Noxus

Noxus is a powerful empire with a fearsome reputation. To those beyond its borders, Noxus is brutal, expansionist and threatening, yet those who look beyond its warlike exterior see an unusually inclusive society, where the strengths and talents of its people are respected and cultivated. Its people were once a fierce reaver culture until they stormed the ancient city that now lies at the heart of their empire. Under threat from all sides, they aggressively took the fight to their enemies, pushing their borders outward with every passing year. This struggle for survival has made the Noxians a deeply proud people who value strength above all, though that strength can manifest by many different means. Anyone can rise to a position of power and respect within Noxus if they display the necessary aptitude, regardless of social standing, background, homeland, or wealth.

Lore
Noxus is a brutal, expansionist empire, yet those who look beyond its warlike exterior will find an unusually inclusive society. Anyone can rise to a position of power and respect if they display the necessary aptitude, regardless of social standing, background, or wealth. Noxians value strength above all, though that strength can manifest in many different ways.

Other Related Champions

 * is a former prisoner of Noxus.
 * is a daughter of the Gray Order's exiles of House Hastur.
 * is investigating the Noxian spy network in Piltover.
 * is investigating the Noxian spy network in Piltover.
 * is a member of the Black Rose that worships the Vilemaw of the Shadow Isles.
 * fought against many Noxians in the past.
 * stole flagship, The Leviathan, and raided numerous Noxian ships.
 * fought against many Noxians in the past.
 * cut off Swains left arm during the Noxian Invasion of Ionia.
 * is nemesis.
 * single-handedly defeated the Noxian army invading her village.
 * was a corpse collector in the slums of Noxus, but later defected and moved to the Shadow Isles.
 * is a former soldier during the Noxian invasion of Ionia.
 * fought of Noxian invaders during their invasion of Ionia
 * is a Demacian spy that infiltrated the contested lands between Demacia and Noxus to stop a noxian plan to unite these buffer states against Demacia.
 * and some of the Wuju warriors fought against noxians during the Ionia-Noxus conflict, but after the war ended and the Wuju village was destroyed by chemical fire, Master Yi went to exile.
 * seeks to reclaim the Immortal Bastion; upon which Noxian Capital is unknowingly built upon.
 * and captured a Noxian assassin.
 * born in the village of Khom of the Noxii (Noxian ancestors).
 * was hired by Noxus for his chemical warfare expertice during the Noxian invasion of Ionia.
 * was formerly employed by Cassiopeia.
 * is a former Noxian employed stone mage.
 * was tricked by into traveling to Zaun.
 * is a Yordle that went mad from imprisonment in the Immortal Bastion.
 * is a native Ionian that was captured by Noxian forces and forced to participate in the fleshing.

Age of Tyranny
Long before the rise of Demacia or Noxus, the revenant known as was once a mortal and brutal warlord-king who ruled the lands of eastern Valoran. He waded into battle bedecked in heavy iron armor and slaughtered all who opposed him, crushing them beneath his ensorcelled mace, Nightfall. After being killed, he managed to gain mastery over the necrotic arts with the help of sorcerers before enslaving them and beginning a reign of terror that would last centuries as time and again, he would be slain, only to return from the grave.

Mordekaiser’s bones were key to his unholy reincarnation, and as the centuries rolled on he became increasingly paranoid about their safety. He constructed a monolithic fortress at the heart of his empire that came to be known as the Immortal Bastion. Locked away at the core of this epic stronghold he hid his remains.

The Immortal Bastion was eventually besieged by a concentrated alliance of tribes and warbands. During the siege, an unknown thief infiltrated the mighty fortress, bypassing its fiendish defenses to steal Mordekaiser's skull. His skeleton needed to be complete in order for his resurrection to be enacted, yet fearful of their master’s wrath, his enslaved liches kept the theft a secret.

On the walls of the Immortal Bastion, countless enemies fell before Mordekaiser, yet it was not enough to stave off defeat. His fortress was overrun and he was dragged down by sheer weight of numbers. His deadly mace was torn from his grasp and great chains wrapped around his limbs. Confident that he would rise again, he was torn apart and was vanquished for the time being, not aware the his ability to revive had been nullified. While Mordekaiser ceased to exist for the time being, his fortress, the Immortal Bastion, would become the foundation of Noxus' capital.

It would not be until centuries later, that Mordekaiser would rise again.

Death to the King
More than a cetury ago, Noxus expansion brought the empire forces dangerously close to the lands protected by Demacia. On a their nations first and legendary clash, the King Jarvan I went at war with Noxus for the sourthen lands.

But Noxus wouldnt bow, the war hero charged against the demacians, with the only true focus of killing their king. Jarvan's royal guardsmen believed they could halt his charge. They were wrong. He cut them down, one by one, until only and the king remained. Battered and fatigued, Sion continued the fight the king. He battled Jarvan beyond the point of breaking and was finally bested… but not beaten. With his dying breath, he locked his fingers around the king's throat and broke the will of a nation. The Demacian King, Jarvan I, was dead.

Invasion of Ionia


From its formation, the residents of Ionia preferred to pursue personal enlightenment instead of waging constant battles with other nations. The militaristic nation of Noxus saw their "weakness" as an opportunity. Noxian spies began to trade aggressively with the Ionians, traveling through provinces to study its weaknesses and identify critical targets.

Not long after, the warhosts set sail for Ionia as part of the long-planned Noxian invasion.

As the central province of Ionia, the invasion began in Navori, many villages and settlements feel, thousands Ioniands died as their magical artifacts were stolen to extend the life of their crazy emperor.

This agression forced the religious leader, known  for her peaceful teachings, to fight back. Across Navori, dissenting voices began to band together. A resistance was forming, one that would not rest until Ionia was free once more.

At one of the most important points of the war, a warhost lead by , captured the Placidium and took its defenders hostage, hoping to lure the inevitable reinforcements into a trap, but an 14 years old girl named   unleashed the power of Ionia ancient dances, and though it, the power of Ionia itself at the Noxians. A dozen of Swain’s veterans fell, sowing chaos in their ranks as the other captives joined her, before she struck down the general himself—the sight of this rebellious girl hefting his severed arm over her head would be the turning point of the war.

The growing resistance was led by Irelia for almost 3 years of war, but as Ionia united on resistance, Noxus doubled their war efforts, childrens were sent as foot soldiers, trying to exploit Ionian mercy and Chemtech bombs bought from an infamous  bombarded both Ionians and Noxians.

Those Chem bombs had gruesome effects on the lands, perpaphs the place where those conquesenques are most notable is the Wuju village, rumors of an raised Noxian atention. In a single night, the entire village was destroyed, its people and culture obliterated by chemical fire. Even now, years after the end of the war, nothing can grow on this land and the souls of those who died on that horrible night lay trapped by the corrupted magics of their own land.

The war was ended when, with the might of a raven demon and many allies, (inclunding ) killed Darkwill and estabilished the Trifarix. He pulled back the warhosts from Darkwill’s unwinnable campaigns, endint the war in Ionia, but not ending however, the noxian presence on the continent, as many Ionian regions are still on Noxian domain.

The Battle of Bard Mountain


Noxian troops tried to capture Bard Mountain and obtain a valuable magical artifact kept by the locals. During the battle, the village sage was tasked to take the artifact to one of the Celestial shrines on the top of the mountain. The Noxians mortally wounded him with arrows before he could reach the shrine. But as his last act of defiance, he used the artifact to strike his would-be-killer, obliterating him and slicing a nearby peak in half. This misuse of the artifact's power had drawn the attention of a, who promptly intervened in the event. He retrieved the artifact and took it away from the mortal plane before the Noxians and Ionians could use its power for war.

Descent Into the Tomb

 * Narrated by .Shurima Story page



"The tragic fall of Shurima was nothing compared to the tragedy of its rise from the grave.

''In a market at the edge of a desert. A stranger appears. , a noblewoman from Noxus looking to hire a guide to take her to the fabled lost city. But not just any guide, she hires a owner of a legendary blade, the mercenary called. Sivir gathers her band of sell-swords and set out in to the desert to find the very bones of Shurima.''

''Five days beneath the broiling sun a scout spots towers juddering upwards and a stairway leading underground. They climb down, into the darkness.''

''Ancient treasures gleam in the torch-light, even Sivir is astonished of the grandeur of the ruins. Her men head deeper in only to stumble into traps and be eviscerated. Sivir is stunned with horror, but Cassiopeia does not flinch. She sees only the statue of a huge serpent silently guarding the door to the tomb of the Emperors and smiles.''

''The ancient weapon is a key. Cassiopeia betrays Sivir. She picks up Sivir's blade, puts it into the lock. The guardians curse is triggered. The stone serpent comes alive, impales Cassiopeia in its jaws - the venom sears her flesh like acid.''

''The Tomb door opens. emerges, the brother I loved and locked away, twisted beyond insanity, followed by, an architect of his torment. My failure is complete.''

Sivir drags herself away, life blood flooding from her wound and then succumbs to darkness..."

The Shedding of Skin
Upon her return from Shurima, Cassiopeia had hidden in her family's crypt, fearful of her transformation. She remained alone in the cold, dank vault for weeks, filled with disgust for her serpentine body and mourning the loss of her aristocratic life. Eventually, a growing desire to hunt overwhelmed her, and she ventured out to roam the city by night as her family slumbered.

Demacian Invasion
Noxian warbands were sent to raid the farmlands near Demacia’s border, Garen gained a reputation as a particularly fearsome fighter – one of the greatest in all Demacia. Meanhwhile Jarvan IV led his troops to defend Demacia. To Jarvan’s horror, the atrocities were far worse than he had anticipated. The Noxians had razed entire townships and slaughtered hundreds of Demacians, with only a handful of injured survivors left to tell the tale.

Jarvan split his troops, ordering some to remain and care for the injured civilians, while he led the remaining soldiers onward, not knowing that the noxian retreat was a trap. They ambushed the Noxians during the night, in the chaos of battle, Jarvan was separated from his guards. He fought fiercely and slew many Noxians, but was ultimately overwhelmed. The trap was sucessful, both Jarvan IV and his men were captured. They took Jarvan IV as a prisoner to be paraded through the Immortal Bastion in chains upon reaching Noxus.

in one moonless night, Garen and Dauntless Vanguard attacked the Noxian encampment. Though the Demacian warriors could not reach Jarvan, he used the distraction to fight his captors and escape. As he ran, a Noxian soldier shot an arrow into Jarvan’s side, but the young prince persevered and fled into the wilderness. When Garen and his men discovered the Noxian camp, they only find Jarvan’s armor discarded next to a bloodsoaked executioner’s post.

Fear


After a grinding victory against the cloud-fortresses of the Varju, a proud warrior people who had resisted decades of Noxian aggression, Darius was named the Hand of Noxus by Emperor Boram Darkwill himself. Those who knew Darius best knew he craved neither power nor adulation—he wished merely to see Noxus triumph over all—so Darkwill ordered him and his warhosts far north into the Freljord, to finally bring the barbarian tribes to heel.

The campaign dragged on for years, ending in a bitter, icy stalemate. Darius narrowly survived assassination attempts, ambushes, and even capture by the vicious Winter’s Claw. He was growing weary of endless wars of attrition, and returned to Noxus to demand a reconsolidation of the military.

He marched his veterans into the capital, only to find that the emperor was dead, killed in a coup led by Jericho Swain. The act had been supported by many allies, including Darius’s own brother, Draven.

This was a difficult position. As Hand, many of the noble houses would expect Darius to avenge Darkwill, but he had known and greatly respected the disgraced general Swain, and had spoken against his discharge after the botched offensive in Ionia some years earlier. The oaths of the Hand were to Noxus, not any particular ruler, and Swain was a man who spoke honestly of his new vision for the empire. Darius realized this was a leader he was prepared to follow... but Swain had other ideas.

With the establishment of the Trifarix, three individuals would rule Noxus together, each embodying one principle of strength: Vision, Might, and Guile. Darius gladly accepted his place on this council, and pledged to raise a new, elite force—the Trifarian Legion, the most loyal and prestigious warriors the empire could produce—and lead the armies of Noxus into a glorious new age of conquest.

Progress Day
Two Noxian warmasons (warrior spies), Tamara and Colette, infiltrated Piltover for many months in hopes of placing an agent inside Clan Medarda. They used the annual Progress Day to showcase their technical skills to the clan's masters and apprenta.

Tamara Lautari showcased her Hex-Armillary Amplifier invention. It worked by harnessing the properties of a crystal and exponentially increasing its output. However, the invention itself proved to be dangerous as it almost destroyed the entire hall due to its faulty construction - which was intended to sabotage the proceedings.

Later on, after leaving the Medarda mansion, Tamara was apprehended by, who had discovered her true identity and purpose in the city. She was subsequently banished and sent back to Noxus.

Both Tamara and Gysbert failed to become Medarda apprenta, but Colette succeeded. Some time after, Colette would obtain a Medarda trading map, which she would relay to Noxian intelligence.

At the Edge of the World
The jungles of Shurima are a frontier that the most ambitious generals would dearly love to claim for Noxus. Having petitioned Noxian high command no fewer than seven times, fleet officer Tomyri is finally summoned to the capital to receive a commission of her own. Tomyri oversees her vessel’s final preparations, before learning that the expedition is to be joined by the renowned Reckoning beast hunter, Niander Ordylon. After many days at sea, the Ardentius enters the Serpentine Delta. This is Tomyri’s first real glimpse of the wilderness that awaits her, and her crew. The jungle does not treat foreign invaders kindly. Unable to find their bearings, or any quarry for the beast hunters, the Noxians’ morale and discipline begins to falter.

Blood of Noxus


The war veteran Quilleta Varn, steward of Baslich at the time, rebeled against Noxus, forcing the (Quilleta's childhood friend and ex lover) himself to come to the city, together with and the Warmason Tamara. Against Tamara's advices Draven lead an force against the city, which is held back by archers and a gunpowder bomb.

After the defeat Darius goes to Blackrock Mere, a lake full that reminded him of his time with Quilleta, he did so knowing an assassin would be ready to kill him, and so brought Draven hidden with him.

Going back to Basilich with the assassin' head, Darius and Draven faced Quilleta and her second in command Invertia Varn, it is revealed that Decius, Quilleta's son, died on the campaign against Freljord by Darius's call to arms. After a discussion about how Noxus must conquer and no city can rebel without paying the price.

Sundelly ships from Vindor are seen on distance, Quilleta affirms that Stweard Amenesce stands at her side and is bringing his warriors to help her, but due to Trifarian Legions forces on Vindor, Amenesce betrayed Quilleta and was actually coming to help Darius. Running out of options, Quilleta tries to tell Darius that Decis wasnt only her son, but Darius's son, Invertia Varn, her own daugther, kills her before she finishes, becoming stweard of Basilich and ending the rebelion.

Locations
The Empire of Noxus (commonly referred to as Noxus) is a massive expansionist culture, its constantly moving its borders further outward and currently sits as the biggest empire in Runeterra. But the capital is located on the eastern territory of Valoran, sharing its borders with Freljord, Shurima, and several city-states such as Piltover and Zaun. It also is close to bordering with Demacia. The currently well-known locations within Noxus are:

The Immortal Bastion

 * Sion's Memorial: This memorial and tomb is dedicated to, a Noxian war hero celebrated as the killer of the Demacian king Jarvan I. It was later used to contain the resurrected form of Sion before , with the aid of the Black Rose, was successfully able to control him by the use of blood. The current state of this memorial is unknown, though the former man once housed in it unwillingly serves Noxus once more.
 * Slums: The sprawl of dwellings built beyond the battle scarred walls of the Noxian capital where many people live in abject poverty and death is commonplace. Tally-men of Kindred often notch their staffs and bare bodies from the almshouses.
 * The Fleshing Arena: Noxus has been renowned for a spectacle called The Fleshing, though it is unknown if this still continues. It is a gladiatorial event with a cruel twist: as a fighter wins their matches, the number of opponents they fight simultaneously, generally other prisoners of war, increases. This meant eventual death for every contender, though also unparalleled glory. Both  and  are survivors of the spectacle, with Xin Zhao holding the record for defeating the most opponents.

North Noxus
Other known locations in north Noxus are: Northern Steppes, Rugg, The Iron Pinnacle, etc.


 * Dalamor Plain: Located at the northern edge of Noxus, many travelers have lost their lives in this unforgiving wasteland. Due to the dusty climate and perhaps also the presence of a certain murderous and his mythic, most Noxians avoid traveling through the area, with its only populated settlement for hundreds of miles being the village of Drugne.
 * Drugne: An isolated town north of the Dalmor Plains and southeast of the Ironspike Mountains.
 * Ironspike Mountains: They are a relatively small mountain range located in the southeast. Noxus has territory here, in the Delverhold; has also made her home in these peaks.
 * Delverhold: Between Noxus and the cold tundra of the Freljord lies Delverhold. A fortress settled at the foot of the Ironspike Mountains where it has prospered from the wealth of gold and iron ore quarried from under the mountains. Originally a kingdom of its own independence, that is until the empire of Noxus encroached about eighty-seven years ago. In fear of annihilation, the Delverhold king relinquished his authority and swore loyalty to the foreign emperor. Now its people work endlessly to supply Noxus with armor and weapons crafted with the iron they mine.

East Noxus
Other known locations in east Noxus are: Blackrock Mere, Bucket Creek, Fenrath, Khworez, The Immortal Bastion, etc.
 * Basilich: Located on the eastern coast of Valoran is the port city Basilich, which was integrated into the Noxian Empire 32 years ago after the city's elders submitted to Captain Cyrus and his army. Nowadays Basilich has been among a few cities that have attempted to rebel from the hold of Noxus. Most recently when the city's steward Quilletta Varn lost her faith in the Empire and sparked a revolution for independence. For acts of defiance, the city was besieged personally by the Hand of Noxus - Darius, who was also raised on the streets of Basilich as an orphan. The ongoing rebellion ended after the steward was murdered and replaced by Quilleta's second-in-command and daugther, Invetia Varn. The city is well known for its paintings made out of cobwebs.
 * Bloodcliffs: Built into the cliffs near an estuary, Bloodcliff neighbors the Immortal Bastion and Basilich on the eastern coast of Valoran. The city's current leader is Steward Hovri IV. One of its main sources of trade are rough grades, which are used for establishing foundations of buildings.
 * Drekan: The closest settlement to The Immortal Bastion.
 * The Drakkengate: Located on the eastern coast of Valoran, the city's current leader is Steward Algor Nimchi. It has been in control of Noxus ever since the Draken campaign, lead by . Its most well-known export is its fine mudpacks (for bricks perhaps), though unfortunately its products seem to be tainted by adulterants: peach slugs, nacre powder, Nirpooti skins, Freljordian grain milk, seeds, and Ionian silver pomace.

South Noxus
Other known locations in south Noxus are: Blackrock Mere, Bucket Creek, Fenrath, Khworez, Noxus Prime, The Immortal Bastion, etc.
 * Argent Mountains: A vast mountain range located in the southwestern part of Valoran. Noxus controls a small portion of the mountain range on its south-eastern and south-western parts. Its coastline has Noxian conquered settlements of Glorft, Kilgrove, Trevale. The mountain range borders close to the Varju mountains on the east and the Gates of Mourning on the west.
 * Glorft: Located south of the Argent Mountains on the coast. It is unknown if this city is under control of Noxus but it was the location for the Assault on Glorft, led by.
 * Kilgrove: Located south of the Argent Mountains on the coast, Kilgrove is currently led by Steward Dauvin, who seems to have replaced his predecessor Thomark quite recently. Its primary export is Kilgrovian cloudcedar.
 * Trevale: a farming village on the western edge of Noxian territory. was part of the initial Noxian party that sacked the village.  was born and raised here.
 * Fallgren: One of two islands located off the coast of Basilich, the island city of Fallgren has been under control by Noxus ever since the Battle of Fallgren, purportedly spearheaded by . Presently the city is governed by Steward Jeon. Many tubes used in Zaun have been made here by Hedicila Elastica.
 * Ironwater: Located on the coast of the Guardian's Sea and east of Trannit, Ironwater is currently governed by steward Arron. Its primary export is beet wine.
 * Krexor: Located east of Piltover, it is governed by Steward Lisabetya, the latest in a long list of governors. The city is known for its smiths.
 * The Great Barrier: A large mountain range stretching at the edge of southeastern Valoran. It was once the sight of many battles and scattered ruins of cities and other settlements destroyed during the Rune Wars.
 * Vindor: Located south of Basilich and west of the Fallgren islands, it is currently governed by Steward Amenesce. The city is well known for its Light Vindoran horse breed, bred for desert use. The Noxian Dark Riders are said to specifically only ride breeds from this area.
 * Trannit: Located on the coast of the Guardian's Sea and west of Ironwater, Trannit is currently governed by steward Eranolaj Smik. It primarily exports dried Bolbo fish, which can be made into a local delicacy - boiled Bolbo-head soup.
 * Varju Mountains: A small mountain range bordering the Argent Mountains. Rokrund Plains are located in its lower slopes.
 * Rokrund: Located on the Rokrund Plains in southern Valoran, and neighbor to Qualthala. Rokrund is currently governed by steward Katye. Its primary export is the naap, a type of twisting root vegetable.
 * Qualthala: The site of the Siege of Qualthala, led by.

Noxian Ionia

 * Bahrl: An island in the central part of the chain, south of the main island of Ionia. The villages of Tevasa and Wuju are located here, as is the Epool River, where found . It is the sight of the first Noxian uses of Zaunite bio weapons. To this day Noxus controls the lower half of the island province.
 * Navori: Located on Ionia, the province of Navori spans the western half of Ionia and is home to various villages, prestigious schools, sacred magical gardens, and the iconic Placidium of Navori. Noxus controls the southwestern edge of the province.
 * Fae'lor: a small island to the west of the main island of Ionia. It is the location of the Dael'eh Ahira, the Dreaming Cave, which previously imprisoned . Its famous monastery school was converted into a Noxian fort during the invasion. The island has since been stripped bare by Syndra's power, and the fort ripped free of its foundations.

Noxian Shurima

 * Bel'Zhun: Located in northern Shurima, this outpost has previously been controlled by Hagyos Valif and Hazir Ima'Sai but is currently led by a Noxian steward named Dorrik. The city has had a large rebel insurgency against Noxian rule. Known as the Suns of Bel'Zhun, they frequently trade weapons with Clan Medarda of Piltover. The plates and wool of the native Hwatis, goatlike creatures with bony casques on their heads, are prized for felting and insulation.
 * Tereshni: This Shuriman port city is currently controlled by Noxus and led by Steward Ta'Fik. The city's best-known export is Shuriman Azirite (aka blood glass), named after the current Shuriman Emperor,.
 * Urzeris: Located in the northern coast of Shurima, this port city is currently occupied by Noxus, and its current governor is Steward Vin. Its most well known trade good is Urzeris Salt.



Basilisks
Monstrous reptiles from the southern jungles of Kumungu, basilisks are fierce predators that can grow to gargantuan sizes, few can stand against their charge. Young basilisks are prized riding beasts. After they become too large for a rider to control, they are used as beasts of burden, or sometimes as living battering rams to smash down the walls of besieged cities. They are covered in thick greenish hide which was mostly used for camouflage in the thick native jungles. They also have fin type extensions on their backs and back lower legs, hinting on their proficiency in traversing swampy areas. Other than their front horns, the creatures have strong a strong tail used for swimming and hitting other enemies.

Drake-Hounds
Distant relative of dragons, drake-hounds species of wingless, wolf-sized carnivores that lair in the mountains to the north of the Noxian capital. They are vicious pack hunters, and much favored in Noxus as war-beasts, guard creatures, herding animals, and expensive (albeit dangerous) pets. To own one or more drake-hounds is a visible symbol of wealth and power.

Drakalops
Native to the northern steppe, drakalops are a species of immortal, lizardlike herbivore known for their incredible speed on land. is one of these.

Elmarks
Elmarks are a domesticated herd herbivore animal.

Hooked Grouse
The Hooked Grouse is a bird species native to the northern steppes of Noxus.

Culture
General=

Noxian Dogma
"A Noxian knows who he is, and what he must do."

Noxians respect strength above all things, and the only way to remain strong is to be constantly tested. They relish the opportunity to compete with one another, since to not be challenged is to grow weak, and even those at the peak of power must always seek new ways to challenge themselves... or they will not remain in power for long. It is not just physical or martial strength that Noxians admire - those who demonstrate expertise in politics, craftsmanship, trade, and magic all help to create a stronger Noxus.

Anyone can prosper in Noxus, no matter their background, so long as they have the strength of will, and the drive to succeed. The warlord Darius is a perfect example of this, rising from nothing to become one of the empire’s most powerful leaders. Despite this meritocratic ideal, the old noble families still wield considerable power at the heart of the empire, and some fear that the greatest threat to Noxus comes not from its enemies, but from within.



Assimilation
As Noxus expands and defeats neighboring cultures and cities, it offers the conquered people a choice; swear loyalty to Noxus and be judged solely on your worth, or be destroyed. This is not subterfuge or any kind of ruse; the Noxians are as good as their word, and many who have embraced their conquerors' way of life find their prospects greatly improved. But those who refuse to bend the knee are crushed without mercy.

Whether a city is taken by force or willingly swears fealty to Noxus, its Warmasons immediately set to work in stamping the empire's authority upon the newly acquired territory. Gateways of dark stone quarried from the mountains surrounding the capital are raised on every road leading to the city. Known throughout Valoran as Noxtoraa (gateway to Noxus in Ur-Nox) these towering structures leave approaching travelers in no doubt as to who holds the reins of power.

Every city conquered has an assigned Steward to govern and uphold Noxian law and authority.


 * -|Languages=

Native Language
The Empire boasts a vast number of different languages, due to it conquering different lands. Ur-Noxian is the most common tongue used in Noxus. "Noxian (language) is closer to German, spoken by someone with a mouthful of mashed potatoes" - Interlocutioner (writer)
 * Va-Nox: is the modern dialect of the Noxian language
 * Noxtoraa - gateway to Noxus
 * Mortoraa - Iron-gate
 * Stom - Sons
 * Stom Ur Got! Stom Ur Got! - A Noxian chant sung by the Sons of Ur.
 * Ur-Nox: is the bygone dialect, no longer in practice except by those few that are ancient enough to remember it.
 * Slang
 * Butcher's Bill - Number of deaths.
 * Noxian possibly underwent the same as real-life German, e.g. voiced stops /b/,/d/,/g/ are devoiced into [p],[t],[k]: e.g.  *durz > German Tür, Noxian toraa (compare Engl. door).
 * Interestingly, Ancient Freljordian is based on, another Germanic language; Demacian toponyms (, , etc.) also suggest that the official Demacian language is also Germanic-based. So to some extent, the Demacian, Noxian, and Freljordian languages are related.


 * -|Objects=

Architecture

 * Almshouse: They are dwellings built originally by the Tallymen for poor people to live in.
 * Berms: A berm is a war fortication used by warmasons, an artificial earthen ridge built as a defense against artillery fire.
 * Catacombs: Catacombs are underground passageways beneath Noxus. They may or may not be meeting locations for the Black Rose.
 * Crenellated Roofs: Indented battlements of roofs that overhang the lower floors, used for shooting arrows or firing missiles through. They are part of the reason why most Noxian-built homes and buildings are highly defensible.
 * Noxtoraa: Whether a city is taken by force or willingly swears fealty to Noxus, warmasons immediately set to work in stamping the empire’s signature of authority upon the newly acquired territory. Representing the strength of Noxus, they are raised to instill fear and to demand fealty from all who passed beneath them. Gateway arches of dark stone quarried from the mountains surrounding the capital are built on every road leading to the city. Known throughout Valoran as Noxtoraa (gateway to Noxus in Ur-Nox), these towering structures leave approaching travelers in no doubt as to who holds the reins of power.
 * War Tent: Temporary set up during a campaign outside the borders for strategy councils.

Clothing
Noxian clothing is brutalist as its architecture. Function is more important than form, With sharp simplistic lines and angles, the most common colours are grey, red, and black. Nobles would have more lavish outfits, while warriors would wear simple clothing easily worn under armor.
 * Dark Steel: is made from Ironspike mountain ore, used in the forging of armor. All the best plate in Noxus is made from dark steel.
 * Livery: Livery is a uniform, or insignia adorning, denoting a the status/rank of an individual and what group they are associated with.

Technology

 * Ballista: The ballista is a type of catapult-crossbow used to fire large spears.
 * War-Barques: Large, heavily armored, animal-drawn war vehicle, usually pulled by a basilisk.

Tools

 * Black-Powder: In recent years, Noxus has begun to experiment with crude black powder weapons and chem-tech from Zaun, though the results are mixed—often as destructive to friend as they are to the enemy.
 * Magic: Noxians generally regard magic as another powerful tool in their arsenal. Those who are able to wield it are held in high esteem, and are actively sought out—even beyond the borders of Noxus—in order that their special talents may be honed and best harnessed for the benefit of the empire.
 * Noxian Weaponry: Swords, axes, heavy axe-headed halberds, spears, daggers, war hammers, gauntlets, bows, glaives crossbows, shields and armor in vast quantities for distribution to the warhosts. The empire values function over form, their designs often incorporating additional uses, such as hooked handles to unhorse mounted enemies.


 * -|Mythos=

Lamb and Wolf
The are well known and followed in Noxus. Lamb represents a peaceful end while the Wolf represents a violent end. Since Noxians, especially the military, vow to fight to the death, Wolf is honored with more rigor and panoply than Lamb. The Shrine to Wolf can be found in the capital fortress.

The shrine is a tall, multi-tiered tower with open sides, butting up against the old southern bulwarks of the Immortal Bastion. Each level of the tower is held aloft by three pillars of dark stone. In the center of the tower, looming almost fifty feet high, is a massive obsidian statue of a seated wolf.

Government
General=

Law of the Empire
Noxus meritocracy is exemplified by the Trifarix doctrine, otherwise known as the "Principles of Strength". This is made up of three core aspects. Might, Vision, and Guile. Each citizen must strive to embody all three as an ideal for prosperity, and if they are weak in one it could falter the empire.

The Trifarix
Noxus was once ruled by the will of fallible emperors, the last being Boram Darkwill. Since Swain's rise to power, Noxus is no longer governed by an individual but instead a triad of equal leaders known as the Council of Three, each representing one of the core Principles of Strength. According to Swain's reasoning, while a single person could doom Noxus through incompetence, madness, or corruption, a group of three would always have two others to hold any rogue third member accountable, ensuring that no individual can rule Noxus unopposed.


 * -|Military=

The lifeblood of the empire allowing the expansionist nation to conquer fertile lands to supplement its lack thereof.

The armies of Noxus appear to be little more than barbarous hosts of individual warbands, but this belies the discipline and sophistication required to make such a formation viable. Noxus foregoes a strict rigid standardized order - there are merely smaller warbands, larger warhosts, and massive legions - in favor of allowing their forces to specialize in what they do best, directing them to tasks or areas where their strengths can serve the empire best. Within the Noxian army, there are equal chances for anyone: everyone starts on the same rank. On the front lines, a foreign slave could be the equal of a highborn noble.

The success of Noxian armies is undeniable, and their very diversity is a testament to their effectiveness. Conquered peoples that swear loyalty to Noxus become part of its armies and add their unique strengths to the empire's war efforts. Thus, regimentation and uniformity are anathema to the Noxian way of life, and each warband is celebrated for the many and varied methods of war it brings to the table.


 * -|Organizations=

Patrician Family
These noble houses have existed since the first walls were raised around Noxus, and lead lives of privilege as they play a key role in politics. They believed that their proud heritage was the nation’s greatest strength, but many hungered for greater influence, plotting against Boram Darkwill with a secret cabal united by nothing more than the symbol of a black rose. Old noble families still wield considerable power at the heart of the empire.

The Black Rose
The Black Rose, led by, is what remains of a secret cabal that has existed far longer than Noxus itself. Initiates of the Black Rose have schemed from the shadows for centuries, looking to gain power in any way they can, drawing the rich and powerful - mages, nobles, and politicians alike - to their ranks.

They dabble in the darker powers of magic, manipulation, assassination and deception and share hidden knowledge and secrets, in order to grow their areas of influence and power.

Areas within the Black Rose’s domain are discreetly marked by their sigil, etched onto shadowed archways.

Only an elite few learn the “origins” of their matron, though many have uncovered legends of a pale sorceress who aided the broken barbarian tribes, in their struggle against the infamous Iron Revenant.

The Black Rose exists now to further the clandestine interests of those who can wield magic — with its rank-and-file composed of mundane nobles, drawn to rumors of miracles, kept in thrall and ruthlessly exploited. Even the most powerful military commander could only ever serve the cult’s true masters, as they fight one another for influence in games of intrigue and conquest, both in the Noxian capital and beyond its borders.

Headsman
To be a Headsman is a great honor. Headsmen are arbiters tasked with the sworn duty to maintain a strong security within their homeland. They are usually chosen by the leader of Noxus and receive direct orders to seek out internal and foreign threats to the empire, where they have free reign to conduct public executions upon those they deem fallible, treating weakness like a blight upon the nation. None was more dreaded than the extremest, - until his downfall.

Order of Warmasons
The warmasons are a distinct branch of the military, tasked not only with planning infrastructure, but also with scouting out enemy territory for future invasion. Notably, a few have infiltrated Piltover's upper echelons.

Tallymen
An order dedicated to taking care of the sick and dying. When a member recognizes someone’s suitability for their order they are inducted into their ranks, first as a digger of graves, then a pyre-builder, and finally corpse collector. The tools they use include iron-wheeled corpse carts, and a single knife for cutting death marks on a staff.

Reckoner
In Noxus, gladiator warriors known as Reckoners face one another in vicious arenas where blood is spilled and strength is tested- but none has ever been so celebrated as. is a former Reckoner and is known as

"The most dangerous game brings the greatest glory." — Noxian Reckoner

Bilgewater
Thanks to marauding against Noxian warfleets, Bilgewater and Noxus are on shaky terms with one another. At some point, Gangplank managed to steal the Leviathan, personal warship, earning the personal enmity of Noxus's Grand General. After Gangplank's fall from power, it is unknown if relations between Bilgewater and Noxus have improved. Bilgerat pirates on occasion will assist the Noxian military, should they see the endeavor profitable.

Demacia
Noxian hostilities towards Demacia, and vice versa, run deep. Having fought at least two wars with each other, the two nations are political, military and ideological rivals and see each other as a threat. The death of King Jarvan I Lightshield at the hands of, a General of Noxus, is celebrated as a national event in Noxus. Tensions between the two nations have not changed and will likely not change until one of the two factions gives up.

Freljord
The Noxians' Barbarian Pacification Campaign was halted when the barbarian bands allied themselves with the larger tribes of the Freljord. Noxus is now working to sow dissent within the Freljord, holding it back from ever truly challenging Noxus as a nation.

Ionia


Over a decade ago, Boram Darkwill set his sights upon the peaceful archipelago of Ionia. Rumors spread of abundant magic flowing from the land, convincing many Noxians to indulge in the conquest, seeking riches beyond their wildest dreams. But Darkwill desired immortality above all, tasking legions to search for anything relevant wherever it could possibly be obtained and annihilating those who stood in their way. In short time the presence of Noxians would increase and turn violent, eventually becoming a full-scale war.

Over the course of the invasion things became an uphill battle, the likes of which Noxians had never experienced. As the Ionians fought in defiance, so did the land itself. Exhausted and nearly defeated, the war would eventually end with ascension to power and most Noxian armies were withdrawn from Ionia. Noxus still occupies a small amount of territory in Ionia, and intends to defend the little it has.

Piltover
As the most expansive nation on Runeterra, Noxus heavily relies on the crucial port of Piltover to connect its land in Valoran and its territory in northern Shurima. Due to the neutral city's strategic location, many Noxian shadow agents have infiltrated all levels of Piltover's society in order to prepare the empire for a possible future invasion.

Shurima
Due to the absence of any centralized government or authority on the continent, Shurima has been disorganized for centuries. Because of this, a number of previously independent ports and cities in northern Shurima have voluntarily assimilated into Noxus. The original inhabitants of these settlements live in relative peace, seeing trade taxes to Noxus as a price worth paying for military protection from raiders.

Shurima quickly became a favorite location for Noxian plunderers and poachers, as the untamed deserts represent yet another land of opportunity. People like would risk everything to seek out wealth and power in this unforgiving land. Noxians usually hire local guides and mercenaries such as for their grave plunders.

, the last Emperor of Shurima, has now resurrected the ancient capital and made it his mission to rebuild the old desert empire as well. Time will only tell as to what political relations Shurima and Noxus will have in this new landscape.

Zaun
Despite their plans to invade Piltover, Noxus has a friendly relationship with the undercity of Zaun. Mercenaries from Zaun were recruited by Noxus during the invasion of Ionia, the most terrifying being and his biological weaponry. The brand of mass death and destruction the madman unleashed remains a festering scar on Ionian history.

Trivia
General=


 * The name Noxus resembles toponym Νάξος.
 * There is a real life island called, which is part of modern-day.
 * Noxus also references Latin  "harm, injury" or "night > darkness".
 * The Empire's motto is, "Forever strong!"
 * Also there is a common mantra said by some of its citizens: "The lifeblood of the empire is our bureaucracy."
 * Noxus' history & culture share many characteristics with the : both were founded by nomadic reavers and were known for, despite foreigners' perception of them as belligerent, brutal, and expansionistic.
 * Noxian architecture was inspired by real life  and, and   (mainly Western European architecture) and , which might have inspired the Immortal Bastion.
 * Since the release of lore, Noxus has been referred to an empire, with its own capital city and outer territories; in the old lore it was a city-state. This has been confirmed by later lore releases, as well as the Medarda Heirloom and the world map.
 * was resurrected with the help of, and several Noxian soldiers who gave their lives for the ritual.
 * Noxus's crest was inspired by the Trifarix doctrine, where the eyes represent vision, the pillars represent might and the blades represent guile.
 * Traditional Noxian colors are Crimson Red and Black.
 * seized control of Noxus seven years ago. Three years before that, Swain was caught during the Battle at the Placidium in Navori, Ionia, where he lost his arm to a 14 year old.
 * family left Noxus shortly before Swain's coup occurred, proving she is no older than six or seven.
 * Gateways of dark stone known as Noxtoraa are raised over roads in territories conquered by Noxus.
 * Tacos are a traditional Noxian dish.
 * The children from foreign lands absorbed by the empire become Noxian by birth. Over the centuries this has created a cultural divide between those from Noxus capital and the rest of the empire's populace.
 * The, , , and  are Noxian artifacts.
 * The is a Noxian weapon, created to aid in their conquest of Ionia.
 * During the Battle of the Greenfangs, an elite group of Noxian warmages known as the Arcane Fist were surprisingly decimated after an expedition into the Greenfang mountains near Demacia. It was their magical artillery that awoke the Colossus for the first time.


 * -|Skins=

Media
Music=
 * Related Music