Noxus — official Riot artwork

Regional history

Noxus

An empire where ambition, strength and usefulness can matter more than birth.

Artwork · Riot Games

Noxus · official regional illustration · Riot Games

Watch before you read

Noxus in motion

Official films · play here

Cinematic · Riot Games

Tales of Runeterra: Noxus

Darius confronts a defeated ruler. This illustrates Noxian conquest, not the historical invasion of Ionia.

Riot Games · complete regional overview

Noxus

Noxus is a powerful empire with a fearsome reputation. To those beyond its borders, it is brutal, expansionist, and threatening, yet those who look past its warlike exterior see an unusually inclusive society, where the strengths and talents of its people are respected and cultivated.

The Noxii were once fierce barbarian tribes, until they stormed the ancient city that now lies at the heart of their domain. Under threat from all sides, they aggressively took the fight to their enemies, pushing their borders outward with each passing year. This struggle for survival has made modern Noxians a deeply proud people who value strength above all—though that strength can manifest in many different forms.

Layers of History — The Immortal Bastion, at the heart of Noxus, is far more ancient than the empire itself. It is said that it was constructed on the order of the dread revenant Mordekaiser, and parts of it have been razed and rebuilt over the centuries, such that there are layers to its streets, and some districts now lie below ground. Few dare walk these streets after dark without guards to protect them.Riot Games

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. Those who are able to wield magic are held in particularly high esteem, and are actively sought out in order that their special talents may be honed and best harnessed for the benefit of the empire.

But in spite of this meritocratic ideal, the old noble houses still wield considerable power… and some fear that the greatest threat to Noxus comes not from its enemies, but from within.

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A lived-in world

Places & life in Noxus

Life is a BattleRiot Games

Life is a Battle

Noxians respect strength above all things, and the only way to remain strong is to be constantly tested. They relish the opportunity to compete with one another, since to not be challenged is to grow weak, and even those at the peak of power must always seek new ways to challenge themselves... or they will not remain in power for long. It is not just physical or martial strength that Noxians admire—those who demonstrate expertise in politics, craftsmanship, trade, and magic all help to create a stronger Noxus.

Riot Universe · regional archive

A State of Perpetual ConflictRiot Games

A State of Perpetual Conflict

Noxus is an aggressive and expansionist empire, always looking to widen its borders by conquering new lands. It does not always do so by violence—indeed, many are the nations that have taken the knee before the Grand General, seeing a chance for greater stability and security in joining the empire. Those who defy Noxus, however, are crushed without mercy.

Riot Universe · regional archive

Oppressive and DefensibleRiot Games

Oppressive and Defensible

Noxian cities are characterized by imposing structures, claustrophobic streets, crenellated buildings, steep-sloped walls, and immense gateways. Their cities emphasize the strength and dominance of the empire, and are highly defensible—an enemy attempting to take a Noxian city by force can expect to be fought and resisted at every turn, for even the humblest home is built like a fortress.

Riot Universe · regional archive

Culturally InclusiveRiot Games

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 subterfuge 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.

Riot Universe · regional archive

Old Blood, New BloodRiot Games

Old Blood, New Blood

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.

Riot Universe · regional archive

Drake-houndsRiot Games

Drake-hounds

Drake-hounds are a species of wingless, wolf-sized carnivores that lair in the mountains to the north of the Noxian capital. They are vicious pack hunters, and much favored in Noxus as war-beasts, guard creatures, and expensive (albeit dangerous) pets. To own one or more drake-hounds is a visible symbol of wealth and power.

Riot Universe · regional archive

The history of the region

Follow what happened here

  1. Power changes hands in NoxusModern Noxus · includes the aftermath of the invasion

Personal stories

Champions of Noxus

Stories connected to Noxus

Associated through the archive’s characters; some journeys continue beyond this region.

The source archive

Sources & further reading

Riot’s regional overview and place descriptions are preserved with attribution. Regional accounts describe their publication period; later stories can change the situation.

  1. Noxus · Riot Universe ↗
  2. Tales of Runeterra: Noxus ↗

Official publication

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