​In anticipation for ​the Swain rework release, Riot Games is in the process of releasing three new origin stories for three Noxian champions. ​Katarina, LeBlanc, and Darius have all gotten new lore, and from what we've seen so far, Noxus is getting that much darker.

While giving out new bios, Riot has taken this opportunity to flesh out the entire Noxian country, as well as some of its champions in this dev diary. ​

Katarina's story seemingly has very little to do with Swain, while Darius' and LeBlanc's are more explicitly connected. Darius has become a part of Swain's trusted triumvirate of power​​ful warriors that help rule Noxus with an iron fist. Meanwhile, LeBlanc was a close vizier to the previous King of Noxus who now, from the shadows, has a rivalry with Swain. 

These changes paint Noxus as less comically evil, as it was in earlier versions of the game, and more of a legitimate threat. This huge revamp could pave the way for future reworks to the lore. 

Perhaps Demacia, Noxus' most fervent rival, could be next in line for a lore makeover.

Photo courtesy of Riot Games