http://i.imgur.com/InlKuo6.jpg
Here's a happy lore thread. (Well, unhappy in that all of this is potentially about to get steamrolled, but still.) Post cute touches in Champion or other lore, especially those that are not well known.
RiotIronStylus33 votesDiana is named so because the name Diana is derived from the Roman goddess of the moon and hunting.
Also! Diana's weapon, the Moonsilver Blade is a "reverse khopesh", making it a stylized scythe, alluding to it being a metaphorical reaping tool, alluding to the harvest, another aspect of the moon.. and also the murder of the Solari elders in her case whom she "reaped".
Bonus art tidbits! Diana's character design utilizes forms and shape language which are antithetical and opposing of Leona's design language. While Leona's design flairs out in many aspects (the Solari symbol, her crest/crown/faceguards, dress, etc) Diana is comprised of inwardly converging circles or ovals (chest guard, gauntlets, dress, etc).
:)
Diana x Me6 votesDiana is named so because the name Diana is derived from the Roman goddess of the moon and hunting.
Also! Diana's weapon, the Moonsilver Blade is a "reverse khopesh", making it a stylized scythe, alluding to it being a metaphorical reaping tool, alluding to the harvest, another aspect of the moon.. and also the murder of the Solari elders in her case whom she "reaped".
Bonus art tidbits! Diana's character design utilizes forms and shape language which are antithetical and opposing of Leona's design language. While Leona's design flairs out in many aspects (the Solari symbol, her crest/crown/faceguards, dress, etc) Diana is comprised of inwardly converging circles or ovals (chest guard, gauntlets, dress, etc).
:)
i figured i would add some clarification and or how you should say bonus detail to the data you have just given.
The Romans as you know borrowed or adopted Deities from the Greek pantheon (ex. Ares became Mars) which had more than a few moon and hunting goddesses ex. Selene, Luna, Artemis. Simply put the Romans didn't like that so they opted for one moon goddess. Diana is also the Roman goddess of childbirth.
On a more personal note Diana is by and far my favorite. She has been my main since release so i have become pretty attached to her. And lastely Diana is also the name of my mother.
The khopesh is a weapon made by the ancient Egyptians. Its original purpose was to be used to disarm an opponent of a shield or weapon but later became known for its versatility in combat. Unknown to most, it was not uncommon for it to be double edged, or to be edged on one side and not the other. Often times it came down to preference of the warrior who was wielding it, so it also came in various forms and sizes. (no need to call it a modified or reverse khopesh.)
Also Diana should have a blood moon skin. I mean it seems only fitting considering the rare tetrad of blood moons that have taken place in which 2 have already happened this year and two more will be next year ( all falling on Jewish holidays might i add and the last blood moon tetrad did not happen since the founding of Israel which was November 29, 1947) Next tetrad does not occur till 2032. Also a total solar eclipse is supposed to occur sometime this month.
King of Ferrets6 votesMore specifically: Diana is the virgin goddess of childbirth.
So, long story short, Leona's pregnant and the baby is Jesus.
Legacy of Xion5 votesMore specifically: Diana is the virgin goddess of childbirth.
So, long story short, Leona's pregnant and the baby is Jesus.
Pantheon is gonna be jealous
OuttaControl566 votesCorrection: Pantheon is going to panic.
"I swear I put it on the right way ocrap ocrap ocrap."
CupcakeTrap4 votesMy glorious parrot sovereign! You have come to my humble thread!
Bonus art tidbits! Diana's character design utilizes forms and shape language which are antithetical and opposing of Leona's design language. While Leona's design flairs out in many aspects (the Solari symbol, her crest/crown/faceguards, dress, etc) Diana is comprised of inwardly converging circles or ovals (chest guard, gauntlets, dress, etc).
That's really interesting. Armor design sounds like something one could spend a lot of time learning.
Sharjo18 votesA more recent one, but one I especially like; the Sunfire Cape is a Shuriman artifact, as seen by the fact it bears the Shuriman crest. I like to imagine Azir's soldiers wear replicas of these capes. I dunno, it's the little things that I really like!
CupcakeTrap15 votesThis one isn't entertaining as such, but it's horrifying and darkly humorous, in a "wow … really?" sort of way.
They say Effrem E. Doran was born with a hammer in his hands and a forge in his heart. Every object he touched, he found ways to improve, and he knew that he was destined to be a brilliant artificer. At the age of 15, he was invited to the League with an offer to assume the role of Master Artificer, a dream come true and an unprecedented honor for one so young. However, fate had other plans. En route, his carriage broke an axle. When he leaned down to inspect it, he was kicked in the head by his donkey, a stern blow. He stumbled back onto the wagon, but when he arrived at the Institute of War he was a different boy. The kick had rendered his mind soft, but it hadn’t robbed him of his passion. He still wanted nothing other than to craft, but where once he may have created singular masterpieces, he now crafted…somewhat simpler items, and many of them. He is a kind, goofy, good-hearted soul, and he takes pride in the work he does. His items are daily selected by champions on the Fields of Justice, and he has a permanent home at the Institute of War.
(Emphasis added at the moment where my jaw dropped.)
tl;dr: Certain popular starting items were manufactured by a brain-damaged child.
Sharjo6 votesThis reminds me that we have very little in the way of item lore. I WANT ITEM LORE REALLY BADLY! :(
Baron Von Bangin11 votesHe also made Wu Kong's staff before he got the drain bamage.
CupcakeTrap6 votesHe also made Wu Kong's staff before he got the drain bamage.
WHOA.
Diahane6 votesThis one isn't entertaining as such, but it's horrifying and darkly humorous, in a "wow … really?" sort of way.
They say Effrem E. Doran was born with a hammer in his hands and a forge in his heart. Every object he touched, he found ways to improve, and he knew that he was destined to be a brilliant artificer. At the age of 15, he was invited to the League with an offer to assume the role of Master Artificer, a dream come true and an unprecedented honor for one so young. However, fate had other plans. En route, his carriage broke an axle. When he leaned down to inspect it, he was kicked in the head by his donkey, a stern blow. He stumbled back onto the wagon, but when he arrived at the Institute of War he was a different boy. The kick had rendered his mind soft, but it hadn’t robbed him of his passion. He still wanted nothing other than to craft, but where once he may have created singular masterpieces, he now crafted…somewhat simpler items, and many of them. He is a kind, goofy, good-hearted soul, and he takes pride in the work he does. His items are daily selected by champions on the Fields of Justice, and he has a permanent home at the Institute of War.
(Emphasis added at the moment where my jaw dropped.)
tl;dr: Certain popular starting items were manufactured by a brain-damaged child.
I've always felt bad for him when I bought his objects since that JoJ issue ç_ç
CupcakeTrap11 votes
I learned through Factions that "Vayne" is that Champion's family name, not her personal name. Her personal name … is Shauna.
SHAUNA IS ON A KILLING SPREE!
Vayne is apparently one of the Demacian Houses.
Crownguard
Lightshield
Buvelle
Laurent
Vayne (Shauna.jpg)
Melancholy Exile11 votesJarvan's mother, and the current Queen of Demacia, is named Catherine and was born to the House Spiritmight - one of the city-state's most politically powerful Houses and a match for the Lightshields' clout. Assuming we still take content from the Journal of Justice for granted, it seems safe to estimate that she and Jarvan the Third have been married for 30-35 years.
PhoenixSlayer134 votesThis I did not know.
Spiritmight champion where?!
Legacy of Xion4 votes
SHAUNA IS ON A KILLING SPREE!
Vayne is apparently one of the Demacian Houses.
Crownguard
Lightshield
Buvelle
Laurent
Vayne (Shauna.jpg)
We are missing only House Spiritguard. I want a Demacian ADC from Spiritguard, to finish the set. would be epic.
Chosen Chozo5 votesYou happen to know where Lucian falls? I suppose he might not even be in the major Demacian houses.
Lord Dusteon11 votesRammus and Cactus OTP <3
PhoenixSlayer134 votesRammus and Cactus forever.
RiotCidem11 votesTo prevent his mind from become completely feral, Warwick needs to eat Soraka's heart to stabilize his transformation. o_o
Tachi10 votesUnless they change his lore again with his update!
Ark Angel HFB10 votesTo prevent his mind from become completely feral, Warwick needs to eat Soraka's heart to stabilize his transformation. o_o
That was a Retcon... and a silly one at that.
But hey since you guys are soo cock sure about removing the IoW, regardless of what the player want.
When do we get to see Soraka killed... that is where the story needs to go now.
You guys get to start killing champs. enjoy that. I'm SO sure the player base will like hearing their fav champs are dead.
TerraRising6 votesTo prevent his mind from become completely feral, Warwick needs to eat Soraka's heart to stabilize his transformation. o_o
Singed was Warwick's chemistry assistant until Warwick suddenly became a bounty hunter and item gatherer and left Singed confused.
adventcalendar2 votesAs we're sort of on the topic is the Noxian invasion of Ionia still canon? without the reasons for Noxus picking to invade that specific place, or the reasons for it being possible like no Demacian intervention allowed or especially the reasons for it ending... possibly more pertinent question is the Noxian invasion a big success in this canon?
DocRedgrave4 votesThat ended years ago. Ionia won and got to have a set of boots named in honor of the victory.
HigeR4 votesbut then since Soraka is a martyr now she'll give him her heart, cast starcall and regain her health xD
or... she gives him her heart, warwick gains Soraka's emotions, realizes she somehow loved him, start getting feelz for Soraka who happens to be dead now and kills himself to ascend towards the stars where she is... hey better than twilight <.<
ShatteredSanity8 votesKassadin has a daughter who was sacrificed by Malzahar to the Void. Kassadin tried to stop him, but ended up finishing the ritual that sent her there.
I'd really love to see something done with this.
Kass's daughter as a champion, maybe? Hint Hint
cshakes9 votesKassandra, Advocate of the Void
Basically, she got pissed at her dad for leaving her mom to die, so she joined this cult advocating the thing he hates, got intrigued, then chose to get sent to the Void because then maybe she'd get Awesome Void Powers, too. Then she does some thinking and some Voidlings sweet-talk her and she comes back with Awesome Void Powers, convinced that the Void would be a better ruler for Runeterra than humans and Yordles. Then, during the end of the Void Event, Malzahar comes to talk to her, and says: "Kassandra. I am your mother." And then Kassadin says "I'm sorry I had to hide it, you know what it's like with people's attitudes towards homosexuality and-" and then he keeps babbling and Kassandra stands there being all "wtf" and then Kassadin proposes to Malzahar and then they have a lovely purple wedding and everyone else gets to go "wtf" as well.
LordHippoman7 votesYorick Mori is the only character to mention his last name in game.
Graves is also his last name. His first is Malcolm.
A few other little known full names include Sarah Fortune, Cecil B. Heimerdinger, and Jericho Swain.
Solideus7 votesReally great idea for a thread! Here's one tidbit.
Senna wasn't always a "Woman in the Refrigerator"; the weapon Lucian holds in his left hand is his late wife's. They were a badass duo and Lucian used to be the light-hearted one, if I remember correctly.
dialMARK4acti0n4 votesLux isn't Lux's full name.
Her name is Luxxanna Lightshield
Diahane15 votesLux isn't Lux's full name.
Her name is Luxxanna Lightshield
She's a Crownguard, from what I remember. She's Garen's sister, not Jarvan's =P
Melancholy Exile3 votesThe blade that Riven reforges through the power of her will, and that we see when she activates her ultimate, is not the same one she used when she fought for Noxus.
Though possibly a coincidence, Riven's name and title correspond to the second and third games in the Myst series (Riven, the Sequel to Myst and Myst III: Exile)
CupcakeTrap3 votesThe blade that Riven reforges through the power of her will, and that we see when she activates her ultimate, is not the same one she used when she fought for Noxus.
Wait. Sauce?
In Noxus, any citizen may rise to power regardless of race, gender, or social standing - strength is all that matters. It was with committed faith in this ideal that Riven strove to greatness. She showed early potential as a soldier, forcing herself to master the weight of a long sword when she was barely its height. She was ruthless and efficient as a warrior, but her true strength lay in her conviction. She entered battles without any trace of doubt in her mind: no ethical pause, no fear of death. Riven became a leader amongst her peers, poster child of the Noxian spirit. So exceptional was her passion that the High Command recognized her with a black stone rune sword forged and enchanted with Noxian sorcery. The weapon was heavier than a kite shield and nearly as broad - perfectly suited to her tastes. Soon after, she was deployed to Ionia as part of the Noxian invasion. What began as war quickly became extermination. Noxian soldiers followed the terrifying Zaunite war machines across fields of death. It wasn't the glorious combat for which Riven trained. She carried out the orders of her superiors, terminating the remnants of a beaten and fractured enemy with extreme prejudice. As the invasion continued, it became clear that the Ionian society would not be reformed, merely eliminated. During one bitter engagement, Riven's unit became surrounded by Ionian forces. They called for support as the enemy closed in around them. What they received instead was a barrage of biochemical terror launched by Singed. Riven watched as around her Ionian and Noxian alike fell victim to an unspeakably gruesome fate. She managed to escape the bombardment, though she could not erase the memory. Counted dead by Noxus, she saw an opportunity to start anew. She shattered her sword, severing ties with the past, and wandered in self-imposed exile - on a quest to seek atonement and a way to save the pure Noxian vision in which she believed.
"There is a place between war and murder in which our demons lurk." ― Excerpted from the poem, "Scarlet Shon-Xan"
That implies it's the same blade. Did I screw it up in the Factions lore?
Melancholy Exile3 votesWait. Sauce?
I'm going to look for it but I'm afraid it could be a bit of a nightmare to find. It's something from a discussion Xypherous took part in several years ago which he, if I remember correctly, said that Riot had intended to emphasise at one point during her development but ended up leaving out as a result of her being moved up the release schedule.
Edit: Found it.
Edit #2: Perhaps you misunderstood what I meant when I said it wasn't the same sword? In hindsight I can understand why that turn of phrase might have caused some confusion.
CupcakeTrap12 votesOh. Yeah. I mean, sure, it's a "different sword" in that sense. I thought you meant she chucked the broken blade and went and got a new one, which was also broken … which I found rather jarring.
"Damn emo kids, with their pre-torn jeans and pre-broken swords."
Irongrinder3 votesMordekaiser's name has its roots in German. It translates to "Corpse King."
Solideus4 votesActually Morde is "Murders", not corpse. Also, kaiser is german for emperor, not king. The name was/is the online identity of a Rioter's girlfriend.
Merxamers4 votesActually Morde is "Murders", not corpse. Also, kaiser is german for emperor, not king. The name was/is the online identity of a Rioter's girlfriend.
THE EMPEROR OF MURDERS HUEHUEHUEHUEHUEHUE
RiotCarnival Knights10 votesFun fact! Mordekaiser's archetype is based on the supernatural black knight of Arthurian legend, specifically Esclados from Yvain, the Knight of the Lion. He also takes inspiration from other black knight tales like Edmund Spencer's The Faerie Queen and, of course, Sega's 2009 classic Sonic and the Black Knight.
(Not really that last one though)
Merxamers2 votesFun fact! Mordekaiser's archetype is based on the supernatural black knight of Arthurian legend, specifically Esclados from Yvain, the Knight of the Lion. He also takes inspiration from other black knight tales like Edmund Spencer's The Faerie Queen and, of course, Sega's 2009 classic Sonic and the Black Knight.
(Not really that last one though)
That's really cool, actually. Not sure he's living up to that archetype currently tho, with the 'glass cannon melee mage with a giant mace' thing he's got going on
RiotCarnival Knights12 votesIt's true that he's pretty old. His lore is also pretty... well, it needs an update. So we're looking at him (from the narrative side) from more of that 'black knight' perspective, but also at who he was before he was encased in supernatural masochist power armor. As in, what drives him? What makes him the way he is? Why is his will to dominate and humiliate rather than to outright kill? We want to make sure we're preserving what people do like about him, while fleshing out what isn't there.
TerraRising14 votesIt's true that he's pretty old. His lore is also pretty... well, it needs an update.
So do a lot of champions, but first things first. ;)
So we're looking at him (from the narrative side) from more of that 'black knight' perspective, but also at who he was before he was encased in supernatural masochist power armor.
Interesting start. Here are some suggestions if they're not too late.
[NOTE: THIS is why Narrative needs to talk with us instead of just making decisions on their own. Maybe we can suggest something awesome you guys haven't thought of.]
As in, what drives him? What makes him the way he is?
People who make deals with the supernatural are often desperate. Kratos (God of War) was desperate for a victorious battle against Barbarians and pledged himself to Ares to get that wish. Most of us should be aware of the aftermath of that pledge.
Perhaps pre-armor Mordekaiser was a good but very arrogant knight (maybe Demacian) who fell from grace and offered a deal to any supernatural entity around. His offer was answered by the Shadow Isles and thus was born "Mordekaiser."
Why is his will to dominate and humiliate rather than to outright kill?
I forget who said it, but someone said "You can kill a man only once, but you can break him many times." It's tough being "numero uno" if there's no one else around to be your... number two. Also, if you dominate a person, you can make them do things for you out of fear/respect/whatever.
It could be that Morde may be trying to raise an army instead of killing his enemies.
We want to make sure we're preserving what people do like about him, while fleshing out what isn't there.
More suggestions:
• Keep the "heavy metal" theme. Reference new songs if Morde is going to have a kit change. • New VO to get rid of the references to the summoner and the game ["As you wish, SUMMONER" and "You only need to click once, fool!] Also, keep the same voice actor! He's been really good to the community. • Alternate laugh should be "Hue hue hue!"
CupcakeTrap11 votesNew VO to get rid of the references to the summoner and the game ["As you wish, SUMMONER" and "You only need to click once, fool!] Also, keep the same voice actor! He's been really good to the community.
If lore and gameplay are separate, I don't see the need to eliminate this sort of thing. I prefer the idea of the Champions talking with you rather than just mumbling to themselves. According to Narrative, the game is already an alternate fantasy universe that does contain "Summoners", so why do we have to kill all this fun interaction?
I like Veigar accusing me of making short jokes, and Cho'gath saying there are stains upon my soul, and Lux trying to encourage me, and so on.
RiotCarnival Knights11 votesLots of good thoughts here. We have some headcanon about what he could be, and you're not too far off from what we came up with. Not sure who took Mordy, but I'll poke them to take a look at this.
CupcakeTrap10 votesIt's true that he's pretty old. His lore is also pretty... well, it needs an update.
HE CONTROLS HIS OWN PAIN, AND THAT OF OTHERS! Mordekaiser, the Anesthesiologist Ascendant.
As I've said before, I mean it in good fun. I think LoL's lore would be worse if not for the sort of playfulness that produces a dozen really clever and fun ideas for every screw-up. I mean no slight against whoever wrote Morde's lore: it gives the impression of someone taking a risk and ending up with a botch, but that's part of the artistic process.
I don't have a whole lot to say about Mordekaiser, but I strongly, strongly encourage Narrative to strike up a discussion with the community as you think about how to handle him.
On the note of domination/humiliation rather than outright killing, I think the "feeding on their fear" trope is a pretty strong one. I think it also helps explain why the Void doesn't just work like a conquering human army. They're out to eat Valoran's soul, and that means manipulating mortal emotions and concepts, like popping a morsel into one's mouth and turning it over with one's tongue to luxuriate in its varied tastes and textures. Perhaps SI creatures like Mordekaiser have something similar going on. Bring a little otherworldliness to it.
Factions played around with this concept in Discord. In retrospect, that's one arc that would have worked better as an outright war rather than a League dispute, and our one nod to the Great Retcon might be to retcon that arc to have simply been "The Void War". At the end of the day, I'm not sure that Malzahar's schtick about "I'll humiliate you as I destroy you, by forcing you to play your little League game for impossibly high stakes" every really worked, but the idea was that the Void was devouring Valoran's concept of law and order, and its League, by dismantling it and mocking it before their eyes. Like, "we could just destroy Noxus. But no, we're going to hold a League tournament for the 'right' to do so, then we're going to pervert the League by making you announce the result, and then we'll have the battle." The underlying concept was that the Void would feed on the collective despair of Valoran as they watched their greatest triumph, the League of Legends, not merely fail to stop the Void but recognize its superiority by its own rules.
We want to make sure we're preserving what people do like about him, while fleshing out what isn't there.
Could it be? Meaningful community engagement? This sounds like meaningful community engagement, happening early enough that it might actually matter!
http://i.imgur.com/NlpBt.gif Grab some snacks, kids.
RiotCarnival Knights14 votesOn the note of domination/humiliation rather than outright killing, I think the "feeding on their fear" trope is a pretty strong one. I think it also helps explain why the Void doesn't just work like a conquering human army. They're out to eat Valoran's soul, and that means manipulating mortal emotions and concepts, like popping a morsel into one's mouth and turning it over with one's tongue to luxuriate in its varied tastes and textures. Perhaps SI creatures like Mordekaiser have something similar going on. Bring a little otherworldliness to it.
This has come up a lot in discussion about SI champs (and really, champs in general). Making sure that we have strong themes, but are still able to avoid storytelling overlap (Mordekaiser is a SPOOKY SCARY GHOST and he TAKES YOUR SOUL. Thresh is a SPOOKY SCARY GHOST and he TAKES YOUR SOUL. Hecarim is a SPOOKY SCARY GHOST... horse... and he... uh...). So far so good, from what I've seen of it!
the idea was that the Void was devouring Valoran's concept of law and order, and its League, by dismantling it and mocking it before their eyes.
The Void as we know it is fairly alien in its 'desires,' if you can even call them that. It's not really a faction per se, but a wellspring of doorways and passages where things move around inside doing and thinking god-knows-what. There's something extremely foreign and primal about the creatures that come out of it, with only brief glimpses what one might be able to describe as 'humanlike motives.' When we look at SI, the horrors those characters can wreak are scary precisely because they are so human, and yet so twisted and violent and cruel. That's what we're trying to capture.
Could it be? Meaningful community engagement? This sounds like meaningful community engagement, happening early enough that it might actually matter!
I've been trying, man! Those dogpiles are intense. (Joking)
Can I level with you? Remember that Fiddlesticks thread where I was asking what people wanted to see in Fiddlesticks? I was writing a FIddlesticks story. Even incorporated a couple key points of feedback. Ain't I a stinker? /bugsbunny
I don't want to hijack this thread too badly, so I might make one to continue this discussion about some characters we've yet to take a serious crack at yet. Just let me get more coffee.
Edit: Accidentally a word
Zeta11 votesIt's true that he's pretty old. His lore is also pretty... well, it needs an update. So we're looking at him (from the narrative side) from more of that 'black knight' perspective, but also at who he was before he was encased in supernatural masochist power armor. As in, what drives him? What makes him the way he is? Why is his will to dominate and humiliate rather than to outright kill? We want to make sure we're preserving what people do like about him, while fleshing out what isn't there.
Go with the original concept people speculated about upon his release: five Yordles in a suit of armor.
RiotCarnival Knights18 votesHm...
Paravani8 votesPerhaps Mordekaiser is, in essence, the ultimate compensator. There is NOTHING beneath the armor. He IS the armor. He is power and fortitude with no substance. His desires wouldn't be the same as any living creature, with reproductive and survival needs. His only needs are validation of his existence, substantiated by dominating others and forcing them into subjugation. In a way, he's got the biggest inferiority complex ever.
Naturally his creation would have been by someone intending to make the best suit of armor and weapon ever, which would not need its wearer to be skilled, it does the job for them. Predictably, they didn't get it right.
