Piltover
Piltover, often called the City of Progress, is a vibrant and flourishing metropolis, steadily gaining power and influence. Known as Valoran's cultural heart, it is a place where art, craftsmanship, trade, and innovation seamlessly blend. Its strength is not drawn from military prowess but from the forces of commerce and visionary thinking. Perched high on the cliffs above Zaun and overlooking the vast ocean, its colossal sea-gates welcome fleets from across the globe, laden with goods from distant lands. This wealth has sparked an extraordinary boom, fueling the city's rapid growth. Piltover continues to reshape itself into a land of opportunity, where fortunes are made, and dreams become reality. Prominent merchant families fund ambitious projects--grand artistic ventures, arcane hextech research, and towering architectural feats that showcase their influence. With more and more inventors exploring the mysteries of hextech, Piltover has become a beacon for the finest craftsmen from around the world.
Opening
Welcome, lore-lovers, to another deep dive into the intricate world of League of Legends! I'm Liandrug, and today, we'll unravel the mysteries and marvels of one of Valoran's most renowned city-states. From its grandiose Hexgates to the bustling wharfs, and the influential mercantile clans to the rich tapestry of its political and social fabric, Piltover is a city brimming with stories waiting to be discovered. So, buckle up as we embark on this journey through the City of Progress!
The Chronicle
Piltover's creation was based on a tragic event, a complete disaster caused by humans from Zaun who devised a plan to carve through the isthmus that connected Valoran to the Southern Continent, aiming to create a safe passage between eastern and western Valoran by detonating thousands of chemtech bombs. However, the plan backfired disastrously. A chain of earthquakes was unleashed, obliterating the isthmus and submerging large sections of Zaun along with thousands of its inhabitants. Poisonous gas spilled into the remaining parts of the city, threatening those who survived.
In their hour of need, Janna, empowered by the prayers of the people, arrived and swept away the deadly fumes, saving countless lives. This act elevated her from a deity of sailors to a revered guardian of Zaun. Since that moment, Janna has remained in Zaun, protecting its people.
Zaun was eventually rebuilt. To control the river passage that now flowed through the ravaged land, the Sun Gates were constructed, ensuring that all ships passing through the waters had to pay a toll. This brought immense wealth to Zaun, setting the stage for Piltover's rise. The ruling families, enriched by the Sun Gates' trade, laid the foundations for the powerful merchant clans that would dominate Piltover.
The construction of the Sun Gates altered the landscape of eastern Valoran and the surrounding seas. Noxus, now able to easily channel resources across its empire without relying on land routes, grew stronger. Meanwhile, Bilgewater's pirates found the trade routes teeming with targets, feeding the city's criminal underworld.
Nowadays, Piltover's greatest thing is the invention of hextech technology. The Ferros family built their fortune on a rare crystal found in the distant deserts, known as the first hex-crystals. These "first crystals" held a power typically reserved for those born with innate magical abilities. Elicia, Camille's great-great-aunt, nearly lost her life--and her arm--on one of the early expeditions to acquire these crystals. Her sacrifice became legendary within the Ferros family, and the motto "For family, will I give" was born from this legacy.
However, the creatures from which these crystals were harvested, the Brackern, were not an endless resource. The Ferros family had to turn to other means to enhance their stockpile of crystals. Through covert investments in chemtech and runic alchemy, they developed synthetic hex-crystals, less powerful than the originals but far easier to produce. Yet, the production of these synthetic crystals is rumored to be one of the causes of the Zaun Gray.
Piltover, the City of Progress, stood as a beacon of innovation, but Jinx found a way to halt its advancements through chaos. She unleashed anarchy upon the city--buildings collapsed, lives were lost, animals ran wild, and gunfire filled the air. It was the perfect stage for Jinx's dream of disorder. Piltover's finest, Caitlyn and Vi, tried to catch her, but she remained elusive.
As her rampage grew, Caitlyn initiated a city-wide manhunt. Jinx responded by marking the treasury with a challenge to Vi, promising to strike at a specific time and place. True to her word, she appeared, causing destruction as usual. Vi pursued her relentlessly, smashing through obstacles in her path. Eventually cornered, Jinx unleashed a barrage of rockets, leveling the building. When the officers awoke, they found the gold intact and a message spelled out in lights across the sky: "YOU'LL NEVER CATCH ME!"
During the annual Progress Day, three Noxian spies, Gysbert, Tamara, and Colette, had infiltrated Piltover, hoping to place an agent within Clan Medarda. They used the festival to showcase their technical prowess before the clan's masters and apprentices.
Tamara demonstrated her invention, the Hex-Armillary Amplifier, which harnessed the power of a crystal to exponentially increase its output. However, the device was intentionally flawed, and it nearly destroyed the entire hall. This sabotage was part of their plot to disrupt Piltover's progress.
After the incident, Caitlyn apprehended Tamara, having uncovered her true identity and mission. She was banished from Piltover and sent back to Noxus. While both Tamara and Gysbert failed in their mission, Colette managed to secure a position as an apprentice. Later, she would pass a Medarda trading map to Noxian intelligence, furthering their schemes.
Jayce Talis, an apprentice from Clan Kiramman, began experimenting in secret to combine magic with science using hex crystals. His inspiration came from a mage who had once saved his life. But when his workshop was broken into, a hex crystal shattered, causing an explosion that led to an investigation by the wardens. His work was confiscated, and Jayce was arrested for conducting unauthorized research.
Despite Heimerdinger's advice to abandon his pursuit of magic, Jayce revealed the nature of his research during his trial. He argued for the potential good that could come from mastering magic for Piltover's benefit. Though the Council rejected his idea, and nearly banished him, his mother Ximena intervened, securing his release but resulting in his expulsion from the Academy.
Disheartened, Jayce sought someone who shared his vision. He found an unlikely ally in Viktor, who was intrigued by Jayce's theories and took one of his journals. Together, they stabilized the hex crystals, just as their research was set to be destroyed. Sneaking into Heimerdinger's lab, they succeeded in proving the crystals' potential. Despite Heimerdinger's displeasure, Councilor Medarda saw the opportunity, and the duo's breakthrough was presented to the Council.
Over the years, Hextech transformed trade and transport in Piltover, giving rise to the revolutionary Hexgates, which would change the city forever. Now, the flourishing city has grown big, and it has a lot of important places, the first one is the Bluewind Court. In the northern reaches of Piltover lies Bluewind Court, where the city's most influential families reside. The mansions of powerful clans like Arvino, Ferros, Medarda, and others stand here, guarded by high walls and advanced security. Among these estates is Jayce's laboratory, housed within the Giopara mansion, where he crafted his iconic Mercury Hammer.
Sidereal Avenue is one of Piltover's most stunning streets, funded by the wealthy merchant clans who showcase their prosperity through grand architecture. It is home to the Piltover Treasury and the famed Ecliptic Vaults, which were once breached by Jinx in her reign of chaos.
The Sun Gates are Piltover's gateway to the world, a vital trade hub linking Valoran and Shurima. Their construction reshaped both Piltover and Zaun, creating immense wealth for Piltover's ruling clans but also sinking parts of Zaun in the process. Today, the Sun Gates stand as a symbol of both progress and loss.
The Rising Howl is a colossal elevator that connects Zaun and Piltover, allowing citizens to move between the levels of the city. This towering structure, adorned with intricate ironwork and steam-powered mechanisms, is vital for both public and private transport.
In Arcane, Piltover's history and layout have distinct differences from its main canon counterpart. The Hexgates dominate the city's landscape, standing tall as one of Piltover's most innovative achievements. These massive, retractable towers, devised by Jayce and Viktor, are powered by hextech and allow for seamless transportation of people, vehicles, and goods across vast distances in Runeterra. The Hexgates revolutionize trade by offering near-instantaneous travel, and their function relies on intricate mechanisms involving rotatable globes and hexite batteries, which must be replaced after each jump. Their towering height restricts their use to airships, emphasizing Piltover's dominance in cutting-edge technology.
The Bridge of Progress, spanning the northern and southern sections of the city, is more than just an architectural marvel; it holds deep significance as a site of frequent uprisings from the undercity. This bridge became infamous for the bombing orchestrated by Jinx, a chaotic attack that claimed the lives of many wardens during a citywide lockdown, marking a dark chapter in Piltover's history.
In the southern reaches of the city, the Fissures represent the entirety of Zaun's undercity. Unlike the main canon, where Zaun's undercity sprawls beneath the eastern side of the canal, in Arcane, these fissures are confined to the southern parts, emphasizing the stark division between Piltover and Zaun.
The University of Piltover, centrally located near the Hexgates, plays a crucial role not only in education but as a seat of power where the Clan Council gathers to discuss matters of state and progress. The institution stands as a symbol of knowledge and the city's relentless pursuit of innovation.
Off the coast of the eastern part of Piltover, the grim fortress of Stillwater Hold rises as a maximum-security prison. It is an imposing structure, designed to house Piltover and Zaun's most dangerous criminals across its towering 40 floors. The prison operates under strict conditions, with inmates subjected to solitary confinement and tasked with manual labor. Despite its severe atmosphere, prisoners somehow manage to acquire tattoos and piercings, hinting at the hidden channels of influence even within its walls.
Piltover thrives on its position as the commanding power over the vital sea routes between east and west, with trade serving as the city's lifeblood. The wealth generated from this dominance has not only filled Piltover's coffers with gold but also contributed to the rapid expansion of the Noxian empire, whose armies and resources now traverse the continent of Valoran with unparalleled ease. However, this trade dominance has also given rise to piracy, particularly benefiting Bilgewater as it has become a sanctuary for pirates and reavers. These lawless figures take advantage of Piltover's bustling trade by preying on the many ships that sail to and from the city.
Piltover's climate is generally mild and pleasant, but abrupt changes in temperature often bring about dense sea fogs, shrouding the docks and warehouses. The quaysides, the heart of Piltover's mercantile activity, are always teeming with activity. Ships from every corner of the world pass through the Sun Gates, making the city a hub for global trade. The docks are filled with the sounds of countless accents and languages, reflecting the diverse origins of its workforce. Anyone with enough strength and a willingness to work can easily find employment in this vibrant port city.
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This cosmopolitan nature defines Piltover and its people. Citizens are fiercely self-reliant, priding themselves on ambition and progress. They disdain interference from outsiders, valuing an open, unregulated market as the cornerstone of their prosperity. Despite the perceived divide between Piltover and Zaun, both cities share deep biological, economic, and cultural ties that bind them more closely than their citizens often care to admit. Their intertwined fates reflect in everything from trade to innovation, making them two halves of a shared industrial powerhouse.
Even though this city is highly based on technology, myths and legends appear where humans are present, so even Piltover has some, such as The Church of the Glorious Evolved which is a prominent religious and ideological movement within both Piltover and Zaun, advocating for the belief that flesh is inherently weak compared to the strength and durability of steel and machinery. Followers of the church view techmaturgy, the fusion of magic and technology, as the path to transcend the limitations of the human body, striving for a world where inefficiency and frailty are purged through technological augmentation.
Viktor, often seen by members of the church as a messianic figure, represents the ideals of the Glorious Evolution. However, Viktor himself disdains the quasi-religious reverence surrounding him, believing the church's emotional and irrational beliefs to be flawed. He views their worship as an aberration, yet another example of the emotional weaknesses he seeks to eliminate through empirical, scientific progress.
Despite not being officially aligned with the church, Camille commands significant respect among its followers. Her extensive mechanical augmentations and her philosophy of calculated efficiency embody the church's ideals, giving her influence within its ranks. Her reputation is such that she is often mistaken for the church's revered figure, The Gray Lady, although Camille is not to be confused with this symbolic saint.
The Gray Lady is a central figure of the church's faith, honored as the patron saint of those seeking salvation through technology. Her depiction in the First Assemblage of the Glorious Evolved features a stained glass window where her cloak is crafted from ash-violet glass, rusted gears, and corroded pistons, symbolizing the transformation of the old into the new. Her blessing is invoked when inventors face challenges, though it often comes at the cost of personal sacrifice--a tradition deeply rooted in Zaun's history, particularly after the devastation of "the incident."
The Glorious Evolved also honors the Zaunite custom of sacrificing something personal on Progress Day. This act of letting go is believed to fuel the next step of innovation, echoing the resilience of Zaun's people as they rebuilt their lives in the shadow of Piltover's rise to wealth atop their ruined home.
Tahm Kench, also known as "Two-Coats", is another figure whose legend has spread to Piltover and Zaun, especially after the opening of the Sun Gates made trade routes to Bilgewater more accessible. This mythical creature is depicted as a monstrous, gluttonous fish dressed in two fine jackets, symbolizing insatiable greed. Piltover's artificers, and even children, know tales of the River King, whose presence is said to awaken a ravenous desire for wealth and power in those who encounter him.
In Piltover, the constant drive for progress and innovation isn't just about technological advancements; it is also about improving the city-state's social and environmental well-being. The leading mercantile clans, powerful and wealthy, strive to integrate the latest scientific innovations into their everyday lives and infrastructure. One recent example of this is Clan Medarda's influence in pushing other clans to invest heavily in harnessing hextech--a revolutionary fusion of magic and technology. The primary aim of this investment has been to speed up the operation of the Sun Gates, a pivotal structure allowing Piltover to manage its dominant trade routes. Despite these significant investments, there has been surprisingly little opposition from Piltover's citizenry, as the people are often keen on innovation and optimistic about the benefits it can bring.
Although Piltover is one of Valoran's least militarized city-states and highly trusting of others, it does maintain a warship squadron. This fleet is tasked with protecting the Sun Gates, ensuring that the city's vital trade routes remain secure.
In the Arcane universe, Piltover is governed by a council of the wealthiest and most influential mercantile clans. Originally composed of seven seats, the council has seen the addition of an eighth seat, granted to House Talis, elevating Jayce Talis to a position of power after his breakthroughs in hextech technology. This decision came after a Hextech gemstone and valuable research were stolen by Zaun, raising concerns that Zaun could weaponize the technology against Piltover. Although adding a new seat to the council was irregular, the move was seen as necessary to secure the city's future. It's also notable that a council member can be voted out, but such a motion would require a unanimous vote.
Piltover's mercantile clans form the backbone of the city's economic and political landscape. Each clan bring their unique influences, wealth, and intrigue to the city's power structure.
Clan Medarda: Perhaps the most prestigious clan, known for its pivotal role in the construction of the Sun Gates, Clan Medarda wields enormous power. Master Jago Medarda used his family's wealth, amassed from his father's piston patents, to fund hextech research. Mel Medarda, who also features prominently in the Arcane storyline, represents the family's influence in politics and innovation. This clan also maintains ties with Noxus, adding a layer of complexity to its dealings.
Clan Kiramman: Wealthy and influential, the Kirammans are famous for their lavish lifestyle and their contributions to hextech research. They have invested in the work of Jayce Talis, one of Piltover's brightest minds.
Clan Ferros: One of Piltover's oldest clans, tracing their lineage back to the time of the Rune Wars. They amassed wealth through the harvesting of rare crystals from the Brackern of Shurima. Their production of synthetic hex-crystals, although not as powerful as the originals, is easier to mass-produce. However, this has had consequences, with rumors suggesting that the production of these crystals has contributed to Zaun's Gray, the toxic atmosphere that chokes parts of Zaun.
Clan Arvino: After the untimely death of Lord Arvino, leadership of the clan passed to his daughter Sofia, who became involved with Marko Volkage, a Zaunite chem-baron. Their engagement was cut short by an assassination carried out by Camille, representing the dangerous and often treacherous undercurrents that run through Piltover's upper society.
Clan Giopara: This clan is respected for its contributions to science and innovation, having offered patronage to a young Jayce Talis, nurturing his early work on hextech. Though they eventually lost Jayce to Clan Ferros, they remain a respected force in the city.
Clan Holloran: Known for a mysterious incident where Boswell Holloran nearly fell to his death after a gust of wind seemingly knocked him from his balcony. This event has left a mark on the family's history.
Clan Torek: Another powerful clan, known for its attempts to recruit the engineer Uberti, the inventor of the self-locomotor, a significant technological advancement.
In addition to the mercantile clans, there are several unaffiliated individuals who wield power and influence in Piltover. Bolbok, Hoskel, Salo, and Shoola are notable figures in the Arcane universe, though their specific affiliations remain unclear. Their roles hint at the complex web of power and intrigue in Piltover's political and social landscape. Each clan contributes to Piltover's identity as a city-state at the forefront of progress and invention, though with it comes rivalry, intrigue, and the ever-present risk of exploitation or disaster. These internal dynamics are crucial to the city's power structure and its continued rise as the "City of Progress."
Champion's relations
The wealthy clans of Piltover have long relied on sea-borne trade as a cornerstone of their prosperity. Their intimate knowledge of trade routes, sea currents, and the key city ports--along with the influential figures that control them--remains a closely guarded secret, passed down through generations to trusted heirs. For example, Jago Medarda of Clan Medarda has traveled extensively across the seas, amassing a wealth of information and experience. His personal map, amended over years of voyages, is said to hold valuable clues for those seeking fortune along the high seas.
As every big and influential city, Piltover has a lot of relations with different places of the world. Piltover's trading families, including Clan Medarda, maintain strong ties with the city-state of Aurma. Aurma's renowned exports include Roes and leathers, which are popular in Piltover. Mistress Arathmae, an influential figure in Aurma, maintains significant connections with Clan Medarda.
The pirate haven of Bilgewater plays a complex role in Piltover's economy. While the city's black market thrives on illicit hextech smuggled from Piltover, the opening of the Sun Gates has also helped Bilgewater prosper by providing a route for pirates and reavers to target ships traveling to and from Piltover.
Relations between Piltover and Demacia remain cordial, though their differences are apparent. Demacia generally welcomes Piltover's scientists, but strict regulations require them to obtain clearance from Demacian officials before conducting any experiments within Demacian borders.
Piltover's trade connections with Holdrum are significant, particularly in the exchange of pearls and fish sauce, both highly prized in Piltover. Clan Medarda, in particular, has cultivated strong ties with Lord Brannin of Sea, a key figure in Holdrum.
Piltover's relations with Ixtal have been far more strained. The Piltover Explorers Guild has ventured into the jungles of Ixtal in search of arcane treasures, only to be met with hostility. These expeditions often end in disaster, with many explorers disappearing without a trace, due either to the dangers of the wildlife or the Ixtali's fierce defense of their borders. However, through the actions of Qiyana, Piltover has learned more about this elusive nation.
The city-state of Kumangra is known for its famed Song-Market District, from which songbirds are exported to Piltover. Despite this lucrative trade, Piltover's trading families find it difficult to maintain contracts in Kumangra due to the whimsical nature of its people. Clan Medarda has dealt with an individual known as Panaris to navigate these challenges.
Another trading partner, Mudtown, provides Piltover with materials such as red-shale bricks and Nirpooti fruit. Clan Medarda has established ties with Sallie One-Eye, a prominent figure in Mudtown's trade networks.
The expansionist empire of Noxus relies heavily on Piltover's ports to connect its vast territories, including its holdings in northern Shurima. Piltover's neutrality and strategic location make it a key player in Noxian trade. However, Piltover is not immune to Noxian intrigue--shadow agents have infiltrated various levels of Piltover's society, likely preparing for a possible future invasion.
Piltover maintains a close trading relationship with Palclyff, particularly through Clan Medarda's dealings with Foreman Piarre Yaeshiff. Key exports from Palclyff include weapons, armor, and the highly sought-after Honeyfruit.
Piltover has long exploited the natural resources of Shurima, especially hextech crystals and ancient relics found in Shuriman tombs. The Piltover Explorers Guild frequently sends expeditions to Shurima, hiring adventurers to uncover the secrets of its ancient ruins. Piltover itself was built atop an old Shuriman outpost known as Oshra Va'Zaun, further highlighting the historical ties between the two regions.
Piltover trades extensively with the city-state of Stonewall, importing goods such as Dunpor milk and curds. Clan Medarda, in particular, has strong ties with Councilman Aj Ni Noorin, a key figure in Stonewall's trade network.
Piltover's relationship with Zaun is one of both rivalry and deep connection. The two city-states are leaders in hextech development and share a competitive drive to dominate the future of techmaturgy. Smuggling is rampant between the two cities, with Zaunite thieves frequently orchestrating raids on Piltover's technology, only to sell their stolen goods on the black market. Piltover's rise, both literally and figuratively, was built upon the foundations of Zaun, further binding the two cities in a complicated relationship that is as much about cooperation as it is about competition.
Closing Words
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