sanguineascent-blog

[sanguineascent-blog]

I’m no worldbuilder, but I found this really neat map creator so I tried to create what I imagine Runeterrra looks in my head.

I can’t adjust the map size without resetting so this is sort of incomplete (no Bandle, Kumungu, other stuff from the old map). But here I have the Freljord, Demacia in the West, Noxus to the East, and the complicated Piltover-Zaun coastline that’s better portrayed in the map from the Medarda Heirloom. Ionia is in the topright, Bilgewater islands off to the side, and Shurima in the south. Mount Targon is all the way in the bottom left.

This is still a first draft, but any recommendations (or better map creator sources) are welcome.

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JOJ issue 29

Early this week, the Crowned Prince made his first appearance in Demacia since the conflict in Kalamanda when he was seen escorting two prisoners into the city. Jarvan IV was greeted at the castle gates by Garen Crownguard, who offered the prince his assistance but was commandingly turned away before the gathered crowd.

"His arrival was completely unannounced," said Vel Karris, a Demacian guard on duty at the city's eastern gate. The prince reportedly arrived on horseback and had two hooded prisoners with him, but was otherwise alone. He informed the guards that he was escorting the prisoners to the castle dungeons. "The prince was very clear that no questions were to be asked."

Jarvan IV rode immediately towards the castle. His unexpected arrival gathered a considerable crowd. Since the events in Kalamanda, the prince's situation has been a subject of concern in Demacia, and citizens were considerably reinvigorated by his return. Despite the warm reception, the prince did not stop to acknowledge his citizens. Garen Crownguard, having been informed of the prince's return by the Demacian Guard, prepared to meet him at the castle gates.

However, when Garen broke through the crowd, Jarvan IV ordered him to halt.

Onlookers report that the prince informed Garen that his assistance was unnecessary. Garen protested and stated there was "much to discuss," but Jarvan turned him away. Garen questioned Jarvan as to the identity of his prisoners, and though the gathered crowd echoed his curiosity, Jarvan replied with this statement: "This is the business of the crown. Your loyalty is appreciated, Garen, but the Dauntless Vanguard has no place in this matter. Stand down."

Garen complied with his prince's command and withdrew from the gates. Following the confrontation, Jarvan IV entered the castle with the prisoners. Since his appearance early this week, the prince has not been seen outside of the castle's walls, and the nature of the prisoners' arrest has not been disclosed to the public.

"Much of the weight of the situation following Kalamanda has fallen onto the shoulders of the prince," stated Garen when questioned about his confrontation with Jarvan IV. "It is not my place to question his orders. I am certain that Jarvan has reasons for his actions and that all will be clear in time. Demacia stands resolute behind the crown."

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JOJ issue 30

The Institute of War itself has fallen under suspicion after Prince Jarvan IV and Katarina Du Couteau came forward yesterday with evidence implicating the Institute in conspiracy. Jarvan and Katarina reportedly followed an evidence trail left by General Du Couteau to conclude that the Institute may have been directly involved in sparking the war between Noxus and Demaciain Kalamanda.

Jarvan IV, who had not been seen outside the castle since his return to Demacia, emerged yesterday to deliver an address to Demacian citizens and representatives from the Institute of War. Onlookers were shocked, however, when Katarina Du Couteau emerged at the prince's side. "We feared that the famed assassin had targeted Prince Jarvan," stated Myras Thell, a soldier of the Dauntless Vanguard, "We attacked, but Commander Garen put himself in the path of our blades to defend her!"

The prince reported how he and Katarina recovered a coded rubric in the Ivory Ward from agents of Noxus suspected in the murder of General Du Couteau. Katarina, with the aid of a letter her father had left before his disappearance, was able to decode the rubric. Its message directed them to a hidden room beneath Demacia's prison, a place once used for secret meetings between Noxian infiltrators during the old wars.

Within the meeting room, Jarvan and Katarina discovered a series of documents hidden by General Du Couteau himself.

The General had been monitoring a series of transactions related to the DSS Excursion, the Demacian ship supposedly sunk by Noxus last year. "My father believed that Noxus was being set up for political disaster, so he took it upon himself to discover the truth behind the attack on Demacia. The transactions and orders were placed by a list of names that, according to my father's notes, lead nowhere. These people simply do not exist," stated Katarina. "But he had tied their point of origin to the Institute of War."

Jarvan and Katarina's further investigation had revealed that these names, suspected to be aliases one or more operatives in the Institute, were used again in orders for arcano-seismic charges from Alowicious Chucat shortly before the collapse of the Demacian mine in Kalamanda. Similarly, another alias was used for the purchase of Nyzer poison from Zaunite traders shortly before the death of Thom Garvin, the prisoner suspected causing the mine collapse.

"If this evidence stands," Jarvan stated, "then someone at the Institute manipulated the situation between Demacia and Noxus, pitting us against each other in Kalamanda. That is why we must stand together until the League itself answers for this injustice."

By Jarvan's direct order, Katarina has been placed under the personal protection of the Dauntless Vanguard. League Champion Talon, who was observed during the presentation of evidence, has disappeared, and many Demacian citizens assert that Jarvan has put them in danger. Demacia has erupted into heated debate regarding the collaboration between the prince and a representative of Noxus, but Jarvan IV himself has returned to the confines of the castle and has not commented further.

The Path We've Tread

The events in Kalamanda and Prince Jarvan's claims

Aria Breker reporting from Demacia

Citizens of Demacia, yesterday we witnessed our crowned prince come forth at the side of Katarina Du Couteau, a champion of our most hated enemies, against the Institute of War itself. I have witnessed chaos in the streets before the castle and I have heard whispers of dissent at my ears. My fellow Demacians, I plead for a moment of peace. Let us consider what we have heard and reflect on what we have seen—from the very beginning.

• 1 July, 20 CLE – The DSS Excursion, a Demacian cargo ship, is lost to piracy. Magical resonance at the ship's last known location implicates the use of necromancy.

• 13 July, 20 CLE Following the discovery of precious mineral deposits and two nexuses within the village of Kalamanda, the League and all major city-states send representatives for research and mining purposes. Competition is fierce.

• 25 January, 21 CLE – In Kalamanda, a Demacian mine collapses. The body of a Noxian soldier surrounded by arcano-seismic charges is discovered nearby, suggesting Noxian sabotage.

• 24 February, 21 CLE – A captured Demacian soldier named Thom Garvin confesses to planting the evidence implicating Noxus in the sabotage of the mine. Before the investigation into Garvin's testimony is complete, he is found dead by Nyzer poisoning in his prison cell.

• 1 July, 21 CLE – The leader of the Noxian High Command, General Boram Darkwill, is assassinated while on the road to Kalamanda.

• 22 July, 21 CLE - Open warfare erupts throughout the village between Demacian and Noxian military forces.

It is no secret that Noxus will never cease in their tireless efforts to sabotage Demacian honor, but I must ask this: what did Noxus have to gain in an assault upon the DSS Excursion? What use can necromancy serve in an attack at sea? In Kalamanda, too, we witnessed a series of escalations in tension between Demacia and Noxus. When the Demacian mine collapsed by sabotage early this year, the arcano-seismic charges discovered in the wreckage were of Noxian design, and the death of Thom Garvin by Nyzer poisoning was easily attributed to our enemies as well. Yet if the purchase of both of these things has been traced back to Institute of War itself, have we been manipulated?

In conclusion, there is merit to the Prince's claims, and by rallying against the measures he has taken—collaboration with Noxus—we violate our prime duty as citizens of Demacia. If the Institute of War has acted against the whole of Valoran, justice must be served. We stand behind our leaders in the face of all treachery, even treachery on the part of the League of Legends itself. We are the right and just, and we remain united behind Prince Jarvan IV.

In the pursuit of justice, we must be resolute in our search for the truth. May our resolve be unwavering and our righteous wrath unforgiving, but may we never strike without cause.

Demacia: now and forever.

Swain returns to Noxian High Command

Master Tactician gains support in the midst of conflict over Grand General's successor

Kaldera Carnadine reporting from Noxus

The turmoil in Noxus following the death of Grand General Boram Darkwill intensified this week when Jericho Swain returned to High Command. Upon his arrival, the Master Tactician gained the immediate support of Noxus's prominent military figures, positioning him as the strongest rival to Keiran Darkwill for leadership of Noxus.

The seat of the Grand General has remained vacant since the death of Boram Darkwill. Over the past weeks, the controversy over Darkwill's succession turned to outright hostility. Many of Noxus's notorious and powerful soldiers stepped forward in an attempt to lay claim to the title. Thus far, none have remained alive long enough to maintain control over the city-state.

"It's becoming a bit of a bloodbath, certainly," commented Chancellor Malek Hawkmoon. "But this is a Noxian contest of strength in its purest form. It is difficult for any aspiring General to prove himself without war. Those who try their hand for the Grand General's title do so with Noxus's oldest tool: raw strength."

Keiran Darkwill, the late Grand General's youngest son, remains one of the more ruthless aspirants in this dispute. He has successfully thwarted several assassination attempts, struck down his challengers, and rallied significant support behind his name. Only Darius, one of Noxus's most respected and feared Generals, has earned as much of a following within High Command as Keiran Darkwill. Many predicted the two would inevitably clash and that the victor would rise to the throne. Upon Jericho Swain's return, General Darius forged an immediate alliance with the famed Master Tactician.

"Strength was once the very backbone of Noxus," General Darius told High Command, "yet we have become plagued by weakness. In Jericho Swain I see a man with the power to cull the weak from Noxus and unite us under one banner—and united we shall conquer once again."

"No one expected an alliance like this," Chancellor Hawkmoon stated. "High Command is now more divided than ever between Keiran Darkwill and Jericho Swain, and weapons are drawn on both sides. This is a Noxus we haven't seen in years—the beast has awoken."

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JOJ issue 31

Jericho Swain defeated Keiran Darkwill in a duel contesting the leadership of Noxus last night, winning the support of High Command. Despite rumors of involvement with the Institute of War's scandal in Kalamanda, Swain has been named Grand General - the highest position in Noxus.

High Command remained divided in support between the two men since Swain returned earlier this month. Keiran Darkwill challenged Swain to a duel to settle the dispute, claiming that such a standstill was a "coward’s game." Many members of High Command believed this to be a strong move and expected Keiran, a notoriously skilled duelist, to win.

Onlookers reported that Keiran initially had the upper hand and gradually forced Swain into a corner. "He had the Master Tactician against the wall," stated one witness. "I heard him say 'watch closely,' and he vanished – then reappeared behind Keiran. Swain dragged him to the ground and locked the poor fool in his snare spell." With Keiran immobilized, Swain called General Darius, his most prominent supporter, to his side.

"Swain declared victory and left Darius to ‘evaluate the strength’ of Keiran Darkwill," explained Chancellor Malek Hawkmoon. "That didn’t take Darius long. Without a word, he raised his axe – and removed Darkwill’s head."

The gathered members of High Command unanimously agreed to swear loyalty to the Master Tactician. With none remaining to protest his claim, High Command named Jericho Swain the Grand General of Noxus. "It was the finest demonstration of power I have ever witnessed," stated Chancellor Malek Hawkmoon. "Swain rose to the challenge of his opponent, used his wit and cunning to best him, and demonstrated his ability to command. Noxus under Jericho Swain's rule shall be powerful indeed."

While High Command has embraced his rule, Swain’s leadership remains controversial in Noxus's lower houses. Some accuse Swain of willing participation in Heywan Relivash’s scheme to obtain Kalamanda. Katarina, the Sinister Blade herself, commented: "He gave Kalamanda to the League in exchange for power in Noxus. A bold move. A strong move. The strong may rise to power here, but this wouldn’t be Noxus if there weren’t always others with the strength to challenge them."

Heywan Relivash and Ralston Farnsley Arrested

High Councilor and Journal of Justice Senior Editor Implicated in Conspiracy

Quinton Groat reporting from the Institute of War.

Authorities arrested Heywan Relivash earlier this week after an investigation of his residence revealed his involvement in the Kalamanda scandal. The uncovered evidence also implicated Ralston Farnsley, the senior editor of the Journal of Justice, as a co-conspirator in Relivash’s scheme. Both men were apprehended while seeking asylum in Noxus and now face trial at the Institute of War.

A joint investigation led by Jarvan IV and Katarina Du Couteau traced the evidence found in Demaciato Relivash. At his residence investigators uncovered a model of the DSS Excursion, and coded notes detailing its sabotage, validating the evidence discovered in Demacia earlier this month. "Relivash had been trying to frame Noxus all along," commented Katarina. "He put us and Demacia against each other – all so the League could claim the nexuses in Kalamanda!"

Among the evidence uncovered was a collection of communications between Heywan Relivash and an unnamed contact, referred to simply as 'RF.' Upon further investigation, the dates of these communications lined up perfectly to events in Kalamanda.

"The Journal of Justice was used to pass secret and coded information from Heywan to participants in the conspiracy, and Ralston Farnsley was his primary contact," explained Jarvan IV.

Authorities apprehended Relivash and Farnsley after Talon, acting independently, tracked them to the outskirts of Noxus. They were brought into custody before they could seek asylum within Noxus's walls. Relivash and Farnsley's network of co-conspirators included many authors of the Journal of Justice. Arrests of these contacts will continue over the coming weeks as evidence is further reviewed.

Despite the arrests made, outcry against the Institute of War in the streets of Demacia and Noxus continues. In response to the rising tension, High Councilor Vessaria Kolminye made this statement: "Citizens of Valoran, the League of Legends promised your protection, and in that we have failed. Yet in the wake of these events, we must remain strong. We must not allow the selfish actions of one man to tear apart what we have built. We cannot succumb to war when we have committed ourselves to lasting peace. Stand with us and we shall rebuild."

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JOJ issue 28

During the night, a battle erupted within Noxus' famous Ivory Ward marketplace late last week, devastating the area’s main square. Noxian authorities have ruled the fight a political squabble related to the turmoil still raging in High Command after the death of Boram Darkwill.

The black of night shrouded the whole of the Ivory Ward when guards responded to the disturbance in the marketplace area. The Ivory Ward itself is one of the oldest and most wealthy districts in Noxus, and military-assigned guards in the area are sparse because its tenants typically hire private security. Last Thursday night, only one guard was close enough to respond to the disturbance, but he arrived too late to apprehend the perpetrators.

“Cries rose up from behind the Morcef District wall, where I was patrolling,” said Larin Daris, “followed by the noise of battle. From the sound of it, I needed reinforcements, so I called for backup.” Daris and his men arrived at the scene to discover a wealth of destruction from the battle that had taken place—debris, scattered wreckage of merchants’ stands, and blood—but not a soul in sight. “All of that mess, and everyone had ditched the party.”

Noxus has seen an increase in outbreaks of violence since the assassination of Boram Darkwill, as his death has High Command in turmoil over the rightful successor to his title. The power struggle has trickled down into the rest of Noxus as citizens take arms in support of the various Generals vying for the seat of the Grand General.

“It’s been a gradual escalation,” stated High Chancellor Hawkmoon. “We’ve had plenty of bar fights and a number of squabbles between military units under different Generals. The Ivory Ward is home to the oldest families of Noxus, and they hold a great deal of sway. But the problem of filling the Grand General’s seat has everyone divided. Whatever happened that night is tied to what is happening in the halls of High Command.”

The compromised marketplace remains under investigation by Noxian authorities, and residents of the Ivory Ward have drastically increased their security. No casualties have been confirmed, but one merchant whose stock was destroyed, Vexus Nirac, has not been seen since the day before the marketplace battle. “He may have been involved, and in that case, any information we may gain from him would be of value. I understand that there is an order out for his arrest, but thus far, his whereabouts remain unknown.”

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JOJ issue 27

An anonymous tip led the remaining Demacian guards in Kalamanda to the remnants of the local prison last night, resulting in a scuffle with an unidentified intruder. The suspect was caught searching the same ward in which the Demacian prisoner was assassinated in June. After a violent confrontation with the Might of Demacia and a host of guards, he escaped into the night. Investigators have since been unable to track him.

Before the outbreak of war in Kalamanda, a Demacian soldier who had publically confessed to conspiracy against Noxus by order of Jarvan IVhimself was mysteriously assassinated. He was found dead in his cell shortly after his confession, a victim of Nyzer poisoning, and investigators were unable to find any evidence left behind by the culprit.

Last night, however, Demacian representatives received an anonymous message hinting that the assassin would return to the prison to retrieve "evidence left undiscovered." Garen, the Might of Demacia himself, led a group of responders to the prison shortly before midnight. "The assassination of Thom Garvin was Noxus' attempt to silence him," stated Garen. "Demacia will take every measure to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice."

At the prison, the small Demacian force discovered an unidentified intruder searching the cells. Garen reportedly ordered the man to stand down, but a fight ensued nonetheless. "He was too fast with his blades," said Elim Relgar, one of the soldiers present at the scene. "Only Garen could match him. He almost had the intruder cornered, but the bastard disappeared right out from under us."

Following the fight, investigators searching the area discovered no new evidence for the assassination of the Demacian prisoner.

However, the intruder left behind several daggers and a torn note, pictured above. Thus far, the content of the note has yet to be deciphered.

League officials in Kalamanda will remain on watch for the mysterious individual in the coming days. Garen requested that a small group of Dauntless Vanguard join their patrol, but the request was denied. "We have allowed small groups of Noxian and Demacian forces to oversee the extraction process and the construction of the Crystal Scar provided they remember one thing: the war is over," stated High Councilor Vessaria Kolminye, overseeing the League's continued presence in Kalamanda. "The League will continue to quell any action that could result in renewed violence."

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JOJ Volume 1, issue 25

The collective fears of Valoran have been realized in Kalamandaas the standoff between Noxus and Demacia has escalated to all-out war. Initial estimates put casualties in the hundreds, with reports continuing to flood in. The High Councilors of the League of Legends called for an emergency assembly of League and city-state representatives as soon as fighting broke out, but they have yet to release an official statement.

It appears that Prince Jarvan IV of Demacia struck the first blow against General Swain of Noxus. According to eyewitnesses, Swain was making his usual rounds of the Noxian camp when he was ambushed by Jarvan, who was lurking in shadows nearby. The two became locked in combat, and soldiers from both camps immediately engaged each other in efforts to come to their aid.

“Jarvan has always been a bit of a hothead, but it’s hard to imagine him starting the fight with stakes like these,” commented Tryndamere, who has recently been in negotiations with Demacia following Freljord's ascension to city-state status. “Those two have always had a special hatred for each other though, if anyone would get to him, it would be Swain.”

Though battle between these embittered rivals has been heated, ambassadors from both sides have pledged that their forces will refrain from the use of unsanctioned magic.

Chancellor Malek Hawkmoon, spokesman for Noxus, called it a “steel and slugs” engagement, employing the Noxian military term for a physical-only wartime operation. This doesn’t offer much reassurance to neighboring villages, but it has bought the League some breathing space while it strategizes a response.

Neither army appears to have gained a significant advantage over the other. The bulk of the fighting has taken place on the fields just outside the village’s primary dig site, but the contested area is gradually expanding. Prince Jarvan hasn’t been seen on the battlefield since his initial clash with Swain, but Noxus’ Master Tactician has stridden the front lines, issuing commands and urging his troops onward.

Jarvan’s absence has caused a great degree of speculation that the Prince may have been killed or captured, but Demacian forces have not faltered. Their morale has been bolstered by Garen and the Dauntless Vanguard, whose efforts have stymied the Noxian offensive at nearly every turn. King Jarvan III has reportedly donned his own royal armor, although his exact position remains a mystery. Wherever he is, it’s fair to say Xin Zhao is at his side.

---

Since the death of Boram Darkwill two weeks ago, Noxian High Command has existed in a state of unrest and contention. Despite raging debates, the successor to the Grand General’s empty seat remains unclear.

According to Noxian scholars, the Grand Generals of Noxus have historically risen to power through unrivaled military success and support. However, Boram Darkwill’s unusually long reign saw the creation of the League of Legends. “With the oversight of the Institute of War, we have fallen upon a time of relative peace,” said Chancellor Malek Hawkmoon. “The role of High Command has changed. We negotiate, we manage the provinces and territories under the Noxian banner, we govern. We are peacekeepers. It is difficult to evaluate any one General without the visceral results that war once gave us.”

At the head of the dispute is the late Grand General’s youngest son, Keiran Darkwill. While he does not hold a General’s rank, he has an impressive military record. Keiran oversaw Noxus’ acquisition of Askay and Meland last year and is also responsible for driving back the minotaur tribes of the Great Barrier. “With the situation in Kalamanda grown dire, we have no time for games,” said Keiran.

“It is only right that the seat of the Grand General remains with the Darkwill line.” Darkwill’s eldest son, Draythe, has yet to address the public following his father’s death.

While Keiran Darkwill does hold a strong following, he is not without opposition. The death of Boram Darkwill has revived investigation of General Du Couteau’s disappearance, an effort driven by his daughters, Katarina and Cassiopeia. General Du Couteau was largely considered Boram Darkwill’s most trusted and skilled General until he vanished late last year.

“If my father were here today, he would stand the undisputed successor to Darkwill,” commented Katarina. “It is too great a coincidence to ignore that the two most powerful men in Noxus have been removed from their positions in so short a span of time.”

Even as High Command remains in turmoil, a great deal of interest lies with General Jericho Swain. As a League of Legends champion, he remains the most recognizable face of Noxian High Command and his military record is exceptional. “Even in his absence, members of High Command have voiced support to his name,” Hawkmoon said. “As it stands, Jericho Swain is the presiding General on Noxus’ only warfront. That is more than most Generals can boast.”

General Swain, occupied in Kalamanda, could not be reached for comment.

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JOJ - Volume 1, issue 24

Demacia and Noxus are fighting over Kalamanda’s mining rights. Demacians get trapped, noxus offers aid (along with Piltover and Ionia). 

They find the source of the explosion was “Noxian dead man with explosive”

Later, during the signing, Swain says “yo this Demacian man, Thom Garvin, admitted framing us”. man is held prisoner. Man dies of poisoning later. No one knows what from.  Noxian and Demacian forces are gathering around Kalamanda.

Things went from worse to worst in Kalamanda today as General Boram Darkwill and his accompanying platoon of Raedsel Guardsman were found slain on the roads not far from the village. The massacre was discovered by a Noxian company dispatched from Kalamanda to rendezvous with and escort Darkwill and his men across the last leg of the journey.

Analysis of the scene indicates that the entire troop was eliminated with terrifying efficiency. Noxian scouts haven’t found any traces of an attacking force or any signs of survivors. The caravan seems to have been taken completely by surprise, which is confusing considering that the site of the ambush is flat and open with little vegetation or terrain. Swain ordered that the bodies of every slain Noxian soldier be put to fire, as is the Noxian ceremony for fallen ranking officers in wartime conditions.

“This atrocity could only have been perpetrated by one group,” insisted Jericho Swain, the presiding Noxian authority in Kalamanda. “The Raedsel Guard is comprised of Noxus’ most ruthless and vicious soldiers. A platoon of Raedsel is worth a regiment of infantrymen.I don’t know how the Demacians overcame them before they could signal our forces in Kalamanda, but no other military on this continent could mount such an assault. This is a clear declaration of war.”

In a public response, King Jarvan III of Demacia decried the attack. “This is a horrific tragedy. It’s no secret that Demacian and Noxian forces have opposed each other on numerous occasions, but General Darkwill and I were able, after so much conflict, to put our rivalries aside for the greater good. I did not order this attack. I would never do anything to threaten the peace we have forged. I am willing to cooperate in any way necessary to prove the truth of these claims.”

Swain’s declined Jarvan’s invitation to discuss the situation, which may indicate that the damage is already done. The last remaining natives of Kalamanda, including the mayor and his councilmen, have been evacuated from the region. Security at the Demacian camp has increased, though soldiers have been carefully instructed to make no show of aggression.

For the fragile time being, the sleepy village of Kalamanda remains calm as all of Valoran waits to see Swain’s next move.

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JOJ Issue 23

The Demacian soldier who publically confessed to conspiracy and sabotage in Kalamanda was found dead in his cell yesterday, a victim of Nyzer poisoning. Investigations are underway, but as of yet Kalamanda officials are at a loss as to how such a poison managed to elude the notice of its guards. With news that the prisoner’s interrogation was scheduled for later this weekend, suspicious eyes are being cast at the visiting delegations of Noxusand Demacia.

Though representatives from both city-states denied any wrongdoing, military activity had visibly increased in both camps over the last two weeks. Perhaps most disturbing of all, a carriage believed to contain General Boram Darkwill himself was seen departing Noxus soon after the prisoner’s fate was discovered. By all accounts, the ageless, reclusive leader of Noxus hasn’t set foot outside of the castle since the formation of the League of Legends over two decades ago.

The prisoner’s testimony was expected to put to rest the question of which city-state Kalamanda would grant exclusive mining rights to. In the absence of convincing evidence as to who poisoned the prisoner, the heat is back on Kalamanda’s ruling council to decide – a difficult decision to make with accusations flying and the formidable armies of both candidates perched on their doorstep.

Noxian supporters have been quick to indicate that the prisoner’s interrogation was delayed for weeks without public explanation by King Jarvan III of Demacia. The King responded personally to the claims by stating that he was conducting a thorough background check on the soldier in question, due to concerns that his earlier confession might have been coerced. He didn’t specify the results of the background check, but he promised that it would follow “in due course”.

The use of Nyzer poison is unusual, although it creates more questions than it answers. Nyzer has a bitter, distinct taste, which makes it a poor choice to slip to an unsuspecting victim. It does, however, lead to a very peaceful death. For this reason, it’s most commonly used to euthanize animals, and is therefore accessible to a broad range of people. This begs the question: did the prisoner take it willingly?

While Kalamanda strategizes its next play, the city-state delegations have been cautioned by the League to maintain the peace. High Councilor Vessaria Kolminye issued this statement, “the last thing we want is for this incident to lead to any serious lapses in judgment. We’ve come too far to see the world plunged back into conflict over money and resources.”

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JOJ Issue 1, vol 11

Swain and Marcus’ disappearance:

One of Noxus' finest children, the celebrated General Du Couteau, vanished this past week under the most peculiar of circumstances. Last seen slipping away from his entourage during a trip to the famed marketplace of the Ivory Ward—the oldest and most opulent of Noxus' historic districts—the General never returned to collect his coterie.

When interviewed, the General's retainers said that he appeared extremely agitated prior to his disappearance, having been observed on multiple occasions checking his pocket watch at frequent, neurotic intervals. While we can only speculate on what grave errand compelled Du Couteau to proceed unguarded into the city, the increasing length of his absence does not bode well for a safe return. His absence has been especially hard on his family, as the General's daughter Katarina, the famed Sinister Blade, has been unable to leave the Institute of War to tend to familial affairs.

With Du Couteau's whereabouts unknown, his seat on the Noxian High Command stood vacant. As a result, General Boram Darkwill came under pressure from his cabinet to fill this unoccupied seat on the advisory council. He did so today at a private ceremony held deep within his inner sanctum at Darkbourne Hold, surprising no one when he selected League Champion and Master Tactician Jericho Swain, one of his Lieutenant Generals, to succeed the late General Du Couteau.

In a brief speech punctuating the ceremony, General Darkwill made the following comment to his latest protégé: "It is long overdue that we recognize your many accomplishments, your cunning, and, above all, your unwavering loyalty to the Empire and to the High Command."

Perhaps just as curious as the circumstances of his promotion was Swain's choice of companionship for the evening, which caused quite a stir at the proceedings. On his arm all night was none other than the infamous (and notoriously reclusive) Emilia LeBlanc, who had not appeared in public for decades. Despite being roughly the same age as General Darkwill himself, she appeared as youthful and vibrant as ever. The years have been far kinder to her than to her hardened associate; a fact that has only contributed to continued speculation regarding the circumstances of her longevity.

This disappearance is not the first tragedy to haunt the Du Couteau clan in recent memory. Earlier in the year, Cassiopeia, Du Couteau's youngest daughter and former jewel of the Noxian court, fell grievously ill following a short-lived romance with an envoy from Freljord. She has since shut herself up in her chambers, seemingly never to return to the public eye. While her current condition is unknown, the mortality rate of servants in the Du Couteau household has reached an all-time high, sparking panic-stricken rumors of contagion. It has been said her father's absence has thrown the household into uproar, and that the distraught Cassiopeia's fury can be heard echoing through the Du Couteau estate at all hours.

While General Swain's official promotion was executed in haste, the High Command intends that he receive all the honors and recognition that he is due. A proper celebration with all the typical military pageantry is being scheduled for the coming week. It is likely to be a great spectacle given the celebrity afforded to Swain by his status as a champion of the League of Legends, and the city's major tourist attractions are preparing for a significant increase in traffic during this time. Honor and glory to General Jericho Swain of Noxus, newest member of the High Command!

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JOJ Volume 1, issue 9

Noxian High Command’s words on the invasion

Chancellor Malek Hawkmoon, the officer of the Noxian High Command charged with overseeing the Noxian presence in Ionia, gave this statement after returning from an emergency conference in Noxus. "After conferring with my honored colleagues in the High Command, we have decided to take this grievous situation into our own hands and bring the people of Valoransome peace. Before I go into further detail, I would like to address some of the statements which have been made surrounding our presence in Ionia."

"It has been said that Noxus is a heartless, imperialistic war machine. It has been implied that ours is the seat of evil. I would like to assure you, we have families, homes, and children just like anyone else, and our soldiers in Ionia miss theirs dearly. Our undertaking there has been in the service of the Ionians. In the wake of the war, these southern provinces were left in debris and disarray. We have spent our own precious resources rebuilding what was lost and the 'riches we now plunder' are far from compensation for what we have invested in these efforts."

"Noxus is indeed a war machine, for this we are proud, not ashamed. Our sons put their lives at stake in the pursuit of excellence. We respect those who meet us on the battlefield too much to treat them like children or invalids. If you oppose Noxian forces, you are considered an equal opponent, and granted no quarter, as such is the highest insult amongst true warriors. It is a disgrace to cross blades with an enemy and then cry oppression when you are bested. Ionia was given the option to surrender without violence, as are all nations which the noble Noxian forces visit. They declined, and they lost. I wonder if the public would react the same way if Noxus requested repayment for the sons it lost in the Ionian incursion."

"Now, as I said, Noxus has decided to do what is in its power to bring peace to Valoran, though we have received nothing but threats and slander since the monk’s protest began. Noxian blood is infused with the scent of the battlefield, and Noxians do not hide behind politics. Make no mistake, challenging the edicts of the League of Legends is not only unlawful, but undermining to a system which has saved Runeterra from ruin. However, it is our right to grant Ionia its rematch before the proper term has elapsed, and we have heard their plea. If Ionia desires to meet Noxus on the Fields of Justice to determine the fate of the southern provinces, then we accept the terms and encourage them to send their very best."

The Ionian Elders called an assembly immediately following Hawkmoon's speech, and they promised that an official response was soon to follow.

[sanguineascent-blog]

JOJ Vol 1 - issue 7

Noxian Invasion on Ionia

 -  The Noxian High Command saw Ionia as a weak target. To them, it was a land of softer things, ill-prepared to defend itself against invaders. Noxian spies began to trade aggressively with Ionia, traveling to the island to study its weaknesses and identify critical targets. When the plan was formed, the forces of Noxus invaded.

The southern provinces of Ionia were the most open to trade. This also made them among the wealthiest. It was here that the Noxian forces landed under the cover of night. Groups of Noxian agents had gone ahead, their spies confounding and sabotaging potential defenses. After being met with little resistance, Noxus’ forces formed their first beachheads and began their invasion in earnest.

The invasion continued, heavily in the favor of Noxian forces. However, Ionia did not surrender. In response to a growing Ionian resistance, Noxus brought in mercenaries from Zaun. If the Noxians were bad, the Zaunites were worse. The mad scientists brought with them inhuman tactics, unleashing their cruel creations on the people. This terror was what finally unleashed the anger of the Ionians.

Bringing all its might and martial traditions to bear, Ionia fought back fiercely. Ionian warriors eventually brought the invaders to a stalemate, forcing them back to their power bases on the island. Despite their losses, the forces of Noxus remained in control of three of the wealthiest southern provinces – Galrin, Navori, and Shon-Xan. Ionian diplomats then sought to put political pressure on Noxus in an attempt to drive them out. However, the Noxian High Command claimed that they were there for the good of the people. They said that Ionia had failed to join the modern age, and that Noxus had sympathizers who supported the occupation.

Seven years after the invasion began, the remaining Ionian Families, brought together by the Duchess Karma, decided that there was only one recourse left. They petitioned to join the League of Legends, so that they could have a match to drive Noxus out once and for all. However, they made their belief that Ionia was being forced to join the League in order to ensure its future security known to the world. Their membership was granted and the match was set. The “Trial for the Isle” was perhaps one of the most famous matches of all time. Unfortunately for those who were wronged, Ionia failed, albeit amidst questionable circumstances. Some insist that Noxus’ victory came as the result of pre-match tampering.

To this day, Noxian forces still occupy southern Ionia. Native Ionians are treated as second-class citizens by the ruling Noxian elite. Soldiers, political dissidents, and anyone else who threatens the Noxians have been interred in labor camps. Forces continue to plunder the wealth and natural resources of the island, sending the spoils back to Noxus. There is much external political pressure, particularly on the part of Demacia, for the invaders to leave. The Noxian High Command claims that they will leave once Ionia has been modernized enough to economically compete in the world and protect itself from foreign threats. However, the situation remains as it has, as the outcome was decided legally in the League of Legends.

There are still eight years remaining before southern Ionia can challenge Noxus once again for their independence. However, recent protests in Ionia, such as the monk self-immolation, are on the rise, and they challenge the League’s authority. Ionians claim that fifteen years was far too long a stay to grant to the invaders. They say that Noxus took advantage of the newly formed League. Despite Noxian protests that such challenges border on illegality, Ionia has gained much support in the court of public opinion.

[sanguineascent-blog]

Good insults for Darius to use

Strong people don’t put others down. They lift them up and slam them on the ground for maximum damage. Is your ass jealous of the amount of shit that just came out of your mouth?

You know that tingly little feeling you get when you like someone? That’s your common sense leaving your body.

Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.

I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it.

Never laugh at your girlfriends choices… your one of them.

If I wanted to kill myself I’d climb your ego and jump to your IQ.

Two wrongs don’t make a right, take your parents as an example.

I’d like to see things from your point of view but I can’t seem to get my head that far up my ass.

A conclusion is the part where you got tired of thinking.

My job is secure. No one else wants it.

It’s better to let someone think you are an Idiot than to open your mouth and prove it.

I wasn’t born with enough middle fingers to let you know how I feel about you.

I don’t think you act stupid, I’m sure it’s the real thing.

He doesn’t know the meaning of fear… but then again, he doesn’t know the meaning of MOST words.

I’m multi-talented: I can talk and piss you off at the same time.

You’re IQ’s lower than your shoe size.

I never forget a face, but in your case I’ll be glad to make an exception

I’m busy now. Can I ignore you some other time?

Did something bad happen to you or are you just naturally ugly.

I’m trying to get on your good side, but I haven’t found it yet.

I’m not being rude, you’re just insignificant.

Oh, did my back hurt your knife?

I’m going to leave before I put your head through a wall.

You say more dumb things before 9am than most people do all day.

Hell is full of people like you.

Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.

I may look calm, but in my head I’ve killed you 3 times over already.

If you wanna leave, there’s the door. Hell, I’ll even hold it open for you.

DUNKMASTER SPECIFIC:

Team work is important; it helps to put the blame on someone else.

When my boss asked me who is the stupid one, me or him? I told him everyone knows he doesn’t hire stupid people.

The only way you’ll ever get laid is if you crawl up a chicken’s ass and wait.

Refusing to go to the gym counts as resistance training, right?

I am known at the gym as the “before picture.”

You should be wearing a jersey so i dont have to ask for your name or number.

I hope karma slaps you in the face before I do.

Somewhere out there there is a tree, tirelessly producing oxygen so you can breath. I think you owe it an apology.

http://www.corsinet.com/braincandy/insult.html

[sanguineascent-blog]

Credits: http://bariibie.deviantart.com/art/Diana-Fan-Art-648350758

[sanguineascent-blog]

Okay so I’m not dead, and might still be on hiatus a tad longer, but I am ready to sort of condense my blogs/threads. 

I’m not ready to abandon Darius but I am moving to low activity. This means I will keep a couple threads and reply to them when I can, but will not be doing drabbles, prompts, etc. I am not accepting any new threads. You are welcome to send questions if you want and I will try to get to them when I can. 

Long story short, I haven’t had the urge to prioritize League RP anymore like I did, in favor of writing for my novel series. So most of my writing will be done there. But because I do love these characters so much, I want to keep them going at least a little bit. 

So just so you are all aware, I can really only keep 2 threads going per blog currently to keep my thread-load manageable for low activity. Many of my current partners deactivated so it makes the choice a tad easier but the two I will be keeping are my threads with:

@theblogofdraven

@allegiantfervor

Thanks guys! This may or may not change in the future but I don’t want to make any promises I can’t keep, so this is it for now!

[sanguineascent-blog]

iiiiiin case any of you were curious I’m not dead. I’m not necessarily gone either but I’ve had a mind to write my book for once and I’m not hopping off that train til it kicks me off. 

I will say though that when I do return to writing here, I’m probably gonna do a mass thread drop, which is pretty shitty of me because I kept opening new blogs and starting new threads but...I messed up and buried myself too deep. So I’m just gonna keep a few of the ones I’ve really been wanting to continue with (even though I enjoy all the threads I have), I just gotta decide which ones I want to prioritize. 

I’ll probably keep a few here, maybe 2 on Ez, and 1 on 2 of Akali and MF.  Rakan and Morgana are probably getting archived (not that I’ve done much there anyway)

[sanguineascent-blog]

How much say does a commanding officer have over the composition of the squadron he leads? Are soldiers assigned to their units "as needed," or does a unit's leader get to "pick and choose" who follow them into battle? Do generals who've proven themselves to be exceptional, like Darius, receive any "privileges" in this regard? If so, how does Darius in particular go about constructing his army? Are there any noteworthy soldiers currently working underneath him?

This is purely my own view of Noxus, but I imagine that a commanding officer doesn’t so much get to pick who is in their squadron like a High School dodgeball team, but your status and reputation as a commanding officer does effect the quality of the troops assigned to you. 

How Squadrons are Divided:

Noxus isn’t all about making things “even”, and splitting up the ranks to put strong and less strong together. That would be “playing it safe”, and they didn’t get where they are trying to balance out their squadrons. And the better a Captain you are, the better your squadron.

Different Squadrons have different rankings. 

Rank C - Recruits

These are the fresher/younger soldiers. They’re still a formidable force, considering their upbringing and the training they receive, but generally they are sent to capture smaller settlements or defend lower-priority areas of the empire. Why waste your best men where they aren’t needed? 

Rank B - Soldiers

These are the more seasoned soldiers who’ve seen the battlefield at least a handful of times. Usually you will not see (a) squadron(s) of recruits without one squadron of soldiers nearby to back them up if some enemy gets the bright idea to try and attack from a “weak point”. This is the rank most of the soldiers in the military hold, and most hold it for a while (or until they die/retire) unless they prove themselves worthy of promotion.

Rank A - Elites

These are the cream of the crop, so you could say. Elite squadrons are fewer, but the most formidable Noxus has. They take the front lines in many major battles and many are located in Noxus Prime, keeping the Capital heavily guarded and nigh impenetrable. When it comes to battle, Noxus puts their best foot forward, and these guys are usually the first thing, and last thing, their primary enemies see. They earn this rank by either showing their extraordinary prowess on the training grounds and on the battlefields as Soldiers. (The Crimson Elite are a separate segment, made up of some of Noxus’ most skilled an influential fighters, and can include those who do not serve in the traditional military).

Darius’ Influence:

Darius, however, does receive some privilege however. Darius does not oversee a personal Squadron of his own like the Captains do. Instead, he oversees all squadrons stationed in Noxus Prime from a tier above the Captains who run them. Additionally, he also has influence over all Squadrons in the empire to a point, but one man can’t truly run them all on his own, so other Generals run different regions of Squadrons. 

The Captains for the most part get to decide how to run their squadrons, but Darius has the power to change or influence that. 

Think of the Squadron as McDonald’s Employees. Their Captain is their manager/supervisor they report to directly. Darius is the District Manager and Swain is the CEO. 

So Darius will often join Squadrons for training days, host specific seminars or training sessions, and will sometimes take over for a Captain should they be on leave for some reason. So he is still very directly involved in the Squadrons, and is also one of the main figureheads who decides who is what rank, and what squadron someone will be apart of. 

Notable Soldiers:

There are a number of notable figures that are in his division and on his radar:

Iris Ortega: Formerly a Rank B Frontliner, Iris Ortega has climbed the ladder to Elite and quickly to a Lieutenant position. She excels in decimating enemies before they ever reach the soldiers behind her, acting as an impenetrable wall of death for those who try to face her head on. She has also proven to keep a cool head under pressure and make strategic calls to turn around battles that are not in their favor with her commanding presence and the earned respect of her fellow soldiers. 

Alexander Halen: A superior Rank A Archer. He’s known for his precision and speed, as well as his ability to follow and successfully fulfill his orders in high-risk situations. His skill with a bow is his primary method of fighting, but he is also proficient with a sword and competent with a lance.