Things Learned from Varus's New Lore

Whether you've fallen in love with or seek bloody vengeance against Riot for Varus's new lore, there are plenty of details to make lore-buffs quiver with excitement.

1. Two Darkin Remain Firstly, there's the lesson that the Darkin are Extraterrestrial / Extradimensional beings which targeted Runterra for invasion after humanity began experimenting with magic. The Darkin War which followed ultimately saw the defeat of the invaders, and five of their (presumably most powerful) warriors being bound inside their weapons. Considering that there are currently three known Darkin (Aatrox, Rhaast, and now Varus) this leaves two of "The Five" remaining. In terms of gameplay implications, this likely means that we have Darkin mage and support characters yet to be introduced, as this would create a rounded "Darkin team".

2. A Golden-Clad, Flame-Haired Queen Varus specifically was defeated by an alliance of "Vastayan moon-stalkers" and mages who served a "golden-armoured warrior queen" who was "flame haired, either meaning that her head was on fire, or more likely that she was a red-head. This Queen not only bound Varus into his bow, but also used that bow without being corrupted to destroy the bridge between the Darkin world and Runeterra. This could be hinting at the Kayle and Morgana dual-update which Riot has previously expressed interest in. It would be interesting if the sisters where ancient Vastayans who have managed to survive from the Darkin War to the current age, Kayle being the Golden-Glad Queen, possibly kept alive through the ancient magic which summoned the Darkin, and Morgana being corrupted by Varus' elusive sister (there's our Mid-lane/support Darkin). We must also consider that Varus is searching for his sister in Shurima.

3. **The Darkin Pecking Order ** The new lore specifically mentions "the fall of Aatrox", implying that he was a commanding figure for the Darkin invaders, his significance among the Darkin isn't specified (was he some form of royalty, or just a respected general?), thought it may have something to do with the inherent familial ties of the Darkin (this being that they all refer to each other as "brother" or "sister"). Varus arrived with the second wave of invaders, he was obviously either powerful or in some way integral to the Darkin if his bow could be used to close the bridge between the two worlds, but he was seemingly under Aatrox in their power structure, whereas Rhaast seems to be either on equal terms or just under him... Or maybe Rhaast is just a sassy insubordinate, who knows at this point?

All-in-all, some engaging reading here. If there are any other details which you believe need discussing which I missed, by all means feel free! Just keep it civil please.