Noxus

This Article is in accordance with the version 0.94 of Runarcana RPG

“Noxus is a powerful empire with a fearsome reputation. To those beyond its borders, Noxus is brutal, expansionist, and threatening, yet those who look beyond its warlike exterior see an unusually inclusive society, where the strengths and talents of its people are respected and cultivated. Its people were once a fierce reaver culture until they stormed the ancient city that now lies at the heart of their empire. Under threat from all sides, they aggressively took the fight to their enemies, pushing their borders outward with every passing year. This struggle for survival has made the Noxians a deeply proud people who value strength above all, though that strength can manifest by many different means. Anyone can rise to a position of power and respect within Noxus if they display the necessary aptitude, regardless of social standing, background, homeland, or wealth.”

Noxians respect strength above all else, and the only way to stay strong is to be continuously challenged. They value the opportunities to confront because the lack of challenges leads to weakness, and even those at the peak of their power must always seek new ways to prove themselves if they don't want their power to be with their days numbered. Noxians not only appreciate physical or martial strength - those with skills in politics, crafts, commerce, and magic also help create a stronger Noxus.

Noxus is an aggressive and expansionist empire, always seeking to expand its borders and conquer new lands. But it is not always necessary to resort to violence - in fact, many nations have surrendered to the Great General for seeing the possibility of greater stability and security with the empire. Those who defy Noxus, however, are summarily destroyed.

Culturally Inclusive

As Noxus expands and defeats neighboring cultures and cities, it offers the conquered people a choice; swear loyalty to Noxus and be judged solely on your worth, or be destroyed. This is not a scam or any kind of ruse; the Noxians are as good as their word, and many who have embraced their conquerors' way of life find their prospects greatly improved. But those who refuse to bend the knee are crushed without mercy.

Anyone can prosper in Noxus, no matter their background, so long as they have the strength of will and the drive to succeed. The warlord Darius is a perfect example of this, rising from nothing to become one of the empire's most powerful leaders. Despite this meritocratic ideal, the old noble families still wield considerable power at the heart of the empire, and some fear that the greatest threat to Noxus comes not from its enemies but from within.

Characters

When creating a character from this region, you gain the following traits:

Languages. Noxian and choose one between: Minotauric, Bilgewatrian, Freljordian, Ionian, Piltovian, or Zaunite.

Skill. Choose one skill.

Activity. Choose two proficiencies from the following options: A simple weapon, a martial weapon and a minor craft

Magic

The Noxians consider magic to be another powerful tool in their arsenal. Those who know how to use it are very respected and are usually recruited and sought out even outside Noxus so that their talents are enhanced and used for the benefit of the empire.

Army

The noblest, respected, and experienced military force in the Noxian army is "The Legion," led by Darius himself. Besides being the best soldiers of Noxus, they are loyal and extremely dedicated to the empire and its leaders. Its armors are heavy and practical and usually have three notches encrusted on the chest, representing Trifarix: the three principles of strength and the name given to the regimental council of Great General Swain.

Even in the Trifarian Legion, there is not much uniformity within the ranks. In Noxus, the natural talents and abilities of warriors are valued, and they don't try to impose their own standards so that the warriors adapt to a particular form of combat. This applies to all aspects of Noxian life; they believe that it is best to discover one's qualities and then find a way to use them to strengthen the empire.

Forge

Noxus forges never stop, making swords, axes, and armor in large quantities for his army. The empire values function more than form, and its designs often add extra features, such as hook handles, to take down the enemies of its mounts. In recent years, Noxus has begun testing with rudimentary gunpowder weapons and Zaunite chemtech, obtaining controversial and often destructive results for both enemies and allies.

Warmasons

Warmasons are resourceful scouts, engineers, and warriors who design and oversee the construction of roads, bridges and fortifications. Often the first indication of Noxian expansion is not the sight of troops on the march, but a lone warmason scouting enemy territory for possible invasion routes.

The Cities

The Noxian cities are characterized by their imposing structures, claustrophobic streets, threatened buildings, sloping walls, and massive gates. Cities reflect the strength and dominion of the empire and are highly protected; if an enemy tries a surprise attack against a Noxian city, he will face strong resistance at every turn, for even the humblest houses are real fortresses. If a city is conquered by force or swears allegiance to Noxus, the war artisans start working immediately to stamp the empire’s authority on the newly acquired territory. Dark stone gates extracted from the mountains surrounding the capital are elevated on each road that leads to the city. Known in Valoran as Noxtoraa ("Gateway to Noxus" in Ur'Nox), these gigantic structures leave no doubt to travelers approaching as to who controls power here.

The Immortal Bastion

Situated in the heartlands of what would later become the Noxian empire, The Immortal Bastion was the first citadel to fall to the Noxian tribes. Built by a dreaded sorcerer in a far distant age, from what they say, the Noxians have made the city their capital, and it remains so until today. In the centuries that followed, while Noxian armies conquered even more territories, the city spread far beyond its battle-marred walls. The old Noxus maintains its prohibitive nature, but the structures beyond its fortifications grow more and more varied with the coming of diverse peoples to the empire, attracted by the wealth and glory of the capital.

The Immortal Bastion, situated in the heart of Noxus, has existed for much longer than the empire itself. It is said that he was erected under the orders of the dreaded revenant Mordekaiser and parts of him were demolished and rebuilt over several centuries, so his streets have several levels, and some districts are now buried. Few dare to walk their streets at night without guards to protect them.