a legendary skin to be appealing. especially a lore skin.

still waiting for viktor vgu. and mel champion release?

[geddy-spageddy]

the grand general

[reverieparacosm]

Swain x F!Reader, if you have the time and energy?

Swain (League of Legends) x F!Reader

Summary: Worried for Swain, burdened by his responsibilities, you find comfort in his presence.

Warnings: none

Note: Here it is! I wanted to write a small and cute scene. <3

The chill of the night presses against your skin, a welcome respite from the stifling heat of the day. You stand at the balcony's edge, the city sprawled beneath you like a tapestry of flickering lights. A lone raven, its silhouette stark against the moonlit sky, circles overhead, its caw echoing the unease that gnaws at your gut.

You are lost in contemplation, your thoughts a tangled web of anxieties and desires, when a shadow falls across the marble floor. The click of heavy boots on stone sends a shiver down your spine. You don't need to turn to know who it is.

"My dear," Swain's voice, a silken whisper laced with steel, slithers into the silence. "It is late. You should rest."

You turn slowly, meeting his gaze. "My mind, Swain," you say, your voice barely above a breath, "is too restless for sleep."

You feel his presence draw nearer until he is standing right beside you. His physical form is intimidating to most, with his black armor and fierce demeanor, but to you he has always been gentle.

"What troubles you so?" he asks, genuinely concerned.

You hesitate, unsure of how to express the tumult of emotions within you. Swain patiently waits, as he always does, for you to gather your thoughts.

"The responsibility you bear is crushing," you whisper, your voice trembling. "You carry the weight of an empire on your shoulders, alone. What if… what if we lose?" The thought of Swain, defeated, is unbearable. "I only wish there was more I could do to ease your burden. What if you…" you can't finish the sentence. Your heart aches with the fear of losing him, of losing everything.

He turns to face you, lifting your chin delicately with his gauntleted hand so your eyes meet his intense gaze.

"You ease my burden more than you know simply by being at my side. Your caring nature and compassion are a rare light in this world of constant battle and sacrifice. Do not underestimate the strength you give me."

His words warm your soul but still you worry. "What of the future, when we are gone from this world? Will our lives have meant anything if Noxus does not endure?"

A small smile plays at the corners of his lips. "You question too much the fickle hands of fate, my dear, when the present offers so much more."

He brushes a gentle kiss to your forehead, and you sigh contentedly, finally relaxing into his tender embrace. You lay your head against the ornate plating of his chestplate, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart beneath. Here, in his arms, is the only place you feel truly at peace.

After a tranquil moment, Swain speaks again. "Come, walk with me through the gardens. Their beauty may help lift your spirits."

Hand in hand you wander the moonlit paths, surrounded by fragrant blossoms in full bloom.

Fireflies drift through swaying leaves and vines like miniature sparks of hope, their gentle pulse a counterpoint to the adagio of your hearts. Pausing beside a lush orchid display, you admire exotic blooms in muted daylight. Their delicate petals flutter with every whisper, seduced by summer zephyrs carrying whispers of love unvoiced.

Turning, Swain's gaze meets yours beneath a tapestry of stars. His large hand encloses your cheek in a gentle caress, belying the ferocity lurking beneath silk-clad skin. Leaning into his touch, you sigh softly.

"These remind me of you, delicate yet resilient," Swain observes. "Just as fragile beauty can thrive even in the harshest of environments, so too does your kindness persist despite witnessing endless hardship."

His words warm your face with a blush. For such an intimidating leader, he has a poetic soul. You turn to face him, meeting his intense gaze once more. An unspoken understanding passes between you in that moment.

Closing the mere inch between your parted lips, Swain seals your mouth with his own in a kiss of deepest longing. A sigh escapes you both to mingle in the breathless space. His lips mold fervently to yours in slow exploration, reacquainting himself with every subtle contour.

A flick of his tongue begs entrance, which you gladly grant with a small moan of surrender. The kiss deepens as Swain maps your willing mouth with thorough passion. You cling to his broad shoulders, warmth curling low in your stomach from his sensual tutelage alone.

All too soon, he withdraws just enough to graze your kiss-swollen lips in fleeting adoration. Your eyes flutter open to meet his smoldering gaze, mirroring the flames he has kindled within your core with nothing but his kiss.

Chests heaving, you remain locked in wordless communion, desire and devotion flowing between you like an unbreakable current. The kiss has left you aching for infinitely more.

When you finally part from him breathlessly, Swain takes you in his arms and continues on his way at a fast pace. You cling to him trustingly as he carries you back inside, the doors of your chambers bursting open with a flick of his wrist. Gently he lays you upon the feather-soft bed, following to hover protectively over your trembling form.

His eyes drink you in like fine wine before capturing your mouth in another searing kiss.

Hands that have commanded vast armies now roam your body with achingly tender care. Safe in Swain's embrace, all the world seems to fade away, leaving only your entwined forms locked in an ageless dance of passion beneath the starry light.

In the hazy afterglow you lie nestled against his broad chest, fingers idly tracing patterns across his scarred skin as his even breaths stir your hair.

A deep serenity fills you, chasing away the restless thoughts that had plagued your mind only hours before.

Swain places a lingering kiss to your forehead. "However the tides of fate may turn, know that you have given my life purpose and joy like nothing else. I vow to you that as long as there is breath in my body, Noxus will stand, so that our love may endure through the ages."

You smile blissfully up at him. "Then let this be the new dawn of an era where compassion and strength walk hand in hand." With that you seal your promise with a tender kiss of your own, hearts content to leave the future in wiser hands than your own as you lose yourselves fully in each other's loving embrace beneath the night sky.