| “ | ▶️ "Those who find Ixtal do not live to speak of it." |
—  Qiyana
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Renowned for its mastery of elemental magic, Ixtal was one of the first independent nations to join the Shuriman empire. In truth, Ixtali culture is much older—part of the great westward diaspora that gave rise to civilizations including the Buhru, magnificent Helia, and the ascetics of Targon—and it is likely they played a significant role in the creation of the first Ascended.
But the mages of Ixtal survived the Void, and later the Darkin, by distancing themselves from their neighbors, drawing the wilderness around them like a shield. While much had already been lost, they were committed to the preservation of what little remained...
Now, secluded deep in the jungle for thousands of years, the sophisticated arcology-city of Ixaocan remains mostly free of outside influence. Having witnessed from afar the ruination of the Blessed Isles and the Rune Wars that followed, the Ixtali view all the other factions of Runeterra as upstarts and pretenders, and use their powerful magic to keep any intruders at bay.
Lore[]
From the hinterlands of Kalduga to the ageless beauty of the Amarantine Coast, the Shuriman jungles beyond the desert wastes remain shrouded in mystery. Once part of Shurima's vast empire, these verdant forests are home to many strange and terrifying creatures.
Secluded deep in the wilderness of eastern Shurima, the sophisticated arcology-city of Ixaocan remains mostly free of outside influence. Having witnessed from afar the ruination of the Blessed Isles, and the softening of Buhru culture, the Ixtali view the other factions of Runeterra as little more than upstarts and pretenders, and use their powerful elemental magic to keep any intruders at bay.[1]
Champions of Ixtal[]
Related Champions[]
Ezreal traveled to Paretha to obtain the Elixir of Ulola and had a run in with Neeko.- Kha'Zix roams the jungles and encountered Rengar here.
- Lucian traveled to the Serpentine Delta in search of the Black Mist and any traces of recent Harrowings.
- Shyvana's dragon mother, Yvva, hails from the Shuriman jungle.
- Twisted Fate was born in the Serpentine Delta and moved to Bilgewater.
- Yuumi traveled to the Jungles in search for her Master, Norra.
- Zilean once studied under the great Yun of Ixtal as an elemental mage.
History[]
Origins of Ixtal[]
- Main article: Primoridal Sovereign
Skarner, the Primordial Sovereign
The founders of Ixtal traveled to the west of Shurima and settled in a lush jungle. Unbeknownst to them they were being observed by the brackern 
Skarner, who found their existence fascinating. He watched them from afar, deep within the jungle, until one day a rockslide threatened to destroy the settlement. Not wanting the subjects of his observations to be destroyed, Skarner emerged from his hiding and saved Ixtal. The Ixtali were grateful for his intervention and revered Skarner as a protector, who soon integrated himself in the settlement. In exchange for sharing their culture and history, Skarner would use his geomancy and strength to help them build the great arcology of Ixaocan. Skarner became a founding member of the Yun Tal, the ruling caste of Ixtal, and combined the Brackern's collectivist culture with the Ixtali's scientific mindset to lead their people to greatness.
The Icathian War[]
Skarner continued to protect Ixtal by monitoring the earth's vibrations and grew concerned over the Shuriman Empire's expansion across the continent and the violence caused by the Ascended. The Shuriman Empire invited Ixtal to join into an alliance and the Yun Tal agreed, despite Skarner's protest.
Not long after, and roughly 3500 years before the present day, Icathia fell, opening the way for the Void. The Ixtali people, at the time part of the Shuriman empire, now faced an enemy that could lay their grand empire low. The corruption spread rapidly from Icathia's ruins, before its hideous tendrils reached the southernmost jungles of Ixtal. Ne'Zuk of the Ascended Host was an Ixtali elemental mage of colossal power. He pledged to create a weapon powerful enough to take the fight to the Void, and eradicate it at the source of its original eruption.
After months of inhuman labor, Ne'Zuk revealed the Monolith—a floating fortress of living stone, maintained by the greatest elemental mages, and its ramparts manned by his fellow Ixtali god-warriors. The size of a city itself, the Monolith glided towards Icathia to face the Void and the hordes of Voidborn it had created.
The battle dragged into weeks. It was violence of a scale and intensity never before witnessed in Runeterra. Sorcery enough to raze entire civilizations, or render whole continents into naught but a memory, was unleashed upon the Void.
The darkness retaliated in kind. The living stone of the Monolith became pocked and seared with unnatural malphite—from the Ixtali for “bad stone”—and leaving mineral-like scars. The fortress was pushed to the very limits of its design, struggling to self-repair and reknit its weakened superstructure until it reached the breaking point.
As Ne'Zuk fought to rally his Ascended brethren for one last, desperate charge, the Monolith crashed down to earth. Much of the fortress was lost within that gaping maw, vanishing into the nothingness beyond. The rest rained down as great ruins. Only Ne'Zuk survived, fleeing for his life.
However, a single shard remained. Buried deep beneath the surface, forgotten even by those that dwelt in the abyss, it slowly gathered in strength. It lived, until at last it awakened after uncounted centuries, and realized it was alone. In all the centuries since that dark day, the last shard of the Monolith would become 
Malphite.
In the aftermath of the war, and further destruction wrought by the Rune Wars, Skarner convinced the Yun Tal to withdraw from the outside world and hid their land in lies and magic. Skarner's faith in the Yun Tal was forever shaken by their decision to ally with Shurima, and while he still cared deeply for the people of Ixtal, he could no longer trust them to protect themselves. Skarner decided that only he could defend Ixtal and constructed an underground chamber beneath Ixaocan. He sequestered himself within the chamber, where his ability to listen to the earth's vibrations were greatly enhanced. He began to leave his chamber less and less, eventually fading into myth; with only the Yun Tal aware of his existence.
The Rune Wars[]
Deep in jungles south of Kumungu, between the rivers that divide eastern Shurima were the 
Gardens of Zyr. Elemental magics found in the soil allowed the growth of fierce, carnivorous plants that prayed on all creatures within reach. In the midst of the Rune Wars, a small company of soldiers lead by an ambitious sorceress entered these lands in search of a long-lost prize. A battle ensued between the vicious flora of the Gardens and the soldiers, forcing the sorceress to gather her power and unleash a mighty runic spell, creating a blast of energy. In that instant however, a rogue spark ignited the gasses throughout the swamps and caused an explosion, destroying all living things for miles around, leaving no survivors to tell the fate of the Gardens of Zyr.
At the Edge of the World[]
- Main article: At the Edge of the WorldThe 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.
Locations[]
Ixtal is located in the eastern part of Shuriman Continent bordering Shurima in the east, and surrounded by the Shuriman Jungle (Ixtals borders once stretched the entirety of the jungle region). The currently well known locations encompassing Ixtal are:
Ixaocan[]
In truth, Ixtal is not the uninhabited wilderness many imagine. Far from prying eyes and greedy hands, the sprawling arcologies of Ixaocan remain safely hidden by the deepest rainforests.
- Cardinal Arcology: The arcologies are connected by intersecting lines of power, and each represents a specific form or discipline of elemental magic. The largest are home to tens of thousands of Ixtali practitioners. The Cardinal Arcology, seat of the ruling Yun Tal caste, has stood since before the ancient Shurimans raised their first Sun Disc. Its great arcologies are neither wholly habitats nor colleges of magic, but something in between.
- Vidalion: Within the cardinal arcology of Ixaocan is a grand chamber, deliberately positioned at the very center of Ixtal, and indeed the whole of Runeterra, as far as the Ixtali are concerned. Above this chamber hangs the Vidalion, an ancient artifact that can weave magic into material form.
- Magma Arcology: High in the mountains, the mages of this relatively small arcology combine their understandings of fire, rock, and magnetism to draw precious metals from the earth, crafting them into exquisite shapes with the merest gesture.
- Water Arcology: Located next to one of the many river confluences of the Serpentine River, the mages of this arcology combine their understandings of water, ice, and steam to reshape the land around them.
- Skarner's Chamber: Beneath Ixaocan lies a secret chamber home to Skarner, a founding member of the Yun Tal, and protector of Ixtal. Here he lies, attuned to the earth's vibrations, vigilant for any threats to Ixtal. Only the Yun Tal are aware of Skarner's presence beneath the city.
South Jungle[]
Paretha
Other known locations in the southern parts of Shuriman Jungle are: The Amarantine Coast, Harelport, The Plague Arbor, Vale of Silver Mist, etc.
- Kiilash Village: A Vastayan settlement, it is the birthplace of Rengar.
- Paretha: An old Shuriman settlement known for its taffa-flower water. It is near the location from where the Elixir of Uloa was found by Ezreal.
- Tikras: A village governed by Prefect Mara Yun Tal. Most of the village was decimated after Piltover miners blew it up as an act of revenge for their killed mining team.
Serpentine River[]
The Great River
The Serpentine River is a large river network stretching across the jungle. The river starts in the east of the Jungle, directly connecting with the The Mother of Life river of Shurima, and ends with a large river delta, slicing the entire Jungle to North and South. The denizens of the river delta have close ties with surrounding settlements as well as Bilgewater and the Serpent Isles.
Wildlife[]
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.
Calasa[]
Calasa are a type of plant native to the Serpentine River delta of the Shuriman Jungle. Its gourd called a Calasa fruit has a sweet nectar center. The settlement of Venaru exports them to other islands of the delta.
Dragons[]
The Elemental Drakes
- Main article: Dragon
Winged, elemental-breathing reptiles that can reach near-giant sizes over their long, long lifespans, they are the indisputable ruler of the skies. Both fearsome and majestic, 
dragons have a society that revolves around strength and might and because of their egoistic and narcissistic pride, mixing their blood with that of races outside of dragonkind are seen as an abomination, a cancer that must be eradicated utterly. Many dragons persecute such defiled creations and their perpetrators to no end, a thing that 
Shyvana, the Half-Dragon, found out firsthand. There are five types of dragons: 
Cloud, 
Infernal, 
Mountain, 
Ocean drakes (all Elemental Drakes), and 
Elder Dragons. The firstborn female dragons of certain dragon bloodlines have elemental rune shards within them, which gives them their elemental powers.
Curiously, the abandoned ruins scattered throughout Ixtal are home to a surprising number of dragons. These terrifying creatures have not fought alongside mortals since the last days of Shurima's war against the Void—now, for the most part, they seem content just to be left alone.
Kraken Lilies[]
Kraken Lilies are a type of flower native to the Serpentine River delta of the Shuriman Jungle. Sold in the markets of Kumangra, their distinct sent is heavily sought after by flower collectors.
Night-Blooming Zychids[]
Night-Blooming Zychids, or Death Blossoms, are native to the southern parts of the Shuriman Jungle, these flowers grow where sunlight never touches the forest floor. They're more for potion brewers or alchemists. They clings for foreign objects upon touch.
Parethan Corpse Tulips[]
Parethan Corpse Tulips are type of flower native to Paretha of the Shuriman Jungle. Sold in the markets of Kumangra, their distinct sent is heavily sought after by flower collectors.
Tola Vines[]
Tola Vines are a type of plant native to the hilltops of islands in the Serpentine River delta of the Shuriman Jungle. It can be weaved into rope and litter.
Wharf Rat[]
A wharf rat and her young.
- For more detail, see Razorfin.
Wharf rats a terrifying blend of shark and rat commonly found on the docks of Bilgewater. These creatures are larger than dogs and are known to prey upon drunks and lone fishermen on moonless nights. They often travel in packs, and are easily capable of biting a man's leg off.
Scuttle Crabs[]
- For more detail, see Rift Scuttler.
Scuttler Crabs or Rift Scuttlers live in the fresh waters of Valoran, Shurima and can be found near the docks of Bilgewater. They are small green-shelled crustaceans with 3 pairs of legs and one pair of front claws. They sometimes bury themselves into the muck of the river to avoid predators and are known to either avoid or flee from dangers. To confer peaceful resolution (hence the elusive pacifist nickname) to the force that subdues it, it will grant them a boon: a persistent field around it that grants vision and magical speed to the aggressor and its allies. If corrupted by The Void, a Rift Scuttler turns into a 
Rift Herald.
Culture[]
Very Little is Known of Ixtal's History by those outside its borders. Indeed, over the years, countless expeditions-from Noxus, Bilgewater, and more recently The Piltover Explorers Guild-have delved into the Jungle in search of arcane treasures or new territorial claims... only to vanish without a trace.
Clothing[]
The Ixtali wear clothing best suited for a tropical environment. The clothing is vibrant in color, patterns and designs. Ixtali wear clothing best suited for their caste work, with an Axiom altering a persons garment with elemental magic.
- Elemental Clothing: Upon acceptance into the ruling Yun Tal caste, an initiate will have their own magic woven around them by the Vidalion, creating shimmering garments that respond to the needs of the wearer. This confirms the status of a true elemental master, who will lead and teach others in turn.
The Axiomata[]
To the people of Ixtal, the world is merely a vast confluence of material forces, which they alone are capable of mastering. Each and every permutation of elemental magic—from the most simple to the most complex—is governed by a numbered Axiom, held almost sacred by the arcology that teaches it. There are at least over a hundred axioms that are learned and practiced by Ixtali elemental mages.
- Axioms
- Third Axiom: With this Axiom, a fisherman is able to create favorable currents beneath the surface, even a novice spearfisher can land a prize catch.
- Fifth Axiom: With this Axiom, a courier-tribune can bring an announcement from the cardinal arcology with speed. It is also able to amplify their words to all who must hear them.
- Sixteenth Axiom: With this Axiom, a quarryman is able to haul stone from the ground, and carry it as easily as a bag of feathers.
The Pledge[]
Translated from Ixtal's most ancient tongue, this chant is taught to the mages of Ixaocan from an early age, often before they even begin formal study in the arcologies.
The elements of this world are ours
And we strive to unmake all
Understand and master the singular
Control and shape the many
Learn, discover, invent
To create new alloys of our design
II
Formed by our will and intention
We bend the world to our needs
Temper our hearts with fire
Give breath to our curiosity
Water and nurture our bodies
Ground our thoughts in earth
III
We are the sons and daughters of Ixtal!
Proud inheritors of mastery
Our skill is our strength
Our creation is our legacy
We are what came before
And the shapers of the future!
Government[]
Castes[]
- Main article: Yun Tal
The Yun Tal are the ruling Ixaocan caste of 
Ixtal. For countless generations, Ixtal's secrets have been preserved by their most gifted and wise elementalists. There are no formal criteria for admission to the Yun Tal, though aspirants can expect to be tested to the very limit of their abilities, and any approval must be unanimous among those present. Each Yun Tal caste member wears special elemental clothing woven from the Vidalion to enhance and showcase their elemental prowess.
Prefects[]
The most trusted Yun Tal may be designated as the prefects of outlying villages and settlements beyond Ixaocan, such as Ohmka, Xolen, or Paretha. Their duties include the resolution of local disputes, testing potential aspirants, and generally ensuring that the Ixtali people have as little interaction with outsiders as possible.
| Prefects | Description |
|---|---|
| Mara Yun Tal | Former Prefect of Tikras; Sister of Qiyana; Village got decimated by Piltover miners.
|
Path Wardens[]
Protected by magic and solitude, Ixtal needs no armies. The closest thing they have to professional soldiers are the path wardens of Ixaocan, who endlessly patrol the lines of power between arcologies, and are much respected for it.
Colleges of Magic[]
While the great arcologies of Ixtal are a blend of wholly habitats and colleges of magic, each archology specializes with a different elemental mastery. The further one travels from the cardinal arcology of the capital, the more specialized and prestigious the masteries become.
- Magma Arcology: Located in the mountainous areas far from Ixaocan, this arcology focuses on mastering elemental magics of Fire, Rock, and Magnetism.
- Water Arcology: Located next to one of the many river confluences of the Serpentine River, this arcology focuses on mastering elemental magics of Water, Ice, and Steam.
Relations[]
Ixtali culture is part of an older great westward diaspora that gave the rise of civilizations across 
Runeterra.
Bilgewater[]
After its isolation from the rest of the world and the formation of Bilgewater, a lot of pirates and adventure seekers would attempt to trek into the unforgiving jungle landscape in search of ancient treasure, only to never be heard from again (due to the wildlife, or the Ixtali defending their borders). One of the group of people that settled the regions around Ixtal are the riverfolk of the Serpentine River.
Icathia[]
During ancient times, both of these nations had a cultural ties with one another. Mages from Icathia such as 
Zilean went to study elemental magics in Ixtali cities such as Ixaocan. After the Void rupture, the Ixtali Ascended Ne'Zuk constructed a giant superweapon known as the Monolith to combat the entities of the Void. The battle decimated Icathian lands, leaving visible scars to the entire peninsula.
Noxus[]
In recent times, Ixtali have had an unwelcoming contact with the Noxian Empire. Numerous Noxian expeditions were made to the Shuriman Jungle, some of which ending in disaster while others were able to secure small outposts at the very edges of the jungle.
Piltover[]
In recent times, Ixtali have had an unwelcoming contact with the nation of Piltover. The Piltover Explorers Guild has delved into the Jungle in search of arcane treasures, only to vanish without a trace (due to the wildlife, or the Ixtali defending their borders). However, due to the actions of Qiyana, Piltover has found out about the existence of this hidden nation.
Shurima[]
During ancient times, Ixtal was one of the first nations to join the Shuriman Empire. After the fall of Icathia, the Ixtali started to distance themselves from the Empire, completely isolating themselves by the time of the Darkin War and the later Rune Wars.
Targon[]
It is likely Ixtal had a significant relation with Targon due to its involvement in the creation of the first Ascended.
Trivia[]
- While not residing inside Ixtal itself (instead residing in the Shuriman Jungle), champions like Neeko and Nidalee are still placed under Ixtal champions.
- Ixaocan is comprised of all currently used arcologies, not just the cardinal one.
- There are no other inhabited/non-ruined cities in Ixtal, beyond Ixaocan.[2]
- While not directly in control of the vast jungle areas, some Ixtali defend the jungle borders from approaching foreigners such as Piltovans, Zaunites, Shurimans, and Noxians.
- 6 Ixtali Sentinel, is from Ixtal who joined Sentinels of Light.
Note: these are just to reflect the similarity to Ixtal. Its not part of Ixtal.
Media[]
- Related Music
- Related Videos
See also[]
References
| North Jungle | Kalduga · Kumungu · Mudtown · Serpentine River |  |
|---|---|---|
| South Jungle | Amarantine Coast · Cardinal Arcology · Gardens of Zyr · Harelport · Ixtal · Ixaocan · Kiilash Village · Paretha · Plague Arbor · Serpentine River · Tikras · Vale of Silver Mist · Venaru | |
| Factions | Ixtal ·  Nobility ·  Noxus ·  Piltover ·  Shurima ·  Zaun |
