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The Black Mist: "Facts, Myths and Theories" BONUS

dialMARK4acti0n·10/27/2014, 8:50:15 PM·26 votes·15,340 views

For more discussions like this, check out the "Facts, Myths and Theories" main post! Now, also on Reddit.

Welcome summoners, to yet another lore discussion by, yours truly, dialMARK4acti0n. Please, do not ask me of what made me think that was a good name... Just call me Dial or Mark :P Anyways, you may be wondering: "Aren't new discussions supposed to come out on Wednesdays?" Yes! They are. But, this week, you'll have two entries on "Facts, Myths and Theories"! Cool, uh? This bonus one will be shorter than usual, but to many of you that's a good thing so... yeah! xD Anyway, don't worry you poll-voters, because this bonus discussion will in no way affect the poll winner, and don't worry any other fans, because there will still be a discussion on Wednesday. Also, this is a pretty good way for me to test out a tentative new schedule...

Before we begin though, you may be asking... "What is 'Facts, Myths and Theories'?" Well, let's clarify shall we? This is a series where I talk about a Lore-related topic every week. I grab what we know, what we don't know and mesh these together to form - you guessed it - theories, to try and crack the lore wide open. Now, let's figure out what the fog in countless champion profile pages is teasing...

This Week's Bonus Topic: The Black Mist...

http://i.imgur.com/y4wynut.jpg

Well, I don't celebrate Halloween but I know most of you do, especially in NA, so, here's a spoOoOoky discussion for you that isn't a "Halloween special" in any way, shape or form!

Now, you may be aware of the mysterious teasers running around lately... The foggy and altered champion profile pages, that freaky banner that showed up on the OCE facebook page. Well... there's been A LOT of discussion lately on what these teasers could possibly mean. A... LOT! There's been theories that it's just the Harrowing... that it's a Shaco rework... that it's the new Summoner's Rift... that it's the ultimate skin... But, the most popular... and let's face it, the most likely... is that it's a new champion. Now, stop typing your counter-argument in the comments... stop it...! And listen. Jinx was teased in a very similar fashion and I doubt that they'd do these types of things for anything else. Well, maybe for the Harrowing, but that would just be laaaaame. So, for the sake of this discussion, let's assume it's a champion (because, that's what the people want!). Also for the sake of this discussion, we'll be referring to the mysterious new champion as #122. Now, let's begin!

The Facts

http://i.imgur.com/e4woNXk.png

So, on October 15th of 2014, the champion profile pages for Cassiopeia, Hecarim, LeBlanc, Lissandra, Twisted Fate, Xerath, Zed were all covered in this mysterious smoke/fog with some sort of teal-colored lightning, striking in the back, on a loop. Then, on October 22nd, precisely a week later, the Oceania League of Legends official facebook page, posted a short video of a banner with some sort of a "three-skull" symbol, with a similar teal-colored lightning storm playing in the back. We also see this banner with the skull symbol on the Harrowing login screen, in the top right and we see its symbol on the "Mark of the Betrayer" Harrowing icon... Mhmm, interesting...

It's mysterious, because at first it seems like it's just teasing the Harrowing... but if that's true than why would they pick these 7 champions specifically, that seem completely unrelated to each other, to cover in fog, instead of just everyone? Not all of them have Harrowing skins. They're not from the same faction. They don't share the same role. So, what do these champions have in common?

The Myths

http://i.imgur.com/ijc8oKv.jpg

Well, there's been a ton of speculation regarding this. So let's go over what people have deduced the relation between these 7 champions to be.

The 7 Deadly Sins. One of the first theories I read was that these 7 champions each represent one of the Deadly Sins. Cassiopeia is Lust. Hecarim is Wrath. LeBlanc is Pride. Lissandra is Sloth. Twisted Fate is Greed. Xerath is Gluttony. And Zed is Envy. Well, these do seem to fit. But, I do not think this one is what they were going for...

Ao Shin. Well, teal-colored lightning... Teal. Ionia. Lightning. Ao Shin. Makes sense... but, it has been stated in the past that Ao Shin would not come out before the end of 2014. And besides, why would Ao Shin mark these champions with smoke anyway? He's supposed to be the protector of Ioni... wait a minute...

Ionia Invasion. One of the other theories is that all of these champions (except for Hecarim) are related to Ionia in some way. Most of them are related to the factions that participated in the Noxian invasion of Ionia (Noxus/Bilgewater/Zaun). Maybe, the champion is from Ionia? Heck! Maybe it's Ao Shin! At this point, who knows?!

Transformed. Well, another theory is that all these champions are changed and transformed in some way. They used to be something else all together, but were changed to become something else.

Traitors! The last theory I'm going to mention in the Myths section is the one where all of these champions have betrayed someone... although, Hecarim isn't confirmed to have done such a thing for sure. Anyway, Twisted Fate betrayed Graves. Zed betrayed the Kinkou. Lissandra betrayed, like... EVERYONE! LeBlanc, THE DECIEVER. Xerath betrayed Azir, as we have recently discovered. And Hecarim SUPPOSEDLY betrayed the Ruined King. Honestly, I think this one's spot on... After all, the symbol is called the "Mark of the Betrayer"...

The Theories

http://i.imgur.com/Wkeyc9W.jpg

Now, we can assume that the mark is some sort of symbol related to #122 in some way. Stop commenting... Drop the keyboard! Why would a three-headed skull be related to Hexakill if there are teams of 6 in Hexakill?! Again, my opinion, is that it's not teasing the Harrowing. So, the marks on the champions are some sort of smoke right? Now, are you aware that some hunters, especially in ancient civilizations and more traditional cultures, mark their prey with smoke? The military are also known to use this tactic in modern warfare. Well, I believe that #122 is a hunter of some description. I mean, think about it, even if the preys he has marked aren't personal targets for him (which they probably are) there are solid reasons for him to hunt them down! A half snake, half woman, one-of-a-kind creature. An ancient woman of the Freljord that is not even known to exist to most people in the world. An ascended that is made of pure energy. This guy could get some big buck and ego boosts if he were to catch them. Honestly, I think this is Rengar's job already, but it's plausible.

Now, let's get to the good stuff. I've said that these teasers are not for the Harrowing right? But, obviously, these teasers are pretty tied to the Harrowing nonetheless. Well... I think that #122 is related to the Shadow Isles, but not just because of his teaser's timing... Oh no. It gets much deeper than that. Remember, how in some theories of the Myths section, Hecarim always seemed to get in the way of it being real? Well, following on the "Traitors" theory, it's not know if Hecarim betrayed the Ruined King or not, for sure. Well, what if he betrayed #122? It seems plausible. The Shadow Isles are pretty big right now, with the Harrowing and all, it would only seem fitting.

But, that's not all. Oh no, no, no, no... We've only just begun! See... there's a special reason for this discussion's title being "The Black Mist..." Hahaha! It's probably clicked by now, right? The puppet show. The Harrowing video. The "Tale of the Black Mist". Here's the quote for the video description:

"A ghastly puppet show recounts a tale familiar in Bilgewater, but tonight the fog’s come down especially thick…"

And here's the quote of the message of when they shared the video via Google+:

"Searching... seeking... killing!"

Oh yes... It was right in front of us. The puppet show is telling us a familiar tale in Bilgewater. The shipwreck of a small crew of sailors, during a travel that would ultimately lead them to the Shadow Isles...** But they were caught by the Black Mist... the same mist that's covering the champion profile pages!!** It even has the same type of lightning emanating from it. And from it, Hecarim arisens, killing the captain's small crew, including his lover. And this is the moments where the puppets' strings are cut. So, suddenly, we know who Hecarim betrayed... although we don't know the full details...

#122 is the same guy, whose story is told in the puppet show! Clearly, his main quarry is with Hecarim, who betrayed him, but maybe he died and became undead as portrayed in the video, after the story ended, with his last thought being to 'search... seek... kill!' his traitor, making it his mission as an undead. This just makes perfect sense! Hecarim showing up. The "Mark of the Betrayer". The Black Mist. It all adds up!

So... what will #122 be like? Well... it's still soon to say, but I think, from what we have already discussed, that he'll be some sort of hunter of some description. Probably, kind of like "Arrow", who, in Season 1, was crossing off names off a list his father gave him before his death. I think, if he has a personal quarry with Hecarim only, or all 7 champions that have been covered in the mist, this would be the most likely. Maybe, he'll be undead... and/or severely corrupted by this mysterious "Black Mist" we keep hearing so much about lately. This would probably play out in his kit, as well as his personality. I think though, he wouldn't be a mage, because of Nidalee's existence... who is also, kind of a hunter, making #122 obsolete. Then, there's Rengar who already fills the hunter theme as a fighter/assassin. I believe, we're gonna see #122 as a marksman. This would finally allow for a full Shadow Isles team (Lucian doesn't count) and, also, fill a pretty cool niche in the marksman role. That is, a hunter. Probably, using spears, since anything else would probably feel awkward.

#It's all just a theory though... Thanks for reading!

And really, we'll only know what's up with #122, factually, when he is released. Well, I hope you enjoyed this little bonus discussion. Sorry if this wasn't as deep or detailed as the discussions you're used to, or if the discussion was missing some of the usual polish, but I did do this in my spare time, in addition to the more in-depth discussion (coming out Wednesday), so, again, sorry! Anyway, please share some of your theories in the comments down below, and vote in this week's special poll and share your opinions on what #122 will be. I'm really curious! I hope you continue to have an excellent Harrowing season...

Follow me on Twitter: @dialMARK4acti0n

81 Comments

GreenLore10/27/2014, 10:34:13 PM5 votes

Well a leak said the next champ is going to be kalista a shadow isles adc with spears(note how these 3 skulls look like spears?),so I think that leak is pretty valid(aside from the fact that the leaker has been accurate in the past).

Now personally I think that 122 will be someone who punishes those who betrayed someone. I think hecarim betraying him/her personally is quite a possibility(and would give us finally something about Hecarim).

While the puppet player from the cinematic was kinda cool I doubt he has much to do with the new champ.

Shinjuku Jalter10/27/2014, 10:10:03 PM3 votes

Mark, some Rioter in Brazil just wrote a post. It definitely looks like Kalista.

http://www.reddit.com/r/leagueoflegends/comments/2ki51h/new_champion/

Flintfall10/27/2014, 9:40:42 PM3 votes

I would also like to add that Hecarim is in the center of this. Why?

http://i.imgur.com/McCNT6S.png

In this teaser image Hecarim is in the middle of the betrayed ones, and as Dial pointed out, Hecarim killed the characters from the puppet show. Either he betrayed those characters directly or has a betrayal from his past is unsure, but he is definitely the main focus of #122 wrath.

Here is the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Z1fP7ePU8o

LuckyReden10/27/2014, 10:57:28 PM3 votes

There are some other interesting things brewing in the Black Mist that I have been thinking about, let me list a few.

The harrowing page has an image of a person that looks like Averidian above the video. If you don't know, Averidian was a champion who was canceled many years ago. It was rumored he had some form of a leash/attachment ability that would link him with an ally. Now about 3 months ago, a riot champ designer said they had been working again with a similar idea. Could we be seeing Averidan, but this time he is the corrupted pirate? The icon seems too similar for this to be a coincidence.

Another theory associated with the previous is that it is the puppeteer who is the new champion, and the "tale known well" is simply ships getting rekt by the shadow isles. This would also support the link mechanic, i mean its a puppeteer. Also i dont know about you guys, but that cinematic seemed too ominous and foreshadowing for the puppeteer to not be someone more important. They seemed to make a big deal out of him, and didn't show his face till the end as if it was some big reveal.

Another, more popular theory, is there is a (widely believed to be female) champion coming out named Kalista, who uses spears. This supports the banner with the spears on them, as well as the icon. Also, the most important part of this theory, is a redditer named whyrenektonwhy posted recently about a new female champion named kalista who used spears and had a link mechanic. This same redditer was banned/deleted, and he also correctly predicted gnar, AND urf.

There is also a small amount of speculation that the woman on the west side of the Twisted Treeline could possibly be the new champion/Kalista, and is out to take revenge upon the people she deems evil. This is probably the least supported idea.

The new Soraka skin, which is almost assuredly a harrowing skin has yet to release. Unless Riot plans on releasing it late, or for the next harrowing, there is still more to come for this event. Also upon Azir's release, we got the Ascension gamemode, several new skins, icons, and ward skins. If that is any indication, this is very similar to Azir's release, aside from the new champion of course.

Just some other circling ideas!

Samflash310/27/2014, 9:14:12 PM3 votes

If you look at the card Twisted Fate is holding, something is written on his card while the others are blank.

Samflash310/27/2014, 9:19:14 PM2 votes

Yet what do the small changes to other characters mean? Kennen missing his moon, Evelynn shrunk, Kayle and he bloddy wings, Gangplank missing his booty, etc.

soulbanana810/28/2014, 12:28:04 AM2 votes

Attack Damage carry It's the only thing that stops them from making a Shadow Isle team.

Kinjishi10/30/2014, 9:01:21 AM1 votes

Very interesting post and thank you for all that you put on the forums.

"Once, Nautilus was a sailor commissioned by the Institute of War to explore the uncharted reaches of the Guardian's Sea. This expedition took him deep into unknown waters where he and his crew found a vast section of black oozing liquid that none of the crew could identify. Though their job was to investigate anything new that they found, no man aboard was willing to brave the murk except Nautilus. Only moments after he donned the hulking diver's suit and climbed over the ship's rail, something lurking in the muck grabbed hold of him. He clung to the side of the ship, but the thing below pulled him fiercely, rocking the entire ship. The other sailors grew afraid and made a terrible decision. As he stared and pled for help, they wrenched his grip free of the rail. He tumbled into the ink, grabbing the anchor in futile desperation. Dark tendrils enveloped him and he could do nothing but watch as the dimming outline of his ship faded away. Then everything went black."

It makes me wonder if the Black Mist has anything to do with the liquid and what Nautilus and crew found in the Gaurdian Sea. The Black Mist does cross over water and land. Perhaps it wasn't an oozing liquid, but the illusion of black mist at night over the water.

luiskeniosis6/17/2015, 11:48:05 PM1 votes

Correct me if i'm wrong, but im a bit late to this post but this is talking about kalista right?

LANWhale10/28/2014, 3:52:14 AM1 votes

I hope its a ghost pirate....that just sound so cool. summoner 6 Gangplank

HeadHonchkrow10/28/2014, 1:16:39 PM1 votes

If this is a Shaco rework...

Arbiter of Taste10/28/2014, 4:40:44 PM1 votes

Is there any connection being made between the Mist and the other altered splash arts on the webpage (If I can recall some of them: Kayle, Blitz, Nami)? Or is that believed to be a separate deal?

I Main Swain10/28/2014, 8:44:04 PM1 votes

you had me until A) you said he would be a hunter and B) you said he was the puppet focused on in the video and that that puppet had been betrayed by hecarim. betrayed is not the same as defeated

apuig10/29/2014, 3:12:14 PM1 votes

well i wouldn't like it if the new champ were to seek revenge from the shadow isles...another vayne? come one, he must one of the shadow isle's pure evil beings XD

EDIT: Great job with the article!

K1ng is back10/30/2014, 8:20:42 AM1 votes

Hmmmmm, to be honest, I kind of suspect that the two people in the puppet show(husband and wife) are the altar spirits of twisted treeline(also husband and wife). I do agree that there will be a related champion coming out, but I think he(she?) hunts betrayals in general, and might not necessarily be related to hecarim.

On second thought, the captain of that ship is stabbed, but not confirmed for dead. His body isn't taken to the shadow isles, and we don't see his soul being captured. A potential 'moby dick' story where he uses harpoons, and his boon is Hecarim rather than a white whale?