Demacia

Demacia is a strong, lawful society with a prestigious military history. It values the ideals of justice, honor and duty highly, and its people are fiercely proud. Demacia is a self-sufficient, agrarian society, with abundant, fertile farmland, dense forests that are logged for lumber, and mountains rich with mineral resources. It is inherently defensive and insular, partly in response to frequent attacks from barbarians, raiders and expansionist civilizations. Some suggest that the golden age of Demacia has passed and unless it is able to adapt to a changing world - something many believe it is simply incapable of doing - that its decline is inevitable. Nevertheless, Demacia remains one of the dominant powers in Valoran, and boasts the most elite, well-trained army in all of Runeterra.

Lore
Demacia is a proud, lawful kingdom with a prestigious military history. Founded as a refuge from magic after the Rune Wars, some might suggest that the golden age of Demacia has passed, unless it proves able to adapt to a changing world. Self-sufficient and agrarian, its society is inherently defensive and insular, valuing justice, honor, and duty above all else.

Other Related Champions

 * killed parents.
 * took the life of a famous Demacian stage performer.
 * attacked a Demacian settlement.
 * stores several World Runes inside a petricite forest in Demacia.
 * was killed by and slew King Jarvan I.
 * is nemesis.
 * is a former Demacian knight turned Targonian Aspect.
 * is a wanted man in Demacia that was tasked with capturing.
 * killed and imprisoned
 * attacked a Demacian soldier.
 * is antagonistic towards due to rumors of the latter's relationship with.

Provenance
The history of Demacia and its culture stems from the cataclysm of the Rune Wars. Where survivors who fled from the conflict had ventured into the west of Valoran with the hope of establishing safety away from the chaos. Some say it was while a cult of dark mages terrorized these displaced survivors, that they hid in an ancient and petrified forest where the sorcerers that chased suddenly found their magic was made ineffective by the strange woods. Deciding to take advantage of the unique power from this environment, these vagabonds set up a permanent residence.

Eventually, knowledge of this curious new realm reached other refugees, who came seeking asylum and solidarity from the magic that was ravaging the rest of Runeterra. Within a short time, the united settlers had built themselves a sizable community, allied under a new nation they would come to call Demacia.

Early History


Quick to discover their homeland was rich in natural resources, the development of infrastructure for new cities and farmlands grew exponentially. But with progress and wealth came adversaries to the fledgling kingdom, ensuring that Demacia was at constant odds with ambitious conquerors.

Yet there would be no fear of invaders capitalizing on magical warfare, and so Demacia's small but elite infantry would always have the advantage when threats took place in their homeland. But not every battle took place within the kingdom's protective boundaries, as the most cunning enemies would attempt to draw out Demacia's army where they would be far more susceptible to arcane attacks. Seeking out a means for more advanced protection, the leaders of Demacia enlisted Durand, the greatest artisan of the time, to sculpt a mobile instrument that could be useful in wars set abroad. Later unveiled to be a statue titan, shaped in the form of half man and half raptor- like the Silverwing's native to the highlands. Proven difficult to transfer in and out of Demacia but unquestionably effective once it was out on the battlefield, the Colossus has been used when necessary ever since.

Death of the King
Demacian armies led by their king, Jarvan I, had pushed the Noxian armies to the walls of Noxus Prime. ordered one of his men to bar the gates while the rest forced the enemy soldiers to fight them for every bit of Noxian soil. He demanded that they pushed forwards striding as a giant through the Demacian rabble with one clear purpose: to cut their army's head from its body.

Jarvan's royal guardsmen believed they could halt his charge. They were wrong. He cut them down, one by one, until only he and the king remained. Battered and fatigued, Sion continued the fight with 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.

Along the western coast of Valoran, the human nation of Demacia shines as the continent's paragon of virtue amongst all the other human settlements. The residents are always striving to sharpen their bodies and minds in the pursuit of absolute justice.

Noxian Invasion
When Noxian warbands raided 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 the nation. He and his men rode for days in the wake of the Noxians. 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.

His officers advised the prince to withdraw and send for reinforcements. But Jarvan was shaken by the faces of the dead, and he could not turn his back on survivors in need. He would protect the wounded while ensuring the retreating band of Noxians did not escape without a fight. Besides, he reasoned, a secondary force of Demacian soldiers could not possibly arrive in time to face the Noxians. He was convinced that he had to act now to avenge the hundreds of massacred villagers, and failed to see the recklessness of his plan.

Jarvan split his troops, ordering some to remain and care for the injured civilians, while he led the remaining soldiers onward. They ambushed the Noxians during the night, but the Noxian retreat was a trap, in the chaos of battle, Jarvan was separated from his guards. He fought fiercely and slew many enemies, but was ultimately overwhelmed. The Noxians captured both Jarvan IV and his men. Taking Jarvan IV as a prisoner to be paraded through the Immortal Bastion in chains upon reaching Noxus.

As Jarvan was dragged further from Demacia during his weeks of captivity, he was ashamed that the rashness of his decision to pursue the Noxians had led to needless Demacian deaths. Crushed by the loss, he came to believe he no longer deserved to live in Demacia, let alone inherit its throne.

Garen was furious at himself for failing to be there when Jarvan needed him most. Garen led a group of an intrepid band of soldiers known as the Dauntless Vanguard and rode out in search of his captive prince.

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. Though Garen combed the wilderness in search of the prince, in his heart he had accepted Jarvan's death.

The supposed death of the prince affected all of Demacia, the king Jarvan III was in grieve and Garen blamed himself for what happened, using all of hos funds to aid the family of the fallen soldiers. He was recognized by the king himself for this demonstration of the demacians ideals.

Locations
The Kingdom of Demacia (commonly referred to as Demacia) is a nation located in the Western part of Valoran, sharing its borders with Freljord and is close to bordering with Noxus. The currently well known locations encompassing Demacia are:

The Great City of Demacia
The largest city in the Kingdom. The capital, located in the western part of Demacia, is the main political, cultural, religious, military, economic and educational center of the country. Demacia sees itself as a shining beacon of hope for humanity, and as such, the nation and its Capital are the visual representations of this concept. Towering spires punctuate its skyline; Petricite (a pale, magic-resistant stone) and marble are the materials of choice.The noble houses that reside within the city include,  and . The Royal Palace of House is from which the king of Demacia reigns. The city also has a barracks and a penitentiary, like most cities throughout the kingdom. The Capital itself sits next to a natural port overlooking the Conqueror's Sea, with the majority of the surrounding towns resting on a plateau.
 * The Citadel of Dawn : Situated in the center of the capital, it is the main palace of Jarvan Lightshield III.
 * The Grand Plaza: Situated out front the Citadel of Dawn in the heart of the Great City is a wide, open courtyard welcoming mass crowds to applaud those honored by the crown.
 * The Hall of Valor : Where fallen Demacian Warriors are remembered for their sacrifice.
 * Temple of the Lightbringers: The Temple is situated in the royal palace grounds of the Citadel of Dawn.
 * The Golden Round: A large and lavish theater where royalty come to watch its numerous plays. Magga, a famous actress, once played on its stages.
 * Alabaster Library: The Library is one of the most beautiful houses of knowledge in all of Valoran; according to Taric, it houses the poetry of Tung among its many works.
 * The Circle of the Illuminators: A clandestine order headquartered in the city, the Illuminators are one of the few groups in Demacia where mages are accepted; members are tasked with protecting the kingdom's borders. One of its members is.

North Demacia
Other known locations in north Demacia are: Rocky Highlands, Bloody Wall, Raptor Aerie, etc.


 * Fossbarrow: Located in the far north of Demacia, bordering with the Freljord. The town is named after the Demacian hero Fossian Crownguard, whose tomb is near the town itself. It was the site of a horrific incident between the Dauntless Vanguard and an unknown that threatened the town. The town occupies the banks of the Serpentrion, a thundering river that rose in the mountains and snaked to the western coast. The town’s walls of polished granite follow the line of the hills, and the buildings within are wrought from stone, seasoned timber and bottle-green roof tiles. The tower of a Lightbringer temple is located in the eastern part of town. The current Magistrate of Fossbarrow is Lady Giselle.
 * Fossian Crownguard’s tomb: Location where possessed a child which was later saved by.
 * High Silvermere: It is a large city in the rocky highlands of northern Demacia. It is known as the City of Raptors, due to its large native population of silverwing raptors. The original Crownguard family mansion is located in High Silvermere, at the foot of Knight's Rock. stands on the Memorial Road leading up the High Silvermere.
 * Petricite Grove: One of many similar forests in Demacia, it is the location of the rare petrified flora with magical absorbing properties.
 * Demacian Vault: Deep beneath the ancient petricite groves, Ryze has found a forgotten vault where the volatile energies of the World Rune shards can be safely contained.
 * Uwendale: A remote mountain hamlet in the northeastern hinterlands of Demacia, Uwendale was the birthplace of and her brother Caleb. It is a thriving town of hunters and farmers, protected by mountain rangers expert in intercepting and killing any monsters that come down from the high peaks to hunt. The nearby towns harbor wyverns, rabid wolves, and bandits, though these foes were once thwarted by an.

East Demacia


Other known locations in east Demacia are: East Wall, Fields of Brashmore, Gates of Mourning, Greenfang Mountains, Serpentrion River, Golden Crossing, Wardens Wall, Palsfield, etc.
 * Memorial Road: A pilgrimage road where Demacians give honor to their fallen from numerous wars.
 * Galio Monument: Situated on the Memorial road, it is the resting place of the colossus known as.

South Demacia
Other known locations in south Demacia are: Westerlay, Andras, Evenmoor, Lower Demacia, Cloudwoods, Vaskasia, Terbisia, South Wall, etc.


 * Needlebrook: Isolated from most Demacian settlements by the Argent Mountains, this town was the first refuge of the famous actress Magga after her previous companions' murders.
 * Jandelle: A settlement located to the east of Demacia city. In the Day of Lost Light, a Noxian assassin struck down Castle Jandelle’s commander. The killer escaped battalions of knights dispatched to capture him, but and  tracked and killed the assassin after a night of lethal traps, counterattacks and ambushes. She returned with the assassin’s blade, earning the nickname, Demacia’s Wings.
 * Wrenwall: Castle Wrenwall was built in the Argent Mountains as a safe haven for refugees during the cataclysmic upheaval of the Rune Wars. This was where and  slew the black dragon known as Yvva.

West Demacia
Other known locations in west Demacia are: Westerley, Dawnhold, Whiterock, ect.
 * Edessa: The closest of four nearby, clustered towns to Demacia City, located in the north-east part of Demacia on the banks of the Serpentrion River.
 * Lissus: The third of four clustered villages, and the third stop on the way from Demacia City to High Silvermere.
 * Pinara: The second of four clustered villages, and the second stop on the way from Demacia City to High Silvermere.
 * Velorus: The closest of four clustered towns to High Silvermere.

Wildlife
The land and coastal territories have an assortment of astounding creatures, like the massive Tuskvore. There are also more mundane animals like bats, ravens, seagulls, and wolves.

Crag Beast


Giant boar-like creatures. Crag Beasts are often sighted in the countryside where they frequently attack Demacian settlements. They're adorn large tusks and sharp fangs. Their outer shell is protected by a thick layer of rocky-like skin which protects them from swords, spears and other weapons. The only place where their skin isn't as thick is at their belly region. Their soft skin, inner organs, and blood are of a blue-ish colour. Their size ranges from a house to a large tower. , Keeper of the Hammer of Orlon, once saved an entire settlement from one of these beasts.

Silverwing Raptors
Griffin-like creatures native to the high crags of northern Demacia, raptors are voracious predators. Only a few individuals have been known to befriend and ride these beasts. These riders serve in the Demacian military, scouting and harassing the enemy lines.

Tuskvores
Predatory killers from the Demacian hinterlands known for their thick hide, the long razor-horns that crown their head, and a ferocious temperament. brother Caleb was gored to death by one of these. A year later, she herself nearly met the same fate before being saved by.

Wyverns
Wyverns are members of the dragon family that are often mistaken for their due to their similar appearances. The distinguishing features of a wyvern is that it only has two legs and one pair of wings as opposed to the four-legged dragons. They are often spotted attacking the Demacian countryside and are a frequent threat to villagers.

Culture
General=

Demacian Dogma
"Demacia must lead by example."

From the natural sanctuary of western Valoran an ambitious new nation was built, where all were welcome, regardless of station or background, so long as they contributed to the good of the whole. Yet despite the country's noble beginnings the ideals of Demacia has twisted over the centuries, they're still driven by a common cause to disseminate benevolence and order for the betterment of their country. While priding themselves as the moral vanguards of Valoran, with their strength, courage and unity. But have adopted seemingly draconian measures to ensure that their moral code remains the only code by which one may live and prosper within the kingdom.

Crime in any form is harshly punished: there are no misdemeanors within Demacia. Some detractors of Demacia (who criticize far from the reaches of the nation) claim this as proof of its inherent hypocrisy. Demacians counter this argument by pointing out that their justice system incorporates benevolence and mitigation into its verdicts. No one is punished without fair and just consideration of the circumstances involved. While others may continue to criticize the harshness of Demacian law, the Demacians stand by their convictions.



Demacian Trepidation
Magic is particularly rare in Demacia and in the wake of how the country was formed, its people have been raised on folk tales about dark mages and powerful magic that had almost destroyed the world. Naturally they have become suspicious of its power in all forms. Where this fear in destructive magic has even extended to distrust in foreign people, which has flourished an insular nation that refuses to be inclusive with the rest of the world.

The kingdom of Demacia was founded by refugees fleeing the Rune Wars' cataclysmic upheavals; as such, Demacian nomenclature reflect her founders' diverse backgrounds. However, Demacia has become culturally unified as time went by.
 * -|Languages=


 * Toponyms:
 * Demacia: The Kingdom's, etymology unknown
 * (W)Edessa: (< possibly  βέδυ "water" < PIE *gʷheid- "to swell, to flow, to drip")
 * Fossbarrow: * + * "waterfall height"
 * Jandelle: יהחנון Yehoḥanan " is gracious" + *daljō
 * Lissus:
 * Pinara: ( "round", further origin unknown)
 * Silvermere: *silubran (non-IE loanword) + *
 * Uwendale: possibly * + * (> *daljō "dell")
 * Velorus: vellus "" (, from PIE *h₂welh₁-)
 * Wrenwall: wrandijô (unknown origin) & Latin vallum.


 * -|Objects=

Architecture
Demacian architecture is defined by its simplistic and yet elegant design. Buildings have vast courtyards, with lavished gardens and masonry. Other wealthier buildings have massive interiors, with sculptures seemingly part of the buildings foundation. Large Petricite living trees are cut down, mixed with limestone to create a strong construction material. Most buildings are reinforced by petricite. The magic-nullifying substance is used as a tool while strengthening the structure, is primarily used to ward of any magic from the area where building is located in.
 * : Commissioned by the elders of the Kingdom, the sculptor was initially built by Durand as a petricite shield for the military. The great winged statue would become vital to the defense of the nation throughout its history, also serving as a symbol of Demacia's might across Runeterra. After centuries of "eating magic" from countless battles, the sculpture became sentient. However it was only able to experience the breath of existence while in presence of sufficient amount of Magic, otherwise Galio would turn back to his dormant state with what he refers to as "a deep slumber".

Clothing
Demacian clothing uses the nations iconic blue, white and gold colours. Its mostly inspired by its simplistic, elegant, and conservative architecture and the smoothness of petricite.

Demacian armor and weapons are made out of Demacian steel, sometimes referred to as silver steel or rune-steel. This perfected alloy of steel is highly regarded across Runeterra. It is rumored that Demacian armorers quench the metal in blessed waters, to offer protection from magic in battle.
 * Sunsteel: Metal from which armor is made.
 * Bluesteel: Metal from which armor is made.

Tools

 * Demacian Weaponry: Made from Demacian steel, silver steel or runesteel. The design ethos of Demacia is elegant, yet minimalist and austere. Its weapons, just like its armor, are not overly ornate.
 * Petricite: A magic-dampening material used in Demacian military, it is also utilized in architecture and tools for its white, elegant appearance. The early settlers of Demacia encountered petrified forests that could dispel magic. Combining lime, ash and the fossilized bark from ancient trees, they created a resistant material called Petricite. With this innovation, the white walls of Demacia were established and eventually a mobile petricite . However, Petricite is not indestructible, and Noxus have Basilisks (and ) big enough to besiege most city walls.
 * -|Mythos=

Lamb and Wolf
The are both known in Demacia, though Lamb is definitely more venerated than Wolf. When the final moment comes, it is said a true Demacian will turn to Lamb, taking her arrow.

The Veiled Lady
Demacians worship a multitude of deities, of which the only one named so far is The Veiled Lady. Demacians pray that their deceased find a safe passage to her shortly after death.


 * -|Festivals=

The Festival of the Slayer
A celebration to honor a who saved numerous Demacian farms and villages from wyverns, rabid wolves, and bandits. Although this revered warrior had chosen to remain anonymous, that didn’t stop the villagers from celebrating "his" deeds. This slayer had been spotted near the town of Uwendale, leaving the first eyewitness accounts of "his" appearance. To commemorate the hero's bravery a stone statue was erected in "his" honor.

Government
General= ""Scarlet vow / One pledge to king and realm / When shadows are found / Arise gilded crown / True justice abound.""

- Demacia Rising

Demacia is a constitutional monarchy, where the King of Demacia serves as the head of state and an elected council serves as the legislative body. While the king is a strong ruler, he is kept in check at least partially by the Demacian Council. The current King of Demacia, Jarvan III (Jarvan Lightshield the Third), works earnestly with the Demacian Council to ensure that the sanctity of the kingdom remains pure and true. Since the rule of Jarvan I, there has never been an attempted coup or rebellion of any kind in Demacia. The king serves not only as the political leader of the country, but also as the commander-in-chief of its military. Numerous territories controlled by the Kingdom are known as the Protectorates.

Noble Houses
As a monarchy, Demacia is governed by various royal families, regulating the nation primarily as members of the Demacian Council. While many of the Noble Houses have ruled for generations, they are treated as any other citizen under the nation’s strict laws and are not exempt from them. They may even be treated more harshly under the law as they are meant to serve as shining examples of how Demacian citizens should conduct themselves, publicly and privately.


 * -|Military=

The Demacian military is one of the strongest in all of Valoran, and until recently it was the only force capable of holding back the hunger of the military machine that is Noxus. Noxus has been the sworn enemy of Demacia since both settlements were founded hundreds of years ago. Their conflict is, at its core, a moral one. With such a night-and-day division of moral philosophy between Demacia and Noxus, it is not hard to see why Demacia views its military requirements as a vital necessity for survival. Every Demacian citizen is required to serve in its military for no less than three years. Even after this time, most Demacians remain on active status in the nations military reserve.

Demacia's army is often outnumbered, but is arguably the most elite, well-trained army in Runeterra. The resolve of Demacia's military is alternately celebrated or despised, but always respected. Their "zero tolerance" moral code is strictly upheld by civilians and soldiers alike. In combat, this means Demacian troops may not make excuses, flee, or surrender by example. Thousands of great heroes have risen and fallen on the bloody battlefields between Demacia and its preeminent rival, Noxus.

As an indoctrination tool, the Demacian military utilizes The Measured Tread, a handbook which outlines the nation's ideology. Quotes from the book include:

Notable branches of the military include the Dauntless Vanguard and the Demacian Elite Guard.
 * "Death is inevitable; one can only avoid defeat."
 * "To fight for justice in the name of Demacia."
 * "Victory for our allies, defeat for our enemies, and justice for all."
 * "When Demacians march forth, ridding Valoran of the evils of selfishness and greed under the pristine banner of justice, we know who we are and what we fight for, unapologetically."
 * "In our eternal forward march, we must stomp out evil all across Valoran wherever it may grow. Leave no stone unturned: the roots of one ignored weed will inevitably corrupt the whole of the garden.”

Crown of Stone
The Crown of Stone is a ceremony that demands a dishonored soldier ascend Mount Targon. Known to all as a death sentence, few mortals have survived the climb. It was traditionally used by the dishonored to simply flee Demacia and make a new life in exile. is among the few who decided to follow the rules and ended up not only surviving the climb but being chosen as an Aspect of Targon, becoming the Aspect of the Protector.

Noxus
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
Demacia and the people of the Freljord have had a history of conflict, albeit nowhere near as grievous as the conflict between Noxus and the northern barbarian tribes. Both and  were highly critical of Demacia's neutrality during Noxus' Barbarian Pacification Campaigns. In fact, Demacia was quite protective of its territory, turning away refugees during the campaign's more bloody episodes. Likewise, Demacia's northern homesteads were often targeted by barbarian raiding parties - that is, until a force led by Rodian of the Dauntless Vanguard retaliated and burned down the city of Frostheld. Both governments have a great deal of diplomatic work ahead of them before they can bridge the gap that spans decades of distrust.

Piltover
Piltover and Demacia may have their differences, but the two nations are on relatively friendly terms. Scientists from the City of Progress are usually welcomed inside Demacia. However, should the scientists wish to perform experiments there, they must first get clearance from Demacian officials.

Trivia
General=


 * The name Demacia possibly puns on δῆμος demos "people" and  decem "ten".
 * Demacia's namesake seems to be a toponym, Δρυμαλία, a former municipality of the island of , probable namesake of Noxus.
 * currently keeps the belonging to Demacia's founder Orlon, possibly based on real-life  < Proto-Germanic *Hrōþinanþaz "famous & daring".
 * The kingdom's motto is, "Demacia: Now and forever."
 * features it as while moving.
 * A common battle cry among Demacian soldiers is (naturally) "Demacia!"
 * The stress accent of the name Demacia falls on the second syllable /dɛ̝ˈmɑ:sɪ.ä/ De-MAA-sih-ah.
 * Prior to the retcon, was kidnapped by Noxus and supplanted by  (featured in the Journal of Justice - Issue 25: War in Kalamanda).
 * Demacian architecture was inspired by real life,  and  (mainly Mediterranean and Adriatic architecture).
 * It is also possibly inspired by from  books.
 * Demacian colors are blue, white and gold.
 * ,, , , and are Demacian artifacts.
 * Aegis of the Legion and Randuin's Omen bear the crest of the Demacian Dynasty.
 * Gargoyle Stoneplate was inspired by


 * -|Skins=

Media
Music=
 * Related Music