League of Legends Wiki

Want to contribute to this wiki?
Sign up for an account, and get started!
You can even turn off ads in your preferences.

Come join the LoL Wiki community Discord server!

READ MORE

League of Legends Wiki
Register
Advertisement
Image
Swain OriginalCentered
Swain
Swain (Universe)Swain (Universe)
Swain (League of Legends)Swain (League of Legends)
Swain (Esports)Swain (Esports)
Swain (Teamfight Tactics)Swain (Teamfight Tactics)
Swain (Legends of Runeterra)Swain (Legends of Runeterra)
Swain (Wild Rift)Swain (Wild Rift)
Swain (Development)Swain (Development)
Swain (Trivia)Swain (Trivia)

Jericho Swain Jericho Swain is the visionary ruler of Noxus Crest icon Noxus, an expansionist nation that reveres only strength. Though he was cast down and debilitated in the Ionia Crest icon Ionian wars, his left arm severed, he seized control of the empire with ruthless determination... and a new, demonic hand. Now, Swain commands from the front lines, marching against a coming darkness that only he can see—in glimpses gathered by shadowy ravens from the corpses all around him. In a swirl of sacrifice and secrets, the greatest secret of all is that the true enemy lies within.


SwainSquare"I have learned enough to detest all men. Only nations may be revered."  Swain
Separator
Read Biography

Background[]

Early life[]

Jericho Swain was born into an affluent Noxian family, among the established houses that trace shortly after the nation's founding. They were also favored by the emperor of Noxus―Boram Darkwill Boram Darkwill―having been instrumental in his rise to the throne.

Yet House Swain was also among many that hungered for power, and as such were part of a secret cabal called the Solid Rose Clasic Faction Colors Black Rose. His parents were especially intent on finding some dark power hidden in the depths of the Immortal Bastion, that which eluded discovery for many years as it cackled in the darkness like a raven's caw.

The cabal had aided Darkwill's political rise, but in time he rejected their influence thereafter. LeBlanc LeBlanc, head matriarch of the Black Rose, manipulated Swain as a young nobleman into revealing the Black Rose and executing its most prominent members, including Swain's own parents and Leblanc herself. However, LeBlanc's execution was a deception, and she retreated back into the shadows of Noxus to wait for an opportunity to strike. For exposing the corruption, Swain was granted a commission in the Noxian army, where he would serve for years to come.

Discovery of Raum[]

Swain learned firsthand that the empire's true strength was upheld not by pure Noxian ferocity, but by all its people united in spite of their origins. Nobles and foreign slaves alike were all seen as soldiers on the front lines. Swain had carved out his career in securing the western borders, as well as expanding into Shurima Crest icon Shurima. But in time, the aging emperor grew more paranoid and unhinged over his own mortality. Fighting wars on too many fronts, lusting over magical relics; greed became the clear motivation of the regime.

During the invasion of Ionia Crest icon Ionia, Darkwill retasked much of the warbands to hunt for artifacts that could extend mortal lifespan, With Swain's forces depleted, it became nearly impossible to engage the enemy. At the Battle of the Placidium, his troops were overrun in what should have been an ambush. Swain was gravely wounded with his knee shattered and his arm cut off arm cut off. On the verge of death, he felt a familiar darkness press upon him again as a raven raven approached to feed; but he would not let it take him. Staring into the bird's eyes, he saw a vision of the dark truth: that LeBlanc had seduced Darkwill with promises of extending his life, and had sent Swain to die. It was not the raven that told him this, but something deeper. This was the great power that Swain's parents had been looking for, and now he knew it could be found.

Returning to Noxus, Swain was disgraced and regarded as nothing more than a cripple. Through his fragile state, Swain set about in search of that strange power, that which cackled in the darkness like a raven's caw. What he found was Raum, an ancient entity that preyed on the dying and consumed their secrets. But the man solved a puzzle even the demon did not anticipate: a way to wield its power.

Establishment of the Trifarix[]

Swain had physically restored himself and could use magic to defeat his enemies, along with using Raum to listen to the secrets of the dying. Over the course of many years, Swain amassed power, allies, and elaborate plans to kill Darkwill. In the end, it only took one night to capture the throne. Swain revealed himself to all of Noxus, leaving Darkwill dead and the throne empty. In its place, he established the Trifarix: a council of 3 members to take over the responsibilities of the emperor. Together they embody Noxus' core values, with Swain representing Vision, Darius Darius exemplifying Might, and The Faceless one embodying Guile. This Council was made so that no one man could rule Noxus, and if one were to divert from the foundations of strength that Noxus was built on, the other two would be able to keep them in check. Moreover, this insurance would counterbalance Swain should he ever befall to demonic corruption.

Swain immediately pulled back the Noxian forces from Darkwill's untenable ventures. He also held conventions detailing his plans for the empire, pardoning the noble houses that swore fealty, and allowing dissenting houses to safely leave the empire. A large part of the dissent was over the new policies that grated traditional power systems such as inherited lordship, personal wealth, and ownership of human property.[1]

Seeing areas of concern abroad and within, Swain sent one of the empire's best assassins in an almost impossible task.[2] Katarina Katarina was assigned to kill the Demacia Crest icon Demacian king Jarvan III Jarvan III, as well as her own father Marcus Du Couteau Marcus Du Couteau, who has suspected ties with the Black Rose. However, Marcus intercepted the written order and managed to deter her long enough to get close to destroying Swain. The Grand General intervened in the final duel and backfired the implosive weapon to destroy Marcus instead. He then congratulates Katarina on her success and revealed that the assignment was a test to find an assassin that could eliminate Swain in the event that he becomes corrupt.

The Black Powder Plot[]

Secessionists held the mineral-rich Rokrund Plains, crafting explosives that deterred Noxian forces from advancing. This prompted Swain to visit the campaign generals and discuss strategy. One of these was General Brannin Granth Brannin Granth, a secret operative of the Black Rose that plotted to kill Swain. Within the meeting, he proclaimed that the battle was unwinnable without death and revealed an explosive fuse ready to blow. Swain chuckled at the profound suggestion, agreeing that while the soldiers may die anyway, their sacrifice makes way for a greater reinforcement. He then reveals his demon arm and quickly strangles Granth. "Granth and I... we always look for what must be sacrificed in order to win."

The Delverhold Affair[]

Seven years into the Trifarix rule, delegates Oram and Alyssa from the Delverhold approached the council to negociate concessions in response to a local crisis. The mineral export quotas became unsustainable with the dwindling reserves in the Ironspike mines, sinking the people into poverty. Furthermore, Oram argued that their treaty to the empire had been invalidated with the death of the emperor, which permits the Delverhold to extricate from the empire if necessary. While Swain agreed to hear the terms, Darius argued that there was no compelling bargain.

Some days go by, and the delegates attempted to seize and extort the Faceless One for their vote. But in a deceptive trap, Oram is killed by Alyssa and she is quickly captured by the guards. She is brought before the Trifarix, whom were fully aware of the extortion, but recognize her disaffection in the Delverhold. Swain candidly stated that the Trifarix did not want to encourage other provinces to make demands as well. Alyssa said that she knew the Delverhold governor would use the delegates' deaths to justify secession, but returning Delverhold to the kingdom rule would be a grave mistake long-term. She then suggested to become governor herself in order to maintain relations with Noxus. The council agree to the idea and sent a Trifarian entourage with her back to Delverhold to claim office.

Appearance[]

Swain is a fair skinned man with long, white hair. He wears black armor, black pants, and a black coat. His left arm was restored with the power of Raum, and consequently glows a shade of red.

Personality[]

Swain is cold and calculating, often seeing people's lives as pieces in a bigger game. He is a master tactician and general, able to predict his enemies' next move with his cunning intellect and win battles swiftly and efficiently. Swain does not often act in his own interests, rather doing whatever is best for Noxus, as he knows that the empire is much more important than him, and he is committed to returning it back to its foundations and making sure that it outlasts him.

Abilities[]

  • Demonic Bonding: After being defeated in battle, Swain made a pact with Raum, the Demon of Secrets. This granted him several new powers that very few can match.
    • Emotional Feeding: Like other Demons, Raum can feed himself from a specific emotion, in this case, secrets. By absorbing the secrets of others, Raum, and by extension Swain, can sustain themselves for prolonged periods of time. Swain also gains knowledge from these secrets and can use this knowledge for his own benefit.
      • Life Draining: The Secrets that Swain collects come in the form of Soul Fragments. Taking a soul Fragment from someone drains them of their energy and gives it to Swain. By doing so Swain can heal himself and strengthen his powers.
    • Extended Awareness: Swain has heightened senses, meaning that he can perceive and sense things that few else can. He can see things from far away and perceive supernatural powers that no others can notice.
      • Demon Ravens: Swain can summon several demonic Ravens that are connected to his mind. He can use them as a way to gather intelligence and spy on people.
    • Demonic Energy: Swain can manipulate powerful dark energies to his liking. Those dark energies come from Raum, and depend on how strong Raum himself is.
      • Energy blasts: Swain can summon powerful eldritch blasts.
      • Limbs Creation: Swain can create limbs for himself such as hands and wings.

Relations[]

Irelia Irelia[]

Irelia cut off Swain's left arm during the Battle of the Placidium.

Darius Darius[]

Swain and Darius are two of the three heads of the Trifarix of Noxus Crest icon Noxus, embodying the Noxian values of Vision and Might respectively, along The Faceless One, who embodies Guile.

Draven Draven[]

When audiences for the Reckoning arenas waned and Draven fell into a drunk stupor, Swain found him and offered him a role in his coup against Boram Darkwill. He became integral to Swain’s plan, killing Darkwill himself. He is considered a close ally by Swain.

Katarina Katarina[]

Katarina serves as an assassin for the Trifarix council, killing people at their command. It is also hinted that Swain may know what happened to her father.

Urgot Urgot[]

Urgot was sent away from Noxus Crest icon Noxus to Zaun Crest icon Zaun as a part of Swain's coup, as he was seen as a liability and a potential threat to Swain's plan.

Mordekaiser Mordekaiser[]

It is likely that Raum worked for Mordekaiser or was used by him, as Swain found Raum in the Immortal Bastion.

Gangplank Gangplank[]

Gangplank stole The Leviathan, Swain's personal warship and the head of the Noxian fleet. Because of this, Swain despises Gangplank and wishes to see his demise.

Solid Rose Clasic Faction Colors Black Rose[]

Swain has close ties with the Solid Rose Clasic Faction Colors Black Rose. The organization is currently trying to either control Swain or kill him in order to take the throne from him. Swain knows this and is trying to take down the organization, but knows that it is unlikely that he will accomplish this goal.

LeBlanc LeBlanc[]

Swain considers LeBlanc, the head matriarch of the Black Rose, as his rival. Swain and LeBlanc's personal relationship is vague, and they may have been lovers at some point.[3] When Boram Darkwill first took the throne and refused help from the Black Rose, LeBlanc, unbeknownst to Swain, manipulated Swain into revealing the Black Rose and making it look like she was executed and the Black Rose was dead.[4]

"So I guess this makes us enemies with benefits?"
Swain Swain, to LeBlanc LeBlanc
Separator


Sion Sion[]

Swain obtained Sion from the Black Rose after the organization left Sion in his own tomb for years. Swain now uses him as a living weapon to use against his enemies.

Vladimir Vladimir[]

Vladimir has recently brought himself back into the public eye, becoming a vocal opponent against the Trifarix Council, and this has caught Swain's attention. However, Vladimir's previous public identity has not been completely forgotten, and it is hinted that Swain may know of Vladimir's true nature.

Read More

Biography

Starring Champion

Katarina Comic 5 Cover 1
EditImageReference

Noxus Crest icon

Comic

Katarina: Issue 5

By Alison Hawkes

The kingdom of Demacia is in chaos! While the Great City has its focus on Sylas and his mage rebellion, a cunning, redheaded assassin, Katarina, lurks in the shadows. Focused on executing the most dangerous mission of her life, she hopes to finally live up to her father’s impossible expectations. However, when she is forced to choose between the mission and her own instincts, will she have to betray Noxus’ Master of Assassins?

Darius Draven Noxian Brotherhood Cover
EditImage • [ Reference]

Noxus Crest icon

Comic

Noxian Brotherhood

By Jared Rosen

Draven - Another victory for the Glorious Executioner.

01NX029-full
EditImageReference

Noxus Crest icon

Short Story

Proclamation of the Trifarix

By Laurie Goulding

Citizens of Noxus, I bring word from the capital!

Swain The Black Powder Plot
EditImageReference

Noxus Crest icon

Short Story • 5 Minute Read

The Black Powder Plot

By David Slagle

He arrived at the camp only moments before the strategy council was to begin, flanked by a small honor guard, each handpicked from the Trifarian Legion. They remained at the entrance as I watched him approach.

Swain Update Promo concept 17
EditImageReference

Noxus Crest icon

Video

The Noxian Grand General (Video)

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

Noxus A State Of Perpetual Conflict
EditImageReference

Noxus Crest icon

Short Story • 17 Minute Read

The Principles of Strength

By Anthony Reynolds Lenné

My name is Alyssa Roshka Gloriana val-Lokan. For almost two millennia, my ancestors ruled the Delverhold as kings.

Mentioned Champion

Noxus The Great River
EditImageReference

Ixtal Crest icon

Short Story

At the Edge of the World

By Ian St. Martin

"Seven times,"

Noxus The Immortal Bastion 01
EditImageReference

Noxus Crest icon

Short Story • 3 Minute Read

In The Mind of Madness

By Randy Begel

BLOOD.

Katarina Comic 1 Cover 1
EditImageReference

Noxus Crest icon

Comic

Katarina: Issue 1

By Alison Hawkes

The kingdom of Demacia is in chaos! While the Great City has its focus on Sylas and his mage rebellion, a cunning, redheaded assassin, Katarina, lurks in the shadows. Focused on executing the most dangerous mission of her life, she hopes to finally live up to her father’s impossible expectations. However, when she is forced to choose between the mission and her own instincts, will she have to betray Noxus’ Master of Assassins?

Katarina Comic 2 Cover 1
EditImageReference

Noxus Crest icon

Comic

Katarina: Issue 2

By Alison Hawkes

The kingdom of Demacia is in chaos! While the Great City has its focus on Sylas and his mage rebellion, a cunning, redheaded assassin, Katarina, lurks in the shadows. Focused on executing the most dangerous mission of her life, she hopes to finally live up to her father’s impossible expectations. However, when she is forced to choose between the mission and her own instincts, will she have to betray Noxus’ Master of Assassins?

Katarina Comic 3 Cover 1
EditImageReference

Noxus Crest icon

Comic

Katarina: Issue 3

By Alison Hawkes

The kingdom of Demacia is in chaos! While the Great City has its focus on Sylas and his mage rebellion, a cunning, redheaded assassin, Katarina, lurks in the shadows. Focused on executing the most dangerous mission of her life, she hopes to finally live up to her father’s impossible expectations. However, when she is forced to choose between the mission and her own instincts, will she have to betray Noxus’ Master of Assassins?

Katarina Comic 4 Cover 1
EditImageReference

Noxus Crest icon

Comic

Katarina: Issue 4

By Alison Hawkes

The kingdom of Demacia is in chaos! While the Great City has its focus on Sylas and his mage rebellion, a cunning, redheaded assassin, Katarina, lurks in the shadows. Focused on executing the most dangerous mission of her life, she hopes to finally live up to her father’s impossible expectations. However, when she is forced to choose between the mission and her own instincts, will she have to betray Noxus’ Master of Assassins?

Katarina Message on a Blade's Edge
EditImageReference

Noxus Crest icon

Short Story

Message on a Blade's Edge

By Michael Yichao

An assassin's blades are but one of her weapons. Know your mark. Know the killing ground. Anything can be a tool to secure the kill.

Ruined King Promo 01
EditImageReference

Runeterra Crest icon

Game

Ruined King

By Airship Syndicate

Rise Against Ruin - Unite a party of League of Legends Champions, explore Bilgewater and set sail for the Shadow Isles to uncover the secrets of the deadly Black Mist in this immersive turn-based RPG.

Noxus Sisterhood of War 01
EditImageReference

Ionia Crest icon

Short Story

Sisterhood of War Part 1: Old Wounds

By Ian St. Martin

“Is anything you just heard unclear to you?”

Irelia OriginalCentered
EditImageReference

Ionia Crest icon

Biography

The Blade Dancer

By John O'Bryan

Vladimir OriginalCentered
EditImageReference

Noxus Crest icon

Biography

The Crimson Reaper

By 'Blood Magicks'

LeBlanc OriginalCentered
EditImageReference

Noxus Crest icon

Biography

The Deceiver

By David Slagle

Briar OriginalCentered
EditImageReference

Noxus Crest icon

Biography

The Restrained Hunger

By Max Folkman

Noxus The Shuttered Manse
EditImageReference

Noxus Crest icon

Short Story

The Shuttered Manse

By Graham McNeill

She felt the thief coming closer with every careful step he took.

LeBlanc Thorns of the Black Rose
EditImageReference

Noxus Crest icon

Short Story

Thorns of the Black Rose

By Laurie Goulding

I smile, playing my part. “It is the simplest of things,” I tell him, “to hide in plain sight.”

Alternate Universes

Worlds Duo
EditImageReference

Runeterra Crest icon

Video

Duo

There's nothing like teaming up with your favorite duo partner in League of Legends. Just ask LilyPichu and sleightlymusical. It's On.

TFT Faction Wars
EditImageReference

Runeterra Crest icon

Video

Faction Wars

Sion Update Promo 1
EditImageReference

Noxus Crest icon

Reveal

Reborn

By Numerous creators

Worlds RISE
EditImageReference

Runeterra Crest icon

Music Video

RISE

By Numerous creators

Reaching the peak takes more than skill. Only those with the ambition to RISE above all others will know its height.

Irelia TheBladeDancer 3 Cover 1
EditImageReference

Ionia Crest icon

Comic

The Blade Dancer: Issue 3

By Gronoc

Soul Fighter WR Promo 01
EditImageReference

Runeterra Crest icon

Game

Tournament of Souls: Wild Rift Edition

By Kristina Atanasoski

Be careful what you wish for—and what you fight for. Draven entered the Tournament of Souls to make a name for himself, but when the results don't live up to expectations, it's time for some quiet introspection. ...Aww, who are we kidding?! It's time to double down and carve through the competition! Join Draven on his winding path to glory in the League of Legends: Wild Rift's Soul Fighter Event!

Trivia[]

Swain, the Master Tactician Swain, the Master Tactician
  • Swain was a member of the Runeterra Crest icon The Black Rose, a dark and mysterious group that controlled Noxus before the rise of the military government. They were thought to no longer exist. However, with the reemergence of their leader LeBlanc LeBlanc, the Black Rose are working towards getting the organization back into power.
  • During the War of Kalamanda, Garen Garen and his Dauntless Vanguard hindered the progress of Swain and his army's advancement at every turn.
  • Swain and Jarvan IV Jarvan IV, have a deep, hate-filled rivalry. He has attempted to kill Jarvan IV on several occasions.
    • It is theorized he fought LeBlanc impersonating Jarvan in order to trigger a war with Demacia Crest icon Demacia.
  • Swain is a fan of Sona Sona.
  • As a nod to his old lore, Swain has a raven named Beatrice Beatrice.[5] (< Latin beatrix "she who gladdens")
Swain, the Noxian Grand General Swain, the Noxian Grand General
  • His Demon of Secrets is named Raum as noted by Fiddlesticks Fiddlesticks.[6]
    • In real-life "demonology", Raum is stated to be a Great Earl of Hell, ruling thirty legions of demons. He is depicted as a crow which adopts human form at the request of the conjurer.
  • Swain's Trifarix Council was probably based on the Roman Triumvirate, Swain being the Leader of Vision;
    • Possibly based on Latin trifārius "in three parts~places" (cf. Sanskrit cognate त्रिधा tridhā), from PIE *tri-dʰóh₁-.[7]
  • The Black Powder Plot to assassinate Swain references the Gun Powder Plot by English Catholics to blow up King James I and the House of Lords.
  • Swain likes to play a vastayan strategy game called Xa'h, which is similar to chess.[8]
  • One of the reasons that the Trifarix was made was because Swain knows that either his demon or his ambitions may potentially overwhelm him and would have to be stopped.[9]
  • The six-eyed ravens around him are not actual ravens but rather manifestations of his demonic power.[10]
  • As revealed in Rell's Rell's live Q&A:
    • Swain has neglected the power vacuums left behind from his motions to dismantle the previous Noxian government. He was very well aware of the Black Rose academy that Rell Rell was training in, but did not intervene.
    • Swain knows almost all secrets, the ones he has difficulty knowing are those predating Raum (his demon).
    • He knows about World Runes, but not where they've been hidden by Ryze Ryze.
    • Swain is aware of most major threats around Runeterra thanks to his crows, but has decided to deal with them later over more intermediate ones.
    • Swain and Aurelion Sol Aurelion Sol are tied for most knowledge about the universe, Zoe Zoe comes very close.

Change log[]

Character blurb
Added.

References[]

See also[]

Advertisement