Does Sion Stink?
And other lore questions: What’s a bald poro look like? Does Darius even like Draven? What is Pix?
Happy holidays everyone! We’re kicking off the New Year with a slightly different edition of Ask Riot. Today, it’s all about those lore questions.
We’re also going to be taking a break from Ask Riot in two weeks because we have some other stuff planned. See ya in February!
Does Sion stink? Like, the smell of death and decay? What about Yorick, or Kalista?
Awesome question, and you chose the right narrative person to ask—I don’t remember if I put on deodorant today.
Anyway, while it’s easy to assume that Sion reeks of rotting flesh, the fact of the matter is, he died a long time ago. When a rat died scampering in the walls when I was growing up, I couldn’t go inside without retching for about a week… but then the smell started to fade. Something that has been dead for decades is beyond rot, beyond putrefaction. It has become as eternal as war. Sion is more likely to boast the odor of cold iron and flames, indistinguishable from the battle around him.
As for Yorick, he’s not really dead, thanks to the Waters of Life hanging in a vial around his neck. I don’t think he showers, though.
And you can’t smell Kalista because she’s not really there. Maybe you’d just catch the ghostly touch of her presence upon the world, like a faint whiff of ozone.
So, that’s what you can look forward to if you meet any of these champions in person. Just smile, be polite, and try to remember: With strange aeons, even stench may die…
Is the world called Runeterra because of all the runes there used to be? (Thanks Ryze!) Are our current runes tied to the runes found in Runeterra in any way?
Used to be…?
The world is indeed called Runeterra (literally, “rune-world”) because of the World Runes—these immensely powerful artifacts are the actual tools of creation, which unknown celestial beings were using to fashion a whole new plane of existence. For some reason, this work halted, incomplete, and the runes were left scattered and hidden within the world they were creating.
The Runes in the League of Legends MOBA are not World Runes, but an expression of runic magic. They are a characterful way to customize your gameplay style, and one that also leaves plenty of room for other possible Runes to be introduced in future.
Where did Pix come from?
Bandle City is but one of many places within the spirit realm, which glitter in colors unseen by those who do not pass through the barriers that separate it from the mortal realm. Lulu has asked her companion, Pix, many times about his origins. Instead of answering, he usually dives headfirst into the center of the nearest lilyflower. Lulu has taken this to mean that he was born as a seed-pod, and later sprouted into the fae spirit he is now.
Are there weddings in Runeterra? What are the features of the various factions? Any interesting traditions?
Just like in the real world, the many peoples of Runeterra get married (or don’t) for a variety of reasons—and not always for love!
The Freljord is a strongly matriarchal society. Tribal leaders, such as Ashe or Sejuani, are known as warmothers, and will often seek to reinforce their political power by marriage to allies or rivals among the other tribes. This can be complicated in and of itself, when favoring one is seen as snubbing another, and so it is not uncommon for a warmother to take several “bloodsworn” partners into her household. She will count them among her most fierce protectors, and closest confidants.
In many of the provinces of Ionia, it is accepted that partners may live together and raise children without ever considering a formal marriage. However, when such rituals are followed, they are laden with deep symbolic significance, invoking the blessing of many spirits and the ancestors of both families. It is in this manner that balance is maintained, with each partner standing as equals in the sight of their community, now and forevermore.
Before Swain seized control of Noxus, the old noble houses placed far more emphasis on maintaining their lineage than in organizing fancy weddings. Heirs were expected to honor their parents and prove the strength of their bloodline, and arranged unions between houses could settle feuds that had raged for generations. Now, with the nobles’ power much reduced by the Trifarix, these traditions are beginning to change.
There are countless more examples from across the world, but I am a cold and bitter creature who generally dislikes discussing such things for long. Maybe if I met the right Voidborn abomination, they might be able to melt my icy heart…
Does Darius like his brother Draven, or does he think he’s an idiot?
Darius has been looking out for Draven since they were kids, and though he loves his younger brother, he’s well aware of his faults. But where Darius might once have sought to turn “the Glorious Executioner” around and try to restrain his excessively… Dravenesque qualities, now he manipulates situations to the point where those unique skills and qualities become assets, rather than liabilities.
In an August Ask Riot, you mentioned Freljordians would love to herd poros. Herding them would hint that they have an economic use. What would that be? Do they shear them for their wool? What would a bald poro look like?!
In the harsh lands of the Freljord, where folks often have to fight every day for survival, the dream of herding poros is precisely because there is no economic use! Rather, you would get to live out your days in a leisurely manner, surrounded by love, warmth, and cuddles. And in a land of snow and ice, of battling tribes, and ancient threats looming just beneath the frost, who wouldn’t dream of that?
As for a bald poro… I think we’d all prefer not to think too long on that one.
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We’ll do our best to read every question, but we can’t guarantee they’ll all get answers. Some questions may already be answered elsewhere, and some won’t be right for Ask Riot. This isn’t the best place to announce new features, for example, and we might skip conversations on issues we’ve talked about in depth before (though we can clarify individual points).
We are listening, though, so keep asking. We’ll make sure your questions are heard by the Rioters working on the stuff you’re curious about.